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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2008

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER:  Acting Chair Kelley Roberson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; quorum was present with (7) members. NOTE: This nine (9) member board needs five (5) members to call the meeting to order.

Members Present: Scotty Anderson, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Julia Kane (arrived 7:02 p.m.), Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson.

Members Absent: Gerri Digmon (notified), Richard Turbin.

Guests: Curtis Jackson (Mary Worrall Real Estate), Wayne Yoshioka (Mayor’s Representative), Capt. Ernie Akana (Honolulu Fire Department); Maj. Robert Green, Lt. Gary Lum Lee, Sgt. G. Perez, Ofc. Jason Hendricks (Honolulu Police Department); Debra Pope and Bill Miyati (Shangri-La), Bill and Susan Fuller, R. Krause, S. Krause, Brad Santiago, Fumiko Crowley, Lori Arizumi, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Senator Sam Slom, Councilmember Charles Djou, Derek Tamura (Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Foundation), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).   

Kane arrived during this portion of the meeting (7 members present).

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE TERM JUNE 1, 2008 – MAY 31, 2009:  Nominations followed.

Chair – Fukuda nominated Kelley Roberson. Himeda moved to close the nominations; Kane seconded. Kelley Roberson was elected Chair.

Vice Chair – Fukuda nominated Scotty Anderson. Kane moved to close the nominations; hearing no other nominations, or objections, nominations were closed. Scotty Anderson was elected Vice Chair.  

Treasurer – Fukuda nominated Lucinda Pyles. Himeda moved to close the nomination; Kane seconded. Lucinda Pyles was elected Treasurer.

Secretary – Fukuda nominated Julia Kane; Kane declined. Fukuda nominated Sylvia Himeda; Himeda declined. Roberson nominated Lester Fukuda. Anderson moved to close the nomination; hearing no objections, nominations were closed. Lester Fukuda was elected Secretary.

DETERMINATION OF BOARD MEETING (Date / Time / Location) & BOARD RECESS (es):

Meeting (Date / Time / Location) – Fukuda moved, Fichtman seconded to keep the same determination as, third Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. The motion carried by unanimous consent.

Board Recess – Fukuda moved, Kane seconded to recess in the month of August and December 2008. The motion carried by unanimous consent.

An agenda item was inadvertently not on the agenda. Chair Roberson entertained a motion to add the formation of a Permitted Interaction Group to the agenda; this would require a two-thirds vote (6) of the Board. Pyles explained that the purpose would be to investigate legislation that will be coming up before City Council.

Pyles moved to form a Permitted Interaction Group to investigate Bills 6, 7, 8 & 9, having to do with Bed & Breakfast / Transient Accommodation issues; Fukuda seconded the motion. Members appointed were: Pyles, Kane, Himeda and Fukuda. Discussion followed with clarification that the findings/recommendations of the investigations are brought before the Board. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 7-0-0. Aye: Anderson, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Kane, Pyles, Roberson.

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Akana reported: 1) The cause of the fire on Ali’ikoa Street was due to unattended cigarette in a bedroom. For more information, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 723-7152. 2) The Mau’umae Nature Park on Koko Drive is owned by the City & County since 1991; Hawaiian Electric and Board of Water Supply have a small parcel on Claudine Street. 3) Statistics for May included: 4 structure, 3 rubbish fires, 83 medical and 18 miscellaneous emergencies. 4) Fire Safety Tip:  As summer nears, our island runs a high risk for fires due to wildland vegetation drying out with the hot weather. Wildland fires historically were referred to as brush fires; and the term wildland is more nationally recognized. Use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices around wildland vegetation; as the smallest spark and/or flame can ignite the dry vegetation. A reminder is that the law states that children under age 18 shall not possess or have access to fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, except under adult supervision. As Independence Day nears, consider leaving the fireworks display to the pyrotechnic professionals and enjoy one of the several public fireworks display events offered by various communities.

Fumiko Crowley, who lives next to Mau’umae Nature Park, is quite concerned and asked who she should call regarding the dry shrubbery and over growth at the park. Wayne Yoshioka, Mayor’s rep, will follow-up with her.   

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Maj. Green (District 7, East Honolulu) distributed the monthly statistics report and highlighted on a new link on the District 7 website where reports can be made online; an intranet website exclusive for HPD with pictures of known suspects, arrests, etc.; and a proactive measure to reduce burglaries is a dedicated residential saturation patrol for visibility. Call HPD if you see anything suspicious.

Dumping of old mattresses, crates, yard rubbish, lumber, etc. has been occurring for several months along the street frontage of the vacant lot at 4741 Kahala Avenue (pictures submitted). The property manager claims the owner spends approximately $500 a month to haul away the rubbish. Maj. Green noted that HPD can patrol the area to deter the dumping and if a license plate number is available, this would be helpful. He also noted that Sgt. Rivers is working on that task; and encouraged getting a vehicle description and a license plate number.

REPORTS FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Report – Wayne Yoshioka reported on concerns from previous months: 1) The Natural Conservation Park, designated as Mau’umae Nature Park, is owned by the City. It is left intentionally in its natural state and enjoyed by many who hike and recreate within its 28-plus acres. 2) Illegal dumping, corner of Kahala Avenue and Pueo – the Environmental Department (ENV) picked up the bulky items on May 28, 2008. May 29, a resident in the same vicinity was informed that the green waste was placed too early and will not be picked up until June 12. The resident returned the green waste back into his property. 3) U-turns on Malia and Hoakoa streets – According to the City Traffic Code, u-turns are prohibited in a business district, upon a highway with three or more lanes, or at an intersection where traffic is controlled by traffic signal lights. Our investigation, which included a review of the traffic history at the Malia Street/Hoakoa Place intersection, indicated that restricting “u-turns” are not justified at this location. 4) Broken water fountains at Kahala Park – the Parks Department (DPR) staff from District 1 inspected the three water fountains at Kahala Community Park on June 2, 2008 and confirmed that the all three are in working order.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pictures shared by F. Crowley regarded a previous fire safety concern relating to the Mauumae Nature Park; pictures were handed to Yoshioka for follow-up.
2. Regarding an illegal dumping concern fronting a vacant lot on Kahala Ave, a resident spent almost $500 to get the trash hauled this year alone; pictures were given to Yoshioka for follow-up. 
3. At the 3600 block of Diamond Head Road, a suggestion was to use a small truck to pickup the bulky trash.
4. There was a request for a status update regarding the sprinkler system on the Hunakai Street median.
5. A concern regarded the dangerous road conditions on Kahala Ave between Black Point and Elepaio Street. A suggestion was that it be investigated. 
6. A concern was that residents on Halekoa Ridge are putting bulky items out on the street earlier than the pickup date; Anderson is feeling very frustrated and is considering a sign waving effort. 
7. The Ainakoa Parks keeper, who paints out any graffiti immediately, was praised by Anderson.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller 1) distributed the Water Quality handout; 2) reported one main break on May 3; a cast iron main installed in the 1950’s. 3) General Water Announcements: a) BWS is working hard to ensure that the water quality meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com to get your water quality report and/or more information. b) Water Conservation Tips include: watering lawns just 2-3 times a week; and don’t water lawns between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. No questions followed.

A resident noted that a huge pipe was left behind following the repaving of the road after the BWS project. He is doing some landscaping and the pipe is in the way of 3795 Diamond Head Road.

Councilmember Charles Djou – Deferred until his arrival.      

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:  In regards to minutes, a comment noted that the minutes guideline should be to only summarize or reflect what happened at the meeting, not what was said. 

There were no objections to accept the amendments to April 17; see attachment 1, following “Adjournment”.

Approval of May 15, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes:

·         Page 4, Shangri-La, last paragraph, insert, “Pope said Shangri-La…; and delete “…has not is working…”

·         Page 5, top paragraph, delete the last sentence.

Anderson moved Fukuda seconded to accept the following amendments of the May 15, 2008 meeting minutes; carried by unanimous consent.

Treasurer’s Report (April and May 2008) – Pyles reported for May 2008, current expenses of $64.64 leaving a balance of $1,194.77. No expenditures reflected in the Publicity and Refreshment accounts leaving the balances the same at $665.84 (Publicity) and $120 (Refreshment).

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  

A concern regarded the deterioration of about 105 feet of sidewalk fronting the address of 3795 Diamond Head Road. The resident reported that the City did an investigation two weeks ago and has yet to report the findings.

The agenda went back to item 5.3, Councilmember Djou’s report.

Councilmember Charles Djou – Congratulated the 2008-2009 board officers; and will have his office follow-up on the deteriorating sidewalk issue on Diamond Head Road. Other highlights included: a) the passage of the largest budget at $2.76 billion for FY 2009. Djou was one of three members who voted against the operating budget of $1.8 billion, and the lone “no” vote on the Capital Improvement budget of $954 million. b) Council passed recognition for Ron Yoda, General Manager of Kahala Mall. c) Councilmember Djou is still accepting comments for renaming of Ft. Ruger Park (also known as Triangle Park).    

A brief discussion regarded the renaming of Triangle Park (Ft. Ruger Park). A resident commented that, though the idea of recognizing the Iraq war heroes is good, the history of Ft. Ruger Park will be lost if the park is renamed.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her monthly report and highlighted: 1) The Governor has to June 23 to consider bills for veto; the Legislature has to July 8 to override those vetos. 2) Other highlights include: a) The 50th Birthday of Kalani High School. b) Honolulu Magazine grades schools. c) Kahala Business Association (KBA) will miss Ron Yoda, General Manager of Kahala Mall. d) Kaimuki Business and Professionals Association (KBPA) celebrates 62-years of operation and holding its annual installation and fellowship dinner on June 18.   

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and highlighted: 1) On the Kalani High School graduation; 2) the passing of Bertha Leong; 3)

There were no other reports from the Governor’s Representative and Representative Lyla Berg.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported the bus ridership is up and thriving; and David Arakawa is the new OMPO chair.

Land Use & Zoning – Pyles had no report.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head, Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force – a) Renaming of Triangle Park was discussed earlier. b) Shangri-La Update – on May 19, Turbin, Anderson and Balfour met with DPP to review the changes to the Conditional Use Permit. On May 31, the group did a site visit and noted a change in the bus/van size which was done for reason, but no increase of the number of people per visit per day; the vegetation in question was removed; and because the concern was that no one informed the residents of the CUP changes, the group is recommending that the residents are kept informed.

Traffic Committee Update – Fukuda reported that the committee compiled a list of traffic concerns. If there are any other traffic concerns, contact Fukuda; a list was distributed. 

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachments– There was continuing interest about the Kahala Beach vegetation issue. The Board allowed Stan Johnson 5-minutes to express his concerns and show a Powerpoint presentation

State DOT Landscaping Plan for Waialae/Kahala area (Chris Dacus) – Removed from future agenda. 

East Honolulu Development Plan Status Update – Pyles noted it is expected that the Department of Planning and Permitting’s Planning Division, which is currently reviewing public input to the East Honolulu draft Plan, including NHB 3’s request to be included in the East Honolulu Plan rather than the Urban Core Plan, will make their recommendations to the Council in August.

NEW BUSINESS:

Presentation – Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Fireworks – Derek Tamura presented Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Foundation. Foundation organizers (Cha Thompson, President and Noa Parker, Vice President) welcome this celebration of friends, family and freedom. The event will fill the day from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a fireworks display from a barge off shore in Maunalua Bay; and activities throughout the day to include food and civic booths, musical and dance entertainment, games and canoe rides. The event parking will be at Kaiser High School and Hawaii Kai Towne Center with bus shuttles. There will be private security, a first aid tent, an emergency ambulance and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Command Center. The vision is to bring the community together with the hopes of lowering the individual use of fireworks and reducing noise pollution for a smoke free event. Tamura is hoping the Board would pass a resolution in support of this event.

Kane moved, Anderson seconded a motion to pass a resolution in support of the event. Discussion followed: Fichtman disclosed being a member of the board and asked to recuse himself from the vote. The motion was adopted, 6-0-1. Aye: Anderson, Fukuda, Himeda, Kane, Pyles and Roberson. Abstain: Fichtman.

Bed & Breakfast / Transient Accommodations – Further discussion for next month.

Newspaper Articles on Genshiro Kawamoto Properties – Chair Roberson had available news articles and appreciates the work and continued visibility of this matter.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

·         In the effort of Ron Yoda’s efforts as General Manager of Kahala Mall, a motion was entertained to present Yoda with a Certificate of Recognition. Kane moved, Anderson seconded the motion to present a Certificate of Recognition. The motion was adopted unanimously, 8-0-0. Aye: Anderson, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Kane, Pyles, Roberson.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.

Submitted by

Marie Richardson, Neighborhood Assistant

Attachment 1 – Amendments to April 17, 2008 meeting minutes (underlined is inserted amendment)

• Page 1, QCC, bullet 1 should read, “Pyles – Expressed concern because, according to previous Mayor’s Representative, Laverne Higa, the maintenance of the Hunakai median was recently transferred to the Department of Facility Maintenance from Department of Parks And Recreation (DPR) without provisions for maintenance staff or budget.

·         Page number should reflect total 5 pages;

·         Page 2, Approval of March 20, 2008 minutes, should read, “Pyles expressed dismay that the City Council Zoning Committee is holding more public hearings on the B&B and TVU bills that are basically the same as resolutions 186 & 187 on which the Planning Commission received volumes of testimony in two public hearings and whose 9 members voted unanimously to reject 187 and approve 186. Repeating this process requires a lot of time for working people who testify.

• Page 3, after the Treasurer’s Report, a motion should have read as, “Pyles moved and Kane seconded to add to the agenda to review as old business the details of City & County Bills # 6, 7, 8, and 9 relating to Bed and Breakfast (B&B) and Transient and Visitor Units (TVU). Without objections the motion to amend the agenda and add item to old business passed by unanimous consent, 8-0- 0.

·         Page 4, Rep Berg, should read, “Pyles: Inquired as to whether Rep. Berg had any information on whether the area covered by the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board was going to be included in the City & County’s East Honolulu Sustainable Community Development Plan as the Board previously requested.  

·         Page 5, Old Business under Beach Encroachment should read, “Pyles reported:  1) DLNR will send a letter to beachfront property owners with encroaching vegetation and ask for voluntary removal.  2) Rep. Marumoto suggested the NHB mail an invitation to the DLNR/OCCL presentation to all Kahala Beachfront property owners.

·         Next paragraph (motion) should read, “Pyles moved and Anderson seconded that the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 appropriate no more than $150.00 of the Board’s funds to mail out 200 invitations to Kahala Beachfront property owners and refreshments. Without objections, the motion was adopted by a vote of 8-0-0.

·         Page 5, delete New Business

• Page 5, Regarding Bills 6, 7, 8, and 9 dealing with Bed and Breakfasts (B&B) and Transient Visitor Units (TVU),

·         Rai Saint Chu Turbin a thirty-year Waialae/Kahala resident shared: 1) there is more opinions than the one shared in the Kahala Community Association paper regarding the support of Bed and Breakfasts in the community.

·         Angie Larson, president of HVROA informed the board that: 1) the 400 members of my organization want our industry to be legalized and co-exit with neighbors. 2) Distributed four letters supporting sensible regulation and licensing of B&Bs and vacation rentals. Pyles asked of the 400 members how many members were operating legally.

·         Page 5, the motion should read as, “Pyles moved and Kane seconded that a Permitted Interaction     Group (PIG) is formed to look    into the issue of B&B’s and TVU’s. Without objections the motion      passed by a unanimous vote, 8-0-0. Ayes: Anderson, Turbin, Pyles, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda,          Roberson, Kane.