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KAHALU’U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29
DRAFT REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009
KEY PROJECT
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of eight 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 (arrived 8:02 p.m.), David Henkin, Ned Busch, Ken LeVasseur, Leatrice (Lee) Gomes, Arthur Machado, Francis (Rocky) Kaluhiwa (left 8:41 p.m.), Mark Valencia, and Gregory Geboski.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Elwin Spray.
VACANCIES: Vacancies for the new term beginning July 1, 2009 are as follows: Sub Districts One (1), Two (2), and Six (6) each have one (1) vacancy. Sub District Five (5) has two (2) vacancies. Unless and until the Neighborhood Plan is amended, the Board lacks the authority to fill these vacancies.
GUESTS: Ernie Martin (Mayor Hannemann’s Office), Linda Read (Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i), Lt. John Vines (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Kong (Honolulu Fire Department), Tammy Mori (Governor Lingle’s Office), Michael Sakata (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), John Cambra, D. Keala Naluai, Albert Badiyo Jr., Elizabeth Royas, Kathy Xian, Howard Kahue, Brandan Hall, Robert Fletchor, Clifford Loo, Jerry Kaluhiwa, John Loveland, Patricia J. Dukes, Michael Akau, August and Tiara Kaawa, Jodi Lyn Kahue, Wayne Hall, Tony Lacrecchu, Calen Kaneshiro, Kevin Akana, Bob Nakata, Brian Nuss, Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office)
CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
1) August Statistics – There were 3 rubbish fires, 30 medical emergencies and 6 miscellaneous calls.
2) Fire Safety Tip – Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire on October 8-10, 1871. On the 40th anniversary of that fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the anniversary should be observed nationally to inform the public about the importance of fire prevention. The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned” as the theme for FPW on October 4-10, 2009. HFD encourages families to take the necessary steps to ensure homes are safe from fire hazards, and suggested to test child’s bath waters before bathing them, do not wear outfits with sleeves when cooking, prepare and practice a fire escape route out of your home, designate a meeting place outside of your home in event of a fire, and test smoke alarms.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Vines distributed District Four’s Regional Patrol Report, and provided the following information:
1) Statistics for August 2009 – There were 2 aggravated assaults, 1 simple assault, 1 auto recovery, 4 burglaries, 1 driving under influence (DUI), 1 family offense, 1graffiti, 24 motor vehicle collisions, 5 property damage, 14 thefts, 2 threats, and 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).
2) Other Incidents – An August 25 assault on a resident by a neighbor resulted in injuries with the victim being taken to
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Drug Dealings on the Rise – Several Board members and residents are considering forming a Stop Drugs Coalition to target ways to curb drug problems in the district. Machado announced he has already met with HPD’s Narcotics Division as a concerned citizen. Vehicle license plates compiled by concerned citizens have also been submitted to HPD; ongoing patrol will continue.
- Kahalu’u
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· October 9, 2009 Board Meeting – Residents interested in filling Board vacancies should attend the meeting with proof of residence.
· November 11, 2009 Board Meeting Date – The Board will consider at the next meeting whether to move or recess the November 11 meeting date due to Veterans Day holiday.
· Special Use Permit Application Hearing for Tropical Farm – September 30, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at City Council Committee Meeting Room on the second floor of Honolulu Hale.
· City &
RESIDENTS’ AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
1) He’eia Park – Concerned Board members and residents suggest holding a public hearing to discuss the State’s procurement process and take over of the park lease by Kamaai’na Kids (KK). There were many concerns over possible limited use of the park once KK begins service at the park. Chair Henkin said he would contact KK and ask it to attend the next Board meeting to give their presentation regarding their plans for the park. Chair Henkin had asked KK to attend this meeting, but the owner did not want to make a presentation before KK secured their lease from the State.
2) Waiahole-Waikane Community Association – The Community Policing Team (CPT) has taken an active role in securing its communities. Residents would like to thank HPD for assisting as their community has had a huge success curbing crime and urged others to consider forming a CPT as well.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION:
Board of Water Supply – A report was circulated with the following information: Prepare for water emergency by ensuring basic emergency kits are ready. The kits should include at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation for at least five to seven days. When news of a potential emergency is announced, customers are recommended to stay tuned to media reports and follow appropriate actions given by BWS through media. Take precautionary actions only when directed by the BWS. Some precautionary actions could include executing water conservation measures, disconnecting devices that automatically use water, shutting off your main water valve, storing water or keeping water use to an absolute minimum, and so forth.
Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i (MCBH) – L. Read 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: September 12 from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.; September 13 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. and September 14 and 15, from 7:00 a.m. until midnight.
2) News and Events – September 2; Marines participated in the USS Missouri End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony, September 12; Marines will participate in a joint service color guard for Samoa Flag Day, September 17; A naturalization ceremony on base will include six Marines and two Navy Sailors, September 18; The Morning Colors ceremony will recognize POW/MIA Day; guest speaker is Captain Hickerson, September 19-20; Kuau Rockin’ Surf Competition on base and open to the public, September 26; Marines will participated in the Aloha Festival Parade.
3) Working Dog – Featured in the Honolulu Advertiser newspaper, Finn, the dog helps with the rehabilitation of our wounded warriors.
4) Letter to the Editor – Star Bulletin newspaper published a letter; in it the base commander expressed disappointment in the publication of the controversial LCpl Bernard photo last Friday.
5) Homecomings and Deployments – Deployed are Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463; 3rd Marine Regiment HQ; 2nd and 3rd Bn.s 3rd Marine Regiment, and other detachments and augmentees. Recent homecoming for HMH-362 and detachments from CLB-3 and HSL-37 took place on base, and we expect to welcome Marines back from
6) Minutes for August Board Meeting – L. Read wanted to correct the minutes which reported that she stated "many pilots are not familiar with the island and may go over land when they shouldn't." She said that each flight has its own purpose and some involve flying over land. The Marines try to strike the balance between training that prepares pilots for their mission while also the consideration of "flying neighborly."
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Maximum Noise Study – Several Board members asked for information regarding the maximum level of decibels associated with aviation operations at MCBH, since average decibels over a 24-hour period do not accurately reflect the effect of noise on residents. One Board member noted that, to derive averages, the Marines must have data points that include maximum levels. L. Read promised to see if such a study exists and, if so, to report on the information.
2) Reverberation Study – One Board member asked if the Marines had ever studied the effect of noise from aviation operations reverberating off the valley walls and amplifying the sound. L. Read states no such study has been performed and, therefore, no report is available.
Kane’ohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – A. Machado reported the following information:
1) Mahalo to the Board for its resolution in support of KBRC.
2) Kaneohe Bay Sand Bar – Labor Day on the sand bar was a mess. HPD had to direct traffic at He’eia Harbor. The State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) should be notified that more officers are needed to insure public safety.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The Operating Account reflected $66.26 for printing and postage leaving the balance at $1,421.74, the Publicity Account also reflected zero charges leaving the balance at $993, and the Refreshment Account balance was $120, leaving the Appropriated balance at $2,534.74.
PRESENTATIONS:
Windward Baptist Church Group House at
1) Community Effort – Through the efforts of the church, he is able to take in those that need and want the help to get off drugs and become productive members of society. Pastor Akana along with his family will continue to offer help to all citizens that come forward seeking assistance with food, shelter and blessings.
2) Family instead of “Halfway House” – The home measures 3,500 square feet, is clean and monitored. Residents have access to the entire home, and participate equally in housekeeping functions, chores and finances. There are no limitations to how long a resident can remain at the home. The average stay is about 12 months and provides a structured environment of clean and sober living conditions to sustain recovery. The church also has many children members.
3) Rebuilders Addiction Ministries (RAM) – RAM is the brainchild of WBC, both of which are 501(c) (3) non-profit organization for federal tax purposes. RAM’s workforce includes landscape maintenance and handyman services. Its annual luau is slated for October 2, 2009 beginning at 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at WBC. The cost is free with no obligation. For further information, call 429-6917 or Pastor Akana at 253-9090.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP) – The Building Department has issued a citation, but Pastor Akana said a CUP was not required since there are two caregivers and eight unrelated residents who are recovering from substance abuse and share household expenses.
Hoe arrived at 8:02 p.m.; nine members present
- Several Testimonies – Members are active members of the community, working, paying taxes and also offering outreach help to the needy. Some members seeking help are not drug users, some have been affected by the economic downturn. Some affected families were thankful the church assisted in their time of need and trusted the church will make a big difference in the community. Some were thankful they were led to other resources and began lending helping services to the elder and other community volunteer services. Pastor Akana said the church was careful to screen for sex offenders; children are a big part of the church mission.
Marcus House (MH) Therapeutic Living Program at
1) WWCA – The meeting with the community was cancelled and has not yet taken place. The community is interested in discussing the intent and impact of the program on its community. An attorney for WWCA has asked the Board to defer any support motion until MH has had a formal meeting with WWCA; there are also concerns over the impact on agriculture land use.
2) CUP and Residence Occupants – According to Dr. Dukes, MH does not require a CUP; the residence currently has only up to five members. Dr. Dukes introduced Marcus who was present with his therapist tonight. Marcus has autism. Many with autism cannot communicate clearly; therefore, working with their hands gives them great improvement in their motor skills. The agricultural land will have great therapeutic effects with plans to continue farming on the property. Dr. Dukes invited the community to visit MH and see what the program plans to help with not only patients but the community as well. Dr. Dukes said other students benefited from the farming that attended the program brought in from their downtown program; however those students do not live at MH. Dr. Dukes has a facility in town built to hold 600 students.
3) Goals for MH – Dr. Dukes said the goal is to integrate aspects of Montessori education with the best practices in the therapeutic and mental health treatments into a cohesive education for children who need attention, intensive behavioral teaching and positive behavior management. Allowing children less restrictive environment allows them to cope strategically.
4) MH Services and Family Style Living – MH has two septic tanks. It offers 24 hour care with family style balanced meals; the therapeutic care is also culturally sensitive with developmentally activities and community outings as well. MH considers applications of an out-of-home that have a current State Department of Education Individualized Education Program (IEP) with eligibility under the category of Autism. Students will be under the constant care and supervision of their designated therapeutic aides. Additionally, staff members who specialize in speech, mental health and occupational therapies will work with each child on a weekly basis.
8:41 P.M. – Kaluhiwa left the meeting; eight members remained.
1) HBL – HBL is a 501(c) (3) non-profit company that provides safe bicycle events, introduces families to bicycling and provides funding to promote cycling for health, recreation, and transportation through advocacy, education and events. The 2009 Century Ride begins and ends at Kapi’olani
2) Bike Ed – HBL offers a five day on road safety course, and reported over 84,000 fourth graders have graduated from HBL Bike Ed.
3)
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Previous Concerns – The Board has previously expressed concerns to HBL and the city about use of the City-owned portion of
- Suggested Route for 2010 Race – HBL needs to consider changing its route next year to eliminate the section of
- Machado moved and LeVasseur seconded for the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 to urge HBL to use Ha‘iku Road to
Pacific
1) Laws in
2) PASS – Formed in 2009, PASS is a coalition of both secular and faith-based groups based in
3) Children Affected – The demand for children is on the rise as the pornography business grows. The youngest child reported to have contracted AIDS was nine months old. Children are kidnapped, sold, forced, or born in brothels and become victims. Over 17,500 children and women are annually trafficked into the
Chair Henkin turned the gavel over to Vice-Chair Machado and participated in the discussion.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Henkin moved and Busch seconded for the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 to support the attached resolution regarding Human Trafficking Resolution. The motion WAS unanimously adopted. (8-0-0; Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, LeVasseur,
BUSINESS AND REPORTS:
Mayor Hannemann’s Report – E. Martin reported the following information:
1) Kahalu’u
2) Waikane Pier – The City has no plans to repair the roof at this time. The pier is structurally unsafe and closed to the public. The City Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) Windward District Manager will consider requests for public access on a case-by-case basis and determine how access can be authorized. DPR will specify special conditions required for access such as structural assessment to limit visit times due to pier conditions and the responsibility to protect the public from injury and City from liability.
3) Waihe’e Marsh – DPR has no schedule projected for the maintenance of the marsh, however; DPR remains open to discussions with the community and the State’s Fish and Wildlife to facilitate a schedule. At this time the maintenance of the marsh is not a priority for the City.
4)
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Entrances to Pier – Please call E. Martin at 592-2291 to get information about the public right-of-way to Waikane Pier.
2) KRP Issues – The public is encouraged to continue calling in HPD reports of suspicious activities as well as illegal skateboarding.
3) Marsh Land Maintenance Loss – A Board member noted that all the money the City had spent eight years ago to clear the marsh was wasted since the City failed to perform regular maintenance. A suggestion was made to ask the State to consider using prisoners to maintain the marsh.
Governor Lingle’s Report – T. Mori reported the following information:
1) He’eia Park Trees – The State is investigating the recent tree trimmings; neither the State Department of Transportation (DOT) nor DLNR was responsible for the recent trimmings.
2) He’eia Park Lease – The State currently will continue to honor reservations made to use the park. Information regarding future wedding reservations should also be obtained by calling Kama’aina Kids. DLNR is looking into having the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement establish a satellite office at the park.
3) Hui ‘Iwa Intersection Project – There will be four crosswalks, set back as far from the intersection as possible to increase safety. There will be two crosswalk crossing Kahekili Highway (KH), one on the Kahuku side of the intersection and the other on the Kane’ohe side. There will be a merge only lane into KH rather than a stop light that may increase traffic flow out of the school area.
4) Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways Intersection Project – Hawaiian Electric must first move its poles before DOT can add any lane striping. The project is ahead of schedule; B. Morioka can offer further information upon his return to the meeting next month.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Guardrails on
2) Firing of Agricultural Inspectors – Chair Henkin urged the governor not to fire agricultural inspectors, noting it is penny wise and pound foolish to fire people who are responsible for protecting Hawai’i from invasive species and for ensuring other states will continue to accept our agricultural exports.
Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Report – M. Sakata reported the following information:
1) Food Waste Recycling – Resolution 09-262 urges the City to implement a food waste recycling program for multi-unit residential buildings in the city. The waste could be diverted away from the landfill and used for waste to energy. This resolution is for a pilot project to be developed by the City.
2) Affordable Housing – A bill would provide an $80,000 property tax exemption for owners of affordable housing.
3) Bus Passenger Hygiene Bill – The bill will probably die.
4) Stream, Drainage Ditches and Waterway Remediation – Privately owned streams are the responsibility of the property owners. The City is authorized to maintain and clear the stream and upon completion of maintenance, the City will bill the property owners. Refusal to pay for the cleanup will result in a lien upon the property, and owners will incur a civil fine of no more than $500 per day.
5) Waihe’e Marsh Maintenance – The request was rerouted from the City Department of Facility Maintenance to DPR.
6)
7) Drug Dealing at the 7-11 Store – HPD officers of Narcotics/Vice Division were assigned to investigate the complaint as of August 24. The investigation is ongoing with plainclothes undercover officers also present.
At 10:00 p.m. NA, M. Chanel-Benjamin left the meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR OCTOBER 14, 2009 MEETING: Chair Henkin proposed possible agenda items for the next NB meeting: 1) Community Response to Drug-Related Activity at Kahalu’u Regional Park; 2) future operation of He’eia State Park; and 3) rescheduling the November 11 Board meeting. The proposed agenda items reflected the consensus of the Board members present.
Machado suggested that the Board consider having a party in December to honor individual Marines from MCBH, as the Kane’ohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 does.
Machado also suggested the Executive Committee meet before the next regular Board meeting to hear community concerns and finalize the agenda. Chair Henkin said he was open to the idea, but that no Board officer responded to his email that sought to schedule such an email prior to this meeting. Chair Henkin said he would try again.
APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:
1) Chair Henkin polled the Board about amending the August 12, 2009 minutes as suggested by MCBH representative L. Read. Both Chair Henkin and
2) LeVasseur proposed the following amendments to the August 12, 2009 minutes: On p. 1, under “Call to Order,” replace “10 (10)” with “ten (10).” On page 5, under item 2 of Mayor Hannemann’s report, replace “required” with “require work.” On page 6 under item 3 of Governor Lingle’s report, replace “The contractor should return about” with “The contractor should return after.”
3) The Board unanimously APPROVED the August 12, 2009 minutes, as amended (8-0-0; Busch, Geboski, Henkin, Hoe, LeVasseur,
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Henkin adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin Reviewed by Chair Henkin
RESOLUTION REGARDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
WHEREAS, existing legislation and law enforcement activities in Hawai‘i are ineffective to deter Human Trafficking. Effective deterrents require bringing traffickers, and patrons or “johns” who solicit services from trafficked persons, to justice, and
WHEREAS, no comprehensive, victim centered, law exists in Hawai‘i that effectively penalizes the range of offenses involved in the trafficking scheme, to create a significant and effective penal deterrent to traffickers and patrons, while recognizing and protecting the needs and rights of trafficked persons, and
WHEREAS, existing state laws fail to protect victims of trafficking, who are often in Hawai‘i without proper documentation or falsified identification and are frequently punished instead of the traffickers themselves, and
WHEREAS, trafficked persons also often find it difficult or impossible to report the crimes committed against them or to assist in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes because they are subjected to coercion and intimidation, including physical or psychological control and debt bondage, and often fear retribution, and
WHEREAS, adequate services and facilities do not exist in Hawai‘i to meet the needs of trafficking victims for health care, housing, education, medical services, and legal assistance, which safely support the recovery and ability of trafficked persons to regain control of their lives and also to assist with the prosecution of traffickers, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 that:
- In order to deter human trafficking, Hawai‘i must recognize that trafficking is a serious offense, which is done by prescribing appropriate punishment, giving priority to the prosecution of trafficking offenses, and protecting, rather than punishing, the victims of these offenses; and
- The Hawai‘i State Legislature should enact a human trafficking statute to allow local law enforcement and city prosecutors to effectively combat the growing problem of Human Trafficking, which is a contemporary manifestation of slavery, to ensure the just and effective punishment of traffickers and to protect the human rights of trafficked persons.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to:
The Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, the Lt. Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, State of Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General, the City Prosecutor’s Office, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, all City Council members, the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives and the Hawai‘i State Senate.
The Kahalu‘u Neighborhood Board No. 29 adopted this resolution unanimously at its September 9, 2009 meeting.
RESOLUTION REGARDING
BE IT RESOLVED by the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board No. 29 that:
1. Due to safety concerns related to the use by the Honolulu Century Ride of the portion of Kamehameha Highway between Ha'iku Road and Kahekili Highway, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board No. 29 again suggests that the Hawai'i Bicycling League change its route to use the portion of Ha'iku Road between Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways and the portion of Kahekili Highway between Ha'iku Road and the Hygienic Store (intersection of Kamehameha and Kahekili Highways); and
2. If the change to the Honolulu Century Ride's route is not incorporated into the plans for the 2010 Ride, the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board No. 29 recommends that permits for the 2010 Honolulu Century Ride should not be issued.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be transmitted to: the Mayor of the City & County of Honolulu, the City Department of Transportation Services, the City Department of Parks & Recreation, the Honolulu Police Department, and the Hawai'i Bicycling League.
The Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board adopted this resolution unanimously at its September 9, 2009 meeting.