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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0721.024 2012-2014 Pa I of I �f�w CO'U"tIT')' CLERK COW Murashige, Laura From: Deborah Ward [dward@hawaii.edu] R Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 7:59 AMA HA 17 AM 9: 23 To: counciltestimony@co hawaii.hi.us Subject: Agriculture, Water and Energy Sustainability Committee Attachments: KAS as GMA SC testimony 3.18.14.docx Hearing 3.18.2014 9:45 am in Kona Testimony attached Mahalo, Deborah Ward Comm No. Ref. TO: .L —V)�—Z:-SC- Raf. Date AIAR 1 A 2014 3/17/2014 i SIERRA CLUB, HAWAII CHANTER MOKXT LOA GROUN P.O.Box 1137 Hilo HI 96721 March18,2014 i To: Hawaii County Council Agriculture,Water and Energy Sustainability Committee From: Deborah Ward, MLG Conservation Committee I Hearing 3.18.2014 9:45 am in Kona; videoconference RE: Peter Young's presentation Support: Designation of the Keauhou Aquifer System as a Groundwater Management Area Aloha, My name is Deborah Ward.and I am a member of the Moku Loa Group of Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter. j Sierra Club members,and I,were pleased to hear the Water Commission's presentation on February 4, and the National Park's presentation on March 18th. We have reviewed the powerpoint materials to be i presented by Mr Peter Young today.We are concerned that Mr Young,who,over the years, has worn �1 many hats, is presented to you as the past chair of the Water Commission.We would respectfully point out that while Mr Young has held several public roles, his over-riding interest has been 30-years in j private real estate-related businesses, including sales, market analysis and appraisal. He is currently President at Ho'okuleana LLC; Real Estate, Planning and Environmental Consultant. He represents development interests, and is not unbiased. His clients include those who would be seeking expanded I development mauka of the National Park,and his presentation reflects this bias. Sierra Club members fully support of the designation of the Keauhou Aquifer System as a groundwater management area,which could strengthen the careful management of culturally and environmentally significant water resources in an area set aside for pro-active protection. Where competing interests and high demand for resources exist,GMAs have been demonstrably effective at ensuring the reasonable-beneficial use of the water resources in a manner consistent with the public interest. We believe that the county's resources are severely strained,and that the Hawaii County Council would could prudently determine that additional planning, legal,and scientific expertise could be leveraged from state resources by supporting the,groundwater management area designation. Hawaii County currently lacks these positions,and without staff support and management of the resource,shortages of potable water,expensive desalination,and serious and irreversible consequences to precious cultural and natural resources could,and likely will, result. In contrast,the entire island of The Island of Oahu, { nearly all of which is designated as a water management area for groundwater,continues to enjoy robust economic growth while leveraging the state Water Commission staff and expertise effectively. We are concerned that the development and use of wells in the high level aquifer to support mauka i projects may affect the availability of groundwater that supports the fishponds,wetlands,and anchialine ponds downslope. The anchialine ponds support endemic and native flora and fauna that depend on brackish groundwater. The pools, ponds,wetlands and offshore coral reef ecosystems are all s f f c 1 dependent on freshwater stored in the basal lens and perched aquifers.Withdrawals from the high-level aquifer could affect the basal lens,decreasing water levels and increasing salinity. Public trust uses of water are supposed to have priority over private commercial uses of water. However the Water Commission can't do that absent designation for groundwater.The Hawaii Supreme Court has ruled that public trust uses of water include the domestic needs of the general public, environmental protection,the traditional and customary uses of Native Hawaiians,and the rights to water of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Given the sensitivity and importance of these resources and importance of water to all stakeholders, including the community living in this area, proactive management of groundwater withdrawals is urgently needed. With projected population growth—350,000 more people by 2040—and increased demand(not to mention reduced precipitation as a result of climate change),the state must work now toward ensuring an adequate supply of water, Mr Young may tell you that the designation of this ground water management area is not a timely issue. Others say it is a home rule issue. As Councilwonman Ford has pointed out,there is no current plan for water use in the Keauhou area;development is addressed as a first come first serve issue.This not proactive planning,and will not serve the needs of our community into the future. If the Commission designates this area,designation will not stop development or take property rights; it merely allows the state to thoughtfully care for water,and allows the broader public to comment on proposed new uses. We urge the County Council to support the Water Commission in acting as soon as possible to protect the resources before more even serious detrimental effects of groundwater withdrawal damages the ecosystems that support the fish we eat,the reefs that enthrall residents and visitors alike, and the birds and wildlife that make Hawaii unique in all the world. Sincerely, Deborah Ward Conservation Committee Moku Loa Group,Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter