HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-28 EMC testimony - Bell, Barbara (08-25)BARBARA BELL
69-1536 Puakō Beach Drive, Kamuela, 96743
bbellster@gmail.com
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
August 28, 2024
Comments on VI Reports/Correspondence, Director’s Report, Item 5, Question #2, under Commissioner’s
questions. “What is happening regarding the decentralized wastewater pilot project at Puakō?”
Hello Commissioners,
I am unable to attend your commission meeting, and would like to offer these comments and questions for
your consideration.
A sewer system in Puakō (either just collection, or with a form of treatment) is by definition a public project,
since Puakō Beach Drive is a County road, and County Department of Water Supply is also involved by virtue of
their water distribution lines in Puakō Beach Drive. The residents of Puakō are interested in helping the County
to protect the near-shore waters, and the nearby reef, by installing sewer collection lines in Puakō Beach
Drive, which now makes the project Public/Private, by definition.
A new non-profit has been formed for this purpose, Puakō For Reefs, and it is very active. A big percentage of
property owners in the community are truly engaged, with many working diligently to make a sewer happen,
sooner, rather than later.
There are a few questions which need formal answers before continuing with our efforts.
1. Will the County allow AND support a CFD (Community Facilities District) to fund planning as well as
capital costs?
2. Would the County DEM consider asking for ~$1M on their CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) list for
2025, for planning purposes?
3. Will a low-pressure collection system be accepted for dedication by the County? A CFD requires that
the County owns some or all of the infrastructure.
4. What can the County provide, as a guarantee, to the community? With written commitments, the
community can plan future actions, by trusting the County to be a full partner with the community,
through its guarantee.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to bring these questions to your attention. I’ve attached our most
recent newsletter to this testimony, to give you some background. Also, our website puako4reefs.org is
becoming populated with research information, relevant articles, and of course our previous newsletters.
Sincerely,
Barbara Bell