HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-26 Water Board Meeting Minutes MINUTES
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
WATER BOARD MEETING
May 26,2026
West Hawaii Civic Center,Bldg. G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr.Michael Kekela Jr., Chairperson, Dist.4
Mr. Keith Unger, Vice-Chairperson, Dist. 6
Mr. Colin Miura,Water Board Member, Dist. I (via videoconference)
Mr. James Lee,Water Board Member, Dist. 2
Ms. Emily Taaroa,Water Board Member, Dist. 5 (via videoconference)
Mr. Stephen Lopez, Water Board Member,Dist. 8
Mr. Philip Aiona,Water Board Member, Dist. 9
Mr. Keith K. Okamoto,Manager-Chief Engineer,
Department of Water Supply(ex-officio member)
ABSENT: Mr. Guy Alameda, Water Board Member, Dist. 3
Director,Planning Department(ex-officio member)
Director, Department of Public Works (ex-officio member)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Diana Mellon-Lacey, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Mr. Justin Lee, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Dr. Jeff Zimpfer,NPS, guest
Mr. Jeff Bray,guest
Ms. Laura Dierenfield, guest
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY STAFF:
Mr. Kawika Uyehara, Deputy
Ms. Candace Gray, Waterworks Controller
Mr. Gregory Goodale, Chief of Operations
Mr. Allan Simeon,Engineering Division Head
Ms. Shari Uyeno, Assistant Engineering Division Head
Mr.Warren Ching, Civil Engineer IV
Mr. Eric Takamoto,Mechanical Engineer III
Ms. Maraea Keamo, Senior Clerk Stenographer
Ms. Lindsey Tabandera,Information Systems Analyst IV
Ms. Kayla Okazaki, Information Systems Analyst I
Mr. Barry Kobayashi, Information Systems Support Technician II
1) CALL TO ORDER—Chair Kekela called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Board Members who were
present: Messrs. Miura, Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chair Kekela.
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 April 28,2026, Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating and CIP Budgets:
ACTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the Minutes of the April 28, 2026, Public Hearing on the Fiscal
Year 2027 Operating and CIP Budgets; seconded by Mr. Lopez and carried unanimously by voice vote
(Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
Minutes of April 28,2026,Water Board Meeting:
ACTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the Minutes of the April 28, 2026,Water Board
meeting; seconded by Mr.Lopez and carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura,
Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
4) APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA—None.
Change order of Business: As directed by the Chair and with no objection from the members of the Board,the
following item was taken out of order.
7) MISCELLANEOUS:
L. EXECUTIVE SESSION REGARDING SETTLEMENT OF PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM:
The Board anticipates convening an executive session pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS") §92-
5(a)(4)to consult with the Board's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Board's powers, duties,
privileges, immunities,and liabilities,in relation to settlement. A two-thirds vote of the members present,
pursuant to HRS §92-4,is necessary to hold an executive session,provided the affirmative vote constitutes a
majority of the members to which the Board is entitled.
ACTION: Mr. Lopez moved that the Board enter into Executive Session; seconded by Mr. Unger and carried
unanimously by the following roll call vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Lopez,
Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
(The Board entered into Executive Session at 10:08 a.m. and reconvened in regular session at 10:45 a.m.)
CHR. KEKELA: Can I get a motion to approve the recommendation from the Corporation Counsel?
ACTION: Mr. Lopez moved to approve the recommendation by Corporation Counsel; seconded by Mr.
Unger and carried unanimously by the following roll call vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
5) POWER COST CHARGE:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the agenda
item.
Departmental power costs recovered had increased since the last Power Cost Charge rate was determined.
The Department proposes to decrease the Power Cost Charge from $2.84 to $2.53 per thousand gallons as a
result of this increase.Power cost charges over the past year were as follows:
Page 2 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Effective PCC
March 1, 2026 $2.84
November 1,2025 $2.98
June 1,2025 $2.08
February 1,2025 $2.32
A Public Hearing was held prior to this Board Meeting to accept public testimony on this change.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the decrease of the Power Cost Charge
from $2.84 to $2.53, effective June 1, 2026.
MOTION: Mr.Aiona moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
CHR. KEKELA: Is there any discussion?
MR. LOPEZ: Just a question. I understand how we arrive at these power cost charges and the history,but
with the cost of fuel now, is there quite a big delta between when this was set and what it is now?I'm just
surprised that we are lowering the power cost charge.
MS. GRAY: I'm just going to speak to the formula as far as how we calculate the power cost charge.We
look at the total electricity cost for the period,it's a four-month period. This is from November through
February, and we take that total and include the difference between the amount of power cost recovered
versus our electricity cost, and that is added to the formula, and we divide it by our consumption for that
period, and that's how we arrive at the rate.
MR. LOPEZ: You actually answered my question in the opening statement because it was the period before
we started our war.
MS. GRAY: Yes, there is a lag.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa,
Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
6) SOUTH KOHALA:
A. SERVICE BID NO. 2026-02, WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE REMOVAL:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This project generally consists of furnishing all labor,materials,tools, and equipment necessary to
remove and dispose of settled sludge from the Waimea Water Treatment Plant 2.7 MG reservoir, 8.5 MG
reservoir, and drying beds as needed, for a period starting from the date of the Notice to Proceed and
ending June 30, 2028.
Bids for this project were opened on May 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.,and the following are the bid results:
2B Environmental, DWS Engineering
Inc. Estimate
Section 1: Sludge Removal from 2.7MG Reservoir with
Disposal On-Site $ 0.38 $ 0.48
Per Gallon Cost
Page 3 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Section 2: Sludge Removal from 2.7MG Reservoir with
Disposal Off-Site No Bid $ 0.53
Per Gallon Cost
Section 3: Sludge Removal from 8.5MG Reservoir with
Disposal On-Site $ 0.37 $ 0.49
Per Gallon Cost
Section 4: Sludge Removal from 8.5MG Reservoir with
Disposal Off-Site No Bid $ 0.54
Per Gallon Cost
Section 5: Sludge Removal from Drying Beds with Disposal
On-Site $ 0.40 $ 0.51
Per Gallon Cost
Section 6: Sludge Removal from Drying Beds with Disposal
Off-Site No Bid $ 0.56
Per Gallon Cost
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for SERVICE BID NO.
2026-02,WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE REMOVAL,to the lowest responsible
bidder, 2B Environmental, Inc., for a unit price of$0.38 per gallon for Section 1, $0.37 per gallon for
Section 3,and $0.40 per gallon for Section 5, on an as-needed basis,and that either the Chairperson or
the Vice-Chairperson be authorized to sign the contract, subject to review as to form and legality by
Corporation Counsel. The sludge removal contract shall be from the date of Notice to Proceed to June 30,
2028.
MOTION: Mr. Lopez moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
MR. OKAMOTO: This is for a service that we already have in place. It was a resolicitation for another
two-year period.
MR.UNGER: I have a general question. Can you translate 37 cents per gallon of removal? Last year,
what was the annual cost?
MR. GOODALE: It was just a little less than this bid, so the bid price didn't go up significantly.We did
end up utilizing most of the funds that we allocated to this contract.
MR.UNGER: Price-wise, do you remember what the cost was?Are we talking $200,000?
MR. GOODALE: I'd say it was a couple of cents difference.
MR. OKAMOTO: The total,what did we pay?
MR. GOODALE: I think we ended up paying around $300,000 for the year.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
B. WATER TREATMENT PROPOSAL NO. 2026-05, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING
COAGULANTS TO THE WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Page 4 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
This project generally consists of furnishing all labor,materials,tools, and equipment necessary to
deliver coagulants to the Waimea Water Treatment Plant, for a period not to exceed two years.
Bids for this project were opened on May 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
Description Pural Water Malama DWS Engineering
Specialty Co., Solutions & Estimate
Inc. Supplies,LLC
Estimated Coagulant Cost for the 24- $152,545.94 $174,134.70* $165,600.00
Month Contract Period (dry basis
*Bidder's amount was corrected for an arithmetic error.
Bidder Amount
1) Pural Water Specialty Co.,Inc. $152,545.94
2) Contingency $ 47,454.06
TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE $200,000.00
The reason for the high contingency is that as the source water's turbidity increases during the year due to
unstable weather conditions,more coagulants are used to meet the water quality requirements of the State
of Hawaii, Department of Health.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for WATER
TREATMENT PROPOSAL NO. 2026-05, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING COAGULANTS TO
THE WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT,to Pural Water Specialty Co., Inc. for the bid price of
$152,545.94,plus $47,454.06 in contingency,for a total contract price of$200,000.00 for the period
from July 1,2026,to June 30, 2028,and that either the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson be
authorized to sign the contracts, subject to review as to form and legality by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Lee.
MR. OKAMOTO: This is a product that we use regularly at the Waimea Treatment Plant.We have an
existing contract, and it's time to get another one for a two-year period. As written in the agenda item,the
reason for the larger contingency over the typical 10%is that how much coagulant we use is really
dependent on the raw water quality. The water comes from two stream sources. If there is heavy rain,
there is more stuff coming into the stream, so the water has more stuff in it, and you need more coagulant
to settle that out.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
C. WATER TREATMENT PROPOSAL NO. 2026-06, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING OF VARIOUS
TREATMENT CHEMICALS (LIQUID AMMONIA, 50%LIQUID CAUSTIC SODA, C-9
POLYPHOSPHATE, 38% SODIUM BISULFITE, 50% SULFURIC ACID, 12.5% SODIUM
HYPOCHLORITE, 50% SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ACCU-TAB TABLETS, SODA ASH, AND CITRIC
ACID) TO THE WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT(ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS):
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This bid generally consists of furnishing all labor,materials,tools, and equipment necessary to deliver
various treatment chemicals to the Waimea Water Treatment Plant,for a period not to exceed two years.
Page 5 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Bids were opened on May 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.,and the following are the bid results:
South Pacific
Malama Phoenix V LLC Gold Combine Estimated Cost
Solutions & LLC DBA Based on Mat.
Supplies,LLC dba BEI Hawaii Chemstation Bid 2024-06
Hawaii
Part A—Liquid
Ammonia,
delivery once per
month, (90 No Bid No Bid No Bid $679.28
cylinders per year)
Cost per 100
pound cylinders
Part B—50%
Liquid Caustic
Soda (4 dry tons No Bid $2,626.63 No Bid $2,307.42
per 5 weeks) Cost
per dry ton
Part C—C-9
Polyphosphate (7
drums per month) $1,500.00 $1,311.91 $1,389.00 $1,127.27
Cost per 30 gallon
drum
Part D—38%
Sodium Bisulfite
(Delivery once per $1,375.00 $600.88 $738.00 $404.47
3 weeks) Cost per
50 gallon drum
Part E—50%
Sulfuric Acid
(Delivery once per No Bid $749.36 $875.00 $425.17
3 weeks) Cost per
750 pound drum
Part F—12.5%
Sodium
Hypochlorite (3 No Bid $404.06 $625.00 $389.50
drums per month)
Cost per 53 gallon
drum
Part G—50%
Sodium
Hydroxide No Bid $511.01 $698.00 $450.37
(Delivery once per
month) Cost per
650 pound drum
Part H—Accu-
Tabs SI Tablets
(14 buckets per No Bid No Bid No Bid $187.99
month) Cost per
60 pound bucket
Page 6 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Part I-Soda Ash
(62 bags per 3 $32.85 $33.76 $53.00 $31.85
weeks) Cost per
50-lb. bag
Part J- Citric
Acid (6 drums at a
time) Cost per 55- $875.00 No Bid $1,088.00 $1,905.76
gallon drum
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for WATER
TREATMENT PROPOSAL NO. 2026-06 FURNISHING AND DELIVERING VARIOUS
TREATMENT CHEMICALS TO WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT 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 form and legality of the contract(s)by Corporation Counsel.
The price agreement shall be from July 1, 2026,to June 30, 2028.
Parts B, C, D, E, F, and G to Phoenix V LLC dba BEI Hawaii.
Parts I and J to Malama Solutions & Supplies, LLC.
For Parts A and H,no bids were received. Staff will seek alternative procurement pursuant to HAR 3-
122-35 to secure pricing in the best interest of the Department.
ACTION: Mr. Aiona moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger and carried
unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Aiona,Lopez, and
Chairperson Kekela).
D. SERVICE BID NO. 2026-07, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT
PLANT HACH EQUIPMENT:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This project generally consists of furnishing all transportation, labor, equipment,tools, and consumable
materials necessary to provide maintenance and repair services to various Hach equipment at the
Department of Water Supply's Waimea Water Treatment Plant facility for a period beginning from the
Notice to Proceed,through June 30,2027.
Bids for this project were opened on May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
Bidder Bid Amount DWS
Engineering
Estimate
Hach Company Non-Responsive $ 76,290.00
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board not award the contract for SERVICE BID
NO. 2026-07, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF WAIMEA WATER TREATMENT PLANT HACH
EQUIPMENT, due to the sole bid received was determined to be non-responsive. Staff will re-evaluate
the scope of work and resolicit this bid per HAR§3-122-35 to procure the required services in the best
interest of the Department.
Page 7 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MS. MELLON-LACEY: For clarity,it indicates here that the bid was non-responsive. Is that correct?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: We wouldn't be able to accept a non-responsive bid, so I don't see that there is
anything for the Board to vote on.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes,you are right.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Unless you want them to vote on staff reevaluating,but that seems internal.
MR. GOODALE: I thought the Board had to approve alternate procurement.
MR. OKAMOTO: It's not alternate procurement;we're going to rebid, I guess.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: It says they are going to reevaluate the scope.
MR. OKAMOTO: Thank you, Diana.Normally,we would've thought we'd go with alternative
procurement for this one,but it sounds like we're going to reevaluate it and rebid it. After that,we'll
bring it back to the Board.
E. MAINTENANCE BID NO. 2026-13, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF WAIMEA WATER
TREATMENT PLANT BLOWER AND COMPRESSOR:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This project consists of furnishing all transportation,labor,materials,tools,and equipment necessary to
provide routine maintenance and selected repair services for the Department of Water Supply Waimea
Water Treatment Plant's Blower and Compressor, for a period beginning July 1, 2026,through June 30,
2027.
Bids for this project were opened on May 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., and no bids were received.
DWS
Engineering Estimate
Maintenance services for two (2) Continental
centrifugal blowers. Furnish only,filter element as NO BIDS $28,600.00
specified in SPECIAL PROVISIONS. Repair
service allowance for all equipment on an as-
needed basis beyond the scheduled quarterly
services, inclusive of labor,parts,taxes and
transportation. Maintenance service for one (1)
Atlas Co co rotary air compressor.
RECOMMENDATION: No bids were submitted. Staff will seek alternative procurement pursuant to
HAR 3-122-35 to procure the required services.
MOTION: Mr.Lee moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
MR.UNGER: Is this item for information only?
Page 8 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Yes. There is no alternative;that is all they can do.
MR. OKAMOTO: We don't need the Board approval?
MS. MELLON-LACEY: To go with alternative procurement?Well,we don't really have a choice unless
you think there is some way you could repackage the bid to get a response.
CHR. KEKELA: They aren't soliciting a bid again, right?
MR. AIONA: No. I think they're going a different route, right?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. We still try to keep it competitive, so we try to get quotes from at least three
vendors who we think could provide these types of services, and then award it to the lowest one.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: I think what I've seen in the past, Keith,is that when you do pick one,you still
bring that contract back to the Board to be approved, correct'?
MR. OKAMOTO: No, I think that's why we've been putting it on here. I think what we do toward this
time period is we're supposed to report to the Board all those that we've procured by alternative
procurement, so you see what we did via this method, and you see the amount of the contract. Because
we got it approved at this stage,that summary is for informational purposes only.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: If you feel better having them vote on alternative procurement,you can.
MR. AIONA: But basically, it's us giving you guys the right to go and procure on your own without
having to come back to the Board.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes, and at least you guys have the information on what we're doing, and you can
also see that sometimes we don't get bids, or we can explain things that you may have questions on.
MR.UNGER: I would recommend to the Board that once you do finally get a solid bid that you're going
to accept through this alternate method,that you come back to the Board and just report that this contract
was secured for this amount. I think it will be interesting information for us because it could trigger some
additional discussion.
MR. OKAMOTO: We will definitely do that. As you know,we've gone through several Board meetings,
and we've had several agenda items that have resulted in this—
MR.UNGER: Right, and once we approve it,we don't know if it doubled,tripled,or if you were able to
negotiate under; so I think that would be good information for us to know.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes,we will provide that to the Board. I think it would make sense to do it after the
fiscal year, and it will be a summary of all those contracts that we awarded through alternative
procurement,what the actual award amount was versus what the estimate was.
MR.UNGER: Right. That would be very helpful.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
7) MISCELLANEOUS:
A. MATERIAL BID NO. 2026-01, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING PIPES, FITTINGS, WATER
METERS, FIRE HYDRANTS, BRASS GOODS, VALVES, ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, ELECTRICAL
Page 9 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
EQUIPMENT, SCADA, WATER QUALITY EQUIPMENT, CHLORINATORS, MOTORS, AND
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY STOCK:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Bids were opened on May 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.,and the following are the bid results:
Part
Description Bidder Amount Estimated Cost
No.
1 DUCTILE IRON PIPE, Core & Main LP dba $105,500.00 $100,000.00
PUSH-ON TYPE JOINT Pacific Pipe Company
2 DUCTILE IRON Core & Main LP dba $247,530.00 $205,936.00
FITTINGS Pacific Pipe Company
DUCTILE IRON
3 FITTINGS— No Bids $12,705.00
CORROSIVE SERVICE
ABR Ventures, LLC
DUCTILE IRON SOLID
4 BODY SLEEVES dba Honua $90,596.80 $72,330.00
Waterworks
5 FLANGE GASKETS No Bids $19,204.56
6 NUTS, BOLTS, AND No Bids $74,562.12
THREADED RODS
Core & Main LP dba $270,875.00 $232,600.00
COPPER TUBING Pacific Pipe Company
GALVANIZED PIPES Ferguson Enterprises,
8 T&C(THREADED & LLC $24,486.50 $23,432.10
COUPLED)
9 M&H Investment $47,643.00 $45,500.00
METER BOXES Corp. dba ICO Supply
10 Core & Main LP dba $9,250.00 $9,250.00
METER COVERS Pacific Pipe Company
11 AUTOMATIC METER Ferguson Enterprises, $114,000.00 $110,400.00
READING UNIT
12 SMART WATER No Bids $302,716.00
METERS
13 5/8"WATER METERS Non-Responsive $74,223.00
14 NEPTUNE METER Ferguson EnCterprises, $471,318.70* $417,422.80
PARTS
15 BADGER RECORDALL No Bids $843,968.70
SERIES METER PARTS
16 MUELLERMERSEY No Award $394,413.00
METER PARTS
Page 10 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Part
Description Bidder Amount Estimated Cost
No.
17 1"- 2"WATER METERS Non-Responsive $14,466.20
18 COMPOUND WATER No Bids $15,291.32
METERS
19 TURBINE METERS No Bids $26,987.47
20 DETECTOR CHECK Core & Main LP dba $12,400.00 $11,900.00
METERS Pacific Pipe Company
21 FIRE SERVICE METERS No Bids $83,218.55
ABR Ventures, LLC
22 FIRE HYDRANTS dba Honua $174,788.15 $247,000.00
Waterworks
23 TAMPER-RESISTANT No Bids $201,420.00
FIRE HYDRANTS
24 MUELLER FIRE Core & Main LP dba $43,459.00 $39,274.00
HYDRANT PARTS Pacific Pipe Company
25 M&H VALVE FIRE Core & Main LP dba $43,731.00 $35,713.00
HYDRANT PARTS Pacific Pipe Company
26 AMERICAN DARLING Core & Main LP dba $35,483.00 $29,624.00
FIRE HYDRANT PARTS Pacific Pipe Company
27 Core & Main LP dba $103,250.00 $91,750.00
BALL METER VALVES Pacific Pipe Company
BALL VALVE,PACK Core & Main LP dba
28 JOINT X METER $74,975.00 $67,210.00
COUPLING/FIP Pacific Pipe Company
CORPORATION AND Core & Main LP dba
29 CURB STOPS—BALL Pacific Pipe Company $171,925.00 $147,525.00
TYPE
30 COMPRESSION JOINT Core & Main LP dba $10,600.00 $9,800.00
COUPLING Pacific Pipe Company
31 METER FLANGE Core & Main LP dba $7 200.00 $6,275.00
COUPLING Pacific Pipe Company
32 PACK JOINT Core & Main LP dba $72,240.00 $61,500.00
COUPLING Pacific Pipe Company
33 HOSE BIBBS No Award $5,260.00
ABR Ventures, LLC
34 AIR RELIEF VALVES dba Honua $25,214.51 $26,925.00
Waterworks
35 SLOW CLOSING No Bids $124,568.10
AIR/VACUUM VALVES
Page 11 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Part
Description Bidder Amount Estimated Cost
No.
36 NOZZLE CHECK No Bids $248,600.00
VALVES
37 DUCKBILL CHECK Core & Main LP dba $135,035.00 $130,635.00
VALVES Pacific Pipe Company
GATE VALVES—3" ABR Ventures, LLC
38 AND LARGER, 1254 dba Honua $92,446.75 $91,040.00
CLASS Waterworks
GATE VALVES—3" Core & Main LP dba
39 AND LARGER, 2504 $101,600.00 $81,714.39
CLASS Pacific Pipe Company
BUTTERFLY VALVES— A13R Ventures, LLC
40 3"AND LARGER, 1254 dba Honua $14,035.92 $18,680.00
CLASS Waterworks
41 AUTOMATIC Core & Main LP dba $2,930,014.00 $2,758,332.72
CONTROL VALVES Pacific Pipe Company
AXIAL FLOW
42 CONTROL VALVES No Bids $817,250.00
AND ACTUATION
43 RESERVOIR LEVEL No Bids $14,109.20
INDICATOR
44 INVERTED MARKING No Bids $19,686.00
PAINT
45 HATCH FRAMES AND No Bids $41,900.00
COVERS
EMERGENCY
46 EYEWASH/SHOWER Ferguson Enterprises $22,404.34 $17,619.34
STATIONS
PERSONAL
47 PROTECTIVE No Bids $8,777.68
EQUIPMENT(PPE)
48 ELECTRICAL GLOVES No Bids $2,605.00
49 PORTABLE POWER No Bids $49,390.00
CABLE &FITTINGS
50 INDUSTRIAL MOTOR No Bids $154,860.00
LEAD CABLE
51 VFD CABLE No Bids $935,620.00
52 INDUSTRIAL No Bids $13,185.00
CONTROL WIRING
53 ELECTRICAL FITTINGS No Bids $34,537.81
54 SINGLE METER No Bids $22,834.18
SOCKET
Page 12 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Part
Description Bidder Amount Estimated Cost
No.
55 COMBINATION METER No Bids $219,668.60
MAIN
56 CT ENCLOSURE No Bids $25,970.57
57 ENCLOSURES No Bids $7,831.28
MOLDED CASE
58 CIRCUIT BREAKER— No Bids $77,410.00
SERVICE ENTRANCE
59 TRANSFER SWITCH No Bids $758,258.97
HEAVY-DUTY SAFETY
60 &TRANSFER No Bids $393,472.19
SWITCHES
61 REDUCED VOLTAGE No Bids $904,435.00
SOFTSTARTER
62 ULH VARIABLE No Bids $2,956,747.00
FREQUENCY DRIVES
63 POWER QUALITY No Bids $381,265.00
EQUIPMENT
LIQUID-FILLED
64 MEDIUM VOLTAGE No Bids $1,369,300.00
PAD-MOUNTED
TRANSFORMERS
65 SURGE PROTECTION No Bids $90,766.18
DEVICES
ELECTRONIC&
66 TELEMETRY No Bids $51,250.00
TROUBLESHOOTING
SERVICES
67 PROGRAMMING No Bids $51,250.00
SERVICES
SCADA PROGRAMMIN
68 &CONFIGURATION No Bids $51,250.00
SERVICES
PRESSURE
69 TRANSDUCER—WELL No Bids $37,105.40
LEVEL
PRESSURE
70 TRANSDUCER— No Bids $4,971.45
RESERVOIR LEVEL
71 PRESSURE No Bids $3,800.00
TRANSMITTER
72 FLOW SWITCH No Bids $2,648.66
ELECTROMAGNETIC
73 FLOW METER—WELL No Bids $192,855.60
&BOOSTER
Page 13 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Part
Description Bidder Amount Estimated Cost
No.
ELECTROMAGNETIC
74 FLOW METER— No Bids $755,471.70
RESERVOIR&PRV
REAGENTLESS
75 CHLORINE RESIDUAL No Bids $49,501.05
ANALYZERS
76 WATER QUALITY No Bids $73,032.34
EQUIPMENT
77 REAGENTS AND No Bids $7,584.78
STANDARDS
78 MULTISTAGE No Bids $436,145.00
BOOSTER PUMPS
ASME
79 HYDROPNEUMATIC No Bids $616,060.00
TANKS
80 DIGITAL CHLORINE No Bids $118.875.00
CYLINDER SCALE
81 CHLORINE GAS No Bids $20,921.21
FEEDER
82 MECHANICAL SEALS No Bids $149,455.00
83 MOTORS No Bids $1,722,170.00
84 INDUSTRIAL No Bids $290,943.10
LUBRICANTS
85 LEAK NOISE DATA Wong's Equipment& $8 635.00 $69,480.00
LOGGER&PARTS Service, LLC
*Item(s)in this Part for Material Bid 2026-01 may have been different, or additional items were added to
this Part from Material Bid 2025-01.
The contract period for all Parts is one year, from July 1, 2026,to June 30,2027. All Parts are
established price agreements for materials on an "As-Needed Basis."
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for MATERIAL BID NO.
2026-01, 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 by Parts to the following for the
amounts shown above,on an as-needed basis, and that either the Chairperson of the Vice-Chairperson be
authorized to sign the contract(s), subject to review as to form and legality of the contract(s)by
Corporation Counsel. The contract period shall be from July 1, 2026,to June 30, 2027.
Parts 1, 2, 7, 10, 20, 24, 25,26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 37, 39, and 41 to Core &Main LP dba Pacific Pipe
Co., Inc.
Parts 4, 22, 34, 38,and 40 to ABR Ventures, LLC dba Honua Waterworks
Page 14 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Parts 8, 11, 14, and 46 to Ferguson Enterprises, LLC
Part 9 to M &H Investment Corp. dba ICO Supply
Part 85 to Wong's Equipment& Services, LLC
It is recommended that Parts 16 and 33 not be awarded to ABR Ventures, LLC dba Honua Waterworks,
as it has been determined that the proposed bid amounts cannot be considered fair and reasonable.
For the Parts that were non-responsive or 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.
MOTION: Mr.Aiona moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
MR. LOPEZ: Just an observation. I'm happy to see that when we see something that's way out of line
than what your expectation is,given what your sources are,you deny it.You did that in a couple of
places here with the same bidder. I'm happy to see that,personally.
CHR. KEKELA: And for those, it will be alternate procurement?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
B. MATERIAL BID NO. 20026-08, FURNISH BASE COURSE, SAND, COLD MIX, HOT MIX, AND
NO. 3F ROCK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Bids were opened on May 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
Puna Hawaii Edwin Est.Cost
Jas.W. Grace Crushed Hawaii DeLuz
Rock Based on
Glover Pacific Rock& Paving, Trucking
Company Ltd. LLC Aggregate, LLC &Gravel Mat.Bid
Limited LLC LLC 2025-02
DISTRICT L•
3/4-Inch Base Non-
IA Course(Cost per $22.50 $24.00 No Bid No Bid No Bid Responsive $20.80
ton)
11/2-Inch Base Non-
113 Course(Cost per $21.50 $19.00 No Bid No Bid No Bid Responsive $19.75
ton)
1C p Rock(Cost $28 25 No Bid No Bid No Bid No Bid Non-per
ton) Responsive $24.35
er
1D Sand(Cost per $45.00 $50.00 No Bid No Bid No Bid Non-
ton) Responsive $43.95
to
Mortar Sand- Non-
IE ASTM C144(Cost No Bid $80.00 No Bid No Bid No Bid Responsive $67.00
per ton)
Page 15 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Puna Hawaii Edwin Est.Cost
Jas.W. Grace Crushed Hawaii DeLuz
Rock Based on
Glover Pacific Rock& Paving, Trucking
Company Mat.Bid
Ltd. LLC Aggregate, LLC &Gravel
Limited LLC LLC 2025-02
Cold Mix-ASTM Non-
IF D4215-87(Cost No Bid No Bid $226.00 No Bid No Bid Responsive $200.00
per ton
Blended Material
1G 60%#4 Sand and $31.00 No Bid No Bid No Bid No Bid Non- $26.95
40%No. 3F Rock Responsive
Cost per ton
Hot Mix-County Non-
IH Mix IV(Cost per No Bid $210.00 $262.20 No Bid No Bid Responsive $225.00
ton)
DISTRICT IL•
3/4-Inch Base Non-
2A Course(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $25.50 No Bid Responsive $25.00
ton
11/2-Inch Base Non-
2B Course(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $24.50 No Bid Responsive $24.99
ton)
2C p Rock(Cost No Bid No Bid No Bid $35.00 No Bid Non-per
ton) Responsive $35.00
er
2D ton) Responsive Sand(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $40.00 No Bid Non- $40.00
to
Mortar Sand- Non-
2E ASTM C144(Cost No Bid No Bid No Bid $68.00 No Bid Responsive $75.00
per ton)
Cold Mix-ASTM
2F D4215-87(Cost No Bid No Bid $226.00 No Bid $199.50 Non- $200.00
per ton) Responsive
Blended Material
2G 60%#4 Sand and No Bid No Bid No Bid $43.00 No Bid Non- $47.00
40%No. 3F Rock Responsive
Cost per ton
DISTRICT III:
3/4-Inch Base Non-
3A Course(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $23.00 No Bid Responsive $25.00
ton)
11/2-Inch Base Non-
3B Course(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $22.00 No Bid Responsive $25.00
ton)
3C p Rock(Cost No Bid No Bid No Bid $36.00 No Bid Non-per
ton) Responsive $35.00
er
3D ton) Responsive Sand(Cost per No Bid No Bid No Bid $40.00 No Bid Non- $40.00
to
Mortar Sand- Non-
3E ASTM C144(Cost No Bid No Bid No Bid $68.00 No Bid Responsive $75.00
er ton)
Cold Mix-ASTM Non-
3F D4215-87(Cost No Bid No Bid $229.00 No Bid $199.50 Responsive $200.00
per ton
Page 16 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Puna Hawaii Edwin Est.Cost
Jas.W. Grace Crushed Hawaii DeLuz
Rock Based on
Glover Pacific Rock& Paving, Trucking
Company Mat.Bid
Ltd. LLC Aggregate, LLC &Gravel
Limited LLC LLC 2025-02
Hot Mix-County Non-
3G Mix IV(Cost per No Bid $210.00 $263.50 No Bid $149.50 Responsive $190.00
ton
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the contract for MATERIAL BID
NO. 2026-08, 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 form and legality of the contract(s)by Corporation Counsel. The price agreement shall be
from July 1, 2026,to June 30, 2027.
District I - Parts IA, 1C, 1D, and 1G to Puna Rock Company, Limited
Parts 1B, IE,and I to Jas.W. Glover, Ltd.
Part 1F to Grace Pacific, LLC
District II - Parts 2A, 213, 2C, 21), 2E, and 2G to Hawaii Crushed Rock&Aggregate, LLC
Part 2F to Hawaii Paving,LLC
District III - Parts 3A, 313, 3C, 31), and 3E to Hawaii Crushed Rock&Aggregate, LLC
Parts 3F and 3G to Hawaii Paving, LLC
MOTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Aiona.
MR.UNGER: What is the material for?
MR. TAKAMOTO: Various repair work.When we do water main repairs,we need to backfill.
MR.UNGER: Is it just to stockpile for the future?
MR. TAKAMOTO: Yes.
MR.UNGER: It's not a Capital Improvement Project?
MR. OKAMOTO:No.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
C. SERVICE BID NO. 2026-09, RENTAL AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR PORTABLE
RESTROOMS AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Bids were opened on May 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
NO BIDS Engineering
RECEIVED Estimate
PART"A"(SOUTH HILO)
1. Hakalau#4 Well—TMK:2-9-002:005 No Bids $6,000.00
Page 17 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
PART`B"(HAMAKUA)
1. Honoka'a#1 Dee well, Reservoir&Boosters—TMK:4-5-019:020 No Bids $3,600.00
PART"C"(NORTH KOHALA)
1. Hawi#1 Well—TMK:5-5-002-089 No Bids $2,400.00
PART"D"(SOUTH KOHALA)
1. Lalamilo B Dee well&Reservoirs—TMK: 6-6-001:066 No Bids $7,000.00
PART"E"(NORTH KONA)
1. Kaloko#1 Station Reservoir&Boosters—TMK: 7-3-008:128 No Bids $2,900.00
PART"F"(SOUTH KONA)
1. Ke'ei D Deepwell&Reservoir—TMK:8-3-011:051 No Bids $3,500.00
RECOMMENDATION: No bids were received. Staff will seek alternative procurement pursuant to HAR
§3-122-35 to secure pricing in the best interest of the Department.
MOTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Lopez.
MR.UNGER: I'm surprised you can't get a bid for a porta-potty.
MR. OKAMOTO: How we have to do this,per state statute, is put it out there globally via an electronic
procurement system.We just think these guys don't check.We have the services already.
MR.UNGER: You have the protocol that you have to follow;the lua guys aren't necessarily keeping
their eyes out on the procurement sites.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. That's my guess, anyway.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
D. SERVICE BID NO. 2026-10, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EMERGENCY STANDBY
GENERATOR SETS:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This service contract generally consists of furnishing all labor,materials,tools, and equipment necessary
to inspect, service,maintain, repair, and test seventeen(17) DWS emergency standby generator sets,
including all incidental and appurtenant work, all in accordance with the specifications; for a two-year
term, starting July 1, 2026,to June 30, 2028.
This contract includes as-needed allowances for call-out repairs:
• Material allowance: $70,000
• Labor allowance: 64 regular hours, 32 emergency hours, and 32 overtime hours, at the
Contractor's hourly rate provided in its bid.
Bids for this project were opened on May 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and the following are the bid results:
Bidder Bid Amount(including
Allowance)
Generator&Power Systems, LLC $492,387.75
Generators Hawaii Corp. $1,256,544.00
Page 18 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
Power Generation Services,Inc. $314,298.56
Project Costs:
1) Low Bidder(Power Generation Services, Inc.) $314,298.56
The Engineering estimate for this project was $287,000.00.
Funding for this contract will be from DWS's Operations Budget.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for SERVICE BID NO.
2026-10, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF EMERGENCY STANDBY GENERATOR SETS, to the
lowest responsible bidder,Power Generation Services,Inc.,for a total contract amount of$314,298.56. It
is further recommended that either the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson be authorized to sign the
contract, subject to review as to form and legality by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Mr.Lopez moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
MR. LOPEZ: I see that Generators Hawaii is about four times the lowest bid. I mean,they can do
whatever they want,but have we dealt with Generators Hawaii before?
MR. TAKAMOTO:No.
MR. LOPEZ: It just stood out, like what happened here?
MR.UNGER: I have another action item recommendation that I think would be helpful for the Board.
We've gone through and a lot of what we've discussed and had motions with this meeting are a lot of
annual and biannual and semiannual, it would be helpful for the Board,I believe,is what that contract
was last year and who go it so we can kind of see if it's increased or decreased and by how much and
how consistent the contractor's are and why did we switch. I think that would be helpful for us.
MR. OKAMOTO: It sounds like what we can do is add another column to the table.
MR.UNGER: Yes, that would really help us focus on the process.
MR. LOPEZ: If there are less hours worked than what we're allowing,this number would change?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.We have to get a contract amount so that the controller can certify, so this is our
best guess as to what the effort will be. If it goes above this,we'll have to come back to you and ask for
more funds, so our expectation is that it'll be less. I think our existing contract is with Power Generation.
One guess as to why the disparity in the bid amounts is that they've been doing the work,they know
what's involved,they know all our sites, and they probably have equipment and manpower mobilized to
deal with it. Maybe that's why they are more efficient with their bid amount.We'll usually incorporate
the labor hours only if they have to fix something.
MR.UNGER: I'm guessing also that the engineering estimate for this project is probably based on the
last contract with your best guess as to increases or decreases,but it would be nice, again,to see what that
was.
MR. AIONA: What are emergency hours compared to overtime hours? Is that on certain days?
MR. TAKAMOTO: That is basically a generator is down;we absolutely need to get it out there, and they
drop everything and come out and do the service for our generators.
MR. OKAMOTO: Like an off-hours type.
Page 19 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MR. AIONA: Do we only call them if something is wrong, or does the 64 hours include maintenance?
MR. GOODALE: Some of it is planned maintenance. So if you have a planned maintenance situation,
and it's usually structured that way,you can say if it's within this amount of time,you're at the normal
rate. If it's unplanned, or as we call it here, emergency,then basically they have an obligation to show up
quickly.Whereas, at the lower rate,that would be more at the planned rate.
MR. OKAMOTO: Say,through the regular maintenance, something is wrong with the generator.Well,
we don't need the generator right now, so they can schedule the repair of that generator during normal
business hours. Say, for whatever reason,that even though they've been doing the maintenance,we need
the generator now, and we try to activate it, and it doesn't work, so we need to call these guys out. That
would be at that emergency rate.
MR. GOODALE: Yes. Like when we had our recent power outages up in North Kohala. If it went down
in the midst of us using it, and we are on the phone telling them we need you up here right now,the
expectation is that they are going to drop everything and head there,but they are going to get paid that
higher rate.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
E. SERVICE BID NO. 2026-12, TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
This procurement generally consists of furnishing all labor,materials,tools, and equipment necessary to
service and perform selected maintenance and upgrades for the Department of Water Supply
transformers, for a contract period starting from the date of the Notice to Proceed and ending June 30,
2027.
Bids for this project were opened on May 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.,and the following are the bid results:
Bidder Bid Amount
Transfluid Services Inc. $673,495.00
The Engineering estimate for this project was $271,300.00.
Funding for this project will be from DWS's CIP Budget under Agreements,Repair and Maintenance.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board award the contract for SERVICE BID NO.
2026-12, TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE,to the lowest responsible bidder
(Transfluid Services Inc.) for their bid amount of$673,495.00. It is further recommended that either the
Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson be authorized to sign the contract, subject to review as to form and
legality by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Mr.Aiona moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Unger.
MR. OKAMOTO: We'll have to defer this because, as of right now,the potential awardee is not
compliant with the Hawaii Compliance Express, so we cannot legally award it to them.
MR. LOPEZ: How do we rationalize the two-and-a-half times difference between the Department's
estimate and the bid?
Page 20 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: That was the same question we had internally;that's why I have Eric sitting next to
me.
MR. TAKAMOTO: The engineering estimate was an error on the operations part; it shouldn't have been
presented at that amount.We did a reevaluation, and the new amount was around$608,000.00, so based
on that,the actual bid amount is within a reasonable amount.
MR. LOPEZ: Was that done too late to put this in here?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. Like I told Eric,we make mistakes,and we just own up to them. Basically,we
did the evaluation incorrectly to come up with that estimate,but after reviewing it and looking at the
scope as it really was,it was way closer.We figured someone would have a question on that. It is being
deferred, so no vote is required.
F. DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY PROPOSED OPERATING AND 5-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (C.LP.) BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
The Department's Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget,totaling $83,525,795.00, and 5-Year C.I.P.
Budget for Fiscal Year 2027-2031,totaling $261,500,000.00,have been distributed for the Board's
review. A public hearing was held prior to this meeting to accept testimony. The Board may change
either Budget or adopt them as presented over two readings.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the Department's Fiscal Year 2027
Operating and C.I.P. Budgets on this second of two readings.
ACTION: Mr. Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Aiona and carried
unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa, Unger,Aiona, Lopez, and
Chairperson Kekela).
G. WATERSHED PROTECTION AND RECHARGE PROJECT—SUBAWARD AGREEMENT
BETWEEN STATE OF HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES,
DIVISION OF FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE, AND THE WATER BOARD:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
The Department of Water Supply (DWS)was awarded a grant in the amount of$1,000,000.00 from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)for a Watershed Protection and Recharge
Proj ect.
The project is to utilize existing expertise in the field of watershed protection and/or restoration,
including private/public partnerships and major stakeholders dealing with large landowners via a request
for proposals (RFP)that would provide the DWS with the best results given the budget and timeframe
allowed through this grant opportunity.
The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and
Wildlife (DOFAW)is the lead state agency responsible for managing over one million acres of state land
and overseeing the Watershed Partnerships Program. Given their expertise, DWS has determined to work
directly with DOFAW and award the funds towards watershed protection project(s)within the priority
watershed areas.
Page 21 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the Subaward Agreement to award
the funds to DOFAW for use in watershed protection projects on Hawaii Island, subject to review as to
form and legality of the agreement by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Mr. Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr. Aiona.
MR. OKAMOTO: Real quick, and then I'll turn it over to Allen, I want to first off thank our
congressional delegation in D.C.,because this is one of those congressionally directed funds that our
senators and our representatives have their discretion on how much to award and whatnot. We asked,we
applied, and we got an award for a million dollars worth of funds for watershed protection, so first, I
wanted to give kudos to our delegation for that. This has been a process that we have been working on for
a while. We've also worked with UHERO and DOFAW in the past to identify priority watersheds for us
because there are watersheds for the whole island,but our systems aren't everywhere. So, if we're going
to invest in watershed protection,we wanted to make sure we know which watersheds would benefit our
water systems. There are three that were identified on the island: Kohala,because of our Waimea water
treatment plant, Kona, and Ka`u because we have a couple of spring sources in Ka`u that really would
benefit from improved watershed protection and management. So with that, if there are any questions
about this particular agreement,we have Allen available.
MR.UNGER: That's awesome to apply for this and get this amount of money;that's a lot of money. Is
this an annual thing? Did we do it last year or the year before?
MR. OKAMOTO: Every year we try to ask for funds from these congressionally directed funding
sources,these discretionary funds available to our senators and representatives.We don't ask for
watershed protection funds every year; we try to get it for our CIP projects and whatnot.
MR.UNGER: So we did get money last year?
MR. OKAMOTO: We got funds for our Kona well, large meter replacement,conversion from gaseous
chlorine to liquid chlorine, and this year we put in three projects,and we made it to the appropriations list
for three of them on the rep side, and two on the senate side. Those totaled--do you remember what they
totaled, Kawika?
MR.UYEHARA: Over ten million.
MR. OKAMOTO: It was sizable. Do you remember the projects that we put in for this year?
MR.UYEHARA: There was Waikoloa reservoir, Kona SCADA, and there was Keaukaha waterline.
MR.UNGER: This is the first grant approved for watershed protection?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.
MR.UNGER: What was the discussion within the Department of Water Supply to award it to
Department of Land and Natural Resources versus any other group?
MR. OKAMOTO: We were thinking about ways that we could distribute these funds, and at first we
were thinking that if we were to manage it,we would probably have to request for proposals and award it
based on some criteria,but we don't have that expertise to know if fencing is better, or if reforestation is
better?What group can do it better than the other? So actually, it was more efficient for us to enter into
an agreement with DOFAW,who does that work already with other organizations, and let them manage
it, and we'll oversee to make sure that the funds are properly dispersed.
Page 22 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MR.UNGER: Was there ever any discussion to split up the funds and give some to DOFAW and some
to other organizations? I understand what you're saying,but my only concern is DOFAW is a huge
agency,big organization. Is there going to be any oversight or any record or any feedback, or just cut a
check to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and not have any report back as to what
improvements they made?
MR. OKAMOTO: We had some similar concerns. Allen, do you want to address what is included in the
subaward agreement to hopefully cover some concerns?
MR. SIMEON: Whatever contract we have with NOAA, DOFAW will be responsible to conform, so
there will be checks, and there will be benchmarks,even with spending.
MR.UNGER: So there are stipulations in the award?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. DOFAW is supposed to provide us reports, I think, at least a couple times per
year, and what they are spending it on.Part of it too is we have the three priority watershed areas,we are
giving them the million dollars, and it needs to be spent in those three areas.
MR.UNGER: Could I request that the Board see those reports'?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes. 100%.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: I think with the subrecipient in any federal grant, the awardee,which is the
Department, can take all of the stipulations that feds give us flow down to a subrecipient, and a
subrecipient is somebody that's actually helping you implement, so they're on the hook.
MR. OKAMOTO: And I think part of it, correct me if I'm wrong,Allen, is we're not just giving them the
million dollars, right? They have to bill us after they do the work, and then we get to review the invoice
to ensure it's in compliance with whatever the conditions are.We aren't giving them the full amount off
the bat,to my understanding.
MR.UNGER: Are you involved in the project proposals? For example,they're going to build a fence in
Kona. Do they send you a project thing and you get a chance to review it, or that's going to be
completely them, and they send you an invoice?
MR. OKAMOTO: That's a good question.
MR.UNGER: Again,that's more oversight on your part. I know that's not your area of expertise.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Whatever they are going to do has to meet the qualifications.
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.
MR. SIMEON: I just want to share that the agreement is necessary to be able to transfer the funds to
DOFAW. It has been reviewed by Corporation Counsel and authorized by NOAA and executed by
DOFAW.
MR.UNGER: Okay.
MR. OKAMOTO: Those are all good questions,though.
MR.UNGER: I just have a lot of experience working with DLNR.
Page 23 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: But I noticed,maybe some of those questions came in because we didn't include the
attachments with your packet. There are supposed to be attachments A through D;we can get you those
too. Those should outline a little bit more of what the scope should be and where to use them.
MR.UNGER: In general,also a million dollars for watershed conservation is phenomenal.
MR. OKAMOTO: I hear you.We still have to do our part and oversee that it's being spent properly
because we can't just wash our hands and say we just gave it to them.We'll definitely fulfill your request
with periodic reports on how it's going.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee,
Taaroa,Unger, Aiona, Lopez, and Chairperson Kekela).
H. UPDATE ON EPA DOCKET NO.PWS-AO-2026-120:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
For information and discussion purposes.
MR. OKAMOTO: We wanted to bring this to the Board's attention because this is a significant matter.
The EPA came in December of last year to inspect our systems and our compliance with one of their
regulations. I believe it's associated with AWIA(America's Water Infrastructure Act),and part of that
act requires that a water utility with certain criteria,typically size of system,needs to have a risk and
resiliency assessment done,as well as an emergency response plan associated with that. They reviewed
that and determined that we were deficient in some components, and because of that,they issued this
administrative order. I'll stick my neck out; I was a little disappointed. If you look at the administrative
order,they have it itemized; if you look at section three,which is the violations and associated numbers
18-20, it doesn't really specify where we were deficient or what the specific deficiencies were. Long
story short,that's why we have Warren here;he's our project lead in addressing this matter with EPA,
and he's had a couple of discussions with the EPA inspector, so I think we do have some clarity on what
we're deficient in.
MR. CHING: They specifically outlined one element that was deficient in the ERP(Emergency
Response Plan),which was strategies that can be used to aid in the detection of malevolent acts or natural
hazards that threaten the security or resilience of the system. Currently,we're working with the
consultant, Brown and Caldwell,who originally helped us with the two documents,the risk and resilience
assessment and the ERP,to try and address some of those deficiencies that were outlined when we met
with the EPA inspector.
MR. OKAMOTO: It's a work in progress.We're fairly confident that we'll be able to address their
concerns,but there's an associated timeframe with this.
MR. CHING: There is a timeframe, 90 days from when they issued the order,which comes out to June
28th
MR. LOPEZ: Is that for a response or is that for corrective action?
MR. CHING: The order is for us to make the proper changes to the ERP. These documents are actually
considered confidential, so what we'll do is we'll videoconference with EPA and show them the changes
that were made and the improvements to the emergency response plan, and that will dictate whether we
satisfy the order or not.
Page 24 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
CHR. KEKELA: What are the ramifications of the order?
MR. OKAMOTO: I think it's item 24 on the administrative order, failure to comply, civil penalty up to
$49,848, or a judicial civil penalty of up to $71,545 per day;that's why this is significant. The potential
consequences are huge fiscal penalties,which again, if you're going to threaten us with this kind of
penalty, specify what the issues are, right? Sorry,my little soapbox moment.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: Warren,you're clear what the issues are?
MR. CHING: Yes,we got some clarity. Of course,this is an ERP of our operations, so the inspector from
the EPA can't necessarily tell us what operations of ours to put in,but gave some guidance into the areas
that need improvement.
MR. OKAMOTO: I want to caveat that just because this is a record of our discussion. He might've gotten
clarity, further clarity. I would never say that we are 100%clear on what the EPA wants and expects, so I
want to make that very clear for the record.We got clarity; we'll resolve it to our best understanding of
what they've expressed verbally,not via any written document, of what they feel our deficiency in the
emergency response plan is.We'll work our best to address our understanding of what they've told us.
Nothing in writing, right?
MR. CHING: Right.
MR. OKAMOTO: I want to make that very clear for the record because again,the consequences are huge
fiscally on the consequences of us not meeting their expectations,but at the same time I want to make
sure that it's on the record that we did not receive, in writing, specific items of deficiency.
MR. CHING: The only thing that was in writing via email was the specific element that was outlined as
far as what we were deficient in,but that's one element that could encompass a lot of things.We got
clarity, and we're working hard with the consultant to address what was communicated to us verbally,
and our plan is to meet with EPA once those corrections are made to get some kind of response.
MR. OKAMOTO: And that element you're talking about is that strategy regarding malevolent acts,the
one you mentioned earlier?
MR. CHING: Yes. It's item 12 in the order;there are four elements there, and 12D is what was presented
to us as needing improvement.
MR. AIONA: How often is this inspection?
MR. OKAMOTO: Out of the blue, first in our state,not sure why they picked us for this particular one.
CHR. KEKELA: Is it all of our sites?
MR. OKAMOTO: Just the ones that qualify that are required to have an RRA and an ERP based on
population served. Out of our 23 water systems,we have seven water systems that meet that criteria.
Again,what Warren said is they identified which element that we have a deficiency in,which is 12D,
"Strategies that can be used to aid in the detection of malevolent acts or natural hazards that threaten the
security or resilience of the system",but that was identified via email,not by this administrative order.
And how to do that,I guess, is upon us to provide what we feel will address that deficiency, and that's
where Warren is going to have that interchange with EPA prior to June 28'
MR. CHING: I'll do my best.
Page 25 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: We wanted to bring it to the Board's attention and make you aware of what's
happening just so you're not blindsided by anything. It's within their requirement to also notify the
Mayor, so a letter went to the Mayor's office as well.
CHR. KEKELA: Do we anticipate any necessary funding for this resolution?
MR. OKAMOTO: They provide funding through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program that we could
possibly utilize for efforts like this. Is that what we used to fund the first go-around?
MR. CHING: I know it is possible,and I would imagine that we utilized that Safe Drinking Water.
MS. MELLON-LACEY: With the contract that we have with the consultant,that's an already existing
contract that was already approved by the Board?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes, and it's due for an update by June 30t'of this year.
MR. CHING: Yes. The risk and resilience is due June 30t'of this year, and the emergency response plan,
the updated version,is due December 30t'of this year. So we'll be updating it and taking some of what
came out of this order and incorporating it into the updated version.
I. MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Submission of Progress Report of Projects by the Department. Department personnel will be available to
respond to questions by the Board regarding the status/progress of any project.
MR. SIMEON: First, I want to thank Shari for the comprehensive summary on the projects. For the
Lalamilo 10 MG reservoir,we're about 50%complete to date,and I'm happy to share that they are
working on the 14t'of 15 walls, and three-fourths or 66 of the 88 columns have been completed, and they
are moving on to the third quadrant of the roof.
CHR. KEKELA: It's almost a full tank.
MR. OKAMOTO: There's still quite a bit of work to do, actually. Even if there are 14 of the 15 wall
segments up,they're not doing the last wall segment because they still have to pour columns inside, so
they need access into the tank. There's also still half of the roof left to pour.If you've seen the scaffolding
it takes to hold up the roof form,then, after the roof is poured,there's only a small hatch to take all of
that scaffolding out, so that's going to take some time. Then there's a machine, if you guys have the
opportunity when the machine is out there,which is doing the wire wrap,which is a component of that
prestressed design; it's quite interesting.
CHR. KEKELA: Do we have any other tanks designed like that?
MR. OKAMOTO: We've had smaller tanks,like 3 MG,with that type of design,but this I think is the
largest potable tank in the state.
MR. SIMEON: Moving on to our lava projects in Puna. The 19,000 linear feet for Hwy 137 (Kapoho)
has been installed;they're working on the fire hydrants and laterals. In addition to that, for Pohoiki Road,
they have completed about one-fifth of the 25,000 linear feet of waterline.
MR. OKAMOTO: Wow,that's quite a bit. Thank you,Allen.
Page 26 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
J. REVIEW OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
Submission of financial statements and information relating to the financial status of the Department.
Department personnel will be available to respond to questions by the Board relating to the financial
status of the Department.
MS. GRAY: For this month,we have the financial statements for April 2026,the beginning of our fourth
quarter for fiscal '26. The new explanations that were added include an explanation for a balance sheet,
which is on page four; our trade receivables were decreased by 2.1 million,or 22%, from the prior year
because of a technical issue and schedule conflict during our monthly billing process.We are, as part of
our efforts to evaluate our process and improve collections,we are also making sure that the schedule for
our overdue interest or late bills is scheduled on a systematic,timely basis,but for April the date for the
overdue interest on our monthly bill conflicted with the date of our next bill, so we had to charge to
overdue first and push the billing for April one day after. That's the reason you see a difference,but we
should see the opposite effect in May to recover that. If it was the end of the fiscal year,we would have
to do an adjustment; you probably won't notice. In this case,it's in the middle of the fiscal year, so we'll
just let the system flow as it is.
The other new item is in regard to our budget status report; an explanation is provided where our actual to
date activity exceeds our annual budget by $10,000 or more. Our budget status report is on page six. Our
interest income totaling almost$1.6 million actual to date exceeds our budget of$1.5 million by $89,488,
or 6%, due to the interest that we earned on our checking,more so on our savings account and
investments. I also included at the end the delinquent and collection accounts report, and I added a
column at the far right of that table: the percent decrease or increase in delinquency from October 2025 in
comparison to when we started making these changes.We have gone through three billing cycles since
we began these efforts, and it reflects an 18%reduction between October 2025 through April 2026.
K. MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT:
The Manager-Chief Engineer to provide an update on the following:
1. North Kona Wells
MR.UYEHARA: We have 14 sources in Kona; 11 are online or in use or available to use, and three are
offline. The three that are offline, again, are the same as last month: Wai`aha,Honok6hau, and H61ualoa
Wells.Wai`aha Well,we reported last,the well repair has been completed, start-up was successful, and
we're waiting on water quality analysis. I just got an email this morning that we got those results, and it
looks good. There is no change in water quality compared to when we used it back in 2017.We're in the
process of submitting a reactivation letter to the State Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water
Branch. Once we get their okay,most likely we'll be able to put it back in the system. Hopefully that will
be within the next month,in June. Honok6hau Well,we're waiting for spare equipment to install, and
that is still estimated to return to service at the end of July of this year. For 116lualoa Well,we still need
to put that out to bid, and we're planning to get that one bank online and return to service in November
of this year.
2. Department of Water Supply Quarterly Energy Report
MR.UYEHARA: Again,thank you,Warren, for preparing this quarterly energy report. I'll quickly run
through a couple of the first paragraphs in this section. Total power cost of all our sources was down
Page 27 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
about 2.7%compared to the previous quarter. Total energy use was lower than the previous quarter,
down about 6.6%. Page two is where we show the power cost for energy. Compared to the previous
quarter,the kilowatt per hour cost was up about 0.9%. Figure four at the bottom, compared to the
previous quarter,that's the demand charge. It was up about 0.9%. One thing of note that I wanted to
mention is we are reliant on Hawaiian Electric's grid power for all of our sources,but we had the
opportunity last week to go to an emergency preparedness fair that Hawaiian Electric put on for their
employees and their families so when natural disasters do happen,they are able to respond with their line
crews,their plants, their power generator crew and it was good because I got to go to their Kona base
yard here and meet some of the foreman and line people that actually worked during the recent Kona
Low to help maintain the power grid during high wind and adverse weather conditions. It was good to
put faces to names that we hear about when we're in the emergency operation center at Civil Defense.
Going back to page three,going back to the power cost charge,that's just the summary over the last four
years or so of how our power cost charge has fluctuated.
On page four,Warren added a summary on Lalamilo Wind Farm,which was a previous request of the
Board.We have a power purchase agreement(PPA)with Lalamilo Wind Company, and that's until
December 31, 2037. This wind farm's five turbines provide wind-generated electricity to our Lalamilo
water system,which has eight Deepwell sources in that system. The agreement is that we are paying
about 11%less than Hawaiian Electric's going rate.We tried to summarize this over the past eight years
in Table 2 of what we've taken from the wind farm,which is about 4,616,022 kWh,which is equivalent
to about 2,700 barrels of oil,with an average annual cost savings of about$83,659.
On the next page,we also wanted to note, I think we do this annually,the energy redundancy.We spoke
about maintenance of our emergency generators. These are the 17 that we have around the island. Three
of them are permanent; 14 of them are on trailers,which are pretty much permanent because we have
them set at sites that we deemed as critical well water sources that feed other critical facilities, like a
hospital. The contract that we just talked about previously in the agenda was to maintain and repair, as
needed,these generators across the island.Warren noted on the bottom,and we talked about this in
previous Board meetings;we continue to work on resiliency, so that includes the power transfer
switches,which we've been fortunate in getting Hazard Mitigation Grants for, and also additional
generators that we're in the process of procuring for the Kona side of our water systems.
On the last page,we continue to work with Hawaii Energy in our Water Leak Detection program, so it
involves these leak detection loggers that we put on infrastructure to help us to identify potential leaks in
the system.
MR. LOPEZ: Where did you say these are installed? On what?
MR.UYEHARA: These loggers are typically installed on a valve,the nut of the valve; a magnet to the
steel listens for the potential leak in the system.
MR. LOPEZ: These are not residential valves?These are system-wide?
MR.UYEHARA: Yes.
MR. GOODALE: They are located in areas where we know we may have leaks, and we're trying to be
proactive in getting out and repairing those leaks.
M. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
1. Chairperson to report on matters of interest to the Board
Page 28 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes
CHR. KEKELA: The only report I have is that we're moving next month's meeting due to the ACE
Conference in Washington D.C.
8) ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Next Meeting—June 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Department of Water Supply,Hilo Operations, 889 Leilam
Street, Hilo, Hawaii
9) ADJOURNMENT:
CHR. KEKELA: Can I get a motion to adjourn?
ACTION: Mr.Unger moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Aiona and carried unanimously by
voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Lee, Taaroa,Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
(Meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.)
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY WATER BOARD
JUNE 16, 2026
Page 29 May 26,2026,Water Board Minutes