HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-27 Letter to Mark Lester re Environmental Assessment - Pacific Spaceport Complex-Hawaii �Y Os.x..�
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County of Hawai`i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg C • Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
November 27, 2018
Mark D. Lester, President
Alaska Aerospace Corporation
4300 B Street#101
Anchorage, AK 99503
Transmittal Via E-Mail: PSCHakaerospace.com
Dear Mr. Lester:
RE: Environmental Assessment— Pacific Spaceport Complex-Hawai'i
I am writing in response to your November 9, 2018, notice of pre-assessment
consultation for the construction and operation of the proposed commercial spaceport,
Pacific Spaceport Complex-Hawaii (PSCH). Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
The County encourages the identification of opportunities to build upon a fully
integrated economy that benefits a diversity of local businesses, residents and the
environment. In doing this, a full and careful review of its impact to this community is
required.
A full discussion of the size, activities, specific type of payloads including any
payloads that would serve as a red flag such as nuclear fuels, wastes or related
component parts. Careful consideration and engagement should be targeted with the
residents of East Hawai'i and in particular residents of the Panaewa Homesteads as to
any potential impacts and planned mitigation actions. Discussion should include noise,
lights, safe disposal of any by-products, handling and spills associated with rocket fuels
and/or hazardous waste and accompanying robust mitigation strategies.
Please also address the various impacts of the trucks transporting construction
components and launch supplies and materials including potential congestion, safety,
and waste. Appropriate various alternative hauling routes and schedules should be
considered.
County of I lawari is an Equal Opportunity Pros!der and Employer
November 28, 2018
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Potential impacts on local businesses and government resources should be
addressed including adjacent visitor destinations, agricultural and fisheries operations
and valued astronomy facilities atop Mauna Kea. Impact and mitigation strategies may
also include the growing amount of trash accumulating in space including that within
Earth's orbit.
As Hawaii Island has a high propensity for natural hazards including tsunami,
volcanic activity, ground fracturing and subsidence, along with hurricanes and wildfires
— these potential events should be noted and mitigation addressing detailed
assessment of corporate, and government emergency response capabilities.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to comment. Please notify the County when
the Draft Environmental Assessment is available for review.
Sincerely,
Harry Kim
Mayor
c: Diane Ley, Director
Research & Development
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer