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KAHALU’U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29

      DRAFT REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2009                                                                                                                                                      

KEY PROJECT

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:16 p.m. with no quorum present. There were only seven (7) members present. (Henkin, Busch, Mench, LeVasseur, Spray, Geboski and Vermeesch) Note – This 15 member Board requires eight (8) members for a quorum and to take official votes to adopt a motion.  

At 7:17 p.m. Chair Henkin called a recess and announced there was no quorum to continue the meeting and dismissed Board members present.

At 7:20 p.m. Member Renoir arrived; there were now eight (8) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Keliko Hoe, David Henkin, Ned Busch, Kurt Mench, Ken LeVasseur, Jean-Paul Renoir, Elwin Spray, Rich Vermeesch and Gregory Geboski.                                                                                                                                                                      

MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Garcia, D. Keala Naluai, L. Rocky Kaluhiwa, Mark Valencia, Amy Luersen, and Daniel Bender.

VACANCIES: Currently, there were no vacancies. Vacancies for the new term beginning July 1, 2009 are as follows: Sub Districts One (1), Two (2), and Six (6) will each have one (1) vacancy open. Sub District Five (5) will have two (2) vacancies open.

GUESTS: Ernie Martin (Mayor Hannemann’s Office), Major Alan Crouch (Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i), Jeff Tellings, Colonel Steve Siupelu, Lt. Col. Lynn Windward, Lt. John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter R. Libed (Honolulu Fire Department), T. Mori (Governor Lingle’s Office), Representative Wooley, Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), Robert Camello (Reynolds Recycling), Robert Cappella, Brian Nuss, Janelle Jinbo, Albert Badiyo Jr., Guy Nakamoto, Rachel Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office Parliamentarian), Linnie Pascual, Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office Supervisors), and, Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office Assistant).

CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Libed reported the following information:

1)       May 2009 Statistics – There were 3 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires, 31 medical emergencies and 7 miscellaneous calls.

2)       Safety Tip – With dry vegetation during the hot summer months, risk of island fires are higher. Please use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices such as fireworks, matches and lighters around wildland vegetation. As a reminder, the law states that children under age 18 shall not possess or have access to fireworks, matches or lighters, except under adult supervision. As Independence Day nears, consider leaving fireworks displays to pyrotechnic professionals and enjoy one of several public fireworks displays.

Honolulu Police Department (HFD) – Lt. Vines distributed a report, and provided the following information:

1)       Statistics for May 2009 – 8 simple assaults, 1 auto recovery, 9 burglaries, 1 drug/narcotic, 6 family offenses, 2 graffiti, 17 motor vehicle collisions, 8 property damage, 1 robbery, 15 thefts, 2 threats, and 12 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles.  

2)       May 8 – An alleged gambling fight broke out at about 3:30 p.m. at 4400 Kamehameha Highway resulting in arrests of those involved.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) – There was no representative or report available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Mahalo to Outgoing Board Members – M. Sakata thanked Board members for their services with certificates from Councilmember Dela Cruz.  Chair Henkin distributed farewell flower leis.

2)       Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Job Fair – MCCS is hosting a job fair in partnership with the Joint Employment Management System on Friday, June 19, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The fair will not only feature vacancies within MCCS, but also openings for Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) and approximately 40 other companies and government agencies. Further information is available by calling MCCS at 257-7787/7790.

3)       Next Board Meeting – Since the Board will not have quorum in July, the next Board meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2009; 7:00 p.m. at KEY Project, 47-200 Waihe’e Road.

RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

            Friends of He’eia State Park – The group has received notice that, as of August 2009, their permit at the park will not be renewed.

Informational Session:

Board of Water Supply – B. Usagawa reported the following information:

1)       Island-wide Pumpage – For the week of June 6, 2009, the pumpage was at 163 mg

2)       Water Safety and Test – BWS works hard to ensure that the water served to customers meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards. Annually, BWS and State Department of Health conduct thousands of tests on the water source. These tests check for more than 100 different types of contaminants, as required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These tests are shared with customers in the annual water quality report or Consumer Confidence Report mailed to customers by July. Further information can be obtained at BWS’s website: www.boardofwatersupply.com.

3)       Summer Conservation – BWS is asking all Oahu residents to be vigilant and use only the water needed by following these simple steps: turn off the water when brushing your teeth or soaping up in the shower, install a nozzle on your garden hose and check for home water leaks.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         BWS should give the community information about when pumpage of Ko’olauloa groundwater has hit 90% of sustainable yield, triggering designation as a groundwater management area like the Ko’olaupoko groundwater management area in 1992.  B. Usugawa responded that pumpage from Windward O’ahu is only about 30% of sustainable yield; Ko’olaupoko groundwater was designated for other reasons (disputes over use), not because pumpage was 90% of sustainable yield.

At 7:30 p.m. Member Hoe arrived at the meeting. There were now nine (9) members present.

Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) – Major Crouch circulated MCBH’s newsletter and reported the following information:

1)       MCBH Facility Hours of Operations – Mondays through Thursdays: 7:00 a.m. to midnight; Fridays: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sundays and Holidays: CLOSED. Exceptions: The airfield is closed Saturday, June 13 through Monday, June 15, 2009.

2)       News and Events – June 12 to 21, MCBH will host 50 Civil Air Patrol Cadets for training encampment. June 13, MCBH will provide marching platoon and joint service color guard for King Kamehameha Floral Parade. June 19, MCBH’s job fair in the Kahuna Community Ballroom on base which is open to the public. June 25, MCBH will provide joint service color guards for the Korean War Memorial. July 4, VP-47 5K Runway Run, commanding Officers’ Semper Fit Race, open to the public. July 18 to 27, MCBH will host 120 MCJROTC Cadets from local and mainland high schools for a joint training encampment. August 14 to 16, MCBH celebrates the 20^th Anniversary Bayfest.

3)       Bellows Beach Training Area One – The site will remain closed to all visitors throughout the month of June due to persistent unsafe and environmentally destructive activities happening on the beach and around the camping areas. The goal is to open the beach for public access in time for July 4.

4)       Homecomings and Deployments – Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362; 3^rd Marine Regiment HQ; 2^nd and 3^rd Bn.s 3^rd Marine Regiment, and other detachments and augmentees. Homecoming for Navy’s VP-4 was over the last two weeks.

5)       Patrol Squadron Four (PS) VP-4 “Skinny Dragons (SD)” – In 1928, the first squadron designated PS Four was established and based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They were nearly destroyed during the Japanese attack on 7 December, 1941. Following the attack, PS Four was reformed, refitted, and called to duty in World War II, and, in the defense of the Philippines, the squadron lost all but one aircraft leading to the disestablishment of the squadron. The squadron moved to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington in 1948 and again in 1956 to Okinawa, Japan. In 1963, VP4 returned to its original home of Hawai’i, and began transitioning from the P-2V Neptune to the P-3A Orion. In 2000, the “SD” kicked off the new millennium as VP-4 conducted detachments in 13 countries and participated in 27 multi-national exercises. During this time, the exercise mission P-3 was used to save 22 lives in various search and rescue operations within areas of responsibility. The VP-4 also provided commanders a bird’s eye view of the terrain where special operations forces were operating to dislodge Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters from their mountainous hideouts. Now in their 34^th year of mishap-free flying, with over 220,000 flight hours, the “SD” of Patrol Squadron Four proudly looks forward to many more years as the leader in United States Navy Maritime Patrol Aviation, emboldened by their motto, “Pride and Excellence”. 

Kane’ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – A. Machado reported that KBRC’s next meeting will be on July 1 and encouraged the public to come and show support.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Henkin reported that the Operating Account reflected zero charges leaving the balance at $386.91, the Publicity Account also reflected zero charges leaving the balance at $177.78, and the Refreshment Account also remained at $54.97, leaving the Appropriated balance at $619.66.

BUSINESS AND REPORTS:

New Recycling Center at Temple Valley – Robert Camello from Reynolds Recycling (RR) reported the following information:

1)       Location, Hours of Operations and RR Contact – In the Ko’olau Shopping Center on the Hui ‘Iwa Street side of Time’s Supermarket. Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed between the hours of 12 and 1:30 p.m. Please visit our website at www.reynoldsrecycling as well as calling 487-2802 for any information need.

2)       Recycled Items – Customers will be able to recycle their HI-5 deposit beverage containers, aluminum, copper, brass, and non-ferrous scrap metal. Reminder that, according to the state law, all copper transactions require a notary.

3)       Redemption Center Benefits – A convenient, quick and reliable place to redeem recyclables from residents and businesses. Nearby businesses will benefit as customers with cash in hand will more than likely stay in the area to eat, shop, and be entertained. This can also support neighborhood clean-ups and support reduction of the landfills.

4)       Traffic Build-up in the Parking Lot – The area has been configured to provide ample parking for customers; in addition, ways to constantly improve the redemption process to assist customers to quickly be served are always being studied and implemented as soon as possible. The average turnaround time per transaction is 15 minutes; therefore, traffic congestion as a result of our operation is highly unlikely.

5)       Noise Control – RR is committed to being a good neighbor, trailers will be set up to direct any noise away from homes and towards the highway. The hours of operations are also set to minimize any auditory impacts on the community.

6)       Clean Area and Offensive Odors – RR’s 28 year history has never had any complaints of any offensive odors or had any vector control issues. Employees will clean site daily, before and after each opening and closing of operations. A waste receptacle will be provided for customer trash.

RRR Recycling Services of Hawaii –

            Jonah Souza informed the Board by email of the following information:

RRR has already obtained both City & County of Honolulu and the State Department of Health Solid Waste Permit to operate. The owners’ daily commute consists of using Kamehameha Highway, so they share the Board’s concern about avoiding traffic congestion. They expect about 10 customers per hour and have designated 75 percent of their property to parking stalls for customers. They can be reached at 682-5600, or by email at recyclinghawaii@aol.com.

Aviation Operations and Noise at MCBH – Military Officers Jeff Tellings, Lynn Windward and Steve Siupelu reported the following information with a power point presentation:

1)       Marine Corp Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay – 59,418 mishap-free flight operations in calendar year 2008, staffed by 135 active duty marines, 44 Sailors and 22 civilian employees, provides airfield services in support of USPACOM, MFPAC, COMPACFLT, as well as transient unit and Allied Nation operations. MCBH is available for any and all emergency landings of aircrafts whether or not they are in practice mode or not, the military works closely with the aircraft controllers at the Honolulu Airport on O’ahu for clearance support.

2)       Military Aviation on O’ahu – MCBH, Marine Corp Air Force Station Kane’ohe Bay, Hickam Air Force Base, Schofield Barracks and Wheeler AAF and Training in the TFTA and Bellows. MARINES: CH-53D Sea Stallion, used for heavy lifting and troop transport on O’ahu, Lana’i, Moloka’i and Big Island of Hawai’i. NAVY: C-20 Gulf Stream for long range transport, SH-60 Seahawk used for anti-submarine and surface warfare. P-3 Orion used for maritime patrol, surveillance, search and rescue. ARMY: CH-47 Chinook for Wheeler AAF training in the Kahuku and Kawailoa training areas and Bellows and PTA for both heavy lift and troop transport. OH-58 Kiowa Warrior used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. UH-60 Blackhawk used for multipurpose troop transport and medevac. AIR FORCE: C-17 Globemaster to move gear and personnel and used for refueling as well. C-5 Galaxy used for moving inventory and personnel.  C-17s currently practice short field landings at MCBH during the daytime and at Kalaeloa at night.  In the future, there will be a short field for practice in Kona to reduce practices at MCBH.

3)       Marine Corp Air Station at MCBH Kaneohe Bay Engine Run-Up Areas – Aircraft engines are ”run up” to check for fluid leaks and check engine pressures after maintenance, for propeller balance before flight, and for efficiency checks.

4)       Strategic Deployment and Training Support – USMC Tactical Air TRANSPAC, Air Force C-5, C-17, F-16 landing capable, Marine Expeditionary Unit training, Blues on the Bay Air Show and Deployment reunions.

5)       Future Military Aviation on O’ahu – RIMPAC every two years, Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, UH-1Y Huey, AH-1W cobra and CH-535E Super Stallion, Navy P-8A Poseidon, Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft and Air Force F-22 Raptor.

6)       Regulations and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) – Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports: not less than (NTL) 500 feet above ground and 500 feet from buildings and boats and NLT 1,000 feet over congested areas, and helicopters can fly lower. MCAS Kane’ohe Bay Airport Traffic Area: Class C airspace, extends five miles from the control tower up to 2,500 feet. MAG-24 SOP: NLT 1,500 outside training area or the landing zone, exceptions of authorized for weather or other hazards.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Complaints and Information – To report noise complaints, residents are advised to call the State at 687-7813 or MCBH at 257-8832.

·         Calculation Data – There is a five mile radius control from MCBH, some 35 private tour helicopters travel the coastline daily. Aircraft must travel 2,500 feet above MCBH in order to be cleared for flyover within the five mile radius. Daytime/nighttime noise levels (DNL) give the average noise level over an extended period of time; nighttime operations (after 10 p.m.) are given an additional 10 decibels to account for the greater disturbance as compared to daytime flight noises. Runway 4 was noted to be the most used at 90 percent of the time.

·         Study Reports – The 2003 study was available; however, the C-17 aircrafts were not on island then; the 2008 study has not been released as of yet which includes the C-17 aircrafts. The C-17 aircrafts were known to be mistaken for C-5 aircrafts; however, the C-17s created more noise and were smaller in comparison.

·         Peak Noise Levels – Several Board members emphasized that the community is concerned about maximum noise levels, not averages over long periods of time, and requested the military to provide data regarding peak decibel levels.

In order to participate in discussion, Chair Henkin relinquished the gavel to Secretary Busch.

Multi Use Path from Waihe’e Road to Ha’iku Road –

            Representative Wooley reported that she was able to include $1.35 million in the capital improvement project (CIP) budget for the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to construct multi-use (pedestrian and bicycle) paths along Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways, between Waihe’e Road and Ha’iku Road.  The project is based on the recommendations in the Kahalu’u Community Master Plan.  Rep. Wooley explained that CIP is funded through bonds, not general revenues, and, thus, in tough economic times are a good way to stimulate the economy, provide jobs, and invest in the future. Even if the Legislature includes projects in the CIP budget, it is up to the Governor to decide whether to release the funds. Henkin moved and Vermeesch seconded for the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 to adopt the enclosed resolution urging the Governor and DOT to implement the multi-use path project. The Board voted UNANIMOUSLY to support the resolution enclosed at the end of this report. 9-0-0: Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, LeVasseur, Mench, Renoir, Spray and Vermeesch.

Chair Henkin presided over the Board meeting once again.

Restoration of Waikane Pier – A. Badiyo Jr. reported the following information –

1)       Community Asset - The pier has been an asset to the fishing community and A. Badiyo would like to see it developed further to sustain the community. He was seeking access to the pier and to promote communications between residents, Neighborhood Board, State and City to find ways to work together and create a plan to save the dilapidated pier. He suggested that manpower was available from residents wishing to keep the 100 year old landmark from disappearing. The pier was now under the City’s jurisdiction and the gate remains locked now.

2)       Hawai’i Film Industry – Complaints to DLNR about 10 years ago went unanswered when the same gate was locked without notice. DLNR told residents that the locked gate was due to liability issues; however, access to the pier was granted to “friends” and DLNR was selectively allowing people through the gate and it was reported that the film industry in Hawai’i was using the pier for filming (e.g., for “50 First Dates”). The residents now asked the City and State to permit repairs to and use of the pier. Governor Lingle and DLNR refuse to assist with this process to identify who really is responsible for the pier’s upgrade at this time. DLNR says there is a 10 year wait for a repair permit process and that the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) now had jurisdiction.   

At 9:30 p.m. Busch left the meeting. There were now only eight members present.

CITY AND GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Mayor Hannemann’s Report – E. Martin reported the following information:

1)       Waikane Pier – E. Martin will report at the next Board meeting regarding who has jurisdiction over the pier.

2)       Kahalu’u Regional Park – The current grassing maintenance period for the makai portion of the park will end August 15, 2009. Paving the parking lot was in the original design for the park; however, it was removed due to funding constraints and was not part of the awarded contract.  Since the economic downturn has resulted in cost savings, it may be possible to include paving as a change order.

3)       Automobile Accident on Waihe’e Road on April 18, 2009 – HPD reported that on May 14, 2009, Lt. Vines of the Kane’ohe HPD Station informed Mr. Hunter that he was at the scene of the motor vehicle collision on Waihe’e Road. The officers investigated the case properly and did cite the driver. Mr. Hunter was upset that the male driver was not arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, speeding, reckless driving and so forth. Mr. Hunter also related that speeding is a common problem along with chronic drug use in the area. Officers will monitor the area and take enforcement action when violations area observed. Speed bump requests for the area were referred to the City Department of Transportation Services. Further information regarding this incident can also be obtained by contacting the Watch Commander at the Kane’ohe Police Station, at 247-2166.

4)       Neighborhood Commission Adopted Agenda Template – Any Board member can contact the Mayor as an individual at www.mayor@honolulu.gov. This formal communication was made known to the NC and the Mayor. The administration supports the NC’s attempt to standardize the agenda and minutes and believe the NC has the authority to do so under the section of the Revised Neighborhood Plan that gives them the right to set policy for the Neighborhood Board system.

5)       Waihe’e Marsh – K. LeVasseur raised concerns about the City’s failure to control the growth of weeds in the marsh.  R. Cappella said the marsh is a death trap for endangered birds and should not be maintained as a wetland.  E. Spray requested that the City clean out the stream on the north side of the marsh.  K. LeVasseur noted that the streams on both sides of the marsh need to be cleaned out.

At 9:40 p.m. Renoir left the meeting. There were only seven members left, the Board lost quorum. Renoir returned to the meeting at 9:47 p.m. There were now eight members present. The meeting continued with a quorum at this time.

Governor Lingle’s Report – T. Mori reported the following information:

1)       Budget Shortfall – The Governor is looking for suggestions on how to close the budget shortfall.

2)       Swine Flu – None reported in our area.

3)       Freeway Service Patrol Program – A pilot program on H-1 and Moanalua Freeways between Vineyard and the H-1/H-2 merge will provide one gallon of free gasoline to stalled motorists to help reduce traffic between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m.  The program will begin June 16 and run for two years. 

4)       Kahekili / Kamehameha Highway Project – Project cost was at $1,014,061 with contractor Road Builders Corporation. Scope of work included pavement widening of 17 feet X 600 feet to add Left Turn Storage Lane on Kahekili Highway, and, widening of 17 feet X 600 feet to add Left Turn Storage Lane. This will also include the utility relocation by Hawaiian Electric Company, HawaiianTel, Oceanic, and BWS. Re-striping and signing was also involved. The project limits were 600 feet from the Hygienic Store towards Kane’ohe on both Kahekili Highway and Kamehameha Highway. Start date was June 29, 2009, with completion slated for September 2009. Working hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with no special traffic control anticipated. Two lanes of traffic are open at all times.

5)       Guardrails by Waikane Stream – There will be a meeting between the Traffic Branch and O’ahu District Office to see where it would be safe to install guardrails to keep vehicles from illegally entering/exiting the stream from Kamehameha Highway.

6)       Right-of-way by Hygienic Store – The boundary between the DOT right-of-way and the Hygienic Store’s private property runs through the banyan tree.  There is now a cable marking the right-of-way boundary.  Report illegal vendors on DOT property by calling 587-2160.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         A. Machado requested a report on why the Friends of He’eia State Park’s lease was not renewed.

At 10:00 p.m. NA, M. Chanel-Benjamin left the meeting. 

United States Representative Hirono’s Report – No representative was present.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Report – M. Sakata reported:

1)       Increased Fees – The Council passed its budget, raising fees including those for automobile registration, bus fares, highway beautification fees, and zoo admission.

2)       Mudslide on Kamehameha Highway – Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office is working with E. Martin to investigate concerns about mudslides and bank instability on the City-owned portion of Kamehameha Highway, near Lulani Street.

Senator Hee’s Report – No representative was present.

Representative Wooley’s Report – Rep. Wooley reported:

1)       Kawamoto Bill – The Governor signed the bill Rep. Wooley introduced to protect area residents from unstable trees/rocks and other hazards on neighboring property, which was prompted by the refusal of billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto to respond to neighbor’s concerns.  It is now law (Act 76) and will go into effect on July 1, 2009.

2)       Governor’s Vetoes – The Legislature is anticipating the Governor will veto several important bills, which likely will require a special session on July 15 to override the vetoes.  Rep. Wooley authored one bill that may face a veto:  House Bill 1552, which would ensure a master plan is finally put in place to govern Hawai’i’s only living park at Kahana.

3)       Friends of He’eia Lease – Rep. Wooley expressed concerns about the cancellation of the Friends of He’eia’s lease, particularly since DLNR appears to have taken action without approval of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.  In addition, she questioned the appropriateness of using an RFP process for a community project like managing the park.

4)       Town Meetings – Prior to the start of the next legislative session, Rep. Wooley will hold a series of community meetings (dates and times TBD).  Areas residents are encouraged to attend and raise issues of concern.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR AUGUST 12, 2009 MEETING:  Chair Henkin proposed possible agenda items for the next NB meeting: 1) Support for repealing July 1, 2010 sunset date for KBRC; 2) cancellation of Friends of He’eia lease; and 3) Pacific Alliance for Stopping Slavery proposed legislation, if more time-sensitive issues did not arise in the interim.  The proposed agenda items reflected the consensus of the Board members present.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:  G. Geboski proposed adding the following to the end of the April 8, 2009 meeting minutes:

“AGENDA ITEMS FOR MAY 13, 2009 MEETING:  Chair Henkin suggested the following items: LeVasseur will do a presentation on using new technologies at these meetings.  Marine Corps Base Hawai’i may make a presentation, but may not be ready.  A presentation regarding Noriko’s would be welcome.  The managers of the new recycling center will be invited back for a presentation.

“APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:  Discussion of February 11, 2009 minutes:

"1)    On p. 7, Vermeesch asks to replace ‘personal problems’ with ‘personal reasons.’

"2)    Geboski submits additions to add, in writing, and were read aloud, as follows:

“APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

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

“…

“5)  Page 6; under Mayor Hannemann’s concerns No. 3, remove the word ‘huge,’ also add ‘in the ground near the wall,’ replacing ‘in the pavement’

“The minutes of the January 14, 2009 meeting were APPROVED as amended, 8 yes, 0 nay.

“UPDATE ON WATER USE & DEVELOPMENT PLAN PIG – PIG chair Luersen reported that the PIG received responses from Board of Water Supply, but still had questions.  The PIG met with Board of Water Supply and planners, and the focus of the conversation was to try to get more information and start the community conversation at a higher level.  A special meeting which will include community members is scheduled for February 25.

“COMMITTEE REPORTS – None.

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

"3)    Luersen noted that, on p. 3 to replace ‘sine’ with ‘since.’

"4)    On p. 7, #5, Busch called to remove sentence, ‘Busch agreed that all options and concerns were valid.’

“Luersen moved to approve the February 2009 minutes as amended.  Geboski seconded.  Henkin abstained.  Motion WAS adopted 9-0-1 (Aye: Busch, Geboski, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Luersen, Mench, Naluai, Vermeesch.  Abstain: Henkin).

“Discussion of Neighborhood Board Commission proposed template for all neighborhood board agendas.  Chair Henkin stated he was not opposed in concept to a template, but had two problems with the proposal.  One board has passed a resolution not to approve it.  Henkin suggests two changes: 1) Approval of minutes should not be at front of agenda, but at end, so that those who want to leave can leave.  2) City and state employees should not be “front-loaded” so that they can leave before community concerns.

“Henkin moved that Neighborhood Board-Kahalu’u follow the order of the April 8, 2009 agenda (the current agenda), with the discretion to move public officials earlier if the situation warrants.

“Spray suggested that this is called a ‘special rule’ under parliamentary procedure.

“Geboski asked for clarification.  What can the Neighborhood Board Commission order?  Henkin explained that they do not have this power, this was a request.  Geboski expressed concern that even proposing our own template was unnecessary, and instead, the template should be rejected, and we should reaffirm chair’s prerogative to set agenda.

“Henkin withdrew his motion.

“Spray said, the advantage is, passing a special rule would provide a degree of cover for the chairperson, and would clarify that the agenda template is set by a board decision.  Spray feels that the Commission request is based on a misreading of Robert’s Rules of Order.  Henkin explained that the Commission has another interpretation.

“Busch proposed a two-part motion, with the first part respectfully declining the proposed template, and the second proposing the Kahalu’u NB’s own template.

“Luersen noted that the Commission agenda leaves of DOCARE officers, who are important to our community.  She also noted that the template we have been using has been working well.  She was concerned about being required to pass a 2/3 vote to change the agenda order if a template was adopted.

“Henkin noted that it is in the Neighborhood Plan that the chair sets the agenda.

“Geboski objected to following the Commission lead and setting a template, which would then require a 2/3 vote to change to the agenda.  He expressed concern that conciliation to this ‘request’ would just lead to increased pressure on the chair’s perogatives in the future, and the best response is to ignore the Commission’s proposal.

“Spray believed that the Commission is doing this because 1) the Commission is misreading Robert’s Rules and considering the Neighborhood Board an ‘organized society’ rather than a government agency; 2) some Boards are abusing position by writing sloppy agendas.  This has not been the case on this board, though, so should not be a necessary issue for us.

“Henkin moved and Geboski seconded the following proposal:

“Whereas, the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 has developed an agenda which responds to the needs of its community, and whereas, Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 recognizes the need for the chair to have the authority to modify the agenda as she or he deems appropriate, therefore the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 adopts as its standard template the order of business as set forth in its April 8, 2009, agenda and further recognizes the authority of the chair to modify the order of business in developing the agenda prior to publication.  This resolution shall be transmitted to the Neighborhood Commission Office and to the Mayor’s Office.

“Motion WAS adopted 11-0-0 (Aye: Busch, Geboski, Henkin,  Hoe, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Luersen, Mench, Naluai, Spray, Vermeesch).

“COMMITTEE REPORTS:  None.

“ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Luersen noted that the final EIS for P-8A aircraft, which is coming to Kane’ohe Bay, is available at the Kane’ohe Public Library.

“Hoe mentioned that on Wednesdays April 15 and April 29, at Windward Community College, there will be a kalo workshop.

“Henkin announced that, for the coming Board, there will be a vacancy in Subdistrict 1, a vacancy in Subdistrict 2, two vacancies in Subdistrict 5, and a vacancy in Subdistrict 6.  Community members are encouraged to apply for these positions.

“Adjournment – Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:33 p.m.”

The Board UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the April 8, 2009 minutes, as amended.  8-0-0: Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, LeVasseur, Mench, Renoir, Spray and Vermeesch.

ADJOURNMENT: Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin           Reviewed by Chair Henkin

Bicycle and Pedestrian Resolution –

WHEREAS, in the 2006 election, the residents represented by the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 voted overwhelmingly (more than 75%) in favor of City Charter Amendment 8, which establishes a priority “to make Honolulu a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city;”

WHEREAS, the Kahalu‘u Community Master Plan establishes as one of its four guiding principles to “[i]mprove circulation and increase transportation (bicycle and pedestrian)” and specifically calls for “a network of pedestrian and bicycle ways to connect the community’s key places,” including improvements to “the pedestrian/bicycle environment along Kamehameha Highway;”

WHEREAS, the Kahalu‘u Community Master Plan expressly rejects the Bike Plan Hawai‘i 2003’s proposal for a signed shared road along both Kamehameha Highway and Kahekili Highway since it does not create adequate “separation between the bicyclists and pedestrians and the vehicular traffic on the highway” and instead urges alternate solutions including “a two-directional shared-use path located on the mauka side of the highway to accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians;”

WHEREAS, the Ko‘olaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan states that one of the planning principles is to “encourage … pedestrian, and bicycle travel, particularly to reach neighborhood destinations such as schools, parks, and convenience stores;”

WHEREAS, there is currently no safe route for keiki and others in our community to ride their bicycles to Kahalu‘u Regional Park, requiring families to use their cars;

WHEREAS, bicycling, running and walking are healthy activities that should be promoted;

WHEREAS, providing alternatives to transportation via automobile will help reduce our community’s traffic problems; and

WHEREAS, the budget bill for the State Department of Transportation, Highways Division, for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2009, contains an appropriation of $1.35 million of Highway Revenue Bonds for “design and construction for multi-use paths along Kahekili Highway from the intersection with Kamehameha Highway to the intersection with Haiku Road and along Kamehameha Highway from the intersection with Waihe‘e Road to the intersection of Kahekili Highway;”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 respectfully:

1. Urges the Governor of the State of Hawai‘i promptly to release the budgeted funds for design and construction of the aforementioned multi-use paths; and
2. Encourages the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation expeditiously to implement this important project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to:  the Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, the Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Transportation, Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz, the President of the Hawai‘i Senate, Senator Clayton Hee, the Speaker of the Hawai‘i House of Representatives, and Representative Jessica Wooley.