HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-23 Water Board MinutesMINUTES
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
WATER BOARD MEETING
May 23, 2023
West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Steven Hirakami, Chairperson
Mr. Stephen Kawena Lopez, Vice -Chairperson
Mr. Michael Bell, Water Board Member
Mr. Thomas Brown, Water Board Member
Mr. Michael Pono Kekela, Water Board Member
Ms. Kea Keolanui, Water Board Member
Mr. Benjamin Ney, Water Board Member
Mr. Keith K. Okamoto, Manager -Chief Engineer,
Department of Water Supply (ex-officio member)
ABSENT: Ms. Julie Hugo, Water Board Member
Director, Planning Department (ex-officio member)
Director, Department of Public Works (ex-officio member)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Diana Mellon -Lacey, Deputy Corporation Counsel
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY STAFF:
Mr. Kawika Uyehara, Deputy
Mr. Kurt Inaba, Engineering Division Head
Ms. Candace Gray, Waterworks Controller
Mr. Gregory Goodale, Chief of Operations
Mr. Warren Ching, Energy Management Analyst
Mr. Alvin Inouye, Water Operations Superintendent
Ms. Sunshine Carter, Private Secretary
Ms. Nora Avenue, Recording Secretary
1) CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Hirakami called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. A quorum of seven
Board Members were in attendance.
2) STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC — Pursuant to HRS §92-3, oral testimony may be provided entirely
at the beginning of the meeting, or immediately preceding the agenda item. There were no statements
from the public at this time.
3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
• Minutes of the March 28, 2023, Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating and CIP
Budgets (Corrected the title to reflect: Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget and
5-Year Capital Improvements Budget for the Fiscal Years 2024-2028.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Look at the cover page of the minutes from the Public Hearing on March 28,
we're going to approve the title. The title on the minutes that we approved said "Public Hearing on
Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvements," and 1 think we want to include
that it's for the Fiscal Years 2024-2028. So, do I have a motion to approve those minutes?
ACTION: Mr. Ney moved to approve the March 28, 2023, Minutes of the Public Hearing on
Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget and 5-Year Capital Improvements Budget for the Fiscal Years
2024-2028. Seconded by Ms. Keolanui and carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Hugo was absent.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Now, we're going to move for approval of the Minutes of April 25, 2023, Water
Board meeting.
Minutes of the April 25, 2023, Water Board Meeting
ACTION: Ms. Keolanui moved to approve the Minutes of April 25, 2023. Seconded by Mr. Ney and
carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Hugo was absent.
4) APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA — None.
5) SOUTH KOHALA:
A. JOB NO.2019-1107, LALAMILO 10 MG RESERVOIR
The landowner of Tax Map Key (TMK) (3) 6-8-001:001, PR PUU PA, and the Department of Water
Supply (DWS) have negotiated a proposed acquisition of the proposed Reservoir Lot which, upon
execution of this Purchase and Sale Agreement, would include the execution of the Construction
Right of Entry (previously approved by the Water Board at its meeting on August 23, 2022) that also
includes the Staging Area for construction. The proposed Limited Warranty Deed would be granted
in fee to DWS, and the proposed Water Agreement is included, which allocates 50 water units to the
main parcel (TMK (3) 6-8-001:001). The basic terms of this Purchase and Sale Agreement, Limited
Warranty Deed, and Water Agreement are as follows:
DWS to:
- Purchase Reservoir Lot at the Purchase Price of $400,000.00; and
- Grant 50 equivalent water units to TMK (3) 6-8-001:001 subject to the proposed
Water Agreement including a Facilities Charge Credit of $150,000.00.
PR PUU PA to:
- Subdivide the Reservoir Lot;
- Provide immediate access to the Reservoir Lot (2.9-acre portion of TMK (3) 6-8-001:001) and
Staging area (2.6-acre portion of TMK (3) 6-8-001:001 adjacent to "Reservoir Lot") via
Construction Right of Entry; and
- Grant the Reservoir Lot via a Limited Warranty Deed to DWS upon completion of the
Subdivision.
Staff has reviewed the proposed Purchase and Sale Agreement as well as the Limited Warranty Deed
and finds that the terms above, along with the proposed Water Agreement for the 50 equivalent water
units, are acceptable.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Water Board approve the Purchase and Sale
Agreement, Limited Warranty Deed, and the Water Agreement and authorizes the Chairperson or
Page 2 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
Vice -Chairperson to execute the documents subject to the review and approval of the Corporation
Counsel.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Do I have a motion to approve?
MOTION: Mr. Ney moved for approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Bell.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Now, we'll go to the discussion.
MR. OKAMOTO: Our apologies, we thought we were there and ready, but there are still a few items
that I think we still need to resolve with the landowner, so we'll need to ask for a deferral on this
agenda item.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay. Before we ask for the Motion to Defer, it would be helpful if we had
something like a map of where the parcel is going to be because it's a huge property, 13,000 acres of
land, and showing the location and the proximity to the windfarm. Maybe we should use GIS
(Geographic Information System) software.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, definitely.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: With a nice map so the Board Members can actually see where it is and how big
it is in relationship to the —
MR. OKAMOTO: Right. So how it normally works —it would have been part of your packet, but it
wasn't ready for the packet, we would have blind -copied and emailed everybody the actual agreement
for your review so you can see the actual agreement, as well. Typically, in those types of agreements,
there are exhibits to show where the parcel is and the description of the parcel. But over and beyond
that, we can also work on supplemental graphics to show, I think like you were kind of discussing,
you know, landmarks, Puako Beach Drive, and where this is in relation to.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: I know in prior meetings, like a year ago, I went back to the minutes, and we
were talking about easements, and it would be good to show where those easements are, that we
granted last year in relationship to the parcel where the water reservoir lot is. So lacking that
information and receiving my packet late, I stayed up late last night and researched more than I should
have on the County website.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, sorry about that.
CHR. HIRAKAML• But it was interesting because I checked out all the maps and the TMKs, and we
had found out that actually the County owns a third of an acre. They own one well site. It's about an
acre, but on that acre, there are three well sites that are about a third of an acre each over there, and
that was interesting, and then the easements between them. It was pretty interesting research going on
there. But if we had a graphic, all of the Board Members could review that, and we wouldn't have to
spend the time. So, can I entertain a Motion to Defer this item?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: We have a motion on the floor right now. Do you want to withdraw your
motion?
MR. NEY: Yeah, and not to dive into any specifics, but are we getting close on this because this has
been kind of a moving goal line, this item?
Page 3 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, we are getting close.
MR. NEY: Okay, I'd like to withdraw my motion and put forth a motion to defer.
MR. BELL: I'll withdraw my second.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay, and you'll withdraw your second?
MR. BELL: I'll withdraw the second.
MOTION TO DEFER: Mr. Ney moved to defer Item No. 5, A. Job No. 2019-1107, Lalamilo 10 MG
Reservoir, to June 27, 2023, Water Board Meeting. Seconded by Mr. Bell.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Do we have any discussion on the new motion? If not, I'll call for the question,
all in favor of deferring this item say "aye."
ACTION: The Motion to Defer Item No. 5, A. Job No. 2019-1107, Lalamilo 10 MG Reservoir to
June 27, 2023, was carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Hugo was absent.
CHR. HIRAKAML• Okay, No.6, Dedication of Water.
6) MISCELLANEOUS:
A. DEDICATION OF WATER SYSTEMS)
We received the following document for action by the Water Board. The water system has been
constructed in accordance with the Department's standards and is in acceptable condition for
dedication.
1. Grant of Easement and Bill of Sale
Grantor: Royal Ali`i LLC
Tax Map Key (3) 7-7-030:022
Kailua-Kona, North Kona, Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
Facilities Charge: $106,253.00 Date Paid: 08/12/2021
Final Inspection Date: 04/10/2023
Water System Cost: $153,000.00
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Is there any testimony on this item? It is recommended that the Water Board
accept this document subject to the approval of the Corporation Counsel and that either the
Chairperson or the Vice -Chairperson be authorized to sign the document. Do I have a motion to
approve and accept this document?
MOTION: Ms. Kealanui moved for approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Kekela.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: We'll open it up for discussion.
MR. OKAMOTO: With that, I'll turn it up to Kurt, who provided you folks with a graphic of the
location.
Page 4 of 28 May 23, 2023, water Board Minutes
MR. INABA: This is a project for road dedication. The subdivider installed the improvements and
dedicated the system over, so Bill of Sale and Grant Easement. We needed a waterline in the
subdivision. They're turning it over to us, the easement over the roads.
MR. NEY: Is this the one kind of close to the ocean? Do you guys have higher standards, I guess,
just kind of bring them back to —in terms of Puako and just degradation of the line because of
location?
MR. INABA: We do have when the waterline is within a certain elevation of the sea level, but this
one is above that.
MR. NEY: It is.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any further discussion?
MR. BROWN: What's the street name? I see we have a big red name.
MR. INABA: Ho`omaluhia on Ali`i development.
CHR. HIRAKAML• And the pink one coming out is Royal Poinciana?
MR BROWN: Oh, looks like it's the same road then?
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Ho`omaluhia, yeah, it's Ho`omaluhia.
MR. BELL: It's a private, gated.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any further questions or discussion? If not, all in favor of this motion say "aye."
ACTION: There being no further discussion. The motion to approve the recommendation of
accepting the Grant of Easement and Bill of Easement document was carried unanimously by voice
vote. Ms. Hugo was absent.
MR. BELL: Just a general question, is this whole area fed by the well, the shaft that we looked at?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, in general, that entire area is, yeah, and the Kahalu`u wells that are kind of
up mauka.
MR. INABA: Kahalu`u Wells and the shaft.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, and the Kahalu`u Wells that are kind of mauka of the shaft.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay, we'll move on to Item B.
B. JOB NO.2022-1186 (REBID), HARDENING OF PARKER NO. 2, WAI`AHA AND
LALAMILO B WELLS
This project consists of furnishing and installing power transfer switches, termination cabinets,
conduit, conductors, supports, accessories, and incidentals, in accordance with the plans and
Page 5 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
specifications. Bids for this project were opened on May 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., and the following are
the bid results:
Bidder
Bid Amount
Jas. W. Glover, Ltd.
$581,055.00
Wasa Electrical Services, Inc.
$463,200.00
Project Costs:
1) Low Bidder (Wasa Electrical Services, Inc.) $ 463,200.00
2) Contingencies (-10.0%) $ 46,300.00
Total Cost: 509,500.00
Funding for this project will be from DWS's CIP Budget and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program. The contractor will have 510 calendar days to complete this project. The Engineering
estimate for this project was $435,000.00.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Is there any testimony on this item? It was recommended that we award the
contract for this job to Wasa Electric in the amount of $463,200 and a contingency of 10 percent.
Total project cost is $509,500. Do I have a motion to approve?
MOTION: Mr. Kekela moved to approve the recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Ney.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any discussion on this?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. Mr. Chair and Board Members, this is actually part of our efforts for
resiliency. Actually, making it easier for us to hook up the back-up generators to these particular
locations.
The other important thing to note is that Warren has been working to utilize FEMA Hazard Mitigation
funding, so we're not paying the whole bill on this, but we're paying a portion of this. So, that always
helps, is that we got a FEMA coupon. So if there are any other detailed questions, Warren is
available.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So is this one of those 75/25 kind of project?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, that's the basis. But what FEMA does, is they kind of set a cap when we
put in the application, and then depending on what it comes out to. So in reality, it's not going to be
an actual 75/25. It will probably be closer to maybe 50150.
MR. CHING: Yeah, we had to cover any over -run on the initial, I guess, cost spent on the
application. This application was put in 2019, so it was pre -pandemic. But yeah, we're still doing
great.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So these are three sites, right?
MR. CHING Three sites.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any other questions, comments? Hearing none. Calling for the question, all in
favor of approving say "aye.,,
Page 6 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
ACTION: There being no further discussion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
Ms. Hugo was absent.
C. MATERIAL BID NO. 2023-01, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING PIPES, FITTINGS,
WATER METERS, FIRE HYDRANTS, BRASS GOODS, VALVES, ELECTRICAL
SUPPLIES, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, SCADA, WATER QUALITY EQUIPMENT,
CHLORINATORS, MOTORS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR THE DEPARTMENT
OF WATER SUPPLY STOCK
Bids were opened on May 3, 2023, at 1:30 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
PART
DESCRIPTION
BIDDER
AMOUNT
NO.
1
DUCTILE IRON PIPE, PUSH -ON TYPE
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$108,000.00
JOINT
Pipe Company
2A
DUCTILE IRON FITTINGS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$487,210.00
Pipe Company
3
DUCTILE IRON SOLID BODY
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$65,720.70
SLEEVES
Pipe Company
4
FLANGE GASKETS
No Bids
5
NUTS, BOLTS, AND THREADED
Fastenal Company
$71,930.20
RODS
6
COPPER TUBING
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$194,750.00
Pipe Company
7
GALVANIZED PIPES T&C
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$101,436.30
THREADED & COUPLED
Pipe Company
8
METER BOXES
M & H Investment Corp. dba
$47,643.00
ICO Supply
9
METER COVERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$8 200.00
Pipe Company
10
AUTOMATIC METER READING UNIT
No Bids
11
SMART WATER METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$200,432.00
Pipe Company
12
5/8" WATER METERS
Badger Meter, Inc.
$64,422.00
13
NEPTUNE T-10 SERIES METER PARTS
No Bids
14
BADGER RECORDALL SERIES
Badger Meter, Inc.
$5,175.26
METER PARTS
15
1"- 2" WATER METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$11,920.00
Pipe Company
16
COMPOUND WATER METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$11,755.00
Pipe Company
17
TURBINE METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$23,204.00
Pipe Company
18
DETECTOR CHECK METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$7,000.00
Pipe Company
19
FIRE SERVICE METERS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$63,771.00
Pipe Company
20
FIRE HYDRANTS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$200,671.00
Pipe Company
Page 7 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
PART
DESCRIPTION
BIDDER
AMOUNT
NO.
21
TAMPER -RESISTANT FIRE
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$201,420.00
HYDRANTS
Pipe Company
22
MUELLER FIRE HYDRANT PARTS
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$11,522.91
Pipe Company
23
MUELLER FIRE HYDRANT
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$13,027.00
EXTENSION KITS
Pipe Company
24
M&H VALVE FIRE HYDRANT PARTS
No Bids
25
M&H VALVE FIRE HYDRANT
No Bids
EXTENSION KITS
26
AMERICAN DARLING FIRE
No Bids
HYDRANT PARTS
27
BALL METER VALVES
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$79742.50
Pipe Company
28
BALL VALVE, PACK JOINT X METER
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$55,854.40
COUPLING - FIP
Pipe Company
29
COMPRESSION JOINT COUPLING
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$g 372.00
Pipe Company
30
METER FLANGE COUPLING
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$5,623.50
Pipe Company
31
PACK JOINT COUPLING
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$54,917.25
Pipe Company
32
CORPORATION AND CURB STOPS —
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$128,223.80
BALL TYPE
Pipe Company
33
PRESSURE REGULATORS
No Bids
34
HOSE BIBBS
No Bids
Safety Systems and Signs
35
INVERTED MARKING PAINT
Hawaii, Inc. dba Statewide
$14,450.00
Safety Systems
36
AIR RELIEF VALVES
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$52,250.00
Pipe Company
37
SLOW CLOSING AIR/VACUUM
No Bids
VALVES
38
SILENT CHECK VALVES
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$138,156.50
Pipe Company
39
DUCKBILL CHECK VALVES
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$125,530.30
Pipe Company
40
GATE VALVES — 3" AND LARGER,
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$77,510.54
125# CLASS
Pipe Company
41
GATE VALVES — 3" AND LARGER,
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$137,045.24
250# CLASS
Pipe Company
42
AUTOMATIC CONTROL VALVES
Core & Main LP dba Pacific
$2 735,602.16
Pipe Company
43
ROTARY PUMP CONTROL VALVES
No Bids
AND ACTUATION
44
RESERVOIR LEVEL INDICATOR
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$12,614.28
45
HATCH FRAMES AND COVERS
No Bids
Page 8 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
PART
NO.
DESCRIPTION
BIDDER
AMOUNT
EMERGENCY EYEWASH/SHOWER
Safety Systems and Signs
46
Hawaii, Inc. dba Statewide
$157,636.70
STATIONS
Safety Systems
47
TOXIC GAS MONITORS
No Bids
48
SIGNAL DEVICES
Graybar Electric Company,
$15,825.00
Inc.
49
ARC FLASH PPE — DAILY WEAR
No Bids
50
SUPPLEMENTAL PPE
Graybar Electric Company,
$12,802.00
Inc.
51
ELECTRICAL GLOVES
Graybar Electric Company,
$2,605.00
Inc.
52
DIGITAL MULTIMETER & TESTING
No Bids
53
ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Graybar Electric Company,
$7,695.00
Inc.
54
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TESTING
No Bids
SERVICES
55
INDUSTRIAL MOTOR LEAD CABLE
Graybar Electric Company,
$154,860.00
Inc.
56
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL WIRING
Graybar Electric Company,
$13,425.00
Inc.
57
HEAVY-DUTY SAFETY SWITCH
No Bids
58
MEDIUM -VOLTAGE REDUCED
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$166,193.89
VOLTAGE SOFT STARTER
59
ULH VARIABLE FREQUENCY
No Bids
DRIVES
60
VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVES
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$3,268,314.41
61
POWER QUALITY EQUIPMENT
No Bids
62
PAD -MOUNTED STEP-UP
No Bids
TRANSFORMER
63
SURGE PROTECTION DEVICES
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$90,595.81
64
POWER MONITORING EQUIPMENT
No Bids
65
PROGRAMMING SERVICES
Sean P. Yarbenet
$560.00
66
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER— WELL
No Bid
LEVEL
67
PRESSURE TRANSDUCER-
No Bid
RESERVOIR LEVEL
68
PRESSURE TRANSMITTER
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$4,846.46
69
FLOW SWITCH
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$2,335.28
70
ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW METER —
No Bids
WELL & BOOSTER
71
ELECTROMAGNETIC FLOW METER —
No Bids
RESERVOIR & PRV
72
REAGENTLESS CHLORINE
No Bids
RESIDUAL ANALYZERS
73
WATER QUALITY EQUIPMENT
No Bids
74
REAGENTS AND STANDARDS
No Bids
Page 9 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
PART
DESCRIPTION
BIDDER
AMOUNT
NO.
75
MULTISTAGE BOOSTER PUMPS
No Bids
76
CHEMICAL FEEDER PUMP
No Bids
77
DIGITAL CHLORINE CYLINDER
No Bids
SCALE
78
CHLORINE GAS FEEDER
No Bids
79
MECHANICAL SEALS
No Bids
80
MOTORS
No Bids
81
LEGACY LEAK NOISE DATA
Wong's Equipment &
$1 967.54
LOGGER PARTS
Service, LLC
'
82
LEAK NOISE DATA LOGGERS
TK Process Hawaii, LLC
$49,814.32
83
REMOTE PRESSURE MONITORING
No Bids
SYSTEM
84A
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED)
Graybar Electric Company,
$4,782.75
LUMINARIES
Inc.
85
INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS
No Bids
For the Sections where no bids were received, staff shall seek alternative procurement pursuant to
HAR §3-122-35 to procure the required materials in the best interests of the Department.
The contract period for all Parts is one year, from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. All Parts are
established price agreements for materials on an "As -Needed Basis."
CHR. HIRAKAMI: And here is the one where it's an annual request for various kinds of fittings,
hydrants, and stuff. We went through his last year, and I think we were overwhelmed last year, and I
remember we deferred it the first time because we didn't know. So, I see this time the department
came prepared with not only a summation of what company got what parts of the bid. Also, this is
really helpful, this colored chart too, to actually see. Did I call for the question yet? Sorry, I'm ahead
of myself. Do I have a motion to accept these Miscellaneous for the Department of Water Supply
stock?
MOTION: Mr. Lopez moved for approval of the recommendation. Seconded by Mr. Kekela.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Is there any discussion?
MR. BROWN: Chair, I have a couple of questions, if I could?
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay.
MR. BROWN: I have two questions. First of all, Item 11, can you have just a Smart water meter? Is
that similar to Smart —like our electrical meters that HELCO recently installed?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, I guess analogy -wise similar. So in the Water industry, and maybe Greg
can add on to whatever, technology is always involved in. There are different capabilities. I'm not
exactly sure what (inaudible) on this part. But it is getting to the point where, you know, the customer
could actually get their own information off of the meter, as well as the department.
Page 10 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MR. BROWN: Is this like a trial because there are $200,000, doesn't seem like that much.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, so maybe Greg can do that.
MR. GOODALL So we do have some —so when you look at different water meters, you've got like
your manual read, which is just kind of a normal dial, and we're trying to move more towards what
we call an AMR system, which is a remote. But you've got to be nearby. It can't be done from, say
like a cell signal. This would be more the type that would transmit that type of cell signal. They're in
use in limited parts of the island. You know, that's something that's still being evaluated as far as
capabilities of utilizing that island -wide. Obviously, not every part of the island can use all these
different technologies. But yeah, it's a direction that maybe we're heading in certain parts of the
districts.
MR. BROWN: Okay, thanks.
MR. OKAMOTO: That's a good question. I guess for the Board's awareness, is that our set-up is a
little bit different from Hawaii Electric, right, they've got power and connection to their meters. But
a lot of times we don't have that same setup for our water meters. We don't have an actual electrical
connection to our meter box, so those typically are self -powered within the box itself, by its own
battery.
Then for cell signals and things like that, we all know our island is quite large, so that doesn't work
everywhere. I don't think we've committed to any particular massive area to convert at this point yet,
but I think it's something that —we put in a material bid, so should the opportunity arise where we'd
like to move forward, we have a number kind of locked in, and a vendor locked in by contract.
So if you notice, these prices too, it's not exactly what we'll spend in a year on all these various items.
It's something that we had to come up with a basis for them to provide us with bids, then we can
compare apples -to -apples, should there be various bidders on a particular line item.
MR. BROWN: And things like price -term agreements?
MR. OKAMOTO: We're kind of setting our —
MR. BROWN: Okay. So you don't have to buy it. You can buy two or zero.
MR. OKAMOTO: Two or zero, yeah, as needed. Exactly. It's not like we have to go through an
individual procurement for a particular item on this bid when we need to. We try to do this at "one
shot" every year.
MR. NEY: Yeah, just to add. When we were over at the convention, we actually met the lady who
was there for badger. The way this technology was described to me is they have a permanent battery
that's supposed to be, I think, was like 10-year life. Whether or not it achieves that, I don't know.
Going further into it, she said, "Normally you would buy the unit," and if you have very low
subscriptions, I think it's like a dollar a year per meter. There are different add-ons to that
subscription. You know, if you want to have it set up so you're monitoring all of the accounts in a
day. I guess it transmits out in different intervals. Or you could add to your subscription, where they
would actually monitor for you, as a separate service. Just to add a little more to that.
MR. OKAMOTO: It's worth going to a conference.
Page 11 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MR. NEY: I think you've got to sign a license agreement, or something with them too, in order to use
it.
MR. OKAMOTO: These companies are good at —you know, they're progressing the industry, but
again, like software, it's all other details that I think we need to work out before we commit.
MR. NEY: And basically, anywhere a cellphone can get signal, these will work, where I guess in the
past, technology, that's been kind of the limitations with signal.
MR. GOODALE: One of the issues that we deal with island -wide is, in certain areas, that have
overgrowth. Keeping those kinds of things cleared away is a problematic issue for, you know, the
more rural areas. In the more suburban areas, where you've got multiple households, it's obviously a
lot easier to keep those things clear, and that allows some of those technologies to function the way
they're supposed to. But yeah, when you start to get the overgrowth so we can get here on this island,
it's, yeah. You know, see something overgrown in one month.
MR. NEY: Well, for me, I think it's worthwhile to get some case study of different places they've
deployed this and kind of get some feedback maybe from another water utility on how it's worked for
them, and they'll probably give you an honest opinion on it.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Kawena has a question.
MR. LOPEZ: Oh, no. I was going to comment that I was listening to the same lady in the
conference. I was impressed with the benefits to the department as well as to the consumer on the
technology. That's all.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Kea.
MS. KEOLANUL• What is the protocol with the items that receive no bid?
MR. OKAMOTO: Another good question. So if you look at the end of the table, you know, per
procurement Code, that we all need to comply with, and some government entities, at least legislators
at that time were smart enough to figure out that it might be a possibility. So, there's options
available to us. Typically what we do, if we receive no bids, we can go and solicit quotes ourselves
for those items. We always try to keep it competitive and not just go to one. But that is also another
option, is direct negotiations with a particular vendor. There's also replenishing procurement if we
don't have any bids. Great question, though.
CHR. HIRAKAML• I was wondering if you could include quantities. Well, just a ballpark, like how
many meter boxes, how many meter coverage for 8,000, how many 5/8 water meters? I mean, just a
ballpark. It doesn't have to be —even though they're not the same price, if we have the quantity, we
could kind of do an average. Just to give us an idea of the numbers that they need.
MR. OKAMOTO: Good, yeah. We can have this added on.
CHR. HIRAKAML• And I think it was mentioned in last year's meeting that if you need to go over
the amount listed, that you would come back to the Board for it. How would you do it if you, say
already spent $14,000 for 50 valves and you needed more, what would you do?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, so for these it's slightly different. This is kind of just to set the price. Our
actual purchase falls under our O&M (Operating and Maintenance) budget. So like for an example,
Page 12 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
like say we're looking at Item 81, Legacy Leak Noise Data Logger Parts, likely we'll exceed that
$1,967. But setting the price, as long as it's within our O&M Budget, we'll buy it at that price for
whatever we need, as an "As Needed Basis." So, we won't have to come back to the Board every
time one line item of this goes over and beyond. Yeah, if that makes sense.
On other contracts, specific to a particular contractual amount, if we do exceed what the Board
approved, we'll have to bring it back to you folks for approval.
MR. NEY: These totals are based off like historical purchase, previous purchases and history?
MR. GOODALE: Quantities.
MR. OKAMOTO: Something, if we do have that information. If we haven't deployed that for a
particular technology, and we kind of just guesstimate something, so we have a basis for bid.
MR. NEY: Okay.
MR. GOODALE: And it may represent like a historical high so that we know kind of where that
mark might be. It may not be year after year the same, but it may represent j ust that historical.
MR. OKAMOTO: It's a balance because sometimes the vendors will probably know. Your bid
might change, right, if they know they're going to sell you 500 units versus 5, but at the same time
they also got to understand that we're not committed to buying 500 or 5. So that's where they've got
to balance what price they provide us with on this bid. We kind of leave that up to them. But when
we do know, we try to provide them with some kind of ballpark figure so that it will help us get a
better price.
MR. NEY: Do you guys have inventory buildup in certain areas?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah.
MR. NEY: Of things you don't use frequently, and maybe overstock on certain stuff?
MR. GOODALE: We try not to carry too much surplus. I mean we try to be good about utilizing.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. GOODALE: But also, we have to be cognizant of what we need to keep, a just in case situation.
MR. NEY: Right. Okay, yeah.
MR. GOODALE: We try. It's a balancing act. But yeah, given the fact that things can happen
unbeknownst to us, we've got to be ready for it.
MR. NEY: The inventory doesn't do well on shelves; you know what I mean? If you have something
sitting around for five years and you don't use it.
MR. OKAMOTO: I don't know now. Sometimes might be good to stock up certain things by the
way prices go up.
MR. NEY: Because they have against, yeah.
Page 13 of 28 May 23, 2023, water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, so again, it's a balancing act. So Greg guys, they do keep inventory, and
certain things are kind of consumables, that always get used regularly: small brass fittings, meter box,
covers, you know, those things like that. But some of these special things, yeah, we won't stock
them. We just want a price in case we need them. But for the stock that gets used all the time and
cannot be waiting for, we usually keep those kinds in stock.
MR. NEY: We've got to, yeah.
MS. KEOLANUI: And then just commenting on Ben's comments about, you know, having things on
the shelf isn't not necessarily good. I'm sure you guys have like a fifo policy, like first in/first out.
MR. GOODALE: We do keep a —that's something that's done annually. It's an inventory of our
stock, so we know essentially what is the first in/first out.
MR. OKAMOTO: If it's trackable, yeah. Some of those real consumable stuff, we kind of throw,
like nuts and bolts and something like that, but that's something different. We'll throw them in a bin,
and then use them when you need them. Yeah, other stuff.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: And if you add up all of these 85 line items, what would it total about? Like,
$15 million, or $18 million? Do you have a ballpark idea of what it would be?
MR. GOODALE: I don't have that answer for you.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, that might be a misleading number, though, if you sum it all up.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: No, I mean it's just inventory, so we're replenishing inventory. It's just a
ballpark figure.
MR. OKAMOTO: I think what a more valid question would be is our estimate of current inventory.
Because again, it's not something we're committing to buy within a year. But yeah, it's something I
think we've got to lean into, is maybe having —we'll continue to try and improve in certain things so
that we can get to a place where we can have more —that's what I want to see at some point, is active
inventory, so at any given day, you can kind of see island -wide that you have in stock. We're not
quite there yet, but hopefully some time we can get to that point.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Yeah, there are a few programs. We're dealing with the same thing too, at the
school, with the inventory control, you know, getting a spreadsheet, yeah. Good.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, barcode stickers, and stuff like that.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So, good. Any other questions or comments? Seeing none. All in favor of
approving this say, "aye."
ACTION: There being no further discussion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
Ms. Hugo was absent.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So now we'll go to a similar thing.
Page 14 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
D. MATERIAL BID NO.2023-02, FURNISH BASE COURSE, SAND, COLD MIX,
HOT MIX, AND NO. 3F ROCK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
Bids were opened on May 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
Grace
Jas. W.
Puna Rock
Hawaii
Pacific,
Glover,
Company
LLC
Ltd.
Limited
Paving, LLC
DISTRICT I:
IA.
3/4-Inch Base Course
No Bid
$20.95
$20.05
No Bid
(Cost per ton)
1B.
11/z-Inch Base Course
No Bid
$20.95
$19.00
No Bid
(Cost per ton)
1 C.
No. 3F Rock - ASTM
C33 - #57 OR #67
No Bid
$40.85
$23.00
No Bid
Cost per ton
1D.
#4 Sand (Cost per
No Bid
$48.20
$43.95
No Bid
ton
IE.
Mortar Sand - ASTM
No Bid
$63.90
No Bid
No Bid
C144 (Costper ton
1F.
Cold Mix - ASTM
D4215-87 (Cost per
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
ton
1 G.
Blended Material
60% #4 Sand and
No Bid
$56.55
$21.70
No Bid
40% No. 3F Rock
Cost er ton
1 H.
Hot Mix - County
No Bid
$172.80
No Bid
No Bid
Mix IV Cost per ton
DISTRICT 11:
2A.
3/4-Inch Base Course
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost er ton
2B.
11/2-Inch Base Course
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost er ton
2C.
No. 3F Rock
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost per ton
2D.
#4 Sand (Cost per
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
ton
2E.
Mortar Sand - ASTM
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
C144 Costper ton
2F.
Cold Mix - ASTM
D4215-87 (Cost per
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
$177.10
ton
2G.
Blended Material
60% #4 Sand and
40% No. 3F Rock
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost er ton
Page 15 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
DISTRICT III:
3A.
3/4-Inch Base Course
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost per ton
3B.
1 1/2-Inch Base Course
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost er ton)
3C.
No. 3F Rock
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
Cost er ton
3D.
#4 Sand (Cost per ton)
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
3E.
Mortar Sand - ASTM
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
C 144 (Cost per ton)
3F.
Cold Mix - ASTM
D4215-87 (Cost per
S184.00
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
ton)
3G.
Blended Material 60%
#4 Sand and 40% No.
$176.50
No Bid
No Bid
No Bid
3F Rock (Cost per
ton
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the contract for MATERIAL BID
NO. 2023-02, FURNISH BASE COURSE, SAND, COLD MIX, HOT MIX, AND NO. 3F ROCK TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY by Parts to the following for the amounts shown above,
and that either the Chairperson or the Vice -Chairperson be authorized to sign the contract(s), subject
to review as to forin and legality of the contract(s) by Corporation Counsel. The price agreement shall
be from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
District I - Parts IA, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1G to Puna Rock Company, Limited
Part IE, and I to Jas. W. Glover, Ltd.
District 11 - Parts 2F to Hawaii Paving, LLC
District III - Parts 3F and 3G to Grace Pacific, LLC
For Parts 1F, 2A, 213, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3A, 313, 3C, 3D, and 3E no bids were received. Staff will seek
alternative procurement per HAR §3-122-35 to secure pricing in the best interest of the Department.
MOTION: Ms. Keolanui moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Ney.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: We'll move to discussion. Greg, again.
MR. GOODALE: So just for everybody's knowledge, District 1 is the Hilo area, District 2 is the
Waimea area, Kohala, and District 3 is North/South Kona, so those are the three. Yeah, Ka`u
generally gets the material from District 1. So we have a project that requires aggregate, it's generally
getting brought in from District 1.
MR. OKAMOTO: Just so the Board is aware, that might come —the understanding of who bid on
what items. West Hawaii suppliers typically bid on the East Hawaii locations.
MR. NEY: Do we have a big truck and a pull -behind trailer in the event that you guys want to pick
up materials, and go to the quarry and just load?
MR. GOODALE: We have a large, you know, full-size dump -truck. We don't have a pup trailer.
Page 16 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MR. NEY: Okay.
MR. GOODALL But yeah, generally for the jobs that we're doing, I mean, we will replenish ours,
what we keep in stock.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. GOODALL And generally when we're doing that, we use the larger dump trucks to do that.
But yeah, we don't have a pup trailer.
MR. NEY: Okay.
MR. GOODALL We've had the opportunity also to get assistance from Public Works if we got into
a situation like that. But generally, the quantities that we need wouldn't require.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, so usually our material quantities for these kinds of stuff is usually like
patching and main repairs, not large scope, like line installation, and jobs that can be managed by a
public contract work.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any other discussion, questions? Seeing none. All in favor of this motion say
"aye."
ACTION: There being no further discussion. Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Moving right along, we'll move to Monthly Progress Report.
E. MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Is there any testimony for this item? Seeing none. We'll turn it over to Keith.
MR. OKAMOTO: And I'll turn it over to Kurt.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: There you go. Hand it off.
MR. INABA: We're anticipating starting Puako really soon. We've been getting communication
from the contractor and the supplier that they've been requesting from the manufacturer for shipment
of the materials, but that hasn't been confirmed. I think that's a cause of priority; you know, bind of
waiting on that. But if they can confirm the shipment date, they'll have a better idea of the actual
arrival date of the materials. I know it was anticipated next month; at this point, it hasn't shipped yet.
That's kind of the main one.
I know for Kilauea/Keawe, Downtown Hilo, basically right now the contractor is working on sewer
laterals. So they'll be working on the sewer laterals getting the new ones installed so that the old
sewer line would be out of the way, and then our new waterline can go in on that. It's kind of
important for the inter -departments and the contractor to do it in the most efficient way to get the
improvements done.
MR. OKAMOTO: And maybe, if you can give me an update on Iki Place.
Page 17 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MR. INABA: Yeah, Iki Place, we went to the Finance Committee meeting on May 16, and that was
to approve that Improvement District to go to full Council. That one there, the Improvement District
is a short waterline. I believe that would extend on this road, and it's really just to provide a Water
System meeting our standards for 18 lots. Currently, they're getting their service from Mamalahoa
Highway, so all these customer lines, we call it spaghetti lines, basically from the meter down to their
properties. We (inaudible) made it that way.
MR. OKAMOTO: So Iki Place parallels Mamalahoa, the mauka Mamalahoa Road, and it has some
connection ultimately to Kaiminani.
MR. INABA: Not Kaiminani, the Hualalai Vistas.
MR. OKAMOTO: Hualalai Vistas. That's where our trunk -line comes down from the mauka side?
MR. INABA: Yeah, Makamae Street. There's a side road that branches off that main trunk -line,
going south towards the Iki Road, and it ends right at that Homestead Road, so they're going to extend
it from there into this short subdivision. And again, I believe it's like nine lots on either side. It's
really a short road.
MR. NEY: On the Puak6 line, it's exactly where that line starts. I mean, it ends at the end of the
road, right? But like when you go down to Puak6, right by the transfer station, the road splits?
MR. INABA: Yeah.
MR. NEY: It goes over to Hapuna or 69 Beach. I know there are some meters over on the south side
of the park, kind of off to the side of Puak6 Drive. Is that going to be replaced also?
MR. INABA: No, so this project here is pretty much from the boat ramp area.
MR. NEY: Okay, boat ramp all the way down.
MR. INABA: Yeah.
MR. NEY: I was just curious, you know, where you're going to start at, you know what I mean? You
have issues with that line, and it's like, are you cutting out enough of the cancer down there?
MR. INABA: I think there has been a couple on that other side, that's the Waimea side.
MR. NEY: Okay.
MR. INABA: But I think we attributed it to the customers. Anyway, that's an issue with the
customer's irrigation system.
MR. OKAMOTO: Irrigation.
MR. NEY: Oh, okay. Okay, thank you.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay, going back to the Iki Place. Is there a starting place for creating an
Improvement District? Is there like a guideline? Who do you start with?
Page 18 of 28 May 23, 2023, water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: But my understanding is, and Kurt correct me or add on to whatever, there's more
than one way to do an Improvement District, but this one, in particular, the Council initiated the
Improvement District. Typically, members of the public would kind of communicate with their
Councilperson. We'll get involved —typically when a resolution is passed, to move it forward, I guess
they evaluate it and see if this is a worthwhile consideration. Then we typically have to do like a
preliminary engineering work, to provide the Council with an engineering report; and I guess some of
the numbers on how this would work out, so they can see what the potential assessment may be is
going to be to each property owner. That's how ultimately it gets paid for. We typically partner with
USDA so that we can get a 75/25 split, 75 percent grant so that the homeowners would only have to
pay 25 percent of the construction cost back to the real property assessment. So long story short,
that's typically how it works and how we've seen it happen with Water System Improvements for us.
I know there are other ways, I think.
MR. INABA: I'd like to mention, the Council initiated it. There's also the community association, I
guess would be, that they could initiate this. I'm not too familiar with that. There's a different
requirement in terms of the percentage would —from the impacted lots, that would have to vote for it.
One is, I think, 50 percent plus one, and the other one 60 percent plus one.
MR. OKAMOTO: Council initiated this one?
MR. INABA: I think so; I believe so. But in this case, I know —you look at it, 16 out of 18, we're
already in favor.
MR. OKAMOTO: And ultimately, everybody in that area has to pay that assessment; and if not, I
don't know what the penalties for default are. That's kind of a County finance thing.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Or it can actually be, you know, like real property tax, you don't pay
property tax.
MR. INABA: It's taken from the lien.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: And increase your sale.
MR. OKAMOTO: Lose your property.
MR. INABA: Foreclosure. I don't have the right term.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So I asked that question for the benefit of the Permitted Interaction Group, which
is still active. Pono, are you taking notes?
MR. KEKELA: I couldn't join remember?
CHR. HIRAKAMI: But you still can meet with the Council person on that. You can still arrange
community meetings with the Council person. That was the purpose of asking that, how can
Improvement Districts be done? Especially, there are subdivisions in Puna that are getting really
tilled. Where, ten years ago it wouldn't be feasible because of so many empty lots, but now that there
are so many lots together, it might be the time to do it, especially with the waterline, with FEMA,
going right through the subdivision.
MR. OKAMOTO: Again, so that would be part of our assessment. If there was that movement
forward, then that would be part of our engineering report. It's kind of like a feasibility type thing.
Page 19 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Right.
MR. NEY: This has to be more for like an association, you know, like dues and CC&Rs. You know,
it could be for non -association. Communities, too. So if you're not in agreement with saying this
going forward, are you just kind of —say it does move forward, and you're like, "Well, as a
homeowner, I don't want to bear all these costs," they can't really wiggle out if they all agree to —if it
passes.
MR. OKAMOTO: And it goes through Council action and public hearing requirements, and all of
that stuff, so there are opportunities for the
MR. NEY: To appeal or to protest. Because that happened in Honoka`a when they put the sewer line,
legally they were required to hook up to the sewer line, bear the cost and then pay a monthly fee, and
a lot of people were like, "This isn't financially feasible for my situation.
MR. OKAMOTO: There are differences. Like, the County puts in a sewer on their own CIP (Capital
Improvement Projects), I think it's a different situation than an Improvement District.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. OKAMOTO: I think Lono Kona was an Improvement District.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: That was an Improvement District. People were happy to do it there
because they were (inaudible) governmental funds. So, sometimes there are incentives.
MR. NEY: To do it.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yeah.
CHR. HIRAKAML• Don't have to hook up if it's from a CIP improvement.
MR. NEY: I mean, it's like the Kawaihae Village, sorry, not to prolong this issue. They don't have
the funds, so they've been getting grants and stuff, you know, for them to comply with the EPA, with
their sewer.
CHR. HIRAKAML Kurt, is that it? Any other questions?
MR. OKAMOTO: Does the Board have any questions on any particular projects? And again, feel
free to email us if it didn't come to your mind today, but anytime you want any updates from us, shoot
an email to Nora, and we'll get it to the right person.
(Note: At this time, Mr. Okamoto, introduced Nora Avenue, the new Water Board Secretary, to
the Members of the Water Board Commission.)
CHR. HIRAKAMI: We'll go to Review of Monthly Financial Statements.
F. REVIEW OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Is there any testimony for this item? If not, we're going to bring on Candance.
Page 20 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MS. GRAY: We have the Financial Statements for April 2023, and like I've said before, most of the
changes that you noted were on previous financial statements. I do want to just point out that I did
add something, a list, which is related to the Audit Report (see Page 8 of the Monthly Financial
Statements). This is relative to page two of your coversheet, we talked about Construction Work In
Progress and the decrease of $27.4 million, after reporting our fiscal year end adjustments. We're
transferring our Construction Work In Progress to our Capital Asset accounts. So this list is just a
little bit more detailed of what makes up that number. So, it's relative to the Audit Report that was
presented to us. Yeah, I know, there was a request to have a list provided that showed the In -Service
date, just so you can have an idea of the timeline between the In -Service date and the adjustment.
Other than that, if anyone has any questions?
CHR. HIRAKAMI: I noticed the delinquency went up over $24,000 over 90 days. We've had
several discussions on strategies to reduce this. I want to point out on page 25 of the Minutes of the
last meeting:
"MS. KEOLANUL• And then that goes back to our current policies and discussing that in a future
meeting, about how we can adjust it so that we don't have these same types of issues moving.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. What we can do is put it on our future agenda to provide information to the
Board on our collection and delinquency Policies and shut-off and whatever."
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So, that's come up several times in discussions, but I've never seen it on an
agenda. Could we make sure that we kind of make it be on the agenda, so we can at least we can
discuss it openly, find out and create some strategies to kind of see what we can do to reduce the —for
sure, yeah. Because there was a lot of discussion on it too. You know, last month we approved
writing off two $10,000 accounts. The discussion was really long, and we always say, "Hey, we've
got to build strategies to prevent this kind of stuff" I think the sooner we do it and the less delinquent
there are, the more chances we have of collecting it. So, I think that might be a good discussion to
have.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes, we will put it on. We weren't ready this month.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay.
MR. NEY: But the quick —the easy fix, and I kind of reiterated this many times, the property owner
have to be a guarantor of the account because that hasn't ever been done. Anyone can go just open an
account because they're the tenant at a place, but that shouldn't be the case.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, and so we can discuss that further when we're on the agenda. So yeah,
definitely. Yes, Kawena?
MR. LOPEZ: On this item also, where it says, "Water leaks," and it attributes it to, so we could
balance it, section that states "consumer water." So if this water leaks, a portion that we forgive, if
somebody has a 50 percent credit, right? That's what this is.
MS. GRAY: It could be. It could be pending processing of a leakage adjustment application. So, it
would fall into that 90-day category.
MR. LOPEZ: So it could be something you would petition for, the water leak adjustment, but it
hasn't been granted yet. It could show up in your report.
Page 21 of 28 May 23, 2023, water Board Minutes
MS. GRAY: Yes.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Any other questions for Candace?
MR. NEY: Just observation, HELCO went up —the Power Cost Adjustment was 33 percent total, the
last increase last year. It's on page three, I believe. Anyway, do you see that leveling off a little bit,
Keith, or do you see that trend still going up?
MR. OKAMOTO: And I think that would probably be better answered during our Energy Report,
which is actually further down the agenda. Waren seems to be nodding, so I think he can address that
with the Energy Report.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: So, let's move on to the Manager -Chief Engineer's report.
G. MANAGER -CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT
The Manager -Chief Engineer to provide an update on the following:
1. North Kona Wells
2. Department of Water Supply Energy Report
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes, and regarding the Kona Wells, as previously, I'll have Kawika provide an
update.
MR. UYEHARA: Okay, so for this month, North Kona Wells' situation, we have 10 out of our 14
operating. So again, seeing four that are down: Hualalai, I think the status is we removed the pump
already broken, and we need to approve equipment submittals; Palani, in the process of taking out the
pump and motor, and that one looking around July for its repair completion. The other two, Wai`aha,
which is again on the legal side; and Makalei, where we are pushing developer again to get us a
schedule on their repairs. They have other things they've got to deal with, but this one we're going to
focus on the repairs. So, next month we'll be able to get a better update on that repair schedule.
MR. OKAMOTO: And we're kind of hoping, you know, just on a side note on the Makalei side of
things, is that there will be some real progress being made. Maybe some pause in the past was
because of perhaps the ownership changed, but now that —I think that's been finalized. And there is
the new owner for the development, Nan, Inc.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Who is that?
MR. OKAMOTO: Nan, Inc.
MR. UYEHARA: Okay, thank you.
MR. OKAMOTO: Thanks, Kawika.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Thank you. And I think we'll go to the Energy Report. I think we have a
handout.
MR. CHING: Yes, I'm sure you have a handout of the Energy Report. As always, feel free to
interrupt if you have any questions as I go through it. Just going to do a little overview of the report
itself.
Page 22 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
So Power Cost, First Quarter 2023, was a bit over $5.6 million, which was up 3.3 percent, in the same
quarter of 2022. Compared to the previous quarter, is down 11.6 percent. Water Consumption and
Energy Use, Water Consumption First Quarter 2023, it was a bit over 2.1 billion gallons, down
7.2 percent, compared to the same quarter of 2022; compared to the previous quarter, it was down
8.7 percent.
MR. BROWN: I have a question.
MR. CHING: Yes`?
MR. BROWN: What do you attribute to that decrease in, I mean, of course, less water usage, but
anything in particular?
MR. CHING: You know, nothing that I can think of or that is apparent. It could possibly be more
raining on the Kona side, less irrigation. That's kind of a big user on the Kona side. But other than
that, maybe —yeah, it's kind of cyclical. Yeah, nothing jumped out.
MR. BROWN: All right. Thank you.
MR. CHING: And so total energy tends to follow in water consumption. So First Quarter 2023, it
was almost 13.5 million kWh, just down 8.7 percent from same quarter last year; compared to
previous quarter, it was down 11 percent. And yeah, you can kind of see it in the figure
below.
Moving on to the next page. Hawaiian Electric, we have 157 accounts broken down into
three separate rate schedules, as seen in Table 1. So average Hawaiian Electric energy rate,
First Quarter 2023 was about $0.396 per kWh, up 10.7 percent from the same quarter last
year; compared to the previous quarter, it was down 1.6 percent. So demand charge from
Hawaiian Electric, First Quarter 2023 was the same, $20.50/kW, same as the previous
quarter, same as the previous year. And I guess this might be a good place to go over, I
guess, Power Cost.
MR. NEY: Yeah, I'm just trying to square this because over here you say you got 33 percent
increase from the previous year, and I'm just trying to see that it reflects the same in terms of
looking at the graph here. But hopefully we're seeing theI mean, that's a substantial
amount, that 33 percent.
MR. CHING: That's 33 percent of our total?
MR. NEY: Is that the total Power Cost for the year? Is that what it represents?
MS. GRAY: That is. That's correct. I mean, we have been making the adjustments more
frequently, compared to the 5-year.
MR. CHING: Okay. But I guess, in general, for Hawaiian Electric purposes, we are seeing it plateau
a little bit. We had a jump in 2022,1 think that was because things were opening up then. And then
oil prices jumped, the demand for oil started going up and the supply was still short from the
pandemic. And so, yeah, if you look at page 2, Hawaiian Electric Energy Rate, it did peak about the
Page 23 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
Second/Third Quarter 2022. But we're seeing it flatten out. Going forward, hopefully, it stabilizes a
little bit.
MR. NEY: Just as long as we're covering our actual, the cost. Utility has to pay, and the
adjustments are covering, so we're not in the negative on this thing. Because in the past, I
think that was the case, right, Keith? Just that there are some checks and balances there.
CHR. HIRAKAML• There's good news in the morning paper.
MR. OKAMOTO: Oh, yeah.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Because they're renegotiating the contract, the price of electric provided
to them is going to go down. They're going to pass that on to their customers, which will
definitely affect our rates.
MR. NEY: Steve, does that have to do with the solar project up Waikoloa?
CHR HIRAKAML• Yeah, all the contracts. They're renegotiating their contracts with
Geothermal, and solar and wind power providers.
MR. OKAMOTO: Just for the Board's awareness, because it is related to energy, so I don't
have to worry about it. But yeah, so like what Steve -mentioned, some of the old contracts are
like legacy type contracts, where they had to tie it toI don't know if that's like transfer, you
know, avoided cost. So not exactly what the power producer could sell it at, it was based on
the price of oil, even though the power producer couldn't sell it cheaper. So, that is great
news. I haven't read that article yet. But that should help us.
CHR. HIRAKAML• Yeah.
MR. OKAMOTO: That's one ofI believe we are their largest customer on island. We still
have that distinction.
CHR. HIRAKAML I think that's a State initiative too, to go green by a certain target.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah. I think that's related, but it still —maybe it is. I don't know how
directly that is tied to their specific contract that they have with their power producer.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Well, solar is really helping. Because we got that land area Waikoloa project is
huge, so that's why it really affects the overall price. We still use oil. We shut down the last —I think
in Hawaii, we shut down the last coal burning plant on Oahu. But the more we move to cheaper
energy, but yeah. And it's all to do with the storage.
MS. KEOLANUI: Yeah. Hawaii Electric also has an RFP out for solar in the Hilo area. It's a pretty
large —
MR. OKAMOTO: It's got to be large.
Page 24 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
MS. KEOLANUI: It is a very large project that they are proposing. There are a lot of politics against
it, as well. It's awful.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: When the Lalamilo Well, that 10 million gallon well comes on, it's right next to
the windfarm. Will the power be directly distributed from the windfarm, or will it still go through
HELCO?
MR. INABA: Part of it, it's blended out. The windfarm provides power to eight wells, with HELCO
power also included. So it's a blend, it's a mix. And because how the wind can instantly stop, they
always have to have HELCO power. Wells got to be running.
MR. OKAMOTO: What keeps the wells running, and it still needs power.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Yeah, right.
MR. OKAMOTO: So the big part is that —what the big tank will do, is act like our battery, right?
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Yeah.
MR. OKAMOTO: So we can still buy the cheaper power even if our pump is not needing it at that
time.
CHR. HIRAKAML• Right.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, so that's the plan.
MR. NEY: Oh, it's a limit, right, on the consumption side. It doesn't export back power.
MR. OKAMOTO: No. They're not buying anything from us.
MR. NEY: Yeah, it's not like you're making anything off of this,
MR. OKAMOTO: If they do get it, they're getting it for free, which they don't complain about.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. INABA: There's a switch that basically doesn't allow them to feedback. It's a really tiny —
instantaneous, so they try to shut that off. They may see something on the meter.
MR. NEY: If there's a backhoe, they would just hire something.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Will that be the first project in Hawaii, where directly they get energy to feed
the energy use of the well? Because I haven't heard of it.
MR. OKAMOTO: I think for wells, it might be in Hawaii.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: For wells, yeah?
MR. OKAMOTO: I think Honolulu has a different pump, hydro storage thing with their reservoirs,
open reservoir. But for wells and an actual enclosed portable water tank, this might be the first.
Page 25 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Oh, that's exciting.
MR. NEY: It's better where it's sunny all day, because that's what the thing is with PV Solar, it's
only efficient when you have sunlight. In other areas, it might not be quite as —like Hilo side, I don't
know what the weather, you know, how that's going to perform over the long term when you get
those rainy days.
MR. OKAMOTO: So ultimately, again, our hope is that in the long run that is going to affect our
energy footprint, and actually what we pay for electrical utility.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Right.
MR. OKAMOTO: But now we're going to be paying the lower windfarm rate, which overall will
reduce our energy cost, which can then be passed on to our customers.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Exciting. Any more questions?
MR. CHING: We still have couple few pages. Yeah, I guess we can just go over to page 4. So I just
wanted to highlight, and I think we all kind of know, Hawaiian Electric, we rely on them exclusively,
for our well sites.
So, just wanted to highlight some of the generators we have on the island. We have them all around
the island. We place them in strategic critical sites. But yeah, you can see them in the figure and the
table. Yeah, so we have a few.
Also, some new business, we are waiting for another 1,000-kW generator, which is already under
contract, and we're expecting that in 2024.
MR. OKAMOTO: That's the one associated with the ICilauea 428 alternate procedures?
MR. CHING: Yes. Yeah, the public assistance from FEMA, so that one we're getting some
assistance through FEMA. Also, per the earlier agenda item, we are looking to install transfer
switches, which just make it quicker, easier, to switch over to the generator power.
Moving on. Okay, so we've been working on this Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project. Finally got to
commercial operations. But just to recap, we put solar PV at five different offices/baseyards, and this
project utilizes the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), similar to Lalamilo. The terms can be seen on
Table 2, so it's a 20-year term, at a rate of $0.19 per kWh, fixed for the 20 years. And so where we
see the savings, is really the difference between the Power Purchase Agreement rate and the Utility
rate, and you can see that in Table 3, but that's where the savings come in.
Looking at the figure below, the green chart shows, I guess, the percentage of energy that's coming
from the PV, through PPA, versus how much energy is coming from the electric utility. We started
commercial operation in January, so it's like a partial month, and then actually starting in March, we
got all five sites online. Yeah, we're getting this going. And the cost savings, you can see the figure
below that.
MR. OKAMOTO: One thing I do want to mention, with the Power Purchase Agreement, besides how
we utilize, and this PV system, not only, you know, the savings at a lower rate than the electrical
savings it also brings stability. So it's easier to help us budget finance and not have to do our cost
Page 26 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
adjustments because our rates are fixed versus the fluctuating based on oil today. So what I'm also
hopeful for is better rate stability, rather than relying on oil.
MR. NEY: I mean, you figure, 15 years what oil rates going to be, that we're getting for $0.19, that's
great.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yeah, hopefully.
MR. NEY: They must be selling it for $0.15. 1 mean, this is a lease, right?
MR. CHING: It's a lease. Basically, they own the PV system.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. CHING: They maintain it. They operate it. We just purchase the power from them.
MR. NEY: Right.
MR. CHING: So they're like almost like another source of energy for us.
MR. NEY: I never really understood the formula on how they make money because they still got to
have a profit. That's good for us, though.
MR. CHING: Alrighty, and then the last page, just some ongoing projects. So we closed up the solar
PV, started commercial operation there. And then just also working on an energy study, just to
benchmark DWS energy use. We'll try to come up with more energy savings projects, mainly for cost
savings projects. Yeah, trying to put everything onto one document.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Keith, anything else to add? No?
MR. OKAMOTO: No.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Okay, so it's me.
H. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
CHR. HIRAKAML• I'm really sorry I'm going to miss going to Ontario. I'm disappointed, but I've
got a major conflict with another individual with HAAS. I understand you and Ben are going.
MR. OKAMOTO: One employee is going to join us, as well.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Yeah, if you could bring some back some in your report next month. If you
could bring back some of the highlights of that convention that you're going to. Because it's
internationa0001, I understand. Not just national, just United States?
MR. OKAMOTO: I'm not sure.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: I think they're bringing in some people from Europe. I was really interested in
taking a trip down to Ka`u, at the site your crew mentioned was also an interesting place to visit.
Page 27 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes
7)
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. I think we do have something in mind. It may require some walking. But
we'll, again, put the notification out in advance.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: Yeah, that's an advantage of being on the Board to see something like that, how
water is brought to the surface and then distributed. Nothing more to add at this time
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Next Meeting: June 27, 2023, at the Department of Water Supply, Hilo Operations,
899 Leilani Street, Hilo, Hawaii.
MR. OKAMOTO: We are still looking at ways where we can do that remote hybrid type meeting. I
think our IT guys actually drove out earlier this morning to kind of scope things out and see what
capabilities there may be. Looks like Hilo we got something figured out already, but we don't want to
roll it out before we get everything figured out.
CHR. HIRAKAMI: It's more convenient. But in -person meetings are the best.
8) ADJOURNMENT
ACTION: Ms. Keolanui moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Lopez and carried
unanimously by voice vote.
(Meeting adjourned at 11:13 a.m.)
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY WATER BOARD
JUNE 27, 2023
Page 28 of 28 May 23, 2023, Water Board Minutes