HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-26 EMC testimony - Williams, Lynda (6-25)From:Lynda Lovon
To:Sur, Peter; Kagiwada, Jennifer; Mansour, Ramzi
Subject:Testimony for DEM Agenda Item VII 3 Wastewater Division Projects and Updates
Date:Tuesday, June 25, 2024 11:59:49 AM
Aloha Board,
I'm writing today as a resident of Hilo in county district 2 regarding the contaminated waste
water release on Friday June 21st and the lack of public communication about the health
hazards of swimming at the beaches of Keaukaha. The spill started at 8:30am and released
607,000 gallons of untreated water into the most popular stretch of beach in Hilo. Although an
alert was released, very few people saw it. Signage was nil along the beaches. People reported
not seeing signs at Carlsmith or Richardson Beaches. Mayor Roth didn't release a statement
until SUNDAY. There are reports of illness by locals who went swimming this weekend.
People are outraged. As an avid swimmer, I am outraged. You must do better to protect
citizens especially since that treatment plant is dilapidated and will most likely release again
before a new plant can be built.
Why doesn't the DEM work with CERT to send out announcements? This is a CIVIL issue.
Why were signs not posted? Why didn't the mayor send police to inform the
crowded beaches? You could post an electric sign along the road to inform people.
This is obscene negligence to protect the community from contaminated waste water. You
need to urgently develop a response strategy that informs the public when there are any
releases into local waters.
Mahalo
Lynda Williams
District 2.