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DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Charles Prentiss called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m., with a quorum of 16 members present. Note This 19-member Board requires 10 members for a quorum and to take official Board action.
Members Present Larry Bartley, Richard Bratt, Kathy Bryant-Hunter (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Michele Brooks (departed at 10:06 p.m.), Jon Chinen, Shawn Christensen (arrived at 7:06 p.m.), Jim Corcoran, Michael Correa, Virginia Enos, Catie Fernandez, Debbi Glanstein, Knud Lindgard, Charles Prentiss, Ursula Retherford, Claudine Tomasa, Linda Ure, Ronald Weinberg (departed at 9:43 p.m.), Donna Wong.
Members Absent Kalana Best.
Vacancies None.
Guests Captain D. Kahaulelio (
Announcements Chair Prentiss announced the following items:
1) Board Agenda Mailout The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) failed to mail out page 4 and 5 of the agenda. Page 5 was mailed to the mailing list (so that they may attend committee meetings), and page 4 was available at the meeting.
Christensen arrived at 7:06 p.m.; 17 members present.
2) Agenda Addition The motion to add page no. 4 to the agenda was ADOPTED 16-0-1 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg; ABSTAIN: Wong).
3) I Love Kailua Town Party Survey Results The top 10 categories of responses were (from no. 10 to no. 1): (a) more tourist rentals; (b) more affordable housing; (c) cleaner water, more trees, marsh preservation; (d) less tourists, less development; (e) more sports fields and a dog park; (f) more local type businesses and a small movie theater; (g) beach park improvements; (h) bicycle paths; (i) street repair, traffic calming, pedestrian safety; and (j) no tourist rentals. The
VACANCIES:
Declaration of One Vacancy in Subdistrict 1 (
Filling of One Vacancy No vacancy was declared so there was no vacancy to fill.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
April 2, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes The April 2, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (17-0-0) (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg, Wong) with the following correction:
* Page 2 Vacancies Declaration of One Vacancy item no. 4 Brooks hasn't attended the last two Planning, Zoning and Environment (PZE) committee meetings. It may be difficult for some employed Board members to attend all meetings, and committee meeting attendance should be considered.
AGENCY (AND OTHER) REPORTS:
1) April 2009 Statistics There were 10 structure, 3 rubbish, and 7 vehicle fires.
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.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Lt. D. Eber distributed the report and highlighted the following statistics:
1) January to April 2008/2009 Statistical Comparison There were 1/1 murder/manslaughter (0%), 11/18 rape (+63%), 19/13 robbery (-32%), 22/26 aggravated assault (+18%), 241/193 burglary (-20%), 560/520 theft (-8%), 360/423 thefts from automobiles (UEMV) (+18%), and 73/95 auto theft (+30%) cases, totaling 1287/1289 cases (+0.001%).
2) April 2009 Statistics There were 13 simple assault, 7 auto theft recovery, 19 burglary, 4 counterfeit/forgery, 11 drugs/narcotics, 6 driving under the influence (DUI), 5 fraud, 9 graffiti, 9 injured cared for/sick cared for, 2 identity theft, 8 motor vehicle theft, 79 motor vehicle accident, 4 order violation, 13 property damage, 2 robbery, 8 runaway, 7 runaway cancelled, 1 sex assault, 36 theft, 5 threatening, 24 UEMV, 9 warrant arrest, and 2 weapons cases.
3)
4)
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Procedure Regarding Recent Passage of City Council Bill 4 Relating to Prohibiting the Use of Electronic Devices While Driving It is legal to use a handheld electronic device while driving until July 1, 2009, so officers may not issue citations until after July 1.
2) Murder of Cats in
3) Marijuana Growing on Private Property Call the Narcotics/Vice Division to report the growing of marijuana on private property; a search warrant may be required if the plants can't be seen from a public location.
Marine Corps Base
1) Air Field Hours of Operation The air field hours of operation are Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays and holidays, closed. Exceptions: (a) May 9, extended hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; (b) May 12, open all day; (c) May 14, 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.; and (d) May 22, 12:00 p.m. to May 26, 7:00 a.m., observance of Memorial Day and maintenance closure.
2) Recent/Upcoming Events The following recent or upcoming events were detailed: (a) May is Military Appreciation Month; (b) May 9, Headquarters Battalion Sprint Triathlon, open to the public; (c) May 9, environmental service project volunteers and staff remove invasive plants and rubbish from native fish and wildlife wetland habitats on base; (d) May 16, combined Military Band Concert, Hawaii Theater, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free and open to the public; (e) May 16 to 29, Bone Marrow Donor Drive on base; and (f) May 22, Marine Corps Air Station/Major General Marion Carl Field Re-Dedication Ceremony.
3) Deployments/Homecomings Deployed are the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, HQ Company 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Combat Logistics Battalion, 3rd Battalion 3rd Regiment, and other detachments and augmentees. Leaving this month for
4) Congratulations to
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Low Flying Aircraft There were low flying aircraft near Aikahi last week due to an exercise to practice the scooping up of troops; the incidents should be isolated.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office Kirk Caldwell, the City's Managing Director, circulated the newsletter and supplied the following information:
Council Bill 4 Relating to Prohibiting the Use of Electronic Devices While Driving The use of hands-free kits for cell phones will be allowed when the prohibition against the use of handheld electronic devices while driving goes into effect on July 1.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Complete Streets Council Bill Council did create a "complete streets" bill which would require that bicycle paths be provided when new streets are built or existing streets are renovated; however, the cost of this requirement, although well-intended, may prevent its implementation at this time, due to the $230 million budget shortfall. It is the City's responsibility to provide an integrated transportation system.
2) Bill 4 Considered to Be Enforceable The initial bill introduced to prohibit text messaging and electronic game-playing while driving was vetoed by Mayor Hannemann since HPD testified that they would have trouble identifying if the driver was texting or playing, or merely talking on the phone or checking voicemail. In contrast, Bill 4 (2009) CD2, FD1, now Ordinance 09-06, prohibits most handheld electronic devices, making the judgment easier for officers.
3)
4) Responses to Previous Questions/Concerns Chair Prentiss read the following responses:
a)
b)
c)
Board of Water Supply (BWS) No report.
Governor Linda Lingle's Office Jiro Sumada, the Deputy Director of the Highways Division of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), distributed the report and noted that it contained information on the State budget and the "swine flu" (H1N1 influenza).
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Thin White Pipes Near Castle Junction on
2) Poor Condition of
Senator Fred Hemmings; Senator Jill Tokuda No representatives or reports present.
Representative Pono Chong; Representative Cynthia Thielen John Foster, from Rep. Thielen's Office, circulated the reports.
Representative Chris Lee No representative or report present.
Councilmember-Elect Ikaika Anderson Staff notified the Board that they would be unable to attend this meeting.
1) Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Aull Passed Away Chairman Aull passed away April 24, 2009; he originally joined the board in 1975. A memorial service was held on April 30 at
2) Graduation HPU will graduate more than 900 students in Spring of 2009, with nearly 330 graduating with academic honors. Reverend Nancy Lockwood of Central Union Church in
3) Art Gallery at Windward Campus The
Bryant-Hunter arrived at 7:45 p.m.; 18 members present.
RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS [1]: No concerns were presented at this time.
PRESENTATIONS:
Civil Defense Sirens in
1) Goal The goal is to upgrade the entire warning siren system throughout the State.
2) Selection of Siren Sites PBR Hawaii was given a map of existing sirens and approximate locations where more sirens were needed. First they studied public lands for new locations, then commercial/industrial lands, and then cemeteries. Areas near schools, HPD or HFD are avoided in the selection process.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Lanikai Siren The proposed new location for the Lanikai siren is only a few blocks from the original siren. The new siren will be larger than the previous one, since Lanikai residents have complained that they are unable to hear the siren; PBR Hawaii estimated that one siren is enough to serve Lanikai.
2) Siren Description The new sirens will have speaker arrays aimed in each direction and will be powered by solar panels.
3) Decibel Levels The minimum decibel level is currently set at 88 decibels; any decrease in the decibel level will cause the sound to be too soft for everyone to hear.
4) Tsunami Evacuation Zones There was some disagreement expressed with the tsunami evacuation zones and the height and depth of
5) Board Approval Needed DPR requires Board approval before installation of the new sirens. PBR Hawaii would prefer the Board vote to approve all locations, not just those located on DPR land (KDP and
6) Funding The siren upgrade project is funded 100% by the State.
7) Siren Collocation It may be possible to collocate a siren with an existing pole, so that there don't have to be two tall poles located next to each other.
8) Siren Use The warning sirens are used to tell residents about any threats, directing them to turn on their radios and televisions for more information.
9) Missile Threats Oahu Civil Defense has a plan to deal with missile threats.
Tomasa moved, and Weinberg seconded, that in an effort to expedite civil defense, the
1) New Sirens The new sirens are planned for upper Maunawili,
2) Impact on Residents PBR Hawaii tried to decrease the impact on residents by whenever possible relocating sirens as close as possible to their original locations; however, sometimes sirens must be moved due to information from other agencies.
3) Amendment to Urge Other Neighborhood Boards (NBs) to Support It was suggested to add wording to the motion to urge all Oahu NBs to support the action.
The amendment to add "and urge all of Oahu Neighborhood Boards to support this action" was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (18-0-0) (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg, Wong). Discussion continued on the amended motion:
4) Testing Process Testing the sirens twice per month irritates many residents and it was recommended to limit the testing process to once per month. The safety and notification of the public was emphasized and Oahu Civil Defense must know the sirens are working properly.
The motion, as amended, that, in an effort to expedite civil defense, the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 approves the proposed placement, priority, status, and upgrades of the new sirens and urge all of Oahu Neighborhood Boards to support this action, was ADOPTED 13-3-2 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Weinberg; NO: Brooks, Retherford, Wong; ABSTAIN: Fernandez, Ure).
Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Joan Manke, NCO Executive Secretary, introduced Sylvia Young, a member of the Neighborhood Commission (NC), and delivered the following information:
1) City Budgetary Concerns The City is concerned with balancing the budget, and City departments were asked to cut their budgets wherever possible; the next fiscal year may require even greater cuts. No decisions have been made to decrease the number of NBs, or NB members, but all cost-savings proposals must be considered at this time. The NC formed a Permitted Interaction (PI) Group to study cost-savings for the NC and NCO; Board members were thanked for attending NC meetings and invited to the NC Cost-Savings PI Group meetings, which are held on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. at the BWS Cafeteria on the fourth floor of their
2) 2009 NB Election Due to budgetary constraints, the NCO did have to limit the NB election to online and telephone voting, with three locations provided for those without computers or the internet (Honolulu and Kapolei Hales, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Windward City Satellite City Hall, Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Passcodes were mailed to approximately 115,000 eligible voters living in uncontested race areas. Voting will run from May 6 to May 22, 2009. The installation of NB members for the 2009-2011 term is tentatively scheduled for June 20, 2009.
3) Film Production in Lanikai The Film Commissioner responded that a permit was not required for such a limited shoot on private property, the Paul Mitchell estate, partially due to the company's close work with Lanikai Community Association (LCA), which sent a thank-you letter to the Film Office.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Film Production in Lanikai LCA is a private organization, not a public or government entity, which requires dues and has its own agenda; many Lanikai residents are not members of LCA. The film company and the Film Office should have worked with the Board on the issue. It was noted that at least this last film production was relatively quiet and well-run.
2) Thrillcraft The push to allow thrillcraft use in designated areas by and for the film industry should be monitored; Lanikai and KBP should not be designated as appropriate areas for thrillcraft.
3) NC Cost-Savings PI Group The PI Group was formed strictly to study cost-savings proposals; the parameters of the group were noted in the minutes and those will be forwarded to the Chair for circulation.
4) 2009 NB Election The election was advertised in the Star-Bulletin newspaper and only eligible voters in contested areas received direct mailings. The cost to mail the paper ballots is much greater than the cost to mail only passcodes and candidate profiles. If the passcode is misplaced, go to one of the three public locations to vote in person. The decision to move to electronic voting was budget-driven (over $100,000 was saved, before the postage increase), so any survey results wouldn't have changed the lack of money to print and mail paper ballots. The requirement for a telephone or computer could be construed as a form of poll tax, and traveling to a library or to one of the three locations may be an undue burden on voters.
5) NB Agenda Template The NB agenda template was implemented to help staff to improve consistency and minutes, not to decrease costs. Many expressed that the NC should have collaborated with NBs before adopting the template; however, the agenda template is considered to be an NCO policy, clerical in nature, that affects NCO staff. It was pointed out that the agenda affects how each NB does their business because it changes the priority of business; agenda items may always be taken out of order if no one objects, or if there's a two-thirds vote. It was argued that the agenda template is not purely administrative, with no imposition, because NB Chairs are required to timestamp their own agendas if they don't follow the agenda template. The agenda template project is a pilot project for six months, which was not clearly explained in the memo; the amount of opposition to the template received was not anticipated.
6) NCO Policies There was a request for copies of all NCO policies, including the agenda template policy.
Corcoran moved, and Weinberg seconded, to take the agenda out of order to take up item VII.B Motion 1, relating to the NCO agenda template, at this time, which was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (18-0-0) (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg, Wong).
BOARD BUSINESS [1]:
Government and Community Services Committee (GCS) [1]
Motion 1: On behalf of GCS, GCS Chair Chinen moved that the
The amendment to change "Aliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village (NB18)" and "Nanakuli-Maili (NB36)" to "Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights (NB14)" and "Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu (NB25)" was ADOPTED 15-3-0 (AYE: Bartley, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Weinberg, Wong; NO: Bratt, Christensen, Lindgard).
Discussion ensued:
1) Reasons to Oppose Agenda Template The actual effect of the template on the Board was questioned; reasons to oppose the template given were: (a) the agenda template moves the Mayor's representative before resident concerns, allowing them to leave the meeting before residents have a chance to ask questions and express their concerns (tonight's Mayor's representative, Managing Director Caldwell, departed before 8:00 p.m.); (b) the Neighborhood Plan (NP) clearly states that the Chairs prepare the agendas, and the NC portions are silent on whether the NC even has the authority to require an agenda template; and (c) this is a move away from the NBs and their communities, and may negatively impact citizen participation, forestalling the mission of the NBs to encourage participation. It was repeatedly stressed that NBs should have been consulted prior to any agenda template requirement. Parts of the NP were read detailing the: (a) mission, powers, duties, and functions of the NBs and NC; (b) allowance for each NB to prioritize its own activities; (c) notice requirements; (d) duty of the Chair to prepare the agenda; and the (e) priority of business.
2) Agenda Item Details The Board has no need to carry a monthly agenda item regarding vacancies, since there are rarely vacancies on the Board. In addition, the template has no place for presentations, which the Board hears every month. It was felt to be improper, offensive, and disrespectful to place Federal and State government officials at the very end of the agenda, and to divide up the elected officials. It would be preferred to hear the reports of all elected officials after community concerns, since one of the services the Board provides is to allow residents time to speak directly to their elected officials. Chair Prentiss added that he felt his version of the agenda followed the template in most respects, with his suggestions and recommendations noted; he in fact created the first Board agenda in 1976.
3) The Board's Agenda It was stressed that the Board has a proper agenda, with sufficient detail, and has a process of determining the agenda through committee meetings.
4) Support for Agenda Template NB members were requested to keep an open mind since requiring the agenda template is merely a pilot project, and some wanted to give the template a chance; however, the memo the NBs did not state that the agenda template was part of a pilot project.
5) NC PI Group Relating to the Agenda Template The scope of the original NC PI Group involved only minute-taking, but was changed to include a required agenda template without any motion expanding the scope of the PI Group. The NC was requested to rescind the action and handle it properly.
The motion, as amended, that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 supports Hawaii Kai (NB1), McCully-Moiliili (NB8), Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights (NB14) and Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu (NB25) resolutions opposing imposition of an agenda template on all boards and calling for the Neighborhood Commission to rescind its agenda template approval was ADOPTED 13-5-0 (AYE: Bartley, Brooks, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong; NO: Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Christensen, Lindgard, Weinberg). Discussion continued:
6) NC Intent and Input Appreciation was expressed for the input given about the agenda template, and it was reiterated that the intent was only to use standard guidelines to provide better quality and coverage, not to take any responsibilities away from the NBs; an evaluation will be done after six months of using the agenda template. A written opinion was requested from the City Department of Corporation Counsel (COR) regarding any potential violations of the NP, but they have already stated informally that the agenda template is a NCO policy. It was emphasized that the NB system is a City program and City-funded, which is why the City agencies were moved toward the beginning of the agenda.
The Residents/Community Concerns portion of the agenda was returned to without objection.
RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS [2]:
KDP Pool Closures Concern was expressed over the repeated closing of the
BOARD BUSINESS [2]:
Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee (PZE)
Motion 1: On behalf of PZE, PZE Chair Wong moved that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 advises Mayor Hannemann to instruct the Director of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to: (1) Ensure that there has been a thorough review of the plans for the 1384 Aupupu Street project and its effects on the surrounding properties including common drainage, rockfalls, and mudslides; and (2) Assign a dedicated inspector making twice-weekly inspections with the inspection results made available to the public upon request. PZE Chair Wong, Robert Webster, and Mark Franey distributed handouts and discussion ensued:
1) History of Project Ron Hooson purchased the
2) Action Requested The surrounding property owners request three actions: (a) have DPP meet with a neighborhood representative to discuss the project's progress twice per week; (b) have Lyons Associates (engineer and plan-maker) meet with neighborhood representatives to discuss progress and quality control once per week; and (c) a court order to have the contractor cease and desist, since DPP's cease and desist order is being ignored, and penalties for violating the court order are more stringent.
PZE Chair Wong moved, and Brooks seconded, to amend by including "(3) Currently there is a cease and desist order from DPP to the contractor. The contractor has not followed this order and continues to work. The Board requests DPP to get a court order to have the contractor cease and desist." Discussion on the amendment ensued:
1) Court Order Although DPP has the authority to require the contractor to stop the work, the contractor is not following DPP's orders to cease and desist, and manages every time to stop work before any DPP inspectors arrive; the neighbors have sent letters and called government agencies, to no avail. Some thought a court order may be counterproductive.
2) Absence of Owner/Developer Mr. Hooson stated that he would attend the meeting but was not present.
Without objection, the amendment to include item no. 3 relating to a court order (above) was WITHDRAWN.
Weinberg departed at 9:43 p.m.; 17 members present.
PZE Chair Wong moved, and Bartley seconded to amend by including "(3) Request Mayor Hannemann to investigate the enforcement action by DPP (in this case)", which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 17-0-0 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong).
The motion, as amended, that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 advises Mayor Hannemann to instruct the Director of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to: (1) Ensure that there has been a thorough review of the plans for the 1384 Aupupu Street project and its effects on the surrounding properties including common drainage, rockfalls, and mudslides; (2) Assign a dedicated inspector making twice-weekly inspections with the inspection results made available to the public upon request; and (3) Request Mayor Hannemann to investigate the enforcement action by DPP (in this case)" was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 17-0-0 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong).
Motion 2: On behalf of PZE, PZE Chair Wong moved that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 advises the City and County to delay the rail project until it has justified to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency why all alternatives to an elevated rail line, such as light rail at street level and bus rapid transit weren't evaluated in the project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was ADOPTED 14-3-0 (AYE: Bartley, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong; NO: Bratt, Christensen, Fernandez).
Coqui Frogs Motion Corcoran briefly explained that a motion related to Coqui frogs would have been added to the agenda last month, but there were not enough Board members present to make the two-thirds required. Corcoran moved, and Ure seconded, to add the Senate Bill 696 (SB 696) relating to Coqui frogs to the agenda, which was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (17-0-0) (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong).
Corcoran moved, and Ure seconded that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 supports authorizing the counties to use a portion of their share of the transient accommodations tax for Coqui frog eradication and requiring each county to adopt an ordinance to exercise the authority granted by this measure Senate Bill (SB 696) SD1. Discussion ensued:
Coqui Frog Bills Dead for This Session Although the bills to eradicate Coqui frogs are dead for this year, they may be brought back next year, and it's desired to reassert that the Board is in favor of eradication. SB 696 passed second reading on March 25 and was referred to the House Finance Committee.
The motion that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 supports authorizing the counties to use a portion of their share of the transient accommodations tax for Coqui frog eradication and requiring each county to adopt an ordinance to exercise the authority granted by this measure Senate Bill (SB 696) SD1 was ADOPTED 14-3-0 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Fernandez, Glanstein, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong; NO: Brooks, Lindgard, Prentiss,).
Government and Community Services Committee (GCS) [2]
Motion 2 Bill 22 (2009) Relating to Amending TheBus Fare Structure: GCS Chair Chinen commented that Bill 22 proposes to raise TheBus fare from $2 to $2.25.
On behalf of GCS, GCS Chair Chinen moved that the
Motion 3 Resolution 09-77 Relating to Property Tax Rates: On behalf of GCS, GCS Chair Chinen moved that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 strongly opposes raising residential property tax from $3.29 per 1000 to $3.59 per 1000 as this does not support tax relief for residential properties. Discussion ensued:
1)
2) Residential Property Tax Rate A few years back the residential property tax rate was lowered from $3.59 to $3.29, so this resolution would increase the rate to what it was previously.
The motion that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 strongly opposes raising residential property tax from $3.29 per 1000 to $3.59 per 1000 as this does not support tax relief for residential properties was ADOPTED 14-3-0 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong; NO: Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Fernandez).
Motion 4 Bill 9 (2009) Relating to the Low-Income Property Tax Credit: On behalf of GCS, GCS Chair Chinen moved that the
Bill 9 Still Has Blanks The blanks with the income and property tax limits won't be filled until June, but the bill helps low-income elderly homeowners who only own one property by limiting the amount of property tax they would have to pay based on their income, which is significant for those it helps. It was questioned if the legislative intent could be supported if the bill still contains blanks.
The motion that the
Motion 5 Bill 19 (2009) Relating to One-Time Property Tax Credit: On behalf of GCS, GCS Chair Chinen moved that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 opposes Bill 19 (2009) relating to real property taxation in that this bill is a property tax increase not a relief. Discussion ensued:
1) Tax Credit Decrease Last year the one-time property tax credit was $100, and this year $75 was proposed, effectively increasing property tax for homeowner-occupants by $25. The credit was originally set at $200 two years ago.
2) Replacement Amount It was suggested to amend the motion by adding a replacement amount for the credit, such as $100.
Wong moved, and Corcoran seconded, to amend by striking out "in that this bill is a property tax increase not a relief" and inserting ", unless the $100 tax credit is reinstated", which was ADOPTED (14-0-3) (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Brooks, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Glanstein, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong; ABSTAIN: Enos, Fernandez, Lindgard).
The motion, as amended, that the
Brooks departed at 10:06 p.m.; 16 members present.
Neighborhood Assistant Rachel M. Glanstein departed at 10:06 p.m.; Secretary Linda Ure composed the remainder of the minutes.
Motion 6 Bill 32 (2009) Relating to the Minimum Real Property Tax: The motion was that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 supports Bill 32 (2009) relating to the minimum real property tax; GCS will consider the motion further in committee and will bring to the Board as more information is made available.
Motion 7 Bill 33 (2009) Relating to Real Property Tax Exemptions: The motion was that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 opposes Bill 33 (2009) as the bill is overly broad in attempting to limit property tax exemptions; GCS will consider the motion further in committee and will bring to the Board as more information is made available.
Chair's Statement About Bills Containing Blanks Chair Prentiss stated that bills containing blanks should not be brought to the Board. Ure raised a point of order, stating that the Chair's statement was inappropriate as the bill was being offered to the Board as the City Council Budget Committee can offer a dollar amount to this bill between Board meetings and the issue was important enough that the committee will bring the issue back to the Board as more information becomes available; Chair Prentiss did not rule on the point of order.
Enos and Lindgard departed during this portion of the meeting; 14 members present.
Non-Committee
Motion: Bratt moved, and Chinen seconded, that the
1) Spelling of Street Name The correct spelling of
2) Speed Trailer A speed trailer was set up in the area and some thought it may be helping the speeding.
3) Request for Study The motion is in effect requesting a study of the overall situation at
The motion, as corrected, that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 requests the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation Services to address speeding problems on Wanaao Road between Keolu Drive and Kakahiaka Street and prepare suggested solutions was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 14-0-0 (AYE: Bartley, Bratt, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Christensen, Corcoran, Correa, Fernandez, Glanstein, Prentiss, Retherford, Tomasa, Ure, Wong).
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Due to time constraints, all committees had their memoranda of record included in the minutes in lieu of reports, except announcements.
Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee (PZE)
1)
2)
3) Legislation Related to Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) Bill 6 CD1 and Bill 8: City Council may consider time extensions on these bills for Bed and Breakfast and Resolution 08-256: Charter Amendment to Establish a City Board to Regulate Bed and Breakfast Homes no further update.
4) Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Leeward The Special Use Permit has been approved by the Planning Commission. A Memoranda of Record in the Boards correspondence file detailing the Planning Commissions tour of Waimanalo Gulch Landfill-Leeward.
5) Koolaupoko Watershed Management Plan Awaiting next public input.
6)
7) Koolaupoko Sustainable Communities Plan This item will be addressed in a special committee meeting on May 28 at
8)
9) Next meeting The next PZE meeting will be held on the 3rd Tuesday, May 19, 2009, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at
Transportation and Public Works Committee (TPW)
1) Traffic and Bicycling Issues TPW continues to monitor several traffic and bicycling issues with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). The committee has identified several problems that are of continuing concern.
2)
3) Other Issues TPW is awaiting City and
4) Next Meeting The next TPW meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, May 14, 2009, 8:00-9:00 p.m., at the Kailua District Park Arts and Crafts Room.
Parks and Recreation Committee (PR)
1) Correspondence Updates
a) Maunawili Valley Neighborhood Park: DPR responded that the leak affecting the restrooms was repaired; DPR Maintenance Support Service (MSS) and the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) are considering re-roofing the pavilion to mitigate leaks prior to electrical repairs for lights; DFM has been notified concerning the tennis court light timer control and it will be fixed as soon as possible; picnic tables and benches are on back order (island wide) and will take more time.
b)
2) Committee Updates
a) Community Policing: The policing of parks and neighborhoods, including alleged illegal activities in parks, at right-of-ways and in DLNR waters, will be monitored by PR and will be referred to the Public Health, Public Safety, and Civil Defense Committee (PHPSCD).
b) DLNR Wedding Events: Website update Email info directly to Steve Moleman as website is not yet operational. Monitor legislation in the 2009-10 session. Currently wedding permits are issued by DLNR and photographer permits are issued by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and both are negatively impacting residential communities as HPD, DTS, 911, DLNR, DBEDT, Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), and Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVBC) are slow to respond to complaints or respond not at all. Violations will be co-referred to PHPSCD and PZE.
c) Thrillcraft: The proposed Thrillcraft legislation at the State Legislature passed.
d) Recreational Renaissance Legislation: The Recreational Renaissance bill is dead.
e) House Concurrent Resolution 60 (HCR 60) Relating Hunting Dogs and Trails: HCR 60, Requesting the Na Ala Hele Advisory Council to Convene A Discussion on the Safe Use of Hunting Dogs on Trails that Cross Public Hunting Trails that Cross Public Hunt Areas, was passed with an amendment to have DLNR mediate the meetings with the hunters and hikers through at the Na Ala Hele Advisory Council meetings. Be advised that the Na Ala Heles meeting rooms are usually quite cramped, making the meeting difficult to negotiate.
f) SB 1222 CD2 Relating to Treatment of Pets SB 1222 CD 2 Relating to the Humane Treatment of Pet Animals was passed as amended by removing section g.
g) DPR Status of Repairs and Replacements at Windward Parks:
i) Kailua District Park There is roof damage to the Gym Building, and the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is examining liability of contractor and pre-existing conditions prior to the last new roof. The KDP pool at
ii) Signage at
h) Paddle Boards: Paddle Boards are occurring in North Shore and Kailua Bay with consequences to swimmers, signage, and missing buoys are of concern, lifeguards, enforcement are of concern, continue discussion, action, Concerns over missing buoys was again directed to DLNR for resolution. Replacements 2-23 have been tampered with and will be re-installed as DLNR receives new buoys.
i) Sand Updates:
i) Beach Erosion Control Study DLNR City UHM USACOE ELRB studies ongoing; trees that are in danger of toppling are being removed as necessary after examination.
ii) Beach Erosion Beach erosion rises to level of unsafe conditions for beach goers, especially American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and safety hazards posed by the Sand Grabber. Letter of inquiry shall be sent to City, DLNR for resolution to address hazards and potential liabilities.
iii) KBP Sand Replenishment Replenishments at KBP are between the DFM and the DPR. Monitor for MOA (City & State Memoranda of Agreement).
iv) Removal and Redistribution Paths, driveways, beach, sand fences were re-erected and vandalized again, sand removed from paths,
j) Capital Improvement-Repairs-Maintenance: The item will continue to be monitored; Capital Improvement Program (CIP) ground lights for
k) KBP Berm: Opening and closing of berm at KBP ocean-side of
l) Kayaks Launching from Kaelepulu Stream: DPR's agreement to have kayaks launch from Kaelepulu Stream health hazard, potential liability, lack of signage. DLNR and existing Kailua Beach Master Plan designate Kaelepulu Stream mouth as Kayak launch area. Address inquiry to DLNR, DFM, DPR for concerns.
m) Next Meeting: The next PR meeting will be held on the 2nd Saturday, May 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at Zippy's
Public Health, Public Safety, & Civil Defense Committee (PHPSCD) The following updates were provided:
1) Monitoring Issues: PHPSCD continues to monitor several issues relating to Public Health, Public Safety and Civil Defense, and is working with affected residents, the Honolulu Police Department, Honolulu Liquor Commission (LIQ), State Department of Health (DOH), City Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Hawaii State Civil Defense, and Elected Officials.
a)
b) Summaries Brief reports were provided regarding the following items:
i) Lead Pellets on
ii) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Scheduled classes.
iii) Parking Violation by Commercial Businesses Specifically at
2) Next Meeting The next PHPSCD meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday, May 14, 2009, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Kailua District Park Arts and Crafts Room.
Tomasa departed at this point in the meeting; 13 members present.
Executive Committee
1) Agenda Requirements: Due May 22, 2009 to Chair Prentiss from both Board and Committees.
2) Treasurer's Report: The report indicated that (a) the Operating account expended $105.46 for printing and mailing of the May agenda and April minutes to the 123 mail list recipients, and $48.36 for office supplies for the Candidates' Night Forum, resulting in a balance of $315.58; (b) the Publicity account expended $208 for April videotaping, resulting in a balance at $628; and (c) the Refreshment account expended $56.54 for refreshments for the Candidates' Night Forum, resulting in a balance at $63.46.
3) Correspondence and Documents: See the Board correspondence file for details.
4) I
a) No tourist rentals. (responses 38)
b) Street repair, traffic Calming, pedestrian safety. (36)
c) Bicycle Paths. (32)
d) Beach park improvements. (16)
e) More local type businesses & a small movie theater. (16)
f) More sports fields & dog park. (16)
g) Less tourists, less development. (13)
h) Clean water, more trees, marsh preservation. (11)
i) More affordable housing. (8)
j) More tourist rentals. (5)
Other responses: Improve schools (3), Better Bus Service (3), single response items (16).
5) Next Meeting: The next Executive Committee meeting will be held on the 4th Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at 8:30 a.m., at Agnes' Bakery-Kailua.
Government and Community Services Committee (GCS)
1) Proposed Legislation 2009-10: Addressed earlier in the meeting.
2) Neighborhood Commission: April 20 (Agenda Template and Elections) and May 4, 2009 (Elections Presentation by Vendor) meetings were attended and both items were addressed earlier in the meeting.
3) Elections for Neighborhood Board Members 2009-11: Addressed earlier in the meeting.
4) Next Meeting: The next GCS meeting will be held on the 3rd Saturday, May 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at Zippy's
Permitted Interaction Groups No updates were provided.
Civilian-Military Council (CMC) Representative
1) Month of May: May is Military Appreciation Month.
2) Armed Forces Day: Armed Forces Day is on May 16.
3) BayFest: BayFest at MCBH will be held in August this year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Bicycling May 11 through May 15 is Bike-to-Work Week and May 12 is Bike-to-School Day. Watch out for kids on May 12 trying to ride their bicycles to school.
NB Refreshment Funds It was inquired if the NB refreshment budgets could be examined as a cost saving item as some NBs do not use their refreshment budget.
Bill 42 (2009) Relating to NBs Bill 42(2009) was introduced today by Councilmember Charles Djou. Everyone was requested to look at the bill as it recommends that any non-City agency be charged $250 to be placed on the Board agenda more than three times in a calendar year. That would greatly impact the State legislators, HPU, and many permitting issues that are brought to the Board by concerned citizens.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
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Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant
and
Linda Ure, Board Secretary