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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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 nine (9) of nine (9) members present.

Members Present:  Scotty Anderson, Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson, Julia Kane (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Richard Turbin.  

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Ofc. Tony Kahapea and Sgt. Howard Ishida (Honolulu Police Department – District 7, East Honolulu), Capt. Mike Tosaki (Honolulu Fire Department, Kaimuki Fire Station), Wayne Yoshioka (Mayor’s Representative and Director, Department of Transportation Services), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Representative Lyla Berg, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Stan Johnston, Senator Sam Slom, Councilmember Charles Djou, Suzanne Jones, Coordinator and Members of the City Curbside Recycling Program, Gregory Olmsted (Hawaii State Department of Health Representative), Carol Hoshiko (KCC/CIP), Brad Santiago (Kamehameha Schools), Robert Beck (Bob Beck Realtors), Sherry Spangler (Member, Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2), John Pyles, Lori Arizumi (East Oahu Sun), Lyn Worley; Ivy Yeung and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Mike Tosaki reported: The month of October includes Fire Prevention Week and the theme is preventing home fires. Students of elementary school ages will receive fire safety guides to be taken home. This guide includes activities and tips in fire prevention and steps to take in case of a fire. Fire Prevention Week has been around since 1992. The HFD encourages everyone to keep their homes safe from fires through prevention and for households to develop a fire safety plan.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Tony Kahapea: 1) The monthly statistic report was distributed and including Home Security Safety Tips and a flyer with contact information for District 7-East Honolulu. 2) District 7 – East Honolulu website is www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7; and using the “Report to Us” link, a response can be received within 48 hours.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Regarding jogging on Diamond Head Road, HPD emphasized that joggers should use sidewalks whenever possible. All issues are held on a case by case basis and HPD will continue to inform the public of precautions to take when jogging on roads with narrow or no sidewalks.
2. HPD encourages citizens to report any illegal dumping to them immediately so they can work on the problem.
3. HPD was informed of a man accused of indecent exposure at Kahala Beach, kokohead of the Hunakai Street right-of-way at approximately 7:30 am. Other beachgoers confirmed that this man has frequented the area in the early mornings. HPD will look into the matter.

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Yoshioka responded to previous concerns: 1) Slight Depression on Diamond Head Road and Kahala Avenue – Yoshioka will have an updated status of this issue by the next meeting. 2) Mau’umae Nature Park – Department of Parks and Recreation understands the concern of the growth, but stated that the plan is to keep the park looking natural. Since it is a nature park, it is meant to look overgrown versus manicured and be no need to fix it unless there are any hazards. Yoshioka will follow-up with a more specific answer regarding the fire hazard concern that borders the homes immediately surrounding the park. 3) Malia/ Ainakoa Street Intersection – A mini study is being conducted and there will be a report given on findings in the area at the next meeting. 4) Kilauea Reconstruction Project – This project is under contract with Heron Engineering. The initial phase is accessing how to manage the matured tree roots that infiltrated under the road bed.  The Outdoor Circle and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) are addressing the effects of severing the trees roots. The next phase includes getting approvals of the traffic control plans and make sure this is conducted to prevent gridlock in the area. This is a major project which involves not only repaving, but a total reconstruction of the base.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Regarding past concerns of trash not being picked up in certain areas, most of the issues involve illegal dumping and DFM is working on these issues.
2. DPR was congratulated for taking care of issues involving corroding park benches and broken pipes at the Waialae Beach Park.
3. The Kilauea Avenue Repaving Project would try to not harm any of the trees, but some might be harmed if the planted roots are deeply rooted.
4. Yoshioka was thanked for his efforts with following up on Board and community issues.   

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller: 1) No main breaks were reported for the past month. 2) A handout on natural disasters was distributed highlighting what to do in case of an emergency.

Julia Kane arrived at 7:15 p.m. (9 members present)

Councilmember Charles Djou – Stan Fichtman reported: 1) Councilmember Djou is working on the homeless issue at Kapiolani Park; and 2) working on the energy audit. For more information, visit Councilmember Djou’s website to review the bills he has set forth.

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:

Approval of the July 17, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes – The July 17, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes were approved as circulated by unanimous consent.

Treasurer’s Report – Pyles reported for July 2008, current operating expenses of $24.86 leaving a balance of $1,495.14. No expenditures reflected in the Publicity and Refreshment accounts leaving the balances the same at $936 (Publicity) and $120 (Refreshment). Pyles reported for August 2008, current operating expenses of $20.20 leaving a balance of $1,474.94. No expenditures reflected in the Publicity and Refreshment accounts leaving the balances the same at $936 (Publicity) and $120 (Refreshment).

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: 

Roy Yamaguchi Fundraiser – Carol Hoshiko announced that the Culinary Institute at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) is moving forward with a collaborated fundraiser with Roy Yamaguchi to be held on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at the Saturday Farmer’s Market location. Funding support has been provided by the Conrad Hilton Foundation. For more information, contact Roy Yamaguchi.

Concerns of New Restaurant and Properties – Sherry Spangler shared concerns regarding the government notices about a new restaurant at Kahala Mall that is applying for a liquor license. This restaurant would be featuring dancing and music as well. She also mentioned that Assagios has purchased the property on Kilauea Avenue, which has an 8,000 sq. ft. lot but is only using half of this for its restaurant and is looking for a tenant for the other half. She wants the board to encourage the entrance and exit to be on Kilauea Avenue to discourage lost truck drivers. There will be a presentation on this with discussion at the next meeting.

Diamond Head Clubhouse Recruitment for Advisory Board and Voluntary Members – This program helps assist adults with mental health issues. Barbara Marumoto has joined to become the newest member. Please contact 733-9188 for more information or visit the website.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

Governor’s Representative – Gregory Olmsted of the Hawaii State Department of Health made himself available to answer any questions and concerns on mosquito related issues in the neighborhood.

Questions, comments, and concerns, followed:

1. Concerns of rat infestation were expressed, especially from the Kawamoto properties, and questions asked concerning how the community is supposed to protect itself. Another issue involved includes stagnant water and uncontrolled growth in vacated properties. Olmsted understood the concerns and he and his team have been going out and inspecting properties, but have not seen any evidence or signs of rats or mosquitoes. He can be contacted at 483-2535 and will recheck any properties. The City Housing Code inspector can also be contacted for further concerns at 768-8165.
2. One resident said he has seen the rats come out at night. The Board has asked for a renewed figure by the DOH on rat problems. Olmsted remained for the rest of the meeting to answer any questions.
3. Representative Marumoto has mentioned that DOH has been very cooperative in sending out inspectors and that there is only so much elected officials can do.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed and will stand by her written report.

Representative Lyla Berg – distributed her 2008 Legislative Summary and highlighted that Niu Valley has an International Baccalaureate Program.

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and highlighted: 1) Because of the State deficit, the Governor ordered a four percent budget cut that will likely increase. 2) He lent his voice to the firing of HTA’s Rex Johnson. There was supposed to be a meeting held this past weekend on this issue, but it was postponed. The Governor’s office reported that Hawaii has been getting bad press in national media on this issue because Johnson is supposed to be a face of Hawaii. 4) This coming Monday, September 22, 2008, the Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the rail petition case at 10 am. The issue to be discussed is if the signatures needed are 10 percent of those who vote or 10 percent of those needed to vote.

OLD BUSINESS:

Proposal to Rename Ft. Ruger (Triangle) Park in Honor of Medal of Honor Recipients – The board was informed that the proposal will be held on October 3, 2008 and will go in front of the City Council on October 15, 2008 and should be moving through.

Proposed Resolution to Japanese Consulate Concerning Genshiro Kawamoto – Turbin moved to support this resolution of the City Council; Anderson seconded the motion. Turbin added that the Kawamoto properties that are being house sat are not the problem. The motion was ADOPTED, 9-0-0. Aye: Anderson, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Pyles, Roberson, Kane, Turbin.  

Illegal Dumping – Discussed earlier.

Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachments/Seawall Variances – This will be kept on the agenda for next month. Pyles moved to send a letter of thanks to owners of properties that complied with the state; Fukuda seconded the motion. The motion was ADOPTED, 9-0-0. Aye: Anderson, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Pyles, Roberson, Kane, Turbin.  

Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Report(s):

Status Report on Investigation of Bills Concerning Bed & Breakfast (B&B) /Transient Accommodations – Fukuda reported that the PIG did research and have passed out packets regarding the group’s findings. He further noted that the history and vision of this Neighborhood Board is the opposition to the B&B and transient accommodations. The two sides of the argument include the residents who feel that it is personal infringement to them due to noise and people coming in and out of houses in their neighborhood; and there are those who use this as an additional source of income. Fichtman reported that Councilmember Rod Tam will have a hearing on this issue on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. Action on this issue is needed on December 10, 2008.

Kane felt that the investigations by the PIG needed further investigation and the board agreed to allow any independent submissions. Kane will conduct a supplementary review. Further discussion noted that the PIG and any independent submissions would continue to research and gather data at which time the findings would be presented to the board.

NEW BUSINESS:

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Curbside Recycling Program – Suzanne Jones, Recycling Coordinator, presented information of the pilot program which began in the neighborhoods of Hawaii Kai and Mililani. The Hawaii Kai system was more successful and will be implemented island wide. In a survey, 90 percent of residents enjoyed the program. The program is not mandatory and can be returned or communities can pool them together depending on the management. One green bin will be delivered soon to single family homes and the blue bin will soon be coming. This will begin on November 3, 2008 and brochures and reminder stickers will also be sent to homes. Through this program, recycled goods are used to create other products and green waste compost. This program will not displace the State’s HI-5 Recycling program. This Saturday is the 4th Annual Recycling Fair which is free and includes entertainment.

Eagle Scout Robert Ihaia Beck, Jr. – earned his eagle scout last night and his projects included replanting behind the Latter Day Saints Chapel and installing a sprinkler system. Chair Roberson sent a congratulatory message to Beck. Turbin moved to send a resolution congratulating Beck on achieving his Eagle Scout; Kane seconded the motion. The motion was ADOPTED, 9-0-0. Aye: Anderson, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Pyles, Roberson, Kane, Turbin. 

Halloween Pedestrian Safety – Trick or Treat for Safer Streets wants to encourage groups and enlist volunteers to sign waive on October 30th from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. to propose safety on Halloween night.

Kamehameha Schools Development Planning – Deferred to next month’s meeting.

2008 Update of the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) – There was a survey for individuals to fill out. If any board members or community members would like to fill this out, the deadline is September 30th.

Hawaii State Civil Defense All Hazard Outdoor Warning Signs – Offer to Brief Neighborhood Boards – The Board will consider inviting this group to a future board meeting; let the Chair Roberson know of any interest.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported in the first week of October there will be a meeting with the State Bikeway and Pedestrian Safety person. Wayne Yoshioka added that the City & County of Honolulu is reviewing the plan update and would provide information at the October meeting.

Land Use & Zoning – City Council actions or pending hearings – No further information at this time.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Waialae Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 mail or City Council notices – Chair Roberson announced receiving the following correspondence:

• A letter from the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 urging rejection of the election system.
• A request from Justin Fanslau with Go Rail Go to speak to the board.
• A request from Bronwen L. Welch with Stop Rail Now to speak to the board.
• A message from the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 regarding Perceived Lack of Enforcement of park rules concerning commercial activities.
• Lori Arizumi of the East Oahu Sun announced to contact her if anyone wanted her to write about any community issues to be published in the East Oahu Sun.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Submitted by,

Ivy Yeung

Neighborhood Assistant