BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY
County of Maui
Regular Meeting
Thursday, September 27, 2007
9:00 a.m.
Committee Room
Office of Council Services
Kalana O Maui
200 South High Street, Room 707
Wailuku, Hawaii   96793





I. Call to Order

Chair Kenneth Okamura called the September 27, 2007 Board of Water Supply 
meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

II. Attendance

Board Members Present:		Also Present:

Chair Kenneth Okamura		Jeffrey Eng, Director of Water Supply
Scott Luck			Eric Yamashige, Deputy Director
Marion Haller			Ellen Kraftsow, Water Resources/Planning Manager
Carl Holmberg			Alva Nakamura, Engineering Program Manager
Michael Howden			Holly Perdido, Fiscal Officer
Kuilauokalani Lester		Albert Perez, Planner 
Kelli Myers			Jacky Takakura, Administrative Officer
Phyllis Robinson		Marti Buckner, Planner
					
Excused:				

Vice Chair Lee Aldridge
Edward Kushi, Deputy Corporation Counsel

III. Announcements

A. None.

IV. Approval of Minutes

A. August 23, 2007 Meeting

The minutes were approved as read.

V. Testimony from the Public

Warren Watanabe, president of the Maui County Farm Bureau.

Chair Okamura read a letter submitted by Warren Watanabe who could not attend 
this meeting.  The contents of the letter are as follows.

My name is Warren Watanabe, president of the Maui County Farm Bureau.  I 
apologize for not being able to attend this meeting.  The members of the Maui 
County Farm Bureau wish to express our deepest appreciation for your support to 
the farmers and ranchers on the upcountry water system.  The waiver of the 10% 
mandatory reduction has indeed helped all of us.  

There will be discussion on the upcountry water system today.  We again ask 
that the waiver continue.  We recognize that we are not completely out of the 
drought, but it appears that the system is in a better situation than a few 
months ago.  The reservoirs are at higher level and we have been receiving 
periodic rainfall.  The latest NOAA long range forecast also indicates that the 
state is gradually easing out of the drought.  

For these reasons, we ask for you consideration to continue the waiver for 
agricultural users on the upcountry water system.  Thank you for your support 
of Maui agriculture.

David Goode, president of KSD Hawaii. 

Mr. Goode stated that his company, a local real estate company, has traditionally 
and will continue to focus on gap group housing and affordable housing.  He is 
testifying today in support of the 10% voluntary cutback and asked the Board to 
continue their work with the Department in getting the word out on conservation.  
Further, he requests that the Board support the CIP funding for source development, 
transportation, transmission and storage for the central system.  

Clearly, the central system is where affordable housing will primarily be going 
and they want to make sure that the water distribution system is there to meet 
the General Plan and community plans that are being developed.  Though conservation 
is a key factor, so are source, distribution and storage.  

The use of reclaim water is also important and he asked that this Board explore 
working with (the Department of) Environmental Management in these areas to help 
manage the system.  

Member Howden asked Mr. Goode what he meant about gap housing, in terms of prices 
and affordability.  

Mr. Goode explained that gap housing is a term that is used primarily to look at 
folks that own condos and now are looking to own single family homes.  Those are 
generally market price homes at 140% to 160% of high medium income.  That price 
range changes in relation to the interest rates.  This is the “move up” group.  

Member Haller stated that the workforce housing ordinance was specifically 
designed to address the gap group, or the workforce that is somewhere between 
80% and 160% of the HUD median income.  It is a group of people like water 
engineers who fall into that category in salary range and can’t afford a house 
on Maui.  It is for the nurses, doctors, police officers and others who can’t 
afford housing on this island.  

VI. Appeals

A. None.

VII. Unfinished Business

A. None.

VII. Communications

A. None.

VIII. Director’s Report

A. None.

At this time Member Haller thanked the director for the tour of the Upcountry 
water system.  She appreciated the amount of time that Paul Seitz put aside to 
lead the tour.  Member Haller asked if the Board could see other aspects of the 
system, such as wells and well heads, and any other aspects of the Department 
of Water Supply.  

Director Eng replied that there are wells nearby in Wailuku and there are surface 
water treatment plants on the West Side.  He believes that the more people see 
the better their understanding of what the Department faces.  

IX. Other Business

A. Verbal Update on the Upcountry Water System.

Director Eng stated that the conditions of the Upcountry system have vastly 
improved over the past several weeks.  The reservoir levels have increased.  
For example, Piiholo, a 50 million gallon reservoir, has been essentially full 
for the past week.  Kahakapao and Waikamoi, the Upper Kula system, have been at 
around 70 to 75 million gallons of storage.  The Wailoa Ditch in the past few 
days have been in the high 90% and the demand from the customers has been low.  
The customers have done a great job in cutting back and conserving water this 
summer.  In June when they were asked for a mandatory 10% cut-back, they cut 
back on average over 20%, sometimes 30%.  Though some of that may have been 
attributed that to the weather but overall the practices and habits for water 
consumption have been really great.  

This time, while we are currently under a drought warning with a 10% mandatory 
cut-back and a waiver for ag rate customers, he would like to recommend for 
discussion that they go to a drought watch which is a 5% voluntary cut-back and 
continue the waiver for ag rate users.  

Though it is still a little early because it could go to November, they have 
checked with the National Weather Service.  The Department follows this U. S. 
Drought Monitor and the indications are that it is going be favorable in the 
next few months.  We should be cautious and perhaps go into a 5% voluntary cut-
back for Upcountry.  

Member Howden stated that as a long-time Upcountry water system user, he thinks 
that it is a little premature to go to a voluntary 5% cut-back.  Though he 
believes we are in pretty good shape, he is surprised that we don’t make more 
use of Kahakapao, which according to Mr. Seitz can be filled in one rain event.  
It seems more sensible to keep Kahakapao at about 35% to 40% capacity so that 
you can keep moving that water through and you only pump as necessary.  We are 
totally neglecting the Waikamoi reservoirs which are leaking and need cleaning.  

He suggested that they extend the exemption to agricultural users for another 
45 days.  He personally feels that we should wait until at least to the October 
meeting to cut-back, but he is very happy with the director’s openness.

Director Eng stated that when they declared the mandatory cut-back they had to 
stop producing much from the Upper Kula system.  They then began pumping up from 
the Lower system.  Three weeks ago they stopped pumping up from the Lower system 
and are now producing fully from the Kahakapao reservoirs.  Those reservoirs 
levels have been fairly stable because they are now producing about 1.6 mgd and 
the inflow is matching that.  They are producing fully from the Olinda Water 
Treatment Plant.  

Member Haller said she tends to agree with Member Howden and thinks it is 
premature.  She would feel more secure if we had another month of conservation.  

She also asked the director about the Kaupakalua well.

Director Eng answered that the well’s motor is back at the factory and they are 
planning to ship it shortly after completing repairs.  

Chair Okamura asked Director Eng regarding the daily water report, why is it 
that sometimes the drop from Waikamoi and Kahakapao is greater than the water 
treated at Olinda?  

Director Eng stated that it could be due to the measuring of the reservoir.  He 
was up there once when the Kahakapao level didn’t give an accurate reading and 
they had to do some work on it.  But generally it should correlate.  

Chair Okamura asked does water from Kahakapao and Waikamoi go down to Piiholo 
for treatment.

Director Eng replied no, it doesn’t.

Motion:	By Member Howden to continue the mandatory restrictions and also 
continue exempting the Upcountry agricultural users for another 45 days.

Second:	By Member Haller

The Chair stated that it has been moved and seconded that we continue the 
mandatory restrictions for the Upcountry water system and exempt the agricultural 
users for another 45 days.

Discussion:	None.

Vote:		Unanimous.  Motion carried.

Member Haller said that the USGS did a water availability model and wondered if 
the Department is working with them to expand their work for the East Maui 
watershed.  

Director Eng stated that as far as their studies on the aquifers, no, they are 
not doing anything for Upcountry and East Maui.  The department is working with 
them to expand and do more work in West Maui because some of those groundwater 
sources are not as plentiful.  It is good for us to have better knowledge as we 
plan future well sites.  

B. Discussion and Update on the Central Maui Drought Situation.

Director Eng said that the Board had previously recommended a voluntary cut-back 
on August 23rd.  Since then the Department has been monitoring the Central Maui 
demands in comparison to the week before the recommendation.  On average, there 
was a 4.3% cut-back. They had asked for a 10% voluntary cut-back but they didn’t 
get the results they wanted.  What they need to do as a Department while working 
with the administration and the council is to look at greater voluntary 
conservation measures and actions.  He would like to work with the council to 
draft some legislation that has not been addressed to date.  There are a number 
of other communities on the Mainland that have faced the same situation over the 
years and they present good models for our community.  Some of the measures they 
can do are ordinances regarding plumbing retro-fits particularly for older homes
 and more severe penalties for water wasting.  He believes this community can 
do a lot more.  Developing new sources timely and better conservation is the way 
right now. 

The Department’s position now is to continue with the 10% voluntary cut-back.  
They do have a conservation specialist who goes out into the community and meets 
with homeowner associations and other groups. 

Member Haller suggested that the Department could consider mailing a notice to 
the Central Maui community regarding conservation.  

Director Eng stated that it is good idea.  This is something they discussed with 
the Mayor last week.  Maybe the general community probably isn’t reading the 
paper and is just going about their daily activities.   We do have to make a 
greater effort to the message out.

Member Howden thinks the situation is critical based on the reports from the USGS.  
The salinity levels in the West Maui Aquifer, primarily Na Wai Eha, have risen 
by an average of 6.25 vertical feet every year.  So that in 1985, where there 
was a fresh water saline boundary of 700 feet, it is at 575 feet as of 2005.  
We are experiencing an extended period of drought.  The aquifer re-charge has 
declined 44% from historical levels.  Part of that may be the change in 
agricultural practices, such as subdivisions and stream diversion by Wailuku 
Water Company.  What we are facing in the West Maui Aquifer is irreversible 
saline contamination.  Because these sources are so important to all of us, he 
feels that we should not only move toward a 10% mandatory cut-back for all the 
Central Maui users but should consider, with certain exceptions, a moratorium 
on water meters.  The exceptions he has in mind are family subdivisions for 
immediate or close family members, Hawaiian Homes as mandated by law, and 
workforce or affordable housing.

He would like to urge the Board to consider this.  In the face of what we are 
seeing right now there is nothing we can do but move forward and take a stand 
that raises the standard of water conservation and intelligent use of our water 
resources.

Member Haller stated that she appreciates what Member Howden is saying but her 
concern is that if you haven’t been paying attention to water this is new news.  
It is so severe, it is so dramatic, and it is so dire.  She has a problem in 
coming out and enforcing penalties or coming with negatives to begin with.  She 
would much rather discuss enforcing conservation measures.  What are we doing 
by allowing developers and even individuals to continue to grow jungles in the 
desert?  We don’t have a PR campaign that encourages restaurants not to serve 
water.  There is a whole bunch of stuff that we need to do that says as a 
community we all need to stop using a lot of water.  It is not about now 
shutting this down or shutting that down.

Member Howden stated that though that is ideal and that is what we need to work 
towards, however, education is typically a very slow process.  How do you get 
compliance?  What the director mentioned about retro-fitting the plumbing upon 
sale of the property, that all needs to be legislated by the County Council.  
As you know that is not a speedy procedure.  They are having a lot of problems 
with the “show me the water” resolution right now.  

Member Haller stated that the “show me the water” resolution is a difficult 
resolution.  It is not anywhere near as difficult as every developer from now 
on shall install a low flow water toilet and you are required to have one in 
your home in the next 5 years.  If you don’t pass those laws now they don’t 
happen.  So she would urge this County Council to start enforcing and 
implementing conservation measures.  She believes this Board should make those 
kinds of motions and recommendations.  Rather than one month of warning and 
then go into a 10% drought.  

Member Howden stated that it has been so flagrant the ignoring of the voluntary 
cut-back that he thinks Central Maui needs a wake up call.  Whether that’s only 
a 10% mandatory cut-back or whether that would also entail a moratorium on the 
issuing of water meters anywhere in Central Maui with the 3 exceptions he 
mentioned earlier.

Chair Okamura asked Director Eng, where would the Department weigh in on this 
issue of a moratorium on new meters for Central Maui?

Director Eng replied that it is a bit premature.  The Department monitors a lot 
of things, the aquifers, USGS studies, ongoing demands, projected demands, 
weather, pump permits and water system standards.  He believes the County is 
going in the right direction with new legislation with this “show me the water” 
bill.  It is a little bit cumbersome right now, but we can fix a few things to 
make it workable.  It is a nice start. If the council can get through this bill, 
the next thing he would like to see is a meter allocation bill.  Even if we can’t 
offer an unlimited amount of meters we have a plan and system.

Member Howden stated that at present we have over 50,000 units approved for the 
Central Maui and West Maui systems.  A moratorium would simply buy us time to be 
able, through ordinance, to prioritize the use of water resources.  He appreciates 
the director’s gracious manner in dealing with this, but as Elmer Cravalho said, 
if you don’t have the political will to deal with these issues then you will have 
more and more problems in the future.   People are not conserving and they don’t 
have a clue what the real issues are.  

Chair Okamura stated that part of it is what Member Haller mentioned, it is an 
education thing.  People in the Central Maui system have never had to deal with 
this situation before.  He believes that is why there hasn’t been a cut-back.  
It is not a matter of negligence on the part of the consumers.

Member Haller stated that she would certainly consider something like saying to 
the community, “You aren’t doing well enough.  If you don’t do this voluntarily 
we are going to make it mandatory.”  To get it out to the public that we are 
considering it to become mandatory if they don’t cut it by 10% is a very good 
message to get out.  

The other point she wanted to make is given this discussion it seems to her 
pursuing new sources such as the USGS study of the East Maui water and how much 
is there, that kind of thing becomes a priority.  She would like to see the 
department ask the USGS to do that sooner rather than later.  

Director Eng stated that he agrees.  The department should utilize this service.  
Our next priority is going to the Lahaina side aquifers to see what is available.  
The East Maui aquifers, though very important for our future, don’t have the 
urgency but it is known to be very substantial aquifers.  It is on our radar and 
we definitely need to explore it.   

Member Holmberg stated he agreed in principle with Member Howden that we need to 
find a way to put the screws on consumption in the short term while we work on 
conservation and source development.  It is going to take a lot of money and a 
lot of time for source development.  He wasn’t particularly impressed that the 
council decided not to implement the conservation measures by including the 
higher residential rates.  Anything that the Board decides here is in essence 
just a resolution because though we can demand a moratorium in essence it becomes 
just a bell ringer. 

If we want to do a wake up call we need to do it in some form now because it is 
going to take a long time to react.  As Member Howden points out that theoretically 
there is no more water for you to supply the demand that has already been created 
and he is not sure if the Planning Department or the council is really plugged 
into that fact yet.  A lot of new demand is coming online in the near future.  

When he lived in Arizona they were told how to conserve.  He had low flow toilets, 
drip irrigation and no grass.  Then as a reward he got an extra 10,000 neighbors.  
He had to conserve so that other people can continue to grow the economy.  We 
need to get started today with either a resolution or a motion saying that this 
cannot keep going on, that you have to start working on all fronts.  Cut back 
the use and develop the water supply and get some kind of handle on the increase 
in demand. 

Member Haller asked if Ms. Kraftsow could help the Board understand what she 
meant at the Water Resource Committee meeting about how the Department has 
allocated water for the upcoming water meters that have been approved and also 
for water meters that have been requested.  

Ms. Kraftsow explained that the Department has an estimate on inferred use on 
the discretionary permits that they review from the Planning Department and the 
community plan estimates.   They have difficulty in maintaining the near term 
availability worksheets because the council had requested that it should include 
subdivisions and building permits which her division does not receive.  These 
are projects that cannot be assigned to a formula because they need to use some 
judgment about meters of the same size and what district.  

In addition to the long term discretionary and community plan build out they 
keep, they now also must keep approved subdivisions with meters but are not yet 
using water versus approved subdivisions that have not received meter approvals
yet versus subdivisions that are still pending.  All of that broken down by every 
district and whether or not it is already included in the discretionary permit 
and whether or not it is already reserved and whether or not it is Hawaiian Home.  
You can see that it is something that is reasonable for the council to ask for 
but whether or not it is realistic for the number of people the Planning Division 
has.  It still remains to be seen whether we can develop the system to make that 
come out regularly every quarter without heartache.  

It is community plan build out, discretionary permits that have been submitted, 
subdivisions, and meters issued.  The Department does not commit water until 
the meter has been issued or approved.  And even in those cases we have some 
caveats.  

Member Haller asked, in light of this information, what does the Central Maui 
system look like?

Ms. Kraftsow replied, as the Director will tell you, we have negative water.  
Remember, we are working with safety factors and redundancy factors.  Obviously, 
the water is still flowing in people’s homes but in terms of what we feel 
comfortable with there is no water.  

Director Eng stated that based on the Department’s engineering standards, these 
standards provide for significant redundancy in the system.  For the typical 
water system standard that Maui County has adopted, we should have 2.777 times 
more source capacity than our average demand.  We have nowhere near that.  Then 
when we look at the interim that is 2.22 times average daily demand.  We don’t 
even achieve that also.  

In regards to safety measures and redundancy we are at about 1.5 times the 
average daily demand.  To the Department this is pretty minimal.  We should be 
at 2.0 and 2.5 times average daily demand.  We are lucky that Central Maui is 
so vast and we have quite of bit of storage, about 35 million gallons.  This 
buys us a certain amount of safety.  That is why we are focusing on developing 
a new source in combination with better conservation.  This will help us get us 
through this difficult time.  

Member Howden stated that when you talk about additional source it is the West 
Maui Aquifer that we are still pulling from.  

Motion:	By Member Howden to let the public know that unless there is a 10% 
reduction in water use in Central Maui the Board will revisit this at the their 
next meeting in 30 days and will most likely declare mandatory water usage cut-
back for Central Maui.

Second:	By Member Haller. 

Chair Okamura stated that it has been moved that we let the public know unless 
there is 10% cut-back the Board will re-visit this issue and recommend a mandatory 
10% water usage cut-back for Central Maui.

Discussion:	Member Luck asked if we should incorporate wording that says “due 
to the continuing strain on the system.”  

Member Howden stated that is a good amendment.  It softens the harshness of this.  
But it doesn’t at all change the underlying facts in terms of what is happening 
to the West Maui aquifers.  

Member Luck asked if this could be a second motion about the potential for having 
at least the Planning Department to come up with mathematical models to say there 
is no way we can support any more construction so we are going to need some type 
of limitation if not moratorium on future buildings.

Motion:	By Member Luck to amend the motion to include “due to the continued 
strain on the water sources.”

Second:	By Member Howden.

Chair Okamura stated that it has been moved and seconded that we amend the motion 
to add the words “due to the continued strain on water.”

Discussion:	Member Haller asked to amend the amendment because she believes it 
is important that the Board get out to the public that this is not weather 
related anymore.  This is not solved by rain.  This is a 20 to 40 year fix.  She 
would like the motion to say “due to the long-term strain on the system not 
easily solved by rain.”

Motion:	By Member Holmberg to amend the amended motion to include “due to 
the long term stress on our groundwater supplies.”

Second:	By Member Howden

The Chair stated that it has been moved and seconded to amend the amendment to 
add the words “due to the long-term stress on groundwater supplies.”

Vote:		Unanimous.  Amended motion passes.

Chair Okamura stated that the motion now reads, due to the long-term stress on 
groundwater supplies the Board of Water Supply (will) let the public know unless 
there is a 10% voluntary cut-back on water use, the Board will re-visit this 
issue at their next meeting and recommend a mandatory 10% water use cut-back for 
Central Maui.

Member Holmberg asked how does this get out unless the Maui News puts it rather 
prominently who is going to know or care.  Do we pay for an ad?

Chair Okamura said that was a good question but could the Board deal with this 
motion as discussed.

Member Haller asked if the Director will put out a press release or can the Board 
issue a press release.

Director Eng replied that he was not sure what the procedures are but will see 
what they can do.

Member Howden stated that he can see the tenor of the Board at this point is a 
reluctance to call a moratorium on issuance of Central Maui water meters, but 
he thinks that they should make it clear that is a consideration in the future.  
The Board’s vice chair expressed concern at the last meeting that the aquifer 
may be permanently impaired.  

Member Howden asked to make a motion that the county begins to act forthwith to 
condemn the resources of Wailuku Water Company and the other bodies that control 
the surface water coming out of the West Maui Mountains.

Chair Okamura stated that there is still a motion on the table.  The Board only 
approved the amendment to the amendment and the amendment and now we have the 
motion.

Member Haller asked to discuss on that motion.  So we are saying that we will 
recommend a 10% mandatory cut-back in 30 days?

Member Howden stated that we may well.

The Chair re-stated the motion to due to the long-term stress on the groundwater 
supplies the Board of Water Supply would like to let the public know that unless 
they meet the voluntary 10% cut-back, the Board will re-visit this issue and may 
recommend a mandatory 10% cut-back in Central Maui.  

Discussion:	None.

Vote:		Unanimous.  Motion carried.

Member Howden stated that there is the natural conclusion that we may not be 
able to supply water to Central Maui, and suggests that next month the Board 
should really consider a moratorium on the issuance of meters in Central Maui.  

Motion:	By Member Howden that the Board support immediate action by County 
to condemn the water resources coming out of the West Maui Mountains, Na Wai 
Eha, particularly the sources controlled by Wailuku Water Company and the other 
corporate entities.  Because this is part of water conservation for West Maui.  

Second:	Member Haller

Discussion:	Member Luck asked if the Board had requested a representative from 
the company to come for a discussion in the past.  

Member Howden said that there was a meeting last year where Avery Chumbly, 
president of Wailuku Water Company was present.  He was invited by the Board to 
speak and he chose not to speak.  

Director Eng stated that he has had only a couple of brief meetings with Mr. 
Chumbly in regards to an agreement they have on the Iao/Waikapu ditch water for 
the County’s surface water treatment plant.  

In regards to the motion the County Council’s Policy Committee has on their 
agenda a resolution to hire outside counsel to advise the County on the acquisition 
of the watershed or the water system.  There is something in place at this time.

Member Howden added that the posture of the County seems to be moving toward 
acquisition of West Maui.  An affirmative vote from the Water Board would show 
that we are concerned and that we support these efforts.  

Member Haller asked to have the motion re-stated.

Chair Okamura stated that it has been moved that the Board of Water Supply support 
the condemnation efforts of the County Council of Na Wai Eha and other West Maui 
water sources.  

Member Holmberg asked when we say West Maui do we mean Wailuku Ag, Wailuku Water 
in particular?  He also is thinking geographically of the Westside and asked to 
amend the motion to specify where in West Maui we are talking about.  Member 
Holmberg offered an amendment to the motion and restate it to the condemnation 
of Wailuku Water Company.

Member Howden stated that there a few other corporate entities who have control, 
including HC&S.  But the waters are related to Na Wai Eha.  

The Chair read the motion again.

The Board of Water Supply supports the condemnation efforts of the County Council 
of Na Wai Eha and associated water sources.

Vote:	Unanimous.  Motion carried.

C. Discussion on the EPA’s Optimization Study.

Chair Okamura stated that the EPA will be coming to Maui to evaluate the Upcountry 
water system.  

Deputy Director Eric Yamashige stated that this is a study that the EPA is 
offering to do on our Upcountry system.  It was initiated and funded by the County 
Council.  It was intended to begin on October 1st.  The current plan is that the 
EPA will coming down in January 2008.  

The Optimization Study will review the source waters, the treatment plants, and 
the distribution system and make recommendations.  Council Chair Hokama is taking 
the lead in this.

Member Howden stated that he attended the Upcountry Water Oversight Committee’s 
meeting and they had listing of the people who were going to be involved in the 
study.  He made a suggestion to the chair of the committee that they should come 
to Jeff Eng and suggest that Robert Karpovich a member of their committee, Lee 
Aldridge and possibly Robin Knox be involved.  Perhaps we should open the circle 
a little bit from the Department’s end and include members of the concerned public.  

Member Holmberg recalls that there was a previous study of the same subject done 
back in 1998, and wonders if the Board could get a copy of that.

Member Haller said that was a valid point and would like to see that also. 

Chair Okamura asked for a short recess before discussing FY 09 CIP Budget matters.
  
D. Discussion/possible action regarding Approval to Submit Fiscal Year 2009 CIP 
Budget to the Mayor.

At this time Ellen Kraftsow gave a power point presentation on the CIP portion 
of the FY 09 Budget.

Member Howden asked if there was any interest in refurbishing the 2 Waikamoi 
reservoirs.  

Ms. Kraftsow replied that she would have to check.  If it is in the database it 
probably won’t be scheduled in the next 5 years.  But that doesn’t mean it is a 
bad idea, it probably is a good idea.  

Member Howden asked if there will be a re-design on the flumes.

Director Eng stated the Department’s engineering division is currently working 
with the consultant to look at a new design.  

Mr. Nakamura, Engineering Program Manager, stated that they will be looking at 
the material and make a decision later on.  They will look at the foundations, 
the beams that are holding the flumes up and designing the safety lines.  
Whether they stay with the wood or recommend a different type of design we will 
have to wait and see what comes up.  

Member Howden stated that because there is only one key it is a problem for staff 
out there.  They’re stuck.  He finds it deplorable that EMI only gives the County 
one key to access our system.  Maybe we could look at that, just in terms of 
safety.  There ought to be more than one key.  

Member Haller asked if the Hamakuapoko wells could be used, if we needed, to give 
water back into the ditch and take more out.  She wondered if that was feasible, 
because the treatment plant can only handle so much water.

Director Eng answered that what they are referring to is an exchange agreement 
with EMI in case Wailoa Ditch is flowing real low.  EMI would allow the County 
to take as much as they can from Wailoa Ditch for domestic reasons.  At that 
point the County could operate Hamakuapoko Wells by pumping the water up to the 
Kamole Treatment Plant and dump it into the ditch for EMI.  It would only be 
about a million gallons per day, not a significant amount.  

Member Haller asked about exploring the viability/possibility of a new large tank 
in the Haiku East Maui area.  Is that on the table at all?

Ms. Kraftsow replied that there are plans for 3 reservoirs, one at the Makawao 
level, one at the Kahakapao level, and one at the Piiholo.  But right now, over 
the next five years, no, not at this point.

Director Eng stated that because it is so capital intensive the Department has 
not included it their plans.  It is in the order of about $100 million.  Another 
thing they are looking at is what kind of capacity they would need.  Some feel 
if they go to a smaller size it can be online faster.  

Chair Okamura asked if the CIP Budget includes energy efficient projects.

Ms. Kraftsow stated that in the short term there are a few projects would 
definitely improve energy efficiency.   In the long term, the consultant is 
evaluating the not just the capital costs but the 20-year long term energy costs.  

Member Haller asked if the Department is proposing to issue a new bond.  

Director Eng stated that basically these general obligation bonds are one of 
the Department’s significant sources of funds besides the Water System Development 
fees.  These bonds will be handled by the Department of Finance so the Water 
Department does not go out an acquire them.  It is a typical source of funding 
that we rely on.  

Member Howden asked how much of the budget is a repayment on loans?

Director Eng stated that Ms. Perdido is not here to answer that question.  But 
we need to rely on those bonds because we just don’t have other sources of 
funding to meet all these challenges.   

Motion:	By Member Haller that the Board informs the Mayor that they support 
the CIP Budget being submitted by the Department.

Second:	By Member Lester.

Chair Okamura stated that it has been moved and seconded that we inform the Mayor 
that we support the 2009 CIP Budget as submitted by the Department.

Discussion:	None.
	
Vote:	Unanimous.  Motion carried.

E. Receipt of Board Member request for agenda items to be placed on future a
gendas.

1. Presentation by DWS on conservation measures

2. Central Maui drought situation

3. USGS presentation of the water availability model.

4. Discussion on the Water Use and Development Plan

XI. Division Reports

XII. Adjournment

The September 27, 2007 Board of Water Supply meeting was adjourned at 11:50 a.m.


					Prepared and submitted by:


					__________________________________
					Gaye Hayashida
					Commission Support Clerk

Approved on: _______________________