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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2007

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Les Steward called the meeting to order at with 7 members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Les Steward, Kathryn Heath, Margaret Primacio, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh and Kelika Ishol (voted in at meeting).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dee Dee Letts (Excused) Patrick Macy (Excused) and John Elkington.

GUESTS: Fred Mencher, Steven Daugherty (Hauula Beach Homes AOAO), Charlene Silva, Oris Terry, Junior Primacio, Jim Leonardi, Bernie Fuller, Ernest Golden, Joshua Primacio, Lorrie Callaway (Kahuku Hospital), Lea Albert (DOE), Donna Lindsey (DOE), Paulette Williams, Seanna Tise, Zenobia K. Iese (HCA/HLIP), Davina Sanders, Jolene Peapealalo (Kahana Community Assn.), M. Nalani Primacio, John Cheong (HPD- Kaneohe), Francis Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Bradley Odagiri (Hauula E.S.), Dorothy G. (Hauula School), John Ouszowka, John Errett, Kaye Kroehler, Dovey Silva, Kapea Keawe Kaukai, Vanessa Matautia (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

VACANCIES:  Subdistrict 1 (Hauula): Vice Chair Steward asked if there was anyone present that was interested in filling the seat.  Kahana stated that Kelika Ishol was available and wished to fill the seat.  NCO staff member Matautia explained that Ishol would sit on the Board for the present meeting.  The filling of the seat after June 1, 2007, the term of this Board, was discussed but information would be provided at the next meeting.

The Board voted unanimously 7-0 to appoint Kelika Ishol into the Subdistrict 1 seat.  NCO staff Matautia swore in Kelika Ishol into the meeting and she joined the Board.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes –Kahana motioned and was seconded by Heath to approve the minutes, which was passed without objection by the Board with the following amendments:

·         Pages 1, under HFD report, comments by Kaluhiokalani were inadvertently submitted. 

TREASURER'S REPORT: Kahana gave the following report:  The Board had a previous balance of $2,249.63 with current monthly expenses totaling $66.07, leaving a remaining balance of $2,183.56.  The refreshment account remains unchanged at $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative was available for comment.

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

Crime Statistics for April 2007:  There were 2 rapes, 5 robberies, 2 aggravated assaults, 58 burglaries, 134 thefts, 115 UEMV (Theft from Automobile), 50 auto thefts with 580 total calls for help. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

Kaluhiokalani questioned about the Districts in the Koolauloa area and also questioned about the requirement by HPD to use blue lights when traveling on public roads.  Lt. Leong reported that when circumstances call for police officers to be visible, then blue lights will be used.  Yet when there are circumstances that stealth is needed in order to catch illegal activity, no lights are used.  Lt. Leong also stated that it was illegal for private citizens to a fix blue lights to their car.  If drivers are scared to pull over in dimly lit areas then they may proceed to a more lighted area.  He stated that drivers should call 911 to explain the situation and proceed at the speed limit to the nearest lit area or Fire Station if they do not feel safe. Officers will understand and follow the driver.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota gave the following report:

1.       The project regarding the Ka`a`awa Beach Park is complete but must still need to submit to the State Department of Health the survey information relating to the septic tank.  Also the new beach park sign is not property spelled, the okinas are missing.  DDC and DPR are discussing how to fix this situation.

2.       Stream Cleaning Schedule was given for the month of May in the Koolauloa area are as follows:  During the 2^nd week in May, cleaning of stream mouth openings include Muliwai Stream, Hauula Stream, Waipuhi Stream, Waipilopilo Stream, and Meheiwi Stream; During the 4^th week in May, cleaning of stream mouth openings include Laie Loa Stream and Laie Waia Steam and overgrowth cutting and debris removal is scheduled throughout the month of May for Hanaimoa ditch, Hauula Homestead Road ditch and Kawaipapa ditch.

3.       Regarding the Kahuku Park play apparatus and whether it will be replaced, the replacement of the composite play apparatus is currently under construction.

4.       A question regarding whether pollution at Kualoa Park was point source or non-point source could not be answered because the source has not yet been identified.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.       Heath requested that the foot bridge near the Hauula fire station be looked at immediately and repaired.  The planks have come loose from the bridge and there is a safety concern with smaller children crossing the bridge possibly falling through cracks.  She also questioned about the Hau`ula Play court.

2.       Kaluhiokalani asked if HRI is required to have a permit to park construction vehicles on Kulanui Road.

3.       Steward questioned if the play equipment will be fixed or replaced to which Kubota stated that the equipment will be replaced with new rather than refurbished materials. 

City Council Representative – Reed Matsuura gave the following report:

1.       CIP Update: Hau`ula Master Plan was given $50,000 to begin for the area of Hau`ula.  Laie Bus Stop improvements were reintroduced into the CD2 which includes several around Laie and Hauula.  Hauula Community Park – Multi purpose play court was reintroduced into the CD2 for $275,000; $50,000 was requested for feasibility and site selection of the Laie Community Recreation Center while another $50,000 was requested for the plan and design of safety features for Anemoku Street in Laie.

2.       Requested that the community should call the City Council Budget Chair Todd Apo’s office at (808) 547-7001 and Mayor’s office at 523-4141.   To testify on May 23^rd for Bill 31 Fiscal Year 2008 CIP, on the 2^nd floor Honolulu Hale in the City Council Committee Room following the 9 a.m. meeting regarding RPT.  Fax testimony to (808) 527-5733 or e-mail to: http://www.honolulu.gov/council/emailbud.htm

3.       Community Concerns Update (RISRS): a) Emergency Warning System (Siren) for Kahana Bay to be located at 53-089 Kamehameha Hwy.  Received a response from Director Hirai, indicating they would be looking at the suggested location and would also forward this site to DLNR for review.  RISRS were submitted for b) replacing street signs at both ends of Kaipapau Loop, c) replace a bus bench on the mauka side of Kamehameha Highway at Kaipapau Loop, d) correct the sign for the Ka’a’awa restrooms as the okinas were missing and e) feral chicken capture program update.  There is an issue regarding the group who is in charge not feeling comfortable with new inclusions such as other birds including such as ducks and geese.

4.       Ko`olauloa Sustainable Communities Plan:  The consultant/planner for the project is Helber, Hastert & Fee.  To contact them, please call: Mr. Scott Ezer, Ms. Corlyn Olson Orr and Ms. Wendie McAllaster at (808) 545-2055.

Questions, comments and requests:

1.       Junior Primacio questioned how the community would be contacted in order to be a part of the planning stages and Matsuura replied that HH&F has already asked for former and current Board members and if anyone is interested to contact him.

2.       Heath questioned what exactly the Hau`ula Sustainable Communities plan was and who the party responsible for initiating it was.  Matsuura reported that the plan was initiated by Council member Dela Cruz and was created to develop a working plan for Hau`ula.  With such a plan in place, government would have an outline of what the community wanted in order to work out future development in the area, especially with nearly 50% of visitors trekking to the North Shore and using facilities here.  Matsuura assured the community that other areas of the district who did not have SCP’s would have a working group soon but it would take time as the Council member’s district makes up nearly 40% of the island.

3.       Ishol questioned if the funding has been recently requested or if it has been approved.  Matsuura replied that funding was requested and approved for $50,000 from the CIP for planning.  It should go quickly since there are no construction only consultants for this planning phase of the project. 

4.       Kahana questioned if there were any representatives of the consulting firm that would be available for Hau`ula Residents.  The money is already allocated in the budget and if it’s passed, then it will get contracted.  The time line would be around December ’07/January ’08 that the contract would actually go out.  If people would like more information they should call the office then.

5.       Heath stated that the community sentiment regarding the contracting of a consultant to overlook the Hau`ula Sustainable Communities Plan should be a local firm rather than an outside firm.

6.       Margaret Primacio questioned if Kahuku had any funding requests within the new budget and Matsuura stated that several requests were included in the budget this year but were not approved by the Mayor or the City Council Budget Chair, Todd Apo.  Last year’s City CIP budget included funding for renovations to Police Station and several Fire Stations on the North Shore.  The project to pave the parking lot servicing Kahuku District Park along with several others was shot down because of issues with several different land owners.  The pavement of the parking lot would have allowed the area to service senior citizens because the present parking lot is not ADA compliant. 

Requests for help with seating in the Kahuku High School stadium or help with the swimming pool were questioned but Matsuura stated the wariness of officials to touch the project because it all lies within flood zones.  Primacio’s last question dealt with the City Charter passage of the one percent of annual property tax revenues is appropriated to funds for land conservation and affordable housing and whether this will be used in Kahuku.  Matsuura was not sure on this and would check for the next meeting.  He reported that much of the budget this year went toward sewer infrastructure estimated at almost $700 million.

7.       Mattoon questioned if the Ko`olauloa Sustainable Community’s consultants would be available for the next meeting and Vice Chair Steward commented that Chair Letts had already scheduled a presentation for next month. 

8.       Ernest golden requested the community help with a funding request for safety features to be made on Anamoku Street.  The beach front area is often overcome with cars, trucks and vans leaving very little room for pedestrians and traffic woes.  The community is requesting that measures be taken in order to prevent an accident from happening.

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson gave the following report

1.       Henderson pointed out that Governor Lingle appointed Allan A. Smith to serve as Interim Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). 

2.       2007 Legislative Session: The session adjourned on May 3, 2007 and the Governor has 45 days or until July 10, 2007 to sign, veto or let a bill become law without her signature.  The Governor must also give 10 days notice to the Legislature of any bills she is considering vetoing and that deadline is June 25, 2007.  Currently in the process of review all bills passed by the legislature, public input on any bill is welcome by email at governor.lingle@hawaii.gov or fax at (808) 586-0006.  At this time there have been 67 bills enacted into law, including 8 measures which were vetoed and subsequently overridden by the Legislature.  Six other vetoed bills have either been sustained or let stand.

3.       Inquiry re: Stream Maintenance above Waimanana Bridge: DLNR confirmed that the State is responsible for 10 feet on either side above the bridge.  The area in question appears to be further mauka and is believed to be adjacent to lands owned by the Church of Jesus Christ, LDS.  Adjacent landowners are responsible for maintenance of the stream fronting their property, and  enforcement has been delegated to the County of statue.  The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) reports that they have not approved any stream diversion permits in this area, although there is a notice of an unpermitted stream channel alteration that is pending for a lot on Pokiwai Place.  CWRM has jurisdiction to investigate complaints related to stream diversions or alterations.  A complaint/dispute resolution documentation form is available online from the CWRM website, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/cwrm.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.       Steve Daugherty thanked the State and City crews who came to help his neighbors and him regarding the cleaning of streams near their homes that had once threatened to create flooding problems. 

2.       Heath stated that the footbridge near the Hauula Fire Station is unsafe as several boards have come loose and are a hazard to kids who are smaller.

3.       Jim Leonardi questioned where the community could turn in order to have two ditches cleaned Makai of Kamehameha Highway.  Henderson questioned which ditches exactly and Leonardi explained that they only had known one ditch as “hospital ditch”, due to its close proximity to Kahuku Hospital.

Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert gave the following report:

1.       Kahuku High & Intermediate School– After several days of checking the campus, the Department of Health gave the green light to open the school.  The Department of Agriculture investigated about the strong fumes and discovered that it was an overspray using Orzine.  School officials were given a clean bill of health but decided to keep the campus closed for one more day in order to thoroughly air out the buildings.

2.       Ka’a’awa Elementary School update – There is work being done on the school’s leech field in order to have it comply with EPA standards.  Currently, during flooding periods, the water drains into the school and hopefully with work the water will be able to drain away from the school as well as neighboring residents.

3.       National History Day competitors – Students from Kahuku High, Intermediate and Elementary School will be attending this year’s National competition in June.  15 students from Kahuku High and Intermediate as well as 3 students from Kahuku Elementary School.

Questions, comments and concerns: 

1.       Heath questioned if those parties responsible for the overspray will have any mandated fines and whether the school will receive compensation for the school hours lost.  She stated that her children lost nearly 40 hours of instructional time and believed that it should be addressed.  Albert reported that the investigation at this time does not have anything concrete and they are working on plans on how to avoid any further occurrences.

2.       Kahana questioned if the Board would send letters of congratulations to the students attending the National Competition for their hard work and dedication.

3.       Davina Sanders reported that conditions at Hau`ula Elementary School are not the same as those reflected by the administration, particularly Lea Albert, Brad Odagiri and Donna Lindsey.  Sanders stated that the safety of the children at Hau`ula Elementary School is put in jeopardy because the current administration has a blind eye toward faculty who are considered by several individuals as dangerous.  A parent was arrested at the school earlier in the day and she believes that the school has failed the students, parents and community.  Ishol questioned why the parent was arrested and Sanders stated there was no reason given other than a harassment charge.  Sanders stated that the community is fed up with the lies and is requesting support in bringing these charges to light.

4.       Bradley Odagiri, Principal of Hau`ula Elementary School, stated that the school has been open for visitors to see the progress that has been happening over the past several months.  The school was in a restructuring phase and has not been deemed to be out of this restructuring.  Regarding the arrest at the school, Police are involved and doing an investigation.

5.       Zeni Iese, a former board member and community leader as well as a teacher at Hau`ula Elementary School stated that she was recently awarded $1,000, which she gave to the school.  Iese believed that it was a mistake because within the last several years, she has witnessed activities which put students in harms way.  She stated that current Hau`ula Elementary School administration has tried their hardest to cover for faculty.  She also reported an incident where students were left alone in a classroom. 

6.       Vice Chair Steward thanked the groups for coming and stated that when the Chair comes back, they will find the right venue for these complaints and discuss it further.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa gave the following report: 

1.       There were no main breaks for the month of April.

2.       2007 Detect-a-Leak Week for June 3-9: Focuses the public’s attention on the importance of finding and fixing simple leaks around the house.  During the week, toilet leak detection dye tablets are free for pickup at various City Mill stores, satellite city halls, and in the BWS Lobby on Beretania Street.  Also free home leak check-ups will be provided to 50 customers through a drawing that will be announced later.  Special thanks to our co-sponsor City Mill, and associate sponsors the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and the Sierra Club of Oahu for their help.

3.       Water Saving Tips: a) If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water efficient showerhead. b) When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments.  They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances. c) More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.  Be sure to water plants when necessary.

Ko`olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa gave the following report: He apologized for the time that it has taken to get this project going again.  BWS is currently finishing the revisions from the last planning meeting and when they are done the next round of meetings will be scheduled.  The revisions should be completed by May 31 with a report at the June 2007 Board meeting.

Questions comments and concerns:

1.       Mattoon stated during a community meeting in Punalu`u, residents questioned why funding for an 8” line was withdrawn.  Usagawa reported that he did not have the exact information for that area but stated that the project would be finished.  At this time, the contractor is working on several projects concurrently and will be coming back sometime in the next week to finish repairs.

2.       Steve Daughtery expressed his gratitude to government agencies that helped in responding to the stream flooding issue

3.       Junior Primacio questioned about exploratory or future wells in the Ko`olauloa community.  Usagawa stated that there were five exploratory wells drilled in the late 1980’s-early 1990’s but they have all since been capped.  There are no plans for more wells at this time but some monitoring wells have been drilled in the past few years.

Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative gave the following report

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

Congressman Mazie Hirono – No representative was available for comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahuku Hospital update:  Lorrie Callaway gave the following report:

1.       Legislature:  The Kahuku Hospital sends out its mahalo and support and prayers.  HHSC Acquisition – HB 843:  In an amended form, the bill was passed to have the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC) acquire Kahuku Hospital.  Transition steps are being drafted with anticipation of a very busy year.

2.       Transition:  Various meetings will be held for employees during this transition to keep employees abreast of changes; an employee forum is scheduled this week to clarify the official “Kahuku Hospital employee” termination letters that were sent out last week. i.e. providing advance notice of the anticipated change in “employer” – the special corporate entity to be managed by the HHSC is being finalized; there is no immediate plan for hospital employees to become employees of the State of Hawaii.

3.       Chapter 11 Bankruptcy:  Since the official filing in late February 2007, the bankruptcy process continues with the submission of various reports and meetings with the creditors.  The goal of completing this process by June 30 2007 still prevails.

4.       HHSC (Hawaii Health System Corp.): Site visits from HHSC are expected to accelerate to include all aspects of hospital operations.

5.       Operations:  The management and supervisory staff are committed to maintaining optimum performance levels and are currently involved in additional team building and professional development sessions.

6.       Annual Survey:  The plan of correction for the annual state licensure/Medicare certification survey conducted April 2-4, 2007 has been submitted and is being monitoring by supervisory staff.

7.       KH Auxiliary: Kahuku Hospital Auxiliary recently donated $8,000 for emergency room equipment and furniture – acquisitions included blood pressure monitor, ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes and office chairs.

8.       American Cancer Society:  Kahuku Hospital’s two teams participated in the American Cancer Society’s Ko`olauloa Relay for Life on Friday April 20 to Saturday April 21 – through various fundraising projects and direct contributions, their total donation was approximately $1,500.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.       Ishol spoke to Vaioleti and stated that they are requesting information from the community on how the Hospital would need to change in order for more residents to use it. 

2.       Joshua Primacio stated that many residents have said the outside of the building looks “scary” and if they could possibly work on the structure outside.

NEW BUSINESS: No new business.

PUBLIC INPUT (3-minute limit per speaker)

1.       Mr. Golden Laie Point Community Association stated that there were several members of the community who requested support from the Board regarding property taxes. Charlene “Charlie” Silva stated that she had come back home from living in California to reside in the place she grew up and the property taxes on her home are being driven up every time someone in the neighborhood sells a house.  Silva is requesting the community and the Board’s support to circulate a petition for a proposition 13, requesting a change to property tax assessments which will tax at what people bought the properties which would allow for long time owners like her, to keep their homes and not be forced out.

2.       Junior Primacio stated that the Board in previous meetings would defer the vacancy spots until several parties that were interested were present.  He was at the last meeting in the beginning but had to leave because of a family emergency therefore leaving Margaret Primacio as the only candidate available.  Primacio believed that this was a bad precedent to keep and stated that it should not have happened.  Soh stated that the Chair had deferred the appointment of a vacancy before and was not out of the norm for the Board.  Leonardi stated that the Commission should look into changing policies that allow for a vacancy to be left sitting for so long.

3.       Fran Corcoran from the Kahuku Library stated that she was still in search of a vehicle to turn into a bookmobile.

4.       Warren Soh commented that he was surprised that he was shown as an incumbent on recent elections.

5.       Kaluhiokalani stated that the Bookmobile that is located in Hau`ula should be more visible because he is wary of children entering large vehicles such as this without appropriate signage.  Corcoran stated that the Bookmobile that is seen around the area actually serves the Waianae Coast and believes that the woman who runs it lives in the area.

6.       Iese requested to be on next month’s agenda and stated that she had a letter to be submitted for the Board’s perusal.

7.       Donna Lindsey stated that she was surprised and saddened at the several members of the community who chose this venue as a sounding board.  She believed that the Police Officers had enough information for them to make an arrest and if there was insufficient evidence, there would have been no arrest made.

8.       The person arrested at the school reported that she was a signed in as a volunteer for her mother’s classroom, Zenobia Iese.  She stated that she had left Iese’s classroom to walk down to her own children’s classroom in order to turn in fieldtrip permission slips and funding to the teacher.  She handed the items to the teacher and only after she had left to return back to Iese’s class was she arrested for harassment.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

COMMUNITY REPORTS – no reports

ADJOURNMENT:   Vice Chair Steward called for adjournment at 8:58 p.m.

Reviewed by:

Vice Chair Les Steward

Submitted by:

Vanessa Matautia

Neighborhood Commission Office