HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEPC meeting 111419HI County LEPC Special Meeting Minutes
County of Hawaii Civil Defense
920 Ululani Street, Hilo, HI
November 14, 2019 10:00 am
Members Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair; John Bowen, Hazmat Consultant; Garrett Kim, HFD
Hazmat;, Bill Hanson, Civil Defense; David Cummings, Hamakua Energy; Andrew Burian,
HPD; Jordan Hara, PGV; Jarrett Enriques; Terri Napeahi, KAN; Cal Westergard, Dept. of Ag.
Environmental Health Specialist; Jason DeKemper, Pacific Biodiesel. Non-members: Sharon
Leonida, DOH HEER; Alfred Leung, Pacific Biodiesel; Clyde Young, Dept. of Water Supply.
L CALL TO ORDER - Meeting called to order at 10:00am by Chair Gerald Kosaki.
Introduction of all attendees.
II. MINUTES — Approval of minutes from September 12th meeting.
III. COUNTY REPORTS
Civil Defense — Bill reported that CD is changing their alert carrier from Blackboard
to Everbridge so everyone would have to sign up again for alert notifications. He
passed out a handout with this information. Bill also stated that they are addressing
the problems that they are having with the sirens. They will be going door to door in
some areas that don't have a siren or if it is inoperable. Bill also gave an update for
the West Hawaii EOC with an ETA of completion in the spring. CD will be
receiving a Homeland Security grant for $464,000 that will be used for IT, HFD, and
HPD.
Fire/Hazmat/EMS — Garrett gave a report for the two HFD personnel who attended
this past Continuing Challenge. Their reports had varying perspectives but both of
them identified equipment with their recommendations. Garrett stated that the
Chlorine gasket kit that the LEPC funded had arrived and also that the containment
vessel (coffin) was sent in to be inspected. Garrett stated that there was an incident
at HITCO of muriatic acid spill of approx. 2 gal.
Police — Andrew reported that HPD will be receiving a portion of the HS grant from
CD that will be used to help speed up their internet network.
Dept. of Water — Clyde reported that they are addressing the Chlorine gas storage in
Kona since it currently has no warning alarms. There is also a 1 ton cylinder in
Waimea that stores about 1000-1200 lbs. They are moving toward eliminating these
cylinders in the future by using tablets instead.
IV. INDUSTRY PARTNERS
Hamakua Energy — David reported that they are moving to use biodiesel and reducing
the use of Naptha fuel. They are also replacing their diesel fuel.
BEI — They have hired a new part-time safety coordinator who had worked there
previously (Geoff Blauer).
PGV — Jordan stated that there was 1 incident of someone who complained of a sulfur
smell. However, upon investigation there were no readings detected.
KAN — Terri
V. STATE
• Department of Ag. — Cal stated that Act 45 passed that bans certain types of
pesticides containing chlorpyrifos that was linked to developmental issues in children.
This law also identifies buffer zones around schools for pesticide application.
DOH HEER — Sharon stated that the EPA passed an amendment for companies to
notify the HEER office for pesticide application and for the Dept. of Water Supply to
notify residents in the area. This would only apply if it was determined that
contaminants could get into their water system. Sharon also spoke about marine
firefighting and the use of MRSC since CIC ended their service. She stated that
there is another company that is starting up service but was unsure of their name.
She stated that Liz Galvez is still pursuing other avenues for this service.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Continuing Challenge — Garrett made a request and motion to send 4 hazmat
personnel to the 2020 Continuing Challenge. The committee discussed this and
decided that we would allocate $2,500 per person for this request or a total of
$10,000. Jordan sated that those attending should take classes that are pertinent to
Hawaii County and how it would affect us. Those attending would also need to
submit a report upon returning. David seconded the motion.
KEAUKAHA ACTION NETWORK — Terri gave an updated report to the
committee and identified the purpose of her organization. KAN was formed to do
research for any chemicals that may be in the area of their neighborhood. One of
these actions is to increase the water quality of which they received a Sea grant in east
Hawaii working with UHH and UH Manoa. Terri also stated that she was pleased
that Shipman stopped the plan to develop a rocket launch pad in their area. They
have a general plan that is being revised. She stated that many company's EAP does
not address the blast range and is requesting long term plans, especially for the
petroleum tank farms. She will be sending a report of her committee and will add it
as an addendum to the minutes.
VII. OLD BUSINESS — The new ERG handbooks have been ordered and Sharon will call
Chair Gerald when they arrive that should be by the end of the year.
VIIL NEXT MEETING — Date set for February 20th at Civil Defense
IX. Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 11:30am