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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2008

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR – Acting 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, John Hirota, Reed Matsuura, Gil Riviere, Ollie Luasco, Arlene Kawahakui, Michael Lyons, Carol Philips, Lief Anderson, Warren Scoville, Geraldine Meade and Antya Miller.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Jacob Ng and Roberts Leinau.  

GUESTS – Alenka Remec (Mayor Hanneman’s Representative), Les Chang (Director-City Department Parks and Recreation), Galen Yoshimoto (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin (Honolulu Police Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Sgt. Joe Estores (U.S. Army), Thomas Tanaka (DOCARE/DLNR), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Laura Figueira (Senator Bunda’s representative), Lisa & Ati Fabio and Josh Heimowitz (Friends of Kaena), Pascual Dabis, Richard Maglasdug, Mary Jane & Bradford Dalumpinus, Bruce Bellaws, Estralita Weiderbach, Lisa Dooling, Les Decosta, Michael Nawaikoia, Sheryl Bieler, Nina Puhipau, Bodo Van Dor Leedon, Thomas Shirai, Rodjey Jau, Jason Caracol, Kevin Terry, Rosalani Kaluna, Roberta Kuehu, Andrew Luna, Michael Hasegawa, Faustino Sobernno Jr, Tanya Shiroma, Kikela Shiroma, Marie Beltran, Weena Takemoto, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (NA, Neighborhood Commission Office).

ELECTION OF NEW BOARD OFFICERS – Meade suggested the Board retained the same officers. Riviere moved and Lunasco seconded for the No. 27 Neighborhood Board to retain Lyons as Chair, Hirota as Vice-Chair, Meade as Secretary and Leinau as Treasurer.  The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Almeida, Matsuura, Hirota, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, Anderson, Scoville, McElheny, Meade and Miller)

APPROVAL/ADDITION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 27, 2008 –

Page 2 under Transportation Committee: replace “May 13 through 15 bicycle resolution meetings concluded” with “May 13 through 15 the bicycle safety plans were presented”.

Page 3 under 5^th bullet: replace “15% sustainable agricultural land to the North Shore district was on the existing master plan” with “15% that can be used for other than agriculture must conform to existing City and community plans. The Sierra Club won’t have resources to feed the community. Important agricultural land registration was mandated by the constitution in 1978 and this was a start”.

Page 4 under Councilmember Dela Cruz: replace “Bonzai” with “Banzai”’; replace “Haleiwa Road drainage and sidewalk improvements” with “Haleiwa Road drainage and Haleiwa Town sidewalk improvements”;   replace “foreclosed has not been sold” with “foreclosed has been sold”.

Page 5 under Councilmember Dela Cruz questions and concerns: replace “Skater Park” with “Banzai Rock Skateboard Facility”.

Page 6 under Rehab improvements: replace “new tenant” with “new owner”. Replace “add a 4ftx5ft window” with “add a 4ftx5ftx7in window”

TREASURER'S REPORT – Riviere reported expenses incurred in May were; Operating Account expended $164.96 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended $200 for videotaping charges for the month of May. Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for May of $1,467.02.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Martin reported statistics for the month of May included 11 burglaries, 23 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 8 motor vehicle collisions and 18 thefts.

Honolulu Fire Department – No representative or report available.

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

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Riviere reported: The North Shore bicycle safety resolution has been adopted along with 33 other identical resolutions from those neighborhoods that have adopted resolutions; next Friday at 9:15 a.m. will be a press conference at Honolulu Hale and all are welcomed.

SURF COMMITTEE – Riviere reported 1) the draft rules will be an agenda item for the July 17 committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Waialua Cottage Two. To submit comments; call Mike Takahashi at 638-8208 or by email: www.andreaswimsunset@yahoo.com.  

RESIDENTS CONCERNS: (Chair Lyons asked everyone to keep concerns under 3 minutes for the sake of keeping the meeting on track as well as fairness in giving everyone a change to speak)

·         Almeida announced the Friends of Waialua Town and Emposer Oahu are offering Micro-Business Training starting August 5 and ending August 21. Programs included: making craft, food and furniture. Selling products as a farmer or manufacturer and food service with agriculture value emphasis. For more information call Kathleen at 637-8545.

·         44^th Annual Aloha Aiana Earth Day was scheduled for Aug 9; sponsored by Waialua Community Association.

·         S. Bieler said she struggled as a transient for the last two years since moving to Hawaii and found it hard to believe that the State and the City still has a homeless issue. She said the recreation center and skate park were some examples that the government has not focused on securing land for shelters in the North Shore leading to homelessness. She said there were about 800 homeless families which included women and children that were all affected by the recent Mokuleia cleanup. She went on to say the Waianae NB offered solutions unlike the NSNB that has failed to hear the transient need that has now moved to the NS. She felt the homeless problem will not go away and will become a major problem as it grew without an alternative. Philips said she has a homeless solution meeting planned for July 15 at 7:00 p.m. She went on to say she hoped this meeting will give the community an opportunity to speak and find alternatives. Meade said the Board needed to decide on a special meeting to address the homeless situation; hearing both sides of the issue can help facilitate placements since children and women are among the transients.

·         A. Santos asked the Board to be on the next agenda; he was an organic farmer wishing to share his concept and Hawaii Organic food center located on a 75-acre land associated with Kamehameha Schools.

·         Miller called a point of order to clarify that no sub or committee was formed to cover the homeless issue in NS; only that a special meeting was called to discuss the homeless issue. Philips said the special meeting held in July 2007; however during the November 2006 meeting the Board it was decided then to form the committee. The special meeting held July 2007 which placed Leinau as chairperson but he opted not to take the position; Philips was then left to facilitate the committee.

·         S. Bieler asked why the skater park was opened; however, there were unfinished amenities, dirt, rocks along with a concrete wall that seemed to be a safety issue with children playing in the park. She also said there were posted signs to identify the park was not opened for use by the public. L. Chang said the Banzai Skate Park was not open to the public yet; phase 2 was to cover the completion which the city still has to appropriate funding for and has not commenced yet.  He said phase 1 was to build the skate bowl itself; clear from the start that water infrastructure was not part of the funding. Chair Lyons asked L. Chang if he considered the park opened to the public at this point; L. Chang said the park was not opened for public use.

·         Philips said the district parks remained dilapidated such as bathrooms without walls, partial walls as well as erosion on beaches as compared to Waikiki.

·         Miller said the Governor has not released the $100,000 North Shore Disaster Preparedness Grant-in-Aid; there were only 14 trained staff to serve 1,218 disaster spaces for an estimated 25,000 residents including visitors. The last major hurricane wiped out Kamehameha Highway; leaving the community cutoff from Honolulu. She has circulated copies of a letter addressed to the Governor in hopes residents will sign it in support; return the signed letter to Miller for submitting to the Governor.

·         Lunasco said windsurfers using Mokuleia beach are reporting there were no parking; A. Remec said the parking lot was open and available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – A. Remec responding to previous concerns: 1) Sunset Beach Park; tennis courts are not locked; lights com on automatically at 6:45 a.m. and off at 10:00 p.m. City Department of Parks and Recreation has not received any request from the community to implement a nightly park closure. 2) The City Department of Transportation is willing to meet with Ng to discuss the guard rails located near Mrs. Chun’s home. 3) DPR has confirmed with DLNR-DOCARE that they have the power to enforce the State fishing regulations at Shark’s Cove; spear fishing is prohibited within the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). The old quarry tide pool is not included in the MLCD.

Questions and concerns:

·         Lunasco asked why the city spent $25 per person to transport each rider on TheBoat versus $2 instead on TheBus. A. Remec said the fee was subsidized and TheBoat was still in its’ current “pilot” stage and will be reviewed and evaluated once completed.

·         Lunasco also asked why the city was shipping Oahu’s trash to the mainland instead of building another burner; Waimanalo Gulch is closed. A. Remec said the city will be introducing more recycling and the city has the intent to increase recyclable waste to 600,000 tons to accommodate landfills. She also added Lunasco can contact her to review facts sheets to confirm her report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – G. Kuo reported: 1) there were no water main breaks in the district. 2) The mandated Environmental Protection Agency water quality reports were expected to reach each household by July 1.  3) The Dole company water outage was called into BWS 17 hours after the outage; provisions were now placed in order to interconnect Dole with BWS. A call from Wheeler school reporting the outage has prompted research which resulted in the Waialua surge being recommended for a connection. 4) Water Tip: BWS recommended watering lawns only 2-3 times a week doing so either early in the mornings or late in the evenings.

Questions and concerns:

·         Hirota asked if Haleiwa Road have a connector. G. Kuo said as of July 2006 the connector was available year round.

·         Lunasco asked if there were any explanation findings that residents could point Dole Company failed to report the water outage on a timely manner. G. Kuo said he had no finding reports available. 

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – R. Matsuura reported: 1) Capital Improvement Projects in 2009 budget was included in a monthly report circulated tonight. 2) Bill 16 DC1 provided a one time real property tax credit of $100 against a homeowner’s home for the 2008-09 tax year was transmitted to the Mayor for his approval. 3) Bill 25 to rezone approximately 500 acres of land in Ewa for the University of Hawaii, West Campus was reported out of the zoning committee on May 13 for passage on second reading. 4) Bill 39-08 requiring the city to preserve the native language signs throughout the state and to properly use correct Hawaiian spelling. 5)) Resolution 08-125CD1 urged the city and state to continue efforts to improve conditions for safe bicycling; adopted by council on June 4. 6) Resolution 08-142 urged the city to acquire the George Galbraith Estate to support the protection of appropriated agricultural and historical lands on Oahu. 7) The Governor signed into law on May 1, 2007-HRS Section 11-10; prohibiting candidates for public office from appearing (by name, image or voice) in public funded service announcement or advertisements. 8) DTS has completed the study regarding “no parking” on the ocean side of Haleiwa Road traveling from Haleiwa Elementary School to Kamani Lane. Parking restrictions will be enforced once the city posts the “no parking” signs.

Governor's Representative – G. Yoshimoto stood by the Governors’ report as circulated.

Questions and concerns:

·         Hirota asked if the Pacific Rim Navy exercises could be moved to a 10-mile mark instead of the 5-mile from the shore of Mokuleia; fishermen community were concerned with 30-40 navy ships within the fishing range from shore. G. Yoshimoto said he will follow up and report next month.

·         Several Board members requested for the Governor to release the emergency preparedness funding; several emergencies spanning over 25 years has left the North Shore community isolated.  The concern was also with the rock slides and over 7,000 visitors annually traveling through the North Shore.

State Senator Robert Bunda – G. Figueira reported: 1) there were 52 bills on the veto list yet to be determined by the Governor for veto or become law; suggested letters be sent to support items on this list before the 45-day wait period expired. 2) She encouraged the community to contact the Governor in support of any bills on the veto list.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – No representative or report available.  

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION:

A.  Friends of Ka’ena Point program presentation; J. Heimowitz said the group “Friends of Ka’ena” has been meeting every Saturday since January; a grassroots effort led by committed and concerned community members.  This group was committed to working with all parties of government, businesses, organizations and individuals needed to achieve the groups’ mission; to enhance, maintain and protect the natural and cultural resources of Ka’ena for present and future generations through active community stewardship, education and partnerships. The group has taken necessary steps to partner up with YMCA of Honolulu and Camp Erdman to raise funds to start projects and programs to support the Friends of Ka’ena Points’ mission. He went on to say the group has managed to replenish some native plants throughout the point and respected those that have supported their efforts; however, many ignore the state posted rules. The group members have also started using Camp Erdman as a plantation for long term use for replanting efforts; again mission is to improve the point, support the law and state to protect the area for enjoyment of everyone visiting Ka’ena Point.

Questions and concerns:

• A constituent said as a fisherman for over 40 years which was a culture for many residents on the North Shore; fishermen are being targeted as campers. J. Heimowitz said the group has no legal authority, the group members at times have had to stand back and watch drivers in all types of trucks running over native plants and protected paths. Chair Lyons said the groups’ efforts were to restore Ka’ena Point and not patrol; legal questions should be directed to the DLNR. 
• R. Maglasaug said he thought the group was wasting their time and without an impact statement released therefore breaking the law themselves also had a meeting held at Camp Erdman without public notice. J. Heimowitz said they were only volunteers and were aware of the state task force goals similar to theirs. The state sent a guest speaker to support the community’s efforts at the group’s last meeting.
• Lunasco said the state’s task force tried to close the park 10 year ago; planted native plants which all died; without water at a remote area amounted to a loosing battle.  
• S. Ring said the state blocked the use of ATV and large trucks to prevent further erosions, infrastructure damages, protect food chain and indigenous plants not to prevent the community to enjoy Ka’ena Point. The native plants being planted will eventually take root and will not need much water. He encouraged the community’s’ support with all involved agencies’ efforts in keeping Ka’ena Point from abuse; allow the group to clean and give the plants a chance to grow.
• Meade suggested DLNR plan a community meeting since times have changed from the fishermen of 40 years ago; important to set aside blame and move forward to gain respect for the land once again. C. Chang agreed; time has come to protect the reef and allow children to learn fishing skills from their fathers and replenish the naupaka, naio, cotton and ilima plants to grow once again at Ka’ena Point for all to enjoy.

B. State DLNR informational presentation of the Mokuleia-Ka’ena area; T. Tanaka said community requested assistance in maintaining the park; five DLNR officers were working throughout the day and night to accommodate the request. Also assisting were Friends of Ka’ena Point group to cover some day shifts as well as some weekends. There have been 57 citations issued; 13 for fires and 17 miscellaneous. He said some fires were very large left behind hot ashes and large nails. He reported: 3 fires were started by military retirees and 10 fires were started by Haleiwa and Waialua residents.  He went on to say parents with children are also involved with criminal activities at the park; allowing their children to drink in public. He said most illegal activities were ongoing during the night and has been difficult with only five officers.

Questions and concerns:

• Philips thanked DLNR for their efforts and thought an area set aside for bonfires and BBQs were needed as well as preventing nails and ashes to be left behind. T. Tanaka said this suggestion was currently being tested in the Waianae parks and if approved the idea will be installed in the North Shore district.
• A constituent asked how can tarps providing shelter and shade when fishing become legal; since it is illegal to have a tarp with side protection without a permit. T. Tanaka said erecting a tarp was a form of camping; however, he could not address this question further since he was only at the meeting tonight to ask for public support in observing public safety. T. Tanaka also said natural resources, coral removal, gun control, destroying plants, public drinking were some public safety issues DLNR were concerned mostly with; citizen behavior and attitude also have changed over the years. He said the state was working to address solutions.
• T. Shirai said two weeks ago he witnessed a couple of servicemen trampling over plants; state needs to offer education to visitors and military personal to prevent problems such as these. He as a fisherman has fought for a right of way to travel by vehicle to get to fishing spots; state has to address that fishing was a form of culture for most Oahu residents.
• Lunasco said he had a bad experience with DOCARE officers while he was searching for his lost dog in Ka’ena Point. He said he was pulled over by the officer that was familiar with him and knew the reason he was in the area since he had been searching for his dog for three weeks. He went on to say the officer accused him of poaching and searched his vehicle in a rude manner and treated him as if was a criminal. He also said the officers were selective about who and when they allow hunting at their discretion; breaking the laws themselves. Lunasco has filed complaints with DLNR and Mr. Moniz; however, the selective treatment continued and still no resolution to his complaint as of yet. Chair Lyons asked G. Yoshimoto if he could follow up on this complaint since it was made formally; especially if guns are involved as a threat to anyone. G. Yoshimoto said he will do so.
• Anderson said North Shore should implement a campfire pilot program now and consider the use of tarps as well; young children sometime accompany parent and tarps were a form of shelter while napping. He said the state should also turn with the change of time; more fishing, camping and ATV activities with the growing population all over the island. T. Tanaka said he agreed with all these suggestions and concerns; the state was also progressing with solving many issues addressed tonight.
• A constituent said at during a Waianae Board meeting; a member mentioned the North Shore as being an alternative for the homeless vacating Mokuleia beach and said it was an unfair statement.
• L. DeCosta said the Wahiawa hiking trail access No. 1 was open but not access No. 2. He said it seemed as if the trail access was being used selectively. Chair Lyons suggested speaking with G. Yoshimoto to address this complaint for better direction.
• Chair Lyons said he knew complaints have reached a boiling point and Dan Quinn and the department were working on identifying those that are not complying to deny them certain permits. Some Board members said city council passed the law prohibiting camping and fishing in some areas; not the Governor or Mayor. Chair Lyons said laws usually have good intentions and looks forward to receiving answers from G. Yoshimoto.
• Lunasco added that he was not aware that HPD patrolled private property such as Dole and Castle & Cook as he was stopped by Officer Henry Hiram on private property; he thought H. Hiram spoke and acted unprofessionally.  

C. Hawaii Bicycle League presentation; no representative present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS –  

Office of Elections is seeking Precinct Officials to assist voters in your community on Saturday, September 20, 2008 and Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Please contact Office of Elections at 453-VOTE (8683), ask for Precinct Operations, or sign-up online at www.hawaii.gov/elections.  Stipend provided.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at p.m. 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by Malia Chanel-Benjamin, Neighborhood Assistant        

Reviewed by Chair Lyons