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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES-draft                                        

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2008                                                                                                   

KEY PROJECT

Call To Order – Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. This 15 member Board requires a vote of 8 to adopt a motion. A quorum of 8 was present (Henkin, Naluai, Busch, LeVasseur, Valencia, Spray, Vermeesch and Geboski)

Neighborhood Board (NB) Members Present – Rocky Kaluhiwa, Elwin Spray, Rich Vermeesch, Gregory Geboski, Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir, Ned Busch, Keliko Hoe, Mark Valencia, David Henkin, Kurt Mench and Ken LeVasseur.                                                                                                                                                               

Members Absent – Richard Garcia, Daniel Bender and Amy Luersen.

Guests – Major Alan Crouch (Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i-MCBH), Lt. John Cheong (Honolulu Police Department-HPD), Firefighter Mark Adams (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Brennon Morioka (Director, State Department of Transportation–Governor’s representative), Jim Anthony (Hawai’i La’ieikawai Association, Inc.), Mike Sakata (Representative Dela Cruz’s office), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Art Machado (Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council-KBRC), Guy Nakamoto, Carole Mulford, George Marantz, Allan Chu, David Chu, Susan Lau, Steven Lau, Tod Grupen, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

Residents/Community Concerns:  

1)       Naluai said she felt there is a continuing violation of the Sunshine Law by the Board because her suggested corrections were not reflected in prior and current meeting minutes. She requested that her concern be reflected in the minutes. Chair Henkin suggested that she raise concerns about any omissions during the Minutes correction portion of each meeting’s agenda.

2)       Naluai also raised a concern about the State Office of Information Practices (OIP) opinion letter stating three Board members could participate as members of a non-profit board of directors without violating the Sunshine Law.  The OIP letter was in response to an anonymous complaint.  Naluai said the OIP’s letter made no sense to her. Chair Henkin read the conclusion portion of the OIP’s letter, which said that, based on the information available, OIP could not conclude the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board (KNB) members serving on the KEY Project board discussed KNB business with one another in the course of their service on the KEY board, and, thus, OIP found no Sunshine Law violation. Spray said he objected to Naluai making unsubstantiated allegations without an opportunity to respond. Chair Henkin noted Spray’s objection, but said that extended discussion was not proper since the item was not on the agenda for discussion.

Honolulu Fire Department Report (HFD) – Firefighter Adams reported statistics for the month of August included: 1) 1 brush and 4 rubbish fires; 22 medical emergencies and 3 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: Fire Prevention Week will be observed during the week of October 5-11, which is the 137^th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. It has been reported that home fires cause the most injuries and fatalities; this year’s campaign will focus on preparedness and underscore the importance of regularly checking your home for fire hazards. HFD encouraged every home to take necessary steps to ensure homes were safe with a smoke alarm and fire escape plan including a safe meeting place outside the home. In October, children attending elementary schools statewide will receive a Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide (FFSG) from their teachers. HFD encouraged all parents and family members to review the information, practice the fire escape plan, test smoke alarms and consider all fire safety tips included in the FFSG.

Honolulu Police Department Report (HPD) – Lt. Cheong reported Kahalu‘u statistics for the month of August included: 1) 3 rapes, 16 burglaries, 10 driving under influence (DUI), 61 thefts, 14 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 15 warrant arrests. 2) The district index report showed a 25 percent decrease in crime.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Valencia asked what factor led to the decrease in crime and for an update on the status of the Subway restaurant robbery. Lt. Cheong said the community was starting to take a stand on crimes within their neighborhoods by reporting to HPD, and the judiciary system has been also stepping up prosecuting criminals. Lt. Cheong said the Subway case was still under investigation, so no details could be provided; he asked anyone in the community with information to call Crime Stoppers and make an anonymous report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report – B. Usagawa reported: 1) Kamehameha Highway had a 6 inch water main break on August 1; it was about 50 years old. 2) In preparing for an emergency, residents should ensure their basic kits are ready including at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for both drinking and sanitation. During a power outage, keep water use to an absolute minimum. All of the BWS’s pumps need electricity to operate; during a power outage BWS will have limited ability to pump water out of wells and other water sources and up to the reservoirs. BWS will take preventative measures to secure all pumps and facilities to prevent damage and asked residents to continue to listen to news reports for updated information and execute the actions directed by the BWS. 3) Due to the unusually dry conditions in Windward O‘ahu, BWS asked for voluntary conservation of 10%; restriction of irrigation and lawn/landscape watering to Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.; postponing installation of new lawns and car washes. These guidelines took effect on August 31, will remain in effect until further notice and apply to all government agencies, businesses and residents in Windward O‘ahu from Hau‘ula to Makapu‘u. Only exemptions were for agricultural customers whose water use is essential to their businesses. This was a necessary and proactive measure to ensure our key Windward O‘ahu water sources remain healthy and sustainable for the long term.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A. Machado reported excessive water use at the He‘eia Pier; boats and cars have been seen using water without supervision. B. Usagawa said he will have BWS check on meter consumption and propose some signage be placed at the site for reminder.  

2)       LeVasseur reported low water pressure today at 5:00 p.m. on Ahaolelo Road. B. Usagawa will follow up.

3)       Spray asked whether the drought map included East Honolulu. B. Usagawa said there were a few agricultural uses located at the foothills of Kalama Valley; this area received its water from the Pearl Harbor facility, so, even if rainfall is low, it would not be affected.

4)       Valencia asked why BWS does not anticipate broken pipes if they know they are over 50 years old. B. Usagawa said pipe design life was estimated between 50 to 70 years and some have proven to last over 100 years depending on salt contaminants and soil corrosion conditions. He said BWS does prioritize its order of work to deal with aging BWS pipes throughout the island.

5)       Naluai asked why the drought concentration was on the Windward side. B. Usagawa said a combination of decreased rainfall and smaller water storage made the Windward district susceptible to drought.

6)       A constituent asked if the BWS toilet rebate program requires use of a licensed plumber, noting the increased end cost would not be encouraging for most homeowners. B. Usagawa said that, for liability reasons, a licensed plumber was needed to do the work.

Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) Report – Major Alan Crouch reported: 1) The 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment returned to Hawai‘i safely in August, after completing a seven-month deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The regiment will hold a Memorial Service that is open to the public at hangers 101/102 on Thursday, Sept 18, starting at 10:00 a.m. Family members and the State will honor three Marines who sacrificed their lives while fighting in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The fallen “Island Warriors” were also recently honored with the Hawai‘i Medal of Honor. The battalion conducted more than $10 million in project repairs for schools, medical clinics and other civil projects. 2) Camp Smith’s 5K race was open to the public; information can be obtained by calling Tina at 254-7590. 3) Deployments: August – 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, combat deployment to Iraq. September – 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, combat deployment to Iraq. 4) Captain Strickland was preparing to deploy to Iraq; Major Crouch has just been assigned to Hawai‘i; Arwen Chisolm, who is on his staff, will cover NB meetings. He welcomed questions and concerns to be called in to 257-8840.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Valencia asked if the USMC Hawai‘i Base has ever been sued for noise disturbance. Major Crouch said the last reported statement was that there has been no such suit. He then responded to other questions Valencia had raised at previous meetings.  Regarding dumping at sea, the Marines do not have their own ships; the Navy has limitations on how far they must be from shore to dump.  The Navy does use sonar during RIMPAC.

2)       Kaluhiwa asked to which service the jets that have been contributing to the noise belonged; jet engine noise occurred sometimes in the middle of the night. Major Crouch said MCBH had no jets; if a call were made with notation of time and date, someone at MCBH would be able to offer that information. He noted that the airfield is open until midnight from Monday through Thursday, until 6 p.m. on Friday, until 4 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday; however, there generally is no one to answer the public’s calls after 5:00 p.m.  

3)       J. Anthony said as a 30-year resident, he has lived with jet noise without real solutions or answers from MCBH; MCBH would not be hiding information if the base were located near Kahala and Hawai‘i Kai where residents were more affluent and didn’t manage to get dirt under their fingernails. Major Crouch said the Marines were honored and proud to serve all districts in Hawai‘i regardless of affluence. Chair Henkin reminded those in attendance to be sure to focus on the issues.

4)       G. Marantz said as long as the United States was involved with both peace and war missions he welcomed the training missions; he was privileged to have the MCBH serving the state and be located in the district.

5)       Major Crouch suggested the public call the base to give dates, times and direction of flight noise. He also added some training missions involve international flight arrivals that give short or little notice of arrival, sometimes due to security reasons.

6)       Chair Henkin suggested that, before attending NB meetings, MCBH public affairs check the notes from the prior meeting to ensure all questions and concerns from the public will be addressed by whoever will be representing MCBH; in addition, to address public concerns regarding noise, MCBH should have a telephone number the public can call 24/7 and reach a live person who can follow up immediately on incidents; finally, MCBH needs to ensure that planes using the airfield stay with flight paths and avoid flying over land.

Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) Report – A. Machado reported: 1) The district was facing a busy holiday season including the Century Ride at the end of September. DLNR needed to continue public education and to inform the district if a potential event was going to impact the bay and district; tour buses also contribute to traffic as the bay had inadequate parking. The council was concerned that, in recent months, Kane‘ohe Bay has been noted to have large crowds at any given time, making note of the boating incident two years ago when someone was accidentally killed while boating. 2) KBRC meets every three months at the Windward Community College in the ‘Akoakoa room; the public was invited. The next meeting was October 1; public parking and the aquarium fish issue was on the agenda.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kaluhiwa said KBRC needed to take a look at all the new businesses operating on Kane‘ohe Bay (e.g., kayaking operations), which are not allowed under the Kane‘ohe Bay Master Plan.

2)       Mensch said the slow buoy markers seemed to work and should be put back.

Treasurer’s Report – Chair Henkin reported: The current appropriated balance was $2,539.82: Operating expenditures for the month of August were $39.76 for printing and postage leaving a balance of $1,439.87; Publicity funds remained at $993 while the refreshment fund was at $106.95 with an expenditure of $13.05.

Mayor Hannemann’s Report – Chair Henkin read a report from E. Martin: 1) City Department of Services was reviewing the request for Circle Island bus service to continue later in the evening and will have a response for the October meeting. 2) City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) placed a temporary cover over the cesspool hole reported at the Regional Park. DPR and City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) both will determine what needs to be done permanently as all cesspools actively in use or abandoned were regulated by the state.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A. Machado expressed concerns with regards to the dedication and blessing of the Kahalu‘u Regional Park; not much effort appeared to have been made to announce the opening; district ministers, organizations and citizens with prior active involvement in creating the park did not appear to have been invited to take part in the blessing ceremony. Several Board members also expressed concerns and suggested the Board ask DPR for a chance to re-dedicate the park with greater community involvement. Chair Henkin said he will place the issue on the next agenda.

Governor Lingle’s Report – B. Morioka reported: DOT was looking forward to the Kahekili Highway Forum.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kaluhiwa said someone is trimming the trees at He‘eia Park and suggested tree removal to allow more parking. She also noted the park pavilion was being vandalized and now was missing parts.

2)       LeVasseur expressed concern over red millipedes infesting the Waihe’e marsh area; he handed a sample in a zip lock bag to B. Morioka for possible investigation.

3)       J. Anthony asked why DLNR’s Director Thielen was not more accessible to the public as it has been difficult for him to get a meeting with her. B. Morioka said the protocol usually was that each department deputy handled issues with project managers; department directors get involved only when necessary to resolve issues. This protocol allowed directors to ensure issues are addressed by those most knowledgeable.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Report – M. Sakata reported: 1) Illegal dumping has become a problem all over the island; a RISER will be initiated to support options to deal with this issue. 2) DPP responded to concerns about the Woods at ‘Ahuimanu by saying there would be a separate system to handle wastewater. 3) Bill 39 will help preserve the native Hawaiian language by requiring that all City signs with Hawaiian names and language include proper Hawaiian spelling. 3) TheBus stops at ‘Ahuimanu and Kahekili were still lacking trash bins and are on a wait list.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Vermeesch asked what the length of roadwork was at the Ko‘olau Shopping Center. 

2)       Spray asked what DPP’s solution to the proposed Woods at ‘Ahuimanu’s septic system as there were none in existence yet.

3)       Valencia expressed a concern that the Woods at ‘Ahuimanu development would increase runoff into the stream and bay, potentially causing flooding.       

4)       Kaluhiwa asked the state and city to evaluate ocean and beach impacts due to the increasing use of Kualoa Park by tourists and local communities.  M. Sakata said he will follow up on these questions.

Senator Hee’s Report – J. Personius reported: Legislature was out of session; however, he was available to take concerns back.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Valencia urged Senator Hee to continue to push for an environmental assessment for the Woods at ‘Ahuimanu.

Community Presentations:

A) Watershed Protection Planning/O’ahu Water Use & Development Plan, Hawai’i-La’ieikawai Association (HLA) – J. Anthony reported:  In 1999, BWS tried to meet its obligation under the State Water Code to prepare a water use and development plan for O’ahu by spending up to $2 million for a private consultant to develop an Integrated Resource Management Plan.  That process was then abandoned.  BWS never answered the main question of how much water does O’ahu have to allocate.  The Adler Report indicated O’ahu’s water resources are over allocated.  BWS then went to a planning process based on O’ahu’s eight main regions, which will go into an overall water use and development plan.  BWS has prepared a plan for Ko’olauloa, and HLA participated in the planning process.  The plan fails to address significant issues such as dedicated sources of funding for the plan (which BWS estimates will cost $30 million), itemizing and prioritizing action items, and establishing enforceable deadlines.  BWS is proposing a similar planning process for Ko’olaupoko.  The Board and community need to be proactive to ensure the planning process is not an empty gesture.

B. Usagawa responded: BWS agreed with HLA’s points on the plan’s implementation issues and particularly the need eventually to ensure funding and set timelines.  BWS plans to engage the Neighborhood Board (NB) and broader community as it moves forward with the Ko’olaupoko Watershed Management Plan (WMP), which will follow a similar model to the Ko’olauloa WMP. The community planning phase should be underway in early 2009. According to the State Hawaii Water Plan, there were eight component plans: 1. State Water Resource Protection Plan, 2. State Water Quality Plan, 3. State Water Projects Plan, 4. State Agricultural Water Use and Development Plans, and 5-8. County Water Use and Development Plans. The city has obtained approval from the State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) for a regional watershed-based planning approach matching the eight land use districts of O‘ahu, instead of a single plan for the island. BWS clarified that $400,000 was spent on the earlier Integrated Resource Management Plan process, half of which was spent on public involvement.  BWS was finalizing the Wai’anae and Ko’olauloa WMP and has obtained NB endorsement for both plans which will need City Council approval by ordinance before adoption by the CWRM. BWS has obtained CWRM approval of the scope of work for the next two regional plans for North Shore and Ko’olaupoko on August 28, 2008. The State Water Code required the county to prepare a plan of water use and development; BWS has determined that a plan solely for use and development was too narrow and must include watershed protection and has therefore expanded the planning approach to utilize the Hawaiian concept of “Ahupua’a”, opting for a watershed-based approach to water resource management. BWS has contracted Group 70 to do the NS WMP and Townscapes Inc. for the Ko’olaupoko WMP. BWS will be presenting the watershed planning approach to the five NB’s involved; North Shore, Kahalu’u, Kane’ohe, Kailua and Waimanalo. In early 2009, BWS will be starting the community participation phase of the plan, meeting with all stakeholders, including individuals, community groups, organizations, landowners, agencies and NBs. BWS also reported the WMP’s goal was to protect, preserve and manage O’ahu’s watersheds and balance sustainable ground water and surface water use and development to serve present and future generations. Also, reported was WMP’s objectives: to promote sustainable watersheds, protect and enhance water quality and quantity, protect native Hawaiian customary practices, facilitate public participation, education and project implementation to meet future water demands at reasonable costs.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       J. Anthony said the NB needs to stay informed so the community won’t be deceived by the usual information offered by BWS. He also added ocean acidification will have a severe impact on marine life.

2)       Geboski asked if the state has the institutions necessary to implement a water use plan.  J. Anthony said the state is not involved in credible planning and noted the Pearl Harbor aquifer report is already four years late.

3)       Valencia was concerned that BWS would try to impose the plan on the community without adequate input.

4)       Kaluhiwa asked how much water was taken from the He’ehiauli Stream to service Wai’ahole and Kahalu’u. B. Usuagawa said sources in Ko’olaupoko and Ko’olauloa each contribute half of the water used in Ko’olaupoko. BWS will provide more information during their resource protection plan presentations.

5)       Mench asked if BWS had any authority to stop development in the ‘Ewa Plain if rail were approved. B. Usagawa said BWS can only say “no” if a development does not meet standards and that BWS’s mandate is to find sustainable sources of water to promote growth.  In ‘Ewa, new developments are using recycled water for landscaping.  B. Usagawa also said the Adler Report seems outdated since some agricultural water has been freed up from closure of some major plantations.

6)       Spray asked if area streams were benchmarked in any way. B. Usagawa said CWRM is trying to do studies to conserve flow in Waihe’e Stream and that there has been a focus on Punalu’u Stream.

7)       Naluai encouraged the community to get involved with the working group and for the NB to form a PIG. Chair Henkin said he would put on next month’s agenda whether to form a PIG. Spray said the Board should use its existing Water and Environment committee rather than form a PIG.  

B) Illegal Dumping at Noriko Property – Chair Henkin thanked those involved – David Chu (Lessee) & Alan Chu (Lessee’s son), Steven & Susan Lau (Lesser) and George Marantz (Neighborhood Watch) – for their attendance tonight and asked them to work towards supporting measures to help clean up the property.

G. Marantz reported: There was alleged illegal dumping, theft, prostitution, and drug dealing ongoing at the site. He said there was clear evidence that abandoned vehicles had been dragged from the property and dumped on ‘Ahuimanu Road. He also reported one night about 18 people were witnessed on the property firing up what looked like an “ice pipe” as they moved around in “zombie like” movements and that he had caught all this on video. He went on to say that, after an initial clean up of ‘Ahuimanu Road, another truck appeared with more items which were later traced to Noriko’s. He asked the property lessee to see to it that vendors at the property dispose of items properly and take heed in concerns of public safety, individual morals and role models for our children.  G. Marantz stressed the need for the lessee to provide proper security at the property. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       D. Chu thanked G. Marantz and HPD for their support and help. He said he was excited when he came to lease the property and worked to open his business at the site; however, his excitement was short lived since he was robbed and electrical boxes were stolen off the property. D. Chu also apologized to the public for the inconvenience and said he struggles to get control over the property.

2)       A. Chu said they were working with the state courts on an eviction plan for the illegal lunch wagon currently at the site including eviction of the “homeless drug users” alleged to be living on the property. He also said the property was stripped of electricity and water supply. He asked the community to call HPD if needed; there was a legal statement in place to assist HPD in the event of trespassers.  He also said his father was trying to regain his losses by concentrating on other business matters to help rebuild what he has lost at the property.

3)       Susan and Steven Lau said they had no control over the property since the bank legally entrusted the property to D. Chu following the prior lessee’s default. She said she was concerned about the community’s complaints and public eyesore along with the widespread drug use reported on the property.

4)       G. Marantz asked if there was hired private security on the property as HPD does not secure private property. A. Chu said they had an employee that worked off property and he was to be acting security; however, things still seem to disappear as no one was there 24 hours a day.

5)       G. Marantz said the community would be supportive if the lessees opened a business and asked the lessees to give the community specifics on how it could help.  He stressed the building needs to be occupied or needs effective security.

6)       Naluai and Kaluhiwa both agreed the time has come for the community; NB and lessee to all do something about the problems at the property.

7)       G. Marantz requested a video inventory of everything currently at the property so that, if items should show up dumped in the community, they could be traced more easily.

8)       Valencia moved and Kaluhiwa seconded for the Kahalu’u NB No. 29 to request HPD to pay more attention to illegal or potentially illegal activities at the Noriko site.

9)       A. Chu stated he has been in touch with HPD and offered for HPD to use the property as a parking lot, in order to deter illegal activity.

10)   Kaluhiwa suggested the lessee might offer use of the property to DLNR as a location for DoCARE to monitor activities on Kane’ohe Bay.

11)   LeVasseur agreed that attention needed to be paid to the Noriko site but expressed concern about the stretching of limited police resource to deal with issues that are initially the owner’s or lessee’s responsibility.  Valencia said that, even if private property is involved, the important thing is to stop illegal acts. 

12)   Chair Henkin repeated the motion: the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board No. 29 requests the Honolulu Police Department to pay more attention to illegal or potentially illegal activities at the Noriko site. The motion failed; 6-3-2. (Aye: Henkin, Mench, Naluai, Valencia, Spray and Vermeesch. No: Busch, Geboski and Hoe. Abstain: Kaluhiwa and LeVasseur.  Chair Henkin clarified that, even though the motion did not pass, the discussion made clear the entire Board was concerned about this important issue. 

13)   D. Chu said he would continue efforts to make the property a beautiful site.  Susan Lau said she would take the concerns back to the property owners.  Chair Henkin thanked all for their participation. G. Marantz said he would continue efforts to work together.

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

C)  Windward Community Holiday Festival 2008 – Naluai reported on plans for a second Windward Community Holiday Festival, which will take place at three windward locations: Hau’ula Beach Park Pavilion, Kane’ohe He’eia State Park-Ulumau Village Pavilion, and Waimanalo Beach Park Pavilion during the first week in December to reach more homeless community members in need.  Naluai requested that those willing to support by monetary donations, volunteer services and in-kind services contact her at kamaliimakamae@gmail.com or 239-1281. Naluai requested Board support for the event and to help print the event flyer.      

Valencia left at 10:05 p.m.; ten Board members present.

Kaluhiwa moved and Hoe seconded for the Kahaluu NB No. 29 to support the project and authorize up to 400 flyers to be printed by the Neighborhood Commission Office.  The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0. (Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Mench, Naluai, Spray and Vermeesch)

D)  September and October Board-Sponsored Forums – Without objection, Chair Henkin added an agenda item to address various time-sensitive “housekeeping” matters related to the upcoming Kahekili Traffic and Candidates Forums.  Chair Henkin noted that, to avoid any Sunshine Law concerns about more than two Board members attending the September 11, 2008 forum on Kahekili traffic, he had prepared and filed a special meeting agenda.  Chair Henkin noted that he had arranged for ‘Olelo to tape the Kahekili traffic forum, which would cost up to $20 to reimburse the cameraperson for the video tape.  Spray moved and Geboski seconded that the Kahaluu NB No. 29 authorized the expenditure of up to $20 for reimbursement of a video tape for the ‘Olelo recording. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0. (Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Mench, Naluai, Spray and Vermeesch).

Chair Henkin noted that the Candidate Forum would not require the filling of a special meeting agenda as the issues at the event were not likely to come before the Board as agenda subjects.  Kaluhiwa moved and Hoe seconded for the Kahalu’u NB No. 29 allow the regular refreshment funds be used – up to $40 – for the Candidate Forum. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 10-0-0. (Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Mench, Naluai, Spray and Vermeesch)

Agenda Items for October Meeting – Chair Henkin asked the Board to provide input on agenda items for the October meeting, noting that he planned to include an item regarding possible formation of a permitted interaction group (PIG) to investigate issues related to the upcoming water use and development planning process.  Spray said the issue might better be dealt with by the Water and Environment Committee, with Chair Henkin saying he would place the issue on next month’s agenda.  Chair Henkin asked if any member or attendee was interested in Board presentations on the rail ballot issue, Civil Defense Sirens or Trick or Treat for Safer Streets, and, with no Board member expressing interest, said those would not appear. Chair Henkin announced the agenda would include an item to address concerns about the recent Kahalu’u Park dedication, including conditions of the park and a possible re-dedication ceremony, with Mayor’s Representative E. Martin to be invited to report.  Busch suggested that, in the future meeting, the Board invite the community to offer suggestions on uses for the Noriko property.  Chair Henkin said the Board could consider next month whether to add such an item to the November agenda.  Busch suggested the contact phone numbers for D. Chu (230-1688) ad A. Chu (381-4820) be placed in the minutes so the community could offer suggestions.

Board Assignments –

Committee Chairs:  Chair Henkin announced appointments for Board committee chairs: Spray (Water and Environment), LeVasseur (Transportation), Naluai (Parks and Recreation), Mench (Planning), Hoe (Preservation of Hawaiian Culture), Busch (Military/Civilian Affairs liaison), and Geboski (Legislation and School).  Spray suggested that Luersen be asked to serve as the co-chair for the Water and Environment Committee. 

Secretary Geboski stressed the need for a tape recorder for portions of the meeting running past 10 p.m. and proposed the Board purchase one.  Spray stated the Neighborhood Commission Office should be able to provide a tape recorder for that purpose.  Naluai offered the use of her tape recording for this meeting.

Corrections/Amendments of the Regular Meeting Minutes – Chair Henkin announced the approval of August 13, 2008 minutes would be deferred to the October meeting.  

Adjournment – Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:28 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA             Reviewed by Chair Henkin