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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2009
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 eight (8) members present. This eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Moana Kalua’u, Barbara Kahana (arrived at 8:15 p.m.), Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Norman Kaluhiokalani and Dawn Wasson (both notified).
GUESTS: Kaulana Chang (City Department of Community Services), Josephine Bird (La'ie Community Association), Captain Robert Thurstin (Honolulu Fire Department), Second Lieutenant Joe Kostick (U.S. Army), William Racoma, Nancy Racoma, Stephany Vaioleti and Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Medical Center), Fred Mencher, Lieutenant John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department), Kent Fonoimoana, Karess Purcell (Representative Michael Magaoay’s Office), Margaret Primacio (Keep Kahuku Country), Bryan Mick (Neighborhood Commission Office), Dotty Kelly-Padden, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Daniel Lott (Representative Jessica Wooley’s Office), John Errett, Michael Sakata (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 12, 2009: The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of March 12, 2009 with the following corrections, were ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kalua’u, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward.)
- Page 1: Guests: Replace “Jese” with “Iese”, “Comean” with “Comeau”, and Kayz” with “Kaye.”
- Page 4: Governor’s Representative: Capitalize “Park.”
- Page 4: State Legislators: Correct spelling of “Magaoay.”
TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the Treasurer’s Report for March 2009, highlighting a current expense of $37.76 due to printing and postage, leaving a current balance of $2,216.18.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of March 2009 include; Kahuku Station: 15 medical emergencies and 6 miscellaneous calls; Hauula Station: 2 structure fires, 2 rubbish fires, 17 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues and 4 miscellaneous calls; Ka’a’a’wa Station: 2 structure fires, 1 rubbish fires, 2 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues and 3 miscellaneous calls.
- Fire Safety Tip: House numbers must be visible from the street to assist first responders in an emergency.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: It was noted that HFD has not yet confirmed a new station site for Hau`ula; HFD will continue to look for adequate locations and inform the Board as soon as possible.
- Statistics for the month of March 2009 include; 0 aggravated assaults, 0 simple assaults, 0 burglaries, 1 graffiti, 1 motor vehicle collision 3 parking violations, 2 thefts, 1 sex assault, 0 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), with an overall 123 total calls for service.
- HPD is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve reaccreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. The accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The public is invited to provide their comments; for more information, call 547-2781.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath wanted to know if HPD inspects under the bridges for homeless residents; and informed HPD that there has been a recent rash of speeding motorcyclist in the area which results in a very dangerous situation; Cheong to follow up.
- A community member voiced concern with illegal parking on unmarked sidewalks near La’ie Point; Cheong explained that HPD may cite the vehicles, if residents are unsatisfied with HPD’s response; contact HPD again and request for a supervisor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath questioned why the Governor has not called another committee meeting, as it has been several months since the last one. Heath moved and Primacio seconded to write the Governor, questioning when the next meeting will be held, and why it has been so long since the last meeting. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kalua’u, Leonardi, Letts,
KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER (KMC) UPDATE: Stephany Vaioleti reported the following;
- Mahalo to the residents and participants in the E Malama Kakou Project. The Hawaii Air National Guard, State Department of Health (DOH), and Army medical units from Virginia who provided dental screenings, and cleanings to 165 people. Over 700 health screenings were provided at the various schools, homeless outreach and Health Fair at Brigham Young University of Hawaii (BYUH).
- A representative from Senator Inouye’s office met at KMC with the Board President, Vice President and Administration. Rural health issues in Ko’olauloa, and the history and status of KMC were discussed.
- Senator Inouye also wrote to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) regarding KMC’s 501C3 application. Correspondence was received noting the IRS is working on their response.
- KMC has acquired new gurneys in the emergency room including a bariatric bed, and will receive a new lab analyzer within the next month, which will increase lab procedure capability.
- Residents and organizations are welcome to participate in the Makani Pahili 2009 Disaster Drill. The National Guard will be working with KMC to conduct this exercise from June 3-5, 2009.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio asked if KMC had written up the disaster scenario noting the expressed concerns with the past disasters that have left the Ko`olauloa area residents stranded to fend for themselves. Vaioleti explained that the disaster exercise is different from the State Disaster exercises and KMC is taking the entire area and Kahuku into consideration.
- Heath expressed concern for the residents that do not speak English; Vaioleti shared those same concerns noting KMC will look into ways of adequately providing services for those residents with English as their second language.
- It was noted that the local schools will also be invited to participate in the Makani Pahili 2009.
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: Chair Letts noted there is no change from last month.
PAT’S AT PUNALU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE: No report at this time.
KA’A’AWA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLOSURE: Chair Letts reported the Ka’a’awa Task Force has formed three sub-committees. The first meeting was very successful with a great turnout of residents. The second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Ka’a’awa Elementary beginning at 6:30 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Bryan Mick reported the following;
- The City Council has received the Mayor’s budget. The Council will review the Mayor’s version and provide their input or changes within the next weeks.
- The home located at the corner of
- The bridges and culverts that run parallel with
- The lease agreement between the City and Campbell Estate regarding
- The
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi, along with several Board members, expressed concern regarding the Neighborhood Board election, that no publications have been received and there is a lack of publicity to the general public; Mick explained the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) has and will continue to publicize the elections.
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Michael Sakata reported the following report;
- Councilmember Dela Cruz has introduced a public health, safety and welfare (PHSW) legislative package, for more information please see the Councilmember’s monthly report.
- The City has indicated both Kahuku and Ki’i streams belong to the State.
- The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will continue to update the Councilmember’s office regarding the variance application for Pat’s at Punalu’u.
- Two Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) have been approved; Hau’ula play courts and Punalu’u’s irrigation system have been approved and monies have been allocated.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio questioned the
- The planning and building process of both CIP projects were questioned; Sakata will follow up, but to his knowledge, it’s likely to be a request for proposal (RFP) process.
MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: No report available at this time.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Chair Letts was informed that
STATE LEGISLATORS:
Representative Jessica Wooley: Daniel Lott provided a brief update on several surviving Bills that have been introduced by Representative Wooley;
- House Bill (HB) 1713, relating to hazard mitigation and private properties, is currently in the Senate and looks to be headed to conference committees.
- HB 1552, relating to public lands and State living parks, is currently in conference committee, and must pass third reading on the floor before becoming law.
- HB395, relating to early learning, has made it to conference and must be accepted before third reading.
- HB 921, relating to public lands and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has not made it to conference and was re-directed to the
- HB 1533, relating to Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the benefit of the 47th representative district, has been referred to the House Finance Committee.
Questions, comments and concerns followed;
- Heath inquired about the status of the Punalu’u Bridge; Chair Letts will forward the concern to the Governor’s
- Heath expressed concern with HB 395 not mandating kindergarten for all children.
- Leonardi questioned the language of HB 921; Lott noted the language has changed from its original publishing, and full committee reports can be seen online at www.capitol.hawaii.gov.
Representative Michael Magaoay: Karess Purcell provided the Representative’s written report highlighting today was the deadline of Second Decking at the Legislature, meaning bills that have not been decked are dead for this session. Representative Magaoay is planning to work with the Filipino-American Veterans this summer and is planning a celebration in their honor.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): No report available at this time.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): No report at this time.
MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: Lieutenant Kostick U.S, Army introduced himself as the Brigade Safety Officer and announced that the Army has been awarded the Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources Partnership Award for their consistent efforts in eradicating invasive weeds on
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio questioned whether or not there is current activity in the Kahuku area; Kostick explained that Kayla Overton of the Community Relations office may be of better assistance and can be reached at 656-3159.
- Heath expressed frustration of low flying planes and helicopters; Kostick again reiterated that Overton would be of better assistance.
Board member Barbara Kahana arrived at 8:15 p.m. A quorum of nine members present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report available at this time.
CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio provided several photos illustrating the multiple bridges spanning the district from Waiale’e to Ka’a’awa. Currently there are 26 bridges throughout the district. The earliest bridges located in Hau’ula and Punalu’u were built in 1926. The most recent bridge was built in 2004 which is located in Kahuku. Primacio illustrated the dilapidation, dangers, over growth, and clogging at many of the bridges; and reiterated the concern that all bridges and culverts should be maintained by their owners including the City and the State. Several bridges are slated for replacement due to deterioration. A copy of Primacio’s report will be submitted to the City and the Governor’s representatives.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Several Board members commended Primacio for his work in preparing his report.
- A community member questioned if sea levels are being taken into consideration when replacing the bridges; Primacio will follow up.
- A community member expressed concern with La’ie Wai Bridge, noting there might not be growth due to contamination; Chair Letts will forward the concern to
EDUCATION: Leonardi reported Kahuku Intermediate and High School’s 7th, 8th, and 10th grade students are currently undergoing a three-day State mandated testing. Make sure the students are getting adequate sleep and breakfasts. In the last Honolulu Magazine, Ka’a’awa Elementary was ranked one of
HOUSING: No report available at this time.
PLANNING & LAND USE: Mattoon has spoken to Reed Matsuura of Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office regarding the Bed & Breakfast issue and Matsuura will have more information next month.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report available at this time.
PARKS & RECREATION: No report available at this time.
PUBLIC INFORMATION: Steward reported Lai’e Elementary will be hosting a May Day Celebration on May 1, 2009, which is open to the public.
PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington reported that Shelter teams from the Brigham Young University (BYU), Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), and Hawaii Reserves Incorporated (HRI) met last month to discuss public safety concerns. BYU has taken the leadership role in planning coordination’s. In case of a Tsunami, families should head inland towards the mountains.
WATER: Kahana encouraged the strong protection and conservation of
PUBLIC INPUT: Several residents voiced their input at this time;
- It was announced that the wind test tower behind
- Concern was raised regarding the Kahuku Village Association’s water supply and current connection to BWS. For more information contact 748-8000.
- Kaulana Chang of Oahu WorkLinks (OWL) noted the March 13, 2009 Open House event held at the Hau’ula Civic Center was successful. The
- Fran Corcoran of Kahuku Public Library announced April is National Library Month and welcomed everyone to the library in May for Armed Forces Appreciation Day, Genealogy Tips and Tricks, Lauhala Weaving and Keiki Story Time.
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted the correspondence has already been passed out.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: Kahuku: A community Easter Egg Hunt will be held Easter Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
La’ie: La’ie Elementary will be hosting its May Day Celebration, which is open to the public on May 1, 2009.
Ka’a’awa: The community continues to work hard to save Ka’a’
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were no further announcements.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Submitted BY:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant