REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2008

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR:  Chair Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jeffrey Alameida, Leif Andersen, John Hirota, Arlene Kawaihakui, Bob Leinau, Ollie Lunasco, Mike Lyons, Blake McElheny, Reed Matsuura, Gerri Meade, Antya Miller, Jake Ng, Carol Philips, Gil Riviere, and  Warren Scoville.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  No members were absent.

GUESTS: Galen Yoshimoto (Governor Lingle’s Representative), Alenka Remec (Mayor Hanneman’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin (Honolulu Police Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Lea Albert (State Department of Education), Brian Hunter (State Department of Health), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Judy Fomin (Representative Magaoay’s Office), Edgar Akina (Moku O Waialua Watershed), Russell Yost (University of Hawaii), Keith Avery (West Wind Works), Lean Watson (Ho’o Makaukau), Katie Pere & Jackie Lionel (Kokua Hawaii Foundation), Jacque Leinau, Ruth Holmberg, Stephany Vaioleti (Kahuku Hospital), Bruce Bellows, Thomas Shirai, Patrick Vega, Karlyne Sadanaga (Dole Plantation), Maxi Moto, Mike Takahasi, Richard Sheridan, Silvia Ribeiro, Ati Feffers-Fabro, Mark Takemoto (Castle & Cooke/Dole), Kalani Fronda (Kamehameha Schools), Neighborhood Commission Office Staff: Rachel Glanstein and Mary Chanel-Benjamin.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 22, 2008:

1) To insert on page 1 “Honoring of Jimmy Awai by the Board, Mayor, Governor and district elected officials for his 30 year commitment to serving on the NSNB and the community. Everyone wished Awai the best and many thanked him for his service to the community.”

2) Page 2; no. 4. Strike out “knowing someone that nearly got killed due to sidewalk being blocked” replaced with “receiving a call from a bicyclist that nearly got killed due to cars parking along highway along Waimea Bay.”

3) Page 3; no. 4. Strike out “13-2-0, the motion was carried”. Replaced with “2-13-0, the motion failed.” Residence concerns no. 4. Strike out “Franda” replaced with “Fronda”.

No. 7. Strike out “Calvary” replaced with “Galbraith”.

4) Page 4; third bullet: strike out “address alone” replaced with “address at this time”.

5) Page 7; strike out “Judy Formi” replaced with “Judy Fomin”.  Strike out “McKay” replaced with “Macky’s”.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Bob Leinau reported expenses incurred in January 2008 $256.42; Operating Account expended $56.42 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended $200 for January’s videotaping, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for January of $2,584.03.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Byron Martin reported statistics for the month of January: 11 burglaries, 13 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 3 thefts and 1 motor vehicle death.

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Hammend reported:  2 brush, 10 rubbish and 5 vehicle fires; 70 medical emergencies, 11 search/rescues, 11 miscellaneous calls. Safety Tip: Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house numbers in such a manner so it is legible and readily visible from the street. This will assist HFD and other first responders in locating your house quickly in the event of an emergency.

Questions and concerns:

• A constituent asked Lt. Martin where HPD suggested homeless people should sleep overnight to comply with the new “park closure” hours. He also asked HPD which of the seven North Shore parks is safe to park and sleep in cars since the homeless have been vandalized. Lt. Martin said he cannot suggest any place for the homeless to go at this time. HPD is only enforcing the new law and recommended checking with the State Department of Human Services.
• M. Takahashi said the newly installed “no parking” signs on Kamehameha Highway were vandalized. He said they were placed incorrectly and resulted to many irate citizens who were issued citations by HPD. A. Remec said the State Department of Transportation was responsible for the signs.  Reed said the Sunset Beach Committee had safety concerns regarding vehicles blocking 35-mile-per-hour signs along Kamehameha Highway, therefore resulting to the Department of Transportation posting the signs. However the signs were to be posted 30-feet from the intersection as per City regulation, instead the signs were placed beyond the 30-feet. Riviere said Scott Ishikawa of State Department of Transportation is aware of the error and is working to resolve it. J. Fomin emphasized the State will be consulting with HPD to cease citations. Some residents are concerned the removed signs were sawed off leaving all partial metal posts behind; vehicle damage as well as public safety is at risk. Lt. Martin informed HPD complied with issuing citations due to the posted “no parking” signs.
• Philips said a resident complained regarding her trash being rummaged through for recycled materials.
• C. Flyn said smoke consumed her neighborhood from what she thought to be a “trash fire” up the river blowing towards town. HFD did investigate however was not able to locate the source.
• E. Kirk claims a neighbor sprayed pesticide into his property bothering him. HFD instructed him  

      to find out from his neighbor what type of chemical is being used. He should call the State Department of     Health if he should have concerns.

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION –  No representative was available; no report was given.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – G Riviere reported:

1) The committee failed to have quorum for the February meeting, therefore the next meeting is the scheduled for the second Wednesday of May.

2) According to the State Department of Transportation, the standard height for the walls along Waimea Bay is as follows: 32 inches in height for car routes and 42 inches in height for pedestrian/bicycle routes.

3) Scott Ishikawa from Department of Transportation was available if needed to update on the rock fall litigation as well as updates for several projects including the Wahiawa district.

4) Currently there are two consultant bidders for the Laniakea traffic environmental impact study (EIS). He will update information as he receives them.  

5) He is also a member of the Surf committee of which Mike Takahashi is the chair and it meets every third Thursday of every month at the Waialua Community Association Cottages (WCA).

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS –   

1)       Lean Watson introduced himself from a State pilot program newly formed named Ho’o Makaukau. The program was funded by a grant from the Chamber of Commerce and some concerned community members. It was determined after the last earthquake that the need for shelters and civil defense training/education was lacking in the community; therefore, the State along with the local representatives initiated this program and seeks the Board and community involvement. The state had initiated this program, however, when emergency arises, community members, families and neighbors must rise to the challenge and this program will enable civil defense to promote preparedness. Anyone interested can sign up at the reception table to receive information.

2)       Jackie Lionel and Katie Pere introduced themselves from Kokua Hawaii Foundation wishing to be on the March agenda to share a community outreach concern (Plastic Free Haleiwa) to minimize plastic and styrofoam use in over 55 stores and restaurants in the North Shore district. Plastic Free Haleiwa is a coalition of community members and business owners striving to educate stores, restaurants and patrons on the environmental and health benefits of going plastic free in order to minimize the consumption and pollution of plastics in our islands. The coalition’s message was met with resounding support.  They can be reached at 638-5145 and more information is available on their website: www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org.

3)       A resident of Keakula and Wanini Streets had a two year old concern regarding a parking issue at this intersection. He claimed this intersection gets blocked when emergency vehicles are called to the area and residents cannot drive out of their street. Two years ago the City Department of Transportation Services was to rectify the situation, however, HPD, HFD along with the City all had different opinions on this issue, and therefore, still the plans are not clear.

4)       Keith Avery introduced himself from West Wind Works (WWW). He circulated proposal information he has submitted to the Governor, environmental groups and key legislature personnel as a solution to purchasing Turtle Bay Resort (TBR). He explained how wind energy produced by placing wind turbines surrounding TBR can provide wind energy and possible funding. He also said the project can be turned over to the community, State or any interested party after 25 years. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), U.S. Army and WWW had initiated negotiations, however progress is on hold and a meeting to discuss further options for TBR will be held at Kahuku High School on March 4 at 7:00 p.m. The Governor has an open agenda for this meeting and all interested citizens should attend to provide her with community voice and support.  

5)       Mike Takahashi said there has been a huge increase in surf contests and the committee is working on some resolutions with community input.

6)       Stephany Vaioleti from Kahuku Hospital said the hospital board met for the first time in January; members are Vince Lee, William Wood, Barbara Kahana, Bobby Akoi and Creighton Mattoon. She thanked the community for its support of the hospital during its transition period during bankruptcy process and she announced the court approved the Asset Purchase Agreement in October 29, 2007; however, there are still some unfinished business needed to complete the transaction before the hospital can be named The Kahuku Medical Center.  She also said a grant request for capital improvement project in the amount of $4.3 million has been submitted for an air conditioning system, ventilation system, helipad, and life-saving projects has been submitted. Dr. Bill Wood has been selected as the new administrator for the hospital starting in March, Mikki Hanson is the new Director of Nursing and S. Vaioleti has accepted the position of Assistant Administrator/Compliance Officer. The current services at the hospital include: emergency room, acute, long-term care, x-ray, laboratory, physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy.

7)       Lea Alberts thanked the NSNB and the community for its’ support of Kahuku High and Middle Schools. She asked to contact her if anyone had concerns or questions as she will be representing the schools at NSNB meetings.

8)       A constituent said the State and DLNR are requiring the homeless to vacate the harbor due to new park hours leaving. He said the homeless have been in a state of chaos with having no other place to park their cars overnight and said a homeless person died in their car last week.

9)       Philips said the lack of women at the 19^th Annual Challenge Surf event has urged her to ask the Mayor for support and meet with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to prepare for the next challenge. This will give the event a ten month head start needing to have a more successful event. She would like to amend campaign contributions eliminating corporate contributions.

10)  A constituent said the aspirtain issue has been deferred by the senate and urges everyone to call the           senate and house to encourage the bill be passed. She said it is a dangerous and addicting drug.

11) Miller asked the NSNB to help recruit about 200 citizens for the disaster preparedness training offered to       the North Shore community.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION / ACTION:

Dr. Russell Yost, University of Hawaii Report on the Watersheds of Waialua and Haleiwa – He reported: The Watershed Participatory Assessment and Action (WPAA) was a Clean Water Act project through the State Department of Health, using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds. The project was designed to document and suggest improvements to recurring natural resource issues and problems plaguing the North Shore communities of Waialua and Haleiwa.

He said initial concerns were with nitrogen, phosphorescence and phosphorus as environmental contaminants from excessive fertilization and animal wastes. Results indicated that there were high levels of nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate, especially in the lower reaches of the watershed. Heavy metals were also examined including cadmium, cobalt, chromium, nickel, and lead. Heavy metal levels in both soil and water were moderately high. Also examined was arsenic. Water levels of arsenic tended to be much higher in salt-affected waters, but acceptable levels are higher in salt water than in fresh water. Levels of nitrate and phosphorus in streams leading into the Kaiaka Bay were higher than desirable supporting the EPA designation of the streams and waterways leading into Kaiaka Bay as impaired. Clearly remedial action is needed to reduce the levels of nitrate and phosphorus in the major streams and the bay. While the cause of high levels of nitrate and phosphorus are difficult to ascertain, inadequate waste management seems more of a cause than over-fertilization of agricultural lands in the upper portion of the watershed. High levels of nitrate and phosphorus are prevalent in the lower portion of the watershed.

There were other concerns as well: the unresolved issue of flooding from Lake Wilson, downpour in the Ko’olau Mountains, location of Waialua and Haleiwa Elementary Schools in danger areas of flooding, unsuitable soils for cess pools and septic tanks, flood hazard, tsunami zone and now sea level rise. Preparations are needed now to head off serious risks.

In conclusion, Dr. Yost and the Project staff thought the NSNB needed to develop an information clearing policy such that the community receive the first results of the research and survey work and would have first say in the disposition of information concerning the community and its residents. He thought former methods of hoarding information by institutions should no longer is acceptable and all information should be cleared through the community and managed by the community via the NSNB.

Questions and comments:

·         Ng said these results proved that for years contamination from upstream are affecting the watersheds and a policy is long overdue.

• Matsuura said a report copy should be sent to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, since they believe no problems exist.
• Several NSNB members thought the report should be posted on Olelo and at the library to bring awareness to the problem. Some felt the State had no leadership and accountability regarding the issue which cost about $223,000 (EPA funds), and felt the test results will be a dead end.
• Edgar Akina said the community is ready to participate in any physical work to correct any problems if needed. Dr. Yost said dredging may make the condition worse.
• Thomas Shirai said he understood 250 samples were tested at the cost of $200 - $300 each.  Ng said he believed 54 samples were tested, 39 officially tested, therefore leaving no money for dredging which will cost about $53,000. Dr. Yost said the contract extension is still out for bid when he last checked.
• Chair Lyons asked Dr. Yost if he thought it was safe to consume edible products from the streams and the bay; Dr. Yost responded no, it was not safe.
• Ng moved and Phillips seconded for the NSNB to accept the preliminary report of the Kaiaka Bay Watershed Participatory Assessment project and develop an informative access and dissemination policy for the community.  
• Leinau said the NSNB should not be the accepting agency and asked to whom the motion letter should be sent?
• Lunasco asked who ordered the study and felt funds spent was unnecessary especially if no further action will be taken to correct this problem. He felt the community had neither solutions nor funds to complete the cleanup and suggested the State Department of Health should take the lead to initiate the cleanup.
• Ng recommended the DOH take action and suggested the sugar and pineapple companies be held responsible for the cleanup as well. This information should be published in the North Shore News to inform the community.
• The motion for the NSNB to accept the preliminary report of the Kaiaka Bay Watershed Participatory Assessment Project and develop an informative access and dissemination policy for the community was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (15-0-0)

ELECTED OFFICIALS:  

Mayor's Representative – Alenka Remec responded to previous concerns:  

1)       The City Department of Transportation Services does not recommend that the guardrail on the western side of Haleiwa Road be removed. The homes located behind the rails are in close proximity of the travel way. The department will check the area for appropriate traffic controls and inform the board of their findings by May 2008.

2)       The Circuit Court approved a foreclosure sale of Church of Hawaii Nei to a third party.

3)       Currently the capacity of the H-Power plant is 600,000 tons of garbage. The city plans to add a third boiler by 2011 that would increase capacity by 300,000 tons. In the interim the city plans to start shipping some of Oahu’s trash to the mainland by 2009. This is only meant to be a temporary measure.

4)       The city drafted the new surf rules that address the issues to make the events consistent. The draft rules were disseminated to the promoters for comments and pending legal review. Upon completion of the legal review the draft rules will be sent to each promoter.

5)       According to the State Traffic Code, Section 291C-36, display of unauthorized signs, signals or markings are prohibited and declared to be a public nuisance. Every prohibited sign, signal or marking can be removed by authority having jurisdiction over the highway.

6)       The Department of Transportation Services completed a crosswalk warrant study and found that the minimum pedestrian/vehicular volumes were not met to justify the installation of a marked crosswalk on the south leg of Goodale Avenue at Kealohanui Street. Past studies have shown that marked crossings give some pedestrians, especially children and elderly, a false sense of security in thinking that the markings are physical barriers; and they tend to be less cautious when crossing. The Department of Transportation Services will continue to monitor and ensure that appropriate traffic controls are installed when they become warranted.

7)       The Neighborhood Plan Section 1-3.2. guides the neighborhood boundaries (Sunset as part of Waialua/Haleiwa board).

8)       Regarding all the deaths on Kaukonahua Road, the Department of Transportation Services is still conducting their investigation of the area and findings will be reported to the NSNB by March 2008.

Questions and comments:

• Philips said the lack of sidewalks near Waialua Elementary School from Goodale Avenue to Waialua Beach Road is exposing children to danger. A. Remec said she will bring this up with the Chamber of Commerce as well.
• Lunasco said the recent re-pavement of Kukea Circle by the City & County of Honolulu seems unacceptable since the pavement is rough and not smooth for being newly paved.
• Lunasco also asked why the city estimated $25,000 annually per rider for TheBoat ridership compared to The Bus’ $2 per one way travel.  A. Remec said TheBoat was only a pilot program providing an alternative; however, TheBoat rider-ship is growing while roads are becoming overcrowded.
• Miller wanted to thank the Mayor for the Haleiwa Town master plan; however, she wanted to know what the next step would be. She also recommended that the North Shore be considered for a recycling program.
• Leinau asked the city to put on hold North Shore’s current surf rule draft being the public needed more time for review and discuss.
• Chair Lyons asked the city to check cracking on Kaukonahua Road going Waialua bound just before the S-turn. He reported some tree roots have exposed irrigation and the crack in the road looks to be 2-feet deep by 2-feet wide.

·         Lunasco asked A. Remec to please advise the Mayor on the homeless concerns in the district. He felt if the closure hours of the harbor, parks and beaches are being enforced, the Mayor, along with the Governor should offer some solutions to this problem.  A. Remec agreed it was a state issue, however, the city is also aware and concerned, and solutions are being discussed.

 Board of Water Supply (BWS) – G. Kuo reported:  

1) There were three main breaks, two on Haleiwa Road and one on Kahaone Loop.

2) Unfortunately, water main breaks are unavoidable in the water utility industry. The BWS has been working       diligently to reduce them annually. BWS has seen a continual decrease since the 1990’s and remains committed to continuing this positive trend.

3) BWS has about 40 ongoing projects currently throughout the state, some dealing with quality water and environmental studies to identify which agencies to address these issues with. BWS hopes to address these issues with watershed water quality by the summer of 2008. Ko’olauloa and Waianae watershed studies have been just finalized. Board and active community support and concerns assist in allowing grants to surface to identify, focus and study these issues. 

4) He clarified in Januarys’ minutes which stated R1 water is drinkable; however, R1 is rated not drinkable.

5) He also clarified from Januarys’ minutes BWS was proposing trucking recycled waters to central Oahu instead of Mililani, unless water is needed in other areas, then will be appropriated.

6) The BWS kicked off the 2009 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest for all Oahu students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Deadline for poster entries is Thursday, March 13. Contest details can be found on the website: www.boardofwatersupply.com or by calling the Communications office at 748-5041.

Questions and comments:

·         Lunasco asked why BWS can’t keep recycled water in the Wahiawa area to encourage farmers to lease potential agriculture land. G. Kuo said the recyclable water is needed in areas such as the Regional Central Park and areas that have high water consumption. An existing pipe land in Mililani will enable BWS to process the water to the central needed area.

·         E. Akina asked BWS why no representatives were present at some land use commission meetings if water infrastructures are of concern especially where growth is considered. G. Kuo said BWS submit testimonies and reports where needed at the meetings. He also said developers usually are responsible to provide water use plans and infrastructures resources. He said 20 to 30 years from now, he felt the state will need to control growth somehow and he sees the need for water alternatives.   

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Matsuura reported:

1) Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz asked that that transit panel follow the sunshine law to the fullest extent, not just have open meeting and accept public testimony, but have all previous communications open to the public for review. Corporation Council testified that the transit panel was not subject to the Sunshine Law and Office of information Practices closed the file on Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s request for opinion. The first Transit Panel meeting held last Friday was opened to the public, the panel individually analyzed whether the $3.7 billion system should use steel wheels on a steel rail, rubber tires on concrete, monorail technology, or magnetic levitation. The selection was steel wheels on rail. The Mayor hopes to break ground on the project in 2009, with the first segment starting service between East Kapolei and Waipahu in 2012.

2) Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz and Kobayashi introduced five pieces of legislation related to alleviate pressure on this county’s shrinking and threatened agriculture industry.

3) A constituent was concerned about the dust created by the paving of Goodale Avenue. He requested that the city do as the normal paving company does when grinding down and taking off the top layer of asphalt. He received 12 complaint calls regarding the repaving project.

4) A request to the city to open up Velzyland and Waiale’e Beach Parks, however, because of the increasing costs of many projects, the development of this park must be delayed.  

5) Philips had a coastal erosion concern regarding Haleiwa Beach Park. A consultant, Sea Engineering, Inc. has been hired by the city on January 2 to assess the erosion issue..

6) Regarding “gentleman farms” the Director Henry Eng, Department of Planning and Permitting, indicated the “regulation of uses inconsistent with agricultural districts should be done through clear and enforceable amendments to the Land Use Ordinance and not through the subdivision process. The City Council is currently working on this.

7) A complaint by the North Shore Surf Committee to implement new surf rules was received.

Questions and comments:

·         Lunasco said he thought the city crew doing the re-pavement on Goodale Avenue was not qualified to work on the project.

Governor's Representative – G. Yoshimoto reported:

1) The         Governor invited the community to the “talk story” session proposing the state collaboration with private, public and nonprofit partners to purchase the 850-acre Turtle Bay property. The meeting is open to the public at Kahuku High School on March 4 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 G. Yoshimoto will share Dr. Yost’s water findings report with the Governor.

Questions and comments:

·         Lunasco emphasized the need to share Dr. Yost’s report with the Governor especially his arsenic contamination concern of the stream and bay.

·         Matsuura suggested due to the water quality, the state should consider posting “contamination” signage at the sites to prevent sickness.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Judy Fomin reported:

1) The Kaukonahua Road flashing light is being proposed and shared between the city and state.

2) The illegal “no parking” signage are being reconsidered for replacement.

3) Dr. Yost’s report should be circulated amongst city and state officials and encourages the community to call                      Representative Magaoay’s office if needed.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative was present; no report was available.

CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR'S REPORT: 

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Lyons announced the following:

1) The next meeting is Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.

2) Olelo broadcast airs Saturdays, Channel 49, 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

Submitted by

Malia Chanel-Benjamin, Neighborhood Assistant

Approved by Chair Lyons