Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb28/08/28200810Min.PDF
KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 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 seven (7) members present. Note, this eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) votes to adopt a motion.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathryn Heath, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Dawn Wasson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington, Kelika Ishol, Barbara Kahana, Les Steward.
GUESTS: Ben Torigue, Thomas Kaaiai (Kamehameha Schools), Paul Comeau, Bernie Fuller (South Pacific Builders), Mikilani & Gary Nihipali, Don Lashway, Fred Mencher (HME), Kahea Farewell, Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Victor Hombres (Pat’s at Punalu’u’), Cathleen Mattoon (PCA), Ella Siroskey, Michael Sakta (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Auli’I George (Mazie Hirono’s office), Ceoric Chang (HFD), Rick Ermshar, Deb Barren, Kathy Tirran, Parneeta Arnn, Bonita Millar, Brian Walsh, Jim Hutchinson, Richard Knake, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Lieutenant John Cheong (HPD), Diana Hoppe, Barry Usagawa (BWS), John Olszowka, Aliitasi Ponder, Kent Fonoimoana, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2008: Leonardi moved and Heath seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 11, 2008 with the following amendments;
- Page 3: State Department of Transportation: Replace “Junior” with “Primacio” and include, “There were three accidents at 53-195, 53-635, and
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of September 11, 2008 was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0 (Aye: Heath, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts,
TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Letts read the treasurer’s report for September 2008, highlighting a current expense of $37.00 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,525.24.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of September 2008 include; Hau’ula Fire Station: 1 wildland fire, 3 rubbish fires, 20 medical emergencies, and 4 miscellaneous calls; Kahuku Fire Station: 1 wildland fire, 2 rubbish fires, 16 medical emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous calls, Ka’a’awa Fire Station: 8 medical emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous calls.
- Fire Safety Tip: When selecting Halloween costumes, ensure they are flame-resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible. A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or vision.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: A community member requested a follow up regarding her question on any penalties for false fire alarms as she has been the victim of such a call. Chang to follow up and get back to the Board.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheng reported the following information;
- Statistics for the month of September 2008 include; 7 auto thefts, 9 burglaries, 3 driving under the influences (DUI) , 22 motor vehicle collisions, 1 rape, 15 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV). There were 639 calls from Makapuu to Sunset, which is a decrease of 26% in crime.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi requested the new tower constructed be re-painted from its orange and white colors; Lt. Cheng noted the new transmitter tower is that color to recognize it as an emergency tower.
- Chair Letts inquired more information regarding the rape incident; Lt. Cheng noted it was reported in Kapiolani.
- A community member questioned the presence of an HPD helicopter over farms; Cheng noted the helicopter performs routine aerial patrols.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Questions, comments and concerns followed;
- Primacio agreed with
Mattoon moved and Heath seconded to send a letter to the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting questioning the efforts to grant a third extension. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0 (Aye: Heath, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts,
HOSPITAL UPDATE:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio inquired the status of acquiring a 501(c) 3 for the
KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION: Leonardi reported the City & County of Honolulu has purchased the four trash bins at a negotiated price from the community. The bins have been removed from the property. The Kahuku Village Association (KVA) will continue negotiating for the use of automated trash pick up where feasible. Leonardi thanked the City & County of Honolulu for their continued support. Primcaio noted the City will be laying an environmentally friendly liquid over the dirt roads to control dust.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts noted the tenacity of the Kahuku community to resolve this issue and asked exactly how long the community had been working on it; Leonardi replied a total of 18 months, and now it can be removed from the agenda.
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): Chair Letts noted there was no correspondence from Continental Pacific. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) does have a copy of the questions sent, and the questions should be answered before being published by DPP.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath questioned when is the deadline that the questions have to be answered; Chair Letts to follow up.
- Leonardi noted KVA has received their questions and answers back from Continental Pacific.
NEW BUSINESS:
HOSUING PRESENTATION: Bernie Fuller, of South Pacific Builders, provided a PowerPoint presentation noting the benefits of “green” buildings and homes. Fuller went into details of the possible benefits of building “green” homes and using Structural Insulated Panels (SIP). Benefits includes, shortened building times, 58% energy efficient, increase in air quality, environmentally friendly, and minimum construction waste.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Wasson questioned what the structural insulated panels were made of; Fuller replied the outsides are be made of solid material, while the insides are filled with insulated materials.
- Chair Letts questioned if Fuller would be willing to hold an informational meeting for the community; Fuller noted he would be happy to, and the Kahuku Library could possibly host the event.
- A community member questioned how fast the buildings using this method were constructed; Fuller noted the length of construction is dependant on the size of the building but it is significantly faster then conventional construction.
PATS’ AT PUNALU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE: Richard Knake provided a visual map of the present day Pat’s at Punalu’u and the proposed plans. Knake noted a variance is needed for the proposed plans, as a restaurant is no longer a permitted use under the current A2 zoning. The original Pat’s at Punalu`u existed prior to the construction of the residential apartment complex and was a landmark in the area; however, the current structure that housed the restaurant is now dilapidated and structurally unsafe. The proposed plans would incorporate a second floor; underground parking and a brand new open air area. The entire restaurant will be able to hold close to 70 people.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Kaluhiokalani questioned the capacity and square footage; Knake noted the existing structure is 10,800 square feet (sq. ft.), and the proposed plan is 10, 000 sq. ft.
- Primacio questioned if the current structure would have to be demolished; Knake replied yes - that the structure in its current state would cost more to repair than demolish.
- Primacio also questioned parking stalls; Knake explained the stalls will be shared with residents; with a total of 175 marked stalls for Pat’s at Punalu’u.
- A community member questioned the hours of operation; Knake noted that it is uncertain, but it would most likely be similar to the old Pat’s.
- A community member questioned if the injection well system which is no longer allowed under DOH rules is adequate to process both the waste from the restaurant and tenants; Knake noted that the existing waste water system will be used and they feel it is adequate. It was noted by the consultant Ben Torigoe that the intended to install a grease trap and a holding tank so that they could dispose of restaurant waste at non-peak residential hours.
- Mattoon noted that the plan is still conceptual and if the variance is accepted will the structure be built as shown – the intent is to build as shown but that may not happen as they move forward with design or if they find a buyer who wants certain changes.
- Wasson questioned if the conceptual plans include blocking off ocean access; Knake noted it is not their plan to block access and no exit of the restaurant will lead directly to the beach for liability reasons.
- Chair Letts asked Board members if they would like to wait for the information requested from the applicant by the Department of Planning and Permitting, before taking an official position on the variance. The Board agreed.
LA’IE POINT CONCERNS: Choon James provided a written letter in October to the full Board. James reiterated the concerns at La’ie Point, explaining that it is a State Park and during the early morning hours, La’ie Point attracts young men and women who drink, smoke and play loud music throughout the morning. The La’ie Point Community Association has written to State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Director Laura Thielen, and has received no satisfactory response. In the letter it is suggested that the park be gated and closed at night to prevent delinquents from “partying” all night. James requested the Board write a follow up letter to Thielen requesting a response.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Wasson objected to writing a letter to close the park, and corrected the proper name of the park, Lani Loa Point. Wasson noted she objects entirely to gating off the park, noting that it should be the community’s responsibility to provide educational and recreational alternatives to these youths and young adults. Letts noted that the Board had tried to support this through the construction of a skate park and then when the County said that would not work through the construction of more play courts in the area. The County administration chose to use the allocated money somewhere else rather then provide opportunities for youth in our area.
- Leonardi also objected to writing a letter requesting the closure of
- Heath voiced these problems are being experienced everywhere and not just at Lani Loa.
- Chair Letts noted there is not a consensus for writing a letter to Director Thielen, but will keep this issue on the agenda.
WINDFARM UPDATE: Wren Wescoatt of First Wind provided a brief update on the project, including illustrations of what the projected wind mills will look like from surrounding areas. Wescoatt noted First Winds has been established on
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
· Chair Letts questioned if the Board would like Wescoatt to provide further information in November; the Board noted it was not necessary and thanked Wescoatt for the update.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED: MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Keoki Miyamoto reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is requesting specific questions that will be answered through Miyamoto.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
· Kaluhiokalani questioned why a physical representative from DPR cannot be present.
· Primacio explained the Board wants to know when
· Chair Letts requested Miyamoto’s e-mail address; Miyamoto noted all concerns can be addressed to the Neighborhood Assistant. Chair Letts explained that she had been informed that it is not the Neighborhood Assistants job to gather information for the Board that it requests from other representatives present. Miyamoto provided his e-mail to the Board kmiyamoto@honolulu.gov.
· Several Board members expressed their frustration towards Miyamoto as he has not been present at the Board meetings, and his responses to any questions asked have not been adequate or informed.
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Michael Sakata reported the following information;
- Material was provided regarding illegal parking in residential areas; this material is for all residents whom are experiencing problems with vehicles parking illegally.
- There are four charter amendment questions that will be on the General Election ballot pertaining to the City & County of Honolulu, for a basic explanation of each charter amendment please sees Councilman Dela Cruz’s monthly report.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts requested Sakata look into who needs to be contacted to change the color of the emergency transmitter tower.
- Kaluhiokalani questioned who regulates
- Wasson thanked Sakata and Councilman Dela Cruz’s office for their response on overpayment of taxes.
MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: Auli’i George announced that Congresswoman Hirono voted in favor of the economic bail out package, which will prevent residents from loosing their jobs. The bill increased federal coverage of banks in the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath questioned when the Congresswoman will look at the blind obedience to corporate needs in this country instead of the needs of the general citizenry. She questions why the economic stimulus package – i.e. corporate bailout was signed into law. The need is to hold them accountable and regulate appropriately.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE:
- The State has released $6.6 million to our airports.
- For stream cleanups please contact Tammy Mori at the State Office of Information at 587-2160.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath inquired the status report of Pokiwai; Park to follow up.
- Leonardi thanked Park for the stream cleanup brochure, and will try to contact the correct person.
STATE LEGISLATORS: No report available at this time.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY: Barry Usagawa reported the following information;
· There were no water main breaks in the month of October.
· The average pumping rate is 158 million gallons per day (mgd), which is about average for this time of year.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Wasson requested more information and if possible some relief of the rising cost of water in La’ie.
MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: No report available at this time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chair Letts deferred all committee reports until the November 2008 Board meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT: At this time several members of the community voiced their input:
- A community member noted that portable building at the
- A resident noted the Parents and Children Together (PACT) program has closed their Kahuku office.
- A community member announced the Makahiki will be held on October 25, 2008. The Makahiki march will be held at 6:00 a.m. starting at the Queen Lili’u’okalani Children’s Center.
- Fran Corcoran announced the Kahuku Library will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. The book mobile will be on the road by November.
- Wasson announced there will be Hawaiian healing lessons staring at 8:00 a.m. for more information see Wasson after the meeting.
CORESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted correspondences were referred to during the meeting.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: Chair Letts deferred community reports until the November 2008 Board meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made ad this time.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant