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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2007

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dee Dee Letts, Kathryn Heath, Kelika Ishol, Barbara Kahana, Jimmy Leonardi, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, Dawn Wasson.

MEMBERS EXCUSED: John Elkington, Norman Kaluhiokalani.

VACANCY: There are no vacancies.

GUESTS: Fred Mencher (HME), Ernest Golden (CPCA), Ella Siroskey (Kahuku hospital), John Olszowka (MCA), Magno Transfiguracion (U.S Army), Wren Wescott (UPC Wind), Hii Campbell (Koolauloa Health Center), Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Dela Cruz's office), Captain Wayne Char (HFD), Margaret Primacio (KKC Inc.), Stacey Fernandez (SGF), John Vines (HPD), Fran Corcora (Kahuku Library), Meraria Kekaula, Warren Sofa, Donna Lindsey (DOE), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Aaron Campbell, Lea Albert (DOE), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 11, 2007: Mattoon moved with Primacio seconding to approve the September 13, 2007 regular meeting minutes, the motion was approved without objection by the Board with the following amendments.

• Page 2: Councilman Dela Cruz: Questions: Replace "Visiting each resident" with "Meeting with the tenants as a whole."
• Page 3: Governor's Representative: Questions: Last Bullet: Correct spelling of "Malai Kahana" to "Malaekahana."
• Page 3: Governor's Representative: Questions: Fourth Bullet: Addition of, "Kokololio is the meaning of the type of wind that comes from the mauka side and trots as it comes down. Kokololio does not mean the blood of a horse."
• Page 5: Public Input: Last Bullet: Replace "Kahuku" with "Koolauloa."
• Page 6: Announcements: Replace "Hapa Holi" to "Papa Ole."

TREASURER'S REPORT: Steward read the balances of the accounts of September 2007; highlighting that the Operating Account is at $1,393.04, Publicity Account at $1,081.00, and Refreshments account at $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Char of the HFD reported the following information:

• Statistics for the month of September include the Hauula District: 3 fire incidents, 25 medical calls, and 1 miscellaneous. In the Kahuku District: 4 fire incidents, 21 medical calls, and 5 miscellaneous. In the Kaaawa District: 1 fire, 11 medical calls, and 3 miscellaneous.
• The Fire Tip of the Month: When choosing a Halloween costume, make sure it is fire resistant, short and bright. A cosmetic mask is better than a full face mask.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Heath questioned the fire that occurred on Hauula Homestead Road. Captain Char noted that the fire did happen on Hauula Homestead Road and affected a two-story home, luckily neighboring homes were protected by trees surrounding the home. A multiple outage power strip caused the blaze, Char noted to unplug these outlets, as to prevent future fires.
• Leonardi questioned if these power strips have a trip switch, which would shut off power before it becomes a hazard? Char noted that the strips should have them, but cheaper ones may not.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Vines of HPD reported the following information:

• Statistics for the month of September include a total of; 4 motor vehicle thefts, 4 property damages, 2 robberies, 1 sex assault, 22 thefts, 7 threatening reports, and 12 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles (UEMV), for a total of 558 total incidents.
• Vines noted that earlier today a robbery suspect was apprehended in Kailua.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Leonardi questioned the new police tower; Vines noted that it is completely operational and the old tower is out of service..  Leonardi was concerned that a structure as substantial as this could be constructed in the community with no notification to the Board or the community.
• Steward thanked Lieutenant Cheung who reported last month for his speedy responses to Steward's questions.
• Chair Letts questioned the protocol to picking up runaway children. Vines noted that if they are in a home, HPD cannot enter without permission.

MAYOR'S REPRESENTATIVE: The Mayor's representative was not present at the meeting. Chair Letts noted his previous absent at the September neighborhood board meeting. Chair Letts questioned if there were no objections a letter should be sent out to the Mayor to inform him of these absences. Seeing no objections, a letter will be sent. Steward noted that derelict vehicles are being removed from the streets.

COUNCILMAN DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Kim Ribellia representing Councilman Dela Cruz's office reported the following information:

• In regards to the Kahuku trash collection, letters have been sent out to designate departments, although the Councilman's office has not been given an answer.
• The DPR (Department of Parks and Recreation) is temporarily taking over Kaaawa Beach Park, a blessing and opening date is near.
• Noise at Hauula Beach Park has been noted, and a burnt out light fixture has been reported to DPR.
• A letter has been sent to the DPP (Department of Planning and Permitting) to include Turtle Bay Resort as part of the Koolauloa Sustainability Plan.
• Ribellia noted that affordable housing is a definite priority to the Councilman. Councilman Dela Cruz and Councilwoman Kobayashi have introduced a package of legislation that deals with affordable housing.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts requested that the package of legislation drafted by both Councilmember's be sent to each Board member. Ribellia noted that this will be done.
• Mattoon questioned why in the proposed legislation it is asking for 30-45 years of affordability and not longer. Ribellia noted that is a compromise with developers and homeowners.
• Heath presses that affordable housing be a priority and look into the 2050 Sustainability Plan to incorporate these issues.

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE: Chair Letts noted the absence of Ben Henderson and stated that she will email Henderson, questioning the status of the questions taken last month. Leonardi added the question of Ki’i and Kahuku Bridge, Steward also added the question of the crosswalk at Hukilau Beach Park.

STATE LEGISLATORS: There were no State legislators at this time.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Albert representing the DOE reported the following:

• In the National Assessment results, Hawai’i improved in both math and reading. It has also been noted that these tests are very rigorous which means Hawai`i is improving in all aspects.
• The 21st Century Grant is a $2.4 million grant, to which schools have access.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson questioned the flooding at Kahuku High School. Albert noted that there has been no flooding in the buildings at Kahuku High School recently, and Albert is working on moving the school. Developers have been talking about moving the school; about $1 million dollars have been spent on designs, and $5 million on drainage. Albert noted that the school is on 21 acres when it should be on 53 acres.
• Primacio questioned if the enrollment had dropped by 32 students in the high school and intermediate, Albert noted yes.
• Leonardi noted that he has spoken with Mr. Yoshimoto, and noted that there is a bill in congress that if passed would aid in moving Kahuku High School out of the flood zone.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa representing the BWS reported the following:

·         There were no water main breaks in September in the Koolauloa district.

·         On Saturday, October 27, 2007 the BWS will hold an informational session for all Board members, at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This will also include a tour of the Halawa Shaft, if interested please contact Moani at 748-5319.

·         The BWS has developed seven tips to preserve the reservoirs, which can be accessed at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

·         HPD recently apprehended a thief stealing copper at the BWS facility, if you notice anyone suspicious please call HPD immediately.

·         The State has released the Ko`olauloa Sustaniable Water Resources Plan. This plan can be viewed at state.hi.us/dlnr/owrm/planning/wrpp2007.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Letts questioned when Usagawa predicted the Koolauloa Watershed plan would be final, Usagawa said around March 2008.

U.S. MARINES CORPS: There was no representative at this time.

U.S. ARMY: Magno Transfiguracion representing the U.S. Army reported the following:

• Approximately half of the division has been re-deployed.
• The Stryker Brigade will leave to Iraq sometime in November.
• In response to last months question regarding the trail road, it is currently being worked on and is scheduled to be completed by February 2008. This project is being completed by an outside contractor.
• In response to last months question regarding the Kahuku Hospital medevac, a memo of understanding to the City and State was read noting that only if the medevac is available will it be used from Wheeler Air Force Base.

Chair Letts asked the Board’s permission to take the Windfarm Presentation out of order to allow the presenters to go next, there were no objections.

PROPOSED WIND FARM IN KAHUKU: Mike Goodman of UPC Wind with Wren Wescott reported that UPC Wind built the wind farm currently on Maui, and within those one and a half years of operation the wind farm has generated about 9-10% of Maui's electricity. UPC Wind is dedicated to wind farms across the country.  The company builds, owns, and operates their wind farms – they are not just developers. Goodman noted that UPC Wind is committed to working with the surrounding neighbors, and highlighted several reasons why a wind farm is needed. Goodman also noted the several steps of building a wind farm, and welcomed anyone that would like to take a tour of the lands at any time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Steward questioned why this wind farm would be more successful than previous ones. Goodman noted that the materials are different, the company would be dedicated to run the project, and UPC actually owns the land that the farm sits on, so they are investing for the long run.
• Wasson noted that to help the community UPC Wind should work with local schools and educate students in this field of work, as many would be interested.
• Kahana questioned the number of employees. Goodman replied that on Maui there are two biologists, two operators and around 6-8 other employees. Kahana also questioned if UPC intends to develop the lands they own for residential or other uses, Goodman replied no.
• Wasson questioned if UPC plans to build on the bluff as it is a sacred parcel of land to Hawaii, Goodman noted no. Wasson explained that students, including Hawaiian language students, should be involved in looking at meteorology from the lands and that UPC may be able to help educate these students. Goodman agreed and noted that he will look into it.
• Heath questioned if the Wildlife Refuge has been involved. Goodman noted that they have not been contacted yet but will be in the near future.
• Usagawa questioned if any transmission lines were to be built, Goodman noted that the already existing lines would be used.
• Albert questioned light pollution, as the past projects would light the entire sky, Wescott noted that the turbines have a different fixture only beaming upwards, and not all turbines would need to be lit.
• A constituent questioned how many turbines would be on the site? Goodman explained only 12 turbines would be used, and they only make a swoosh wind like sound.
• Wasson explained that the bluff she had spoken earlier is of cultural significance because the bluff connects all the way to Waipahu and coral reef remains and important burial sites are located on the bluff. Goodman noted that he will look into the bluff and make sure it is safe.

The agenda resumed its normal order.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE: Ella Siroskey representing Kahuku Hospital reported that not much has changed from last month. All employees are re-applying to continue working. Hopefully sometime between October 15, 2007 and November 1, 2007 all changes will be completed.

Question, comments and concerns followed:

• Mattoon questioned if the hospital was out of bankruptcy, Siroskey noted that they were not, but should be soon.
• Wasson questioned if the hospital would be willing to rent out space, Siroskey did not know, Wasson noted that she knew of social programs or alternative methods of healing that would like space to work in, Siroskey to check.

KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION UPDATE: Leonardi reported that he had called the Mayor's office and spoke to Joyce Olivera, and noted that there has been poor communication between both parties. Leonardi spoke of several solutions but got no direct answers. The Kahuku Community Association (KCA) will use approximately $8,000-$10,000 for trash bins in the upcoming weeks.

ELDERLY HOUSING IN KAHUKU UPDATE: Primacio reported that on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 a meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the property site, Chair Letts and Kathryn Heath, are invited to join the meeting. Primacio added that a letter was sent by Councilmember Dela Cruz and the Mayor's office; this letter will be given to Heath and Chair Letts.

NEW BUSINESS:

PROPOSED WIND FARM IN KAHUKU: Presentation was given earlier in the meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT: Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Public Library noted that she is open to suggestions of possible book mobile routes. Corcoran provided a handout with possible locations and her contact information. Corcoran also noted the program for November to include the Tasty Tidbits.

CORRESPONDENCE: No correspondence was announced.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio passed out the CIP Status Reports, highlighting several items of importance that would be noted as priorities when submitting to the Councilmember. Highlighted were the Kahuku District Park and the Hau`ula Community Park renovations. Mattoon noted that he would like to add irrigation at Punalu`u Beach Park as one of the priorities. Steward questioned if these projects will stop funding from several other projects on the list. Primacio did not know the exact answer. Upon further discussion Primacio moved with Mattoon seconding that this CIP Status Report for Ko`olauloa be submitted with the Hau`ula Community Park renovations, Kahuku District Park, and irrigation at Punalu`u Beach Park highlighted as priorities. With no objections the motion carried unanimously.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: Wasson educated everyone by announcing the winds in their different ahupuaa; Kahuku: Ahamanu, Punalu`u: Moae, Malaekahana: Moae, Kahana: Ahiu, Hau`ula: Lanakila, Ka`a`awa: Holo Pali.

EDUCATION: Lea Albert reported earlier in the meeting.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report available.

HOUSING: Heath noted that she will be looking into the legislation drafted by Councilmember Dela Cruz.

PARKS AND RECREATION: No report available.

PLANNING AND LAND USE: Mattoon reported that there have been questions raised about various developments throughout the district. Mattoon suggested that a meeting be held for informational purposes. This special meeting would be held before Thanksgiving and would be open to the public. Leonardi questioned if that would be adequate time for all developers. Chair Letts noted that the Board should go forward with the invitations and wait to see the turn out. Chair Letts suggested a tentative date for November 14, 2007.  (Since the meeting this date is not available and the Board is looking at December 5 or 6)

PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report available

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: No report available

WATER: Kahana noted to protect and conserve always.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku: There will be a Keep Kahuku Country meeting on October 18, 2007 at Kahuku High School at 7:30 p.m.

Hau`ula: Ishol reported that the Hau`ula Community Association is looking for members. The association will also be holding a holiday event, please visit the website at www.hauula.net. Kahana reported that the Hau`ula shopping center Tosoro, will not be re-building, if anyone has vehicles to donate to Kidney Cars please contact 593-1575.

Ka`a`awa: Chair Letts noted that they would really like their restrooms to open.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted by:

Leland S.M. Ribac