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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (DRAFT)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARAY 9, 2008

KEY PROJECT

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Amy Luersen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.  

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Garcia, David Henkin, Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir, Ned Busch, Rocky Kaluhiwa, Ken Levasseur, Daniel Bender, Amy Luersen, Gregory Geboski.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Keliko Hoe, Kurt Mench, Wayne Panoke, Elwin Spray (excused), and Rich Vermeesch (excused).

GUESTS: Brendon Morioka, (Department of Transportation, Governor Linda Lingle’s representative), Jacce Mikulanec (Councilmember Donovan DelaCruz’s Office), Firefighter Mark Adams (Hawaii Fire Department), Officer John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Arwen Chisholm (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Joann Shin (Department of Transportation), Scott Ezer (Helber Hastert & Fee Planners) and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: 1) Bender reported the Kualoa Beach signs noting unsafe waters are down. 2) Busch was concerned about some needed repairs at Lainani Park. 3) Naluai stated that she had asked for the conservation land issue at Waihee Pla to be placed on the agenda for this meeting.  Luersen noted that she had missed that request since she was not at the last meeting during the time when that was requested. She noted that this issues was discussed at the October meeting and asked Naluai what the topic was.  Naluai stated that she wanted it on the agenda to get an update. Luersen stated that she will put it on the agenda for the February meeting.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Firefighter Mark Adams reported: 1) there were 42 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, 20 miscellaneous emergencies due to high winds experienced in December.  2) Fire Safety Tip: Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly in the presence of all household members. Practice your escape route plan together. As a result of a smoke alarm and a parent’s quick response, a child’s life was saved. The child was unable to escape from the room where the fire originated; however, the parent told Fire Investigators that upon hearing the smoke alarm, she went to the room to investigate and was able to save her child.  

Questions concerns followed: There were no questions or comments.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): 1) Officer Vines reported: 1) 135 arguments, 9 simple assaults, 23 burglaries, 4 auto theft recovery, 3 drugs and narcotics, 11 driving under the influence (DUI), 8 family offenses, 30 family arguments, 11 graffiti, 4 identification thefts, 10 motor vehicle thefts, 1 rape, 4 robberies, 51 thefts, 9 threats, 23 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV). 2) Two adults were arrested near the E & L market; one suffered a broken jaw and other with missing teeth, apparently a fight over a drug deal. 3) The block of 45 Malio Street had another drug deal which resulted in a drowning.  4) On December 11, a call to Kualoa Regional Park for breaking and entry into a vehicle ended with a chase down to Kahekili Highway as HPD cornered the suspect as he rammed his vehicle crashing into HPD vehicles several times. An officer was taken to the hospital while suspect was arrested for attempted murder. 5) A pedestrian was killed crossing Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe on December 17.

Questions and concerns followed: 1) Bender asked Officer Vines to monitor the first two blocks of Ahuimanu Place, seems as if the posted 25 miles per hour (mph) sign is ignored and residents coming off the main highway are speeding at 45 mph. Officer Vines will follow up. 2) Kaluhiwa asked to please follow-up on the previous van parked on Kamehameha Highway near the canoe club. She apparently saw someone tied trash bags to the nearby trees.

Officer Vines said HPD patrolled the area one day and saw the van as it drove off. He said some homeless people do bounce around and will continue patrolling.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Barry Usagawa reported: 1) BWS would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. 2) There were three main breaks on December 3, 4 and 29. He does not know the exact reason for the breaks; however, all have been documented in their database. 3) The new 2008 Water Conservation Calendar is out. It has great suggestions about how conserving one of Oahu’s most precious resources. Illustrated by talented student artists whose art was chosen during last year’s annual Water Conservation Poster Contest, this year’s calendar theme is “Conserving Water Starts With Me!” Each month features simple tips on how to save water. The calendars are available to the public in the lobby at the Beretania location, feel free to come by and pick one up. It will also be available on their website at www.boardofwatersupply.com. 4) Water Savings Tip: Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using. When washing dishes by hand, fill on sink or basin with soapy water, quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

Questions and concerns followed: Chair Luersen commended the BWS for their response to the main break, especially for notifying residents of the length of time the water would be out.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH): Arwen Chisholm introduced herself as the new community relations representative for MCBH and will be attending all meetings on behalf of Lt. Strickland. She reported: 1) Recapping some December events supported by MCBH; Kaneohe and Waimanalo Christmas parades, Navy League Sea service awards and Kaneohe Klippers ceremony. 2)  Supported events by MCBH in January will be; Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade on January 14, Hawaii Music Educators Association Conference in January 24 and 25. On February 6 through 10 the MCBH will be working with National Football League (NFL) to support the NFL Pro Bowl game and events. February 18 will be the Great Aloha Run.

Questions and concerns followed: When Henkin asked if this schedule is posted on their website, A. Chisholm replied it is. However, no past events are posted. Such events are for Neighborhood Board meeting report recapping purposes.

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC): Art Machado was not present. No report was available.

Questions and concerns followed: There were no questions or comments.

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 14, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

• Page 1: “R. Garcia” was present at the November 14, 2007.   
• Page 1: insert “Lt. John Cheong reported” instead of “HPD Officer reported” and “we have 22 beats, only 18 are funded positions” instead of “there are 22 uniform officers, however only 18 are funded positions”
• Page 2: at The Woods at Ahuimani Development, insert “Henkin motions the following, The Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 requests the developer to cease all construction until the developer: “1) Complies with the Board’s October 2005 letter; 2) Complies with the State Department of Health’s April 2007 letter. 3) Prepares an environmental assessment, including consideration of secondary impacts”;
• Page 3: amend motion for HBL insert “Henkin motion to recommend the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 supports bicycling as an alternate form of transportation and to allow for safe driving and biking, further supports the creation of bikeways that are separated from roadways”, replaces “Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board support the form of better transportation using bicycles in the district in support of safer driving”.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Bender reported: 1) The balance of accounts to date is about $2,130.00 with enough money in the publicity account to pay for recording Neighborhood Board meetings. The operation account balance is about $1,000.00; the publicity account balance is about $1,000.00 while the refreshment account balance is about $100.00.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

A) Kahalu’u Community Master Plan Presentation of Final Plan Scott Ezer reported: He thanked the Neighborhood Board for their participation in the creation of the plan and especially the members that served on the advisory working group. The plan started in 2005 with six advisory working group meetings and four community meetings.  These were used to develop and refine the plan. Five copies have been presented to the Neighborhood Board tonight and a copy can be downloaded and printed from their website. Also a diskette can be requested

through the Neighborhood Board. He read a letter of introduction that is enclosed in the plan being circulated. He stated this plan will list projects, maps and tables to prioritize projects from short to long term. It also categorized cost and funding sources and entities that were responsible for implementations as well. He enjoyed working on this project and wished to thank all those including the Kahalu’u community that provided some historic background. He also noted that some projects identified as community priorities in this report are included in the CIP budget for the City Council in 2008. 

Questions and concerns followed: 1) Henkin asked where in the district the plan is made available. S. Ezer responded it has been transmitted to Council and Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has 60 diskettes. He also believed the Kaneohe Library has a copy now. S. Ezer did note the file was too large to email. Luersen said a copy will be labeled and left at The KEY Project for reference. Bender inquired what the City paid for this project. S. Ezer replied the City paid $100,000.00. Chair Luersen said thanks to the identification of the projects in the plan and the prioritization of the projects and thanks to Councilmember Dela Cruz, three projects taken from this plan have been submitted for the 2008 City budget. The projects are:

Waihe’e Road improvments, Kahaluu Pedestrian Network Circulation Study and the Palama Emergency Bypass Road. She asked if there were any significant changes based the City’s review of the plan.  S. Ezer responded it was not a major change regarding the banyan tree trimmings, however following the citys recommendation the image was removed from the plan. The language instead now reads as a guide to consult before any banyan tree trimmings occur. S. Ezer also noted the plan should be deemed a living document and community should be able to use this as a base to for the future. He stated this plan will not change and should be used only as a guide, in the future if any additional or changes made the district will need a new plan at that time. Busch suggested the Board spend time in the prioritizing process to have structure so no project is lost years to come. Henkin asked to place the request on the agenda next month to ask Council to accept the Master Plan as a resolution document and consider forming an interaction group to follow projects. S. Ezer also noted a company named Townscape has been hired to produce the Ko’olaupopo Sustainable Communities Plan; however, they have not proceeded with any work yet. Chair Luersen would like to incorporate this plan into the Sustainable communities plan because that is the plan the City and County will use to make land use decisions in the district. 

B) TROPICAL FARMS 49-227A KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY: Chair Luersen read a notice stating that Tropical Farm, located on Kualoa Ranch property near Moli’i fishponds, has conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) and is seeking an “after-the- fact” permit to retain a place of business. Chair Luersen asked if anyone from the farm was present. No one was present from Tropical Farm. She opened up discussion, noting that the deadline for comments on the EA is January 22. Naluai opposed the site stating it imposes on local farmers and being not in compliance should cease business until they become legal. Henkin said to allow the current agribusiness to continue sends the wrong message to potential new businesses to operate without compliance. Henkin stated after a brief look at the document, that Kualoa Ranch started with floral packaging in 1985 and expanded without being current with permits, however, other small vendors have complied with correct permits and feels an environmental study is needed at the state level since tour buses making stops at this location have contributed to traffic with limited sight-distance. He also adds the area has become too commercialized and inadequate analysis is unavailable and no impact documented to support decision. He feels other business will follow and would like to add to the motion that this is a poor way of carrying out community planning. Geboski said the Board needs time to review the document since six years in operation is an extended time and potential small businesses will follow in this manner. He felt the Board should oppose the permit due to the agribusiness not having gone through the correct process. Renoir said he does not agree with the statement about small backyard startup businesses with lagging license practice. He said there are many tiny farms converting into small agribusiness in the district and to prevent one out of many businesses would not be fair practice. He felt many community members really don’t care when these small backyard business open, there are many in the area. Bender said it seemed that no one cared in the neighborhood about this development except the Board, but all comments are well taken, except not enough information was offered to base any decisions. Garcia said he needs time to read and digest before he comments on this issue, he cannot make a decision without reading the materials, there may be other parameters to the issue as well and blames the agribusiness itself. He said because of this untimely manner he will vote against the motion.

Henkin moved Levasseur seconded, to amend the motion and insert “Because this is a poor example to carry out community planning” before “The Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board”. There were five in favor of the insert (Busch, Henkin, Geboski, Levasseur, Kaluhiwa), 4 oppose (Garcia, Bender, Luersen, Naluai) and 1 abstention (Renoir). (5-4-1)The motion was not adopted. Eight votes were needed to carry the motion.  

Henkin moved, Levasseur seconded that the, “The Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 opposes the after the fact permit for the Tropical Farms at Kualoa due to inadequate assessments and no impact study on local farmers, on traffic safety and vision, also the lack of an environmental assessment for a historic and culture site with no alternative proposed action including but not limited to no alternatives”. There were six in support (Busch, Henkin, Geboski, Levasseur, Naluai, Kaluhiwa), 2 oppose (Garcia, Bender), and 2 abstentions (Luersen, Renoir) to this motion. (6-2-2).The motion was not adopted. Eight votes were needed to carry the motion.

MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN’S REPRESENTATIVE: No report available. There was no representative present.

GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE’S REPRESENTATIVE: B. Morioka reported the following: 1) He apologized for not being present at the last meeting. He has been very busy attending project public hearings and announces he will be representing the Governor in this district and he has been named the Director for the DOT. 2) He reported the Governor submitted her Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental Budget and Financial Plan that focused on meeting the most critical needs facing Hawai’i. The budget represented a 2.9 % increase, $306.7 million over the current biennium budget. In addition, the Administration proposes a $1.1 billion increase in capital improvements project (CIP) funds primarily to finance accelerated efforts to upgrade and modernize state harbors and airports. The Governor announced the state’s new Harbors Modernization Plan, developed by the DOT Harbors Division in partnership with Hawaii Harbors Users Group to implement system-wide harbor infrastructure improvements to address projected increases in the ocean transportation of cargo and passengers in Hawaii. Supplemental budget requests include $116.8 million for education; $223.1 million for Hawaiian homelands, affordable housing and homeless services and $428 million for transportation. Some highlights in 2007’s Hawaii Innovation Initiative are the tax deferred Hawaii College Savings Program, formerly known as “TuitionEdge” an investment option, now known as “HI529” now established once again to improve college saving funds for parents throughout Hawaii and the nation; another has been the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program which will provide residents with advanced skills and career opportunities. He also circulated a report on some DOT road closure updates throughout the State; it doesn’t affect most of this district but good to be aware of.  3) The long-awaited Kahekili Highway project has finally been re-initiated. Some re-striping for workers safety and landscaping is underway with planter boxes consisting of native plants and species both at medians and road sides. Expect completion by December, considering no major natural disaster setbacks. 4)  DOT is currently in the process of hiring a consultant to update the environmental impact study (EIS) regarding Kahekili Highway. DOT will hold two public hearings to address public concerns, one scoping meeting, prior to the draft and one on the draft EIS, during the comment period. The scope of the project will consist of widening Kahekili Highway from Haiku Road to the first Hui Iwa Drive at the McDonalds site. Some improvements scopes are: the widening of the roadway to allow 3 lanes so that contra flow could be initiated, a bike shoulder lane to include sufficient walkway for pedestrians. He said the project initially was appropriated only $200 thousand and approved by the Legislature, however, Senator Hee was able to lobby an additional 1.2 million. He expects to have the first public hearing meeting sometime in late Fall.

Questions and concerns followed: 1) Chair Luersen questioned if the funds appropriated are for the EIS or design. B. Morioka said it is for the EIS update only.  She also asked him if he was aware that this Board was against contra flow. He said yes he has heard this however DOT will take into consideration the comments from the public hearing and the EIS review; he expects the department to proceed in this manner. He also has to place a “no built” provision since required by federal law. Chair Luersen asked if DOT has considered looking at the intersection at McDonalds since turn signals has been contributing to the high volume of backup traffic in both directions especially during commute hours. She recommends DOT consider this as an alternative to widening the highway. B. Morioka said DOT is looking at the traffic signals authorization including a current evaluation of the intersection and considering turn signal modifications. Chair Luersen requested a modification report if possible by the next meeting.  LeVasseur asked DOT to include in the EIS the area between W. Hui Iwa and E. Hui Iwa. B. Morioka said a traffic study analysis encompassed the whole region and from the traffic flow pattern see the problem is W. Hui Iwa not E. Hui Iwa. He also said the old EIS has been deemed too old and either needs to be revalidated or provide a new study. The current EIS is about 15 years old. Naluai wanted to know why the study did not proceed with the project, and why in 2005 the study project did not begin. B. Morioka explains, DOT follows requirements from the federal government, the $200 thousand was not enough to do even a supplemental EIS, a full blown one costs $2-3 million dollars and could take up to 5 years to complete. This study is taking into consideration what is already available and with the first scoping meeting at a public hearing in the district should give DOT some input to proceed. Henkin asked where the contra flow trial stands at this point. B. Morioka said the process would be to do the EIS first, then the contra flow will then be a trial 2) LeVasseur advised him to take a look at the Kahalu’u side from Kahekili Highway to Haiku going into downtown; there are sensor damages plus a 6foot deep pothole. B. Morioka will have a crew take a look and also said part of the landscaping project will be resurfacing the area. LeVasseur asked to be sure to look at the Kahalu’u side of the highway which is where the problems are, B.

Morioka said DOT can amend their contract to cover the area if in fact is a problem. 3) Kaluhiwa wanted to know what the State is working on at the State Park; she noticed yellow tape and some construction vehicles looked as if they are demolishing the building. 4) Kaluhiwa added some problems at the pier includes more boats parked in the pier, some have been there for years, there are citizens dumping trash into the pier and they are washing cars and leaving the water running. B. Morioka will follow up. 5) Bender asked if the Kualoa Beach has been cleared for swimming, he noticed the signs were taken down. B. Morioka said he was told the water was tested and cleared but he will confirm to be sure. 6) Henkin asked about the Waihe’e marshland issue. B. Morioka said the landscape architect has been working with some great ideas from the community and still coordinating the project as B. Morioka has been conversing with Henkin in the past few weeks.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Councilmember Dela Cruz’s newsletter was distributed. J. Mikulanec reported: 1) update on requests approved in the last couple of months: Hui Iwa repainting has been completed, Waihe’e resurfacing is near completion, Ahilama Road shoulder modified to relieve some homeowners complaint of drainage, the Ahuimini project is awaiting an update from DTS and the DFM will be reporting by the end of January on some undercutting of trees at the river bank. 2) He is happy to offer everyone in the community a 20% drug discount card valid for those medications not covered under a plan. The card is not an insurance card but for non-covered medication discount only. 3) The district CIP request letter was presented for budget and should have answers by March. Copies of such letters were sent to the Board Chair.

Questions and concerns: 1) Chair Luersen asked about the paving of Ahilama Road and the bridge. J. Mikulanec said the City maintains the road. 2) Busch reported the city park at Lainani Road has a hole on the seawall and falling apart, it has been marked for safety and boat ramp has been destroyed as well. He also said road needs re-pavement due to a large pothole there. J. Mikulanec will make a report. 3) Kaluhiwa inquired who the new Department of Transportation Services director was. J. Mikulanec said it was Wayne Yoshioka. 4) J. Mikulanec also announced he was leaving his position with the city to work under House Speaker Calvin Say. He thanks the Board for allowing him to serve as a representative and appreciated the support. Everyone thanked J. Mikulanec, wished him well and congratulations.

SENATOR CLAYTON HEE: J. Personius reported the following: 1) He circulated the Legislature schedule and reminded everyone regarding opening day next week. He also asked if any CIP report due to Senator Hee to please submit them by January 18, however, the cutoff date will be January 23.

Questions and concerns: 1) Henkin wanted Senator Hee to receive a copy of the Master Plan he pointed out on page 5 some high priorities to make note of. 2) Geboski inquired about when the funding for the district will be released.  J. Personius said he understood it was being revised by the Ways and Means committee and he will follow-up shortly.

REPRESENTATIVE COLLEEN MEYER: No representative present. No report was available.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Water and Environment: Henkin reported: he has been in correspondence with Dave Smith of DOT and Wilfred Ho of DPR in regards to the Waihe’e Marshland. Henkin still waits for a model memorandum from DPR as to who is responsible for the basic clean up and maintenance. Henkin had a site meeting with both D. Smith and W. Ho on December 4 pointing out the landscaping issues. He has noticed DPR twice and waits for a respond.

There were no other committee reports available.

UPDATES FROM THE CHAIR: Chair Luersen reported: 1) she received a response letter from the First Assembly of God Group 70 that visited the Board meeting in October 2007. Group 7- responded to the KNB concerns in the draft EA. The draft EA has been re-released, addressing traffic safety on Ahuimanu Road and Kahekili Highway, noise, use of retreat center, wastewater run-off and possible use of the bike path. Comments should be addressed with DPP and Group 70. The deadline for comment was January 7; however, comments should still be accepted at this point. 2) She received the T-mobile report for a cell tower use permit. The environmental assessment comments are due by January 22. 3) She also shared the Neighborhood Task Force has submitted its completed report to council.  4) Chair Luersen also read an email from Wayne Panoke addressing his absence. She said dialysis until 9 p.m. is part of the reason. He was expected tonight, however, it has become difficult for him to attend

meetings. She suggests adding to the agenda the seat be declared open at the next meeting, however, the Board has to formally notify him and follow procedures. 5) Vice Chair Henkin requested a change of address on the Board’s letterhead to reflect the NCO Honolulu Hale address instead of the Keys address. He is concerned about Board members not receiving correspondences prior to meetings. M. Chanel-Benjamin will follow up.   

PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP (PIG): Kahekili Highway Traffic Issues; LeVasseur reported: 1) He suggested inviting Mr. Panos Pavadoris from the Department of Civil Engineers at the University of Hawaii to offer his point of view. Levasseur said offering the community solution options to relieve traffic compression would serve as a pre-scope meeting for the DOT process. He said P. Pavadoris would be available after January 22 for a presentation. Henkin suggests the use of publicity funds for this purpose would be ideal and it would get a handle on community views. Renoir asked what alternatives are there? LeVasseur said lane merging and expansions besides finding ways to be creative would be very informative for all.  2) Chair Luersen announces she will step down from the PIG committee to allow Henkin in her place.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next regular Neighborhood Board meeting is scheduled at Key Project, 47-200 Waihe’e Road on February 13, 2008.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA