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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009
HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Mattoon 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: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Jimmy Leonardi, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, and Moana Kalua’u (elected in at this meeting).
MEMBERS ABSENT: Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, and Dawn Wasson.
VACANCY(S): There was one vacancy in Sub-District 3.
GUESTS: Madeline Neely (Representative Wooley’s office), Paul Uyehara, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, F. Peter Paddock, Josephine P. Bird, Latia Sua, Gary Fanger, David Rudd, Diana Hoppe, Brew Rudd, George Waysdale, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Public Library), Nancy Racoma, Fred Mencher (HME), Bryan Mick (Mayor’s Representative), Mike Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Sifa Tiueti and Dede Herron (PCA), Michael Tangaro, Captain Steve Jenness (HFD), William Martin, Glen Maghanoy Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Margaret Primacio and Stella Mulivai (KKS Inc.), Sharin Au, Ella Siroskey (Kahuku medical Center), John Olszowka, Bill Racoma, Barry Usagawa (BWS), Kaulana Park (Governor’s Representative), Major Crouch (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
FILLING OF VACANCY: Vice Chair Mattoon opened the floor for nominations to fill the vacancy in Sub-District 3. Kahana nominated Moana Kalua’u. The nomination closed with no other nominees. The motion to elect Moana Kalua’u to fill the vacancy in Sub-District 3, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Leonardi,
Vice Chair Mattoon called for a short recess at 7:05 p.m. Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Ribac administered the Oath of Office and referenced Kalua’u’s residence. Kalua’u joined the Board (eight members present) and the agenda resumed its regular order at 7:07 p.m. Applause followed.
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2009: Leonardi moved with Kahana seconding to approve the regular meeting minutes of January 8, 2009 with the following corrections;
- Entire Document: Correctly spell Brian Walsh not Brian Welsh.
- Page 1: Move Board member John Elkington from Members Absent to Members Present.
- Page 2:
- Page 5: State Legislators: Questions: First Bullet: include “and culverts” between “bridges” and “spanning.”
- Page: BWS: questions: First Bullet: Replace “go to Punalu’u” with “be installed on
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of January 8, 2009 was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kahana, Kalua`u, Leonardi,
TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the treasurer’s report for January 2009, highlighting a current expense of 29.37 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,291.65.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of January 2009 include; Hau’ula Station: 2 rubbish fires, 2 vehicle fires, and 23 medical emergencies; Ka’a’awa Station: 9 medical emergencies, and 4 search and rescues; Kahuku Station: 1 vehicle fire, 11 medical emergencies, and 1 search and rescue.
- Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Since the late 1970’s, installed and maintained alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- A community member inquired a response regarding her previous month’s question; Heath further explained the question was if there were any penalties regarding false fire calls; Jenness noted he will follow up.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Vines reported the following information;
- Statistics for the month of January 2009 include; 2 aggravated assaults, 5 simple assaults, 2 auto theft recoveries, 10 burglaries, 1 drug/narcotics, 0 driving under the influence (DUI), 6 family offenses, 6 graffiti, 0 kidnappings, 2 motor vehicle theft, 9 property damages, 16 motor vehicle collisions, 0 rape, 0 robbery, 0 sex assaults, 22 thefts, 5 threatening, and 13 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV).
- Specific events include; January 1st a six year old child was the victim of a hit and run. January 2nd a three year old child was hit by a reversing vehicle. January 3rd a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath questioned regarding the military collision, if HPD had moved the vehicle to the Marine Base; Vines noted the vehicle was moved by HPD due to lack of storage space. Heath further questioned if charges were brought against the driver; Vines noted that is not up to HPD.
- Leonardi requested HPD look into excessive drinking at the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, vehicles are also racing near the area as well; Vines to look into this.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
HOSPITAL UPDATE:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Steward questioned if the Center has seen an increase in activity; Siroskey noted in December 2008 the Center was filled to capacity, earlier this year the Center had some beds open.
- Several Board members questioned if the Center plans to fundraise; Siroskey noted the Center plans to fundraise within the community, but will wait until the 5013C is acquired.
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): Vice Chair Mattoon noted Continental Pacific will be present for the March meeting. It is anticipated they will file for an existing use permit (EUP), which will allow renovations to occur, the EUP may take upwards to six months.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath questioned if there was another rent increase;
- Leonardi noted this is not a Board function to decide whether or not residents rents are increased, and should not be brought up with the Board. Heath noted she will consult the
PAT’S AT PUNANLU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE: Vice Chair Mattoon read a brief update provided by Chair Letts, noting Pat’s at Punalu’u has applied and was granted a 30 day extension to clarify the zoning request. The item will be left on the agenda.
KA’A’AWA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLOSURE: Donna Lindsay reported the Taskforce will be formed and meet in mid march. The agenda may be viewed on the Governor’s website. This Taskforce will include Ka’a’awa, Waiahole, and Hau’ula.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Vice Chair Mattoon questioned if the Taskforce has been filled; Lindsay to follow up.
- Leonardi questioned to what extent would Hau’ula be affected, Lindsay noted students will have to choose between schools, if Ka’a’awa was to close their doors.
- Heath noted she had expected the Taskforce to be rapidly formed, and questioned if any one had attended the last Board of Education (BOE) meeting; no one attended.
- Leonardi questioned if there had been any correspondence from the Governor; Lindsay will follow up.
- Several residents pressed the issue regarding Ka’a’awa’s Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) scores, and how the AYP scores are not considered in this school’s survival.
NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business to be discussed at this time.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Bryan Mick introduced himself, noting that he will be the new Mayor’s Representative for the Board. Mick noted he is currently with the Neighborhood Commission Office and reported;
- The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) noted there is an ongoing Army Corps of Engineers flood damage reduction project in regards to
- Regarding the half ownership of
- The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), understands the request for a DPR representative, unfortunately there are great demands by all Boards and it is difficult to prioritize each request.
- The street replacement sign for
- All monies collected for issuing fireworks permits are deposited into the City’s General Fund.
- There was $10,000 appropriated in the City’s Fiscal Year 2010 for the Mayor’s Inauguration Ceremony, all costs are being tallied, and will be followed up on.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Primacio expressed that the area to which the City is responding does not flood and the area that does flood is tax map key (TMK) 560623. Junior noted the Board is willing to work with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), but no one has ever come before the Board.
- Leonardi provided a history of the cleaning of the streams at Kahuku and Ki’i Bridge, noting that the lands and stream mauka of the bridge does not get regularly cleaned, and cause flooding during the heavy rains.
- Heath questioned the cost of the Mayor’s Inauguration Ceremony.
- Elkington thanked the City for installing the
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Mike Sakata reported the following information;
- Councilmember Dela Cruz encourages everyone to conserve water by recycling. Resolution 0950 encourages residents to use reclaimed water, to water lawns and irrigating fruit trees. Reclaimed water should never be used for drinking or any kind of cleaning.
- A letter was sent urging the Board of Education (BOE) to keep Ka’a’
- A request was put in to have the streets in Kahuku Village Association (KVA) named; no response has been sent.
- A request was sent to DPR to address the
- The requests for street signs have been placed to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) and the Department of Road Maintenance (DRM).
- BWS has noted they do not intend to acquire the Lai’e water system in the near future.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi noted he was contacted by Dela Cruz’s office regarding the Kahuku District Park; and requested a copy of the lease between the City & County of Honolulu and Campbell Estate; Sakata to follow up.
MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: No report at this time.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE:
- Governor Lingle’s legislative package submitted to the legislature; packages of 168 legislative bills have been submitted. Information on the package can be found at www.hawaii.gov/gov/initiative.
- The State seeks to lead the Nation in broadband technology, more information can be found at the previously mentioned website.
- The Hawaii State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has announced the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December was 5.5%, a 0.5% increase from November.
- The Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking at Kaipapa`u Bridge wall.
- DOT has also noted the requested signage at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) will not be completed.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Steward noted DOT should re-look at the PCC signage as visitors tend to make the wrong turn, and are the cause traffic hazards for oncoming vehicles.
- Heath questioned who’s windmills are being built on State land behind Kahuku; a community member noted KVA will be presented to by the windmill developers, and will inform the Board.
- Heath questioned if the Governor is working to acquire the funds that will be released by the President’s economic package, and how much is anticipated to be given to the State; Park noted the exact amount of funds is still uncertain, and the Governor continues to work diligently to acquire the funds.
- A community member voiced concern regarding the economic stimulus package, noting the residents at the lowest levels continue to share a burden, and should be given some economic relief.
STATE LEGISLATORS: Representative Jessica Wooley: Madeline Neely reported;
- State Civil Defense has started cleaning the damaged and overgrown streams starting on February 15, 2009. For official Civil Defense funding, contact Ed Texeira at 733-4301 extension 501.
- Representative Wooley has introduced House Bill (HB) 1533 to address the financial needs of bridges, roads, and schools. HB 763 also introduced by Wooley addressed the use of ‘grey water’ which will reduce the use of drinkable water. HB 395 regards to the Early Education.
Questions, comments and concerns followed;
- Leonardi questioned and expressed concern regarding four bills introduced by Representative Say, which will cut teacher’s retirement funds, as well as other retirement benefits; Neely noted there is a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. at the State Capitol, tomorrow, February 13, 2009.
- Heath agreed with Leonardi, sayingthe retirement funds of teachers should not be jeopardized.
Representative Michael Magaoay: Judy Fomin introduced their new Community Liaison and reported;
- Representative Magaoay along with the State Civil Defense and National Guard, cleaned several streams in Hau’ula and La’ie, additional clean ups are being looked into.
- Several bills have been introduced this legislative session; many are controversial and contain both positives and negatives. These bills are being looked at with great scrutiny.
- Magaoay is currently and will be serving for the next two years as Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Thanks were sent to Representative Wolley’s office as both offices have been working extremely hard.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Steward inquired which stream was cleaned; Fomin noted the stream behind the Cackle Egg Farm.
- Primacio requested that a message be relayed to the Representative noting the bridges and culverts are old and aging, and many pillars are either undersized or obstruct debris which cause flooding.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Donna Lindsey reported Kahuku athletics are doing well this season with the Basketball Team remaining undefeated. Community members are encouraged to cheer with aloha; there have been times where the crowds have been negative towards players and coaches. Construction at
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported the following report:
- No water main breaks reported in the month of January.
- Average pumping rates around 140 million gallons per day (mgd).
- Wayne Hashiro, previously with the City & County of Honolulu as the Managing Director, has joined the BWS as the new Manager and Chief Engineer. For more information visit www.boardofwatersupply.com
- Several Halawa Xeriscape garden Workshops are being offered; learn how to make organic pesticides on February 28, 2009, and learn how worms can turn food into organic fertilizer on March 21 and May 9, 2009. To register contact Diane Moses at 748-5363 or email at tours@hbws.org.
Kahana requested the Water Committee report following BWS. With no objections the Water Committee presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS WATER: Kahana reported the Watershed Management Plan has not been submitted to the City, but will be sent in the upcoming weeks. The plan is in its preliminary review. Thanks went out to all whom worked on the plan, especially the Watershed Taskforce members. Kahana did review the plan, and highlighted several concerns from the working group;
· Community based implementation entity needs to be established.
· Implementation funding needed.
· Aquifer protection needed based on consultation with communities.
· Water demand driven by development, the baseline needs to be moved toward agriculture and sustainability of the watershed, which means preference for health of the watershed over development.
· The working group lacks belief that methodologies for developing sustainable yields addresses the ecological needs of the muliwai or the need to maintain reserves for future generations.
· The plan is being watered down by legal disclaimers that hinder the overall goal of watershed protection.
MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: Marine Corps Base
- MCAF hours of operation include; Monday and Friday’s 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
- An Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) sank off the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows on January 12, 2009. The vehicle was raised and recovered, where no leaks were detected by the divers or surface personnel, and damages are pending an investigation dive.
- On January 26, 2009: Base Environmental began a door-to-door recyclables collection program.
- On February 3, 2009: base Environment unveiled a new photovoltaic energy information kiosk detailing new integrated solar roofing system which helps significantly reduces power.
Questions, comments and concerns followed;
- A community member raised concern regarding the flight patterns, noting she has noticed several planes flying over the homes, and not over the ocean; Crouch to follow up.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
HOUSING: No report at this time.
PLANNING & LAND USE: No report at this time.
EDUCATION: No report at this time.
CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: No report at this time.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report at this time. Kalua’u to chair this committee.
PARKS & RECREATION: No report at this time.
PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report at this time.
PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington noted that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been registering residents that may have been affected by the flood damages late last year. FEMA has been at Lai’e Shopping Center for the past three month. Residents affected are encouraged to seek help.
WATER: Previously reported on earlier in the meeting.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report at this time.
PUBLIC INPUT: Several community members voiced their concerns;
- A concern was raised regarding the proposed placement of several nuclear submarines on the island. It was suggested the committees take a look into this proposal.
- Wren Wescoatt of First Wind announced the windmills earlier mentioned, do not belong to First Wind.
- Several members of the community requested they be able to present information at a future meeting regarding the possible Bed & Breakfast in the community.
- Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Public Library announced several events happening at the Library, noting Strategies for Managing Stress on March 3, 2009, Book Sale on March 24, 2009, and Bread making with Donette Tew on March 31, 2009.
CORRESPONDENCE: Vice Chair Mattoon noted most of the correspondence has been already reported on.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: In the interest of time and without objection, Vice Chair Mattoon deferred this agenda item.
ANNOUNCEMNETS: No announcements were made at this time.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant