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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008

HAU’ULA COMMUNTIY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. with a quorum of nine (9) members present. Note, this eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) votes to adopt a motion.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Norman Kaluhiokalani, Les Steward.

GUESTS: Aulii George (Congresswoman Mazie Hirono’s office), Bernie Fuller, John Olszowka, Jim Normann (R.M. Towill Corporation), Debbie Kim Morikawa (DCS), John Errett, Fred Mencher (HME), Eric Morrison (Continental Pacific), Tim Reynolds (Continental Pacific), Acting Captain Steve Jenness (HFD), Rickey Cassiday, Mikki Hanson (KMC), Rachel Sher (Laie Community Association), Brian Walsh (Kaaawa Elementary School), Nalani Mattox, Marge Stanton, Lealani Kinikini, Leolani Beebe, Todd Watanabe (Kaaawa Elementary School), Noelani Trojan, Lynne Lagua, Kai Hooleano, Barry Usagawa (BWS), Michaela Primacio, Kent Kono, Aliitasi Ponder, Hoku Jenkins, Diana Hoppe, Wayne Aubrey, Wren Wescoatt (First Wing), Jessica Wooley, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Jay Personious (Senator Hee’s office), Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Diego Tumacder, Joe Bruey, Noreen Crossford, Elanor Lamadora, Josephine Faustino, Grey Faustino, Pedro Padua, Audrey Padua, Delores Lagua, Les Lagua, Debbie Sarsona, Daniel Sarsona, Dawn Iseke, Cathleen Kele, Lisa Evangelista, Victor Evangelista, Richard Llanos, Melissa Kaonohi-Corrit, Michael Carrit, Leah Thomas, Hughbert Clarke, Jerri Tugman, Mike Tugman, and Leslie Llanos (KVA), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS:

CHAIR, VICE CHAIR, SECRETARY, TREASURER: Chair Letts noted the Board will elect officers to serve for a one year term from June 2008 to May 2009. Ishol moved and Mattoon seconded to keep the presiding Officers the same, noting Chair Letts, Vice Chair Mattoon, Secretary Kahana and Treasurer Steward. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts. Mattoon, Primacio, Wasson.)

APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 8, 2008: Primacio moved and Mattoon seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 8, 2008 with the following corrections;

• Page 1: Guests: Include “Jessica Wooley.”
• Page 5: Cultural Affairs: Replace “Wilson” with “Will.”

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts. Mattoon, Primacio, Wasson.)

TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Letts read the May 2008 treasurer’s statement highlighting a current expense of $36.94 due to printing and postage, leaving a current balance of $2,139.74.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

• Statistics for the month of May 2008 include; Ka’a’awa Station; 4 fires, 8 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues, and 3 miscellaneous calls, Hau’ula Station; 8 fires, 25 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 3 miscellaneous calls, Kahuku Station; 8 fires, 14 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 2 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip: Summer is upon Oahu, and our State will be on a higher risk for fires due to wildland vegetation continuing to dry with the hot weather, please use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices such as fireworks, matches, and lighters.

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

• Statistics for the month of May 2008 include the entire district from Makapu’u Point through Kahuku; 7 burglaries, 3 motor vehicle thefts, 25 thefts, 12 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 2 simple assaults, 4 graffiti offenses, 26 motor vehicle accidents, 1 robbery, 14 runaways, and 2 D.U.I for a total  number of 628 calls. Overall the district has a decrease in crime of 28%.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Letts explained questions will first be opened to Board members, and then to the public. With the increase of public members, please remain patient and your questions will be heard.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

GOVERNOR’S TURTLE BAY COMMITTEE REPORT: Primacio provided a brief update and a written report for all Board members. Primacio highlighted that the Committee is looking at a unilateral agreement made in 1986, which outlined several stipulations between the general public and developers of Turtle Bay. Several stipulations in this unilateral agreement note public benefits, however, these benefits are only awarded during construction of a second hotel, and the sacrifice of the remaining land. The Committee will meet with representative from the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR) on June 16, 2008, the next Committee meeting will be June 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor’s office.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Mattoon noted he has read the unilateral agreement and that it is very complex. The Committee must look at several specifics, for example, what justifies a building or construction.
• Wasson noted the unilateral agreement is only a fraction of the concern, and noted several other agreements that also affect the lands and development of Turtle Bay.
• Heath questioned if road improvements have been taken care of; Chair Letts replied the appropriation of monies made by the State Legislature was removed, and should be taken care of by the land owners.

HOSPITAL UPDATE: KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER: Mikki Hansen reported the following information;

• Kahuku Medical Center is proposing a small ‘face lift’ to the emergency room facilities; the project is on a small budget and requires little construction as it is more cosmetic than anything. Local contractors are being looked at.
• An open house event is being planned for the Medical Center in October of this year; an interior designer is needed, and should contact the Center if interested.
• Hansen noted the Board of Directors are working very hard and has formed focus groups.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi questioned if the Medical Center is looking to provide x-ray and obstetric services. Hansen noted these services are being considered.
• A questioned was raised if a woman was in labor, would the hospital deliver the child; Hansen noted if the birth is immediate, doctors would deliver the baby then transfer mother and child to a properly equipped hospital.

KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION: Leonardi noted Kahuku Village Association (KVA) has sent a letter to the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) requesting they purchase the trash bins for $8,000 from KVA. Although no response has been given KVA will again send a follow-up letter. Chair Letts noted she will keep this item on the agenda, and to let her know when the Board needs to send a letter.

BICYCLE SAFETY RESOLUTION: Elkington submitted a version of the proposed bicycle resolution to all Board members noting he changed some minor areas of the resolution. Elkington moved to replace and adopt the proposed bicycle resolution at hand. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOSULY 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts. Mattoon, Primacio, Wasson.) Chair Letts will finalize the agenda and have Neighborhood Assistant (NA) mail out to all participating organizations.

CIVIC CENTER USE DISCUSSION: Debbie Morikawa of the City Department of Community Services (DCS) reported the Civic Center will be used by O’ahu WorkLinks, a branch of DCS. O’ahu WorkLinks provides free services to residents searching for a job. Services include but are not limited to; interview training, resumes, proper dress attire, computer resources, and employment related workshops. WorkLinks will be open five days a week from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome. WorkLinks main office is located at Dillingham Plaza and can reach at 843-0733.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Chair Letts inquired as to which room would be utilized; Morikawa noted two rooms are not being utilized, and will be turned into offices for WorkLinks.
• Heath questioned if a transportation service will be available to transport residents to and from the Dillingham location; Morikawa noted if the need is there, a service may be provided.
• Primacio inquired as to how many staff will be in the area, and if the location will interfere with the area currently used by seniors; Morikawa noted there will be one staff member at all times, and the space will not interfere with the senior’s location.
• A community member inquired if anyone can use WorkLinks; Morikawa noted it will be open to anyone including seniors, and disabled.

NEW BUSINESS:

KAHUKU VILLAGE ASSOCIATION (KVA) PHASE 5 REPORT: A community member speaking on behalf of KVA read a letter noting several obstacles that have been preventing KVA from accomplishing it’s purpose, noting; the lack of funds for flood mitigation, the inability to sub-divide the property, and costly infrastructure requirements. Tim Reynolds and Eric Morrison of Continental Pacific, as well as Jim Neirmann of R.M. Towill provided a visual map and information of the KVA Phase 5 Project;

·         KVA Phase 5 will include 5,000 square foot lots, adjacent to the Beach.

·         An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being produced, and will be provided to the Board.

·         Lots will be sold to families in the area, to ensure mainland companies do not purchase them.

·         The sand dunes will not be affected as they have pushed the lots further inland.

·         HPD has noted there should be no significant impact to the surrounding communities.

·         They are working with BWS to ensure the proper sewage and drainage technology is installed.

·         There will be two separate Boards included in Phase 5.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Elkington questioned if the cost of cesspool will be implemented; Reynolds noted the cost of the lot will include the cost of a cesspool.
• Heath questioned the need for two different Boards in the same area; Morrison noted their needs will be similar and the two Board systems will cause cohesion amongst all residents.
• Mattoon noted it will be difficult to support the project without and EIS or an Environmental Assessment (EA), Morrison noted an EA gearing is forthcoming and will be published.
• Several Board members requested a more updated map as several of the indications were wrong; Neirmann will provide the maps.
• Wasson questioned how far back is the setback; Morrison noted 60 feet; Wasson suggested 100-120 feet.
• Several residents and Board members raised concern regarding the protection of the beach front and the sand dunes; Morrison and Reynolds noted they will ensure the safety of both land parcels.
• Several community and Board members raised concern regarding beach access as the proposed homes will block off the ocean.
• Several community members raised concern regarding the proposed number of lots.
• Several community members spoke is support of the project noting the homes will be sold only to local residents, and proper drainage and sewage technology will be built into the area.

BWS ROAD IMPROVEMENT ON KULANUI STREET: Chair Letts deferred this item until further notice.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: No report was available at this time.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Michael Sakata reported the following information;

• Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office has sent a request to the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) regarding the reimbursement of KVA’s trash bins; there has been no response as of today.
• Resolution 08-08 is waiting to be heard in committee at this time, and is being evaluated by the Ag Task Force which has not taken a position or provided revisions or recommendations.
• Regarding smoking at bus stops, Corporation Counsel advised if the bus stop has a roof and walls, then no smoking signs are permitted.
• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 for the Ko’oluloa district include; Kahuku helipad landing lights ($320,000), Punalu’u Beach Park and Kualoa Regional Park wastewater system reconstruction ($2,000,000), Bus stop site improvements in Punalu’u ($30,000) and recreation District number four improvements ($210,000).
• Several requests have been made with the City, including the 35-35 miles per hour (mph) zone; discussions have been made with the State department of Transportation (DTS).

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Chair Letts requested information regarding tax exemptions in Kahuku, and why they would be exempt; Sakata to follow up.
• Leonardi requested a progress report of the Kahuku Housing Project parking signs; Sakata to follow up.
• A community member noted her frustration regarding the no smoking signs at bus stops, Chair Letts requested Sakata compose a list of past Corporation Counsel’s research and reports regarding this issue.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Kaulana Park reported the following information;

• The Pokewai bridge construction has been postponed due to a delay in the permitting process, the contractor is looking to begin by the end of this week.
• Regarding Kahuku and Ki’i bridges, sections owned by the State, makai portions of the bridge, are cleared.
• A written report was made available highlighting the legislative session. Feel free to contact the Governor’s office with your request and concerns of specific legislation as the veto deadline nears.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Leonardi noted he would like to meet with DOT representatives as he can locate the areas of the brush that requires cleaning; Park will follow up.
• Primacio questioned accident locations in Punalu’u; Chair Letts noted they are attempting to have a DOT representative at the next meeting, where these issues can be addressed.

STATE LEGISLATORS: Senator Clayton Hee: Jay Personious, in the interest of time, provided a written report, and noted if there are any questions to please contact him at their best time.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono: Auli’i George, Constituent Services Representative, introduced herself and noted she is part of Congresswoman Hirono’s Honolulu Office. Should there be any constituent service questions, please feel free to contact her at 541-1986.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Chair Letts noted Lea Albert is unable to attend tonight’s meetings, however, requests the education Committee to address House Bill 2972 relating to education. Chair Letts noted the Board will discuss this issue later on the agenda.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported no water main breaks in the month of May, and provided a handout explaining the power cost adjustment rates that will take effect starting July 1, 2008. Should there be any questions please feel free to contact the BWS at 748-5000 or www.boardofwatersupply.com.

MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: No report was available at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: HOUSING: Heath noted the earlier discussion regarding Kahuku Village Association (KVA) Phase 5 was a great opportunity for the community and the Board.

PLANNING & LAND USE: Mattoon noted no update has been provided regarding the Sustainable Communities Plan of Ko’olauloa or the Water Shed Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA).

EDUCATION: Chair Letts explained she has been asked to discuss HB 2972 a bill relating to education. In a nutshell, the bill will shut down several schools statewide in an effort to consolidate students and faculty. Chair Letts noted this consolidation effort will be detrimental to faculty and students around the State, including the Ko’olauloa district. Leonardi, Chair of the Education Committee recommended the Board oppose passage of House Bill 2972 Relating to Education.

Discussion followed:

·         Heath spoke in support of the motion, noting the consolidation will be devastating to teachers as well as difficult for students.

·         Chair Letts noted the problem with the bill is the fact the Legislature has to fully support or fully oppose the measure.

The motion to oppose passage of House Bill 2972 Relating to Education was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts. Mattoon, Primacio, Wasson.)

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS:  No report was available at this time.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: Ishol reported the Health and Wellness Center currently does not have an executive director, the center continues to work with Kahuku Medical Center to better help the community.

PARKS & RECREATION: No report was available at this time.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report available at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington reported he has met with Leolani Beebe of Mikki Motors, and the property owners. The decision has remained the same due to safety and environmental hazards. As of August 1, 2008 Mikki Motors will no longer be in operation.

WATER: Kahana reminded everyone to protect and conserve O’ahu’s water.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report was available at this time.

PUBLIC INPUT: Several community members provided public input as follows;

• A community member questioned if there was any update on the Sustainable Communities Plan; Mattoon replied he has not heard of any new meeting or any reasoning for the past cancellation.
• Fran Corcoran announced several free events happening at the Kahuku Library this month, and welcomed everyone to the Library and start reading.
• A community suggested in accordance with the suggested bike path, a community walkable path be implemented in the community.
• Leolani Beebe announced she is waiting for a response with officials regarding her automotive business; it seems that she will have to move location to Kaneohe, her lease ends in August of this year.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted several correspondences, elaborating on a letter from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) regarding Kahuku Village Association, and noted Neighborhood Assistant will mail a copy out to each Board member.

COMMUNITY REPORTS: No community reports were made at this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made at this time.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant