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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

TUESDAY, JULY 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 of ­­13 was present of this 15 member Board. A vote of 8 is required to adopt motions.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Jeffrey Alameida, Jacob Ng, Reed Matsuura, Gil Riviere, Ollie Lunasco, Arlene Kawahakui, Michael Lyons, Carol Philips, Lief Anderson, Warren Scoville, Blake McElheny, Geraldine Meade and Antya Miller.

MEMBERS ABSENT – John Hirota and Roberts Leinau.  

GUESTS – Alenka Remec (Mayor Hanneman’s Representative), Galen Yoshimoto (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin, Major Moana Heu and Officer Bart Huber (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Robert Kekoa (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Laura Figueria (Senator Bunda’s office),  Kalani Fronda (Kamehameha Schools), Mark Takemoto (Dole Castle & Cook), Dave Devy, Bill Andersen, S. Joe Estores, Bruce Bellows, Maxi Moto, Roxanne Week, Cark Banks, Bodo Van Der Leeden, Anthony Morlock, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

APPROVAL/ADDITION/CORRECTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES –

June 24, 2008 meeting: The Board approved the June 24, 2008 meeting minutes with the following amendments:

Page 1; under guests, replace “Sgt. Joe Estores (US Army)” with S. Joe Estores.

Page 3; under Mayor’s question and concerns, replace “and the city has the intent to increase recyclable waste to 600,000 tons to accommodate” with “this fall to reduce the amount going to landfills. Currently about 600,000 tons are going to the H-Power to be burned”.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Scoville reported total appropriated for the new fiscal year was $4,140.00 and expenses incurred in June were; Operating Account expended $88.21 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended $250 for videotaping charges for the month of July. Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for July of $3,801.79.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Martin reported statistics for the month of June included 9 burglaries, 17 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 5 motor vehicle collisions and 23 thefts.

Honolulu Fire Department – Firefighter R. Kekoa reported statistics for the month of June included: 1) 1 structure, 9 wildland, 10 rubbish and 3 vehicle fires; 35 medical emergencies and 8 search and rescue. 2) A down power line caused a brush fire; 6 engines, 1 helicopter and 1 battalion responded to the fire that threatened two homes. 3) Seasonal bon fires have increased. 4) Engine 14 received new apparatus; 1990 Seagrave 1500 GPM Pumper and Boat 14 has been condemned, replacement was being evaluated.

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION – No representative or report available.  

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE –

Transportation Committee: Riviere reported the committee met on the 2nd Wednesdays of each month at the Waialua Community Association Cottage 2; the meeting is open to the public. The community proposed a 4 way stop sign at Goodale Avenue near the mill; the committee was opposed to the proposal.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Philips suggested looking into recent re-striping at Waimea Bay decreasing parking spaces; HPD has been issuing citations to vehicles which were parked in areas thought to be striped for parking. 

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:  

1)       A Charitable Foundation (ACF): D. Cruz said ACF was a small 501c3 non-profit charity on the Pupukea Ridge Preservation applying for rezoning of some of its property; The property will be donated to State Parks with ACF netting 24-acres to conserve. The ridge project will allow preservation of land along the northern rim of Waimea Valley stretching a mile up the valley. ACF hoped to receive city rezoning of the remaining property to match its new State zoning by the end of March 2009. However, prior to all this happening, a turn around at the end of Maulukua Road was needed as well as community input in drafting conservation easements and restrictions on the deed.

2)   Alameida said Friends of Waialua Town was holding a meeting on September 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.             at the Waialua Cottage Association. 

      3)   Scoville said Kawailoa District was reported to have had a turtle incident. A report stated    visiting children were playing and feeding a turtle later found later to have been a victim of poaching. Scoville asked for the            publics’ assistance to match his offer of a $500 reward leading to an arrest.

      4)  Ng said he was aware the Fiscal Year(FY)2008-09 budget included appropriating millions to the funding of    a major command post on 700 acres; impacting both North Shore and Wahiawa. He           was interested to           know if an impact study was needed for the government development.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Lyons asked if ACF was affiliated with any groups. D. Cruz said he was not.

2)       Ng asked if the DPP application letter could be reviewed by the Board. D. Cruz said the Board had voted      to support ACF’s action was sufficient. McElheny said the Board did receive attachment information as      well as SCBA Board minutes supporting ACF’s proposal.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS:

Mayor Hanneman’s Representative – A. Remec reported: 1) The Banzai Rock Skate Park was under the jurisdiction of the contractor; still incomplete and was not accepted by DPR for public use and planned to post signs. The DDC was overseeing the project and DPR will notify them as well. 2) Given the beach erosion problem around the island, DCC has hired a consultant to study this problem and has visited the Haleiwa Beach Park. A full report was anticipated after all sites were visited. 3) The City provided three notices about the recent Mokuleia Beach Park closure over a 30-day period. DPR also provided a moving truck to haul bulky items away the week prior to park closure. The City & County of Honolulu also worked with service providers to provide information to those in need of shelter options. DPR knew nothing about a $300,000 donation to assist park homeless families.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Philips said she has witnessed people climbing over the current Skate Park fence; urged the City to complete the park as it has been a 30-year project. Philips also pointed out the City has spent tax dollars on media advertising while children were left exposed to the danger lurking at the unfinished Skate Park. A. Remec said unfortunately the park was not included in the CIP funding therefore, she could not answer when it would be completed. A. Remec said according to DPR, the park was to be completed in two phases and so far the city has been in compliance according to schedule.

2)       Alameida asked where and who may be accepting foiled items for recycling since Reynolds was no longer the local contractor in the district; current contractor was not accepting anything else except HI5 products. A. Remec said she was not familiar with the situation however, she will check with ENV for further information. Miller said the Haleiwa Main Street and Historic Haleiwa Beach park recycling were accepting Reynolds products and pointed out they both participated in City grant programs.

3)       Lunasco reiterated how TheBoat ridership was increasing and so was the cost to the City. He also added the current rail steel on steel media campaigns were deceiving the public by advertising the rail as a “subsidized project” when in fact young children will be left to pay for the rail in years to come. He also asked why more buses couldn’t be a solution. A. Remec said the 120-million annually to subsidized TheBus system was more than the cost of rail annually. A. Remec went on to say, buses were now in the same traffic lanes as vehicles and a study showed that adding more buses will lead to rows and rows of buses tying up traffic on the main roads and increased costs were beyond what rail is proposing.

4)       Ng thanked the City for considering Mrs. Chun’s safety issue regarding her property; he looked forward to a scheduled meeting to complete the planned work.

5)       Chair Lyons thanked BWS for the re-pavement projects in the district as well.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – G. Kuo reported: 1) A plant sale at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House will feature unthirsty plants celebrating its 20^th Anniversary; free to the public and shuttles available by calling 748-5041. An extreme xeriscape garden makeover valued at more than $18,000 is the grand prize during the event on August 2; from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2) BWS asked to start conserving water during the hot summer months and only use water as needed.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office – R. Matsuura reported: 1) A letter was sent to the Governor asking release of grants in aid funds so the district can offer training for disaster preparedness. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane, log onto www.honolulu.gov/ocda/hurrican.htm or www.scd.hawaii.gov 2) A letter sent to Ms. Thielen at DLNR regarding the Sharks Cove fishing issue; however, no response as of yet. 3) Laniakea Chun’s Reef was the correct name for this stretch of beach. 4) The Haleiwa Park restroom complaints have not been addressed yet; will share response as it becomes available. 5) Aloha Aina Earth Day No. 44 was set for August 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Historic Haleiwa Gym. 6) Councilmember Dela Cruz’s monthly newsletter including hurricane preparedness information was circulated.

Governor Lingle's Representative – G. Yoshimoto reported: 1) RIMPAC exercises has been concentrated near the waters off Kauai and not near the North Shore waters. 2) DLNR was still investigating “cock fighting” as reported; reports pending. 3) DLNR was enforcing camping restrictions at Ka’ena Point with “NO CAMPING” signs posted; asked for the public’s support. However, according to Natural Area Reserve Systems (NARS), they were serving 1,000 feet east into Ka’ena Point and reminded the public there were no bathroom accommodations within this area. To define “no camping” further while fishing overnight; seems a tent is needed for shelter from rain and some rulings have been in place since 2002; a tent for shelter during fishing should not have any side coverings or shelter in order to be legal; state is working with Waianae residents and fishermen to meet and implement permits to continue fishing overnight without issues. “Friends of Ka’ena Point” were planting and trying to preserve these area; grassroots efforts were to provide conservation information to the public. The group has contact with the state to assist in the area; no master plan was necessary.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alameida said the state should extend the fishing pilot project to include the Waianae shores.

2)       Lunasco asked when a decision on Officer Aina would be rendered as he was not looking forward to any further confrontations. G. Yoshimoto said he will report findings when provided; the only information he received was the Mokuleia Beach bathroom was removed due to liability issues.

3)       Ng asked for the Governor to re-consider the zipper lane to allow 2 person vehicles instead of the current 3 person carpool; some drivers were not lucky to find third rider to accomplish the current carpool mission especially senior citizens going into the city for doctor appointments and medications.

4)       Andersen said Mokuleia being under the State’s jurisdiction should give citizens park use privileges; why has the state taken this long to mandate permits and programs. Philips agreed Ka’ena Point does need camping and fishing implementation to serve the need of the public to use the park as they have in past years.

State Senator Bunda’s office – L. Figueria reported: 1) Pole fishing was allowed at Waimea Bay; however not near Foodland at Sharks Cove. The community agreed on this ruling; however DLNR has changed this ruling to eliminate pole fishing at Sharks Cove. 2) Senator Bunda was happy to announce he was running unopposed this year; however there were 6 constituents that have filed and running in District 46. A candidate’s forum was scheduled for September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Haleiwa Gym.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Lunasco said he helped with supporting the local pole fishing at Sharks Cove as handed down from father to son; a community tradition before the rule change by DLNR.

State Representative Magaoay’s office – reported: 1) 28 legislative pieces have become law, including: pedestrian safety, crossing time lengthening, long term residential care homes and green house emissions testing by the year 2020.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members questioned posted sale signs at the Galbraith Estate. Magaoay’s representative will follow up on this question.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION:

A.  Surf Committee recommendation for Surf Contest Rules – Riviere reported: the committee found the 1991 Amended Rules governing shore water events balanced the use of prime North Shore surf spots between competing interests of exclusive surf contests and public access and enjoyment. However, the current rules lack an objective conflict resolution procedure, which created uncertainty and concern for all parties. In 2007, DPR circulated a draft proposal to update the administrative rules governing surf contests on the North Shore; stating some good elements, but several proposed rules were completely unacceptable by the community. In early 2008, the North Shore NB created a Surf Committee to review the existing and draft rules to make recommendations that would meet approval of the community. He read a draft copy of the proposed surf rules that was circulated.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Philips said the draft rules did not address gender equality in the permitting process and does not address women’s events.

2)       Meade moved and Miller seconded for the North Shore (NS) Neighborhood Board (NB) No. 27 to accept the proposed Rules Governing North Shore Surfing Events as drafted.

3)       Philips reminded the Board voted on passing a motion to include a women’s surf event. Philips moved and Andersen seconded to amend the first motion to include “All efforts will be made to ensure gender equality in the permitting process”.

4)       B. Andersen said there was a huge amount of money involved in planned surf events; promoters should be fined if events were cancelled.  

5)       Miller agreed that many surf contests were male dominated, McElheny also agreed women participation in surf events was low; Both Meade and Miller withdrew their motion.

6)       Riviere also agreed with imposing a fine on contest promoters if events were cancelled; a price for doing business which claimed precious surf time for the community. He also said the committee had worked hard to address all details of the draft rules and had wished Philips were in attendance to complete the rules and move draft to completion as time was of the essence as the surf season was approaching. Philips said she has been a surf advocate for over 10 years working over 20 years to complete rules only to arrive at this point which were biased to women. Philips also reiterated the surf committee was to bring the draft recommendations to the NB for discussion, input and adoption before submitting the final draft to the city.  Both Philips and Andersen withdrew their motion as well.

7)       Ng moved and Alameida seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to defer the surf rule draft back to the Surf Committee for review. The motion was not adopted; 6-7-0. (Ayes: Alameida, Ng, Lyons, Philips, Andersen and Scoville. No: Matsuura, Riviere, Kawahakui, Lunasco, McElheny, Meade and Miller).

8)       McElheny said due to the surf season upon us, the Board should take a stand and make a united decision to move the draft forward. Several Board members agreed as well, therefore, without opposition it was unanimously agreed to insert the first motion into the proposed draft surf rules. Philips reminded the Board the City has not set a deadline for the rules which was ordered by a circuit judge. The motion for the NS NB No. 27 to include “All efforts will be made to ensure gender equality in the permitting process” into the draft surf rules was unanimously ADOPTED. (13-0-0; Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Andersen, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller).

B. Hawaii Cooperative of Organic Farmers (HICOF) and Marketing presentation – A. Santoro reported: Organic products demand exceeds local supply because agriculture research and solutions excluded local organic farming from study. Local organic farms do not use radiation treatment or chemicals but an organic vapor treatment. Imported products were found to have insects and other invasive species as well. An Organic Food Center in Hawaii can provide: State distribution, organic research and training center, increased organic demands of a “Hawaii Grow Organic” product line. Canada and France already has already fulfilled the demand for local organic products. The proposed Hawaii Organic Food Center can become a reality with local support and asked the Board for input and support as well. Some North Shore venues being considered were: Kawailoa 75 acres, Campbell Estate/Del Monte Land, Galbraith Estate in Wahiawa and Poamoho Experimental Farm. The local Food Manufacture Association supported organic products and the proposed project will benefit many including: farmer owned and operated based businesses, helped decrease import and invasive species, promote sustainability of the environment and utilized available agriculture lands promoting the North Shore vision.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Meade was curious to know price difference between imported products versus organics and if local employment was being sought. A. Santoro said the prices will vary depending on quantities of products, creating more quality organic products was the goal to keeping costs down.

2)       Lunasco thought local farmers would not be able to compete with imports as markets bought in bulks to maintain low pricing; more acreage on the mainland produced more products compared to the North Shore.   A. Santoro said agriculture land in the North Shore required government funding proposals; this funding could allow farmers to compete in the market. He also added the community should have options and opportunities to eat and be health conscious; as increased in organic products would help keep costs down.

3)       Philips said organic farming would decrease land pollution and will sustain itself in the market. Philips moved and Ng seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to support HICOF’s vision of organic farming. Several Board members favored offering the community alternatives such as healthy products and favored agriculture lands and local farmers. Lunasco said he supported local farmers, however he opposed the proposal stating government spending may be affected soon as the economy worsened. The motion was adopted; 12-0-0. (Aye: Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Andersen, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller. No: Lunasco).

C. NB No. 27 Board meeting video contract – Chair Lyons proposed an increase for the new fiscal year video contract of Board meetings by Robert Bailey; the Board budget was able to accommodate paying $250 per month for a 10-month period.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Meade moved and Philips seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to support renewing Robert Bailey’s contract to continue video taping Board meetings at $250 per month for the FY2008-09 as budgeted. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Andersen, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller).

D. NS NB No. 27 vote on recess months for FY2008-09 – Miller moved and Meade seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to recess during the months of August and December 2008. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Andersen, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller).

E. Renew NS NB No. 27 meeting facility at John Kalili Surf Center (JKSC) for FY2008-09 – Ng moved and Meade seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to renew the meeting facility at JKSC for the FY2008-09. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Andersen, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller).

F. Homeless Community formation of committee – Scoville moved and Riviere seconded for the NS NB No. 27 to form a Homeless Standing Committee including a Chairperson.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Lunasco asked the Board to allow the State to manage the homeless situation since the Board had no legal power over the issue; giving false hope to the situation will end in funding roadblocks as in the past leading to community animosity.

2)       Meade reminded the Board that during a special meeting last year, input and recommendations were suggested to offer relief and education to the issue; Board responsibilities should include forming a group to facilitate the homeless community in the district.

3)       Philips stressed the need for shelters in the district; there were none. She said the Board should be a responsible party and form a committee; the homeless community has asked the Board several times for assistance whereas no government officials responded. She pointed out traffic and surf committees existed but none to serve the homeless need which will affect the community if not addressed.  Miller thought churches should take initiative efforts to establish task forces; some homeless families do not want to abide with shelter rules therefore continuing the epidemic.

4)       Chair Lyons relinquished the gavel to Meade and said the State needed to step in and support the North Shore efforts. He said he has personal empathy for the homeless community since he was familiar with some of them. He said the Board has asked for State assistance, however, efforts continue to be slow year after year.

5)       Lunasco said the Governor had the assistance power as she has done so in Waianae to address the homeless communities; the Board has no power over the funding issue to combat the problem.  

6)       The motion for the NS NB No. 27 to form a Homeless Standing Committee including a Chairperson was NOT adopted; 5-8-0. (Aye: Riviere, Philips, Scoville, McElheny and Meade. No: Alameida, Matsuura, Ng, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Andersen and Miller).

Chair Lyons reclaimed the gavel from Meade and continued the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – There were no further announcements.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.

Submitted by Malia Chanel-Benjamin, Neighborhood Assistant        

Reviewed by Chair Lyons