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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2008

HAUULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of ten (10) members present. Note, this eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) votes to adopt a motion.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Dee Dee Letts, John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, Dawn Wasson.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelika Ishol.

VACANCIES: There were no vacancies.

GUESTS: Diana Hoppe, Fred Mencher (HME), Henry Wasson, Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Medical Center), Acting Captain Steve Jenness (HFD), Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Donna Lindsey (DOE), John Olsowka, Barry Usagawa (BWS), John Errett, Kaye Krohler, Leolalani Beebe, Kimberly Ribellia and Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 13, 2008: Leonardi moved and Primacio seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 13, 2008 with the following amendments:

• Page 2: Mayor’s Representative: Questions, comments and concerns: Bullet 3: Replace entire line with. “Leonardi questioned what is being done at the Kahuku and Turtle Bay resort sewage systems, to ensure the systems to do not reach the same fate as the town systems.”
• Page 5: Housing: Elderly Housing in Kahuku Update: Replace “explained” with “stated” and delete “public”. 

The motion was ADPOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Letts, Leonardi, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward, Wasson).

TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the treasurer’s report for the month of March, highlighting a current expense of $40.16 due to printing and postage with a current balance of $2,214.75.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Acting Captain Steve Jenness reported the following;

• Statistics for the month of March include: Kahuku Station; 5 fires, 17 emergency medical services, 1 hazardous, and 3 good intent calls. Hau’ula Station; 6 fires, 18 emergency medical services, and 4 good intent. Ka’a’awa Station; 7 fires, 8 emergency medical services, 2 hazardous, and 6 good intent.
• Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms are a proven life saver. Fire produces smoke and toxic gasses which can numb your senses and prevent you from reacting to the fire. This is especially true at night when you are sleeping. A working smoke alarm gives you early notice of a fire and time to escape.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Vines reported the following;

• Statistics for the month of March including the entire district from Makapu’u Point through Kahuku; 6 assaults, 9 burglaries, 3 drug offenses, 2 driving under the influence (DUI), 4 family offenses, 8 family arguments, 1 fraud, 31 motor vehicle collisions, 13 parking violations, 1 sex assault, 25 thefts, and 9 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV).
• On March 17, 2008 a 23 year old man was caught and charged for graffiti on a City bus.
• On March 15, 2008 there was an arson offense at the Turtle Bay restrooms. Several trash cans were set on fire, which could have set the structure on fire.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Keoki Miyamoto reported the following;

• In regards to the request for beach access points, a map indicating all marked beach access points was made available, as well as a current list of all known access points.
• Regarding the question about cleaning the stream banks adjacent to Continental Pacific’s holding in Kahuku it was noted that it is the responsibility of land owner to keep the stream banks clear and no assistance or guidance will be provided by the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM).
• Deputy Director Ross Tanimoto of Environmental Services (ENV) will be available to present the City’s initiatives and update on waste water management at the next neighborhood board meeting.
• Should any Board member or community member require information regarding the City’s rail system, please contact Elisa Yadao at 768-6151 for more information.
• The Department of Transportation Service (DTS) has indicated that they will post a no smoking request signs at bus stops in our area if we specify the bus stops where we would like the signs placed, they noted that according to ordinance an area must have 3 walls to fall under the City’s no smoking ordinance.
• In regards to the playground equipment once promised by the City it is currently not in the budget and the City feels that the location is too small for the play ground equipment.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi noted his intention was to have a city department like DFM write a letter to Continental Pacific indicating they need to clean up the portion of land mauka to Kahuku Bridge, not provide guidance.
• Heath voiced concerns regarding Kamehameha Highway and whether rental cars couldn’t carry some warning about the potential dangers on this highway.  It was noted that this would not be a City issue and rather one to take up with the rental car companies and/or the Hawaii Visitors Bureau.
• Mattoon inquired about the current construction around the Hau’ula Community Center. Several questions were targeted to completion date, costs, room availability, and possibly parking lot buffers for adjacent residents surrounding the community center, Miyamoto will follow up.
• Kahana pressed that the need for responses to Mattoon’s questions was immediate as the work was moving forward now, Miyamoto agreed.
• Wasson referenced the maps provided by Miyamoto, and highlighted several locations at Lai’e Bay and Punalu’u that are not indicated on the maps. Chair Letts noted she will attempt to have a Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) representative at the next meeting to answer questions.  Miyamoto stated that he had asked them to come this evening and Chair Letts noted that she and the Commission sent emails and made phone calls to the Department to attend and they declined.  Wasson stated that she would then take a delegation to speak with them if they did not want to talk with us.
• A community member voiced concern regarding the DTS response on no smoking at bus stops.  She noted that it is a problem at all bus stops island wide, and suggested that the laws be changed.
• Several community members and residents adjacent to the community center voiced the need of a parking lot buffer as their homes are directly affected by vehicles and their exhaust emissions.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Kimberly Ribellia, Senior Advisor of Councilmember Dela Cruz introduced Michael Sakata, the newest member of their office and reported the following;

• The City has announced its plans to expand curbside recycling. In November of 2009 Foster Village to Makiki and Kahuku to Kahalu’u will be implementing all three recycling bins.
• A written report was made available, highlighting several bills and resolutions of interest to the area.
• Regarding the beach access request, it is law to have all accesses marked. Ribellia noted that she will make sure all accesses points are marked.
• Regarding the concerns raised involving handicap stalls, Councilmember Dela Cruz has written to the State regarding the need for maintenance.
• A letter has been sent to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) noting the need for speed indicator signs along Kamehameha Highway.
• Councilmember Dela Cruz thanks the Board and community for their patience with the Ka’a’awa Comfort Station, the comfort station was dedicated on March 29, 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi inquired whether the curbside recycling program will be implemented on both sides of Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku. Ribellia will follow up.
• Kaluhiokalani expressed that twice a week pick up for recyclables seems a bit too often, where once a month would be more prudent. Ribellia noted that the schedule would be for one recyclables pick up every other week and one green waste pickup every other week and noted that these questions can be asked at future community meetings. Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office will keep the Board abreast.
• Steward inquired about the public participation and incentives of using the green waste bins. Several Board members replied that green waste is taken to a designated area, turned into mulch, and available to the public for no charge. Ribellia will follow up with specific locations.
• Chair Letts inquired of the final cost of the Ka’a’awa Comfort Station. Ribellia will follow up.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: A written report was available.

STATE LEGISLATORS: No report was available at this time.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Donna Lindsey reported the following;

·         All of Hawaii’s schools are in the middle of the Hawaii State Assessment Testing, it is important that students arrive at school on time, well rested and ready to take their exams. Both Hau’ula Elementary and Kahuku High School border on being designated as needing restructuring.

·         Lea Albert is looking into concerns that arose during the March meeting, and will follow up when she returns.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson inquired about the health of several water polo students that were involved in an accident. Lindsey replied that following the accident three girls from the Kahuku High School Water Polo team were taken to the hospital, and were discharged the next day. The Water Polo team remains undefeated in the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) for the past six years.
• Elkington questioned when the assessment test results would be available. Lindsey replied the first week in August. It will then be determined which schools will implement restructuring.
• Concerns were raised regarding traffic at Kahuku High School; Lindsey noted that if the intersection were improved it might result in the removal of part of the school’s parking lot.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported there were no main breaks in the month of March, and provided two handouts regarding water system improvement projects and Oahu’s water cycle. Please feel free to contact the BWS Communications Office at 748-5000 for any questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi thanked BWS, noting he was impressed to see several workers out on a Sunday for fire hydrant maintenance. Usagawa thanked Leonardi, noting workers have that option to work weekends.

MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: The Army sent a written report - No report available from the Marines.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

GOVERNOR’S TURTLE BAY COMMITTEE REPORT: Chair Letts announced there is a written update available, Primacio is a member of the working committee and continues to keep the Board updated.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Kahana voiced her concerns with the governor’s committee, indicating the committee may become the target of public scrutiny due to lack of disclosure of information. Chair Letts noted the committee does hold open meetings, but observers cannot engage in the committee’s deliberations.
•  Heath noted that she would like to know when the Governor will meet with the Mayor on this issue.

Wasson moved and Kahana seconded that the Governor’s Turtle Bay Working Committee disclose information to the public regarding; profit or loss gains, condition uses, proposed land deals, and obligations of possible land acquisitions.

Discussion followed:

• Elkington noted that the information requested will be available, but agreed on the general concept of releasing the information to the public.
• Mattoon offered the fact that these questions were raised at past committee meetings he has observed.
• Wasson indicated the motion is only to encourage proactive measures towards the community.

The motion was ADOPTED by a 7-0-2 (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Mattoon, Steward, Wasson; No: None; Abstain; Leonardi, Primacio.) Chair Letts indicated that the Chairperson does not vote unless a tie occurs and therefore did not vote on this issue.

HOSPITAL UPDATE: KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER: Chair Letts read a written report noting the following;

• Kahuku Hospital transitioned to Kahuku Medical Center on Friday, March 14, 2008. Ongoing bankruptcy issues continue to be addressed in court.
• The Kahuku Medical Center board continues to meet monthly and is scheduled to do strategic planning at the next meeting.
• A grant request for capital improvement projects in the amount of $4.3 million has been submitted for an air conditioning system, ventilation system, helipad, and life-safety projects. We are asking community associations, boards, and local businesses to submit letters of support of our behalf.
• The Medical Center has met weekly with the Ko’olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center to discuss a relocation initiative to move up to the hospital grounds as well as to improve areas of collaboration.
• Thank you for the continued support, services include; emergency room, acute, long-term care, x-ray, laboratory, physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Leonardi inquired why the Kahuku Medical Center is not tied to Hawaii Medical Services Association (HMSA), as Leonardi’s sister was charged nearly $750.00. The question will be forwarded.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLAN UPDATE: Mattoon announced that the next public informational meeting will be held on April 30, 2008 at Hau’ula Elementary School starting at 7:00 p.m. Community input will be welcomed at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

PARKS DEPARTMENT: BEACH ACCESS POINTS: Chair Letts noted that she will try again to have a representative present at the next Neighborhood Board meeting in May.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

HOUSING: ELDERLY HOUSING IN KAHUKU UPDATE: Heath reported that on April 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Circuit Court there will be a hearing on the issue.

PLANNING & LAND USE: SIGNAGE FOR POLYNESIAN CULTURE CENTER (PCC): Steward noted that the community is requesting green highway signs similar to those posted by Brigham Young University (BYU), which will indicate the proper turn into the Polynesian Culture Center. With no objection by the Board, Chair Letts will compose a letter indicating the support of these instillations.

EDUCATION: Covered under DOE report.

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio provided a print out of all capitol improvement projects (CIP) that are being addressed by the State. Chair Letts informed everyone that there is approximately $6 million for the intersection improvements at Turtle Bay; however there is a unilateral agreement that was signed by Turtle Bay stipulating they are required to fund the improvements. Heath moved and Kahana seconded that a letter be sent to State officials noting the unilateral agreement stipulation that Turtle Bay be responsible for the intersection improvements and the $6 million be removed from that specific project. The motion was ADPOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward, Wasson.)

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report was available at this time.

PARKS & RECREATION: No report available at this time.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Steward reported that a community meeting on the sustainable Communities Plan will be held at Hau’ula Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. on April 30, 2008

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington noted the speed indicator signs on Kamehameha Highway are a great idea, noting the potential dangers of Kamehameha Highway and the positive reinforcement the sign will have.

WATER: Kahana noted the need to protect and conserve Oahu’s water.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: Wasson encouraged families to become more self sufficient and grow their own foods, noting a program by the University of Hawaii (UH) called Project Seeds, where free seeds can be acquired. Contact Mr. Ogata at 956-1607 for more information.

PUBLIC INPUT:

·         Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Public Library provided a calendar of events the library will be hosting, noting a Celtic harp night with Patrick Ball, Hawaiian bottles of long ago with Leonardi, keiki story time, and after school club specials during National Library Week.

·         Leola Beebe, owner of Ohana Auto Service, sought assistance by the Board considering that she has lost her lease through Hawaii Reserves Incorporated (HRI). Beebe has been looking for available locations to accommodate Ohana Auto Services, but has found none sufficient. Her lease will expire on August 31, 2008. Ohana auto Service is the only auto care service center in the Ko’olauloa district and if moved, the nearest would be Kahuku. Chair Letts noted the concern and asked Ms. Beebe to work with Board member Elkington, the Public Safety and Transportation Chair and added the Board will do everything it can to assist.

·         Several community members voiced their concerns with the letter that will be produced regarding the Governor’s Turtle Bay working committee, recommending that all elected officials be copied.

CORRESPONDANCE: Chair Letts informed the Board that she has received a complete binder of Continental Pacific, Planning and Land Use. The binder is equipped with the ten point plan previously chaired and maps but contains no further details. Chair Letts will request 10 more binders for each Board member.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Hau’ula, Punalu’u: No report available at this time.

Lai’e: Steward noted in May, the Red Cross will be in Lai’e to provide safety information; date yet to be announced.

Kahuku: Leonardi noted that he would like the Kahuku Trash Collection item back on the agenda, noting that Kahuku Village Association (KVA) now needs the trash bins to be sold.

Ka’a’awa: Chair Letts reported that the Ka’a’awa Comfort Station is up and working.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Letts announced that the concern raised involving HRI and Ohana Auto Services, will be addressed through committee, and then to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant