HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0414.004 2016-2018 COUNTY CLERK
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COUNTY OF HAWAI
From: Katy Benjamin Yoga • RECEIVEDI
To: Council Testimony Time 7. 5 By
Subject: Bill 65 Testimony
Date: Monday,September 18,2017 4:14:23 PM Date _J p
I 1/7
Aloha,
I am writing because I am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow. Here is a statement of my testimony in regards
to Bill 65.
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:
1.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.
2.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.
3.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.
4.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.
5.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.
Katy Benjamin
808-321-7707
www.BigIslandYoga I herapy.com
www.SankalpaYogaRetreats.com
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