HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2024-15 Kelly Hartman DEM Response1
Lahip, Jessica
From:Hartman, Kelly
Sent:Tuesday, June 4, 2024 1:11 PM
To:Palma, Maryam
Cc:Planning CDP
Subject:RE: Hāmākua CDP AC questions
Maryam,
Thank you for forwarding these quesƟons.
Please see DEM’s response below:
1. Who decides/decided the areas of prioriƟes?
DEM: The areas of priority are decided collaboraƟvely by a team of stakeholders including the public, DEM,
Mayor’s AdministraƟon, County Finance Department and County Council. They will consider public input,
financial feasibility, and expert recommendaƟons before finalizing prioriƟes.
2. What criteria or how were those areas selected?
DEM: The draft priority areas for sewer service expansion are being evaluated based on several key factors:
High cesspool density and alignment with State health and environmental priorities: Areas with a lot
of cesspools and that the state has identified for wastewater treatment are high on the list.
Capacity: The expansion must be able to connect to existing sewage collection and treatment facilities
without overloading them.
Development potential: Areas zoned for medium-to-high density housing or industry are prioritized for
sewer service to support future growth.
Limited septic options: Areas with small lots (less than 1 acre) where it's difficult to get a septic system
permit are prime candidates for sewer expansion.
Cost-effectiveness: Areas with lower construction costs are more likely to be included in initial expansion
plans.
Strategic location: Areas near affordable housing developments, grant projects, planned communities,
or existing sewer infrastructure are favorable for expansion.
Sewer Rate Fee Impacts and Affordability: The County is evaluating construction, operation, and
maintenance cost impacts to service costs.
3. Who decided the pay criteria?
DEM: The DraŌ IWWMP will be complete this summer. It will be made available to all stakeholders for at least a
30-day review period.
4. What mechanisms are used to determine:
a. COH pay vs. private pay
DEM: CHAPTER 21 of the Hawai‘i County Code contains all ordinances to regulate the use of all public
sewers. The County is responsible for operaƟng and maintaining all public sewers.
2
b. COH maintained vs. private
DEM: CHAPTER 21 of the Hawai‘i County Code contains all ordinances to regulate the use of all public
sewers. The County is responsible operaƟng and maintaining all public sewers.
c. CriƟcal areas
DEM: The State Department of Health Cesspool Priority
(hƩps://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/files/2022/11/prioriƟzaƟontoolreport.pdf)
Kelly Hartman
Environmental Planner | Department of Environmental Management | County of Hawaii
Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management
Email: kelly.hartman@hawaiicounty.gov
From: Palma, Maryam <Maryam.Palma@hawaiicounty.gov>
Sent: Monday, June 3, 2024 10:15 AM
To: Hartman, Kelly <Kelly.Hartman@hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: Planning CDP <cdp@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: RE: Hāmākua CDP AC questions
Hey Kelly,
Just checking in on that drafted response:)
Mahalo,
Maryam
From: Hartman, Kelly <Kelly.Hartman@hawaiicounty.gov>
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2024 2:07 PM
To: Palma, Maryam <Maryam.Palma@hawaiicounty.gov>
Cc: Planning CDP <cdp@hawaiicounty.gov>
Subject: RE: Hāmākua CDP AC questions
Aloha Maryam,
I submitted a draft response to the Director for approval. Please stand by.
Thank you,
Kelly Hartman
Environmental Planner | Department of Environmental Management | County of Hawaii
Website: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management
Email: kelly.hartman@hawaiicounty.gov