KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2005

HAU'ULA CIVIC CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. A quorum was established with nine Board members present. Chair Letts reminded the audience that they must first be recognized by the Chair to speak and that each speaker is allowed three minutes.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathryn Heath, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington (excused), Donald Hurlbut (excused).

GUESTS: Fire Fighter 1 Eddie Call, Capt. Wayne Char (Honolulu Fire Department); Lt. Kathleen Campbell, Sgt. David Chang (Honolulu Police Department); Patrick Kubota (Mayor's representative – Deputy Director, City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); James Nakatani (Congressman Case's Office staff); Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Dela Cruz's Office staff); Ben Henderson (Governor’s representative – Deputy to the Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands); Representative Colleen Meyer; Lea Albert, Donna Lindsey (Department of Education); Lt. Kellie Knight, Lt. Col. Greg Mason (U.S. Army); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Craig Chapman, Gladys Pualoa Ahuna (Friends of Malaekahana); Adeline Keama (Hau'ula Community Association); Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association); Gerry Meade (Ko’olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center); Choon James, Oris J. Terry (La’ie Point Community Association); Carl A. Pierce (The Ponds at Punalu'u); Gail Haraguchi; Rachel Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF JULY 14, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Steward moved, and Mattoon seconded to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 14, 2005, which was adopted unanimously, with the following corrections –

            * Page 1, under Members Absent: add "(excused)" after the names Patrick Macy and Les Steward.

* Page 4, under Department of Education: strike the first sentence and "A report was made" from the second sentence, and insert "Lea Albert gave a report" in the second sentence.

* Page 1, under Guests, halfway down in the paragraph: strike out "Haraguch" and insert "Haraguchi".

* Page 5, under La'ie Point Community Association, fourth paragraph: strike out "Resources" between "Hawaii" and "Incorporated" and insert "Reserves".

JULY TREASURER'S REPORT – The Operating Account expenses were $61.96, leaving a balance of $1,458.04. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $1,081. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120. The July Treasurer's Report is filed.

AUGUST TREASURER'S REPORT – The Operating Account expenses were $0.83, leaving a balance of $1,457.21. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $1,081. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120. The August Treasurer's Report is filed.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Fire Fighter 1 Eddie Call reported the following:

1)       Statistics for August – Kahuku: 8 fires, 14 medical alarms, 4 miscellaneous alarms; Hau’ula: 5 fires, 23 medical alarms, 1 miscellaneous alarm; Ka’a’awa: 2 fires, 14 medical alarms, 7 miscellaneous alarms. there were no major incidents.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – The National fire Protection Association (NFPA) has selected "Use Candles with Care" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2005. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2005 Fire Fighter Safety Guides will also be distributed to all elementary schools.

3)       HFD thanked the community for their support during this very busy summer.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Kathleen Campbell, from the Kaneohe Station, provided statistics for August. In the District 4 area (Ka'a'awa to Kahuku), there were 14 burglaries, 24 other property thefts, 46 thefts from automobiles (UEMV), 0 robberies, 6 auto/motorcycle thefts, making 90 total incidents. Compared to last year, murder/manslaughter is down 33%, sex assault is down 27%, robbery is down 27%, aggravated assault is up 25%, burglary is down 16%, theft is up 4%, UEMV is up 39%, auto theft is up 2%, making a 7% increase in overall crime.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Most of the thefts occurred in beach parks – HPD is trying to step up enforcement in the parks; they made several recent arrests, many of which were Waianae residents. They noted that the increase appears to be by Waianae residents coming into the area to commit crimes.

2)       Car rental agencies inform renters about UEMVs and also put additional warning stickers on the vehicles.

3)       A resident attempted to file a report (of an assault) at the Kahuku Police Station and was told to go to the Kaneohe Station. Lt. Campbell will follow up on that – the report should be filed where the aggressor lives. Normally, there are three to four patrol officers and one sergeant at the Kahuku Station.

4)       Lt. Campbell will check on any laws regarding the sale of pornography within a certain distance of a school.

5)       A comment was made that Lt. Gilbert Brown always brought Narcotices-Vice Division statistics. Lt. Campbell replied that, in that division, things are looking up; a new person was assigned to this area to help.

6)       The increase in UEMVs is not specific to any one area – it's island-wide.

7)       Contact Sgt. David Chang at the Kahuku Station for a breakdown of crime by zip code.

8)       HPD was thanked for cutting down on illegal camping; they are still pressing the issue, but reminded the residents that there is no law against being homeless.

9)       During the day, an officer may let noise nuisance calls go, but if it's midnight, they will enforce the limits. It is the officer's discretion as to what to do about noise complaints.

10)   When a traffic accident occurs, and long traffic delays are expected, HPD will notify the media to spread the word. Otherwise, HPD can't post officers of both sides of the affected areas because on a good day, they have four officers out there, on a normal day they have three officers, which would leave only one officer to respond to any calls.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota circulated the Mayor’s newsletter and reported the following:

1)       The Mayor's newsletter features the successful effort to save Pearl Harbor Shipyard, and Kubota encouraged everyone to read the article at their leisure.

2)       Updates on CIP projects – 

a)       Ka’a’awa Beach Park (demolishing and replacing comfort station, closing cesspool, and installing septic tank and leach field): A variance was approved and a building permit is in the process of being issued. The demolition of old comfort station is complete. The project cost is being finalized with the contractor, Iida Construction. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2005.

b)       Hau’ula Community Recreation Center (building renovations including roof repairs and interior work): Construction started in the first week of August 2005.

c)       Hau’ula Skate Park: Revised design plan to reduce the scope of work is to be completed in October 2005. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2006.

d)       Hau’ula Beach Park (various park improvements including picnic tables, irrigation system): – Site Engineering, the general contractor, is scheduled to start construction in the first week of September 2005. The anticipated completion date is March 2006.

3)       The City has expanded "no-call" bulky item refuse pickup to Ko'olauloa, beginning on August 8. Bulky item pickup for residents from Kahuku to Hau'ula (which according to the website includes up to north of Kahana which means all of Punalu`u is included) will be on the second Monday of the month; bulky item pickup for residents from Waiahole to Ka`a`awa will be on the fourth Monday of the month. For more information about trash and recycling on Oahu, or for guidelines to bulky item pickup, visit http://www.opala.org.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Kubota will follow up on problems a resident had while trying to access the above website.

Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani distributed the newsletter and highlighted the following:

1)         Congressman Case recently participated in high-level meetings in China and the Middle East as a member of two congressional delegations in August and September 2005.

2)         From all indications, the Hawai'i guard/reserve troops were well-trained and well-respected. Their morale is very good, especially given that the novelty of their deployment has long worn off and they face a very challenging upcoming few months with a constitutional referendum, the trial of Saddam Hussein, and national elections in Iraq. Their training was adequate, and they have the vehicle and body armor, and equipment they need. They were homesick and wanted to talk about home issues. They heartily welcomed the local foods that Congressman Case brought them.

Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Grant Kawaguchi circulated (a) the report, (b) a map of proposed improvements to Hau'ula Beach Park, (c) a response from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the replacements of the North Kahana and Punalu'u Bridges, (d) a letter to the Mayor regarding the comfort station at Ka'a'awa Beach Park, (e) a guideline for those claiming real property tax exemptions and credits, and highlighted the following:

1)       Hau'ula Skateboard Park – The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is currently reviewing preliminary construction drawings for the Hauula Community Park skateboard facility. Additional drawings are expected to be submitted in October for the DDC review. Final construction documents will be sent to the contractor by the end of the year. If the cost for the new design is within budget, the estimated start of construction will be early next year. Council Chair Dela Cruz put an additional $75,000 in the FY2006 budget which, after the construction contract is awarded, DDC will use as a construction contingency allowance. DDC has advised that construction costs are escalating because of the world demand for materials and gasoline. In addition, due to the building boom in Hawaii, contractors and consultants are busy working on other projects and are unable to keep up with the demand.

2)       Hau'ula Beach Park – The contractor selected by DDC will begin working on master-planned improvements as previously chosen by the community.

3)       Waiahole-Waikane Stream Cleaning – Following a resolution introduced by Council Chair Dela Cruz urging the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) to clear its portion of the un-named stream in the Waikane-Waiahole area, HCDCH and the City will basically be splitting the cost to clear the un-named stream half-half. There is a tentative timeline to clear the stream by the end of the year, before the rainy season. Council Chair Dela Cruz has also worked with congressional delegates – including Congressman Case – to put DDC in contact with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, who have been asked to work with the City to develop a long-range, comprehensive flood remediation plan for the area.

4)       Ka'a'awa Comfort Station – The City Council included $435,000 in the FY2002 budget and $725,000 in the FY2003 budget to demolish, relocate and rebuild the comfort station at this park. Demolition is in progress.

5)       Hau'ula Fire Station – The City is currently in the process of acquiring the land for the new fire station. Kawaguchi cannot say where the new land is, because the City has not yet secured the site. Prior to making an offer to the owner to purchase the property, a parcel map and appraisal must be completed. DDC expects to make the offer and encumber the land acquisition funds by October 2005.

6)       Punalu'u Bridge Replacement Special Management Area (SMA) – Zoning Committee – Concern was expressed over some plans for the Punalu'u Bridge replacement project. Council Chair Dela Cruz wrote a letter to DOT Director Rod Haraga and DOT has provided a response. Council Chair Dela Cruz and staff will be attending the Punalu'u Community Association meeting next week to gather more feedback. The next time the SMA permit could be heard again in the Zoning Committee, chaired by Barbara Marshall, would be at the committee’s October 4 meeting.

7)       Real Property Tax (RPT) Workshop – The workshop is on Monday, September 12, at KEY Project, at 7 p.m. Council Chair Dela Cruz and the RPT Division of the City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) are holding informational meetings for the community to review real property tax exemptions available to homeowners. The next workshop is in Kahalu'u at KEY Project. There are at least eight exemptions homeowners can qualify for in addition to the standard exemption available to every owner-occupant. September 30 is the deadline for filing for multiple exemptions for next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2006.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Council Chair Dela Cruz is still awaiting a response from the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) regarding Kaluanui Beach Park. Kawaguchi hopes to bring it to the meeting next month.

2)       Regarding the La'ie Point Community Association sewer system, Council Chair Dela Cruz drafted a resolution and letter, but the wording wasn't quite right, since the sewer system is out of Dela Cruz's control. Mayor's representative Kubota asked if Chair Letts could arrange a meeting for the sewer system issue, but she stated that she will be attending a meeting in the next week to deal with the issue. Residents expressed concern over the health issue represented by the unfinished sewer system. Iese commented that she thought the City was doing away with cesspools; Chair Letts responded that the issue is complex and expensive, and that she has been invited to meet with La'ie Point residents to look at how to approach the issues.

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson distributed the Governor's newsletter, an explanation of the Akaka Bill, and emphasized the following:

1)       Gov. Lingle just returned home from Washington D.C., where she was lobbying for support of the Akaka Bill. A total of 60 votes are required to bring the bill to the Senate floor, and the Governor is still hopeful that it will be considered in the next two weeks.

2)       The Governor's thoughts and prayers are with people affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida as they cope with the aftermath of this horrific tragedy.

3)       Gov. Lingle participated in a pinning ceremony in honor of Brigadier General Kathleen F. Berg, the first female general officer in the 58-year history of the Hawai'i Air National Guard.

4)       The Governor invited everyone to attend the next International Women's Leadership Conference.

5)       Gov. Lingle received a visit from students from the Charter Schools and was very impressed. She is working with the State Department of Education (DOE) to extend the life of the Charter Schools.

6)       The Governor and Lt. Governor met the world champion Ewa Beach Little League baseball team upon their return to Honolulu after winning the World Series title. Both offered their congratulations for being the first team from Hawai'i to win the title and for representing the State and nation with such humility.

Representative Colleen Meyer – Rep. Meyer distributed her report gave the following information:

1)       Capital Improvements in the Area –

a)       $300,000 for highway widening to accommodate a contraflow lane on Kahekili Highway from Haiku Road to Hui Iwa Street.

b)       $800,000 each for both Hau'ula and Kahalu'u Elementary Schools: electrical system upgrades; communications and power infrastructure, ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances.

c)       $250,000 for Kahuku High and Intermediate Schools: portable classroom.

d)       $800,000 for Waiahole Elementary School: design, construction, and equipment for electrical system upgrades; communications and power infrastructure improvements; ground and site improvements, equipment and appurtenances.

2)       Graduated licensing is designed to provide a more protective learning environment for teenage drivers. The new licensing procedure is intended to require younger drivers to demonstrate responsible and skillful driving behavior through three phases of licensing – learner's permit and intermediate or provisional license before receiving a regular driver's license. The provisional license can be obtained at age 16. The law will take effect on January 9, 2006.

3)       Oahu taxpayers will pay 4.5% excise tax starting January 1, 2007, which is an increase of 12.5% over what taxpayers pay now. Rep. Meyer did not support the excise tax increase. There is a group organizing to put a referendum on the November 2006 ballot to stop the tax hike. It will take approximately 45,000 signatures to get this petition on the ballot. Initiative and referendum are allowed at the county level but not at the state level. If interested in participating, call Rep. Meyer's office at 586-8540.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Heath expressed concern about the most dangerous drivers, the unlicensed drivers.

2)       A resident asked what citizens can do to stop gas prices from rising. Rep. Meyer responded that gas retailers are not going to charge less than the gas cap. She didn't support the gas cap because it put no cap on retail prices, and therefore did not benefit consumers. Governor's representative Ben Henderson described the provision in the legislature to allow the Governor to end the gas cap; Gov. Lingle is watching the effects of the gas cap closely to see if she should call a halt to it. The purpose of the gas cap is to cut down on the profits made by oil refineries and the Public Utilities Commission (part of the State Department of Budget and Finance) will set a new price for the gas cap every week.

Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert and Donna Lindsey reported the following:

1)       The Kahuku School Complex has registered students from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

2)       Hau'ula Elementary School made adequate yearly progress with the program, "safe harbor". The school has decreased the amount of non-proficient students by 10%, which is attributed to the good work of the teachers.

3)       On September 19, from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Community Learning Center, there will be an after-school learning program to extend the time given to students who are below recommended proficiency levels. Teachers are asking parents to read to their children every night for at least 15 minutes. Also, a pizza party prize will be awarded if children in the area and their families read 4,000 books by October.

4)       The trend in education is toward standard-based education, which builds lessons and assessments around specific objectives.

5)       The Hawaii Education Performance System demonstrates the importance and relevance of public school education. La'ie and Kahuku schools are in good standing, and K'a'a'awa is doing very well. Kahuku High School received $1.8 million as part of a 21^st Century Grant, which provides federal funding for all six sites in the complex, to add subjects like chess, film/media development, finance education, etc. Call Laurie Aki at 293-8920 with any other suggestions of subjects to add. There is a possibility that the study and performance of opera may be brought to Hau'ula Elementary School.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Mattoon moved, and Kahana seconded, to give a certificate of achievement to the Kahuku Complex for its improvement, which was adopted unanimously (9-0-0).

2)       A resident pointed out that charter schools deserve recognition as well.

U.S. Army – Lt. Col. Greg Mason and Lt. Kellie Knight relayed the following community updates:

1)       They are honored to partner with the Board and will be attending the meetings from now on; the Commander will attend the next month's meeting.

2)       The U.S. Army is partnering with schools in the area and is open to any questions, issues or concerns.

3)       Troops have just been redeployed back to Iraq. One unit remains in Afghanistan and will return in mid- to late November and then the Army will be completely out of Afghanistan.

4)       Right now, they're going through a "reset" process wherein they get equipment and personnel up to standard. Their specific unit is smaller now. They will bring training schedules when they are known.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

They can bring maps of where the training will occur, when known, and updates on the Stryker Brigade (SB), although Lt. Col. Mason pointed out that most SB training will take place on the Big Island.

U.S. Marines Corps – No representative present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa distributed to the Board members flyers and registration forms for the BWS's 2005 Neighborhood Board orientation workshop and reported the following:

1)       There were no main breaks in the months of July and August. The pumpage for the week ending August 31 was 178 million gallons per day.

2)       BWS is extending invitations to all Neighborhood Board members to attend the 2005 Neighborhood Board orientation workshop to learn about the BWS and Hawaii's precious water supply. Topics covered at the workshop will include the history of water on Oahu, information about Hawaii's precious water sources, customer service, water systems improvement projects, and water quality. The two-hour workshop will take place on Saturday, October 15, at 9 a.m., at Mission Memorial Auditorium, 550 South King Street. Light refreshments will be provided. BWS asks that Board members please R.S.V.P. by October 3 by email (dnekoba@hbws.org) or by phone, 748-5369.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Kahana attended the workshop last year, and asked if it's the same presentation. Usagawa thinks that the presentation is the same, but will get back to her if the content has changed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa conveyed the following: For the last 1.5 years, BWS has been working on the KWMP, a holistic water plan. They have been learning from and listening to the community and have developed 30 projects and programs. On August 13, at a workshop with approximately 10 attendees, they discussed objectives of the KWMP and projections for the area. The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) projected that the amount of people in the Ko'olauloa area increased by several thousand, but that the amount of people in the Ko'olaupoko area decreased, because there are now less people per residence. Items such as cost, maximizing use, minimizing use of electricity, flexibility in case of droughts, and a reduction of the water being exported out of Ko'olauloa were discussed. They are trying for a public review draft for later this year. BWS will let all interested parties know when the next meeting is scheduled.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Letts encouraged more individuals to attend the next KWMP meeting.

2)       The land under consideration is mostly on the coast, in urban and agricultural zones, and for the most part is not owned by the military.

Malaekahana State Park – Craig Chapman presented the following comments: Friends of Malaekahana (FOM) want to privatize one to two of the parks, Kahuku and/or Kalanai, to give both Kama'aina and Malihine a chance to participate in a great camping experience. The State asked him what he wanted, and he declared that he wants what the community wants.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       The design of the units hasn't changed (Yurt type hales with plastic roofing material made to look like thatch), but the question remains over how many to create. Chapman affirmed that any amount of units would be fine with him. The State has asked him to put forth $350,000 for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), an SMA permit and rezoning, all of which take three months to one year. Chapman expressed his opinion that the State was remiss in not zoning the area back down to P-2. The Kalanai part of the park contains 70 acres; 50 acres are "non-use" land, 10 acres are sheer water resources, and 10-15 acres are for picnicking. Chapman mentioned that the State asked FOM to make revenue off of just those 10-15 acres, which they feel is impossible; FOM thinks that the Kalanai part should belong to the community. The Kahuku section has a 450-person carrying capacity, and is ideal for cabins and camping. If the Kahuku section is converted, it will bring $1-1.5 million into the community (Chapman installed refrigerators which encourage economic development in the area). Kama'aina only come out to the park during vacation times, holidays, weekends, and the summer. To make the operation viable, tourists need to be attracted during those off-peak times.

2)       There isn't much traffic in the Malaekahana Park area anymore, and the park was voted the safest and most productive park in the State (Chapman will provide this in writing). Chapman affirmed that the park has been running for 12 years, they make good neighbors, and bring in good money. FOM has given money to the Alternative Learning Centers (ALC) to support the local schools. They've also contributed to the Kahuku football team, in that they may use cabins for two weeks for free.

3)       Macy asked what the holdup is on changing the Kahuku section if the community supports the decision. Chair Letts answered that there are questions and concerns about the aesthetics of the alterations, costs, wind turbines, and similar issues. Macy moved to support the park, but there was no second, so the motion was not considered.

4)       Chair Letts inquired about what FOM would do if the community felt that the commercial use and density of the area needs to decrease. Chapman asserted that it would be no problem that FOM just wants to work with the community. Chair Letts declared the importance of getting this park done correctly, since it will be used as an example of the process for State Parks to privatize more public state parks statewide.

5)       DLNR gave instructions for FOM to go to various communities for input/approval and they are just about at the end of the time limit provided, which ends in November. All communities have received presentations, although the La'ie  community received the materials in writing only, since there was no meeting that could be scheduled. Mattoon moved, and Steward seconded, to hold a fact finding session on the issue so that a preseantaion could be made at the October Board meeting, which was adopted by unanimous consent. The fact finding group will include Mattoon, Steward, Letts and Iese. Chapman is not available from September 10 to September 17.

Ko'olauloa Bridge Replacement Status – Chair Letts noted that there are three ongoing bridge replacements; however, Scott Ishikawa, of DOT, could not make it to this meeting, so he will attend the October meeting to discuss all three replacements.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kahuku Community Foundation – Chair Letts stated that Campbell Estate is selling off everything they own in Kahuku; they will start a community fund for Kahuku with a percentage of the sales. Amy Luerson of the Hawai`i Community Foundation will be overseeing the fund, and has requested that the Board appoint two members to the Advisory Board. Mattoon moved, and Kaluhiokalani seconded, to appoint Hurlbut and Soh to the Advisory Board dealing with the Campbell Estate Kahuku Community Foundation. Motion was adopted unanimously (9-0-0).

PUBLIC INPUT:

1)       A resident expressed her disappointment that, at the last meeting, there were no La'ie representatives from the Board present to hear concerns about the La'ie Sewage Plant. She suggested inviting the La'ie Board representatives to the next La'ie Point Community Association (LPCA) meeting to help with the decision-making.

2)       Concern was expressed that charter schools (and Kalawukahi in particular) have no place on the Board's agenda and that Kalawukahi did not receive any grant money. It was pointed out that charter schools do fall under the DOE, but that each individual school writes its own grants. The issue was referred to the Education Committee.

CORRESPONDENCE: There is a zoning waiver application for Coral Wireless at Kahuku Hospital. There has been no evidence of harmful radiation from the telecommunications antennas. Chair Letts received a packet from Coral Wireless about the health issues of antennas.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Education – Kahana asked if the community could bring over out-of-work teachers affected by Hurricane Katrina since there is a shortage of teachers in the area. Albert (DOE) replied that, in the area, 100% of the elementary school teacher positions are filled with highly qualified teachers; the high school positions are filled, even the special education positions are filled; what is needed are highly qualified Hawaiian language teachers. Committee Chair Macy announced that Lisa DeLong won Principal of the Year award.

Health / Human Services – Committee Chair Soh reported that he attended a meeting yesterday, September 7, at which the upcoming grant for the Ko'olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center (for the containers and portable buildings) was discussed.

Parks & Recreation – Committee Chair Kaluhiokalani thanked the City and DPR for allowing the parking lots to stay open at the parks in the area. Iese commented that only one bathroom was vandalized in the first two weeks.

Public Safety – Committee Chair Iese advised the community members to make their 72-hour hurricane kits. She suggested that people keep all of their important documents in one place, to make it easy to take them all at once if in a hurry. Iese expressed the importance of immunizing children.

Water – Committee Chair Kahana stated that Usagawa already updated the community on the KWMP.

There were no updates from the Cultural Affairs, Planning & Land Use, and Public Information Committees. The Committee Chairs of the Housing and Transportation Committees were not present at this meeting.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Kahuku – Soh reported the following: (a) On Saturday, August 27, 32 individuals (representatives from all over), surveyed training area "C". (b) On Tuesday, September 6, Kevin and Wesley Huritz received Eagle awards.

La’ie – Steward relayed the following: Regarding emergency preparation, La'ie associations are training people to form community emergency response teams. They will be opening shelters in October, and the shelters will contain helpful information. Steward encouraged the creation of the 72-hour kits. There will be two shelter-management training teams, one from the community and one from Brigham Young University (BYU). Announcements will go out to the community. La'ie representatives did receive packages of materials from FOM regarding the park.

Hau’ula – Iese is the new President of the Hau'ula Community Association (HCA). She announced the following: (a) On Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Community Clean-Up at Hau'ula Elementary School. (b) On Saturday, November 12, is the first Taste of Hau'ula; Gov. Lingle will attend. (c) Iese commended Hau'ula Elementary School for the success of their "safe harbor" program.

Punalu'u – Mattoon reported that, similar to La'ie, Punalu'u is instituting emergency procedures and access routes. This will be discussed at the meeting of the Punalu'u Community Association (PCA) this Tuesday, September 13.

Kahana – Chair Letts conveyed the community's concern about the bridge replacements in the area.

Ka'a'awa – Chair Letts gave the following information: (a) Ka'a'awa Community Association (KCA) did receive a presentation from FOM regarding the park, where more questions were raised. The issue is on the agenda for the next month as well. (b) There are plans for a Retreat Center, located on the land behind the Ka'a'awa Fire Station.  The group proposing the center is seeking a lease from DLNR.

A resident did not remember a FOM presentation at the LPCA meeting; there was no presentation at the meeting, so Chapman distributed handouts to the representatives of the LPCA. As previously stated there was no presentation to the Laie community.

A small art guild in Hau'ula employed fundraising by selling bumper stickers with their motto, "Hau'ula Rises". The bumper stickers are now on sale for $1 each.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant