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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2008
HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair 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: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, and Dawn Wasson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelika Ishol
GUESTS: Paul Comeau, Josephine Bird (RPCA), Sherry Martinez (HHGH), Diana Hoppe, Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Lei Shimizu and Tony Baccay (Elderly Affairs Division), Lea Albert (DOE), Don Lashway, Mililani Basberg, Jens Basberg, Fred Menhcer (HME), Representative Jessica Wooley, Debra Martin, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Henry Wasson, Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Mary Anne Long, Captain Ed Kealoha (HFD), Rich Eshmar, Tony LaTurner, Barry Usagawa (BWS), Alan Hochfelsen, Ed and Piilani Hanohano, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 2008: Primacio moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 9, 2008 with the following amendments;
- Page 1: Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 11, 2008: Replace “53-1000” with “53-100.”
- Page2:
- Page3: La’ie Point Concerns: Remove “satisfactory.”
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 9, 2008 with the said amendments was ADOPTED UNANILOUSLY, 10-0-0, Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts,
TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the treasurer’s report for October 2008, highlighting a current expense of $79.77 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,445.47.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of October 2008 include; Kahuku Station: 1 rubbish fire, 10 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue, 5 miscellaneous calls, and 1 haz mat. Hau’ula Station: 1 wildland fire, 15 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue, and 3 miscellaneous. Ka’a’awa Station: 6 medical emergencies, 2 search/rescue, and 5 miscellaneous.
- Fire Safety Tip: This holiday season, consider a fire-resistant, artificial Christmas tree. If you purchase a natural tree, choose one as fresh as possible, keep it hydrated and away from heat sources. Use noncombustible materials for decorations.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts inquired if HFD was able to follow up on a previous concern regarding a false call and report of a residential fire, Captain Kealoha will follow up, and apologized for not responding.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Vines reported the following information;
- Statistics for the month of October 2008 include; 0 aggravated assault, 5 simple assaults, 8 auto theft recovery, 8 burglary, 0 drugs/narcotics, 0 driving under the influence (DUI), 2 family offense/neglect, 8 graffiti, 0 kidnapping, 6 motor vehicle theft, 12 property damage, 20 motor vehicle collisions, 0 rape, 1 robbery, 3 sex assaults, 22 thefts, 2 threatening, 17 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle.
- Unusual incident dates include; October 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. where a vehicle collision caused one fatality and October 21, 2008 when a 21 year old male snatched a purse.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi noted late night drinking at the entrance to the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, near the Giovanni’s Shrimp Shack; Lt. Cines noted to call HPD when this is occurring, however it might be difficult to arrest as the land is privately owned.
- Kaluhiokalani questioned if reporting the license plate number of a driver committing a crime will help HPD; Lt. Vines noted to issue a ticket HPD will need to see the driver committing the crime.
- Heath questioned if HPD is promoting road safety; Lt. Vines provided Traffic Division’s Major Dowsett’s contact information 529-3499.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
HOSPITAL UPDATE:
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): Chair Letts noted no response nor correspondence has been received.
LA’IE POINT (
NEW BUSINESS: Chair Letts noted Tony Baccay of the Office of Elderly Affairs is present, and is requesting to be placed on the agenda. Chair Letts noted that a 2/3 vote (8 approval votes) of all members is needed to place Bacal on the agenda.
PROPOSED CONCERT AT KUALOA: Alan Hochfelsen reported the Van’s Triple Crown Surfest at Kualoa is proposed for December 21, 2008. They are using the same template as the past years. 4,000-5,000 people are estimated to attend. In the past there have been no arrests, no traffic tie ups, and no complaints.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts questioned if there had been other community meetings; Hochfelsen noted the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board approved his proposed plans.
- Wasson noted Kualoa Ranch is well known as a sacred land to native Hawaiians.
Elkington moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the concert as long as all prior rules were in place such as free parking on the ranch so as not to impact the highway and the closing of liquor sales at least an hour before the event ends. MOTION ADOPTED, 8-2-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts,
HOPEFULL HEARTS, GIVING HANDS: Sherry Martinez and Mary Anne Long of Hopeful Hearts and Giving Hands (HHGH) reported HHGH has been supporting local residents and normally services 1,500-1,700 residents monthly. Due to cutbacks in food and monetary donations HHGH has been cut from 12,000 pounds (lb.) of food per month to only 8,000 lbs. HHGH intends to promote local canned food drives within the communities to boost the pounds of food that can go out to those who need it. Long noted within her own community she was able to raise 272 lbs. of food from neighbors and friends. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Wasson suggested HHGH share the message of cultivating resident’s own food;
- Steward questioned whom outside residents and local residents should contact;
- A community member questioned if monetary donations will also be accepted;
DECEMBER RECESS: Primacio moved and Leonardi seconded to recess in December 2008. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts,
ELDERLY AFFAIRS: Tony Baccay and Lei Shimizu of the Elderly Affairs Division provided background information on their years with elderly affairs and what the office offers. The Division has currently acquired space at
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Letts thanked Baccay and
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUES:
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Cyndy Aylett, reporting for Ed Nishioka reported the following;
- The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) explains that until the drainage problems on Kamehameha Highway, which is State owned, can be resolved, DPR will not be able to get permits for further construction at Kahuku District Park.
- DPR does not have any projects in its six year Capital Improvement Project (CIP).
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio explained
- Leonardi questioned who the owner of the parking lot adjacent to
- A community member questioned if the completion of
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Matsuura reported the following information;
- The City released the Transit Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Matsuura made a comprehensive synopsis of the DEIS available to all residents, noting the DEIS covers the route from Kapolei to Ala Moana which includes, transit stations, park and ride facilities, maintenance and storage yards, and other facilities to support the transit station.
- Kahuku Village Association (KVA) was told by the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) that they would be reimbursed for $4,200.
- Legislation heard at Full Council include; Resolution 08-256, Bill 67 (2008), Bill 62 (2008), and Bill 64.
- There will be a large cleanup day for
- In regards to
- Congratulations to Fran Corcoran and Kahuku Public Library, Councilman Dela Cruz honored the Library and Corcoran was there to accept it.
- Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budgeting is nearing its time; Matsuura requested the Board advise to which projects should be placed in the budget request.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts questioned what the Board will decide on regarding the CIP budget; Kahana moved and
- Kaluhiokalani inquired if there could be possible highway signs for businesses; Matsuura to follow up.
- Elkington noted there is no existing sign for
- Leonardi voiced concern and the need for electronic billboard type signs, which may be used during emergency events; Matsuura noted these signs are most likely owned by HPD.
- Wasson noted the street following
- Leonardi noted there are no street names within the
- A community member questioned who to call when a stream is being polluted; Matsuura noted the stream information presented this evening contact information that she may call.
MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: No report available at this time.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: No report available at this time.
STATE LEGISLATORS: Representative Jessica Wooley: Representative Elect Wooley introduced herself noting she is the new State Representative for House District 47. Wooley currently does not have an office but can be reached at 864-0400. Session will begin in January and she will try to send an office representative during session.
Questions, comments and concerns: Heath noted she would like to see a resolution from the House regarding
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Albert and Donna Lindsey reported the following information;
- The left turn into
- The existing portable 3 at Ka’a’awa Elementary will be demolished by December 22, 2008, and a new office is slated for completion by February 16, 2009.
- The DOE is currently facing a $45 million budget cut, and is faced with another $23 million cut next year, the Superintendent continues to make sure the cuts are not directly involving local schools.
- The Kahuku Football Team won the O’ahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) in overtime.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi mentioned the Kahuku High School Volleyball Team is also in contention to win the OIA, and wished them good luck.
- Elkington noted the proposed left turn into the High School in its current state may only accommodate a few vehicles, resulting in a long standing back up; Albert will follow up.
- A community member questioned if the lanes will be widened; Albert noted there is a shoulder lane which will be incorporated into the design to widen the already existing lanes.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported the following information;
- There were no water main breaks in the month of October 2008.
- The average pumping rate as of October 1, 2008 is 150 million gallons per day (mgd), which is about average during this time of the year.
- Water levels are currently okay, however Waimanalo farmers are on a mandatory 30% conservation.
- Several
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Wasson inquired the status of the Ko’olauloa Watershed Protection Plan; Usagawa noted the plan in near completion however is not currently available and will let the Board know if any major changes are being made.
MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: Major Alan Crouch reported the following information;
- The Marine Corps Base (MCB)
- Members of the Navy Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron VP-9 are expected to return this month.
- The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment deployed in August to
- Marines supported Veterans Day on November 11, 2008 by attending several memorial ceremonies.
- The Annual Waikiki Holiday parade will be held on November 28, 2008, and the Kaneohe Parade will be held on December 6, 2008.
- MCB Hawaii and the Chaplain Corps will be hosting Operation Harvest, a non-perishable food drive for the Kaneohe Salvation Army Food Bank, which will run through November 24, 2008.
- The identification of an aircraft flying over residential areas continues; more information is forthcoming.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
- Heath expressed the fact that specifics regarding the aircraft, and questioned if the Military will be placing consequences for the driver of the truck that killed a resident; Major Crouch explained the Military is currently looking at specific rules and regulations regarding consequences.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
HOUSING: Heath noted the need of affordable housing and rental units in the district.
PLANNING AND LAND USE: PAT’S AT PUNALU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio questioned if the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has responded by mail;
- Elkington clarified that the recommendation is to oppose;
The motion to deny support of the Pat’s at Punalu’u restaurant variance at this time, on basis of the issues and concerns stated in the report from the planning and land use committee, was ADOPTED, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward; No: Wasson.)
EDUCATION: Leonardi noted Kahuku remains number one in athletics. Kaluhiokalani congratulated four Eagle Scouts in the district that have earned their wings.
CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: No report available at this time.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report available at this time.
PARKS AND RECREATION: No report available at this time.
PUBLIC INFORMATION: Elkington noted approximately a month and a half ago, an emergency shelter activity was held, where 300 residents practiced their 72 hour emergency kits.
PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: No report available at this time.
WATER: Kahana noted to protect and conserve O’ahu’s precious water.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report available at this time.
PUBLIC INPUT: Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Library reported next week Tuesday, the library will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The library is open to the public for community service projects when they require space. Several activities at the library include Christmas Treat Cooking Lesson with Chef Hector Morales on December 16, 2008 and
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted if anyone would like to see the correspondence, they are available through her at the ending of the meeting.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: Hau’ula, Punalu’u, Ka’a’awa: No report available at this time.
Kahuku: Leonardi noted the monies for the trash bins have not been collected yet, and KVA continues to work out the stream cleaning issues.
La’ie: La’ie has lost two of their own community members and recognized Peka Tailupe and Dan Stant.
Kahana: A community fundraiser will be held this Saturday, November 15, 2008.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Leonardi, on behalf of the
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant