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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 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 ­­12 members was present out of 15. A vote of eight (8) members is required to adopt any motions.

Members Present – Jeffrey Alameida, Jacob Ng, Warren Scoville, Reed Matsuura, Gil Riviere, Ollie Lunasco, Arlene Kawahakui, Michael Lyons, Antya Miller, Geraldine Meade, John Hirota, and Robert Leinau.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Carol Philips, Leif Anderson and Blake McElheny.

Guests – Galen Yoshimoto (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin, Capt. Moana Heu (Honolulu Police Department), Capt. David Morgan (Honolulu Fire Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office staff), Ruth Holmburg (Principal, Sunset Beach Elementary School), Thomas Shirai, Maxi Moto, Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Mary-Jane Dalumpinis, S. Joe Estores, Michele Fleisher, Catherine Datuin, Yolanda Spair, Virg Basillo, David Penn, P and J Nelson, Brian Hunter, Robert Kaaiawanoa, Mike Dixon, Linda Koch, Kalani Fronda, Suzanne Westerly, Nash Witten, and John Lane (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL/ADDITION/CORRECTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: October 28, 2008 meeting: The Board approved the October 28, 2008 meeting minutes with the following amendments:

• Page 4; resident concerns, “Ah Chu” should be spelled Achiu Lane.
• Page 4; resident concerns, #5 Ruth “Holribe” is incorrect should be Holmburg.
• Page 5; resident concerns, #6 Dane “Dreas” is incorrect should be Druz.
• Page 5; Mayor Hannemann’s Representative,item1 compared to TheBus which costs “$180,000,000” to maintain. Amount should be $130,000,000. 
• Page 8; First Wind – Questions, comments, and concerns followed: item4 – Jacob Ng also requested that Waialua High and Intermediate be added to the wind farm’s educational programs.
• Page 3; Transportation Committee says “YWCA” should be YMCA.
• Page 7; item4, should read, “NG suggested also getting Waialua High School involved under Castle and Cooke Report and Update Regarding Crozier Drive Cottages; line 13 should read: “Alameida moved to support the proposal in principle to put forth for renovation and replacement; Riviere seconded the motion.”
•             Page 5; additional talking points from Councilmember Dela Cruz not included in minutes:  Memorandum from Councilmember Dela Cruz requesting advance budget requests for the 2009 to 2010 fiscal year. This is an attempt to get our prioritized district projects on the mayor’s original budget bill for fiscal year 2010. This is important because being contained in the original bill would automatically or most likely mean that the project will be funded and completed. Having to add it on later as an amendment is daunting. If we amend the budget bill, the demand from the Budget Chair is that we delete something from our district with a similar amount of funding.

Leinau moved to approve the October 28, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes; Matsuura seconded the motion. The motion was ADOPTED unanimously, 12-0-0. Aye: Alameida, Ng, Matsuura, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Meade, Hirota, Scoville, Miller, and Leinau.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Deferred.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Bryon Martin reported: 1) September’s statistics  included: 15 burglaries, 9 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 7 motor vehicle collisions (MVC) and 36 thefts. 2) Martin also stated two suspects are being sought in connection with the investigation relating to the commercial promotion of dangerous drugs in Pupukea.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Alameida commended and thanked HPD’s Community Resource Team for creating the crime analysis website; and asked it be maintained. Martin answered yes.

2.       Alameida mentioned once the surf contest starts there will be many illegally parked cars; and requested more police presence. Martin replied that police presence always picks up during the surf season.

3.       Ng asked when police are out at night if their blue lights have to be on; Martin answered no, they do not.

4.       Leinau commented that at the last meeting residents from Sunset Point came out in force with concerns of theft in their area. Martin said they had a very favorable meeting a few nights ago and suspects are being pursued.

5.       Capt. Heu stated that community policing teams are working with residents from Sunset Point and a lot of good information shared helped the police address the community’s concerns and are able to be more effective.  

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Actg. Capt. David Morgan reported September’s statistics: 1) 1 structure, 2 wildland, 5 rubbish and 1 vehicle fires; 43 medical emergencies, 23 miscellaneous and 6 search and rescue calls. 2) No major or unusual incidents were reported. 3) Safety Tip: This holiday season, consider a fire-resistant, artificial Christmas tree. If you purchase a natural tree, choose one as fresh as possible, keep it hydrated, and keep it away from heat sources in the house. Use noncombustible materials for decorations. Choose only underwriter’s Laboratory-approved electrical decorations and follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and load. Do not over load extension cords. 4) Safety Tip 2: Holiday family gatherings often include extensive food preparation and visiting guests. As a significant portion of home fires originate in the kitchen, do not leave cooking unattended. Have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher available near the kitchen and learn to use it. Turn off the heat if you must leave the stove, even if only for a few minutes. Never wear long, loose-sleeved clothing while cooking. Turn the handles of pots and pans inward to prevent accidents. Keep children away from the kitchen.

No questions followed.

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

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: None

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1.       Riviere mentioned that final registration for Waialua Little League is on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Waialua District Park. Call 220-2280 for information.

2.       Ng commented that Patricia Hamamoto, Superintendent of Department of Education (DOE) is looking into merging Waialua and Wahiawa’s elementary schools. The DOE is doing a study where pros and cons are discussed. There is a possibility of better technology and curriculum.

3.       Suzanne Westerly of Sunset Point loves the bike path and she would like to see it extended to include Waialua.

4.       Lunasco reported the bottom road at Kaena Point has been blocked. It is not the doing of the state but rather someone from the association. He suggested the Board write to Director Thielen of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to get it open as it should be. Lyons requested working with Galen Yoshimoto to remedy the problem. Lunasco mentioned that a subcommittee of this Board came to an agreement with DLNR and other concerned residents that this road would never be blocked.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS:

Mayor Hannemann Representative – Report Circulated

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: None

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported two main breaks for the month of October; a report was circulated.

No questions followed.

Councilmember Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura reported:

1.       City Releases Transit Draft Environmental Impact Statement – On November 2, 2008, the City Administration released Part 1 of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project for the Locally Preferred Alternative Route for mass transit. A DEIS identifies the current and future need to address various transportation issues; environmental analysis, consequences and mitigation; displacements and relocations; visual and aesthetic impacts; noise and vibration concerns; hazardous materials; water resources; street trees; archaeological, cultural and historic resources; construction effects; impacts on public parklands and historic sites; and cost and financial analysis, including the cost of construction and operating and maintenance cost of the proposed transit system.

2.       Kahuku Villages Association – The Kahuku Villages, Makai side of Kamehameha Highway, had their curbside or solid waste pick-up discontinued earlier this year due to the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) concern with the dust created by refuse trucks is affecting the health of its employees. After many requests, the ENV reinstated curbside pickup when they found a method to service residents without putting their workers in a hazardous situation. When curbside pickup was reinstated, residents of Kahuku Villages were left with large trash bins that they had to personally purchase because the City had indicated at the time that this was the only way that their trash would be picked-up. After many months, the Department of Environmental Services finally relented and purchased the bins from Kahuku Villages Association.

3.       Resolution to Expedite Park Completion – It has been an ongoing struggle to complete Kahalu’u Regional Park just footsteps from the finish line. The Council member’s office was able to obtain funding for completion of the perimeter of the outer walkway in the fiscal year 2009 capital improvement budget. Introduction of legislation is urging the administration to finish construction of the park. The council appropriated $80,000 to complete the planning, design, and construction of the park perimeter path to address drainage issues and to replace two monkeypod trees and the money and project is to be implemented as soon as possible.

4.       63rd Annual Wahiawa Veteran’s Day Parade – On November 11, hundreds gathered in Wahiawa to recognize those who gave their hearts and risked their lives to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens of the United States. Councilmember Dela Cruz was joined by Representatives Marilyn Lee, Ryan Yamane, and Senator Robert Bunda for the parade that honored these brave veterans.

5.       Da Hui Honored for Annual Beach Clean-up – Da Hui, Hawaiian for “The Club”, was honored at the October City Council meeting for undertaking the largest beach clean-up on Oahu for a fifth consecutive year.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. A complaint was previously given to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation regarding the roots that are coming through the roadway on Pupukea pathway.  

2. Emergency Medical Services said there will be no lifeguard station at Velzyland until 2012.

3. Ng asked that since the Board did not support Bill 6, should the Board reaffirm its position against this bill. Matsuura replied it might be a good idea.

Governor Lingle's Representative – Report was circulated.

State Senator Bunda – No representative.

State Representative Magaoay – No representative.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

At this point, the meeting recessed while waiting for Dr. Yost to arrive. From 7:31 till 7:47.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION:

University of Hawaii – Dr. Yost will give the final presentation on the water conditions of streams and waterways.  His full team includes people from the University of Hawaii, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Health. One of their goals is to present a summary of community submitted by survey. Major concerns have been selected of both the team and the community. Flooding is a high priority on a scale of 1-5; one being the most undesirable and 5 being the most desirable. The average score was four. People asked about dredging at Otake Camp. The best way to summarize the present situation is that there is a flood every two years. Dredging is possible but will cost between $50,000 and $600,000 depending on the extent of the dredging. With the dredging the area would still flood every five years. The team’s assessment is the relief the dredging provides is not worth the cost.

Lake Wilson has lots of issues, not just flooding. Education has been determined as the best way to combat polluting behaviors; and educating students of what polluting behaviors are. Wetlands should be developed to stop soil erosion; and a soil cover during the rainy season. A lot of people thought that placing plans of new projects on the web was a good idea and a good way for people to become aware to what’s going on.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Riviere asked why dredging the streams only buys them a couple of years. Dr. Alkady answered that they need land to dredge. There is not enough available space to clear. With the space they have does not clear away enough sediment to make a lasting difference plus the cost is very high.

2. Lunasco noted that the bridge cannot take the capacity of water so it makes the water go around and creates a flood all the time. When the bridge was made it was not designed to handle the amount of water that it is now getting.

3. Meade recommended a traveling group going to different schools and giving educational presentations about water pollution and connected subjects, which may leave a lasting impression.

4. Ng stated that Otake Camp is getting worse with the stream already gone. The City dredged their half of the stream a year and a half ago and why the state not do their half of the stream. The Department of Health approved the new military facility on former agricultural land. All that runoff is going into the Poamoho Gulch reservoir. It will all eventually end up here especially if the dam breaks. Yost said that if the dam were to break the water would be here in about 40 minutes.

5. Matsuura commented that according to his information Kaloko Dam has never been dredged. All the backing up of the streams is attributed to that. The water comes down but the current pushes the silt back up the streams. Dredging is necessary. Soon the silt will back up all the irrigation ditches. Most people have cesspools and it is a health hazard whenever it floods. Yost responded that dredging is an idea that should be done carefully and by itself is not a solution.

6. Matsuura said that if Wahiawa Dam breaks half of Waialua and Haleiwa will be gone. Whose responsibility is it to make sure the dam is safe.

7. A resident stated more studies are not needed to say there is a problem; something needs to be done. There will be 2000 new homes in the area all dumping their water in the same streams.

8. Leinau noted that the impact from the last major flood was unreal. Streams that were 30 feet wide became 90 feet wide. The agricultural practices need to be looked at to find where the silt is coming from.

9. Howard Green mentioned reading a study that claims the City & County of Honolulu is dumping two million gallons a day of treated sewage into Wahiawa Reservoir. Perhaps preventing that will be a solution to the polluting problems. Yost responded regarding to Lake Wilson that the treated sewage coming in was not economically estimated. There’s been more than just one particular accident. All solutions need to be considered both above and below the lake.

10. Alameida asked if the streams have sufficient flow at this time. Yost answered that a study has not been done at this time.

11. Lunasco commented that most important about this study is if this water can be used for crops. The possibility of the dam breaking is increasing. A key point should be how to use this water for the thousands of acres that are not being used. Green noted due to the water being polluted, it can not be used for crops.

12. Alameida said that it would be good to add the technology of changing the water to R-1 or R-2 and diverting it to Central Oahu Park. Yost suggested referring that question to the Department of Health.

13. David Penn commented that one of the biggest challenges is explaining their responsibilities. The goal is to raise awareness and knowledge now that the University of Hawaii project is winding down. Currently, work is on the upper part of the watershed. Eventually, going to the top of the mountain to three nautical miles above shore. Additional funding is necessary and a whole field of social indications that need to be addressed.

14. Penn handed out a brochure entitled, “A Guide To Eating Fish Safely.” All results in this study follow EPA guidelines and will be shared with DLNR. Water quality and public health are necessary in this study. There are a lot of overlapping programs working on this. Hirota asked to comment on the quality of Wahiawa Reservoir and that affects everything that we have been talking about tonight. Linda Koch said that uses have been designated for different water quality types.

15. Hirota stated that Wahiawa Reservoir has treated effluent being poured into it at a volume of 3 million to 4 million gallons a day. The reservoir receives stream flow of 40 million gallons a day and when it rains the drainage systems overflow from the military, City & County of Honolulu, and the State of Hawaii. This reservoir used to pump out 40 million gallons a day to Waialua sugar and that water had the same quality as today’s water. 

16. Brian Hunter commented that 2-3 million gallons of effluent from Schofield Barracks meet the new R-1 standards. Classification of the facility itself is still classified as R-2 due to backup storage capacity. It can not be used for R-1 purposes even if the quality meets R-1 standards. R-1 can be used for any form of irrigation for any food crop, cooling/A.C., and you can swim in it. Wahiawa does not meet the 2002 guidelines for R-1 usage.

17. Matsuura asked if The DOH thinks that because the water comes from an R-2 facility it can be used as R-2. Hunter said that question must be posed to the Wastewater Branch. The cost for this study is irrelevant because it is a necessity to public health.

18. Ng mentioned that the reason that UH did the study was because of soil contamination contributing to cancer and diabetes. It is important to recognize that the data collected by UH was only intended for certain reasons and should be used for those reasons. The project was funded to raise the public awareness in how watershed contamination affects public health.

19. Leinau stated that the study is sure about the numbers but not about the conclusion. The whole subject of this thing is more funding. In the past problems were not addressed now you oversee them. Does any of this end up with the EPA fining anyone. It seems like the DOH could be more pro active. Hunter responded that with regards to the discharge from the sewer treatment plant it is permitted on a 5 year circle. The City & County of Honolulu check it once a week to check conditions.

20. Green asked if they have a permit. No they have an agreement that has no end date as opposed to a permit that is only good every 5 years. One of the things that they do make decisions about is what bodies of water make water quality standards and what does not. We have to come up with a way to get those standards up to par. They do not investigate the water problems he just gathers it and then turns it over to the proper branch of water quality. If there is any Clean Water Act violations and they find that the party is doing what it should then it can be a good barrier against prosecution.

21. Green mentioned that when standards are established for water quality it should meet standards for consumable crops. Hunter said that his report does not go that far.

22. Lunasco stated that a whole lot of money was spent studying but isn’t something going to be done to correct the situation. If not then it was all a waste. The Lingle Administration should do something to protect the people. When was the Schofield water determined to be R-1. Hunter answered very recently. Lunasco asked what kind of water Wahiawa water is. Hunter said R-2, and all that water is going into the bay.

23. Hirota said that we need help getting all that info out to the farmers. The land is all vacant. We used 50 to 75 million gallons of water a day at Wailua Sugar. The water is all R-2 and nobody can utilize the land around it or the water. The difference is about making the people aware of the problem. For 20 years they have been trying to get Dole to do something about it. Hunter said that hopefully the water will be R-1 soon so that the City & County of Honolulu and Schofield can do something with it.

24. Ng said that one of the DOH most important decisions is the daily load limits. Is Kaheka Bay being considered a top priority? Dr. Penn answered that it is a statewide project and that not only he gets to decide what the priorities are.

25. Alameida asked if the City & County of Honolulu will be accepting any of the three alternatives. Penn said that regarding the issue of reuse the water can be cleaned up by the BOW and returned to Lake Wilson. Alameida said as far as the impact of Reservoir water being directed to other locations is concerned will that water be clean. Penn said that no one is sure.

26. Chair Lyons commented that if you look at the sewage treatment plan at Wahiawa there are all kinds of unsanitary things coming out of there. All the fish are black because of what they eat. That is what he sees from a layman’s point of view. People here shouldn’t have to settle for second best. The North Shore wants better then that.

CHAIRS REPORT –There are some variance requests regarding building and farm laws by Thompson’s corner.

There will be a new septic system in the back of Malama. We are going to have something happening on Kilioe in the near future. There’s a variance request for a seawall in the Mokuleia area.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Learn more about a group health plan called Medicare Advantage. Haleiwa Gym on December 9^th.

• The North Shore Christmas Parade is on December 12. The main road will be closed from 6:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. Please call The Bus Company if you have any questions.

• Olelo Broadcast Saturdays, Channel 49, 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Submitted by John Lane

Neighborhood Assistant        

Reviewed by Chair Lyons