November 15, 2020 BOD Report Update

Our contractor, Isemoto, and their subcontractors have completed a significant amount of work this year including erecting and filling the new 290,000 gallon water tank.  Our contractors have also recently finished updating the mutual aid interconnection point with the Hawaiian Beaches Water Company which is located on Aama Street.  This facility allows us to share water between our systems when scheduled work or emergencies prevent our wells from supplying water. Our contractors have also completely replaced and updated the PRV stations at Ina and Ohiki Streets.  All of the remaining work will take place at the water yard where Wasa Electric is updating all electrical wiring and the electrical panels and Big Island Mechanical is updating the booster pumping system.  We expect this work to take another month or two and a few limited water outages may still be necessary as we connect the new pumping equipment to the new tank. The entire project should be complete by year end and we sincerely appreciate our members patience as work has proceeded on the very worthwhile project.

May 7, 2020 Water Yard Progress Photo

April 15, 2020 BOD Report Update

Isemoto and Phillips Tank and Structure are on site at the water yard. They have completed all of the underground ductile iron piping and the tank foundation is ready for inspection.  There will be two separate concrete pours for the foundation and this work should be completed by mid-April.
Isemoto is also beginning to mobilize their electrical and mechanical sub-contractors.  These sub-contractors will install all new electrical wiring and cabinets, the new booster pumps, the influent piping controls and the hydro-pneumatic tank.  They also still need to install back flow preventers on Aama Street at the mutual aid point and upgrade the pressure relieve systems on Ina and Ohiki Streets.

January 29, 2020 BOD Report Update

After much delay, HSCA finally received the permits for this project in November of 2019.  Soon thereafter our contractor, Isemoto Contracting advised that our water tank supply company, Central Pacific Tanks, has been bought out by a mainland company call Phillips Tank and Structure.  This basically left the water tank supplier without the required state contractor’s license and lacking an Engineer to inspect and approve the tank construction as required of them in their sale agreement with Isemoto.   Isemoto is not comfortable moving forward until this issue is resolved. It is hoped that this issue is resolved by the end of January, allowing construction to begin in February.  Once construction begins again, our members will be notified in advance of any water outages and a few more are required during the switch over to the new tank and pumping system and also when we replace the two PRV stations.

August 21, 2019 BOD Report Update

• The permit resubmittal review was completed by Hawaii County on 7/23/2019. This review again rejected the permit for three reasons.  The first was related to the Fire review but it appeared they may not have understood the information that EPI had submitted.  EPI has discussed this matter thoroughly with the Fire Reviewer and has been able to clear everything up.   The second item was a missing detail on the water tank ladder and Hawaii County is asking for an additional drawing showing how the ladder attaches to the tank and also requested a statement on OSHA compliance of the letter.  EPI has worked with Central Pacific Tanks to prepare this drawing and add the note so this concern should also be addressed. Lastly, Hawaii County has requested a special inspection form be prepared and submitted and EPI has completed this document. So, all needed documents are completed and they will be resubmitted by Isemoto this week.  As soon as the permit is issued, the change order to resupply the expired tank sealant will be issued.
• Both bid deadlines have passed and no one has submitted a bid. Isemoto has offered to submit pricing.   We may also be able to have the generator installed as a part of a power purchase type lease at the water yard so we are starting very preliminary investigations into this option.

June 19, 2019 BOD Report Update

• The permit resubmittal was sent into Hawaii County on May 10, 2019. This resubmittal requires only reviews by the Fire Department and the Structural Building Department review.  I am checking permit status bi-weekly and our Isemoto representative checked on the permit status personally on June 6, 2019.  Both reviews are still pending.  As soon as the permit is issued, the change order to resupply the expired tank sealant will be issued.
• Derrick Drilling has scheduled the well head replacement work for the first week of July with the work being performed on July 1, 2, or 3. Derrick toured the site last week and found access to the well pump acceptable.
• The transfer switch for the generator was picked up on 6/18/2019. Bids for the generator installation were due on June 15, 2019, but no one submitted a bid within the prescribed deadline. I have extended the bid due date to July 19, 2019 and called all four companies that were originally sent the bid request.  They have all promised to take a close look at it and notify if they believe they will submit a bid.

May 15, 2019 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto, EPI and Central Pacific Tanks completed preparing the documents that Hawaii County has required to be submitted. These documents address the concerns, comments and additional information required as a part of the permit reviews.  This information was presented to Hawaii County permit desk and we are awaiting their review.
• Derrick Drilling has indicated that they will be prepared to replace the well discharge head during the month of May. All materials needed have been received.
• The project end date has been extended by change order to 12/01/2019.
• Central Pacific Tanks has indicated that two change orders are needed as there are added costs related to the foundation drawings Hawaii County requested and we have also been advised that the water tank sealant delivered last year with the other tank components has expired. The total cost of these change orders is approximately $16,000.  This amount is still clearly within the project budget but the new sealant will not be ordered until the permit has been issued.  The sealant has a shelf life of one year.
• The transfer switch for the generator has been ordered from Alpha Electric. We have been advised that advertising for bids for the generator installation is not a requirement of the Safe Drinking Water Revolving Fund and so requests for bids will be sent to five area contractors.   This work will require coordination with the Water System Project so cannot really get under way until we have that permit.

March 20, 2019 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County has completed their review of the construction and demolition permits. Fire was the only entity that rejected the permit and they have requested supporting documentation from EPI related to various standards related to the water systems ability to handle fire flow.  EPI has gone through all these calculation as a part of the design and has already prepared a reply to the concerns expressed by the Fire Department. The Building and Structural reviews requested more information on the tank and tank foundation details.  Isemoto is working with CP Tanks to ensure that we have all of the structural drawings from them and that the wet sealed engineers stamp has not expired. We expect to have the resubmittal information together within the week and the turnaround for this should be much quicker.
• Derrick Drilling has indicated that they will be prepared to replace the well discharge head during the first week of April.
• All work related to the generator installation and specification preparation is complete and we are prepared to acquire bids for the work. I have tried to get quotes for the transfer switch  from both Graybar and Grainger but they would not provide them.  I found the switch on line quoted by Platt Electrical Supply at $10,732.20 plus shipping.   I am waiting on a quote for the manual transfer switch from Alpha Electric in Honolulu but expect that it too may be higher than the one from GexPro.

February 20, 2019 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County is still reviewing the permit applications for construction and demolition. The demolition permit has one review remaining and the construction permit has three reviews remaining. We already know that the Fire Department has rejected the construction permit because there was not a suitable hookup/standpipe provided within the water yard.  This can be corrected rather quickly.  However, e cannot begin work again until we have a permit.
• Derrick Drilling has completed fabrication of the well discharge head and we are trying to schedule the installation the first week of April.
• The contractor for the generator installation normally pulls the permit for this work. I am currently finishing up the specifications for the bid documents and should be ready to bid the project in March. Review of the transfer switch submittal by EPI revealed that 300 amp fuses had to be added.  The Board did approve this purchase at a cost not to exceed $7,000 but the addition of these very large fuses has increased the price to $10,901.10. A copy of the quote is attached and we need Board approval of the higher price.

January 16, 2019 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County is still reviewing the permit applications for construction and demolition. The plans have been reviewed and approved by the Planning Department and have been sent along to the Building Department for various reviews.  I am contacting the Kona permit office for status updates every two weeks.   Construction permit is currently undergoing structural review.  We cannot begin work again until we have a permit and the Federal shutdown ends as USDA is impacted and could not address reimbursement requests.
• Derrick Drilling continues to work on the fabrication of the well discharge head and the scheduling of its installation once it is fabricated. This work will greatly depend on Derrick’s work schedule as the fabrication is not that time consuming.
• Generator permit drawings have been completed by EPI . Will review Hawaii County permit requirements and apply for generator permit as owner builder if that seems feasible.  Also need to order new, higher rated transfer switch to supply to Isemoto for installation.

December 19, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County is still reviewing the permit applications for construction and demolition. The plans have been reviewed by the Planning Department and have been sent along to the Building Department for review.  The contract has been extended until 4/1/2019 and may need to be extended further depending on when the permit is actually issued.  A progress meeting will be scheduled with EPI and Isemoto as soon as the permit is received
• EPI has complete the Generator permit drawings. These will be provided to a contractor who will acquire the permit for us.  This contractor will be determined in coordination with the resumption of the water system project
• Derrick Drilling continues to work on the fabrication of the well discharge head and the scheduling of its installation once it is fabricated. We will check bath with them after the first of the year.
• The closing of the Water Project Cost Over Run loan and grant is tentatively scheduled for December 7, 2018.

October 17, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County is still reviewing the permit application. Our most recent submittal included additional feedback that is requiring us to file for a separate permit for the demolition of the water tank and the structure over the existing booster pumps.  We are also going to include the relocation of the chemical shack within this same permit.  This allowed us to refile the permit application for the rest of the water project and this was submitted to Hawaii County this month. Given this, we will still likely require an additional change order to extend the project end date and will do so as soon as the permit is issued.
• EPI is almost finished with the Generator permit application. Unfortunately, the existing manual transfer switch is rated at 200 amps and the generator will require one that is rated at 220 amps.  We will therefore need to acquire a new on and EPI will advise us on the proper model to purchase.  We will buy this switch and then supply it to Isemoto for installation to ensure that it is in place before the generator work is done.  Installing the switch as a part of the generator permit might cause coordination issues and extra re-work so it is recommend to have Isemoto install it as they install the entirely new electrical panel system.
• Mark met with Derrick Drilling for the fabrication of the well discharge head and they have begun the work. Derrick will advise us of scheduling as soon as he has the discharge head fabricated.  We have acquired all other needed materials that will be installed when the well discharge head is replaced.

September 19, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County is still reviewing the permit application and the drawings are still in the Planning Department.  Could still be two months before we have a permit.
• Given the continued delays to the processing of the permit the change order to extend the project completion date was revised to a new date, April 1, 2019.
• Generator has been added to the insurance policy and EPI is working on the permit drawings.  The generator will be installed in coordination with the new electrical panels and this work cannot begin until we have a permit.
• We have acquired the needed materials that will be installed when the well discharge head is replaced. We have been having a little trouble getting Derrick Drilling scheduled so while we wait we will see if another drilling company can be available sooner.  We will contact Beylik Drilling who has also worked on our well pump in the past.

August 15, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Both the Water Project Plan Sheets and the “wet sealed” shop drawings from CPT have been submitted to Isemoto and they are resubmitted permit package to Hawaii County. Could still be two months before we have a permit.
• Began processing a change order to extend the project completion date to February 1, 2019 all related to our inability to get a permit within the expected three month time frame.
• The well site generator was delivered on 8/8/2018 and is being stored at the water yard. EPI has also been authorized to proceed with the generator installation permit drawings.  We will also need to add the generator to our insurance policy and began this process on 8/8/2018 as well.
• Derrick Drilling will begin work on the well discharge head and we are assembling the material to complete the piping connection in a way that will allow us to use both tanks during the transition period. Derrick Drilling will contact us to schedule the installation of the discharge head as soon as they have it fabricated

July 18, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Hawaii County permit review indicated that updated structural engineer stamps were needed on the tank submittal and on all plan sheets that showed the tank on them. Isemoto and EPI are working on this and will resubmit.
• Spoke to Wasa Electric about temporarily relocating the water well pump power feed. This work is will be done as soon as we receive a permit.
• The well site generator is on its way. It will be first sent to California and then sent to the Big Island via Hawaii Express.  Board review and approval of the proposal from EPI to prepare the permit drawings for the generator is requested as an action item to this report.  I spoke to EPI about their initial proposal as it included items we did not require.  This resulted in them lowering their estimate to approximately $3,500.  I am recommended we approve their proposal as they are more familiar with the electrical components in the water yard and they can complete the work faster.
• Isemoto has suspended work pending completion of the permit application/process.  We continue to assemble/order material for the well discharge head replacement by Derrick Drilling that will allow us to use both water tanks during the tank transition period. We have requested a meeting with Derrick to get him started on fabricating the well discharge head.

June 20, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto and EPI have completed the permit application and it was submitted to Hawaii County for their review. The change order for the 90 day project extension has been approved by all parties.  We will review project schedule as soon as the permit is approved.
• Isemoto has essentially finished all work on the end of line cleanouts. They need to add some backfill to one of the locations and we have one other cleanout that cannot be installed until we turn the main water line off to do the PRV stations.  The equipment for the PRV stations is still on order.
• Requested cost estimate from Wasa Electric to temporarily relocate the water well pump power feed. This work is needed to allow our crews to remove the roof over the booster pump area, as required by Hawaii County Planning Department, because some of the roof is within the set-back.  This work will also make the installation of the booster pump pack and hydro-pneumatic tank much easier.
• The well site generator should be fabricated and ready to ship on June 27, 2018. We have also received one quote for the preparation of permit drawings for the generator installation and are awaiting one additional quote.
• The water meters and strainers for the mutual aid connection on Aama Street were ordered and have arrived. Isemoto has agreed to install these as a part of their work to provide the back flow preventers at the same location. We are also ordering material for the well discharge head replacement by Derrick Drilling that will allow us to use both water tanks during the tank transition period.

May 16, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto continues to work with EPI in an effort to obtain the Hawaii County permit. It is quite clear that this will not happen before the current project end date and so a change order instituting a 90 day project extension has been prepared.  We will also review project timelines and consider the need for more project time once the permit is issued.
• The plan approval by Hawaii County has given the project team sufficient confidence to allow Isemoto to return to the work site this past week. They will be forming the tank foundation and hopefully this will be completed just as the permit is issued.
• Met with project team, including Big Island Mechanical to discuss the tank “switch over” process and to ensure that all needed materials are either on site or in the process of being delivered. The group also toured the water yard as a part of this meeting and we were able to work out a reasonable approach that should be able to limit the time we utilize the Hawaiian Beaches Water Company cross connection (and buy water from them) to two or three days.   This will require us to work with Derrick Drilling to replace the well discharge head and 8 inch piping that connects the tank to the well.  We will also need to add one or two 8 inch valves to this piping so we can switch between the old and new tanks during the conversion.
• HSCA crews will need to relocate the chemical shack and remove/alter the roof cover the ne booster pump system to be in full compliance with the plat drawing that has been presented to the Planning Department and our crews are prepared to do this work. Our crews will need to remove the roof over the booster pumps before the conversion process begins.   The chemical shack can be relocated at any time but his has to be done before the permit is closed out.
• The well site generator has been ordered and is scheduled to “start” the delivery process on July 2, 2018. Between now and then we will need to engage an electrician to pull the permit for the hookup and determine if we need an architect’s seal for the concrete base and conduit connections to the transfer switch.
• There is a need for water meters to be installed at the cross connection point with Hawaiian Beaches Water Company. Installing two, 6 inch water meters, will permit both us and HBWC to measure/meter any water purchases that maybe required in the future.  Ismoto is currently tasked with installing two each back flow preventers in this area and now would be a good time to add these two meters at an estimated cost of $7,000, total with the cost split between us and HBWC.

April 18, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto began work on setting meter boxes and thrust block for the end of line cleanout locations. This work should be completed soon.
• Ismoto has completed all the work they can do in the water yard without a permit..
• EPI and Isemoto worked with HSCA staff to complete the required submission of the site plat drawing. The drawing has been reviewed by the planning department and the permit application process can now continue.  The permit itself may not e issued until June or July.  This delay will therefore require a project time extension which will be in the form of a change order.  We will know the exact time extension needed in late May and will execute the change order at that time.
• HSCA crews will need to relocate the chemical shack and remove/alter the roof cover the ne booster pump system to be in full compliance with the plat drawing that has been presented to the Planning Department and our crews are prepared to do this work.
• The well site generator has been ordered and should be delivered in July. We have begun preliminary work on the required permit drawings for the generator concrete base and electrical details has started.

March 21, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto continued work at the water yard and has completed excavation and back filling for the water tank foundation and the drywell. They also excavated the area for the wash out/filtration basin.  We are awaiting parts that are needed to upgrade the two PRV stations and to install back flow preventers at the mutual aid connection point on Aama Street.
• When EPI and Isemoto worked together to submit the application for the building permit needed for the water yard work they ran into some setback issues during the Planning review. The main concern was related to the placement, inside the setback, of a large concrete pad to support the pumping system and the roof that covers this area.  This work was done in 1971 but no prior permit for the work was found.  The Planning Department also determined that the Chemical Shack constructed in 2013 was also placed within the setback.
  These matters have been discussed with the Planning Department and they have agreed to allow the old concrete pad that is being used to also support the new pumping system to remain within the setback because this equipment is shorter than 6 feet.  We will relocate the chemical shack with our crews and had always planned to remove the roof and reconstruct a new one that will also cover the relocated electrical panels.  The path is now clear to obtain the permit but the delays these issues caused will likely extend the project by one or two months.  A new completion date will be negotiated with Isemoto upon the issuance of the permit from Hawaii County.
• The water tank has been delivered to the water yard and its contents are enclosed in there original wooden shipping containers.

February 21, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto utilized Big Island Mechanical to do the plumbing work for the end of the line cleanouts. Big Island Mechanical installed the lateral ends, upward piping and valves for 53 cleanouts in January. Each one of these required us to turn off the lateral for individual street segments.  This work went fairly smoothly.  There was one cleanout where we could not get the water turned off and this one will be replaced when we shut the water system down for the upgrade for the PRV stations.
• Isemoto has begun excavating for the new water tank foundation. The vast majority of the work remaining will occur at the water yard itself but we need to secure a building permit from Hawaii County.  Isemoto and EPI, our design engineer, has been working with Hawaii County for almost two months in this endeavor and does not yet have the permit.  We estimated that this process would take 3 months but will need to monitor progress closely as any further delays might result in the need to stop work and wait until the permit is issued.   The only work that remains to be done outside of the water yard is installing small thrust bricks and setting meter boxes to grade at all of the cleanouts,  the rebuilding of our two PRV stations, and  the installation of back flow preventers within the 6 inch lines on Aama Street that connect our system to Hawaiian Beaches.
• The fabrication of the water tank will begin in January and the tank is being fabricated. It should be ready for delivery in late February or early March.

January 17th, 2018 BOD Report Update

• Isemoto has completed the installation of all 16 valves along the primary water main. This work was completed on January 4, 2018 which was a few days sooner than anticipated.  The work went along relatively smoothly but there was an air pocket incident on December 22, 2017. Steps had been taken to avoid this as we were opening downstream fire hydrants in an effort to clear all the air before it would reach any other part of the system.  This worked successfully every day except for 12/22/2017 and we could not ascertain why there was a difference.  The air that remained in the system on that day resulted in damage to a regulator in one of the PRV stations and pressure regulators and sudden water surges at two homes.   The result to the water system was several days of air bubbles in the water as it took until 12/28/2017 to trouble shoot and repair the PRV regulator.  The owners of the two homes impacted have been advised to track their costs and submit claims to our office if they desire reimbursement.
• Isemoto has also almost completed clearing and grubbing of a 10 foot radius around each of our proposed 56 end of the line cleanout locations. Work to install the upgraded cleanouts is set to begin on January 16, 2018 and should be completed in late January or early February.   Isemoto believes they can complete 6 cleanout installations each day.  The cleanouts will typically only require turning off the service lateral behind homes for two to four hours and doing 6 laterals each day would impact 12 street segments.  Separate door hangers for these more limited outages will be placed providing 5 day’s notice and a new posting will be placed on the web site.
• The fabrication of the water tank will begin in January as we have paid the invoice from Isemoto that covers the “deposit” for the tank that is required before fabrication begins. Isemoto has also begun work on the initial excavation for the water tank foundation.

December 20th, 2017 BOD Report Update

• • • Isemoto has completed the clearing, grubbing and excavating for the 16 new valve locations and is prepared to begin installing the valves along the main water line. The location of these valves means that the entire water system will need to be shut off for 6 to 8 hours during the weekday when the upper valves are replaced.  The plan is to replace two valves per day over an 8 day time frame, starting on December 20, 2017 for three straight days.  No work will be done during Christmas/New Year’s Day week.  The work on the 16 valves should be completed during the first and second week of January, 2018.  Flyers and door hangers will be sent out on Monday, 12/18.  A notice will also be placed on the web site and within the January water bill.
    • The project sign has been installed at the Community Center and Isemoto has submitted a schedule for the project that projects a June 18, 2018 completion date. The next phase of work after the valve replacement will focus on the lateral cleanouts located at the end of each service lateral.  This work will require shutting off water service for shorter time periods and will impact only three or four streets at a time.
    • The fabrication and delivery of the water tank will take place over the next two months with delivery expected at the end of February or early part of March. The process for the tank fabrication does include some amount of prepayment and Isemoto has submitted their first invoices covering this and some of the work they have completed so far.  We will need to track the USDA reimbursement process very closely and will turn invoices into them within 5 days of receiving them.
    • Although some discussion and review about the size of the booster pump still remains the main issues with their design and the fill level for the tank have been resolved.  It is expected that the booster pump skid pack will be ordered in January.

    November 15th, 2017 BOD Report Update

    • • • Isemoto continues to excavate the 16 water line valve replacement locations. During this excavation, 3 inch and 4 inch PVC pipes were uncovered and they ran along the water main and the laterals.  We have come to learn that this was put in as an emergency by pass type system but it did meet the standards required for delivery of potable water and is thus essentially abandoned.  We have had to cut portions of these pipes to make room for the valve replacement and are capping any exposed conduit ends to ensure material does not accumulate within the old pipes.The location of these valves means that the entire water system will need to be shut off for 6 to 8 hours during the weekday when the upper valves are replaced.  Isemoto hopes to be able to replace four valves each work day and will work from the top of the subdivision to the ocean so that portions of the system can be up and running as the work proceeds to the ocean.
        • We are still working with EPI to determine the precise impacts of the issue related to the booster pumps and their need for 11 feet of water head to operate. EPI is working on making recommendations for water tank level amounts should we be unable to acquire pumps that do not require as much water head.  EPI has indicated that the manufacturer stated that they do not have pumps available of that size that would require less water head to operate but that smaller volume pumps may work more efficiently.  EPI is reviewing this option and they also analyzed the fire flow situation with the proposed booster pump and its water head restriction.    We have independently asked the supplier about pump size options.Although, the tank, when full, will have water at 29 feet, we were initially hoping to operate the tank at about ½ full to reduce the amount of chlorination that was required and to “cycle” through the tank water supply more frequently. This strategy may need to be re-thought.  EPI and the supplier have agreed to pay for any additional tank/pump sensors that would be needed to ensure the pumps are shut down.
        • Although, escrow has been opened for the water project cost over-run loan, there are still a number of steps required before this loan closes. Current project cash proceeds are still over $800,000 which should be sufficient until the cost over-run loan closes.

        October 18, 2017 BOD Report Update

        • Isemoto began to excavate water valve locations this past week. There are 16 valves to replace and they are all located along the primary water main that runs along the south side of the subdivision.  The location of these valves means that the entire water system will need to be shut off for 6 to 8 hours during the weekday when the upper valves are replaced.  Isemoto hopes to be able to replace four valves each work day and will work from the top of the subdivision to the ocean so that portions of the system can be up and running as the work proceeds to the ocean.
        • EPI has indicated that there was a typographical error within the performance characteristics of the booster pumps. This increased the amount of water that is needed in the new water tank to allow the pumps to operate to 11 feet, when the design was based on this being closer to 0 feet.  We are working with the pump designers, our contractor and the design engineers to determine if a redesign of the pumping system or where it is located is necessary.   Although, the tank, when full, will have water at 29 feet, we were initially hoping to operate the tank at about ½ full to reduce the amount of chlorination that was required and to “cycle” through the tank water supply more frequently and this strategy may need to be re-thought and we may also need to add pump shut off sensors.  This matter should be resolved within the next two weeks.
        • Although, escrow has been opened for the water project cost over-run loan, there are still a number of steps required before this loan closes. Current project cash proceeds are still over $800,000 which should be sufficient until the cost over-run loan closes..
        • The insurance claim we submitted for the work at the well related to the failure of the check valve was disapproved by the adjustor for two reasons. The first reason was that the adjustor believed that the check valve had just worn out and that it was not otherwise damaged by an accident or other unforeseen event.  The second reason noted was that our policy does not cover the water delivery/valve/piping system and the adjuster indicated that the check valves was part of the delivery system and not directly a component, such as the pump, motor, or water tank that are listed as covered components.
        • Derrick Drilling is revising their estimate for solutions to eliminate the pump cavitation issue to include the work we requested for spinning the well head top and replacing this component. We do still have several months to decide how to proceed with this.

        September 20, 2017 BOD Report Update

        • USDA has opened escrow for the water project cost overrun. However, there are several steps remaining in the closing process before a closing date can be established.  The current project funding will be sufficient to pay Isemoto billings over the next 3 months or so and we expect to close the cost overrun loan before that time.  USDA has also paid all of our current reimbursement requests and Isemoto has yet to bill us for any work.
        • Held the second project progress meeting on August 29, 2017. Instructed Isemoto to pursue the permit from Hawaii County for the water yard site work now that the tank has been ordered. It will take between four and six months for the tank to be fabricated and delivered. In the meanwhile, Isemoto will work on cleanouts, valve replacements and pressure relief upgrades while they await the permit and the arrival of the tank.
        • During the month of August and the early part of September, Isemoto crews located and grubbed all of the water system valves and cleanouts. They have more clearing work to do on the cleanouts as a few had large trees near them.
        • Our legal counsel is working on the draft language for the Habashi easement and will advise us when they are ready to send a draft to Dr. Habashi.

        August 16, 2017 BOD Report Update

        • We met with USDA on Monday, August 7^th to discuss the status of both of our loan requests. USDA indicated at this meeting that they needed a few more things to be able to move toward closing the Water Cost Overrun Loan/Grant.  We were notified of the needed items and returned them to USDA on 8/10/2017.   The USDA also agreed to resume honoring our reimbursement requests and will do their best to expedite receipt of the closing instructions.   These actions will allow our Water Project to continue without interruption.
        • The review of the water tank size has resulted in permitting a size reduction of the tank that would save the project approximately $20,000. This coupled with forthcoming savings relative to the concrete in the foundation will easily offset the cost of the engineering soils analysis performed by Stewart Engineering. A change order to implement this is in process.
        • Isemoto has submitted their schedule of values and submittal log and is also actively transmitting submittals to us. The decision on the water tank size will enables them to pursue the permit from Hawaii County which is needed for them to work within the water yard itself.  We expect them to begin work on components that are outside the water yard in the very near future.
        • The draft language for the Habashi easement and a letter authorizing our legal counsel to begin easement negotiations was delivered to our attorney’s office.

        July 19, 2017 BOD Report Update

        • Stewart Engineering submitted soil study report that has been reviewed by Central Pacific Tanks. This has resulted in a revised foundation for the new water tank and this foundation contains much less concrete than the design that was bid by Isemoto. The Project Manager, Board President and DSO of Record also conducted a review of the tank size itself. This review utilized our water meter data to perform the calculations that determine tank capacity and resulted in recommending a smaller tank. The original design was based on estimates of average daily water usage which were needed because we did not meter water at the time of the study. Both of these actions will result in preparing a contract change order that will result in project cost savings that are significantly more than the cost of the soils study.
        • Isemoto foreman toured lateral end locations and will advise when they will start to clear and grub the lateral end locations. Determination of new tank foundation and tank size will allow Isemoto to secure the permit from Hawaii County.
        • Still working on draft water line area easement language for Newton’s review. Once this review is complete the easement will be sent to Dr. Habashi for his review and consideration.
        • Derrick Drilling completed the replacement of the well check valve, pump and motor on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. We did need to order all new pipe couplings which were received within two days and did not delay the work. The tight fit between the well pump and casing is still subject to air intrusion and some cavitation even though the pump was downsized and the flow restrictor put back in place. Possible solutions to this one remaining issue that could be implemented in coordination with the water system project and new tank installation will be discussed at the August Board meeting.

        June 21, 2017 BOD Report Update

        • Issued notice to proceed to Isemoto Contracting effective June 1, 2017. They have one calendar year from that date to complete the project. Held the first progress meeting on May 16, 2017 and discussed the need to submit project schedule and other documents including a schedule of values that will be used to secure a builder’s risk insurance policy for HSCA.  Still awaiting receipt of these documents and Isemoto has been reminded to submit them.  Isemoto Contracting is beginning work on the project the week of June 12, 2017.  They will start by clearing and grubbing the lateral end cleanout locations in preparation for installing the cleanouts.  This work does not require permits from Hawaii County.
        • Stewart Engineering has completed the soil stability study and the preliminary results do look promising. These results will be included in a bound report that we should receive in the next two weeks.  Central Pacific Tanks has also been in contact with Stewart Engineering and is using the preliminary results to begin the redesign of the water tank foundation. Isemoto Contracting will apply for a permit from Hawaii County as soon as the water tank and foundation is redesigned and the submittals for these items reviewed and approved by the Resident Engineer and EPI.  Permits from Hawaii County are only required for the work that takes place at the actual well head area.
        • Have been working the past several months with USDA to complete the submittal for the project cost over-run. Although we believe we have submitted most if not all of the documents required, we have been unable to meet with USDA to determine if they need anything else.  They have advised us that they will let us know when the review of our materials is complete which would trigger us contact a title company to open escrow if a closing is required for this project.
        • Sent a certified/return receipt letter to Dr. Habashi concerning the easement negotiations and he did return the receipt acknowledgment card. Also, sent a letter to Newton Chu regarding the easement negotiations which will begin our transmitting to Dr. Habashi a draft of the easement language that Newton and I will work on.
        • Meeting with Derrick Drilling on Thursday, June 15 to schedule check valve, pump, and motor replacement date and to ensure that all materials are on site before the work begins. We will also be discussing the length of time the work will take place and trying to ensure that the work is conducted continuously until it is completed to minimize the time we need to purchase water from Hawaiian Beaches.

        June 21, 2017 Update

        On June 21^st, 2017, as part of our Water Improvement Project, well repair work will begin at the HSCA Water Yard on Puna Wai St. This work is estimated to last approximately a week and customers should notice little to no changes in their water pressure or service. There may be possible instances where low pressure may occur when our tank is being refilled. However, this will be done during ‘low water use times’ to help reduce any impact this may have on our customers.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can contact our office during normal business hours. Updates can be found here on our website, or written on the marquee at the HSCA Community Center.

        May 01, 2017 Update

        The water system that provides your water will begin to undergo improvements in the very near future.  Please click below on the provided link for more information.

        HSCA Water System Update

        April 13, 2017 Update

        Steve Bailey, HSCA Project Manager, advised today that the water project did begin as we have a signed contract and have conducted a preconstruction conference.  Isemoto Construction is also providing us with early project material submittals.   We are waiting word from Isemoto to provide us with an official start date/notice to proceed.  The company will be providing us with their work schedule and a list of values for each of the major components.  This information is expected back from them in the next few weeks.
        The total water project, after the additional funding is just over $2.9 million.  The current payoff time frame of 20 years will be extended to 30 years upon the closing of the loan for the increase in funding.
        Steve also advised that there will be soil testing at the proposed tank site at a cost of $16,500.  An additional $1,000 is needed to clear the area under the proposed tank site.  Therefore, the total is $17,500 which has been approved by USDA and the initial money will come from the contingency.  We are quite confident that we will get a cost reduction in excess of this total amount from Isemoto as they  feel it is likely we will use significantly less thank 300 yards of concrete required if no testing is done.

        March 13, 2017 Update

        The contract for the water system project has been approved and we are pleased to announce that Isemoto Contracting will be the contractor for this very important project. The project start date is March 9, 2017 and the work will take one year to complete. The project provides a new water tank, new booster pumps, better line flushing valves and improvements to the pressure regulation throughout the system. The project has been set up to minimize disruption to water service but there may be reduced pressures and short term outages as we convert to the new water system components. We will be working very closely with our contractor to ensure timely notifications are provided during these periods.   We will also be providing project updates on our web site and within the water bills.

        Well Pump, Motor, & Check Valve Replacement
        A check valve down in the bottom of our water well was determined to be in need of replacement in February. Replacing the check valve requires pulling the pump and motor out of the over 400 foot deep well. When this is done it is usually a good idea to replace the pump and motor if they are over 10 years old which is the case.   This work will take approximately two days to complete and will be performed very soon. During these two days our water will be provided by the Hawaiian Beaches Water Company and we will post the days of work on the Marquee Sign at the Community Center.