KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2005

HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Don Hurlbut, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Zenobia Iese (excused).

GUESTS: Patrick Kubota (Mayor’s representative), Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office), James Nakatani (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Representative Colleen Meyer, Captain Ron Johnson (Honolulu Fire Department), Lt. Gilbert Brown and Sgt. John Lambert (Honolulu Police Department), Gail Haraguchi (Department of Enterprise Services), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Lea Albert (DOE/Windward District Office), Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association), D. Herron and S. Tiueti (Punalu’u Community Association), Jeff Overton (Group 70), Fred Mencher and Rick Spencer (HME), Shannon Wood (Windward Ahupua’a Alliance), Rose Churma (Design Lab), Patrick Onishi (architect), Peter Hanohano (Keala Pono Indigenous College), Aaron Hammer, Adeline Keama, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 3 (Hau’ula) – 1 Seat – Deferred.

APPROVAL OF MARCH 10, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Elkington moved and Hurlbut seconded to approve the minutes with the following correction:

Page 5, under Public Input, fifth line, delete “Creighton and Kathy Mattoon” and insert “The Punalu’u Community Association”.

The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Steward read the Financial Statement for March 2005. The Operating Account expenses were $66.13, leaving a balance of $1,007.35. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $1,081.00. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ron Johnson reported: 1) The statistics for the month of March were: Ka’a’awa – 1 fire, 10 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescue, and 2 miscellaneous; Hau’ula – 4 fires and 20 medical emergencies; Kahuku – 3 fires, 6 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues, and 3 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “When cooking, roll up your sleeves. Long sleeves are a hazard, as they may get caught on a pot handle or brush against a flame.” 3) General Safety Tip: “Residents may call the City’s Hazardous Waste Hotline at 692-5411 or log onto their website at www.opala.org for more information on proper recycling and waste disposal.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Gilbert Brown reported 1) The statistics for the month of March were: Ka’a’awa – 2 other property thefts, 2 thefts from auto, and 2 auto/motorcycle thefts; Punalu’u – 2 burglary 1 and 1 other property theft; Hau’ula – 4 burglary I, 5 other property thefts, and 2 thefts from auto; La’ie – 8 burglary I, 7 other property thefts, 6 thefts from auto, and 1 auto/motorcycle theft; Kahuku – 2 burglary I, 11 other property thefts, 2 thefts from auto, and 4 auto/motorcycle thefts. 2) The Windward Uniform Crime Reporting Index Offenses (from Makapu’u Point to Waialee Stream) for March (February’s statistics are in parenthesis) were: 0 (0) murder/manslaughter; 12 (3) sex assault; 1 (2) robberies; 8 (9) aggravated assaults; 60 (54) burglaries; 155 (140) thefts; 122 (81) UEMV; 33 (30) auto

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thefts and 391 (319) total cases. 3) NARCO Vice statistics for February – search warrants were executed in Kailua and Waimanalo. They activated three complaints in this area. For March, they made two buys in this area and there was one complaint in this area. If you suspect drug dealing in your neighborhood, call NARCO Vice at 529-3331. 4) He introduced Sgt. John Lambert.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Macy asked why the increase of sexual assaults (from 3 in February to 12 in March). Lt. Brown answered the incidents involved acquaintances, none involved stranger on stranger and pointed out that the area covered was Makapu’u Light House through our district.

2)       Elkington inquired if police captured the individual who was responsible for the eight burglaries in La’ie. He was concerned that La’ie had more burglaries than the other communities in Ko’olauloa. Lt. Brown stated that a lot of the burglaries occurred in the BYU-Hawai’i dorms. Sgt. Lambert said an individual just released from prison caused the spike in burglaries and thefts. That was person was caught and arrested.

3)       Kaluhiokalani asked about the bomb scare at Kahuku High School. Lt. Brown said police had students evacuate the school and officers searched for suspicious packages.

4)       A resident questioned if the police knew where the criminals were residing why did they wait until the nationwide sweep to arrest those individuals. Lt. Brown mentioned that officers actively look for people with warrants. Hurlbut said the FBI ran the operation. If you have any questions, call the FBI.

5)       A resident said the community is frustrated with the drug activity in the neighborhood. Lt. Brown stated to call the Nuisance Abatement Unit.

(Soh arrived at 7:13 p.m.)

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota circulated the “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s newsletter. In addition, he stated: 1) The Mayor sends his greetings. 2) The Honolulu News will be a monthly newsletter. 3) Included in his report are follow-up items from last month’s meeting.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Letts commended Kubota for the new format of the Neighborhood Board Report. She also thanked him for bringing a copy of the Community Concerns Form.

2)       In response to Mattoon, Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues stated that ballots for the Neighborhood Board elections were only mailed out to those areas with a contested race.

Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani circulated Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter and highlighted the following: 1) The Ko’olauloa Health and Wellness Center received a $650,000 grant. 2) April Alvarez, a Kahuku High School senior, was named one of the winners in the O’ahu semifinals of Congressman Case’s congressional art contest. The first-place winner of next month’s finals on May 14 in Kapolei Hale will have their artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. 3) If anyone is ever in Washington, D.C., give their office a call and they will arrange a tour of the Capitol.

Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Grant Kawaguchi circulated Council Chair Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Council Chair Dela Cruz will be present later in the meeting. 2) A RISR (request for investigation and service report) was submitted for another trash can for the La’ie Corporation Yard. People were dumping household trash and car parts in the trash can. If you witness any illegal dumping, call 293-9420. 3) Approximately $250,000 was appropriated for improvements to Hau’ula Beach Park. They will work with the Mayor 4) The Hau’ula Community Association requested lowering the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph on various streets in Hau’ula. The also asked for speed humps, sidewalks, etc. 5) Council Chair Dela Cruz wants everyone to

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participate in the Council process. To receive City Council agendas, public hearing notices, and ordinance via email, visit www.honolulu.gov or call 523-4480. 6) The public can now access all Council bills, resolutions, ordinances, etc. through docushare at www4.Honolulu.gov/docushare.

(Steward arrived at 7:26 p.m.)

Governor’s Representative – Chair Letts mentioned that Ben Henderson sends his regrets. Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated the “Governor’s Update.

Representative Colleen Meyer – Representative Colleen Meyer was not available at this time but arrived later in the meeting to make a report.

Representative Michael Magaoay – Representative Magaoay’s monthly report was circulated.

Senator Clayton Hee – Senator Hee’s monthly report was submitted via the Neighborhood Commission Office.

Department of Education (DOE) – Deferred until later in the meeting.

U.S. Army – No report or representative was available.

U.S. Marines Corps – No report or representative was available.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa reported: 1) There were no main breaks in the Ko’olauloa area for the month of March. 2) The latest water use report ending April 6 shows 136 million gallons per day (mgd), down from the previous week and well below the five year average. 3) In it’s efforts to maintain quality assurance, BWS has recently begun training its meter mechanics to operate its brand new, state of the art meter testing equipment. 4) You should change the flapper on your toilet every two years. A leaky flapper can waste 60 gallons of water a day.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan – Jeff Overton, Group 70, stated they have been meeting with various community groups. Next week, they will meet with the Kahuku Community Association. They are receiving a lot of important input regarding watershed values. Flooding is a concern. They are half way into the plan and are hoping to progress through this process by the end of the year. A working group with the Neighborhood Board is being proposed. It will meet one hour before the Board meeting (the first meeting will be held on May 12, Hau’ula Civic Center, 6:00 p.m.) If anyone has any questions or concerns, he can be reached at 523-5866.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Macy noted that Ko’olauloa exports a lot of water. Usagawa said Ko’olauloa exports eight million gallons per day. Overton stated that the water is used for Kaneohe, Kailua and Waimanalo. There will be no increase in the amount of water transferred in the future. Usagawa added that two years ago BWS Chief Engineer and Manager Cliff Jamile said before this Board that Windward water will remain in Windward.

2)       Elkington asked if there are any treatment plants in Ko’olauloa. Overton answered La’ie and Kahuku has treatment plants. Elkington inquired if fluoride is used in the drinking water. Usagawa stated the military does, but not BWS.

3)       In response to Kaluhiokalani, Overton stated they haven’t specified the location of the wells on the map. Usagawa said the Ka’a’awa Shaft hasn’t been in operation for several decades. The wells are spread out throughout the coast.

4)       Chair Letts said everyone is invited to attend the working group meeting. If anyone is interested, please see her after the meeting.

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No Parking Sign Request for Kamehameha Highway in La’ie – Hurlbut said he forwarded the “No Parking” request to the State Department of Transportation (DOT).

Hau’ula Mission Baptist Church – Minor Conditional Use Permit for a Meeting Facility – Chair Letts stated this item will remain on the agenda.

Makana: Chapman Family’s Country Home – 55-220 Kamehameha Highway, La’ie – Rose Churma stated in addition to the existing caretaker’s cottage with a detached garage, the owners propose to build five new structures: 1) A free-standing two-garage with laundry, bathroom and sleeping unit; 2) Three cottages consisting of a sleeping quarters, a sitting area with bar kitchen, and bathroom; 3) An “accessory building” or recreation building with a full kitchen but no bathrooms. The project will be comprised of five residential units and an accessory use structure. The 5.9-acre property is located mauka of Kamehameha Highway, opposite Pounders Beach Park.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Letts asked if a presentation was made to the La’ie Community Association (LCA). Churma said they met with LCA on March 24. Elkington and Steward said they haven’t spoken with the LCA. Chair Letts asked Churma to provide support from LCA in writing.

2)       Chair Letts inquired if a variance is needed. Churma stated the project requires a Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit and a Residential Country Cluster Permit.

3)       Chair Letts asked if conditions would be considered by the owner. Churma said yes. She said the property would not be used for commercial use. Patrick Onishi, architect, stated the SMA permit requires that this project comes before the Board again. They are here for the Environment Assessment (EA), disseminate information, and get feedback.

4)       Onishi stated the owners will be moving back in July. He introduced Aaron Hammer, the caretaker who has been living on the property for the past three years.

5)       Churma said there is no water main so they will be allowed to build a well.

6)       Ralph Makaiau mentioned a previous presentation made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He’s not sure if results from their study are completed yet. Makaiau questioned how soon La’ie could solve their flooding problems. Churma said they are in discussions and are aware of it.

7)       In response to a neighbor’s concern that there be no intrusive outdoor lighting on the property, Onishi stated that the tennis courts would not be lighted. It’s a family recreation residence.

8)       A resident had concerns regarding a band playing loud music at the site. Churma said she doesn’t think the band will be there again. Chair Letts said there is a noise ordinance, so the next time it happens the neighbors should call police.

9)       A resident, who lives across fropm the project, said his major concern is flooding is exacerbated by the non-trimming of hau trees on the property. It’s an ongoing problem. Onishi stated they want to be good neighbors. When asked if they would trim the trees they noted that they would look into it. The owner will be here next month. Chair Letts said the Board was looking forward to working with the family.

City Council Resolutions 05-060 and 05-061: Adopting Revisions to the Public Infrastructure Map for the Ko’olauloa Sustainable Communities Plan Area – Chair Letts noted that this item was discussed at last month’s meeting. Hurlbut moved and Elkington seconded that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 support City Council Resolutions 05-060 and 05-061 and send a letter to the Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting. The motion carried unanimously.

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(Kahana arrived at this time)

NEW BUSINESS:

Hau’ula Elementary School – Planning for Restructuring Phase – Lea Albert, Windward District Superintendent, stated the No Child Left Behind is a 200-plus-page document. It’s a bi-partisan law created by Republicans and Democrats. Hau’ula, Wai’ahole and Kahalu’u Elementary Schools have not made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Teachers at Hau’ula Elementary have done a tremendous job and students have made significant progress in reading. They need continued support in math. You must do well in all cells. There are 37 cells and you need AYP in every cell. If these schools don’t improve, she will become principal of these schools. She has control and authority over all the budgets, assessments, etc. A lot of people are coming out of the woodwork to help all three schools. NCLB requires very rigorous standards.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Elkington mentioned that his daughter teaches Special Education at Wai’ahole Elementary. He asked what can the community do so that the teachers get support. Albert answered it’s very important to be very well informed of the schools and to support the teachers, including her. She doesn’t think the teachers failed. It’s not the question that the teachers failed. Education is much more complex; parents need to get more involved. On Tuesday, she went to Wai’ahole and asked the teachers to stay (she did the same with Kahalu’u and Hau’ula). The teachers can’t use any social condition as an excuse. We are committed to high standards.

2)       In response to Kaluhiokalani, Albert stated a lot of states have fired their principals and let go the teachers. Hawai’i will not do it that way. She wants the teachers in the three schools to be prepared.

3)       Steward said we need to celebrate the small things. Albert stated she is looking at how to reward teachers individually. La’ie Elementary has done it. When they made AYP, they had a party. She thanked the Castle Foundation, KSBE, Au Lu Like, and Key Project for their support.

4)       In response to Macy, Albert stated it’s only going to get more difficult. We need to raise the bar every three years. Last year, 52% of students were proficient in math and reading. Of the 64 high schools in Hawai’i, 62 need improvement. Kahuku High School raised their test scores 10%. The federal government wants every student, by 2014, in the United States to be able to read at his/her grade level.

5)       A resident said the biggest problem with Hau’ula Elementary is retaining teachers. We need housing for our teachers. Albert stated they did have housing when she was teaching. She would like to see housing for a variety of reasons. Half of the teachers in Ko’olauloa live in Ko’olauloa. Teachers from the mainland usually leave.

6)       Albert stated that Hau’ula Elementary was six cells short. They were short in math. Algebra is given to kindergarteners.

7)       Chair Letts asked Albert to keep the Board informed. Albert noted that there is supposed to be a principal in attendance at every Board meeting.

The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.

GOVERNEMENT REPORTS, Continued:

Representative Colleen Meyer – Representative Meyer circulated her monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) She apologized for being late. 2) The 2005 Legislative session is two-thirds completed. 3) She’s concerned about the legislation to authorize an increase of 1% (from 4% to 5%) in the General Excise Tax. It would cost the average family of four approximately $900 more per year. 4) Her office continues to take calls from frustrated

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Windward residents regarding the bottle bill. She would like to see the bill amended to transfer the funds raised by the bottle bill to the counties, to fund more convenient and comprehensive curbside recycling.

The agenda resumed regular order.

PUBLIC INPUT:

Community Information – Adeline Keama asked how other communities on the Board get their information out to their communities. Chair Letts said Ka’a’awa has a website and a bulletin board at the post office. She suggested contacting Mike Foley of the Kaleo. Kaluhiokalani mentioned La’ie has a newspaper. Hurlbut stated Kahuku does it through word of mouth.

Derelict Vehicles – Shannon Wood noted that as she was driving to tonight’s meeting she counted 16 derelict vehicles. Chair Letts stated former Mayor’s representative Gerry Silva used to take care of abandoned vehicles. Kawaguchi, Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office, said you can call their office. Hurlbut mentioned to call Sandy of Abandoned Vehicle Section.

Community Sign – Kaluhiokalani asked who maintains each community sign. Chair Letts answered the community associations.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Health/Human Services – Soh said: 1) The Ko’olauloa Health and Wellness Center received a grant effective December. 2) The Health and Wellness Fair will be held on May 6-7. 3) The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Ko’olauloa will be held on April 29, 5:00 p.m.  

Housing – Elkington stated BYU-Hawai’i is building six duplexes, near La’ie Elementary. The new facilities will be replacing five houses. It’s expected to be completed by December. The University is working closely with La’ie Elementary so that construction is not done during testing. They donated money and manpower to install air-condition (AC) at the elementary school to solve the dust problem. Kaluhiokalani noted that teachers at La’ie Elementary have been asked not to plug in the AC’s as the electrical system can not handle.

Planning & Land Use – Mattoon said: 1) He will review materials on the proposed South Punalu’u Bridge. A public hearing will be held on June 10. 2) No plan has been received for Craig Chapman regarding his proposal for Malaekahana.

Public Information – Chair Letts announced the State 4-H Farm Fair will be held on June 24-26, at Kualoa Ranch. For more information, call 479-6991.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku – Soh stated: 1) Ko’olauloa farmers have organized. 2) A youth in the community earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Punalu’u – Mattoon said the abandoned house in Punalu’u has finally been demolished.

Ka’a’awa – Letts stated: 1) The Ka’a’awa Community Association held a meeting last night on the watershed plan. 2) Ka’a’awa Centennial Celebration will be held on Lei Day, during the day. They are trying to collect old photographs, especially of the old Barney store.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues, Neighborhood Assistant