NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2005
JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pahinui called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., a quorum was present with 11 members present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathleen Pahinui, Lloyd O’ Sullivan, Jenny Vierra, Jake Ng, Dan Gora, Donald Keao, Aileen Stewart, Warren Scoville, Bob Leinau, Blake McElheny, Geraldine Meade, Antya Miller.
MEMBERS ABSENT: John Hirota, Walter Tonai, James Awai.
GUESTS: Mike Lyons, Doug Cole, Mary Lou Gora, Ron Valenciana (North Shore News), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Alex Berenberg (Mayor’s Representative), James Nakatani (Congressman Ed Case, staff), Patrick Vega, Carol Phillips (No Ice In Paradise), David Bramlett, Ron Nishihara (Castle & Cooke), Brigadier General Gary Ishikawa (Governor’s Representative), Laura Figueira (Senator Robert Bunda, staff), Thomas Shirai, Bruce Bellows, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Delores and Norris Sandoval, Gil Riviere, Diane Anderson, Laurie Canencia, Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz, staff), Sgt. Brad Roberts (Honolulu Police Department), Capt. Johnson (Honolulu Fire Department), Maj. John McAfee, Lt. Col. John Lynch and Sgt. First Class Malave (U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division), Anthony Ching (Land Use Commission), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 26, 2005 REGULAR MEETING: The following corrections were:
· Page 3, item 7, second paragraph, fourth line – Kamehameha was spelled incorrectly.
· Same page, item 8, second line, delete Wahiawa, insert Waialua High School.
Mr. Leinau moved, Mrs. Meade seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2005 as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Dan Gora reported: 1) The Operating Account balance was $467.00. Current expenses are $35.66, leaving a balance to-date of $431.34. 2) There was no activity in the Publicity and Refreshment accounts, leaving balances to date the same at: $551.00 (Publicity) and $120.00 (Refreshment).
Mr. Keao moved, Mr. Leinau seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report ending April 30, 2005 for filing, subject to audit. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Brad Roberts reported for April: 1) 9 burglaries, 49 thefts from vehicles, 4 auto thefts and 26 other thefts. 2) A traffic accident on May 18, 3:30 a.m., resulted in several telephone poles leaning into Kamehameha Highway and downed telephone lines. No injuries were reported and the investigation was concluded within 30 minutes. Notifications to the HECO, State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the telephone company were made at approximately 3:45 a.m. Responses from HECO and DOT were within the hour, and the telephone company did not respond until four hours later. Any complaints of inconvenience should be referred to the telephone company.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. The May 18 traffic accident involved about 80% of the assigned personnel. Sgt. Roberts said HPD had to re-route all traffic, only one-way in and one-way out.
2. The recent road closure, due to a broken water main between Emerson Road and Three Corners, was closed from 3:30 a.m. and reopened at 5 a.m., one bus was re-routed and the pipeline was fixed within a reasonable time and therefore a minor inconvenience for that hour of the morning.
3. Of the 49 thefts from vehicles, 27 occurred in the Laniakea and Chun’s Reef area. Mr. Scoville asked that the beach task force check in those areas.
4. Mrs. Meade expressed concern about an “ice” house reported by residents of Hoalua Street. Sgt. Roberts would obtain more information and refer it to the Crime Reduction Unit and the Narcotics Vice Division.
5. Mr. Leinau suggested watching some of the “guys” waiting at the Waimea Bus Stop. Some of those breaking into the cars are pretending to wait at the bus stop.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Johnson reported: 1) Statistics for the month included: 1 structure, 2 brush, 5 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires; 30 medical, 4 search/rescue and 16 miscellaneous emergencies. 2) There were no major incidents. No questions followed.
U.S. ARMY 25TH INFANTRY DIVISION: Major John McAfee welcomed home Lt. Col. John Lynch who preceded Maj. McAfee as this neighborhood board’s rep. Lt. Col Lynch thanked everyone and appreciates all the support from the community. He will be leaving in a month and his replacement will be attending the next meeting. Also introduced was Sgt. First Class Malave, who presented to the Board and the community a token of appreciation, a picture plaque of the “Welcome to North Shore” sign. Chair Pahinui accepted on behalf of the Board and the community.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
1. Mr. Ron Nishihara gave an update on the status of the Poamoho Trail, which will be opening shortly.
2. Mr. Donald Keao would like to be kept in the loop on any discussions regarding the alternative parking lot issue at Ali’i Beach Park. Chair Pahinui acknowledged the request.
3. Mr. Thomas Shirai is asking the Board to keep abreast on land use issues (i.e. HB 109 – Land commission use - golf courses in agricultural and rural districts). The North Shore Junior Golf presentation from last month’s Board meeting requested 40 – 60 acres of land. Mr. Shirai feels this is the first step to opening the door for urbanization. Also on tonight’s agenda is a presentation of Land Use Classification.
4. Mr. David Bramlett mentioned vacation rentals and bed & breakfast (B & B) operations on the North Shore. He indicated that Council Resolutions 05-186 – relating to the regulation of certain visitor accommodations and 05-187 – relating to be and breakfast homes, both have merits. But he further states that the devil is in the details. He encouraged everyone to take the opportunity to make your concerns known. There will be hearings on June 1, 9 & 13.
Copies of both resolutions are included in board members packet from the Chair and will be on June’s meeting agenda.
5. Ms. Carol Phillips shared the following: a) agreed with Mr. Bramlett on the issues of Bed & Breakfast and vacation rentals. b) Shared the need for the watershed advisory group to develop a plan to rehabilitate our ahupua’a from Lake Wilson to Kaiaka to Waialua. She also thanked Senator Bunda for getting the funding for the study.
6. For information, Mr. Shirai circulated a magazine “Water & Wastes Digest” to use as a tool when addressing concerns regarding wastewater issues. For more information, log onto: www.wwdmag.com.
Chair Pahinui entertained taking the agenda out of order. The Board had no objections. Order was taken to agenda item 8, Correspondence and Chair’s Report.
CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR’S REPORT: A list of the Board’s correspondence for the past month was available at the sign-in table. As always, copies are available upon request. Please call Neighborhood Assistant Richardson at 527-5721 for copies.
Chair Pahinui distributed to board members a list of correspondence and attached included various pieces, in particular one on the Sunshine Law. Preceding the Neighborhood Board’s Installation Ceremony on May 14 was a mandatory Sunshine Law workshop. In accordance with an ordinance passed by City Council last year, all Neighborhood Boards and other board and commission members are required to attend a Sunshine Law training session. There will be a session held sometime in June. Chair Pahinui will keep the Board informed and try to obtain a schedule listing of other sessions.
Sunshine Law – Neighborhood Board Member Compliance – Chair Pahinui stated that each Board member must be in compliance with the City’s ordinance. She briefly explains the basic dos and don’ts and informed using your best judgment of not violating the spirit or the letter of the law. Be factual, without discussing the merits, but being aware of not entering into gray areas. To receive a guide to the Sunshine Law – Open meetings. Contact the Office of Information Practices at 586-1400.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. In response to Ms. Miller regarding subdistrict representatives all being at the same meeting, Chair Pahinui explained using your best judgment. An example: if the subject being discussed was not something coming before the neighborhood board, you are fine.
2. In response to Mr. Leinau, Chair Pahinui indicated you have a right to express your opinion as private individual and not as a Board member. Relating to private property issues, the Board could be acting outside of their scope; for example; issues such as junk cars in the yard. The Board can also set a policy for a time limit when giving testimony, although it refers more toward City Council or the State legislature. Mr. Ng moved, Mr. O’Sullivan seconded to set a three (3) minute time limit per person. The motion carried unanimously.
3. Chair Pahinui said the North Shore Wastewater Management Task Force had a great meeting. Mr. Tim Houghton of the Department of Environmental Services gave a great presentation. She thanked the committee members for persevering.
4. There was a comment at last month’s Board meeting that the Board rejected the City’s plan for the parking lot expansion at Ali’i Beach. Chair Pahinui clarified a motion was made to reject the City’s plan, but the motion failed by one vote. What the Board did approve was to look at an alternative to the City’s proposed plan and that’s the motion that passed.
5. Chair Pahinui recognized and presented to Board members Mrs. Jenny Vierra, Mr. Donald Keao, Ms. Aileen Stewart and Mr. Walter Tonai (not present) a lei. She thanked them for their service and dedication to the Board and community.
The agenda resumed order.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – Mr. James Nakatani distributed Congressman Case’s report and was open for questions.
Comments followed: 1) Responding to Mr. Scoville, Mr. Nakatani noted another round of “Talk Story” sessions sometime at the end of the year and a session on “Veteran Affairs” sometime in September. 2) Mr. O’Sullivan thanked Mr. Nakatani for attending the Waste Water Management meeting.
Mayor’s Representative – Mr. Alex Berenberg highlighted the following: 1) The 54th annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Service, Monday, May 30 at 8:30 a.m., at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. Anyone wishing to donate fresh lei, can drop it off (in this area) at Wahiawa District Park and Waialua Fire Station on May 27 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend and is encouraged to use the round trip shuttle buses from the Alapai Bus terminal. 2) The war on potholes - filled 4,191 potholes in March, bringing the number this calendar year to 17,461. 2) The City’s real property tax appeal process has been modified slightly and signed into law by Mayor Hannemann. 3) The Schofield Sunset in the Park event is May 21 – 22; a Homecoming for Heroes at Wheeler Army Air Field is from noon to 10 p.m.
Follow-up responses: a) Geological Survey – Department of Transportation Services (DTS) wants to review the original plans for the area and investigate it further then report back within 30 days. b) Re-striping of Pupukea Road – DTS need more details regarding the request to eliminate the proposed roadway striping on Pupukea Road. The current plan shows there is centerline striping on Pupukea Road from Kamehameha Highway to the first Alapio Road intersection. Mr. Berenberg suggested writing a letter to Director Ed Hirata (DPP) on the issue. c) Enforcement of rules against illegal businesses – Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will investigate complaints against illegal businesses as they are received. Due to limited staffing resources, DPP can more effectively investigate and enforce if they are provided with street address, Tax Map Key (TMK) and/or the name of the business establishment.
Questions, answers and concerns followed:
1. Mr. Berenberg asked that all concerns be submitted in writing and forwarded through the City’s Document And Record Tracking (DART) system. Written concerns can be forwarded to Neighborhood Assistant Richardson as well.
2. Mr. Ng referred to the Mayor’s newsletter about the real property tax appeal and asked what is the Mayor doing about that and what are the alternatives should the taxpayer reject the settlement offer on a tax appeal. Mr. Berenberg will have a response next month.
3. If the entrances to Ali’i Beach Park are not being closed, contact Mr. Berenberg to expedite the matter.
4. Mr. Berenberg’s understanding is that the repaving of Pupukea Road will go beyond the first Alapio Road, but the re-striping is to the first Alapio. Ms. Miller said it was brought up at the Sunset Beach Community Association (SBCA) and there will be a meeting this Saturday. She would like to know by the end of the week exactly where paving and re-striping will end. She also requested a repaving schedule of Kamehameha Highway for Haleiwa Town.
5. Mr. Shirai referred to the rock fall survey of Pupukea Road. Mr. Berenberg will look further into the matter.
Board member Mr. Keao left during this portion of the meeting. (11 members present)
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Mr. George Kuo reported: 1) One main break in April. 2) General Water Announcement: a) Congratulations to the winners of the BWS 2005 Water Conservation Poster Contest. Artists were honored at the BWS Board meeting held on April 25 and received $100, $75 and $50 U.S. Savings bonds, with first place winners earning a visit to the Nu’uanu watershed for their class. The winning entries would be displayed at City Hall in Lane Gallery from May 2 – 13.
Comments followed:
1. Mr. Kuo’s response regarding reclaiming wastewater was that feasibility studies are being done to see how it can be handled collectively. For more information contact Mr. Kuo at 748-5941.
2. Mr. Scoville informed Mr. Kuo there is a problem with the asphalt patch on Haleiwa Road between Long Bridge and Waialua Beach Road. Mr. Ng said it looks like its been marked for construction.
City Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Mr. Reed Matsuura reported: 1) Projects included in Bill 13 (2005) CD2 – Executive Capital Budget are: Waialua Beach Road – street lighting from Weed Junction to Crozier Drive ($770,000); Sunset Beach Recreation Center – funding to start construction – September 2005 ($675,000); Sunset Fire Station – air conditioning installation ($5,000); Sunset Fire Station – Jet Ski, and extractor to clean fire suits ($33,000); Guardrail for 66-826 Haleiwa Road, Chun’s residence ($25,000); Waialua Corporation Yard – roof repairs ($60,000); Waialua District Park – new gym bleachers, re-paving basket ball court and re-roof of the gym; Sunset Neighborhood Park – plan and design of re-construction of tennis courts; Ke Ala Pupukea Bike path – added in CD2 – contract was awarded $157,000. 2) Projects in the works include: Waialua Beach Road Sidewalk – Phase ll – fronting Waialua Elementary – conditional award; Anahulu Bridge – project has been awarded; Banzai Rock Skateboard Park – demolition and grading has begun, start on facility June 2005; Pupukea Beach Park Master Plan includes Sharks Cove and Three Tables – Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) project; Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park – community recommendation for additional parking area. 3) Abandoned Vehicles and Potholes Hotlines: Abandoned Vehicles – 532-7000 (ext. 250), City Potholes – 527-6006, State Potholes – 536-7852. 4) A resident’s request asked the City’s Administration to convert to the automatic trash pickup the entire district.
Governor’s Representative – Brig. Gen. Gary Ishikawa distributed the Governor’s Update and highlighted the following: 1) The Governor’s plans for a 10-day mission to China and the Republic of Korea to broaden Hawaii’s opportunities in Asia; and 2) the Governor’s encouragement of the Department of Interior and Hawaii business representatives in their goal of increasing private sector economic development in the Pacific. 3) Follow-up regarding the Governor’s position on the General Excise Tax increase – is if the Legislature passes an increase in the tax, she will veto that bill. However, it they pass a bill to give the counties the option to implement it, then she will support it. The Governor has from the beginning of the legislative session supported giving the County the option.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Senate Concurrent Resolution 186 – urging the federal, state and county to work together toward a more humane alternative relocating homeless people from public areas. Mr. Shirai stressed the importance of community input.
2. Thoughts regarding the marine conservation district.
3. Mr. Ng congratulated Gen. Ishikawa on his promotion and commented that he is the point person to General Lee.
State Senator Robert Bunda – Ms. Laura Figueira reported: 1) the Legislative session ended on May 6. 2) Good luck to the out going Board members and congratulations to Gen. Gary Ishikawa.
Senator Bunda was commended for his support of this district and for his leadership.
State Representative Michael Magaoay – Mr. Larry Sagaysay distributed the 2005 Legislative Highlights and was open for questions. No questions followed.
UNFINISHED:
Chun’s Reef - Site Visit Announcement – Mr. Warren Scoville announced a site visit is planned for Saturday, June 4 at 10 a.m., of two vacant lots at 61-469 and 61-489 Kamehameha Highway. This area is one of three nesting sites of the Shearwater wedged tail birds.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
PRESENTATION (S):
Land Use Classification – Mr. Anthony Ching, Executive Director of the Land Use Commission, presented the Land Use Law, adopted by the Hawaii State Legislature in 1961. The Land Use Law was established as framework of land use management, whereby all the lands are classified into one of four districts: urban, rural, agricultural and conservation. The purpose was to protect the development of Hawaii’s limited and valuable land. To administer this zoning law, the Land Use Commission was established and its primary role was to ensure that areas of state concern are addressed and considered in the land use decision-making process.
State Land Use Classifications are: Urban Districts - generally include “city-like” concentrations of people, structures and services (included vacant areas for future development). Respective counties have primary jurisdiction of this district area. Rural Districts - composed primarily of small farms intermixed with low-density residential lots. The Commission and county governments share jurisdiction over this district area. Permitted uses relate or are compatible to agricultural use and low-density residential lots. Agricultural Districts – include lands for cultivation of crops, aquaculture, livestock, timber, agriculture support activities and lands with significant potential for agriculture uses. Golf courses and golf-related activities may also be included in this district, provided the land is not in the highest productivity categories (A or B). Uses permitted in categories A or B are governed by statue, whereby the Commission establishes uses in the lower-productivity categories (C, D, E or U). Conservation Districts – are comprised primarily of lands in existing forest and water reserve zones, areas for protecting watersheds, water sources, scenic, historic, parks, wilderness, open space, recreational, habitats of endemic plants, fish and wildlife, and all submerged lands seaward of the shoreline, as well as lands subject to flooding and soil erosion. The State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) administers these districts and uses are governed by rules put into effect by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Also focused were the procedures for District Boundary Amendments, quasi-judicial proceedings, decision-making criteria, fifteen-acre rule, affordable housing projects and special use permit procedures.
Comments followed: 1) Rural districts don’t apply in the County of Oahu. 2) Thoughts that agricultural land is being used for agricultural purposes only. 3) Concern regarding the inclusion of using ag lands for golf courses and golf-related activities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2005, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.
2. Jack Johnson, local surfer, musician and environmentalist is on tour in Japan.
ADJOURNMENT: Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Submitted by
Marie Richardson
Neighborhood Assistant
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