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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES-draft
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008
KEY PROJECT
CALL TO ORDER – Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. This 15 member Board requires a vote of 8 to adopt a motion. A quorum of 14 was present
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD (NB) MEMBERS PRESENT – Rocky Kaluhiwa, Elwin Spray, Daniel Bender, Rich Vermeesch, Gregory Geboski, Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir, Ned Busch, Keliko Hoe, Mark Valencia, Amy Luersen, David Henkin, Richard Garcia, and Ken LeVasseur.
MEMBERS ABSENT – Kurt Mench.
GUESTS – Whitney Wright (Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i-MCBH), Senator Clayton Hee, Mike Sakata, Lt. John Vines (Honolulu Police Department-HPD), Doug Silva (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), ‘Auli‘i George (Representative Hirono’s office), Brennan Morioka (State Department of Transportation–Governor’s representative), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Art Machado (Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council-KBRC), Sesnita Moepono, Gregory Pang, David Bills, Peter Aiello, Shirley Samuelson, Al Samuelson, Charles Chelliah, Guy Nakamoto, Kristen Souza, John Climaldi (Hawai‘i Bicycling League), Jared Chang (SSFM International, Inc.), George Marantz, Jerry Kaluhiwa, Chelsea Tanimura, Doug Hazelwood, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).
RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS –
1) Chair Henkin announced that a forum on the CONCON will be held on September 6; the Kahekili Traffic forum will take place September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at KEY Project.
2) G. Pang said a 50-foot tall monkey pod tree at
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Vines reported Kahalu‘u statistics for the month of July, including: 1) 8 simple, 3 aggravated, and 1 sex assaults; 14 burglaries, 3 drug/narcotics, 3 family offense, 1 graffiti, 1 kidnapping, 7 property damage, 29 motor vehicle collisions, 1 robbery, 8 thefts, 3 threatening, 4 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and 2 driving under the influence (DUI). 2) On July 31 at 10:50 a.m., in the area of Kahekili and Hui Iwa, a local male in a light blue pick up truck with racks on top tried to force a 16 year old female into his vehicle with a pocket knife. She managed to run away from the vehicle. The suspect was still at large. 3) On July 28, at
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Bender asked if any of the 38 new HPD cadets will be assigned to the Kahalu’u district. Lt. Vines said on August 24, there will be 3 new officers assigned to the 4th. watch; new cadets are generally assigned to the
2) Spray asked about a robbery that occurred at a Kane‘ohe bus stop last month. Lt. Vines said there were no robbery patterns occurring; however, while school is out for the summer, children seem to get into more mischief. Lt. Vines also added that a BB gun may have been involved.
3) G. Marantz said he has evidence there has been illegal dumping on
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – B. Usagawa reported: 1) there were no main breaks in July. Rainfall from March to June was between 40 to 67 percent of normal. BWS reminded residents to conserve water during the ongoing drought. 2) The ultra low flow toilet (1.28 gallons/flush) $100 rebate has been extended until June 2009. 3) BWS utilizes four shafts, 12 tunnels and 84 well stations around the island to draw water from the ground to serve the public. Once water surfaces, it enters a complex through a transmission system which then transports water from the pumping stations to customers. Pumping stations pump water from the shafts, tunnels and wells into our transmission system. Occasionally, booster stations are used to push water over long distances and to higher elevations. Over 2,000 miles of transmission mains are utilized to convey freshwater from the pumping stations, to reservoirs, and to your home. Log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com for further information on water supply.
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Busch asked if the fresh water lens under the cap rock would be contaminate with salt water if the ocean level rises due to global warming. B. Usagawa said the wall is thick and at 20-feet above sea level at this time; ocean levels are expected to rise three feet by the end of the century.
2) G. Nakamoto said he was from the Hawaii Laieikawai Association and asked if BWS could address the flaws in the Ko‘olauloa Water Management Plan (e.g., no funding, no timetable for implementation). B. Usagawa said the BWS understood the plan has limitations; it will be used as a model for planning for Ko‘olaupoko. Chair Henkin said the issue will be placed on the September agenda. G. Nakamoto said water levels were decreasing in Hawai‘i and would not be adequate to meet demand, according to Peter Adler’s 1996 report. B. Usagawa said watersheds on O‘ahu were posted on their website; a working group for the Ko‘olaupoko Water Management Plan should be formed by early 2009.
Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) – W. Wright reported: 1) She introduced herself and reported Lt. Strickland currently had deployment orders to
Questions, answers and concerns:
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2) Kaluhiwa asked why there was jet engine noise at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday. W. Wright will report findings at the next meeting.
3) Spray asked if the base is open to the public during the change of command ceremonies. W. Wright said to call the base command to make reservations and to get clearance information to enter the base.
Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) - A. Machado reported: 1) At its July 16 meeting; the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR/DOCARE) was anticipating a busy Labor Day weekend at the bay and has hired 15 more officers; asked for community support once again. 2) KBRC meets every three months at the
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Luersen thought KBRC was discussing rules to implement the KBMP, not adopting the KBMP itself. A. Machado said there will be both amendments and new input; depending on DLNR’s position on the matter.
2) Kaluhiwa said she hoped the aquarium fish issue was on their October agenda. A. Machado said K. Ito has continued his support for this issue, A. Machado was sure the subject was on the agenda.
Treasurer’s Report – Bender reported: The current appropriated balance was $2,592.63: Operating expenditures for the month of July were $40.37 for printing and postage leaving a balance of $1,479.63; Publicity funds remained at $993 while the refreshment fund was at $120.
Candidate Forum – Chair Henkin suggested that the Board consider whether it wanted to hold a candidate forum and if so, whether it wanted to hold the forum at the September 10 NB meeting in advance of the September 20 primary or sometime in October (for candidates who make it to the general election).
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Naluai and Luersen both thought the forum should be held separately from a NB meeting.
2) Bender suggested holding the forum in October, before the general election. He reminded everyone that the forum on
3) Luersen suggested forming a committee and asked Bender and Spray if it was possible for both of them to coordinate and chair the forum.
4) Chair Henkin asked the audience for input. He said a reminder notice for the
5) Naluai moved and Luersen seconded for the Kahalu’u NB No. 29 to support a special forum to meet the district candidates. The motion was adopted; 12-0-2. (Aye: Bender, Busch, Garcia, Geboski, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, Luersen, LeVasseur,
6) Bender and Spray agreed to organize the forum.
Community Presentations:
A) The Woods at ‘Ahuimanu Subdivision Application: Chair Henkin said that, at the July 9, 2008 meeting, the Board had adopted a resolution to send a letter to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and Aiello Development Group requesting that no permits be issued until community concerns were fully addressed. He thanked D. Bills and P. Aiello for appearing to answer questions about the proposed development\.
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) A constituent asked if an environmental assessment (EA) had ever been prepared. P. Aiello said DPP did not require one since it considers subdivision approvals to be ministerial (i.e., no discretion to reject).
2) A constituent asked about the scope of the project. D. Bills said the project consists of 44 lots, each about 10,000 square feet. The developer has been resolving drainage issues so DPP has deferred final approval.
3) G. Nakamoto said that the area is designated for ground water and asked why there has not been a public hearing on a water use application. D. Bills said the project will utilize a BWS hook-up for water, so no public hearing is required. 13 homes would be located along a stream.
4) A constituent asked what the homes would cost. P. Aiello said that would depend on the market value at the time the units were ready for sale. P. Aiello said there were five different home models, four of which are two-story designs and one of which is one-story design. He noted all homes would be on minimum 10,000 foot lot sizes, even though the area is zoned for a mixture of R5 and R10 (which would permit construction of up to 108 homes).
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6) Luersen asked if the project was planning any rip-rap or other stream alterations. D. Bills said the eight current drainage pipes running under ‘
7) Chair Henkin asked if the applicant had carried out the percolation tests required by the State Department of Health (DOH). D. Bills said the project will do the test at the appropriate time. P. Aiello added this test needs to be done during the project grading period to be valid.
8) A constituent asked if a bridge was part of the plans to connect the main road to the development, and how the development would handle wastewater and cesspool contamination given that the development would be near a stream leading into Kaneohe Bay (KB). D. Bills said a bridge was planned; the span would be 70’. He also added there is no city sewer system connection at this time, and, accordingly, the project will install leach fields per DOH requirements. Eventually, the entire area will be connected to the sewer system.
9) Luersen asked about BWS’s role in determining if the subdivision’s water needs can be met. B. Usagawa responded that BWS reviews the subdivision plans for system adequacy and ensures it is not in a seismic zone and that pressure would be adequate. He added that there is no building moratorium in effect.
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11) Geboski asked how the project was going to handle redirecting flood waters without affecting Kahalu‘u stream. D. Bills said new pipes were needed to enlarge draining capacity from the project as the existing pipes were over 100 years old; drainage should remain within the current draining channel once the system is replaced.
12) Several Board members were concerned the project had not done an EA to address traffic or other infrastructure impacts and that there was no forum to address the community’s concerns prior to the development breaking grounds. D. Bills said adding cars from 44 new homes would not be significant; he estimated an average of about 30 vehicles during peak hours. D. Bills also added the project was obligated to follow city sidewalk standards and will draw electricity from Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO).
13) Senator Hee said there was a proposed resolution in support of the community’s opposition to the project. He felt there will be an endless cesspool problem. He went on to say the project did not appear to be appropriate for the area or consistent with City & County of Honolulu plans.
14) Geboski asked if a motion was needed to continue the Board’s resolution from the July meeting. Chair Henkin said the motion passed last month by the Board and shared with DPP covered all concerns; no new motion was needed at this time.
B) Meyer Residence,
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Renoir asked whether the seawall would follow the pre-erosion topography. Renoir also asked what effects were on the neighboring residents. J. Chang said the seawall would not attempt to recapture land already lost to erosion. J. Chang also shared he was also asked to consult with the adjacent property, who is considering a similar seawall.
2) Kaluhiwa noted that the project area has cultural significance as a lawai‘a (fishing) ahu and also has mo‘olelo associated with it. She suggested a Hawaiian blessing should be considered prior to construction. J. Chang will follow up with Kaluhiwa to ensure cultural issues are addressed in the EA.
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4) Luersen asked about reef protection while Chair Henkin read a Hawaii Revised Statutes section pertaining to shoreline variance. J. Chang said the wall will change the shoreline; however, the EA will address why the wall was needed.
5) LeVasseur noted the property is often referred to as
Bender left the Board meeting at 9:10 p.m.
C) Honolulu Century Bike Ride (HCR), Hawai‘i Bicycling League (HBL) - J. Climaldi, Hawai‘i Bicycling League reported: the HCR was Hawai‘i’s oldest and largest cycling event beginning and ending at Kapi‘
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) A. Machado stressed concern over the portion of the route from King Intermediate to the 7-11 intersection, due to conflicts between riders and members of the public using He‘eia harbor. J. Climaldi said there will be 9 additional officers to assist at the busy intersections.
2) Kaluhiwa and J. Kaluhiwa both stressed concern over the
3) Chair Henkin read motions the Board adopted in 2007; the Board opposed any or partial closure of any streets and voted in support of the use of bicycles in the district as an alternate form of transportation.
4) A. Machado said the Kaneohe Board was discussing the event’s safety in regards to using Ha‘iku Road traveling to
5) Spray suggested the Board and HBL address safety issues with involved city departments; have everyone on the same page of discussion. J. Climaldi said he has met with DTS discussing these same issues and will do so again if needed.
6) LeVasseur moved and Busch seconded for the NB No. 29 to ask DTS to close the portion of Kamehameha Highway starting at King Intermediate School to the Hygenic Store to all organized bike rides and races.
7) Garcia asked J. Climaldi what the timing was for HBL to amend the scheduled bike route. J. Climaldi said it was a 2 year process and asking HBL to change route was not possible as it was too late in the planning. Levassuer insisted due to congestion the bike race should be re-routed to
8) Garcia said he opposed the motion since it would threaten other community events such as parades with restrictions; find solutions to mitigate safety and convenience and minimize congestion.
9) Busch moved and Spray seconded to amend the original motion; for the NB No. 29 to ask DTS to close the portion of Kamehameha Highway starting at King Intermediate School to Hygenic Store to all organized bike rides and races until mitigating measures for safety and congestion have been worked out. The amendment to the motion was ADOPTED; (11-2-0). Aye: Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, Luersen, LeVasseur,
10) Spray asked if HPD was assuming the alternate route expenses and suggested J. Climaldi take the Board concerns to DTS representatives working with HBL for the race.
11) Naluai said she thought the HBL century ride statistics showed 3 deaths to date.
12) Henkin called for a vote on the motion, as amended: The motion was NOT adopted; (7-5-1). Aye: Busch, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur,
13) Chair Henkin added for HBL to be sure the roads were swept for debris as a safety measure. J. Climaldi said a private company was hired to do the road sweeping.
14) Spray also added to be sure the private company confers with the city;
D) Neighborhood Commission Proposal to Eliminate Voting by Mail in NB Elections – Chair Henkin said he understood the NCO budget cut has led to the proposal to eliminate all mail-in voting for the upcoming NB election, voting only on-line and, possibly, by telephone. He was concerned voter turnout would be even lower than in the past.
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) Luersen moved and Levassuer seconded for the Kahalu’u NB No. 29 to oppose the proposal to eliminate voting by mail in the NB elections.
2) Luersen noted there were other ways to reduce costs of Board elections, such as extending the length of Board terms to three years.
3) The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-4. (Aye: Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, Luersen, LeVasseur, Naluai and Vermeech. Abstain:
Permitted Interaction Group for
(NA Mary Chanel-Benjamin left the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Board Secretary to take minutes for the remainder of the meeting).
Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – E. Martin reported: 1) Opening ceremonies for Kahalu‘u
Questions, answers and concerns:
1) LeVasseur noted the presence of an open cesspool on park property on the makai side of
2) Kaluhiwa asked if the Kahalu‘u Broncos can start using the
3) Kaluhiwa noted that area residents still need extended hours on TheBus to return from work and shopping.
Corrections/Amendments of the regular meeting minutes – without objections, the following meeting minutes’ amendments are as followed:
July 9, 2008:
Page 4: add “by DPP” after “any permits;” replace “DPP addresses” with “DPP adequately explains”
March 12, 2008:
The May 5, 2008 version of the March 12, 2008 meeting minutes was adopted; minutes were posted on the NCO website. www.honolulu.gov
Additional amendments for March 12, 2008 meeting minutes were as followed;
Page 3: under No. E; replace “Master Pla-:” with “Master Plan”: replace “Henkin that” with “Henkin said that” and replace “does not loose” with “does not lose”
COMMITTEE REPORTS – There were no reports available.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:42 p.m.
Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA
Reviewed by Chair Henkin