HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-19 Water Board MinutesMINUTES
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DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY
COUNTY OF HAWAII
WATER BOARD MEETING
December 19, 2017
Hilo Operations Conference Room, 889 Leilani Street, Hilo, HI
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Craig Takamine, Chairperson
Mr. Russell Arikawa, Vice -Chairperson
Mr. Bryant Balog
Mr. Eric Scicchitano
Mr. Leningrad Elarionoff
Mr. Nestorio Domingo
Ms. Brenda Iokepa-Moses
Mr. Keith K. Okamoto, Manager -Chief Engineer, Department of Water
Supply (ex -officio member)
ABSENT: Mr. William Boswell, Jr., Water Board Member
Ms. Kanoe Wilson, Water Board Member
Director, Planning Department (ex -officio member)
Director, Department of Public Works (ex -officio member)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Jessica Yeh, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Department of Water Supply Staff
Mr. Kawika Uyehara, Deputy
Ms. Kaiulani Matsumoto, Information and Education Specialist
Mr. Kurt Inaba, Engineering Division Head
Mr. Richard Sumada, Waterworks Controller
Mr. Daryl Ikeda, Operations Division Head
Mr. Clyde Young, Operations Division
Mr. Eric Takamoto, Operations Division
Mr. Warren Ching, Operations Division
Mr. Leonard Midallia
Mr. Norris Gonsalves
Ms. Bellia Rivera-Poy (and guest, Ms. Nancy Hiro)
1) CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Takamine called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He
announced that two Board Members will have terms expiring the end of this month,
Vice -Chairperson Russell Arikawa and Ms. Brenda Iokepa-Moses. He thanked Ms. Iokepa-Moses
for serving on the Water Board for the past five years and said he will miss her no-nonsense
approach. She has been a regular at the meetings and we are sad to see her go. Mr. Russell
Arikawa has always supported him as Vice -Chair. He has known Mr. Arikawa a number of years
and respects him. He jokes around a lot but he has always been very supportive and sensible on
this Board. He will also be missed. He asked if they wished to say a few words.
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Ms. Iokepa-Moses stated that she learned a lot while on the Board, more than she expected. She
hopes her replacement is someone from Ka`u who is involved with the farmers because water is
everything to them. She has had a great time serving on the Board.
Mr. Arikawa stated that he and Ms. Iokepa-Moses joined the Board at the same time. Like her, he
learned plenty about water, especially during the process of the Keauhou Aquifer petition by the
National Park Service. He thanked the Board, the Manager -Chief Engineer, the Deputy, and staff
for their good service over the years, and the Secretary for taking good minutes.
2) STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC - None
3) APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4)
ACTION: Ms. Iokepa-Moses moved for approval of the Minutes of the November 28, 2017, Public
Hearing on the Power Cost Charge and the Minutes of the November 28, 2017, Water Board
Meeting; seconded by Mr. Arikawa and carried unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Elarionoff commented that he thoroughly looks over the Minutes each month, looking for
errors; and complimented on there being none. He appreciates that. In trying to nitpick, he joked
the only thing he could find was they were not signed. Mr. Arikawa noted it is not a requirement.
The Manager -Chief Engineer added that the Secretary does a good job at paraphrasing the
discussions that take place during the meetings.
APPROVAL OF ADDENDUM AND/OR SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA
ACTION: Mr. Arikawa moved to add the Supplemental Report for agenda item 6(A) Job
No. 2017-1078, Hawi #2 Deepwell Repair; seconded by Ms. Iokepa-Moses and carried
unanimously by voice vote.
5) SOUTH HILO:
A. VEHICLE BID NO. 2017-16, FURNISHING AND DELIVERING A VEHICLE TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY:
The Manager -Chief Engineer announced that although the Department utilized the electronic
Public Purchase Procurement, there still appears to be a challenge with vehicles. This was for a
single vehicle, a meter reader van. As usual, when no bids are received, staff will seek alternate
methods of procurement per HAR 3-122-35 (b), in accordance with procurement rules.
In response to Mr. Arikawa's of whether it was a custom vehicle the Department was seeking
bids for, thus the reason for no bids, the Manager -Chief Engineer replied it was a basic
mini -van. The Department is always a little stumped when no bids are received.
In response to Mr. Arikawa's question of what type of vehicle this was to replace, Mr. Sumada
replied it is a Ford Transit that has been in service for quite a while.
Page 2 of 11 December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
B. JOB NO. 1994-590, PIIHONUA-KUKUAU RESERVOIR AND TRANSMISSION
IMPROVEMENTS:
The contractor, Isemoto Contracting Company, Ltd., has submitted a request for a contract time
extension of twenty-five (25) working days to allow time to make various repairs to the
pipeline easement running from Kaumana Drive down to Kukuau Street. This section of the
access road over the pipeline was damaged during the storms at the end of November and
beginning of December.
This would be the second time extension to the contract.
Ext.
Days
# From (Date) To (Date)
(Working)
Reason
1 12/03/2017 01/03/2018
21
Inclement and unworkable weather conditions
2 01/03/2018 02/08/2018
25
Repair work within pipeline easement caused
by run-off in November/December
Total Days (including this request)
46
If approved, the contract completion date, allowing for holidays, will be extended from January 3,
2018, until February 8, 2018. Engineering staff has reviewed the request and finds that the
twenty-five (25) working day extension is justified and necessary to complete the repair work
required for the project.
The Manager -Chief Engineer recommended that the Board grant this extension of contract time
of twenty-five (25) working days to Isemoto Contracting Company, Ltd., for JOB NO.
1994-590, PIIHONUA-KUKUAU RESERVOIR AND TRANSMISSION IMPROVEMENTS.
MOTION: Ms. Iokepa-Moses moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by
Mr. Balog.
The Manager -Chief Engineer stated that anyone that lives in this area can attest to the heavy
rains experienced in Hilo during the month of November. Most of the damage was to a section
of the project that goes cross-country between Kaumana Drive and the Sunrise Ridge/Kukuau
Street area. Although the design incorporated flood ways, or anticipated paths for the water,
with that much rain, the water crossed over the road. When there is a paved section and
compacted base course on the shoulder, the water tends fmd the weakest point and then erosion
takes place.
Mr. Inaba showed some photos of the damage and explained how the water showed up in areas
that were not anticipated. There is a small stream, but it jumped over where it normally flows
so it came down and eroded one side of the pavement. Water was coming out of a lava tube,
bubbling from the makai side and flowing back over to the mauka side of the pavement. Some
of the photos were taken December 1, and it just so happened that more heavy rain came on
December 2 and caused even more damage to the AC.
In answer to Ms. Iokepa-Moses question of whether this work had been done quite a while ago
or if it was fresh work that was torn up, Mr. Inaba answered it was fresh work.
Ms. Iokepa-Moses asked if there could be a way to avoid doing these types of projects during
the rainy months, especially November/December.
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Mr. Inaba stated that the contractor had been fortunate to have good weather up until the end of
October, when the rain started.
Mr. Domingo noted that from the photographs, it looked as though the pavement has been
undermined and eroded in some areas.
Mr. Inaba replied it was and that much of this repair work will be filling with Controlled Low
Strength Material (CLSM), a flowable and low cement content form of concrete, and then
repairing the AC. There are a lot of Best Management Practices (BMPs), improvements to
minimize pollution in runoff, they are replacing right now, but another storm is expected
overnight. They are rushing to get in whatever they can today. For these types of events, it is
difficult to build for that. It was basically just forest when the project was started, and it was
hard to get a good survey topography. The design was good, but it was just that the base course
washed out.
Chairperson Takamine stated that if you live in East Hawaii you would know how much rain
was experienced in that period of time. He asked if the contractor is responsible for taking care
of all of this.
Mr. Inaba replied they are responsible for the work they did; however, the Department is not
going have them put back what we now know will not handle the heavy rains, and are
negotiating with the contractor to put in a more permanent pavement.
The Manager -Chief Engineer added that if it had been known that water could cross over [from
the lava tube], it would have been planned for and designed to accommodate it. A lot of this
damage was due to water that was not anticipated in the design. This road is just for the
Department's operation and maintenance. It is not a County roadway. The Department is still
in the talking stages with the contractor. It should fall within contingency; therefore, this
request is just for more time.
In response to Mr. Domingo's question of who owns the access road, Mr. Inaba replied that
there are three different land owners, one being the State and the others being private land
owners that this easement crosses.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
6) NORTH KOHALA:
A. JOB NO. 2017-1078, HAWI #2 DEEPWELL REPAIR:
Bids for this project were opened on December 14, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., and the following are the
bid results:
Bidder Bid Amount
Be lik Drilling & Pump Services, Inc. $184,000.00
Derrick's Well Drilling & Pump Services, LLC $210,000.00
This project consists of furnishing all labor, materials, tools, and equipment necessary to
remove the existing pump, motor, and column assembly; install a submersible pump and motor,
column assembly, power cable, sounding tubes, and all appurtenant materials; install new
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electrical equipment and appurtenances; chlorinate the well and pumping assembly; and
complete an efficiency test; in accordance with the specifications.
Project Costs.
1) Low Bidder (Beylik Drilling & Pump Services, Inc.) $ 184,000.00
2) Contingencies (10%) $ 18,400.00
Total Cost: $ 202,400.00
Funding for this project will be from DWS's CIP Budget under Deepwell Pump Replacement.
The contractor will have 60 calendar days to complete this project. The Engineering estimate
for this project was $195,000.00.
The Manager -Chief Engineer recommended that the Board award the contract for JOB NO.
2017-1078, HAWI #2 DEEPWELL REPAIR, to the lowest responsible bidder, Beylik Drilling
& Pump Services, Inc., for their bid amount of $184,000.00, plus $18,400.00 for contingencies,
for a total contract amount of $202,400.00. 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. Arikawa moved for approval of the recommendation; seconded by
Ms. Iokepa-Moses.
The Manager -Chief Engineer stated that this is one of two wells, so the backup well will be
running during this repair work. This well repair consists of a submersible pump and motor.
In response to Mr. Domingo's question of how deep the well is and what the lifespan of it was,
Mr. Ching replied it is 800 feet to the water level, 700 gpm, and 200 hp. The lifespan was five
years.
Mr. Arikawa added that this was part of the Department's CIP budget.
ACTION: Motion was carried unanimously by voice vote.
7) MISCELLANEOUS:
A. MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT:
Mr. Scicchitano asked if there was a way the updates could be color coded.
The Manager -Chief Engineer said that was a good suggestion and Mr. Inaba can look at
reformatting to better highlight the new content.
Chairperson Takamine asked how the arc flash study is going with Brown & Caldwell.
Mr. Inaba reported they are moving along with the study and are on schedule.
Chairperson Takamine stated that he was impressed with their reports so far.
In response to Mr. Arikawa's question of whether they are from this State, Mr. Inaba replied
that the main contact is in their Seattle office, their equipment protection expert is from
Page 5 of ll December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
Colorado, their pump expert is based out of California. They have a local team here in Hawaii.
One of their mechanical engineers is on Oahu and has also been very instrumental.
B. REVIEW OF MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
There were no questions; but Mr. Arikawa noted that water sales and revenues went down
because of Kona, but pumping and expenses went up overall.
C. MANAGER -CHIEF ENGINEER'S REPORT:
The Manager -Chief Engineer provided an update on the following:
North Kona Water Restriction — the Manager -Chief Engineer thanked the Kona
community for still keeping their consumption down. The area remains under a 25%
Water Restriction, but the system has been operating very well and tank levels are stable.
The Keopu Well is next in line for completion. Once it is operational, the Department
will feel comfortable downgrading the restriction to a 10% Water Conservation Notice.
The contractor for the Keopu Well anticipates completion, December 20, 2017. After
that, the Department will need to disinfect, chlorinate, and conduct a bacti
(bacteriological) test. The results should be received possibly on Saturday. It will be
known then if the well is bacti free and the tank can then be filled up. Once that is done
and the Department is confident it is running smoothly, the Department will send out a
notice on the downgrade to Conservation. A press release will possibly go out tomorrow,
notifying the public of the completion but that testing is still needed.
Mr. Elarionoff asked what his confidence level is that the well is going to work fine.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied that he would rather wait and see because of how
things have been. Even the wells thought to be straight forward and expected to run
smoothly, have gone south on us. Mr. Arikawa noted it was wise to proceed with
caution. The Manager -Chief Engineer stated that this past year, the Department's staff
has learned how to fine tune the system, and his comfort level is in the staff. The tank
levels have been good throughout. Once Keopu is back online, his comfort level will
increase because that will bring redundancy to the system.
Mr. Elarionoff noted that from reading some of the Letters to the Editor, people really do
not like the Department.
The Manager -Chief Engineer stated that is one thing the Department acknowledges and
strives to get better. He reiterated that, thanks to the cooperation of the community, even
with all of these wells down, everyone still maintained water. Except for a few power
glitches affecting the Kahalu`u Shaft, all of the stuff that was related to the mauka wells
did not result in any outage of any timeframe.
Ms. Iokepa-Moses stated that the negative comments toward the Department and the
Board have been from just a handful of people. She has spoken with plenty of people and
they have only said glowing things about the Board and the Department. She thinks the
Department is doing the best job it can.
The Manager -Chief Engineer stated that the Department is committed to the customers
and to the Board and is not going to just sit on its hands and think it is going to be okay.
Page 6 of 11 December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
He thinks the Department will come out of this stronger and better. A lot of lessons were
learned. The guys in the field are tremendous.
Mr. Domingo asked about the other wells.
The Manager -Chief Engineer reported that after Keopu Well, next would be Keahuolu
(QLT) Well. The Department is working to get the circuit breakers in and is working
with the supplier to get them sooner than the four- to six-week timeframe they initially
provided. That will be the last check for that well to see if the issues are topside in the
controls or whether or not the pump and motor need to be pulled out of the well. Once
these circuit breakers are installed, there will be more information. For Hualalai Well,
the tear -down reports came in from the manufacturer and a third -parry the Department
hired; and they came to the same conclusion that the motor failed due to air trapped in the
motor, which caused an event that caused the motor to fail. The Department will be
working with the contractor on the warranty; but in parallel with that, staff has been
asked to go ahead and prepare bid documents to repair the well, this time with a slimline
pump and motor, in case the contractor disputes whether it is warranty work. In response
to Ms. Iokepa-Moses' question of whether it is known how air got in, the Manager -Chief
Engineer replied it was not known, but air should not have been in the motor.
Mr. Elarionoff asked about the air trapped and if water should be in there.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied that it is oil filled.
Ms. Iokepa-Moses asked if there was a way to check for air before the motor is put into
the well.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied the contractor is supposed to follow a procedure
beforehand. It is something like when you bleed the breaks on your car. You have to
trust that the procedure was done properly.
Ms. Iokepa-Moses asked who the contractor is for this well.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied it is Derrick's Well Drilling & Pump Services.
Chairperson Takamine commented that sometimes when companies get really busy, they
miss stuff, but we have to continue to hold them responsible.
Mr. Domingo asked if this happens often.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied it does not. He thinks it is why this well failed over
only a few days. When the equipment was pulled out, the casing for the motor was split.
It is not something you normally see. He reiterated that if they follow the proper
procedures, the air is supposed to be vented out.
Mr. Elarionoff asked if it was because they were pressed for time.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied that regardless, they are still supposed to follow the
proper procedures. The Department has been pushing them all; but at the same time, it is
not instructing them to bypass any procedures that they are supposed to follow.
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Basically, they cannot do that anyway because it will adversely impact them if something
like this happens. He added that Honokohau, Kalaoa, and Palani wells are running well.
Mr. Domingo noted that he gets calls from people who want updates; and he tells them he
will find out next meeting. The Manager -Chief Engineer said he could contact him any
time if he wants an update sooner.
2. South Kona Water Quality—press release — the Deputy reported on the water quality notice
that was issued December 4, 2017. It was part of our routine monitoring, part of our
Phase V rule tests of all of our sources once every three years and it just so happened that
the two South Kona sources, Keei Wells A & B had a detect for Dalapon, which is an
herbicide. Under State law, the DWS and Department of Health are required to put out
notice to the public to inform them that it is a new contaminant, versus your baseline
historical results of the well. The level is really small, trace levels. It is so small, the
State lab had to categorize it as non -quantifiable, which puts it in the 1.0 to 2.5 parts per
billion range. Since it is a regulated contaminant, there is a maximum contaminant level
set by the EPA, which is at 200 parts per billion. The water safe to drink and meets all
Federal and State requirements. Fortunately right now, the main two wells in the South
Kona system are Keei D and Halekii wells which service that community. These two
wells are more of a backup. They are exercised, but they are more of a standby backup in
case anything happens with Halekii or Keei D.
The Manager -Chief Engineer added that Engineering and Lab staff did some further
research and found it is an herbicide that used to be monitored by the State Department of
Agriculture. It is one of those that requires a permit to apply that herbicide. They have
not issued a license since 1992. This particular herbicide does not have a long duration
where it sits in the system. Maybe somebody's storage leaked and a small amount got
down there. The Department will conduct more frequent monitoring to ensure this is not
a recurring detection. Based on what was established so far, there is a high confidence
level that this it is not something that is going to show up a lot. However, per State law,
once a contaminant is detected for the very first time, even in a miniscule level, the public
has to be informed.
Mr. Elarionoff asked if there is any way of checking who may have used or stored the
herbicide.
The Manager -Chief Engineer replied that because records are so old, he did not know if
they have record of who purchased that 25 years ago. The Deputy added that is why,
going forward, the plan is to increase monitoring. The rule is to test once every three
years, but the Department wants to make sure it is not a recurring issue and are working
with the State lab and our contracted laboratory to come up with a schedule for more
frequent monitoring.
Mr. Elarionoff asked what the cost factor is.
The Deputy replied it would be staffs time and lab costs are in the $100.00 to $150.00
range per sample, but they are testing for other things at the same time.
Hawaiian Ocean View Well Update — the Deputy reported that the spare is at Beylik
Drilling's Kona baseyard. The refurbished pump that was sent to California is now on
Oahu; and arrangements are being made to air freight it, if possible, or by ship. Centrilift
Page 8 of 11 December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
is planning to send a technician, and the contractor is coordinating their arrival with the
arrival of the equipment. They anticipate having the well back on in the first week of
2018. He provided information related to Mr. Elarionoffs question last month about cost
estimates. The Department continues to haul water from the Nd`dlehu system over to the
HOVE tank. On average, the Department is paying to have about 26,000 to 27,000
gallons a day trucked to the tank. The average cost is $1,500.00 a day. Depending on
peak times, some days might be eight or nine loads at 5,000 gallons per load, and some
days about six loads. The tank is 300,000 gallons.
4. Retirees of the Department of Water Supp — retiring at the end of this year are, from
Operations Division, Mr. Milton Masaoka, Water Meter Mechanic, who has been with
the Department since 2000. He was not in attendance at this meeting. Present today and
retiring from Waimea District are Mr. Leonard Midallia, Lead Pipefitter, who started
with the Department in 1995; and Mr. Norris Gonsalves, Pipefitter, who started with the
Department in 2000. In 2007, Mr. Gonsalves won the County Employee of the Year for
his work helping the farmers after the 2006 earthquake. From the Engineering Division's
Water Quality Branch, Ms. Bellia Rivera-Poy, Water Microbiologist II, is retiring. She
started with the Department in 2013. She had a lot of years with the State and brought
that expertise to this Department.
D. MANAGER -CHIEF ENGINEER'S EVALUATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2017:
Chairperson Takamine entertained a Motion to move to the next item and enter Executive
Session on Manager -Chief Engineer's evaluation. (see next item)
E. EXECUTIVE SESSION: MANAGER -CHIEF ENGINEER'S EVALUATION FOR
CALENDAR YEAR 2017:
ACTION: Mr. Arikawa moved that the Board convene an executive meeting to consider the
evaluations of the Manager for its annual performance review, as authorized by Hawaii County
Charter Section 7-4.6(d) and Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS"), Sections 92-4 and 92-5(a)(2).
The Board wishes to have its attorney present, in order to consult with the board's attorney on
its questions and issues pertaining to the board's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and
liabilities pursuant to HRS Section 92-5(a)(4). A two-thirds vote of the members present,
pursuant to HRS Section 92-4, is necessary to hold an executive meeting, provided that the
affirmative vote constitutes a majority of the board. Motion seconded by Ms. Iokepa-Moses
and carried unanimously by voice vote.
(Executive session began at 10:58 a.m. and ended at 11:18 a.m.)
Chairperson Takamine went back to Item 7(D) Manager -Chief Engineer's Evaluation for
Calendar year 2017. This is for discussion/action on Manager -Chief Engineer's evaluation and
effective date for salary increases for the Manager -Chief Engineer and Deputy. He asked if
anyone wished to make a Motion.
ACTION: Ms. Iokepa-Moses moved to defer this to next month for the purpose of gathering
the proper documentation in order to properly evaluate a potential salary increase for the
Manager -Chief Engineer; seconded by Mr. Balog and carried unanimously by voice vote.
Page 9 of 11 December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
F. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE -CHAIRPERSON FOR 2018:
Chairperson Takamine opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson for 2018.
MOTION: Mr. Arikawa moved to nominate Mr. Craig Takamine to continue as Chairperson;
seconded by Ms. Iokepa-Moses.
Chairperson asked if there were any other nominations. There were none.
Ms. Iokepa-Moses stated that the continuity of having Mr. Takamine as Chair would help the
Board, if he would be willing to stay on as Chair, especially with new Board Members coming
in.
ACTION: Mr. Arikawa moved to close nominations for Chairperson; seconded by
Ms. Iokepa-Moses and carried unanimously by voice vote.
Chairperson Takamine opened the floor for nominations for Vice -Chairperson for 2018.
MOTION: Mr. Elarionoff moved to nominate Mr. Eric Scicchitano for Vice -Chairperson;
seconded by Ms. Iokepa-Moses.
MOTION: Mr. Scicchitano moved to nominate Mr. William Boswell, Jr., for Vice -
Chairperson; seconded by Mr. Arikawa.
When asked if the Board can proceed with the vote with Mr. Boswell not being present,
Ms. Yeh recommended that this be deferred until the nominee can be present.
ACTION TO DEFER: Ms. Iokepa-Moses moved to defer the vote for Vice -Chairperson until
next meeting; seconded by Mr. Arikawa and carried by 6 Ayes (Ms. Iokepa-Moses, Messrs.
Arikawa, Balog, Domingo, Scicchitano, and Takamine) 1 Nay (Mr. Elarionoff), and 2 Absent
(Mr. Boswell and Ms. Wilson).
G. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Chairperson Takamine thanked the Board for its support over the last year. It has been a
very challenging year with a lot of unexpected events. He circled back to the amount of
effort that leadership has put in, and also staff. There was mention earlier about the
unsung heroes of the Department; and for him, that is the best thing about being able to
serve on this Board is to get to meet those people and get a chance to recognize them
because from what he sees, most of them do not want credit. They want to deflect it to
leadership or someone else, and that is kind of the local style. We are fortunate to have
such great employees working for the Department of Water Supply. From the Board's
perspective, we know the Department is actively working hard to improve and is headed
in the right direction. For the Board, they are focusing on giving the Department the right
tools to make those improvements. From the Board's perspective, there is confidence
that leadership will continue to excel in the future. He thanked Mr. Arikawa for serving
as Vice -Chair this past year. He and Ms. Iokepa-Moses will be missed for all they bring
to this Board. In the four years since he joined this Board, he has learned so much and
gotten to meet people in the industry. He will continue to ask the Board Members to
participate in conferences as they are great ways to learn about this industry. He hopes
Page 10 of 11 December 19, 2017, Water Board Minutes
the newer members can have the same experience as he has had, which is very positive.
He looks forward to 2018 thanked everybody for their support.
2. North Kona Water Permitted Interaction Group Update — Chairperson Takamine reported
that he is working on scheduling a meeting in January in order to get a report out at the
February Water Board meeting. He wants to circle back and see what kind of changes
have been made as a result of the Department actively working in concurrence with the
Permitted Interaction Group. What has been impressive is to see the communication with
some of the consultants and the changes the Department has been making to improve
what they are doing, and some of the tweaking that has been done, for the most part, has
been at a relatively low cost. He hopes to get a report out for the February meeting in
Kona.
8) ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Next Regular Meeting:
The next meeting of the Water Board is scheduled for January 23, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at the
Department of Water Supply Operations Center Conference Room, 889 Leilani Street, Hilo, HI
2. Following Meeting:
The following meeting of the Water Board is scheduled for February 27, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at the
West Hawaii Civic Center, Community Meeting Hale (Building G); 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole
Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI
Ms. Iokepa-Moses commented that an important fact came out during a question regarding the
open-door policy. She thinks when the Board has its meeting in Kona, it might be good to
remind the public of the telephone number of the Department of Water Supply so if they have
any questions or concerns, it is better to get those answered right away and not come to a public
forum angry because they do not have answers. It is good to remind the public that they can
always call for updates or if they have questions.
9) ADJOURNMENT:
ACTION: Ms. Iokepa-Moses moved for adjournment of the meeting, seconded by Mr. Arikawa
and carried unanimously by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 11:29 a.m.
Recording Secretary
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