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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES-draft                                        

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 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 13 was present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT – David Henkin and Keliko Hoe.                                                      

GUESTS - Jeremy Personius (Senator Clayton Hee’s representative), Mike Sakata (Councilmember Donovan DelaCruz’s Office), Firefighter Mercado - (Honolulu Fire Department (HFD), Officer John Cheong - (Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Brennon Morioka – (Director of State Department of Transportation, Governor Lingle’s representative), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Art Machado (Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC), Kendys Fukuda (Hawai’ian Electric Company (HECO); Meredith Maeda, Donna Lindsey and Lea Albert (DOE); Donna Owens, Roosevelt Freeman, Jessica Wooley, Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office NA).

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Mercado reported statistics for last month included: 2 structure, 1 wildland and 3 rubbish fires; 39 medical emergencies and 7 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tip: The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Make a 30-foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structure. Have an emergency preparedness plan ready in case of such an event. If your property borders an area where a wildland fire could occur consider the need for fire department access in case the fire approaches your home.

Questions and concerns:

• Geboski asked if there was a suicide in the district recently. HFD said yes there was.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. John Cheong reported the Kaneohe district statistics for last month included: 2 rapes, 5 robberies, 5 aggravated assaults, 65 burglaries, 150 thefts, 57 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 22 auto thefts.  

Questions and concerns:

• Valencia wanted to know if the crimes reported included federal crimes. HPD said the statistics are gathered via the City’s 911 calls; all crimes are documented.
• Kaluhiwa asked HPD to keep an eye out for alleged homeless people picking flowers at He’eia Park; she spotted a van labeled “Tropical Flowers” parked while people were picking flowers.  She also claimed some residents are drinking and loitering in areas off limits to the public.
• LeVasseuer said there was a “drug home” on Wailehua Street; abandoned cars are also in the vicinity of this home. HPD said to call 911 to make reports.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – B. Usagawa reported: 1) there were no water main breaks in the district in April. 2) A power cost adjustment goes into effect during the next fiscal year starting July 1, 2008; the charges may be increased $0.01 per 1,000 gallons for every $600,000 incremental overage, or any fraction thereof, in the following fiscal year rate. 3) Detect a leak week is June 1-7, 2008; save water, lower your water bill and prevent damage to your home. Call 748-5041 for further information.

Marine Corps Base Hawai’i (MCBH) USMC representative D. Espinosa reported: 1) the annual bank concert is May 16 from 7: 00 p.m. to 9 p.m. the event is open to all. 2) The annual Bay Fest at KMCB is coming up the week of July 4; he will have more information and tickets available as he receives them. 3) The military Pacific Rim training exercises will be held off the shores of Oahu from June 10 through July 29; expect increased air traffic in the area.

Questions and concerns:

• Kaluhiwa said the Hawai’ian Civic Club was involved in the search for the brown tree snake reported on the loose in the windward area. Do the military planes undergo the same aircraft clearance as civilian aircrafts? USMC representative D. Espinosa said yes they do; the military is working with State officials to locate the snake.

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) - A. Machado introduced a representative from the State Boating Division who reported that:  The State Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) will step up the Kaneohe Bay sand bar patrol starting this Memorial Day weekend. Boat harbor enforcements will include checking all vessels using the harbor to comply with federal guidelines. The USCG will be enforcing and citing all “boating under the influence violations” (BUI) with random check points as well.

Questions and concerns

• Busch asked how the BUI test was possible to perform on water. The State Boating Division representative said the USCG had the ability to perform this test; HPD is currently working on approving a field test to be used for this purpose.
• Some Board members asked if the boat operator had to be of legal age and will open containers of alcohol on boats be cited. The State Boating Division representative said the boat operator did not have to be over 18 years of age; the BUI test will only be given to the boat operator. He added that open containers are allowed on boats so long as operators abide by BUI law.

Treasurer’s Report - Bender reported: Total appropriated balance is $1,700.39; the publicity account balance is $993 while the refreshment account balance is $51.49. The postage and printing costs were $39.13.

Questions and concerns:

• Geboski asked the Board to consider using the publicity account funds to assist with informing the community on the upcoming DOT Kahekili Highway expansion meeting.
• Bender suggested the Board decide before the budget carried over to the 2009 fiscal year; 2008 expenditures must be used with 2008 year appropriated funds.

Community Presentations:

A) Community support to curb fighting in the schools – Lea Albert, Complex Supervisor for the Kaneohe to Kahuku District: She is asking for the community’s support in reporting all instances of gang or teen violence to HPD. She said there has been an increase of extreme fighting in the local schools which has spilled over into the community. The district is trying to address this by building partnerships with local churches, City Department of Parks and Recreation and HPD to offer character education. D. Lindsey, King Intermediate Principal reported 2 fights, 2 assaults and 14 off campus fights that have lead to several students being suspended from school. She stated that gambling and “shadow boxing” have become popular with students. She said King Intermediate has offered educational workshops as well as CD’s for the community to open the line of communications between schools, parents and HPD.  Meredith Maeda, Castle High School Principal reported out of the 49 fights, 27 females were involved resulting to 43 disciplinary actions. He said fighting gloves, video cameras and internet has played a role in encouraging these staged fights, which are caught on video and immediately played on the internet.  He went on to say students involved have little or no “grappling” experience or training which is resulting in many injuries. He asked the community to report fights to HPD.

Questions and concerns:

• Some Board members said fights between students are becoming evident; a recent fight at He’eia Park was staged. HPD should make a presence at these schools and discourage the media to report on fights. The city should take action with the current city ordinance when fights occur on city properties. The schools should also consider an internet block for these areas. L. Alberts said that HPD needed to establish a regulation against these fights and should lobby the legislature for such a law especially where schools are utilizing the city park facilities. She went on to say that the current chapter 19 “student misbehavior” law needed to be redrafted. She also said that many of these student involved were honor students.

B) HECO on solar water heating program – K. Fukuda and J. Ide, Community Relations: HECO offers residential solar water heating and incentive programs; over 30 contractors currently are being used by HECO. By using solar water heating system households could save 30% on a household electrical bill. Depending on the home location relative to the sun; 90% of hot water can be obtained from the sun through solar system. HECO encouraged calling 947-6937 (94POWER) to obtain further “saving and living green” information to assist with reducing energy costs. State and federal tax credits as well as rebate coupons are available for eligible homeowners; the 30% rebate will no longer be available as of December 2008.

Questions and concerns:

• Bender and LeVesseur agreed the time has come for the State to step up efforts to seek renewable energy. LeVassuer thought the rug type solar system becoming popular on the mainland should be introduced to Hawai’i. K. Fukuda said HECO has engineers researching these new systems and are always aggressively seeking new ways to provide more power grids to allow more energy.
• Mench asked why HECO provided electrical for city street lights in some undeveloped areas; is it subsidized electrical power. K. Fukuda said HECO and the City are required to provide lights for these roads. HECO goes through a process for any new developments.

C) Community input on the DEIS for the P-8A aircraft at MCBH, Major Perinne – Chair Luersen read an email from the Navy staff in response to the KNB email requesting an extension of the comment period beyond the April 25^th deadline.  In essence, the email stated that the Navy would consider any comments that ere received by the end of May, even though the formal comment period was over.  

Questions and concerns:

·         Busch said the public hearing transcripts from the April 1 meeting was available on line at www.mmaeis.com; Major Perinne said the noise study results were also available at this site. Some copies were also available at the Kaneohe public library.

·         Kaluhiwa asked if operations could be scheduled to occur only during normal business hours for noise concern. USMC representative D. Espinosa said the out of state training missions sometimes have no control over the timing arrivals; but it is not often a midnight arrival occurred.  D. Espinosa also said the C17 aircraft produced the most noise and limitations on arrivals of these aircrafts are monitored to prevent late arrivals. He encouraged the public to provide comments by the April 25 deadline; however, any public concern received by the end of May 2008 would be answered.

·         Several Board members raised concerns of not being notified of the April 1 public hearing meeting.

·         D. Espinosa said some training missions are restricted from notice of arrivals to the island due to security; however they will address each community concern.

Mench moved and Kaluhiwa seconded for the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board No. 29, at it’s regularly scheduled meeting on May 14, 2008 to unanimously pass a resolution raising the following concerns regarding the DEIS for the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft at MCBH: 1) Noise; increased in noise levels for the community surrounding Kaneohe Bay, 65 decibels is very high for residential community. 2) Measurement; how and where noise measurements are taken regarding noise should be where impacts on residential community are adequately assessed. 3) Timing of operations needs to be during reasonable hours with training limited primarily to daylight hours, or infrequent nighttime hours. 4) Noise from testing engines should be done at a time and location to not affect residential communities. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (12-0-0; Bender, Busch, Garcia, Geboski, Kaluhiwa, LeVesseur, Mench, Naluai, Valencia, Spray, Vermeesch and Luersen. Renoir was temporarily absent during the motion therefore, did not vote)

D) Lanakila Rehabilitation Center – no representative present: Chair Luersen said there was a name changed to the rehab center and it is now known as Lanakila Pacific Rehabilitation Center.

Permitted Interaction Group for Kahekili Highway Traffic Issues –

Busch reported September 6 (note subsequently changed to Sept 11^th ) will be the scheduled date for the public forum to present comments to the committee and the State DOT. Busch recommended the Board prepare a mail out to reach the public in the district as well as elected officials.

Questions and concerns:

• Chair Luersen said the Board can authorize the publicity funds to cover the printing and postal cost of the mail out but needs to do this soon; funds utilized should be used from the 2008 fiscal year budget that will end in June 2008.

• Some Board members wanted the media invited as well as using the voter registration list as a resource.

• Geboski moved and Bender seconded that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 appropriate up to $950 for communications regarding the Kahekili Highway public forum. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (13-0-0; Bender, Busch, Garcia, Geboski, Kaluhiwa, LeVesseur, Mench, Naluai, Valencia, Renoir, Spray, Vermeesch and Luersen)

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – No representative available; Chair Luersen read the report received via email from Ernie Martin; 1) Per the State Department of Design and Construction (DDC) after the valves were repaired at the Kahalu’u Regional Park, the electrical system did not function. Repairs are underway and should be completed this week. The deteriorated dugout roofs will also be replaced and the acceptance of the park by DPR is still on schedule in July 2008. 2) The completion of the park’s perimeter path is not within the scope of the current project. 3) Replacement of the Monkey Pod trees is not part of the scope of the current project; the parking lot has been turned over to DPR. 4) The State DTS determined no signs were needed after investigating the Board’s request for “no parking from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Kamehameha Highway along He’eia Park. The area in question falls under the City’s Traffic Code as “unimproved”, therefore, no signs are needed for “no parking” to be enforced. There were no abandoned vehicles in the area; contact 532-7700 if abandoned vehicles are observed. 5) DTS found one sensor not in operation at Hui Iwa Street town bound and has since corrected the problem at this intersection. 6) HPD continued to monitor He’eia Park where a fence and trees were allegedly being vandalized; Kaluhiwa was advised to call 911 in the event of further complaints.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – Brennon Morioka reported: 1) the administration reported a 4% increase for Hawaii’s economy and a general fund surplus as compared to other states being in deficit. 2) Department of Land and Natural Resources encouraged calling in complaints with regards to illegal use of He’eia Park; DOFA has not received any complaints however it will investigate. State DLNR Director L. Thielan said there were no funds available to hire staff to support the security efforts at He’eia Park. 3) The Unemployment Insurance Division (UI) and the Workforce Development Division (WDD) will close their Kaneohe office located at 45-1141 Kamehameha Highway; 46-005 Kawa Street and relocate to the Kaneohe Atrium Building. The UI and WDD will re-open their Kaneohe offices on Monday, April 21, 2008 and WEE will be available on Monday, Wednesday and by appointments on Friday for Veterans only.  The UI will be available be appointment since most claims can be done via the telephone. UI claimants can call the Tele-claim number to file for unemployment 643-5555 or they can call the Honolulu office at 586-8970 or 586-8971 for further questions or inquiries. 4) The Hygenic store swap meet vendors as far as DOT is concerned are not on DOT land however, DOT will visit the site to verify with land maps. 5) The Kahekili Highway improvement meeting is set for September. 6) The Waihe’e Road engineers are coordinating the bridge realignment with the master plan. 7) School buses seatbelt study report will be circulated as it becomes available. 8) The Kahekili Highway work contract was on a shift rotation due to limited staff which resulted in a time loss at the site. 9) The varroa mites are one of the most destructive pests of honey bees. The Hawai’i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is continuing to monitor honey bee hives on all islands to detect movement of varroa mites. Contact HDOA at 973-9530 for further information.

Questions and concerns:

• Chair Luersen asked DOT to consider projects to be consistent with the Kahalu’u Master Plan.  
• Vermeesh was concerned with a blight that may be killing some trees in Kalihi  valley.
• Bender said he was concerned about rising oil and electric costs and thought there were too many street lights on Ahuimanu Place and Kahekili Highway.
• Kaluhiwa was concerned with floral pickings at He’eia Park as well as public drinking occurrences which resulted in an attempted homicide. She went on to say there was no drop box in the district for UI claims; only in Honolulu which was not convenient for residents.
• B. Morioka said UI claims can be dropped off at the new Atrium location. The City DPR posted “no trespassing” signs at the Waihole Waikane Valley to deter trespassing.  He also mentioned extended work at the Woods at Ahuimanu has been cancelled for the third time.
• LeVassuer noticed too many illegally parked commercial vehicles in the district being there was no safe parking area for these vehicles. B. Morioka said to write a letter to Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz; parking permits will have to go through a process. This can facilitate the City DPP to find a solution. Chair Luersen said this issue will need to be on the agenda for discussion in order for a policy letter to be submitted.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s Representative – M. Sakata reported:  1) A special Kahalu’u Master Plan CIP budget meeting will be held May 23 at 9:30 p.m.; all are invited. 2) The City is looking to develop transit oriented developments (TOD) at every transit station to make them more hospitable; they will include retail, restaurants and pedestrian friendly facilities. 3) A request for investigation and service report (RISR) has been submitted to DTS for trash can replacements at Kahekili and Ahuimanu; waiting on a response. 4) City Department of Facility Maintenance reported the Mapumapu Road Bridge was in relatively fair condition; three wood planks were rotted and needed replacements. 5) HPD has posted “No Trespassing” signs at Waihole-Waikane Park. 6) The Woods at Ahuimanu project was turned down and the project cancelled.

Senator Clayton Hee’s Representative – J. Personius reported: 1) Senator Hee amended SB2423 accomplishing a directive for the Governor to acquire the lands at Turtle Bay (TB); recognized as one of the more important bills passed by the legislature this past session. This bill also won the support of the North Shore community, Local 5, TB working group and conservationists. 2) Capital improvements projects (CIPs): $25,000 for purchase and installation of back flow preventers for Waiahole-Waikane Community Association (WWCA); $287,000 awarded from the 2007-08 session; Senator Hee addressed flooding issues and debris removal with DOT at Pokiwai and Kaluanui Streams as well as Sacred Falls; $2.5million for the development of a new Waiahole Valley potable water reservoir tank; $1.77 million for rock fall and flood mitigation at streams including Ha’iku to Hui’Iwa Street; $3.0 million for repairs and improvement to Hawai’I State Hospital; $700,000 for land acquisition for rehabilitation of Kawailoa and Makaua Streams; $1.47 million for the provisions of ramps elevators and  accessibility improvements to Ahuimanu, Ka’a’awa and Waiahole Elementary school facilities; $285,000 for upgrades to Castle HS; $200,000 to upgrade Kualoa-He’eia Ecumenical Youth Project facilities (KEY Project). 3) Summaries of bills passed out of Senator Hee’s Water & Land Commission and adopted by the legislature: HB2704 Haiku Valley Commission; HB3173 Grounded Vessels; HB3174 Federal Fisheries Regulation; HB3175 Commercial Marine Fishing Reports; HB3177 Conservation District Penalties; SB1891 Land Conservation; SB2396 Mental Health; SB 2482 Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology and SB3102 Land Conservation Fund.

Questions and concerns:

• Naluai asked what the KEY Project was using the $200,000 for since the landscaping and roofing were complete. J. Personius said he will report specifics at the next meeting.
• Valencia asked what Senator Hee’s position was with the TB hotel expansion. J. Personius said Senator Hee opposed expansions from day one and also questioned the reasonableness of quadrupling hotel units in an already traffic congested and water tapped community.
• Spray asked if Senator Hee could disclose any findings relating to DLNR’s property sales special fund audit. J. Personius said he will report at the next meeting.

Corrections and additions of the regular meeting minutes:

March 12, 2008 regular meeting minutes – Chair Luersen to give the Neighborhood Assistant (NA) other specific verbiage changes regarding Naluai’s concern with grading at Waihe’e Place after proposed changes submitted to Luersen by Naluai . The following changes were requested for the March 12, 2008 regular meeting minutes:

Page 1; under questions and concerns second bullet replace “fronting” with “near”

Page 3; under #E strike out “Geboski suggested more time to review the plan and to accept it”

Page 3; under #E motion for the Kahalu’u Master Plan replace “Renoir” with “Geboski”  under “ayes” and replace “Geboski” with “Renoir” under “abstain”

April 9, 2008 regular meeting minutes – Spray moved and Kaluhiwa seconded to accept the April 9, 2008 regular meeting minutes with the following corrections: 

Page 4; third bullet replace “J. Reppun” with “Naluai”

Page 5; under questions and concerns second bullet replace “CIP” with “landscape project request”

Approved

Discussion of changing the date of the June 11, 2008 regular meeting due to Kamehameha Day

The Board unanimously agreed to recess in June 2008.

NA, Mary Chanel-Benjamin left the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Board Secretary to take minutes for the remainder of the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS –

Water and Environment:

Transportation:

Parks and Recreation:

Planning: Kurt Mench requested that a discussion of zoning at the Woods at Ahuimanu parcel be included in the July meeting agenda.

Preservation of Hawai’ian Heritage:

Military/Civilian Affairs liaison:

Education and School:

Announcements –

Adjournment –

Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA            

Reviewed by Chair Amy Leursen