REP FC 017 01/08/2013 (2012-2014)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: January 8, 2013 Re: Comm. No. 54/Bill No. 14 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 2:40 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 14, reports as follows: Bill No. 14, transmitted jointly with Bill No. 15, by Finance Director Nancy Crawford via Communication No. 54, dated December 21, 2012, authorizes the issuance of up to $4 million aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds of the County of Hawai`i for the purpose of funding all or a portion of the costs of a landfill gas collection and control system for the County's West Hawaii Sanitary Landfill at Pu'uanahulu; fixes the form, denominations, and certain other details of such bonds and provides for their sale to the public; and authorizes the taking of other actions relating to the issuance and sale of the bonds. In March 2011, this site became subject to compliance with Federal Regulations. This is the first phase of a Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS)that will allow for landfill gas to be captured and burned in a landfill gas flare, rather than being emitted to the atmosphere. Installation of the GCCS is required by December 17, 2013. Acting Director Dora Beck and Solid Waste Division Chief Greg Goodale, from the Environmental Management Department, were present in the Council Chambers for questions by the members of the Committee. Ms. Ford inquired about the option of re-using the methane burn-off to generate electricity. She proposed that bids for this project be adaptable to this option for the benefit of the environment. Mr. Kern suggested that specific language be set forth in bids in order to protect the County's investment of this project. Mr. Onishi expressed his concern with using the County's floating bonds. He commented on having the Department of Environmental Management develop long-term goals. FC Report No. 17