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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 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 members was present out of 15. A vote of eight (8) members is required to adopt any motions.

Members Present – Jeffrey Alameida, Jacob Ng, Leif Anderson, Warren Scoville, Reed Matsuura, Gil Riviere, Ollie Lunasco, Arlene Kawahakui, Michael Lyons, Carol Philips, Blake McElheny, Antya Miller, and Robert Leinau.

MEMBERS ABSENT – John Hirota, and Geraldine Meade.

Guests – Galen Yoshimoto (Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Office, Mayor Hannemann’s Representative); Lt. Byron Martin (Honolulu Police Department), Captain David Morgan (Honolulu Fire Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office staff), Mark Takemoto (Dole Foods and Castle & Cook), Ruth Holribe (Principal Sunset Beach Elementary), Thomas Shirai, Maxi Moto, Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Noe Kalipi, Tom Sandees, Lola Taylor, Michele Fleisher, Josh Heimoritz, Judy Fomin, David Dixon, Lindsey Austin, Wren Wescoatt, Kyoko Nakayama, Jen Sceifo-Jones, Linda Kress, Sue Chin, Lola Taylor, Lloyd Shepherd, Shawn Sanders, Laura-Jean Cauresma, and John Lane (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

APPROVAL/ADDITION/CORRECTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: September 23, 2008 meeting: The Board approved the September 23, 2008 meeting minutes with the following amendments:

• Page 1; under Guests, should include: Susan Jones.
• Page 2; under Transportation Committee, line 1 should read: “Gil Riviere reported that the committee has quarterly meeting that meet on the 2^nd Wednesday of each quarter.”
• Page 2; under Residents’ Concerns, item 2 first line should read: “Kilioe Place” instead of “Kilioi Place.”
• Page 2; under Residents’ Concerns, item 6 last line should read: “This is a perfect opportunity to preserve sandy beaches for future use by relocating structures off of the shortline.”
• Page 2; under Residents’ Concerns, should add item 9 to read: “It was suggested that grass on Weed Junction 1 Circle be cut because it is blocking the visibility of cars trying to pull out.”
• Page 3; under Councilmember Dela Cruz, item 2 should read: “Received an email from Jake Ng about the Mokuleia Ranch development.”
• Page 4; 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.”

Leinau moved to approve the September 23, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes; Matsuura seconded the motion. The motion was ADOPTED unanimously, 13-0-0. Aye: Alameida, Ng, Matsuura, Riviere, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Philips, McElheny, Anderson, Scoville, Miller, and Leinau.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Phillips reported expenses incurred in September; Operating Account expended $46.49 for printing/postage of agenda/minutes, Publicity Account will be billed in October. Refreshment Account incurred no expenses; leaving a closing balance for September of $3,463.50.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Martin reported statistics for the month of September included 12 burglaries, 23 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 13 motor vehicle collisions and 40 thefts. Martin responded to a past concern regarding number of active investigations on a monthly basis. For the month of September there were 14 active investigations that had viable suspect leads and in October there were 11 active investigations. The number of arrests for the month of September and partially for the month of October included 3 motor vehicle thefts, 4 UEMV, 1 burglary, and 2 thefts.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Philips inquired if there was a police substation located at Sunset Beach or if there was one near there. Martin responded that Wahiawa has a substation and this would be the closest location.

2.       Philips suggested that a substation be created at the State Park at Banzai Rocks. Substations have worked in other areas.

3.       Lola Taylor mentioned her concern over crime such as burglaries at Sunset Point and asked what can be done. She also mentioned that quite a few residents from the area are present at the meeting tonight.

4.       Lloyd Shepherd, a lifetime resident of Sunset Beach expressed concern over the crime and said it was unbelievable that almost every home in the area has experienced crime and some more than once. He asked if there could be more police patrols and if maybe residents should put together a neighborhood security watch. Lt. Martin suggested that the residents file reports. Shepherd replied that they have and continue to.

5.       Another concerned Sunset Beach resident, Sue Chin expressed that she and her neighbors do not feel safe in their own homes. She asked about the burglary statistics in District 2 and was told by Lt. Martin that there have been 12 burglaries. She was confused about why some statistics were listed on the website, while others weren’t. Lt. Martin clarified that the 12 burglaries are only for the North Shore area and not anywhere else.

6.       Jen Sceifo-Jones felt that the police in the Sunset Beach area are more concerned about protecting tourists than the residents in the area. She would like to see HPD patrolling the streets in this area rather than being stationed in one area in order to increase their presence.

7.       David Dixon was burglarized on September 14, 2008 when he went to get something to eat. He wanted to show his appreciation to the police officers who responded to his call because they were very respectful. He wanted to reiterate that there needs to be more patrolling and HPD presence in the Sunset Point area.

8.       Shawn Sanders feels that the crime in the Sunset Point area is out of control and might be done by someone living in the area or who is around the area all the time. He mentioned that many residents have gotten robbed by leaving their house to go out for dinner and feels that a stronger HPD presence is necessary.

9.       Linda Kress mentioned that she was robbed on May 22, 2008 and she filed a report, but no one had gotten back to her.

10.   Chair Lyons encouraged HPD to take these concerns back to their station and follow up for the next meeting and expressed that beginning November 12, 2008 when the surf contests begin, there will be a need for an increased HPD presence in the North Shore area since many types of people come to the area at the time.

11.   Laura-Jean Caresma commented that she has two homes located in the area of Kamehameha Highway before Sunset Beach Elementary which she doesn’t reside in, but feels that they might not have gotten robbed because she has added security and strong neighbor presence. Her neighbors know she is the owner and when any strange activity occurs in the area, they document actions with their cameras. She encouraged everyone to make friends with their neighbors.

12.   Lt. Martin acknowledged the concerns of all the residents and said he would address his commander as well as each police watch in the area with the concerns. He said HPD would take a more proactive stance as well as encouraged residents to get involved, call 911 whenever necessary and work to put together a community policing team to get an active patrol officer.

13.   Chair Lyons mentioned that the residents of Sunset Beach have been proactive in their quest to minimize crime and suggested that since tourism is down to move officers from Waikiki to the North Shore to increase the patrol in the North Shore area without the added costs.

14.   Sanders brought up an issue about traffic congestion during Halloween in the Sunset Beach area. He felt that the situation was total chaos and had concern over cars parked in No Parking zones and vehicles driving in both directions on only one lane. He feels there needs to be more HPD support regarding this issue and a safe entrance and exit is needed during Halloween night to reduce traffic hazards. The streets include Hoalua Street, Holawa Street, and Kahauola Street.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Captain David Morgan reported for September the following statistics: 1) 0 structure, 3 wildland, 8 rubbish and 0 vehicle fires; 48 medical emergencies, 9 miscellaneous and 3 search and rescue calls. 2) No major incidents were reported. 3) No unusual incidents were reported 4) Safety Tip: When selecting Halloween costumes, ensures they are flame resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible to motorists. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Keep the length of costumes short to prevent tripping. A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision. Children should carry flashlights to light their way. 5) Safety Tip 2: The hurricane season extends through the month of December, and the Honolulu Fire Department encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure that your family is prepared in the event of a hurricane. Do you have a survival kit prepared? Do you know the location of your nearest hurricane shelter? Additional information and answers to these questions, can be found on the Department of Emergency Management’s website at www.honolulu.gov/ocda/. There are two hurricane shelters in this area: Kahuku High School and Waialua High School.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1.       Leinau mentioned that the recreation facilities adjacent to the Sunset Beach Fire Station are going to be raised and there will be no basketball or volleyball courts. Most fire stations have a recreational facility adjacent to them and if the community wants something the members should be proactive.

2.       Ng asked about the disturbance at around 5:30 am this morning involving four or five HPD, HFD and emergency vehicles. The disturbance was an accident that was called in.

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

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Gil Riviere reported that the committee will be meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 and he will be out of town, but Antya Miller will be chairing the meeting. It will be coming up two Wednesdays from today at 7:00 pm at the YWCA. Updates included 1) The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is still working on the Laniakea realignment project. 2) The rock fall mitigation for the Waimea Bay area is also still in motion and should be coming towards a conclusion.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Miller requested that a letter be sent on behalf of the Board to DTS regarding fast tracking the Laniakea project. She is concerned that the money might lapse before the project is completed.

2. Leinau commented that at the meeting last week involving bike paths and lanes, the rock fall area was challenged and feels that if pushed, the Government can and should make accommodations for a bike plan.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1.       Kyoko Nakayama announced that for the last several weeks she has been talking to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) about creating an off-leash dog area also known as a “bark park” for residents of the North Shore area. The target area is Kaiaka Park.

2.       Mark Takemoto reported that regarding the Ah Chu Lane issue, he is awaiting a final plan from the City & County of Honolulu. Philips mentioned that she had attended a meeting with some residents and there is concern over the possible widening of the roads and the removal of sidewalks. She hopes there will be a fair resolution to the community. Chair Lyons said that the issue will be for the next land owner to be responsible for and this person will need to stand before the Board with ideas on a resolution.

3.       Miller gave a brief history on the Haleiwa Special District and mentioned that it is preserved by state laws as a historically cultural district, which means that the businesses in the area must comply. Recently, she has received several complaints about the lunch wagons and street vendors in the north end of town because they are distracting from the character of Haleiwa town. Alenka Remec mentioned that she had previously discussed this with the Department of Health (DOH) and feels that residents should take a proactive approach, but that it is difficult to enforce on private property. Remec will check on the regulations and guidelines of a special design district. Caresma said she called several people at the DOH regarding the issue and expressed concern that the business owners in the area are being hurt by the numerous lunch wagons. She specifically expressed concern over the certified kitchen and didn’t feel that the lunch wagons were following procedure by going to them. She was directed to the NB by the State. Ng clarified that the certified kitchens are merely a place to cook food and shouldn’t be blamed for other issues regarding lunch wagons.

4.       Josh Heimoritz of the YMCA noted that the representatives from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) presented last month and will present again in November. He asked that the Board consider having a special separate meeting to discuss the issues relating to Kaena since there have been many interested in this discussion on what the plan should be in this area. He offered the dining hall at Camp Erdman as a potential meeting site and it has a sound system and can hold up to 300 people.

5.       Ruth Holribe, principal of Sunset Beach Elementary School encouraged people to continue to drop off their HI5 cans to the school recycling bins because the earnings of around $1200 per month have been really helping the school out through the trouble economic times. She would also like to extend her appreciation to the City & County of Honolulu for their new contractor, who is doing a good job.

6.       Blake McElheny gave three updates on issues of concern: 1) McElheny thanked the Board for allowing Dave Dreas to reiterate his presentation, which is moving through in the City. 2) He mentioned that landowners are inspired by the Board’s efforts to protect areas for future generations and the public. He is grateful that the Board is promoting land conservation opportunities to private landowners. 3) On Saturday, November 8, 2008 at Sunset Beach Elementary from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, there will be a talk story for the community involving recreational and cultural issues. McElheny thanked the Board for their support of ongoing community issues.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS:

Mayor Hannemann Representative – Alenka Remec reported: 1) Mrs. Chun received a letter from DOT that they are recognizing that a guard rail needs to be put up along side her property and have sent this information to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The engineers from DDC were able to survey the existing guard rail, which was causing some of the problems and they made an exception to start a new design. Remec will be working to make sure it takes place. 2) In July, Lunasco asked a question regarding why the subsidization of the planned rail system information was not being published. She passed out brochures with further detailed information on the transit system. She mentioned that the City Council passed a policy stating that 32-33% of the mass transit system must be recovered by the fares and that the rest should be covered by different subsidies.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Lunasco mentioned that he keeps jumping on this rail issue because his experience tells him that normally these types of things go over budget. This is going to be more expensive then all other forms of public transportation. Remec answered that the cost per year for rail will be about 60,000,000 compared to the bus which costs 180,000,000 to maintain.

2. Lunasco said there is no place in America where rail is self sufficient. Are his kids going to have their property taxes raised? Remec responded that mass transit is subsidized. The construction costs are covered by the GET increase and federal funds.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported: 1) One main break of a 16 inch pipe on September 15, 2008 at Kamakahala Street. 2) Natural disasters, power outages, rolling blackouts, or other unexpected events can disrupt the ability of the BWS to provide water service to the community. September marks the observance of National Preparedness month, so they distributed an informational flyer detailing how to prepare for an emergency. For more details, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. 3) BWS Tip - Did you know: a) The BWS pumps an average of 150 million gallons of water every day? b) The BWS maintains a water system that includes approximately 2,000 miles of pipes, four shafts, 12 tunnels, and 84 well stations?

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Alameida asked if the BWS plans to test for pharmaceuticals. Kuo answered that they are not on the EPA’s list of tested substances. If it is added then they will test for it.

Councilmember Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura reported: The Department of Transportation (DOT) will be repaving Kamehameha Highway from Kaena Point to Laie. They are looking into repaving the road from Pupukea to Velzyland. Dot has no response to the community’s complaints about putting up the bike paths.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Ng asked if the Councilmember has a schedule on the repairs to Haleiwa Road Matsuura will investigate the matter.

2. Chair Lyons asked if they can please fix the sidewalks on Haleiwa Road as well. They are not very safe. Matsuura said he will definitely look into the matter.

Governor Lingle's Representative – Galen Yoshimoto circulated the Governor’s report and was open to questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:  

1.       Miller asked that instead of coming here she hoped that Thielen would be scheduled to come to the meeting at Camp Erdman so that they can have more time. Yoshimoto replied that he doesn’t think Thielen cares where the meeting is but that she just wants to do one presentation.

2.       Stew Ring, from the Mokuleia Community Association, stated that they endorsed the idea of meeting out at Camp Erdman. There is more time and it is our kuleana. Our concept is that it will be more effective to meet there. Lunasco mentioned that he would rather have the meeting at the John Kalili Surf Center because it is a neutral zone and it will also be taped so the public can see what is going on.

3.       Chair Lyons asked if anyone would object to having the meeting at Camp Erdman: Lunasco, Anderson, Ng, Kawahakui all objected. Alameida, Matsuura, Riviere, Lyons, Philips, Scoville, Leinau, McElheny, and Miller all would rather have the meeting at Camp Erdman.

4.       Lunasco mentioned that when Thielen came here she said that if you wanted to camp at Kaena Point then you need to have a sanitation bucket. If you wanted to have a fire, it had to be in an approved container. The officers who enforce the park rules need to know this.

5.       Matsuura suggested that if they hold the meeting at Erdman then they should use the refreshment fund.

6.       Philips asked if an update on the Turtle Bay situation can be brought to the meeting. Yoshimoto said that he will look into it. 

State Senator Bunda – No representative.

State Representative Magaoay – reported on two questions from last month.

1.       The UH farm in Waimanalo is being transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

2.       1.2 million dollars will be spent by the end of the year. They are deciding which consultant to use for the alternative road project for the Laniakea Traffic Study. There will be an EIS prepared also.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Miller asked if there has been any conversation with DOT to get them to act quickly. Magaoay responded that yes he has talked to them about two weeks ago and they are in the procurement process.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – Marvin Buenconsejo reported: Congresswoman Hirono is currently on the island. Bill 1424 was recently passed and Hirono voted yes for it. Regular citizens need to be able to get loans and conduct business. Hirono voted against the first package. It provided three billion overall for education. The president and financial chairman will try to get a new stimulus package going. Hirono will be meeting with top economists to find the best way to help the economy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Lunasco commented that the No Child Left Behind plan was a good idea but no federal money came through. Our state has to hit certain numbers but there has been no cash flow to support attaining those numbers. Buenconsejo stated that rural areas are being affected the most. Hirono hopes that the new president would support them. There would be adjustments to the funding next session. Lunasco said that the people are still stuck by congress to pay for a bill that they passed.

2. Ng would like to thank Hirono for attending the meeting last Friday on organic crops. Many people would like to develop a meeting place in Haleiwa. Buenconsejo stated that she got as much info as she could so that organic growers could benefit from federal funding.

3. Miller mentioned that the U.S. Constitution does not state that the money must be accepted. If there is a decision to deny the money, then we do not have to hit their standards. Leinau said the problem is that a huge percentage of people in our public schools are mentally challenged. Other states have programs to take care of kids like that. Our DOE is stuck with all the kids.

4. Phillips commented that she is very happy to hear that Hirono supports organic farming. The Aala Puaa needs to be cleared up very quickly. Buenconsejo answered that they will get a copy to the board very soon.

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION:

Consideration of Welfare and Public Safety to be Submitted to Donovan Delacruz – Chair Lyons reported,

Last year the Board submitted approximately 15 projects and from them we were to choose three. That being the flood mitigation at Haleiwa and Wailua; walkways in Haleiwa; and the skateboard park at Sunset Beach. The skateboard park is progressing nicely and the other two should be kept open as the Mokuleia Community Association has written and there are no requests at this time. If the board is in agreement we will recommend tokeep the two. Leinau said that flood mitigation is not the Kuleana of the City and County unless it has to do with the roads. Chair Lyons stated that it does have to do with the roads. The board was polled and it was unanimous to keep the same two projects open.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1. Matsuura stated that it is easier to get something into the budget in advance then to add them later. We are asking all the communities to give them two projects each.

First Wind – Wind Farms in Kahuku – Noe Kalapi reported that the entire facility will be based on state conservation land. In terms of a global context the net census figures show 152 babies are born per minute. Hawaii is the most oil dependent state in the nation. Kahuku was chosen by the company because of the wind resource and the wind history that is there. Stats are in the brochure that has been passed out. The blades of the turbines are 157-159 feet long. They would be very visible mauka of Kamehameha Highway. Benefits are that there are no emissions from wind energy. They will include an EIS in the future so everyone will have accurate information.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Leinau asked what considerations the army is going to give you. Kalapi answered that they started with army ranger training and it seems like everything is working out very well. Leinau said that they claim to be owner, operator, builder for the life of the project what kind of amortization are they expecting. Kalapi said that it will be somewhere around 20 years.

2. McElheny asked if there is any difference in upwind or downwind wind strength. Kalapi stated there is no evidence of any difference.

3. Lunasco wants to know how serious they are about this. This is the third time that turbines are being placed in Kahuku. Kalapi answered that the machines used before were research and development ones. These ones are the best in the world.

4. Ng is glad to see that they are using the Kahuku science kids and getting them involved in the project.

5. Riviere stated that Kalapi mentioned it may create enough energy to power 8900 homes. What happens when there is 5 days of no wind? Kalapi answered then they will be run by the same means that they are being run now.

6. Chair Lyons asked if the Kahuku residents have been supportive. Kalapi said that at this point everybody has been supportive.

7. Leinau stated that the last turbines were close to breaking the sound barrier. What kind of decibels will these hit. Kalapi responded that the tip speed should be a fraction of the sound barrier.

8. Phillips wants to know if the cost of selling to Hawaiian Electric will fluctuate. Kalapi said it is still being negotiated but will probably be a fixed price. Phillips asked if it will create a lot of jobs. Kalapi said that no not a lot of jobs, maybe 8 or so. Phillips asked what amount of the money generated will remain in state. Kalapi said that she did not know.

9. McElheny asked if there need to be changes done to HECOs system to be able to accept the wind energy. Kalapi said that no the existing lines can handle the extra 30 megawatts.

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:

• The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will be having its quarterly membership meeting this Thursday at 8:00 p.m. at Haleiwa Joe’s. The second event they will have is the annual Christmas parade December 12 at 6:00 p.m.

• The next Board meeting will be on Tuesday November 25, 2008 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center

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

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Submitted by John Lane

Neighborhood Assistant        

Reviewed by Chair Lyons