HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0654.012 2012-2014opposition to Bill 194 re. cutting off water for non-payment of sewer bills
for Hawaii County Council, 9 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2014, Kona chambers
from Cory Harden, Box 10265, Hilo, Hawaii 96721 808-959-7747 333cory(d�omail.com
Please oppose this bill, or at least consider adding some safeguards.
The Water Department tells me that last year, for unpaid water (not sewer) bills 252 people had their
water cut off, and this year so far it's 212. But the Water Department added "approximately 30% of water
meter removals occur as a result of unoccupied/vacated premises."
That leaves about one occupied home every other day having water cut off, even without Bill 194.
How many people pay their bills and have water restored? How long do people go without water? How
does it affect them? I hope Council will get these questions answered before acting on this bill.
I suggested just reducing water pressure instead of a complete cutoff. But the Water Department says
this is not possible. Perhaps you can think of other consequences less drastic than water cutoff?
If you pass this bill, please at least require that:
1- Sewer bills include a prominent notice that water can be shut off
2- Several notices of possible cutoff are sent
3- Dept. of Environmental Management does a monthly written report to the Environmental
Management Commission re. numbers of people
a. cut off
b. notified of imminent cutoff
c. paying after getting a cutoff notice
d. saying they cannot pay
Please balance the need for the County to collect money against the impacts of water cutoff for
vulnerable people. Mahalo!
co -
Comm. No, (PSq- 2
Ref. To: W
Ref. Date -OV 1 9 2014