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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 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, James Awai, John Hirota, Bob Leinau, Ollie Lunasco, Mike Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Gerri Meade, Antya Miller, Jake Ng, Carol Philips , Gil Riviere, Warren Scoville,

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Blake McElheny

GUESTS:  Galen Yoshimoto (Department of Defense), Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Representative), Lt. Moana Heu and Lt. Byron Martin (Honolulu Police Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Department of Education: Lea Albert, Patricia Park, Randiann Porras-Tsang, Lisa Delong, Randy Moore, Ruth Holmberg, Donna Lindsey, Jim Frisbee, Jenny Dyor, Roberta Nakamo, Dawn Greenlee, Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Arlene Kawahakui, Mila Taka Takshaoh, Nancy John, Sam Marotea, Kellie & Seth Nakamoh, Karen Gallagher, Betty Dopolig, Bruce Bellows, Alfredo Antonio, Jenna Murad, Randy Rarick, Kalani Franda, Bodo Van Der Leeden, or loden, David Branlett, Linda Walker, Mark Takemoto (Dole Plantation/Castle & Cooke), Joni Crosser, Maxi Moto, Greg & Teresa Shigemura, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff)

FILLING ONE VACANCY IN SUB-DISTRICT 3: Chair Lyons asked for nominations or interested citizens to fill vacancy. Arlene Kawahakui came forward to introduce herself and was interested in filling vacancy. She said she attends regularly and finds the Board work interesting and wants to be involved. Chair Lyons asked if anyone else interested, no one else responded. Phillips nominated A. Kawahakui and Hirota seconded. The Board voted unanimously for Kawahakui, 13-0. Chanel-Benjamin administered the Oath of Office. Kawahakui took her seat on the Board.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 23, 2007: The following corrections were made.

            Page 6 comment No. 1 should read, “not every tanker” instead of “not every private tanker”.

            Page 6 comment No. 3 insert:  “BIF-PAC was authorized to use the fire hydrant at the vicinity of Haleiwa             Marketplace”.

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Bob Leinau reported expenses incurred in November 2007 totaled $401.23; Operating Account expended $65.98 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended $200 for November’s videotaping, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for November of $3,006.03. He also reported expenses incurred in December 2007 totaled $164.93; Operating Account expended $36.93 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity account and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for December of $2,841.10.    

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Byron Martin introduced himself as being newly appointed to support the Board meetings, he reported: 1) 12 burglaries, 32 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 17 thefts and 3 motor vehicles deaths. In comparison to 2006; there were 26% increase in burglaries, 42% increase in UEMV’s, 10% increase in thefts and no change in deaths. 2) He introduced Captain Moani Heu. Capt. Heu reported: She has been assigned to the district since October. She’s impressed to see community involvement and tonight’s attendance. She has been informed of the tasks the community is facing including adding sidewalks and crosswalks and the general need for more HPD support. She added between January 17 and 19, there were 10 speeding, 3 miscellaneous and 2 moving violation citations issued on Kaukonahua Road. HPD is currently undergoing measures to service, in-house, the laser guns used to tag speeding. HPD lost its contract due to the company’s equipment being challenged in court leaving them mostly attending court hearings and escalating fees. HPD continues to use the laser equipment for controlling speeding on the roadways. Capt. Heu may be reached at 622-1778.     

Questions and concerns followed:

• Alameida asked if HPD can follow-up on reported speeding and dirt bikes using Kaimanu Place.
• Matsuura asked HPD to follow-up on cars parked too close to highway on the right shoulder turn lane on Leoleo Street. A fire hydrant there makes it also illegal to park. Matsuura also reported witnessing someone riding an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) and one riding a dirt bike on the bicycle path.
• Chair Lyons would like HPD advice on NSNB Traffic & Transportation committee tonight. Lt. Martins agreed and said he will do a follow up on the above complaints.    

Honolulu Fire Department – No representative was available. No report was given.

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION: No representative was available. No report was given.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Gil Riviere reported the Traffic & Transportation Committee approved the following recommendations at the committee’s November 14, 2007 meeting; he seeked the NSNB’s support:

1. Crosswalk at Laniakea – the committee recommended that the North Shore Neighborhood Board (NSNB) formally request a crosswalk on Kamehameha Highway near the bus stop at the north end of the Laniakea Beach area.

Miller moved and Matsuura seconded to support the motion to request a crosswalk at Laniakea. The Board unanimously voted 15-0-0. The motion passed.

2. Traffic Light at Dole Plantation – the committee recommended that the NSNB request the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) to consider a traffic light on Kamehameha Highway at Dole Plantation.

Anderson moved and Meade seconded to support the motion requesting Department of Transportation to consider a traffic light on Kamehameha Highway at Dole Plantation. The Board unanimously voted 15-0-0. The motion passed.

3. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Study of Traffic Circulation through Waimea Bay – the committee recommended that the NSNB support an OMPO Overall Work Program to study the traffic circulation around Waimea Bay, including turning lanes at Waimea Bay Beach Park and Waimea Valley, improved pedestrian safety, potential alterations required by the rock fall mitigation project and the possibility of a bikeway.

Lunasco thought recommendation no. 3 should be combined with no. 4 being it covers parking issues. Riviere said No. 3 is a comprehensive study whereas No. 4 is asked for a recommended support. Chair Lyons said to consider amending the motion at another time but keep the motion as is for now. Matsuura moved, Scoville seconded to support the motion for OMPO to study the traffic circulation around Waimea Bay, including turning lanes at Waimena Bay Beach Park and Waimea Valley, improved pedestrian safety, potential alterations required by the rock fall mitigation paroject and the possibility of a bikeway.  The Board voted: 13 supported the motion, and 2 abstentions. 13-0-2, the motion passed. Lunasco motioned to insert “including parking lot for Waimea Bay”. The motion considering inserting failed due to the lack of no second. 

4. Waimea Bay Parking and Bikeway – the committee recommended that the NSNB support removal of makai parking along Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay in favor of a bikeway.  

Phillips motioned and Miller seconded the motion to support the removal of makai parking along Kamehameha Highway at Waimea Bay in favor of a bikeway. Phillips said photographers with cars and tripods have been blocking sidewalks for years, Miller added knowing someone that nearly got killed due to sidewalk being blocked. Leinau asked HPD to comment. Capt. Heu said the department can make recommendations rather than decisions. HPD has received constant complaints regarding the parking situation at the bay. She will pass along any recommendations from the Board. Leinau and Lunasco both agree the bike path should have a continuation through the bay, however, parking is essential. Ng recommends further discussion with the community. Board voted 13-2-0, the motion carried. Riviere announced further subject discussion will be held at the next committee meeting on February 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the WCA cottages.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  

1)       N. John shared concern involving her personal cleanup of Kamehameha Highway and with so much trash to fill up her car trunk. She asked for assistance from the City in “No dumping trash” signs to be posted along the highway. Chair Lyons will refer the matter to A. Remec.

2)       M. Takahashi brought a concern from Sunset Beach community regarding the overuse of resources; free for all surfing contest site without any regulation from Department of Parks and Recreation. He wanted NSNB to establish a panel to hear input and concerns from the community. Chair Lyons will add the issue to the February agenda.

3)       K. Gallagher said she hit her hand while bicycling as she avoided a parked car on the shoulder near Waimea Bay. She urged the community to support Governor Lingle’s Turtle Bay proposal by writing to your representative including the media.

4)       K. Franda shared the next Kamehameha School planning update meeting will be held at Waialua Community Association Cottage at 8:30 a.m. on January 26.

5)   C. Flyn said a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA study reported the State receives    $360 million annually in revenues from the reefs of Hawaii and by the year 2050 all reefs in the world will       be deceased. She asked for the community to write politicians asking to support House Bill 2680 and          Senate Bill 2506 in support of removing artificial flavorings out of foods.

6)  S. Ring from Mokuleia Community Association thanked the State and Department of Land and Natural          Resources for barriers placed at Army Beach regenerating both sand and plants. Vehicles were destroying             plant life and displacing sand onto the roadways on the beach end of Farrington Highway.

7)   Ng was asked to assist with a petition to preserve agriculture land. He would like the State to hold off on      Senate Bill 2463, which petitioned to purchase a parcel of land owned by Calvary Estate slated for development on the North Shore. The farmers would like a chance to propose Senate Bill 2641 asking the     State to allow a 55-year lease for agribusiness instead of the current monthly lease giving farmers a chance.

8)   Riviere said owner of the parcel of land right before Army Beach has petitioned for land rezoning for agribusiness use, and community should lobby the owner to keep the land preserved instead. Chair Lyons            asked for his name to be place on the next agenda.  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION / ACTION:

1. North Shore creation of Middle Schools: Jim Frisbie circulated a five page letter to the Board. He is a counselor at Sunset Beach Elementary         School and stood opposed to the existing Kahuku Educational Master Plan dated 2003. He said this plan      has not included in discussions and activities all feeder schools which included Laie and Hau’ula. According to the new financing Weighted School Formula he estimated the loss of over $1 Million dollars from the Waialua Complex to the Kahuku Complex due to some 120 students from Haleiwa/Waialua having to attend Kahuku Complex. He said this could translate to about 10 teachers for every academic year for the Waialua Complex. He said he would like to see an open and fair discussion with the school communities, proposed two medium size campuses instead of one to guide freedom of aged appropriated settings for all students.

Chair Lyons thanked J. Frisbie, however, suggested following protocol to address the Kahuku district Boards as well. J. Frisbie said he would.

L. Alberts, Area Superintendent of Castle/Kahuku Complex, introduced R. Moore, Lisa DeLong, Randiann Porras and Patricia Park from the DOE. She is grateful for the opportunity to speak with NSNB and the community to provide accurate information regarding the Middle Level Policy promulgated by the State of Hawaii Board of Education. She stated that Sunset Beach has always been an annex of the Kahuku/Ko’olauloa Complex and students have a choice in attending Waialua or Kahuku High. She asked everyone to read the data circulated and allow staff the opportunity to respond. She announced U.S. News & World Report magazine in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, a K-12 education data research Analysis Company providing analyzed academic data of more than 18,000 public high schools across the country rated five Hawaii schools which made the list, two of them are Kahuku High & Intermediate and Waialua High & Intermediate Schools.  

Chair Lyons said this is an informational meeting and although the NSNB supported the concept of middle schools, however, money and other issues are beyond Board control and needed to be factored into decisions. This time has been set to hear from the community and the school staff to answer any questions.

L. DeLong, Principal Kahuku High (KHS) and Intermediate School, reported after the rock slide some time ago, there were about 140 students from Waialua and Nanakuli districts attending KHS taking     advantage of special programs at KHS. (That she was unaware of) KHS’s positive structure and open sequential and heterogeneous gifted and talented program grades 7 to 12 is one reason that so many students come to Kahuku on geographic exceptions (GE). The Board of Education adopted a Middle Level Education Policy incorporating criteria based on the National Middle School Association’s characteristics of developmentally. These criteria required KHS to be responsive to the developmental needs of students in grades six to eight and included moving from large class to small groupings with the mainstreaming of special education students as well as students remaining in six year programs with the same teacher instead of split classrooms. This has become very successful in a strong student support system created to meet academic and personal needs of students. Also, to secure the vision of the high school       graduate; K-12 schools must also communicate effectively so that there is horizontal and vertical alignment of curriculum and assessment so that all students are at or above grade level at the end of each school year.

R. Porras-Tang, Principal of Waialua High and Intermediate School said some teachers and students made the transition to her school, for many different reasons. She too supported middle school structure and students have chosen to go to KHS for football and other academic programs. She said Governor Lingle’s State of the State address made mention of the Waialua Complex’s robotics program which is academically gaining due to the 7 through 12 grade levels but not limited to K-12 grades. She said report cards indicated students, teachers and parents all strived to keep even with national scores and continued to have success in their programs.

R. Moore, Assistant Superintendent and Office of School Facilities and Support Services, said it costs about $75 million to convert elementary into a middle school like he has seen in Ewa, and it would cost about half this to do such in Haleiwa. He sees it as a philosophy rather than a structure, but realistically the programs are very different.

Questions and concerns followed:

• Lunasco asked if J. Frisbie shared his concerns with the Waialua Complex. J. Frisbie said he was conversing with parents and students. L. Alberts said a student poll showed no interest in separating schools.

• Phillips asked what model if any is the issue being compared to moving students from K-7 and 7-12 grade levels. L. Alberts said lowest dropout rate is from 7-12 grade level. Highest rate of dropout is seventh grade.  L. Alberts invited the community to call and visit the school complex before condemning what is working for all the students.
• Leinau, Rivere and Miller all supported middle school structure, however, grid schedules, decreasing enrollment, existing campuses, limited master plan and money issues are just some obstacles to overcome at this point. Chair Lyons said this was a good discussion; however it is too involved for the Board to address alone. The Board took no action on this issue.

2) National Association of Counties Drug Discount Card Program: Matsuura reported the program is not insurance but a prescription discount program. Residents can obtain a card for free from Satellite City Hall offices to use at participating pharmacies. There are no restrictions and limits on how many times you can use the card. It is not used in conjunction with other insurances, however, you can purchase prescriptions that are not covered by insurance plans and also can be used to save on pet prescriptions.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:  

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

1)       Fallen seawall at Haleiwa Beach Park; Department of Parks and Recreation understands the community’s concerned about this issue, but will await a report from the consultant that has been hired by the City Department of Design and Construction to assess coastal erosion around Oahu. The consultant began his tour of the coast with a visit to Haleiwa Beach Park on Thursday, January 10.

2)       Deaths on Kaukonahua Road; input from Department of Transportation Services:  Department of Transportation Services prefers to control speeding through appropriate speed limit signage and enforcement by HPD. Therefore, Department of Transportation Services will conduct a site assessment to ensure appropriated speed limit signage. HPD has no suggestions to reduce deaths, but officers monitored and took necessary enforcement actions. HPD gave its report tonight.

3)       TheBoat from Kawailoa to Honolulu; the vessel Rachel Marie is used with a new engine installed just before Christmas. However, the Rachel Marie was taken out of service just after Christmas to have the engine retuned and adjusted. Rachel Marie resumed service on Monday, January 14.

4)       Maui Loa properties and illegal camping; with respect to Maui Loa’s properties, 59-254 Kamehameha Highway is owned by the Church of Hawaii Nei and Walter Schoettle, not Maui Loa. On January 17, the Court approved a sale under a foreclosure action. The property at 59-51 Pupukea Road is owned by Maui Loa and the Court approved a similar sale on December 16. The property at 59-59 Pupukea Road is also owned by Maui Loa. This property is currently in foreclosure proceedings, but as of today, there is no sale pending. The City is awaiting decision from the State to designate violations against illegal camping currently the Supreme Courts have found City rulings on this issue to be too vague.

      5)   City Department of Transportation Services is still conducting an investigation requiring traffic assessments  and data analysis of the area fronting Waialua Library with regards to a crosswalk.   Department of    Transportation Services will report their findings in February.

Questions and comments:

• Riviere asked if the Mayor supported the Governor’s Turtle Bay proposal. A. Remec said she cannot speak for the Mayor being he is off island at the moment.
• Ng asked if a ditch could be placed on Haleiwa Road near Mrs. Chun’s home that has been an ongoing issue with guard rail placement to control speeding in this area. He said the guardrails are contributing to more damages due to cars bouncing off the guardrails into her property. She has written to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for a special arrangement of placing guardrails on her end of the road, however, no responses after two letters sent to DPP. Ng said a car damaged hedges on her property just two weeks ago. A. Remec asked Ng to forward her the information needed for review since she apologized being unfamiliar with the situation.
• Lunasco asked why the Mayor is stalling on installing more boilers at the H-Power Plant to increase garbage energy sources instead having to haul the rest of the trash to Waimanalo Gulch. A. Remec said the Mayor has asked the community’s involvement by implementing more recycling projects and is in the process of building another boiler in the meantime the City is currently experimenting with two recycling projects which will make a big difference.
• Miller asked when the Haleiwa Town Master Plan will be ready. A. Remec said it is still under production.
• Leinau and Phillips concerned about “Big Surf” contests at Sunset overtaking use for recreational surfers and asked Chair Lyons to set up a committee to oversee the issue. Phillips made note of needing to offer more womens events giving gender equality in the sport. Miller motioned and Meade seconded to form a Committee to oversee “Big Surf” contests at Sunset Beach. The NSNB unanimously voted 15-0-0 to form the committee. Chair Lyons asked if anyone was interested to chair the committee. Riviere will act as pro-temp.
• Anderson asked if the State can continue to post “35 STAY ALIVE” signage that was once posted on Kaunonahua Road in honor of a citizen that was killed on that road. A. Remec said the city has regulations on such signs and does not approve placing private signs.

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

1)       BWS conservation calendars are available at the Beretania office as well as on the website: www.boardofwatersupply.com. Each month represents a water conservation tip. 

2)       The Haleiwa Road water system improvement project completion target date is summer 2008.

3)       The re-pavement and re-surfacing in the vicinity of Poamoho Estates on Kaukonahua Road will continue through the next few weeks before completion.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Matsuura reported:

1)       Kaukonahua Road near Ali’i Beach will be undergoing road re-striping and marker placements this weekend, be aware of lane closures.

2)       DPR will continue the design contract to complete the necessary work at Bonsai Park.

3)       DPR will not be providing a lifeguard stand for Velzyland Beach until 2011 due to lack of manpower.

4)       Ka’ala View Farm Development by Thompson’s Corner has been denied approval by DPP upon the reconsideration process. Denial was based on; State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) needing a supplemental to demonstrate the primary use of property solely for agriculture land activities. This property application lacked data or analysis demonstrating proposed project will be used for a bona fide agricultural operation and failed to demonstrate compliance with the North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan. Matsuura can provide a copy of this denial memo upon request by calling him at 527-5664.

Questions and comments:

·         Riviere asked if Councilmember Dela Cruz will release any statements in light of Governor Lingle’s Turtle Bay proposal. Matsuura said he would have to refer the question to Councilmember Dela Cruz.

·         Ng said Ka’aala Farm owners can opt to use their zoning rights to subdivide the property for sale if desired.

Governor's Representative – Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa reported:

1)       The Camp Erdman civil defense siren has been functioning normally being verified by “Michelle” from the camp. The siren was destroyed in an automobile crash which occurred in October 2006. Expect the siren to be perfectly running by March 2008.

2)       The grants in aid for Haleiwa Town is awaiting signature from the Department of the U.S Army and should be at Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) sometime this week.

State Senator Robert Bunda – Senator Bunda reported:

1)       Governor Lingle’s Turtle Bay proposal specification has not been released yet. The cost is a Legislature concern.

       2)  Senator Bunda has introduced three Senate Bills: A) proposed establishing a historical agriculture land                                           only without re-zoning; B) a tax break for Waialua farmers; C) third is to combat major crimes in result         of recent domestic violence. This bill proposed to make available online a temporary restraining order for         those in need of one in an emergency basis known as “ETRO”. This will assist all agencies involved   including HPD to assist in reinforcement especially during off hours and weekends.

       3) The Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility water has been rated as R-2, however, after future upgrades      the water will be rated as R-1, drinkable water. BWS has proposed to transport the treated water to         Mililani. He has proposed instead to transport for farm land instead.   

Questions and comments:

·         Lunasco asked Senator Bunda why the State purchased the Galbraith Estate reservoir and dam, knowing, the great liability with the broken gates. Senator Bunda said he opposed the proposal knowing 7-10 million is needed to fix the gates. He said the Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC) also considered the land for agribusiness which he also opposed. He said Dole sold property knowing the full cost would be in the millions to upgrade the gates.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Judy Formi reported: Representative Magaoay supported Governor Lingle’s Turtle Bay proposal. She added examples such as Paumalu and Waimea Valleys proved community accomplishments.

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

Questions and concerns:

• Lunasco asked J. Formi if a blinking warning street light would be placed at Kaukonahua Road for warning when an accident occurs. Traffic becomes a problem when there is an accident on the road and the City has referred the matter to the State being Kaukonahua Road is State property. Judy said she will take the question back to Representative Magaoay for discussion. J. Formi consulted with HPD in regards to lending a hand at times; however, HPD has been short handed and are usually busy with the accident scene.

• Leinau asked G. Kuo if a BWS representative would attend a community wastewater treatment meeting in April. G. Kuo said he would be happy to send a representative.

CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR'S REPORT: 

• Chair Lyons received from Jimmy Awai a letter expressing with great regrets his resignation. He also shared his pleasure of having served this Board and community for many years and wishes the Board much success in the future.     

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Chair Lyons announced the following:

• The Board’s next meeting is Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.
• Olelo Broadcast airs each Saturday on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m.     
• DPP has notified the Board that McKay Shrimp Farm has been denied a permit.

ADJOURNMENT:  Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

Submitted by

Malia Chanel-Benjamin, NA