HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-24 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: July 24, 2019
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Aging and Disability Resource Center
1055 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 101
Training Room
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2019
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Report on the meeting held with Councilmember Tim Richards in response to
his request for a dialog.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Begin a discussion about about long-term sea level rise and its potential impact
on the County of Hawaiʻi’s sewer infrastructure. This will include a request for
infrastructure data for a continued discussion at the August meeting.
b. Discuss the problems with the term “Soil Aquifer Treatment Ponds” as proposed
for Kona and discuss more appropriate terminology for the proposed ponds for
the R-1 upgrade of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Chair’s Informational Report:
(1) The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch policies may
determine the Countyʻs use of, and enviromental impacts of, injection wells,
sumps, treatment ponds and reclaimed water irrigation projects in the
context of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution, Article XI (Conservation, Control
and Development of Resources), Section 1, which states:
For the benefit of present and future generations, the State
and its political subdivisions shall conserve and protect
Hawaii's natural beauty and all natural resources, including
land, water, air, minerals and energy sources, and shall
promote the development and utilization of these resources in
a manner consistent with their conservation and in
furtherance of the self-sufficiency of the State.
All public natural resources are held in trust by the State for
the benefit of the people.
b. Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report and agenda are posted
online on the County Calendar and on the County’s website under Boards and
Commissions, Environmental Management Commission (http://records.co.
hawaii.hi.us/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=8405&dbid=1).
The Director will provide informational updates on the following:
(1) Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. ʻ
(As the County of Hawaiʻi is being sued in Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck
et al., Civil No. 18-1-00206, discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects ʻ
will be limited.)
(2) Fire at the West Hawaiʻi Organics Facility.
(3) Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project.
(4) Update on DEM’s vacant positions (requested by Chair Bennett).
(5) Report on training opportunities for employees (requested by Chair
Bennett.)
(6) Report on recent closures of transfer stations.
(7) Use of USFW right of way for Kealakehe wastewater transport (requested by
Commissioner Gaffney).
(8) Geophysical constraints for collection system design and the presence of
lava tubes.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
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8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2019, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
in Kona.
9. TRAINING BY CORPORATION COUNSEL ON THE SUNSHINE LAW AND GUIDELINES
ON HANDLING APPEALS.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an auxiliary
aid or language translation, please call 961-8083 five days prior to the meeting date.
Comments may be sent to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa
Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720, or emailed to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Notice to lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaiʻi County Clerk
within five days of becoming a lobbyist. \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawaiʻi County Code.\]
A lobbyist means “any individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more
than five hours in any month or $275 in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting
to influence legislative or administrative action by communicating or urging others to
communicate with public officials.” \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6), Hawaiʻi County Code.\]
Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Office of the County
Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720.
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DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
JULY 24, 2019
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Bill 74 Bill would amend the Code relating the reduction 07/19/19: Passed
of polystyrene foam food containers and food final Council reading
service ware.
Bills 70, 75, 76 Finance bills to obtain State Revolving Funds for 07/19/19: Passed
wastewater projects. final Council reading
Bill 88 Bill would amend the Abandoned Vehicle section 07/23/19:
of the Code to allow the county to tow vehicles Committee hearing
from state and federal lands in addition to county
lands.
Bill ___ Bill would amend the Code relating to the EMC’s Bill is awaiting
45-day period to provide comments and submission to
recommendations on legislation. Council.
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES
1. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. ʻ(As the
County of Hawaiʻi is being sued in Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-
1-00206, discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be limited.ʻ)
2. Fire at the West Hawaiʻi Organics Facility.
3. Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project.
4. Update on DEM’s vacant positions (requested by Chair Bennett).
5. Report on training opportunities for employees (requested by Chair Bennett.)
6. Report on recent closures of transfer stations.
7. Use of USFW right of way for Kealakehe wastewater transport (requested by
Commissioner Gaffney).
8. Geophysical constraints for collection system design and the presence of lava tubes.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL
• The contractor is continuing the work on the scale replacement project at the
WHSL. The contractor completed pouring the concrete for the new scales and
anticipates placement of new scales decks in August.
• SWD began placement of select waste within Cell 12 in early July.
• The greenwaste contractor experienced a fire at the West Hawaiʻi Organics
Facility on 07/07/19 which was managed by SWD with assistance from Waste
Management Hawai’i, County Roads Division (DPW) and the contractor. The
site reopened on 07/10/19.
B. EQUIPMENT
SWD is continuing is continuing to conduct training for equipment at all baseyards.
SWD received County Council approval to order two new truck tractors and trailers
for hauling refuse from East to West Hawaiʻi.
2. ADMINISTRATION
• SWD will be holding an informational meeting for commercial users of the East
Hawai’i Reload Facility. This meeting will take place on 07/16/19 at 5:00 p.m. at the
Aupuni Center Conference room. The meeting is being held to answer questions
commercial haulers might have regarding how the closure of the SHSL will affect
their ability to dispose of refuse.
• SWD made a selection for the East Hawaiʻi Superintendent posi?on, and he started
work on 06/16/19.
3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Nothing to report at this time.
4. RECYCLING SECTION
A. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE:
• The 2019 update of the County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste
Management Plan (ISWMP) will be prepared in compliance with Hawaiʻi
Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 342G, which requires counties in the state to
update and revise their solid waste management plans every 10 years. The
last update to the County of Hawai‘i’s ISWMP was completed in 2009.
• The update to the ISWMP will include an evaluation of local needs and
conditions to determine the most effective combined strategy for managing
solid waste while protecting human health and the environment. The plan
will outline the components of an effective solid waste management
strategy and identify short- and long-term goals, while providing a
framework for implementation.
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• As required by HRS Chapter 342G, Mayor Kim appointed members to the
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The County’s SWAC is comprised
of seven members and has been meeting monthly. Input from SWAC
members during the ISWMP update process is crucial to ensure that the
completed plan effectively identifies and addresses the County of Hawai‘i’s
unique solid waste challenges.
B. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND RECYCLING:
• The current contract will end on 09/30/19. A new acceptable list of
recyclables was implemented on 12/01/18 after lengthy discussions on
world market conditions. Plastic bottles, jugs and jars with resin codes #1
and #2 remain acceptable. All #5 plastics and all plastic covers/lids/caps are
no longer acceptable due to changed worldwide market conditions.
• A multimedia recycling program education and outreach campaign that
emphasized the new acceptable list was developed. The multimedia
campaign started on 04/26/19 and featured Lito Arkangel. It included new
flyers and brochures along with social media posts, radio, TV, movie theater
and newspaper ads to educate the public on what is and is not currently
recyclable, and discourage contamination. New bin signage was developed
by SWD and produced and installed by the contractor. SWD is now
enforcing the ban on illegal commercial usage of self-haul resident-only
recycling bins at recycling and transfer stations. Commercial generators/
collectors should work directly with recycling companies to manage
recyclables, as they are prohibited from the recycling and transfer stations.
Redesign of the Hilo site is proposed to better handle traffic and customers.
SWD is working with the vendor to repair ramps. Hilo ramp repairs are
under way.
C. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING:
• The South Point U-Cart UMO site reopened on 06/18/19.
• A new location, Cartow in Waimea, is now accepting UMO.
• A UMO campaign has been developed and will include flyers and newspaper
and radio ads. Newspaper ads were printed three times in February in both
the West Hawaiʻi Today and the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald. Radio ads played
on four media groups during the month of February.
• A list of island-wide year-round collection locations (six) is on our website at
http://www.Hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/motor-oil. Residents can also
recycle DIY used motor oil at all County Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Events. Used motor oil (UMO) is not accepted at the recycling
and transfer stations. The DOH ended funding of the program in FY2015.
DEM funded the continuation of the UMO program in the FY2018 Budget.
The used motor oil collection site at South Point U-Cart is temporarily closed
due to ongoing issues with the used motor oil containment unit being
contaminated with water, rubbish and other unacceptable materials
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D. REUSE CENTERS:
• An NTP was issued on 05/14/19 for the period of 05/01/19 through
04/30/20.
• Effective 07/01/19, the Pāhoa Reuse Center daily hours of operation will
change from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Effective 07/01/19, the Kealakehe Reuse Center daily hours of operation will
change from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• RFP 3693 resulted in contract award to Transfer Station Thrift Store LLC for
all seven locations.
• The County operates seven Reuse Centers at Recycling and Transfer Stations
located in Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, Keauhou, Waimea, and
Wai‘ōhinu.
E. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING:
• The IFB 3514 contract with Mr. K’s R&R expires 04/17/20.
• Residents are allowed no-charge household electronics recycling on
Saturdays at Mr. K’s R&R. Businesses, non-profits, schools, and others are
offered discounted fees on Saturdays. An acceptable list and more
information is at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste. Mr. K’s is
open and accepting electronics daily.
• The County provides free monthly electronic recycling collections in Hilo,
Kona, Waimea and Wai‘ōhinu for residential electronics only. Details of the
County collections and any changes to private collections will be posted on
our website at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste.
• Currently, no manufacturer offers convenient on-island take-back of
electronics. Manufacturers only offer this convenience on O‘ahu to comply
with the Electronic Waste and Television Recycling & Recovery Act
mandatory take-back provisions. A stronger state EPR law requiring
convenient on-island manufacturer sponsored take-back should be
considered. The DOH awarded the County grant funding in FY2020, partially
reimbursing SWD electronics recycling expenditures.
F. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW):
• The next HHW Collection Events are tentatively scheduled for 08/03/19 in
Hilo and 08/10/19 in Kona. Currently, DOH permits are being obtained for
new locations, as the events will no longer be held at the Recycling and
Transfer Stations in Hilo and Kealakehe. More information is available at
http://www.hazardouswaste.org /recycle/household-hazardous-waste/.
• IFB 3847 for future HHW Collection Events closed on 06/17/19. Award was
made, and the contract is circulating for approvals.
• March 2019 events were very successful with high turnout.
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G. GREENWASTE DIVERSION:
• The State Department of Agriculture finalized a permanent rule (HAR § 4-72-
13) prohibiting the interisland transport of ‘ōhi‘a plant material to prevent
the spread of Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death caused by Ceratocystis lukuohia or
Ceratocystis huliohia. They also recommend not transporting ‘ōhi‘a plant
material from an infected area to a non-infected area. DEM has
recommended that people not bring any ‘ōhi‘a plant material to our
greenwaste collection sites and recommends composting on-site.
• The County’s contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling continues greenwaste
recycling. Enhanced mulch is available at the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility.
The mulch is treated for invasive species at EHOF since the modified State
Department of Health permit was issued. SWD relocated the greenwaste
recycling at the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station to make it more
convenient for residents.
• New greenwaste drop-off guidelines for Recycling and Transfer Stations
were implemented on 07/08/19. The new requirements address the
number of loads, load sizes, and greenwaste dimensions. For more
information go to http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/greenwaste/.
H. SCHOOL RECYCLING AND TOURS:
Requests for school and HCC/UHH tours of SWD facilities continue. Many were
scheduled in April to coincide with Earth Day. These tours are helpful in
educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. Several tours have
already taken place for various schools island wide.
I. SPECIAL EVENT RECYCLING:
The Recycling Section continues to offer free rental HI-5 Event Recycling Bins for
fundraisers at community, sports or family events. Bins can be requested via an
online application form at http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/event-planning. Please
submit applications for reservations well in advance of events to make sure bins are
available and to schedule pick-up/drop-off. The www.hawaiizerowaste.org website
also provides helpful resources for planning zero-waste events.
J. HI-5 CERTIFIED REDEMPTION CENTERS (CRCs)
• On 10/26/18 the State Department of Health made a determination on
plastic bottles caps. The public now needs to remove the caps on the
bottles if redeeming by weight. This is pursuant to Hawaiʻi Administra?ve
Rules § 11-282-61, wherein caps should not be included when redeeming by
weight.
• On 12/21/18 the State Department of Health approved the ad that the
County will run in the newspapers to educate the public of the No Caps
change. The following ad appeared in the Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald and West
Hawaiʻi Today on 12/23/18, 12/26/18, 12/28/18, and 12/30/18.
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• Ads were well received by the public. CRC staff were also grateful for the
ads which helped to educate the public.
• On 05/14/19, the third-quarter DBC report was submitted to the
Department of Health.
• Atlas Recycling and Business Services Hawaiʻi have agreed to their op?on
years. NTPs have been issued for Kealakehe, Keaʻau, Keauhou, Ocean View,
and Waiōhinu. NTPs will soon be issued for Hawi, Honokaʻ‘a, Puakō,
Waimea, and Volcano.
K. RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:
• The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, completed its
transition to a mobile-ready format with enhanced location features. The
Recycling Section is researching upgrades to the website to improve
functionality and customer experience.
• Information is continually updated on the site. A separate Facebook page
also includes our current DIY UMO TV/radio ads:
https://www.facebook.com/Recycle-More-1355514304591398/. TV/radio
ads are available at www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/media-library/ (HZW’s
Media Library page).
• Staff continues to give presentations to community organizations. The
st
biggest event was the 31 Earth Day Fair at UH-Hilo on 04/26/19, where
hundreds of students attended.
• Out of the Sea Media Arts received a contract as a result of professional
services procurement for Recycling Education Program Development
services.
• The contractor has developed various education campaigns for UMO, the
polystyrene food service ware ban, and updated signage for the Recycling &
Transfer Station recycle bins.
L. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION AND OUTREACH:
• The contractor completed the fourth and final round of two-year follow-up
of tire retailer/wholesaler education and site inspections, educating tire
retailers/wholesalers of their responsibility to charge a disposal fee for tires
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sold to, and to accept used tires from, customers when tires are being
replaced.
• The contractor completed an initial and second round of consumer
education (media release, radio, newspaper, social media, posters/flyers,
etc.) during September through December 2017, encouraging consumers to
leave used tires at the retailer when purchasing new ones, as customers
already paid the mandatory fee for disposal. Final radio ads aired in June
2019.
• Signs reinforcing the message of returning tires to retailers/wholesalers are
being posted at transfer stations to continue educating the public on proper
tire disposal.
• More information is at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/.
5. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM
• Towing and vehicle disposal contracts are in place island wide.
◦ Zone 1 Towing (N. and S. Hilo, Puna, and parts of Kaū): Ken’s Towingʻ
◦ Zone 2 Towing (N. and S. Kona and parts of Kaū): Diamond Auto Workzʻ
◦ Zone 3 Towing (N. and S. Kohala and Hāmākua): Diamond Auto Workz
st
◦ Hilo Vehicle Disposal: HMP dba Business Services Hawaiʻi - exercising 1 option
year extension. NTP 01/19/19
• Kona Vehicle Disposal: Contract was awarded to HMP dba Business Services
Hawaiʻi with NTP on 04/01/19.
• Pu‘uanahulu (W. Hawaiʻi) Vehicle Disposal: Contract was awarded to HMP dba
Business Services Hawaiʻi with NTP 04/01/19.
• DAV coordinators continue to meet with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Traffic
Services Section and community Police to explore ways of improving the tagging
and removal of abandoned vehicles.
• An Abandoned Vehicle Auction was held 06/21/19 to 06/25/19.
• Recruit classes from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department have been coming to the Hilo
Impound Lot for training on vehicle extrications.
• Monthly towing numbers:
AV Towing 2018-19
Hilo W. Hawai‘i
July 2018 23 58
Aug 2018 31 61
Sept 2018 89 61
Oct 2018 71 45
Nov 2018 60 58
Dec 2018 46 58
Jan 2019 66 61
Feb 2019 60 68
Mar 2019 88 53
Apr 2019 71 61
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May 2019 74 67
June 2019 42 36
The total tow request sent for June 2019 was 88; however, 10 vehicles were not on
location at the time of arrival.
6. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 18-19)
Total Tons Taken Total Tons
Month/Year to Sort Station Diverted
Jul 2018 1,350.04 0.00
Aug 2018 1,895.74 0.00
Sept 2018 1,167.65 0.00
Oct 2018 1,982.18 0.00
Nov 2018 1,558.75 0.00
Dec 2018 1,277.18 0.00
Jan 2019 1,440.25 0.00
Feb 2019 979.86 0.00
Mar 2019 1,249.84 0.00
Apr 2019 1,072.76 0.00
May 2019 785.59 0.00
Jun 2019 417.80 0.00
Totals 15,177.64 0.00
Per the Solid Waste Division, Total Tons Diverted has been zero for some time because
they have not been conducting active sorting. Much of this is due to the storage of tires
in the Sort Station collected during the dengue outbreak. Waste is received at the Sort
Station early in the day, then the remainder is sent to the landfill. Just recently is the
SWD at the point where they have enough space in the sort station to receive waste.
7. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 18-19)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2018 6,141.14 14,593.45
Aug 2018 6,411.82 13,824.53
Sept 2018 6,184.31 13,558.78
Oct 2018 6,335.40 12,149.22
Nov 2018 5,985.36 16,512.28
Dec 2018 6,399.42 11,499.00
Jan 2019 6,487.81 11,468.86
Feb 2019 5,437.78 9,716.93
Mar 2019 6,175.95 10,747.79
Apr 2019 5,997.33 10,970.81
May 2019 6,339.60 11,014.83
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Jun 2019 5,971.44 13,899.00
Totals 73,867.36 149,955.48
8. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 18-19)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2018 3,422.47 4,434.41
Aug 2018 3,448.69 4,206.27
Sept 2018 3,373.07 4,100.10
Oct 2018 3,342.37 4,252.90
Nov 2018 3,271.14 3,942.70
Dec 2018 3,548.18 3,924.22
Jan 2019 3,546.36 3,898.19
Feb 2019 2,895.41 3,642.87
Mar 2019 3,394.25 4,010.30
Apr 2019 3,183.24 3,667.51
May 2019 3,222.35 3,856.95
Jun 2019 3,248.04 3,827.42
Totals 39,895.57 47,763.84
The above table is to include data on the waste disposed of in the landfill (not the
greenwaste or recycling data).
WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. COMPLIANCE
• TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: No report
• COLLECTION SYSTEM: No report.
2. OPERATIONS
A. TREATMENT/COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND PUMPING STATIONS/ FORCE MAINS:
Unscheduled repairs/upgrades/replacement of failing equipment due to age and
prolonged wear and tear continue where necessary throughout the wastewater
facilities.
B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING:
WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency Response
Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures and the weekly safety meeting
agendas.
3. ADMINISTRATION
A. VACANT POSITIONS IN OPERATIONS:
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• Temporary Trades Helper (Kona – 1 position; Hilo – 1 position): recruitment
in progress
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona – 1 temp and 1 permanent position):
recruitment in progress
• Operator I (Kona – 1 position, Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Operator II (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Operator IV (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor III (Kona – 1 position): recruitment
in progress.
• Operator Supervisor IV (Hilo – 1 position)
• Sanitary Chemist III (Hilo – 1 position)
B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
Wastewater Project Coordinator: recruitment in progress.
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Final land selection is still in progress.
• A public meeting was held to present the new site on Waikapuna and Kaū ʻ
Valley LLC property. The next public meeting will be scheduled for after the
draft EA is published.
• The State EA process required prior to purchase of land for the
treatment/disposal facility is under way. Pre-consultation packages have
been sent to an extended mailing list, including attendees who provided
email or mailing addresses at previous public meetings.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and
properties have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds
(CWSRF) monies.
B. PĀHALA LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Responses to comments on the draft EA continue to progress. The Final EA
completion is pending completion of response to comments and Section 106
consultation.
• As a result of EPA funding for this project, the NEPA process in addition to
the State EA process are required. Both processes are to be completed prior
to selection of land for the treatment/disposal facility.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and
properties have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds
(CWSRF) monies and partially by a federal EPA grant.
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C. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:
• Construction crew continues installing pipe and manholes. Other crews
continue the pre-hammering of the hard rock in the proposed trench
excavation areas.
• During trench excavation, another lava tube was discovered on 05/22/19.
Consultation with the archaeologist took place, and DLNR was notified.
• The project is scheduled to be substantially complete by 09/06/19.
• USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of $2,437,000
and $4,024,800 respectively to this project. DEM is working with USDA to
finalize a subsequent loan of $3,699,000 and subsequent grant of
$1,071,000. Low construction bid received was $8,531,814.43.
D. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL:
Final payment will be made once the tax clearance certification is received.
E. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE:
• The Archaeological Inventory Survey that is required by SHPD is under way.
• R-1 treatment construction documents are to be ready for bid the end of
June 2019.
• The long-range plans for R-1 quality effluent began in 2007 as a phased
approach. Phase I work installed a reuse line between the Kohanaiki area
and Kealakehe Parkway.
• DOH has earmarked SRF monies in the amount of $54 million to fund both
design and construction of the R-1 upgrade at the Kealakehe WWTP.
F. NORTH KONA SEWER PUMP STATION
• This new sewer pump station will be located on the mauka side of Queen
Kaʻahamanu Highway. It is to receive wastewater from a por?on of the area
below Ane Keohokalole Highway between Hina Lani Street and Kealakehe
Parkway. The wastewater will be pumped to the Kealakehe WWTP via new
forcemains. The new sewer pump station is scheduled to be complete July
2022.
• The next step is to begin the Environmental Assessment (EA) process and
the design phase.
G. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS:
Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) Upgrade: Design items for additional upgrades
needed besides pump replacement at the Pua SPS is being worked into the
contract. It includes a complete renovation to include the structural, electrical,
and mechanical upgrades to the pump station. Cause for renovation is due to
deterioration of the wet well from H2S; electrical component damage due to H2S
corrosion and the overall age of the facility; and mechanical damage due to
faulty discharge line valves due to hydraulic surging. Work is to include
upgrading the HVAC; replacing/upgrading components of the electrical system;
replacing corroded duct work; upgrading the wet well level control system; and
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improving on safety issues by eliminating fire and electrical hazards to achieve
compliance with NFPA 820 and 70E. The project is funded by CWSRF monies.
H. ULU WINI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT:
• WWD continues to maintain stability of the treatment plant with the goal of
achieving consistent process data and meeting the regulatory as well as
expected effluent limits. The treatment system currently meets DOH
regulatory requirements, and nutrient removal is taking place. The longer
term goal being considered is to install a gravity sewer line in Hina Lani
Street that connects to the existing dry sewer in Queen Ka`ahumanu
Highway as part of the North Kona Sewer Pump Station project. The Ulu
Wini Housing community would connect to the gravity line and the existing
Kaloko WWTP would be decommissioned.
• The State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress of the long-term goal
for addressing the wastewater treatment/disposal.
I. UPDATE ON WATER SHUT-OFF FOR NON PAYMENT OF SEWER BILLS:
DEM is currently drafting administrative rules for the implementation of water
shut-off for non-payment of sewer fees. The Department of Water Supply (DWS)
is also drafting amendments to its rules to allow for water shut-off due to non-
payment of sewer fees. Both DEM and DWS rules need to be amended for the
water shut-off to be implemented. In the meantime, we continue to work with
delinquent customers to bring their accounts current and refer accounts to the
Office of the Corporation Counsel to pursue judgments when necessary.
J. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN/ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The next step is the Option Period being initiated by EPA, and includes
procurement and set-up of the Computerized Maintenance Management System
(CMMS) software. The Request for Proposal to CMMS vendors should be
complete and ready to advertise the first week of July 2019.
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