Laserfiche WebLink
REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON FINANCE <br />DATE: February 3, 2015 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 82/Bill No. 20 <br />Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 20, reports as follows: <br />Bill No. 20, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 82 dated <br />January 15, 2015, amends Ordinance No. 14-82, as amended, relating to public improvements and <br />financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. <br />The following project is added: <br />ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: <br />Hilo Ocean Outfall Assess/Repair <br />(110.699.5691.87) $ 4,950,000 <br />Funds for this project shall be provided from: <br />General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund - <br />Fund Balance and/or other Sources $ 4,950,000 <br />Funds would be used towards design and construction costs related to protection of the exposed <br />portion of the shoreline outfall pipe located in Hilo, to perform an assessment of the ocean outfall, <br />and to repair leaking joints. <br />Environmental Management Wastewater Division Chief Dora Beck appeared before Your <br />Committee and explained that the Hilo Outfall is a pipe that conveys treated wastewater three- <br />quarters of a mile out from the shoreline. She indicated that the Environmental Protection Agency <br />(EPA) issued an order in September, 2014, to expedite the process to repair the leaks, and reported <br />that currently there are no penalties. Ms. Beck pointed out that that an internal assessment of the <br />pipe, with the use of a mechanical robot, is needed to determine the best way to proceed, and added <br />that there are no vendors within the State of Hawaii with this specialized piece of equipment. <br />Council Member Onishi raised his concerns about the proximity of the pipe to Puhi Bay. He asked <br />whether testing was being done and if a lining would be inserted into the existing pipe, to which <br />Ms. Beck confirmed that the pipe is located near Puhi Bay and a lining would not be inserted and <br />that the focus would be on repairing leaks. She also stated that testing is done as required, pursuant <br />to the discharge permit. <br />FC Report No. 7 <br />