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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES-draft                                        

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2009                                                                                                                                                          

KEY PROJECT

Call To Order – Vice Chair Luersen (Acting Chair) called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. This 15 member Board requires a vote of 8 to adopt a motion; quorum of 10 was present (Hoe, Naluai, Renoir, Busch, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Bender, Luersen, Vermeesch, and Geboski.                                                                                                                                                                               

Neighborhood Board (NB) Members Present – Rocky Kaluhiwa, Dan Bender, Elwin Spray, Gregory Geboski, D. Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir, Ned Busch, Keliko Hoe, Mark Valencia, Amy Luersen, and Ken LeVasseur                                                                                                                                                                    

Members Absent – David Henkin, Richard Garcia and Kurt Mench  

Guests – Ernie Martin-Mayor Hannemann’s representative, Major Alan Crouch-Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i-MCBH, Lt. John Vines-Honolulu Police Department-HPD, Firefighter Mark Adams-Honolulu Fire Department-HFD, Guy Chang & Fagota J. Tafaipu-State Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR), Mike Sakata-Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office, Barry Usagawa-Board of Water Supply-BWS, Alvin Kubo-City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Brennon Morioka-State Department of Transportation (DOT) Director-Governor Lingle’s representative, Madeline Neely-Representative Wooley’s office, Carol & Vincent Molford; Guy Nakamoto, Rogeizo & Tracy Masse; Violet Roberts, Gary & Debbie Frasco, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin-Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO.

Honolulu Fire Department Report (HFD) – Firefighter Adams reported: 1 structure and 6 rubbish fires, 37 medical emergencies and 8 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tip: Smoke alarms save lives and are important part of a home fire escape plan. Since the late 1970s, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes that had no or inoperable smoke alarms. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms. Please be sure your home has a working smoke alarms; it could save lives.

Board member Valencia arrived at 7:15 p.m. There were eleven members present.

Honolulu Police Department Report (HPD) – Lt. Vines reported: 5 simple assaults, 9 auto theft recoveries, 5 burglaries, 1 driving under the influence (DUI), 2 drug/narcotics, 2 family offense, 1 graffiti, 4 motor vehicle theft, 11 property damage, 23 motor vehicle collisions, 7 thefts, 1 rape, 1 sex assault, 2 threats and 5 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV). An illegal parking citation resulted in an arrest due to the stolen vehicle.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Acting Chair Luersen asked if family violence was increasing in the district. HPD said in some districts but not in Kahalu’u.

2)       LeVasseur inquired regarding the vehicle accident involving Colleen Meyer’s home; HPD said a report would be issued if someone was critically injured or resulted in a death.

3)       Valencia asked what HPD considered to be rape compared to an assault. HPD said rape was full penetration while assault was not.

4)       Valencia inquired of a pole being hit on the highway; was it caused by a “drifting” vehicle accident? HPD said it was not known if it was a “drifting accident”. 

5)       Valencia also reported “chronics” seem to be roaming the Kahaluu regional park during the daytime and wanted to make sure parents were aware of the situation. HPD will share this information to keep an eye during area patrol.

State Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR)-Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) – Guy Chang reported DOCARE has been pro-active in enforcement at He’eia State Park. They will be posting “NO CAMPING” signage at the park; however, DOCARE officers are not available round the clock making enforcement difficult. The homeless often return to the park after being asked to leave.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Acting Chair Luersen asked if DOCARE had considered satellite office space in the “A frame” building located at He’eia Park where bay visibility was excellent.

2)       Kaluhiwa inquired about reef damage caused by the recent grounding of a military boat offshore from Waimanalo. G. Chang said the aquatics division was overseeing the recovery with the recent reef runway incident; however, maybe the military personal could offer some updated information on the Waimanalo incident.

Announcements:

1. The next Board meeting was scheduled for April 8, 2009; 7:00 p.m. at KEY Project, 47-200 Waihe’e Road.
2. Please support the current NB No. 29 food drive; bring a non-perishable food can to the meeting.
3. A DTS representative announced a pilot project will be underway for TheBus routes No. 86 & No. 86A starting March 2009. The route will provide a quicker, more direct trip between the Windward side and Pearl Harbor. Route 86 will be the first route traveling the H3 Freeway instead of Likelike Highway (LH) travelling directly to Pearl Harbor; therefore no longer servicing the stops at LH and School Street. Route 86A will continue to use LH and service the stops on LH and School Street before proceeding to Pearl Harbor. Please call 768-8374 or email: thebusstop@honolulu.gov with comments, concerns or routing questions.

Residents’/Community Concerns:

1)       Acting Chair Luersen announced the NB candidacy applications were due to NCO by February 20, 2009 for Fiscal Year starting July 1, 2009.

2)       Acting Chair Luersen noted that there was a tree growing in the middle of the channelized portion of Ahuimanu stream adjacent to Hui Iwa Street.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report – B. Usagawa reported one main break in December at Kamehameha Highway and Na’ahi Street. The BWS was pleased to announce that Wayne Hashiro has recently joined the BWS as the new manager and chief engineer. W. Hashiro will be responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the BWS; focusing on furthering the department’s mission, “Water for Life-Ka Wai Ola,” and expanding its efforts to become a truly world-class water utility. Hashiro was previously the city’s Managing Director. The Maui native has worked as a professional engineer and manager for over 34 years developing diverse engineering, project management, employee leadership as well as an extensive experience while with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden held workshops geared toward community education about outdoor water conservation; February 7; from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. was a child workshop with parents making natural Valentine’s Day cards. February 28; from 10:00 a.m. to noon will be a class on making organic pesticides and March 21 and May 9 from 10:00 a.m. to noon will be a workshop on how worms can turn food waste into organic fertilizer. To register, call 748-5363 or email to tours@hbws.org and visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for further BWS information.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Acting Chair Luersen announced the first community talk story session concerning the Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan is proposed for February 25 at KEY Project, if BWS and the consultants are able to attend. She noted that this is on the agenda later in the evening, but this is a recommendation from the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) for the Watershed plan.  Their feeling was that the talk story session should be open to all.

Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) Report – Major Crouch circulated MCBH’s newsletter and reported: 1) MCAF Hours of Operations were: Monday and Fridays: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesdays to Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sundays and all Holidays: CLOSED. MODIFIED HOURS: February 10 & 11; 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.; Helicopter night training events. February 13 to 17: Closed for President’s Day holiday. February 23, 25, 27; 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. ; Parachute operations. December 15 to February 28; Runway 4 closed to fixed-wing air operations for maintenance and installation of energy-saving equipment.

·         MCBH-based helicopters will operate with reduced hours. P-3 aircraft are currently relocated to Hickam AFB but will return at the end of February. Any press concerns regarding base operations or flight and base personnel, call 257-8852 or send a message through www.mcbh.usmc.mil/inspector/complaintform.htm.

·         AAV Recovery: Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) sank off Marine Corps Training Area Bellows the evening of January 12. The vehicle was raised and recovered with the help of the Navy’s Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One from Pearl Harbor over the next two days. No leaks were detected by divers or surface personnel while the vehicle was underwater and possible reef damage is pending an investigation dive when weather permits. The vehicle was about 150 yards from shore when it took on water and sank after a wave crash onto it causing front end damage.

·         MCBH has invited all local businesses to attend a seminar on March 11, about how to do business on base. Industry Day will be held at the Officer’s Club from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a networking reception from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Call 254-7697 for further information.

·         Environmental News: January 26; Base Environmental (BE) began a door to door recyclables collection program for 260 homes on base. February 3; BE unveiled a new photovoltaic energy information kiosk detailing new integrated solar roofing system which helps significantly reduces power drawn to these buildings. The landfill was recently completed cleaned up and will be blessed on February 21 at 9:30 a.m.

·         Upcoming Deployments and Homecoming: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, and 1^st Bn., 3^rd Marine Regiment returned home. The 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment Marine heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 will be deployed.

·         Recent and Upcoming Events: January 30; MCBH hosted Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band to perform USO concert with 1,700 attendees. February 3 to 5 the AAV took part in annual “Mud Ops” event at Nu’upia Ponds. AAV tracks uprooted invasive plant species and created nesting areas for endangered Hawaiian Stilt birds. February 4 to 8 MCB hosted NFL players participating in this year’s Pro Bowl and provided volunteers for the pre-game, halftime and other game day related event sin Honolulu. February 8 the Criterium Bicycle Race at MCBH will take place; call 257-8442 for further information.

·         A boundary map of Waikane was circulated; ongoing fence repair operations were continuing after the weekend as well as a clean up of unexploded leftover materials within the fenced military property.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Acting Chair Luersen asked if the hillside erosion at the Kamaka property may have been caused by World War II target practice with ordnance now surfacing.  Major Crouch said it appeared this was a cause; however, control measures are being taken to complete the cleanup.

2)       Busch inquired about offering and sharing a presentation during a Board meeting from MCBH to describe military noise and control measures; offering the public understanding of operations at MCBH. Acting Chair Luersen asked if the March meeting would be enough notice for a presentation; Major Crouch said March would work since he will also cover the environmental impact study (EIS) for the new P-Aircrafts scheduled to arrive between 2014 and 2015. He will communicate with Chair Henkin about the agenda for the March meeting if MCBH is ready for the presentation.

3)       Busch commended MCBH for its efforts to reach the community to gain understanding of how MCBH impacted the community and added there were many available sub-contracted type jobs available at MCBH.

Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) Report – Art Machado was not available for a report. Kaluhiwa reported that the Ken Ito has submitted a bill in the legislature received to dissolve KBRC; she suggested Kahalu’u and Kaneohe NB should work to support keeping the  KBRC sine it serves as a community voice to protect Kaneohe Bay.

Treasurer’s Report – Bender reported the current appropriated balance was about $1,363: Operating expenditures for the month of December were $58.52 for printing and postage leaving a balance of about $1,130; Publicity funds balance was about $177 while the refreshment fund was now about $55. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       LeVasseur requested if the Board funds can be used to purchase video equipment for the Board’s use to facilitate accurate reporting of minutes. Bender said he will have to check if this was possible.

Mayor Hannemann’s Report – E. Martin reported: 1) As per the City Department of Design and Construction (DCC), there were no recognized city street trees along the following roadways that were under the maintenance jurisdiction of the Division or Urban Forestry (DUF), City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR); Ahilama Road had various ownership; Ahilama Place was a private roadway; Lamaula Road was also private as well as Makakea Road. Also trees of concern that were reported are identified as “wild growth”; therefore, if the trees were on the city portion of the roadway, DUF will refer the matter to the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). Trees on private roadways are the maintenance of responsibility of the property owner. The City will be scheduling vegetation overgrowth removal for the areas under city maintenance responsibility. The remaining areas along the city street where the abutting property owner is responsible for the maintenance will be referred to DPP for enforcement. 2) A work request has been submitted to DPR’s Maintenance Support Services to repair the Laenani Park sea wall. Repairs to facilities are important; however, health and safety concerns take priority and this request will be attended to as soon as manpower and resources are available. 3) Responding to the Kahalu’u Regional Park (makai side): DCC has responded a) DPR has considered this matter and has determined the gate should be installed as planned-60feet setback from Kamehameha Highway. If the gate is moved further into the park site, it would block the entrance of the master planned future parking lot. Although the construction of the parking lot is not a part of this project, when funds are made available, it would then have to be reconfigured to have the entrance moved and may result in a loss of parking stalls. b) The project is a design/build contract for $698,800 that was funded in the Fiscal Year CIP budget. c) The scope of the work was formulated to avoid the wetlands and be within the available funds and includes clearing and grubbing, grading, grassing, planting of trees, irrigation, vehicular barriers and a gate. d) The Notice-to-Proceed for the construction on the project was January 6, 2009 and the completion date is July 4, 2009. 4) Repair of roadway fronting entrance to He’eia State Park near telephone pole was scheduled for mid-February. 5) There were no funds available for any increased bus services system-wide. When funding becomes available, this request will be considered in priority of need. 6) Waikiki Health Center will visit the site and offer assistance to individuals alleged to be living under the bridge near He’eia Park. In the event it is unable to locate these individuals, the center requested further information on the number of people at the site including car descriptions and time of day they are at the location. 7) The existing bus shelter at Ahuimanu became structurally unstable due to constant vandalism. Replacement parts were no longer available from the manufacture; therefore a new wooden shelter will be constructed in 2010. 8) Response to Mr. Kawamoto’s properties: DPP reported the property was designated by the LUO as P-1 Preservation District. This designation applied only to lands within the State Conservation District that is administered by the State DLNR. The City does not have authority or jurisdiction over these lands. DFM reported trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner and was unable to require the private owner to cut or trim trees within the private property affecting abutting private property. City Corporate Council reported the City assisting in trimming trees on Genshiro Kawamoto’s Kahalu’u property which intruded and created unsafe conditions upon the properties of abutting homeowners. Also note that, pursuant to Article VII, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution, that no appropriation of public money shall be used, directly or indirectly, except for a public purpose. The City cannot use public funds for private purposes. Based on the facts provided by the Board, it appears that this matter involve the trees of a private homeowner and their intrusion on the properties of other private homeowners. The assistance at issue would benefit the individual homeowners rather than the City. 9) The issue of alleged fuel tanks left behind at the Marshlands where a gas station once was has been referred to the State Department of Health. The site may also need to be re-mediated if a fuel leak had occurred. The City was unable to assist with the recovery and disposal of the private fuel tanks which were confirmed present at the said location.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       LeVasseur asked if proposed changes to the makai side of Kahaluu Regional Park plan could include the proposed plan developed by the community. These include the location of the park gate, viewing mound and wheelchair ramp to allow access to the top of the mound, compliant with ADA requirements. He added the ramp was not in the plan and the horseshoe-pit is being used by the local canoe halau and should be replaced once the work was completed.  

Governor Lingle’s Report – B. Morioka reported: 1) The Hui Iwa and Kahekili intersections project will begin soon.  A nine month contract has been issued starting with West Hui Iwa in about two weeks. 2) DOCARE officials were looking at ideas of an office space at He’eia Park. 3) The Kaneohe unemployment office has added another day of service to deal with increased unemployment filings and will add staff once stimulus funding is released.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Geboski inquired on the hours of the Hui Iwa project during construction. B. Morioka said with a special provision permit due to the nearby school schedule; construction hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

2)       A constituent asked if the right turn light from Ahuimanu coming from mountain direction could remain red at least for 15 seconds to allow pedestrian more time to cross. B. Morioka said legally a vehicle was not allowed to cross the crosswalk while a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.

3)       LeVasseur asked for an update regarding the large banyan tree at Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways. B. Morioka said he was waiting for clarification of the land title.

4)       Vermeesch said the Kahekili Beautification Highway project was long overdue; however, the median landscaping looked good.

Acting Chair Luersen received no objections to moving Agenda item No. 8-C to be heard earlier than scheduled; Input on DTS median project to prevent drifting on Hui ‘Iwa Street up the agenda.

C. Community Presentation on Input on DTS median project to prevent drifting on Hui ‘Iwa Street:

Craig Chung presented a power point concerning the issues on Hui Iwa St. from Kahekili Highway to Halemanu Street which are: a) drifting b) speeding and c) accidents. The desired outcomes are motorist and residents safety first, keeping vehicles from crossing centerline and to provide safe turning movements. The Hui Iwa Project discussion included three possible options at a community meeting on February 14, 2007: 1) Qwick Kurb vertical delineators to separate between traffic in opposite directions, which allows easy breaks for access to driveways and a visual determent. The community thought the Qwik Kurbs were visually ugly. 2) Raised concrete medians to provide separation between traffic in opposite directions, restricting access to driveway was costly and can only be installed at certain locations and, 3) Re-striped lanes, painted medians and “bot dots” at edge of travel lanes. The Board requested DTS to move immediately to add striping and painting in the area of Hui Iwa Street between Hui Kelu and Halemanu Streets and to include in the budget funding for bot-dots and a median. Given he earlier community input, the current project includes the following: 1) Striped medians to separate traffic in opposite directions 2) Concrete median on Hui Iwa between Apoalewa Place and Hui Kelu/ Hui Akeo intersection 3) Install edge of pavement lines to visually reduce lane widths and designate parking areas 4) Add left turn pockets at intersections 5) Add reflective bot-dots on centerline, painted median and parking lane lines.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Residents initially raised concerns about the concrete median not including the area of the curve up to Halemanu St. due to speeding and drifting in that area.  The City responded with concerns about resident access to driveways if there were a median in that location.  This would also necessitate the ability to make U turns at both ends of the median to allow resident access. To implement a median in this location would require a petition signed by all the property owners who would be impacted.

2)       A resident questions why a speed bumps or rumble strips was not included.  The City responded that this is a bus route and for emergency access, speed bumps are to not consistent with city policies.  He also stated that the rumble strips are noisy and neighbors may not want to hear them 24 hours a day.

3)       A constituent suggested the City gather information from an official race/drifting group as one does exist to assist with implementing of deterrence of such activities. He also added that such activity occurred between midnight and early morning and HPD could monitor the area during those hours. He also thought that once the problem was deterred, the City can always paint over striped lanes and remove the bot-dots rather than implement barriers and street lights at high costs.

After discussion and with the concurrence of the residents present, the KNB supported the project moving forward as presented by the City without the additional concrete median mauka of Apoalewa Pl.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:  

Board member Renoir left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. There were ten members present.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Report – M. Sakata reported Councilmember Dela Cruz asked the Office of Council Service (OCS) to look into the County’s ordinance regarding tree overgrowth. Here was a brief outline of their findings: a) There was no law regulating the size of trees on private property and b) There was also no law regulating where it grows in accordance to surrounding properties. OCS stated that the only way the City can get involved is if the overgrown tree becomes a public nuisance. Then the City can do the work and bill the landowner. If the landowner doesn’t pay then a lien can be placed against the property. In the case of the overgrown trees affecting another residence, OCS has advised the Councilmember that this would not likely be deemed a public nuisance since it is an issue between two private parties. OCS has urged the state to allow the City more leverage to help in the efforts to resolve this issue. Representative Wooley’s has submitted a house bill pertaining to this same issue.

Board member Spray arrived at the meeting at 9:20 p.m. There were eleven members present.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Spray and LeVasseur both thought the issue violated the clean water act and the City could ask for federal funding to address the drainage waste issue.

Representative Wooley’s Report – M. Neely reported Representative Wooley introduced House Bill (HB) No. 763; Gray Wastewater Recycling, HB395; Early Education and HB, and HB 1536; Salary Freeze for State Officials. The Ahuimanu Stream concerns may be reported to the State Department of Health at 733-4300 extension 554 or 501.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Spray asked if Representative Wooley could look into capital improvement (CIP) needs in the district.

PRESENTATIONS ON COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

A. Ko’olaupoko Watershed Management Plan – Acting Chair Luersen said the P.I.G group met and is proposing inclusion of community members in the first community talk story regarding the watershed plan.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Spray moved and Bender seconded for the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board (NB) No. 29 to hold a special NB meeting for a “community talk story” regarding the Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan on February 25, 2009; 7:00 p.m. at KEY Project. The motion WAS unanimously adopted; 11-0-0. (Hoe, Naluai, Busch, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Valencia, Bender, Luersen, Spray, Vermeesch and Geboski)

B. DPR Proposal of Nightly Park Closure from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. – the Board needed further information on this proposal as no information was received to prior or at the meeting; item has been suggested to remain on the agenda.

D. Census 2010 – W. Hanson reported this was for informational purposes only. In 2010 the United States census will define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds is awarded to states and communities based on census data. This data guides local decision-makers in important community planning efforts, including where to build child-care and community centers. The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States including Washington DC, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The census asked only a few simple questions of each person; it’s simple, short and should only take a few minutes and returning by mail was the easiest part to do. The past census showed Hawaii at a 40% return rate; Hawaii must do better in 2010. The bureau will not release or share any information that identified individual respondents or their household for 72 years. This included people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, both citizens and non-citizens. The 2010 Census will create hundreds of thousand of temporary jobs across the nation. The 2010 Census timeline and key dates are as follows: Fall 2008; recruitment begins for local census jobs. Spring 2009; census employees go door-to-door to update address list nationwide. Fall 2009; recruitment begins for census takers needed for peak workload in 2010. February-March 2010; census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households. April 1, 2010; Census Day. April-July 2010; Census takers visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail. December 2010; by law, Census Bureau (CB) delivers population counts to President for apportionment. March 2011; by law, CB competes delivery of redistricting data to states. For more information about the 2010 Census; please log onto: www.census.gov/2010census or by calling 535-0920.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Spray asked what the CB was doing to mandate better census return forms. W. Hanson said the CB reported the nation rate at 67%; making this census more simple and with a postcard reminder added should impact the return rate for Hawaii. She added that the census was only in English and Spanish and has partnered with the United States Postal Services to make the census more successful.

2)       Naluai asked what factored the return for Hawaii at only 40% . W. Hanson said that was what was reported from the last census and CB was putting effort into reaching care homes, military bases, beaches and such hard to reach place in order to move the 40% rate up the scale for Hawaii.  

E. Pursuant to the new Neighborhood Plan; three missed meetings by any Board member per Fiscal Year (FY) requires that the Board put the potential vacant seat on the Board agenda for the next meeting. Members Bender, Garcia and Vermeesch have had three missed meetings, which is why this is up for discussion tonight; however Acting Chair Luersen said this was the opportunity to allow members the opportunity for explanations and for the Board to vote on whether to deem the seats vacant or not.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Vermeesch explained he had personal problems that kept him from attending Board meetings; he apologized for his absences and said he will look forward to remaining on the Board.

2)       Bender explained he faithfully honored his religious holidays which caused him missed some meetings. He added he will not be able to make the March 11 meeting due to a “religious holiday”.

3)       Garcia was absent; no return receipt received as of yet from the generated NCO certified letter sent.

4)       Naluai moved and Kaluhiwa seconded for the Neighborhood Board No. 29 at this time not to declare any seats vacant due to near ending of the FY2008-09.

5)       Several Board members reminded the Board’s commitment in keeping quorum in order to accomplish board business and it seemed there enough interested community members to fill vacancies if needed. Busch agreed all opinions and concerns were valid tonight.

6)       Concerns were raised that the motion as worded could create confusion in the vote.Kaluhiwa withdrew her second to the motion; Naluai withdrew her motion.

7)       The Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 moved to allow Bender, Garcia and Vermeesch to remain on the Board. (Aye: 9-0-1 Hoe, Naluai, Busch, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Valencia, Luersen, Spray, and Geboski; Vermeesch abstained)

AGENDA ITEMS FOR MARCH 11, 2009 MEETING: Acting Chair Luersen confirmed possible agenda items for the next NB meeting. 1) Discussion regarding bill to disband KBRC. 2) MCBH presentation; Major Crouch to confirm their readiness to proceed with presentation. 3) LeVasseur proposes for NB support the purchase of presentation equipment for Kahalu’u NB meetings. 4) To keep the issue of proposed closure of Laenani Beach Park; further information was needed for discussion.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

The January 14, 2009 meeting minutes were adopted with the following amendments:

1)       Page 3; under KBRC report, strike out “long overdue”: Insert “The KBRC have missed two previous meetings prior to the January 7 meeting due to quorum problems”

2)       Page 4; under No. C of Community Presentations’ concerns, strike out “Luersen was concerned about whether the variance would” and insert, “Luersen asked if the variance would”

3)       Page 5; under No. 4 concern of No. D; Update on status of the grading at end of Waihe’e Place, strike out “grading” and insert, “commercial excavation, which continued”

4)       Page 5; under No.2 concern of No. E; Concerns about falling trees and drainage issues related to Genshiro Kawamoto’s properties, strike out, “reservoir had been overflowing”, and insert, “reservoir/area drainage way had been overflowing drainage”

5)       Page 6; under Mayor Hannemann’s concerns No. 3, strike out “pavement”, insert, “ground”

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

UPDATE ON WATER USE & DEVELOPMENT PLAN PIG – A Special Meeting will be scheduled for February 25.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS –

Adjournment – Acting Chair Luersen adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.

Submitted by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA             Reviewed by Acting Chair Luersen