| You are here: Main / Neighborhood Commission Office / nb28 / 05 / Koolauloa Neighborhood Board |
|
KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. A quorum was present. Chair Letts apologized for not informing Hurlbut, Chair of the Transportation Committee, that he was supposed to follow-up on a “No Parking” request on the makai-side of Kamehameha Highway in La’ie (from 55-641 to the entrance of Hukilau Beach parking lot). She also noted that the Board has a full agenda and reminded everyone that they need to be first recognized by the Chair before speaking. Each speaker is limited to three minutes. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Don Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward. MEMBERS ABSENT: Norman Kaluhiokalani (excused), Moana Kalua’u. GUESTS: Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), James Nakatani (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Jason Barrett (Representative Colleen Meyer’s office), Captain Ron Johnson (Honolulu Fire Department), Lt. Gilbert Brown and Sgt. Milton Yamada (Honolulu Police Department), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Donna Lindsey (DOE), Dan Quinn, Jim Springer and Lauren Tanaka (DLNR – State Parks), Capt. Chris Martin and Capt. Bill Veuable (U.S. Army), Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association), Jeff Overton (Group 70), Fred Mencher (HME), Ernest Golden (LPCA), Gerry Meade and Molly Maxwell-Stribling (Ko’olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center), Nuu Lolotai (Hau’ula Community Health Center), George Cox, Elaine Hornal and Daniel Kerwin (Local 5), Fred Matele (Hawai’i State Rugby), Dawn and Harry Wasson (Ho’ola I Ka Honua Pule Moku), Joseph Ahuna, Gladys Pualoa-Ahuna and Craig Chapman (Malaekahana State Park), Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). (Kahana arrived at 7:04 p.m.) APPROVAL OF JANUARY 13, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The Board approved the minutes as submitted. (Iese arrived at 7:05 p.m.) TREASURER'S REPORT – Steward read the Financial Statement for January 2005. The Operating Account expenses were $57.05, leaving a balance of $1,133.32. 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. (Soh arrived at 7:06 p.m.) GOVERNMENT REPORTS: Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ron Johnson reported: 1) The statistics for the month of January were: Ka’a’awa – 1 fire, 11 medical emergencies, and 4 miscellaneous calls; Hau’ula – 8 fires, 23 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue, and 4 miscellaneous calls; Kahuku – 2 fires, 11 medical emergencies, and 4 miscellaneous calls. There was one major incident – a surf rescue that involved eight companies. 2) Fire Safety Tip of the Month: “Every home should have a smoke detector installed in each bedroom and on every level. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be located in or near living areas, such as family rooms, living rooms, or dens. As cooking vapors and steam may set off a smoke detector, locate the detector away from the kitchen or bathroom. Position wall-mounted detectors 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents. Detectors should be tested once a month to ensure that they are operational and cleaned regularly, according to the manufacture’s instructions.” KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 PAGE 2 Steward inquired about the recent fire at the post office. Captain Johnson stated they received the alarm at 11:30 p.m. about a mailbox-drop fire. An employee of the post office, who lives nearby, opened the door so they didn’t have to break down the front door. The fire was suspicious and they suspect arson. Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Gilbert Brown reported 1) The statistics for the month of January were: Ka’a’awa – 1 burglary I, 1 other property theft, and 3 thefts from auto; Punalu’u – 4 other property thefts and 1 theft from auto; Hau’ula – 2 burglary I, 2 other property thefts, 2 thefts from auto, and 1 auto/motorcycle theft; La’ie – 3 burglary I, 7 other property thefts and 7 thefts from auto; Kahuku – 11 other property thefts, 7 thefts from auto, and 1 auto/motorcycle theft. 2) The Windward Uniform Crime Reporting Index Offenses (from Makapu’u Point to Waialee Stream) for January (December’s statistics are in parenthesis) were: 0 (0) murder/manslaughter; 1 (4) sex assault; 2 (4) robberies; 4 (5) aggravated assaults; 51 (74) burglaries; 153 (144) thefts; 121 (103) UEMV; 34 (30) auto thefts and 366 (364) total cases. 3) He introduced Sgt. Milton Yamada. 4) There are no NARCO statistics available this month. 5) The station has Daily Mission Assignments. The Night Watch has been checking on camping violations and has been issuing citations. There is still the problem of human waste on the beach. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Letts said she noticed that the illegal campers are not camping under the bridge anymore and thanked HPD for their enforcement efforts. 2) Mattoon commended HPD for their quick response. Ten minutes after he called 911 an officer responded to his home. 3) Steward had concerns about the accuracy of the statistics. Lt. Brown will follow-up. 4) Chair Letts asked that drug statistics be presented to the Board at next month’s meeting. Mayor's Representative – Chair Letts said Patrick Kubota, the new Mayor’s representative, sent his regrets. Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani made available Congressman Case’s newsletter. In addition, he stated: 1) He wished everyone Happy Chinese New Year. 2) Congressman Case is holding a series of Talk Story meetings with the community. For this community, it will be held on Saturday, February 19, Hau’ula Elementary School Cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and Kahuku Village Association Community Center from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 3) Congressman Case sits on the Budget Committee, and the Agricultural Committee, which he is a high-ranking member. One of the major issues relating to the budget will be Social Security. Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Grant Kawaguchi circulated Council Chair Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Council Chair Dela Cruz sends his regrets. 2) A site for the relocation of the Hau’ula Fire Station has been selected. It will be adjacent to the Hau’ula Shopping Center. The Department of Design and Construction will be coming to the Board to give an update. 3) Because the Board requested that the Hau’ula Skate Board Park not be scaled back, Council Chair Dela Cruz put in an additional $75,000 in the budget. 4) Status on the Ka’a’awa Beach Park comfort station was discussed and it was noted $750,000 has already been encumbered for this project. 5) He will follow-up on repairs to the Hau’ula Community Center. 6) Improvements will be made to the area near Hau’ula Beach Park because of flooding to TheBus stop. 7) Bill 81, which passed and is now an ordinance, establishes for eligible residential property owners a one-time credit against their property tax liability for installing a septic tank system. 8) Bill 53, relating to leasehold conversion, was signed by the Mayor. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Letts mentioned that two porta-potties for Ka’a’awa Beach Park have been installed per the community’s request. 2) Ralph Makaiau asked the impact of property tax assessments on farmers. Kawaguchi will follow-up. Nakatani, who sits on the Agricultural Task Force, said the property tax rate will be a less this year.
KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 PAGE 3 Governor’s Representative – No report or representative was available. Representative Colleen Meyer – Jason Barrett circulated Representative Meyer’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Meyer sends her regrets. 2) Representative Meyer sits on three committees: Finance; Water, Land and Ocean Resources; and Labor and Public Employment. 3) Hawai’i is one of only six states nationwide that currently allows minors to obtain an abortion on demand, without parental notification or consent. Representative Meyer introduced legislation that would require parental consent, and parental notification for minors and ban partial-birth abortion. 4) The Legislature will be honoring BYU-Hawai’i with a proclamation on February 23, House Chambers, 12:00 noon. BYU-Hawai’i is celebrating its Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary this year. 5) The Kahuku Sugar Mill redemption center is now open (Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). 6) Representative Meyer introduced HB 276, which raises the standard deduction over a three-year period for people filing a joint return. 7) To track bills online, visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov. and click on bills and documents. 8) If anyone has any concerns, contact their office at 586-8540 or email at repmeyer@capitol.hawaii.gov. Steward asked to get a diabetes chair for Kahuku Hospital. He said it’s a quality of life issue. Barrett will follow-up. Representative Michael Magaoay – No report or representative was available. Senator Clayton Hee – No report or representative was available. Department of Education (DOE) – Donna Lindsey, Kahuku Complex School Renewal Specialist, said: 1) When she was here last April she stated that principals of schools in the Ko’olauloa area would be attending the monthly Board meetings on a rotating basis. Since it hasn’t worked out that way, either she or Lea Albert, Windward District Superintendent, will be in attendance. 2) They received a five-year $2.5 million grant (21st Century Learning Community Centers Grant) that has enabled each school site to have an after-school program. Tutors are needed for each site. 3) Because of Act 51, the School Community Based Management (SCBM) Council will be replaced by the School Community Council (SCC). They will be holding nominations for parents and community members in February and elections in March. Please contact the school in your community to get specific dates. 4) State tests will be held in March and April. As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, all schools in the Kahuku Complex have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) except for Hau’ula Elementary and Kahuku High & Intermediate School. Hau’ula Elementary is currently in the Planning for Restructuring phase. U.S. Army – Capt. Chris Martin reported: 1) He introduced Capt. Bill Veuable, who will be his replacement. 2) Approximately 5,200 soldiers were deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom. The troops started redeployment on December 30 and all the troops should return in March. 2) Approximately 5,600 soldiers are deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom. Soldiers will be redeployed from March to June. 3) The 25th ID (L), Tropic Lightning Division continues to move forward with the transformation of the division in accordance with Department of Army directives. 4) The Army will continue to conduct student tours in Makua Military Reservation in 2005 that will give students an opportunity to learn about the valley’s natural and cultural resources. 5) Adopt-a-Platoon is a program coordinated by the Association of the United States Army to assist our deployed soldiers. For more information, contact George Vickers at vickersg001@hawaii.rr.com. 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 January. 2) The latest water use report ending February 2, shows 128 million gallons per day (mgd), which is well below the five years average. BWS encourages consumers to continue to conserve water. 3) Detect-a-Leak Week is scheduled for March 6-12. Toilet tank leak detection tablets are available on the sign-in table. There is an islandwide contest for 75 single-family residences to receive free leak detection assistance. For more information, call 748-5313. 4) Regarding breaks on Kakuna Road, he forward the concern to the field crew and they did a site visit. There is still a leak so he will tell the crew to come back. To report leaks, call 748-5000. KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 PAGE 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ko’olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center – Gerry Meade said they should know soon the status of their grant application. Since the clinic opened in November, they have been very busy and have exceeded their expectations. They have extended their hours and hired more staff. The clinic is looking into more sponsors. She said they prefer not to be on the monthly agenda. If they need be on the agenda, she will contact Warren Soh, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan – Jeff Overton, Group 70, said the purpose of the BWS Watershed Management Plans is to prepare the O’ahu Water Use and Development Plan. It is required by the State Water Code and City and County ordinance. The plan emphasizes community participation and consultation; holistic approach to manage watershed resources; action-oriented watershed management programs; follow ahupua’a management principals; and protection of water source and sustain watershed resources. The plans will start in Ko’olauloa and Wai’anae. It will follow the City Sustainable Communities Plan areas. There are 17 watersheds and 30 ahupua’a in Ko’olauloa. Less than 2% of the population on O’ahu resides in Ko’olauloa. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2008. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Resident Dawn Wasson asked if BWS has done an inventory of water in Ko’olauloa and how much water is going to Ko’olaupoko. She said before there is new development we should know how much water is available. It seems that we are going backwards. She said it’s important that our community understands it. The community should have a say about how much water is taken out of our area and who it’s benefiting. We should keep the water in our community. Usagawa stated this is an opportunity for Ko’olauloa to work with Ko’olaupoko about concerns regarding their water. Wasson was concerned that BWS take a more active role in promoting wise use and decreasing or eliminating Ko’olaupoko’s reliance on water from Ko’olauloa. Mattoon asked if these issues will be addressed. Overton answered yes. 2) A resident asked if BWS is in the business of making money. Usagawa said BWS is a public agency. 3) Kahana said there is a major distrust in the community with anything relating to water and BWS. Concerns from the community include is will their opinions will be heard and why should they bother if the decisions have already been made. Overton said there will be no increase of water taken out of Ko’olauloa. Chair Letts stated a lot of water is already been taking out of this area. Usagawa said they can look at it. 4) Elkington asked if Ko’olauloa has the same water rates as Wai’anae. Usagawa answered in the affirmative. Elkington said it’s an issue that should be addressed. Usagawa stated impact fees would have to be specifically tied to the community. There will be different impact fees by region. Water rates will continue to be same across the island. 5) Kahana said the whole issue of growth will always come up. Usagawa said everything is tied to the Sustainable Plan. NEW BUSINESS: Malaekahana State Park - Department of Land & Natural Resources – State Parks – Dan Quinn of DLNR said the issue is Malaekahana State Park and putting the entire park under a concessionaire. They went through the Request for Proposals (RFP) and RFQ (Request for Qualifications) process to improve and operate the park. DLNR only received one proposal and they are in the middle of working with that operator (Malaekahana Partners LLC). There were questions regarding the proposal. Once they receive the response from the operator, the committee will review the proposal and Craig Chapman agreed to supply the Board with a copy of the proposal. They will need to go back to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) before implementing the proposal.
KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 PAGE 5 Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Letts asked the key elements of the proposal. Quinn said they had a master plan that the State came up with. He displayed a map of the park. The Kahuku end of the park will be used for camping, cabins, thatched hales, comfort stations, etc. One of the major concerns is infrastructure. Jim Springer stated one of the reasons they are here is that Chair Letts sent a letter to the department. The proposal is a work in progress. There are two community members on the RFQ committee (Jeff Tyau and Ralph Makaiau). He said please feel free to contact them. 2) Chair Letts inquired about the daycare. Quinn said the program would be operated by Kamaaina Kids. 3) Chair Letts asked about the cabins. Springer stated they are proposing to increase the capacity to 440 people. Currently, it’s able to accommodate 180 people. Chair Letts inquired about the camping permits. Quinn answered it would not be operated under the State Parks. Fairness is always going to be an issue. Most of the concessionaires policy is first come, first-serve. If the concessionaire does operate at Malaekahana Park, then Parks personnel will be shifted to other areas. 4) In response to Kahana, Springer stated it would be a non-profit organization with a profit partner. 5) Iese mentioned that the building is dilapidated and the services need to be improved especially since they are charging hotel room tax. She personally had to clean the facilities when her family was camping. The cesspool had not been pumped for two months and the lighting is terrible. It’s a safety hazard. There are concerns about the deposits. It needs to be monitored. She asked if there will be a public area for fishing and noted that some fishermen have complained about being denied access. Springer answered yes. Quinn said there is public access to the beach. He said the conditions of the facilities is a valid point. 6) Elkington said if you are going to improve the facilities you will have to give the concessionaire time to accomplish those goals. Springer agreed. Chair Letts asked how long is the lease. Springer said up to 30 years. Malaekahana State Park – Concessionaire - Gladys Pualoa-Ahuna stated fishing has never been denied at Malaekahana State Park. Fishermen are there all the time. Also, they had to turn back two $50,000 grants because they were only on a month-to-month lease. Regarding camping, it’s first come, first-serve and they make reservations one year in advance. Craig Chapman, Manager of Malaekahana State Park, said he’s here to answer concerns, questions and misconceptions. They are trying to help as many people in the community as possible. The cabins are dilapidated and are not up to standards. They are trying the best they can with what they have. He was taken aback by the letter he received from the Board in November. Fishermen are allowed in the area. They have never denied access unless there are thefts. He would be more than happy to make a formal presentation. Malaekahana State Park was voted the best and safest park on the island in 1999. Craig also mentioned that there was a store/restaurant planned for the area as well as ruby fields. He again agreed to supply the Board with a copy of the proposal. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Elkington asked how many people will they hire. Craig answered at least 30 people. Their payroll will be between $300,000-$400,000. 2) Chapman stated the occupancy rate will be between 25 to 30 percent. They will never go over 40 percent. 3) Mattoon asked about Kamaaina Kids. Chapman said they are a non-profit organization. The program will have a maximum of 90 children. 4) Chair Letts inquired about the for-profit organization. Chapman said the organization is made up of kupunas from this area. They put in their own Kupuna Council. It will be operated as a for-profit
KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005 PAGE 6 organization. They need to make money in order to give it away. The non-profit will owe 10 percent of the for-profit and he and two other gentlemen will put in the other 90 percent. They are putting $2 million into this project. 5) In response to Kahana, Chapman stated that there is no other model like this. 6) Chair Letts asked about camping. Chapman said he would be more than happy to make a presentation. 7) Chair Letts referred this item to the Planning & Land Use, and Parks Committees. PUBLIC INPUT: Malaekahana State Park Historical Campsite – Wasson displayed a collage of photographs on Malaekahana State Park. She said they want to continue to preserve the historically significant areas and not have them impacted by camping and concessions. She asked DLNR not to put the La’ie section into the project. She has cultural roots and family land in that area.
Concerns and comments followed: 1) Pualoa-Ahuna said they host a number of community organizations at Maleakahana Park and receive no compensation. Some of the groups include the Kahuku High School football camp, Scouts annual luau, alternative education, etc. 2) A resident from Canada, who camps at the Malaekahana State Park, supports plans for the park. 3) Greg Matele, President of Hawai’i State Rugby, said they use Malaekahana State Park for competition. 4) Chair Letts said she will refer this item to committee. La’ie Point Community Association – Ernest Golden distributed copies of the La’ie Point Community Association newsletter. Turtle Bay Resort– George Cox, Local 5, said the union and Benchmark have not yet sat down to resume negotiations. He urged the community and the Board to ask Turtle Bay to get back to the bargaining table. Other Local 5 members had concerns about losing their health insurance, sub-contracting, and boycotting.
Mattoon moved and Kahana seconded that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 send a letter to Turtle Bay management asking them to get back to the bargining table. The motion carried unanimously. Turtle Bay Resort Golf Tournament – A representative from Turtle Bay Resort thanked the community for volunteering for the recent golf tournament held at Turtle Bay. There were over 130 volunteers from the North Shore. Another event will be held in two weeks. Hau’ula Beach Park – A resident who lives near Hau’ula Beach Park asked that the City chain the park entrance to keep out drug activity. Area residents can’t sleep at night because of these activities. Iese said a chain will be erected. Chair Letts mentioned it’s a public park so they can’t restrict people from entering the park. She suggested calling 911. Chair Letts thanked everyone for being so patient. She noted that we have a great community and hoped to see everyone at next month’s meeting. ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Submitted by: Steve J. Rodrigues, Neighborhood Assistant |
| Thursday, March 03, 2005 |