HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0721.007 2012-2014 I
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Waimea Wa for feryicef
COUNTY CLERl'
COUNTY OF I
March 18, 2014 RECEI v FI",
Committee on Agriculture,Water and Energy Sustainability Date 3�1g�1i
Hawai'i County Council
Hawai'i County Building
25 Aupuni Street RE: Testimony in opposition to the untimely request to place the Keauhou
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Aquifer System under Water Management Area Designation.
Dear Chairperson Wille and Committee Members:
Aloha! My name is Steve Bowles and I am a principal owner of Waimea Water Services, LLC, a consulting and
management firm.
I am a professional groundwater geologist.As such, I am a resource advocate. My role is to continuously study
our water resources and recommend the best possible management practices to those who develop and use
these resources. My clients and constituency are all of you—public and private,corporate and individuals, state
and local government. My experience on the island of Hawai'i spans 54 years of direct observation and
measurement.
My career on Hawai'i Island began in 1960. 1 first worked in the Kona area in the 1970's and was the original
proponent of developing high elevation wells to serve north Kona as part of the Keahole-to-Kailua community
plan.This was based on the total knowledge of 2 brackish wells,one next to Kealakehe Elementary School and
one in Kona Palisades.
Water supply had previously been imported from the Keauhou region. Mauka well drilling led to the discovery
of high level groundwater resources with which to diversify and improve our knowledge to better serve the
growing population.
In the course of this high level development,we have better learned about our geologic structures, rainfall,
runoff and brackish water resources. This knowledge has been presented and discussed through the auspices of
the Kona Water roundtable, made available to all.All the important data collected is furnished to the State
Commission on Water Resource Management.
Knowledge of these resources has supported our population needs,yet we see no significant changes to the
resources near the shore. We cannot sleep in complacency, nor should we believe that we are damaging our
resources.The Kona region is in the early phase of change and exploration.We need to be alert, but not make
premature decisions.
I believe that the County of Hawai'i and its people can and should be the responsible stewards of their own
resources. Designation of the Keauhou Aquifer System will remove that option. You will be subjected to the
decisions of the CWRM and contested case hearings, and you will not have the option of directing your own
outcomes.
While some are promoting Designation,we should prefer to see decisions based on knowledge, and adapt
and change as is needed. Some believe change is a negative.Our water resources are strong and renewable.
They are not in crisis as some might believe.
Please work together for a better future for the next generations.
Sincerely,
Comm. N -7
Stephen P. Bowles, Principal Ref.To: W $
Waimea Water Services, LLC Ref. Date__ 1 a 2014
Waimea Water Services, LLC
67-1161 Mamalahoa Hwy., Suite 5• Kamuela, HI 96743 • Phone 808-885-5941 • Fax 808-885-7851
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