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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008

HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Les Steward.

VACANCY(S): There were no vacancies.

GUESTS: Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Wren Wescott, Gerry Meade, Didi Herron, Reed Mastuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Captain Steve Gimnes (HFD), Fred Mencher (HME), Magno Transfiguracion (U.S. Army), Lea Albert (DOE), Deborah Voorhies (Lai'e Elementary), Donna Lindsey (DOE), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Stephany Vaioleti (Kahuku High School), Warren Soh, Margaret Primacio (Keep Kahuku Country), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Ella Siroskey, Jessica Wooley, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 10, 2008: Mattoon moved with Kahana seconding that the regular meeting minutes of January 10, 2008 be approved as is. The motion carried unanimously 10-0-0.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Letts read the January 2008 treasurer’s report, highlighting the $37.03 printing and postage charges, with an ending balance of $1,189.58.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Steve Gimnes of the HFD reported the following statistics:

• Statistics for the month of January include: Kahuku Fire Station: 2 fires, 12 emergency medical service, 1 hazmat, 3 search and rescues, and 6 miscellaneous calls. Hau’ula Fire Station: 1 structure fire, 17 emergency medical services, 2 hazmat, 1 search and rescue, and 2 miscellaneous. Ka’a’awa Fire Station: 3 fires, 13 emergency medical services, and 1 miscellaneous service.
• Fire Safety Tip: Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house number so that it is visible from the street, which will assist first responders in locating houses quicker and more efficiently.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Fred Mencher questioned if there was a fire emergency at the agricultural park. Captain Gimnes had no knowledge of any fires at that location in the past month.

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

• Statistics for the month of January include: 2 aggravated assaults, 10 burglaries, 3 graffiti offenses, 10 property damages, 21 motor vehicle accidents, 12 parking violations, 3 robberies, 1 sex assault, 2 threatening, and 19 unauthorized entrances to a motor vehicle (UEMV).
• Lt. Vines highlighted several criminal situations within the district on January 11, 17 and 22, 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Heath questioned the status of the graffiti clean up on Homestead Road. Lt. Vines noted that officers did not know where the graffiti was. Heath described the location, and Vines will follow up.
• Deborah Voorhies, Principal of Lai'e Elementary School, thanked HPD for their continued support and participation during drug free week.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Laverne Higa, representing the Mayor and standing in for Keoki Miyamoto, reported in regards to Kahuku and Ki’i bridges, that the Board should contact the owners of the land in question, and request that they clean the stream.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts informed Higa that it is not the Board’s responsibility to notify adjacent land owners of their responsibility under the law. The corresponding departments should inform the land owners of their obligations and answer any questions they may have.
• Leonardi informed Higa that the Board has approached the mauka land owner of Kahuku Bridge, Continental Pacific, whom has indicated that they will clean up their area, but they wanted guidance from the Department on the proper steps, and the request at the last Board meeting was for the City to contact them and provide guidance.
•  Wasson questioned if the City & County of Honolulu owns beach accesses in the area and how they are marked. Wasson then requested a map of all beach accesses, and ownership.
• Lea Albert requested that a map depicting all parks owned by the City and County of Honolulu as well as the State, be provided at the next meeting and that there be enough copies for the Board and other presenting agencies. Higa will follow up on both requests.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Mastuura, representing Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office, reported the following information:

• In regards to trash pick up in Kahuku, Councilmember Dela Cruz is happy to report that there has been a decision to re-establish the door-to-door pick up. Matsuura noted that Leonardi will explain the issue later on the agenda.
• The Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board’s capital improvement project (CIP) requests have been added into the budget. Projects include the Punalu’u Beach Park, Hau’ula Community Park, and Pulama Road?
• It has been decided that the Transit Panel will be subject to the sunshine law, which will require all meetings be open to the public.
• Matsuura highlighted several resolutions provided in the monthly newsletter.
• In regards to a complaint involving the sale of plate lunches on the property next to 7-Eleven Store, the Department of Planning and Permitting has referred this to the State as they are the owner of the lot.
• In regards to the National Association of Counties (NACo) drug card, the discount program may be used on the Mainland as well as Hawaii, and may be used for pet prescriptions as well.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi questioned if the NACo prescription drug card can be used in conjunction with already existing prescription drug coverage. Matsuura explained that the discount card cannot be used in conjunction with any other prescription drug program.
• Heath questioned the classifications in commercial land. Matsuura noted that in regards to the lunch wagon next to 7-Eleven gas stations, the lunch wagon should be located on the commercial land (within the boundary of 7-Eleven) in order for the lunch wagon to sell food items.
• Wasson questioned a proposed resolution 08-8 that entails an increase in the minimum lot size for agriculture lands (Ag 1 and Ag 2 lands), and voiced her concerns for residents that would be affected. Mastuura explained that the resolution was designed to stop illegal housing opportunities, and as a resolution, is asking for further examination of the issue.
• Ishol inquired the status of Hopeful Hearts and Giving Hands, to which Matsuura explained that the Department of Budget and Fiscal (BFS) issued a letter to the program explaining it, will review its request.
• Fran Corcoran thanked Matsuura for the NACo drug discount cards, and noted she will gladly take any extras flyers to place at Kahuku Library.
• Lea Alberts explained an issue of NO PARKING signs located near Sunset Beach, although that is not in this district, Alberts reiterated the fact that they could possibly come this way. Matsuura noted that the State Department of Transportation is looking into the issue.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTAITVE: Chair Letts noted that Ben Henderson has yet to be replaced. Heath noted the walkway on Pokewai Bridge has closed and is a safety hazard to pedestrians. Chair Letts noted the concern.

STATE LEGISLATORS: Jeremy Personius of Senator Clayton Hee’s office reported that the legislature is nearing First Lateral, and that Senator Hee is working with Governor Lingle in the land acquisition of the Turtle Bay resort.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Primacio questioned the status of any capital improvement projects (CIP) that involves the Ko’olauloa district. Personius noted that he will follow up.

·         Leonardi noted that in the Governor’s State of the State address, Lingle highlighted the purchase of the Turtle Bay Resort and noted that Turtle Bay will remain undeveloped. Leonardi questioned if the land purchase could include the Kahuku Golf Course, beach front and the sand dunes. Personius will follow up. 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Alberts, representing the DOE, congratulated Donna Lindsey in her recent promotion to King Intermediate School Principal. Lai'e Elementary School Principal, Deborah Voorhies gave a brief update on activities that Lai'e Elementary has accomplished, highlighting the participation of Board member Kaluhiokalani. Lai'e Elementary students are working towards healthier living and healthier food.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Kaluhiokalani explained that the programs could not have been done without the cooperation of DOE and Lea Alberts. Kaluhiokalani noted that the students are great and he enjoys participating.
• Wasson questioned the status of Lai'e Elementary School’s Kupuna program. Voorhies explained the schools incorporate Hawaiian studies, and as of now there is one Kupuna on campus.
• A constituent inquired about the reports of tainted meats at the school; Alberts explained that there were no traces of tainted meats in the schools.
• Ishol noted that she has noticed many Hau’ula students have district exemptions to attend Lai'e Elementary. Voorhies explained that when Hau’ula Elementary went to the modified schedule, many parents wanted to keep their young children in synch with their other children in the intermediate and high school, which could possibly be the reason that many Hau’ula elementary students transferred to Lai'e.
• Wasson voiced her concern that DOE has violated a federal mandate towards native Hawaiians, and if DOE does not take this mandate into consideration, Wasson will have no choice but to take legal action.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPY (BWS): Barry Usagawa, representing BWS, reported that there were no water main breaks in the month of January, and that as of January 26, 2008 Oahu pumped an average of 132.5 million gallons per day. Usagawa also indicated that the deadline for poster entries for next year’s calendar is March 13, 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Wasson questioned any plans for the Lai'e water system? Usagawa noted that he knew of none.

·         Chair Letts questioned the status of the Ko’olauloa Watershed plan; Usagawa explained there has been no movement on the status it is still with the Water Commission.

MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: Magno Transfiguracion, representing the U.S. Army, reported that Lieutenant General Nixon has been stationed at Fort Shafter. Transfiguracion noted that several groups have returned home and will begin to train for re-deployment towards the end of the year.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Primacio questioned the range patrol in Kahuku; Transfiguracion explained that there are usually 2-3 patrollers per day.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

DISCUSSION ON DEVELOPER PRESENTATIONS: Chair Letts explained that in the monthly mail-out she included all the information provided by the developers and handed out at the meeting. She noted that the questions asked by the audience of Turtle Bay and Continental Pacific were forwarded to them as they were not present at the meeting and that to date she had received no answers.

NEW BUSINESS:

KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE: Stephany Vaioleti, representing Kahuku Medical Center, reported;

• The Kahuku Medical Center board met for the first time in January 2008, members include Vince lee, William Wood, Barbara Kahana, Bobby Aoki and Creighton Mattoon.
• The Center is still working on finalizing the bankruptcy and Asset Purchase Agreement and expects to close the transaction shortly.
• A grant request for capital improvement projects (CIP) has been submitted in the amount of $4.3 million which will be used for the air condition system, ventilation system, helipad, and life-safety projects. Vaioleti is looking for support from the community and Board.
• Lance Segawa has been selected administrator for Kahuku Medical Center, and is awaiting approval by the Kahuku Medical Center board.
• The new Director of Nursing is Mikki Hanson, who resides in Kahulu'u.
• Vaioleti lastly thanked the Board and community for the continued support and patience, the Kahuku Medical Center is glad to offer services such as; emergency room facilities, acute and long-term care, x-ray, laboratory, physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Primacio questioned the CIP funding of the Center, Vaioleti explained that CIP funding has not been awarded the Kahuku Hospital in the past 15 years, and the roofing of the buildings is in terrible shape.
• Wasson voiced her concerns of the emergency room, which Vaioleti noted changes are being made and personnel are being taught how to relate to patients.
• Heath reiterated her concerns of the emergency room, and that the personnel working there should learn how to smile as that dramatically changes the atmosphere.

Wasson moved with Heath seconding that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board support the Kahuku Medical Center’s request for CIP funding by the Hawaii State Legislature. The motion carried with 8-0-2; ayes; (Letts, Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Primacio, Wasson), abstained; (Kahana and Mattoon.)

KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION UPDATE: Leonardi announced that house to house collection would be reinstated and thanked Mayor Hannemann, Councilmember Dela Cruz, Reed Mastuura, the Department of Environmental Services (ENV), and the Union representatives that were involved with the decision making.  Residents must have trash in bags and then in trash bins. It was also hinted that the City will purchase the dumpster bins from Kahuku Village Association to reimburse them those costs.

ELDERLY HOUSING IN KAHUKU UPDATE: Primacio noted that there has been no change in the housing facility. If community members would like a copy of the report submitted to the Board by Kathryn Health and Dee Dee Letts they should please contact him.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi voiced his concerns that his father would loose his subsidy due to a three month trip away from the housing facility. Should his father loose the subsidy, he would have to pay the regular rate of housing.
•  A community member questioned if there will be an increase, if residents don’t have Section 8 assistance. Primacio noted that the managing agent will make the decision of what the charge should be.
• Chair Letts informed everyone that the program was designed to help elderly low income individuals. If an individual would like to live there and does not have Section 8 assistance, the managing agent would decide upon the price. Both the Chair of the Board and Primacio will be following up on questions.
• A community member questioned if younger residents are being able to move into programs similar to this one; Primacio noted that these housing facilities are for elderly and disabled persons, however of there is a vacancy and no one is on the list, younger residents would have the chance to move in.  However the Section 8 housing list is hundreds long.

COMMITTEE RRPORTS:

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio reported that he would like to have Matsuura’s CIP report added as his own, as well as the need for two bus shelters located in La`ie across of the Polynesian Culture Center, and on the mauka side of Hukilau Beach Park.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS ON CULTURAL IMPACTS OF KAHUKU PROJECTS: Wasson informed the Board that she has a legal Supreme Court document regarding a native Hawaiian mandate, involving both the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) formerly known as the Housing Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH). Wasson will forward the information to Chair Letts. Ishol, Leonardi, Mattoon and Lea Alberts requested a copy of that information.

EDUCATION: Leonardi stood on Lea Alberts and Deborah Voorhies report given earlier in the agenda.

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

HOUSING: Heath noted that there has been no movement in council resolution 07-380.

PARKS & RECREATION: Kaluhiokalani reiterated the request for a map of all parks within the district, and noted that he will work with the Department of Parks and Recreation in regards to Kahuku District Park.

PLANNING & LAND USE: Mattoon announced that the next Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting is on February 20, 2008 in Kahuku and March 5, 2008 in Hau’ula (subsequently changed to Ka`a`awa). Chair Letts also informed everyone that information regarding the developers meeting has been attached to the agenda and mail out, as well as testimony in opposition of Bed and Breakfasts and Transient Vacation Units.

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington announced that he received positive feedback regarding Bringham Young University’s emergency seminar and an emergency brochure for the public has been produced for anyone; Corcoran and Alberts volunteered to take copies to the Library and DOE. Elkington agreed to bring more copies to the next meeting.  Elkington also noted that the new bridge near Kokololio should be getting replacement guardrails and is supposedly less dangerous and will follow up next month. Chair Letts also noted that Wasson has volunteered to attend the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee.

WATER: Kahana asked the public to protect and conserve our island’s water.

PUBLIC INPUT: Fran Corcoran, of Kahuku Public Library, announced that on March 4, 2008 the Library will be hosting a lei showcase which is open to the public. There will also be a book sale from March 10-12, 2008, and on every Tuesday be aware of Spring Break activities as school will not be in session.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku, Ka’a’awa, Punalu’u: No report at this time.

Lai’e: The Lai’e Food Fest is this Saturday, February 15, 2008. Lai’e Elementary also invited parents to join their children for lunch at the school.

Hau’ula: There have been reports of a family of goats roaming free on the mountains, which will need to be looked into, as well as free AARP insurance help at the Library on Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ella Siroskey welcomed back Leland Ribac as the Neighborhood Assistant. Both Primacio and Leonardi wished all the women in the room a Happy Valentines Day.

ADJOURNMENT: Noting the end of the agenda, Chair Letts called the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant