HomeMy WebLinkAboutSouth Kohala CIP request for cesspool removal project in PuakoSOUTH KOHALA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE
Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawai i 96720
(808) 961-8288 Fax (808) 961-8742
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D.
Mayor
Tristie Licoan, Chair
William Sanborn
Ruth Smith
Josephine Tanimoto
Julia Alos
Kevin McLaughlin
Scott Nagata, Vice-Chair
Vacant
Karen Anderson
May 19, 2025
County Council
County Building
25Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject: Recommended CIP Request for Community-Initiated Cesspool Closure
Project. From Community Action to County Commitment: Investing in Reef
Dear Chairman Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba and Members of the County Council,
approved recommending a $1,000,000 CIP appropriation to support a community-initiated cesspool
Communities within South Kohala (AECOM 2024).
25% endemic they provide nursery grounds for marine life, cultural sustenance, and billions in tourism
- Mauna Kea, Westin Hapuna,
Fairmont Orchid, and Auberge at Mauna Lani. The reef also sustains traditional Hawaiian cultural and
fishing practices and is the strongest fortification against storm surge in the protection of shorelines and
7% today due to wastewater contamination. Decades of scientific studies confirm this trend, and urgent
action is needed to avoid irreversible collapse below the 5% threshold, which is predicted within ten
years.
This CIP request would launch a revolving fund, administered by the County Finance Department, to
place, its bond issuance (or USDA loan/grant) would repay the fund, making capital available for other
identified as a Priority 1
cesspool conversion area
proceeds, with estimated pre-construction and CFD startup costs totaling $1 million, including detailed
engineering, environmental review, and legal and financial consultation.
PFR has already raised $250,000 in donations from community members over the past two years for
initial planning, on top of the $2,500,000 donated by the community since 2012 for scientific studies,
design work, and community engagement. County support is now essential to move into the project
implementation phase.
Protecting nearshore waters and closing cesspools are
shallow water table make it the most critical site for action. Public access to this reef via nine County-
owned paths and the State boat ramp makes this a shared resource whose protection benefits all.
We urge the County to act on this high-impact, cost-recoverable opportunity and approve this CIP
request.
Respectfully,
Tristie Licoan, Chair
South Kohala Action Committee
CC: James Hustace, Hawaii County Council member, District 9