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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR – Chair Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.; This 15 member Board requires 8 votes to adopt a motion. A quorum of 11 was present at tonight’s meeting.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Jeffrey Alameida, Leif Andersen, Arlene Kawahakui, Bob Leinau, Ollie Lunasco, Mike Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Gerri Meade, Carol Philips, Gil Riviere, and  Warren Scoville.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Jacob Ng, John Hirota, Blake McElheny and Antya Miller.

GUESTS – Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Efrain Dela Cruz (United States Army; 8^th MP BDE), Alenka Remec (Mayor Hanneman’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin and Officer Bart Huber (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Braden (Honolulu Fire Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Beverly Speece (Kahuku Complex-Hawaii Department of Education), Don Quinn (State Department of Land and Natural Resources), Judy Fomin (Representative Magaoay’s Office), Keith Avery (West Wind Works), Stephany Vaioleti; Mikki Hanson and Lance Segawa (Kahuku Hospital), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Denise Antolini, S. Joe Estores, Dominique Desroches, Karen Mundy, Jane Mocker, Junior Primacio (Neighborhood Board No. 28), Dawn Greenlee, Ati Feffers Fabro, Jacqueline Leinau, Kaliko Amona, Bruce Bellows, Al Oga, Thomas Shirai, Maxi Moto, Ka’ula Akina, Mark Takemoto, Mike Moon, Darlene Mishimura, Alan Lennard, Dean Harvest and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (NA, Neighborhood Commission Office).

APPROVAL/ADDITION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 25, 2008 – Leinau moved and Meade seconded to approve the March 25 meeting minutes with the following changes:

Page 1: under members present; replace “Arlene Kawaihakui” with “Arlene Kawahakui”.

Page 2: under transportation committee No. 3; replace “litigation” with “limitation”.

Page 2: under residents’ concern No. 1; replace “Lean Watson” with “Leon Watson”.

Members of the Board requested a moment of silence in respect to the passing of Mr. James Awai, Mrs. Jacob Ng and Mrs. Merle Anderson.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Leinau reported expenses incurred in February 2008 were; Operating Account expended $124.29 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account expended no videotaping charges for February yet (not posted), and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for February of $2460.39.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Byron Martin reported statistics for the month of February: 9 burglaries, 7 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 21 thefts, 4 driving under influence (DUI) and 173 speeding citations.

Questions and concerns:

• Andersen inquired as to where most speeding citations are issued. Lt. Martin said Kamehameha Highway, Kaukonahua Road and Haleiwa Drive are the target areas for speeding.
• Lunasco inquired why arrested convicted and non-convicted citizens are released from jail soon after being arrested. Lt. Martin said HPD make arrests when laws are violated however, HPD has no control over the court system where they are processed.
• Chair Lyons asked HPD if the fine for speeding remained at $7 for each mile going over speed limit when in violation. Lt. Martin said a new State law increases the penalty for anyone caught going 30 mph over a posted limit or anyone going 80 mph or more.
• Matsuura asked HPD to monitor the Waialua bicycle path as he is concerned with young children riding their bicycles while others are on all-terrain-vehicles (ATV). Lt. Martin said HPD have been monitoring the path between 4 and 7 p.m. and he will remind HPD serving the North Shore.

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Braden reported:  2 brush, 9 rubbish and 4 structure fires; 46 medical emergencies, 10 search/rescues and 4 miscellaneous calls. Safety Tip: Cooking at home can be a fun family activity, but please be careful. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. The following precautions can be taken to minimize your chances of starting a cooking fire: a) Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen even briefly, turn off the heat, and take a spoon or oven mitt with you to remind yourself of the food on the stove. b) Do not become distracted. Attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television, and answering doorbells can have devastating results when the stove is on the unattended. c) Keep ignitable items, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, or curtains, at least three feet away from the range top. d) Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen, and learn how to use it.

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION – Lt. Col. Dela Cruz reported:

1) There are no scheduled deployments in the next couple of months. 2) There are no base gate closures in the next couple of months; therefore, he expected no impact on traffic in the district.

Questions and concerns:

• Scoville asked Lt. Col. Dela Cruz if some units recently returned from Iraq since a few helicopters are using the Waimea passage for air space and seem to be flying too low over residential area. He has notified the barracks and could not verify information with someone named Nice Wonder. Lt. Col. Dela Cruz said he will follow up with this complaint. 
• Lunasco asked Lt. Col. Dela Cruz to address a dangerous situation regarding the back gate entrance into Schofield Barrack past the bridge. He said traffic waiting to enter the base seems to be overtaking traffic on the shoulder lane to enter the gate quicker; however, it poses a traffic safety issue during early morning hours. Lt. Col. Dela Cruz will follow up.
• D. Desroches said the helicopters Scoville spoke of earlier seem to be in the air every hour posing a lot of noise in the residential area of Pupukea, Sunset Beach. Lt. Col. Dela Cruz will have a follow up in April.
• Leinau asked Lt. Col. Dela Cruz to for an update on Drum Road; an access road from Helemano to Kahuku district. Lt. Col. Dela Cruz said he will do so.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE – Riviere reported: The bicycle resolution was currently revised; therefore, more time will be needed for the committee and the Board to review. He asked the Chair to place the item on the next agenda as he sees fit.

Chair Lyons took the agenda out of order without opposition to hear the elected officials prior to residents’ concerns due to some representatives needing to attend another meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

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

1)       There are no plans for new sidewalks on Waialua Beach Road and Goodale Avenue. Construction of sidewalks required the creation of an improvement district (ID) project. The ID process is based on the belief that the properties benefiting from the proposed improvements should be assessed a portion of the cost of those improvements. Under an ID program, both the benefiting owners and the City shared in the cost of constructing the improvements. The ID program required that the community support and initiate these improvements through their councilmember.

2)       The City will repave Kaukonahua Road and Goodale Avenue since it is incomplete.

3)       Currently, community recycling bins are located at Haleiwa, Sunset Elementary Schools and Kahuku High School. Waialua High School has requested a bin which will be placed in March or April under the new service contract which began March 1. HI-5 redemption centers are located in the parking lot behind IGA in Haleiwa and at the Kahuku Sugar Mill. Curbside recycling is in the near future.

4)       The City Department of Facility Maintenance reported that Dole Food Company is responsible and will make repairs to an erosion condition on Kaukonahua Road near the S turn.

5)       The next step to implement the Haleiwa Town Master Plan is initiating an ID. The North Shore Chamber does not support going the ID route, instead to look for grants and partnerships. The City will proceed only via the ID process, though other funding such State or federal monies could be used for the owners’ shares.

6)       The surf contest draft rules are being reviewed by a number of sources. The draft was sent to the promoters for comments back in July with few comments received; draft is now being reviewed by corporate counsel. If approved, it will be sent to small businesses, neighborhood boards and the north shore community association for comments prior to going to public hearing.

7)       The City would not seek to relocate persons experiencing homelessness from the parks without coordinating an effort with state and private service providers to assist this population in finding alternative living accommodations and in conjunction with other necessary health and supportive services.

8)       The City’s studies have shown that rail is the best transportation alternative when all aspects are looked at including cost, environmental impacts, reduced traffic congestion, and land use planning. However, the State is still able to construct new freeways or double deck existing ones if they so choose.

Questions and comments:

·         Lunasco asked if the Mayor knew the status on Pomoho Village, the north shore Del Monte property that Savio Realty acquired three years ago and still has had no conversion movement as planned.

·         Phillips asked if a non profit organization had a recyclable bin in use, would the City still able to pickup for distribution. A. Remec said the City has contracts with distribution centers and are able to recycle the bins.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – G. Kuo reported:  The BWS continually analyzes the water system to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. There are four factors that BWS takes into account: Condition Assessment, Water System Upgrades, Public Impact, and Project Coordination. Once the above four factors are analyzed and a stretch is identified, BWS budgets for design and construction and then notifies all involved parties including Neighborhood Boards. A bid process followed. BWS recognizes the impact construction projects can have on a community. However, these projects are critical to reducing the number of emergencies. To find out BWS constructions in your area, log onto to boardofwatersupply.com and click on “Construction Projects” or contact BWS at 748-5730.

Questions and comments:

1)       Leinau asked why BWS does not do in-house projects. G. Kuo said the BWS not only handles water breaks but major projects require contractors to speed up the work load and process.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Matsuura reported:

1)       The Bicycle Safety Resolution has been sent to all Neighborhood Boards (NB). The resolution was reintroduced to replace one that lapse on February 2. 2008.

2)       Resolution No. 07-379 proposes limiting a NB member to four consecutive 2 year terms. It has passed 2^nd Reading and Public Hearing and has been referred back to the Executive Matters Committee.

3)       District II Fiscal Year (FY)2009 Capital Improvements Projects (CIP) are as follows: Pupukea Road Rockslide Potential & Mitigative improvements-$5.2million; Kawailoa Refuse Convenience Center; Bazai Rock Beach Support for plan and design -$100,000; pavement reconstructing at Waialua District Park-$10,000; reconstruct wastewater systems for Waialua District Park; Kaukonahua Road guardrail improvements-$30,000; Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park play equipment-$50,000.

4)       The following projects were not in the Mayor’s final Executive Capital Budget and Program Bill for FY 2009: Haleiwa Town sidewalk; Kaukonahua and Paukauwila stream dredging.

5)       RISRS/Follow up request: Mokuleia Beach Park comfort station will be demolished; it is in bad shape.

Questions and comments:

·         Andersen said Kaukonahua Road will need to have guardrails removed to add shoulder lanes. Cars do not have enough space to escape the main road if needed. Reed said ditches and drainages are present in some portions of Kaukonahua Road and will need to be evaluated.

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

1)       The State Department of Health (DOH) has responded with a contract modification extending to June 30, 2008 the University of Hawaii (UH) watershed assessment in the North Shore community. DOH is also requesting an invoice for the remaining contract balance including all contract deliverables and final report upon completion. DOH also intends to issue in May a Request for Proposal for use of Clean Water Act funds for polluted runoff control. Dr. Yost brought the issues of heavy metal contamination to DOH attention; arsenic levels in Hawaii soils are higher than other areas due to volcanic soils and the historic use of certain herbicides. In Hawaii, the arsenic remains tightly bound to the soil and is rarely seen at levels of concern within our water. The State Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office (HEER) reviewed the data and sampling techniques available then and proposed next steps. In particular, UH used water filters with much wider pores than those used by HEER, and that could elevate the measured arsenic and other metals in the water column. DOH has recommended more testing be done and conclusions about health risk must await such further work. It has been recommended to wait for the final report to share with the community for further input.

2)       The NASA/BAE Systems FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, March 27 – 29. Students on 25 teams representing high schools on the Big Island, Kauai and O’ahu are preparing for the competition. The event will also feature 12 mainland teams and more than 700 students are participating.

3)       G. Ishikawa asked to defer part of his presentation on Turtle Bay (TB). Denise Antolini and some members of the TB acquisition work group are present tonight.

4)       D. Antolini introduced Junior Primacio and Blake Antolini as being members of the Governor’s TB advisory working group. She was happy to see so many community members linked to the TB acquisition group; she named several names well known to the community for their services. She said residents are welcomed to email questions and concerns to TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com as well as reading weekly updates, news and meeting minutes posted on www.Hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay .  She said the acquisition committee is currently reviewing real proposals, sustainable community impact and communication issues and encourages all to submit input.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Judy Fomin reported:

1)       While she was in Washington, D.C. she met with legislature discussing an important bill relating to kidney disease which is on the rise in the rural parts of Hawaii.

2)       HB839 relating to beach access is currently being heard addresses the many beach access being overtaken with development.

3)       Resolution 278 relating to women’s surfing contest has crossed over to Senate.

4)       The Medal of Honor ceremony happened today for members of The Armed Forces who have lost their lives in the current wars. Members that were stationed here in Hawaii in the past three years were eligible.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  

1)       Dan Quinn from the State DLNR regarding Kaena Point State Park said a two mile stretch has been paved and designated for ATV activity. The stretch from Yokohama Bay to Makua Valley has been closely monitored and protected by DLNR. He hopes to make a presentation when placed on the NSNB agenda.

2)       Lance Segawa from Kahuku Medical Center (KMC) thanked the community and Senators Hee and Magaoay for all the support for the hospital through the bankruptcy process. He is happy to announce as of March 14 the hospital officially became KMC and is ready to serve the community.

3)       T. Shirai said he submitted testimony on HB32826 regarding permitting the mining of rocks and sand but has not received any response. He said companies such as Amaron are in demand of the natural products to produce cement.

4)       S. Ring thanked DLNR and HPD for upholding protection and preservation of the Mokuleia district and parks.

5)       Phillips was concerned about Foodland delivery trucks parked at Lanikea Chun’s beach which block the bike way creating a hazard for all.

6)        Leinau thanked DLNR and Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) for responding to complaints and information regarding fish replenishing and aquarium fish control.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION / ACTION:

West Wind Works (WWW), LLC and Midwest Wind presentation by Keith Avery – Oahu has little renewable energy and severely lags in supporting the state’s energy plan. The Maui wind farm was completed in 1995. WWW proposes using a buffer zone unused higher elevation area of Kahuku Agriculture Subdivision. Eleven 2.5 wind turbines with 96m rotors using transmission power lines to channel power may begin construction at the end of 2008 and be operational in mid 2009. He said no fossil fuels are involved - only wind and sun energy will be produced by wind turbines on 80m tall tubular towers. He said a 25 year lease and power purchase agreement with the State may be worth 1 billion dollars. The State has this unique opportunity to provide and sell power via HECO and can benefit retaining ownership after the 25 year contract. The approximate project cost; $120 million will be funded by WWW and Midwest Wind Finance. Currently, the two part project is working with the Governor, Turtle Bay, U.S. Army and DLNR. This may allow a unique opportunity for the Turtle Bay acquisition investment as well as the community. This project will create 100+ short term jogs and 10+ long term jobs as well as saving the State about 40 million per year. The towers last about 50 years offering the State a “priceless” agreement to secure long term indigenous fixed priced energy.  He also said there also is a proposal to create turbines off shore by the federal government to sell to the State.

Questions and concerns:

• Leinau was curious what the wind turbines will look like and if any noise generated. K. Avery said Hawaii was a pioneer to wind farm. This will be a second attempt with new utilities and wind abundance in Kahuku the turbines will work great. K. Avery added the turbines are white to blend in with the environment especially if located on hillsides.
• Phillips asked how off shore turbines are secured with waters so deep. K. Avery said concrete is used to secure turbines 60 meters in deep waters on tripods towers high enough to generate energy at a three mile limit. Cables will be used to channel energy. This energy has also been proposed for the rail energy solution; however, the federal government has not processed any contracts or plans.
• Riviere was curious also to know what major expense the Sate would encounter at the 25 year mark. K. Avery said the location of the turbines and placements are the most valuable investment since they will be a long term fixture. He said he will forward an advantage summary proposal to Denise Antolini. He added the 500 acres next to Kahuku High School is the current proposed land and data towers will be grandfathered into the project.

Plastic Free Hawaii Presentation by Kaliko Amona and Jacqueline Leinau – They are seeking to educate Haleiwa businesses as well as the community to minimize the use of plastic; plastic bags, food take-out containers, Styrofoam, plastic utensils, water bottles and so forth. They also want to promote the human and environmental health benefits of going plastic free, and assist local government in passing plastic free legislation. They asked the Board to support the Plastic Free Haleiwa coalition of community members and business owners and invited the Board to join as members. They have support from several media groups and are here to campaign for a healthier future and encourage the rewarding those that participate without condemning those that do not. Plastic Free Haleiwa is an initiative of Kokua Hawaii Foundation. For more information visit www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org they also asked for support of HCR No. 191; encouraging the use of environmentally friendly alternative to non-biodegradable plastic bags, to implement programs encouraging retailers to increase the use environmentally friendly alternatives.

Questions and concerns:

·         Lunasco is concerned about meal cost increases in the district. He noticed the coalition members consisted mainly of small businesses, however he felt more effort from larger companies would make more of an impact. Foodland and Longs have started the effort of banning the use of plastics. He also said the federal government created and promoted plastic products and now seems to be incapable of controlling plastic. K. Amona said alternative products are being offered to defray increases and cost increases are being proposed only on take out food items that use plastic and foam containers.

·         Meade commended the participation of young adults on this mission and sees a good start in changes with plastic and encouraged the group to seek congress’ support.

·         Leinau encouraged members to support this effort. Leinau moved and Phillips seconded for the North Shore Neighborhood Board to support HCR 191. Leinau said Paris and San Francisco has banned plastic bags and Haleiwa may be the first to do the same in Hawaii. Phillips said the fossil fuels are at an all time high in price and this is a small task to start with. The motion for the North Shore Neighborhood Board to support HCR 191 was ADOPTED. (10-1-0; ayes: Almeida, Matsuura, Riviere, Kawakakui, Lyons, Phillips, Anderson, Scoville, Leinau and Meade; nay: Lunasco).

·         Leinau moved and Phillips seconded for the North Shore Neighborhood Board to become coalition members of Plastic Free Haleiwa. Lunasco said he thought the Board had no right to be members, however, he desired to support the community. Phillips asked everyone to support the coalition. Phillips moved and Scoville seconded to amend the motion instead for the North Shore Neighborhood to support the Plastic Free Haleiwa Initiative. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (11-0-0; Almeida, Matsuura, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawakahui, Lyons, Phillips, Anderson, Scoville, Leinau and Meade).

Surf Committee Rules – Riviere reported the committee met twice and recommended the NSNB to support surf rule amendments. Riviere moved and Leinau seconded for the North Shore Neighborhood Board to address surf rule concerns with Mayor Hanneman, Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz and Department of Parks and Recreation.  

Questions and concerns:

·         Lunasco thought the City had communicated the rules to the committee. He encouraged the committee to seek and implement the new rules since the 2001 draft rules were withdrawn and only created problems.

·         Leinau said the motion does not help with a timeline and asked the committee to discuss and develop rules.

·         Kawahakui said one rule should be set on a time limit of wait periods for the waves to accommodate the surfers.  It seems the longer the wait period the more traffic become congested and the more illegal parking occurs as the news travels throughout the community.

·         Lunasco asked for the committee to review and develop better rules.

·         Riviere agreed with Lunasco and urged the City to implement rules as soon as possible to be placed by the winter surf season. Riviere withdrew his motion.

CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR'S REPORT –   

Chair Lyons thanked all the committees, the community and Junior Primacio from the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board for attending tonight’s meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Lyons announced the following:

1) The next meeting is Tuesday, May 27, 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 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by Malia Chanel-Benjamin, Neighborhood Assistant                                

Approved by Chair Lyons