HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-2013 Water, Parks and Roads Subcommittee Meeting NotesPARKS AND WATER IMPROVEMENTS SUB- COMMITTEE MEETINGS
January 9 and 22, 2013
PRESENT: Bill Aierstruck , John Winter, Toni Withington, Andi Longpre, Giovanna
Gherardi
GUESTS: Jim Watt, Mahana Gomes, Hawaii Rural Water Association
To comply with the North Kohala CDP Strategy 4.SS: Upgrade Potable Water System
(pgs 78 -79). The Sub - committee invited Jim Watt and Mahana Gomes to discuss how
their organization helps communities to address water improvements. Jim Watt and
Mahana Gomes are employed as "circuit riders" for the Hawaii Rural Water
Association (HRWA).
They said the Department of Water Supply (DWS) is presently supportive of
communities developing "Associations" to improve their respective water supply
systems. They described a community in Kona Ocean View that successfully
developed a Water Association, secured federal USDA grant funding, and
thoroughly upgraded their water supply. IF our community wants to go forward,
HRWA would provide help and guidance throughout the process of forming a Water
Association and applying for grants. It is important to note that the USDA funding
typically comes as 30% grant money and 70% as a loan. Under some circumstances
the loan may be reduced to as little as 30 %. The Water Association is responsible for
repaying the loan. DWS might collect the money by adding the costs to
homeowners' water bills. Loans are typically at an interest rate of 2 -3% over a
period of 20 -40 yrs.
Jim and Mahana proceeded to describe the processes involved in underground
water line location and leak detection. They described the various methods
involved and their accuracy. Water loss due to system leaks can be significant.
Reducing such losses may help us get support from DWS on this project. HRWA can
supply the equipment free of charge. Having a hired or volunteer plumber do the
work can reduce property access issues.
The sub - committee agreed that the first step would be to elicit the community's
input as to whether or not there is a water transmission problem that needs to be
fixed. Possible problems are leaks, pressure, flow and location of water meters. If
the community agrees that there is a problem we would then host a
workshop /information session to explore possible solutions.
Since the focus of the subcommittee has shifted away from parks, it was agreed to
rename the group the Water, Parks and Roads Subcommittee.
A short discussion was held about adding the issue of roads to the groups' agenda
for 2013. Akoni Pule Highway will be resurfaced during this year and the problems
at Pololu lookout are increasing.