July 16, 1999

 


The Honorable Benjamin J. Cayetano
Governor
State of Hawaii
Executive Chambers, State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Dear Governor Cayetano,

For the past several years the residents of Village Park and Royal Kunia have been concerned that the soil and water in the community has been contaminated with various pesticides. A substantial number of people in the community have a very low opinion of the Department of Health, and some even suspect DOH is trying to cover-up the possibility of contamination. From their perspective, DOH has avoided looking into the situation and resisted every effort of theirs to point out the high occurrence in the community of learning disorders, birth defects, cancers, etc.

In sharp contrast to the poor community perception of DOH is the high regard given to the Board of Water Supply. Just this morning I was at a meeting of community members with the Board of Water. The BWS instantly, and without hesitation, agreed to the following community requests:

Reformat water quality reports to show test results of water before and after being filtered;

Provide geologic/hydrologic maps of the area;

Provide geologists, hydrologists and toxicologists to work with the community and DOH to determine the best locations for soil and water sampling, and;

Test the water supply for all possible chemicals that could have caused the health effects noted in the community, and for whatever chemicals the community suggests.

 My intent in bringing this to your intention is not to criticize DOH. None of us has sufficient information at this point to know what happened. However, the community is extremely dissatisfied with the DOH actions to date. The Administration has a chance to turn things around through your implementation of HB 1138 (Act 192), which appropriated $220,000 for soil testing in Village Park and West Lake Fairways. Gary Gill appears to have created a favorable impression with the community, and they are hopeful he will continue to investigate their health concerns.

Village Park (cont'd)

I would like to schedule an opportunity to sit down with you to discuss this matter. There are a lot of unhappy people in Village Park. Attached for your information are several recent letters about this situation. I may be reached at 808-586-8500 or 808-596-8504 (fax).

Sincerely,
 
 

Mark Moses
Representative
42nd District