Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb28/09/28200905Min.PDF

KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009

HAU’ULA CIVIC CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of eleven (11) members present. Note- this eleven (11) member Board requires six (6) member for a quorum and to take official Board action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Moana Kalua’u, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Junior Primacio, Les Steward, and Dawn Wasson.

MEMBERS ABSENT: All members present.

GUESTS: William Racoma, Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Fred Mencher, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association), Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Medical Center), Captain Ed Kealoha (Honolulu Fire Department), Major Alan Crouch (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Lieutenant John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Henry Wasson, Captain Mario Monroy (U.S. Army), Bryan Mick (Mayor’s Representative), Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Linnie Pascual (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 2009: Matoon moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the meeting minutes of April 9, 2009 with the below corrections, the motion was ADOPTED UANANIMOUSLY, 11-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kalua’u, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Primacio, Steward, and Wasson.)

1. Page 5: Correct spelling of “Corcoran.”

2. Page 3: Councilmember Dela Cruz: Second Bullet: Replace “streams” with “drains.”

TREASUER’S REPORT: Steward read the April Treasure’s Report, highlighting a current expense of $37.76 due to printing and postage, to leave a current balance of $2,178.42. The report was filed.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

1. Fire Statistics: Company Statistics for April 2009 include; Kahuku Company; 21 fires, 9 medical emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous calls; Hau’ula Company: 13 fires, 8 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 2 miscellaneous; Ka’a’awa Company: 15 fires, 21 medical emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous.

2.  Fire Safety Tip: As the risk of wildland fires increase as summer approaches, create a 30-foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures.

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

1. Crime Statistics: Statistics for the month of April include; 1 aggravated assault, 5 simple assaults, 3 auto theft recoveries, 6 burglaries, 4 drugs/narcotics, 1 driving under the influence (DUI), 3 family offenses, 3 graffiti, 0 kidnapping, 3 motor vehicle theft, 9 property damages, 16 motor vehicle collisions, 0 rape, 0 robbery, 0 sex assaults, 16 thefts, 3 threatening and 8 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV.)

2. Crime Tip: Residents are urged to never leave car keys in the ignition of a vehicle whether the vehicle is operating or not. Perpetrators find these vehicles an easy target and will not hesitate to break in.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Patrol Location Requests: Several Board members requested HPD patrol the Fish and Wildlife Refuge area, Giovanni’s Shrimp Shack in Kahuku, and the La’ie Shopping Center.

2. Kahuku Golf Course Parking: Concern rose that residents are loitering in the Kahuku Golf Course Parking lot after hours, and residents of the senior home have been victims of loud noises; HPD to patrol the area.

3. HPD Accident Notification Process: A community member questioned if HPD notifies motorist when a car accident occurs and lane closures are imminent; Vines noted radio stations are notified and the lane closures are announced via several radio stations.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Turtle Bay Resort Status Update: Primacio noted there has not been a meeting with the Governor’s working committee, and will keep the Board posted in the future.

Hospital Update: Kahuku Medical Center (KMC): Ella Siroskey reported the following;

1. 501(c) 3: The Medical Center has obtained its 501(c) 3, and thanks the community and organizations for the continued support. The Medical Foundation is being set up in the present time.

2. Gurney Replacements: Three of six old gurneys have been replaced with new gurneys. The Medical center will continue to work to replace the remaining gurneys.

3. Architects Hawaii: Stephany Vaioleti, Assistant Administrator, is currently working with Architects Hawaii to arrange a Medical Center facelift, more details to follow.

4. Hurricane Preparedness: KMC is collaborating with the Army National Guard and will have a Director’s Drill Meeting on Friday, May 22, 2009 at the KMC meeting room at 10:30 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Emergency Generator: It was questioned and clarified that the Medical Center’s emergency generator is currently being held at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

2. Eagle Scout Volunteers: Should the medical Center require assistance for the ‘face lift’ the Eagle Scouts volunteered their services.

Status Continental Pacific Environmental Assessment (EA): Mattoon noted there has been no change with Continental Pacific’s EA. A meeting is scheduled for May 23, 2009 to discuss the EA. Mattoon to follow up.

Ka’a’awa School Closure Report: Chair Letts reported that Ka’a’awa Elementary School will be open for the next school year. The cesspool will be replaced with a septic tank. A community meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2009 at the Ka’a’awa Elementary School cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.

Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant Variance: Mattoon noted he had received a letter explaining the variance application is currently on the Director of the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: A community member questioned if the restaurant variance will address the sewage issues, to which Mattoon noted the variance is not for the sewage purposes.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kahuku Community Association Parking at Kahuku Villages: Ralph Makaiau of the Kahuku Community Association provided the following;

1. Kahuku Community Association’s Task: The Kahuku Community Association (KCA) Board of Directors accepted the task to facilitate a survey of the Ko’olauloa Housing subdivision regarding the installation of additional parking restrictions.
2. Evaluation Findings: Upon further investigation, many of the cul-de-sacs within the area were non-conforming streets under the traffic code ordinances managed by the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

3. Goals of the Survey: The project was designed to survey and evaluate the safety of vehicular access, it was not KCA’s choice to install further parking restrictions, it was up to the community.

4. Community Meeting: Notices were delivered to each house requesting their attendance to a No Parking Any Time Work Session on Saturday, March 28, 2009. At the Work Session, residents were able to voice their opinion and choose the street side that No Parking signs would be installed. For residents that did not attend the Work Session, the decision to place the No Parking signs will be left to DTS.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Possible Objection Solutions: Heath questioned if there have been solutions to several of the objections from residents in the area, suggesting an industrial parking location for work trucks, or park space being used as parking for school events; Makaiau noted that discussions are ongoing with the City, however, no specific solutions have been finalized.

2. No Recommendation: It was questioned and clarified that there were two conditions where no recommendations were made; a tie vote between residents and no participation of residents. No recommendations will be left to DTS to decide which side of the street to install the No Parking signs.

June Meeting, Summer Recess: Chair Letts explained that King Kamehameha I Day is on the same day at the scheduled June 2009 Neighborhood Board meeting. Chair Letts noted the meeting date may be changed to the first or third Thursday of the month subject to location availability. Leonardi moved and Mattoon seconded to schedule the June 2009 Neighborhood Board meeting subject to the Chair’s decision of Board business. The motion was ADOPTED, 10-1-0, (Aye: Elkington, Heath, Kalua’u, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Steward, Wasson; No: Primacio.)  

GOVERNMENT REPORTS CONTINUED:

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

1. Elected Official Board Presentation Charge: Councilmember Charles Djou has proposed a $250 to all elected officials which will allow them to present information at the Neighborhood Boards. This may adversely damage the Board system and discourage politics from participating in the democratic process.

2. Council Budget: The City Council is to release their version of the FY 2009-2010 budget on May 18, 2009, the Neighborhood Commission Office’s budget is currently still in tact.

3. Neighborhood Board Election Budget: The Neighborhood Commission Office’s (NCO) election budget was cut from $220,000 to $180,000. The final cost of the election was approximately $100,000, saving an estimated $80,000. All eligible voters were mailed out a pass code and voting instructions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Neighborhood Board Elections: Several Board and community members voiced concern with the on-line and phone voting system, noting residents are elderly and English is their second language. It was urged that the NCO resume mail-in ballots.

2. Pat’s at Punalu’u: A community member requested the status of the Pat’s at Punalu’u restaurant variance.

3. Beach Access Signs: A community member questioned if the City & County of Honolulu will be installing beach access signs in Punalu’u.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Reed Matsuura provided a written report, highlighting;

1. Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Update: Councilman Dela Cruz was able to obtain funding for the Hau’ula Community Park Play courts and the Punalu’u Beach Park Irrigation System.
2. Additional Projects: In addition to the CIP projects, Councilmember Dela Cruz is asking for inclusion of several projects in Bill 16 including; the Kahalu’u’ Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Study.

3. City Council Budget: As previously mentioned the City Council will finalize their version of the City Budget for FY 2009-2010. The budget will then be reviewed by Mayor Hannemann.

4. Bills of Interest: The Councilmember’s monthly report provided a brief detail of several bills of interest including Bill 20, relating to the motor vehicle weight tax and Bill, banning the use of electronic devices while operating a vehicle.

5. Kahuku Golf Course Gate: Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office has not received a response from the City Department of Enterprise Services regarding the requested gate at Kahuku Golf Course.

6. La’ie Point Anemoku Street: DTS has noted that a study will be conducted in the La’ie Point areas to validate if further traffic calming devices are needed, the study should be completed by June 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kuleana Landowners Exemption: Matsuura will follow up regarding the Kuleana landowner real property three year trial period exemptions.

2. Punalu’u Irrigation System: Heath suggested that collaboration be done with the contractors that will install the Punalu’u irrigation system, and the contractors that are replacing Punalu’u Bridge.

3. Planning, Design and Construction Funding: It was clarified that funding for planning, designing, and construction have been appropriated for the two CIP projects in Ko’olauloa. Chair Letts noted that the play courts have been promised for several years now, and will replace the promised skate park.

4. Punalu’u Beach Access: Follow up was requested regarding Punalu’u beach access signs.

Mazie Hirono’s Office: No report available at this time.

Governor’s Representative: No report available at this time.

State Legislators: Representative Jessica Wooley: Representative Wooley provided a written report, listing all pieces of legislation that was passed this legislative session. A complete chart, of how the State budget was balanced was also provided.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: House Bill (HB) 1552: It was questioned and clarified that HB 1552, relating to a community council to develop a master plan, has passed the legislature. The community council association will be meeting in June or July 2009 to recommend members for the community council. The State Senator and Representative of the area will also make a recommendation to the community council seats.

Department of Education (DOE): No report available at this time.

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

1. Water Break Report: No water main breaks have been reported in Ko’olauloa. Oahu pumpage for the week ending May 9, 2009 was 162.6 million gallons per day (mgd.) up from 154.8 mgd the week prior.

2. 2009 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest: Thanks to 3,500 student artists and 200 poets who participated. A full list of winners can be viewed online at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

3. Detect-A-Leak Week: The BWS will be launching its Detect-A-Leak week from June 7-June 13, 2009. Free leak detection tablets were provided to the Board and community members.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Annual Pumpage Rate: Mattoon questioned and clarified that one year, the week ending pumpage rate was 159 mgd compared to 162.6 mgd, which is high for the annual five year comparison.
2. Leak Tablet Availability: Kaluhiokalani requested that the leak detection tablets be available at Ace Hardware Stores in conjunction with City Mill; Usagawa will follow up.

3. Kahuku Village Association Water Allocation: Following up on a question raised in April, Usagawa explained that the water allocations for the Kahuku Village Association Phase 4 and 5 Projects remain in tact. Several years ago the BWS repaired several leaks in the system, which saved consumers money.

4. Exploratory Wells in Malaekahana: Leonardi questioned and was clarified that there are two exploratory wells currently in Malaekahana, one of which was built by the State. Under investigation a third well is being looked at to be drilled in Kahuku, for liability and capability purposes. If appropriated in the budget the third well will include a permanent generator in case of an electricity outage.

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

1. MCBH Hours of Operation: Hours of operation have not changed, with the exception of a Memorial Day weekend observance and maintenance closure from 12:00 noon May 22nd-7:00 a.m. on May 26th, except for Saturday May 23, 2009 which is open from 8:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

2. Nu’upia Ponds Clean-Up: Both Marine and Army facilities welcome volunteers to clean up Nu’upia ponds, many invasive species are growing in the area, and both military departments regular clean the area.

3. Surf Contest: MCBH will host five high school surf teams at Pyramid Rock Beach on May 17, 2009.

4. Ride for Safety: All services and bases will “Ride for Safety” a safe motorcycle event on May 22, 2009.

5. Bone Marrow Drive: This weekend, May 16 and 17th, MCBH will host a bone marrow drive on base.

6. Deployments and Homecomings: Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 and 3rd Marine Regiment Head Quarters. Combat Logistics Battalion 3 and the Navy’s VP-4 are expected to return this month. The 2nd Battalion 3rd Marine regiment deployed to Afghanistan last week.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Military Aviation Identification: It was questioned and clarified that the easiest way to identify the different Marine and Army aircrafts are by their propellers. The stationed Marine aircraft has only one propeller, while the Army’s aircraft has two. Major Crouch noted he has spoken to the Army and will be making a presentation at the Neighborhood Boards with pictures and maps for the public.

2. Job Fair: MCBH will host a Job Fair on June 19, 2009; flyers have been provided and for more information, contact 257-7787.

U.S. Army: Captain Mario Munroy reported the following information;

1. Red Cross’ Hats Off Program: Stations were set up at crossroads collecting voluntary funds, raised $50,000 for the Red Cross’ Hats Off Program. Mahalo to all residents that donated their funds.

2. Contact Information: Captain Munroy noted that if any questions arise before the next meeting, to contact him at 655-1899.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kolekole Pass: Wasson requested that she be informed of how and when is it allowed to access Kolekole Pass for traditional Hawaiian practices; Munroy to follow up.

2. Kahuku Training Area: Primacio questioned how many personnel workers are at the Kahuku training area as well as what types of training is done and how often; Munroy to follow up.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Housing: Heath thanked community members for saving several damaged homes in Kahana.

Planning and Land Use: Mattoon reported the following information;

1. Continental Pacific’s EA: Mattoon reported that he has been informed by Jeff Lee of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), that the EA has been deferred for three reasons; the park dedication, park drainage plan, and comments from the State Department of Transportation (DOT).

2. Pat’s at Punalu’u Variance: Mattoon noted that Primacio, Eklington and Steward were able to attend the April 29th and 30th meeting in La’ie. Discussion did not include cost figures, roadway development, and any proposed demographic changes. Information can be found at www.honoluludpp.org. The restaurant variance remains on the Director of DPP’s desk.

Education: Leonardi reported the following;

1. Summer Vacation: Students have another three weeks of school, which will then be followed by summer vacation. The upcoming fiscal year (FY), FY 2009-2010 will begin in July 2009.

2. Lunch Cost: Concerns were raised regarding the State Department of Education (DOE) proposing to raise the school lunch prices near 75%. Residents were encouraged to write their State and Congressional representatives and voice their concerns.

CIP/Public Works: Primacio and Leonardi reported the following;

1. La’ie Wai Bridge: Following up from a previous month’s concern regarding the possibility of La’ie Wai being contaminated. Upon investigation, the mauka side of La’ie Wai Bridge is concrete, and would therefore have no vegetation growing, however, on the makai side of the bridge there is vegetation growing, so contamination does not seem imminent. Chair Letts noted the State Department of Health was informed.
2.  
3. Culverts within the District: It was explained that Leonardi has identified 14 culverts along Kamehameha Highway that are under the State Department of Transportation’s (DOT) jurisdiction. Of the 14 culverts, three are completely covered in sediment and 4 others are partly covered. Leonardi noted he will be working with DOT and Chair Letts noted that this item can be placed on an upcoming Board agenda.

Health/Human Services: Chair Letts reported that Hau’ula has been selected in the John A. Burns School of Medicine National Children’s Study, a longitudinal study following infant children to the age of 24, which will collect data on the learning abilities and health issues of the selected area.

Parks & Recreation: Primacio provided a copy of a letter that has been sent to Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office, explaining the lease arrangement between the City & County of Honolulu and Campbell Estate of the undeveloped land in Kahuku District Park. The letter is encouraging a DPR representative to engage in conversation with the community and urge the City to complete Kahuku District Park.

Public Information: Steward reported the following;

1. Kahuku High School Graduation: Seniors of Kahuku High School will graduate on May 28, 2009 at the Brigham Young University (BYU) Canon Activity Center at 6:00 p.m.

2. BYU Graduation: Students of BYU will graduate on June 6, 2009 at the BYU Canon Activity Center.

3. Hawaiian Immersion Graduation: Five Students of Kahuku High School Hawaiian Immersion Program will be the first graduating class of Hawaiian speaking students to graduate on May 27, 2009 at the Queen Liliuokalani children’s Center at 6:00 p.m.

Public Safety/Transportation: Elkington reported that the Makani Pahili, Emergency Evacuation Training Exercise will be targeted on the North Shore side of the island this year. Kahuku Medical Center is working with the Military, BYU, and the State Civic Defense. The exercise will take two days, June 3-4, 2009.

Water: Kahana noted thanks to Usagawa for his water report, and to protect and conserve Oahu’s water.

Cultural affairs: Wasson reported the following;

1. Ho’olama Program: Bishop Estate and Kamehameha Schools will be sponsoring a Ho’olama Program for interested children. The program will visit Malaekahana and La’ie every Wednesday from June 17-July 22, 2009, where students will learn to fish, repair nettings, and the history of fishing.

2. Kupuna Classes: Kupuna are welcomed to join classes by Professor Isaiah Walker on Hawaiian History every Monday at 8:00 a.m. For more information see Wasson.

3. Hauwahine Pageant Volunteers: Volunteers are sought to participate in the Hauwahine Pageant, a local goddess of the Hau’ula area.

4. Waikuku’u and Kahawainui Stream: Construction workers near the Kahawainui Stream have been infected and had to postpone work on the project for two weeks. The State Department of Health (DOH) will be asked to investigate the area.

PUBLIC INPUT: Several concerns were raised at this time;

1. Koolauloa Sustainability: Kirk Peterson, a resident, provided a written report of several suggestions that will help solve the affordable housing issue without the expansion of proposed development in the district. Suggestions included; renovations of existing homes, self sustainability within the communities, and solar and wind power alternatives. For more information contact Peterson at 888-2425.

2. Makani Pahili Emergency Evacuation Exercise: A community member further explained that on June 2, 2009 the ‘simulated’ warnings for the emergency evacuation will be broadcasted in the community, and June 3, 2009 will act as the landfall date. 30 volunteers are still needed for exercises on June 4, 2009.

3. Sewage Leaks into the Ocean: A community member voiced concern with possible sewage leaks into the ocean at Kekela Beach as well as Alligator Palm. Chair Letts will request that DOH do water testing.

4. Kahuku Library: Fran Corcoran provided a handout illustrating several ongoing programs at the Kahuku Public Library including; 2009 Young Adults Summer Reading program, Cupcake Decorating with Kaynani Casey, and Taiko Drumming with Kenny Endo.

5. First Wind: Wren Wescoatt reported that several sound studies have been completed, several avian studies are ongoing, and the project is slated for construction in 2010.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted correspondences are available at the table.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku: Thanks were given to the City & County of Honolulu, several roads have been repaired in the Kahuku area, and trash can now be picked up by the City trucks.

La’ie: Elkington noted that the Envision La’ie Project is a 50 year project, noting that many other communities will be affected. Community input is very important to this project, whether it be development or non-development. Wasson noted that whether the project is pro-development or not, the basic water needs are not addressed. Chair Letts noted that the item will be placed on the agenda for further discussion.

Hau’ula: Kalua’u contacted DPR to address the graffiti issue in Hau’ula.

Punalu’u: Mattoon reported that the South Punalu’u Bridge will begin construction September 2009, and is estimated to take 25 months to be completed. The bridge will replace the current standing bridge.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: No announcements were made at this time.

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

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant