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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (draft)

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Scotty Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note – this nine-member Board requires five (5) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Scotty Anderson, Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Linda Fulton, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Richard Turbin.  

Members Absent: Kelley Roberson.

Guests: Lt. Gary Lum Lee, Sgt. Howard Ishida and Ofc. Keith Takamiya (Honolulu Police Department – District 7, East Honolulu), Capt. Tim Turgeon (Honolulu Fire Department), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Craig Nishimura (Mayor’s Representative, Director, City Department of Design and Construction); Councilmember Charles Djou and Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego (Councilmember Djou’s staff), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Carol Hoshino (Dean, Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific); Michael Shibata and Vincent Shigekuni (Planners, PBR Hawaii & Associates); David Akinaka and Troy Miyasato (Ferraro Choi), Dennis Gaughan (Naval Special Warfare Foundation), Joe Berardy, Angelo Begundy, Matthew Colly, Kanekoa Pawn-White, Kalala Pawn White, Kasan Nakatsu and Eric Teshima (Troop No. 108 Boys Scouts of America), Kekoa McClellan (Friends for Stanley Chang), Karen Migitani, Lori Azumi (East Honolulu News), John Pyles, Lance Tom, Tyler Ralston, Dennis Vaughn; Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Capt. Tim Turgeon reported for the Kaimuki Fire Station the following: (1) Fires – 6 structure and 1 wildland. (2) Emergencies – 91 medical, 5 search/rescue and 11 miscellaneous. (3) Fire Safety Tip of the Month – The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Make a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. Have an emergency preparedness plan ready in case of emergency evacuation. Consider the need for fire department access.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lt. Gary Lum Lee distributed the District 7 – East Honolulu report which included the following: (a) area crime trend statistics; (b) ATM safety tips; (c) contact information; and (d) information about Community Policing (Neighborhood Security Watch) and Geographical Information System (GIS) in District 7 and HPD’s District 7 website – www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         There was mention of numerous thefts in the Kahala area that occurred in April 2009; thefts remain an ongoing problem. Specifically, the same person who was released from jail is the prime suspect.

·         HPD was thanked for their assistance with stopping drivers driving the wrong way on Malia Street.

·         It was mentioned that Lt. Alan Anami has harassed a Malia Street resident on numerous occasions; noting that this resident had been falsely accused of being involved in a murder of an HPD officer. Lt. Lum Lee indicated that this situation with Lt. Anami can be remedied by calling HPD’s Internal Affairs Division or if it is a civil rights violation, by calling the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A complaint was filed with the Honolulu Police Commission (HPC); however, it was expressed that HPC Chair Christine Camp Friedman should not have intervened in the dispute between the resident and Lt. Anami.

·         A concern regarded vehicular speeding along Kilauea Avenue and the need for further HPD patrols to monitor this disturbing trend. Lt. Lum Lee replied that he would follow up on it.

·         Turbin attended a Kahala Community Association (KCA) meeting last week where concerns were raised regarding loud parties taking place late Friday and Saturday nights; HPD is aware of these problems. Lt. Lum Lee noted that it this is a neighbor-to-neighbor issue; however, the lack of police presence from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights was questioned. Lt. Lum Lee will follow up.

·         Since there are no crosswalks at the intersection of Hoakoa and Malia Streets, HPD should step up their patrols in this intersection. Lt. Lum Lee replied that he would follow up on it.

Mayor’s Representative: Craig Nishimura, Director, City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) gave the following responses to concerns raised last month: (1) Royals Farming is contracted by the City to catch the chickens only at City parks. Regarding loose chickens at the dog park, the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has monitored the chicken population where they are coming from neighboring areas rather than roosting at the dog park. Regarding other locations, the City recommends calling the Hawaii Game Breeders Association at 239-9711 since they provide free services aimed at remedying feral fowl problems. This is an issue for the State Department of Health (DOH) as well. (2) Due to unforeseen field conditions, the two ramps on the Koko Head side of the intersection of Pahoa Avenue and Kilauea Avenue have not yet been constructed. Additional electrical work was required, and the contractor needs to reschedule the curb ramp construction at this location.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Concern was expressed regarding the lack of street lights at the intersection of Hoakoa Street and Malia Street where there is a crosswalk thus making it hard for motorists to see people in the crosswalk at night. Therefore, a cost-effective suggestion was given – remove the crosswalk or place street lights at this intersection. Nishimura replied that he would follow up with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

• The road work along Kilauea Avenue will soon be completed.

• Concern was conveyed regarding the deteriorating conditions of properties owned by billionaire Genshiro Kawamoto; some have been taken over by squatters, rats and vermins thereby making a hazard in the Kahala community. A recommendation was that Mr. Kawamoto pay $1,000 per day per property he owns until the violations are addressed. Nishimura replied that he would follow up on this matter by meeting with David Tanoue, Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Representative Marumoto suggested that the Board pass a resolution requesting DPP do a monthly report concerning the status on conditions on Mr. Kawamoto’s properties.

• The traffic light at the intersection of Ainakoa Avenue and Kalanianaole Highway has a short timeline, and took a resident 20 minutes to drive from Malia Street to Kalani High School.

• A concern was raised that Kahala Nui violated a unilateral agreement by not allowing its employees to park on their property, resulting in congestion along Malia Street. Nishimura will follow up on it.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative Lorna Heller highlighted the following: (1) There were no water main breaks in April 2009. (2) Students from Kindergarten to 6th grade and from 7th to 12th grades were awarded for their work in the 2009 Water Conservation Poster and first ever Poetry Contest participants were awarded by Mayor Mufi Hannemann and BWS Chairman Randall Chung. Their works will be on display at Kahala Mall from June 1 through 12, 2009. (3) The 19th Annual Detect-A-Leak Week runs from June 7 through 13, 2009. Heller distributed tablets for people to diagnose any toilet leaks.

Councilmember Charles Djou: Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego distributed Councilmember Djou’s written report while Councilmember Djou highlighted the following: (1) Expressing concern that some Neighborhood Boards (NBs), not this Board, are being overtaken by private entities where they make requests to give presentations numerous times, Councilmember Djou proposed an ordinance measure stating that if a private entity requests to give presentations at an NB meeting three times or more they must pay $250 to cover administrative costs. (2) Concern was expressed regarding the growth of the City Budget from $1.51 billion in the final year of Mayor Jeremy Harris’ Administration in 2005 to $3.57 billion in 2009. To make matters worse, the City is raising the vehicle tax from $35 to $100 per year, and cutting back curbside recycling while appropriating $100,000 for a mainland trip promoting tourism of behalf of the City including attending a football game in Las Vegas between the University of Hawaii (UH) and the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         About $600 million of the total $3.57 billion City budget will be spent on the rail transit project. Some of the monies are being appropriated for long needed road and sewer projects. However, most of the City Budget is appropriated to cover a 65% increase in pay for City government employees.

·         Comments were made that the NB system is a great mechanism to address key community issues. Councilmember Djou replied that the proposed ordinance to place a $250 charge for entities who make three or more presentations at NB meetings in a year is voluntary.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Harassment from HPD Concerning Kahala Nui – Lance Tom expressed concern that he is waging a lonely fight dealing with complaints about Kahala Nui while simultaneously being harassed by HPD. It was pointed out that the vast majority of residents in the Malia Street area where Kahala Nui is located are elderly.

Wedding Business Limousines Obstructing Parking at Kahala Beach Park (KBP) – Tyler Ralston reported that at KBP, limousines, wedding parties, photographers, videographers, wedding companies/planners, etc., have occupied an entire parking lot at the beach located between Waialae Beach Park and the Kahala Hotel. To make matters worse, when beach users play on the beach, the wedding parties tells beach users to hush up and get out thereby creating a hostile environment between the public/community beach users and the wedding business establishments that perform seven to eight weddings per day at KBP. Ralston suggested that limos and weddings not be allowed on that section of the beach.

Discussion followed:

·         Discussion offered that DPP gives the permits that allow weddings to take place at this beach park; however, it was clarified that the wedding permits are issued by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Nishimura was asked to follow up.

Jungle Gym at Wilson Community Park in Disrepair – Karen Migitani expressed concern regarding the state of disrepair at the jungle gym located at Wilson Community Park (WCP). Councilmember Djou replied that he has placed an appropriation to fix the jungle gym at WCP.

Bamboo Tree Leaves Falling onto Neighboring Private Property – A resident stated concern that her neighbor's bamboo tree, located at 4767 Farmers Road, constantly drops leaves onto her property. The property owner resides in the mainland while she has to constantly brooms away falling bamboo leaves landing on her property.

Discussion followed:

·         A possible remedy suggested informing DPP, however, the female resident indicated she contacted a City entity to address her concern and was turned down. A proposal was made that DPP investigate the situation; but if there is a health issue, the DOH should be contacted. In neighbor-to-neighbor problems, the Mediation Center of the Pacific may be contacted for assistance to help settle the dispute, or the Small Claims Court may be sought to resolve this problem.

·         Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) may also be contacted if the bamboo tree touches the electric pole. The resident noted that the owner is trying to sell this house.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: This item was deferred.

BOARD BUSINESS: None.

OLD BUSINESS:

Feral Chickens and Roosters Control – This issue was raised earlier in the meeting.

Naming Ceremony and Plaque for Operation Red Wing – Medal of Honor Park (Curently Named Fort Ruger Park and Currently Referred to as Triangle Park) – Dennis Vaughn, representing the Naval Special Warfare Foundation updated the Board that the size of the plaque has been downsized for the Operation Red Wing – Medal of Honor Park to honor U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kapiolani Community College Culinary Institute of the Pacific Plan Review Use (Pru) and Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permits –

Congratulations: Carol Hoshino, Dean of the Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific (KCC CIP), was congratulated for her students winning first place in a Culinary Cook-Off Competition that took place recently on the mainland.

Presentation: Michael Shibata, Project Consultant from PBR Hawaii & Associates, presented the following –

• The Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) is historically and operationally connect to Kapiolani Community College (KCC). KCC CIP’s mission is to offer career, technical and cultural culinary education to Hawaii and the global community. Its primary goal is to become the premier culinary training and education center in the Pacific.

• Plans to construct KCC’s CIP at the former Cannon Club began in 2003. In 2008, a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was completed in 2008 that includes having nine one-story buildings. The final EA was accepted by UH’s Community Colleges on March 2009.

• Additional Major Permits needed prior to construction: (a) Plan Review Use (PRU) Permit; (b) Special Management Area (SMA) Permit; and (c) Diamond Head Special District Permit. Regarding the PRU Permit: (a) required for the project as the facility is proposed to be for University/College Use; (b) PRU to serve for the entire KCC campus; and (c) KCC will be requesting that the Cannon Club site be added to the existing KCC campus. Regarding the SMA Permit: (a) both the Cannon Club site and main KCC campus are within the Special Management Area; and (b) required to do a SMA. Concurrent processing of PRU/SMA Permits: (a) coordinating with DPP to develop the project schedule; (b) KCC plans on submitting the PRU and SMA permits concurrently; (c) after receiving PRU and SMA approvals, KCC will then prepare a Diamond Head Special District Permit, in addition to landscaping in the KCC CIP complex. This project is an example of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         An inquiry was raised about the trees and the impact concerning the view of the Diamond Head Crater. In addition, a concern was brought up regarding dense shrubbery that if not cut down may encourage brush fires. Shibata assured the Board that the trees being planted would not obstruct the view toward the Diamond Head Crater, and the tall brushes will be removed.

·         The proposed CIP will offer 3^rd and 4^th year advanced courses in Pastry/Cooking and Restaurant Management, respectively. The first year of the CIP there will be 50 students, with 200 students expected by the time the CIP is in its fourth year. There will be 128 parking stalls available.

·         The financial impacts to redesign the CIP buildings were nominal. The proposed restaurant is located in the tier area and would have the capacity serve 175 customers.

·         The traffic light at Makapu’u Street intersecting at the east end of Diamond Head Road and Campbell Avenue intersecting at the west end of Diamond Head Road would not impact area traffic.

REPORTS:

April 2009 Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Pyles reported for April 2009: (a) the previous Operating Account balance was $1,263.60, and with current expenses of $22.99, the current balance is $1,240.61; (b) the Publicity Account balance remains at $936; and (c) the Refreshment Account balance remains at $120. The report was filed.

Committees –

OMPO (Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization) Traffic: Fukuda reported that three companies will be submitting bids for the $600 million transit rail project that is due by July 31, 2009.

Land Use & Zoning – City Council Actions or Pending Hearings: No report.

Permitted Interaction Groups –

Bed & Breakfast/Transient Accommodations: Pyles mentioned receiving an email from Councilmember Bainum’s office stating that Councilmember Okino is adding Council draft language to a bill where residents living within 300 feet of a Bed & Breakfast establishment shall be notified of its existence. She stated strong support for this proposal as a step in the right direction.

Elected Officials –

Governor’s Representative: No representative was present.     

Representative Barbara Marumoto: Rep. Marumoto distributed her written report highlighting the following – The new State biennium budget in effect on July 1, 2009 is precariously balanced due to several tax increases and selective budget cuts including eliminating the Deputy Director position at the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) thereby firing Mark Anderson (the Governor’s Representative to this Board), moving the State Tourism’s Marsha Weinert to the Governor’s office and not renewing funding the Aloha Tower Development Corporation after one year of existence and eliminating two positions in the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation (HHSC). Governor Linda Lingle is requesting that all State departments cut their budgets further by 2% to make up for a $90 million budget shortfall.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Concern was raised about the depletion of the fish population due to excessive spear fishing in Kailua.

Representative Lyla Berg: No representative was present.

Senator Sam Slom: Sen. Slom distributed his written report and highlighted the following – (1) He cast a "no" vote on the new State biennium budget going into effect July 1, 2009, which is $11 billion in which, due to tax increases including personal income tax increases on the rich and hotel rooms, in reality he feels will not work due to the decline in tourism and downsizing. In a related matter, the Council on Revenues will be holding their next meeting on May 28, 2009 to give updated forecasts on the State’s economy. Most of the State’s budget will protect State government workers from being laid off. History shows that no entity has gotten out of its economic mess through tax increases. (2) Act 221 that provides tax credits for Hawaii’s high-tech industry which had been working has been eliminated by the State Legislature due to State’s economic downturn. (3) Governor Lingle has until July 15, 2009 to sign/veto 150 bills at her desk for review. (4) The 2009 Hawaii Small Business Fair takes place on Friday, May 22, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., KCC Cafeteria (Ohia Building).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Sen. Slom was unaware of a recent poll where 80% of those surveyed favored tax increases.

• Sen. Slom indicated that the State Legislature was in no mood to compromise with Gov. Lingle when they proceeded to raise taxes, despite the opposition of the Governor and in this economic downturn.

• The Salary Commission approved pay raises for State legislators, thereby not releasing the legislators from responsibility for granting themselves pay raises.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Acting Chair Anderson announced the following: (1) The Board has not received an article titled, “Too Much to Crow About” in the March 13, 2009 Edition of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. (2) The Board received an email request from Rebecca Batchelder to schedule a presentation by the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery. There was a recent television newscast where law enforcement cracked down on a criminal ring whose illegal activities included coercing a 16-year old girl into prostitution.

Pyles moved, and Turbin seconded, that the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 support a resolution requesting the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to give monthly reports to the Board regarding the status on the conditions on properties owned by Genshiro Kawamoto until there is a resolution to this problem. Discussion followed, focusing on the purpose of this resolution, that the enforcement of harsh fines would force Kawamoto to improve the state of his properties, and that placing three specific violations would make Kawamoto resolve this issue. The motion that the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 support a resolution requesting the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to give monthly reports to the Board regarding the status on the conditions on properties owned by Genshiro Kawamoto until there is a resolution to this problem was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0 (AYE: Anderson, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Fulton, Himeda, Pyles, Turbin.).

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by:

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant