HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-23 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: October 23, 2019
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: West Hawaiʻi Community Center
74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway
Building G
Kailua-Kona
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Clarification of the historic review process and timelines, including Section
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, for the Kealakehe Wastewater
Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade Project.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discuss recommendations to support more effective public participation and
comments on agenda items, including but not limited to where on the agenda
public statements and comments are appropriate. See the Commission’s Rules of
Practice and Procedure, Part 1, Section 1-5 (Meetings), subparagraph (i):
(i) Public statements on items on the agenda:
(1) Public participation shall be encouraged.
(2) The Commission shall recognize any member of the public who
wishes to address an agenda item when that item is up for
discussion. The Chairperson may limit the length of any
person’s testimony as long as each speaker is accorded a
minimum of three (3) minutes. The Chairperson may also give
members of the public the opportunity to make comments at the
beginning of the meeting if it would be inconvenient for them
to wait for the agenda item to come up.
(3) Members of the public who wish to ask questions may submit
the questions in writing to the Chairperson, who shall endeavor
to obtain answers.
b. Discuss the costs, including interest charged, for the Kealakehe Wastewater
Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade Project.
c. Discuss the “waste to energy” proposals being considered by the County
Council.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Chair’s Informational Report on the update of the General Plan. Input and
comments are needed, especially on matters concerning water.
b. Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report is posted online with the
agenda on both the County Calendar and County of Hawaiʻi website under Our
County, Boards and Commissions, Environmental Management Commission,
Agendas (http://records.hawaiicounty.gov/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 land Nāālehu projects ʻ
will be limited).
(2) Status of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade Project.
(3) Update on changes to the 2-Bin Recycling Program.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for November 27, 2019, at the Aging and Disability
Resource Center, 1055 Kinoʻole Street, Hilo.
9. ADJOURNMENT
2
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.
3
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 23, 2019
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Bill 88 Bill would amend the Abandoned Vehicle 10/02/19: Final reading
section of the Code to allow the county to before Council. Passed.
tow vehicles from state and federal lands in
addition to county lands.
Bill ___ Bill would amend the Code relating to the Bill is awaiting submission
EMC’s 45-day period to provide comments to Council.
and recommendations on legislation.
Resolution Urges collaboration between Research & 10/15/19: Council hearing.
301-19 Development and DEM to develop a plan for
waste stream reduction technology for
renewable and alternative energy generation
for the county.
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. Update on changes to the 2-Bin Recycling Program.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL
• More hauling is being done from East Hawaiʻi to the WHSL. Workers are being
scheduled to facilitate this work.
B. SOUTH HILO SANITARY LANDFILL
• The contractor for the closure of the SHSL continued doing work around the
perimeter of the site. The contractor has also been performing slope
preparation work.
2. ADMINISTRATION
A. The contractor who handles our 2-Bin Recycling program let SWD know that they
would only be able to take cardboard and brown paper bags for the renewal of
their contract. SWD has been working toward letting the public know about this
change, which will occur on 10/16/19. SWD will be working toward developing an
additional solicitation for proposals for an expanded recycling program that will be
able to accept additional materials.
B. SWD has been working on the FY20-21 budget which is being done as a status quo
basis.
3. RECYCLING SECTION
A. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE:
• The 2019 update of the County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste Management
Plan (ISWMP) is being 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 draft update to the ISWMP includes 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 draft
plan outlines the components of an effective solid waste management strategy
and priorities recommendations, 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.
• The SWAC had their first meeting in May 2018. The next two meetings were
dedicated to helping the SWAC learn more about the County’s solid waste and
landfill diversion programs, and one of the tools used was to show the SWAC
many of the program’s facilities. During the SWAC meetings from August 2018
to November 2018, the SWAC reviewed and utilized the 2009 plan
recommendations and options in developing their own recommendations and
options.
• A draft plan was submitted to the SWAC during December 2018. The SWAC agreed
to proceed by submitting their individual comments to the plan in January 2019,
followed by group discussions of individual chapters during monthly SWAC
meetings. The SWAC Draft Plan review and consensus of proposed revisions spanned
approximately 170 days. At the end of each meeting, all SWAC members present
2
motioned to approve all edits and changes as discussed, and SWAC members were
informed that their participation in these meetings was part of the required 120-day
comment period.
• The draft plan was submitted to the DOH for their 90-day review on 08/21/19.
B. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND RECYCLING:
• The current contract will end on 09/30/20; however, major changes have
occurred. A new downsized acceptable list of recyclables was implemented on
10/16/19 after discussions on deteriorating world recycling market conditions.
2-Bin acceptable materials are now clean corrugated cardboard, brown Kraft
paper bags in one bin, and clean non-HI-5 glass containers (no caps, covers or
lids) in a separate glass bin. Metal cans can be placed in the scrap metal bin at
13 of the recycling and transfer stations. Overseas markets for recyclables are
shrinking, and the value has correspondingly dropped. If further market
changes occur, program modifications may be implemented.
• The County is evaluating potential cost-effective environmentally responsible
alternatives to divert material that is no longer acceptable. The proposed
composting facility may be able to accept paper into its feedstock.
• A multimedia recycling program education and outreach campaign that
educates the public on the new changes is being developed. It will include new
flyers and brochures along with 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 will be developed by SWD and will be
produced and installed by the contractor. SWD is enforcing the ban on illegal
commercial usage of self-haul resident-only recycling bins at recycling and
transfer stations. SWD is working with the vendor to repair and maintain
ramps.
• Commercial generators/collectors should work directly with recycling
companies to manage recyclables, as they are prohibited from the recycling
and transfer stations.
C. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING:
• IFB 3725 expired on 08/31/19, and the bid has been extended until 12/31/19.
The contractor, Hawaiʻi Petroleum, has agreed to extend services under the
same terms.
• A UMO campaign has been developed and includes 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
3
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:
• Effective 10/01/19, the daily hours of operation for the Keauhou Reuse Center
changed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• A NTP was issued on 05/14/19 for the period of 05/01/19 through 04/30/20.
• 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 successfully held on 08/03/19 in Hilo and
08/10/19 in Kona. DOH permits were obtained for new locations (parking lot at
the Ho‘olulu Complex in Hilo and Kealakehe High School parking lot in Kona), as
the events are no longer held at the Recycling and Transfer Stations in Hilo and
Kealakehe. More information is available at http://www.hazardouswaste.org
/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/.
• The IFB 3847 contract for HHW Collection Events expires 07/31/20.
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
4
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 all locations.
• The Ocean View Certified Redemption Center officially opened 08/17/19. The
original location posed a traffic problem within the convenience center, so it
was relocated and now there is a better traffic flow for all users.
• Fourth quarter and final reports have been completed and submitted to the
Department of Health.
K. RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:
• The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, is mobile-ready
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. TV/radio ads are available at
www.hawaiizerowaste.org/info/media-library/ (HZW’s Media Library page).
5
• 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, which was attended
by hundreds of students.
• A new professional services procurement for Recycling Education Program
Development services is being developed.
• The previous contractor developed various education campaigns for UMO, the
polystyrene food service ware ban, and updated signage for the Recycling and
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/.
4. 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:
6
AV Towing 2018-19
Hilo W. Hawai‘i
July 2019 72 47
Aug 2019 62 74
Sept 2019 50 63
Oct 2019
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
June 2020
The total tow request sent for September 2019 was 120; however, 7 vehicles were not
on location at the time of arrival.
5. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 19-20)
Total Tons Taken Total Tons
Month/Year to Sort Station Diverted
Jul 2019 1,110.23 0.00
Aug 2019 2,322.33 0.00
Sept 2019 2,504.40 0.00
Oct 2019
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 5,936.96 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.
6. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 19-20)
7
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2019 5,089.31 16,419.18
Aug 2019 4,898.70 12,815.22
Sept 2019 4,933.54 10,407.77
Oct 2019
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 14,921.55 39,608.78
7. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 19-20)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2019 2,921.53 4,912.09
Aug 2019 2,993.22 4,767.82
Sept 2019 2,994.10 3,967.90
Oct 2019
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 8,908.85 13,647.81
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:
8
• 07/26/19: Hilo WWTP NPDES (renewal) received time extension from DOH
until further notice.
• 09/11-12/19: Possible maximum day BOD exceedance at Hilo WWTP. Oral
report was made to DOH, followed up by a Non-Compliance Report submitted
on 09/23/19. High hauler discharge load and organic content contributed to
plant upset. Hauler was notified and was required to reduce their loads to
rectify the situation. Monitoring of plant process data continues.
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.
• Assistant WWTPO – WWTPO IV reallocated to assistant.
• Sanitary Chemist I (Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
• Civil Engineer IV (2 positions): recruitment in progress
• Clerk III: screening applicants
C. NEW POSITIONS (created in FY 19/20)
• CE V (Hilo)
• Environmental Engineer – CE IV (Hilo)
• Asset Management Specialist (Hilo)
• GIS Analyst I (Hilo)
• Program Manager (Reuse Spec I) (Kona)
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona)
• WW Plant Maintenance Mechanic (Kona)
• WWTPO IV (Kona)
• WWTPO IV (Kona)
• Plant Electrician/Electronics Repairer (Kona)
9
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 to occur 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. Pre-consultation is
complete. Initial archaeological, flora and fauna checks and investigation of
feasibility of producing R-1 water for agricultural (stock) use and WWTP
processes are in progress. Revised AOC anticipated completion of the final EA
is not later than 07/23/21.
• 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 underway.
• 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:
• Construction is nearing completion. Approximately 5,575 lineal feet (93%) of
main line is installed to date. CCTV inspection is under way. Streets with
cleared pipelines are being repaved.
• Lava tubes (large voids) found on Ala Onaona and Alahou Street have been
filled and installation of the sewer mains and laterals has been completed.
• 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.
10
• Due to the redesign and discovery of lava tubes, the project’s contract
scheduled date for completion will result in an approximate extension of 60
calendar days. Substantial completion is estimated to be on 10/31/19.
• 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.
D. 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. The project will be
ready for bid when the EIS process is completed.
• The SAT 50% design has been completed. Consultant will perform a 6-month
pilot-scale SAT for longer-term phosphorus removal data. The project will be
ready for bid when 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 (completed in 2018).
• 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.
• Received 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. Contract
is being finalized along with NTP.
E. 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 has been completed is and awaiting contract and NTP.
• County is waiting for West Hawaiʻi Business Park for SPS land subdivision and
transfer to County.
F. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS:
Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) and Force Main Upgrade: Design items for
additional upgrades needed besides pump replacement at the Pua SPS is being
worked into a new contract. It will include a complete renovation, to include the
structural, electrical, and mechanical upgrades to the pump station. Cause for
11
renovation is due to deterioration of the wet well from HS; electrical component
2
damage due to HS corrosion and the overall age of the facility; and mechanical
2
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 improving on safety issues by eliminating fire and electrical hazards to achieve
compliance with NFPA 820 and 70E. The Pua Force Main (dual FM) will be included
with this SPS project because of the hydraulic surging/water hammer issue. The
project is to be partially funded by CWSRF monies.
G. ULU WINI (KALOKO) 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.
• State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress of the long-term goal for
addressing the wastewater treatment/disposal.
H. 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.
I. 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. Completed five demonstration interviews from shortlisted companies on
September 18, 2019. Will perform final demonstration interviews with two
finalists—NexGen and VueWorks the week of 10/07/19.
12