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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2009

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Mike Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of thirteen (13) members present. Note – This 15-member Board requires eight (8) votes to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present – Jeffrey Alameida, Burce Bellows (appointed at this meeting), John Hirota, Arlene Kawahakui, Jacqueline Leinau (appointed at this meeting), Robert Leinau, Michael Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Blake McElheny, Antya Miller, Jacob Ng, Kathleen Pahinui, Carol Philips, Gil Riviere, Warren Scoville.`     

Members Absent – None.

Vacancies – There is one (1) vacancy each in sub-district 3 and sub-district 5. Boards are now able to fill vacant seats due to the recent amendment to the Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-104(a).

GUESTS: Chad Aoki and Andrew Bonifaci (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter John (Honolulu Fire Department); Brigadier General Gary Ishikawa, Steven Lum, David Yoshimoto (Peacock Flats Representatives); Galen Yoshimoto (State Department of Defense); Yolanda Spair, Skyler Manaois (AHHA); Alenka Remec (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Representative); Scott Wallace (WTMC); Nicole Sivatia, Tracy Munoz (WHAS Booster); Kawika and Jane Au (Waialua Hawaiian Civic Club);  Leslee Kanaiapuni (North Shore BRC Chamber); Family's Under Gods Roof; George Kuo (Board of Water Supply); Todd and Marsha White (Haleiwa Surf); Maxi Moto (Da Kine); Karen Gallagner (Sunset Beach Community Association); Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association); Patrick Vega; Jonas; Thomas Shirai, Jr.; Julien Munioz; William Herron, Sr.; Hattu Nichols; Chad Vugal; Dawn Greenlee; Carter Allen, Bobby Thromb; Bruce Bellows; Trish Coder; Alan Lennard; Betty Depoleb; Bill Anlysen; Ati Jeffers-Fabro; Josh Heimowitz; April Cuesta; Aundra Baldonado; Sabin Archuleta; Hugh and Barbara Hazenfield; Mark Robinson; Jacqueline Leinau; Marianne Abrigo; Will Schoettle; Chun Marqaret; Malia Evans; Woody Adams; Dorothy Contells; Joan Himelblau; Boyd Ready; Jeannie Martinson; Andrew Luna; Michael Hasegawa; Forrest Furman; and Theona Kapoi (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS:

• Sub-District 3 – Two (2) candidates, William Herron and Bruce Bellows volunteered and expressed interest to fill the Sub-district 3 Haleiwa vacancy. Each candidate gave a brief background and voiced their concern for the North Shore area.

Bruce Bellows received nine (9) votes (Alameida, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Philips, Scoville, Leinau, McElheny, Miller). Quorum of nine (9) was reached and no vote was taken for William Herron, therefore Bruce Bellows was appointed to the North Shore Neighborhood Board for Sub-district 3.

• Sub-District 5 – One candidate, Jacqueline Leinau volunteered and expressed interest to fill the sub-district 5 Pupukea vacancy. She gave a brief background and voiced her concern for the North Shore area.

Jacqueline Leinau was appointed to the North Shore Neighborhood Board UNANIMOUSLY, 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Philips, Kawahakui, Scoville, Leinau, McElheny, Miller).

Kapoi administered the Oath of Office to Bellows and J. Leinau. (15 members now present).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:  

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Fire Fighter John from the Waialua Fire Station reported the following:

• August 2009 Statistics Included: 1 structure fire, 2 wildland fires, 6 rubbish fires, and 1 vehicle fire, 45 medical emergencies, 6 search/rescue emergencies and 24 miscellaneous emergencies.

• Community Relations:

• The National Fire Protection Association selected the theme, "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned" for the Fire Prevention Week on October 4-10, 2009. This year's campaign focuses on burn awareness and prevention. Testing a child's bath water prior to placing them in the tub or wearing an outfit with short sleeves when cooking are simple actions to prevent serious burns.

o        HFD encourages every family to take steps to ensure that your home is safe from fire hazards and your family is prepared to escape when alerted by your smoke alarm. Practice your family fire escape plan and designate a safe meeting place outside your home.

• In October, children attending elementary schools state wide will receive a Fire Fighter's Safety Guide (FFSG). We encourage parents to review the FFSG with their child, create your fire escape plan, practice it, test your smoke alarms, and consider the other safety tips in the guide.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Officer Aoki reported the following Statistics for August 2009: 10 Burglaries, 3 motor vehicle thefts, 44 general thefts, and 75 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. HPD remind residents not to leave valuables in their vehicles and always call 911.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Police Patrols – Concerned resident, near the Otake Camp area requests more patrol during the day to prevent break-ins. Two homes have recently been broken into on the beach side. HPD asks residents to call 911 if they see anything suspicious. The more calls the police station gets will determine the need for patrolling in the area.
• Creating a Neighborhood Watch – A request can be made to have officers patrol specific areas, but it cannot be guaranteed. HPD does suggest creating a Neighborhood Watch Patrol because it does help. Neighborhood residents can be the eyes and ears for HPD and having a patrol may prevent many crimes of opportunity. There are only four officers that patrol the area, which is why there is a need to create a Neighborhood Patrol. The areas that have recently been burglarized or calls been made to HPD can be found on the website at www.honolulupd.org.
• Crime/Violation Statistics – A resident questioned if most of the car break-ins are seasonal. All the crime and violation statistics seem to be rising and it could be due to the economy.
• Parking Enforcement – A resident questioned if handicap parking deputies are able to enforce parking even if there is no handicap parking stalls? HPD responded and confirmed they are allowed to do so because there are certain regulations when parking on the side of the street. If signs are missing you can be cited for any parking infraction.

Mayor's Representative:

• Bicycle Detail – HPD is in the process of forming a Bicycle Detail. When those officers are deployed in Haleiwa Town, the motor patrol officers will be free to monitor other areas. HPD does encourage the public to be more aware of their surroundings, form Neighborhood Security Watches, and call 911 to report suspicious behavior.

• Menehune Surf Contest – The schedule has not been finalized. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is working closely with promoters and have been able to get a second weekend in for the surf contest.

• Surf Rules – The proposed surf rules are still under review by DPR and the Department of the Corporation Counsel. The application packets went out to everyone and all organizations should have all the relevant information including the conflict resolution information. This year and every year there are more and more applications for permits for use of the parks. However, there needs to be a balance between promoters, residents, and recreational users. Not everyone will get what they want.

• Unauthorized Campers at Velseyland Beach – DPR has moved the unauthorized campers out of the Velseyland Beach. The park will remain undeveloped until funding can be appropriated for it's development. There will be limited access to the area and the gate will remain closed as a deterrent to drugs, the homeless, and dumping.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• A-2, A-1 Regulations – A resident questioned how the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regulates A-2, A-1 zoned property. Property owners are saying they are farming, but only have one horse on their property. It is understood they have to sign an affidavit and abide by it. Response was that there would need to be a specific complaint, with an address so DPP can do a follow up.
• Off Duty Law Enforcement – A resident questioned if off duty police officers, sheriffs, and DOCARE officers are able to enforce the law outside of there specific duty. Response was to contact the State for more specific information. The discussion may be under negotiation, and nothing has been finalized. Extending the type of law enforcement will have to be agreed upon the State, City and any organization that would have the authority to enforce laws.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): George Kuo reported no major water main breaks for the months of July and August.

• Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention – Keeping Oahu's drinking water safe is a top priority of the Board of Water Supply. If there is a main break or sudden drop in pressure, there is a small chance that water from your pipe could backflow and contaminate the BWS system. BWS works hard to educate and work with the community to prevent backflow. If you have any questions, feel free to give them a call at 748-5470.

• 21^st Annual Halawa Xerscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale Recap:  Residents may visit www.boardofwatersupply.com to view photos and an animated slideshow recapping the fun-filled festivities. The annual community event is held on the first Saturday in August, so save August 1, 2010 for next year's plant sale event. Check out our website or call 748-5041 for more information.

• Water Emergency Preparedness: Hurricane Felicia served as an important reminder why we ALL need to be prepared. Having an emergency kit ready with at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least five to seven days is just one of the crucial water emergency tips listed in the handout. It is very important that everyone stay tuned to media reports as BWS will issue water information bulletins and appropriate actions to be taken. Please visit our website for more emergency preparedness information at www.boardofwatersupply.com. The pacific hurricane season continues until the end of November.

• Water Saving Tips: 1) When mowing the lawn, leave the cuttings. The added organic matter helps your soil retain moisture and leaves you with a reason not to rake up after you are finished. 2) Instead of dumping leftover from dinner into the disposal that uses water, start a compost pile that will help your soil retain moisture and nutrients as well as help you save water and fertilizer in the yard.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• BWS Communication – A resident thanked BWS for fixing the water mains in the area and commented on how well the construction company working in the area has been keeping an open line of communication.
• Upcoming BWS Projects – A resident noticed areas throughout Haleiwa town have been marked as if a project were going to happen. He questioned how long the project was going to take and if it will affect traffic during the day. Kuo will follow up. Another resident commented saying the work along Kamehameha Highway is done at night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. and shouldn't affect the day time traffic. The contract extends to after December of this year, so it is not quite sure when the project is to be completed.
• Anahulu Bridge – A resident confirmed with the construction company working on the area that the water main on Anahulu Bridge will go under the bridge, off the walkway.
• Bottled Water – BWS does not comment on the bottle water businesses, they are private businesses.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Reed Matsuura circulated the report and highlighted the following:

• Councilmember Dela Cruz proposed food waste recycling program. He also wanted residents to be aware of the streams, drainage ditches and waterways. He requests support of the local farmers market this Saturday and Sunday at Sunset and Haleiwa respectively.

• Bill 55 – Relating to public transit will amend fees and allow disabled handi-van users to purchase bus passes to catch TheBus (passed third reading).

• Bill 58 – Alternative energy projects will be exempt from property taxes (passed third reading).

• Bill 68 – Relating to real property tax exemption for affordable rental housing.

• Bill 65 – This will increase the amount of the penalty for failing to comply with the home exemption reporting requirements (passed second hearing and public hearing)

• Bill 63 – The amount home owners are able to receive for their real property tax will increase (reported out of budget for second reading and public hearing.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

• Loose Large Breed Dogs – A resident concerned about large breed dogs loose on the streets. Children could be traumatized from seeing these dogs fighting. HPD responded saying there is a Leash Law that the owners of these dogs are in violation of and will be cited for the violation if HPD is notified.

• Shortage of Police Officers – A resident commented that there shouldn't be a shortage of police officers in the North Shore area because it is the second most visited place on the island. Compared to Waikiki, some of the officers should be utilized in this area.

• Suggestions to Residents – A resident commended HPD for doing all they can and the neighborhood cannot put them on the spot. It was suggested to prevent burglaries by getting a dog, or a few dogs. Barking dogs will likely scare intruders and let surrounding neighbors know that something is going on. Another resident also suggested HPD create flyers to create awareness of the recent crimes in the area to put the neighborhood on 'watch.'

• Bill 57-2009 – The media has been reporting on Bill 57-2009 which calls for the ban of marketing and advertising of shark tours as well as shark tours itself. The topic will have to go to Council for three full readings and back to committee.

• Skateboard Park – The skateboard park is still under construction and has been questioned as to when it will open. The park has not opened due to vandalism and landscaping problems that will need to be assessed for improvements.

• North Shore Turtles – A resident is concerned with the well-being of the turtles and reefs of the North Shore. There have been less and less visits by turtles and it does have to do with the reef. There has to be something done to protect the reef and keep nature balanced. The excuse has been fresh water run off, but if that's happening, what can be done to protect the reef?

• Kaena Point as a Historic Site – A resident presented to the Board to have Kaena Point placed as an individual site for historic places. There have been other places around the island that have done so like Maunawili. The necessary information has been left for the Board to review. If Board members are willing to support the effort, they will be signing as individuals.

• Dog Park Proposal at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park – Some residents are concerned about the location. The park is a stone structured Heiau and that has not been taken into consideration for the development of the park. There is urgency to think about the parks history before designating it as a dog park. Residents feel that places are embedded in our land and our history. The dog park will take away the sacredness of the area for it's strong ties to Tahiti and the voyage here to Oahu. Creating a dog park will end the story for future generations. Comment was made that the problem is not having a dog park, it is the location that has been chosen. It was also commented that everyone can have a dog park in their own yard. A resident in support of the proposed dog park location commented that the current plans are set up so there will be no infringement of any kind on cultural activity.

• Community Connection – A resident commented that the community needs to come together. People have been living in the harbor, not by choice but because the government can't help them. We cannot ask these people to leave Haleiwa because this is their home. There needs to be some kind of affordable housing in the area so everyone can be taken cared of.

• Waialua High School Booster Club – A representative requested neighborhood Board and community support for the schools athletic department. The booster club has been inactive for five years and would like to see it become active again. The community involvement is crucial to the schools well-being as it may shut down. There is a meeting on the first Tuesday of every month beginning at 7 p.m. at the Waialua Court House. The booster club representative was thanked for attending the Board meeting.

• Pedestrian access – Tourists have been walking on the streets and highways to avoid the mud. What can be done so pedestrians stay off the roadways?

• Beach Maintenance – There are maintenance problems at Sunset Beach. The bike path seems to be falling into the sand. For safety reasons that needs to be taken care of before the big surf season begins. Another problem with Sunset Beach and Haleiwa Beach is the four shower heads with only one handle that allows only one shower to work. The run off from the water can be redirected for drainage, there are many people that visit the beach and there is a need for more showers.

• All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) – A resident has seen new police ATV's and questioned the purpose and plan of the ATV's. If the plan is just patrolling the beaches, perhaps the focus could be on the parking lots.

• Sharks Cove – A resident is concerned with the basketball court surface at Sharks Cove and what the status on repairs is for that. Residents do support redoing the court surface.

• Safety Concern Regarding Jet Skis – A resident concerned about jet skis leaving the harbors. Seems as if they are leaving at 45 miles per hour and would like something to be done while they are in the harbor.

• An update for the proposed zone change R5 to B1 – The community concerns have been put into consideration and there have been four changes to the plan. 1. Infrastructure – left turn lane will be created 2. Two existing properties are not architecturally historic buildings. An evaluation has been done and I report is being made. 3. Restrictions 4. Displacement – Tenants will be written into the deed of the property.

Questions, comments and concerns:

o        A resident feels the presentation shouldn't have been done without the reports or evaluations and what they have concluded. The study was individually done and paid for.

o        A resident commented that the sign on Kamehameha Highway says 'Historical Haleiwa' not 'New Haleiwa.'

o        A resident commented that this project was not about the people, it was about making money.

o        The project is supposed to create balance of old and new. Some residents don't see this balance.

APPROVAL OF JULY 28 AND APRIL 28, 2009 MINUTES: Item deferred to next meeting due to time constraints.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Haleiwa Special District Proposed Land Use Ordinance (LUO) Change – Antya Miller reported the following: In 1984, Haleiwa was zoned as a Special District. The Board should uphold the intent of the current law of the Haleiwa Historical Special District which is under City and County laws. This is not questioning whether or not individuals like lunch wagons. The purpose of this special district zoning was to protect and preserve the town. It was suggested to update the Haleiwa LUO to include lunch wagons.

Miller moved, Riviere seconded that there be a change to the Haleiwa LUO to include lunch wagons. Discussion followed:

• The laws for the lunch wagons are different and should be on the same playing field as the rest of the business owners in Haleiwa town. It seems as if the lunch wagons have no rules. The special district plan was a well thought out process.
• Board member Hirota suggested that the motion be deferred until there is representation from lunch wagon business owners.
• The lunch wagons should not be exempt from the rules and should be included in the special district plan.
• There shouldn't be changes in the plan because that will encourage more changes in the future.

Hirota moved, Ng seconded to defer any motion to be made to the Haleiwa Special District until business owners of the lunch wagons are represented at the Board meeting. The motion was ADOPTED, 14-1-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Philips, Bellows, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, McElheny, J. Leinau; NO: Miller).

Surf Contest Scheduling:

• The Menehune Surf Contest for children this year will be held on two weekends in October, not just one. The proposed weekends are the 17^th/18^th and the 24^th/25^th of October 2009. Last years contest was a success, lots of prizes were given away and every child between the ages 4 and 6 went home with a trophy.

• The volunteers who make these contests successful are just that, volunteers. A lot of the time money will come out of individual pockets as sponsors aren't able to cover all costs of the competitions and it is appreciated that the community supports the sport.

• Some contests have not been able to receive permits because there has not been consensus for the dates and times of when the surf contests should be done. It is currently being worked on to get a proposal to the city council to have the contests set yearly.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• A resident commented that for the third year in a row there is no contest for women. Resident doesn't understand why female surfers have one day of competition. The resident wanted to thank those who support the sport and there is a need for more women and children to be present.

Philips moved, Pahinui seconded for the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 support the Menehune Surf Contest. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 15-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsurra, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Philips, Bellows, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, McElheny, Miller, J. Leinau).

Peacock Flats Access: General Ishikawa circulated a report and highlighted the following:

• The Army has a new blue and white uniform, as the tradition for the army has always been blue. With General Ishikawa are Steven Lum and David Yoshimoto. General Ishikawa would like to address: 1) Peacock flats and 2) A complaint against a Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Officer.

• The DLNR Officer went through two investigations, done by the Attorney General's Office. Both investigations had no substantial findings. The details of the investigation are in a letter of the allegations that were made in public. Details can be disclosed at a later time for interested parties.

• Item no. 4 on the Mokule'ia Community Association minutes were highlighted, "…in 2008, over 2,200 permits to camp at Peacock Flats and over 5,500 permits to hike the Kuaokala trail were issued to those using the Waianae Road. Hunters do not need permits to use the road if they have hunting licenses; the road's gate at Yokohama is manned 24/7 by U.S. Air Force and/or Department of Defense (DOD) security personnel…"

• Access is granted on the Mokule'ia side behind the Dillingham Airfield. There have been comments that the Waianae access road is more hazardous than the Mokule'ia access road. General Ishikawa has not personally driven the Waianae access road, but does note it is a DOD road and should have maintained some level of standard. The Mokule'ia access road is deemed hazardous as the pictures in the slides will show. The slides show some dirt roads do not have cut outs and there are blind turns which make it difficult for on coming traffic to be avoided. The pictures also show the area is well controlled as there is barely any rubbish left behind.

• At the top of the mountain there are radio repeaters and a nursery for plant. The pig eradication has begun to have a section to preserve native plants. It is easier to eradicate the pigs and plants. The nursery is to help for the forest restoration.

• General Ishikawa recommended the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 take no action on the Peacock Flats Access from the Mokule'ia side and leave the status as is.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• A resident questioned the amount of usage the road gets. General Ishikawa will get the numbers for that but does not think the numbers are high. All cars are escorted and not open to the general public.
• A resident would like to see pictures of the Waianae access road to compare the hazardous conditions of the roads.
• A resident is concerned that the Mokule'ia access road is not easily accessible. The Waianae access road is, however you would need a 4-wheel drive car to get to Peacock Flats. Resident would like easier accessibility from the Mokule'ia side.

REPORTS: All reports were deferred until the next meeting due to time constraints.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Linda Lingle's Representative – Eric Hirata circulated a handout and quickly noted the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Recreational Renaissance: Plan B or "Back to Basics." This plan hopes to get the public's support and will focus on two goals: 1) to increase routine repair, maintenance, and improved operations this year; and 2) start the longer-term process of raising new revenues from vacant urban lands so we can do more capital improvements faster when the legislature eventually gives approval.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative present.

Senator Robert Bunda – No representative present.

Representative Michael Magaoay – No representative present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Next Board Meeting – Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at John Kalili Surf Center – Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park.

• Pupukea Community Plan – There will be a meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sunset Beach Elementary School Cafeteria. The area residents are encouraged to attend this meeting for their input and planning efforts.

• Army Communication – Recently a resident drove behind a convoy and saw the word explosive on something in the truck. The army should let the community know what is going on.

• Special Committee Meeting – Kaiaka Bay Watershed Flood Control and Disaster Planning Meeting this Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Haleiwa Shingon Mission between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m.

Submitted by: Theona Kapoi, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Chair Mike Lyons