Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

  http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb29/08/29200804Min.PDF

KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES-draft                                        

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2008                                                                                                                      

KEY PROJECT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Luersen called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. This 15 member Board requires a vote of 8 to adopt a motion. A quorum of 15 was present.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT – Daniel Bender, Richard Garcia, Gregory Geboski, David Henkin, Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir, Ned Busch, Rocky Kaluhiwa, Ken LeVasseur, Keliko Hoe, Elwin Spray, Rich Vermeesch, Mark Valencia, Amy Luersen and Kurt Mench.                                                                                                                                                                                                    

MEMBERS ABSENT - No member was absent.                                                    

GUESTS - Ernie Martin (Mayor Mufi Hanneman’s representative), Jeremy Personius (Senator Clayton Hee’s representative), Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Donovan DelaCruz’s Office), Captain Doug Silva (Honolulu Fire Department),  Lt. J. Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Brennon Morioka (Governor Lingle’s representative), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Art Machado (Kaneohe Bay Regional Council), John Reppun, Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office NA).

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS –

• The pathway around Kahalu`u Regional Park seems to reach a “dead end” with about 225 feet more paving needed to complete the walkway, which would cost about  $75 thousand.  Resident John Reppun suggested this be included as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
• Also, several contractors have offered to replace the trees along Waihe`e Rd  that were lost in the windstorm  so a little CIP money would make this project move forward.
• Chair Luersen noted that the KNB #29 had requested three CIP items: the Pulama Emergency bypass, a study of bicycling and pedestrian paths and Waihe’e Rd. landscaping.
• Henkin added the naupaka vandalized several weeks ago are taking root.
• Bender noticed someone was videotaping the Board meeting and asked the individual to identify himself for the record. The video operator said his name was John Brewer and he wanted to inform himself of district issues.
• LeVasseur thought the Kahekili Highway beautification project had two weeks go by without any progress on the site. Recently work was started again. He wanted to know why there was such a delay

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Doug Silva reported statistics for last month included:

37 medical emergency calls and 12 fires.  Fire Safety Tip: is a smoke alarm really necessary in your home? The answer is YES, ABSOLUTELY!! Smoke alarms are proven life savers. Fires produce smoke and toxic gases which can numb your senses and prevent you from reacting to the fire. This is especially true at night when you and your family are asleep.  A working smoke alarm gives you early notification of a fire and time to escape. Smoke alarm tips and fire escape: 1) Install smoke alarms on every level of your house and outside of every sleeping area. 2) Test smoke alarms once a month. 3) Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or when the smoke alarm chirps to signal that the battery is low. 4) Plan two ways out of every room. 5) Plan a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. 6) Plan to stay out, once you’re out!

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Vines reported the Kaneohe district statistics for last month included:

1 rape, 4 robberies, 5 aggravated assaults, 59 burglaries, 139 thefts, 77 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 12 auto thefts.  1) A father and son were both arrested during a domestic dispute involving a rifle. 2) There were four drug offense arrests made on Waikane Road. 3) An 84 year old male was killed when his vehicle crossed the centerline on Kahekili Highway. 4) There were two temporary restraining order (TRO) violation arrests made on Ahuimanu Road. 5) The Explorer Youth Program is taking reservations for youths ages 14 through 20 at 6:00 p.m. this Friday at the Kaneohe HPD station. Interested citizens should call Detective Santos at 723-8619.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – B. Usagawa reported:

1) There were no water main breaks in the district last month. 2) The BWS continually analyzes the water system to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. There are four factors that BWS takes into account: Condition Assessment, Water System Upgrades, Public Impact, and Project Coordination. Once the above four factors are analyzed and a stretch is identified, BWS budgets for design and construction and then notifies all involved parties including Neighborhood Boards. A bid process followed. BWS recognizes the impact construction projects can have on a community. However, these projects are critical to reducing the number of emergencies. To find out BWS construction projects in your area, log onto to boardofwatersupply.com and click on “Construction Projects” or contact BWS at 748-5730. 3) On O`ahu only, BWS relies on groundwater sources to provide water and three essential natural elements are also factors; northeast trade-winds that drive clouds inland, moisturized by evaporation from ocean waters, high mountain ranges capture and force the moisture-laden clouds to higher elevations, which results in condensation and rainfall on watershed areas, and the island’s geological landscape serves as a natural filtering and underground storage system of water. 4) BWS will be developing a watershed management plan for Ko`olaupoko, having just finished one in Ko`olauloa. He noted that the Ko`olauloa water plan intends to reduce water transfers out of the district. 5) Townscape Inc. has been hired for the land use plan, the Ko’olaupoko sustainable communities plan, and the water management plan. Board input is needed to develop both water and land plans, which are clearly connected. 6) a major initiative for BWS in this community is the Waihe`e Ahupua`a Initiative.

Questions and concerns:

LeVasseur, asked if engineers had a stream management alternative for Ko’olaupoko. B. Usagawa said the sustainable plan calls for conserving water to reduce water transfer out of the district; the plan is updated every five years and is approved by the State Commission on Water Management.

• Henkin had a concern about the lack of rainfall. B. Usagawa said there are 12 water wells around the island to draw from. March had an alert of a low water level in Punalu’u, which is early in the season.  

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – No report was available.

Questions and concerns:

• Busch said that on April 11 at 3:15 a.m. 1,000 marines were going to take a training hike around the district.
• Busch raised a concern about the US Navy’s draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) concerning locating P-8A planes at MCBH. It has been reported that aircraft use is on the decrease while flight use is up by 10% with 34% noise increase. The DEIS states that this is no impact since it is over water. April 25 is the deadline for comments but the KNB did not receive notice in time to put it on the agenda for tonight’s meeting so that we could gather community comments.
• Henkin recommended the Board contact the U.S. Navy in regards to the public hearing being held April 1 at Castle High School with little notice.  The Board was concerned about the community input on the DEIS and will contact the U.S. Navy to request that the deadline be extended until May 25^th so that there is time to hear community comment at the May KNB meeting.

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) - A. Machado reported:

1) Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) has hired three new employees with a recommendation on updating equipment and building a new facility at the pier. 2) DLNR, through DOCARE and in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, will be increasing its presence in and around Kaneohe Bay to enforce boating requirements, zone violations, boating under the influence and all ocean regulations under its purview.

Questions and concerns:

• Kaluhiwa said instead of acting on the issue, Representative Ken Ito has referred the aquarium fish issue to the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council for community input.

Treasurer’s Report - Bender reported:

The operating account balance was $695.03; Board has used up 50% funds appropriated. The publicity account balance was $993.00; still at 100% appropriated. The refreshment account balance was $78.08; Board has used 80% of the appropriated funds.

Comments and concerns:

• Kaluhiwa suggested the Board use the publicity funds to host workshops and wanted to add the use of the Supersucker in Kane’ohe Bay to the next agenda. Luersen asked about timing since the May agenda will be full.  Kaluhiwa stated that a later meeting would be fine.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – E. Martin reported:

1) Kahalu’u Regional Park: The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) installed an under-drain system and has been successful in removing standing water. Irrigation system and repairs are being made and should be completed by end of April. The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) requested a five month landscape maintenance period from the Contractor. This period will end in June 2008; the field at that time will be re-assessed to determine an official opening date. 2) Circle Island TheBus route: The City Department of Transportation Services has no immediate plans for a 24-hour circle island route; however by July 2009 the current service may be expanded. 3) He’eia Park on Kamehameha Highway: The City Department of Transportation Service will conduct an investigation and inform the Board of findings by May 2008 if “no parking” signs are warranted. 4) Hui Iwa Street: The City Department of Transportation Services conducted a test on the left turn sensor loops and found it operating properly. 5)  Litter containers at Ahuimanu Road and Kahekili Highway bus stops: The City Department of Facility Maintenance reported that no containers were ever placed there by the City and none are available for placement; TheBus stop containers are on a waitlist and will be examined and rated. Stops with the most accumulated rubbish will get litter containers first.

Questions and concerns:

• Naluai inquired why the Kahalu`u Regional Park construction to complete pathway was halted and why can’t CIP funds be utilized to complete the project. E. Martin will have to follow up.
• J. Reppun said the City needed to question the contractor regarding completion of the Regional Park, and amend the contract if needed. E. Martin said DFM, DPR and the contractor needed to meet and remedy the situation.
• Kaluhiwa said at He’eia Kea the fence has been cut open and some trees have been cut down; ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles have been destroying the park.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – Brennon Morioka reported:

1) Turtle Bay; the bill authorizing the Governor to acquire the Turtle Bay property passed out of the full Senate, passed through three House committees, and will be heard in conference. After three meetings, some members of the acquisition committee proposed that a second resort may be feasible, however, any new development on the property be restricted to the existing footprint and not develop the remaining open space.  The full committee report is posted at www.Hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay. 2) Aloha Airlines; Governor Lingle and DLIR activated a Rapid Response Team to assist the more than 2,000 employees of Aloha and ATA Airlines following the decisions to discontinue operation of both companies.  The airline closures have reduced the number of airplane seats serving Hawai`i by 13%; opportunity workshops and job fairs have been set up to assist displaced employees. 3) DLNR has not responded yet to the removal of the pavilion at He’eia State Park. 4) Waihe’e Ridge Grading Project; Sam Lemmo with DLNR confirmed the CDUA permit acquired by Mr. Rick Towill was valid and the department will continue to monitor the project.

Questions and concerns:

• LeVasseur,said in light of the recent Kahuku High School bus crash, could the State Department of Transportation write a letter to the NHTSA requesting a rollover crash test for seatbelts on school buses. He said according to crash studies, if children are seat belted there are increased safety concerns;
• Spray thanked the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for facilitating the Naupaka landscaping agreement with the community.
• Spray asked the DOT to monitor the traffic hazard at the Hygienic Store; as he understood the property to be under DOT control. Board was told the store is collecting rental fees from vendors using the adjacent lot to do business.
• DLNR staff needs to be responsive to reports of coral mining and massive fish collection in Kaneohe Bay. These products end up for sale on the internet in violation of existing laws.
• Spray asked DOT to work with community in improvement of the intersection of Waihe’e Road at Kamehameha Highway. He said the Kahalu’u Master Plan (KMP) suggests an improvement there and asked for input from DOT.
• Spray also pointed out the intersection of Kahekili Highway and Hui Iwa Street on the McDonald’s side is in need of a right turn stacking lane. B. Morioka said the department is moving forward with the right turn lane, Kahuku bound, then considering a study to evaluate the traffic flow on both east and west Hui Iwa Streets; He said DOT continues to monitor Hui Iwa Streets
• B. Morioka said DOT hopes to meet with the Board in June 2008 for a complete update of traffic issues in the community. Luersen stated that having the KNB host a separate community meeting would allow the necessary time for this important discussion.
• Henkin asked why the Turtle Bay working committee is proposing a second hotel. B. Morioka said the one hotel doesn’t seem feasible with the governor’s plan; she wants to preserve jobs while establishing more for the growing community.
• Naluai urged DOT to offer seatbelt educational workshops. She also expressed disappointment with U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono’s office; no representative at several Board meetings now.
• Kaluhiwa expressed concern over the announcement the State Unemployment office in Kane’ohe will be closed at the end of April 2008. She also asked DOT to enforce He’eia Park rules; reports of alleged drug dealings and drinking have been reported.  

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s representative – M. Sakata and K. Ribellia reported:

Mike Sakata was introduced as a new aide for Councilmember Dela Cruz. 1) Please submit any priority CIP amendments by April 28. 2) The following bills stand at second reading: A) Bill 66 is to provide real property tax relief to qualified owners of affordable rental housing. B)  Bill 85 is to establish eligible property owners a one-time tax credit against their property tax liability following the installation of a solar water heater on the owner’s property. C) Bill 80 relates to transit technology; steel wheel on steel rail, rubber tire on concrete and magnetic levitation. 3) The City announced it will be expanding its curbside recycling program to an additional 40,000 households by the end of the year, however, the expanded program will not include an option for a 2^nd day paid pick-up. Each home will have a total of three bins; gray for garbage, green for green-waste and blue for mixed recyclables; programs will begin May 2009 through May 2010.

Questions and concerns:

·         Mench asked if, once the recycled programs activate, the redemption centers will remain available. K. Ribellia said yes they will remain open since the home bins will not offer any refunds to residents.

·         Naluai asked to confirm if trees needed in the Regional Park were included in the CIP and, if so, to ask the contractor to complete the parks’ landscaping before the opening ceremony.

·         Valencia asked if a motion is needed to produce results and facilitate the work needed for the park. Henkin said he opposed the Board considering such a motion since the matter had not be listed as an agenda item. Chair Luersen said if the Board wished to put the item on the agenda, it would require a 2/3 vote of the Board.

·         Spray stated that after 40 years of planning for the park it is only fair at this time to demand high expectations in regards to the completion, including the pathway and landscaping. The community deserved to have a first class park after 30 years of the Boards’ progress and repeated CIP requests.

·         K. Ribellia should consult with Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz to confirm what is covered under the CIP.

Senator Clayton Hee’s representative – Jeremy Personius reported:

1) The following monies have been released for fiscal year 2008: $43 million for Windward Community College Learning Resource Center, $1 million for Kahekili Highway beautification and $1 million for the design of contra flow lanes from Haiku, $599,000 for Ahuimanu, $433,000 for Ka’a’awa and $433,000 for Waiahole schools. 2) The following monies have been proposed for fiscal year 2009: $580,000 for Ahuimanu, $580,000 for Ka’a’awa, $500,000 for Laie and $500,000 for Kahuku. 3) The Regional Park celebrated its’ 40^th anniversary this year. 4) DLNR has initiated amending regulations to accomplish changes at Kaneohe Bay in regards to fish replenishing bill. 5) J. Personius will have to confirm and report later regarding the cell phone text messaging bill.

Questions and concerns:

• Valencia inquired what Senator Hee’s position was on the proposed second hotel at Turtle Bay.
• LeVasseur asked for an update on the Woods at Ahuimanu.
• Chair Luersen invited Senator Hee to attend the upcoming DOT meeting with the Board
• Kaluhiwa was concerned that the DOCARE hotline does not answer urgent complaints; instead phone calls are answered the following morning which defeats the purpose of a “hotline”. She also asked if there was a possibility of a placing a DOCARE sub-station at He’eia Park.
• Kaluhiwa also is concerned with the Kane`ohe unemployment office closure.
• J. Personius will follow up on all of the above concerns.

Corrections and additions of the March 12, 2008 regular meeting minutes:

Chair Luersen deferred the corrections to May 2008 since the draft minutes have many errors, including some motions where the vote is wrong, and she did not receive the draft  minutes from the NCO in time  to review prior to due date in March. Henkin suggested sending minutes for review each month to all members. Chair Luersen agreed to coordinate this via email if she receives the minutes in time. NA, M. Chanel-Benjamin to follow up on this request through NCO. March meeting revised minutes will be enclosed with the May agenda, together with the April 9 meeting minutes. 

Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) regarding grading on Waihe’e Place:

Luersen turned the Chair over to Vice Chair Henkin. Naluai moved to form a PIG to evaluate activity not consistent with grading being done at the site. Henkin said the issue has to be more specific in order to form a PIG. Chair Luersen advised the Board of a letter copied to the Board addressed to Rick Towill from Sam Lemmo of DLNR; setting a deadline of December 31, 2008 to complete the slope remediation and implementation of the landscaping plan. She suggested allowing the State to monitor the situation. Garcia noted there was no second to Naluai’s motion and discussion should cease.  Henkin turned the meeting back to Chair Luersen.

COMMITTEE REPORTS –

Water and Environment: Henkin reported the naupaka plant vandals destroyed some plants. Rain and community efforts were vital and made replanting a success. He made note of the Key Project efforts in restoring and upkeep of these plants.  

Transportation: No new report. LeVasseur notified the Board he may be off island during the June Board meeting.

Parks and Recreation: Naluai requested a copy of S. Lemmo’s letter to R. Towill.

Planning: Mench thought the efforts to restore Waihe’e ridge has been great so far. 

Preservation of Hawaiian Heritage: K. Hoe left the Board meeting at 9:15 p.m. No report available.

Military/Civilian Affairs liaison: No report available.

Education and School: No report available.

Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) report – Kahekili Highway Traffic issues:

LeVasseur,said the PIG will focus on setting up a community meeting with DOT   

Announcements –

The next regular Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled at Key Project, 47-200 Waihe’e Road on May 14, 2008.Agenda presentations include: Hawaiian Electric Company solar water heating, State Department of Education crime prevention, and moving June’s Board meeting date due to a holiday.

Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:32 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA