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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 23, 2007

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyons opens the meeting at 7:00 p.m.  Chair Lyons request to include in the agenda VIII. Community Concerns.

MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Jeff Alameida, Alfredo Antonio, John Hirota, Oliver Lunasco, Jacob Ng, Jimmy Awai, Michael Lyons, Carol A. Philips, Warren Scoville, Bob Leinau, Blake McElheny, Doug Cole, Antya Miller.

MEMBERS’ ABSENT: Kathleen Pahinui, Dan Gora.

GUESTS: Mike Wilcox (SORT), Gerry Meade, Joni Pennod, Les Vallarano (SORT), Mineko Ziedlhack, Jeannie Martinson (SBCA), David Hara, Dana Ishikawa, Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Representative), Diane Fukumoto, Nancy John, Roy Momotomi, John Packo, Galen Yoshimoto (Dept. of Defense), Linda Fried, CPT Matt Brown (U.S. Army 25 ID), R.A. Beebe, Meryl Andersen, Ron Nishihara (Castle & Cooke), Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Dela Cruz’ office), Sandie A., Michael A., Thomas Shirai, Gil Riviere, Bruce Bellows, Kalani Fronda (KSBE), George Kuo (BWS), Bodo Van Dor Leedon (HESD/OSD), Susie Hawkes, Agnes Leinau, Maxi Moto, Dee Ortiz, Mark Takemoto (Castle & Cooke), Tracy Black, Lt. Doug Beerman (HPD), Sgt. Wally Mau (HPD), Gen. Gary Ishikawa (Govenor’s Representative), Judy Fomin (Rep. Magaoay’s Office),  Peter Young (DLNR), Kirk Hendricks (T-mobile).  Vanessa Matautia (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MINUTES:  The approval was deferred until the next Board meeting because they had not been provided.

TREASURER’S REPORT – John Hirota read the following report: The previous balance for the total operating and publicity account was $2,798.16.  Current expenses totaled $43.24 leaving a remaining balance of $2,754.92.  The refreshment account remains unchanged at $120.00.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Beerman gave the following report:

1. The monthly statistics for the month of January 2007 were as follows: 8 auto theft recoveries, 19 burglaries, 9 graffiti cases, 16 motor vehicle thefts and 62 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles.

2. Lt. Beerman stated that police have given numerous citations and warnings on Haleiwa Road and a speed trailer was posted at Chun’s store in order to deter drivers from speeding in the area.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – no representative was available.

U.S. ARMY 25^TH INFANTRY DIVISION (ID) – Captain Brown gave the following report.

1. Drum Road Update:  Within the first 5 months of the project, two of thirteen miles have been completed.  The problems that have occurred on the project dealt with grading situations that needed further work than anticipated but US Army believed that this work will be continued and be completed on time.

2. The 25^th ID continues with their 12-month deployment in the Iraq and are reported to be doing well.  The Stryker Brigade is continuing to receive vehicles are so far have 160 or 328 total vehicles on island.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. A resident reported that she had seen Stryker vehicles on public roads on numerous occasions and questioned why they would be using public roads.  Captain Brown reported that until projects like the Drum Road are completed that would allow for military vehicles to travel from one military base to another, they must use public roads for the time being.

2. Leinau commented about the work being done on the Drum Road and hoped that although work is being slowed down by problems and the recent inclement weather, the U.S. Army 25^th ID take the necessary precautions.  Leinau cautioned that rushing the project and working through the rainy weather would lead to problems later on.

3. Scoville questioned about the completion date and Brown reported that the 2-year project started in November 2006 and has a completion date of November 2008.

4. Judy Fomin questioned about the grading on Drum Road.  Captain Brown reported that the steep grade needed to be done correctly in order for the trucks to pass safely over these spots in the Roadwork.

5. Miller thanked the U.S. Army for their continued effort in alleviating the traffic problems by keeping the U.S. Army use of public state and county roads free as much as possible.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Gil Riviere gave the following report:

1.        The next Transportation Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday February 15, 2007.  They will meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Waialua community center and will talk about this year’s priorities for the committee as well as update what projects are happening within the area.

2.        Riviere requested that the Board send out a letter to OMPO and several other agencies to request that Bike Paths along Haleiwa Road be included in this year’s projects. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Leinau commented that portions of the Bike Path should have been done months ago and have not come to fruition. 

2. Miller made a request that Keanui Road be also included within the letter to OMPO for Bike Paths.

The Board voted on the request by Transportation Committee Chair to send a letter to OMPO and other agencies to request that Bike Paths along Haleiwa Road and Kealanui Road.  It was passed without objection 13-0-0.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Congressman Mazie Hirono – No representative was available for comment.

Mayor’s Representative – Alenka Remec gave the following report:  The City announced its month long celebration for Chinese New Years in Chinatown.  Events will take place on the first weekend through the final weekend culminating in a Sunset and Rediscover movie in the Park at A’ala Park.  A slate of free public events including lion dances, fireworks, displays and exhibits.  A free 32 page full color guidebooks will be distributed with Year of the Boar ribbons and pins with 10% discounts begin given at participating restaurants and merchants in Chinatown.

City Council Member Donovan Dela Cruz – Kimberly Ribellia gave the following report:

Read report regarding several questions from the Board and the community regarding Bill 87, Resolution 06-374 and other concerns.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Miller questioned the status of the Mauiloa foreclosure and Ribellia reported that she would relay the question to Reed Matsuura for follow up.

2. Philips asked about Resolution 06-366 regarding Su

3. McElheny thanked Chair Dela Cruz’s office for their work in down zoning the Pupukea Area in order for it to be protected from any future development.

4. Leinau requested any information regarding status of a question regarding the transferal of the tide pool at Chun’s reef from the City to the State so it would be included within the MLCD zone.

5. Lyons questioned about the Keala-Pupukea Road bike path.  Ribellia stated that appropriated funds were not enough to cover the nearly double amount in which the contractor stated.  Due to extenuating circumstances the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) tabled the project but the Council Chair’s office has asked DDC to take the project up again for the next year’s budget.

Board of Water Supply – George Kuo gave the following report:

1.       There were two main breaks for the month of January 2007 with no major incidents to report.

2.       Kuo handed out the Board of Water Supply’s annual calendar in which included xeroscaping tips such as fixing leaky water fixtures saving 3 gallons a minute and conversions to a low cap flush toilet and receiving rebates.

Questions, comments and concerns:  Lunasco questioned switching over to low cap flush toilets because he believed they did not do a very good job as he had bought one several years back.  Kuo commented that the newer models seemed to have been modified in order to be more efficient.

Governor’s Representative – Gen. Gary Ishikawa gave the following report:

1.        Gen. Ishikawa reported that Governor Lingle has asked Major Adj. General Lee and himself to stay on during her second term in office.  He thanked the Board and the community for their support and would continue to serve them as best he could.

2.        60 soldiers were deployed out and Gen. Ishikawa commented that they had the pleasure of wishing them safe journey to and from the war in Iraq.

3.        Gen. Ishikawa also distributed the Governor’s plan for the next term in a summary book that included topics relevant to the North Shore community.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Lunasco asked if Gen. Ishikawa had been in contact with Rep. Magaoay’s office regarding the crosswalk on Goodale Avenue and when the study would be completed on the project.  Gen. Ishikawa commented that he had given information regarding having City Department of Transportation Director Mel Kaku address this project since they are responsible for crosswalks.  Judy Fomin commented that the particular area in which the crosswalk is located is a state controlled and stated that a copy of the final study report was heading to the General’s office.  Lunasco also questioned about the recyclables and why those who recycled were only given the HI-5 fee back but not the inherent value of the aluminum, which would be significantly higher.  Gen. Ishikawa requested that he have time in order to research and return back with information at the next Board meeting.

2. Leinau commented that the Governor’s book was nice but also had 28 pictures of her included in the book.

3. Miller commended the Governor for her efforts in providing some sort of tax relief and commented that the tax on prescription medicines should be eliminated as well as the tax on real food.

State Senator Robert Bunda – No representative was available for comment.

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Judy Fomin gave the following report:

1.        Thanked the Board for their continued support and commented that either herself or another staff member would be at the meetings in order to give updates from the Representative’s office.

2.        There are several bills in which the Representative has introduced this legislative session.  A bill requesting assistance in saving the Kahuku Hospital from closure and possibly keeping them from filing for Chapter 7 but Chapter 11, which would allow the hospital to keeps its accreditation.  Another bill is requesting that the Kahuku Hospital be included within the State Health System.  Fomin encouraged many people to testify on either the pros and cons at the State Capitol. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Ng commented on an email that he received from Ed Ebisue from WESPAC regarding Shark Boat Tours and stated that on December 6, 2006, the United States Congress banned Shark feeding in federal waters.  The law was signed into affect by the President on January 12, 2007.

2. Miller thanked the Representative’s office for their help with Kahuku Hospital and questioned about medivac services and its status.  A bill regarding funds to subsidize a program until military personnel return back from the Middle East is going through the legislature.  Captain Brown commented that the Hawaii National Guard has taken on medivac duties in the meantime and several more helicopters will be relocated to Hawaii within the next several months in order to assist in this capacity.

3. Shirai commented that a house bill by Rep. Korematsu requesting $1.69 million for the purchase of a private airplane for Government officials to use would be better used for medivac purposes.

4. Lunasco questioned about the State Department of Health’s program for medivac services and if there were funds available.  Fomin reported that DOH will maintain services but did not have further information on whether it would be provided by a private or public entity.

5. Philips questioned about SB 851 regarding the development of Turtle Bay and Fomin commented that a companion bill would be introduced tomorrow in the House.

6. Ng commented that the Board did not see the letter of Gerry Meade’s resignation and believed that the Board had a right to find out what exactly happened.  Lyons commented that they would speak on this topic regarding Gerry Meade’s seat afterwards since there were several items that Board needed to discuss.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. Gerry Meade clarified that she had resigned from the Chair and not from the Board.  Cole commented that he was under the impression that he was filling a vacancy rather than a contested seat and commented that he would not be running again in the next Board election. 

2. Rex Dubiel commented on the Bike Path at Sunset Beach and that several weeks ago she had received a phone call stating that the project had been canceled.  The problem lay with the initial funds provided for the construction was stated at $145,000 but erosion problems alone were estimated at $150,000 where Mel Kaku cancel the project.  She requested that the Board request DTS to reinstate the project including additional funds for erosion costs.

A motion by Cole to request City Department of Transportation to reinstate the project for the construction of the Sunset Beach bike path, including funding for erosion was seconded by Miller.  The Board voted unanimously 13-0-0.

3. Merle Andersen commented that many people should begin to look at Senior Retirement Homes and believed a retirement home similar to the Arcadia and Craigside retirement homes in town should be made available on the North Shore.  She commented that as a life long resident of the North Shore, she did not want to have to move away from her home.

4. Janice Mills Packo reported that an Environmental Workshop II would be held tomorrow Wednesday January 24, 2007 from 2:45-5:15 p.m.  All interested parties should meet at the WCA across from the Haleiwa Post Office or call 232-5580 for more details.  Mills-Packo also commented that they had a new staff member Carolyn Unser.

5. Kalani Fronda from Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estates had two updates for the North Shore NB.  A survey regarding the planning for KSBE North Shore is being updated and requested the community’s input at several planning meetings scheduled.  The plan could be found online at www.ksbe.edu/nsplan.  Miller questioned what exactly was the development plan going to be used for and Fronda commented that a master land use plan would be put together and KSBE was acquiring data.  Hard copies of the plan would be available for WCA and Chun’s Store.  The second update was in regards to the DTS cancellation of the transit center project.  KSBE is requesting that they redo the project and more information will be provided at a later date.  Ng questioned if the meetings were open to the public and Fronda stated that they were for the benefit of the community.

6. Thomas Shirai commented that OHA had appointed him to serve on the Native Hawaiian Historical Council in an at large seat.

7. Genie Martinson reported that there would be a Coast Land Use Policy Workshop being held at Sunset Beach Elementary School Café on Thursday, January 25 from 6-9 p.m.  Topics for the workshop included research and information, coastal land use, planning (hazard mitigation, setbacks), State Policies, with a question and discussion period as well.  Space is open and free with no need to RSVP.

8. Nancy John requested for volunteers to help on Laniakea Beach for turtle watch.  Many people have questioned if the sea turtles they help to protect are off the endangered list and John reported that the sea turtle population is still at very low levels.

9. Richard Boyle commented on the Street next to Junko mission and the parking on the street.  Boyle complained that people “use the facilities” everywhere and warns that the small lane will be become a thoroughfare after the completion of construction on the street.  Lyons commented that the representative from Castle and Cooke who owns the street was at the meeting and requested that they speak regarding the matter.

10.  Les Vallarano from Save Our Race Track (SORT) submitted a letter to the Board requesting support from the Board to approve a resolution and state legislation into helping save the Race Track.  Leinau commented that this item should be put on a future agenda for further discussion.

A motion to include an action for Board support of SORT on a future agenda was made by Philips and seconded by Ng.  The Board voted unanimously 13-0-0.

OLD BUSINESS

Board action on Commercial Activities/Pole Fishing @ 3 Tables Beach.  Peter Young, DLNR & David Hara, Resident.

A motion for the North Shore Neighborhood Board #27 to request DLNR to support Akule Fishing during season and to ban all commercial activities within the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District was made by Lunasco and seconded by Antonio.  The Board voted 9(yea) 1(nay) and 3(abstained).  The motioned passed.

Board action on T-Mobile Tower in Pupukea Sub district.  Kirk Hendricks, T- Mobile & Tracy Black, resident: Chair Lyons requested that Kirk Hendricks, from T-Mobile give an update regarding recent events and explained that everyone will get a chance to speak regarding this matter but requested that behavior should be civil.

A motion by Leinau to support the Sunset Beach Association and deny support to T-Mobile and the proposed Telecommunications tower in the Pupukea neighborhood was seconded by Cole.  The Board voted 7(yea) 4(nay) 2(abstained).  The motion did not pass as it did not acquire Board quorum of 8.

CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR’S REPORT

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Lyons with no objections, adjourns the Board meeting at 9:24 p.m.