HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 007 2015/02/03 (2014-2016)REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: February 3, 2015
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 82/Bill No. 20
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 20, reports as follows:
Bill No. 20, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 82 dated
January 15, 2015, amends Ordinance No. 14-82, as amended, relating to public improvements and
financing thereof for the fiscal year July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015.
The following project is added:
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT:
Hilo Ocean Outfall Assess/Repair
(110.699.5691.87) $ 4,950,000
Funds for this project shall be provided from:
General Obligation Bonds, Capital Projects Fund -
Fund Balance and/or other Sources $ 4,950,000
Funds would be used towards design and construction costs related to protection of the exposed
portion of the shoreline outfall pipe located in Hilo, to perform an assessment of the ocean outfall,
and to repair leaking joints.
Environmental Management Wastewater Division Chief Dora Beck appeared before Your
Committee and explained that the Hilo Outfall is a pipe that conveys treated wastewater three-
quarters of a mile out from the shoreline. She indicated that the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) issued an order in September, 2014, to expedite the process to repair the leaks, and reported
that currently there are no penalties. Ms. Beck pointed out that that an internal assessment of the
pipe, with the use of a mechanical robot, is needed to determine the best way to proceed, and added
that there are no vendors within the State of Hawaii with this specialized piece of equipment.
Council Member Onishi raised his concerns about the proximity of the pipe to Puhi Bay. He asked
whether testing was being done and if a lining would be inserted into the existing pipe, to which
Ms. Beck confirmed that the pipe is located near Puhi Bay and a lining would not be inserted and
that the focus would be on repairing leaks. She also stated that testing is done as required, pursuant
to the discharge permit.
FC Report No. 7
FC -7 Page 2 February 3, 2015
In response to Council Member Paleka's concerns regarding funds being used to address erosion
repair, Ms. Beck confirmed that this appropriation will also be used to address erosion of the gravel
cradle that holds the pipe.
Council Chair Kanuha mentioned that there are concerns from the public about a rare type of coral
on the pipe; and Ms. Beck replied that if there is, the department will be careful not to disturb the
coral on the pipe.
Council Member Eoff asked about a timeline for the project. Ms. Beck responded that the project
would begin sometime during this summer; it will go out to bid for the construction portion and the
projected completion is at the end of this year.
Pursuant to Section 10-6(e), Hawai' i County Charter, the Council may amend the Capital Budget
for that year with a two-thirds vote.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 20, and
recommends its passage on first reading.
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Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
C_1� 1'
KAREN EOFF, CH R
FC REPORT NO.: 7
ADOPTED: FEB 1 2015
AYES NOES ABS EX
CHUNG
X
DAVID
X
EOFF
x
ILAGAN
X
KANUHA
X
ONISHI
X
PALEKA
X
POINDEXTER
X
WILLE
x
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
C_1� 1'
KAREN EOFF, CH R
FC REPORT NO.: 7
ADOPTED: FEB 1 2015