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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.; a quorum was present with eight (8) members.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jimmy Leonardi, Junior Primacio, John Elkington, Dawn Wasson, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Creighton Mattoon and Dee Dee Letts.
MEMBER ABSENT: Norman Kaluhiokalani, Les Steward (excused) and Kelika Ishol (excused).
GUESTS: Acting-Capt. Edwin Nishi (Honolulu Fire Department), Jim Frisbee, Lea Albert (Department of Education), Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Hospital), Henry Wasson, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Margaret Primacio (Keep Kahuku Country), David Rudd, Brew Rudd, Lt. John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Maureen Malanaphy, Heather Francis, Warren Soh (KCA), Jacce Mikulanec (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office staff), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), John Olszowka, Jay Personious (Senator Clayton Hee’s Office staff), Ben Henderson (Governor’s Representative), and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 8, 2007: Heath moved, Leonardi seconded to approve the November 8, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes with the following corrections:
- Page 1, under Members Present, Kelika Ishol should be spelled Kelika; following Members Present, delete VACANCY – there are no vacancies (all seats have been filled);
- Page 2, under Governor’s Report, fourth sentence, item 2, delete “Loop” following Hukilau; 2) same paragraph, item 5, should read, “The DOT has…to 10 feet either way of Ki’i and Kahuku Bridge…”;
- Page 3, under Department of Education, delete Misty Leong, should read, Miss Lisa DeLong;
- Page 4, under Questions and Concerns, item 1, following HUD Conversations, Joe Picard should be spelled Pickard;
- Page 5, under Cultural Affairs Committee, Vahi O Pua Stream, should be spelled Wahi; 2) same page, under the Education Committee – should read, “Leonardi shared the Kahuku Girls Cross Country Team placed first in the Eastern Division and third place in the OIA. Congratulations to Wasson’s granddaughter took first in the Eastern Division and 3rd in the OIA”; 3) Coach Noel should be spelled Knohl; 4) under the Housing Committee, delete the last two sentences of the Housing Committee report; 5) under Public’s Comment, delete all of item 3;
- Page 6, under Public Safety/Transportation, item 2, second sentence should begin, “Leonardi…”; delete
Chair Letts mentioned Neighborhood Assistant Leland Ribac will be returning to this Board in February 2008.
TREASURER’S REPORT: A report was not available at this time; deferred to February 14, 2008 meeting.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Capt Edwin Nishi reported: 1) Ka`a`awa Station – 6 medical and 2 miscellaneous alarms; 2) Kahuku Station – 1 structure, 1 rubbish fire, 10 medical, 2 search/rescues, 4 miscellaneous alarms; 3) Hau’ula Station – 2 rubbish, 2 vehicle fires, 18 medical and 4 miscellaneous alarms; and 1 major incident involving 9 companies. 4) Fire Safety Tip: Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly and test them regularly; and practice your family escape plan together. As a result of a smoke alarm and a parent’s quick response, a child’s life was saved. The child was unable to escape from the room where the fire originated; however, the parent told Fire Investigators that upon hearing the smoke alarm, she went to investigate and was able to save her child.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Heath wondered if the vehicle fire in Punalu’u was left there as a statement for everyone. Also, she enjoyed watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve, but strongly objected to the loud bomb noises and asked whether they prompted any investigations. She was referred to HPD.
2. Wasson was referred to the Fire Prevention Bureau for information about known public park areas, etc., of dangerous safety conditions. She suggested awareness measures by HFD to educate the community/public.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. John Vines reported for December 2007: 1) Statistics included – 5 simple assaults, 11 burglaries, 3 auto theft recovery, 4 drug/narcotics, 6 family arguments, 2 family offense/neglect/abuse, 1 graffiti, 1 motor vehicle theft, 7 criminal property damage, 19 motor vehicle accidents, 22 thefts, 3 threatening, and 14 unauthorized entry to motor vehicle. 2) Highlights included – an 18 year old Hau’ula resident drowned; a male suspect picked up for robbery 2nd occurring in August; an unattended death in the 53-000 block of
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Heath asked for a follow-up about the loud bomb noises during New Year’s. . Lt. Vines noted a lot of fireworks slipping through the cracks, hard to target and they are a public health issue; as far as catching them in the act it is difficult with the lack of officers. Heath noted and understands that it’s impossible to target every area but perhaps efforts could be better articulated.
She also noted the repeated graffiti under the first bridge, as you come around the loop of
2. Lt. Vines informed Francine Corcoran about procedures when vehicles are marked abandoned, and that vehicles are referred to the Abandoned Vehicle Division. She was told to call the 24 hour abandoned vehicle line at 532-7700 Ext 250.
Mayor's Representative – Chair Letts announced that Keoki Miyamoto is absent tonight; due to a service with the Mayor at
Hau’ula Park restrooms – The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reported that in the Spring of 2007, the restrooms at Hau’ula Community Park opened daily for public use. However, the restrooms are being closed nightly to deter vandalism. The Hau’ula Beach Park restrooms have been closed only briefly in the past two months for vandalism cleanup.
Affordable housing opportunities and why is City housing not available? The Department of Community Services (DCS) reported: a) in 1998, the residents of
No Smoking at all bus stops – the Department of Transportation (DTS) reported that the State law prohibits smoking in structures with a roof and three walls; only enclosed shelters are covered by HRS 328J. We have no legal basis to prohibit smoking at other bus stops.
Request for the Mayor’s representative to stay for the entire meeting – Miyamoto emailed that he will stay to give his report and the Neighborhood Commission Office can give him any questions because he has to get up at 4:30 a.m. and declines to stay for the entire meeting.
Leonardi requested more information on how to get the landlords to cleanup the streams above the mauka side of
Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Jacce Mikulanec expressed Happy New Year’s greetings and highlighted the following:
Request for Investigation and Service Request (RISR) – two RISR’s having to do with noise disturbances reported at Hau’ula Beach Park. Campsites are in an area that affects the housing across the street; DPR will look at resituating the campsites to alleviate the situation.
Illegal Transient Vacation Units (TVU) – calls regarding two illegal TVU’s. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) are looking into the complaints.
Resolution 07-390 – urging the Department of Environmental Services to rectify conditions preventing trash pickup for
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) – proposals have been submitted. Copies of the CIP letters were sent to Chair Letts and Primacio; any updates will be passed on.
Prescription Discount Card – Councilmember is pleased about the prescription discount program at no cost to the taxpayer at discounts up to 20% off the prescription costs. The City & County of Honolulu is a member of the National Association of Counties (NAC), which qualifies to be part of the program. Refer to the Councilmember’s newsletter for more information.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. According to the Council calendar, the first committee hearing day is February 5, when Resolution 07-90, relating to determining the real property taxes for the fiscal year July 2007 to June 2008, will be heard. Contact Councilmember Okino’s office to confirm. Mikulanec acknowledged the Chair’s request for a copy of the resolution and Leonardi expressed interest to attend the hearing.
2. The Council’s prescription drug card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance; but residents can use the card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by insurance plans. Mikulanec did not think the discount would be honored on the mainland; however, there maybe a county that has the same program.
3. Heath tried to follow-up on Resolutions 07-272, relating to the establishment of affordable housing strategies; and 07-273 relating a policy on appropriations of monies, were deferred, according to Councilmember Cachola’s office. Also heard yesterday was 07-274, relating to assigning the director of the DPP and Planning Commission a proposed bill relating to affordable housing; and 07-275, relating to establishing a City policy eliminating cash contributions (in-lieu) fees as an option to meet affordable housing conditions in unilateral agreements incorporated in zone change ordinances. Heath shared real concerns and questions of the number of affordable housing bills that are being deferred, sitting, or moving slowly.
Mikulanec said 07-274 and 07-275 heard yesterday are still alive and will be put back on the next affordable housing agenda. If the Board feels strongly, a motion or letter in support was encouraged. Regarding 07-380, introduced by Councilmember Cachola, to establish a Council policy did not move out of committee. Status of Council resolutions can be accessed on the City website; or call the office if you have questions.
4. Mikulanec asked the location of the abandoned vehicle mentioned earlier. He will call to help assist with the removal. Corcoran verified that the vehicle is located on
Mikulanec announced that tonight is his last meeting. He is moving to the State to work with the Speaker of the House and wanted to thank the Board for letting him come and for all the experience. The Board and community thanked him for all his help, wished him well and asked who will be his replacement; Reed Matsuura will fill in.
Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson expressed New Year’s greetings; and responded to previous inquiries:
Status of the proposed
Responsibility for cleaning the area adjacent to Ki’i Bridge and
Status of the contract for
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Information –
Heath reported the reconstructed bridge in Hau’ula has suffered several hits and significant damage; and suggested some sort of consideration of slowing the speed limit. Elkington added that DOT already knew it was a dangerous place to begin with and that the road was to be widened to help ease around the sharp corners; and to his surprise, even after the corners are still very sharp. Heath asked for better signage and would like the bridge fixed.
State Legislators:
Senator Clayton Hee – Jay Personious distributed the 2008 Legislative Timetable and Legislative Directory and:
Highlighted changes in the directory – the Water, Land and Agriculture Committee are now two committees. Senator Hee will Chair the Water and Land Committee; Vice Chair the Judiciary Committee and is still a member of the Education Committee. It was noted that the printing of the directories are done bi-annually (2007 last printed).
Will note to Senator Hee regarding CIP requests – submitted as reported in the November draft minutes.
Department of Education – Lea Albert reported:
She addressed Board member Wasson’s concern about the highly qualified as to content issues challenge for Hawaiian Emersion School teachers – she state that she would do everything she could to get them certified and that if Ms. Wasson wanted to pursue an exemption for this requirement she would have to contact Mazie Hirono or another federal representative as this requirement is a federal not state one. She also noted that US News and World Reports that usually reports the top colleges in the U.S, looked at the 80,000 public High Schools in the
Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa reported on the following:
Water Conservation Calendars – The Water Conservation Calendars that are made up of winning entries in the Water Conservation Poster Contest, and includes water conservation tips, were distributed. Copies are available at the Board of Water Supply office at
Water Main Breaks – There were no water main breaks in the Ko`olauloa in the last month.
General Water Announcement – The water conservation tip of the month is: operate automatic dishwashers or clothes washers only when it is full or set for the proper load. When washing dishes by hand use a basis of soapy water and rinse under a stream of water.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
- In response to Primacio regarding area construction projects, there are no water main construction projects on
- Regarding Heath’s inquiry, the pumping station site is in need of some maintenance. Follow up will be done.
- In reply to
Marine Corps /
NEW BUSINESS:
Department of Education School Status – Jim Frisbee came to the November 8 meeting with the purpose of initiating conversation on the
Lea Albert, representing the Department of Education (DOE), and Lisa Delong, Principal of Kahuku Intermediate & High School, noted several reasons why creating a middle school is a negative aspect:
· Older students in a high school provide younger students with a role model, which younger students strive to achieve.
· The entire district continues to loose student enrollment, and to split the school into two entities, would be inefficient in acquiring full enrollment, and due to the newly formed weighted student formula, both schools would loose funding.
· Intermediate/high school programs encompass a full six year educational program which informs the student’s education and maintains the students’ learning process.
· The Kahuku Educational Master Plan has already included enrollments at the five “feeder” schools, and has projected estimates for all schools within the district.
· A Kupuna was consulted and questioned the exact district boundaries of the district, to which the Kupuna noted that all of Sunset area is considered part of this district.
· Both women noted that they welcome any constructive criticism, and input and feedback. Delong also noted that calls and visits to Kahuku Intermediate & High School are welcome at any time.
Councilmember Dela Cruz Medical Program – Covered earlier under Councilmember Dela Cruz’s report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Wasson recently used
Kahuku Trash Collection Update – Chair Letts asked Leonardi to comment on this time sensitive issue and perhaps the Board might consider a position tonight in time for the February 5th hearing. Leonardi said a meeting with Noreen Cristobal, President, Kahuku Village Association, himself and key representatives of the Environmental Services Department (Deputy Director Shimizu, Collection Branch Head, Shiraishi, Kapa’a Quarry Supervisor Lum, and driver/union rep Sarrano) to hash out options, and accordingly, the research continues. Also discussed were issues about the type of oil for the road which was costly per application and lasting only six months, the side-lift of the truck which would entail having to make some height adjustments to the ground, and clearing the bushes on both sides of the road. On a positive note, the drive-thru the community not only allowed the supervisors to point out some of the bad points, but that they are now willing to make two more stops; at Adams Field side in New Camp and in Main Camp by the Hongwanji Church.
Leonardi moved that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board write a letter supporting the restoration of trash service; to present at the hearing; Kahana seconded that motion. Hearing no objections or abstentions, the motion was adopted; Chair Letts will get the letter to the Council. J. Primacio asked who will provide the containers for the two new sites. Leonardi noted that the City is trying to provide two more dumpsters at no extra cost. Leonardi explained that meanwhile, residents would use their own trash cans; but due to the dust issue, the trash collectors will sit inside the truck with the driver to and from each site; and only get out of the truck once onsite. Another ongoing issue regarded a suggestion to sell the dumpsters for $8,500, so options are being investigated to rectify the matter
.
Elderly Housing in Kahuku Update – No change.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Capital Improvement Projects / Public Works – No report.
Cultural Affairs – Wasson received a community complaint regarding KHS’ May Day try-outs; and had meetings with Miss DeLong and the Student Activities Coordinator. Wasson made two recommendations; a better selection process for the May Day Queen; and the inclusion of the Hawaiian immersion class.
Miss DeLong does not believe that the current process is unfair; and noted she is always willing to take any recommendations to improve the processes at the school.
Education – Leonardi reported teachers go back to school tomorrow, and students go back to school on Monday.
Elementary / Middle School – This agenda item folded into an earlier agenda item (Jim Frisbie)
Health / Human Services – Kelika Ishol was excused (out of town).
Housing – Kathryn Heath:
Audit Report - read her audit summary report of the City’s Management of Unilateral Agreements in Affordable Housing. Three major findings were highlighted: a) that DPP’s administration of unilateral agreements is inadequate; b) in-lieu fee collections have not resulted benefits for the 80 to 120% of median income group; and c) accumulation and redeeming affordable housing credits are not formalized in ordinance or rule. Also that DPP responded to the audit, but the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services declined to submit a separate response and relies on DPP.
Heath came up with the following recommendations that the Board urge legislators and City Council to make consistent resolutions, laws and regulations and appropriate adequate money and funds to hire someone to properly track these matters; to cease and desist with the option of in-lieu fees; and to have some type of tracking system. She added that she does not dislike the idea of collecting fees but if these fees cannot be accounted for and used properly, then there is a serious problem.
Chair Letts entertained a motion. Heath moved to send a letter based on those recommendations. Being this a committee motion, a second to the motion was not necessary. Hearing no objections or abstentions, the motion was adopted. Heath will forward the letter Chair Letts for submittal. Letts will get to Heath by the next meeting the bullet write up on HRS 201H.
Housing Bills – There were no housing bills update at this time.
Parks and Recreation – Kaluhiokalani is absent tonight. Chair Letts asked to move the beach access concern to the next meeting; and will add kahuku District Park to next months agenda.
Planning and Land Use – Creighton Mattoon distributed his report and highlighted on:
Ko’olauloa Sustainable Communities – Plan’s next meeting (#4) of the PAC will be on January 16, 6:30 p.m. at Hau’ula Community Center; comments on the upcoming meeting schedule are tentative. Please note the submittal of the proposed amendments to the SCP requires the inclusion of supporting documentation such as need assessments, costs, consistency with exiting SCP, and consistency with the General Plan.
Developers Meeting - The Board appreciated the accommodations of Hau’ula School, the representatives from HRI, Malaekahana West, Manager’s Ridge,
Proposed bills relating to Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Transient Visitor Units (TVU) – allows pre-existing illegal TVU’s to continue to operate providing they obtain non-conforming use certificates and meet certain conditions. When advertising occupancy, they must include the non-conforming use certificate number and street address; failure to do so will result in civil fines. Regarding B&B’s, the City Council would remove B&B’s from the Land Use Ordinance (LUO); and the applicants must notify owners within 500 feet of the site and if the majority protests, the application will be denied. The bill would allow B&B in Ag, Country, and R-20 residential districts. The DPP bill would not remove B&B from the LUO and existing conditional use permits can be adapted to review applications to mitigate impacts on the neighborhood. The DPP bill would require notification of owners within 300 feet of the site.
Therefore, Mattoon moves that because these bills excuse owners of pre-existing illegal use, and because the notification process places the burden on the community while denying the rights of the immediate neighbors, and because the permitting of B&B and TVU’s for the benefit of visitors at the expense of denying rental units to residents, it is recommended that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board oppose passage of these bills and the amendments to the Land Use Ordinance. Being a committee motion, a second to that motion is not necessary. No discussion followed. The motion was adopted unanimously. The hearing is scheduled for January 16; Matoon will submit the letter to Chair Letts as requested.
Public Information – Les Steward was excused.
Public Safety / Transportation – John Elkington received a report from DOT about the traversing lines under the highway and the subsidence that this has caused; he noted no EPA problems and the situation will be put into a normal resurfacing schedule.
Water – Kahana’s only comment is to serve and protect.
PUBLIC INPUT:
1. The Board was commended for putting together the community meeting held last night. Chair Letts thanked the community for the amazing turnout.
2. Fran Corcoran updated the Board regarding donations, support and community efforts to get the bookmobile up and running. Other community organizations involved included Turtle Bay Resort and Brigham Young University (BYU).
3. Kahana was approached to ask whether there would be any interest in a book club.. Please note and look for an upcoming event in April.
4. Corcoran mentioned Kahuku Public Library has a Book Club on the second Tuesday of the month.
CORRESPONDENCE: Has been distributed.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: 1) Kahuku – no report; 2) Lai`e – 23 faculty will be moved from
ANNOUNCEMENTS: No other announcements.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no other Board business, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Submitted by
Marie Richardson
Neighborhood Assistant