HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-28 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: August 28, 2019
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Community Hale (Building G)
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2019
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Follow up on the July 24, 2019, motion to suggest a better description for the
Soil Aquifer Treatment ponds proposed for the Kealakehe R-1 upgrade, and
discuss a proposed letter from the commission to the director on this.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discuss ideas to bring grant writing expertise to serve the Department of
Environmental Management.
b. Discuss ideas for identifying residences and businesses that are not connected
to the county sewer but may be required to do so.
(1) Discuss educational efforts to inform residents of connection requirements.
c. Discuss having future meetings scheduled for a Tuesday or Thursday.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Chair’s Informational Report on:
(1) the emergence of sucralose as a sewer/wastewater indicator. Studies from
Sweden and Florida will be discussed, and a pilot study proposal for West
Hawaiʻi will be shared.
(2) the update of the General Plan.
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 Nāʻ
will be limited.)
(2) Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project.
(3) Information requested by Chair Bennett:
i. Report on planned sewer extension for Kaloko Heights.
ii. Report on plans for sewer and reclaimed water service to Hina Lani and
Honokōhau Harbor, including (1) what agency is responsible for the
installation of the final link; (2) the timeline for installation of the two
lines; (3) whether there is a funding commitment for the installation of
two lines and who is paying for it; and (4) whether the Department of
Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation,
is on track to be able to connect a new Honokōhau Harbor collection
system with lift pump, and a reuse water distribution system to the
lines.
iii. Report on sewer smoke tests conducted in Silverton Camp, Pāpaʽikou.
iv. Report on inventory of sewer infrastructure, showing age and
geography.
(4) The Planning Department has arranged to have Bradley Romine, Ph.D., of
the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program and Paci?ic Islands
Climate Adaptation Science Center, do a presentation on sea level rise at the
Commission’s September 25, 2019, meeting in Hilo.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for September 25, 2019, at the Aging and Disability
Resource Center in Hilo.
9. 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.
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 28, 2019
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM, DESCRIPTION, AND CURRENT STATUS
Bill 88: Bill 88 would amend the Abandoned Vehicle section of the Code to allow the county to tow vehicles
from state and federal lands in addition to county lands. Status: 09/03/19 (tentative) hearing before Council committee (DEM and EMC provided recommendation
letters)
Bill ___: This bill would amend the Code relating to the EMC’s 45-day period to provide comments and recommendations on legislation. Current status: Bill is awaiting submission to 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. Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project.
3. Information requested by Chair Bennett:
a. Report on planned sewer extension for Kaloko Heights (see handouts of map and
resolution).
b. Report on plans for sewer and reclaimed water service to Hina Lani and Honokōhau
Harbor, including (1) what agency is responsible for the installation of the final link; (2)
the timeline for installation of the two lines; (3) whether there is a funding
commitment for the installation of two lines and who is paying for it; and (4) whether
the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Boating and Ocean
Recreation, is on track to be able to connect a new Honokōhau Harbor collection
system with lift pump, and a reuse water distribution system to the lines.
c. Report on sewer smoke tests conducted in Silverton Camp, Pāpaʽikou.
d. Report on inventory of sewer infrastructure, showing age and geography.
4. The Planning Department has arranged to have Bradley Romine, Ph.D., of the University
of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program and Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science
Center, do a presentation on sea level rise at the EMC’s 09/25/19 meeting in Hilo.
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.
• The greenwaste contractor cleaned up all materials related to the fire that
occurred at the West Hawaiʻi Organics Facility on 07/07/19. Unusable
materials were taken to the landfill for disposal.
B. SOUTH HILO SANITARY LANDFILL
• SWD is working with the contractor for the closure of the South Hilo Landfill to
begin staging equipment for the upcoming work.
• SWD discontinued acceptance of construction and demolition materials at the
SHSL on 08/01/19 and will move all commercial trucks to the Hilo Reload
Facility on 08/16/19.
C. EQUIPMENT
• SWD is continuing is continuing to conduct equipment training 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 held an informational meeting for commercial users of the East Hawaiʻi Reload
Facility on 07/16/19 at the Aupuni Center Conference Room. The meeting was held to
answer questions commercial haulers had regarding how the closure of the SHSL will
affect their ability to dispose of refuse.
3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The contractor for the design/build project for the rebuild of the Waiōhinu Transfer ʻ
Station is nearing completion for the design work. Construction is expected to begin for
this project in the winter of 2019/20.
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.
• 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
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):
• HHW Collection Events were held on 08/03/19 in Hilo and 08/10/19 in Kona.
DOH permits were obtained for new locations (Francis Wong Baseball Stadium
parking lot at the Ho‘olulu Complex in Hilo and Kealakehe High School parking
lot in Kona), 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 to continue HHW Collection Events closed on 06/17/19. Award was
made, and the contract was signed for a one-year period.
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)
• 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 beʻ issued for Hawi, Honoka‘a, Puakō, Waimea, and
Volcano.
• The tentative move date for the Ocean View Certified Redemption Center is
mid-August to the new Ocean View Transfer Station site. The site will be paved
for better ingress and egress.
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 biggest
st
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
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 were
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
◦ Hilo Vehicle Disposal: HMP dba Business Services Hawaiʻi - exercising first 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
July 2019: 72 (Hilo); 47 (West Hawaii)
The total tow request sent for July 2019 was 135; however, 16 vehicles were not on
location at the time of arrival.
6. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 19-20)
July 2019: 1,110.23 (total tons taken to Sort Station); 0 (total tons diverted)
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 19-20)
Jul 2019: 5,089.31 (SHSL); 16,419.18 (WHSL)
Totals 5,089.31 (SHSL); 16,419.18 (WHSL)
8. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 19-20)
Jul 2019: 2,921.53 (SHSL); 4,912.09 (WHSL)
Totals 2,921.53 (SHSL); 4,912.09 (WHSL)
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
A. TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: Hilo WWTP NPDES (renewal) received time extension
from DOH until further notice on 07/26/19.
B. 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:
• Temporary Trades Helper (Kona – 2 positions; Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in
progress. List exhausted.
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona - 1 temp): recruitment in progress.
• Operator IV (Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Operator Supervisor IV (Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Sanitary Chemist III (Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
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B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
• Civil Engineer IV (2 positions): recruitment in progress
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Final land selection is still in progress.
• 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 and project construction is under way. Seventeen pre-
consultation package responses were received, including four from individuals.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur once
the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and properties
connected to the LCCs have been connected to it.
• 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 responses to comments and Section 106
consultation. Crossover of comments/responses between the county and EPA
is scheduled for 08/19/19.
• As a result of EPA funding for this project, the NEPA process in addition to the
State EA process is 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.
C. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:
• A construction crew continues installing pipe and manholes. Approximately
4,148 lineal feet (69%) of main line is installed to date. Other crews continue
the pre-hammering of the hard rock (536 linear feet) in the proposed trench
excavation areas. 1,321 linear feet (39%) of pre-hammering is complete and
awaiting installation of the sewer main line.
• Lava tubes (large voids) found on Ala Onaona and Alahou Street have been
filled and installation of the sewer mains and laterals has commenced.
• Belt Collins Hawaiʻi has completed the redesign of the sewer main in the area
on Alahou Street. The redesign was necessary due to existing water line
conflicts. The project will continue to service all properties as originally
designed.
• Due to the redesign work, the project scheduled date for substantial
completion will result in an approximate extension of 60 calendar days.
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• 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 proceeding.
• Final R-1 treatment construction documents are being prepared. The project
will be ready for bid when the EIS process is completed.
• The constructed wetlands 50% design has been completed. County review is to
begin on 08/14/19. The project will be ready for bid when the EIS process is
completed.
• The SAT 50% design has been completed. County review is to begin on
08//14/19. The project will be ready for bid with the EIS process is completed.
• 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.
• Working with State DOH to obtain SRF commitment letter for outside fence line
consultant contract (Brown and Caldwell). DOH is trying to fund projects on a
fiscal year basis, and this has slowed down their execution of the SRF
commitment letter.
F. NORTH KONA SEWER PUMP STATION
• This new sewer pump station will be located on the mauka side of Queen
Kaʻahumanu Highway. It is to receive wastewater from a portion 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 in July
2022.
• The preliminary engineering report for the new pump station is being finalized.
• The next step is to begin the Environmental Assessment (EA) process.
Consultant selection needs to be redone using the Planning Consultant list.
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
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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 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. Awaiting submittals of Requests for Proposals from interested CMMS
vendors by 08/19/19.
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