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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      DRAFT REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2009                                                                                                                                                               

KEY PROJECT

Call To Order – Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. This 15 Board requires 8 members for a quorum and to take official Board action.  A quorum was not present, there were only 7 members present; Henkin, Naluai, Busch, LeVasseur, Luersen, Vermeesch and Geboski.

Members Present – Ned Busch, Gregory Geboski, David Henkin, D. Keala Naluai (left at 9:50 p.m.), Rocky Kaluhiwa (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Elwin Spray (arrived at 8:45 p.m.), Richard Vermeesch, Amy Luersen, and Ken LeVasseur.

Members Absent – Richard Garcia, Keliko Hoe, Jean-Paul Renoir, Mark Valencia, Daniel Bender, 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 E. Morgado (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Brennon Morioka (Governor Lingle’s representative), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply-BWS), Guy Chang (Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement-DOCARE), Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Jackie Miyashiro (Representative Wooley’s office), John White (Congresswoman Hirono’s office), Kita McCord, Violet Roberts, Chung Shoall, Dianne Stevens-Pone, Bonnie Kahapea-Tanner, Mahealani Apler, Brad Uly, Albert Badiyo Jr, Robert Cappella, Juanita Kawamoto, Wayne Mataysohi, Leah Yannell, Manela Rivera, Guy Nakamoto, Peter & Penny Rapoza, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

Honolulu Fire Department Report – Firefighter Morgado reported there were 31 medical emergencies in the district. Fire Safety Tip: Although cooking at home can be a fun family activity, please ensure care is taken by adhering to the following fire safety tips to avoid accidents in the kitchen. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat and take a spoon or oven mitt to remind yourself of the food on the stove. Do not become distracted. Attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television, and answering door bells can have devastating results when the stove is on and unattended. Keep ignitable items, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, or curtains at least three feet away from the range top. Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen, and learn how to use it.

Honolulu Police Department Report – Lt. Vines circulated the March 2009 statistics which included: 5 simple assaults, 4 auto theft recoveries, 6 burglaries, 3 family offenses, 4 graffiti, 2 motor vehicle thefts, 5 property damages, 19 motor vehicle collisions, 9 thefts, 1 sex assault, 3 threats and 5 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV). In response to illegal all terrain vehicles crossing the highway from Waikane Stream, HPD will cite violators when possible. However, HPD cannot patrol the area 24/7.

State Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR)-Division of Conservation & Resources Enforcement – G. Chang reported DOCARE was running enforcement with the homeless at He’eia Park. DOCARE officers were still on duty during weekends (2 shifts); however, their budget no longer accommodated over time staffing on holidays.  The Department was cutting other overtime to try to free up holiday overtime.  By contract, officers cannot work regular time on holidays.  In addition, the creation of a civil penalty process should free up officers from spending so much time in court.

Kaluhiwa arrived at 7:15 p.m. A quorum of 8 was now present to continue an official Board meeting.

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.

Residents’/Community Concerns:

1)       K. McCord, representing Pacific Alliance for Stopping Slavery (PASS), asked the public to support legislation to increase the punishment for human trafficking.  PASS hopes to introduce legislation in the 2010 session of the State Legislature.  Additional information is available at www.traffickjamming.org.

2)       LeVasseur asked support for the Kahalu’u Elementary School cookie fundraiser; Kaluhiwa asked for support of the Ko’olaupoko Civic Culture Club fundraiser on Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m.; the cost was $10 per person, call 235-8111 for further information.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION:

Board of Water Supply Report – B. Usagawa reported there were no main breaks in the district last month. He circulated a card listing common community concerns and the appropriate phone number within BWS to report broken water main breaks, fire hydrants, meter boxes; low or no water service, billing concerns, construction project updates, and water quality questions. 748-5000 is the primary number to report concerns to BWS. The 2^nd Annual Decorate an Egg, the Xeriscape Way Easter Workshop was slated for April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Register for the workshops by calling 748-5319 or email tours@hbws.org.

Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) Report – Major Crouch circulated MCBH’s newsletter and reported: 1) MCAF Hours of Operations were: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to midnight; Fridays: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Holidays: CLOSED. Noise Advisory: March 11, residents along the Kane’ohe Bay and Kailua Bay coastlines may have heard large-caliber weapons fire at base firing range facility. This was due to 3^rd Marine Regiment conducting necessary pre-deployment training. March 2 – 13: Runway 4 reopened after months of maintenance; Hawker Hunter jets operating in area in support of training exercises. March 11: Industry Day, in which over 250 local businesses participated; March 15: Hosting Criterium Series bicycle race at 3:00 p.m. and it was open to the public; March 17: Navy League Individual Augmentees award ceremony; March 23: Hosting 150 JROTC cadets from Castle, Radford and Campbell High Schools; March 28-30: Hosting Sierra Club High School Hikers 2009 Ecology Camp; March 11 – April 4: Hosting fixed-wing aircraft performing training exercises on Kaua’i; March 15 at 7:00 a.m. Helicopters taking off and at 2:00 p.m. helicopters were landing. March 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. were helicopter SPIE rig maneuvers at Westfield. March 18 & 20 were parachute operations; March 21-29: Hosting five helicopters from California and Nevada Air National Guard. Homecoming: Approximately 1,000 Marine and Sailors of 1^st Bn., 3^rd Marine Reg., returned home last week from Iraq. Deployments: Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362; HQ Company 3^rd Marine Regiment; Combat Logistics Battalion 3; Patrol Squadron 4; 3^rd Marine Regiment; 2^nd Bn., 3^rd Marine Regiment, and other detachments and augmentees to follow. Unit History of 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment “Lava Dogs”: Activated May 1942 as 1^st Training Battalion at New River, North Carolina and fought in the island–hopping campaign in the South Pacific. In 1945, 1/3^rd was part of the “floating reserve” for the amphibious assault on Iwo Juma, and served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. In 1965, 1/3^rd was called into action in Vietnam until 1969. In 1970 through 1980, they were reestablished at MCBH and participated in many Western Pacific exercises. In 1990, 1/3^rd was ordered to Kuwait in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and participated in many humanitarian relief operations. In 2001, the Lava Dogs deployed quickly to Okinawa and then to the Philippines as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and eventually to Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kaluhiwa said that she went to MCBH to participate in the celebration of the Makahiki and 14 cars had to wait two and a half hours to get in because the Marines did not have the list of participant names.  Also, those waiting were not permitted to use the restroom.

2)       Busch commended MCBH for holding the Community Day to inform local businesses about opportunities at the base.

Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council Report – Art Machado reported April 1 was the next meeting. Rules on fishing and nets were finally going to be finalized after many years. Representative Ken Ito was proposing a task force to facilitate the disbanding of KBRC by the year 2011. He asked for residents and Board members to contact officials and voice opinions if against the disbanding. KBRC had only one meeting without quorum, but, since the board meets only quarterly, missing one meeting means no business could be conducted for six months.  Machado recommended that KBRC meet every other month and be given more authority.

Treasurer’s Report – Chair Henkin reported in the month of February 2009 the Operation Account expended $91.89 for print and postage of minutes leaving a balance of $1,038.81; the Publicity Account balance remained at $177.78; the Refreshment Account remained at $54.97. This left a closing appropriated balance of $1,271.56.

PRESENTATIONS ON COMMUNITY PROJECTS:

A. Off-Road Vehicles at Waikane Stream – A. Badiyo said illegal car dumping and illegal four-wheeling in the valley and river crossing at Waikane by large vehicles was all disturbing the ecosystem. He expressed concerns about (1) misuse of City and County land that was supposed to be used as a park; (2) safety risks from off-road vehicles stopping traffic along Kamehameha Highway as they enter and exit Waikane Stream; and (3) damage to the stream.  He asked for Board assistance to curb this illegal practice, including urging HPD to issue citations and confiscate off-road vehicles, not just warnings. Several residents were also concerned regarding finding large construction materials, vehicle parts, paint, as well as unexploded ordnance.  A constituent suggested setting up a camera sting operation to read license plates to assist HPD in issuing citations. Several constituents were very concerned regarding public safety as well as damage costs to the area. Several Board members requested jurisdiction information; Waikane Stream and Valley as well as guardrail and sidewalk damages. Busch moved and Kaluhiwa seconded to encourage HPD to impose strict penalties, not just warnings, for those found off-roading at Waikane.  The motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).  LeVasseur moved and Busch seconded to ask Council Member Dela Cruz to look into increasing current penalties for abuse of all park lands and future park lands.  Several members thought the motion should include all City and County lands. Geboski moved and Naluai seconded to amend the motion to include all City and County lands.  The motion to amend was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).  The motion to ask Council Member Dela Cruz to look into imposing stricter penalties for those found abusive of all City and County lands was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0). Luersen moved and Geboski seconded to ask the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to clarify look into placing a guardrail to prevent off-road vehicles from entering Waikane Stream.  The motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).

B.  Proposal to Reduce DOCARE Officers on Weekends/Holidays – LeVasseur moved and Geboski seconded to ask the Governor’s office to see if federal stimulus money could be made available to DOCARE enforcement on Kane’ohe Bay during holidays.  The motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).

C.  Legislation to Disband KBRC – Luersen said it would be a travesty to disband KBRC, which was part of the 1990 Kaneohe Bay Regional Plan intended to preserve and give balance to the use of the bay’s resources. Kaluhiwa said KBRC was the voice of the people and should be more responsible to out their duties.  She said the community worked over 1,000 hours to develop regulations to implement the plan for the bay, which DLNR should adopt. Naluai said perhaps the community should form volunteer groups to care for the bay instead of relying on appointees that have no interest in the district and bay. Luersen said KBRC was created to give representation to all stakeholders in the plan: commercial interests, recreational users, fishermen, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Kahalu’u and Kane’ohe Neighborhood Boards representing the community.  She said the intent was to allow all those voices to continue the dialogue and resolve issues regarding use of the bay. Luersen moved and LeVasseur seconded for the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board (KNB) No. 29 to adopt the following resolution: Whereas, the Kane'ohe Bay Master Plan was developed through an extensive community process with representatives from commercial recreation, recreational boaters, fishers, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the general public represented by the Kane'ohe and Kahalu'u Neighborhood Boards; "Whereas, the purpose of the Kane'ohe Bay Master Plan was to protect this critical natural resource while allowing for shared responsible use of the bay; Whereas, the Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council has served as the community voice to address issues relating to Kane'ohe Bay; Whereas, many of the issues related to the implementation of the Kane'ohe Bay Master Plan are related to lack of adoption of administrative rules by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, not the Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council; Therefore, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board No. 29 moves to urge the State Legislature to NOT disband the Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council; Further, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board No. 29 moves that the administrative support for the Kane'ohe Bay Regional Council be moved to the Division of Aquatic Resources, as the appropriate resources protection agency.” The motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).

Spray arrived at 8:45 p.m.; 9 members present.

D. Petition to Install Streetlights on Ahaolelo Road – A 20 year resident of 47-212 Ahaolelo Road said there have been numerous car accidents on this dark road; the vision was also very poor at nights especially at the “S” turn known as the “chute”. LeVasseur said the “chute” runs downhill into the “S” turn and it was a real safety hazard. He said the road was private, but maintained by the City. He added there was a petition signed by most of the residents of the road, requesting street lights. E. Martin said that, if the City is maintaining the road, it could consider putting in streetlights if an analysis showed a safety hazard was present. LeVasseur moved and Busch seconded to ask the City to investigate the possibility of installing three street lights at the “S” turn on Ahaolelo Road and a fourth street light at the intersection with Mapele Road. LeVasseur added there was a possibility residents further up Ahaolelo Street hill may also be circulating a petition for street lights; a current petition was not at hand for review. A copy will be submitted to the city via E. Martin. Vermeesch moved and Kaluhiwa seconded to amend the motion to include as per petition. The motion to amend was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (9-0-0). The motion to ask the City to investigate the possibility of installing three street lights at the “S” turn on Ahaolelo Road and a fourth street light at the intersection with Mapele Road as per petition was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT (9-0-0).

E. He’eia Lo’I Restoration Project – K. Kukea-Shultz reported the He’eia wetlands have been used for agricultural production for nearly 2,000 years, mostly production of taro. A decrease in the Hawaiian population in the mid 1800’s led to reduced taro acreage in the area and increased cultivation of sugarcane, pineapple, and rice as well as the pasturing of cattle in the decades following. By the late 1800’s, the plantations were in constant battle for water rights. One consequence of pineapple cultivation was the intense erosion of the land due to plowing and non-contour planting. Heavy rains and flooding occurred with rapid transformation of the land, washing away topsoil and causing excessive amounts of runoff out of He’eia stream, affecting the He’eia fishpond. This erosion has greatly contributed to the degradation of Kane’ohe Bay. By 1940, a major stream diversion project reduced freshwater inputs to the bay by 40%. The proliferation of mangroves and hau trees further reduced stream viability and reduced the efficiency of the wetland. The objectives of the Mahuahua ‘Ai O Hoi Project were as follows: 1) To restore the Hawaiian connection between Ko’olaupoko ahupua’a and the community; 2) To establish a land management program to restore 50% or more of the property into active, organic kalo fields and sustainable food crops, encouraging sustainable, organic food production in the State of Hawai’i and developing new farm-to-market strategies for local produce; 3) To restore a section as a natural wetland to allow for growth of native wetland flora and fauna; 4) To create educational programs that can use the living site of a functioning ahupua’a to transfer knowledge of traditional Hawaiian farming practices and customs to a new generation; 5) To establish a research program to study the role that traditional Hawaiian taro patches and fishpond aquaculture systems can play in the larger Kane’ohe Bay ecosystem by controlling flooding, relieving sediment build-up, and providing a habitat for native birds and aquatic species; and 6)        To provide economic sustainability for the communities of Ko’olaupoko. Some project details were a 20-acre plot to be used as a demonstration site for dry land taro while fields are prepared for wetland production; maintain the nutrient balance of soil while providing fresh, organic local crops such as corn, tomatoes, greens, carrots, beets, ginger, sweet potatoes and herbs, including medicinal plants; inland fishponds integrated with the kalo fields to fertilize the land; wetland remediation to control flooding and sediment mitigation for coral reef productivity and fisheries; protect native bird wetland species; a Hawaiian Cultural Community Complex for use by the community, schools, adult classes dedicated to perpetuation and enrichment of the Hawaiian people and culture; a working poi mill; a dining facility including a small restaurant and banquet hall, a commercial kitchen space; and a theater for Hawaiian cultural art programs such as music, theater, hula, mele and local artist exhibits. A photo description of the area was presented. K. Kukea-Shultz said the lands are owned by the Hawai’i Community Development Authority and asked the Board for support of the project.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members suggested the proposed project should be presented to the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board as well.

2)       Questions posed included: whether any aspect of the project was currently underway, whether detailed plans for the project were available, and if the project had 501(c) (3) tax exempt status. K. Kukea-Shultz said only a small patch of taro was currently being farmed and a long term plan was being developed. The project was a 501(c) (3) with a wide range of people in the community involved, including longtime families from He’eia. Geboski moved and LeVasseur seconded for the KNB No. 29 to support the objectives of the Mahuahua ‘Ai O Hoi Project: 1) To restore the cultural connection between Ko’olaupoko ahupua’a and the Hawaiian community; 2) To establish a land management program to restore 50% or more of the property into active, organic kalo fields and sustainable food crops, encouraging sustainable, organic food production in the State of Hawai’i and developing new farm-to-market strategies for local produce; 3) To restore a section as a natural wetland to allow for growth of native wetland flora and fauna; 4) To create educational programs that can use the living site of a functioning ahupua’a to transfer knowledge of traditional Hawaiian farming practices and customs to a new generation; 5) To establish a research program to study the role that traditional Hawaiian taro patches and fishpond aquaculture systems can play in the larger Kane’ohe Bay ecosystem by controlling flooding, relieving sediment build-up, and providing a habitat for native birds and aquatic species; and 6)  To provide economic sustainability for the communities of Ko’olaupoko. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-1. (Aye: Geboski, Henkin, Kaluhiwa, Luersen, LeVasseur, Naluai, Spray and Vermeesch. Abstain: Busch)

3)       B. Usagawa said BWS consultants were planning to include the project in the Ko’olaupoko Watershed Management Plan as part of the commitment to ensure adequate supplies of water for agriculture.

4)       Chair Henkin requested the project proponents to return to make another presentation when project details were further developed.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS: 

Mayor Hannemann’s Report – E. Martin reported: Updates regarding previous concerns; 1) The removal of a tree growing in ‘Ahuimanu Stream was being worked out between the city and the private owner of drainage section where the tree was growing. 2) Plans for a proposed platform/ramp and plaque on the makai portion of the Kahalu’u Regional Park (KRP) needed to be presented to the City Departments of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Design and Construction (DDC) for review and approval. 3) The location of the proposed horseshoe pit would be a significant safety and maintenance issue and needed to be addressed by DPR. 4) HPD observed five vehicles and three tents in the back area of the KRP parcel. DPR was checking property lines to determine ownership of the parcel where the encampment was located before HPD can take enforcement action. 5) The ownership of the roadway leading into KRP on the mountain side, adjacent to the chain-linked fenced parcel, could be a “kuleana” (family) property; the City had no plans to acquire any kuleana “properties” at this time. 6) The City also neither was unaware of nor were in receipt of any recommended design plan submitted to the City by Naluai.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       LeVasseur and Naluai agreed to meet with DPR to discuss some of KRP issues.

Governor Lingle’s Report – B. Morioka reported that the Lingle Administration plans to balance the budget without raising taxes, layoffs or furloughs of state employees, and without making significant cuts to essential public services or programs. In December, the Governor submitted her Fiscal Year (FY) 2010-2011 biennium budget, which included a detailed plan to make up for a $1.1 billion revenue shortfall projected by the Council of Revenues (COR). In January, the COR lowered its revenue projections by an additional $650 million for FY09, FY10 and FY11. The Governor subsequently submitted an $81 million plan to close the FY09 shortfall. She pointed out that additional budget adjustments will likely be needed when the COR meets again on March 12 because it was anticipated that the COR will revise its revenue forecasts downward. A report should be available on March 13. In addition to the plan to close the FY09 shortfall, the Administration has proposed the following nine action items to provide the state with additional general fund revenues needed to close the revenue shortfall: 1) Utilize federal stimulus Medicaid funds. 2) Redistribute a portion of the Tobacco Settlement Funds. 3) Transfer tobacco tax revenues to the general fund. 4) Advance the general excise tax filing date within the fiscal year, which could generate a onetime revenue gain of $40 million in FY11. 5) remove the exemption for certain special funds from assessments, which could result in an additional $9.8 million annually. 6) Transfer interest earned on certain special funds to the general fund, which could result in an estimated $38.2 million in general fund revenues. 7) Discontinue employer-funded group life insurance, which could save the state $4.1 million in FY10 and $4.3 million in FY11. 8) Seek adjustments to the Employee Union Trust Fund (EUTF) health benefits plan, which could save approximately $48 million annually. 9) Further tighten Act 221 to reduce tax credits to investors in technology businesses; this effort could save an estimated $43.9 million in the biennium.  Hawai’i has fallen behind other states in communications infrastructure development, deployment, and usage; therefore, a resolution expressing support for the advancement of broadband was introduced in HB 492, 984 and 1077 and SB 895 and 1680. These Bills were all very similar and supported, collectively, by the Legislature and the Governor calling for a single regulator with responsibility for both telecommunications and cable television media, and an advancement of all issues relating to broadband, including education, public safety, health, and economic development. The global field of high school competitors at this year’s First in Hawai’i Regional Robotics Competition (FHRRC) includes 34 teams from Hawai’i, the mainland United States, Mexico and the Philippines. Supporting robotics education will help Hawai’i build a local workforce with technologies such as science, engineering and math skills. The 2^nd Annual FHRRC takes place on March 26 through March 28, 2009 at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. The event was free to the public with a $3 parking fee; more information can be obtained at www.robotics.hawaii.gov. The Hui ‘Iwa project was commencing next week for set up with actual work to start in one month. ‘Ahuimanu Elementary School, which will be affected by the Hui ‘Iwa Street project were currently working on safety measures to prepare students for the upcoming project. Information regarding the project and safety measures has been sent home with students.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Luersen asked if a blinking yellow light could be used at the intersection of Hui ‘Iwa East and Kahekili to reduce traffic on Kahekili. B. Morioka said such lights were designed to be used in low traffic areas only; he does not recommend using the light at the project site.  He said that, after the project is completed, DOT will monitor traffic to see if traffic signal timing needs to be adjusted.

2)       Kaluhiwa asked whose jurisdiction it was to maintain the He’eia Bridge. B. Morioka will have to confer with the City to confirm jurisdiction.  LeVasseur said the bridge was the City’s responsibility.

3)       Chair Henkin asked if any stimulus funds were available for transportation projects to promote alternatives to automobiles, such bicycle lanes and multiple use paths. B. Morioka said stimulus funds had to be used on projects that were “shovel ready” (i.e., all planning completed and permits in place).  He said there were two projects he was aware of, one in Kapa’a on Kaua’i and one in Waimea on Hawai’i Island.  There were no shovel-ready bicycle projects on O’ahu.

United States Representative Hirono’s Report – J. White reported that, just three weeks following the inauguration of Hawai’i-born President Obama, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, HR1, to save and create jobs, get our economy moving again, and transform it for long-term growth and stability. 3.6 million American jobs have been lost since this recession began in December 2007. This legislation, while critical, was just a first step; as President Obama has acknowledged, we will need to do more. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this recovery package will be fast-acting, with 74 percent of the package invested by the end of FY2010. This will include the following: 1) creating and saving 3.5 million jobs; 2) giving about 95 percent of American workers an immediate tax cut; 3) investing in roads, bridges, mass transit, energy efficient buildings, flood control, clean water projects, and other infrastructure projects; 4) restoring science and innovation as the keys to new American-made technology, preventing and treating disease, and tackling urgent national challenges like climate change and dependence on foreign oil; and 5) investing quickly back into the economy.  J. White announced that Hirono intended to send a representative to KNB meetings quarterly.

Naluai left the meeting at 9:50 p.m. There were now 8 members present.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Spray asked for information about how the stimulus money would trickle down.  White said that every project that gets stimulus funding will be reported on recovery.gov.

Neighborhood Assistant M. Chanel-Benjamin left the meeting at 10:00 p.m. Board Secretary was to continue meeting documentation.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Report – M. Sakata reported that Councilmember Dela Cruz introduced Resolution 09-57, requesting that the Mayor apply for federal stimulus funds to help retrofit municipal buildings to be more energy efficient; Resolution 09-69, which would establish an advisory working group to advise and assist in ways to increase use of sustainable planning; Bill 4-2009, which would ban real-time devices while operating motor vehicles. The budget is Bill 16-2009; projects include a $1.2 million allocation for the ‘Ahuimanu Preliminary Wastewater Treatment Facility, to conduct assessment of the existing force main, and to develop alternatives, if necessary, which may include modifications to the existing force main or other options. Bus stop improvements at ‘Ahuimanu Road is to receive a portion of a $500,000 allocation. Proposed capital improvement projects for Kahalu’u include Waihee Road sidewalk and landscape improvements, and a bicycle network circulation study. The Councilmember is still waiting on request for improvements on the sliding slope on Kamehameha Highway.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Lavasseur reiterated his and Mench’s concern about the sliding slope on the city-owned portion of Kamehameha Highway.

Representative Wooley’s Report – Jackie Miyashiro reported that Representative Wooley had hoped to attend the meeting, but was ill.  She said that two bills Wooley introduced one that would authorize State Civil Defense to enter private property to address threats to neighbors from dangerous trees and unstable rocks and another to resolve issues related to Kahana State Park, had crossed over to the Senate and were moving forward.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Luersen asked Representative Wooley to urge her colleagues in the Senate not to support the bill to disband KBRC.

2)       Chair Henkin noted that Art Machado, before leaving the meeting, wished to thank Representative Wooley for her work on the bill addressing hazardous conditions, which would help address the concerns of residents adjacent to land owned by Genshiro Kawamoto.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 8, 2009 MEETING – Chair Henkin proposed possible agenda items for the next NB meeting: 1) New recycling center on Kamehameha Highway; 2) MCBH presentation on noise and aviation operations, if ready; 3) City request for a presentation on the introduction of curbside recycling in ‘Ahuimanu; 4) Ken LeVasseur’s proposal about use of new technology at KNB meetings, including a proposal to purchase a projector; 5) discussion of whether to declare vacant the seats held by Board members who have missed three meetings, as required per regulation. Also, PASS may make its requested presentation on legislation to stop sex trafficking, if the chair finds that time permits.  The proposed agenda items reflected the consensus of the Board members present.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES  – The February 11, 2009 regular meeting minutes were not ready for distribution, therefore the item was postponed to the April 8 KNB meeting.

UPDATE ON WATER USE & DEVELOPMENT PLAN P.I.G – Water Use P.I.G chair Luersen reported that the PIG held a special meeting on February 25, 2009. 10-12 people attended and gave input on the Ko’olaupoko Watershed Management Plan. Luersen felt it was a good discussion. Consultants will continue to meet with individuals and small groups, and the process will move forward. Luersen did not see an immediate need for a subsequent PIG meeting, but believes the PIG should continue its existence for now.

ADJOURNMENT: Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin           Reviewed by Chair Henkin