HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0825.001 2010-2012William P. Kenoi
Mayor
West Hawai`i Office
74 -5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy
Kailua -Kona, Hawai`i 96740
Phone (808) 323 -4770
Fax (808) 327 -3563
September 18, 2012
County of Hawaii
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Dominic Yagong, Chairman,
And Members of the Hawai`i County Council
County of Hawai`i
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Dear Chairman Yagong and Members of the County Council
BJ Leithead Todd
Director
Margaret K. Masunaga
Deputy
East Hawai`i Office
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Phone (808) 961 -8288
Fax (808) 961 -8742
Testimony on Bill No. 292 amending Chapter 14, General Welfare of the
Hawaii County Code 1983(2005 Edition, as amended), relating to Geothermal Drilling
We would like to offer, for the Council's consideration, the following comments regarding the
above - describe bill which proposes a restriction on geothermal- related drilling activities during
the hours of 7:OOpm and 7:OOam, daily, when such drilling activities are situated within one mile
from an existing residence.
1. For matters relating to the control of geothermal- related drilling noise, we question
whether the County of Hawai`i has such jurisdiction when the permit for such drilling
activities are issued by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
2. The bill does not identify the county agency that will be charged with the enforcement of
such a restriction on drilling activities, again raising the question of whether a county
agency can restrict drilling that is permitted by the DLNR.
3. We are not certain whether the proposed nighttime restriction on geothermal - related
drilling will actually accomplish its intended goal of reducing/eliminating noise impacts
upon nearby residences. It is our understanding that certain drilling equipment and
activities need to be kept operational in order to ensure a stable and safe drilling
environment even if actual drilling activities are forced to cease. We encourage the
Council to look further into the operational details related to geothermal drilling to ensure
that implementation of a drilling restriction will not compromise the safety of the
immediately surrounding community or workers conducting the drilling activities.
Comm. No, $2c'
Ref. To: Presented f W d S G
Ref. Date Str 1 8 2012
www.eohplanningdept.com
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer planning(co.hawaii.hi.us
Dominic Yagong, Chairman,
And Members of the Hawai`i County Council
County of Hawai`i
September 18, 2012
Page 2 of 2
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to offer our comments on Bill No. 292.
Sincerely,
�BJ LEITHEAD TODD
Planning Director
DSA:
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