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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2006

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:03p.m. with seven of nine members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Warren Soh, John Elkington, Les Steward, Patrick Macy, Katherine Heath, Barbara Kahana, Creighton Mattoon, Dee Dee Letts, Norman Kaluhiokalani (7:19 p.m.) all board members were in attendance as of the 11 seats two are vacant.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Subdistrict 1-vacant, Subdistrict 3-vacant.

GUESTS: Verna Ulii, Fred Mencher, Noreen Cristobal, Sherry Martinez, Debbie Sarsona, Lisa Evangelista, Kathy Waracka, Jim Leonard, Julie Sadler, Kori Shlachter, Angel Adversalo, Dolores Lagua, G.G. Eldermann, Margaret Primacio, Eric Morrison (Continental Pacific), L. Lagua, Jacce Mikulanec (Councilmember Dela Cruz Office), Byron Magdaro, Dawn K. Wasson, Kelika Ishel, Steven Daughtery, Lefty N. Alo, Shannon Wood (Windward Homeless Coalition), Ella Siroskey, Choon James, Amy Madsen, Craig Chapman, Judy Kapu, Brett Pruitt, H. Aalona, Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Dela Cruz Office), Judith Wolfe, Dr. Jim Anthony, Dana Shigemitsu, Joshua K. Primacio, John Olszowka, Dede Alo (Rep. Magaoay’s Office), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Roosevelt Freeman (Rep. Meyer’s Office), Henry Wasson, Ben Shafer, Leslie Chow, Jolene Peapeulalo, Stella Mulivai, Chris L. Jones, D. Silva, Lt. R. Robinson (HPD), Capt. R. Johnson (HFD), Patrick Kubota (Mayor’s Representative), Ben Henderson (Governor’s Representative), Vanessa Matautia (NCO staff).

Chair Letts moved the agenda out of order to have HPD and HFD give their reports without objection from the Board.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Ron Johnson gave the following report:

1.      Statistics for December 2006:  Laie reported 2 other incidents with 20 medical emergencies and 1 search/rescue call.  The only major incident responded to was a search for Kayakers with 5 companies attending to the call.  Kahuku engine responded to 1 vehicle fire, 11 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue and 2 miscellaneous calls.  A major incident was a bus fire at 56-505 Kamehameha Hwy with work time 2.5 hours, man hours totaling 10.  Ka`a`awa station responded to 1 rubbish fire, 9 medical emergencies, and 6 search/rescues with 1 major incident but no specifics reported.  

2.      Fire Safety Tip:  Fire; building, and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property.  This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. R. Robinson gave the following report:

1.  Reported the monthly statistics from both November 2006 and December 2006. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Soh reported that there have been several incidents of graffiti at city parks he believes that these incidents have not been given proper attention by HPD.  Soh also reported that there is Kava Drinking occurring near the Credit Union in Kahuku, on land that is owned by City and County.  Lt. Robinson would follow up on both reports but commented that if there was kava drinking occurring, there is no law against kava drinking since it has no alcohol but Heath also commented there is alcohol drinking as well happening on the site.  Residents commented that on the weekend, these drinkers basically setup ‘house’ and afterwards leave a large mess.

2.      Heath questioned about HPD helicopters in the area and why one helicopter had its sirens and lights on the previous day.  Lt. Robinson did not have anything in his records but would follow up with information at the next Board meeting.

3.      Dr. Jim Anthony had a question regarding a property damage case which was filed by himself and another resident of Kahana.  He asked what the status of the case is.  Lt. Robinson explained that the case is probably pending further investigation and would not have gone to the Attorney General’s Office.  The Sergeant assigned to this case is probably seeking more evidence in order to have the Attorney General’s office take the case on but Lt. Robinson reported that he would follow up with the latest news and report information at the next Board meeting.

Filling of Vacancy – Subdistrict 3 (Hau`ula)

Kahana reported that there are two people interested in the seat.  Kahana nominated Moana Kalua’u but commented that Kalua’u had not made it to the meeting.  Soh nominated Lefty Alo.  Since moving back to the Hauula area, he would like to help the community.  He is currently active with the youth programs in the area.  Kahana spoke for Kalua’u and her work with the Board prior to her return to New Zealand for a family emergency.  Kalua’u also serves on the Hauula Community Association as President. The Board decided that they would defer the vote regarding Subdistrict 3 vacancy until later on the agenda to allow for Kalua’u to attend the meeting. 

Filling of Vacancy – Subdistrict 1 (Kahuku)

Chair Letts reported that several members of the community expressed interest at the last Board meeting and asked that they come forward once again. 

Jim Leonardi has spent 33 years as a teacher at Kahuku High School and would like to serve the community.  He is interested in ensuring that the community benefits from the new property owners in Kahuku.  Leonardi has also served in various capacities in his community in the past. 

Sherry Martinez thanked the Board for consideration in serving but will decline a nomination and threw her support behind Leonardi.  She stated that should the Board need her assistance in the future, she would be more than happy to help.

Margaret Primacio commented that she was a life long resident of Kahuku.  Primacio believed that she had a good ear and would protect the community including the neediest of families.  Her former work as a Council Aide allows her insight in the political process that she believes would benefit the community.

Junior Primacio was born and raised in Kahuku and worked at the sugar plantation for 17 years and served as an ILWU Representative.  Primacio has 40 years plus of community service, a Vietnam veteran who has served on several Boards in elected and appointed positions.  Primacio served on the first term of the Koolauloa Neighborhood Board.

The Board voted the following: Two votes were taken with Board members casting votes in the affirmative (first vote/second vote):

Jim Leonard  i                       (3-3)

Margaret Primacio                (2-2)

Junior Primacio                     (2-2)

No nominee garnered the necessary quorum (6) votes in order to be confirmed.  The Board will defer the filling of vacancy for Subdistrict 3 until next Board meeting.

Kaluhiokalani thanked the community members for their willingness to serve on the Board and hoped that they would return to the next Board meeting.  Heath also expressed her gratitude to community members for their commitment to community service.

Approval of November 9, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Macy moved to approve the minutes was seconded by Elkington.  The Board voted without objection to approve the minutes with the following amendments:

·         Board member Norman Kaluhiokalani’s name is misspelled.

·         Doug Vaioletti’s name is misspelled on page 2, under vacancies Subdistrict 1.

·         Page 2 under HPD QCC #2, delete‘s’ from ‘exists’. 

TREASURER'S REPORT: Chair Letts read the following report:  The previous operating and publicity account held a balance of $2,485.42 with a total of $46.33 incurred in monthly expenses leaving a remaining balance of $2,439.09.  The refreshment account had no change with a balance of $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota, Deputy Director of Budget and Fiscal Services, gave the following report:

1.      Kubota reported that Mayor Hannemann sends his aloha and greetings for the New Year.  He commented that in the packet are Dec ’06 and Jan ’07 Mayor’s newsletters which highlight the recent signing of what the Mayor views as the historic mass transit bill (79) into law.  Also highlighted in the Jan ’07 newsletter is the new Ko’olau Driver License Center at the Koolau Center, which opened to the public on December 21, 2006.

2.      Included in the Packet is a news release regarding Neighborhood Board Commission briefing for potential candidates for the upcoming Neighborhood Board elections.  On Saturday January 13, 2007 from 9 to 11 a.m. two informational meetings will take place at Kapolei Hale (Conference Room C) 1000 Uluohia St., and the Honolulu Hale Annex Conference Room (across from Mission Memorial Auditorium).  Board members as well as NCO Staff will be on hand to answer questions from possible candidates.  The deadline for candidate application is January 16, 2007.

3.      City report on Neighborhood Board issues from last meeting: 

a.      Construction work continues and completion is now scheduled for April 2007 for the Kaaawa Beach Park comfort stations, depending on the weather.

b.      Renovation work continues with completion scheduled for the end of January 2007 for the Hauula Community Recreation Center.

c.      In regards to the Koolauloa Sustainable Communities Plan, DPP is still finalizing details of the consultant contract with Pan Pacific.  Consultant Helber, Haster & Fee is expected to be a sub-consultant.  Regarding the Board’s request that a moratorium on further development be put in place until the plans are updated, DPP replied that the present practice remains in effect, which is until the Plan is updated, the current Plan applies.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.      Soh questioned about the cleaning of streams and who should community members contact to report concerns.  Kubota reported that according to the Department of Facility Maintenance, property owners that abut the stream are responsible to keep stream beds cleaned to mid point of the stream. 

2.      Heath questioned who is responsible for debris that floats from upstream into property owner’s domain.

3.      Residents commented on the common problem of flooding near homes in the area and questioned if there were preventative measures being taken by the State and City officials.

4.      A Hau`ula resident submitted a letter regarding the stream and how near his residence, the sand constantly builds up underneath the bridge.  The resident stated that State crews only came out when the stream would flood because it was totally blocked.  He believed that responsibility was a combination of private homeowners, State and the City and County; and had been told on several occasions that they are restricted from doing anything.  The sediment that accumulates in the area is increasingly becoming a problem and he requested that an excavator be brought into clear away debris from the area.

5.      Chris Jones stated that the bridge issue is becoming a very sore topic around area residents.  Jones reported on an incident where flooding caused 4 feet of water to build in his back yard and incidents where he along with 2 elderly ladies dug underneath the bridge while State crews watched.  Jones also reported that the Laie Supervisor for DFM has been a tremendous help but is only one person and requires help.

6.      A resident asked what the community is doing to stop the local kids from terrorizing the area with a rash of robberies and burglaries.  She questioned what it would take for the community to address this issue.

7.      Julie Sadler, a long time resident from Ka`a`awa, commented that she has come across similar flood problems in her neighborhood.  She stated residents could call two SDOT officials, Murray Shimoze and Mike Medeiros.   Sadler also commented that juveniles might not be detered by arrests because juvenile records don’t count toward adult offenses.

City Council Representative – Jaccee Mikulanec, senior advisor from City Council member Donovan Dela Cruz’ office gave the following report:

1.      Mikulanec again introduced himself to the Board as Council member’s new Senior Advisor and reported that the office was hectic with the passing of the transit bill. He thanked community members for their opinions regarding this important issue.

2.      Several updates on resolutions regarding the Koolauloa area: A) The Resolution regarding a skate park for the area is going back to project status and is up for funds in this next calendar budget.  B) The Resolution regarding Kahalu`u Regional Park passed and is moving to the next step.  C) The Resolution regarding the protection of Kahuku Hospital has passed its first reading and will go before full council on January 24 and comments are requested by this deadline.

3.      Council member Dela Cruz highlights several things this month including the opening of the Koolau Drivers Center at Koolau Center.

4.      Mikulanec reported several updates regarding budget request from Reed Matsuura: A) Hau`ula Elementary School bus shelter has been approved. B) The Laie/PCC bus shelter has been approved.

Questions, comments and requests:

1.      Virginia A. thanked the Council member for his support of Kahuku Hospital and its drive to stay open. 

2.      A resident questioned if the Council member would work on waiving taxes for Kuliana landowners.  Kim Ribellia, Senior Advisor for the Council member Dela Cruz’ office, introduced herself once again to the Board and reported that this request would be covered by Bill 25, CD 1 2006, which is in the budget committee.

3.      Dr. Jim Anthony questioned the quality of people who are being appointed to the Board of Water Supply.  He stated that they are the “most incompetent professional Board” he has seen and request that the Council member as well as the full City Council take a more proactive role in screening these appointees.

4.      Choon James requested that petitions from Defend Oahu Coalition be reviewed and a response be drafted in order to keep the community informed.

Governor’s Representative – Bill Henderson gave the following report:

1.      Regarding an issue from the previous Board meeting, Henderson stated that the Department of Health forwarded information to the water commission.

2.      The State Legislature begins its session next week on January 17 and the Governor is working on a budget that will be presented to the Legislature.  The Governor’s State of the State address is scheduled for January 22, 2007.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Heath stated that the level of property tax does not help the island residents in their quest to stay island residents and thinks that it is ridiculous.  Letts commented that property tax is a County issue but Heath stated the problem has become a statewide issue and would like to hear a response from the Governor. 

2.      Kelika Ishel from Kahuku Hospital reported that $950,000 was appropriated for the Hospital that would allow for it to stay open until April 2007.  Ishel questioned when the second half of the installment would come and Henderson reported that the Department of Health is committed to helping Kahuku Hospital and will report back with information at the next Board meeting.

3.      Ben Shafer commented that many Territorial Leases would come to an end on February 1.  Many of the descendants who still reside on these lands will be displaced and requested that the Governor provide some help to these residents.

4.      Choon James requested support for the ailing Kahuku Hospital and stated that Dr. Fukino had stated that emergency health is a high cost.  James commented that a basic level of health care must be maintained for the North Shore/Ko`olauloa area.

5.      A nurse from the Kahuku Hospital thanked the Board and the community as well as all of the elected officials for their support.

Representative Colleen Meyer – Roosevelt Freeman gave the following report: He introduced himself to the Board and the community and commented that the Representative introduced a Bill to include Kahuku Hospital within the Hawaii Health System.  Freeman also reported that the Representative was the only elected official to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Kahuku Hospital Board of Directors and the State.

Questions, comments and concerns:

Mattoon questioned whether the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), drafted by the legal department of the Kahuku Hospital was strong enough to bar the hospital from closing.  Freeman commented that with other legislators’ submitted letters of support, the MoU increases in its strength and holds more credibility. 

Representative Michael Magaoay – Dede Alo gave the following report: Regarding Kahuku Hospital, Alo reported that the community support is most definitely needed in keeping the doors open.  A $1 million grant in aid has been allocated for Kahuku Hospital with increments that have allowed it to stay open until February 1.  Alo also reported that should the Hospital file for bankruptcy, this would almost automatically ensure that it would lose certification, which will be hard to attain.  Rep. Magaoay has been instrumental in moving legislation through the necessary steps and requests that the community support this push with testimony.  If there are any further questions after this meeting and Alo can be reached at (808) 586-6830.

Questions, comments and concerns:

Elkington questioned Rep. Magaoay’s action of not signing the MoU and Alo stated that although the Representative did not sign, he did support Kahuku Hospital in its quest to remain open.  His intention is that necessary legislation must pass through the required steps and the Governor’s allocation of funds allowed legislators to do this much-needed step. 

Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert contacted the Board and noted the very full agenda she agreed to defer her report until the February board Meeting.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) & Koolauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa distributed a report and provided the following information:

1.      There were no main breaks to report.  The BWS annual calendar of children’s art was distributed to the Board and residents.  Board members commented on Mattoon’s granddaughter as one of the artist highlighted in the calendar.  Usagawa reported that the calendar also included monthly conservation tips and further information on contacting BWS.

2.      Regarding a question raised at the previous Board meeting, Usagawa investigated the reported ponding of water on the side of the road next to the Hau`ula Community Center and discovered that it was due to seepage.  Further work will be done to find the cause and solution to the problem.

3.      KWMP: Chair Letts reported that a committee had been working with BWS on the Watershed Plan.  She noted that the group felt that it was important to produce the best plan possible as this would be one of the first.  In working with the consultant and BWS it was decided to push the deadline back as there were significant issues that needed to be addressed.  The plan should be ready for Board review in late February early March.  She thanked everyone especially BWS and the consultant for their assistance, help and determination to make the plan as strong as possible with all the varied interests.  Usagawa also thanked Board members for their continued work and diligence during this process.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Soh questioned when meetings were scheduled for the Koolauloa Watershed plan as he does not have email.  Usagawa asked how he would like to be contacted and he stated  they could reach him at 293-9682.

U.S. Marines – No representative was available for comment.

Congressman Mazie Hirono – No representative was available for comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Malaekahana – Chair Letts commented that the plan has been circulated and looked over by the Board.  The Board at a previous meeting voted to support the project as it was presented to the communities at that time.  Letts gave Mattoon the floor in order to raise questions regarding the latest revised plan and whether it was the same as the one presented to the communities previously.  On hand was Craig Chapman who would answer questions for the Board and community.

Mattoon reported that the question of whether the plan met the condition of being the same as that previously presented and whether the promises were met were in part questions for DLNR.  Mattoon again reiterated that the overarching concern of privatizing state parks was one that the Board had with the State not with this developer.  He again stated that it was not in the best interests of the residents of the State to take parks purchased with state tax payer dollars and lease them to individuals to use as eco-tourism sites.  Mattoon raised the following specifics:

A)     A café and laundry area was included in the plan and Mattoon asked for further details. Chapman reported that the laundry area would be very small with only two coin-operated washers and two dryers, basically fitting the needs of those who are visiting the park.  The café will be a coffee shop

B)     Mattoon noted concern about `iwi during demolition and construction and asked whether a cultural specialist would monitor the project.  Chapman reported that any construction would go no further than current roads and previous construction of 18 inches.  Footings for new buildings will go down below present ground level a total of 18 inches and rise above another 18 inches in order to create a solid foundation.  He also stated that they would have cultural specialists and would do an EIS.

C)    The needs of visitors vs. the needs of the residents.  Mattoon commented that the project looked like it would bring in more visitors and was designed for eco-tourism.  Chapman reported that the improvements are for the use of everyone but due to the slumps during the slow months, it is necessary to attract eco-tourists in order to create a continued flow of funds.  Mattoon questioned whether attracting “RV-type” visitors was the right kind of message to be sending for a destination set on the north shore.  Chapman stated that RV’s are not allowed in Hawaii stated that the “RV-type” visitor was unlike the regular visitor who would more enjoy staying in Waikiki.  He commented the “RV-type” visitor would be a more conscientious visitors, likely to pick up trash and enjoy an eco-friendly and culturally sensitive vacation.

D)    Mattoon raised a question regarding Chapman’s willingness to make payments starting in 2008 on the lease.  Chapman reported that this statement was based on a 2005 opening of the project.  This would have given him an allotted time of 2 ½ years to get on his feet and begin creating a profit in order to begin payments.  At this point this date does not hold.

E)     Mattoon’s final comment was in regards to DLNR and the concerted effort by the developer to meet all requested requirements.  He noted that the Board was not qualified to comment on the technical aspects and promises made to the community and that DLNR would have to check to see if those had been met.

  Chapman commented that they have had several projects presented to the community which were removed there is no wind power and not solar panel array. 

 The beach front will be made available to the public with more amenities included and Chapman reiterated that only 1/3 of the park will be used as camping grounds while the remaining 2/3 will be set up for picnic area usage.

 Heath questioned if there was a cultural advisor would be available on site and also questioned if the developer was in contact with the Kahuku Hospital.  Heath commented that she did not like “RV mindset” and Chapman commented that this type of visitor would be a different type of visitor who would be good stewards rather than not. Chapman also reported that the cultural advisor was to come from Cultural Surveys of Hawaii.

Chair Letts asked for the Board’s pleasure regarding if the previous motion of support for the Malaekahana park development would stand, provided that all concernsand conditions noted in that motion and report sent to DLNR are met.  With no objections from the Board members, the Koolauloa NB stood behind their vote taken at the May 2006 regular Board meeting of 8-1-1. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Aunty Dawn Wasson commented that Mr. Chapman had denied access to kupuna in the past as well as fishermen.  Mr Chapman denied this but said if he had he apologizes.  Ms. Wasson said this wasn’t sufficient.  She raised the issue of fishermen’s access to the shoreline and Mr. Chapman said he would not deny anyone access to the shoreline, However, he does reserve the right to cut off vehicular access at any time he feels it is in the best interests of his guests.

2.      Dr. Jim Anthony commented that he has followed this development plan from the beginning and stated in his opinion community outreach has been tremendous.  Dr. Anthony ended his remarks stating that the community could do well with this sort of development in the area rather than those like Kuilima.

NEW BUSINESS:

Continental Pacific – Chair Letts invited the Hawaii General Manager, Eric Morrison, from Continental Pacific in order to provide an informational session for the Board and the community on hand.  The Chair requested that the community hold all questions, comments and concerns until  the end of the presentation.

Eric Morrison thanked the Chair and Board for allowing him the opportunity to speak in front of them in order to clear up any miscommunication.  He provided background information on himself and also commented that CP supported the efforts of keeping Kahuku Hospital open.  He commented that within the last several years, taxes have gone from $1.1 million to almost $11 million for the hospital this year alone.  Morrison reported that Continental Pacific is in the business of taking large parcels of fallow (untouched) agricultural land and subdividing lots for smaller tracts.  At this time, CP owns 204 acres mauka of Turtle Bay.  In the beginning Continental Pacific was approached by the Campbell Estates and the Mayor and has met with the Kahuku community on a long list of meeting dates.

Mr. Morrison noted that there are ten key plan elements that are essential to making this deal work:

1.      Kahuku Village Residential Area: CPR existing approximately 75 houses and land.  Offer to occupants for average of $75,000 each.  Offer infill vacant lots to Phase 4 Kahuku Village residents at preferential prices. Develop additional lots to complete Village area (rural standards- under 201 H).

2.      18 Oceanfront Lots: Rezone to Country (min. 1 acre) via density transferred from R-5. CPR or subdivide with rural standard under 201 H.

3.      Support Agricultural developments in Marconi Road area.

4.      Subdivide Malaekahana Point into single ranch lot (20+ acres, P-2) with no presently anticipated use change.

5.      P-2 Area (old Adams Field) used for recreational cabins and related activities.

6.      9 to 12 Agricultural lots (Ag-2) north of Golf Course. CPR or subdivide.

7.      2 private Beach Parks (community use).

8.      Owner financing at 10% to existing occupants.  Will rent to elderly who cannot afford to buy.

9.      Will donate 9-Hole Golf Course (some reconfigured holes) to approved entity with maintenance covenant.

10.  Will donate 2 Cemeteries to approved entity.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Soh questioned why Morrison did not report in front of the Kahuku Community Association first before appearing in front of the Koolauloa NB.  Letts stated that it was at the request of the Board made at a previous meeting that Morrison was asked to come and provide information.

2.      Heath stated her concerns with the project:  a) A large portion of the proposed development is currently occupied by a group of Laotian farmers and she questioned if there were interpreters on hand to communicate properly with the farmers regarding what is happening.  Morrison reported that there was no interpreter and that he spoke to the farmers regarding the projects and felt he was understood.  He reported that the farmers are pooling resources together to negotiate a deal.  b) She questioned the sale of 18 luxury homes and who would they be sold to and how would they be able to situate 18 homes on the beach front property without the risk of erosion problems later. Morrison stated that the plan for the 18 luxury homes is a possibility and will have to go through the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and also reiterated that the plan is still in progress and may change at any time.  c) Heath questioned why CP would believe that KVA residents who were not able to get financing elsewhere would be able to afford financing from CP at a rate higher then market.  Morrison answered that CP was willing to take the risk as a last resort and allowing residents the chance to own the homes they resided in.  Heath then questioned what would happen if these residents could not afford the payments and CP ended up becoming the owners of these properties. 

3.      Mattoon questioned what would keep the 18 luxury homes from sliding into the ocean and asked if the homes were not approved would the entire deal die.

4.      Elkington questioned if CP would be donating the golf course and to whom and Morrison replied that they would be donating the golf course to an entity qualified to run it through a public proposal process. 

5.      Soh questioned what a 201 (H) variance was and to what agency did this classification belong to and Morrison replied that it was a state code.  Morrison also reported that CP had hired two additional consultants that were more educated on the zoning laws and permits and would have more information at further meetings.  Letts made it clear that this was not a 201H meeting.

6.      Letts a) questioned if the CP financing at 10% was a higher risks, what would happen for those residents who were still not able to afford it and Morrison replied that CP would be open to the possibility of rental and lease agreements as an option.  b) She also questioned what the minimum sizes of the proposed agricultural lots were.  Morrison replied that the size would be determined based on the quality of the top soil in the area.  If the top soil was of a better grade then it would mean a smaller lot but if the soil was of a lesser grade than the lots would be increased.  The plan at the time called for lots 5-15 acres and stated that there would be no sale of 2 acre lots, also known as “gentleman’s ag’ lot”.

7.      Kahana questioned what the timeline and dates were in relation to what needed to be done.  Morrison did not have many of the dates but reported that the consultants had expected to apply for the 201 (H) permit by October 2007.

8.      A resident questioned about the vacant residential lots that would be created within the area of the existing 75 homes and whether they would be available at an affordable rate.  Morrison reported that CP was committed to keeping the rates affordable and that there would be at least 25 acres of additional home lots

9.      A resident questioned if the proposed 18 luxury homes would encroach on the golf course and Morrison stated that the construction of the 18 homes would mean that CP would have to move at least one hole of the golf course.  Morrison stated that CP was committed to keeping the golf course and ensuring that it remained a 9-hole golf course.

10.   Dawn Wasson questioned if there would be access to the ocean for Native Hawaiians.  Morrison replied that there would be 2 parks available on both sides of the 18 beachfront homes.  Wasson also questioned how to contact Morrison and asked that the public contact him at eric@cplandco.com or (808) 520-4070.  He commented that he tried his best to reply back within a day.

11.   Angel Adversalo expressed that she was happy CP had bought the land and believed that CP was working with the community.  She questioned though where the exits for the 18 luxury homes would be situated. Morrison replied that more than likely the exits would run around the perimeter of the golf course.

The Board requested that it be made clear that Morrison’s attendance at this meeting does not count towards the 201 (H) permits requirement of attending a Board meeting.

Ilioulaokalani – Wayne Panoke gave the following report:

1.      Panoke thanked the Board for the time given to Ilioulaokalani, a group of Hawaiian Practitioners who have been together for the past 10 years.  Ilioulaokalani’s Board of Directors has approved a motion to support the protection of Kahuku Shoreline.  Bills have been introduced in the State Legislature co-sponsored by State Senator Hee and Representative Morita calling for protection of all shoreline property in the state including Kahuku.  Panoke commented that the shoreline was not created for rich people to call home and believed that Iwi remains were a major concern with 18 proposed homes on the Kahuku coastline.  Panoke commented that the entire shoreline in the State of Hawaii was targeted for protection and introduced Joe Pickard to speak on behalf of Ilioulaokalani.

2.      Joe Pickard thanked the Board and explained his company of Community Planning and Development LLC.  He commented that his intentions were to clear up information given to the public by CP representative Eric Morrison and explain why the deal set before them is not beneficial.  With an investment of $20-$30 million dollars into this project, Pickard explained that CP would in the end have an estimated windfall of $60-$70 million.  Pickard warned the residents to not take the project on face value and to question what was being brought in front of them.

Windward Retreat – Dawn Chang and Brett Pruitt reported the following:

Dawn Ching thanked the Board for the opportunity to come before it and conveyed that on October 13, 2006, the Windward Retreat Center had presented its proposal for a retreat center on state land to the Board of Land and Natural Resources.  As a non profit 501 (c) organization, the organization is based upon a Quaker philosophy and has worked with the community in order to create a plan that has undergone several scale downed revisions to meet community concerns.  With a 50 feet setback from the perimeter, the Center will have no commercial activity, no weddings and no drug rehab center which had been rumored in the community.  The lot is 3.6 acres and is zoned R-5 (one residential unit per 5,000 Square Feet.  The proposal is for 2 single story structures and 4 parking places.  Ching commented that they have gone before the Kaaawa Community Association more then 3 times over the years.  Previous to the most recent time the Community supported the project after adjustments were made to meet the community concerns.  Most recently however the community with a 3-2 vote of the Board took a position no longer supporting the project. She noted the closeness of the vote, the previous votes in favor and the strong support of some community members as reasons why the project should go forward.

Questions, comments and concerns

1.      Elkington asked what were the major concerns in opposition to the Retreat Center and Chang stated that the low lease rent which was set at $480 for the year was a concern.  She also noted that this was the standard lease rent for a non-profit from the BLNR and was not unique to this property.

2.      Rev Bellinger, President of the Kaaawa Community Association, reported that the Community Association did not approve of the Windward Retreat Center.  A non-binding poll was taken at the meeting of those who attended and many did not support the project.  As the largest remaining open area in Kaaawa, the Community Association did not feel that the proposal was the best use of the land.  He also stated that the Association believed there was no real benefit to the surrounding community and questioned why if the programs this group proposes are so important they had not been implemented years ago.  He stated that it appears that the organization has just been waiting for the land and doing nothing in the interim.

3.      Dr. Jim Anthony was opposed to the project and commented that he, along with a residents working group, believed that the group had not been forthcoming with much of the information.  If the group had been willing to provide sufficient community input, then he believed the community would support the project.

4.      Kathy Waracka, a Board member of the Kaaawa Community Association, commented that the vote was close at this recent meeting but reported that at past meetings, the proposal had garnered approval and that she supported the project.

5.      Gerrald Palermo stated that he lived approximately four houses away from the proposed project and was never made aware of the project.  The access road is a private road that is approximately 20 feet wide and he believes that there is no room for such a project in the area.

6.      Mari McCabe, a resident of Kaaawa, believed that granting a 35 year lease to one non-profit for the last significant open track of land in the community is not the best use for the parcel. 

7.      Willy Gelderman commented that the neighbors had not been notified of the project or any of the updates to the plan.

8.      Brett Pruitt, a volunteer for the Windward Retreat Center, commented that there is no drug rehab center planned for the site.  There were several concessions made with community support over the years.  He commented that he had spoken to abutting neighbors on several occasions regarding the project that were in support.  He noted that the board had a letter of support from Ian Lind an adjacent landowner.  The Windward Retreat Center has proceeded in good faith due to previous votes of support from the Kaaawa Community Association and the Koolauloa Neighborhood Board and he feels that it is not right that positions be changed at this late date.

9.       Julie Sadler commented that she has lived in the area for 34 years and believed that a lot of misinformation was given out and believed that the Windward Retreat Center had done a poor job of informing the community.

10.   Byron McDowell commented as a neighbor of the Windward Retreat Center project that they were bad neighbors and had not communicated at all with them.  He has taken up a fight against the proposed project for his mother-in-law and believes they have not been up front with the community.

11.   Elkington commented if the Center had members of the community that supported the project, then why did they not come out and support them at this meeting.  It was noted that one person spoke in favor and two letters of support were received by the Board.

A motion made by Elkington and seconded by Macy to support the Kaaawa Community Association’s position regarding the Windward Retreat Center.

Discussion:

1.      Mattoon stated that the Board’s main priority is to the community and not the community association or the other groups involved in the discussion.

The Board voted aye-6 nay-0 abstain-2.  The motion passed with quorum acquired.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

NEW BUSINESS

Windward Homeless Coalition –