2017-02-22 Letter to Sylvia Luke re HB 1244

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-'Mwos p' Wil Okabe ` , , Managing Director Harry Kim * A '::: . ,t t• • Mayor --"s"ir Barbara J.Kossow •4;• ............ Deputy Managing Director • rt Of M�' • (Eountg of c .a ut`t Offie uftile 4Ra ur 25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawai`i 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Me Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawai`i 96740 (808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440 February 22, 2017 Representative Sylvia Luke Finance Committee Hawai'i State Capitol Honolulu, HI 96813 Dear Chair Luke and members: RE: HB 1244 Thank you for this opportunity to testify against HB 1244. I know the bill is well intended, but it is unnecessary, and it is contrary to our efforts to find a way to make housing more affordable. Yes, I realize that Hawaii has changed and we are now in the 21st century, but those of us who grew up in ancient times know that some of the old practices, while not entirely compatible with modern thought, are nevertheless environmentally sound and do not need to be discarded. As a prime example, in Hawaii County we have literally thousands of lots on which cesspools pose absolutely no hazard of groundwater pollution. Many of these lots may represent the best hope for current and future Hawaii residents to live in a dwelling rather than on the street. I have just directed my departments to do everything in their power to figure out how to bring down the cost of housing. If we were to require septic tanks in areas where cesspools should be acceptable, we immediately would be adding $10,000- $20,000 to the cost of every dwelling, with no environmental benefit whatsoever. If the Legislature wishes to offer financial incentives to install septic or other treatment systems, by all means do so, but please do not outlaw cesspools, even if the start date is 2050. Respectfully submitted, 'ijill /c(.. . Harry Kim Mayor County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.