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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2008

HAU’ULA 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: Kathryn Heath, Kelika Ishol, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, Dawn Wasson.

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington.

GUESTS: Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Diana Hoppe, Captain George LaRosa (HPD), Kaulana Park (DHHL), Captain Ed Kealoha (HFD), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Kent Fonoimoana, Aliitasi Ponder, Anthony Williams, Kaleo Kaluhiokalni (Troop 591), Wendy Anae (LCA), Carol Feenga (Kokua Hawaii), Connor Williams, Thomas Wright, Chris Salts, Aaron Maneha, Aaron Campbell, Lea Albert (DOE), Ella Siroskey, Representative Coleen Meyer, Warren Scott, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).

APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2008: Leonardi moved and Mattoon seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of April 10, 2008 with the following amendments;

·         Page 3: Board of Water Supply: Questions: Replace “Leonardi” with “Elkington.”

·         Page 3: Governor’s Turtle Bay Committee Report: Replace “Kahana” with “Several members.”

·         Page 4: Hospital Update: Replace “Leonardi’s sister” with “Leonardi’s sister-in-law’s patient.”

·         Page 5: Community Reports: Lai’e: Replace “safety” with “shelter.”

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOSULY, 10-0-0, (Aye: Heath, Ishol, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward, and Wasson.)

TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the April 2008 treasurer’s report, highlighting a current expense of $38.07 due to printing and postage, which leave a current balance of $2,176.68.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

• Statistics for the month of April include: Kahuku Station: 1 rubbish fire, 14 medical emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous calls; Hau’ula Station 4 brush fires, 2 rubbish fires, 24 medical emergencies, and 5 miscellaneous calls; Ka’a’awa Station: 1 rubbish fire, 9 medical emergencies, and 4 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip: Woodland fires increase during the summer months due to dry temperatures around the State. Please keeps a 30 foot clearing between building structures and brush.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Captain George LaRosa reported the following information.

• Statistics for the month of April including the entire district from Makapu’u Point through Kahuku; 1 aggravated assault, 5 simple assaults, 1 auto theft recovery, 1 burglary, 2 drug and narcotics, 5 graffiti, 1 motor vehicle theft, 22 motor vehicle accidents, 9 property damage, 8 runaway charges 2 of which were canceled, 19 thefts, 7 threatening, 3 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 9 warrant arrests.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Steward inquired reasoning of the decrease in motor vehicle thefts, Capt. LaRosa noted several people were caught and imprisoned, so car thefts generally decreased.
• A community member inquired what exactly a dropped call is. Capt. LaRosa replied that it is when residents call HPD, and hang up before reporting the emergency.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

GOVERNOR’S TURTLE BAY COMMITTEE REPORT: Primacio reported a meeting will be held on May 14, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the State Capitol. Draft minutes have not been posted on the Governor’s website regarding the April 24, 2008 meeting. Primacio also noted that the letter discussed last month by the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board was not sent to the Turtle Bay Committee.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts will follow up on the letter to be sent to the working committee.
• Wasson provided a list of questions also to be sent with the letter by Chair Letts.
• Heath questioned when Governor Lingle will meet with Mayor Hannemann; Primacio did not know.

HOSPITAL UPDATE: KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER: Kahana provided a brief update on the Kahuku Medical Center, highlighting the Kahuku Medical Center Board is currently undergoing strategic planning.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi clarified his last month statement regarding the Kahuku Medical Center and Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). Leonardi noted Kahuku Medical Center does accept HMSA.
• Ishol informed the public that the Kahuku Medical Center is looking to create a Community Advisory Board, and will begin to forward information via e-mail.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLAN UPDATE: Mattoon explained the April 30, 2008 meeting was cancelled without an explanation, or any other meeting date. Several Board members voiced their opposition to the cancellation. Mattoon shared the opposition, however, will continue to keep the Board updated.

KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION: Leonardi reported he has sent a letter to the City & County of Honolulu as well as Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office regarding the Kahuku Village Association’s (KVA) $8,000 trash bins. The letter has gone unanswered, although it was promised the City will purchase four trash bins from KVA for $8,000.

 Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts questioned if Kuilima West, the new housing section, will have their trash picked up, Leonardi answered yes. Chair Letts noted she will keep the issue on the agenda until it is resolved.

NEW BUSINESS:

BICYCLE SAFETY RESOLUTION: Carol Feenga presented the Board a draft resolution regarding bike safety. Feenga noted several aspects of the resolution including, additional bike safety education, appropriation of monies to improve bike lanes and bicyclist awareness. Feenga requested the Board adopt the resolution and or provide a letter of support for the overall project.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Several Board members generally supported the resolution and its components, however, questioned several of the specific outlined bullet points including safety for vehicle drivers, cost and money allocation and bicyclist educational programs.
• Chair Letts announced that Board members may make changes to the draft resolution and return next month with a complete resolution for adoption.

CIVIC CENTER USE DISCUSSION: Keoki Miyamoto reported the State Department of Health (DOH) is leasing most of the spaces in the Civic Center; however, the City Department of Customer Services (DCS) will be using the former Satellite City Hall location for their Worklinks program. The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) use the multi-purpose room for senior citizens. Miyamoto informed anyone to contact DPR if they are interested in using the Civic Center location.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts read a letter informing everyone that Worklinks would use the Civic Center and noted she will invite Debbie Morikawa of DCS to the next meeting.

KAHUKU VILLAGE ASSOCIATION (KVA) PHASE 5 REPORT: Chair Letts deferred this item until June 2008.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Keoki Miyamoto reported the following information:

• The construction currently undergoing at the Hau’ula Civics Center includes replacing of the doors, windows, trellis and other facilities that have been deteriorated by weather and salty ocean air conditions. The contract amount will cost $414,200 and span an estimated 120 calendar days.
• Regarding the requested buffer to surround the Civic Center, brush and other plants will be considered in the future, as several signs have been posted prohibiting vehicles from reversing into parking stalls.
• Several handouts and pamphlets were available regarding the City’s initiatives on rail transit.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Heath noted she has witnessed construction workers reversing into several parking stalls at the Civic Center, which defeats the purpose of the posted signs. Miyamoto replied HPD can be called.
• Chair Letts recognized several Boy Scouts in the public that are willing to aid in creating a buffer around the Civic Center.
• Primacio questioned the Worklinks program; Miyamoto replied the Worklinks program is a DCS program, however the Civic Center is maintained by the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM).
• Heath questioned the Pokewai Bridge, which is missing one of the railings. Miyamoto replied because the bridge is on Kamehameha Highway, it is the State’s property.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELACRUZ: Reed Matsuura reported the following information:

• Councilmember Dela Cruz requested the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) to purchase the trash bins from Kahuku Village Association (KVA).
• The cost of the Ka’a’awa Comfort Station cost $605,000, and was completed by T. Iida Contracting, please contact Clifford Lau at 768-8478 for more information.
• Several free mulch sites include; Ala Wai Community Garden, Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Hawaiian Earth Project in Kailua, and Waimea Valley.
• To ensure Oahu maintains its rural character, the City must focus development in the urban core through transit-oriented development. The growth along the urban corridor will alleviate higher facility maintenance costs such as roads and other services.
• Legislation moves forward regarding stream remediation and clean up, which obligates government and property owners to maintain stream beds.
• Speed monitors were requested from the State Department of Transportation, but no response yet.
• Corporation Counsel opined that the law regarding the no smoking ban, currently states that the structures such as bus shelters that are enclosed or partially enclosed can ban smoking.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson questioned council resolution 08; Matsuura to follow up.
• Leonardi questioned if Kahuku Villages will also acquire the recyclable trash containers. Matsuura noted if the residences already have automated trash pick up, they too will acquire the recyclable containers.
• A community member requested Matsuura to research Corporation Counsel’s past opinions regarding the smoking ban; Matsuura will follow up.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Kaulana Park apologized for his absence last month, and provided the Governor’s weekly newsletter, highlighting several initiatives of the Turtle Bay Working Committee.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson expressed the need of transparency between the Governor’s Turtle Bay Working Committee and the general public, noting community members are forbidden to question the committee during meetings.
• Leonardi explained he has attempted to contact Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation (DOT); Park replied he is working with DOT and requested a spokesperson attend the June meeting.
• Heath requested the Governor aid in efforts to lower the rising costs by Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Park will pass the information.

STATE LEGISLATORS:

REPRESENTATIVE COLLEEN MEYER: Representative Colleen Meyer reported the following information;

• The legislature came to an end on May 1, 2008 and passed 275 bills in two days.
• Meyer noted projections to the State budget will be going down. Grant in aids (GIA) has gone down from $79 million to an estimated $10 million.
• Kahuku Medical Center received $1.5 million in operating costs.
• Legislation regarding Ignition Interlock has gone through. Ignition Interlock will ensure drunk driver offenders do not drive drunk by testing the blood alcohol level within the vehicle.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• A community member questioned when crossover will occur, Meyer noted session has already concluded.
• Wasson questioned Meyer’s position regarding the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) settlement; Meyer replied she voted for the measure. Wasson noted OHA did not approach OHA beneficiaries, and requested Meyer seek counsel of the people in her district when issues such as this one arise, Meyer agreed. 

SENATOR CLAYTON HEE: Jay Personious reported he will e-mail Char Letts with the latest information  regarding capital improvement projects (CIP) and the Governor’s Turtle Bay Committee. Personious provided Senator Hee’s monthly report as well as a stream mitigation handout.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson expressed her disapproval of the transparency of issues regarding the Turtle Bay Working Committee, and noted Senator Hee is critical to transparency between the Committee and community.
• Chair Letts announced it is clear Board and community members feel strongly transparency is vital.
• A community member questioned where the resort footprint ends and if contractors will build on the resort golf course. Mattoon replied the Ko’olauloa and North Shore community has already made it clear they oppose further expansion of any sort.

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

• The proposed plan of the left turn at Kahuku High School has been rejected due to several reasons by the DOE and is being worked on with the State Department of Transportation (DOT).
• The Kahua Project, which ties Kupuna to schools in the district, held their first meeting. Albert noted she is pleased with the partnership between DOE and local kupuna.
• Hawaii will be represented by ten students from the Ko’olauloa district for National History Day.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• A community member raised concern regarding vehicles parked along the highway near schools, which create a safety hazard for oncoming traffic and students. Albert will follow up.
• Wasson questioned if any Kupuna can become involved in the Kahua Project to which Albert replied yes; Chair Letts also noted DOT will be asked to attend the June meeting.
• Wasson also noted a question which was raised during the Kahua Project’s first meeting regarding new and old teachers, Albert replied this issue can be addressed.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): No report was available at this time.

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

HOUSING: Heath reported she was unable to attend the April 17, 2008 meeting, however reiterated the fact that affordable housing and rentals remain a priority in the Ko’olauloa district.

PLANNING & LAND USE: No report was available at this time.

EDUCATION: Leonardi announced the Kahuku High School track team won the OIA State Championships, alongside the undefeated girls’ water polo team. The boy’s basketball team took fourth place in division II, and the girl’s water polo team challenges Kalani High School tonight. 

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio provided a written report highlighting all capitol improvement projects (CIP), noting the bus stops located at Hukilau Beach Park and Polynesian Culture Center are not on the CIP list. Primacio read a response letter by the City & County of Honolulu, explaining the minimum ridership requirement was not met.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: Ishol stood on the Kahuku Medical Center report given earlier on the agenda.

PARKS & RECREATION: Chair Letts reported a meeting with the Sacred Falls Park Advisory Group was held regarding the Board of Water Supply (BWS) paved access route in the park. Chair Letts has invited BWS and the advisory group to present during the June meeting.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Steward informed everyone voter registration notices will be delivered soon, and encouraged the younger residents to register and vote in the upcoming elections.

PUBLIC SAFTEY/TRANSPORTATION: No report was available at this time.

WATER: Kahana requested everyone protect and conserve Oahu’s water supply.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: Wasson reported Wilson Ho of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be meeting with interested community members on May 13, 2008, and enjoy a tour of the entire moku, visiting all marked and unmarked beach access points. Through the June and July, several other tours will occur, but no dates have been finalized.

PUBLIC INPUT: Several community members offered their input at this time;

• A community member announced Relay for Life will be held at Lai’e Elementary School on May 16, 2008.
• A community member noted the Stop Rail Now petition is with Diana Hoppe, if anyone would like to sign it.
• Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Library provided a calendar of events that will be hosted at the Library, and thanked Leonardi for volunteering his bottle collection.
• For all interested Board members, on June 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. please meet at the outside parking lot of the Hau’ula Community Center to view the proposed wind farm site.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts distributed several correspondences to Board members at this time.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku: Several sea birds have been murdered in recent days; a monetary award is being offered to anyone with useful information that will lead to the capture of the animal.

Hau’ula: Volunteers are always welcome in joining the Hau’ula Community Association.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made at this time.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant