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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kelley Roberson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of 5 members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Scotty Anderson, Stan Fitchman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Kelley Roberson, Richard Turbin (arrived at 8:10 p.m.). 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Gerri Digmon, Julia Kane and Lucinda Pyles.

GUESTS: Acting Lieutenant Maurice Asato, Sergeant A. Rivers, Ishida and Officer Tony Kahapea (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Tim Turgeon (Honolulu Fire Department), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Wayne Yoshioka (Mayor’s Representative, Director Department of Transportation Services), Councilmember Charles Djou,  Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Dennis Manelii, Piula Alalima (Pastor, Wesley United Methodist Church), Jill Buesling (Board of Trustees, Wesley United Methodist Church), Dennis Manelii and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Everyone present introduced themselves.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Tim Turgeon reported the following: (1) Fires – 2 structure, 1 rubbish and 1 vehicle. (2) Emergencies – 93 medical and 16 miscellaneous. (3) Unusual incidents – A seventy-year old coconut tree fell at the intersection of Aukui and Pueo Streets due to termite damages. (4) Fire Safety Tip of the Month: Fire, building and U.S. postal codes and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house numbers in such a manner so it is legible and readily visible from the street. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in locating your house quickly in the event of an emergency.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Chair Roberson inquired if there are fines if property owners do not place their house numbers visible. Captain Turgeon replied no duel it is hard for HFD to enforce this rule.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Officer Tony Kahapea (District 7, East Honolulu) distributed the area statistic report which included the crime trend statistics, information regarding the role of HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division, a list of organizations that provide substance abuse treatment programs, contact information for the Community Policing (Neighborhood Security Watch) program, and the Geographical Information System (GIS) and HPD website – www.honolulupd.org. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• In response to Fukuda, Ofc. Kahapea reported that daily area patrols by HPD, there has been no fights taking place at Wilson Park.

• Chair Roberson asked if HPD could enforce property owners to make their house numbers more visible for first responders when responding to an emergency. Ofc. Kahapea said that this rule is not enforced by HPD.

• Fichtman questioned if most unauthorized entries to motor vehicle incidents on Diamond Head Road occur in vehicles of local residents or tourists. Ofc. Kahapea replied mostly tourists who leave their cars unlocked thus making them vulnerable to UEMV’s.

• Chair Roberson noted that in the 20 miles per hour zone on Kilauea Avenue, specifically near Kahala Elementary School where motorists exceed the speed limit while school is on session. Fichtman pointed out that HPD has tagged vehicles speeding at nearby Waiokeola Congregational Church Preschool.

• Resident Manelii suggested there be traffic calming measures to curb speeding in Kilauea Avenue. 

REPORTS FROM CITY AGENCIES

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Wayne Yoshioka reported on concerns raised previously: 1) Regarding the malfunctioned traffic lights at the at the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Ainakoa Avenue, DTS inspected and the traffic lights work. (2) As for resurfacing Ainakoa Valley specifically Luinakoa Avenue on a regular basis, Yoshioka replied that starting March 2008, there will be an additional link to the City’s Drive Akamai website where residents can log on to notify the City areas needed pothole repairs or call 768-7777, the City pothole hotline to leave messages to report roads needing pothole fixes. (3) Harold Engineering has been contracted by then City to proceed in 270 calendar days to do street rehabilitation from 18^th Avenue to Honokaa Street. (4) Concerning the possible installation of a 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Malia Street and Ainakoa Avenue to curb speeding. Yoshioka replied that this issue according to written City documents goes back to July 2002 where installing a 4-way stop sign is not warranted, However, Yoshioka mentioned that he has instructed DTS’ Traffic and Engineering Division to look at other options to address speeding and pedestrian safety. (5) Regarding the large puddle of water on Papu Circle as a result of the aftermath of heavy rains raised by Himeda, Yoshioka replied that the a work order has been issued to even Papu Circle.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·         Jill Buesling, a Board of Trustee Member of Wesley United Methodist Church stated her request that street parking along Hunakai Street be eliminated citing concerns over hazardous conditions for pedestrians.

·         Dennis Manelii stated his concern regarding lack of marking for street parking at the intersection of Malia Street and Hoakoa Place. He further suggested that the City install No U-turn Signs at the same intersection. Yoshioka will follow it up.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): BWS Representative Lorna Heller highlighted the following: (1) Conveyed Happy New Year wishes to everyone. (2) Distributed a written flyer regarding water main breaks. (3) There was water main break in the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 District in January 2008. (4) Submission of posters by elementary school students’ throughout Oahu for the annual BWS poster contest is due by the end of March 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Fichtman expressed appreciation for BWS’s crew fixing the water pipes along Ala Wai Boulevard. 

COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU: Stan Fichtman distributed Councilmember Djou’s written report and highlighted the following: (1) Mayor Hannemann signed two bills into City Ordinances authored b y Councilmember Djou: (a) Bill 81-2007 – bans aggressive panhandling within 10 feet of an automated teller machine (ATM) throughout Oahu and (b) Bill 76-2007 – the City will no longer charge any plan or building permit fees for the installation of photovoltaic solar energy systems on Oahu. (3) The repaving of Kilauea Avenue will take about 1 year to be completed. 

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING

APPROVAL OF JANUARY 17, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Anderson moved, Fukuda seconded approval of January 17, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes as circulated. The motion was adopted, 6-0-0. 

TREASURER’S REPORT: With no treasurer’s report available, this item was deferred.   

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

PIGS PROLIFERATION ON WAIALAE NUI: Anderson, a Waialae Nui resident stated his concern regarding the proliferation of pigs coming into the Waialae Nui community. There is division among area resident of how to address this problem with some favoring shoot to kill the pigs to setting traps for pigs. Problem is that residents’ pet cats, dogs have run into and have been caught inside the traps set for pigs. Area residents have called the landowner Kamehameha Schools to address this problem. Kamehameha Schools has a policy that no one is authorized to kill or trap the pigs unless there is permission set by the landowner which will allow hand selected pig hunters. The landowner has encouraged residents to contact both the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Pig Hunters Association.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Mark Anderson, Deputy Director of the State Department of Business and Economic Development (DBEDT) distributed the Governor’s written report and highlighted the following: (1) Governor Lingle will host a talk story event on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Kahuku High School Cafeteria from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. regarding her proposal for the State to purchase 850 acres of Turtle Bay property on Oahu’s North Shore to preserve and protect the natural resources and rural lifestyle of this North Shore community. (2) Governor Lingle and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Alexander Karsner signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative whose primary goal is to use renewable resources such as wind, sun, ocean, geothermal and bioenergy to supply 70% of Hawaii’s energy needs by 2030. (3) DBEDT will be audited this year by a special legislative select committee. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Anderson stated that there is a new paint product that is environmentally friendly as demanded by the marketplace.
• Fukuda expressed concern regarding a recent ruling of the Hawaii State Supreme Court stating that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is required prior for the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) prior to removing utility lines while repaving state highways. Anderson will follow up on it. Fukuda announced that the State Office of Environmental and Quality Control (OEQC) will be holding a meeting scheduled for March 12, 2008 concerning SDOT exemptions.

REPRESENTATIVE LYLA BERG: Representative Berg was not present. 

REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA MARUMOTO: Representative Marumoto distributed her written report and highlighted the following: (1) Soccer star Brian Ching visited Representative Marumoto at the State Capitol recently. (2) United States Congressman Neil Abercrombie has requested that the House Judiciary Committee leadership to hold a hearing regarding House Bill 2733 – establishing a larger database of DNA evidence that would lead to more crimes solved, earlier convictions and more crimes prevented. (3) Funding has been allocated for re-roofing Leahi Hospital’s Sinclair Building. (4) House Bills 1512 and 1968 both relating to Neighborhood Boards is progressing in the 2008 State Legislative session. (5) House Bill 3281 – 19^th Representative Capital Improvement

Projects including paving the parking lot at the DOE District Office located at Wilson Elementary School is progressing in the 2008 State Legislative Session. (6) The House recently helped Maryknoll School celebrate its 80^th Anniversary. (7) The State Department of Transportation (SDOT) has recently cleaned out all obstruction under the Waialae Nui Stream Bridge under Kalanianaole Highway. (8) Kahala resident and President of the Kahala Community Association (KCA) Katherine Kealoha has been recently been appointed by Governor Lingle as the new Director of the State Office of Environmental and Quality Control (OEQC). (9) Stated the passing of two community residents: Former City Councilmember Tom Nekota and Nancy Bannick, a benefactor and volunteer of various community activities including the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Public Radio who was the spark behind the revitalization of Chinatown and the Waikiki Natatorium. (10) Distributed on the last page of her report a comparison of Incandescent, CFL and LED light bulbs indicating the amount of milligrams of mercury that is considered insignificant.  

SENATOR SAM SLOM: Senator Slom distributed his written report and highlighted the following: (1) He informed everyone that there is a power outage tonight in areas from Aina Haina to Kuliouou. (2) The 2008 Hawaii State Legislature is 22 session days done. (3) The recent ruling by the Hawaii State Supreme Court regarding the Federal Native Hawaiian Apology Bill will if bones are discovered at a location (i.e. Ward Center) while construction is taking place will open the door to numerous lawsuits by descendents thus giving them claim to land thus halting construction. (4) Expressed concern regarding Governor Lingle’s proposal that the State purchase 850 acres of land of the Turtle Bay Resort to preserve the rural lifestyle of the North Shore community. (5) Has been appointed to serve on a 5-member Senate Special Investigative Committee to investigate an Award of Contract by DBEDT to H2Energy LLC to manage the Hydrogen Investment Capital Fund. (6) Received a phone call from an Associated Press Reporter concerning the Kawamoto property where the reported falsely implies that that Waialae-Kahala resident have problems with Native Hawaiians moving into the Kawamoto property while in reality the problem is with Mr. Kawamoto who had left conditions on his properties in a dilapidated state.  

Turbin arrived at 8:10 p.m. 6 Members Present.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Turbin stated that one of the residents living next to the Kawamoto property has been adversely affected by the cavalier attitude of Mr. Kawamoto including a tree from the Kawamoto property falling on that resident’s property and the stagnant water of the swimming pool on Kawamoto’s property. Filing a lawsuit could result in retaliation by Mr. Kawamoto himself.
• Anderson inquired if the bones are claimed by descendents, could they make claims on the land where the bones are buried. Senator Slom replied that this would result in further lawsuits.   

COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU: Councilmember Djou is present and ready to answer questions.

Questions, comments and concerns:

• Chair Roberson asked Councilmember Djou if he is running for Congress. Councilmember Djou sidestepped that question for now but will make a decision in due time.
• Councilmember Djou commented that the Transit Technology Expert Panel will hold a public meeting on February 22, 2008, 8:30 a.m., Mission Memorial Auditorium to select the technology of the mass-transit system for Honolulu. Councilmember Djou stated his vote in opposition to create this panel.
• DTS Director and Mayor’s Representative Wayne Yoshioka pointed out that the mass transit route will go from East Kapolei to Ala Moana Shopping Center via Salt Lake Boulevard.
• Representative Marumoto mentioned that there is legislation that will hand over control of Aloha Stadium to the University of Hawaii.

• Turbin inquired about the status of the Bed and Breakfast Bills pending before the City Council. Councilmember Djou replied that six councilmembers are undecided on this bill because their constituents are unaffected by the presence of Bed and Breakfast Establishments. The three councilmembers whose constituents have been affected by the presence of these Bed and Breakfasts: Marshall, Dela Cruz and Djou.

TASK FORCE/COMMITTEE REPORTS

OMPO TRAFFIC: Fukuda reported that OMPO’s Public/Private Subcommittee meets on an ongoing basis working with City and State transportation officials on the Kalanianaole Highway Corridor Project.

LAND USE AND ZONING – CITY COUNCIL ACTION OR PENDING HEARINGS: Fukuda stated that the he has received mail regarding hearing and actions pending before the City Council. Regarding both the Bed and Breakfasts and Transient Accommodation Bills, they were heard at a public hearing held by the City Planning Commission whose members voted to kill the Bed and Breakfasts Bill that now goes back the Honolulu City Council for further deliberations.   

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

KAHALA BEACH ISSUES: No report. 

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: Chair Roberson stated that no Neighborhood Watch representative is present. He will contact the representative to give reports at future Board meetings. 

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT: No report.

NEW BUSINESS

DISCUSSION OF BILLS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ILLEGAL VACATION RENTALS AND BED & BREAKFAST UNITS: Item discussed earlier in tonight’s meeting.  

DISCUSSION OF FOUR-WAY STOP AT AINAKOA AND MALIA STREETS: Item was discussed earlier in tonight’s meeting.

PROPOSED 2008 LEGISLATION AFFECTING NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS AND THE COMMUNITY: Chair Roberson had no report.

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – PARKING ISSUES: Item was discussed earlier in tonight’s meeting.

HONOLULU MARATHON AFTER ACTION REPORT: Himeda suggested that a Honolulu Marathon Representative be present at future Board meetings annually before and after the event to educate the community in on the how the event is being coordinated and organized. Chair Roberson agreed to place this item on the March 2008 Regular Board Meeting Agenda.  

SUSTAINABLE HAWAII 2050: Chair Roberson expressed disappointment regarding Hawaii Business Roundtable’s position in opposing government funding of the Sustainable 2050 Project.

NISEI SOLDIERS STAMP: Chair Roberson distributed copies of a resolution passed by the Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14. Turbin moved and Fukuda seconded that the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 pass a resolution supporting the U.S. Postal Services’ stamp recognizing the Nisei (Japanese American)

soldiers of World War II for service and patriotic commitment to the United States of America. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 6-0-0.

KAHALA MALL REPORT: Fukuda reported that Whole Foods Grand Opening will take place in September 2008. He noted that Whole Foods has hired a company to review and expedite the building permit process to build their store where Stat Markets and Yen King Restaurant used to be housed. Fichtman informed the Board that Yen King Restaurant will purchase Maple Garden Restaurant located in Isenberg Street. 

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3 OR CITY COUNCIL NOTICES: Chair Roberson announced that the Board has received Board Mail including notices of future City Council Meetings.

NHB RESOLUTION ON HOMELESSNESS: Chair Roberson placed this item on the agenda as a courtesy request from another Neighborhood Board to address this problem but did not bring written copies of the resolution passed by another Board addressing the problem of homelessness,

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant