Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb28/09/28200909Min.PDF 

KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Junior Primacio called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of nine (9) members present. Note—This 11 member Board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: John Elkington, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dotty Kelly-Paddock, Jimmy Leonardi, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Kela Miller, Junior Primacio, Les Steward.

Members Absent: Richard Fale and Moana Kalua’u.

Vacancies: There are no vacancies on the Board at this time.

Guests: Diana Hoppe, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Public Library), Wendy Anae, Josephine Bird, F. Peter Paddock, Lieutenant John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter Kalu Wolfe (Honolulu Fire Department), Linda Read (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Verna Equires, Kirk Paterson, Tim Vandeveer (Defend Oahu), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), William Racoma, Carl Young (Sprint Hawaii), Ben Shafer, Captain Mario Munroy (U.S. Army), KC Connors, Kent Fonoimoana, Aliitasi Ponder, Michael Sakata (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Bryan Mick (Mayor’s Representative), Wren Wescoatt (First Wind), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).

BOARD ORGANIZATION:

Filling of the Vice Chair Position: Chair Primacio was informed that Board member Fale is currently on deployment for the remaining of the year. Chair Primacio asked the Board’s pleasure whether to appoint a new Vice Chair or not.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Position Permanent: Chair Primacio clarified that if the position is filled, and Fale returns to the Board, the Board may take up re-appointing Fale to Vice Chair. This decision will have to be made by the Board when the time comes.

2. Lack of Representation: Concern was raised with the lack of representation from Hau’ula on the full Board with Fale’s absence. It was noted that this is the first Board meeting Fale has missed.

3. Board Seat Replacement: It was questioned and clarified that the Board is not appointing a resident to fill Fale’s Board seat as he has not missed three meetings at this time.

4. Three Absence Protocol: Chair Primacio explained that according to the Neighborhood Plan, following three absences of any Board member, a certified letter is sent to that Board member asking their intention to continue serving or to vacate the seat. At the Board meeting following the third absence, the Board is able to discuss removal of the Board member.

5. Military Service: It was questioned if Military personnel are exempt from this three absence protocol, as many personnel are given their jobs back upon returning from deployment; Mayor’s Representative Bryan Mick will question Corporation Counsel and follow up.

Leonardi nominated Steward. Steward nominate Kaluhiokalani, however Kaluhiokalani declined the nomination. Steward was ELECTED Vice Chair UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Kalua’u Kelly-Paddock, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio and Steward.)

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Kalu Wolfe reported the following information;

1. Fire Statistics: Company statistics for the month of August 2009 included; Ka’a’awa Station: 1 brush fire, 9 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescues and 6 miscellaneous; Kahuku Station: 1 auto fire, 1 hazardous material, 11 medical emergencies and 4 miscellaneous; Hau’ula Station: 1 structure fire, 2 brush fires, 3 rubbish fires, 18 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescues and 2 auto accidents.

2. Fire Safety Tip: Fire Prevention Week (FPW) begins in October. FPW has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire from October 8 to 11, 1861. Most fire injuries and fatalities are caused by fires that occur in homes, so this year's campaign will focus on preparedness and underscore the importance of regularly checking homes for fire hazards. In October, elementary school children will receive the Fire Fighter's Safety Guide.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kahuku Fire Station Update: It was questioned and clarified that the Kahuku Station construction work continues at this time, no definite completion date has been announced.

2. Possible New Fire Stations: It was clarified that the possibility of new fire station in the Ko’olauloa area has only been rumored, with no plans to justify these rumors.

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

1. Crime Statistics: 1 aggravated assault, 3 simple assaults, 3 auto-theft recoveries, 19 burglaries, 5 family offenses/neglect, 1 kidnapping, 22 motor vehicle collisions, 5 motor vehicle thefts, 16 property damages, 1 robbery, 23 thefts, 4 threatening and 26 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV).

2. Unusual Incidents: 1) On Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 56-119 Kamehameha Highway, a UWMV escalated into a robbery, a 43 year old male was arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 for the crime. 2) On Saturday, August 22, 2009 a 21 year old female hit a light pole near 56-350 Kamehameha Highway, she was ejected from the car and was taken to Queen’s Medical Center, and alcohol seemed to be a factor in the incident.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Criminal Arrest: It was questioned and clarified that following an arrest the criminal is usually tried at court; with sentencing done by the presiding judge and not by HPD.

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

1. News Article for Fran Corcoran: Mick provided a copy of a news article highlighting the efforts of Fran Corcoran at the Kahuku Library during the 2009 Neighborhood Board elections. Mayor Mufi Hannemann also signed the article for Corcoran. Applause followed.

2. Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant Variance Letter: The Pat’s at Punalu’u variance was approved by the Director of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on June 15, 2009 subject to conditions. A letter in response of the Board’s concerns was provided to Chair Primacio and Board members.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Bus Stop Shelter Relocation: The bus stop makai of Kamehameha Highway, fronting Kahuku High School, was moved further down, however the bus shelter is still is its original location; a request asked that the shelter be moved to the new stop.

2. Punalu’u Disability Access: Request that the Punalu’u Beach Park be equipped with American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards including wheel chair ramps.

3. Kokololio Beach Park: Request that the gates at Kokololio Beach Park remain open during the night to accommodate residents utilizing the park; this will alleviate parked cars on the side of the road.

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

1. Resolution 09-262: The resolution was introduced to develop a food and waste recycling program for apartment complexes throughout the City and County of Honolulu. For more information see the Councilmember’s September 2009 hand out.

2. Bill 63 Relating to the Budget: Bill 63 relating to real property tax exemptions for affordable rental housing, which provides real property tax relief to qualified owners, has passed first reading.

3. Privately Owned Streams: Sakata reiterated the fact that privately owned streams are the responsibility of the property owners. The City can come clean the stream and bill the property owner if the stream is not being maintained.

4. Pat’s at Punalu’u Comments: Comments can be made relating to the Pat’s at Punalu’u Restaurant variance during the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) period.

5. Pualalea Beach Park Parking Lot Expansion: A request has been submitted to the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to expand the Pualalea Park parking lot, no response has been given at this time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Hau’ula Community Park Play Equipment: It was questioned and clarified that the play equipment for Hau’ula Community Park is of high priority, and the Councilmember is awaiting input from the community regarding the type of play equipment that should be installed.

2. Private Stream Owners: Concern and frustration was noted regarding the cleaning of privately owned streams, Ki’i and Kahuku streams have not been cleaned and have been a topic of discussion for the past year. 

3. Wailele Stream: Request that the makai side of Wailele stream be cleared and cleaned of debris.

4. Proper Speed Limit Signage: A Request that the speed limit signs on Kamehameha Highway, in the area of Cackle Egg Farm and the Gunstock Ranch, be changed to the same speed limit in each direction.

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

1. Water Main Break: There was one water main break on Monday, August 3, 2009 on Hau’ula fronting 54-033 Kamehameha Highway. Oahu potable pumpage for the week ending September 5, 2009 averaged 163 million gallons per day (mgd).

2. General Water Announcements: Hurricane Felicia served as an important reminder that all residents should be prepared for a natural disaster. It is important that an emergency kit be ready and stay tuned to media reports.

3. Water Saving Tips: When mowing the lawn, leave the cuttings as the added organic matter helps soil retain moisture. Instead of dumping leftovers down the garbage disposal, start a compost pile that will help soil retain moisture and help produce fertilizer for your yard.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Water Pump Locations in Ko’olauloa: It was questioned and clarified that there are several pumps throughout the Ko’olauloa range, including Kahuku, Hau’ula, Makua Valley, Punalu’u and Kahana.

2. Punalu’u Wells: It was clarified that the Punalu’u wells are gravitationally operated; however, are still tied to the reservoir, and can sustain only one day worth of water in an emergency.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCNERNS: Several concerns were voiced at this time.

1. Na Kamalei Education Program: Nalani Mattox-Primacio raised concern regarding the fact that Na Kamalei, an early education program currently working with residents in the Ko’olauloa district, did not receive additional federal funds this fiscal year. The project is in danger from outside programs that may take residents away from Na Kamalei. A resident spoke in support of Na Kamalei, explaining that Na Kamalei helped his son, when no other education programs would help him.

2. Envision La’ie Plan: Chair Primacio announced that residents that may not have been able or chose not to speak at the July Special Meeting, were given a chance to submit written testimony to the Board with follow up provided by the Envision La’ie Team. Miller provided copies of nine written testimonies that were followed up by envision La’ie.

      Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Written Testimony: Concern was raised regarding the nine testimonies and responses noting that the concerns should have come to the Board and the Board be able to respond. Chair Primacio noted that at the Special Meeting, residents were informed that their written testimony would be answered by the Envision La’ie team and not the Board.

2.       Decision Made: Several residents raised concern that the Board decided to vote at the Special Meeting. Residents noted that the decision was premature and should be invalid.

3.       Sunshine Law: Several Board members raised concerns that the Board may have violated the Sunshine Law, when residents were not allowed to speak at the Special Meeting. Several Board members noted they did not believe the Sunshine Law was violated, and the Board did everything in their power to control the meeting.

4.       Petitions Against envision La’ie: Several community members provided online and hardcopy petitions against the Envision La’ie project. Several of the petitions housed over 4,000 signatures.

5.       In Support of Envision La’ie: Several residents spoke in support of the Envision La’ie Project, explaining that many residents who were in attendance at the Special Meeting were also in favor of the project.

6.       Board Member Disclosure: Concern was raised with the possible connection of Board members to the Envision La’ie Project.

7.       Possible Business and Employment/Affordable Housing: Several residents spoke in favor of the possibility of jobs and employment opportunities and affordable housings the Envision La’ie Project would bring to the Ko’olauloa area. A community member noted that there remains a possibility that the affordable homes would not be given to local residents.

8.       Keep the Country Country: Many residents were opposed to development and noted that they would rather keep the country country. A resident noted that not all development is bad, noting that the Civic Center was built on Hawaiian lands and no one argued.

APPROVAL OF JULY 9, 2009 REGULAR MINUTES AND JULY 30, 2009 SPECIAL MINUTES: Kaluhiokalani moved and Leonardi seconded to approve the July 9, 2009 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Kalua’u Kelly-Paddock, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio and Steward.)

• Page 1: Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Indicate that Letts and Mattoon abstained on both nominations, changing the vote to 6-0-2.
• Page 2: HFD: Suspected Arson: Clarify that it was questioned if any of the fires were set by arsonist.
• Page 2: HPD: Budgeted Officer Positions: Clarify that no ‘additional’ officers were budgeted at this time.
• Page 3: BWS: El Nino Forecasted; Clarify that it was questioned what the potential impacts of El Nino would have on Oahu’s water supply.
• Page 3: Councilmember Dela Cruz: Kahuku District Park: Clarify that a status update for the Kahuku District Park was requested.
• Page 3: Community Concerns: Hau’ula Community Representation: Note that Board member Kelly-Paddock’s absence was a notified absence.
• Page 4: Ka’a’awa Elementary School: Replace ‘septic tank’ with ‘wastewater treatment system’.
• Page 4; National Children’s Study: Clarify that ‘9,000 households in the County and to enroll 1,000’.
• Page 5: Military Aviation Presentation: Army Aviation: Replace ‘MCBH’ with ‘the training area’.
• Page 5: Military Aviation Presentation: Flight Patterns: Delete ‘must’ and replace ‘Chinaman’s Hat’ with ‘moku lii’. Replace ‘5,000 feet’ with ‘500 feet’.
• Page 7: Community Reports: La’ie: Delete ‘UNANIMOUSLY’ in the motion.
• Page 7: Announcements: Special Meeting: Clarify that all communities in Ko’olauloa are encouraged to attend the special meeting.

The approval of the special meeting minutes of July 30, 2009 was deferred to the October 2009.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Nature Conservancy: Kelly-Paddock provided the following information;

1. Concern with Oahu’s Oceans: As a diver for over 25 years, Kelly-Paddock explained that the excess pollution and lack of ocean life has been very noticeable all over the island in recent years.

2. The Nature Conservancy: The mission of ‘The Nature Conservancy’ is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. The Conservancy is currently working in collaboration with others to rescue Hawaii’s coral reefs including, community based partnerships, invasive species removal and fair catch responsible fishing campaigns. For more information visit www.nature.org.

3. Beach Environmental Awareness Campaign Hawaii (BEACH): BEACH organizes litter prevention campaigns and beach clean-ups in order to educate the community about the need to care for Hawaii’s beaches. A new campaign for recycling plastic bottle caps will help save sea birds and clear the ocean of un-wanted bottle cap debris. For more information visit www.B_E_A_C_H.org.

4. Invitation to the October Meeting: Kelly-Paddock requested that The Nature Conservancy and BEACH be invited to the Board meetings to educate community members and possible work with the community on cleaning Oahu’s beaches.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Community in Support: Several community members spoke in support of both organizations, reiterating the need for more clean-ups and for residents to stop polluting on the beaches and in the ocean.

2. Kahuku Beach Clean-Up: Fran Corcoran, of the Kahuku Library, informed the Board that a group of approximately 50 people were able to aide in the Kahuku beach clean-up where pollution is a big concern.

Committee Chair Assignments: Chair Primacio provided a list of appointed Committee Chairs along with a committee description; except the Education Committee. Appointed Committee Chairs included;

• Housing: John Elkington
• Cultural Affairs: Norman Kaluhiokalani
• C.I.P/Public Works: Creighton Mattoon
• Parks & Recreation: Richard Fale
• Planning & Land Use: Les Steward
• Public Information: Kela Miller
• Health & Welfare: Dotty Kelly-Paddock
• Public Safety/Transportation: Moana Kalua’u
• Water: Dee Dee Letts
• Education: Jimmy Leonardi

Application for a Cluster Housing Permit: Chair Primacio noted he had given the application to Board member Kalua’u as she represents the Hau’ula district, where this project is occurring. Kelly-Paddock, also representing Hau’ula has not seen the application; however she has been made aware that residents are concerned with the cluster of homes.

Windward Retreat Center: Chair Primacio reported that public hearing was held on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at the Hau’ula Community Park. Residents both supported and objected the project. Letts noted that the Windward Retreat Center was brought before the full Council in August and with letters of support from the community, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) was given a Special Management Area (SMA) Permit-Minor for the project.

Proposed Sprint/Nextel Facility: Carl Young provided the following information;

1. Community Request Answered: Considering the communities request for better coverage in the Kahuku and Ko’olauloa areas, Sprint PCS is proposing that an antenna be implemented.

2. Proposed Location: The proposed antenna will be implemented on Kahuku High & Intermediate School, on an existing 80 foot field light pole. The pole, which is one of four field light poles, would be replaced with a 100 foot replacement pole, which includes lighting and the Sprint antennas. 

3. Visually Aesthetic: Photos were available for viewing to provide a better depiction of the visual impact to the surrounding community. Due to the fact that the pole is already there, the impact is very minimal.

4. Benefit to Kahuku High and Intermediate School: As the pole is on Kahuku High and Intermediate School, Sprint will be paying ‘rent’ for the property and any providers that will want to connect to this antenna will also have to pay the school for its use.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Cement Reinforcement/Light Use: It was questioned and clarified that upon replacement of the pole, the cement block holding the pole will also be replaced with a stronger reinforcement to accommodate the additional antenna’s weight. The lights will be under the School’s maintenance and will be allowed for use during football games and school events.

2. Kahuku Community Association and Kahuku Village Association: Young noted that the Kahuku Community Association (KCA) and the Kahuku Village Association has not been made aware of this project at this time. Concern was expressed with supporting the project, without input from its area’s community associations. Primacio invited Young to attend the next KCA meeting.

3. Radiation Safety Concerns: Concern was raised with the possibility of radiation being emitted from the antenna; Young explained that radiation being emitted from the antenna is very minimal; for instance, a carrier is located on Kahuku Medical Center.

4. Construction Timeline: It was questioned and clarified that the project, if approved, would take approximately two months and would possibly be done during a school break.

Mattoon moved and Letts seconded to conditionally support the Sprint Field Light Pole project pending the support of the Kahuku Community Association (KCA). The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0, (Aye: Elkington, Kalua’u Kelly-Paddock, Leonardi, Letts, Mattoon, Miller, Primacio and Steward.)

Possible Video Telecasting: This item was deferred until the October meeting.

REPORTS:

Treasurer’s Report: Miller read the August 2009 treasurer’s report, highlighting a current expense of $38.31 due to printing and postage, and a current operating balance of $1,335.71. Chair Primacio noted that due to budgetary constraints the $120 refreshment account has been removed from the Board. The report was filed.

Elected Officials:

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono: No report available at this time.

Governor’s Representative: Chair Primcaio noted Kaluana Park was unable to attend tonight’s meeting; however several questions below were directed to the State for follow up;

1. La’ie Road Reflectors: Request that the roadway from Tanaka Store through La’ie be equipped with street reflectors; this will give motorist a clear view of the road and its boundaries.

2. Kamehameha Highway Striping: The roadway of Kamehameha Highway near Kaluanui Street requires proper striping; the area has been known where accidents occur due to visibility.

State Legislators: No report available at this time.

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

Turtle Bay Resort Status: No report available at this time.

Kahuku Medical Center: Chair Primacio reported that Stephany Vaioletti will be in attendance next month and announced that the Kahuku Medical Center will be providing ultra-sound services every Thursday.

Continental Pacific’s Environmental Assessment: Chair Primacio has not been made aware of any recent information regarding Continental Pacific. The Board is aware that one of two conditional use permits (CUP) was awarded to Continental Pacific, while the second CUP was not.

Ka’a’awa Elementary School: Letts reported the following;

1. Next Community Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009, at Ka’a’awa Elementary School. No decision to close the school has been made thus far; however the school will remain open for this school year.

2. Construction Work: Construction continues at this time to implement the waste water system. There is currently a large hole in the back of the school; residents are urged to stay off campus during the night.

Kahuku Public Library: Fran Corcoran welcomed everyone to participate in several community events;

1. Upcoming Events: Free events at the Library include; ‘Under Standing your Dreams’ with Alice Anne Parker, ‘Nutritional After School Snacks’ with Jane Simmons and ‘Gifts in a Jar’ with Sheila Barnhart.

2. Book Mobile Update: Corcoran provided a photograph of the Kahuku Library Book Mobile, noting it should be up and running by the end of September.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH): Linda Read, Community Relation’s Officer, reported the following information;

1. Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday; 7:00 a.m.-midnight, Friday; 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Saturday; 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday and Holidays closed.

2. News and Events: 1) Marines participated in the USS Missouri End-of-WWII Commemoration ceremony. Marines will participate in a joint service color guard for Samoan Flag Day. 2) On Thursday, September 17, 2009 six marines and two Navy Sailors will participate in the Naturalization Ceremony. 3) The Kuau Rockin’ Surf Competition at Pyramid Roc is open to the public. 4) Marines will also participate in the Aloha Festival Floral Parade.

3. Working Dog Feature: Finn, a working dog, was featured in the Honolulu Advertiser yesterday, September 9, 2009 for his help with rehabilitation of wounded warriors.

4. Homecomings and Deployments: Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, 3rd Marine Regiment HQ, and other detachments and augmentations. Recent Homecomings include HMH-362 and detachments from CLB-3 and HSL-37.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: It was questioned and clarified that the personnel whom checks visitors in at the Identification House are sometimes civilian and may not be in uniform, but do work for the Department of Defense (DOD).

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

1. Invasive Plant Information: Follow up from last month’s concern regarding invasive species, if any residents notice the invasive weed ‘cane tibouchina’ which blossoms a small purple flower should call 286-4616, and they will remove the weeds.

2. Living History Day: Living History Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2009; Schofield will be open to the public interested in military memorabilia.

3. Deployments: The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed on its third mission to Iraq in August; thoughts and prayers go out to soldiers who continue to fight the war on terrorism.

4. National Public Lands Day: The National Public Lands Day will be held on Monday, September 26, 2009; festivities on Schofield will be open to the public. For more information contact Kim Welch at 656-7641.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Brigham Young University (BYU) Family Day: Board members requested the presence of the Army’s helicopter on Saturday, September 26, 2009, for the BYU Family Day; Munroy will let the Army’s Public Affairs’ Office know of the request.

2. Kahuku Training Facility: It was questioned what the Army is doing near the Kahuku Training Facility, community members noted they have seen an increase in activity near the area and behind Kahuku High and Intermediate School; Munroy to follow up.

Correspondence: No correspondence reported at this time.

Community Reports:

Punalu’u: Mattoon explained that the South Punalu’u Bridge will be made to look like the Kokololio Bridge; two contractors were present during the Punalu’u Community Association meeting. It is also rumored that Kahana Bridge will be worked on at the same time.

Hau’ula: Kelly-Paddock will conduct a survey of residents for more input as to what play equipment is wanted, and will pass that information on to Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office.

La’ie: Elkington was able to attend a follow-up meeting with The American Red Cross and was informed that of the 150 hurricane shelters on Oahu, 95% of these are schools. Residents are encouraged to pick up their 72-hour survival kit in case of an emergency.

Kahuku: Leonardi requested that the Board discuss the Hawaii Community Foundation by James Campbell Estates at the next Board meeting. It was noted that the foundation has available funds approximating $80,000.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next regular Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009, with agenda items including the ‘S’ Punalu’u Bridge, City and County recycling efforts, and the Census Bureau. 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant