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KAHALU’U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29

      DRAFT REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2009                                                                                                                                                       

KEY PROJECT

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with a quorum of 10 members present. Note – This 15 member Board requires eight (8) members for a quorum and to take official votes to adopt a motion.  

MEMBERS PRESENT: Keliko Hoe (left at 9:00 p.m.), David Henkin, D. Keala Naluai, Ned Busch, Kurt Mench (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Rocky Kaluhiwa, Ken LeVasseur, Mark Valencia, Amy Luersen, Rich Vermeesch and Gregory Geboski.                                                                                                                                                                   

MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Garcia, Jean-Paul Renoir, Elwin Spray, and Daniel Bender.

VACANCIES: There were none.   

GUESTS: Ernie Martin (Mayor Hannemann’s Office), Major Alan Crouch (Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i), Lt. John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter Mark Adams (Honolulu Fire Department), Jiro Sumada (Governor Lingle’s Office), Representative Wooley, Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), Kathy & George Catobus, Guy Nakamoto, Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

1) April Statistics – 33 medical emergencies and 7 miscellaneous calls.

2) Safety Tip – Fire, building and United States postal codes and City ordinances state property owners shall place their house numbers in such a manner so they are legible and readily visible from the street. This will assist HFD and other first responders in locating your house quickly in the event of an emergency.

Honolulu Police Department (HFD) – Lt. Vines distributed a report, and provided the following statistics for March/April 2009:

1) 0/1 murder/manslaughters, 6/1 rape, 3/5 robberies, 12/3 aggravated assaults, 56/46 burglaries, 140/121 thefts, 104/77 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 17/29 auto thefts.

2) On April 29, Waiahole Road was closed due to a hazard spill. 3) On April 28, a murder occurred on Oneawa Street at around 9:23 p.m. 4) On April 3, there was a fight involving 30 males. 5) Safety Tip – Drivers should not leave vehicles unattended while the engine is still running. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Illegal netting near Waiahole Poi Factory: Those concerned about illegal nighttime netting should call 911 and contact DLNR.

2)       Kaluhiwa expressed concerns about shots in He’eia Kea near the heiau the previous Thursday.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Next Meeting – The next Board meeting was scheduled for June 10, 2009; 7:00 p.m. at KEY Project, 47-200 Waihe’e Road.

2)       Food Bank – Please support the current NB No. 29 food drive; bring a non-perishable food can to the meeting

3)       Board Agenda – The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) refused to time-stamp the Board’s agenda because it did not conform to the NCO’s proposed template, despite the Board’s adoption of a resolution adopting a different format at the April meeting.

4)       Noise Presentation – The Marines will make their presentation in June; Busch will email Neighborhood Assistant, M. Chanel-Benjamin, and the MCBH Noise Presentation flyer for mailout with the June agenda.

5)       Polynesian Shopping Center – The project proponents withdrew the proposal due to a dispute with the lease holder and, thus, would not make a presentation.

RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1) Concerns regarding repairs needed at Waikane Pier which may be historic and is falling apart.  According to J. Sumada, the pier was under the jurisdiction of the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

2) Concerns regarding the lack of DLNR officers during this coming Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. A. Machado said the legislature has extended the KBRC until 2010; however, support was much needed to support the legislature repealing the sunset date.

3) Concerns the State has failed to stop off-road vehicles from damaging Waikane Stream.

(Mench arrived at 7:25 p.m.; 11 members present)

CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board Water Supply (BWS) – Chair Henkin reported for B. Usagawa who was not present:

1) There was a six-inch iron pipe main break on April 28 on Kamehameha Highway.

2) The Oahu pumpage for the week ending May 2 was 154.8 MGD.

3) Artwork and poetry winners for the 2009 water conservation calendar have been announced; listed winners are available at www.boardofwatersupply.com. Posters and poems will be on exhibit at Honolulu Hale from May 4-15; Pearl Ridge Uptown from May 18-29; Kahala Mall from June 1-12; Kapolei Hale from June 15-26; and Windward Mall from June 29-July 10.

4) Detect-a-Leak-Week runs from June 7 through 13; customers can detect leaks by using dye tablets available at City Mill stores, Satellite City Hall, or the BWS lobby on Beretania Street.

5) BWS completed four sub-district meetings in Kahalu’u, Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo on the Ko’olaupoko Water Management Plan. BWS thanked the Kahalu’u community and the Board’s Water Use & Development Plan Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) members for time spent working on phase one of the planning process.

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

1) Marine Corps Air Facility Hours of Operations were: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to midnight; Fridays: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sundays and Holidays: CLOSED. Exceptions: Thursday, May 14: additional hours are from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Memorial Day weekend observance and maintenance closure from May 22, at noon and reopen on May 25, at 7:00 a.m.

2) News & Events: May 6; environmental service project volunteers and staff remove invasive plants and rubbish from native fish and wildlife wetlands habitats on base. May 16; combined Military Band Concert, Hawai’i theater, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. which was free and open to the public and Interscholastic Surfing Federation Competition, Pyramid Rock (hosting 5 local schools). May 16-29; Bone Marrow Donor Drive on base. May 22: Major General Carl Field Re-Dedication ceremony, and The All Services and Bases Ride for Safety Motorcycle Event.

3) Homecoming and Deployments: Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362; 3^rd Marine Regiment HQ; 3^rd Bn. 3^rd Regiment and other detachments and augmentees. Combat Logistics Bn.3 expected to return later this month and the Navy’s VP-4 is expected to return early in June. The 1^st Bn. 12^th Marine Regiment returned earlier this month and 1^st Bn. 3^rd Marine Regiment returned late last month. The 2^nd Bn. 3^rd Marine Regiment is expected to deploy to Afghanistan this week.

4) Hawaii History: The diverse background of what is known today as Marine Corps Air Facility Kane’ohe Bay, Hawaii, includes a strong history of the Army and Navy, as well as the Marine Corps. For years the base has trained countless carrier pilots for combat, provided logistical support for naval aviation forces throughout the Pacific, and supported airborne early warning and antisubmarine patrol operations. In 1939, the Navy acquired Mokapu peninsula for use of the Catalina Patrol seaplanes for long-range reconnaissance flights. On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the air station minutes prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of the 36 Catalinas, 27 were destroyed and six others were damaged, along with 18 sailors and a civilian who perished in the attack. The first Japanese aircraft destroyed in action were shot down in Kane’ohe. Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Petty Officer John Finn was awarded one of the 1^st Medals of Honor for valor on that day. During the war, the air station was a major training base in the Pacific theater. On January 15, 1952 the Marine Corps re-commissioned the idle airfield MCAS Kane’ohe Bay, making it an ideal training site for a combined air/ground team. On July 30, 1994, Marine Corps Air Facility, Kane’ohe Bay was formed on that date and continues today to serve the operational needs of the aviation community. Following the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure Committee’s decision to close Navy Air Station at Barber’s Point, the base acquired 4 Navy P-3 patrol squadrons and one SH-60 Anti-Submarine squadron in 1999. Today there are almost 3,000 active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel who work at MCAF, demonstrating on a daily basis the finest blue/green team in action in the world. MCAF is the home of three Marine Corps CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter squadrons, four Navy P-3 Orion squadrons, one Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk squadron, one Navy Logistics Support C-20 squadron, one Navy civilian contract company called Air USA and MCAF’s own Operational Support Airlift C-20G VMR Detachment (the Marine Corps’ only C-20).

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Commanding Officers: Colonel Antonio had control of the Marine Corps Air Station, which will increase the availability of staff there; Colonel Rice had overall command of MCBH.

2)       Bellows Cottages: The Air Force was holding a meeting tonight at the Waimanalo facility to clarify the plans for cottages being built at Bellows. The environmental impact statement was near completion for 16 additional tent cabins near the runway at Bellows, not near the beach, as reported in the media.

3)       Major Crouch may be contacted at 257-8840.  The Base Inspector Hotline is 257-8852.

Kane‘ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) Report – Art Machado reported:

1) Due to budget constraints, there will not be adequate DOCARE support at the bay over Memorial Day weekend. A serious incident at the sandbar a couple of years ago has not been forgotten.

2) The legislature extended KBRC until 2010.  A. Machado hoped the legislature will reconsider sunsetting KBRC. 

FINANCIAL REPORT (APRIL 2008):

Chair Henkin reported that the Operating Account expended $38.73 for print and postage expenses, leaving the balance at $434.34, the Publicity Account reflected no expenses, leaving the balance $177.78, and the Refreshment Account also reflected no expenses, leaving the balance at $54.97.

BUSINESS AND REPORTS:

A. Aviation Operations at Marine Corp Base Hawaii – The presentation was moved to the June meeting.

B. New Recycling Center at 47-703 Kamehameha Highway – There was no representative or report available.

C. Proposal for Polynesian Shopping Center at 47-525 Kamehameha Highway – There was no representative or report available.

D. Projection Equipment and Other New Technology for Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board – LeVasseur said the computer and projection equipment can track government projects such as those with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). The computer link used belonged to KEY Project and LeVasseur could provide the equipment. Several Board members thought it might be useful during presentations, but that 2010-2011 Board members, whose term will begin in July, should be the members to decide whether to use the technology. Geboski moved, and Busch seconded to set computer and projector equipment for trial use during the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 regular June meeting. The motion WAS ADOPTED 9-0-2; Aye: Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, Kaluhiwa, Luersen, LeVasseur, Naluai. Abstain: Mench and Valencia.  

E. Request for Support for Windward Community Holiday Festival 2009 – Naluai said the Board has assisted with the printing cost of previous years’ events, which offered a Christmas meal to the needy in December.  She asked for support for fundraising in July and August 2009. The homeless, elders, foster care children and low income families would benefit from funds raised at garage sales and farmers’ markets. She thanked everyone associated with Benjamin Parker Elementary, which donated gift baskets for the homeless, and Waiahole Elementary, which performed.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PROGRAMS AND CITY COUNCIL:

City Administration Representative – Mayor Hannemann’s representative Mr. E. Martin relayed the following responses to previous questions/concerns:

1) The portion of ‘Ahuimanu Stream from Kahekili Highway to Apoalewa Place is private and not under the jurisdiction of the City.

2) The City was waiting for clarification of the boundaries of the Kahalu’u Regional Park so monitoring by HPD can continue for illegal dumping citation when observed. A work order for abandoned vehicles has been submitted; vehicles should be removed by May 30.

3) The City has jurisdiction over Waihe’e Road, which runs from Kamehameha Highway, along Kahalu’u Regional Park and continues into the valley.

4) The City was unable to determine the location of the chain-linked fence parcel. Tax Map Key (TMK) Nos. 4-7-12-10, 4-7-26-3, 4-7-26-6 and 4-7-26-7 are privately owned. TMK 4-7-12-17 is owned by the State and the City is Lessee. Please call Greg Fujinaka or Dodie Browne with any further questions.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kahalu’u Regional Park – Updates were requested regarding the timetable on inclusion of a paved parking lot on the makai side of Kamehameha Highway.  

2)       Transit Tax – The City cannot make up its budget shortfall without increasing taxes by using a portion of the $200-300 million collected to date for rail because use of the excise tax is a State matter.

3)       Waihe’e Road Car Accident – Clarification was sought on HPD’s response/actions concerning an auto accident that occurred on Waihe’e Road on April 18, 2009 in the late afternoon. A constituent claimed that a car was speeding and overturned with an infant in the car, that five HPD patrol cars responded, and that the teenage driver was not arrested, no field sobriety test was done, and HPD only issued a minor traffic citation.

4)       Waihe’e Marsh – The City was requested to provide an update on its efforts to upkeep or preserve the Waihee Marsh. A constituent said there was no water left in the marsh; therefore, there were no birds’ nests present at the marshland.

5)       Standard Agenda Template – Chair Henkin and other Board members objected to the Neighborhood Commission’s refusal to date-stamp the Board’s agenda and asked the Managing Director and Mayor for intervention.

State Administration Representative – Governor Lingle’s representative J. Sumada relayed the following responses to previous questions/concerns:

1) The State will seek funding to fix the Waikane Stream guardrails. The State has jurisdiction to the edge of the right of way path.  He is still researching who owns the stream.

 2) The State is considering installing raised the pavement markers and reflective tape to improve visibility of the lane markings in Wilson Tunnel.

3) The Kahekili Highway power wash and painting to Haiku Road will cost about $60,000. 4) The Hygenic Store property line runs through the banyan tree located on the property. The State prohibits vending at the location and will try to enforce the ban.

4) There were no added bicycle lanes as part of the work on Kahekili Highway between Hui ‘Iwa West and East; only a shared shoulder lane, with no signage, will be provided.  

5) The Kane’ohe unemployment drop box has been approved at the location with new hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Stream by Mt. Carmel Church – A. Machado expressed concerns about a Hopto dumping into the stream.

2)       Waikane Stream – A. Badiyo suggested the Waiahole-Waikane Community Association (WWCA) might be able to assist the State with the Waikane Stream guardrail funding.

3)       Hygienic Store Vendors – LeVasseur asked the State to enforce the rules against vending on DOT property by the banyan tree.  A. Machado said the lunch wagon is on private property and pays rent to the Hygienic Store.

4)       Kahekili Highway Project – Busch noted that allowing bicycles to use the shoulder does not provide a safe place for children to bicycle.

5)       Multi-Use Path Funding – Chair Henkin asked the Governor to release funding provided in next year’s CIP budget for multi-use (pedestrian and bicycle) paths along Kahekili and Kamehameha Highways.

6)       Kamehameha Highway Re-Striping – J. Sumada will follow up on the timing of the Kamehameha Highway re-striping project.

Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office (District 2) – M. Sakata distributed the report and highlighted the following information:

1) The Honolulu City Council (CC) will continue discussions on the City’s Executive Capital Budget; creating a balanced budget that will fit within the current economic climate.

2) Councilmember Dela Cruz was seeking inclusion of the following projects in Bill 16 relating to the budget: Kahalu’u Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation Study and Waihe’e Road Sidewalk and Landscaping Improvements.

3) A special budget meeting will be held on May 18 to receive public testimonies and discuss the fiscal year 2010 capital improvements slate of projects. The public was encouraged to contact Budget Committee Chair Garcia at 768-5009 regarding any project that currently needs funding. Bill 16 was up for third reading and public testimony on June 3, 2009.

4) CC was planning to raise bus fares to meet the required fare ratio of 30% of operating costs.

5) According to DPP, the new recycling center must provide adequate parking and consider impacts on use of Kamehameha Highway as a condition of its permit.  DPP has received plans for the facility.

6) Councilmember Dela Cruz submitted a request for information about the mud slide conditions on Kamehameha Highway near Lulani Street.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Property Tax Assessments – Mench had concern that he needs to contest his property tax assessment every year, even though he has prevailed in the past.

2)       Bus Fares – Chair Henkin suggested the City would reduce traffic and save money on road repairs and construction if it made the bus free.

(Hoe left at 9:00 p.m.; 10 members present)

Representative J. Wooley (District 47) distributed the report and highlighted the following information:

1) She was pleased to announce the passage of House Bill (HB) 1713 which will help protect residents from hazardous trees and other conditions on neighboring properties. The bill would not have been passed without the active support of the community.

2) She also was pleased to announce the passage of HB 1552, which provides for development of a master plan for Kahana State Park. Having a plan will help ensure the park serves the public. The bill also will allow DLNR to negotiate new leases with Kahana residents.

3) She co-sponsored HB1536, which reduces salaries for legislators, the executive and judiciary by five percent, in addition to reducing total House expenses by over 20%. The legislature had not received a raise for over ten years, but the raise could not have come at a worse time because of the economic situation.  She will be donating her raise to support community groups and schools in the district.

4) Our district did well in securing CIP funds for the next fiscal year.

5) She asked Kaluhiwa to contact her office in regards to a proposal to provide parking stalls for kupuna at He’eia Park.

6) She worked with others on the House Finance Committee to remove a provision from SB 971 that would have taxed pensions, which had been added by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR JUNE 10, 2009 MEETING:

The Board UNANIMOUSLY agreed the following items will be discussed at the June 10, 2009 meeting:

(a) MCBH Noise Presentation, (b) Waikane Pier Restoration, (c) New Recycling Centers in Kahalu’u: Temple Valley and RRR Recycling, (d) Multi Use Path from Waihe’e Road to Haiku Road.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MNUTES:

The March 11, 2009 regular meeting minutes WAS APPROVED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT AS CIRCULATED WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS: (10-0-0: Henkin, Naluai, Busch, Mench, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Valencia, Luersen, Vermeesch and Geboski).

1)       Naluai stated for the record she was displeased with the editing of minutes when they were reviewed by Chair Henkin as some of Naluai’s comments on page 5 under Mayor Hannemann’s Report had been omitted. She asked for the response from DPR that plans submitted by Naluai in regards to the Kahalu’u Regional Park were not received by the City nor was the City aware of any plan submitted by Naluai. Chair Henkin said that Naluai’s comments were not in the draft of the March minutes he had reviewed and he did not delete the comments. Neighborhood Assistant, M. Chanel-Benjamin, will review the recording and will insert back into the March 11, 2009 minutes comments relating to this concern under the Mayor’s Report.

2)       Kaluhiwa proposed the following addition on page 3 under Legislation to Disband KBRC: on third line, after “should be given more responsibility,” add “to carry out their responsibility.”

3)       Kaluhiwa proposed the following correction on page 4 to the first point under He’eia Lo’i Restoration Project: the objective should read “To restore the Hawaiian cultural connection between Ko’olaupoko ahupua’a and the community.”

4)       Luersen proposed the following change on page 3 to the text of the resolution under Legislation to Disband KBRC: move the opening quotation mark to before the first “Whereas” clause.

5)       Luersen proposed the following change to the third line from the bottom of page 5 under Governor Lingle’s report: the phrase about ‘Ahuimanu School should read that “contractors are working with ‘Ahuimanu School to adjust the hours of the contractors’ work.”

6)       Geboski proposed the following change to the last line on page 5 under Governor Lingle’s report:”Information regarding the project and safety measures is to be sent home with students.”

7)       LeVasseur proposed the following change to the fourth line from the bottom of page 3 under Petition to Install Streetlights on Ahaolelo Road: the text after “S turn” should read “and the “chute”. LeVasseur said the “chute” runs downhill, and the downhill chute is a real safety hazard when it rained.”

UPDATE ON WATER USE & DEVELOPMENT PLAN PIG – Luersen reported: BWS’s consultants will consolidate the information from the initial meetings on the Ko’olaupoko Water Management Plan and come back to the community for more input.

There were no other reports available.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin           Reviewed by Chair Henkin