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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURDAY, MARCH 12, 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.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathryn Heath, Moana Kalua’u (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, Dawn Wasson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington.
GUESTS: Zenobia Jese (Reinstated Hawaiian Government), Kaye Kroehler, John Errett, Fred Mencher (HME), Didi Herron (PCA), Paul Comean, Brian and Kayz Walsh, William Racoma, Michael Trisles, Lieutenant John Vines (HPD), Nikki Mozo, Captain Ed Kealoha (HFD), Bryan Mick (Mayor’s Representative), Josephine Bird, Karess Purcell (Representative Magoay’s office), Linda Read and Major Crouch (MCBH), Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Medical Center), Marci Paddock, Stephanie Ceus (Leading Edge Network, Lea Albert (DOE), Margaret Primacio (Keep Kahuku Country), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Gil Riviere, John White (Congresswoman Mazie Hirono), Barry Usagawa (BWS), Kaulana Park (Governor’s Representative), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
FILLING OF VACANCY: Chair Letts noted the vacancy was filled last meeting by Board member Moana Kalua’u
APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2009:
- Page 1: Members Absent: Include “notified” next to each Board member.
- Page 2: Correct spelling of Punalu’u from Punanlu’u.
- Page 2: HPD: Questions: 1st Bullet: Replace “was moved” with “was not removed,” and replace “Vines noted that is not up to HPD,” with “Vines noted this is a joint effort between HPD and Prosecutors.”
- Page 4: Correct spelling of Wooley from Wolley.
- Page 5: DOE: Include, “A community member questioned what is being done about teacher drug testing.
- Page 6: Public Input: Include, “Reinstated Hawaiian Government will have a meeting on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 12:00 p.m.
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of February 12, 2009 with corrections was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Heath, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts,
TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the treasurer’s report for February 2009, highlighting a current expense of $37.71 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,253.94.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
- Statistics for the month of February include; Ka’a’awa Station: 1 structure fire, 4 rubbish fires, 1 search and rescue, and 1 miscellaneous call, Kahuku Station: 2 rubbish fires, 1 vehicle fire, 7 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescues, and 6 miscellaneous, Hau’ula Station: 1 structure fire, 21 medical emergencies, and 6 miscellaneous calls.
- Fire Safety Tip: According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. Do not leave cooking food unattended; if you must leave the kitchen, turn off the heat and take a spoon or oven mitt to remind yourself of the food on the stove.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Letts noted that the question asked several months ago regarding whether there are any penalties for false fire calls had been answered and that the answer is that there are no penalties as the fire department does not want to deter people calling if they think there is a fire.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Vines reported the following;
- Statistics for the month of February 2009 include; 1 aggravated assault, 5 simple assaults, 1 auto theft recovery, 6 burglaries, 0 drugs/narcotics, 0 driving under the influence (DUI), 2 family offenses, 4 graffiti, 0 kidnapping, 3 motor vehicle theft, 11 property damages, 12 motor vehicle collisions, 0 rape, 0 robbery, 0 sex assaults, 13 thefts, 3 threatening, and 11 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV.
- Unusual incidents included one on February 1, 2009, when a disoriented card player broke several vehicle windows after being asked to leave and fired a shotgun in the neighborhood.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Steward questioned the graffiti activity; Vines noted there has been an increase in most recent months, and HPD relies on the community to report these incidents.
- Leonardi thanked the Kahuku Police Station for curbing the illegal drinking activities at the James Campbell Wildlife reserve, and encouraged them to continue patrols in that area.
- Chair Letts noted there have been several incidents of guns being fired in the Ka’a’awa area in the early evening hours; Vines will follow up.
At this time, with no objections by the Board, Chair Letts received the Marine Corps Hawaii report. Following this report the agenda resumed regular order.
MARINE CORPS
- Marine Corps Base Hawaii’s (MCBH) hours of operation; Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.- 12:00 midnight, Friday: 7:00- 10:00 p.m., Saturday: 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., closed Holidays.
- From March 2-13, 2009, fighter jets will be operating in area in support of ground exercises.
- From March 11- April 4, 2009, fixed-wing aircrafts will be performing training exercises on
- Helicopter operations will be performed on Sunday March 15, 2009 ay 7:00 a.m. and 2;00 p.m.
- From March 21-29, 2009 MCBH will host five helicopters from
- An endangered monk seal was released back into the wild on February 27, 2009.
- More than 2,100 people attended the 15th Annual “Swamp romp” at Nu’upia Ponds on February 28, 2009.
- On March 11, 2009 Industry Day included more than 250 businesses and 550 people in attendance.
- On March 15, 2009 MCAF will be hosting the Criterium Series bicycle race at 3:00 p.m. Contact 254-7590 for more information as it is open to the public.
- On March 23, 2009 MCBA will host 150 JROTC cadets from Kalaheo, Radford, and
- Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, Head Quarter Company 3rd Marine Regiment, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, Patrol Squadron 4, and other detachments and augmentees.
- Leaving soon are 3rd Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment to
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Kaluhiokalani expressed need for better clarification on how to identify aircrafts and differentiate Marine or Army based aircrafts, noting several have been known to fly directly above homes; Major Crouch explained the easiest way is to see if the aircraft has two propellers it’s the Army’s and if it has one it belongs to the Marines; Crouch is currently looking to work with the army to provide data to the Board regarding aircraft flight patterns and how to identify each aircraft.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
STATUS CONTINENTAL PACIFIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): Chair Letts noted Continental Pacific is not present tonight as the Existing Use Permit that was on the agenda for discussion was not completed at this time, the EA is on hold.
PAT’S AT PUNALU’U RESTAURANT VARIANCE APPLICATION: Chair Letts reported the extension of the project is until April 6, 2009, this is the second extension.
KA’A’
NEW BUSINESS:
BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMODATIONS: William Racoma, supporting Bed and Breakfast (B&B’s) establishments read a written report noting that from his point of view B&B’s are low-impact businesses and meet the goals of the Infrastructure & Environmental Overview Study by the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Letts noted that motions can only be made by Board members. She stated that currently unless a B&B were operating prior to a certain date it was not legal and that according to studies there are only about 100 legal ones operating. She will ask the Planning and Land Use Committee to check on the current status and then the Board may consider convening a committee, Chair Letts also noted that there are also many residents that oppose B&Bs in the neighborhoods as it impacts their enjoyment of their homes and communities especially when they provide amenities like jet skis.
- Wasson expressed concerns with the possible raising of taxes that will affect surrounding neighbors if the homeowner decides to re-build and change the property.
- Heath explained she has been told by homeless individuals they do not appreciate tourist photographing themselves or their property.
- Chair Letts noted she will leave the issue up to the Board if they wish to form a committee.
Board member Kalua’u arrived at 7:45 p.m. A quorum of ten (10) members present.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Bryan Mick of the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) reported the following;
- The Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board is the only Board in this election that is contested, applicants are encouraged to create a profile and send it to the NCO.
- The Mayor has released, and aims to minimize the City’s deficit without targeting pension plans, and retirement monies, however City fees may be raised that have not been raised in years.
- The Mayor’s Inauguration Ceremony food was donated by the vendors at no cost to the City.
- A response will be given by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), regarding the flooding areas at the
- A response will be forwarded in the future regarding the land owners of Ki’i and Kahuku bridges.
- The lease between the City & County of Honolulu and the James Campbell Estate regarding the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi thanked Mick for his work regarding Kahuku and Ki’i Bridge, and noted he will be e-mailing Mick with several dilapidated culverts and drains that require maintenance.
- Primacio reiterated need and importance of the lease between the City and James Campbell.
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Matsuura reported the following;
- Resolution 09-57 proposes to make buildings more energy efficient, more information can be found on the Councilmember’s monthly hand out.
- All ten Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s) which were submitted by all of the Councilmember’s Neighborhood Boards in his district have been denied.
- The councilmember is awaiting a response in regards to possible street signs in Kahuku Villages.
- Follow up is being performed with the streams and Kahuku and Ki’i Bridges, and the lease regarding the City and Campbell Estates is also being searched for.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Leonardi explained there is a chain blocking a fishing gate near the Kahuku Golf Course, and wanted to make sure the chain does not block access to the gate.
- Primacio expressed need for the lease as it may have stipulations regarding
MAZIE HIRONO’S OFFICE: John White of Congresswoman Hirono’s office provided several handouts explaining the American recovery and Reinvestment Act, highlighting the fact that it will create and save 3.5 million jobs, and give about 95% of American workers an immediate tax cut. The Act estimates $125,746,380 in highway infrastructure investments. For more information please see the handouts and visit www.hirono.house.gov.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Heath expressed concern regarding the housing initiatives, and noted interest in the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan; White noted that more information is available on line.
- Primacio questioned how much money will be allocated to the Counties, White explained the funds are being released to the State and in return the State can allocate funds to the County.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Kaulana park reported the following information;
· The State Department of Transportation (DOT) noted they are not planning on placing an entrance sign to the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) as it is on private land, however a sign of their own may be placed in stead.
· Governor Lingle submitted her plan to meet a projected $650 million revenue shortfall for the remainder of the current fiscal year. The plan balances the budget without raising taxes, layoffs, furloughs of state workers, and without making significant cuts to essential public service programs.
· Broadband legislation House Bill (HB) 984 and Senate Bill (SB) 1680 is to create a Hawaii Communications Commission. For more information visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/initiatives.
· The Second annual NASA/SAE Systems FIRST in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition will be held from March 26-28, 2009, and is open to the public at the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Several Board members noted discomfort with the raiding of
STATE LEGISLATORS: Representative Michael Magoay: Karess Purcell provided a written report and noted the Legislature just had their crossover date, where bills have now crossed over to the House and Senate committees. Purcell reiterated the Representative is Vice Speaker of the House and very willing to help constituents in any event. If you are a flood victim and need assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), contact Representative Magoay’s office.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (BOE): Lea Albert reported the following report;
- On April 8, 2009 the BOE will hold an Administrative Meeting to address possible changes in Chapter 38.
- Regarding teacher drug testing, the issue is currently at a stalemate.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Kaluhiokalani requested the names of teachers involved in the awards; Albert will e-mail Chair Letts.
- Heath questioned if Chapter 38 is amended, will it overturn the decision of Ka’a’awa Elementary; Albert noted no.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Barry Usagawa provided a contact card for most frequently used numbers at the BWS. Common questions can be answered at 748-5000. There are Easter workshops available and can be registered at www.boardofwatersupply.com.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Letts inquired if any hearing dates have been scheduled for the Koolauloa Water Shed Management Plan; Usagawa noted none at this time.
MARINE CORPS/U.S. ARMY: Previously reported in the meeting.
At this time, with no objections by the Board, Chair Letts received public input. Following public input the agenda resumed regular order.
PUBLIC INPUT: Several members of the community provided input at this time;
- Stephanie Ceus of Leading Edge Network announced the program has now come to Kahuku and Waialua Community Centers, leaders are still needed, but the program will focus on teenage academics.
- A community member encouraged the Board and other members of the community to attend the BOE administrative meeting, and provided your input.
- Zenobia Jese of Reinstated Hawaii Government announced they have been in the community for the past ten years and welcome input from the community.
- Several community members voiced their discomfort with B&B’s noting they know of many that have been operating illegally for the past years.
- Several community members spoke for B&B’s noting they are a great employment system and offer a wide variety of homes and lifestyles.
- Fran Corcoran of the Kahuku Public Library announced several community events that are open to the public, noting the book sale, 2010 census sharing, and the free tax help.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
HOUSING: Heath reported she was in receipt of a letter informing her there are currently 15 nuclear submarines docked at Pearl harbor, and could grow to 18 submarines by next year. An environmental impact study (EIS) was not done, as it is not needed.
PLANNING AND LAND USE: No report.
EDUCATION: No report.
CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: Primacio reported there is a need to investigate the current status of all drains, culverts, and bridges in the district as there are 27 bridges with only five of them newly constructed and 22 that are old. There are currently 42 drains where half are dilapidated.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: No report.
PARKS AND RECREATION: No report.
PUBLIC INFORMATION: No report.
PUBLIC SAFETY/ TRANSPORTATION: No report.
WATER: No report.
CULTURAL AFFAIRS: No report.
PUBLIC INPUT: Previously reported on in the meeting,
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted correspondence can be viewed following the meeting if interested.
COMMUNITY REPORTS: Hau’ula: Steward noted the City & County of Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services (DCS) will be opening their Worklinks program tomorrow, March 13, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at this location.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant