KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Zenobia Iese, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Hurlbut (excused), Barbara Kahana (excused), Moana Kalua’u.

GUESTS: Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Ben Henderson (Governor’s Representative), Representative Colleen Meyer, Shaun Eshima (Honolulu Fire Department), Maj. Susan Dowsett and Lt. Gilbert Brown (Honolulu Police Department), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), Capt. Chris Martin (U.S. Army), Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association), Jeff Overton (Group 70), Fred Mencher (HME), Steven Yamamoto (U.S. Army Corps of Engineer), George Cox, Elaine H. and Daniel Kerwin (Local 5), Doug H. (Local 14), Kirk Murakami (Hau’ula Skatepark), Melodie Aduja, George B., Yvette B., Wally Chu, Herbert Kamakeeaina, John Kapu, Adeline and Kealoha Keama, Sue Keliiliki, Jeff Tyau, Alan W., Kathy Whitmire, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Chair Letts said the Board was scheduled to honor Gerry Silva, former Mayor’s representative and Ko’olauloa Vision Team facilitator, but he’s not present tonight.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 4, 2004 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 2, under Honolulu Police Department, second and fourth paragraph, delete “Lt. Bright” and insert “Lt. Brown”.

Page 4, under Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan, third paragraph, delete “Hale Ha’a” and insert “Hale Haha”.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Steward read the Financial Statement for December 2004. The Operating Account expenses were $49.82, leaving a balance of $1,190.37. 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 – Shaun Eshima reported: 1) The statistics for the month of November and December were: Ka’a’awa – 22 rescue/emergency alarms; Hau’ula – 8 fires; 23 medical emergencies, 5 search/rescues; 8 miscellaneous; 1 hazmat; 8 auto accidents; Kahuku – 10 fires, 22 medical emergencies, 4 search/rescues, 4 miscellaneous, 3 hazmat. 2) Fire Safety Tip of the Month: “Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911.”

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Gilbert Brown reported 1) The statistics for the month of December were: Ka’a’awa – 3 burglary I, 1 other property thefts, 3 thefts from auto, and 1 auto/motorcycle theft; Punalu’u – 6 burglary I; Hau’ula – 1 burglary I, 1 other property theft and 2 thefts from auto; La’ie – 9 burglary I, 9 other property thefts and 9 thefts from auto; Kahuku – 1 burglary I, 5 other property thefts and 5 thefts from auto. 2) The Windward Uniform Crime Reporting Index Offenses (from Makapu’u Point to Waialee Stream) for December (November’s statistics are in parenthesis) were: 0 (0) murder/manslaughter; 4 (3) sex assault; 4 (4) robberies; 5 (8) aggravated assaults; 74 (59)

KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

PAGE 2

burglaries; 144 (124) thefts; 103 (113) UEMV; 30 (41) auto thefts and 364 (352) total cases. 3) NARCO Vice conducted one operation in Waimanalo. 4) Plain clothes officers have arrested one of the major players of property crimes in the Ka’a’awa area. 5) Crime Stoppers Tip of the Month: Prevent identity theft – don’t leave checks or credit cards in your vehicle; don’t leave checks in your mailbox, instead take it to the post office; don’t use a common PIN number; request a copy of your credit report annually; etc.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Letts had concerns about a group of homeless individuals from the Punalu’u area, who have now migrated to the Kahana area (on the Ka’a’awa side of the point). They were seen pulling trunks up with ropes, it’s evident with the erosion.

2)       Iese asked how many people have been arrested. Lt. Brown the statistics only include reported crimes.  He said suspects don’t get arrested right away.

3)       Resident Ralph Makaiau said Kahuku farmers request statistics on farm thefts at next month’s meeting. Lt. Brown mentioned that the thefts would come under other property thefts.

4)       A resident inquired about an explosion that occurred yesterday and 10:15 a.m. in the Punalu’u area. Maj. Susan Dowsett answered she was on duty yesterday and had no report of any incident.

Mayor's Representative – No report or representative was available.

Congressman Ed Case – Chair Letts mentioned that Congressman Case’s representative comes quarterly.

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) Bill 81, which establishes a one-time credit against property tax liability for residential property owners who install septic tanks, is still pending. 3) The Hau’ula Fire Station relocation is moving along. At February’s meeting, the site will be disclosed. 4) Work is continuing on the stream in Waikane to alleviate further flooding. 5) Their office has submitted several RISR’s (Request for Investigation and Service Report) for various maintenance projects at Hau’ula Civic Center. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Macy asked if the City has looked at Sacred Falls as a potential site for the new Hau’ula Fire Station. Kawaguchi answered the City has already chosen a site.

2)       Iese said residents want septic tank pumpage service, but not at the current rate of $132.90. Kawaguchi stated Council Chair Dela Cruz introduced Bill 56 to reduce fees for low-income households. The City Council is continuing to look into the issue. Iese requested more City services for this area (satellite city hall, etc.). Kawaguchi said the same concern was brought up at the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board.

3)       Chair Letts inquired about the status of Hau’ula skate park. Kawaguchi stated the project is moving forward, but it’s being scaled back to 1200 square feet. Chair Letts said the community prefers it not being scaled back and that money be found for the project.

4)       Iese asked about the Hau’ula teen center. Kawaguchi answered there is no money to build a center, but there is money for repairs to the current building. He will follow-up. Chair Letts mentioned that some of the issues raised should be addressed to the City administration. She said the Board has no contact with the new Mayor since a Mayor’s representative has not been named to this Board.

5)       Resident Adeline Keama asked for a status of Hau’ula Beach Park. Kawaguchi will follow-up.

KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

PAGE 3

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson circulated the Governor’s newsletter and highlighted the following: 1)

He wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) The 2005 Legislative session opens Wednesday, January 19. 3) The Governor will propose a series of autonomy measures for the University of Hawai’i when the Legislature convenes. 4) The Governor announced her Administration’s specific plans to continue fostering a more business-friendly environment in Hawai’i, while also helping consumers and employees. 5) During a recent mobilization ceremony, the Governor announced initiatives to support Hawaii’s men and women who are serving our nation in hostile fire zones. 6) The Governor encourages Hawai’i residents to apply to serve on a state board or commission. There are 377 vacancies on 123 different boards and commissions. 7) The Governor has presented a report from the Affordable Housing Task Force to the State Legislature. More than 100 community leaders contributed to the report. 8) As part of her Administration’s initiative to improve public safety, the Governor unveiled five traffic-related bills she plans to submit to the Legislature.

Representative Colleen Meyer – Representative Meyer reported: 1) She wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) The 2005 Legislative session opens next week Wednesday. 3) The republicans lost five seats this past election. 4) She will serve on the following committees: Finance; Labor and Public Employment; and Water, Land and Ocean Resources. She is also the Minority Floor Leader, which she has been for the past years. 5) Standard deductions haven’t changed in a long time. Hawai’i is the lowest in the nation. 6) Approximately $2 million from the “ice” bill will be available through grants and aids. About $200,000 is available on the grass roots level.

Representative Michael Magaoay – No report or representative was available.

Senator Clayton Hee – No report or representative was available.

Department of Education (DOE) – No report or representative was available.

U.S. Army – Capt. Chris Martin reported: 1) Approximately 5,200 soldiers were deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom. About 400 troops began redeployment on December 30. Hopefully, all the troops will return by the middle of February. 2) Approximately 5,600 soldiers are deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom. Soldiers will be redeployed from March to June. 3) The 25^th 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) He wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) There were no main breaks in the Ko’olauloa area for the month of December. 3) The latest water use report shows 128 million gallons per day (mgd), which is 15 mgd less than the five years average. Normal rainfall has been 150%. Water levels in Punalu’u are two feet higher than last year. BWS is encouraged that the aquifer has been recovering, but they still ask consumers to conserve water. 4) Detect-a-Leak Week is scheduled for March 6-12. He will distribute toilet tank leak detection tablets at next month’s meeting. 5) Consultants are still reviewing the watershed grants.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan – Jeff Overton, Group 70, said he’s been speaking with people in the community about the plan. They will be seeking to confirm their findings at the stake holdings meeting. He will discuss management strategies and have more information on the plan at February’s meeting. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at 523-5866.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Letts said at last month’s meeting Kahana asked about Wai’anae’s Watershed Management Plan. Usagawa stated it shouldn’t be a problem. He will have more information.

KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

PAGE 4

2)       Elkington asked about plans to drill a well at Malaekahana. Usagawa answered the well was drilled years

ago. The purpose of the well was to provide additional support for Kahuku. There were leaks from the wells, but they fixed it and pumpage came down. They are deferring that well. There are two wells and they are capped.

Ko’olauloa Health and Wellness Center – Chair Letts said KHWC had nothing to report. They will also be kept on the monthly agenda.

Wailele Stream Flood Damage Reduction Study – Steven Yamamoto, Army Corps of Engineers, stated the study was requested by the City following a flood in March 1991 that caused approximately $500,000 in damages to approximately 300 homes and public facilities in La’ie with additional estimated damages of $200,000 to the BYU-Hawai’i campus. The sponsor is the City with support from Hawai’i Reserves, Inc. Wailele Stream is an unlined stream with a capacity of approximately 800 cubic feet per second. Floodwater exceeding the stream capacity will overflow the left bank and flow towards the BYU-Hawai’i campus and into La’ie town. The alternatives under consideration include: Alternative 1a, 1b, 1c – approximately 3,730 feet of earth levee on the left stream bank, flood storage on right bank, either floodproofing of homes on right bank (1a), earth levee and floodwalls of homes on right bank (1b), or land purchase (1c). Alternative 2a and 2b – riprap trapezoidal channel along Wailele Stream alignment, either Wailele Stream mouth diversion to Koloa Stream (2a) or new stream outlet beneath Kamehameha Highway (2b), clear and widen Koloa Stream mouth (2a). Alternative 3 – cutoff berm, riprap trapezoidal channel diverting Wailele Stream into Koloa Stream, realign and widen Koloa Stream to increase capacity, clear and widen Koloa Stream mouth. The feasibility study phase will include preparation of an archaeological assessment, environment assessment, and detailed project report (DPR). A public meeting and review of draft DPR will be held in July; Division Engineer’s public notice in October; plans and specification completion in March 2007; signed Project Cooperation Agreement in September 2007; award construction contract in January 2008. For more information, he can be reached at 438-0881 or steven.h.yamamoto@poh01.usace.army.mil. He will be here quarterly.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Iese inquired about the costs of the project. Yamamoto said he didn’t have the costs. It would be primary the cost to purchase land. Chair Letts asked if the Army Corps of Engineers are going to fully pay for it. Yamamoto answered yes.

2)       Chair Letts asked to include the farmers in the analysis since they lose money when there are floods. Yamamoto said they have been in contact with the farmers. Chair Letts also asked to coordinate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Yamamoto said currently they have most of the data. Chair Letts said if this problem is solved then you can expect other communities to solve their problems.

3)       A resident mentioned that the drainage system used during the plantation days worked really well. Yamamoto said with the loss of plantations, a lot of areas are prone to flooding. They can certainly take a look at that system.

4)       Representative Meyer asked about the benefit to cost ratio of this project. How much will it cost and how many people will benefit from the project. Yamamoto said we all are competing for federal dollars. It’s part of the process.

NEW BUSINESS:

Joint Legislative Task Force on Waste Management and Recycling Report – Melodie Aduja, former Senator and Chair of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Waste Management and Recycling, said the State must require a coordinated statewide solid waste management plan to preserve our aina (land) and our quality of life. To preserve our natural resources, and to establish a sustainable model of managing the waste that we produce, the State and counties must compel increased source reduction and recycling, actively explore alternative technologies for waste diversion, and prohibit landfilling of all recyclable and hazardous materials. The State and counties must KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING MINTUES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

PAGE 5

provide a detailed plan that will provide guidelines and benchmarks in order to achieve Hawaii’s goal of reducing the solid waste stream by 50 percent, and must vigorously support the growth of our statewide recycling industry. The State must also consistently and uniformly enforce its civil and criminal statues prohibiting illegal dumping and

unpermitted dumpsites, and effectively adopt methods of tracking materials that are often subject to illegal disposal. Hawai’i produces a per capita average of 6.2 pounds of solid waste per day compared to 4.4 pounds nationwide. Also, Hawaii’s recycle rate is 28 percent, which is less than the nationwide average rate of 34 percent. For more information, she can be reached at 258-8885.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Resident Wally Chu suggested the City buy a chipper for $30,000 for green waste instead of having trucks hauling the materials. He said it would be cheaper for the City. Chair Letts said it was a great idea. If the Board had a Mayor’s representative, the suggestion could have been taken back to the Mayor. Chu also had concerns about disposed of batteries, which contain sulfuric acid. Aduja said that consumers are charged a five-dollar fee for pre-disposal battery.

2)       Resident John Kapu had concerns that there are only two locations open in this area (La’ie and Haleiwa) for waste materials.        

PUBLIC INPUT:

Mayor’s Cabinet – Resident Ralph Makaiau asked the Board to send letters of support to the City Council for Debbie Kim Morikawa, Director of Community Services and Eric Takamura, Director of Environmental Services. These two individuals have worked in this community. Chair Letts said Board members can write letters as individuals.

Kahuku Golf Course – Makaiau asked the Parks & Recreation Committee to monitor the activity at Kahuku Golf Course. Kaluhiokalani will follow-up. Chair Letts asked Kaluhiokalani and Soh, Chair of the Health/Human Services Committee to work together on this issue.

No Parking Request – Resident Sue Keliiliki asked for the Board’s support for a “No Parking” sign for the makai-side of Kamehameha Highway in La’ie (from 55-641 to the entrance of the Hukilau Beach parking lot). She has difficulty getting out of her driveway because vehicles that are parked on Kamehameha Highway obstruct her view. It’s a safety hazard. She almost got into an accident this evening. The Board approved a similar request at its November 4, 2004 meeting (55-661, 55-665 and 55-671 Kamehameha Highway). Chair Letts said this item will be placed on February’s agenda and Hurlbut, Chair of the Transportation Committee, will follow-up. She said one of the Board’s concerns was that everyone would want a “No Parking” sign in front of their residence.

Turtle Bay Resort – An employee of Turtle Bay Resort asked the Board to support their plight with management of the hotel. Chair Letts said as long as the hotel is in negotiations, the Board can’t take a position. The employee said management stated they are at an impasse. Chair Letts said the Board can’t take any action because it’s not on the agenda. George Cox, Local 5, said they are here just to give an update. He said employees are on the threshold of losing their medical benefits. Benchmark is still on the freeze.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts circulated the correspondence to the Board for review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Education – Macy said all the schools in Ko’olauloa are undergoing changes relating to Act 51. School Community Based Management (SCBM) is now called School Community Council (SCC). Elections for SCC are coming up. He encouraged everyone to get involved. The schools will now get control of their money through the Department of Education (DOE) instead of the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

Housing – Elkington stated the median price for a home in Hawai’i has hit the $400,000 mark. He said HRI has a

KO’OLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 28

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005

PAGE 6

project for affordable homes in our community.

Public Safety – Iese mentioned that there was an article in the Honolulu Advertiser on January 10, 2005 regarding planning for a disaster.

There were no other committee reports.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku – Soh said: 1) Despite two bridge construction projects, the roads are still open. 2) Farmers in Kahuku are trying to organize to combat theft.

La’ie – Steward announced BYU-Hawai’i will be celebrating its 50^th year Golden Jubilee throughout the year with a wide range of activities. A week-long celebration will be held October 16-23. For more information, visit www.byuh.edu.   

Hau’ula – Iese stated: 1) The community is still waiting for their community bulletin board. It will be installed near the Hau’ula 7-Eleven. 2) They are also waiting for a crosswalk by the two bus stops (on the La’ie side of Hau’ula Beach Park). 3) Tamura’s Market and Magoos Pizza had its grand opening at Hau’ula Shopping Center. 4) “Ice” is a problem at Hau’ula Beach Park.

Chair Letts said she will ask Hurlbut to follow-up on the crosswalk request.

Punalu’u – No report.

Ka’a’awa – Chair Letts said the community walked with officials from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for barriers on the beach (State right-away) to prevent vehicles from racing on the beach. Approval is needed from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which they will meet next week.

There were no other community reports.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues          

Neighborhood Assistant