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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Michael Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with eight (8) members present for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Jeffrey Alameida, Leif Anderson, Jacob Ng, Warren Scoville, Reed Matsuura, Arlene Kawahakui, Michael Lyons, Antya Miller, Geraldine Meade, Carol Phillips, Blake McElheny, and Robert Leinau.   

Members Absent: John Hirota, Ollie Lunasco and Gil Riviere.

Guests: Captain Moana Heu and Lieutenant Byron Martin (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Evann Yamada (Honolulu Fire Department), Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Representative), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Galen Yoshimoto (State Department of Defense; Governor’s Representative), Mike Egami (United States Army Guard Hawaii [USAGHI]), Amy Kessler (United States Army Public Relations Office), Lieutenant John Jack (United States Army), Diana Bonsignore and Larry Sagaysay (Representative Michael Magaoay’s Office staff), Charles Racca, April Chester, S. Joe Estores, Thomas Shirai, Mark Takemoto (Dole Foods), Crystal Young, Wilfredo Pormento, Kalani Fronda, Bodo Van Dor Leedon, Maxi Moto, Bill Lucas (Camp Mokuleia), Muo Dixon, Kyoko Nakagawa, Willie Herren and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Lyons mentioned that at July’s Board meeting, there will be some vacancies that will need to be filled. 

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Evann Yamada reported the following: (1) Fires – 5 structure, 4 wildland, 2 rubbish and 3 vehicle. (2) Emergencies – 47 medical and 4 searches/rescues. (3) Fire Safety Tip: The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Make a 30-foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. Some wildland fires could force the evacuation of neighborhoods. Have an emergency preparedness plan ready in case of such an event. If your house borders an area where a wildland fire could occur, consider the need for fire department access in case to fight the fire. 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lt. Byron Martin reported the following statistics: 23 burglaries, 46 motor vehicle thefts and 23 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. A concern was expressed regarding speeding including near misses of pedestrians by motorists on Paalaa Street. HPD will work to stop speeding motorists.

2. HPD was thanked for their help to installing speed bumps along Crozier Drive.

3. A resident stated that she checked into HPD’s website where she was disturbed at the rise of burglaries in the Pupukea area where she resides.

4. Street parking has gone out of control on Laakea Street.

5. Officer Joseph O’Neill was complemented on a great job catching speeding motorists.

6. HPD will name an Acting Chief after Chief Bossie Correa’s term end in August 2009.
7. Concern was conveyed with the proliferation of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s). HPD has not been able to remove ATV’s off area beaches; however, more HPD officers will be available to patrol on ATV’s. There was general agreement on the need for further police patrols.

8. HPD is looking at the Sunset Beach Recreational Facility as a possible site to for the proposed HPD Haleiwa Substation.

9. Ordinance No. 07-03674: Roadside Memorial Removal relates to the issue that where these roadside memorials have become a distraction for motorists. Support for this Ordinance was expressed.

10. It was suggested to install a camera in area skate parks for the police to do surveillance.    

Mayor’s Representative: Alenka Remec, from the Mayor’s Office gave the following responses to concerns raised at last month’s Board meeting: (1) A stop light next to the 76 Service Station on Haleiwa Road will be installed. (2) The City is proceeding with the Wastewater Improvement Project in Haleiwa.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Due to the dilapidated conditions of the tennis courts at Waialua District Park, the Waialua High School Tennis Team has to practice at Central Oahu Regional Park, whose availability to accommodate the Waialua High School is only one day a week for five weeks. Remec will follow up with the City Department of Parks and Recreation. (DPR).

2. Concern was expressed that the voter turnout in the all online 2009 Neighborhood Board Elections was 6% compared to the 28% turnout in the 2007 Neighborhood Board Elections.

3. Disappointment was conveyed that the City has been very unresponsive to the fact the Paki Ditch is clogged. A letter was sent to Councilmember Dela Cruz’ Office regarding this matter and a direct meeting with Mayor Mufi Hannemann on this issue was requested. Remec will follow it up.  

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative George Kuo highlighted the following: (1) Tablets were available for people to use to detect toilet leaks. If the dye turns blue, the toilet is leaking. These tablets are available at City Mill Stores or at the BWS Headquarters on Beretania Street. For further information, log on to www.honoluluboardofwatersupply.com. (2) Students from Kindergarten to 6^th grade and from 7^th to 12^th grades were awarded for their work in the 2009 Water Conservation Poster and first ever Poetry Contest participants were awarded by Mayor Hannemann and BWS Chairman Randall Chung on May 5, 2009 at the Mission  Memorial Auditorium.   

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Reed Matsuura distributed Councilmember Dela Cruz’s written report and highlighted the following: (1) Given the City’s budget shortfall, the City Council worked on creating a balanced budget including delaying expanding the curbside recycling program, raising the property tax rate from $3.29 to $3.59 per $1,000, while raising the property tax credit to $175; what is not taken into account is that renters would have to bear the brunt of this property tax hike. (2) The following bills up for second reading/public hearing: Bill 20 – To increase the motor vehicle weight tax from 3 cents to 5 cents per pound per vehicle; Bill 21 – To increase the fees for the Beautification and Disposal of Abandoned Vehicles Revolving Fund; Bill 22 – To amend the fare structure of TheBus; Bill 23 – Relating to the increase of fees for use of municipal golf courses; and Bill 29 – To increase parking rates at both the Honolulu Zoo and Hanauma Bay. (3) Councilmember Dela Cruz is asking for inclusion for these projects in Bill 16: Relating to the Executive Capital Budget and Program for Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 – Kahalu’u Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Study; Wahiawa Traffic Calming Improvements; Waihe’e Road Sidewalk and Landscaping Improvements; Whitmore Gym Expansion and Improvements; Haleiwa Business Improvement District Plan; and Ki’iki’i-Kaukonahua Stream Dredging. (4) Bill 4 CD 2 – To prohibit the use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle is in Third (Final) Reading. (5) Bill 38 – To modify the requirements regarding the real property tax credit for low-income homeowners is in First Reading. (6) City Council passed Resolution 09-212 urging the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) to install guardrails or barriers along those portions of all State highways and roadways that run adjacent to bike paths on Oahu. (7) The Grand Opening for the Sunset Beach Recreation Center is on Sunday, May 31, 2009, 10:00 a.m.     

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. It was questioned that if these tax hikes are linked to economic indicators, if the economy improves, these tax hikes would be repealed; however, tax hike repeals are unlikely since the City needs funds to catch up on much needed sewage improvements at a cost of $400 million.

2. Since Haleiwa is a highly utilized area it needs funding for much needed area Capital Improvement Projects.

3. These tax increases may not be sustainable since they may force people to leave Hawaii; therefore, government should prioritize spending thereby doing more with less.

4. There was a proposal to the City to acquire Puiki Beach Park which did not see fruition (good news to area residents) Matsuura replied that Councilmember Dela Cruz did not know about this proposed acquisition until the day of the hearing.

5. Comments were made that many families on the island are one paycheck away from being homeless.

6. There will be Board vacancies when the new term commences on July 2009 in the Haleiwa Subdistrict.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Need Dog Park at Kaiaka Park: Kyoko Nakagawa reported that three months ago she presented to the Board a proposal to build a dog park at Kaiaka Park; she inquired about the status of the proposed park. Mayor’s representative Remec replied that she is following up with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Lester Chang on this proposed park. Concern was expressed that having the dog park located on the front side of the park may be problematic because it is in a flood inundation zone and nearby residents were not informed of this proposed park. Approximately 600 residents in the affected area signed a petition supporting building a dog park at Kaiaka Park.    

Cleaning Puuiki Cemetery: Thomas Shirai voiced that Hirota was the main catalyst who successfully persuaded the U.S. Army to clean up Puuiki Cemetery.

A Need for a Crosswalk for a Proposed Football Field in Mokuleia: Bill Lucas informed everyone that a football field is in the process of being built in Mokuleia. A crosswalk is needed for fans to in and out of the football field. Lucas asked for Board help to work with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS). It was suggested that the Board should send a letter asking DTS to help build a crosswalk in the area.

Presence of Turtles Negatively Impacting Shoreline: Willie Herren distributed pictures showing turtles eating the seaweeds, limu and grass that are having a negative impact along the shoreline on the North Shore. It was recommended that Herren check with the State Turtle Talk Gate Keeper.  

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 28, 2009 MEETING: This item was deferred. 

Phillips moved, Meade seconded, that the Board move up on the agenda that Representative Magaoay’s representative Larry Sagaysay speak after the Treasurer’s Report; The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 12-0-0. (Ayes: Alameida, Andersen, Ng, Scoville, Matsuura, Kawahakui, Lyons, Miller, Meade, Phillips, McElheny and Leinau).

BOARD BUSINESS:

Changes to the Pupukea Road/Drum Road Project: Mike Egami, from United States Army Guard Hawaii (USAGHI), presented the following information: The Army is considering changes to the Pupukea Road/Drum Road project. Starting June 15, 2009, concrete and asphalt will be poured in the area affecting residents, hikers, and casual users. The Army is working with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and Boys and Girls Scouts, and welcomes community input.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. The last time the military received a complaint it was related to congested traffic conditions on the hairpin turn. The Army will use flags monitoring 30 Army trucks a day going in and out of the Pupukea Road/Drum Road area.

2. The Pupukea hike trail is used on weekends and holidays, with specific scheduling set by DLNR.

3. There was an inquiry about how traffic of Army trucks would be controlled. The Army will pick up concrete at Halawa and drop it off in Haleiwa and travel back to Halawa.

4. It was requested that Army trucks not to speed downhill on Pupukea Road.

5. DLNR will notify the community about the project. It was suggested that DLNR communicate their plans in numerous publications including the North Shore News.

6. Phase 1 of the project including seven miles of road has been fully paved from Helemano to Kahuku. Egami will follow up on the request for tours.

7. A resident inquired if there would be possible damage to the roads due to the heavy army trucks; the contractors will try to be sensitive to this concern.

REPORTS:

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bob Leinau reported for April 2009: Previous operating account balance was $948.30; current expenses were $86.23; current operating account balance to date is $862.07. The publicity account balance remains at $750. The refreshment account balance remains at $120. It was inquired if there is a way to opt out of the mailing list and get the minutes/agendas via email instead.

Representative Michael Magaoay: Larry Sagaysay distributed Representative Magaoay’s written report and highlighted the following: The 2009 Legislative Session ended on May 8, 2009. This session was one of the most difficult with a potential budget shortfall of $2.1 billion for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. To balance the budget as mandated by the State Constitution, the legislature was able to accomplish it while maintaining core services with limited funds thereby laying the foundation for future projects when possible.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

A concern was expressed that the legislators in this tough economy gave themselves a 31% pay raise paid for by taxpayers. A response was that these legislators work very hard and that the pay raise was mandated by State law through the Salary Commission.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Transportation: Miller (Committee Chair Riviere was not present) reported the following that occurred at the committee meeting held on May 20, 2009: (1) Laniakea Realignment/Bypass Project – Heard from SDOT Director Brennon Morioka that within three to four months, the SDOT would organize a meeting on the North Shore to begin the process of studying the Laniakea traffic solutions. (2) Haleiwa Walkways – Last year the City budgeted $100,000 to begin organizing a Haleiwa Business District Improvement District. These funds will be used to determine the respective costs to merchants and property owners and the organizational structure for a public-private partnership to split building and maintenance costs. (3) Traffic Lights – DTS is proceeding with plans to build new traffic signals at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Haleiwa Road, and Goodale Road and Waialua Beach Road. The Board previously sent a resolution asking DTS to cancel the projects where there is very little community support and the proposed traffic signals may be ill-suited for the locations.

Leinau moved, Matsuura seconded, that the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 request from all appropriate agencies including SDOT, DTS, HPD detailed accident data for our District so that our Committee and Board can better discuss areas of concerns and possible solutions; The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 12-0-0 (Ayes: Alameida, Andersen, Ng, Scoville, Matsuura, Kawahakui, Lyons, Miller, Meade, Phillips, McElheny and Leinau).  

Comments were made that sometimes traffic statistics could be skewed.

The Bicycle Mom, Natalie Iwasa, detailed a presentation on current City and State bikeway planning and funding options, requirements and goals. Among the programs available is the Federal Safe Routes to School Program which currently has $3.5 million in the SDOT budget. She described possible safety improvements to Ke Ala Pupukea near Rock Piles. There is a draft letter for Board consideration to request safety measures be placed on the bike lane as part of the Ke Ala Pupukea Bike Path.

Leinau moved, Meade seconded, that the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27, send a letter requesting both the City and State to consider installing a lane separator curb system or quick curbs on the Ke Ala Pupukea Bike Path; The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 12-0-0 (Ayes: Alameida, Andersen, Ng, Scoville, Matsuura, Kawahakui, Lyons, Miller, Meade, Phillips, McElheny and Leinau).  

Rock fall mitigation is needed in the Waimea area and remains a work in progress.   

Flood/Emergency/Waterway: Jake Ng reported that the Committee held a meeting on May 21, 2009 where they met Harold Greene, former owner of North Shore Marketplace, who agreed to send a letter to Dole Foods to renovate, repair, and replace the four Wahiawa Reservoir Dam Gate Valves to bring down the water level to alleviate potential flooding.

Mark Takemoto, from Dole Foods, stated support for the Board letter requesting support for this project. Step 1 – The cleaning of the tunnels has been completed. Step 2 – Is to renovate, repair and replace the four Wahiawa Reservoir Dam Gate Valves. It was noted that the gates are deep underwater.

Ng moved, Kawahakui seconded, that the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 recommend Dole Foods along with any public or private entity(s) initiate immediate action to renovate/repair/replace, as appropriate, the four Wahiawa Reservoir Dam Gate Valves to alleviate potential flooding, mental stress and other safety considerations for the residents residing in the North Shore, Oahu.

Discussion followed focusing on: a) This being a safety issue and should be addressed to appropriate public/private entities; the response was that Dole Foods is the primary player; b) a suggestion to send a copy of this motion/letter to the Governor’s Office. c) The purpose of the motion was questioned that if Dole Foods unilaterally drained out the excess water in the four Wahiawa Reservoir Dam Gate Valves, it would adversely impact area agriculture; therefore, support of this motion would help keep the process moving along.

Ng moved, Kawahakui seconded, that the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 recommend Dole Foods along with any public or private entity(s) initiate immediate action to renovate/repair/replace, as appropriate, the four Wahiawa Reservoir Dam Gate Valves to alleviate potential flooding, mental stress and other safety considerations for the residents residing in the North Shore, Oahu; The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 12-0-0 (Ayes: Alameida, Andersen, Ng, Scoville, Matsuura, Kawahakui, Lyons, Miller, Meade, Phillips, McElheny and Leinau).  

Permitted Interaction Groups – None.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative: Galen Yoshino distributed the Governor’s written report and highlighted the following: (1) Governor Lingle has until July 15, 2009 to sign, veto or allow the 250 bills passed by the State Legislature to become law without her signature. For further information, log on to www.hawaii.gov/gov/initiatives/laws. (2) Regarding opening up Peacock Flats Road to hunters, there is strong opposition from residents in this Mokuleia neighborhood, therefore further public input is needed on this subject matter.

Questions, comments and concerns:

            Willie Herren was thanked for providing information concerning turtles impacting the shoreline          community that has no seaweeds, and asked for a follow-up.  

Senator Robert Bunda: No representative was present.        

United States Representative Mazie Hirono: No representative was present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·         Chair Lyons announced the following: (1) Vacancies will be filled at the July Board Meeting. (2) Concern was expressed regarding the dismal 6% voter turnout in the 2009 Neighborhood Board Elections which was conducted 100% online.

·         United States Army: Amy Kessler stated that the Army welcomes community input/comments concerning their activities in the community. Call 656-3519 with any concerns regarding convoys of army trucks going to and from the Pupukea Road/Drum Road project. At this time, Kessler introduced Lt. John Jack as the Army’s new representative to this Board. Lt. Jack announced that the Annual 4^th of July Spectacular is taking place at Schofield Barracks/Silt Field. This year marks the 100^th Anniversary of Schofield Barracks. The event is free and open to the public. However, to enter Schofield, the public must bring in their ID and Auto Insurance.

·         Support was expressed for the Army to train in the neighborhood at Schofield Barracks.

NEXT FLOOD/EMERGENCY/WATERWAY COMMITTEE MEETING: Committee Chair Ng announced that the next Flood/Emergency/Waterway Committee meeting will take place on July 9, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at the Haleiwa Shingon Mission.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant