HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-27 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: November 27, 2019
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Aging & Disability Resource Center
1055 Kinoʻole Street
Training/Conference Room
Hilo, HI 96720
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 23, 2019
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
The Environmental Management Commission welcomes public testimony on
specific agenda items and highly encourages that the testimony be constructive,
including constructive criticism. Comments which focus or broaden the
Commission’s attention to matters on the agenda are appreciated. Testifiers are
invited to wait until after the specified agenda item is discussed to increase the
value of the testimony. Waiting is optional. The Commission is looking for
testimony and comments about what is right or what could be better.
Testifiers shall direct their remarks to the Commission and not to any individual
commissioner or other individuals present at the meeting. No profanity or abusive
remarks will be allowed during the course of the testimony. Anyone disregarding
these rules may be ruled out of order.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Commissioner Gaffney’s report on his communications with Councilmembers
Richards and Eoff regarding delays in the State Historic Preservation
Division’s cultural review process.
b. Continued discussion on waste to energy proposals or alternative uses for
waste, and a discussion of recommendations.
c. Further discussion on the status of the County of Hawaiʻi’s recyling contract.
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion on the Commission’s research into alternatives to centralized
treatment plants and long sewer lines.
b. Presentation by Zero Waste Big Island on the County of Hawaiʻi’s Zero Waste
Management Plan.
c. Presentation by Megan Lamson Leatherman of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
regarding their recycled plastics demonstration project on Kauaʻi (waste to
useable retail product).
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Chair’s informational updates on (a) the Citizen Science Sucralose Study and
(b) Floridaʻs economic disaster (wastewater nutrient management failure).
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
Note: Until the order dismissing Civil No. 18-1-00206 (Demoruelle v. Beck
et al. lawsuit) and appellate process has been completed, discussion of the
Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be limited. ʻ
(2) Status of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade Project,
including an update on the cost estimate.
(3) Status of sewer inflow and infiltration on Aliʻi Drive (requested by
Commissioner Gaffney).
(4) Status of injection wells used by the Department of Environmental
Management (requested by Chair Bennett).
(5) Status of Bill 109 regarding the referral of bills for ordinances to the
Environmental Management Commission.
7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
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8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Commission will hold the election for chair and vice chair at the next meeting,
which is scheduled for January 22, 2020, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building
G, in Kailua-Kona.
There is no meeting in December.
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.
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DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 27, 2019
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Bill 109 Bill would amend the Code relating to the 11/05/19: Council’s
EMC’s 45-day period to provide comments AWEEMC recommended
and recommendations on legislation. passage. Scheduled for
Council on 11/20/19.
Resolution Urges collaboration between Research & 11/05/19: Council’s
301-19 Development and DEM to develop a plan for AWEEMC recommended
waste stream reduction technology for adoption. Scheduled for
renewable and alternative energy generation Council on 11/20/19.
for the county.
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES
1. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. ʻ(Note: Until
the order dismissing Civil No. 18-1-00206 (Demoruelle v. Beck et al. lawsuit) and
appellate process has been completed, discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects ʻ
will be limited.)
2. Status of the Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Upgrade Project, including an update on the cost
estimate.
3. Status of inflow and infiltration on Aliʻi Drive (requested by Commissioner Gaffney).
4. Status of injection wells used by the Department of Environmental Management
(requested by Chair Bennett).
5. Status of Bill 109 regarding the referral of bills for ordinances to the EMC.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL
• Long hauling of waste from East Hawaiʻi to the WHSL is scheduled to begin on
11/16/19. This will be a 7-day-a-week operation, with Sundays open only to
the county for hauling of transfer station trailers.
B. SOUTH HILO SANITARY LANDFILL
• The contractor for the closure of the SHSL is continuing working around the
perimeter of the site. The contractor has also been performing slope
preparation work.
• SWD will stop all landfilling operations at the SHSL at the close of business on
11/15/19. On 11/16/19, all waste collected at the East Hawaiʻi Regional Sort
Station will be long-hauled to the WHSL.
2. ADMINISTRATION
A. The contractor who handles the 2-Bin Recycling program informed SWD 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 occurred on 10/16/19. SWD will be working on 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.
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
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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
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 occurred.
A downsized acceptable list of recyclables was implemented on 10/16/19 after
discussions on deteriorating world recycling market conditions. Two-Bin
acceptable materials are now clean corrugated cardboard and brown Kraft
paper bags in one bin, and clean non-HI-5 glass containers (no caps, covers or
lids) in a separate glass bin. Clean 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 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.
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• 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:
• Effective 11/01/19, the daily hours of operation for the Wai‘ōhinuu Reuse
Center changed from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to
Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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 has
awarded the county grant funding for FY2020. The SWD’s Recycling Section
will be redesigning the program to utilize only the funding from the DOH and to
no longer rely on General Funds to support it. The redesign may require
providing less services to the public.
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
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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
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.
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• Fourth quarter and final reports have been completed and submitted to the
DOH.
• Changes in the Two-Bin system have not affected the HI-5 program.
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 and 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, which was attended
by hundreds of students.
• A new professional services procurement for Recycling Education Program
Development services is being completed.
• 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.
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• 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.
• A year-round Vehicle Disposal Assistance Programs started 11/01/19.
• Monthly towing numbers:
AV Towing 2018-19
Hilo W. Hawai‘i
July 2019 72 47
Aug 2019 62 74
Sept 2019 50 63
Oct 2019 65 52
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
June 2020
The total tow request sent for October 2019 was 125; however, 8 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 2,637.15 0.00
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
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May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 8,574.11 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)
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 5,846.56 11,800.12
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 20,768.11 51,408.90
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 3,363.19 3,756.80
Nov 2019
Dec 2019
Jan 2020
Feb 2020
Mar 2020
Apr 2020
May 2020
Jun 2020
Totals 12,272.04 17,404.61
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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:
• 11/12/19: Hilo WWTP NPDES (renewal). Received Draft Permit from DOH.
Comments Due: 12/12/19.
• 11/08/19: Kaloko WWTP UIC Permit Annual O&M Inspection. Affirmative
Action Plan (AAP) response due to DOH on 12/09/19.
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, 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.
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona - 1 temp): recruitment in progress.
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona): 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.
• Lead Electrician (Hilo): recruitment in progress.
• Sanitary Chemist I (Hilo – 1 position): recruitment in progress.
B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
• Civil Engineer IV (1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Clerk III: screening applicants.
C. NEW POSITIONS (created in FY 19/20)
• CE V (Hilo)
• Environmental Engineer – CE IV (Hilo)
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• Asset Management Specialist (Hilo)
• GIS Analyst I (Hilo)
• Program Manager (Reuse Spec I) (Kona)
• WW Plant Maintenance Mechanic (Kona)
• WWTPO IV (Kona)
• WWTPO IV (Kona)
• Plant Electrician/Electronics Repairer (Kona)
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• 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 under way.
• 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 100% completion. All mains have been installed. CCTV
inspection was completed on 11/6/19. Pre-final walk-through was performed
on 10/30/19. Final walk-through is scheduled for 11/19/19.
• Letters to homeowners signaling the start of the 180-day mandatory
connection requirement were mailed on 11/12/19. The letters state that hook-
up to the County sewer must be done by 05/10/20.
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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. USDA’s Amendment 1 (dated
07/25/18) provided additional loan and grant funding to cover cost overruns.
An additional loan of $3,699,000 and grant of $1,071,000 were added to the
original agreement. Low construction bid received was $8,531,814.
D. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE:
• The Archaeological Inventory Survey (AIS) that is required by SHPD is
proceeding. The AIS report to SHPD is expected to be in early December 2019.
• 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. In order to save the County time and money, the Phase I work
consisting of a reuse line was installed between the Kohanaiki area and
Kealakehe Parkway during the State DOT Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway
Widening Project (completed in 2018) under agreement with the State DOT.
• 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 (OSFL) 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.
• Hina Lani DWS 1 MG Reservoir (tank) transfer to DEM is awaiting NTP of the R-
1 OSFL consultant design contract. Contract is being routed for final signatures
within the County.
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 has been
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 land transfer from West Hawaiʻi Business Park for the SPS
site. The land needs to subdivided before transfer to County. Land transfer is
expected to occur by June 2020.
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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
renovation is due to deterioration of the wet well from HS; electrical component
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damage due to HS corrosion and the overall age of the facility; and mechanical
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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) Design will be simultaneously performed with this
SPS project because of the hydraulic surging/water hammer issues. Both projects
are to be partially funded by CWSRF loans.
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.
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. Of the two finalists, NexGen and VueWorks, the County has selected
NexGen. Purchase of the software has been initiated, and installation/
implementation is to occur over the next 8 months. Because of EPA’s help (grant),
EPA is purchasing the first $137,000, and the County is purchasing the remaining
$17,000 of NexGen’s total cost of $154,000.
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