Communication Number 2018-13 Puako Project Update

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Communication No. 2018 - 13 Date: 9/24/2018 To: SK CDP Action Committee From: George Robertson, member The Puako Cesspool working group reports as follows: Since the Hawaii State Legislature has passed the following (HB 2626 HD 1 SB) our group has decided to suspend activities until the UH study and comprehensive plan for cesspool conversion is completed. A number of studies have been done in Puako such as those by the UH Hilo Marine Science Dept., the Seattle Aquarium, Cornell Univ., and Stanford Univ. The Nature Conservancy and CORAL (Coral Reef Alliance) have provided vital assistance and guidance to our community. All of these organizations have spotlighted the need for solutions to the nearshore water contamination which has harmed t he health of the reef and the folks who enter the ocean in our neighborhood. We will renew our efforts when we know the direction the State takes in the future. RELATING TO CESSPOOLS. Cesspool Conversion Working Group; Statewide Study of Sewage Contamination in Report Title: Nearshore Marine Areas; Appropriations ($) Establishes a Cesspool Conversion Working Group within the Department of Health to develop a comprehensive plan for the conversion of all statewide cesspools by 2050. Requires the University of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive statewide study of Description: sewage contamination in nearshore marine areas. Appropriates funding to the Department of Health to conduct research or gather t echnical assistance and to the University of Hawaii for the study of sewage contamination in nearshore marine areas. (CD1)