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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2008

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kelley Roberson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present with six (6) members.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Scotty Anderson, Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Julia Kane (arrived at 7:09 p.m.), Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson and Richard Turbin (arrived at 8:44 p.m.). 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Stan Fichtman.

GUESTS: Sergeant H. Ishida and Lieutenant G. Lum Lee (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Mike Tosaki (Honolulu Fire Department), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Representative Lyla Berg, Wayne Yoshioka (Mayor’s Representative, Acting Director Department of Transportation Services), Francisco Figueiredo (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office),  John Climaldi (Hawaii Bicycling League) L. Worley and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARDMEMBERS AND GUESTS: s and guests introduced themselves.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Mike Tosaki reported the following: 1) Fires – 2 structure, 2 rubbish and 1 vehicle. (2) Emergencies – 113 medical, 1 search/rescue and 27 miscellaneous. (3) Major incidents – 7 companies responded to a building n fire at 839 21^st Avenue. (4) Unusual incidents – 3 companies responded to a downed power line and transformer spill on Koko Head Avenue. (5) Fire Safety Tip of the Month: Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly in the presence of all household members. Practice your escape plan together. As a result of a smoke alarm and a parent’s quick response, a child’s life was saved. The child was unable to escape from the room when the fire originated; however, the parent told the fire investigators that upon hearing the smoke alarm, she went to the room to investigate was able to save her child. (6) In response to a previously asked question on comparing the County of Honolulu’s fire statistics; as compared to other cities of comparable size: San Jose County had 60,000 fires and 3,300 calls while the County of Honolulu had 33,000 fires with 4,900 calls.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant G. Lum Lee distributed District 7 – East Honolulu report that included area crime trend statistics, safety tips for adults, contact information for Community Policing (Neighborhood Security Watch), Geographical Information System (GIS) and HPD website – www.honolulupd.org. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Digmon shared two concerns: (1) Traffic backed up on Kalanianaole Highway going Hawaii Kai bound where motorist divert onto Malia Street making u-turns. (2) Witnessed an elderly woman running across the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Ainakoa Avenue where she and other elderly pedestrians are vulnerable to be hit by speeding motorists. 

SCHOOL SPEED ZONE: Chair Roberson asked HPD to vigorously enforce the 20 miles per hour school speed limit zone. Lieutenant Lee reported that HPD is tagging motorists speeding in school speed zones.

Kane arrived at 7:09 p.m. 7 Members Present.

REPORTS FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Yoshioka, Acting Director of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) informed the Board that he has succeeded Laverne Higa as the Mayor’s Representative to this Board. Yoshioka stated that he can be reached at 768-8303.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Digmon asked Yoshioka to follow up on the malfunctioned traffic lights at the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Ainakoa Avenue.
• Digmon stated that the potholes along Luinakoa Avenue have gotten worse. Therefore, she asked Yoshioka how frequently the City maintains the area and asked for a follow up to have the area maintained in a regular basis.
• Fukuda inquired to when Kilauea Avenue would be repaved.  Fukuda mentioned that fellow Digmon has been trying to meet with Mike Oshiro from the Department of Transportation Services to follow up on it.  Digmon replied that she spoke to Oshiro regarding this issue along with the frequency of delivery trucks and emergency vehicles going in and out of the Kahala Nui Retirement Facility that has worsened road conditions at the 4-way intersection of Malia Street and Ainakoa Avenue.
• Digmon stated her concern regarding elderly pedestrians at the intersection of Ainakoa Avenue and Malia Street being vulnerable to being hit by speeding motorists.
• Fukuda noted that Yoshioka is by profession a traffic engineer.
• Himeda asked Yoshioka to follow up on her concern regarding the puddle of water on Papu Circle in the aftermath of heavy rains.
• John Cimaldi, Events Manager of the Hawaii Bicycling League, thanked Yoshioka for his help in a previous bikeway project.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Chair Roberson reported that BWS Representative Lorna Heller will not be present at tonight’s Board Meeting. However, he distributed a written report and highlighted the following:

• There were main breaks in November and December to report.
• General Water Announcements:

o        BWS would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

o        The new 2008 Water Conservation Calendar is out. It has great suggestions abut how you can help conserve one of Oahu’s most precious resources, illustrated by talented student artists whose art was chosen during last year’s annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. The calendar theme is “Conserving Water Starts with Me!” Each month features simple tips on how you can save water. The calendars are available to the public in the lobby at our Beretania Street location. So feel free to come by and pick one up! It is also available at  www.boardofwatersupply.com

• Water Savings Tip:

o        Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded OR properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.

o        When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving steam from the faucet.

Fukuda distributed an aerial photograph of the Waialae-Kahala area showing BWS’ Force main Project where BWS will do inspections and tests 18 and 24 inch water pipe.

COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU: Francisco Figueiredo distributed Councilmember Djou’s written report and highlighted the following: The next Honolulu City Council meeting takes place January 23, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Honolulu Hale, 3^rd Floor. .

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Pyles inquired on what Councilmember Djou’s stance is regarding the Bed & Breakfast bill pending before the Honolulu City Council. Figueiredo replied that Councilmember Djou is waiting to hear the decision rendered by the City Planning Commission. Figueiredo mentioned that Councilmember Djou has concerns with the proposed language regarding the Bed & Breakfast legislation.
• Chair Roberson reported that he has received an email from an individual residing in the mainland stating that there is Bed & Breakfast Home located in the Waialae Kahala area. Chair Roberson checked out the address of the supposed Bed and Breakfast address in the Waialae Kahala community which turns out does not exist.
• Pyles reported that at a City Council meeting held recently, she witnessed a woman testifying that these Bed & Breakfast establishments rent out their rooms at $800 per day as vacation rentals due to inflated market values. Therefore, this individual is urging all Neighborhood Boards to take a stance in opposing these Bed & Breakfast establishments that have been turned into vacation rentals.
• Digmon expressed disturbance that the fall of housing prices will result in raising property taxes that would hit hard seniors living on fixed incomes. 

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Fukuda moved and Himeda seconded the approval of the November 15, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes as distributed. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of 7-0-0. 

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

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

WHOLE FOODS IN KAHALA MALL:  Fukuda reported that he has been in communication with Kahala Mall Management regarding the establishment of Whole Foods, specializing in organic foods will be open for business at the location that formerly housed Star Markets. As for the official opening of Whole Foods, Fukuda stated that as soon as he received further information, he will inform the Board.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: No Governor’s Representative was present.

REPRESENTATIVE BARBARA MARUMOTO: Representative Marumoto distributed her written report and highlighted the following:

• The 2008 State Legislature opened its session on Wednesday, January 16, 2008. In this session, sponsoring a series of bills on issues related to the following legislative caucuses: Keiki – dealing with children’s issues and Women’s – dealing with women and family issues.
• Sponsoring legislation to fund Capital Improvement Projects in the 19^th Representative District.
• Attending the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 meeting last night, concerns were raised regarding a proposed Rest Home in Maunalani Heights where it is concentrated in that dense neighborhood.
• Kalani High School’s Baseball Team can practice but cannot play its games Kahala Field because the City does not consider the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) a state agency, therefore not immune from liability. Representative Marumoto is working on legislation to provide this protection.
• Working on a resolution to address the incredibly shrinking Kahala Beach. Gave kudos to s Pyles and Fukuda along with various City and State officials to help prevent vegetation from obliterating Kahala Beach.
• The Women’s Caucus honored Patricia Saiki for her years of public service including sponsoring legislation as a state legislator 25 bills on equal rights for women in Hawaii including making Hawaii the first state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment after passage in the U.S. Congress and as a U.S. Congresswoman, passing legislation that saw reparations and an apology from the U.S. Government granted to Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

REPRESENTATIVE LYLA BERG: Representative Berg distributed her written report and highlighted the following:

• Opening day of the 2008 State Legislature was Wednesday, January 16, 2008. 
• Founding member of the Climate Control Caucus, an effort to introduce legislation to address the consequences and implications of climate change and its effects on Hawaii. Also a member of the Small Business Caucus, founded by Hawaii Kai Representative Gene Ward.
• Paiko Ridge Partners, LLC, the developer with plans to construct luxury homes on Paiko Ridge, located between Niu Valley and Kuliouou has filed for bankruptcy based on a report in the December 19, 2007 edition of Pacific Business News. 
• Beach Access Rally is Saturday, February 2, 2008, throughout the State.
• Representatives Roy Takumi and Lyla Berg, Chair and Vice Chair of the House Education Committee respectively are working on legislation on an early childhood education bill that address 3 – 4 years of age kids who are at risk. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Fukuda inquired who initiated the Global Climate Caucus. Representative Berg replied Representatives Cynthia Thielen of District 50 – Kailua and Hermina Morita of District 14 – Kauai. 
• Chair Roberson inquired about the status of Sustainable 2050. Representative Berg replied that Sustainable 2050 would be catalyst of bills being introduced relating to long term sustainability issues affecting Hawaii. 

SENATOR SAM SLOM: Senator Slom distributed his written report and highlighted the following:

• Governor Lingle has introduced tax proposals with the following components: mandating tax relief, reducing the cell phone tax from 66 cents to 43 cents where monies were used to enhance 911 emergency calls. Senator Slom favors eliminating this tax. 
• The bottle bill that imposed a 6 cents tax on beverages exempting milk and liquor has made a profit of $31 million for the State.
• Economists project Hawaii’s economic growth rate between 4.8% to 5.7% for 2008.
• Governor Lingle has appointed Abbey Meyer as Director of the State Office of Planning.
• Governor Lingle has released $4.4 million for the design and construction of trail system improvements at Diamond Head State Monument.
• 2008 is an election year.  

TASK FORCE/COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic:  Fukuda reported that OMPO’s Public/Private Subcommittee is working with City and State transportation officials on the Kalanianaole Highway Corridor Project.

Pyles asked about status of the light rail project. Acting DTS Director Yoshioka replied that the Honolulu City Council has voted to approve a technical committee to choose the final option for a fixed guideway for the Honolulu Corridor Project whose route runs from East Kapolei to Ala Moana via Salt Lake. The Technical Committee will be comprised of two members appointed by the City Council, two members appointed by Mayor Hannemann and a fifth member appointed by the four committee members.

Land Use and Zoning – City Council Action Or Pending Hearings:  Pyles stated that she has received mail regarding hearing and actions pending before the Honolulu City Council. 

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head – Neighborhood Of Excellence Task Force: No report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahala Beach Issues: Chair Roberson announced that the Kahala Community Association (KCA) will be having a Clean Kahala Rally on Saturday, February 2, 2008, 12:30 p.m., Kahala Community Center.

State Department of Transportation (Dot) Landscaping Plan For Waialae-Kahala:  Fukuda had no report but will continue to follow up on this item. 

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 Final Task Force Report: Chair Roberson announced the final report has been released.  Fukuda noted that the current State Sunshine Law remains a major problem in terms of requiring quorums in order for Board meetings to occur or else no quorum, no meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hawaii Bicycling League Proposal: John Climaldi, Events Manager from the Hawaii Bicycling League presented the following:

• The Honolulu Century Bike Ride is scheduled for September 28, 2008.
• The route begins at Kapiolani Park traveling on Paki Road to Diamond Head Road. Turn left on Elepaio Road, turn right on Kilauea Avenue, and then right on Kalanianaole Highway and back to Kapiolani Park
• It is projected that there will be 4,000 participants with 2,000 from Japan, 1,100 from the U.S. Mainland and 900 from Hawaii.
• Participants have the choice of riding 20, 25, 40, 50, 75 or 100 miles.
• Public awareness will be disseminated on newspaper, radio, television and internet ads, website at www.hbl.org and various bike shops throughout the State.
• Educating the public on the benefits and safety of bicycling for both riders and pedestrians alike. 

Questions, comments and concerns: Chair Roberson noted that Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13 has passed a Bicycle Safety Resolution. Climaldi replied that various Neighborhood Boards have passed similar resolutions.

Discussion Of Bills Before The City Council Regarding Illegal Vacation Rentals And Bed & Breakfast Units –  Pyles started her concern regarding Page 5 of the November 15, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes which did not do justice to this issue due to lack of information and a rush of others issues. Therefore, Pyles proposed the following correction to Page 5 of the November 15, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes should read as follows:

Discussion of Bills before The City Council Regarding Illegal Vacation Rentals And Bed & Breakfast Units: - Pyles moved that the Board oppose City Council Resolution 05-187. The motion failed due to lack of a second. Discussion followed on past Board action in 2005 opposing this resolution. Pyles expressed concern that some were not up to speed or assure Board history and due to crowded agenda time could not be spent bringing them up to speed on the issue. Larry Bartley of Kailua provided additional background on the resolution and noted that the City has been enforcing violations and a number of illegal units have been converted to regular rental units. Pyles moved and Fichtman seconded that the Board reaffirm its 2005 letter opposing transient vacation units and bed & breakfast units. Discussion followed: Anderson declared a conflict of interest because his wife is Chair of the Planning Commission. The motion carried 5-0-3. Yea: Fukuda, Roberson, Kane, Pyles, Himeda. Abstain: Turbin, Anderson, Fichtman. 

Discussion of Four-Way Stop at Ainakoa And Malia Streets:  Digmon reported that she is waiting for further community feedback on this item.

Times Supermarket Strike: Chair Roberson reported that there is a growing level of acrimony between Times Supermarket Management and its Union Members.

Proposed 2008 legislation affecting neighborhood boards and the community: Chair Roberson had no report.

Kahala Mall Report:  Fukuda reported on this earlier tonight.

Kane asked if Kahala Mall Management is aware of concerns regarding traffic due to the opening of Whole Foods at the shopping center.  Fukuda replied that Kahala Mall Management is planning to expand their current parking lot to accommodate Whole Foods customers.

Honolulu Marathon after Action Report:  Himeda suggested that Honolulu Marathon representatives come to a future Board meeting annually before and after the event to educate the community of the events coordination and organization efforts. It was noted that each year there are different police officers monitoring vehicular/pedestrian traffic before, during and after the event. Chair Roberson will contact Honolulu Marathon’s events coordinator to attend the February 2008 meeting to explain the event’s impact on the Waialae-Kahala community.  

Turbin arrived at 8:44 p.m. 8 Members Present.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Neighborhood Board No. 3 Or City Council Notices – Chair Roberson announced that the Board has received a copy of the Kahala Loa Development Project and an received a personal invitation (as Board Chair) to attend the Change of Command Ceremony at the U.S. Army Base in Fort Shafter on  Friday, February 1, 2008, 10:00 a.m.

Bike And Pedestrian-Friendly Oahu A City Priority – No report.

The Board of Directors of Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA) Competition for the 2008 Neighborhood of the Year and best Neighborhood Program Awards: No report.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant