June 9, 2010 – Honokaa, Hawaii

Councilman Dominic Yagong sent out an email updating the public on the Honokaa Sewer Project.

Citing a conversation with Wastewater Division Chief Dora Beck, Yagong says only 1 of the large capacity cesspools remain closed as mandated by the EPA. Total closure is anticipated by the end of August, right before the September 1, 2010 deadline.

Yagong says businesses along Mamane, residences, Honoka’a School and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority facility will be able to connect to the new sewer once the treatment plant has been upgraded. Upgrade work is set to begin in October 2010.

Sewer mains and laterals have been installed in the following streets: Plumeria, Lehua, Koniaka, Puakalo, Pakalana and Mamane. “Essentially,” Yagong says, “the collection system planned for Honokaa in this project is complete.”

By July, the paving of county roads like Plumeria, Lehua, Koniaka, Puakalo and Pakalana should be underway. Officials hope to have Pakalana done by August 2nd to avoid inconveniencing the Honokaa school.

Paving of the state owned Mamane Street tentatively scheduled for August or September depending on how quickly the paving issues can be resolved with State DOT.

Yagong says sewer connection letters will be mailed to accessible property owners (businesses, residences, Honoka’a School and Hawaii Public Housing Authority facility) in April 2011.