HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-16 Water Board Meeting Minutes MINUTES
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
WATER BOARD MEETING
June 16, 2026
Department of Water Supply, Hilo Operations Base Yard, 889 Leilam Street, Hilo, 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. Guy Alameda, Water Board Member, Dist. 3
Ms. Emily Taaroa, Water Board Member, Dist. 5
Mr.Nicholas Riznyk, Water Board Member, Dist. 7
(via videoconference,joined at 10:14 a.m.)
Mr. Stephen Lopez, Water Board Member, Dist. 8 (via videoconference)
Mr.Philip Aiona, Water Board Member, Dist. 9 (via videoconference)
Mr. Keith K. Okamoto, Manager-Chief Engineer,
Department of Water Supply (ex-officio member)
ABSENT: Mr. James Lee, Water Board Member, Dist. 2
Director, Planning Department(ex-officio member)
Director, Department of Public Works (ex-officio member)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Jean Campbell, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Dr. Jeff Zimpfer,NPS, guest
Mr.Pat Kahawaiolaa, guest
Ms. Deborah Ward, guest
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY STAFF:
Mr. Kawika Uyehara, Deputy
Mr. Gregory Goodale, Chief of Operations
Mr. Alvin Inouye, Water Operations Superintendent
Mr. Eric Takamoto, Mechanical Engineer III
Mr. Allan Simeon, Engineering Division Head
Ms. Shari Uyeno, Assistant Engineering Division Head
Ms. Candace Gray, Waterworks Controller
Ms. Maraea Keamo, Senior Clerk Stenographer
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: Ms. Taaroa and Messrs. Miura, Alameda,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 May 26, 2026,Public Hearing for Power Cost Charge:
ACTION: Mr.Unger moved for approval of the Minutes of the March 24, 2026, Water Board
meeting; seconded by Ms. Taaroa and carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura,
Alameda, Taaroa, Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
Minutes of May 26, 2026, Water Board Meeting:
ACTION: Ms. Taaroa moved for approval of the Minutes of the March 24, 2026, Water Board
meeting; seconded by Mr.Unger and carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura,
Alameda, Taaroa, Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
4) APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA—None.
5) MISCELLANEOUS:
A. 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 updated engineering estimate for this project is $608,000.00.
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: Ms. Taaroa moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr.Unger.
MR. OKAMOTO: As a reminder, this was a carryover from last month where we had to defer the award
because the vendor was not compliant with Hawaii Compliance Express,but they have since become
compliant, so we are now able to award them the contract. Along with that, if you may recall, the
engineering estimate that was presented to the Board last month was quite low, a whole lot lower than
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what the bid came in at, so we also took the opportunity to provide an updated engineering estimate
based on a more realistic evaluation. If there are any technical questions, Eric is available to answer.
MR.UNGER: Have these projects already been selected for maintenance and upgrade? Is there a list that
you guys went through and prioritized?
MR. TAKAMOTO: Basically,it's for every site that we have. Offhand, we probably have around 13.
CHR. KEKELA: Are these transformers different from electrical transformers?
MR. TAKAMOTO: They are electrical transformers. It's pad-mounted, like those big green ones you see
on the side for HELCO. Basically, something similar to that.
CHR. KEKELA: Is there a reason HELCO doesn't handle it?
MR.UYEHARA: These are our transformers versus a HELCO transformer.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Alameda,
Taaroa, Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
B. SERVICE CONTRACT NO. 2021-03, WATER RATE STUDY, FISCAL YEAR 2022-2027:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. The following testimony was provided.
MS. WARD: My name is Deborah Ward, and I've been a resident on North Ala Road in District Five for
about 40 years, and in that time, I've interacted with you folks more than once,but always with different
people. The reason I'm asking today is that I see a need, certainly in my community and in many other
communities, for the Department of Water Supply to reconsider its mission and its charter. I don't like to
suggest a charter change, which would be a solution long before there needs to be a lot of research on
what would change if you considered actually providing service to all residents, or at least a much larger
number of residents than you do now. It seems to me that the paradigm that you only focus on the status
quo, and not on the people that need water, means that you are only serving two-thirds of the population
of the Big Island and not the entire population, or even close to it. I was an extension agent for 25 years. I
was one of the people that wrote the responsibilities of homeowners and landlords to take care of their
water systems so that they weren't contributing lead to the children,recently to rat lungworm disease, a
lot of other things in catchment systems that don't really contribute to public health, and so it seems to
me that in the next two years before there is a charter amendment proposed again, that we may want to be
looking at changing the paradigm, maybe increasing the water rate, which is why I'm here about this, and
that is to consider what it would take to expand your service to people that don't currently have it. For
example, on Huma Road, there is a water tank,but there are three or four new houses going in with only
water catchment because they aren't allowed to hook up; this happens all over the island. I've lived on a
property adjacent to a property that I also own that doesn't have water; my property does,but the
property next to me doesn't. I've asked for 40 years to expand the size of the line on North Ala Road, and
I understand that it's supposed to have happened either this year or next,but now it's been postponed. So,
the question is, how can we better serve the people of the Big Island? I think you folks are doing a
wonderful job of servicing the people that are on your system,but I would really like you to think about
what it would take to expand that service, and part of that may be the water rate analysis,because if you
were to increase the water rate to a certain amount, those of us on water who would recognize that it
would be a benefit to others who are not on water, I think would be willing to pay. I'm speaking because
I have (inaudible),but I think a lot of people would be willing to pay. So, I'd like you to consider that
when you're considering the water rate study. Thank you very much for your time.
There being no further testimony, Chair Kekela continued with the agenda item.
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The Department is requesting to revise the scope of work and completion date for the Service Contract
with Harris &Associates to complete the current contract based on the needs of the Department.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the following changes for SERVICE
CONTRACT NO. 2021-03, WATER RATE STUDY,FISCAL YEAR 2022-2027. There are no
additional costs for these proposed revisions.
• Delete evaluation of alternate water rate structures due to lack of supporting customer and billing
data.
• Add the evaluation and preparation of water rate proposals for Fiscal Years 2028 to 2032.
• Revise contract completion date from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
MOTION: Mr. Unger moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Ms. Taaroa.
MR. OKAMOTO: Exhibit A is a part of your Board packet that is associated with this agenda item.
MR. LOPEZ: My memory is jarred by the testimony that was just given; may I enter that into this
discussion?
CHR. KEKELA: Is it relevant to the rate study?
MR. LOPEZ:Probably not. It has to do with the testimony given prior to the rate structure.
CHR. KEKELA: The thing was,if we do increase the rate, that would help establish access. Does that
help?
MR. LOPEZ: Yes, that's what this is about.
CHR. KEKELA: Okay, go for it.
MR. LOPEZ: Let me enter it, and Corp Counsel can tell me if it's not allowed;you guys can decide.
What she did was jog my memory, foggy as it's getting, that some time ago, and I'm talking two/three
years or more, the Board had an initiative to improve the availability of water to underserved
communities. We understand the hurdles in trying to get there,but then later on, and I would say maybe it
was two years/18 months ago, that the State entered a proposition that the water to those communities
was going to be taken as a Statewide initiative. I believe that our Department jumped on that bandwagon,
and correct me, Keith, if you recall,whatever became of that initiative to bring water to underserved
communities?
MS. CAMPBELL: I'm going to jump in here, apologies, Kawena,but this is Jean Campbell,your Deputy
Corporation Counsel for the day. I think a discussion about initiatives to expand water service is beyond
the scope of this contract. Certainly something that the Board can consider,but maybe suggest as an
agenda item for a later meeting.
MR. LOPEZ: Then I make that suggestion; I don't want to lose sight of that issue.
MS. TAAROA: I also support that being added to the agenda,just for discussion. In this rate study, there
was nothing regarding expansion of services or anything like that,right?
MR. OKAMOTO: No.
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MS. TAAROA: It's totally a different issue?
MR. OKAMOTO: It would be a separate issue. We can agendize that for a future Board discussion.
MR. LOPEZ: Would that be next month's agenda?
MS. TAAROA: Is it going to be on next month's agenda?
CHR. KEKELA: Do I get to decide that?
MR. OKAMOTO: Yes.
MS. CAMPBELL: I think,probably, the best way to do that is for the Chair to have a discussion with
staff offline as you're getting ready to set the agenda for the next meeting,but if you don't see it coming
up, Kawena,by all means,remind everybody.
MR. LOPEZ: But the Chair doesn't work to set the agenda; it's given to us by the Department.
MS. CAMPBELL: He can be asked to remind the staff if it's not coming up.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 7—Board Members Miura, Alameda,
Taaroa, Unger, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
(Board Member Riznyk joined the meeting at 10:14 a.m.)
C. MATERIAL BID NO. 2026-18, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS
AND WIRELESS RAIN SENSORS—REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. There being none, he continued with the
agenda item.
The Department is requesting approval for additional funds to purchase additional irrigation controllers
and wireless rain sensors, at the contracted unit prices, to support DWS' water conservation program. The
description of additional costs are as follows:
Description Amount
Purchase additional irrigation controllers and wireless rain sensors $10,000.00
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve an increase of$10,000.00 to the
contract amount with SITEONE LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, LLC for MATERIAL BID NO. 2025-18,
FURNISHING AND DELIVERING IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS AND WIRELESS RAIN
SENSORS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY. If approved, the total revised contract
amount shall be $32,625.95.
MOTION: Ms. Taaroa moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Mr.Unger.
MR.UYEHARA: This is a request for additional funds; it's because the original award the Board made
was for an exact dollar amount, so now that we've had decent interest in the program, again,it's a water
conservation program that we got grant funding for from Hawaii Community Foundation,plus some
DWS money. This request for additional funds would help the Department purchase more units so we
can distribute them to customers who have applied for the program.
MS. TAAROA: What customer group are the primary recipients?
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MR.UYEHARA: We focused on North Kona customers and our Lalamilo System customers, and we
started off with the higher consumption users of residential accounts.
MS. TAAROA: This is all residential, or are some commercial?
MR.UYEHARA: Residential.
MS. TAAROA: Do you have a similar program for commercial?
MR.UYEHARA:Not right now.
CHR. KEKELA: How many units does this amount cover?
MR.UYEHARA: Might be another couple dozen, 30 or so. The sensor and the controller might be about
three or four hundred dollars combined,but we're using the existing contract that we have with this
company for prices.
CHR. KEKELA: Would it be possible to see how well it's working as far as conservation?
MR.UYEHARA: That's part of our program,yes. We have customers that have provided us photo
documentation that installed it, so now we're trying to track post-installation what their use is now.
MS. TAAROA: Are you tracking the rate of return on that?
MR.UYEHARA: To see if there's savings. The goal of the Hawaii Community Foundation it was
through their Fresh Water Initiative, and one of their goals is to conserve water. That's what we applied
for, and we wanted to show that customers who have installed it, over time, there's a reduction in their
water use.
MS. TAAROA: Do we know the longevity of the sensors?
MR.UYEHARA: I would have to check on that,but this is an industry-known manufacturer equipment
that a lot of irrigation companies use.
MR. OKAMOTO: Correct me if I'm wrong, Kawika,but I think our hope is that, from my
understanding, some of the more simplistic irrigation controllers are just timer-based regardless of
whether it rained or not. It might be sprinkling your lawn even after a good rain. Most people just kind of
set it and forget it. What we were hoping was that this would at least help address those situations and
reduce the amount of water use for irrigation accordingly. It's kind of weather-based, too, right? If it
rains, then it's really going to shut off the irrigation. If it's not going to rain, then it's still going to
sprinkle. Time will tell.
CHR. KEKELA: Has there been a huge interest?
MR.UYEHARA: It was mixed. The majority of the interest has come from the North Kona water
system. I think we have over 100 applications pending.
MR. OKAMOTO: Hopefully, this is on the record, and people may be watching,but we do appreciate
those who did apply. That means they are conscious about the situation and are looking to assist with the
overall best use of the resource and not waste it.
MR.UNGER: Do the awardees have to participate financially?
MR. OKAMOTO: They just have to install it.
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MR.UNGER: They have to hire somebody or install it themselves,but you provide the material?
MR.UYEHARA: Correct. We do say they should have an existing irrigation system.
MR.UNGER:Number one.
CHR. KEKELA: This is an ongoing grant, still?
MR.UYEHARA:No,it's limited. We applied, and we got a certain amount. In the future,if we see
benefits, I think it's something that the Department will entertain and continue to look for other
conservation programs where we can apply for grant funding or even our own DWS funding.
MR. OKAMOTO: Again, we applied for this because we didn't know how it was going to turn out, and
fortunately the application matched the intent of that funding program through HCF so this allows us to
leverage external funds to go through this learning process to see if this is something that could work and
then if it does, like Kawika said, then we can do a better evaluation of whether it might be prudent for us
to invest with our own funds or continue to seek external funding for expansion of this type of program.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 8—Board Members Miura, Alameda,
Taaroa, Unger, Riznyk, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
D. ENGAGEMENT ADDENDUM AND SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT FOR CLOUD SOLUTIONS
—ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTION:
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)is proposing to enter into an agreement with Carahsoft
Technology Corporation/OpenGov, Inc. to design and deliver a cloud-based Enterprise Asset
Management(EAM) software solution for DWS' water infrastructure. This EAM software solution is
included in DWS' CIP Budget, and funding will be from the Department of Health's Drinking Water
State Revolving Fund(DWSRF) loan program.
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Board approve the Engagement Addendum and
Service Level Agreement with Carahsoft Technology Corporation/OpenGov, Inc. for an Enterprise Asset
Management software solution, and that either the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson be authorized to
sign the agreements, subject to review as to form and legality by Corporation Counsel.
MOTION: Mr. Alameda moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by Ms. Taaroa.
MR. OKAMOTO: What you have in front of you is basically what is required for us to participate in
what's offered by the Hawaii State Procurement Office through these types of master price agreements
that they do to solicit these types of services. This one in particular is for software, and we've been trying
to do a better job on our asset management for quite a while. We think this will really help us move the
needle on where we go with our asset management. Through discussions, even with Kauai Department
of Water, they've gone through this process using a similar approach; we think this will really help us
move the needle in getting our asset management to where we'd like it to be. We are already currently
doing our own internal in-house old-school spreadsheets, folders on all our various infrastructure,but
there are software solutions available that will really help us with that. I will turn it over to Kawika.
MR.UYEHARA: As Keith mentioned, this is a process that we've been working on for several years
now to get a software-based asset management program to help us keep track of current inventory,
condition of current inventory, and then to help us plan for proactive replacement of certain equipment.
Page 7 June 16,2026,water Board Minutes
That's one of the ideal goals of asset management,is that you're proactively budgeting and programming
replacement of necessary equipment. We have seen demonstrations of this software, and it's a step, I
believe, in our process to include asset management. This agreement, as Keith mentioned, is necessary,
working with the State Procurement Office's Cooperative Agreement List for Software Solutions. This
engagement addendum and service level agreement is something that we need to have the Board review
and hopefully approve so that we can proceed with the next step of engaging this company.
MS. TAAROA: So they are creating a new database for you to hold all that information? Is it really
specific to the Department, or is it kind of a model that other departments are using already that we're
just plugging into?
MR.UYEHARA: It'll be specific to our Department. They do have templates that they've created
throughout the years of being a software provider to asset management; so they have domains like water
treatment and water distribution,but it'll be all our specific information.
MS. TAAROA: There are no numbers; I happened to notice.
MR.UYEHARA: The ballpark is about$800,000.00, and that's what is included in—the goal is to use
the State Department of Health's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. We've had
discussions with the Department of Health already.
MS. TAAROA: Great. So no funds are coming out of the Department's funds necessarily?
MR. OKAMOTO: If the software price comes out to a million, then we'll probably have to cover the
balance,but the $800,000.00 that we're working to secure through the Department of Health, from my
understanding,is a principal forgiveness loan.
MR.UYEHARA: That's what we've been told, 100%principal forgiveness. The $800,000.00 covers the
first three years of the software.
MS. TAAROA: Good job. It's really good to get all of that in one place that everybody can access.
MR.UYEHARA: Just for transparency, we did have one handout because as we were getting this item
on the agenda,we were still going back and forth with this company that we are doing the agreement
with, and they just had a tweak on the sentence right above item E,just some language on what takes
precedence if there were disagreements. It was a minor change. Are there any questions?
CHR. KEKELA: After the approval of this agreement,how long would it take to be in effect?
MR.UYEHARA: After the Board's approval, we'll still need to work with the vendor to get their
signatures on it and then our Department and the Board signature; I'm not too sure on the timeframe. I
know the company wants to get us going as soon as possible, and we'd like to get going as soon as
possible, too. I think we can provide an update on our CIP list for future meetings.
CHR. KEKELA: Is this the only software company that you guys have had conversations with?
MR.UYEHARA: I personally haven't had discussions with other ones,but I did get quotes from others
on the cooperative agreement list.
MR.UNGER: These guys are vetted through the State?
MR.UYEHARA: Yes.
MR.UNGER: So, they kind of did your work for you as far as vetting.
Page 8 June 16,2026,water Board Minutes
MR. OKAMOTO: The other good part is, fortunately for us, Kauai Department of Water went through
this process, so we were able to have some discussions with them and see whether or not they had any
concerns or challenges or whether or not they liked the software, and they expressed a high level of
satisfaction, so that's reassuring to us.
MR.UNGER: What is the definition of a principal forgiving loan?
MS. GRAY: Basically, they're forgiving the loan. You don't need to pay it back.
MR.UNGER: After a period of time? Do we pay interest?
MS. GRAY: It's just adjusted off.
MR.UNGER: So it's more of a grant than a loan?
MS. GRAY: Yes.
MS. TAAROA: You wonder why they wouldn't just call it a grant.
MR. OKAMOTO: I don't know why,but this particular program that we're getting the funding through, I
guess,is averse to saying a grant. It's a loan program.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote (Ayes: 8—Board Members Miura, Alameda,
Taaroa, Unger, Riznyk, Lopez, Aiona, and Chairperson Kekela).
E. MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT:
Chair Kekela asked if there was any testimony for this item. The following testimony was provided.
MR. KAHAWAIOLAA: Mr. Chair,if I may, I'd like to testify on this only because I find an opportunity
to raise my question and let the commission know, this Board knows,because this progress report of
projects by the Department and one of the projects that I'm having an issue with, or I've had an issue
with,brought to light was just that this Department has done everything in its power to do what they are
supposed to do except and that's dealing with the Department of Hawaiian Homes in Pana`ewa 185
Development here on Mahi`ai where I have a beneficiary who's not able to have their water meter
installed because the failure of the Department of Hawaiian Homes to allow, and I guess since January, to
allow this Department the right of entry or the license to go and install the water meter. I just want the
record to reflect that this Body has done its job;it's just I just need the record to reflect that it is from this
Body that we've learned that the Department has failed to do its job for the beneficiaries, and that's just
as part of a report from this Department's projects. My name is Pat Kahawaiolaa. Thank you.
There being no further testimony, Chair Kekela 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. OKAMOTO: We are working to follow up with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands on that
particular project.Now, I'd like to turn it over to Allan with updates on a few projects.
MR. SIMEON: Starting on page one with our Lalamilo 1 OMG Reservoir, happy to report that it's about
68% complete. As of date, all 15 walls have been completed, as well as all 88 columns and two quadrants
of the concrete roof. The third and fourth quadrants are planned to be done next week, so hopefully by
the end of the month, the whole reservoir will be erected except for the hoops that go around the walls for
the tension. It's getting close to being completed.
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CHR. KEKELA: Do they need the hoops to finish the roof?
MR. SIMEON: They need to finish the roof before they can do the tension.
MR. OKAMOTO: The sequence of construction for this type of tank is you build the shell; walls,you
need the columns for the roof,but as Emily came out to see it on that site tour, there's an enormous
amount of scaffolding just to set the forms to pour the roof, so that's why the delay between the first and
second quadrants of the roof to the third and fourth,because now they have to move all the scaffolding
and set up the forms for the subsequent roof pour. Then they are going to have a 4 x 8 hatch that they're
going to have to pull all the scaffolding out of,which will be interesting. Then they have a special
machine to wrap this cable around it, which provides that final circumferential reinforcement for the tank,
then shotcrete it, and then technically the tank shell will be complete. What we want to do is provide
another opportunity once the wrapping portion of the tank construction commences; we'd like to
hopefully get another opportunity for the Board to go out and check that out because it's very unique and
it's well proven to be seismically capable of handling the earthquakes that we experience.
MR.UNGER: Did it have any damage from the last earthquake?
MR. SIMEON: They did an inspection, as it is standard protocol, and they did not find anything.
MR.UNGER: Good test.
MR. SIMEON: Moving on to page two, Iki Place Water System Improvements in North Kona. The
project has been awarded to the contractor, and we are working with them to set the NTP notice to
proceed just to make sure there are the available materials before they start.
On page three are our FEMA projects in Puna. As far as Kapoho Road, Highway 137, as previously
reported, about 19,000 linear feet of waterline has been completed, and they are continuing on with the
lateral installation and other appurtenances for this portion of the FEMA projects. They did start Pohoiki
Road, and they have installed about 5,000 linear feet of pipe, and continuing on, the total linear footage
will be about 25,000 when completed. We need this portion of the waterline to be completed so that we
can put Highway 137 into service.
MR. ALAMEDA: Keith brought up a good question regarding the project out in Lalamilo, did it get any
damage during the recent earthquake, so with that said,is there any process that the Department has when
there are nature events such as earthquakes or other things, on other wells or structures like how big an
earthquake needs to be before anybody is sent out to the wells in the most rural places to ensure its
integrity is intact? Does the Department have a process like this?
MR. OKAMOTO: We don't have a threshold,per se, of what the seismic level—like this last one was
6.0, except for our dams up in Waimea, that one does have established set numbers based on the Dam
Safety Division of DLNR and maybe Greg or Kawika can elaborate on that,but when it's as big as a 6.0,
when we know that there is potential damage, as soon as it's safe, from that night our guys were going
out into our systems in Kona primarily checking our tanks. For earthquakes,we check our tanks, and then
if there were any structural impacts. So we do a quick initial review, and then at daylight we'll do a more
thorough review.
MR. GOODALL Exactly what Keith said,based on the magnitude of that earthquake, we sent our crews
out islandwide, and some of it was as of that evening,just to make sure there wasn't any sort of damage
that was going to cause an immediate effect. When daylight hours allowed, we had our crews out
inspecting all our facilities islandwide. It wasn't just based on purely Kona, which took probably the
brunt,but we wanted to make sure that we inspected all of our facilities.
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MR. ALAMEDA: That's something that we, as owners of homes, should even check our own homes.
MR. OKAMOTO: As a reminder, anytime a significant situation like that happens, EOC gets activated,
Civil Defense; we're at the table with everybody else assessing damages, coordinating if needed with
other agencies, and whatnot. In fact, Greg and I had a meeting at EOC right before this to talk about
continuing efforts on the Kona Low storms, as well as the earthquake on the 22nd, ongoing efforts.
F. 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 your financial statements for May 2026;we're almost at the end of
the fiscal year, which ends this month, June 30'h. Regarding the new explanations or any items in bold, I
didn't add anything as far as a new explanation. If you go to the balance sheet,we do continue on a
positive track at this point in time. Our net position has increased 5.6 million. Going on to our income
statement,page five, we report a total net income of seven million at this point in time. Regarding our
budget status report, our target percent in May is 92%. Our receipts are at 90%, and our expenditures are
at 71%. I did also include, at the back, a delinquent and collection accounts report, which we continue to
stay on a positive track with delinquencies; of course, there's always room for improvement.
MR. ALAMEDA: On a positive note, thank you for your team. I spoke with Kawika about a pro]ect I
was involved with that had a lot of water usage. Thank you to you and your team for calling the
customer. Hey,you've used an excessive amount of water. Just checking, letting you know if you have a
leak or if you know about it. I want to thank you for the job you are doing in ensuring the customer is
involved and knows these things. Being proactive, I called Kawika and let him know, hey, there might be
an excessive amount,just letting you know,but you guys let the process go, and you called me, so thank
you guys, for what you're doing.
G. MANAGER-CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT:
The Manager-Chief Engineer to provide an update on the following:
I. North Kona Wells
MR. GOODALE: We have some good news. Kona district has been impacted by us being down with this
Wai`aha Well since 2016, so we finally got that well back online. It was a long process to get a well
that's been off as long as that back online,but we passed all the state testing, and that's been over a
month plus just to get that. It kind of marked a milestone for us because it's been offline for quite some
time, and it's a significant source for us in that North Kona system, so we're pleased with the ability to
announce that.
MS. TAAROA: How long has it been operational?
MR.UYEHARA: June 8`h,it went back online.
MR. GOODALE: A week and a half.
Page 11 June 16,2026,water Board Minutes
MR.UYEHARA: As of now,in that system we have 12 of our 14 sources operational or available to use
in the North Kona system. Again, thank you to our staff, all our water supply staff, for persevering on
that Wai`aha Well repair and working with the contractor closely to get it back online.
The two others are the same: Honok6hau and H61ualoa Wells. Honok6hau Well, still the same schedule,
looking at the end of July of this year to get it back online. H61ualoa,we might have a little bit of a delay.
We still have to put that one out to bid, hoping the bid is awarded and give the contractor a notice to
proceed, so we're looking at maybe the early part of next year for return to service.
Again, our operations staff does an awesome job to ensure that whatever sources are available, the
customers have the water they need.
CHR. KEKELA: I know there were some system disruptions; are there any of those still? Did Pepe`ekeo
have a main break?
MR. OKAMOTO: One thing that we do want to mention, we want to apologize to our customers off of
Milo Street. Recently, earlier this month,we had to do somewhat of an emergency repair. Again, trying
to be proactive,we have a leak detection team, and they noticed that we're going to have a situation soon
if we don't address it. It seemed like a leak was progressing quite rapidly. We had to do a repair on an
older transite-type pipe;unfortunately,it was almost like a main break. A repair prior to an imminent
main break,basically.
MR. GOODALL Just to piggyback on what Keith said with that,we try to be really sensitive, especially
when we know there is no good time to cut people's water service off. In our situation with this one,it
was more of an ability to try and be proactive getting the line repaired,but again, for people that are
trying to do their business on a daily basis, there is never a good day to completely shut off. From our
end, evaluating the pros and cons,it was much better than having the unplanned breakage, which could
have potentially impacted the entire Kea`au area. That was something that we really wanted to be able to
avoid because had it been let go, the volume of water through this main was significant and could have
essentially emptied out our `Ola`a 93 Reservoir completely, which essentially would have left all of the
Kea`au area with no water all the way down to Maku`u. This was basically an effort to stay ahead of that
and not end up impacting such a large number of people. That's, again, a good credit to our leak detection
team and our Hilo field crew, having the ability to get everything mobilized and get it done. Ultimately
the outage didn't end up being that long,but again, our goal was to try and not end up disrupting or
putting people in a position where they have to struggle for what they're going to do for that period of
time.
MR. OKAMOTO: We're evaluating our protocols and our SOP's because for this one,we might have
had a little opportunity to get the notice out to the affected customers. Moving forward,if we have those
opportunities and it's within a reasonable amount,we're figuring out ways where we can get them the
notice a day before; at least some advance notice if we can. We can't do that on a main break,but if it's a
scheduled emergency repair, we'll try to get advanced notice out if we can.
MR.UNGER: Is that just aging pipe?
MR. GOODALL Yes. The nature of this transite pipe is that the waterline is under high pressure,well
over 100 PSI, and so essentially what happens is it starts cutting the pipe wall, which then can result in a
full rupture, and with over 100 PSI coming out of a 12-inch main,you can imagine the geyser coming out
of the ground. What we were hearing with our leak detection group is that amount was escalating over
time, and it escalated very shortly, and that's why it became urgent that we wanted to get that replaced
rather than it completely rupture.
MR. OKAMOTO: That was a significant recent one that we needed to resolve.
Page 12 June 16,2026,water Board Minutes
H. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
1. Chairperson to report on matters of interest to the Board
CHR. KEKELA: We finally have a representative for District Seven, Mr. Risnyk.Nick,if you're on and
you'd like to share a little bit about yourself.
MR. RISNYK: Aloha. Sorry, I'm traveling off-island, and I have limited connectivity, so I'm kind of
spotty,but it's nice to see you all. I see some familiar faces. Just a little bit about me, myself and my
family have lived in H61ualoa for about 20 years. We run a recycling and rubbish company in Kona and
serve the Kona-Kohala Coast, and are very happy and honored to be here with you all and to share and
help this good community along.
CHR. KEKELA: Thank you and welcome, and we look forward to seeing you at the next meeting. Thank
you for being willing to serve.
6) ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Next Meeting—July 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m., West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G, 74-5044 Ane
Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
7) ADJOURNMENT:
CHR. KEKELA: Can I get a motion to adjourn?
ACTION: Ms. Taaroa moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Alameda and carried unanimously
by voice vote (Ayes: 8—Board Members Miura, Alameda, Taaroa, Unger, Riznyk, Lopez, Aiona, and
Chairperson Kekela).
(Meeting Adjourned at 10:57 a.m.)
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY WATER BOARD
JULY 28, 2026
Page 13 June 16,2026,water Board Minutes