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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 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. Chair Letts asked for a moment of silence in remembering those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkignton, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Junior Primacio.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kelika Ishol, Creighton Mattoon, Les Steward, Dawn Wasson.
VACANCY(S): There were no vacancies at this time.
GUESTS: Diana Hoppe, Josephine Bird (LPCA), Kaye Kroehler, John Errett, Captain Ed Kealoha and Firefighter Dean Baldeviso (HFD), Fred Mencher (HME), Kent Fonoimoana, Donna Lindsey, Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Ella Siroskey, Sarah Okura, Andrea Smith, Lance Segawa (Kahuku Medical Center), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Major Alan Crouch (U.S. Marines), Maria Pacheco, Lea Albert (DOE), John Olszwoka, Barry Usagawa (BWS), Keoiki Miyamoto (Mayor’s Representative), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 14, 2008: Kahana moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of August 14, 2008 with the following corrections;
- Page 3: Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Questions 1st Bullet: Replace original sentence with, “Leonardi noted a letter from KVA has been sent out, and Councilmember Dela Cruz was the one who suggested KVA look at a moratorium.”
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of August 14, 2008, was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Primacio.)
TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Letts read the treasurer’s report for August 2008, highlighting a current expense of $88.89 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,633.13.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of August 2008 include; Kahuku Station: 5 wildland fires, 4 rubbish fires, 18 medical emergencies, 4 search and rescue and 1 miscellaneous; Hau’ula Station: 4 wildland fires, 1 vehicle fire, 13 medical emergencies, and 3 search and rescues; Ka’a’awa Station: 2 wildland fires, 1 rubbish fire, 1 vehicle fire, 5 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescue, and 1 miscellaneous.
- Fire Safety Tip: Fire Prevention Week (FPW) begins in October. FPW has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire from October 8 to 11, 1861. Most fire injuries and fatalities are caused by fires that occur in homes, so this year's campaign will focus on preparedness and underscore the importance of regularly checking homes for fire hazards. In October, elementary school children will receive a Fire Fighter's Safety Guide.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- A community member noted HFD was sent to her home due to a fire call, however the fire only turned out to be her cooking in the fire place. The member felt that the call was bogus and harassment from her neighborhood she asked if there were any penalties for filing bogus calls. Baldeviso noted each potential threat or call is taken seriously, and firefighters will be sent out to investigate the call. He stated that he would check as to whether there were any penalties for persons who made false or bogus reports.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Vines reported the following information;
- Statistics for the month of August 2008 include; 2 aggravated assaults, 9 simple assaults, 1 auto theft recovery, 6 burglaries, 1 driving under the influence (DUI), 1 family offense, 4 graffiti, 1 motor vehicle theft, 10 property damages, 19 motor vehicle collisions, 2 rape, 1 robbery, 19 thefts, 1 sex assault, 5 threatening, 7 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV).
- Several incidents include; July 19, 2008, where a juvenile female was sexually assaulted by an un-identified male; August 6, 2008, where a male physically threatened a female, the male’s parents turned the male in following the threat; and August 8, 2008 where a 45 year old woman was robbed by physical force by a known male.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
· Chair Letts inquired where the rapes were taking place; Vines noted several were in Punalu’u.
· Primacio thanked HPD for their continued support and involvement in the community.
· Kaluhiokalani noted Iosepa trucking continues to illegally park on
· Chair Letts noted that illegal camping was reported over the Labor Day Weekend three times to HPD and that not attempt was made to move the campers. Lieutenant Vines noted that a
· A community member noted illegal drinking at La’ie Point; Vines will follow up.
· A community member noted vehicles continue to double park on
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts noted that the manager of the Turtle Bay Resort shared that the resort has made a profit and is viable and profitable as a stand alone hotel. Letts also noted that the Unilateral Agreement is very complex, which is why the working committee continues to work on the issue, as the Unilateral Agreement may be beneficial to the community and many feel that it has not been honored in the past and that the City is not doing an adequate job of enforcing it.
HOSPITAL UPDATE:
- The Board is in a strategic planning period and has developed a vision and Mission for the Medical Center: Vision “Kahuku Medical Center is a trusted healing resource partner dedicated to assisting in the creation of a thriving healthy community thereby enhancing the quality of life in Ko’olauloa for generations – Mission: “
- A mural dedication was held today celebrating the work of Mr. Ron Artis. The mural depicts the plantation days of the 1920’s, and is located on the front of the building.
- Emergency room facelift is proceeding as planned. The new completion date is slated for March 2009.
- New digitized x-ray equipment is in the process of being installed, and is slated for completion on September 22, 2008.
- A one year anniversary celebration is being planed for March 2009, which will replace the original planned October 2008 event.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath acknowledged and applauded both the vision and mission statements of the medical center.
- Leonardi noted Susan Lewis along with Ron Artis should be recognized for their efforts on the mural.
- Primacio questioned if
- A community member inquired if x-rays include mammograms; Segawa noted they are working on it.
KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTION: Leonardi explained there has been no change since last month, noting Kahuku Village Association (KVA) remains in negotiations with the City & County of Honolulu. Leonardi noted that he will continue to report on the status of negotiations and let the Board know if further assistance is needed – item will remain on the agenda.
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): Chair Letts noted there has not been a response by Continental Pacific.
NEW BUSINESS:
STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT): TRAFFIC AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS: Chair Letts read a letter from
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi noted that he still requires information regarding stream clean up.
- Heath noted that with budget constraints, she does not understand how DOT can clean several noted culverts every eleven days.
- Junior noted that there is one location in Punalu’u where seven accidents have been reported in the past, and requested DOT examines the roadway and surrounding areas.
HOUSING PRESENTATION: Chair Letts deferred this item until October 2008.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Keoki Miyamoto noted there were no follow up questions from the past meeting.
Questions, comments and concerns:
- Primacio noted the Board has tried to get a representative from the Department of Parks and Recreation and requested information of the status of
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Matsuura reported the following information;
- Resolution 08-193, fostered by both Dela Cruz and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, requesting the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to enforce strict compliance with all applicable laws and Unilateral Agreement and Special Management Area Use Permit/Shoreline setback variance conditions prior to the issuance of any permits and approvals for the Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Project, has been assigned to Councilmember Tam’s Zoning Committee, please contact 768-5006 to drive the issue forward. The Board approved sending a letter requesting that this Bill be heard.
- Resolution 08-192, requesting the City Administration to consult with the Historic Preservation Division of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to incorporate State conditions and processes into the City’s Comprehensive Historic Preservation Review Policy, has been deferred in the Planning & Sustainability Committee. Chair Gary Okino can be reached at 768-5008. The Board approved sending a letter requesting that this Bill be heard.
- Regarding real property tax overpayments, the overage will be credited against the next tax bill. If you want to receive the overpayment as refunds please contact 768-3980, with your Tax Map Key number ready.
- Resolution 08-156 urges the Department of Budget and Fiscal to establish procedures to permit the use of credit or debit cards for payment of real property tax assessments, was adopted on August 20, 2008.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- A community member thanked Matsuura for the follow up questions, and thanked Dela Cruz and his entire office for their hard work.
- A community member inquired if the Sustainable Community Plans are to be revised every five years, Matsuura noted it should be five years after the new revisions have been done,
- A community member requested support in the La’ie Point efforts, and provided Matsuura with a letter for the Councilmember; Mastsuura noted he will give the letter to Dela Cruz.
GOVERNOR’S REPORT: No report was available at this time.
STATE LEGISLATORS: No report was available at this time.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Albert and Donna Lindsay reported the following information;
- The DOE continues the process in hiring a Principal for the
- The DOE is faced with a $10 million budget cutback, and an additional $9 million restraint. Budget cuts have happened in the past, and the public’s support is greatly appreciated through these times.
- Four portable classrooms at
- This is also the last year of the 21st Century Community Grants, which are due on September 29, 2008.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts noted without objection by the Board she would like to write a letter to Governor Lingle, noting the concerns the Board shares regarding the DOE budget constraints, there were no objections.
- A community member inquired if the $10 million budget cut was for the Ko’olauloa district; Albert noted it will be throughout the entire DOE.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa provided several handouts depicting the drought conditions, and highlighted the following;
- There were no water main breaks in the month of August.
- The average pumping rates as of September 6, 2008 read 164 million gallons per day (mgd), nearly 1 million mgd lower than the week prior.
- Due to the unusually dry conditions in Windward Oahu, the BWS is asking for a voluntary conservation of 10%, which may be easily acquired if residents postpone washing their vehicle, planting new lawns and plan strict watering schedules for existing plants. BWS thanks residents for their assistance.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts inquired the status of the Watershed Management Plan; Usagawa noted the plan is scheduled for a briefing with the Water Commission, and will go through the process from there.
MARINE CORPS: Major Alan Crouch reported the following information;
- Marines and Sailors with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment returned to Hawaii safely in August, after completing a seven-month deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
- The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment will hold a Memorial Service open to the public at Kaneohe Bay’s Hangars 101/102, Thursday, September 18, 2008 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- The 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, will be deploying in September of this year for a combat deployment to
- Colonel Strickland will be deploying for a six month tour this Saturday, September 13, 2008.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath noted that a helicopter was flying directly over her home at 6:42 p.m. Strickland will follow up.
- Leonardi requested photographs depicting the difference in Army and Marine helicopters.
- The 2nd Brigade has already been deployed with the 3rd Brigade preparing for deployment in a month.
- Panasuiuk will follow up with the Air Brigade and report back to the Board.
- Please feel free to contact Captain Panasuiuk at rafal.panasuiuk@hawii.army.net
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
HOUSING: Heath noted there is a constant need for affordable housing and rentals, and hopefully the Governor’s working committee can aid in these efforts.
PLANNING AND LAND USE: Chair Letts noted a variance application for Pats and Punalu’u, as well as an after the fact shoreline setback variance, that will both be forwarded to
EDUCATION: Leonardi noted the 7th Grade students of Kahuku Intermediate and High School will be participating in the recycle Fair on September 26, 2008.
CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: No report available at this time.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report available at this time.
PARKS & RECREATION: Primacio noted this Saturday and Sunday, September 13-14, 2008 there will be the Sunset on the Beach at Hau`ula Beach Park, and it already seems that the site is already up.
PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report available at this time.
PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington thanked DOT for the speed limit indicators along
WATER: Kahana noted to protect and conserve O’ahu’s precious water system.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report available at this time.
PUBLIC INPUT: Several residents voiced their concerns;
- A community member noted she passed out a letter regarding La’ie Point asking for the Board’s support.
- A resident noted a neighboring resident has constructed a wall near the ocean, which will in the future erode the beach front. Chair Letts noted to call the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
- A community member commented that a stream near his residence has become rancid and dirty; Chair Letts noted the State Department of Health (DOH) clean water branch should be contacted.
- Fran Corcoran reported the last day of the book sale is tomorrow. Several upcoming activities at the library include towel crocheting, Halloween actives, and Night Time at the Library.
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted that the majority of the correspondences was mentioned in earlier reports, and made all correspondence available after the meeting.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: Ka’a’awa: The Ka’a’awa Community Association has sent a formal request, to the appropriate councilmember’s to hear the Bills regarding
ANNOUNEMENTS: No announcements were made at this time.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood assistant