HomeMy WebLinkAboutLEPC meeting 091217
HI County LEPC Meeting Minutes
County Building Puna Conference Room
September 12, 2017 10:00am
Members Present: Gerald Kosaki, Lead Co-Chairperson; Henry Silva, Co-Chair; John Bowen,
Hazmat consultant; John Peard, DOH HEER; Terri Napeahi, Keaukaha Action Network; Chris
Leonard, New West Broadcasting; Muriel Ahuna-Leong, PGV; Maj. James O’Connor, HPD;
David Cummings, Hamakua Energy; Chenoa Haa, HELCO. Non-Members: Sharon Leonida,
DOH-HEER; David Guinn’ Big Island Biodiesel.
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 10:07 am by Chair Gerald Kosaki.
II. Minutes
Approval of the May 31, 2017 meeting minutes. Minutes was approved as circulated. Chair
Kosaki to post minutes of the meeting on the county website.
III. Continuing Challenge Recap
There were four personnel from HFD who attended. This was tabled until the next meeting
until we receive their reports from the conference.
IV. County Reports
1. Fire/Hazmat –
a. Haztech Refresher training held and trained 140 personnel
b. Biodiesel truck incident at Kaawalii gulch discussed by David Guinn
c. Propane tanker truck overturned in Honomu – Terri inquired as to where the tank
was taken. As far as we know, it was still at the auto body shop where it was
towed to. Maj. O’Connnor stated that if there is a fatality, the vehicle is towed to
Ken’s towing.
2. Police – No report
V. Industry Partners Report
1. PGV – Normal operations, well drilling completed
2. HEP – David Cummings stated that they have completed their overhaul of the engine
3. HELCO – Reported that they will conduct an oil spill drill at their baseyard on 9/13 from
0700-1600 hrs.
VI. Community Report
1. Terri Napeahi, Chair of the Keaukaha Action Network reported that she did a
presentation to the County Council about a month prior giving them data of information
gathered to identify facilities who pose a risk to the community.
2. Terri also identified some companies who are not compliant with EPA and is obtaining
baseline data to do a community risk assessment.
3. They suggested remediation and reduction of facilities release of chemicals
4. Terri is also working with other agencies to monitor the quality of water by taking
samples – she said that the problem is that there is only 1 person taking samples.
5. Terri also stated that she is still working on an asset fund through legislation, similar to
what is currently done with PGV.
VII. State of Hawaii
1. DOH HEER –
a. John Peard stated that EPA has an oil program but it normally takes as long as 5 years
to go through the court system then money can go back to the community
b. Terri stated that we need to investigate how we can use this fund or at least a portion
of it. Maj. O’Connor stated that we need to consult with Corp Counsel.
c. John stated that the harbors are working on developing and exposure hazard
management plan.
d. John said that they need to use GIS database to develop maps for underground
pipelines. Dr. Bowen inquired about the definition of a pipeline and it was inquired
to be determined by the size of the pipe at 6-8”? Gerald stated that we could look at
PHMSA as a resource.
e. John also talked about schools in east Hawaii with the potential of arsenic
contamination, but it was minimal. However, they did find lead, all within 3 feet of
the buildings. Lead statewide is determined by the age of the building.
f. Arsenic is local issues, usually as a result of weed control. They are trying to
determine ways to mitigate it. They dug out soil at pesticide mixing sites and
disposed of it. He said that there is a brown fields form that is used to obtain grants to
assess, train, and assist with sites.
g. Sharon stated that there will be a Dept. of Ag exercise to do it at a school that had a
past incident. This exercise will be held in November on the Big Island.
2. Media – Chris stated that he is still waiting to meet with the SECC for state operations
procedures regarding emergency messaging under the FCC. He said that we need to
look at the community infrastructure and ensure compliancy
VIII. New Business
1. EOP/ERP – Statewide the counties are reviewing their EOP and ERPs. No new
developments on status.
2. Henry Silva stated that he will be stepping down from his position. He asked for the
committee members to consider filling his position but wanted to table this discussion
until the next meeting.
X. Next meeting: Next meeting was scheduled for December 12, 2017 at a venue TBD.
XI. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:48am.