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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,WATER, <br /> ENERGY,AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br /> DATE: March 12, 2019 Re: Comm. No. 148/Res.No. 86-19 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 1:02 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management, to which was <br /> referred Resolution 86-19, reports as follows: <br /> Resolution 86-19,transmitted by William A. Kucharski via Communication 148 dated <br /> February 21, 2019, requests review and consideration of a resolution to Authorize the Extension <br /> of the Public Sewer from a Planned Subdivision(Parcels 7-3-009:019, 057, 058, 060, 061, and <br /> 062)to the Existing Sewer Line Terminus on Ane Keohokalole Highway. <br /> Public testimony was held with sole testifier Mr. Thomas Yeh addressing the Committee. <br /> Mr. Yeh is one of the attorneys representing the applicant, RFCF Kaloko Heights, LLC, who is <br /> the major project developer. Mr. Yeh identified Exhibit 2 within documentation in possession of <br /> AWEEM Committee members, noting the RFCF project site as well as the 110-unit low income <br /> rental housing project being developed by Hawai`i Island Community Development Corporation <br /> (HICDC) are in same vicinity. The HICDC project was approved by Council in 2017. Once the <br /> sewer line is extended and connected, it will be a benefit to the community as any downstream <br /> owners will be able to connect to the sewer system. In addition, should the Department of <br /> Environmental Management decide to create a new waste water treatment site on the north end <br /> of Hina Lath, there will be a connector valve that can be utilized to service those north of the <br /> project. Mr. Yeh identified HICDC project manager Keith Kato and Mr. Steven Menezes, <br /> attorney for applicant also present and available to discuss further. <br /> Motion to approve resolution and move on to Council with a positive recommendation was made <br /> by Council Member Karen Eoff; Seconded by Council Member Kierkiewicz. Discussion was <br /> made between Council Members and attorneys for the developer. <br /> Council Member Karen Eoff shared that even without knowing all the specifics, it appears to be <br /> a great opportunity to have a developer willing to provide necessary community benefits for <br /> example, sewer line access and affordable housing at the same time. <br /> Council Member Kierkiewcz inquired as to the Improvement District Process (IDP) and hoped <br /> for an explanation by applicant as to what percentage of community needed to 'buy in', etcetera. <br /> Attorney for applicant Steven Menezes replied to the question and shared that the IDP has not <br /> AWEEMC Report No.: 4 <br />