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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2009

HAU’ULA COMMUNIT CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro-Tem Norman Kaluhiokalani called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) of 11 members present. Note—This 11 member Board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Richard Fale, Moana Kalua’u, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Kela Miller and Junior Primacio.

Members Absent: John Elkington, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, and Les Steward.

Guests: Steven Goldsberry (University of Hawaii), Diana Hoppe, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), John Olszowka, Barbara Kahana (Hauula Community Association), Bryan Mick (Mayor’s Representative/Neighborhood Commission Office), Beatriz Rodriguez, Al Tachibana, and Jeff Berg (University of Hawaii National Children’s Study), Vincent Shigekuni, Lieutenant John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department), Kayla Overton and Captain Mario Munroy (U.S. Army), Major Alan Crouch and Linda Read (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Mark Cunningham and Tim Vandeveer, Kirk Peterson, Buddy Ako (Kahuku Community Association), Sam Caban (Kahuku Village Association), Lea Albert (Department of Education), Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Dede Heron and Sisiofa Tiuefi Heron (Punaluu Community Association), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Captain Ed Kealoha (Honolulu Fire Department), Bill Racoma, Christine Chaplin, Norman Ogasawaru and Albert Chong (State Civil Defense), Delsa Moe, Mike Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), Kaulana Park (Governor’s Representative), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commissions Office).

BOARD ORGANIZATION:

Election of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer:

1. Chair: Mattoon nominated Letts, Miller nominated Primacio. Letts received two (2) votes (Letts and Mattoon). Primacio was ELECTED Chair with six (6) votes (Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Miller and Primacio).

2. Vice Chair: Miller nominated Fale. Fale was ELECTED Vice Chair UNANIMOSULY with eight (8) votes (Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, and Primacio).

3. Secretary: Leonardi nominated Miller. Miller was ELECTED Secretary UNANIMOUSLY with eight (8) votes (Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, and Primacio).

4. Treasurer: Miller nominated Kalua’u. Kalua’u was ELECTED Treasurer UNANIMOUSLY with eight (8) votes (Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, and Primacio).

Selection of Meeting Time and Place: Without objection the Board will continue to hold the Board regular meetings at Hau’ula Community Center at 7:00 p.m., second Thursday of the months.

Approval of Expenditures: Kalua’u read the June 2009 treasurer’s report, ending the Board’s term, highlighting a closing expense of $33.25 due to printing and postage, leaving and ending balance of $2,107.52. The report was filed.

Selection of Recess Months: Kaluhiokalani moved and Mattoon seconded to recess in August and December. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Ed Kealoha reported the following information;

1. Fire Statistics: Company statistics for June 2009 include; Ka’a’awa Station: 21 fires, 1 rubbish fire, 14 medical and 4 miscellaneous; Hau’ula Station: 13 fires, 2 rubbish fires, 17 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, 3 miscellaneous and 2 hazmat; Kahuku Station: 15 fires, 5 rubbish, and 1 vehicle fire, 19 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue and 5 miscellaneous.

2. Fire Safety Tip: Summer break is an opportune time to review home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations and childproof the home. Check for situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products and/or houseplants. Ensure pools are properly fenced and gated.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Suspected Arson: It was questioned and answered that HFD does not know if any of the fires were maliciously set, for residents that are burning trash, a permit must be acquired and rules to be followed.

2. Miscellaneous Statistics: It was questioned and clarified that miscellaneous statistics include any responses that were non-fire, non-medical related

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheong reported the following;

1. Crime Statistics: The Uniform Crime Report was provided to the Board, highlighting a total of 568 calls were responded to; 11 burglaries, 16 thefts, and 4 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Illegal Camping Sites: Letts questioned the number of illegal camping site violations within the district during the 4th of July weekend; Cheong did not have the specific statistics.

2. Rock and Egg Throwing: Cheong notified residents that a rash of rock and egg throwing complaints has been registered in the district and should resident know of who the culprits are to contact HPD immediately.

3. La’ie Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW): It was questioned and clarified that a La’ie Neighborhood Security Watch does exist, and can be reached at 262-6555 for more information.

4. Budgeted Officer Positions: A community member inquired if HPD has budgeted additional officers to the Ko’olauloa district; Cheong noted no officers were budgeted for this district at this time.

Mayor’s Representative: Bryan Mick reported the following information;

1. Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant Variance: The variance for Pat’s at Punalu’u was approved by the Director of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on June 25, 2009, subject to conditions.

2. Beach Access Signs in Punalu’u: Beach access signs are installed at beach rights-of-ways (BROW), there are now BROW’s in Punalu’u and an access sign is not needed at the Punalu’u Beach Park:

3. City Budget Update: The City budget was approved earlier in the week without signature by the Mayor.

4. Union Proposals: A Union proposal meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 13, 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant Variance: The Board requested that DPP respond to the Board’s questions that was sent in the later part of 2008; Mick to follow up.

2. Stimulus Funds for Bus Fares: It was questioned and clarified that the intended stimulus monies cannot be used to fund the City Bus program and stop the raises in fees.

3. Sustainability Plan Status: Letts clarified that the Sustainable Communities Plan Public Advisory Committee (PAC) will meet in early August to discuss the public draft. More information is forthcoming.

4. Neighborhood Board election Turn Out: It was noted that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board had the highest turn out rate in the overall Neighborhood Board elections.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported the following information;

1. Main Break Report: No water main breaks in the month of June 2009. The average pumpage rate ending the week of July 4, 2009 was 165 million gallons per day, which is slightly above the five year average.

2. General Water Announcements: The BWS will be hosting its 21st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 1, 2009. The public is welcomed to participate in the fun-filled event including keiki activities and water conservation activities.

3. Water Conservation Tip: Water tips to conserve water include; water your lawns just two or three times a week and don’t water lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. El Nino Forecasted: It was questioned and clarified that if El Nino is to occur it would mostly affect the Mainland East Coast areas, and probably form hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean. In any event, residents are recommended to have their hurricane survival kits ready.

2. Water Barrel Classes: Usagawa announced that water barrel making classes are available at the BWS; interested residents can view more information at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Mike Sakata reported the following information;

1. Real Property Taxes: The proposed real property tax includes a rate of $3.42 per thousand of the assessed value, rather than $3.59 per thousand. A detailed history is in the Councilmember’s report.

2. Real Property Tax Exemptions: Several real property tax exemptions are available for homeowners over 65 to 75 years of age, disabled, or diagnosed with leprosy. For more information contact the Real Property Assessment Division of Honolulu at 768-3799.

3. Pualalea Street Parking: A request that the district park side of Pualalea Street be made available for parking; the response noted public input is needed to address this issue.

4. Kahuku District Park: A request noted that Kahuku District Park needed to be completed in June 2009; no response has been received at this time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pualalea Street Parking: Several Board members explained that community input was heard relating to Pualalea Street at a previous Board meeting; Sakata to follow up.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNTIY CONCERNS: Several community concerns were raised at this time;

1. Recognition of Board Members: Several community members applauded the efforts of past Board Chair Letts, and congratulated the newly elected Board members.

2. Hauula Community Representation: Concerns were raised noting the absence of one Hau’ula Board member. Barbara Kahana also volunteered her services should the Board need aide in any issues.

3. Recent Rash of Break-Ins: Concern was raised and a warning put out that Punalu’u has been the victim of a rash of break-ins and thefts, should anyone know of any leads, contact HPD immediately.

4. Sunset Farmers Market: A community member invited any and all organizations and farmers that would like to take part in a Sunset Farmers Market. The project is in its early phases and is looking for participants.

5. Envision La’ie: Several community members raised concern regarding the Envision La’ie Project, noting many questions were not answered at the last community meeting.

APPROVAL OF MAY 14, 2009 MINUTES: Kaluhiokalani moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the regular May 14, 2009 minutes with corrections. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio).

• Page 1: Approval of the April 9, 2009 Minutes: Inclusion of, “Page: 4: CIP/Public Works: Replace “The most recent bridge was built in 2004 which is located in Kahuku.” with “The most recent bridge was built in 2007, at Kokololio Stream in La’ie.”
• Page 5: Kahuku Village Association Water Allocation: Replace “BWS” with “KVA” include “private system”.
• Page 7: Ho’olama Program: Replace “Ho’olama Program” with “Ho’olauna Program.” 
• Page 7: Sewage Leaks into the Ocean: Replace “Kekela” with “Kokololio” and “Palm” with “Pond.”

BOARD BUSINESS:

Turtle Bay Resort Status Update: Letts noted she was in receipt of a letter dated May 26, 2009 from the Governor’s office, thanking the Board for their continued interest in Turtle Bay, and explaining that she remains committed to preserve as much of Turtle Bay as possible. The item will remain on the agenda.

Kahuku Medical Center Update: No report available at this time.

Continental Pacific’s Environmental Assessment (EA): Chair Primacio reported that Continental Pacific applied for two existing use permits (EUP) and was awarded only one of the EUP’s. The item will remain on the agenda.

Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant Variance: Due to previous reports, noting the approval of the restaurant variance, this item will be removed from the agenda.

Ka’a’awa Elementary School Closure: Letts reported a meeting will be held in August 2009 to further discuss Ka’a’awa Elementary with a notice to be posted on the Governor’s website. The septic tank work has begun with CH2M Hill as the contractor. Ka’a’awa Elementary will be open for the upcoming school year. The item will remain on the agenda.

John A. Burns School of Medicine: National Children’s Study: Dr. Beatriz Rodriguez and Al Tachibana of the University of Hawaii provided a written report highlighting;

1. The National Children’s Study will become the largest long-term study of children’s health and development ever to be conducted in the United States.

2. The study is considered longitudinal of children, their families, and their environments based on before birth through age 21. Participants for the study will be picked January 2010.

3. The plan is to survey 9,000 households in Honolulu to enroll 1,000. Hau’ula has been randomly chosen as a testing area, however the exact street boundaries have not been decided upon at this time.

4. It was noted that the study will not begin until 2012; however, it is crucial to get the word out to community members and organizations in the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Hau’ula Community Association (HCA): Members of the HCA welcomed Dr. Rodriguez to make a presentation before the HCA and residents of Hau’ula as it is a targeted study area.

2. Specific Street Boundaries: It was questioned and clarified that the specific street boundaries included in the study have not been formulated. Several Board members expressed the need for this information as soon as possible, to further educate the targeted community.

3. Non-Biased Testing: It was questioned and clarified that once the boundary lines are determined, all residents in the area can be eligible to testing.

Civil Defense Presentation: Christine Chaplain with Norman Ogasawaru and Albert Chong, of the State Civil Defense (CD), provided several maps illustrating several proposed siren locations, and highlighted;

1.       Decrepit and New Sirens: Several sirens will be replacing older, ineffective models in Ka’a’awa, Punalu’u, and Hau’ula, while several sirens will be added to the district. The sirens are listed by priority cases. Several outstanding sirens require replacement immediately.

2.       Land Acquisition: Government land is being sought after, and will house many of the sirens being proposed, as not to intrude in surrounding neighborhood areas.

Fale moved and Mattoon seconded to support the Civil Defense in their efforts to upgrade the sirens in the Ko’olauloa district.

Discussion followed:

1. Description of Sirens: It was questioned and clarified that the newly installed sirens will be equipped with solar paneling to ensure it works even if power is loss. The siren itself was characterized as several donuts stacked on each other and painted green.

2. Decrepit Sirens: It was clarified that should sirens be decrepit and/or inactive the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is notified during testing periods, and will deploy repair workers.

3. Cost and Funding: It was clarified that each siren is estimated at $85,000, with an expectant life span of 15-20 years. Funds are strictly from the State and have been appropriated.

The motion to support the Civil Defense’s efforts to upgrade the sirens in the Ko’olauloa district was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio).

Military Aviation Presentation: Major Alan Crouch with Linda Reid provided a descriptive hand out to the Board and public describing several types of aircrafts that fly over the island, highlighting;

1. Marine Aviation: The Marine Corps Base Hawaii is serviced with several aircrafts that are housed on Oahu including the CH-53D Sea Stallion, which is the most common aircraft identified by its one propeller.

2. Army Aviation: Although the Army has their own aircrafts, MCBH is also used by the Army to fly their aircrafts over the district as well. The most commonly sighted CH-47 Chinook can be identified by its double propeller, and is used for troop transport.

3. Flight Patterns: A map was provided depicting the flight patterns that are in use, illustrating that the aircraft must use the area near Chinaman’s Hat, and fly no lower than 500 feet above homes.

Questions, comment and concerns followed:

1. Flight Patterns: Several community members noted the map is a good idea for aviators; however, it seems they do not always follow the flight pattern, and fly over the homes. Major Crouch clarified that the aircraft may fly over the homes, but no lower than 5,000 feet.

2. Difficulty Seeing: Several community members noted it is difficult during the night to identify whose aircraft is flying over the homes; Contact Major Crouch at 257-8832 or the Army at 656-3159, with a date, location and time of fly over.

REPORTS:

Treasurer’s Report: Previously reported in the meeting.

Committees: Without objection Chair Primacio deferred all committee reports.

Elected Officials:

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono: No report available at this time.

Governor’s Representative: Kaulana Park reported the following information;

1. Furlough Plan Denied: The Governor’s furlough proposals have been denied, and now the issue lies with the upcoming union proposals. The State is possibly facing 2,500 positions to be laid off.

2. Council on Revenues Forecast: The latest forecast from the Council on Revenues, estimated a $730 million shortfall and a $50 million shortfall this fiscal year alone.

State Legislators: No report available at this time.

Department of Education (DOE): Lea Albert reported the following information;

1. Kahuku High School Seniors: Congratulations were extended to the Kahuku High School graduates, Class of 2009. The graduating class earned a total of $1.7 million in scholarships.

2. National History Day: Students from Kahuku High School and La’ie Elementary participated in this year’s National History Day Competitions in Washington D.C. All students made it to the final level, and a 7th grade class was awarded second place amongst the entire nation.

3. Educational Stimulus Monies: Stimulus monies are expected to reach Kahuku High, La’ie, Ka’a’awa, and Hau’ula Elementary Schools.

4. School Year Changes: Students return to school on August 2, 2009 for all schools in the Ko’olauloa district. This year the DOE will go paperless in their efforts to ‘go green.’

5. State Budget Crunch: Albert explained that as the largest State Department in Hawaii, the DOE constitutes nearly 40% of the State Budget, which means the State budget crisis is hitting the Department extremely hard. A mandated 5% cut is already in place for materials and supplies.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH): Major Alan Crouch reported the following information;

1. Regular Hours of Operation: Regular hours of operation include; Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday and Holiday closed. Several exceptions include July 8th, 10th, 11th, and 31st due to support training exercises on base.

2. Homecoming and Deployments: Deployed are Marine Heavy helicopter Squadron 362, 3rd Marine Regiment Head Quarters, 2nd and 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment, and other detachments.

3. News and Events: Important dates include; July 2nd; MCBH Wounded Warriors were honored as Grand Marshal’s of I’olani School’s Independence Day Celebration, July 4th; Marines served as guest judges for the Kailua 4th of July Parade, and Marines participated in Kailua and North Shore Independence Parades, August 14-16th; The 20th Annual BAYFEST featuring performers Filter and Black Eyes Peas, ticket sales started on June 27, 2009, for more information visit www.bayfesthawaii.com.

U.S. Army: Captain Mario Munroy with Kayla Overton reported the following;

1. Oahu Army National Resource Program (OANRP): The OANRP partnered with the community aiming at protecting native plant and wild life species while removing invasive species. For more information contact Kim Welch at 656-7641.

2. Depleted Uranium: The Army has determined that traces of depleted uranium from tank rounds are no longer active and are not hazardous to the health of residents.

3. U.S. Army on Twitter: The Army has gone electronic and now has a Twitter page, with the latest updated information, to view the page visit www.twitter.com/USAGHI.

4. Army Partnership Program: The Army’s Joint Venture Education Program provides additional funds to needed schools to purchase needed materials through the Army Partnership Program. For more information contact 655-9818.

5. Conservation Conference: The Army will host a Conservation Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center from July 28-30, 2009.

Community Reports:

Punalu’u and La’ie: No report at this time.

Ka’a’awa: The community continues to ensure Ka’a’awa Elementary stays open.

Hau’ula: Several Board members welcomed residents to attend the next Hau’ula Community Association meeting.

La’ie: Several Board members raised the issue of the Envision La’ie initiatives, noting that the project has tried to present before the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board to no avail. Miller moved and Kalua’u seconded to hold a Special Meeting on July 30, 2009, location to be announced, to discuss the Envision La’ie Project.

Discussion followed:

1. Proper Notice: Concern was raised that there would not be adequate time to advertise the special meeting; it was noted that the Neighborhood Commission Office will mail out the special agenda to the public once time stamped by the City Clerk’s office. Chair Primacio noted several special meetings have been held in the past, and can be held again if in need.

2. Need for Special Meeting: Concern was raised that the issue is being ‘pushed forward’ and several members felt that the issue should be discussed by the Public Advisory Committee (PAC) before the Board, though several members disagreed and would like to hear the presentation before the PAC.

3. Location to be Determined: It was noted that the presenters are looking to meet at La’ie Elementary School, as it is the affected area, however, several members disagreed to that location.

The motion to hold a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, 2009, location to be announced, to discuss the Envision La’ie Project was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-2-0, (Aye: Fale, Kalua’u, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Miller, and Primacio; No, Letts and Mattoon).

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;

1. Special Meeting: It was announced that the special meeting regarding Envision La’ie will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2009. The community from all towns was encouraged to attend.

2. La’ie Theaters: It was announced that the La’ie Theaters will be re-opening on July 17, 2009.

3. First Wind: Wren Wescoatt announced the contract between First Wind and the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to purchase power has been signed and construction is slated for 2010.

4. Kahuku Library: Fran Corcoran announced a chili cooking presentation will be held at the Kahuku Library tomorrow, July 10, 2009. Corcoran also announced that if the five libraries slated for closure does happen, the staff of each library will be disseminated to other libraries in the State.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant