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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2009

HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of nine (9) members present. Note, this eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) votes to adopt a motion.

MEMEBRS PRESENT: Kathryn Heath, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, and Dawn Wasson.

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkingotn and Kelika Ishol (resigned as of January 8, 2008.)

GUESTS: Diana Hoppe, Lieutenant John Cheong and Sergeant Jason Dela Cruz (HPD), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Captain Dwayne Howland (HFD), Madeline Neely (Representative Wooley’s office), Representative Jessica Wooley, Ed Nishioka (Mayor’s Representative), Margaret Primacio (KKC Inc.), Lea Albert (DOE), Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Medical Center), Dave Siroskey, Brian Welsh (Ka’a’awa Elementary School), Kent Fonoimoana, John Olszowka (HCS), Ben Shafer, Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Michael Sakata and Kimberly Ribellia (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staf).

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 13, 2008: Mattoon moved and Primacio seconded to approve the meeting minutes of November 13, 2008 with the following amendments;

• Page 4: Councilmember Dela Cruz (continued from page 3): First Bullet: Replace “Hau’ula Beach Park” with “Hau’ula Playground.”
• Page 5: Planning and Land Use: Questions: Motion: Votes cast included nine (9) ayes and one (1) no; change numerical vote to 9-1-0.
• Page 6: Community Reports: La’ie: Replace “Peka Tailupe and Dan Stant” with “Peka Toelupe and David Kawika Stant.”

The motion to approve the meeting minutes of November 13, 2008 with the said amendments was ADOPTEDUNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Heath, Kahana, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward and Wasson.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the treasurer’s report for December 2008, highlighting a current expense of $86.47 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,321.02.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Dwayne Howland reported the following information;

• Statistics for the month of December 2008 include; Ka’a’awa Station; 1 rubbish fire, 6 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescue, 6 miscellaneous, 3 auto accidents, 5 flood conditions, 1 arcing wires, 1 utility pole fire; Kahuku Station: 2 rubbish fires, 6 medical emergencies, 15 search and rescues, 10 miscellaneous, and 4 hazmat; Hau’ula Station: 1 wildland fire, 3 rubbish fires, 13 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, 3 miscellaneous, 6 flood conditions, and 2 arcing wires.
• Fire Safety Tip: In a fire, medical, or other emergency it is critical that emergency responders quickly identify the correct location. Fire, building, U.S. postal codes, and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house numbers so it is legible and readily visible from the street.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts inquired if there had been any follow up on falsely reported fire penalties; Howland noted he will follow up, and apologizes for the lengthy response times.
• Heath inquired if there is specific data and concrete numbers of fires set off by fireworks, she expressed frustration and disbelief that two vehicles were set on fire by youth who thought it would be fund to watch them burn as an alternative to fireworks; Howland replied the specific numbers are being complied and feels the same way of the two vehicles.
• Wasson requested the contact number for the Hau’ula Station; the number is 293-5677.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheong reported the following;

• Statistics for the month of December 2008 include; 17 fireworks violations, 4 motor vehicle thefts, 16 thefts, 1 sex assault, 14 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), and a total of 630 calls.
• In regards to the burning of vehicles, the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR) had jurisdiction over the vehicle on the shore, however, HPD was present following the incident.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi noted in follow up of last month’s question, that the illegal underage drinking is not being done on private property, but public; Lt. Cheong noted he will follow up.
• Representative Wooley’s aide asked how many of the incidents reported in the statistics remain open cases; Lt. Cheong noted he does not have that information, but you can visit www.honolulupolice.gov for past offenses and the number of closed cases.
• Chair Letts requested that the statistics of arrests be reported on in the future months.
• A community member questioned if underage drinking is being done on private property if HPD has jurisdiction to go on the property; Lt. Cheong noted HPD will go to the property, and has the option to prosecute the land owner if they are allowing it.
• A community member questioned if the ten-foot setback applies to public or private roads; Lt. Cheong to follow up.
• Sergeant Jason Dela Cruz followed up on drinking at Lani Loa District Park and noted that it has stopped thanks to the barriers put up, which restricts vehicles from heading further into the park.  He congratulated the community and the Board for its fast work in getting the barriers up.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

TUTLE BAY: Primacio and Mattoon reported there was an article in the Honolulu Advertiser regarding Turtle Bay; explaining the State continues to negotiate the purchase of Turtle Bay and its surrounding areas, which will include the golf course, hotel, businesses and the leases of the condominiums. Should the State purchase these lands, all undeveloped parcels of land will be kept in preservation. An offer was negotiated in August of 2008 which was rejected, and again in November 2008 which resulted in no response. Stanford Carr remains the property manager with no deadline set. The East and West condominium owners’ will be meeting on January 19, 2009 to explore purchase options. The hotel itself is operating at 80%, with no layoff of workers, however workers hours are being reduced.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi wanted clarification on if Turtle Bay is sold to the State, all undeveloped lands will not be available for development use in the present time and in the future.
• Wasson questioned how the kupuna ‘iwi is being handled; Mattoon to follow up; this concern was brought up in the past, but was never fully discussed.

HOSPITAL UPDATE: KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER: Ella Siroskey reported the Medical Center was equipped with a generator, which took a while, but eventually generated enough power to keep the Center open. Residents are urged not to come to the Medical Center during power outages to charge their cellular phones. The Medical Center was given notice that the Salvation Army Drug and Rehab program will not be funded any further and will be leaving the Medical Center. Everyone is welcome to the Medical Center’s 1st Year Anniversary to be held on April 4, 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson noted the generator took at least 20 minutes to power up; Siroskey replied that the Medical Center is looking to purchase a new generator in the near future.
• Kaluhiokalani requested a complete listing of services the Center provides.
• Steward questioned the center’s website; Siroskey noted it is  a branch of Hawaii Health System Corporation (HHSC) website at www.hhsc.org.
• Leonardi inquired what role Susan Lewers play with the Medical Center; Siroskey replied Lewers works with therapy canines, takes care of the Center’s garden and will be honored alongside Ron Artis. 

STATUS OF CONTINENTAL PACFIC ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT (EA): Chair Letts noted she contacted RM Towill, and at this time the EA is not moving forward and that it appears that large lot subdivision along exiting zoning lines is being pursued. Chair Letts will continue to follow up.

PAT’S AT PUNALUU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE: Chair Letts noted the variance was heard on December 10, 2008, the Department of Planning and Permitting did not make a decision, the agenda item will carry on.

NEW BUSINESS: Chair Letts noted there was a mistake in presentations tonight, and noted Brian Walsh is present to make a presentation regarding the possible closure of Ka’a’awa Elementary School. Chair Letts questioned if the Board would object to a presentation by Brian Walsh, with no objection the presentation was added to the agenda.

KA’A’AWA ELEMENTARY CLOSURE: Brian Walsh and Lea Albert explained that upon further discussion between the Ka’a’awa Elementary School Community Council, the major issue remains the need to replace the cesspool on the grounds of the school. The Board of Education (BOE) is under the constraints that cesspools are no longer allowed at school facilities by the EPA and the cesspool must be replaced or the DOE runs the risk of being fined. A task force is being convened under Chapter 38 HAR to look at whether or not the school will be closed. The task force will be composed of 10 members, with six being from Ka’a’awa, 2 from Hau`ula and 2 from Waiahole. Restrictions may apply to residents wanting to join the task force, as some positions cannot be affiliated with Ka’a’awa Elementary. Residents can nominate volunteers to the task force through their school community councils. The task force is subject to the Sunshine Law and therefore all agendas will be posted on the Governor’s website.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Heath questioned what exactly affiliates a volunteer; Albert noted if a family member works for, or attends Ka’a’awa Elementary, this constitutes an affiliation.
• Primacio questioned the timeline of the task force; Albert explained the timeline is set by the task force members.
• Chair Letts questioned the cost of removing the cesspool and if Ka’a’awa Elementary is the only school going through this type of action; Albert noted the cost at approximately $5 million (subsequent information received put it at 2 million or below a million depending on the alternative), and replied that there are three other schools throughout Hawaii going through this type of task force formation.
• Heath questioned if Albert is feeling optimistic; Albert noted that it is very important that the children on Ka’a’awa have a facility to attend school.
• Leonardi questioned if the four schools being affected are all due to cesspool issues; Albert explained that Ka’a’awa Elementary is the only cesspool concern and therefore is unique.
• Mattoon questioned the status of this task force as of tonight; Albert noted that the task force is aimed at being formed by the end of January 2009.
• Walsh also informed everyone that there will be a Ka’a’awa Community Association meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2009 to discuss the issue.
• Mattoon questioned whether there was  deadline for volunteers to express their interest; Walsh noted the sooner the better, and interested persons can contact himself at brianandkaye@walsh.net, or contact both the Ka’a’awa Elementary and Hau’ula Elementary school Principals if interested in volunteering.
• Chair Letts explained that volunteers from Punalu’u and Ka’a’awa should directly contact Walsh; and furthermore after reviewing the Hawaii Administrative rules it frustrates her that academic excellence is not on the checklist. 

GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Ed Nishioka of the Customer Service Department (CSD) introduced himself, and provided a brief description of his goals and CSD’s requirements within the department, several follow up responses to concerns were also noted;

• The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is unaware that any issues of partial ownership of the Kahuku District Park are a problem; noting the main concern is flooding and no work can be done before the issue is resolved.
• DPR will work with the Department of Community Services (DCS) and the Kahuku Village Association (KVA), to determine the status of current agreement for the parking lot adjacent to the Kahuku District Park.
• A replacement sign for Kulanui Lane is being worked on.
• The chief engineer may cite owners of land adjacent to and/or on a stream bed if he makes a determination that a person is violating any provisions in Article 26. To file a complaint the Department of Facility Maintenance needs to be contacted.
• Nishioka also noted DCS did go through a budget review, and will continue to provide services to the people of Hawaii.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts requested a timetable on construction be produced to repair Kahuku District Park, as the response has always been flooding is the problem; Nishioka noted he will be meeting with DPR to discuss.
• Leonardi reiterated the concerns regarding Kahuku and Ki’i Bridge; it is still unknown who the owner of the lands mauka of the bridge is.
• A community member requested information on where the funds from sale of firework permits go; and how much did the Mayor’s Inauguration Ceremony cost the public; Nishioka will follow up.
• Chair Letts welcomed Nishioka to the Board; noting this was the best Mayor’s report in a very long time and appreciates Nishioka’s willingness to work with the Board and the community.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Michael Sakata reported the following information;

• Projects that have been submitted include the Punalu’u Beach park irrigation system and the Hau’ula Community Park play court and renovations.
• Dela Cru’s office is waiting on a response by the Department of Planning and Permitting on the Punalu’u variance; if it is awarded, the community has 30 days to appeal.
• There has been no response on the request for a new sign at Kulanui Lane.
• Legislation proposed to aid flood victims include; Resolution 08-269, Resolution 08-270, Resolution 08-271, Resolution 08-272, and Bill 69 (2008), please refer to the Councilmember’s monthly report.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Wasson noted she has been in receipt of a letter from Council, noting all residents must agree that the name of a certain street should be Waikupuhi.

·         Leonardi noted research has been done regarding naming the streets in the Kahuku Villages, and is debating whether to name the streets themselves.

·         Chair Letts announced she will be meeting with the Councilmember to support keeping Ka’a’awa Elementary School open, and Councilmember has agreed to support keeping the school open through a Council Resolution.

·         A community member requested information regarding whether Continental Pacific’s intent is to sell parcels of land off to private owners.

MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: No report available at this time.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Chair Letts noted Kaulana Park’s absence , but is able to take concerns;

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Heath noted Kaipa’opa’o bridge suffered damage during the rains, and has collapsed into the stream.
• Steward requested a follow up of a past concern regarding signage for the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC), and the correct miles per hour (mph) signage along Kamehameha Highway.

STATE LEGISLATORS: Representative Jessica Wooley introduced her Community Liaison, Madeline Neely, and reported the Legislature is gearing up and will be opening on January 21, 2009. The hot issue remains the State’s budget crunch, where departments are being asked to cut their budgets. Wooley noted this is a good economic time to release Governmental funds to stimulate the economy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Primacio raised concern of various bridges spanning from Ka’a’awa through Kahuku that are inadequate to sustain heavy rains; Wooley noted a disaster preparedness type of legislation that she will be introducing.
• Wasson raised concerns regarding the proper channeling of La’ie, as well as native Hawaiian lands that should not be taken away; Wooley noted that if there is specific legislation that residents are interested in, to contact her office at 586-8540.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Albert reported the following information;

• Kahuku High and Intermediate, Hau’ula Elementary, La’ie Elementary, and Ka’a’awa Elementary schools have all been damaged by the floods; DOE looking at the damages.
• Regarding the left hand turn at the Intermediate and High School; the lane itself is ten feet wide and will not obstruct traffic; the traffic light will also be calibrated to avoid over stacking the turn lane.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported the following information;

• The Draft Watershed Management Plan is online at the BWS website. The Plan will have to go before the Full Council as well as the Water Commission; the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is now reviewing the plan.
• The voluntary water conservation for residents and farmers from August through December last year has been lifted, thank you to all that conserved water during the rough months.
• TIP: During an emergency, such as the December island wide power outage, stay tuned to media reports. As a general rule of thumb, keep water use to a minimum, because all BWS’s pumps need electricity to operate.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Mattoon inquired the status of the water lines that were supposed to go to Punalu’u; Usagawa noted the project was not funded and therefore did not get installed.
• Primacio questioned if the Kahuku water system is based on gravity flow due to a power outage; Usagawa noted this is correct; however a check valve is in place at the pump station.
• A community member questioned if the BWS is planning on job cuts; Usagawa noted positions were filled, however there remain vacant positions but no cuts at this time.

MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: No report available at this time.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

HOUSING: Heath noted following the heavy damages sustained after the heavy rains, there are even fewer affordable homes and rentals, and an increase in homelessness may be on the rise. There will be a Sustainable Communities Plan meeting on January 29, 2009 at Hau’ula Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.

PLANNING AND LAND USE: No report available at this time.

EDUCATION: Leonardi noted students return to schools next week Tuesday. It was also noted Kelika Ishol has moved from the district and will no longer serve on the Board.

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: No report available at this time.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report available at this time.

PARKS & RECREATION: Kaluhiokalani reported he has been informed that Continental Pacific will be selling parcels of land such as the golf course and the preservation areas, and the Board should look to urge the City to purchasing these parcels.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report available at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: No report available at this time.

WATER: Kahana noted to protect and conserve O’ahu’s water, and she will be reviewing the Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan on the BWS website.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report available at this time.

PUBLIC INPUT: Several residents provided the following input;

• A suggestion was made to write a letter in support of protecting the existing Golf Course lands and to protect and preserve the lands from being sold in the future.
• An announcement was made noting the President of Brigham Young University (BYU) has changed, the first day back for students was January 7, 2009.
• Papa Ole’s restaurant now offers live music every Friday night.
• Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Public Library announced several highlights the library will be having in January and February such as Managing Stress Towards Living a Healthier Life with Dr. Halona Tanner, Personal Views of Beijing Olympics 2008 with Benny Kai, the Humpback Whale Sanctuary with Alias Davis and Jin Shin Jyutsu “Touch of Healing” with Judith Godwin.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted several correspondence that may be of interest, highlighting a response from Governor Lingle addressing the DOE budget cuts, a notice that the Board does not have to amend the Public Facilities Map for the new Hau’ula Fire Station, and a compact disc (CD) version of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the City’s Mass Transit initiative is available. These pieces of correspondence are available through Chair Letts.

COMMUNITY REPORTS: Ka’a’awa and Punalu’u: No report available.

Hau’ula: The Hau’ula Community Association will be meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2009.

Kahuku: The Fish and Wildlife Fund held a meeting in Kahuku, and Leonardi encourages the Board to invite them to present to the Board.

La’ie: Wasson reported the La’ie community held a meeting following the floods. The total number of damages and monies lost is unknown; it was clear there was a plethora of residents affected. Wasson extended her thanks to Brigham Young University (BYU), Aloha United Way (AUW), and various organizations for their support to residents in need. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can be reached at 1-800-621-3362.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;

• Wasson noted she will be submitting her report to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
• Leonardi announced he is now the proud grandfather of a brand new baby girl.
• The Kahana Community Association met with Cynthia Theilen, Chairman of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR); however no follow up meeting has been scheduled.
• Residents are welcomed to join in on the festivities at the Ponds at Punalu’u from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 10, 2008.
• A petition for immediate remediation’s for flood victims; victims have been hit hard three times in the past 27 years; for more information please see Wasson.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant