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NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY MARCH 27, 2007

JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Pahinui opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was not present at this time.   

MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Jeff Alameida, Kathleen Pahinui, Alfredo Antonio, Oliver Lunasco, Jake Ng, Carol Philips, Warren Scoville, Bob Leinau, Blake McElheny, Doug Cole.

MEMBERS’ ABSENT: John Hirota, Jimmy Awai, Dan Gora, Michael Lyons, Antya Miller.

GUESTS: Keith Kurahashi (Kusao & Kurahashi, Inc.), Galen Yoshimoto (Governor’s Representative), Virginia Abstram MD (Kahuku Community Hospital), Jonathan L. Scheuer (Office of Hawaiian Affairs), Bob Agres (HACBED), Gilbert Estores, Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Arlene Kawahakui, Kalani Fronda (Kamehameha Schools / Bishop Estates), Nancy John, Ron Nishihara and Mark Takemoto (Castle & Cooke), Judy Fomin (Representative Magaoay’s Office staff), Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Representative), Gil Riviere, David Bramlett, Katie O’Neil, Pam Mills-Packo, Carolyn Unser, Knsyan Mamiit (University of Hawaii), Lopaka Brown, Sheryl Bieler, Thomas Shirai, K.B. Van Der Leeden (HESD/OSD), Nina Puhipau, Mary Brewer, Lt. Douglas Beerman and Officer Wendy Atabay (Honolulu Police Department), Capt. John Bredin (Honolulu Fire Department), Capt. Jonathan Ewing (U.S. Army 25^th Infantry Division), and  Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). 

APPROVAL OF February 27, 2007 MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MINUTES:  Vice Chair Pahinui deferred the February 27, Regular Meeting Minutes to April. The minutes were lengthy and needed more time to review.

TREASURER’S REPORT – deferred until later in the meeting.

REPORTS FROM HONOLULU POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Doug Beerman:  

• Reported the crime stats for February included: 7 burglaries, 39 UEMVs, 25 thefts and 8 auto thefts. 
• Introduced the Community Policing Officer, Wendy Atabay; please contact her at 621-8442 of the Wahiawa Police Station, should you have any questions.  

Ng thanked HPD for the speed monitor on Kamehameha Highway. Lt. Beerman acknowledged Ng’s request for a speed monitor on Waialua Beach Road.     

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain John Bredin, Waialua Fire Station, reported on:

• 2 structure, 2 brush, 2 rubbish, 5 vehicle fires, 33 medical calls and 4 search and rescues.
• The Fire Safety Tip: Brush fire season is nearing and residents should clear any tall grass or debris near your homes to prevent the chance of fires.

McElheny. Leinau and Antonio arrived; a quorum was now present with 10 members.

U.S. ARMY 25^TH INFANTRY DIVISION (ID) – Capt. Jonathan Ewing, of the Second Battalion, reported that deployed in the Middle East of nearly 7,000 troops from the 25^th Infantry Division in Northern Iraq; and soldiers are still scheduled for return date of July or August of this year. A resident opposed the use of uranium bullets and wondered if these are the same found on the local beaches.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Vice Chair Pahinui reminded speakers to keep within the 3-minute time limit.

1. Nancy John of Waialua Library asked Board support for the placement of a crosswalk across Goodale Avenue. She showed an artist rendering of the street which is greatly needed for safety reasons. 

            Ng moved and Philips seconded to add to the agenda the recommendation to write a letter to the             Transportation officials to place a crosswalk fronting the Waialua Library across Goodale   Avenue to the Waialua Bandstand. Vice Chair Pahinui noted the item to be placed under NEW BUSINESS (Letter on Goodale Crosswalk).

2. Kalani Fronda, of Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate, announced a second community meeting Saturday, March 31, 2007, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Pikake Pavilion, Waimea Valley. The meeting will give a status update of the planning process, the findings of a survey transmitted, and the feedback and input from Waialua High School students, and how these are folded into potential uses of North Shore lands. Copies of the update will be available by emailing your information to: nsplan@ksbe.edu or visiting www.ksbe.edu/nsplan for information.

3. Virginia Abstram, Doctor at Kahuku Hospital and Vice President of the Medical Executive staff, will be all community/Board meetings to keep the North Shore community informed. The Hospital was fortunate to have the State step in and help to garner a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, instead of a Chapter 7. A Chapter 11 allows the hospital to keep its license while still going through the process of bankruptcy. Kahuku Hospital has Legislation (HB1260, passed recently) to provide $950,000 in emergency funds to keep its doors open until June. .

4. Thomas Shirai reported that the Governor’s appointment of Barry Fukunaga, Director, Department of Transportation, passed out of committee and go before the full senate for confirmation. If approved, his term would end December 6, 2010. He is also requesting for a later meeting, support of HB 73, requesting the Secretary of Interior to allow and approve erection of a memorial plaque at Kalaupapa, Molokai. This would be in honor of individuals forcibly relocated to Kalaupapa from 1866-1969. Approximately 75 of those residents were from Waialua and need to be acknowledged.

5. Bob Agres gave a briefing about the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan – to be developed by the end of this year. A survey will be coming out at the end of the month and a community meeting at Sunset Beach Elementary School on Saturday, April 28, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Although the plan is moving along, the North Shore community has not had much input and is being encouraged to participate because of the issues regarding future development. Everyone is encouraged to complete the survey.  

      Stew Ring mentioned at February’s meeting that the Mokuleia Community Association, decided to send      three letters to various agencies to: a) prohibit ATV/four wheeled vehicles on the      Mokuleia/Waialua          beaches; b) requesting the State Department of Health to investigate Mokuleia Beach, and including          Army Beach for health and safety reasons of animal droppings and feces found covering a large portion        of the park; and c) the installation of signage prohibiting night time parking at Mokuleia Beach Park, in        light of the fact that the beach park is closed to the public.

6. Pam Mills-Packo reported interviews for the Kaiaka Bay Watershed Project starts this week. Legislation by Senator Akaka regarding about flooding has been lost. Funds from the City & County that would assist UH’s study on streams and streambeds of the North Shore are greatly needed. Mills-Packo asked Ng to follow up on this issue; he questioned Mayor’s representative, Remec, about the funding; she stated a meeting with Director Higa of Facility Maintenance, did not have more information to report.

7. Philips reported that HB1901, HD1, regarding classification of agricultural lands, that much of the land on the North Shore is classified agricultural and will very much affect what happens in the community.

8. Ng reported complaints from the Waialua community regarding the Wahiawa dam and reservoir; and requested this matter be added to a future agenda for status updates by the state and city officials. Also that information is given on the potential impact to surrounding areas should there be a breech.

9. Pahinui announced the Waialua Community Association will be having a graffiti paint out on Saturday, May 12. More information will be given out shortly. Call Pahinui at 539-3495 to get the details. School kids will be participating in this project; the community is encouraged to participate as well.

The agenda went back to the Treasurer’s Report. 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  In the absence of Gora, Ng reported the Operating/Publicity accounts reflected a current expense of $275.34, leaving a balance to-date of $2,240.94. The Refreshment account reflected no expenditure, leaving the balance at $120.00. Leinau moved, Philips seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report of February 2007, subject to audit. Hearing no objections, the motion carried.

The agenda resumed order.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Gil Riviere reported:  

• The State Department of Transportation (SDOT) declined to sponsor the work program for the Laniakea realignment/bypass. And with the recent change of the Director of State DOT, Riviere recommended that the Board consider sending a letter to the newly appointed SDOT Director, Barry Fukunaga, supporting that this project be picked up as a work plan project.
• A recent traffic and transportation meeting talked about supporting the pending plans for continuing the bike lane on Haleiwa Road. The discussion went on the basis of Bike Plan Hawaii. Several segments were listed and the consensus of the committee passed a motion recommending that the NSNB support Plan Project 55, connecting the Keala O Pupukea bike path to Haleiwa as the next priority after completion of the Haleiwa Road bikeway project.  
• The Transportation Committee will now be meeting every other month, on odd numbered months. The next meeting is May 9, 7 p.m., at Waialua Community Association.
• House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 195 will be heard tomorrow at 9:30 a.m., at the Mayor’s Conference Room. HCR 195 - would convene a public hearing on the traffic impacts of the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. Representative Magaoay was thanked for introducing HCR 195 and another that would address the labor impacts.
• The Oahu Transportation Planning Process is having a special meeting on Wednesday, April 4, at 3:30 p.m., in the Mayor’s Conference Room; and will be asking for public input.

Leinau moved to add the Transportation Committee’s request to the agenda, a letter be sent to the new Director Barry Fukunaga, Department of Transportation, to pickup the Work Plan for the Realignment of Laniakea; Scoville seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 10-0-0.

Leinau moved to add the Transportation Committee’s recommendation to the agenda, to endorse Plan Project 55, connecting the Keala O Pupukea bike path from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach; Alameida seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 10-0-0. Both requests will be added to the agenda under New Business.

NEW BUSINESS:

Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Presentation on Waimea Valley: Jonathan L. Scheuer, of OHA and Director of Land Management Division, presented a status update on Waimea Valley. After the closing on June 29, 2006, immediate negotiations began for a long-term lease with the National Audubon Society. When the City stopped providing monies, OHA funded $500,000 in a three-year grant to help continue operating the program. As they got into the lease negotiations, some progress was made but in the fall of 2006, Audubon expressed concerns that the project is not working for them, and asked to move into a transitional lease. After looking closely at the valley, Audubon had about four-years of deferred maintenance on their watch and many more years before that of deferred maintenance. At this point, Audubon was operating at a loss of a half million dollars a year, which OHA offered to cover for five years. But when OHA thought the progress was being made, Audubon on January 17, 2007, informed OHA again, that the project was not working out.

OHA had four major goals not tasked with by the Board of Trustees. That included: 1) health and safety issues; 2) trying to understand Audubon’s current business operations; 3) trying to develop an analysis of alternatives; and 4) doing some master planning efforts. Possibilities of alternatives included: a) OHA taking over and running the Valley as a division; b) OHA creating a special purpose organization to continue the programs; c) do a local / international search for another entity with cultural, operational and botanical expertise; or d) if the possibility was that OHA could not find anyone to do all those things that they find a specialists in any mix of cultural, commercial business operations and/or botanical possibilities.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Lopaka Brown talked about that his relationship with the valley is very important. He strongly believes you can not restore the culture unless you restore the reason that the culture exist. Before being evicted from the valley, Brown’s family was the last family to live on the river side of the valley. He never claimed to own that land but instead owns the privacy in a section of that land. As a kid he knew of the caves and discovered things his grandma said could not be told to others in order to keep them protected; and as far as he was concerned, his family were the watch dogs of the caves to keep if from being trespassed and ransacked. His family has been gone from the valley for 22-years, but he still goes back and never lost his spiritual contact with his ancestors. It is part of his culture, their history and hopes that one day to be back in the valley.

2. Lunasco said he was one of the founders of OHA and that the monies from OHA should be used for the betterment of the Hawaiians. He was concerned that Waimea Valley was a losing proposition, concerned of other projects are being brought in, and that OHA is being sidetracked because of the monies already committed and that OHA should never have been the lead with this effort. Scheuer noted that OHA has no intention of losing money, but that the main purpose is the betterment of conditions for native Hawaiians. The trustees made a decision that seeing the Waimea Ahupuaha being subdivided would not be good for Hawaiians and that the place actually loses money. However, they think it is possible in a few years for it to become a community based economic development and somewhat support itself.

      Vice Chair Pahinui, also married to a Hawaiian, noted that the Hawaiian people she met felt this was a         worthy cause and a worthwhile expenditure.         

3. Brown expressed his work with OHA, and that not only his family but other families from the valley need to return to the valley or the valley will fail. And he truly believes if OHA puts the people back in the valley to connect with the culture, it will thrive. He often speaks with his ancestors and they are crying for the family to come home.

4. Ng appreciated having diverse view points and that the value of the valley cannot be judged on purely dollars and cents, but that being born and raised in this area makes you Hawaiian, along with the culture and the many things that Hawaii stands for has to be preserved and protected. And what OHA is doing is not only for Waimea Valley, but for the people of Hawaii.

More comments followed: 1) focusing on opportunities for non-Hawaiians in the community to learn about the Hawaiian culture for a better understanding of the Hawaiian values; that OHA is an essential element in the future; that community members are recognized for the involvement of raising concerns and actively mobilizing support; and to acknowledge that in the face of very challenging conditions the great job of Bob Leinau, other employees and the Audubon Society. 2) For the record, McElheny expressed that community members are appreciative of what the Audubon Society has done, stepping up at a very critical time to preserve the resources to the extent that OHA is now in the position to do an even better job; and that he appreciates that Scheuer continues to update the community. 3) Lunasco expressed not having any objections and did not want to be misunderstood, and reiterated his earlier comment, for the betterment of the Hawaiian people, and not to lose money. Vice Chair Pahinui asked that a regular update by OHA be considered; Scheuer would be happy to talk about that schedule. For any questions calls 594-1946 or email at jonathanls@oha.org or call OHA and ask for Likeke. 

Vice Chair Pahinui briefly announced that the Board would probably not get to Elected Officials tonight and will be adjourning by 9:30 p.m.

Paumalu Tower Presentation by Kusao & Kurahashi Inc. – Keith Kurahashi, planning and zoning consultant for Intelsat Local Service Corporation. Intelsat provides fixed antenna satellite services worldwide to media, network services, telcom and government customer sectors. The Paumalu Earth Station was authorized on October 1, 1965 by the State Land Use Commission the approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP). Intelsat has nine existing antennas operating on the site and is proposing to add two additional antennas. The property is located above Sunset Beach at the former Comsat facility. The proposed two new antennas are located next to their existing building, setback far enough and not visible from Kamehameha Highway. The antennas are 16 meters in size and 50 feet tall. In addition to the SUP, a CUP (Conditional Use Permit) and a height waiver will be required. At present, modifications are being done and SUPs are being sought for all the existing antennas as well as the proposed amendments.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Leinau noted having all these communications collectively in one place is the most favorable scenario; but what is being done as good neighbors for the Girls Scout Camp and are there any community public relations. The question was referred to Gil Estores, present manager for Intelsat, noted that the Girls Scout Camp is allowed to use to the water and have the easement over the road, which Intelsat is trying to update. The former easement lacked liability insurance and Intelsat is trying to remedy the situation.

2. In response to resident Kathy, Estores replied not knowing whether there have been any health studies done. Kurahashi indicated that the amount of radiation given out is slight the further away from the antenna (10-15 feet away) and beyond that it becomes difficult to measure for cell company type antennas and for these larger discs types are directed toward the sky and employees are careful not to be in the direct line.

3. Philips seconded Leinau’s comment that Intelsat is a huge and if they could find ways to benefit the community would be an excellent suggestion and encouraged Intelsat to follow-up.

4. John wondered if the SUP being applied for will be used for future towers and why are others applying for those permits when they’re already there. Kurahashi noted that up until 1999, the City and County determined that the antennas there were accessory to communication buildings that were approved and were permitted uses. State and judicial proceedings in 1999 determined the need for SUP and since Intelsat was coming in to modify the site, DPP asked to update the SUP to reflect all the antennas in place before 1999. The two proposed antennas already SUPs approved sometime ago.

5. Ng asked how many permit approvals are required and what is it you need from the Board to assist in the project. Kurahashi said its always nice to get the support from the Board but that the requirement by the City is that they appear before the Board; and that there are three permit approvals need – an SUP, a CUP and a height waiver.         

The Board recessed at 8:07 p.m.; and reconvened at 8:16 p.m. with eight (8) members present.

Letter on Goodale Crosswalk – Vice Chair Pahinui reiterated Nancy John’s (Friends of Wailua) request to add a crosswalk across Goodale by Waialua Library. Ng moved to support sending a letter to the Department of Transportation Services, to install a crosswalk on Goodale Avenue fronting Waialua Library; Antonio seconded the motion. No discussion followed. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 8-0-0.

Recommendations from the Transportation Committee:

• Leinau moved to request of Acting Director Fukunaga, State Department of Transportation, to pickup the Work Plan of the Laniakea Realignment; McElheny seconded the motion. No discussion followed. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 8-0-0. Riviere will write the letter.

• McElheny moved to send a letter to Acting Director Fukunaga, of the State Department of Transportation endorsing Plan Project 55, connecting the Keala O Pupukea bike path from Sunset Beach to Haleiwa town along Kamehameha Highway; Alameida seconded the motion. A suggestion noted copying all relevant agencies. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 8-0-0.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura distributed the Councilmember’s report and reported:

·         The Sunset Beach Recreation Center is out to bid, and should be awarded by May 2007, and the project is anticipated to begin the later part of summer 2007.

·         The Mokuleia Community Association residents have asked that the feral chickens and loose animals be caught and removed from Mokuleia Beach Park due to health related issues.

·         Projects at Cami’s have been ordered to cease and desist when they failed to file a building permit, and demolished more than was necessary. Initially the project called for a repair and not a rebuild; a condition not allowed under the grandfather clause. The property is zoned residential.

·         All three properties owned by Maui Loa are now in foreclosure and are still looking for a mortgage company to assume the mortgage.

·         Kahuku High/Intermediate has a cultural program that uses the property, which the State has agreed to purchase the portion needed from the developers of approximately two acres.

·         Clifford Lau, of the Department of Design and Construction, is in discussion with contractors regarding the Banzai Rock Skateboard facility; Dreamland is the sub-contractor for PER, INC.

·         A resident’s concern from back in February of the yellow blinking light on Waialua Beach Road is in the wrong location and moving the light to the area prior to the bridge makes better sense.  

·         The Macky Shrimp truck and current landowner operating the commercial businesses are both being fined $350 per day; and as of March 2007, the amount is $36,550. This will applied to the property lien if they are unresponsive; and be turned over the to the City’s Department of Corporation Counsel.               

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Leinau’s comment was that it’s never been clear about was that the negotiating rules that get applied on the front end never gets paid back on the end. Matsuura explained as long as the person is willing to do what the City is asking; and in Maui Loa’s case - to cease and desist, which he denied to do. And at that point is when Corporation Counsel decided to pursue.

2. Ng said a constituent noted a number of near misses on Kaukonahua Road heading toward Wahiawa from Thompson Corner heading toward the first “S” curve; and asked for a blinking light facing the Waialua direction. Matsuura noted previous incidents where the blinking light was taken out a number of times and only the one facing the Wahiawa direction was re-installed; Matsuura will put in a request.

3. Matsuura noted under the current LUO, the maximum fine is $500 per day; and were looking at increasing the fines as high as $3,000.

4.   Ng asked if grading permits were acquired for the land above the “S” curve where grading and berms             are in place; Matsuura will check and get back to the Board. Leinau noted that grading does not prevent        erosion, but planting grass does.    

State Representative Michael Magaoay – Judy Fomin gave the following report: 1) The bill authorizing $950,000 to keep Kahuku Hospital going has been signed by the Governor; the other bill requiring the State to take over the hospital will be heard tomorrow in the Senate. 2) The labor board just ruled on the Kunia Plantation because Del Monte went out two years sooner than the 2008 time line; and they have to keep paying the workers. 3) There is a bill that cleared the House and going through Senate where the State will take over the land under the dam. The Kunia Dam has been inspected twice this year. 4) The Representative’s office have requested in writing information about the extra penny for the container; and why the need for so much money to continue this program.  

Comments followed: 1) Leinau asked why the State would want to claim ownership or be associated if the dam has liabilities. Fomin said the dam has been inspected twice this year and that the State does not that much of a concern, but even if the State did not own the Koloko Dam on Kauai, the State was still held responsible through DLNR. So this way the State can at least take care of it in an appropriate manner. 2) Responding to resident Kathy, Fomin believed those casings were from WWll, found on the west side

There were no other Elected Official reports or updates.  

OLD BUSINESS:

CORRESPONDENCE AND CHAIR’S REPORT:  None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) On Saturday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m., at North Shore Marketplace, a 30-minute feature called “Islands At Risk” with local farmers. Guest speakers will be Walter Ritte, Nancy Redfeather and Jerry Konanui. For more information call 637-1245. 2) The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 27, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at the John Kalili Surf Center.

ADJOURNMENT: Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by,

Marie Richardson, Neighborhood Assistant