Fujioka, Roger

Harrison, John T.

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- ---- -------- ----------------------------University of Hawai'i at ManoaEnvironmental CenterA Unit of Water Resources Research CenterCrawford 317 • 2550 Campus Road· Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822Telephone: (808) 956-7361 • Facsimile: (808) 956-3980RL:1330HB3728RELAT1NG TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONHouse Committees onEnergy and Environmental Protection andWater and Land Use PlanningJoint Public Hearing - February 7,19968:30 A.M., Room 312, State CapitolByJohn Harrison, Environmental CenterRoger Fujioka, Water Resources Research CenterHB 3728 would amend the definition of "State waters" in §342D-I, HRS to exclude WahiawaReservoir (Lake Wilson) from the definition, thereby exempting it from state water quality regulations.Our comments on this measure are compiled from voluntarily submitted opinions of the listedacademic sources, and as such, do not constitute an institutional position of the University of Hawaii.If the underlying purpose of this measure is to exempt the City and County of Honolulu from Statewater quality regulations in relation to wastewater discharges into Wahiawa Reservoir, we suggest that it isinappropriate. In view of ongoing recreational use of this reservoir, the current discharge amounts to anongoing public health concern, and an alternate disposal system is warranted.It is our understanding that the City has attempted to alleviate this situation through planneddevelopment ofan extensive artificial wetland system, but that difficulties in procurement of land adjacent tothe treatment facility have interfered with these plans. We suggest that a more appropriate approach for thelegislature to adopt might be to seek an agreement between the parties involved in this situation that providesfor each represented interest. Wastewater disposal in this area is a concern, not just of the City, but offederal agencies as well, in that Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Air Force Base have treated effluentcurrently flowing through an irrigation ditch system. Perhaps the State might broker an agreement in whichfederal lands could be exchanged with Del Monte for rights to utilize the City's planned artificial wetland tobe created on Del Monte land adjacent to the treatment plant. Under this agreement, the City would get theland it needs for the wetland, Del Monte would procure equivalent land to that given to the City, and thefederal government would be allowed to discharge its treated effluent into the City's water pollution controlsystem.

HB 3728, Relating to Environmental Protection, House Committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land Use Planning, Joint Public Hearing - February 7, 1996, 8:30 A.M., Room 312, State Capitol

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HB 3728, Relating to Environmental Protection, House Committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land Use Planning, Joint Public Hearing - February 7, 1996, 8:30 A.M., Room 312, State Capitol

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