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 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb28/07/28200711Min.PDF
KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-DRAFT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2007
HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. A quorum was present.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEMBERS (NB) PRESENT: Chair Letts, Jimmy Leonardi, Junior Primacio, John Elkington, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dawn Wasson, Kathryn Heath, Creighton Mattoon.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Les Steward, Barbara Kahana & Kalika Ishol.
VACANCY: One Vacancy (SD#3)
GUESTS: Lt. Vines-Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Lea Albert-Department of Education (DOE), Margaret Primacio, Fred Mencher, Fran Corcoran, Jim Frisbie, Donna Lindsey (DOE), Misty Leong (DOE), J. Mikulanec-Council Member Dela Cruz’s office, Ella Siroskey-Kahuku Medical Center (KMC), Choon James, Sherry Laptner, JR Martinez, Henry Wasson, Wren Wescoatt-Hawaii Wind Partners (HWP), Allan Huchfelsen-Hurricane Productions (HP) , Malia Chanel-Benjamin-Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mattoon moved with Leonardi second to approve the October 11, 2007 with additional corrections, the motion was approved without objection by the Board with the following amendments.
- Agenda page 1: Replace Council Chair Donovan DelaCruz with Council Member Donovan Dela Cruz.
- Agenda page 1: #5B; replace Kahuku with Kahuku Village Association.
- Guest Minutes: Replace Warren Sofa with Warren Soh and Corcora with Corcoran.
- Minute’s page 2: Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz’s reported; second bullet: replace “Temporarily” with “officially”.
- Minute’s page 2: Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz’s report; fourth bullet: replace “to include Turtle Bay Resort” with “to include Turtle Bay Resort in a discussion in review”
TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Letts read account balances for October 2007; Operation at $1,293.48, Publicity at $1,081.00 and Refreshments at $120.00.
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): No representative was present; no report available.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Vines reported the following information:
1) Statistics for September include a total of: 1 aggravated assault, 5 alarm calls, 10 arguments, 5 simple assault, 1 unattended death, 2 auto theft, 13 burglary, 2 family abuse, 5 family argument, 3 motor theft, 20 motor collision, 10 property damage, 26 thefts, 15 unauthorized entry to motor vehicles, for a total of 540 incidents.
2) Missing 16year old was found on October 14, 2007in Ka’a’awa on Puakenikeni Street. 3) New felony law replacing old “trespassing misdemeanor” is now in effect. It’s now a felony charge when someone without removing any property unauthorized enters a dwelling or residence. The first of this type of case was reported on November 1st when a guest at Turtle Bay Resort entered an apartment next door to his and started undressing, realized he was in the wrong unit but was charged with a felony. 4) The four family members of the Hau’ula fire on Homestead Road escaped without injuries.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Heath asks HPD to check on parked cars blocking end of Homestead Road, drivers in this area seem to be drinking alcohol. 2) Choon James pointed out an abandoned car, partially underwater in the ocean at Laie Point that went unnoticed. Due to safety concerns asked HPD to remove it. Lt. Vines recalls the report initiated by Sgt. Lopez of the Kaneohe station. 3) Chair Letts thinks campers are violating Kalae Oio Point. Trees blocking tents allow campers to thrive. Having no bathrooms in the area is an unsafe and unsanitary environment for beach goers. Lt. Vines will notify the Citizens Policing Team (CPT) to look into the situation.
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Keoki Miyamoto apologized for his absence due to a schedule mix-up; and proceeded to report the following: A plumbing problem causing flooding occurred two months ago along the intersection of Anemoku Street and Kamehameha Hwy; the State Department of Transportation (DOT) was noticed. DOT agrees to meet with the City to evaluate and find a solution.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Heath expressed her concern regarding insufficient affordable housing in this region. 2) Chair Letts asks why the bathrooms at Ka’a’awa Beach Park are still closed. K. Miyamoto thought the bathroom situation was resolved, but he will follow-up again with the Department of Health (DOH). 3) A call made to Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) personnel on duty also reported graffiti litters the bathroom walls being worked on now. 4) Mattoon requests Planning Commission to hold off the public hearing regarding two resolutions to revise the visitor’s accommodation and bed & breakfast (B&B) ordinance. He feels the hearing, scheduled for November 28, 2007 is short notice with little time to prepare. 5) Leonardi requests the Mayor’s Representative to please stay for the duration of the board meeting.
COUNCILMAN DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: J. Mikulanec reported the following: 1) Two risers were submitted: A) one to continue replacing burnt out lights at Swanzy Beach Park; B) second is the maintenance of Ki’i & Kahuku ditches. 2) A request is pending at DPR concerning relocating campsites further from across the gas station at Swanzy Park. Neighbors are experiencing major disturbance especially on the weekends. 3) A request also pending to have the Swanzy Beach Park bus stop replaced. 4) According to Wilfred Ho of DPR they now have possession of the Ka’a’awa bathroom facility. DPR is awaiting signage to be posted announcing hours of operations. The facility will be closed from 11p.m. to 7a.m. daily and expects it to be open next week. 5) Councilman has requested DPP to offer information as to how to incorporate discussions on Turtle Bay Resort into the sustainable community plan. 6) Council submitted a resolution establishing a city policy promoting the sustainability of its natural resources and quality of life in the City. The elements are: recycling & reuse of materials, energy & water conservation and reduce dependence of imported food.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Heath noticed non-movement of the Resolution on affordable housing. J. Mikulanec explained, the City audit was not released therefore the bill could not be heard. It has since been released by the Affordable Housing Committee, now it is at the discretion of the Chairperson, Roamy Cachola. Heath’s concern is the lack of tracking the audit findings plus no indication of the Resolution on the Council’s agenda. J. Mikulanec said the City offers developers the buyout options for affordable housing regardless of fees paid or not. Information regarding the City audit can be found on the City’s website: www.honolulu.gov. Heath would like to motion to ask for movement of this Bill, Chair Letts suggested Heath gather more information and share it at the next NB meeting. There were no objections. 2) Wasson inquired about the Tax Maps she requested for Malaekahana, Keana and Kahuku properties. J. Mikulanec offers two copies and NCO will provide each NB member a copy at the next meeting. During public comment Diane Hoppe asked for more support regarding the “no smoking” ruling at public places. She sees no enforcement and therefore many posted public notices at bus stops throughout the Island are lost to vandals. A medical condition prevents her from driving now and heavily depends on the city bus for transportation. She suggests posting replacements higher up on the posts to prevent further loss. J. Mikulanec and B. Henderson will both follow up on this. She also notes the Legislature failed to include bus stops in the” 20ft No Smoking” ruling.
GOVERNORS REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Henderson apologized being absent due to travel. He proceeded to report the following: 1) The consultant proposal design contract of Kamehameha Highway improvement project fronting Kahuku High School (KHS) has been awarded to Engineers Surveyors Hawaii (ESH). Conceptual plans are not yet available. The consultant will hold a public input meeting yet to be scheduled. 2) The Kokololio Bridge is schedule to open on November 9th. Heath informed Walter Santiago blessed it this morning and open tomorrow as scheduled. DOT accident analysis reported a night accident at this site in 1997. But, the existing crosswalk location is appropriate for this crossing point from Hukilau Loop and the beach. Such relocation of this crosswalk will encourage jaywalking and results could be dangerous. DOT is scheduled to evaluate the traffic site in order to install advance pavement words to give forewarning. State is responsible for maintaining the area within the bridge right of way, which is 10 feet up and down stream of the bridges. Unfortunately, much of the debris that clogs the area under the bridges comes from private lands outside of the DOT right-of-way. A letter addressing the flood zone has been generated to the Mayor from Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz. 3) According to DLNR, negotiations with the current bidder are continuing regarding Malaekahana Beach Park. 4) The latest Superferry report will be electronically sent to L. Stewart via Chair Letts. 5) The DOT has the right of way to Ki’i and Kahuku Bridge and clean up is underway. Any report of where or whom may be responsible for debris in the stream to contact the City and NB.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Leonardi feels the Kahuku Bridge cleanup has been slow with the rainy season already here. Water runoff into the ocean from the area, however, mauka of Kamehameha Highway and runoff from Koolau Communities runs into the stream. B. Henderson will notify Chair Letts of any movement in December. 2) Wasson questioned the Malaekahana constructions of trailers on cement with board sidings; and was told they were exempt from a permit being a State project. Chair Letts will call Dan Quinn to inquire. 3) Primacio asked to clarify the extent of the highway project study covering KHS. Henderson says the study covers the left turn into the school during congestion. The goal is to relieve the congestion and include sidewalk improvements. It has been suggested to place the bus stop in conjunction with the traffic light for crossing ease rather than allow students to jaywalk. 4) Wasson asked for a copy of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Committee annual report. B. Henderson will provide her a copy.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: Lea Albert, Donna Lindsey and Misty Leong representing the DOE reported the following: 1) L. Albert reports the Kahuku schools’ Part Time Teachers, Teachers Assistants, Education Assistants and regular school staff participated in the HPD crisis training program. She found it very educational and was grateful to have participated given what happened in Finland a short time after the training occurred. 2) The School Community Council will be attending a standard base learning session at Kualoa Ranch on November 28, hosted by a National Consultant. 3) D. Lindsey reports students are very busy preparing for their Science Fair. 4) The tutoring programs are in full swing and have increased in a number of students they serve from two years ago. 5) The 21st Century Grant has especially been a great success. The district has a title one supplemental education grant which funds programs. She invites any students to sign up if need.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Mattoon asks about a computer tutor class. D. Lindsey reported the classes are in session Mondays – Thursdays at the Hau’ula Library, and start after school and go until 4:30 p.m. 2) Wasson questioned the Hawaii Emergency Teachers certification status. She is concerned that these teachers include in their curriculum such subjects as math & science but are not considered certified by the State. L. Albert explained that the Federal Government implemented this plan for all highly qualified teachers not including special education and language teachers in the middle and high school levels also Federal Government has not decided what is to become of the Hawaiian language teachers because of its uniqueness. L. Albert advises one should notify in writing your Congressman for information. Wasson feels that it’s discrimination to the Hawaiian language teachers to be exempt from being certified in the State of Hawaii especially when they are required to teach all the other required subjects in addition to the Hawaiian language. L. Albert responded with due respect to Wasson, but her powers and authority lies within the State laws and can’t override Federal laws. L. Albert will continue to offer Hawaiian language classes, support and training as federal monies come available for training, also stated the Federal Government will withhold funding if in non-compliance. Chair Letts asks B. Henderson to please look into the Constitution versus the State and Federal law according to this question. 3) M. Leong commends our Governor for a Stem Academy program award. KHS is one of five high school recipients of this funding to target and promote math, science and technology in partnership with district colleges. Students receiving vocational training have the opportunity to receive credits towards Honolulu Community College to assist in passing apprentice exams. Chair Letts agrees to put this DOE topic on the January agenda.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa was not present. Chair Letts read his report:
General BWS announcements: 1) Celebration of the holidays, BWS will be participating in several holiday events open to the public. Halawa Xeriscape Garden on Saturday, November 24th & December 1st from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. will offer wreath making classes. Advance registration is required plus a $5 per person cost. Please call 748-5041 or log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com to register. 2) The Board will assist in the annual decoration of Honolulu & Kapolei Hale in December. Trees decorated by each City department will be on display in the lobbies of the two city halls. 3) Employees and families will participate in the City’s Christmas parades on December 1st in downtown; December 8th in Kapolei. The public is invited to enjoy the annual Christmas light display at our S. Beretania building. On behalf of the BWS and employees, a very safe and happy holiday season to all.
MARINE CORP & ARMY: No representative present; no report available.
KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER: Ella Siroskey reported: 1) The bankruptcy court approved the Asset Purchase Agreement on Monday, October 29, 2007. Open items remaining are being worked on and it is expected to close the transaction shortly. 2) Significant Information Technology (IT) initiatives have just been completed to connect to Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC). KMC also has access to video teleconference communication. 3) Additional licenses requested have been approved including: state pharmacy, state controlled substances, and radiation facility. 4) A grant request for capital improvement projects in the amount of $4.3 million will be pursued for air conditioning system, ventilation system, helipad, and life-safety projects. 5) The newly established HHSC Oahu Regional Board includes two North Shore physicians Doctors. Marc Shlachter & Paul Nielson. 6) Lance Segawa has been selected administrator for KMC and will oversee operations and management until further notice pending Board review.
KAHUKU VILLAGE ASSOCIATION (KVA): 1) Leonardi has written several letters to the Kapolei office for a refund of $8,500 the community spent on collection bins after the City stopped picking up their refuse. Returned calls have been a day prior to NB meetings in the last two months giving him excuses. All further repairs are on hold as he needs to meet with them.
ELDERLY HOUSING IN KAHUKU: 1) Chair Letts reported the following: This project began in 1978 when a lease was secured from the City. The loan was paid off early by the Board of Directors (BOD) with zero balance owing to Housing Urban Development (HUD). Currently 61 out of 64 units are Section 8 subsidies. This housing is a Project Based Section 8 (PBS8). BOD has notified HUD the contract for PBS8 ends April 30, 2008 with no renewal. There is no provision ruling current tenants must vacate if over-income. Those individuals living on Section 8 in the project will be switched to vouchers. Lease Terms: The lease is a 75 year ground lease for $1 a year running from September 18, 1978 to 2053. The covenant binding the land states it shall only be used for development of low moderate income housing in accordance with the development plans submitted by the lessee and approved by the lessor. Lessee is responsible for all taxes & fees. The rental procedure is laid out in the lease and includes public notice of vacancies and rentals are on a first come first serve basis meeting PBS8 requirements.
HUD Conversations: Initial notification intending not to renew the contract for PBS8 has been provided with final notice pending. Currently HUD contract requires 40% of the project be rented to extremely low income, below 30% median. Section 8 can go up to 80% of median. If project fails to meet federal funding requirements the City would have to repay all loans. If BOD decides to end the PBS8 a 90 day notice is required. HUD agrees to assist BOD to convert all eligible residents to Section 8 vouchers. HUD financing requires the ground lease be 75 years.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Leonardi asked how the HUD project will be converting into a two-story while tenants reside on the first floor. Also is the BOD considering City approval and suggests a NB presentation. Chair Letts notes a public hearing is required before BOD can approve any movement. Chair Letts re-assured HUD will be able to visit with the tenants and assist the disabled and seniors with Section 8 vouchers. The property is owned by Kahuku Housing Foundation Inc., a private non-profit group, and is controlled by a BOD. Members are: Tom & Joe Picard, Stacy & Buddy Ako, Clarence Preston, John Primacio and Joseph Kalili.
CONCERT AT KUALOA RANCH: Alan Hochfelsen, on behalf of HP announces the annual concert at Kualoa Ranch is December 8th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. He hopes attendance to be close to 5,000. In 2005 there were only about 2,000 attendees. He met with HPD Capt. Delera and finalized a traffic flow plan to accommodate all parking including emergency vehicles access. Alcohol sales will terminate an hour prior to show closure. Ziggy Marley is the main named performer and several others yet to be confirmed. He plans to attend the Kahuku NB meetings to ask for support as well. He asks to email him a support letter since timing is of essence.
Questions and concerns followed:
1) Elkington inquired what 2005 concert challenges were. A. Hochfelsen said finance was the challenge with attendance being about 2,000. There were no problems with traffic, crowd or sanitation. 2) Wasson notes she objects to the concert at Kualoa grounds, it’s a sacred Hawaiian place where many ancient iwi & sacred rocks exists. She alleges that some have been taken from the site after concerts. 3) Chair Letts said an email of support will be generated to A. Hochfelsen.
PUBLIC INPUT: 1) Jim Frisbie shares a Honolulu Advertiser letter published in October 2007 supporting middle school structure. He is currently at Sunset Beach Intermediate School and says there are about 82 families in Waialua in supporting of middle school formation. Chair Letts suggests he present his information to Leonardi for follow up in January. 2) Diana Hoppe reports what she believes to be military planes using air space near the Elementary School causing a lot of noise. Chair Letts will give her the Military Police Patrol phone number. 3) Fran Corcoran reports the Book Mobile vehicle is in need of State compliance work, such as widening the doorway and adding a ramp. 4) Choon James reports tour helicopters using an illegal flight pattern over her home. She can’t identify the helicopter, but sure it’s non-military. Chair Letts asks B. Henderson to please check with Turtle Bay, Sacred Falls Valley and DOT on the helicopter issue and flight paths. She also requested an update on Kaluanui State Park regarding when/if will reopen. 5) Wren Wescoatt from HWP reports tours are open and invites the public. Bird radars and night vision goggles are some highlights at the site. 6) L. Albert also added progress for the Vision for Ko’olauloa and Kahuku Middle School has been successful; she will share data at the next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: A) Construction Improvement Project Report (CIP): Primacio reports the following; 1) Hau’ula Community Park Renovations; Board has no reservations regarding this project. 2) Kahuku District Park; it’s been a project since 1986 and has not been completed to the standard of a District Park. 3) Punalu’u Park irrigation needs to be funded.
J. Mikulanec suggests putting 4 projects on the CIP report and he will re-submit it.
Chair Letts read the Board’s original CIP list: 1) Beach Erosion Coastline Study. 2) Guard rail at Lilipuna.
3) Hau’ula Beach Park. 4) Hau’ula Community Park. 5) Hau’ula Fire Station.
6) Ka’a’awa Beach Park. 7) Kahuku District Park fronting Kamehameha Highway .7) Kahuku flood remediation.
8) Kahuku HPD. 9) Swanzy Beach Park .10) Hau’ula master plan.
Chair Letts had concerns about submitting three or four top priorities for the CIP list, what becomes of the rest. J. Mikulanec says monies already allocated for submitted ones, new ones not referenced will be listed as new submitting.
Chair Letts submits the following for the CIP report:
1) Play Courts to replace the skate park that the City had promised but subsequently withdrew because of soils/site problem. 2) Completion of Kahuku District Park. 3) Irrigation at Punalu’u Beach Park. 4) Hau’ula Community Park.
Chair Letts wants a motion to add the play court to the list, Jimmy initiates the motion and Junior seconds.
B) Culture Affairs: Wasson shares the correct names of the streams running through Hau’ula: the stream near the Hau’ula Park is called Vahi O Pua; one closer to NB meeting is called Kilia.
C) Education: Leonardo shares the Kahuku Cross Country Team placed first in the State Finals and Wasson’s granddaughter placed 1st in the eastern division and took 3rd in the State and OIA. Congratulations to Wasson and her family. Girls ran 2 miles and while boys ran 3 in events. He commends Coach Noels and staff.
D) Health/Human Services: K. Ishol is not present, no report available.
E) Housing: Heath reports KVA will be raising rent on properties in increments during the next 3 months. By January the rent increase totals at $300. She’s concern for elders on fixed income and may add to the homeless communities. Leonardi reports the landowners negotiated this plan with KVA to bring tenants up to increased level by January. Also he heard landowners will allow residents to stay if proven not able to meet increase. Chair Letts stated that she understood that the rent increases were support by a HUD study and that in most cases HUD qualified residents would not be affected but that HUD would pay the difference.
Chair Letts allowed a comment from the public: 1) L. Albert concerned young disables on fixed income will be greatly affected by the increase since they pay for plumbing, roofing and other non-covered repairs as well. Tenants are members of a 501-C3 non profit group that was mandated by Campbell Estates to set up a lease escrow account to tap into if needed. The association plans to meet on November 13th at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church. 2) Chair Letts informs Committee Reports will be heard earlier in the agenda as of the next NB meeting. 3) Wasson asks to also add a report of phase four housing to the front of the agenda in January.
F) Parks & Recreation: Kaluhiokalani requests J. Mikulanec notify DPR again to please send a representative to the NB meetings.
G) Planning & Land Use: 1) Mattoon announces the next Community Sustainable Committee meeting is set for December 11th at 6 - 10 p.m. Meeting location to be announced. 2) Mattoon announces a public meeting with representatives proposing development in the Ko’olauloa area to allow the community to hear all proposals at Hau’ula Elementary School. Ms. Letts will attempt to contact the public about the meeting. 3) Matoon read a proposed amendment ordinance regarding pre-existing visitor accommodations bed and breakfast (B&B) and transient vacation rentals. Mattoon noted that these issues are important to our area and he would like to see the Bill(s). J. Mikulanec to email a copy of this bill to Chair Letts. Mattoon was interested to know if this bill relates only to B&B. J. Mikulanec said that he understood it to be for both. He also mentions Council Member Dela Cruz supports farm tourism which allows a small B&B to operate in conjunction with a small farm in a residential area. Chair Letts will add this to the January agenda.
H) Public Information: Les Steward is not present. No report available.
I) Public Safety/Transportation: 1) Elkington reports the Bridge is on scheduled to open. He noticed DOT of some fire hydrant damage caused by road work. He has a tracking number however, no answers back yet. 2) Chair Letts shared the City’s Brown Field Project information for community members that may know of sites for the city to identify and evaluate as potential for this project. Mattoon reported Kahuku Sugar Mill is participating in the Browns Field Project to remove accumulated ground oil from the tracks. 3) Chair Letts asks for a recess motion in December, Leonardi moved to recess, Mattoon seconds, therefore, the Board will recess in December.
J) Water: Barbara Kahana is not present. No report available.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: 1) Lai’e: Elkington reported the inauguration of a new president and ground breaking ceremony for canoe shelters at Polynesian Culture Center. 2) Hau’ula: Heath shared there will be a beach cleanup on December 17th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. some Bringham Young University students will join in this effort. 3) Punalu’u: Mattoon reports Kamehameha School’s master plan has two educational meetings coming up; 1) Water resources focusing on agriculture. 2) Culture history set aside for the general public. 4) Ka’a’awa: The recent road closing in Kahalu’u was of concern as it was from flood damage from the storms over the weekend however repair work was not started until afternoon rush hour on Monday. Most motorists were delayed over two hours. She later received news the bridge was down due to debris from flooding from what appeared to be the cutting of trees up stream. It still seems reasonable to have gotten equipment out prior to rush hour on Monday. Reports were made about the tree cutting to DLNR and the Kahalu’u NB.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Letts asked if any other announcements or concerns, there were none.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Reported by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA
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