HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEPC meeting 082422 (2)HI County LEPC Meeting Minutes
August 24, 2022, 10:00 am
Members Present: Gerald Kosaki, Chair; Darwin Okinaka, HFD Fire, Kilipaki Kanae, HFD
EMS; Talmadge Magno, CD; Thomas Gilmore, DOH HEER; David Cummings, Hamakua
Energy; Alfred Leung, Pacific Biodiesel; Ron Quesada, PGV. Non-members: Sharon Leonida,
DOH; Jules Kuo, Pacific Shipyards; Adam Teekell, DOH HEER.
L CALL TO ORDER - Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by Chair Gerald Kosaki.
Introduction of all attendees.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 19, 2022 meeting, Talmadge moved to approve and
Tom Gilmore seconded
III. COUNTY REPORTS
Civil Defense — Talmadge mentioned that there were some concerns with the
previous fire at PTA that they termed "Leilani" fire. This caused some confusion as
to the location of the fire. He stated that there were also some community concerns
that the fire would release depleted uranium from areas on the mountain. This was
not the case and there was no threat of radiological release or exposure.
HFD/EMS — Kili stated that there has been some uptake with Fentanyl incidents. He
also stated that there are many misconceptions with the effects of Fentanyl. Chief
Okinaka stated that the hazmat team had responded to a special service at the
National Park to monitor their vaults for radiation. They also responded to Mauna
Kea observatories for an odor with negative findings. Adam Teekell informed HFD
that the State Radiological team is available as a resource for emergency or
non -emergency responses to radiological incidents. He will share their information.
Police — No report
IV. INDUSTRY PARTNERS
• Hamakua Energy — David reported that the project that Air Gas was doing to replace
their Anhydrous Ammonia piping is complete.
• PGV — Ron reported that they are still drilling the KS9 production well and should be
completed soon. They also conducted an Environmental Impact Study meeting in
Pahoa and welcomed public questions and comments. They dispelled the rumor that
PGV is drilling for energy to supply power to TMT.
• Pacific Shipyards — Jules informed us about a spill at Pearl Harbor of paint waste into
the ocean. Gerald informed Jules that we will put her in contact with the Honolulu
LEPC since this is where her company resides in.
• Pacific Biodiesel — Al informed us that the Keaau Fire station personnel visited their
facility and wanted to set up training with them. Chief Okinaka stated that they did a
preplan and mapped the area out. Gerald added that this is good since there have been
past fires in the area.
V. STATE
DOH HEER — Gerald reported that there was a spill at the Kona airport of only a
gallon outside due to a vehicle collision. However, there was up to 400 gallons that
leaked within a confined catchment area. HFD did not respond since all of the fuel
was contained. The HEER OSC Terry Corpuz was notified of this incident.
HSERC - Sharon stated that there will be training by the state Ethics Commission.
They would like everyone trained, especially new commission members. Sharon
also stated that the training for the recent past Chemical Safety Day is now available
online.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Chemical Safety Day — Chair Gerald reminded Chief Okinaka to submit the reports
from those HFD members who attended the past Chemical Safety Day training on
Oahu. This is a requirement for all LEPC funded training. Chief Okinaka said that
he will follow up on this.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
HFD Request — Chief Okinaka requested funding from the LEPC to replace the
Canberra radiological personal monitors for the hazmat team. He stated that these
monitors are assigned to each individual to monitor the cumulative amount of
radiation over a person's career span while assigned to the hazmat team. The cost
per unit is approximately $1,000. He requested 15 units that would be a total of
approximately $16,750. David Cummings moved to approve up to $17,000 funding
from the LEPC to purchase these monitors. Tom Gilmore seconded. Further
discussion was that these units are compatible with the units used by the state Rad
team and that they would be able to calibrate these units for HFD.
Past request — At the close of the last meeting, Chris Leonard requested a copy of the
LEPC budget. I shared this budget with the committee for the period ending on May
31, 2022. The closing fund balance was at $86,663.98. Gerald noted to the
committee that our budget is comprised of tier II fees from companies that store
hazardous chemicals. This fee increased in 2017 through legislation. Sharon
informed us that we should be receiving a check for last year's fees soon.
VIII. NEXT MEETING —Scheduled for November 2, 2022. This will be our final meeting
for the year.
IX. Adjournment - Meeting adjourned at 9:53am