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KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

KAILUA RECREATION CENTER

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 needs 10 members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present – Larry Bartley, Jon Chinen, Shawn Christensen (departed at 8:37 p.m.), Jim Corcoran, Virginia Enos, Derrick Fenske, Catie Fernandez, Debbi Glanstein, Michael Hawes, Knud Lindgard, Charles Prentiss, Claudine Tomasa, Utey Uch, Linda Ure, Ronald Weinberg (departed at 9:08 p.m.), Donna Wong.

Members Absent – Ursula Retherford (notified absence).

Vacancies – There are two (2) Board vacancies in Subdistrict 2; however, due to the wording of a particular section in the Neighborhood Plan (NP), the rules that govern the Neighborhood Boards (NB's), the Board can't fill any vacancies left by the election. The Neighborhood Commission (NC) is working to amend the NP as soon as possible, and then the Board will be able to fill its vacancies.

Guests – Acting Captain L. Hoopii (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant D. Eber (Honolulu Police Department); Linda Read (Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Public Affairs Office); Ann Chung (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Office of Economic Development, Director); Senator Jill Tokuda; Representative Pono Chong; John Foster (Representative Cynthia Thielen's Office); Representative Chris Lee; Andrew Malahoff (Councilmember Ikaika Anderson's Office); Jiro Sumada (Governor Linda Lingle's Office – State Department of Transportation, Highways Division, Deputy Director); Jeff Berg, Beatriz Rodriguez, Al Tachibana (National Children's Study); Terry George (Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, Executive Director); Vanessa Golding-Fox (Hawaiian Humane Society); Leigh Prentiss (Lanikailua Outdoor Circle); Tinkle Malama (Paradise Film – Videographer); Laura Thielen (State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Chairperson); Joe Gilman, Richard Hill, Stann Reiziss, Kurt Sasaoka, Julie Swartz, Glenn Uyeshiro; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Soldiers Died – Five MCBH marines were recently killed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

August 6, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes – Weinberg moved, and Hawes seconded to approve the August 6, 2009 regular meeting minutes. The August 6, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED 12-3-1 (AYE: Bartley, Chinen, Christensen, Enos, Fenske, Fernandez, Hawes, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Uch, Wong; NO: Corcoran, Glanstein, Ure; ABSTAIN: Weinberg), with the following corrections:

*         Page 11 – Motions Requested by Linda Ure – Motion 2 – Discussion – add new item no. 5 – 5) Denial of Participation – Chair Prentiss was directed to respond to the Point of Information asking if he was denying elected Board members the opportunity to participate on standing committees; he did not answer.

*         Page 11 – Motions Requested by Linda Ure – Motion 3 – Discussion – item no. 3 – add three sentences – C. Tomasa agreed that the Board should work together. She also reiterated that all the rules, parliamentary procedure issues, and numerous motions should not be based upon emotions and that it only hinders the board from moving forward. The Board should be focused upon serving the community.

*         Page 11 – Motions Requested by Linda Ure – Motion 3 – Discussion – item no. 4 – title and first sentence – 4) Agenda Preparation by the Executive Committee – One committee chair remarked that a committee agenda was changed without her knowledge, and she would not want that to happen again; C. Tomasa remarked that she would not support the motion of having the Agenda prepared by the EC due to problems encountered in the past with the current Secretary and previous Treasurer unilaterally changing her committee agendas without notification/approval. The action by the Executive members was very disturbing and she would not want that to happen again; the response was that the Board Chair is requested by the EC to verify all proposed changes to committee agendas.

*         Page 11 – Motions Requested by Linda Ure – Motion 3 – Discussion – item no. 1 – first sentence – Without notice Chair Prentiss canceled the EC meeting in June without informing the members (officers of the Board), and in In July, which agenda was properly filed, the Chair did not attend and only Secretary Ure was present.

*         Page 11 – Motions Requested by Linda Ure – Motion 3 – Discussion – item no. 6 – second sentence – It was alleged reported that the Board voted at the July 14, 2009 special meeting to have the EC meet at the call of the Chair or the Board.

July 14, 2009 Special Meeting Minutes – Weinberg moved, and Glanstein seconded to approve the July 14, 2009 special meeting minutes. Discussion ensued:

1)       Accuracy – One member questioned the accuracy of the minutes; it was pointed out that if the minutes were believed to be inaccurate, that corrections should be provided at this time. Chair Prentiss suggested the secretary write another draft of the minutes.

2)       Grammar – One member stated that there were many run-on sentences in the minutes.

3)       Length – The minutes were 16 pages long, including attachments, and the special meeting length was less than two hours.

4)       Notes – The minutes included clarifying notes and footnotes and some felt the notes were inappropriate.

5)       Postponement – A suggestion was made to postpone the approval of the minutes until next month.

The July 14, 2009 special meeting minutes were NOT approved 2-10-4 (AYE: Ure, Weinberg. NO: Bartley, Christensen, Enos, Fenske, Fernandez, Hawes, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Wong; ABSTAIN: Chinen, Corcoran, Glanstein, Uch).

AGENCY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Captain L. Hoopii provided the following information:

1)       August 2009 Statistics – There were 8 structure, 2 wildland, and 3 rubbish fires, 37 medical emergencies, 13 search/rescues, and 27 miscellaneous calls for service. Of the 14 search/rescue calls, only one incident related to kayaks. There were two major incidents that involved five companies.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is from October 4 to 10, 2009, and the theme is "Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned." FPW has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire on October 8 to 11, 1861. Most fire injuries and fatalities are caused by fires that occur in homes, so the campaign focuses on preparedness (including having smoke detectors and a family fire escape plan) and underscores the importance of regularly checking homes for fire hazards. In October, elementary school children will receive a Fire Fighter's Safety Guide. Parents are encouraged to review the guide with their children.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Lifeguards – Lifeguards are emergency service personnel that rescued people from the water, and they are available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; during that time period, HFD assists the lifeguards.

2)       Free Blood Pressure Checks – Free blood pressure checks are still available at fire stations, as long as the firefighters are not responding to a call.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant D. Eber distributed the report and highlighted the following:

1)       Trends – There was a trend on the rise in unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV's) confirmed by a 62% increase in the statistic (100 UEMV’s reported in July 2009, and 162 reported in August 2009). The two main factors in the trend were identified: (a) the worsening economic conditions; and (b) some previous UEMV offenders were recently released.

2)       August 2009 Statistics – There were 2 aggravated assault, 11 simple assault, 25 burglary, 5 counterfeit/forgery, 4 drugs/narcotics, 15 driving under the influence (DUI), 8 fraud, 9 graffiti, 4 injured cared for/sick cared for, 2 identity theft, 10 motor vehicle theft, 5 missing person, 3 missing person cancelled, 76 motor vehicle accident, 3 order violation, 16 property damage, 2 rape, 1 robbery, 9 runaway (with 4 cancelled), 49 theft, 8 terroristic threatening, 59 UEMV, and 13 warrant arrest cases.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Methods of Unauthorized Entries into Motor Vehicles (UEMV's) – Each UEMV offender appears to have their own varied method to enter into vehicles (e.g., breaking windows, punching locks, etc.).

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Linda Read, from the MCBH Public Affairs Office, relayed the following:

1)       Air Field Hours of Operation – The hours of operation are: (a) Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to midnight; (b) Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; (c) Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and (d) Sundays and holidays, closed. The exceptions are: (a) Saturday, September 12, open 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; (b) Sunday, September 13, open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and (c) September 14 to 15, open 7:00 a.m. to midnight.

2)       Recent/Upcoming Events – The following events were detailed: (a) September 2 – Marines will be in a color guard and firing detail for USS Missouri End-of-WWII; (b) September 12 – Marines will participate in a joint service color guard for Samoan Flag Day; (c) September 19 to 20 – Kuau Rockin' Surf Competition (open to public); and (d) September 26 – Marines will participate in the Aloha Festival Floral Parade.

3)       Deployments and Homecomings – Deployed are the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (MHHS) 463, 3rd Marine Regiment HQ, 2nd and 3rd Battalions 3rd Regiment, and other detachments and augmentees. Recent homecomings for HMH-362 and detachments from CLB-3 and HSL-37 took place on base, and Marines will be welcomed back from Iraq in September.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

BayFest Problems – Some reported a negative experience in trying to see the Black Eyed Peas concert at the BayFest event, due to extreme traffic congestion. Many lessons were learned, and there were meetings on the subject following the event to make sure next year's BayFest is better planned. There were 35,000 to 40,000 people that attended the event, and not all were on the base.

RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Alala Road Speeding Concerns – Lanikai Elementary School is located on Alala Road, and yet there are no school speed zone signs. There are two crosswalks, and it's challenging to keep children safe while crossing with the great amount of cars speeding on Alala Road. The installation of speed bumps was requested from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), but any help from the Board would be appreciated.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       School Speed Zone Signs – HPD officers monitoring speeding on Alala Road were surprised that there were no school speed zone signs and thought someone had taken them down; however, residents in the area indicated that may never have been any school speed zone signs, only crosswalk warning signs.

2)       Solutions to Prevent Speeding – Two solutions suggested to prevent the speeding on Alala Road were: (a) reducing the speed limit; and (b) installing speed bumps. Residents in the area are open to other solutions.

3)       Next Transportation and Public Works Committee (TPW) Meeting – Everyone interested in this issue was invited to attend the next TPW meeting on September 10, at 8:00 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Building at Kailua District Park (KDP); pictures of the area were requested.

Pet Ownership and Responsibility – Vanessa Golding-Fox, the Hawaiian Humane Society (HHS) Community Liaison, circulated brochures and presented the following information:

1)       Pet Integration – HHS strongle believes in the integration of pets into society.

2)       Oahu’s Pets, Their Owners and Others – About 60% of Oahu households have pets, and 47% of that amount have dogs; a large portion of these households are on the Windward side. Although the majority of owners are responsible pet owners, the irresponsible ones are the ones that make the news. Dogs are social animals and therefore isolation and tethering is detrimental to them. HHS worked with the East Oahu community to bring together pet owners and non-owners to figure out how to safely and appropriately use hiking trails together. One implemented solution was to provide doggie pot stations with bags for pet owners to collect pet waste.

3)       Laws That Govern Animals – The basic laws that govern animals on Oahu are: (a) pet waste must be picked up on private or public property, and HPD enforces this law well; (b) dogs must be leashed while on public property to ensure the safety of dogs and people; (c) dogs are not allowed to bark intermittently for 30 minutes or constantly for 10 minutes to the nuisance of others; (d) owners must provide animals food, water and shelter, and may not abandon them; (e) identification, such as a microchip, is required for animals allowed outside; and (f) dog licenses are required for dogs to be allowed in dog parks. Pet owners may be taken to court for violations of these laws; everyone was encouraged to call if they see neglect, since animals depend on their owners for their well-being.

4)       Community Forum – The University of Hawaii (UH) Public Policy Center will sponsor a community forum in November 2009 to address issues related to pets in public places.

5)       Pet Walk Fundraiser – HHS’s biggest fundraiser is the Pet Walk on October 4, at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Unleashed Dogs – There have been many complaints about unleashed dogs in Kailua; the community is mobilizing to take action on the issue with the help of HHS.

2)       Pets and Parks – There are five off-leash dog parks and approximately 40 on-leash dog parks; the majority of City parks (and all Kailua parks) don’t allow pets.

3)       Roosters – The City contracts with Royals Farms to handle feral roosters. Go to the newly revamped HHS website (www.hawaiianhumane.org) for more information.

Kailua Beach Swimming – The buoyed swimming areas in Kailua Bay are not being enforced; kayaks, canoes, surfboards, etc. are launched into the swimming area from right next to the lifeguard stand. When the City was contacted, they indicated that lifeguards don’t enforce the rules of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). When DLNR was contacted, they suggested calling HPD. When called, HPD recommended calling the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). When DPR was contacted, they indicate that it’s the lifeguard’s job to enforce. The necessity of lifeguards was questioned if they don’t have enforcement power, and they often are not even seen by beachgoers; it was proposed to use HFD firefighters to serve as lifeguards. Swimmers should be protected – either by lifeguards enforcing the rules, or by DLNR enforcement.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Buoys – The buoys marking the swimming area are missing on the Kaneohe side.

2)       Commercial Interests – Concern was expressed that commercial and not residential interests were beginning to control the use of Kailua Beach Park (KBP).

3)       Parks and Recreation Committee (PR) – This swimming concern will be included in the agenda for the next PR meeting. PR Chair will meet with DPR representatives on September 8, and will bring up the concern.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: Chair Prentiss noted that he has begun to rotate the order of these reports on the agenda.

U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (Quarterly) – No report or representative present.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – Ann Chung, the Director of the City Office of Economic Development (OED), distributed the newsletter and offered the following responses to previous questions:

1)       Kuulei Road Rehabilitation – Kuulei Road is being rehabilitated as part of the Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 46 project administered by the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The removal of the trees and sidewalk restoration is part of that project and was performed by DDC’s contractor.

2)       Sand Migration at Kailua Beach Park (KBP) – There are no funds available at this time to solve the sand migration problem at KBP; in house solutions are being discussed with resident Joe Gilman.

3)       Kailua Bay Activity Areas – Kailua Bay is under the jurisdiction of the State. The sign designating the activity use areas was designed and installed by DLNR, and they indicated that the signs are correct. The designated launch area for kayaks is at Kaelepulu Stream. DPR has no authority to enforce DLNR rules.

4)       City Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Response Time – On average, EMS responds to calls in the Kailua town area within 8 to 10 minutes. Based on the severity of the emergency, HFD may also co-respond to the scene as firefighters are also trained as Emergency Medical Technicians (Basic).

5)       Illegal Parking on Unimproved Sidewalks – The complaints about illegal parking were referred to HPD and a request to install No Parking signs was submitted to DTS.

6)       Keolu Skatepark – DPR will be meeting with stakeholders during September to discuss the problems and brainstorm solutions; PR members and resident Richard Hill will be among the invitees. HPD has done a significant amount of enforcement at the skatepark, including arrests, paint-outs, and frequent night patrols, and they will continue to monitor the area. The community is encouraged to support the establishment of a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) to serve as eyes and ears for HPD. HPD’s Community Policing Team has tried in the past to initiate such a program and will be at the next meeting to provide information.

7)       Kanapuu Drive Area – HPD officers respond from Kailua and Waimanalo to serve the Kanapuu area. Timely responses are based on the case’s priority and current availability of officers. HPD doesn’t consider Kanapuu to be a high crime area; since January 2009, there were 95 calls for service with over half being false alarms. In July, six speeding citations were issued. Officers will continue to monitor the area.

8)       Windward Side Satellite City Halls – There are presently no plans to reduce the staffing or services at the satellite City Halls located on the Windward side (Kailua, Windward City, Enchanted Lake).

9)       Keolu Drive Speeding – Keolu Drive is a high volume traffic corridor for Enchanted Lake. In June, over 20 speeding citations were issued and a person was arrested for DUI, and 5 citations were issued recently.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Board Refreshment Budget – Confirmation was requested that, due to budget cuts, the refreshment budgets of Neighborhood Boards (NB's) have been cut.

2)       Maluniu Avenue – The presence of construction sawhorses on Maluniu Avenue was questioned.

3)       School Speed Zone Signs in Lanikai – Lanikai Elementary School is on Alala Road, but there are no school speed zone warning signs, and an inquiry was raised if those signs are installed by the City or State.

Senator Fred Hemmings – No representative or report present.

Senator Jill Tokuda – Sen. Tokuda circulated her report and a flyer, and called attention to the following items:

1)       Youth Workday – Sen. Tokuda, Ahui Malama I Ka Lokahi, and the Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club hosted a Youth Workday at the Ulupo Heiau in Kailua for the youth on the Windward side. These students participated in a variety of projects, including raking leaves and clearing paths, transferring compost, removing invasive and non-native plants from the terraces, etc. Those who attended were very interested in participating in similar events in the future.

2)       Kawainui Marsh Discussion – Everyone was invited to a second community discussion about the future of Kawainui Marsh on September 19, 2009, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Le Jardin Academy.

3)       Intern Sought – Sen. Tokuda is again asking for Windward side high school students to apply to be an intern for the 2010 legislative session; the internship program gives the intern a first hard opportunity to learn about government and the legislative process.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Kawainui Marsh Discussions – The past community meeting was well-attended, and more access and fuller discussion is desired for the next meeting on September 19. If the community wants the marsh to be made a national park, the community and government agencies need to have a thorough understanding of the pros and cons of such a designation; national parks don't have to follow State law or City zoning.

2)       Hawaii and Gambling – The bill that prohibits residents from deducting gambling losses from their income was very well-supported, and will provide an extra $330,000 per year for the State, which was the amount needed to restore Keiki Care to provide health care for children with no health insurance. Sen. Tokuda does not support legalized gambling in Hawaii.

3)       Hoopili Development – Some conditions have been placed on the Hoopili development; Sen. Tokuda will follow upon the progress. It was pointed out that the developer, D.R. Horton, never finished the work on Kailua Road, which should be completed before any new development is commenced.

Representative Pono Chong – Rep. Chong specified the following information:

1)       Kawainui Ponds – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that additional funding is needed for the project to regulate the Kawainui ponds.

2)       Funding for Kailua Schools – Many Kailua schools received funding for upkeep and renovation. The funds for the plan and design of a science building at Kailua High School (KHS) need to be released.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Hawaii and Gambling – Rep. Chong doesn't support legalized gambling in Hawaii. During the past session, the legislature had to look at all the tax credits, exemptions, and deductions to find money balance the budget, since the State gives away $1 billion each year in those line items every year. The legislature would prefer cutting credits, exemptions, and deductions to raising taxes. The process of filing income tax returns allows write-offs for items that serve the public purpose (health, home, education, children, agriculture) to encourage behavior for the public benefit, and gambling losses are not viewed as a public benefit. He originally introduced the bill to prohibit the deduction of gambling losses for discussion, but it turned out to be a non-controversial and non-partisan issue; the bill will not affect many people. Hawaii residents spend an estimated $750 million in Las Vegas, but the amount written off is very small.

2)       Effects of State Layoffs – One result of Governor Linda Lingle's layoff plan for the State is that six of eight workers from the Clean Water Branch of the State Department of Health (DOH) and six planners in the State Office of Planning will lose their jobs, potentially leaving the environment unprotected. The legislature is still waiting for a layoff list from Gov. Lingle. Even if the legislature raised the taxes, layoffs are still the Governor's prerogative. Unfortunately, agricultural inspections, and other similar processes will likely take longer with less workers to handle the load. The legislature is investigating the impacts and creating a cost analysis to try to handle the difficult economic situation.

Representative Cynthia Thielen – John Foster, from Rep. Thielen's Office, distributed the report.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Wave Energy Demonstration Project – The wave energy demonstration project on MCBH is not finished, but the last buoy failed quickly, and a new prototype is being created; it's possible another company may be selected to complete the project. However, the State has not been aggressive enough in pursuing wave energy, and so many companies chose to do business on the mainland (especially in Oregon). The military is very supportive of the project.

Representative Chris Lee – Rep. Lee specified the following information:

1)       Hawaii's Economy – The State Council on Revenues forecasted that in the long term, Hawaii's economy will recover a little sooner than expected; however, there is another $90 million shortfall into 2010.

2)       Alala Road Danger – Alala Road is dangerous, especially during dawn and dusk, when it's dim and children are often out walking to and from school or playing. Councilmember Ikaika Anderson is aware of the issue.

3)       Hoopili Development – The State Land Use Commission did reject the Hoopili proposal on procedural grounds, and the matter will come up again for decision in 45 days.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Medical Tort Reform – Although the bills introduced to provide medical tort reform did not pass during this session, they will most likely come up again at the next session.

Councilmember Ikaika Anderson – Andrew Malahoff, from Councilmember Anderson's Office, conveyed the following information:

1)       Property Tax Relief – September 30, 2009 is the deadline to file for property tax exemptions and credits.

2)       Repaving Roads in Kailua – A list of roads scheduled for repaving/rehabilitation in Kailua may be requested from Mr. Malahoff, and will be emailed to Board members; the list includes about 40 streets through the end of the fiscal year. In the middle of 2010, work will begin to repave/rehabilitate all of the roads in Lanikai.

3)       Kailua Beach Park (KBP) Parking Lot – The KBP parking lot will be repaved, and will be closed in the last two weeks of October for reconstruction, restriping and installing curbs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Striping of Bike Lanes – Bike lanes usually only have one stripe to separate the lane from the roadway. The Lanikai Community Association (LCA) requested an extra stripe between the bike lane and roadway, which was not included in the project (since it's non-standard). DTS did not object to the stripe, an estimate of $7,000 was produced, but LCA would have to pay for it at this time. Councilmember Anderson's Office is awaiting a response from DTS if the extra stripe could be included in this or another project.

2)       Kailua Beach Park (KBP) – The Board has heard two generations of new plans to improve KBP; however, the rehabilitation of the parking lot will keep the same alignment of roadway and traffic pattern, instead of altering them to match either of the previous proposals. It was noted that it was difficult to get the community to agree on one method, which has delayed the maintenance and upkeep of KBP. HFD seemed unaware of the repaving project for the KBP parking lot, and the plan to restrict parts to one lane may cause trouble in emergency vehicle access to the park. In addition, the commercial vehicles at KBP that pull watercraft (kayaks, sailboards, etc.) are lined up outside in the paved area; questions were raised if those areas are parking spaces, and if so, if they are for everyone or just for commercial vehicles.

3)       Offensive Body Order – Although the proposal to make an ordinance related to offensive body odors has merit, especially for those who use public transportation, concern was voiced over the subjectivity of the rule and reasonableness of enforcement. The proposal was deferred in the Transportation Committee.

4)       Bill 55 Related to TheHandi-Van – Mr. Malahoff will follow up on Bill 55, related to TheHandi-Van.

Christensen departed at 8:37 p.m., during the above comments; 15 members present.

Governor Linda Lingle's Office – Jiro Sumada, the Deputy Director of the Highways Division of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), detailed the following responses:

1)       No Deduction of Gambling Losses – Gov. Lingle signed the bill to prohibit the deduction of gambling losses for income tax because it will increase State revenues. She did not believe it appropriate to allow someone who gambles and loses money elsewhere to be able to adjust the taxes they owe to the State.

2)       H1N1 Flu Outbreak Preparation – In case of an H1N1 flu outbreak, the State Department of Health (DOH) would work overtime (routine for any outbreak investigation), and once they surpassed their current capacity, they would activate surge capacity within DOH by utilizing staff from other related divisions. Volunteers from the Medical Reserve Corps would be utilized as needed. DOH has already been coordinating plans with multiple public and private partners to ensure more efficient communication and better spread of the overall burden. In addition, the State Department of Defense (DOD) has offered assistance as their capacity permits. If a pandemic looks to exceed all State resources, the Governor has authority to declare a state of emergency and request support from the Federal government.

3)       Hawaii SuperFerry (HSF) Bankruptcy – When a business is unable to service its debt or pay its creditors the business or its creditors can file with a federal bankruptcy court for protection under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. HSF filed under Chapter 11 for a "reorganization" bankruptcy. In Chapter 11, in most instances the debtor remains in control of its business operations as a debtor in possession, and is subject to the oversight and jurisdiction of the court. In the HSF case, even though they filed under Chapter 11, they sought leave of court to abandon the vessels (not the same as surrendering title) to the Maritime Administration, who is now effectively in control of the vessels.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Kawainui Ponds – An inquiry was raised if Gov. Lingle will release the money appropriated to siphon the water from Kawainui ponds to the Hamakua outlet at the Enchanted Lake Beach Park; if she doesn't plan to release the funds, an explanation is requested.

PRESENTATIONS:

National Children's Study (NCS) – Beatriz Rodrigues distributed surveys and communicated the following information from the PowerPoint presentation:

1)       Purpose of Study – The NCS is examining the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of more than 100,000 children across the U.S., following them from before birth until age 21. The goal of the study is to improve the health and well-being of children and defines environment broadly and takes a number of issues into account, including: Natural and man-made environmental factors, biological and chemical factors, physical surroundings, social factors, behavioral influences and outcome, genetics, cultural and family influences and differences, and geographic locations.

2)       Study Details – NCS includes children and families from 105 locations across the country, from varied backgrounds, and of different family types, to allow investigation of issues important to the diverse US population. The study includes the wide range of biological, physical, genetic, social, cultural, and other factors comprising a child’s environment that can affect health and development. This study will collect information on the same group of people from before birth into adulthood. By following children and families for 21 years or more, collection information about health at different ages and stages of growth and in various situations, to shed light on the factors that influence health and development as people grow. Even though the study will span more than 20 years, the world won’t have to wait that long for results, Study researchers will begin to analyze information as soon as it is collected. As the children enrolled at the study reach certain developmental milestone, findings related will be released, and some may lead to new health and environmental questions that can be answered later in the course of the study.

3)       Federal, State and Local Partnerships – NCS represents a unique, overarching partnership with many components and does not rely on one specific agency, industry, or company to function. Federal, state, and local agencies, universities, academic and professional societies, medical center, communities, organizations, industries, companies and other private groups all play vital roles in this partnership. The partners are involved in advising on various phases of the study, from its design to its conclusion, to ensure that the results are accurate, unbiased, and reliable.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       School Connections – One view stated that there wasn't sufficient emphasis on connecting with schools.

2)       Oahu Areas – On Oahu, 12 areas were selected to factor in geography in population representation, so that every part of the island had a chance of being selected. A certain number of births is required to properly engage in the NCS. It was chance that selected Hauula as a segment, rather than Kahuku or Haleiwa; there are more segments chosen from areas with more population and children, which are usually located closer to Honolulu.

3)       Inclusion of Native Hawaiians – Waimanalo and Haleiwa both have many Native Hawaiians, and were left out of the study. Ms. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of including Native Hawaiians in the NCS, and noted that almost every area on the island has some Native Hawaiians, along with other races.

4)       Migrating Children – It will be challenging to follow children of military parents for 21 years; the process will involve creativity, a traveling team, and the ability to move those children to the part of the NCS nearest their new location. In addition, residents in Hawaii often move between the neighbor islands, and the study will also track those migrations.

5)       Genetic Testing – Genetic testing will be done on specimens collected from both the parents and the child. NCS is interested to see how the genes and environment play their roles in development, continuing the nature versus nurture debate in child development.

6)       Website – Go to www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov for more information.

Weinberg departed at 9:08 p.m., during the above comments; 14 members present.

Harold K.L. Castle Foundation (HKLCF) – Terry George, the HKLCF Executive Director, circulated handouts and furnished the following information:

1)       Community Strengthening in the Kailua/Windward Area – HKLCF provides grants to Windward youth and other groups, based upon documented volunteer hours. The handouts included a list with grants awarded since 2007. Before 2007, the largest awards were $2 million for the Boys and Girls Club and $3 million for Le Jardin Academy to build out their high school. HKLCF also tries to help Windward side public schools, and is engaged in a Kawainui Marsh restoration (gave $225,000 for a project to open up some areas).

2)       Lanikai Bike Lane Striping – It's possible a youth group could volunteer to add the extra stripe wanted for the bike lanes in Lanikai.

3)       A Sustainable New Building – HKLCF is constructing a new small building to help the director and his three staff members, and is aiming to make this an exercise in sustainable building, documenting the process along the way. The goal is to be certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and minimize the environmental footprint. Two invitation only tours are anticipated on September 19, at 10:30 a.m., with the invitees including neighbors, people involved with the schools, NB Chairs, and some NB members as available space permits. The building will be 1,604 square feet, smaller than the current HKLCF building. The land under the building belongs to Kaneohe Ranch, and HKLCF will lease it for free. The plan is to build on top of the existing parking lot and maintain the parking lot. Environmentally friendly and native building materials will be used where possible, along with native plants.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Location – The building will be located where Kapaa Quarry Road and the Pali Highway meet, past the medical center to the baseyard, near Knott's Farm.

2)       Requesting Grants – Go to www.castlefoundation.org and submit an inquiry online with the nonprofit organization's tax id number; HKLCF will respond to the inquiry within 30 days.

3)       Hale Ola – HKLCF did provide the initial funding for the cost of a transitional home for Hale Ola; however, often only the initial funding is provided and the organization is expected to then find its own funding.

4)       Cesspools – Mr. George will follow up to see what will happen to the two cesspools at the site.

5)       Storm Drain – The project will also create a separate drain in the middle of the parking lot and way for it to collect, to assure that the lot won't flood.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Motion Requested by the Transportation and Public Works Committee (TPW) –

Motion 1: Chair Prentiss explained that there are currently no warning signs about the steep downgrade on Kapaa Quarry Road. The motion that the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 requests the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation Services to install additional signage on Kapaa Quarry Road warning of the steep downgrade, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 14-0-0 (AYE: Bartley, Chinen, Corcoran, Enos, Fenske, Fernandez, Glanstein, Hawes, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Uch, Ure, Wong).

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Government and Community Services (GCS) – GCS Chair Chinen reported:

1)       Neighborhood Plan MMVIII (NP 2008) – The Neighborhood Commission’s (NC) public hearing was held at Windward City Shopping Center Satellite City Hall between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Board Testimony in support of proposed revision of the NP 2008 was given according to the Board’s motion adopted August 6, 2009. The Board may anticipate the ability to fill its two vacancies in sub-district 2 in October.

2)       Neighborhood Commission (NC) Meeting – On August 31, 2009, the NC approved the amendment to the NP 2008 to fix the wording in the section regarding the filling of vacancies. Another petition was submitted to amend NP 2008, and the City's Corporation Counsel (COR) ruled that two amendments couldn't be done at once, so that one will be taken up next. NC will forma special committee to look at NP 2008 as a whole and propose more corrections to fix some other items that came up. Regarding the budget committee report, it hasn't been released to NB's yet, but one proposal was to have all NB's meet at City locations to save money on location rental.

3)       Committee Minutes – Secretary Ure noted that the GCS minutes may be found the Board's webpage.

4)       Next Meeting – Third Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m. at Zippy's Kailua, 44 Oneawa Street.

Planning, Zoning and Environment (PZE) – PZE Chair Wong reported (except for item no. 1):

1)       Bill 6 Related to Bed and Breakfasts (B&B's) – Bartley reported that Bill 6 wasn't heard at the Council Zoning Committee meeting today.

2)       Waimanalo Gulch Landfill (WGL) Leeward – The State Land Use Commission (LUC) allowed the WGL to continue, but ruled that the City needs to look for another site (which could include Kailua).

3)       D.R. Horton / Schuler Ironwoods Housing Project – A letter received in August from DOH indicated that the soil beneath the old building foundation was contaminated and possibly directly hazardous; mitigation measures are being implemented, especially since children have been seen sneaking into the site.

4)       Lanikai Fishery Management Areas (LFMA) – There were new additions new additions to the LFMA, including 22 acres in Hamakua and 97 acres in Kawanui that will be closed; no description or locations were given for these areas. Mokulua was also closed, and Mokulaua was restricted.

5)       Ironwood Trees Along Kailua Road – On Kailua Road, Phase 1 of the project will remove six trees by Michael's and will put in five monkey pod trees; adjacent property owners should have been notified. Phase 2 goes to Island Snow, and will remove eight trees in front of residences and will replace with other trees between eight and ten feet tall. Trees are needed in the area to hold the sand in place.

6)       Next Meeting – Third Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 p.m. at Kalama Beach Park (Boettcher Estate).

Transportation and Public Works (TPW) – Chair Prentiss reported:

1)       Speeding Problems – DTS will study the speeding on Wanao Road after the sewer project is done, and will study speed abatement devices on Kaha Street between Oneawa and Kihapai Streets.

2)       Lanikai Traffic Volumes – A letter was sent to DTS requesting information on this issue.

3)       Traffic Light Left Turn Phase at Oneawa and Kihapai Street Intersection – A letter was sent to DTS asking for a second study of the Board's request for a traffic light left turn phase at the Oneawa and Kihapai Street intersection (fronting Walgreen's).

4)       Next Meeting – Second Thursday, September 10, 8:00 p.m., at Kailua District Park (KDP) Multi Purpose Room or Arts and Crafts Room.

Parks and Recreation (PR) – Chair Prentiss noted PR Chair Christensen was ill and had to leave, and reported:

1)       Kailua Beach Park (KBP) – The missing signs at the KBP parking lot will be replaced, and the new buoys should also have been installed (someone keeps cutting the buoys).

2)       Keolu Skatepark – PR Chair Christensen will meet with DPR on September 8 and will bring up this issue.

3)       Kailua District Park (KDP) Gym Repair – The roof of the gym has been repaired, and the floor should be replaced by the end of 2009, which is quicker than anticipated.

4)       Next Meeting – Third Thursday, September 17, 7:00 p.m., at KDP Multi Purpose or Arts and Crafts Room.

Public Health, Public Safety and Civil Defense (PHPSCD) – PHPSCD Chair Tomasa reported:

1)       Animal Cruelty – The response from Councilmember Anderson's Office was that HPD officers are trying to address issues of animal cruelty. Often motorcycle cops are monitoring those situations. Everyone was requested to please report all suspicious activity to HPD.

2)       Next Meeting – Second Thursday, September 10, 7:00 p.m., KDP Multi-Purpose or Arts and Crafts Rooms.

Chair's Report – Chair Prentiss reported:

1)       Deadline for Committee Agendas – Committee agendas are due to the Chair by September 22, 2009.

2)       Board Vacancies – Board vacancies may be filled at October 2009 meeting.

3)       Government and Community Services Committee (GCS) Appointment – Chair Prentiss appointed Corcoran as a member of GCS.

4)       Treasurer's Report – Treasurer Fernandez mentioned the letter she received from the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) stating that all NB's refreshment budgets were eliminated due to budget cuts. Therefore, the current balance of the Board's budget, minus the $120 for refreshments, was $3,858.82.

Permitted Interaction Groups –

Enforcement of B&B's and TVU's: Chair Prentiss reported that Bills 6 and 8, relating to B&B's and Transient Vacation Units (TVU's) were stuck in the Council Zoning Committee and were not on the agenda for September.

Civilian-Military Council (CMC) – CMC Delegate Corcoran reported:

1)       Kuau Rockin' Surf Competition – The competition, open to public, will be held from September 19 to 20.

2)       More Information – Go to www.mccshawaii.com for more information on MCBH events.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

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Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant