KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2005

HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER

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

MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh.

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Les Steward (excused).

GUESTS: Firefighter 1 Kendall Ching (Honolulu Fire Department); Patrick Kubota (Mayor's representative – Deputy Director, City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); Lt. K. Finn, Sgt. A. Maioho (Honolulu Police Department); Reed Matsuura (Council Chair Dela Cruz's Office staff); Lea Albert (State Department of Education); Luanne Aalona, Missy Alo (Halau Lokahi Charter School); Lt. Kellie Knight, Maj. Frankie Ras (U.S. Army); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); James Fu, Vincent M. Horin, Scott Ishikawa, Gerald Pang (State Department of Transportation); Alan Tomita, Ming Ding, Catherine Pizarro (M&E Pacific); Davina Sanders (Hui Makua O Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Ko'olauloa); Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association); Ben and Gerry Nihipali (La’ie Community Association); Andre Tuiravakai; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 13, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mattoon moved, and Macy seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 13, 2005, as circulated, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

OCTOBER TREASURER'S REPORT – The Operating Account expenses were $46.50, leaving a balance of $1,373.18. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts did not incur any expenses, leaving the balances at $1,081 and $120, respectively.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Fire Fighter 1 Lloyd Garris reported the following:

1)       Statistics for October – Kahuku: 2 fires, 13 medical/rescue emergencies, and 5 miscellaneous alarms; Hau’ula: 2 fires, 15 medical/rescue emergencies, and 12 miscellaneous alarms; Ka’a’awa: 1 fire, 11 medical/rescue emergencies, and 3 miscellaneous alarms.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment.

·         Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States.

·         After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes.

·         Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or non-combustible materials.

·         Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.

·         Do not overload extension cords.

·         Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily.

·         When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Macy thanked HFD for handling the sparks around his house and neighborhood with speed and efficiency.

2)       Soh noted that HFD didn't want to be in the middle of the Brigham Young University (BYU) 50^th Anniversary parade, they wanted to be at the beginning or end, and the foresight paid off. HFD had to respond to an emergency. Soh also thanked the U.S. Army for their medivac crew, who also helped with the emergency.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – No representatives were present at this time, so this item was deferred.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota distributed the Mayor's Newsletter, updates on community projects, and highlighted the following information:

1)       Kubota suggested that everyone read the article in the newsletter describing the trip that the Mayor took to Japan; Council Chair Dela Cruz and Councilmembers Apo and Tam joined the Mayor on the trip.

2)       Hau'ula Community Recreation Center (building renovations including roof repairs and interior work) – The renovation work was stopped due to discovery of unforeseen structural damages and termite infestation during demolition. The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has renegotiated the original contract for the unanticipated additional structural and termite damage work and have scheduled the contractor to resume the renovation work this week.

3)       Hau'ula Beach Park – During the construction, the park will continue to be available except for certain roped-off areas. The construction (various park improvements including picnic tables and an irrigation system) is almost complete. The picnic tables are scheduled to be installed at the end of November.

4)       Request to lower the speed limit on Honomu Street from 25 miles per hour (mph) to 15 mph or lower – The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) investigated the request, and reported that Honomu Street is an improved 28-foot wide, dead-end roadway and that the 25 mph speed limit is safe for this residential street. DTS further reported that they normally install 15 mph speed limit signs on streets with pavement widths of 18 feet or less in accordance with the City's Traffic Code. Therefore, DTS will retain the 25 mph speed limit on Honomu Street.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Heath expressed her dismay at the shutdown of curbside recycling.

2)       Iese confirmed that Hau'ula Beach Park is ready for the Taste of Hau'ula this Saturday, except for the certain roped-off areas.

3)       Iese requested the estimated completion date for the Hau'ula Recreation Park Building. Kubota will follow up on the request.

4)       Kahana asked if the Hau'ula Beach Park sign could be raised, because the wall in front of it obscures the bottom half of the sign. Kubota will follow up.

5)       Iese stated that at the La'ie end of Hau'ula Beach Park, the irrigation system pipes stick out of the ground, which will be a problem if there are waves, hurricanes, or more erosion. Kubota recalled that his understanding is that the whole irrigation system will be replaced. Chair Letts suggested that the system be moved elsewhere since the beach area, where it is presently, erodes.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. K. Finn relayed the following information:

1)       Statistics for October (Ka'a'awa to Kahuku) – 14 burglaries, 28 other property thefts, 10 thefts from automobiles (UEMVs), 0 robberies, 3 auto/motorcycle thefts, which made the total 55.

2)       Park Enforcement Statistics – 4 citations were issued for illegal camping, 1 citation for human habitation of a vehicle, and 2 citations for vehicles in parks after closure.

Congressman Ed Case – Mattoon emphasized the following information from Congressman Case's report:

1)       Sacred Falls Shoreline Erosion Control Development and Demonstration Project ($1.25 million) – to provide innovative means of shoreline stabilization with emphasis on modular materials, light-equipment and small crew construction techniques. Funds are required to solicit, construct, and administer a construction contract and monitor the performance of this demonstration project.

2)       Wailele Stream Damage Reduction ($150,000) – to provide engineering and design work to address flooding problems. A study of the area was requested following a flood in March 1991 that caused approximately $700,000 in damages to 300 homes, public facilities, and the BYU-Hawaii campus facilities in the town of La'ie.

Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura circulated the report, and highlighted the following:

1)       Waiahole-Waikane Stream Clearing – Council Chair Dela Cruz received a memo on November 3 from the DDC; DDC is forwarding copies of the proposed contracts to the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) for its review. Once agreed to by HCDCH, the City and HCDCH will execute separate contracts with the vendor and will each be responsible for 50% of the costs.

2)       Council Chair Dela Cruz has established a new committee to address the issue of affordable housing on Oahu. The Affordable Housing Committee will hold its first meeting on January 12, 2006, at 2:30 p.m., following the Council’s Transportation Committee meeting, and will hold its last meeting in December 2006. The committee will include Council Chair Dela Cruz, Councilmember Apo (Chair), Councilmember Kobayashi (Vice-Chair), and Councilmembers Marshall and Tam. Members were selected to serve on the committee based on other committees they chair or due to strong demand for affordable housing in their districts. Councilmember Apo was selected to chair in part because he attends conferences sponsored by the National Governors Association, at which efforts to improve access to affordable housing for low-income residents are discussed.

3)       The City Council has released the 2006 City Council calendar; they are available at State libraries and satellite city halls on Oahu, the City Clerk’s office, and City Council offices at Honolulu Hale. The calendar contains all dates and times for committee and full council meetings; general information about Development Plan process deadlines, budget process deadlines and other important council-related dates; City Council office and committee assignments; and contact information for the nine council members. It also has information about how to sign up to testify at council meetings and public hearings.

4)       Filling Vacant-Funded HPD Positions in District II – Council Chair Dela Cruz drafted a memo to the City Administration and HPD asking that they fill the vacant-funded police beat officer positions at the Wahiawa and Kaneohe stations, and create the unfunded sworn positions for the 12 unfunded agricultural theft officers. These positions have to be created by the City administration first, before funding can be added to the budget. A letter from Chief Correa was received in response to the memo, stating that HPD has received approval to proceed with the creation of all 18 positions added by the City Council (six bike patrol positions for Wahiawa and 12 unfunded positions for Kahuku). Council Chair Dela Cruz's office is continuing to follow up with the City administration to make sure that the vacant positions in HPD stations serving Council District II are filled.

5)       Restoration of Mobile Satellite City Hall Program – Resolution 05-259, introduced by Council Chair Dela Cruz, urging the City administration to restore the program to serve rural areas of Oahu, was adopted at the August 10 City Council meeting. Council Chair Dela Cruz met with Director Lanzilotti of the City Department of Community Services (CSD) today to discuss this program as well as the re-opening of a Kaneohe Driver’s Licensing Station. The administration is currently putting together a program to address areas that are not serviced (“Suitcase Program”).

6)       The Woods at Ahuimanu – Council Chair Dela Cruz and Senator Hee have been working to ensure that the developer addresses infrastructure issues prior to any construction. A memo and letter to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) were sent asking them to review all permits and revisit the infrastructure issues. Council Chair Dela Cruz will be meeting with Senator Hee and DPP tomorrow to discuss these issues.

7)       Community Bus Service Request Guidelines – There are two basic methods for requesting service changes within communities. For smaller changes, minor changes to an existing route, bus stops, schedule adjustments, etc., the best way is to bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate Neighborhood Board. New service may be approached the same way; however, our current hub and spoke process provides a series of community participation meetings in the planning phase in which community members have an opportunity to work with each other and City consultants and planners in designing each area's transit services.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Iese thanked Matsuura and Council Chair Dela Cruz's office for helping out with the stream cleaning on Saturday, October 29. She also thanked Oceanit for their help and donations of food.

2)       Ralph Makaiau thanked Council Chair Dela Cruz for helping get the "P" (preservation) symbol on the front of golf courses.

3)       Kahana asked the status of Council's questions about the Sunshine Law. Matsuura responded that the Council has not yet gotten a firm interpretation.

Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert distributed a map of Ka'a'awa, two maps of the proposed Kahuku Intermediate and High School expansion areas, and reported the following: Hawaii Baptist Academy is interested in a piece of State-owned land and is willing to trade some of their land in Ka'a'awa for it, and then trade that with one of two private landowners (one is in Ka'a'awa and one is in Kahuku) to get more land for Kahuku High School. Ka'a'awa is in a tsunami zone and Kahuku floods. She passed around one of the few copies of the Kahuku Master Plan for residents to peruse. The decision of which schools will get the expansion land will be based on the cost effectiveness per student. Albert asked for concerns from the Board and the community to take back to the Board of Education (BOE). She acknowledged the archaeological and environmental concerns, concerns from the Ka'a'awa Community Association, concerns of farmers regarding their leases, flooding concerns, and some concerns from a few homeowners that border the area in question.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Iese asked if the Board would be receiving updates throughout the process. Albert confirmed this, and noted that whatever BOE decides will go to the legislature in 2007, and it will take two to three years before any real action takes place.

2)       Heath expressed her desire to see the return of the theater.

3)       Iese recounted that, two meetings ago, the Halau Lokahi Charter School asked if their students could be part of the federal tutoring. Albert replied that the students could take part in the tutoring, but the whole process will be reviewed as it progresses.

Charter Schools – Missy Alo, from the Halau Lokahi Charter School, circulated flyers for the Taste of Hau'ula on November 12 at Hau'ula Beach Park, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. She invited everyone to join the fun, festivities, delicious food, entertainment, and crafts. Alo displayed examples of some of the crafts. She noted that the Charter School did receive a notice of the 21^st Century Grant.

Governor’s Representative – Scott Ishikawa (DOT) stated that Ben Henderson was unable to attend the meeting, distributed the Governor's Update and pictures of the Wilson Tunnel on the Likelike Highway, and highlighted the following: some parts of the Wilson Tunnel still need to be leveled. The repaving of Kamehameha Highway began on September 1.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Letts requested that Kamehameha Highway be scraped before repaving, because the level of the road is too high now and causes flooding in the area. Ishikawa will follow up.

U.S. Army – Maj. Frankie Ras relayed the following community updates:

1)       Over 1,000 U.S. Army soldiers have participated or will participate in approximately 100 community activities. There will also be activities for Veteran's Day.

2)       Helicopters and personnel have been deployed to Pakistan to carry out humanitarian activities.

3)       On November 7, the Department of Defense set the next rotation plan for the Iraqi Operation Freedom, which will begin around mid-2006.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Letts noted that the U.S. Army representatives did attempt to contact the Marine Corps about sending representatives to attend Board meetings but did not receive any response. She thanked them for their efforts. 

2)       Iese announced that Sgt. Daniel Utsuye, a 1996 Kahuku High School graduate, was killed in a bombing in Iraq; there will be a memorial for him.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa circulated a handout with the revised project scope and schedule of a BWS rate study, and reported the following:

1)       There were no main breaks in the month of October. The pumpage for the past week (October 31 through November 6) was 146 million gallons per day.

2)       Recently, some BWS employees studied for the Distribution System Operator Certification Examination that occurred last month. The exam is a national test mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and administered by the State Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that all workers that come into contact with, and make decisions about, our water supply have the proper understanding of how to keep the water supply safe. The test is offered twice per year, and upon certification, workers are mandated to complete continuing education units at least every two years to maintain their status prior to renewal. Initial certifications began in 2001 with the field supervisors, and has since expanded to include other employees. BWS has invested much time and money into this program to assure the public that we're committed to keeping our water system one of the best in the nation, if not the world.

3)       BWS hasn't raised the rates since 1994, and since then construction rates and electricity costs have increased; the infrastructure needs to be replaced and renewed – BWS was trying to set aside $30 million per year to repair the infrastructure, but with over 2,000 miles of pipeline, it's tough to get everything done. The handout contained a chart showing the schedule of the rate study. They should have some conclusions to share with the public in August 2006.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Kahana inquired as to who is doing the BWS rate study. Usagawa replied that a consultant, CH2M Hill, is doing the study.

2)       Soh asked if there is an automatic shutoff system when a reservoir is filled up to the top. Usagawa explained that there are two types: one has a float valve, similar in theory to a toilet tank, and the other type is automated and the actual level of the reservoir may be seen. Soh mentioned that a couple thousand gallons are running off and creating erosion problems in Kahuku. Usagawa will follow up.

3)       Kahana commented on the energy costs these days and asked if BWS has any plans to look at alternative solutions (such as solar energy) to run the pumps. Usagawa responded that solar energy doesn't provide enough power to operate the pumps, but that it is used for smaller appliances such as lights, etc.

There were no representatives present for Senator Clayton Hee, Representative Colleen Meyer, and the U.S. Marine Corps.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa distributed the agenda for the next meeting of the KWMP Working Group, and conveyed the following: The next meeting is on Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Hau'ula Civic Center, 54-010 Kukuna Road. The purposes of the meeting are to present the water demand projection numbers, discuss the water supply options to meet the demand, and continue the discussion of watershed management projects and programs.

Updates on Ko'olauloa Bridge Replacements – Scott Ishikawa first explained that the bridges on Kamehameha Highway are still safe for vehicles, but that they should be kept up to prevent them from becoming completely unsafe. Each bridge has only a 50 to 75 year lifespan. Ishikawa introduced James Fu, Vince Horin, and Gerald Pang, from DOT, and consultants Ming Ding, Catherine Pizarro, and Alan Tomita, from M&E Pacific. They circulated handouts of slides and began a PowerPoint presentation:

Ming Ding, the Consultant Project Manager for the South Punalu'u and North Kahana projects, presented information about the South Punalu'u Bridge replacement. The South Punalu'u Bridge was built in 1927, so it is almost 80 years old, and past its service life. The bridge is 26 feet wide, with narrow one-foot shoulders and a shielded pedestrian walkway. The bridge does not meet current state and federal stands. The detour bridge will be on the makai side; each lane of the diversion bridge will be 11 feet wide, with two-foot shoulders, and a six-foot pedestrian accessway. Residents are concerned about traffic, and although in the beginning there will be an interruption in traffic when they are creating the detour bridge, but once the detour bridge is finished, the effect on traffic will be minimal. The South Punalu'u replacement bridge will have wider travelways and shoulders than the existing bridge, with 12-foot lanes for cars each way, eight-foot shoulders on both sides, and a pedestrian walkway of five and one-half feet. A cultural impact study has been done.

Ming gave a briefing about the North Kahana Bridge replacement. The North Kahana Bridge was built in 1926, so it's past its service life; it has only a narrow one-foot shoulder for pedestrians and does not meet current state and federal standards. The detour bridge will allow for 11-foot lanes both ways, and one eight-foot shoulder and one 2-foot shoulder. The same concerns as above about the impact on traffic have been expressed and noted. The replacement bridge will have 12-foot lanes going both ways and eight-foot shoulders on both sides of the bridge. A comprehensive environmental study has been done.

For both the South Punalu'u and North Kahana projects: Approved archaeological monitoring plans by the State Historic Preservation Division will be implemented. Provisions for a cultural monitor will be in place during construction. Mandated environmental clearances have been submitted for review to regulating agencies, i.e. the DOH. Construction-related contact information will be provided to residents prior to construction. Construction is anticipated to start in approximately early to mid-2007; the duration will be 18 months.

The South Punalu'u and North Kahana Bridge replacement projects will be three months apart in construction.

James Fu provided details of the Kokolio Bridge (located between Hau'ula and La'ie) replacement. The Kokolio Bridge was built in 1932; it has only a narrow one-foot shoulder for pedestrians, there is no walkway or bikeway on the bridge and it does not meet current state and federal standards. The replacement bridge will have wider, eight-foot shoulders, 12-foot lanes, and a new five-foot protected walkway/bikeway on the mauka side. It's anticipated that the contractor will begin the construction work (detour bridge first) in early 2006 (January or February 2006). The contractor's hours will most likely be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Official work hours will be set very soon (probably less than a month from now). The construction duration will be 16 months. Consultations with the affected property owners have been done; letters were sent to all affected residents and property owners at the Kokolio Bridge site notifying them of this Board meeting. The detour road will be built first; during construction of the replaced bridge, vehicles will use the detour road that will enable traffic to entirely bypass the bridge replacement work area. The speed limit for vehicles traveling on the detour road will be 25 miles per hour. The detour road culverts are designed for a 100-year storm. All environmental permits have been approved, except Section 401 and 404 which will be approved as soon as the contractor completes the Best Management Practices (BMPs). This will be the contractor's first order of business and he is working on it now. An archaeological monitoring plan during construction has been approved by the State Historic Preservation Division. If human remains are found during construction, work will stop immediately and the Oahu Burial Council will be contacted.

James Fu noted that they just had a meeting with the contractor and emphasized the community concerns of traffic and the discovery of human remains. The contractor is planning to use water trucks to control the dust. The contractor has stated that the concrete from demolition will probably be sent to the Grace Pacific Recycling Plant. Where feasible, concrete barriers/guardrails will be located adjacent to the nearby properties for protection from errant vehicles. There may be some possible traffic congestion for the replacement project. To give an indication of the possible traffic impact, Fu described the two bridges that were recently constructed in Kahuku. Ki'i Bridge and Kahuku Hospital Box Culvert Bridge were replaced at the same time and are located about 1600 feet (0.3 miles) from each other; both were completed in early 2005. The distance between the Kokolio and South Punalu'u Bridges is 4.21 miles, and the distance between the South Punalu'u and North Kahana Bridges is 1.82 miles. The Ki'i and Kahuku Hospital Box Culvert Bridges used their own separate detour roads during construction. The contractor built both bridges at the same time in approximately 15 months. During that 15-month construction period, approximately 10 days required a one-lane closure (contraflow of traffic). Of these 10 days, motorists had a maximum wait of 10 minutes. The contractor would ensure smooth traffic flow during the one-lane contraflow by holding up his operations when necessary to let more cars through in each direction.

The Kokolio Bridge will have the same type of exterior bridge railing as the Ki'i and Kahuku Hospital Box Culvert Bridges, which is aesthetically pleasing and better for flood control.

For questions and concerns during construction, please call the DOT Public Relations office at 587-2160.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Iese pointed out that most of the traffic on Kamehameha Highway comes from the Kaneohe side, not the Kahuku side, and suggested staggering the start dates of the projects. She noted that 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (the start and end times of the construction) are the worst times for traffic because of the Polynesian Cultural Center, people going to work, school buses, etc. Scott Ishikawa expressed DOT's hope to finish the Kokolio project before they start the South Punalu'u and North Kahana projects in early to mid-2007. James Fu disclosed that the average daily traffic in the area is 11,000 cars.

2)       Kahana asked if they could put some of the mentioned aspects (such as disposal of waste and the 10-minute wait) into the agreement with the contractor. Fu answered that specifying certain aspects to only one choice (like a dumping area) raises the costs a great deal, and just wants the contractor to follow governmental regulations.

3)       Heath reemphasized that they should reconsider their start time of 7 a.m. because of all the students and school buses. Gerald Pang explained that no lane closures will occur until after 8:30 a.m. and will end by 3 p.m.

4)       Chair Letts inquired as to how long it would take to build the detour roads. Fu responded that only the connecting of the detour road to Kamehameha Highway will affect traffic with its requirement of a lane closure, and only for approximately 10 days.

5)       Macy requested that buses be let through during the lane closures. Fu declared that he advised the contractor that the Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board would be watching them.

6)       Iese asked if the maximum wait time could be lowered from 10 minutes to five minutes. Ishikawa explained that the lane closure will be only for 10 days. He continued to say that the concern is that there really is only one way around the island, but these bridges really need to be replaced.

7)       Mattoon inquired as to who selects the cultural monitor, and what the guidelines are. Fu answered that the contractor selects the monitor, with the approval of the State; there are some guidelines for selecting the monitor. Mattoon remarked that a cultural monitor should have some knowledge of the community. Fu stated that Ahi Logan has volunteered, but he doesn't know if he will be chosen; he clarified that an archaeologist will be on site, and the cultural monitor will be on-call. Mattoon suggested that the communities be consulted when it's time to select the monitor.

8)       Mattoon noted that the South Punalu'u detour bridge is lower than the existing bridge and asked if it would cause flooding and debris. Fu replied that they don't want debris hitting the poles again.

9)       Mattoon commented on the impact on homes and businesses in the area and emphasized that one family will have to relocate for the whole duration of the project. Fu stated that they will not be working at night. Pang added that BWS may require working at night for certain parts of the project. Barry Usagawa affirmed that there will be ample notice given to the community for any night work.

10)   Mattoon inquired as to where the water for the dust control is from, and suggested that they not use potable water. Fu will ask the contractor.

11)   Mattoon mentioned that the detour bridges appear to require the removal of vegetation, which was just replaced, and asked what plans they had for replacement. He proposed that they not plant ironwoods.

12)   Regarding the North Kahana detour bridge, Mattoon asked if they detour would go through the parking lot or part of the park there. Ming noted that there will be a small impact on the parking lot. Chair Lockwood imparted that during holidays and weekends, that parking lot is very full, and asked how many parking stalls would be lost. Ming clarified that no stalls would be lost, it will just be somewhat inconvenient to enter and leave the parking lot.

13)   Kahana inquired as to any incentives/penalties if the contractor finishes early or late. Fu replied that there are no incentives for finishing early, but there are penalties for finishing late.

14)   Hurlbut remarked that they finished a two-bridge 18-month project in Kahuku in 15 months, and they could finish the projects in 12 months if the Board and community would stop bothering the contractors.

15)   A resident whose property will be affected by the Kokolio Bridge replacement requested the exact start date of the project. Fu explained that, once they get the appropriate permits from DOH, then they will be able to make a schedule. The resident continued to detail the flooding problems in the area, noted that he would have to move his gates, and requested that they be extremely safety-conscious. Fu emphasized their desire to work with him and the community.

16)   Lea Albert suggested that the contractor be made aware that there is an alternative school in Kahana Valley; she asked that the DOE be consulted about the busy bus times. She expressed her agreement with the traffic concerns and described the large amounts of pedestrians (students) near Kahuku High School from 7 to 8 a.m.

17)   Ralph Makaiau recalled the presence of a "decision-maker" from the contractor at community association meetings during the construction of the last two replacement bridges and asked if there would be one for these projects. Pang stated that they will have an office in the area where community members can call or stop by with their questions, comments and concerns.

18)   Barry Usagawa expressed his sense of "déjà vu" with the last two projects, and recounted the existence of a flashing sign on the road with a contact number. He advised the DOT representatives to consider night work in the Kahana area, since the homes are not as close to the project area. Regarding the vegetation plan, Usagawa suggested that they consult with the Board; regarding the cultural monitor, he recommended that they consult with the community. Usagawa noted that they can call him for assistance on these projects. He concluded that DOT should pay for the archaeologist and cultural monitor so that they respond more efficiently.

19)   Reed Matsuura supports the sign with the contact information and noted that sometimes motorists will avoid the route if they know ahead of time where the construction will be.

Chair Letts thanked the DOT and M&E Pacific representatives for attending the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Crown Castle – Verizon Wireless – Proposal to Upgrade Tower – No representative present.

PUBLIC INPUT:

1)       Davina Sanders announced that she is part of a parent group, called Hui Makua O Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Ko'olauloa, and requested to be put on the agenda next year. Chair Letts explained that only government representatives get a permanent place on the agenda, but that she is always welcome to make comments under Public Input, and receives the same amount of time to speak.

2)       Ralph Makaiau requested that the Campbell Estate Land Sale to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service be put on the agenda for January.

3)       Lea Albert requested the support of the Board for the DOE budget.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Education – Sale of Pornography Near Schools – Committee Chair Macy recommended that the Board request legislators to look into making a required distance for the sale of pornography near schools, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

Committee Chair Macy recommended that the Board support the DOE supplemental budget, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

Planning & Land Use – La'ie Sea Wall Setback Proposal – Committee Chair Mattoon recommended that the Board support Mr. Sam Lemmo's (State Department of Land and Natural Resources Administrator) report regarding the La'ie Shoreline Setback Variance for a Seawall, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

Public Information – Chair Letts made the following announcements: (a) on November 15, at Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center Punalu'u, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., community members can make a difference by sharing their input regarding services that affect children statewide; there will be dinner, childcare and a $10 gas coupon per family; and (b) on November 16, at the Kahuku Hospital Conference Room, at 8:30 a.m., there will be a Ko'olauloa Interagency Community Council meeting; they meet on the third Wednesday of each month.

Public Safety – Committee Chair Iese advised everyone to get their flu shots.

Transportation – Committee Chair Hurlbut announced that on a Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago, there was a fatality by the sugar mill. There is a 35 mile per hour speed limit there. The community will work on the problem in that area; a light is needed for the crosswalk.

There were no updates from the CIP/Public Works, Cultural Affairs, Health/Human Services, Housing, Parks & Recreation, and Water Committees.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Hau’ula – Iese reported the following: (a) the Taste of Hau'ula will take place on Saturday, November 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Hau'ula Beach Park; and (b) Hau'ula Elementary School is moving forward with their restructuring plan.

Punalu'u – Mattoon relayed that that the Memorandum of Understanding with Punalu'u Watershed Alliance was done, with a document signing ceremony on October 19. During the past week, members of the Alliance had a short meeting and went on a tour of the valley.

Ka'a'awa – Chair Letts noted that the Ka'a'awa Community Association had a good meeting, although she was unable to attend, with a presentation by Lea Albert about the "land swap" with the State and Hawaii Baptist Academy. Several people have contacted Chair Letts to ask the Board to support the swap and stay involved.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant