HILO — The price tag of a wastewater treatment plant proposed for Naalehu has increased to $40.5 million.
The latest estimate, which includes a 20 percent contingency, is listed in a preliminary engineering report for a new preferred site on the makai side of town, below the Naalehu Hongwanji.
The project was previously reported to cost $20.3 million.
“I do know we have significant more sewer line that’s going in than originally estimated,” said Bill Kucharski, Hawaii County environmental management director, when addressing the increase. “Moving the facility is going to have a greater number of people connected.”
The county previously proposed building it adjacent to Naalehu Elementary School. That site faced community opposition.
Kucharski also suggested that the time-crunch for the project makes it harder to contain costs.
“I am confident as any assessment for something being built in two years can be,” he said, when asked if he is confident that price won’t further increase. “We intend to meet our completion schedule.”
The county is under an order from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to close large-capacity cesspools in Naalehu in 2022 and Pahala in 2021, or face daily fines. The cesspools were previously owned by C. Brewer &Co.
Sewer treatment plans are proposed for both communities.
Previously, county officials had said both projects would cost a combined $41 million.
Kucharski said the Pahala project is currently estimated at roughly $28 million to $30 million.
He said state revolving fund loans are planned to be used to finance the projects.
Naaelhu resident Sandra Demoruelle, who is suing the county over the projects, said the county is not getting enough bang for its buck.
“You want a $40 million sewer plant in a $10 million town,” she said, referring to her estimate of property values.
“You are spending $250,000 to close each LCC.”
The county previously considered large community septic tanks as a solution.
The preliminary engineering report for the Naalehu project says that would require a 966,000-gallon tank. It didn’t say whether that option is more or less feasible, though it notes odor from a single emission point could be a significant concern and variances from the state Department of Health would be needed.
However, it says having each home install a septic tank is considered not feasible due to the small size of the lots.
In Pahala, the plant is proposed for the intersection of Maile Street and Highway 11, on the mauka side. An environmental assessment was published in September, and the county recently extended the comment period until Dec. 10.
That facility would initially serve about 175 properties.
In Naalehu, 182 would be initially connected.
The preferred site is on the same 2,013-acre parcel that is being considered for a Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission purchase because it contains the former Waikapuna fishing village along the coast. Kucharski said the 17-acre plant could be separated and wouldn’t impact the cultural resources.
Properties along the path of the sewer pipes are required to connect. Those that are not connected to the gang cesspools will have to pay for the connections, which could cost $10,000 to $20,000 each, Kucharski has said.
He said the county is looking for ways to offset that cost.
Kucharski said the county will host community meetings on the new preferred site, but those aren’t scheduled yet.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
“You want a $40 million sewer plant in a $10 million town,” she said, referring to her estimate of property values.”
Yeah, that seems to be Hawaii all over. At the present rate, it’s probably the relationship between the cost of light rail and the NPV of the entire domestic gross product of Honolulu.
Even considering a 40 million sewer plant in a $10 million town is all that is wrong with Hawaii. It’s time to cut regulations and red tape. Its time to cut back regulations to allow competitive bids from outside the ‘uncle” system. Its time to not make commitments that defy common sense. The “brain drain” will continue to accelerate with projects like this. In Hawaii there seems to be no social project that cannot be paid for with another tax.
Lump sum bids only.. Most small town government employees have no business managing construction proposals with our tax dollars at stake…
You’d rather have the county or state government in control? Given their track record, they’d probably just lose the money faster due to more bureaucrats and departments being involved. They’re better off putting the local shop owner in charge, at least they run a business.
I would rather have a blind chauffeur !!
Same scam they pulled in Honoka’a 10 years ago, only more expensive and the Ka’u is even more depressed. If the Feds mandate it, then let the Feds build it AND pay to maintain it for 30 years.
Have they ever indicated whether any Federal funding is available to cover at least part of the cost? Trump seems pretty supportive of infrastructure spending…
Big community systems aren’t necessary! Even on VERY SMALL LOTS, cesspools can be easily and cost-effectively upgraded with an aerobic treatment unit (ATU). ATU’s process household sewage water using aeration and timed recirculation to convert wastewater into recycled water. That clean, recycled water can then be safely disposed of in the old cesspool… now cleaned out and used as a seepage pit. Average AquaKlear system equipment cost for a 3 bedroom home: $8,500 (taxes & delivery to Big Island included). Approved by DOH… and permits have been issued to upgrade cesspools as described above on Oahu!
How much would installation typically cost on Big Island? Also, what would typical maintenance and electrical costs be to run the system? And how long is the system expected to last?
Contact me directly, please – West Hawaii Today not allowing me to respond