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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2007

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro-Tem Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:04pm with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jimmy Leonardi, Junior Primacio, John Elkington, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Les Steward, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Creighton Mattoon, Dee Dee Letts, and Kelika Ishol (voted in at meeting).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dawn Wasson.

GUESTS: Charlene Silva, Dacey Kagawa, Gery Meade, Nalani Primacio, John Olszowka, Puanani Nawahine, Sherry Martinez, Diana Hoppe, Fransisco Martinez Jr, Fred Mancher, Lt. Dave Eber (HPD), Ernest Golden (LPCA), John Erret, Kaye Kroehler, Capt. Ed Kealoha (HFD), Robert Dahma, Malia Dahma, Oris Terry (LPCA), Scott Ezer, Wendie McAllastar, Francis Corcoza (Kahuku Library), Margret Primacio, Warren Soh (KCA), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Marie Richardson (NCO), Leland Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBERS: Leonardi, Kaluhiokalani, Steward, Heath, Kahana, Mattoon, and Letts, who did not attend the Instillation Ceremony earlier this month, were administered the oath of office by Neighborhood Assistant, Ribac.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

CHAIR- Chair Pro Tem Letts opened the nominations for Chair. Primacio nominated Letts, Steward seconded. With no other nominations Creighton moved for the nominations closed with Primacio seconding. The motion to close carried unanimously. Letts was elected by a unanimous vote of 8-0.

VICE CHAIR- Chair Letts opened the nominations for Vice Chair. Steward nominated Mattoon and Leonardi seconded. With no other nominations Heath moved the nominations be closed with Leonardi seconding. The motion to close carried unanimously. Running uncontested, Mattoon was elected by a unanimous vote of 8-0 as Vice Chair.

TREASURER- Chair Letts opened the nominations for Treasurer. Elkington nominated Steward and Leonardi seconded. With no other nominations Heath moved for the nominations to a close with Mattoon seconding the motion. The motion to close carried unanimously. Running uncontested, Steward was elected by a unanimous vote of 8-0.

SECRETARY- Chair Letts opened the nominations for Secretary. Kahana volunteered to take the seat. Kahana was elected by unanimous consent.

VACANCIES:  Subdistrict 3 (Hauula): Kelika Ishol informed the board that she is interested in filling the vacancy in subdistrict 3. The Board voted unanimously 8-0 to appoint Ishol into the Subdistrict 3 seat.  Neighborhood Assistant Ribac swore in Ishol at 7:12 p.m. and she joined the Board.

DETERMINATION OF BOARD MEETING (DATE/TIME/PLACE): After deliberation and concerns of meeting quorum, board member’s consensus to keep the location of Hauula Community Center. Board members also approved to keep the same date and time of meeting, the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Leonardi then commented on changing the board’s regularly scheduled recesses, from August and December to July and December. Leonardi pressed the issue that schools start in July instead of August and parents may need July to prepare their children for school. Heath agreed and added that this is a good point and that the recesses should be changed. With the board members approval recesses would be held in the month of July and December.  

APPROVAL OF BOARD EXPENDITURES: Chair Letts explained that under the new provisions of the Neighborhood Plan, the Chairperson is now allowed to spend up to $25.00 without board approval. Kahana reiterated that this should be spent wisely and purchases do decrease the board’s funds. Primacio questioned what happens to expenditures that are left over. Chair Letts explained that all expenditures return to the general funds if not used.

Primacio questioned why video taping for broadcast on Olelo was not used at this Neighborhood Board meeting. Chair Letts stated that it had been considered in the past and that for many reasons the Board decided not to have the meetings taped. However, the new Board could re-look at this issue if it were to be placed on the agenda for a regular meeting.  The board expenditures will be kept the same from this point forward.

APPROVAL OF BOARD MINUTES FOR MAY: Heath motioned and was seconded by Mattoon to approve the minutes, which was passed without objection by the Board with the following amendments:

• Pages 1, under VACANCIES: Subdistrict 1 (Hauula) should be changed to Subdistrict 3 (Hauula).
• Pages 4, under DOE: Questions, comments and concerns: 4; A DOE representative, with approval of the board, deleted; “The school was in a restructuring phase and has not been deemed to be out of this restructuring.”  Then added in its place, “Hauula is out of restructuring status as of August 2006. Donna Lindsey reported that the safety of students, faculty, and staff is our priority. We cannot comment on the groundless allegations due to personnel matters.”

TREASURER'S REPORT:  Steward gave the following report for the month of May: the board had an operating account balance of $2,183.56, and accrued an expense of $44.28 for printing and mailing out agendas and minutes in the month of May. The refreshment account was untouched and remains at $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Ed Kealoha reported the following information;

1.   Statistics for the month of May: 1 structure fire; 3 brush fires; 2 rubbish fires; 29 medical emergencies; 4 search and rescue; 9 miscellaneous; and 1 unusual hazmat situation.

2.   Tip of the Month: Please keep brush 30 feet away from all structures and buildings. Recent rain may have caused an overgrowth of brush. Independence Day is also right around the corner, children should not handle fireworks, please enjoy a safe holiday.

Questions, answers and comments to follow:

· Steward questioned what the hazmat situation at the school had been. Kealoha was unsure of he details, but HPD announced that it was due to agricultural chemicals used in the agricultural zoned lands in the area.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Dave Eber gave the following report for May:  Crime Statistics for May 2007:  There were 2 rapes, 1 murder, 5 robberies, 5 aggravated assaults, 51 burglaries, 168 thefts, 152 UEMV (unauthorized entry to a motor vehicle),  and 34 auto thefts. Lt. Eber also highlighted that a most recent drug bust confiscated cocaine and 95 potted marijuana plants.

Questions, answers and comments to follow:

· Fred Mencher inquired if the brush fires were intentionally set. Lt. Eber explained that unlike structure fires, brush fires are much harder to distinguish where it initially started. Usually if it was intentionally set, witnesses would notice culprit(s) fleeing the scene. 

· Oris Terry congratulated HPD in their efforts at Laie Point. Please keep up the good work.

· A resident questioned why they should call 911 when they have problems in their district. They have not noticed any officers at Laie Point. Lt. Eber informed the board and residents that there is a shortage in officers. There is an estimated 11% shortage in officers, and that residents should always call 911 no matter the issue. The amount of patrol officers in an area is tied to the number of 911 calls dispatchers receive from an area.

· Robert Dobbs stated a safety concern regarding pedestrians jay-walking in the area. He also mentioned abandoned vehicles on Halai Street. Lt. Eber noted the location and mentioned that if the vehicle has an expired safety check the car can be towed.

· Leonardi questioned whether or not abandoned vehicles that have VIN numbers can be traced back to their owners and appropriate action against the owners such as fines could be levied. Lt. Eber replied that if vehicles have outstanding fines or fees, owners cannot renew their registration.

· Ernest Golden mentioned that he has noticed an increase in drug use and alcohol consumption in the Laie district. He understands that police staffing is low, but where should he turn. Lt. Eber replied that residents should always call 911. Chair Letts also mentioned that concerns can also be directed through the Mayor’s representative or Councilmember’s offices.

· Harold Silva explained that he had reported an instance of drug use to an officer and the officer disregarded the issue stating it “wasn’t his area”. Lt. Eber apologized for the officer’s response and added that if any officer uses such action, seek a higher authority and such as call the station and ask for their supervisor.  You should also take the officer’s name and badge number.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota was not present, however Ribac was provided with the Mayor’s Representative’s handout that highlighted the following information:

1. The Office of the Mayor Honolulu News, June report is attached, which highlighted the 58^th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. 

2. Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Midterm Report is also attached.

3. If there are any resident’s concerns that need to be sent to Patrick Kubota’s office, a resident’s concern form is also attached to the handout.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – The Councilmember was unable to attend, but his office representative Jacce gave the following report:

1. To the best of his knowledge both abandon vehicles in the Ka`a`awa and Hau`ula areas have been removed.

2. There is a request in for the new bus bench; replacements requests for street signs have been placed.

3. There is to be a community recycling event in Kahalu`u. Please see Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s June Report which touches on real property tax exemptions. If there are any other concerns regarding abandon vehicles please feel free to contact their office at 527.5711.

No questions were directed to the City Council Representative.

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson, of DHHL, representing the Governor’s office, reported the following information.  He also referred Board members to the Governor’s monthly report:

1.   Now that the legislative session has completed, the Governor will look at all passed bills (180 totals) to see which ones she will sign into law, let it become law without her signature, or veto. The Governor has until July 10^th to decide.

2.   Funding for Kahuku High School was provided in one of the bills Governor Lingle signed into law.

3.   Quest Ace is free medical programs for adults, if any one has questions please call 211.

Questions, answers and comments to follow:

·     Leonardi noted that in his handout, under I.B. makai should be mauka.

·     Mattoon explained that the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) should be involved in the cleaning of ditches on roadsides; Henderson agreed.

·     A concerned resident mentioned an article about Lankaila’s Meals on Wheels and the lack of funding. The resident asked if the Governor would be signing legislature that could help the Meals on Wheel’s program. Henderson mentioned that he would look into it.  

State Legislators – No representatives were present.

Department of Education (DOE) – A representative reported the following information:

1.   All schools are officially on summer vacation for six weeks.

2.   Hau`ula elementary is reported out of re-structuring. It was noted that any concerns or formal grievances about the school should be directed to the District Superintendent or the School Board.

Questions, answers and comments to follow:

·     Elkington asked now that re-structuring is done at the Hau`ula school, who will be the principal? The representative mentioned that although the school went through re-structuring, the principal Bradley Odiguri would stay the same

·     Mattoon asked when will the students be returning to school. August is the first day that student will be returning.

·     Primacio asked if there had been any follow up on the hazmat incident at Kahuku School.  There was no further information available. Chair Letts asked that Lea Albert be asked to look into this matter when she returns.

·     A teacher announced that the Neighborhood Board should not be a channel for complaints that go against the different schools. Please have all complaints referred to the BOE.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa of the BWS reported the following information

1.   There was a four inch water main break on Kamehameha Highway on May 30, 2007.

2.   Water levels are looking good, although there has been a recent drought, and low rainfall.

3.   The BWS is now using GPS technology to map out areas much better.

4.   The Tip of the Month is; when using poly-tubing please do not exceed 200 ft. This will reduce the chances of leaks.

Questions, answers and comments to follow:

·     In regards to the question last month about the design project on roadways; construction is based on funding and has not been canceled. The project is still under the design stage. Primacio questioned how long the project has been under the design stage? Usagawa noted that it has been under design for some years now, but it depends on the homeowners to sign off on land issues in that area.

U.S. Marines – There were no representatives present.

Unfinished Business:

Koolauloa Watershed Management Plan – Chair Letts announced that on Tuesday July 5, 2007 the watershed advisory group will be meeting to look at the latest draft of the sustainable water plan for Ko`olauloa. The meeting will take place in the evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Hauula Civic Center.

Update on Kahuku Hospital – No representative was available.

Process of complaints from Hauula School: Chair Letts announced that the Neighborhood Board is not to be used as a channel for formal complaints regarding any school. The District Superintendent and the Board of Education (BOE) are the appropriate avenues for formal complaints.

New Business:

Sustainable Communities Plan- Wendie McAllaster of Helber Hastert and Fee reported the following information:

The Sustainable Communities Plan for the Ko`olauloa district is three years overdue for revision. The last version was done in 1999. In the 1999 plan a major vision element for the area was preserving the rural nature of Ko`olauloa. Part of the plan’s vision was to specifically create rural community boundaries, preserve agricultural uses and provide for rural development standards. The update will look at how we measure the progress that has been made in the community, identify revisions if needed.  An advisory committee will be formed to assist with the update. General community meetings start in August and minutes and agendas are available online, at the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) website.

Questions, answers and comment to follow:

·     Heath expressed her frustration, and questioned the difference between now and the past. How is it going to be brought into play instead of just having a plan and doing nothing? McAllister said she understood her frustration. She also noted that the City is very aware of these concerns and will be developing “indicators” to assess whether the plan is being implemented. The indicators will measure the progress on goals, and objectives. McAllister also mentioned that the City knows that all plans are lacking follow through and will work on that as well.

·     Mattoon asked who the representative for DPP was and if they would be attending the meetings as well; McAllister answered Dina Wong will be DPP’s representative, and yes they will attend.

·     Primacio asked if the updates will be made available at the next board meeting in July. McAllister answered that since the neighborhood board will recess in July no updates will be available.

Trash collection for Kahuku— Chair Letts gave an update of what has been happening with trash pick up in the Ocean View, Main Camp, New Camp, and Walkerville areas. The KVA has been in contact with parties that are involved in the dispute. Trash pick up at curbside has been suspended for health reason raised by the workers through their union.  Two areas have been set aside for pickup and residents must take their trash to these sites.  Elderly have difficulty hauling their trash to these areas due to the distance. All households that can get their trash to Kamehameha Highway will continue to receive regular pickup.  The workers allege that road becomes too dusty for trash workers and provides an OSHA violation.  The road cannot be converted to an automated trash pick up as it is too narrow. Both City and OSHA counterparts have not given official letters of response.  Leonardi expressed his frustration and efforts to better the trash pick up system but asked the board for assistance. Primacio moved and Steward seconded that the board officially request a letter or statement by the appropriate departments, defining what the problem is and any solutions. The motion was carried by unanimous vote.

Public Input- (3-minute limit per speaker)

·     A local community program would like permission to present a DVD at the next scheduled board meeting. The DVD is about 13 minutes (3 minutes longer than allotted). The board decided to allow the presentation to exceed 10 minute limit.

·     Frances Corcoza, of the Kahuku Library, shared that the library will be celebrating a “Sound of Home” for the next 12 months. Each month starting July 31, 2007 will showcase music from a different country at 6:30 p.m. The library will also be focusing on literacy for youth, young adults, and adults. If there are any residents wishing to participate in reading or showcasing of their musical talents, please call 293-8935.

Committee Reports- Chair Letts appointed, upon approval, the following members to the following committees. CIP/Public Works: Junior Primacio; Education: Jimmy Leonardi; Health/Human Services: Kelika Ishol; Housing: Kathryn Heath; Parks & Recreation: Norman Kaluhiokalani; Planning & Land Use: Creighton Mattoon; Public Information: Les Stewards; Public Safety & Transportation: John Elkington; Water: Barbara Kahana. Dawn Wasson will be asked to head the Cultural Affairs committee when she returns.

Question, answers and comments to follow:

·     Leonardi questioned whether or not there were job descriptions for each appointed position. Chair Letts explained that there had been one in the past, but she will look for them again and pass them out to the board members.

Community Reports:

Kahuku- Leonardi reported that the KVA (Kahuku Village association) will be meeting on June 30, 2007, and two members are up for re-election.

Hau`ula­- Ishol reported that on the first Tuesday of every month the association will be meeting. They are currently looking for a location to place a sign stating date and time.

Punalu`u- Mattoon reported that adjacent to the new park on Kamehameha Highway there is still one parcel of land that needs to be taken care of and that this is in the works.

Ka`a`awa- Chair Letts reported that they are still waiting for the restrooms of a beach park to open; DLNR is still in the works of opening the doors and trying to secure the permit form DOH for the septic system.

Adjournment—Heath moved that the board stand adjourned, with Primacio seconding. Chair Letts called the meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant