KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2005

HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh.

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington, Les Steward.

GUESTS: Patrick Kubota (Mayor’s representative), Reed Matsuura (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Ben Henderson (Governor’s representative), Pila Wilson and Garret Toguchi (Senator Clayton Hee’s office), Acting Captain Wayne Char (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), Gay Nall and Deborah Voorhees (La’ie Elementary), Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association), Cami Kloster (Group 70), Fred Mencher (HME), Lauri Clegg (Analytical Planning), Shannon Wood (Windward Ahupua’a Alliance), Adeline Keama (Hau’ula Community Association), Diane Tafua (La’ie Community Association), Nalani Ubando (American Cancer Society), Tom Lenchanko (Kahunana), Lisa Kamae, Shannon Lee, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 10, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Hurlbut moved and Iese seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER'S REPORT – No report.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Acting Captain Wayne Char reported: 1) The statistics for the month of February were: Ka’a’awa – 6 medical emergencies, 2 hazardous calls and 1 good intent call; Hau’ula – 2 fires, 5 medical emergencies, 1 hazardous call, 2 good intent calls and 3 service calls; Kahuku – 2 fires, 13 medical emergencies, 2 hazardous calls, 2 good intent and 4 service calls. Unusual incidents: mail drop fire at the Hau’ula Post Office, fortunately it was put out quickly; military flare washed up on Malaekahana Beach, if you come upon a military flare stay away from it and call 911. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.”

Mattoon inquired about the recent response to an incident at Punalu’u Valley Road. Acting Captain Char said they responded to a rubbish fire on a farm. Although there was a language barrier, fire officials explained to the farmers the State burn rules to them.

(Macy arrived at 7:04 p.m.)

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

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9 (4) aggravated assaults; 54 (51) burglaries; 140 (153) thefts; 81 (121) UEMV; 30 (34) auto thefts and 319 (366) total cases. 3) NARCO Vice statistics for January – they closed 10 complaints but received 5 new complaints (none in the area). A search warrant was executed in Kailua. If you suspect drug dealing in your neighborhood, call NARCO Vice at 529-3331. 4) Regarding Steward’s concern about the accuracy of the statistics, he will report it at April’s meeting.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Kaluhiokalani about La’ie statistics, Lt. Brown stated the parks are included in La’ie. Sgt. John Lambert said a lot of thefts occur on BYU-Hawai’i campus. Lt. Bright noted burglaries have been reported in the dorms.

2)       Chair Letts stated individuals are dealing drugs from their vehicles at Kalae Oio Point. Lt. Brown said to call 911.

3)   Chair commended HPD for addressing illegal camping in Ka’a’awa and asked them to keep up the good work.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota circulated copies of the Mayor’s State-of-the-City Address and a comparison of FY2005 and FY2006 Operating Budget; and comparison of FY2005 and FY2006 CIP Budget. In addition, he stated: 1) He is the Deputy Director of Budget and Fiscal Services. Also attending tonight’s meeting is Gail Haraguchi, Deputy Director of Department of Enterprise Services. She took a look at the Kahuku Golf Course earlier this evening. 2) He apologized for missing last month’s meeting, he had a budget meeting with the Mayor that lasted until 10:30 p.m. The Mayor will be submitting his budget to the City Council on March 1. The proposed Operating Budget will be $1.356 billion and the proposed CIP Budget will be $451.1 million. 3) In addition to the budget, the Mayor gave his first State-of-the-City Address. 4) He will be here next month and is happy to be the Mayor’s representative.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Letts noted that the community has been trying for the past five years to get the City to replace the restrooms at Ka’a’awa Beach Park. There have been complaints about people peeing against the outside of the building as the bathrooms are closed and they chose not to use the two porta potties. There are also complaints about the pumping and maintenance of the porta potties not being sufficient. Kubota will follow-up.

2)       Iese said the Hau’ula Community Recreation building needs repairs to its roof; the Hau’ula Skate Park needs to be completed; and improvements to Hau’ula Beach Park. Kubota will follow-up.

3)       Iese asked the status of the Vision Teams. Kubota will follow-up.

Congressman Ed Case – Chair Letts mentioned that Congressman Case’s representative comes quarterly (James Nakatani attended last month’s meeting).

Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura circulated Council Chair Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Council Chair Dela Cruz sends his regrets. 2) Approximately $750,000 was encumbered for the Ka’a’awa Beach Park comfort station. 3) Regarding the abandoned house in Punalu’u, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is waiting for approvals to demolish the house. There are concerns about hazardous nuisance abatement. 4) The City is negotiating the cost increases, as requested by the community, about Hau’ula Beach Park. 5) He reminded the community to have house numbers visible to help emergency responders (i.e. police, fire, EMS) to find your house. 6) Bill 30 enables real property taxpayers to voluntarily contribute money for land conservation purposes. 7) Council Chair Dela Cruz sponsored two resolutions addressing the growing concern of agricultural theft.

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Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Kahana asked the timeline for the negotiations for Hau’ula Beach Park. Matsuura answered they administration hasn’t given him a date. He will follow-up. In response to resident Adeline Keama about the beach park, Matsuura stated there were several portions of the park that needed to be addressed. For more information, contact Acting Director Wayne Hashiro of DDC at 523-4564.

2)       Mattoon said he understood that the Department of Health (DOH) did get permission to demolish the house, but when contractors went into the house they had to shore up the floor before dealing with the ceiling. Matsuura stated they are trying to get an amendment to the DOH permit. Ben Henderson, Governor’s representative, will follow-up.

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) The Legislature is half way through its 2005 session. 2) Micah Kane, Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, joined the Governor and other Native Hawaiian groups at a hearing before Congress in support of the Senate Bill 147, the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005. 3) Listen to the Governor’s weekly radio show live on www.hawaii.gov/gov or on KHVH AM 830, Wednesdays, 7:05 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Call in at 521-8383 with questions and comments. 4) State Transportation Director Rod Haraga can be heard on www.hawaii.gov/dot or on KHVH AM 830, Mondays and Tuesdays, 7:05 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Representative Colleen Meyer – No report or representative was available.

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

Senator Clayton Hee – Pila Wilson circulated Senator Hee’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He wished everyone Aloha. 2) Senator Hee is the Chair of the Higher Education Committee. The committee recommended that $12 million be included in UH’s biennium budget to provide low income students with full scholarships to any campus within the UH system. The program is being called the “B Plus Scholarship Program” since to be eligible, students must have qualified for the State Department of Education’s Free and Reduced Lunch program and graduate from a Hawai’i public high school with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Also in the budget was $1.3 million for Windward Community College. 3) Senator Hee recommended funds for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for Hau’ula Elementary ($800,000); Kahuku High/Intermediate ($250,000); and Ka’a’awa Elementary ($9.5 million). 4) Senator Hee introduced SB 1588, relating to agricultural theft.

Department of Education (DOE) – Debbie Voorhees, Principal of La’ie Elementary, said that she’s glad that Legislature is proposing the B Plus Scholarship Program. She wants to see the students succeed. Approximately 60% of students qualify for the Free or Reduce Lunch program. Hau’ula Elementary is currently in the Planning for Restructuring phase. Lea Albert, Windward District Superintendent, and everyone are coming together to come-up with a plan of action. The teachers feel downtrodden. We really need to support the school and the teachers. Test scores are not the only issue.

Kahana asked to place Hau’ula Elementary School on next month’s agenda. Chair Letts agreed.

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

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

Chair Letts noted that a Marine Corps representative hasn’t attended the Board meeting since April 2004. She asked Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues to send a letter to Marine Corps to remind them that they agreed to come quarterly. Kaluhiokalani mentioned that the last time a representative was here she gave him a number to call, but it was the incorrect number. He has since been given six numbers to call and they all have been incorrect. Iese said to call the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA). She was made aware of the proper agency when the Blue Angels were in Hawai’i and there were concerns about the noise.

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Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa reported: 1) There were no main breaks in the Ko’olauloa area for the month of February. 2) The latest water use report ending February 5, shows 147 million gallons per day (mgd). 3) Detect-a-Leak Week is scheduled for March 6-12. BWS encourages everyone to turn off the faucet when not in use. 4) They use 10 mgd of recycled water for golf courses and industrial use.

Mattoon asked why did water use increase from January (128 mgd) to February (147 mgd). Usagawa answered the temperature has been warmer in town. Water usage is still well below the five-year average.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan – Cami Kloster, Group 70, gave a status update on the Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan. Small group meetings and association presentations are ongoing. The already met with the Kahuku and Hau’ula communities; will be meeting with the Kahana, Ka’a’awa, La’ie and Kewela/Turtle Bay communities; and continue to meet with the Punalu’u community through the watershed alliance. Preliminary Watershed Management Strategies include stream-keeper programs; riparian (stream) buffer zones; feral pig management program; stormwater filtering techniques; agricultural extension programs; nearshore water monitoring; kalo cultivation support; fishpond restoration; watershed oral histories; sustainable yield calculation; regional salinity monitoring; groundwater protection program; biological stream assessment; instream flow measurements; verification of stream diversions; instream flow standards methodology; invasive species assessment and control; irrigation system maintenance; watershed indicator monitoring; residential water conservation; community watershed partnerships; interagency forum on watershed issues; funding mechanisms; and others. They will be doing a Water Use and Development Plan. The next step is the Neighborhood Water Committee Working meeting.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Kaluhiokalani asked to replenish the streams with endangered species (i.e. fishes).

2)       Iese inquired about the budget for the different communities. Usagawa stated they will be trying to do estimated costs. The whole idea was to identify ideas.

3)       A resident noted that the ideas are nice but asked if it will affect rates. Usagawa said it depends if the rates will increase. BWS understands that a lot of people are on fixed incomes. There is a formal plan, a long-term Capital Improvement Project (CIP) plan. They will be partnering with other agencies.

No Parking Sign Request for Kamehameha Highway in La’ie – Chair Letts said this item will be on next month’s agenda. She asked Hurlbut to follow-up.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hau’ula Mission Baptist Church – Minor Conditional Use Permit for a Meeting Facility – Lauri Clegg, Analytical Planning, stated the Hau’ula Mission Baptist Church has been a part of the Hau’ula community since the chapel was constructed in 1974. At the time of its construction the property was zoned Agricultural and the church use was permitted. When the Land Use Ordinance was adopted in 1986 the property was zoned Country and the church use became nonconforming – what is called “grandfathered”. The church would like to finish constructing an enclosed meeting area for Sunday School and social activities and to do this they must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a “meeting facility”. The new building will be constructed on the existing 1600 square foot concrete pad next to the chapel and will allow church members to meet together away from the wind and rain. The new building will be built to allow for the sides to open up. All CUP require that a presentation be made to the Neighborhood Board and that all adjoining property owners be notified. Later, the Director of Planning and Permitting may decide to hold a public hearing. There are no anticipated impacts from the result of the new construction. The 50-member congregation will continue to meet on Sunday mornings with various bible study classes and social meetings throughout the week. There will be no outside amplification or public address system. The church will also need a State Special Use Permit as the project lies within the State Agricultural District.

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Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Mattoon asked Clegg if a presentation was made to the Hau’ula Community Association. He said normally the Board asks that a presentation be made to the affected community association. Clegg stated her instructions were to come to the Neighborhood Board. Iese invited Clegg to attend the next HCA meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at the Hau’ula Civic Center.

2)       A resident inquired if an impact study was done in the community. He said the street where the church is located is a private road owned by area homeowners. Residents are concerned about liability issues and increased traffic. and Clegg said part of the requirement is to contact the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

3)       A member of Hau’ula Mission Baptist Church said they presented this issue to the Board two years ago for which the Board gave its support. They have to present it again because of a lack of time. Hurlbut noted that the presentation two years ago was to pave the road and not to construct buildings. Chair Letts suggested it be presented to HCA and to coordinate with the Board’s Planning and Land Use Committee.

Requesting Board Support for the Protection of Family and Community Traditional Cultural Properties that are Subject to Impacts due to the Stryker Brigade – Tom Lenchanko, Kahunana (families of the land working group), asked for the Board’s support for the protection, consultation and monitoring of family burial sites and traditional cultural properties. Areas being impacted include Lihue, Poupouwela, Kalena, Haleauau, Maili, Makua, Kawaihapai, Kamananui, Keawaihe, Kawailoa, Waimea, Pupukea, Paumalu, Kaunala, Pahipahialua, Hanakaoe, Kahuku, Halemano, Oahu Nui, Kalakoa, Maunana, and Malamanui. Families are asking Kahunana for substantive consultation, proper cultural interpretations and monitoring. He asked for a letter of support requesting all entities to follow the laws (federal, state, city, and others) of protection and preservation. If the Board supports the proposal, they will have a seat at the planning table. He will be going to the seven Neighborhood Boards that would be affected by the Stryker Brigade.

Chair Letts noted that the Board has refused to participate in the planning. As far support, the laws and protection is a separate issue.

Kahana moved and Iese seconded that the Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 support requesting that government entities and all others follow the laws of protection and preservation, regarding kupukaaina historic sites and burial place, i.e. National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106, NAGPRA), State of Hawai’i Chapter 6E, HRS, 13-300 HAR and other laws of the State of Hawai’i. Discussion ensued. Soh and Macy had concerns about the resolution. The resolution was amended to read as stated above. The motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC INPUT:

American Cancer Society Relay for Life – Nalani Ubando, co-chair for the Relay for Life in Ko’olauloa, announced the event will be held on April 29-30, 2005, Hau’ula Community Park, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The Kick-Off Rally will be held on March 17, Hau’ula Beach Park Pavilion. There will be entertainment, arts & crafts, wellness tent, country store, food booths and a silent auction. For more information, she can be reached at 293-9614 or 286-6180. Creighton and Kathy Mattoon are not only sponsors but also have a team. A team is made up of 10 individuals. Currently, 10 teams have signed-up to participate.

CORRESPONDENCE – No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation – Kaluhiokalani stated consultant Don Bremner gave a preliminary report earlier this evening regarding parks from Ka’a’awa to Hau’ula. He will come back to speak on parks from Hau’ula to Kahuku. 

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Public Safety – Iese mentioned there was an accident involving a mini bike and a bus. Also, pedestrians have been running across the street and have been getting hit by vehicles. She said it’s about safety and remembering to look both ways before crossing the street.

Water – Kahana thanked the Board members who have given suggestions.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku – No report.

La’ie – Kaluhiokalani announced there will be a recognition dinner for labor missionaries on Thursday, March 17, 2005, BYU-Hawai’i.

Hau’ula – Iese said the next Hau’ula Community Association meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2005. They will be reorganizing the Board of Directors.

Punalu’u – No report.

Ka’a’awa – Letts stated: 1) The Ka’a’awa Community Association has a new president. KCA meets the second Tuesday of the month. 2) Ka’a’awa Elementary will be celebrating its 100^th year anniversary on cultural day. 3) They are starting to look at flooding problems.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues