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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER BY CHAIR – Chair Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of ­­12 members present. This 15 member board requires eight (8) members for a quorum and to take official board action.

Members Present – Leif Andersen, John Hirota, Arlene Kawahakui, Robert Leinau, Ollie Lunasco, Michael Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Blake McElheny, Antya Miller, Jacob Ng, Gil Riviere, and Warren Scoville.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Jeffrey Alameida, Geraldine Meade, and Carol Phillips.

Guests – Alenka Remec (Mayor Hannemann’s Representative), Galen Yoshimoto (State Department of Defense; Governor Lingle’s Representative), Lt. Byron Martin, (Honolulu Police Department), Acting Captain Jack Lauer (Honolulu Fire Department), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office staff),  Kenneth Dill, Kayla Overton, Joe Estores, Thomas Shirai, Dennis Park, Sandra Park, Kinau Alber, Emily Chun, David Wayman, Sheryl Bieler, Robert North, Kandis McNulty, Judy Fomin (Representative Magaoay’s office), Dan Nellis (Dole), Virg Basillio, Kathleen Pahinui, Melvin Kaku (City Department of Environmental Services), Bodo Van Dor Leeden, Catherine Datunin, Welmon Walker, Angelique McCormick, Marlu West, Mark Takemoto, Karen Gallagher, Kalani Fronda, Marvin Buenconsejo (U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono’s Office), Nash Witten, Lloyd O’Sullivan, Pamela Baum, Paul Sonsano, Keoko Nakayama, and John Lane (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL/ADDITION/CORRECTION OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: January 27, 2009 meeting: The Board approved the January 27, 2009 meeting minutes with the following corrections:

1) Page 2 – Residents Concerns:

a)       Item no.1 – Keanui is Ke Nui

b)       Item no.2 – Kayoko is Kaiaka

2) Page 5 – last word on page is billion, it should say million

3) Page 6 – 2^nd paragraph Puakea Circle should be Kukea Circle and Ray Level is supposed to be Ray Lovell.

Matsuura moved, and Hirota seconded to approve the January 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes; Hirota seconded the motion. The motion was ADOPTED unanimously, 12-0-0 Aye: Anderson, Hirota, Kawahakui, Ng, Matsuura, McElheny, Lunasco, Lyons, Scoville, Miller, Riviere, and Leinau.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Balance of $2,492.94

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Bryon Martin reported: 1) December’s statistics  included: 16 burglaries, 44 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 8 motor vehicle collisions (MVC) and 27 thefts.  

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       McElheny asked if any officers while on patrol, make it down to the end of Pupukea Road; Martin answered that yes they do and he drove out there earlier today.

2.   Andersen stated that there have been some mailbox robberies. Martin responded that this is the first he       has heard about them.

3.   Scoville asked who was in charge of notices about abandoned vehicles. Martin responded that if HPD get     a complaint they chalk the lines, after 24 hours they give out a ticket and tell the Abandoned Vehicles Division to come and get it.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Jack Lauer reported December’s statistics: 1) 2 structure, 5 wildland, 5 rubbish and 5 vehicle fires; 35 medical emergencies, 9 miscellaneous and 6 search and rescue calls. 2) Unusual incidents: None. 3) Safety Tip: Since the late 1970’s, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes that had no or inoperable smoke alarms. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms.  

U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION: On March 25 the Army will be welcoming back a brigade of soldiers and all those wishing to attend should use the Lyman Gate entrance.

Lunasco asked if the military has changed their philosophy on traveling down Kaukonahua Road. Mike Igami answered that no they did not and convoys are supposed to use Kamehameha Highway. Any complaints about this may be given to Kayla Overton 656-3159.

Pat Vega asked if there were any time tables set as to when the medivacs would be back. Igami answered that they probably will not be returning to public service. 

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: No report.

WATERSHED COMMITTEE: Ng stated that the committee met on February 19, 2009 at Shingon Mission. Their first order of business was to elect officers. Ng was elected chairman, Gilbert Fook was elected vice chairman, and Mary Lee Lyons was elected treasurer/secretary. Their number one priority is flood control and their secondary priority is water and soil analysis. The findings from previous analysis have been very scary and something must be done.  Dr. Yost will present these findings on March 19^th at Shingon Mission at 6:30 pm.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

Sheryl Bieler mentioned that there was $6000 raised for a plaque in the bathroom. The plaque has not been installed. Where is the plaque or the money? b) Papailoa has two public right of ways. Why is the first one locked and only the neighborhood knows the combination. c) Kaiaka Dog Park should be made into Kaiaka People Park. d) The Christmas Day Parade should not have been held due to the rain and the lightning. There were children walking with umbrellas, which could have been dangerous.  

Pamela Baum will be opening up the Haleiwa Farmers Market on Cane Road. There will be Hawaii Agriculture only, no mainland food will be allowed. It will be held every Sunday with free parking and free admission. There will be a $30 fee for vendors. For more information please call 388-9696 or email her at Haleiwafarmersmarket@gmail.com.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS:

Mayor Hannemann Representative – Alenka Remec – Report circulated

McElheny commented that two small fires were set on Pupukea Road. Please watch out for kids lighting them. HPD will keep an eye out.

Lunasco complained about the usage available at Wailaua Recreational Center. The director seems to think she owns the entire building. We should take a look at the schedule and find out why everyone cannot use it. Remec will check on the schedule.

Paul Sonsano said that some resident’s have a concern about a date tree next to Waialua Bridge. Some arborists have looked at it and recommended that it be cut down.

The DLNR mentioned that there will be a meeting tomorrow, February 25, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:30. It is a public workshop looking to find people willing to serve on a committee regarding Kaena Point. The location is 10 Sand Island Access Road. Lunasco asked why they are having it at Sand Island it should be held in the North Shore. The DLNR stated that they do not agree with that because many responses came from all over the island. The Waimanalo and Honolulu areas had many respondents.

The Harbor Masters house has been fixed. DLNR stated that it is still falling down. In 2013, funds from a CIP project will give $700,000 to rebuild that building. Hopefully we can rebuild it and not tear it down.

Ng stated that the vice principal of Waialua High School is here and that the Waialua District Park is not available for the school to use. They need four tennis courts and the park will only let them use three. Remec will check on it.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo passed out a report to help people deal with emergency procedures. Kuo stated that a contractor has been hired to finish all the bad patch jobs by the twin bridges.

Councilmember Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura passed out a report and highlighted:

Water Conservation By Recycling – Last month, the Board of Water Supply asked residents of Windward Oahu to restrict usage by ten percent due to lack of rainfall. In January 2008, the City Council approved a resolution to establish a policy to reduce potable water usage at city facilities by one percent per year for the next ten years.

Excel Founder Honored – This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Excel Pro, a pro-am surfing contest where many professionals began their careers. Ed D’Ascolli, the founder of the Excel brand and the Excel Pro, envisioned a contest that both seasoned professionals and ambitious amateurs could compete.

Bill 4 (2009) – Relating to texting and driving. The bill was passed by the council and then vetoed by Mayor Hannemann. It needs a two thirds vote to override the mayor’s veto.

Matsuura added that Waialua Beach Road will be adding another light by the bridge.

Governor Lingle's Representative – Galen Yoshimoto circulated the Governor’s report.

Lunasco stated that we worked on DLNR’s warden issue and the impression that he is getting now is that it is just going to be buried. Lunasco hopes that Yoshimoto takes that back to the Governor’s office. Thielen and her Warden’s have said things that are outright lies. Yoshimoto will that back to the Governor.

State Senator Bunda – No representative.

State Representative Magaoay – Judy Fomin circulated Magaoay’s report and highlighted:

It is the middle of the session and bills are getting ready to cross over. The other side of the legislature can make comments and then they come back over in April. Fomin said that the only way things happen is if the community contacts them and lets them know what is going on.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative or report present.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS / PRESENTATION:

Schofield Public Affairs to Discuss Drum Road Update and Conditions – Mike Igami Presented:

Drum Road was built in the 1930’s as an army road. Over the years it has deteriorated to the point where cars can not get through. The road is 23 miles long and the army recently got federal funding to fix the road. From Helemano to a distance of seven miles the new road is completed. The December 11^, 2009 rains created landslides that they are in the process of cleaning up. When the contractors finish up the road and the clean up then the army can start to use the road again. Phase two started six months ago, it started in Kahuku and completed two mile onward. Rain delays have pushed the completion of the project back till December 2009.

Lunasco has brought up several times that people from Sunset need to use the road if Waimea Bay Road is closed. In case of emergency can the public use it. Igami answered that the road is not up to DOT standards. There are no signs, guardrails, and lights. The Army will work with the State and the City if an emergency happens.

Miller mentioned that five to six years ago the Army allowed a tour of Drum Road, and it is not suitable for public transportation. It has no bridges so cars must drive into ravines and stream beds. Igami added that he was on a

Kaiaka Dog Park presentation – Keoko Nakayama presenting: They are not asking for any State or City funding because it will be privately built by volunteers. One acre out of 15 would be dedicated to this project. The fence will be set ten feet back away from the elementary school wall. Inside the fencing there will be two areas one for leashed dogs and one for unleashed dogs.

Shirai stated that there is a need to be aware of the historical sites within the park. He would not like to see dogs on historical sites. Pahinui said that having a dog park is a great idea and very needed in the community.

Leinau commented that the dog park is a good idea and that Nakayama mentioned it being privately funded. Will the City still mow the lawns. Nakayama answered that the City will still mow the lawns but volunteers would do general maintenance.  The surrounding fences will be four feet high.

Ng is a property owner right across the street and is against the dog park. He likes it the way it is.

There may be too much noise and smells coming from the park. Nakayama said that dog parks are usually not that noisy, unlike a kennel. All dog parks have a rule where owners clean up after their dogs and volunteers will do the rest.

A resident stated that if Haleiwa Elementary School remains open then he envisions them building basketball and volleyball courts there. His second concern is that the homeless stay there and if the dog park is built then they might get pushed out. Lunasco commented that the dog park users may be bothered by the homeless people. Nakayama said that there have been no issues as of yet. Riviere mentioned that it is a valuable facility and if it were a little bigger that would not be a bad thing.

Leinau asked what kind of permitting process does it have to go through. Lyons answered that it has to go through the Board before Remec can take it back.

Miller asked why the dog park is being placed adjacent to the elementary school. Nakayama answered that she spoke with the principal and she was very supportive of the project. The other side of the park floods so the park should be in this location.

Miller moved, and Riviere seconded to support the park in concept, which was adopted 10-1-1. (Aye: Scoville, Matsuura, Lunasco, Kawahakui, Lyons, Miller, McElheny, Anderson, Riviere, Leinau). (Nay: Ng.) (Abstain: Hirota). Motion was adopted.

North Shore Gateway Development presentation – Presented by Lucky Cole: Cole and his wife acquired the lot and want to build on the parcel something similar to what was supposed to have been built there in 1980. It is a little smaller then the Xcel building. The design concepts were chosen specifically to not be cumbersome to the community. The city prefers the parking be behind the building because it is a scenic district. In this case, it is not possible so the parking will be on the side of the building. The goal is for everything to look quaint. Leinau likes the design, it keeps with the cultural design district.

Cole stated that all customers will be able to use the restrooms but he is not sure if the public will be allowed to use it. Hirota stated that he feels the restrooms should be made available to the public during business hours. Maybe the Haleiwa Chamber of Commerce should make it mandatory for all businesses. Cole said that they are not going to have 24 hour security. They will leave the restrooms open until a significant problem occurs.

Ng mentioned that anytime there is a development there is construction and all the water from the site needs somewhere to go. Do you have a storm drainage system; Cole responded that the ground is very hard and that the water runs down to a canal in the back.

Fomin stated that she would like the door to the restroom locked with a sign that tells you were you can get the key.

Miller likes the general design of the building but the shrimp truck concerns her. It is not consistent with the design of a historical district. The trucks should comply with the Department of Health rules and regulations. The rules states that the truck should return to the commissary once a day for servicing and cleaning. Cole responded that the food trucks operating illegally create a problem as well as the ones that are trying to be legal. They have to operate on commercial land. The concept was to create a visitor draw. The truck tried to comply with all the rules but needs to put a sign in the ground. They will try to get a sign made for the truck.

Lyons stated that his feedback is to get rid of the shrimp truck. He likes the building but the shrimp truck is a negative. Cole mentioned that he does have an obligation to an existing tenant.

Puuiki Cemetery Conditions – Kathleen Pahinui presented:

Pahinui commented that they are here to raise awareness about the desecration of the cemetery. They are going to ask community groups to come and help clean the place up. They have set up a website with maps and pictures of the place. Hopefully everyone will bring their Ohana out to help cleanup. There is also an illegal skateboard ramp there can DPP check on it.

Lunasco mentioned that it was cleaned up before and then it was just desecrated again. What are we going to do to stop that from happening. Pahinui said that they will put boulders in it and maybe a gate across the entrance. Eventually they would like to have some security cameras. Lunasco wants there to be an action plan. Pahinui will contact Lunasco.

O’sullivan stated that part of Dole is adjacent to the cemetery and it is covered in ten foot high dry grass. One cigarette and it would catch fire.

Shirai would like to thank Dole. He was recognized as a cultural descendent of the cemetery, and when Shirai tried to block the cemetery they dug up the sand.

Shirai wonderd if HB 1806 relates to historic preservation. There are guidelines to up keep the property. But they would receive funds to upkeep it. Nellis said that he does not see a problem with that because it will be a cemetery forever.

Dennis Park mentioned that he would like to see access for fisherman there.

CHAIRS REPORT – None

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• The next Board meeting will be held on March 24, 2009 starting at 7:00 pm a the John Kalili Surf Center
• Olelo Broadcast on Saturdays, Channel 49, 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted by John Lane

Neighborhood Assistant        

Reviewed by Chair Lyons