Wastewater plant
expansion plan opposed

Aikahi Park residents are concerned
about noise and odor problems
caused by the facility

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

The proposed expansion of the Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant has Aikahi Park residents worried about noise and odor problems.

The area's two City Council members are split on the issue.

Councilman John Henry Felix has introduced legislation that would delay the project.

But Councilman Steve Holmes doesn't think the expansion should be delayed.

The city Wastewater Services Department is under federal consent decrees to make the improvements.

Aikahi residents say existing facilities have already caused a multitude of problems -- from incessant odors to late-night noise -- which have contributed to falling property values.

Felix said Aikahi residents have complained of headaches and other ailments, which they blame on the stench.

The seriousness of the problems is compounded, residents say, because Aikahi Elementary School is in the area.

Some residents have urged the city to move the facility.

But city Chief Engineer Kenneth Sprague said that would cost the city $716 million. Total cost of putting in the improvements at the existing site would be about $393 million over 20 years.

The city has been doing what it can to mitigate odor and noise, Sprague said.

Among the safeguards being considered are diverting hydrogen sulfide releases into an odor abatement system and installing sound-absorbing blankets, low-noise pumps and fans.

More than $100,000 has been set aside for abatement, Sprague said.

Felix said residents aren't satisfied and have proposed the area around the plant be designated an interim development control area for one year. The designation would allow the city time to come up with noise and odor abatement measures more satisfactory to residents.

"The issues that negatively impact on surrounding area residents have to be addressed before any further expansion of the facility takes place," he said.

Holmes has been the only Council member to oppose the measure so far. The city runs the risk of being severely fined if it doesn't meet deadlines mandated by the consent decrees, he said.

The plant predates many of the homes and residents in the area, Holmes said, and many of the dwellings came with covenants alerting them to the existence of a sewage plant nearby.

"Now that the plant's built, it's a little late to be addressing the location argument," he said.

One issue that has been addressed, however, is the concern that Aikahi area residents themselves would be relocated.

Aikahi Park resident Patricia Moore said city documents she found showed one alternative plan that would relocate up to 300 homes at the perimeter of the plant, including the townhouses of Aikahi Gardens.

But in a statement issued yesterday, Harris said, "The acquisition of 300 homes is not an alternative and will not be studied further."

Sprague said the city studied relocation only because it was suggested by residents, unhappy with their situation, who felt the city should look into buying the surrounding area.

It would cost the city $100 million to buy all the homes, he said.

"It is not undergoing further consideration."