HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-27 EMC Meeting Agenda and Director's Informational Report
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI
MEETING AGENDA
DATE: March 27, 2019
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
PLACE: Aging and Disability Resource Center
1055 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 101
Training Room
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2019
3. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a Chair’s update on water sustainability and water quality white paper and plans.
b. Status of subcommittee’s draft recommendations to the legislature on water
reuse policy.
c. Commissioner Gaffney’s report on the interconnections of bills in the legislature
on cesspit closure, individual home waste management, and reuse.
d. Review the Commission’s table of Motions, Policy Recommendations, and Various
Requests and discuss follow-up.
e. Continued discussion on changing Hawaiʻi County Code Section 2-207, which
states that the Commission has a 45-day review period to submit comments and
recommendations on legislation relating to the functions and duties of the
Department of Environmental Management to the County Council, and that failure to
act within the 45-day review period shall be considered as an unfavorable
recommendation.
f. Continued discussion and legal opinion by Corporation Counsel on proposal to form
standing committees by county regions, east and west.
g. Continued discussion on developing users of reclaimed water from the Kealakehe
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
h. Review Chair’s proposed letter from the Commission to the Director of the
Department of Public Works regarding adoption of the Uniform Plumbing Code.
i. Discussion on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Kealakehe
Wastewater Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade Project for the purpose of preparing and
submitting official comments.
j. Follow-up discussion on Councilmember Tim Richards’ request that the
Commission examine a more equitable distribution of costs for wastewater
management.
5. NEW BUSINESS
Begin a discussion examining Hawaiʻi County’s roles, options, and constraints on
funding, including using a public-private partnership to provide sewer services to the
non-sewered regions of South Aliʻi Drive and Keauhou Bay.
6. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
a. Chair’s report on tidal influences on State Department of Health beach posting
and closing.
b. Director’s Informational Report. (Note: The report and agenda are posted
online on the County Calendar and on the County’s website under Boards and
Commissions, Environmental Management Commission
(http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=8405&dbid=1).
The Director will provide informational updates on the following:
(1) Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāāʻlehu Wastewater Treatment Plants.
As the County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et
al., Civil No. 18-1-00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects ʻ
will be limited.
(2) Status of the polystyrene educational program, and PowerPoint
presentation by the Recycling Section of the Department of Environmental
Management.
(3) Status of the Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant effluent R-1 upgrade
and Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) preliminary results.
(4) Report on projected R-1 water users.
(5) Testimony submitted to the State Legislature regarding four bills.
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7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Commissioners can suggest items they would like placed on the next agenda.
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The next meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2019, at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center,
Building G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The regular meeting place is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an auxiliary aid or
language translation, please call 961-8083 five days prior to the meeting date. Comments may be
sent to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi
96720, or emailed to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Notice to lobbyists: If you are a lobbyist, you must register with the Hawaiʻi County Clerk within ?ive days
of becoming a lobbyist. \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(b), Hawaiʻi County Code.\] A lobbyist means “any
individual engaged for pay or other consideration who spends more than five hours in any month or $275
in any six-month period for the purpose of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by
communicating or urging others to communicate with public officials.” \[Article 15, Section 2-91.3(a)(6),
Hawaiʻi County Code.\] Registration forms and expenditure report documents are available at the Of?ice of
the County Clerk-Council, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720.
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DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 27, 2019
CURRENT LEGISLATION
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Resolution 86-19 Resolution Authorizing the Extension of 03/12/19:
the Public Sewer from a Planned Adoption
Subdivision (Parcels 7-3-009:019, 057, 058, recommended at
060, 061 and 062) to the Existing Sewer AWEEMC meeting.
Line Terminus in Anekeohokalole Highway
(Applicant is RCFC Kaloko Heights, LLC).
DIRECTOR’S INFORMATIONAL UPDATES
1. Status of the proposed Pāhala and Nāālehu Wastewater Treatment Plants. As the ʻ
County of Hawaiʻi is being sued (Sandra L. Demoruelle v. Dora Beck et al., Civil No. 18-1-
00206), discussion of the Pāhala and Nāālehu projects will be limited.ʻ
2. Status of the polystyrene educational program, and PowerPoint presentation by the
Recycling Section of DEM.
3. Status of Kealakehe WWTP effluent R-1 upgrade and SAT preliminary results.
4. Report on projected R-1 water users (per request of Chair Bennett).
5. Submitted testimony to the State Legislature regarding four more bills at the time of this
report.
SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. OPERATIONS
A. WEST HAWAI‘I SANITARY LANDFILL
Waste Management Hawai’i (WMH) completed installation of the liner system for
cell 12. Placement of select waste in the new cell should begin during the month of
March.
B. EQUIPMENT
Both landfill compactors are being worked on to address extensive repair issues.
2. ADMINISTRATION
• SWD is working on moving appropriate personnel to different baseyards to allow
for improved operational efficiency and improved personnel oversight.
• SWD plans to have another meeting in April to discuss operational issues with the
commercial haulers.
• SWD will hold another meeting in April at the Aupuni Center Conference Room to
discuss what effects the new East Hawaiʻi Sort Sta?on guidelines will have on the
users of the facility.
• SWD will hold a public information meeting in conjunction with Councilwoman
Maile David to discuss the operating days for the Pāhala Transfer Station. This
meeting will place on 03/19/19 in the Pāhala Community Center. The meeting will
be starting at 5:30 p.m.
3. SOLID WASTE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
• SWD had a design meeting with the contractor for construction of the upcoming
East Hawaiʻi Organics Facility sited at the Shipman Business Park in Keaʻau. SWD is
working on a lease for the site with Shipman Ltd.
• The contract for the Waiohinu Transfer Station work has been signed. Design work
has begun for this project.
• A highway site blessing will take place for a new transfer station in Hawaiian Ocean
View Estates. The contractor is expected to begin work in the State highway right-
of-way in March.
• Bids were opened for the South Hilo Sanitary Landfill closure project on 02/28/19.
Bids are under review.
4. RECYCLING SECTION
A. ORGANICS DIVERSION PROGRAM:
The Amended and Restated Service Agreement for greenwaste and composting
services was approved and accepted by both Hawaiian Earth Recycling and the
County during September 2018.
B. INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE:
The 2019 update of the County of Hawaiʻi Integrated Solid Waste Management
Plan (ISWMP) will be prepared in compliance with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS)
Chapter 342G, which requires counties in the state to update and revise their
solid waste management plans every 10 years. The last update to the County of
Hawai‘i’s ISWMP was completed in 2009.
The update to the ISWMP will include an evaluation of local needs and
conditions to determine the most effective combined strategy for managing solid
waste while protecting human health and the environment. The plan will outline
the components of an effective solid waste management strategy and identify
short- and long-term goals, while providing a framework for implementation.
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As required by HRS Chapter 342G, Mayor Kim appointed members to the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). The County’s SWAC is comprised of seven
members and has been meeting monthly. Input from SWAC members during the
ISWMP update process is crucial to ensure that the completed plan effectively
identifies and addresses the County of Hawai‘i’s unique solid waste challenges.
C. TRANSFER STATION RECYCLABLES (“TWO-BIN”) COLLECTION AND RECYCLING:
The current contract will end on 09/30/19. Starting 12/01/18, a new acceptable
list of recyclables was implemented after lengthy discussions on world market
conditions. Plastic bottles, jugs and jars with resin codes #1 and #2 are
acceptable. All #5 plastics and all plastic covers/lids/caps are no longer
acceptable due to changing worldwide market conditions.
A recycling program education and outreach campaign has been developed. The
campaign will include new flyers and pamphlets along with radio, TV and
newspaper ads to educate the public on what is and is not currently recyclable,
and discourage contamination. In addition, new bin signage was finalized and
forwarded for production. SWD is now enforcing the ban on illegal commercial
usage of self-haul resident-only recycling bins at recycling and transfer stations.
Commercial generators/collectors should work directly with recycling companies
to manage recyclables, as they are prohibited from the recycling and transfer
stations. Redesign of the Hilo site is proposed to better handle traffic and
customers. SWD is working with the vendor to repair ramps.
D. DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY) USED MOTOR OIL RECYCLING:
• A Used Motor Oil Campaign has been developed. The campaign includes
flyers and newspaper and radio ads. Newspaper ads were printed three
times in February in both the West Hawaiʻi Today and the Hawai‘i Tribune-
Herald. Radio ads played on four media groups during the month of
February.
• Three containment units were ordered from Chem-Tainer to replace
damaged units and to add one new UMO site.
• IFB 3725 was awarded to Hawai‘i Petroleum and expires on 08/31/19. The
NTP was issued on 09/24/18.
• A list of island-wide year-round collection locations (six) is on our website at
http://www.Hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/motor-oil. Residents can also
recycle DIY used motor oil at all County Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Events. Used motor oil (UMO) is not accepted at the recycling
and transfer stations. The DOH ended funding of the program in FY2015.
DEM funded the continuation of the UMO program in the FY2018 Budget.
The used motor oil collection site at South Point U-Cart is temporarily closed
due to ongoing issues with the used motor oil containment unit being
contaminated with water, rubbish and other unacceptable materials
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E. REUSE CENTERS:
• RFP 3693 resulted in contract award to Transfer Station Thrift Store LLC for
all seven locations.
• The County operates seven Reuse Centers at Recycling and Transfer Stations
located in Hilo, Kea‘au, Pāhoa, Kealakehe, Keauhou, Waimea, and
Wai‘ōhinu.
F. ELECTRONICS RECYCLING:
• The IFB 3514 contract with Mr. K’s R&R expires 04/17/20.
• Residents are allowed no-charge household electronics recycling on
Saturdays at Mr. K’s R&R. Businesses, non-profits, schools, and others are
offered discounted fees on Saturdays. An acceptable list and more
information is at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste. Mr. K’s is
open and accepting electronics daily.
• The County provides free monthly electronic recycling collections in Hilo,
Kona, Waimea and Wai‘ōhinu for residential electronics only. Details of the
County collections and any changes to private collections will be posted on
our website at http://hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/e-waste.
• Currently, no manufacturer offers convenient on-island take-back of
electronics. Manufacturers only offer this convenience on O‘ahu to comply
with the Electronic Waste and Television Recycling & Recovery Act
mandatory take-back provisions. A stronger EPR law requiring convenient
on-island manufacturer sponsored take-back should be considered. The
DOH awarded the County grant funding in FY2019, partially reimbursing
SWD electronics recycling expenditures.
G. HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW):
• The next HHW Collection Events are tentatively scheduled for August 2019
in Hilo and Kealakehe. Currently, permits are being obtained. More
information is available at http://www.hazardouswaste.org/recycle/
household-hazardous-waste/.
• March 2019 events were very successful with good turnout.
H. GREEN WASTE DIVERSION:
• The State Department of Agriculture finalized a permanent rule (HAR § 4-72-
13) prohibiting the interisland transport of ‘ōhi‘a plant material to prevent
the spread of Rapid Ōhiʽʽa Death caused by Ceratocystis lukuohia or
Ceratocystis huliohia. They also recommend not transporting ‘ōhi‘a plant
material from an infected area to a non-infected area. DEM has
recommended that people not bring any ‘ōhi‘a plant material to our
greenwaste collection sites and recommends composting on-site.
• The County’s contract with Hawaiian Earth Recycling continues greenwaste
recycling. Enhanced mulch is available at the East Hawai‘i Organics Facility.
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The mulch is treated for invasive species at EHOF since the modified State
Department of Health permit was issued. SWD relocated the greenwaste
recycling at the Waimea Recycling and Transfer Station to make it more
convenient for residents.
I. SCHOOL RECYCLING AND TOURS:
• Requests for school and HCC/UHH tours of SWD facilities continue. Many
are scheduled in April to coincide with Earth Day. These tours are helpful in
educating the next generation on recycling and sustainability. Several tours
have already taken place for various schools island wide.
J. SPECIAL EVENT RECYCLING:
• The Recycling Section continues to offer free rental HI-5 Event Recycling Bins
for fundraisers at community, sports or family events. Bins can be requested
via an online application form at http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/event-
planning. Please submit applications for reservations well in advance of events
to make sure bins are available and to schedule pick-up/drop-off. The
www.hawaiizerowaste.org website also provides helpful resources for planning
zero-waste events.
K. HI-5 CERTIFIED REDEMPTION CENTERS (CRCs)
• On 10/26/18 the State Department of Health made a determination on
plastic bottles caps. The public now needs to remove the caps on the
bottles if redeeming by weight. This is pursuant to Hawaiʻi Administra?ve
Rules § 11-282-61, wherein caps should not be included when redeeming by
weight.
• On 12/21/18 the State Department of Health approved the ad that the
County will run in the newspapers to educate the public of the No Caps
change. The following ad appeared in the Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald and West
Hawaiʻi Today on 12/23/18, 12/26/18, 12/28/18, and 12/30/18.
• Ads were well received by the public. CRC staff were also grateful for the
ads which helped to educate the public.
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L. RECYCLING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH:
• The Recycling Section’s website, www.hawaiizerowaste.org, completed its
transition to a mobile-ready format with enhanced location features. The
Recycling Section is researching upgrades to the website to improve
functionality and customer experience.
• Information is continually updated on the site. A separate Recycling
Facebook page also includes our current TV/radio ads:
https://www.facebook.com/Recycle-More-1355514304591398/.
• Staff continues to give presentations to community organizations. The
st
biggest event will be the 31 Earth Day Fair at UH-Hilo on 04/26/19, where
hundreds of students will be attending.
• Out of the Sea Media Arts received a contract as a result of professional
services procurement for Recycling Education Program Development
services.
• The contractor has developed various education campaigns for UMO, the
polystyrene food serviceware ban, and updated signage for the Recycling &
Transfer Station recycle bins.
M. TIRE RECOVERY/RECYCLING EDUCTION AND OUTREACH:
• The contractor completed the third round one-year follow-up of tire
retailer/wholesaler education and site inspections, educating tire retailers/
wholesalers of their responsibility to charge a disposal fee for tires sold to,
and to accept used tires from, customers when tires are being replaced.
Two-year follow-up site visits are planned for April/May 2019.
• The contractor completed an initial and second round of consumer
education (media release, radio, newspaper, social media, posters/flyers,
etc.) during September through December 2017, encouraging consumers to
leave used tires at the retailer when purchasing new ones, as customers
already paid the mandatory fee for disposal.
• More information is at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/tires/
5. DERELICT AND ABANDONED VEHICLE (DAV) PROGRAM
• Towing and Vehicle Disposal Contracts are in place island-wide.
ᵒ Zone 1 Towing (N. and S. Hilo, Puna, and parts of Kaū): Ken’s Towingʻ
ᵒ Zone 2 Towing (N. and S. Kona and parts of Kaū): Diamond Auto Workzʻ
ᵒ Zone 3 Towing (N. and S. Kohala and Hāmākua): Diamond Auto Workz
st
ᵒ Hilo Vehicle Disposal: HMP dba Business Services Hawaiʻi - exercising 1 option
year extension. NTP 1/19/19
ᵒ Kona Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal. Expires 3/19/19; contract is out
for rebid, closing date 2/22/19.
ᵒ Pu‘uanahulu (W. Hawaiʻi) Vehicle Disposal: Big Island Scrap Metal. Expires
3/19/19; contract is out for rebid, closing date 2/22/19.
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• DAV coordinators continue to meet with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Traffic
Services Section, to explore ways of improving the tagging and removal of
abandoned vehicles.
• An auction for abandoned vehicles was held in December.
ᵒ Total cars auctioned: 47
ᵒ Total cars sold: 27
ᵒ Total sales: $19,767
ᵒ Cost savings: 27 cars x $675 = $18,225 (this is what it would have cost the
County if we had to dispose of them).
• Monthly towing numbers:
AV Towing 2018-19
Hilo W. Hawai‘i
July 2018 23 58
Aug 2018 31 61
Sept 2018 89 61
Oct 2018 71 45
Nov 2018 60 58
Dec 2018 46 58
Jan 2019 66 61
Feb 2019 60 68
Mar 2019
Apr 2019
May 2019
June 2019
July 2019
The total tow request sent for February 2019 was 151; however, 23 vehicles were not on
location at the time of arrival.
6. SORT STATION UPDATE (FY 18-19)
Total Tons Taken Total Tons
Month/Year to Sort Station Diverted
Jul 2018 1,350.04 0.00
Aug 2018 1,895.74 0.00
Sept 2018 1,167.65 0.00
Oct 2018 1,982.18 0.00
Nov 2018 1,558.75 0.00
Dec 2018 1,277.18 0.00
Jan 2019 1,440.25 0.00
Feb 2019 979.86 0.00
Mar 2019
Apr 2019
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May 2019
Jun 2019
Totals 11,651.65 0.00
Per the Solid Waste Division, Total Tons Diverted has been zero for some time because
they have not been conducting active sorting. Much of this is due to the storage of tires
in the Sort Station collected during the dengue outbreak. Waste is received at the Sort
Station early in the day, then the remainder is sent to the landfill. Just recently is the
SWD at the point where they have enough space in the sort station to receive waste.
7. MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES (FY 18-19)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2018 6,141.14 14,593.45
Aug 2018 6,411.82 13,824.53
Sept 2018 6,184.31 13,558.78
Oct 2018 6,335.40 12,149.22
Nov 2018 5,985.36 16,512.28
Dec 2018 6,399.42 11,499.00
Jan 2019 6,487.81 11,468.86
Feb 2019 5,437.78 9,716.93
Mar 2019
Apr 2019
May 2019
Jun 2019
Totals 49,383.04 103,323.05
8. MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES (FY 18-19)
Month/Year SHSL WHSL
Jul 2018 3,422.47 4,434.41
Aug 2018 3,448.69 4,206.27
Sept 2018 3,373.07 4,100.10
Oct 2018 3,342.37 4,252.90
Nov 2018 3,271.14 3,942.70
Dec 2018 3,548.18 3,924.22
Jan 2019 3,546.36 3,898.19
Feb 2019 2,895.41 3,642.87
Mar 2019
Apr 2019
May 2019
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Jun 2019
Totals 26,847.69 32,401.66
The above table is to include data on the waste disposed of in the landfill (not the
greenwaste or recycling data).
WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
1. COMPLIANCE
• TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL: No report
• COLLECTION SYSTEM: No report.
2. OPERATIONS
A. TREATMENT/COLLECTION SYSTEMS AND PUMPING STATIONS/ FORCE MAINS:
• Unscheduled repairs/upgrades/replacement of failing equipment due to age
and prolonged wear and tear continue where necessary throughout the
wastewater facilities.
B. SAFETY PRACTICES/TRAINING:
• WWD Administration continues to review and update the Emergency
Response Procedures and the Standard Safety Procedures and the weekly
safety meeting agendas.
3. ADMINISTRATION
A. VACANT POSITIONS IN OPERATIONS:
• Temporary Trades Helper (Kona – 1 position; Hilo – 1 position): recruitment
in progress
• Sewer Maintenance Repairer (Kona – 1 temp and 1 permanent position):
recruitment in progress
• Operator I (Kona – 1 position, Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Operator II (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Operator IV (Hilo - 1 position): recruitment in progress.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor III (Kona – 1 position): recruitment
in progress.
• Superintendent of Operations (Hilo): recruitment in progress
B. VACANT POSITIONS AT RAILROAD OFFICE:
• Wastewater Deputy Division Chief: recruitment in progress.
• Wastewater Project Manager: recruitment in progress.
4. WASTEWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
A. NĀ‘ĀLEHU LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
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• Exclusion of necessary acreage on Waikapuna land for ongoing
consideration as a future WWTP/Disposal was passed by BLNR. Final land
selection is still in progress.
• The second public outreach meeting was conducted on 02/26/19.
• The next public meeting is tentatively planned for some time in June 2019,
following the publication of the Nāālehu ʻDraft EA.
• The State EA process is to be completed prior to purchase of land for the
treatment/disposal facility.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and
properties have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds
(CWSRF) monies.
B. PĀHALA LARGE CAPACITY CESSPOOL REPLACEMENT:
• Responses to comments on the draft EA continue to progress. The Final EA
is estimated to be completed in the April to May 2019 time frame.
• The draft EA was re-submitted (unchanged) on 10/26/18 for publication on
11/8/18 in order to extend the comment period to 12/10/18 in response to
public request during the initial comment period.
• As a result of EPA funding for this project, the NEPA process in addition to
the State EA process are required. Both processes are to be completed prior
to selection of land for the treatment/disposal facility.
• Closure of the large capacity cesspools as mandated by the EPA will occur
once the treatment and disposal system has been constructed and
properties have been connected to the new collection system.
• The project is planned for funding with Clean Water State Revolving Funds
(CWSRF) monies and partially by a federal EPA grant.
C. LONO KONA SEWER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT:
• The first excavation work for the sewer line began on 03/11/19.
• The project is scheduled to be substantially complete by 09/06/19.
• USDA Rural Development has obligated loan and grant funds of $2,437,000
and $4,024,800 respectively to this project. DEM is working with USDA to
finalize a subsequent loan of $3,699,000 and subsequent grant of
$1,071,000. Low construction bid received was $8,531,814.43.
D. KEALAKEHE AERATION UPGRADE AND SLUDGE REMOVAL:
• Final approval of the project will be issued pending the review and
acceptance of all close-out documents. There are also remaining equipment
issues that are being addressed by the contractor.
• Final invoice from the contractor was received on 01/03/19.
• The final change order (C.O. #7) is complete.
• The project is funded by CWSRF monies.
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E. KEALAKEHE WWTP EFFLUENT R-1 UPGRADE:
• The environmental process for the R-1 system is ongoing. A draft EIS was
published 02/23/19, to be followed by a 45-day comment period.
• A Public Information Meeting and Open House has been scheduled to take
place on 03/25/19.
• 90% plans are to be submitted to the WWD by 04/19/19.
• The long-range plans for R-1 quality effluent began in 2007 as a phased
approach. Phase I work installed a reuse line between the Kohanaiki area
and Kealakehe Parkway.
• DOH has earmarked SRF monies in the amount of $54 million to fund both
design and construction of the R-1 upgrade at the Kealakehe WWTP.
F. NORTH KONA SEWER PUMP STATION
• This new sewer pump station will be located on the mauka side of Queen
Kaʻahamanu Highway. It is to receive wastewater from a portion of the area
below Ane Keohokalole Highway between Hina Lani Street and Kealakehe
Parkway. The wastewater will be pumped to the Kealakehe WWTP via new
forcemains. The new sewer pump station is scheduled to be complete July
2022.
• The pre-design phase, including the archaeological and permitting
assessments, has begun. The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) is in
process and will be submitted to WWD by 3/22/19. Once the design
concept is determined, a follow-up meeting will be scheduled with Hawaiian
cultural groups and archaeologists to discuss impacts to the Māmalahoa
Trail.
G. WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS:
• Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS) Upgrade: Design items for additional
upgrades needed besides pump replacement at the Pua SPS is being worked
into the contract. It includes a complete renovation to include the
structural, electrical, and mechanical upgrades to the pump station. Cause
for renovation is due to deterioration of the wet well from H2S; electrical
component damage due to H2S corrosion and the overall age of the facility;
and mechanical damage due to faulty discharge line valves due to hydraulic
surging. Work is to include upgrading the HVAC; replacing/upgrading
components of the electrical system; replacing corroded duct work;
upgrading the wet well level control system; and improving on safety issues
by eliminating fire and electrical hazards to achieve compliance with NFPA
820 and 70E. The project is funded by CWSRF monies.
• ZOM Dilution and Assimilative Capacity Study: The Hilo final study has been
completed in preparation for submittal with the NPDES permit renewal due
on 03/20/19 for the Hilo WWTP.
H. ULU WINI WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT:
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• WWD continues to maintain stability of the treatment plant with the goal of
achieving consistent process data and meeting the regulatory as well as
expected effluent limits. The treatment system currently meets DOH
regulatory requirements, and nutrient removal is taking place. The longer
term goal being considered is to install a gravity sewer line in Hina Lani
Street that connects to the existing dry sewer in Queen Ka`ahumanu
Highway as part of the North Kona Sewer Pump Station project. The Ulu
Wini Housing community would connect to the gravity line and the existing
Kaloko WWTP would be decommissioned.
• The State DOH is being kept apprised of the progress of the long-term goal
for addressing the wastewater treatment/disposal.
I. SEWER RATE UPDATE:
• Ordinance 19-21 amending the sewer rates was finalized (signed by Mayor)
on 05/05/19.
J. UPDATE ON WATER SHUT-OFF FOR NON PAYMENT OF SEWER BILLS:
• DEM is currently drafting administrative rules for the implementation of
water shut-off for non-payment of sewer fees. The Department of Water
Supply (DWS) is also drafting amendments to its rules to allow for water
shut-off due to non-payment of sewer fees. Both DEM and DWS rules need
to be amended for the water shut-off to be implemented. In the meantime,
we continue to work with delinquent customers to bring their accounts
current and refer accounts to the Office of the Corporation Counsel to
pursue judgments when necessary.
K. FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY PLAN/ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
• The next step is the Option Period being initiated by EPA, and includes
procurement and set-up of the Computerized Maintenance Management
System (CMMS) software.
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