HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0022.000 2018-2020 Harry Kim ` posy''. William A.Kucharski
Mayor MaY ':� +'
. . . /, Director
Wilfred M.Okabe `*F N;' '
Diane A.Noda
Managing Director Deputy Director
GUnt limn
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
345 Kekuanao;a Street,Suite 41•Hilo,Hawaii 96720
Ph:(808)961-8083• Fax:(808)961-8086
Email:cohdem@co.hawaii.hi.us t=7C:,p
c-, rs,
December 11, 2018
Honorable Aaron Chung, Chair -_=
Hawaii County Council --
25 Aupuni Street w
Hilo,Hawai'i 96720
Re: Bill 192 (Draft 3),to Amend Chapter 2,Article 40,Section 2-202,and
Chapter 14 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition,as Amended),
Relating to the Department of Environmental Management
Dear Chair Chung:
The Department of Environmental Management(DEM) is neutral on Bill 192 (Draft 3)
(hereinafter"Bill").
While the Bill seeks to establish specific DEM responsibilities, DEM already has obligations
to manage environmental issues on DEM-operated facilities in the County of Hawai'i,which
includes the obligation to control animals. There is no financial support provided by the
Bill,though it obligates significant documentation, drafting, and additional staffing to
accomplish the specific program established.
Current State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) operating permits for solid waste
facilities already require these facilities to control animal vectors and operate in
compliance with state law and regulations. The wastewater facilities are not generally
open to the public,and animal vector control has been limited to date to predator control.
mandated by federal authorities at the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant.
While DEM neither opposes nor supports this Bill,it is not believed to be necessary to
sustain existing environmental management processes at DEM facilities.
Sincere ,
401
!JIB. A. ucharski �]
Director Comm. No. L1
WK:mef Ref.To: ER f MG
Ref. Dote DEC 1 1 2018
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer