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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR – Chair Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. A quorum of ­­14 was present of this 15 member Board. A vote of 8 is required to adopt motions.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Jeffrey Alameida, Arlene Kawahakui, Bob Leinau, Ollie Lunasco, Mike Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Gerri Meade, Carol Philips, Gil Riviere, Warren Scoville, Jacob Ng, John Hirota, Blake McElheny, Antya Miller.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Lief Anderson.

GUESTS – Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Alenka Remec (Mayor Hanneman’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin and Capt. Moana Heu (Honolulu Police Department), Captain B. Emmons (Honolulu Fire Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Larry Sagaysay (Representative Magaoay’s Office), Francis Daquioa (Kahuku Medical Center), Ruth Holmberg (Sunset Beach Elementary), Randy Ann Porras (Waialua High School), Galen Yoshimoto and Mike Kanno (State Department of Defense), Bill Rooms and Mr. Nysewander (U.S. Army/Schofield), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Bob Schieve (Stop Rail Now), Bodo Van Dor, Karen Mundy, Jane Morgan, Troy Aquila, Diane Ande, Bruce Bellows, Charles Fortner (ClearWire), Keoni Fox (T-Mobile), Thomas Shirai, Will Schoettle, Kalani Frenda, Kathy Vega, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (NA, Neighborhood Commission Office).

APPROVAL/ADDITION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 22, 2008 – Ng moved and Meade seconded to approve the April 22 meeting minutes with the following changes:

Page 1; correction in name: “Arlene Kawahakui” instead of “Arlene Kawaihakui”, under guests replace “Don Quinn” with “Dan Quinn

Page 4; replace “Pomoho Village” with “Poamoho Village”; replace “Bonzai Rock Beach” with “Banzai Rock Beach”

Page 5; under Governor’s representative report replace “Blake Antolini” with “Blake McElheny”: under Representative Magaoay’s report replace “1) While she was in Washington, D.C. she met with legislature” with “1) While he was in Washington, D.C. he met with legislature”, insert “5) Armed Forces celebrated their 100 anniversary at the State Capital today and some veterans were on hand. Our Filipino war veterans were promised full benefits but in 1946, Congress passed legislation removing benefits; Representative Magaoay is working with Congress to restore promised benefits. 6) Repairs to Kamehameha Highway along Sunset area is underway per a verbal request with a follow-up with Mr. Morioka.

Page 6; replace “Lanikea Chun’s beach” with “Laniakea Chun’s Beach”

TREASURER'S REPORT – Leinau reported expenses incurred in March  2008 were; Operating Account expended $89.02 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended $200.00 for videotaping charges for February, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for March of $2,171.37.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS: Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Martin reported statistics for the month of March: 12 burglaries, 35 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 36 thefts, 6 auto thefts. Capt. Heu reported for District 3: There were two males arrested involved with crimes and thefts reported in the district; the two were well known to the area.

Questions and concerns:

• Lunasco inquired if the parking at the harbor house is restricted during the evening hours. Lt. Martin said the cars parked in the designated harbor house parking should have no problems using the lot.
• Meade said she noticed HPD patrolled the lot at Pupukea Recreation Center quite often. Capt. Heu said the area was a designated “hot spot” for HPD.

Honolulu Fire Department – Capt. Emmons reported statistics for the month of March: 1) 2 brush, 8 rubbish and 3 vehicle fires; 58 medical emergencies, 1search/rescues and 14 miscellaneous calls. 2) Safety Tip: Smoke alarms are definitely necessary in your home; they are proven life savers. Fires produce smoke and toxic gases which can numb your senses and prevent you from reaction to the fire. This is especially true at night when you and your family are asleep. A working smoke alarm gives you early notification of a fire and time to escape. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips: Install smoke alarms on every level of your house and outside of every sleeping area. Test smoke alarms once a month. Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or when the smoke alarm chirps to signal that the battery is low. While a smoke alarm can give you advanced warning, you must have advanced planning to escape a fire. Work with everyone in your family to make a fire escape plan. Here are some tips to prepare a plan: Plan two ways out of every room. Plan a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Plan to stay out, once you’re out. Plan a drill where you activate your smoke alarm and practice your fire escape plan.

Questions and concerns:

• Leinau inquired what were considered miscellaneous calls. Lt. Martin said these were calls that were not emergencies or rescues; informational inquiries and community concerns. He also pointed out that studies have shown that sometimes residents are slow to contact a 911 operator for assistance.

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION – M. Kanno reported: Drum Road was 80% completed; construction work is being done in two phases and should merge and will be completed within the next couple of years. The bridge crossing was completed two weeks ago with military training continuing completed areas of the project. The Makakilo and Halawa quarries should be completed in the next month. 

Questions and concerns:

• Leinau was curious who was controlling the contract specifications and site inspections. M. Kanno said project engineers are on site; Dick Pacific is the contractor working on Phase 1, and Phase 2 work is being done by The Kewit Company. The project should remain on schedule without any rain delays. 
• Ng asked about the Waianae mountain range project. M. Kanno said the contracts were just signed last week; military construction will proceed with some contracts awarded to other companies. The Dillingham School trail will lead through pineland; negotiations with land owners are still underway. The path to Farrington Highway is scheduled to start in late 2012.
• Almeida asked if the Dillingham/Schofield project was also projected as an evacuation road once completed. M. Kanno said Civil Defense with State and City agencies involved had created the emergency evacuation route since the State holds private land currently that is in place in event of an emergency evacuation of the district. Currently street lights have not been placed yet.
• Lunasco inquired what entity handled Whitmore Village. M. Kanno said the U.S. Navy can answer for Whitmore Village.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Riviere reported: 1) The committee will be meeting quarterly; the next meeting will be May 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Waialua Community Association Cottage Two. 2) Two State Department of Transportation rock-fall limitation bids are currently still outstanding. Details of the rock-fall limitation may not be available for another couple of years. The process to secure the falling rocks has been complicated.

Questions and concerns:

• Leinau asked if DOT could offer an informational presentation to update the community on the Waimea rock-fall situation. Riviere said the Waimea district is in need of input; however Kahuku district is undergoing fence repairs.
• Phillips asked if DOT can also offer an update on the issue of some “no parking” signs that were removed a couple months ago.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

• Ng congratulated Randy-Ann Porras-Tang, Principal of Waialua High School and students for winning the Robotics competition and to their softball team which played a “no hitter” game recently.
• B. Schieve announced he is a volunteer for the “Stop Rail” committee which was circulating a petition in hopes for placement on the November ballot.
• F. Daquioa announced the Kahuhu Medical Center (KMC) is officially open; offering medical services to the North Shore and Ko’olauloa districts. KMC wishes to thank the community once again for its’ support overall.
• B. Rooms and Mr. Nysewander reported that the Army has re-adjusted its’ flight patterns and moved the helicopter pad area to the North of Kualoa Camp. They insist on community input as they work with the district to avoid further problems; Hawaii has a very small area to adjust helicopter trainings versus larger scale areas on the mainland.
• Scoville moved and Philips seconded to allow the Army to make a presentation regarding the landing pad changes. Leinau and Lunasco suggested waiting until the Army was done with relocation and then add it to the agenda for a presentation. Scoville added the Kawailoa Camp area was now empty and the Army should use this area to allow for the space it needed. Ng applauded the Army for the adjustment and asked the community to be supportive and allow the military to execute their mission to serve and protect.  The motion to allow the Army to make a presentation regarding the landing pad changes was withdrawn by Philips and Scoville.
• T. Shirai thanked the community for supporting the Burial Council petition; however he shared his disappointment that a representative was selected from the Wahiawa district instead of one from Waialua. He claimed the method in the decision was inconsistent with what was published.
• A constituent said there are four bills relating to Turtle Bay (TB); encouraged those opposed to call the Governor’s office and to attend the conference committee meeting tomorrow. Kamehameha Highway simply cannot sustain the growth that will accompany more proposed hotels at TB.  

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

Mayor's Representative – Alenka Remec responded to previous concerns: 1) Savio Realty/Dole Plantation Apartments: The Kunia Camp plantation subdivision has planned for a variance which was granted in December 2007 for the density to allow the 115 farm dwellings and agriculture accessories. It is not clear if Savio is involved with this project. City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) also did another subdivision application for the Poamoho Camp in Wahiawa in February 15, 2008. This was to consolidate two lots into one to be able to process the variance to legalize the number of units on this lot. Peter Savio was involved in this project.

2) Pupukea Foodland/Delivery Trucks Parking: The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) restricted parking on both sides of Pupukea Road between Kamehameha Highway and the Foodland service entrance in 1980. The site inspection revealed some signs were defaced; a new work order has been issued for replacements with City Department of Facility Maintenance.

3) Kaukonahua Road Update: DTS found several speed limit and warning signs were missing or defaced along the road; work orders for replacements have been issued.

4) Mayor Hannemann will be holding a North Shore Town meeting on Monday, April 28 at Haleiwa Elementary School starting at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited; rapid transit and recycling will be among the topics discussed.

Questions and comments:

• Miller said a hearing to finalize the Haleiwa Town Master Plan is coming up and if anyone needs information to please see her. She thanked the Mayor and the City for the recycling project in Haleiwa Town.
• Ng reiterated Mrs. Chun’s property involving some six vehicles that have veered onto her property.  He thought a report from DTS may be helpful.
• Leinau asked how the City can relinquish to DOCARE the authority to intervene in illegal fishing with spear guns at Pupukea tide pools; as it is City property. A. Remec to follow up.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – G. Kuo reported:  1) There were four total water main breaks in the district; two of which were on Haleiwa Road. 2) The 2007 budget was deferred to 2009 for waterline system replacements. 3) On Oahu, BWS relies on groundwater sources to provide water and three essential natural elements are also factors; northeast trade-winds that drives clouds inland, moisture by evaporation from ocean waters, high mountain ranges captures and forces the moisture-laden clouds to higher elevations resulting in condensation and rainfall on watershed areas, and the island’s geological landscape served as a natural filtering and underground storage system of water.

Questions and concerns:

·         Lunasco inquired what procedures one takes when a private water supplier fails to provide water for over 17 hours. Otaki Camp receives water through Dole Company and the water pump was down and no water was provided; does BWS have a plan in event a private development’s water supply is cut off. G. Kuo said Dole should have contacted BWS since the development was private. G. Kuo said he would research more information and report.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – R. Matsuura reported: 1) By 2010 the entire island will participate in curbside recycling for homes that receive automated pick-up of garbage. For more information; visit www.opala.org or call 768-3401. 2) Third Reading: Resolution 07-391; Charter Amendment relating to conflicts of interest of City officers being prohibited from participation in making any decisions regarding City projects for one year involving any private entity he or she may have worked for within a 12-month period.  3) First Reading: Bill 15 modifying the method used to determine the assessed value of taxable residential property. Bill 16 providing a one-time real property tax credit to eligible owners of real property. Bill 17 relating to the Legislative Budget for the Fiscal Year 2009.  4) Haleiwa Town will only post signage for bicycle path allowance to share the road; roads will not be widened for this purpose. 5) The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are in review of surf competition rules. 6) Mokuleia Park is open for camping at least for a two year process. 7) Velzyland Park is undergoing a public access plan.

Questions and concerns:

·         Phillips said she hopes all surf permit process will need to be approved months ahead to allow permits. Matsuura said this was DPR’s response to permit approvals as needed.

·         Leinau said the permit process input according to the Surf Committee was not approved and he asked where the bicycle lane funding was coming from. Matsuura said all surf rules input came from the Board, community, as well as the committee.

·         Chair Lyons said letters to Will Ho of DPR were also sent addressing surf rules.   

·         Hirota asked for a handicap access code update. Matsuura said the $50-thousand requested was to only upgrade standards for community however; no activity equipment upgrades were included.

·         Chair Lyons thought there could be only three Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) requests. Matsuura said the Board can submit more than three in the event substitutes are needed however, April 28 is the definite deadline for CIP submitting.

·         Hirota moved and Lunasco seconded to request the City & County of Honolulu to bring the upstairs of the John Kalili Surf Center up to building code and make necessary repairs in general to the surf center.  The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (14-0-0; Almeida, Kawahakui, Hirota, Leinau, Lunasco, Lyons, Matsuura, McElheny, Meade, Miller, Ng, Philips, Riviere and Scoville).

Governor's Representative – Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa reported: 1) The four bills relating to Turtle Bay are currently in conference committee in the Legislature; Acquisition Tools SB2423 support for the initiative to acquire the TB property and provides the negotiations a full range of tools important to successful completion of the process. Land Conservation Fund Flexibility SB3102 adds flexibility to DLNR’s land conservation fund by allowing private moneys to be added and distributed as grants for the acquisition of the state conservation lands. Transferable Development Rights SB2997 could provide an innovative mechanism used in other states for the transfer of development rights (TDRs). Tax Credit for Land Conservation SB2198 would allow private landowners to obtain a partial tax credit for dedicating their land to conservation purposes. 2) The Legislature has passed SB2828 that would limit the Governor’s ability to use emergency powers as provided by the Hawai’i Constitution by requiring the Governor to obtain legislative approval prior to using emergency powers under some circumstances; this opens up military support due to emergency. Major General Robert G.F. Lee, the director of Civil Defense, testified to legislators that disaster relief to residents must be delivered swiftly; most emergencies and disasters are fluid events and can rarely be predicted. G. Ishikawa will contact the legislature for clarification since there seems to be some confusion to this bill and to keep in mind the emergencies Governor Lingle had to endure; the recent floods on the big island and the major hurricanes that hit Oahu and Kauai.

Questions and concerns:

·         Lunasco asked if the protocol would work if health and safety were the issue. G. Ishikawa said Lake Wilson and the Leeward coast pollution were some incidents the Governor was not able to declare as emergencies. He went on to say the Governor responding to 2007 legislator’s comments in the media critical of the homeless emergency declaration; Governor Lingle sent a letter to Senate President Hananbusa and House Speaker Say offering to rescind the homeless emergency proclamation she put forth if the Senate thought this was not a true emergency.

·         Ng said he was concerned regarding the DOH final report of the watersheds; and reminded everyone that University of Hawaii still has to complete a final report pending fulfillment of a contract with the State which has not been paid in full. Ng reminded that the EPA tests showed higher results of arsenic than normal in the waters directed into the bay.

·         A question was posed regarding medivac service from the North Shore. G. Ishikawa said the Blackhawk will be back on contract this summer and will resume the private sub-contract to provide the medivac service for the district; the U.S. Army has negotiated to restore this service.

·         Miller thought the “Card Check” labor bill vetoed by the Governor supported the farmers only; the current law allows secret ballots to determine whether a majority of employees desire collective representation.

·         Leinau expressed concern regarding the many illnesses in the north shore community and felt a study is due, and DOH should inform the community of findings.

·         Philips said some homeless fish for food and concerned regarding Dr. Yost’s report, hurricanes blew roofs off homes, Red Cross comes to aid; homeless is a safety issue, she agrees the Governor’s emergency powers should be protected.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Larry Sagaysay: 1) Free kidney screening hosted by Representative Magaoay will be on Saturday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 12noon at Queen Lili’uokalani church in Haleiwa. 2) U.S Senator Inouye today continued his efforts to secure long-promised benefits for Filipino Veterans who fought under the U.S. Flag during World War II. 3) The following bills will be heard on April 23 in room 414: SB2423 relating to TB will be heard at 10:30 a.m. and SB2421 relating to the Galbraith Estate will be heard at 10:00 a.m.

Questions and concerns:

·         Miller asked Representative Magaoay to not override Governor Lingle’s “Card Check” bill.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION / ACTION:

A. Closure of Mokuleia Beach Park – A. Remec announced the City is proposing night hour closure rather than a full closure of the park. The City is proposing the park be closed from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. due to the park having no lights and bathrooms available. The City will facilitate support for those being displaced due to the closure. The park will be placed on the CIP list to be rebuilt.

Questions and concerns:

• Almeida said although he felt that health and safety was a concern, the park does need to stay open during the daytime. Almeida moved and Riviere seconded to close Mokuleia Beach Park during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and allow the park closure hours enforcement.
• Leinau said the park is also used to access the beach beyond the park. Those wishing to do so should not be in violation during the evening closure hours.
• Chair Lyons addressed the concern of who will be enforcing this closure since HPD is so under staffed as it is. Capt. Heu replied there were 12 HPD officers in the district and will enforce upon being called and with occasional check of the park.
• Lunasco opposed the park night closure since many of the homeless citizens resided at the park; where are they to go now. He felt the district needed a homeless shelter. A. Remec said there will be service providers to offer solutions; she understood the City is seeking some alternatives for the North Shore homeless community.    
• Hirota explained the community was supporting the closure prior to this meeting; even with new bathroom upgrades the park should be kept closed overnight.
• The motion to close Mokuleia Beach Park during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. and allow the park closure hours enforcement was ADOPTED. (13-0-1: Ayes: Almeida, Reed, Ng, Hirota, Riviere, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Scoville, Leinau, McElheny, Meade, and Miller: Abstain: Lunasco).

B. T-Mobile Power Modification – K. Fox said the location will be about one mile off Kamehameha Highway and consist of outdoor equipment installation cabinets in a fenced enclosured area with panel antennas on a 100ft. monopole. This facility will improve service to the Helemano district and the military base rather than Haleiwa Town.

Questions and concerns:

• Leinau asked that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board be consulted as well. K. Fox said they were in the plans.
• Hirota asked if any homes were on the proposed reservation area. K. Fox said homes were about 1,000-feet from the antenna location. Location was towards the north end of Dole property; pole will be color coordinated to blend into the forest background.

C. ClearWire Power Modification – C. Fortner said due to growing demand for service in Haleiwa Town, ClearWire was in the process of an upgrade using the existing tower behind Malama Market located at 66-190 Kamehameha Highway. ClearWire will be requesting from the City Department of Planning and Permit (DPP) a new Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Special District and waiver to the zoning district height requirement to allow for a new 20-foot section atop the existing tower. The system proposed for the site is consisting of three tall antennas that are six inches wide, a 24-inch microwave antenna and a 7-foot by 7-foot equipment compound. The antennas and tower will be painted to blend with the surrounding area; 20-foot additional section is required atop the existing 40-foot tower. ClearWire asked the community and the Board for support to offer the district efficient, reliable and affordable wireless service; he can be reached at 536-7400 for any concerns.

Questions and concerns:

• Ng asked if a study was done for the 20-foot additional to sustain the current tower foundation and if neighbors were notified of this plan. The 20-foot additional will be added to the existing tower instead of building a new one. K. Fox said notices were sent out.
• A constituent living in the proposed area was concerned due to a health issue and how the antenna may affect her and upset over having no notice sent to them. K. Fox said they followed DPP’s requirements to notice about seven neighbors only.
•  Hirota suggested ClearWire to proposed and contact Dole for suggestions on using another location. He felt the tower would be too clustered in the neighborhood and is too tall as well. K. Fox said in order for the tower to be efficient it would have to be located near Haleiwa Town.
• Miller thought the City ordinance dictated was 30-feet in height.
• Ng said the property owner next to the proposed area was not in favor of the tower location and suggested ClearWire engineers propose another plan.  
• Lunasco suggested across the bypass route into Haleiwa Town would be more compatible with other tower locations. K. Fox thanked everyone for their suggestions; he will relay all concerns to ClearWire engineers.   

ANNOUNCEMENTS –  

1) Philips wanted to recognize in attendance the two principals from Sunset Beach Elementary and Waialua High Schools and congratulated Waialua High School for a receiving a grant  to plant 30 fruit trees in the district.   Gestures like this are greatly needed in an agricultural district.

2) B. McElheny, being a member of the TB acquisition working group, offered an update. The large parcels of land consist of 300 acres in which the hotel sits, 400 acres on the mountain side, and 500 more acres that is undeveloped on the ocean side. He also said the State is currently seeking a contractor to operate the hotel and facilities. He invited interested parties to log onto www.TPL.org/tb for further information and input.

3) The next meeting is Tuesday, May 27, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.

4) The Board’s Olelo Channel broadcast airs Saturdays, Channel 49, 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Submitted by Malia Chanel-Benjamin, Neighborhood Assistant                                Approved by Chair Lyons