HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0414.003 2016-2018 COU_v i CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
RECEIVED ' )
From: Jim Albertini Time 7:458o4 By lux)
To: Council Testimony Date �����/7
Subject: Water Bill#65 testimony
Date: Monday,September 18,2017 8:06:04 AM
Aloha Council members,
I support the position expressed below on Water Bill#65
AGRICULTURE,WATER AND ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE
We thank the Dept. of Water Supply for agreeing that there will be no
more basal aquifer wells,public or private,in the thin lens just above
sea level,which feeds our fishponds,pools and reef...
But this plan does not go far enough.
Changes we are strongly requesting:
The plan says that they will now rely on existing and new high level/
mauka wells.These are the same wells that keep failing and have falling
water levels.They have a terrible track record—ten years ago four
wells went out at once and there were mandatory restrictions—our
current crisis is not a"100 year storm".The DWS needs to be
accountable, show us that you can do it now,let alone expand on these
wells.
We need meaningful conservation measures that are measurable and
enforceable.How will they also apply this to private users?For
example,the Kohanaiki golf course-they are saying they are
sustainable using brackish water from 8 wells,pumping 650,000 gallons
per day...which is 5%of Keauhou pumpage.
We need meaningful community input in this planning process right now
and in the future.The plan has one paragraph that says they'might'
hold public meetings in the future.
There needs to be a systematic identification and preservation of
impacted natural/cultural resources.
The Aha Moku does not have power to enforce or carry out assessments and
there are plenty of kupuna out there who are more knowledgeable-and
cultural practitioners who are truly cultural practitioners that know
the coastal resources that are impacted.
We want them included in the planning process.
The Water use development plan assumes a steady state recharge of the
aquifer,however the 2011 USGS(US geological Survey)assessment showed
a 50%variation in recharge rate between wet and dry years.Most climate
models show a drying trend in the future for Kona.This plan needs to
plan for a drier future.
We Need a sustainable and practical plan for our future-and the public
fully expects to be a part of the planning process.
abnintu No iti, 3
Ref. To:
Ref. Date.. SEP
�� 9
,
Jim Albertini
Malu'Aina Center for Non-violent Education&Action
P.O.Box 489
Kurtistown,Hawaii 96760
Phone 808-966-7622
email ja@malu-aina.org
visit us on the web at www.malu-aina.org
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