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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item II_2026-08-26 Environmental Management Commission Minutes_draftDR A F T ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI DRAFT MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 26, 2026 9:14 a.m. to 12:07 p.m. West Hawai‘i Civic Center – Kona Council Chambers (Building A) and Zoom A video recording is made part of these minutes, which is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogLfSmLa_ys Timestamps are provided for reference in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 92, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. Disclaimer: These meeting minutes were generated with assistance from AI and are intended to provide a summary of discussions. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, they may not capture the full context or details of the meeting. Readers are encouraged to reference official recording for clarification if needed. County Staff Present: Daniel Girvan,Director of Department of Environmental Management (“DEM”); Craig Kawaguchi, Deputy Director of DEM;Christopher Laude, Temporary Assignment (“TA”) Wastewater Division Chief;Michael Rivera, Solid Waste Division Chief; Robin Bauman, Business Manager; Kelly Hartman, Regulatory Administrator;Alexander White,TA Information and Education Specialist; Matthew Jaroslawski, Civil Engineer V; Todd Wright, Recycling Specialist II, Lindsay Moore, EnvironmentalCompliance Specialist; Ashley DeVera, Private Secretary;and Kevin Soong, Deputy Corporation Counsel. Others Present: Two members of the public attended in-person and fourteen members of the public attended via Zoom. I.CALL TO ORDER [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 0:34] Chair Perez called the meeting to order at 9:14 a.m., noting that quorum was present. Commissioner’s Present: •Jim Beets (District 1) On Zoom •Louisa “Sasa” Anthony Lee (District 3) On Zoom •Erica Perez (District 4) On Zoom •Justin Canelas (District 6) On Zoom •John Kometani (District 9) On Zoom DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 2 of 13 Vacancies: • District 2 • District 5 • District 7 • District 8 II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR June 24, 2026 [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:11] The Environmental Management Commission (“EMC”) will consider approval of the minutes from its meeting held on June 24, 2026. Chair Perez opened the item and requested a motion. Motion 1: Commissioner Kometani moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Lee seconded. The motion passed with a unanimous aye voice vote. III. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:09] Public Testimony – Georjean Adams on Agenda Item V.1. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 4:54] IV. UPDATES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (DEM) 1. Solid Waste Updates: a. On July 8th, Council committee voted to advance Resolution 594-26 for the county to enter into a cooperative agreement with USDA to conduct control operations of feral animals at the Hilo Reload facility and Hilo Wastewater Plant. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 8:00] Mr. Michael Rivera reported that on July 8th, the County Council voted to advance the agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The agreement was being routed for signature. Once the agreement was executed, meetings with the USDA and Operations staff would be conducted to coordinate the process. b. On August 8th, work will begin at the Glenwood Transfer Station to repair and replace the railings. Repair work will be conducted on closed days. There will be bay closures at times which can cause wait time delays. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 9:13] Mr. Rivera noted that work began on August 8th at the Glenwood facility to repair all of the railings. The work was scheduled to be completed on days when the DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 3 of 13 facility was closed to minimize impacts to residents. Bay closures occurred as needed while the repairs were completed and the materials cured. In the interim, recycling days were transferred to the Volcano Transfer Station. c. On July 23rd, EPA and DOH conducted a site inspection at the Puʻuanahulu Landfill. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 9:52] Mr. Rivera reported that on July 23, a surprise inspection was conducted at the Puʻuanahulu Landfill by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the Department of Health (“DOH”). The inspection focused on the landfill gas collection system and included surface emission monitoring (“SEM”), which involved scanning landfill surfaces with a probe to ensure emissions remained below the 500 parts-per-million (“ppm”) limit. Several exceedances were identified during the inspection. Due to the porous rock conditions at the landfill, several areas required remediation with finer material to reduce emissions below the 500-ppm limit. Following remediation, the areas were re-monitored 10 days later to confirm compliance. Mr. Rivera reported that all identified areas had been remediated and that the facility was in compliance. d. On July 28th, the Annual Operating Report (AOR) was submitted to DOH. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 10:57] Mr. Rivera noted that on July 28, the Annual Operating Report (“AOR”) was submitted to DOH. The AOR provided an annual summary of activities conducted by DEM Solid Waste during the previous fiscal year, including landfill tonnage, recycling tonnage, and the number of abandoned vehicles. Chair Perez asked, regarding Agenda Item IV.1.a., about the protocols for deploying the effort. Mr. Rivera explained that the effort was primarily focused on feral pigs, which were creating a hazard in the surrounding area. The USDA would habituate the pigs to traps located in and around the sort station. The work would be conducted at night or after hours and was expected to take approximately two to three weeks, or longer if necessary, before the pigs could be trapped and controlled. Chair Perez also asked about the significant feral cat population observed at the transfer stations. Mr. Rivera responded that feral cats continued to be observed at the Keaʻau, Kealakehe, and Hilo transfer stations, as well as near the front gate on Leilani Street, the reload station, and the recycling area. Vice Chair Canelas requested an update on the condition of the transfer stations in Kaʻū following Hurricane Lala. Chair Perez added that status updates should be provided for DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 4 of 13 the entire County, including the impacts Hurricane Lala had on communities throughout the County on the next agenda. 2. Wastewater Division Updates: a. Carollo Engineers Draft Wastewater Facilities Plan and Draft Cesspool Conversion Evaluation Report Presentations. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 16:51] Mr. Chris Laude and Ms. Kelly Hartman introduced Carollo presenters, Mr. Gary Deis and Mr. Jason Nikaido. Ms. Hartman explained that the team had been working on the two reports since 2023 as components of the County’s Integrated Wastewater Management Plan (“IWMP”). The reports included the Wastewater Facilities Plan, which evaluated the condition of wastewater assets and prioritized repairs, and the Cesspool Conversion Evaluation, which addressed the requirements of Act 125 to close all cesspools. Mr. Deis outlined the objectives of the presentation, including the condition and needs of the County’s wastewater infrastructure, required maintenance, and major capital improvement projects. He noted that Carollo had coordinated with DEM and the Finance Department to develop near- and long-term capital improvement plans (“CIP”) and related cash flow projections. Mr. Deis explained that the two reports were components of the Integrated Wastewater Master Plan required under the Administrative Order on Consent (“AOC”) with the EPA. The Master Plan included additional elements scheduled for completion by January 2027. He noted that the work had been underway for approximately three years and involved extensive data collection and coordination. The analyses considered the condition of existing facilities and legally mandated improvements under the AOC and Kealakehe Settlement. The Cesspool Conversion Evaluation assessed the County’s ability to facilitate cesspool conversions, primarily through reasonable extensions of existing sewer infrastructure. Mr. Deis emphasized that the County’s wastewater needs were substantial, with estimated costs in the billions of dollars, and noted that the team was working with the Finance Department to identify available funding and develop a wastewater CIP consistent with the County’s financial resources. At 9:37 a.m. Commissioner Lee left the meeting, and Chair Perez noted that there was no longer a quorum. The commission took a recess, and the meeting was called back to order at 9:42 a.m. Mr. Kevin Soong noted that, since there was no quorum, testimony could still be taken and DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 5 of 13 questions regarding the presentation could still be asked; however, no deliberation or decision- making could take place on these agenda items. Ms. Hartman explained that the deliverables from DEM would provide context for the County’s wastewater plans. She stated that the County was developing a 20- year plan to address its aging sewer system, including a financial plan and priority ranking for needed improvements. She noted that the sewer rate study would help generate the revenues necessary to maintain the infrastructure and that the County was required to provide the EPA with a 20-year financial plan. Mr. Deis described the process used to develop the Facilities Plan, which began with the legal requirements under the AOC and Kealakehe Settlement Agreement, followed by an assessment of existing infrastructure conditions. Due to funding limitations, the identified needs were prioritized and incorporated into a feasible wastewater CIP. Mr. Deis reported that engineers and operators assessed the County’s six wastewater treatment plants (“WWTP”) and 17 sewage pump stations (“SPS”) in July 2023, with follow-up inspections conducted in spring 2026. The assessments used a 1-to-5 condition rating scale, with 1 representing excellent condition and 5 representing failure. Approximately 20 percent of facilities were rated in good condition, 50 percent in fair condition, 25 percent in poor condition, and 5 percent had failed components. He stated that the system remained operational, but the identified deficiencies would require attention through the CIP. Mr. Nikaido explained that the identified needs were divided into maintenance actions and capital improvements. Forty-eight maintenance actions were identified, with recommended schedules and budgets, while 70 potential CIP projects were identified based on condition assessments and legal requirements. CIP projects were prioritized according to legal mandates, health and safety, rehabilitation and replacement, and reliability and redundancy. Mr. Nikaido reported that the 10-year CIP focused primarily on legal mandates and health and safety requirements under the AOC and totaled approximately $1.1 billion. An additional $500 million in rehabilitation and reliability projects brought the 20-year CIP total to approximately $1.6 billion. Overall wastewater needs beyond the 20-year horizon were estimated at approximately $2.3 billion, including projects that remained unscheduled and unfunded. In response to Chair Perez’s questions, Mr. Deis clarified that all above-ground wastewater assets, including WWTPs and SPSs, had been assessed, but the underground collection system had not been included in the assessment. Mr. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 6 of 13 Laude explained that the County was conducting a separate assessment of its underground assets, which was expected to be completed in 2028, with identified issues to be incorporated into future CIP budgets. Chair Perez also questioned the use of the Enterprise Fund for maintenance activities and the potential to use it for larger capital projects. Mr. Deis explained that funding approaches varied among agencies, but Hawaiʻi County primarily used general obligation bonds for major capital projects. Ms. Hartman added that the County’s six-year CIP addressed major capital needs, while the operating budget covered facility operations and maintenance. She noted that sewer rates were intended to cover the cost of providing sewer services rather than relying on the General Fund. Regarding State Revolving Fund (“SRF”) financing, Ms. Hartman explained that the County identified priority projects through its six-year CIP process and submitted eligible projects for consideration through the State Intended Use Plan (“IUP”). Mr. Deis then presented the Cesspool Conversion Evaluation, noting the complexity and significant costs associated with converting approximately 48,600 cesspools statewide. The evaluation considered connections to existing sewer systems, new decentralized or cluster wastewater systems, and conversion to DOH-approved individual wastewater systems (“IWS”). He explained that although several options were technically feasible, their costs would likely result in most County cesspool conversions being addressed through IWS. Mr. Deis also discussed the cesspool prioritization tool developed by the University of Hawaiʻi (“UH”), which classified cesspools as Priority 1, 2, or 3 based on potential public health and environmental impacts. Approximately 85 percent of the County’s cesspools were classified as Priority 3, with Priority 1 and 2 cesspools concentrated in certain areas. He noted that decentralized systems could be pursued by neighborhoods or communities where appropriate. At 10:12 a.m. Commissioner Lee returned to the meeting and Mr. Soong confirmed that a quorum was present. The Commission proceeded with the meeting as normal. Mr. Deis continued the presentation and explained that cesspool conversion requirements were established through State legislation. Act 125, passed in 2017, required all cesspools to be converted by January 1, 2050, with possible exemptions determined by DOH based on factors such as lot size and slope. He noted that Act 132 established the Cesspool Conversion Working Group in 2018 and that Act 217, passed in 2024, provided funding to the UH to update its cesspool prioritization tool and identify priority areas for sewer extensions. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 7 of 13 Mr. Deis explained that the evaluation identified potential sewer connections by analyzing areas with 50 or more cesspools within an eighth-mile radius. The analysis identified 77 groups, which were further evaluated based on projected wastewater flows and the capacity of existing sewer infrastructure. Areas near existing sewer systems were identified as potential sewer extension projects, while areas without nearby infrastructure were evaluated for decentralized wastewater systems or IWS. The evaluation identified 39 potential County sewer extension projects, four potential non-County sewer extension projects, and two potential areas for decentralized wastewater systems. Approximately 30,000 cesspools were identified as potentially requiring conversion to IWS. Mr. Nikaido explained that cost estimates were based on a May 2025 baseline and incorporated information from wastewater projects throughout Hawaiʻi, the DOH database, and contractor estimates. The total potential cost of cesspool conversions was estimated at approximately $5 billion. County sewer connections were estimated at approximately $780 million, non-County sewer connections at approximately $122 million, decentralized systems at nearly $3 billion, and IWS conversions at approximately $1.2 billion. Mr. Nikaido noted that IWS conversions were the most cost-effective option at approximately $40,000 per cesspool, followed by County sewer connections at approximately $93,000, non-County sewer connections at approximately $140,000, and decentralized systems at approximately $300,000 per cesspool. Mr. Nikaido explained that the County had the greatest control over County-led sewer extension projects and that Priority 1 cesspools would receive priority. Of the 39 potential County projects, 10 were prioritized at an estimated cost of approximately $266 million, potentially converting approximately 3,066 cesspools. Keaukaha, a Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (“DHHL”) community in Hilo, was included in the cost estimates but was not included in the funding. Implementation would depend on available CIP funds and outside funding sources. Non-County sewer connections would be led by the respective utility owners, decentralized systems would generally be community-led, and IWS conversions would be the responsibility of individual property owners. Mr. Nikaido stated that the team was briefing the EMC and would present the findings to the County Council on September 15, 2026, to meet the AOC deadline of January 2027. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 8 of 13 Commissioner Lee asked about the availability and approval of alternative IWS technologies. Mr. Nikaido explained that DOH maintained a list of approved technologies and had an acceptance process for new technologies that required installation, testing, and monitoring. Mr. Laude noted that approval of new technologies was a State responsibility, but the County remained open to evaluating alternative technologies and their potential impacts. Commissioner Lee also asked whether property owners in areas identified for County sewer connections would be required to connect or could pursue alternative technologies. Mr. Laude explained that the County was still evaluating the issue, with funding being a significant consideration. He noted that outside funding would likely be necessary and that alternative technologies would require DOH approval and consideration of their long-term implications. Chair Perez discussed State legislation and the Hawaiʻi On-Site Wastewater Treatment Evaluation Project, which was intended to evaluate innovative wastewater technologies and establish a more streamlined State approval process. Chair Perez asked how the County planned to manage the additional solids generated by cesspool conversions. Mr. Laude acknowledged that increased solids management would create additional operational and financial considerations. He stated that the County was working to increase flexibility, redundancy, and capacity within its treatment systems and was also evaluating its pretreatment program to better manage solids-generating entities. Vice Chair Canelas asked whether Pāhala and Nāʻālehu WWTPs could serve as collection or disposal points for septage from nearby IWS systems. Mr. Laude stated that this had not yet been specifically evaluated and that the facilities would first require DOH approval. He noted that the option could be considered as part of future solids management planning. Vice Chair Canelas asked whether the Aliʻi Drive project was identified as a top priority. Ms. Hartman clarified that the Kāhaluʻu project involved connection to a private WWTP and would be discussed under the next agenda item. Mr. Laude noted that a pilot program could also be considered in the future. Chair Perez discussed the County of Kauaʻi’s efforts to secure SRF and IUP funding to assist homeowners with cesspool conversions. She asked whether DEM had reviewed Kauaʻi’s approach and was coordinating with the Office of Community and Housing Development (“OHCD”). Mr. Laude stated that DEM regularly worked with OHCD on wastewater projects. Ms. Hartman added that the County was evaluating grants and low-interest loans for homeowner-specific cesspool DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 9 of 13 conversions and was considering directing eligible residents to OHCD programs that could provide financial assistance, including potential loan forgiveness. Chair Perez requested that the next agenda include a discussion of Kauaʻi County’s approach to securing approximately $2 million in IUP and SRF funding for homeowners, noting that Kauaʻi had secured such funding on two occasions to assist with cesspool conversions. At 10:54 a.m., Mr. Soong clarified that when the Commission lost quorum, it continued pursuant to HRS § 92-2.5(d) to receive testimony. Since that time, the Commission had not engaged in any deliberation or decision-making. Although Commissioner Lee subsequently returned and the Commission regained quorum, Mr. Soong explained that, upon further review, the cancellation of the meeting when quorum was lost could not be undone in order to comply with the Sunshine Law and applicable notice requirements. Mr. Soong further explained that, moving forward, when the Commission reached Agenda Item V.1., no deliberation or decision-making could occur. Any matters requiring deliberation or a decision would need to be postponed to the September 23, 2026, meeting or a subsequent meeting. b. Summary of findings for the Preliminary Engineering Report for Aliʻi Drive Sewer Line Extension. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:42:27] Public Testimony – Debbie Hecht [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 1:42:42] Director Girvan reported that the preliminary engineering report had been completed and identified 77 properties along Aliʻi Drive. The report evaluated two potential wastewater collection options: a traditional gravity-flow sewer system and a low-pressure sewer system. Director Girvan explained that a gravity sewer system would require minimal maintenance and little involvement from individual property owners but would be significantly more expensive to construct in the area. A portion of the system would be installed below the saltwater groundwater table, increasing the potential for infiltration and long-term operation and maintenance costs. A low-pressure system would use smaller-diameter, shallower pipes installed above the groundwater table, reducing infiltration and installation costs; however, individual property owners would need to install a collection vessel and pump. The report also evaluated extending the system north or south. The southern extension would connect to a privately owned wastewater treatment system that did not have sufficient capacity and would require reconstruction and expansion DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 10 of 13 of its lift station. The northern extension would connect to an existing lift station with sufficient capacity and convey wastewater to the Kealakehe WWTP. Mr. Laude noted that the gravity line leading to the northern lift station had limited but adequate capacity to accommodate the proposed expansion. Mr. Laude noted that cultural and historical resources along the corridor could complicate environmental reviews and required clearances. In response to Chair Perez’s questions, he explained that a low-pressure system could provide greater flexibility in routing around sensitive areas because it would not require the same gravity-based alignment and manhole requirements as a gravity system. Chair Perez asked whether a low-pressure system could still connect to County infrastructure or whether it would require a private system. Mr. Laude explained that either the County or a private provider could potentially accommodate the additional flow, subject to capacity, cost, and regulatory considerations. He noted that private systems would also be subject to Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) review and rate requirements. Director Girvan clarified that the County did not yet have technical specifications or a rate structure for low-pressure systems but stated that this would not prevent the project from moving forward. Vice Chair Canelas raised concerns regarding water quality and illnesses reported by community members following swimming in the bay. Mr. Laude stated that the project was a County priority and emphasized the need to transition from cesspools and IWS to centralized wastewater collection and treatment. He also noted the potential for future water reuse. Vice Chair Canelas asked about the anticipated timeline for advancing the project and securing funding. Mr. Laude explained that the County had committed funding during the current fiscal year to develop a detailed conceptual plan. The plan would establish project costs and could be used to pursue either a design-build contract or a traditional design-bid-build procurement. Chair Perez emphasized the importance of the project because the priority areas were located along the shoreline and included critical habitat and heavily visited areas. She recommended that future analyses include the potential costs and consequences of taking no action, including risks to public and private infrastructure and potential impacts to County assets. She stated that considering the cost of inaction would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the risks associated with continued reliance on cesspools and IWS, in addition to the costs of constructing new wastewater infrastructure. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 11 of 13 There were no further questions or comments. Chair Perez stated that she looked forward to reviewing the conceptual plan and receiving an update as the project progressed. At 11:26 a.m. the commission took a recess, and the meeting was called back to order at 11:36 a.m. V. NEW BUSINESS 1. EMC review of the sewer rate Bill 183, to discuss comments and recommendations and plan to submit prior to the October 2nd deadline at noon, pursuant to Hawaiʻi County Code § 2-207(c-d). [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:23:17] Commissioner Lee asked how the EMC’s comments and recommendations would be incorporated into the process. Ms. Hartman explained that this was the EMC’s first review of the proposed sewer rate bill, which had been referred to the EMC for comments. She stated that the bill consisted of a table outlining the proposed rate increases. Chair Perez questioned the equity of the proposed rates. She expressed support for maintaining safe and reliable wastewater infrastructure and acknowledged the financial gap that needed to be addressed. She also noted that the County’s sewer rates were relatively low compared to other counties and privately operated utility systems. Chair Perez asked about developer connection fees and their relationship to the proposed sewer rates. Ms. Hartman explained that connection fees were not included because the bill addressed sewer service rates, which covered wastewater treatment and County services. Connection fees were separate and would be evaluated in the future. Director Girvan explained that connection fees were intended to recover capital investment costs associated with new infrastructure, rather than operating expenses. He stated that the fees addressed in the proposed bill were legally and administratively required to cover wastewater system operating expenses. Chair Perez asked whether the rate study provided the basis for the proposed bill and rate increases. Director Girvan confirmed that it did, explaining that the study identified the County’s financial needs and operating costs and provided a basis for allocating those costs among wastewater customers. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 12 of 13 Regarding the proposed charge for gang cesspools, Director Girvan explained that the County continued to operate and maintain the collection system serving those properties, even though gang cesspools did not use a County treatment system. He noted that the current monthly charge was $25 for gang cesspools compared to $52 for private residences, with the difference reflecting the additional cost of operating and maintaining the treatment system for private residences. Chair Perez questioned whether other sanitation-related charges or developer-related costs fell outside the scope of the rate study and proposed bill. She expressed concern that new development could increase infrastructure and wastewater treatment needs without developers contributing to future costs associated with expanding or connecting communities to the County sewer system. Director Girvan reiterated that the proposed bill addressed operating costs, while connection fees would address capital expenses. He noted that Hawaiʻi County did not currently have a connection fee, although other counties did, and stated that establishing such a fee could be considered in the future. Director Girvan clarified that the requirement for developers to provide sewer infrastructure was a County Code requirement rather than a connection fee. Developers were responsible for the capital cost of installing sewer systems within their developments and were required to construct the systems to County standards before transferring them to the County. He explained that this was separate from a connection fee that could potentially be charged when an existing property was connected to a newly installed County sewer line. Ms. Hartman added that residents in a subdivision would begin paying the sewer service rate once water service was activated for their individual residences. Commissioner Lee requested access to the full rate study to better understand how the proposed rates were developed. She expressed concern about the impact of the proposed rates on communities in her district, including approximately 430 households that would be required to connect to the sewer system. Commissioner Lee also noted that a majority of Hawaiʻi County residents were not connected to the County sewer system. Director Girvan confirmed that most residents did not pay sewer rates and explained that the wastewater system was therefore effectively subsidized by the general taxpayer. He stated that the goal was to move toward a user-pay system in which wastewater system users covered the costs of the services they received. He further explained that State and federal requirements obligated the County to maintain a rate structure sufficient to cover wastewater system operating expenses. DR A F T Environmental Management Commission Draft Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2026 Page 13 of 13 Commissioner Lee expressed concern that some affected communities were required to connect to the sewer system without being provided alternatives and asked whether different rates could be established for different customer groups. Director Girvan explained that applicable laws limited how wastewater operating expenses could be allocated among customer categories. He noted that the proposed bill distinguished among private residences, non-private residences, and hotels, with each rate category supported by financial analysis. Director Girvan emphasized that the County could not arbitrarily shift costs among customer categories and that the rate structure had to be supported by financial and legal analysis. Commissioner Lee again requested access to the full rate study, and Director Girvan stated that he would follow up regarding its availability. Chair Perez requested clarification regarding the remaining agenda items and, since the agenda had not been completed, suggested that the meeting be concluded and adjourned, with the remaining agenda items carried over to the following month. Mr. Soong agreed. Mr. Laude added that the rate study was a necessary step forward. He noted that DEM needed to examine how new connections could be charged for their proportional use of the sewer system and how costs incurred for new connections could be recouped. Chair Perez noted that this discussion would continue at the next meeting and that the EMC would have an opportunity to develop its recommendations to County Council. Chair Perez then proceeded to Agenda Item VIII. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. The EMC has Commissioner vacancies for Districts 2, 5, 7, and 8. [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:52:23] IX. ADJOURNMENT [SEE YOUTUBE TIMESTAMP 2:52:43] The meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Ashley DeVera, Secretary