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DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kathy Bryant-Hunter called the meeting to order at
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kalana Best, Richard Bratt, John Brown (left at
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michele Brooks, Jon Chinen, Jim Corcoran, Joe Harding, Christian Porter.
VACANCIES: There is one (1) vacancy in sub-district 2 which occurred after the agenda was filed.
GUESTS: Capt. D. Kahaulelio (
RECOGNITION OF KAILUA COMMUNITY LEADER, DON BREMNER [1]: This item was deferred until later in the meeting, without objection.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 3, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Weinberg and seconded by Bratt, the April 3, 2008 regular meeting minutes were UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AS CIRCULATED to the public, 13-0-0 (Aye: Best, Bratt, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg, Wong).
October 4, 2007 Amended Regular Meeting Minutes Moved by Weinberg and seconded by Bratt, the October 4, 2007 amended regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED to Board members, 12-1-0 (Aye: Best, Bratt, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Ure, Weinberg, Wong; No: Tomasa).
AGENCY REPORTS:
1) April 2008 Statistics There were 4 structure, 2 rubbish and 4 vehicle fires; there were 94 medical emergencies, 8 search/rescues and 25 miscellaneous calls.
2) Fire Safety Tip 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.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Search/Rescues One of the search/rescues involved a tourist and a rented kayak. Weather is not always a factor in search/rescues. Concern was expressed over the lack of weather warning signs at the beaches.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Lt. D. Eber introduced Maj. K. Simmons, distributed a handout, and conveyed the following information:
1) Annual Comparison January to April 2007/2008 Statistics Murder/manslaughter had no change, rape increased 1%, robbery decreased 20%, aggravated assault increased 5%, burglary decreased 3%, theft decreased 58%, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV) decreased 19%, auto theft decreased 38%, and total crime decreased 30%.
2) April 2008 Statistics Of 1,518 events that may be classified in more than one category, there were 5 aggravated assault, 17 simple assault, 5 auto theft recovery, 32 burglary, 3 counterfeit/forgery, 7 drugs/narcotics, 31 driving under the influence (DUI), 1 cancelled escape, 15 graffiti, 8 injured cared for/sick cared for (ICF/SCF), 1 identification theft, 11 motor vehicle theft, 84 motor vehicle accidents, 4 order violation, 22 property damage, 2 rape, 1 robbery, 17 runaway, 11 runaway cancelled, 1 sex assault, 57 theft, 10 threatening, 26 UEMV, and 20 warrant arrest.
3) Priorities Maj. Simmons noted his priorities: (a) to provide excellent service; (b) to partner with the community; (c) to encourage community policing teams; and (d) to deal with quality of life issues.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Noise Many residents have mentioned noise problems to the Board, and asked when the police should be called for noise issues. Officers don't carry decibel meters to measure the noise level, but may use the disorderly conduct rules or the specific law relating to car stereos (must not be heard from 30 feet away from the vehicle). Officers must determine the "reasonableness" of the noise complaint; it was noted that just hearing a television or party after
2) Maunawili Break-Ins Thefts in the Neighborhood Board (NB) area occur in cycles; if there is a continuing problem with break-ins happening in one area, HPD will make a plan to handle the increase. Although officers arrested someone in connection with the Maunawili break-ins, the crime hasn't stopped, and it was suggested that the offender is a resident of the area.
3) Information Sharing Regarding Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Transient Vacation Units (TVUs) HPD does not share information with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regarding activity at B&Bs and TVUs.
4)
5) Crime Decrease HPD was thanked for their part in the 30% crime decrease for the first four months of 2008 compared to 2007.
Emergency Services Department (EMS); Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) No representatives were present.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Moani Wright-Van Alst circulated handouts explaining the water rates and bills, and presented the following information:
1)
2) April 2008
3) Water Bill Change There is a new item on water bills, a power cost adjustment to cover the increasing costs of fuel. The increase will be 9.4 cents per 1,000 gallons, with an average cost of $1.22 per household beginning July 2008. Call 748-5000 for more information.
4) Annual Detect-A-Leak Week The 2008 Annual Detect-A-Leak Week is from June 1 through
5)
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Main Size The new main installed at
2) Agency Coordination It was suggested to have City agencies and other companies coordinate to have all projects involving tearing up a road (water, utilities, repaving, etc.) done at the same time. BWS does send out communications during the design phase asking if there are other agencies that need to work on a certain area; however, the funding process (especially timing) can prevent coordination. An example of successful coordination of projects is the work being done on
3) Responsive to Community The BWS was thanked for being responsive to community concerns.
4) No Redundant
5)
RECOGNITION OF KAILUA COMMUNITY LEADER, DON BREMNER [2]: Chair Bryant-Hunter presented a certificate of recognition to Don Bremner, Spokesperson of Keep It Kailua, acknowledging his commitment and dedication to the
A recess was taken without objection from
Brown departed at
COMMUNITY ISSUES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Funding and Improvements The $30 million in special revenue bonds will help to eliminate some of the CMC's current debt. The legislature just adopted a bill to help fund the expansion of the emergency room and pharmacy, and the whole first floor is being looked at for improvement.
Lanakila Pacific Kalina Anderson summarized the following information:
1) Background Lanakila Pacific, formerly known as
2) Programs Lanakila Pacific offers these programs: (a) Lanakila TLC is a teaching and learning center; (b) Lanakila Workforce Resources provides resources for job seekers and employers; (c) Lanakila Meals on Wheels and More serves over 50 seniors in the lunch area, and delivers meals to 180 homes, with 40 volunteers; and (d) Lanakila Social Enterprises offers production services (crafts, warehousing, etc.), maintenance services (custodial services, landscaping, etc.), shelf-stocking, cashiering and food catering.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Altzheimer's Disease Lanakila Pacific does not have a program specifically for those with Altzheimer's disease, although they do have seniors' programs and programs for those with cognitive disabilities.
Muriel Seto Recognized Wong presented Muriel Seto with a certificate from the legislature and lei to express appreciation for her work on the preservation of Kawainui Marsh, and her encouragement of the preservation of the environment and cultural treasures.
Enos departed at
Keolu Hills Public Safety Issues Heather and Kevin Arnett presented the following concerns relating to public safety in Keolu Hills (the concerns were also given to HPD):
1) Speeding Speeding continues to be a problem. HPD placed a speed trailer on
2) Illegal Vehicles Unlicensed, uninspected, uninsured, and unmuffled vehicles continue to be a problem. HPD was thanked for the two recent citations of illegal vehicles on
3) Drug Activity There is no new information regarding HPD's narcotics/vice investigation.
4) Peace Disturbances Peace disturbances have decreased in the 1400 block of
5) Requests for Action HPD was requested to provide regular patrols in the upper portion of Keolu Hills, since records indicate that police presence curbs illegal activity and enhances safety and potential enjoyment.
COMMITTEE OF THE MONTH:
Transportation and Public Works Committee (TPW) TPW Chair Prentiss supplied the following information:
1)
2)
3) Iliaina Speed Bumps: The City is looking at the request for the installation of speed bumps on
4) Early Morning Truck Noise in Mixed Use Areas: This item will be discussed at the next TPW committee meeting (see below for information about the next meeting).
5)
6) Next TPW Meeting (Third Thursday): The next TPW meeting will be held on
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Stop Rail Petition The Stop Rail petition was available on the back table; over 45,000 signatures are needed to advance the petition.
2) Vice Chair Prentiss Quoted in Star-Bulletin Kokua Line Vice Chair Prentiss was quoted in the Kokua Line Article Tuesday, April 29, 2008 edition of the Star-Bulletin, discussing residents complaints concerning illegal parking in Lanikai.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Representative Ann Chung distributed the Mayor's newsletters, and offered the following responses to last month's questions:
1) Compliments The Board and community member Joanie Cash were thanked for their compliments about Ann Chung and the City.
2)
3)
4) Mokapu Boulevard/Road Tree and Shrub Trimming The newly planted Narra and Shower trees within the traffic median at Mokaupu Boulevard/Road are adequately maintained, and do not appear to hinder the traffic sightline. Maintenance of these trees falls under the jurisdiction of the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Division of Urban Forestry (DUF). However, maintenance of the Oleander shrubs, which may contribute to the sightline concerns, falls under the jurisdiction of the City Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM), and this concern will be forwarded to them for a response.
5) May 14, 2008 Community Meeting Mayor Hannemann announced that there will be update to the Citys Bicycle Plan, to be discussed at the May 14, 2008 Community Meeting at the Pali Golf Course, from 7:00 p.m. to
6) Curbside Recycling So far the residential curbside recycling program has been successful, and will be expanded;
7) TheBus Bonus! Program The program allows employees to obtain transit passes or vouchers using pre-tax payroll deductions. Both the employer and the employee can save money since the deduction is not taxable by Federal, State or FICA withholdings. Call 848-4500 for more information.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Curbside Recycling Benefits It was questioned as to why anyone would want the City to pick up their recyclable items when they won't receive any money for the items. Ms. Chung explained that the "bottle bill" requiring a six-cent deposit for recyclable containers is a State legislative issue, and is not the City's doing. It was then suggested that those participating in the curbside recycling programs should receive discounts/rebates on their water and/or refuse disposal bills.
2) City Council Bill 12 (2007) A report was requested regarding Council Bill 12 (2007), requiring a property tax rate for residential property that would provide the same level of revenue as the previous year.
3) Scooters and the
4) City Ombudsman An inquiry was made about whether the City has an ombudsman, like the State.
5) Residential
6) Curbside Recycling Presentation A presentation on curbside recycling is requested prior to the distribution of the new recycling bins by the City in November.
Governor Linda Lingle's Representative Dr. Morgan Barrett circulated the Governor's report and two news releases, and delivered the following information:
1) Beach Sand Quality The
2) Anticipation of Business Losses Gov. Lingle activated the Rapid Response Team to help with the Aloha Airlines Cargo and Molokai Ranch situations. More time is needed to follow up with participating government agencies to see if and when business losses may be anticipated.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1)
2) Governor's Emergency Powers Gov. Lingle did not declare an emergency when thousands lost their lobs with Aloha Airlines (the passenger section) because there are alternatives for passenger travel, and a job fair was held for those employees, so she didn't feel that it was a true State emergency (unlike the recent landslide that occurred). It was stressed that a large unemployment increase may create a State issue; however, many of the Aloha Airlines employees were hired by the State and the City.
3) Condolences Sympathy was expressed over the recent death of Gov. Lingle's mother.
4) Penalties for Not Recycling Parts of
Representative Pono Chong Janine Tully distributed Rep. Chong's report, and relayed the following information:
1) Kawainui Marsh The habitat restoration project of Kawainui Marsh received $500,000 in the budget.
2) Kailua Waterways Study Funding of $250,000 was provided for a study of the waterways of
3)
4)
5) Gov. Lingle's Release of Funds Gov. Lingle has not yet released the funds for the improvements proposed to
6) Super Sucker Project The project to clean
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Rep. Chong's Area of Representation Ms. Tully will follow up on how Rep. Chong handles critics that state that he only represents
Representative Cynthia Thielen Rep. Thielen's report was made available.
Senator Fred Hemmings Barbara Krasniewski circulated Sen. Hemmings' report and highlighted the following:
1) State Department of Education (DOE) Audit The legislature did not approve Sen. Hemmings' request for a comprehensive audit of the DOE, the first since 1973.
2) Temporary Assistance to Needy Family (TANF) Funds There was some heated debate on the State budget, which Sen. Hemmings' opposed since the Senate Ways and Means committee chair withheld nearly $23 million in federal TANF funds. If the TANF funds are not used by October 2008 (the end of the federal calendar), they will become restricted and will not be re-appropriated. Restricted TANF funds will eliminate money for vital preventative programs protecting
3) House Bill 1832 (HB 1832) Relating to Outdoor Advertising HB 1832 proposed to limit the size and number of political signs that could be displayed at one location and block the overabundance of signs during the political campaign season, but was not approved by the legislature. Sen. Hemmings always supported the removal of unnecessary signs.
4) HB 2730, HD1, SD1, CD1 Relating to Legal Requirements for NB Meetings HB 2730 was approved by the legislature, and specifies procedures to be followed at NB meetings, such as the information that may be included in the written public notice, the information that the Board may receive on a matter, quorum requirements, attendance at community meetings, and the discussion and decision-making process.
5) Senate Bill 3182 (SB 3182) Relating to Extended Sentencing SB 3182 proposed to offer the option for the court to recommend extended sentences for perpetrators who, in the course of committing a felony, harm a "Good Samaritan" assisting the victim, but was not approved by the legislature.
6) Charter Schools Charter Schools are achieving better results in education than the mainstream DOE schools. Further evidence of success of the charter school movement can be found in the rapid growth of enrollment, while enrollment at DOE-managed schools has declined. Charter Schools are accomplishing more with less and by their nature have wonderful parent participation. It appears that Charter Schools are being discriminated against, under funded, and harassed by the status quo in public education, since they are still dependent on the DOE's funds.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
State Tax Rebate Ms. Krasniewski will follow up on Sen. Hemmings' view of the $1 rebate scheduled to be returned to State taxpayers.
Senator Jill Tokuda No representative present.
Council Chair Barbara Marshall Andrew Malahoff distributed Council Chair Marshall's report and emphasized the following points:
1) Council Chair Marshall's Mother Council Chair Marshall's mother died yesterday,
2) 1999
3) Kalanianaole Highway / Auloa Road Intersection Bus Stop Shelters The project to install bus stop shelters at the intersection of Kalanianaole Highway and Auloa Road has been identified in the upcoming Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and funds have been allocated, indicating that the previous issues have been resolved and the project will be moving forward.
4) Kailua Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room The re-roofing project for the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1)
2)
3) Truck Noise Complaints There have been loud truck pickups at
4) Bills Related to B&Bs and TVUs The Council bills related to B&Bs and TVUs (Bills 6, 7, 8 and 9) are still with the Zoning committee; Mr. Malahoff will follow up on any budget items relating to these bills.
5) Condolences Sympathy was expressed over the recent death of Council Chair Marshall's mother.
Wong departed at
U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (Quarterly) No representative present.
BOARD ACTIONS [1]: This item was deferred until Wong returned, without objection.
Announcements were taken up at this time, without objection.
ANNOUNCEMENTS [1]:
Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Environmental Service Project Chair Bryant-Hunter announced for the Kaneohe MCBH that anyone interested in exercising, making new friends, helping native wildlife, having fun, and making a difference can join an Environmental Service Project by contacting MCBH Natural Resource Management Staff for details at 257-6920 x224.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Civilian-Military Council (CMC) This item was deferred due to Board Delegate Corcoran's absence, without objection.
Permitted Interaction (PI) Groups
1) Enforcement of Bed and Breakfasts (B&B) and Transient Vacation Units (TVU): This item was deferred due to the absence of PI group Chair Porter, without objection.
2) Neighborhood Plan (NP) MMVIII: PI group Chair Glanstein reported that the revised NP is still in progress, that it requires some non-substantive changes, including format, and Mayor Hannemann's signature.
Government and Community Services Committee (GCS) GCS Member Glanstein detailed the following:
1) Sunshine Law Legislation: HB 2730 was approved by the legislature, with only two legislators voting against it, and is waiting for Gov. Lingle's signature. HB 2730 specifies procedures to be followed at NB meetings, such as the information that may be included in the written public notice, the information that the Board may receive on a matter, quorum requirements, attendance at community meetings, and the discussion and decision-making process.
2) Facilities and Group Homes, Continuity of Services; Windward Health Network; Transitional Housing; City Charter 2006 Supplement and 2007 Amendments; Proposed Charter Amendment from City Council Relating to NB Members and Term Limits; General Excise Tax $5 Million Guaranteed Funding by City Council; Akiohala Street, Pohakupu Community, Ulupii Street and Kalanianaole Highway (HB 2944); Capital Improvement Projects (CIP); Kailua Public Schools and Emergency Shelters; Property Tax Reform; Proposed Legislation: There were no updates on these items.
3) Next GCS Meeting (Third Saturdays): The next GCS meeting will be held on
Planning and Zoning Committee (PZ) [1] This item was deferred until PZ Chair Wong's return, without objection.
Executive Committee [1] This item was deferred until later in the meeting, without objection.
Public Health, Public Safety and Civil Defense Committee (PHPSCD) PHPSCD Chair Tomasa circulated Community Emergency Response Term (CERT) brochures, and imparted the following information:
1) Public Safety Violations in Keolu Hills: This item was handled earlier in the meeting.
2) Exploratory Efforts to Enhance Law Enforcement: The Committee is working with other NBs on this item.
3) Civil Defense Sirens Not Heard in Lanikai: Oahu Civil Defense was contacted about the concern; however, some Lanikai residents can hear the civil defense sirens and some can't.
4) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): The City Department of Emergency Management (DEM) helps communities to establish CERTs. CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people that they serve. The goal is for the emergency services personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills. CERT members are then integrated into the emergency response capability for that area. CERT will give a presentation at the June Board meeting.
5) Next PHPSCD Meeting (Second Thursdays): The next PHPSCD meeting will be held on
Sustainability and Environment Committee (SE) This committee is currently recessed; issues are directed to Planning and Zoning Committee.
Parks and Recreation Committee (PR) PR Chair Ure conveyed the following information:
1) Beach Access Legislation; Capital Improvement Repairs/Maintenance: These items are being monitored.
2) Further Updates, Discussions and Actions at Committee include New Business; Pros and Cons of Restricting Access to Mokulua Islands; Request for Strict Enforcement as Relating to Mokulua Islands: There were no updates.
3) Further New Business Pros and Cons of Single Concession at
4) Next PR Meeting: The next PR meeting will be held on
Executive Committee [2] Chair Bryant-Hunter recounted the following information:
1) Agenda Requirements; Request to Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Executive Secretary to Recall Sunshine Violation Complaint with the State Office of Information Practices (OIP); Proposed Conference of Chairs: There were no updates on these items.
2) Treasurer's Report (Dowsett): The resignation from the Board of Treasurer Susan Dowsett (she moved from one subdistrict into another) was noted, which left a vacancy on the Board. The Board's current expenses were $208 (videotaping), leaving $1,495.99 left in the Board's budget. The expenses were less than usual in the past months, since certain sets of minutes were not mailed.
3) Board Participation at "I Love
4) Next Executive Committee Meeting: The next meeting of the Executive committee will be held on
Questions, comments and concerns:
Election of Board Officers Election of officers and appointment of committee chairs will occur at the next Board meeting in June 2008.
Planning and Zoning (PZ) Committee [2] Chair Bryant-Hunter reported the following:
1)
2) Hamakua Triangle Wetland: A notice from Kaneohe Ranch regarding the Hamakua Triangle Wetland was received indicating that remediation has begun, with citations and fines being issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
3) Waimanalo Gulch Landfill; D. R. Horton / Schuler "Ironwoods" Housing Project; Kailua Wastewater Treatment Plant; 10 X 10 Projects; DPP Response to Audit of City Management of Affordable Housing; Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan; Shoreline Management Area (SMA) Designation Removal on Auloa Road; Council Bills 6, 7, 8, and 9 Relating to B&Bs and TVUs; State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Response to Lanikai Residents Regarding Antennas on Lanikai Ridge: There were no updates on these items.
4) Next PZ Meeting (Third Tuesdays): The next PZ meeting will be held on
BOARD ACTIONS [2]:
PHPSCD Motion Relating to Pedestrian Safety The Committee Motion was introduced by Vice Chair Glanstein that the
Discussion ensued:
1) Crosswalk Timing Glanstein explained that, upon interviewing many pedestrians in the area, she found that there is not enough time given for many pedestrians to cross the street, especially the elderly, disabled, etc. She specified that a realistic time assessment for safe transit is all that's requested. Some pedestrians could only make it one-third of the way across many streets before the lights changed.
2) Relevant Authority The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is a relevant authority when speaking to timing of signalized crosswalks.
The motion was amended by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0) (Aye: Best, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Correa, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg) to add "within crosswalks with timed signalization".
The motion was amended by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0) (Aye: Best, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Correa, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg) to strike out "relevant authority or " after "Board requests" and insert "the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and any other".
The motion, as amended, that the Kailua Neighborhood Board requests that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and any other relevant authorities to undertake a realistic assessment of time factors with the emphasis on maximizing safe pedestrian transit within crosswalks with timed signalization, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 10-0-0 (Aye: Best, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Correa, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg).
Wong returned at
ANNOUNCEMENTS [2]:
Mail Lists The NCO does purge its mail lists, so if residents are not receiving the agenda and minutes anymore, and would like to, please sign up to be on the mail list again.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at
Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Linda Ure, Board Secretary