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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2006
HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with 9 members present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington (arrived at 7:08 p.m.), Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy (departed at 8:55 p.m.), Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara Kahana (excused).
GUESTS: Lt. K. Finn (Honolulu Police Department); Fire Fighter 1 (FF1) D. Myung (Honolulu Fire Department); Patrick Kubota (Mayor's representative – Deputy Director, City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); James Nakatani (Congressman Case's Office staff); Reed Matsuura (Council Chair Dela Cruz's Office staff); Ben Henderson (Governor's representative – Deputy to Chair, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands); Laura Contreras (Senator Hee's Office staff); Liz Heiselt (Representative Meyer's Office staff); Lea Albert, Donna Lindsey (State Department of Education); Representative Michael Magaoay; Deirdra Alo (Representative Magaoay's Office staff); Sgt. First Class A. Ho Lung, Maj. H. Willingham (U.S. Army); Sarah Fry, Mr. Gate (U.S. Marine Corps); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Craig Chapman (Malaekahana); Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association); Lloyd Haraguchi, Theresia McMurdo (Campbell Estate); Luanne Aalona, Charles K. Kawaihalau, Christopher Suarez, Leona Tupou, Hina Wong (Halau Lokahi Charter School); Yu-Shim Kuo, Marania Teuru (Brigham Young University-Hawaii); Fred Mencher, Rick Spencer (Hawaiian Marine Enterprises); Davina Sanders (Hui Makua O Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Ko'olauloa); Gerry Meade (Ko'olauloa Health and Wellness Center); Keith Kurahashi (Kusao & Kurahashi, Inc.); Pane Meatoya (La'ie Community Association); Choon James, Oris Terry (La'ie Point Community Association); Didi Herron, Sifa Tiueti (Punalu'u Community Association); Kathy Adcox, Jim Anthony, Gloria Filipo, Shermane Filipo, Suzanne Filipo, Harry Kerr, John Olszowka, Maria Pacheco, Gil Riviere, Kevin Salts, Dovey Silva, Dennis Wilkey, Nancy Wilkey; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 12, 2006 MINUTES: The following corrections were offered –
* Page 3 – Governor's Representative – questions, comments and concerns – item no. 2 – end of first sentence – strike out "La'ie" and insert "Ka'a'awa".
* Page 5 – U.S. Army – item no. 1 – insert "DISCOM" between "Division" and "has been".
* Page 5 – U.S. Army – item no. 3 – strike out "flew to Pakistan with humanitarian supplies and transported 1,100 refugees" and insert "conducted humanitarian missions".
* Page 8 – Campbell Estate Land Sale – discussion – item no. 1 – add two sentences at the end: "Rick Spencer mentioned an email obtained through the Freedom of Information Act that indicated that the Corps of Engineers Flood Control project cannot proceed to construction phase because it doesn't qualify under the cost-benefit regulations. Mencher circulated copies of the email to the Board."
Mattoon moved, and Iese seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 12, 2006 as corrected, which was adopted by unanimous consent.
TREASURER'S REPORT – The Operating Account expenses were $35.39, leaving a balance of $1,239.46. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts did not incur any expenses, leaving the balances at $1,081.00 and $120.00.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative present at this time.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. K. Finn circulated the statistical report, brochures on combating identity theft, and provided the following:
1) January Statistics – There were 9 burglaries, 21 other property thefts, 22 thefts from automobiles (UEMVs), 0 robberies and 6 auto/motorcycle thefts, which made the total 58.
2) The burglaries reported last month for Punalu'u were actually 8, not 13 as originally reported.
3) Lt. Finn's own daughter was a victim of identity theft, so he urged everyone to protect themselves and read the brochure on combating identity theft.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Chair Letts mentioned that a truck drove through a fence and it took three calls and over one-half hour for HPD to respond. When the police did arrive, they didn't give the driver a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer even though it seemed clear he had been drinking. The officers let him drive away. A later record search done by a resident showed the driver had several DUIs and had no license.
2) Chair Letts related that the traveling drug-dealing is still happening, moving from Kualoa to Ka'a'awa to Punalu'u to Hau'ula etc. Lt. Finn noted that HPD is aware of it. Chair Letts inquired how residents can help. Lt. Finn will follow up.
3) Chair Letts commented that burglars have been "testing the waters" by stealing something small from a house to see if anyone notices, then going back for more.
4) Didi Herron thanked HPD for responding to an attempted burglary within 10 minutes. She asked residents to tell the Neighborhood Security Watch if they are going on vacation and have lights on a timer. Lt. Finn added that residents going on vacation may let HPD know and they will make regular checks on the house.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – FF1 D. Myung reported the following:
1) Statistics for January – Kahuku: 4 fires, 11 medical/rescue emergencies, 2 hazardous conditions, and 2 miscellaneous alarms; Hau'ula: 7 fires, 7 medical/rescue emergencies, and 3 miscellaneous alarms; Ka'a'awa: 5 fires, 8 medical/rescue emergencies, and 2 miscellaneous alarms.
2) Fire Safety Tip – Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level. Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen or bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned four (4) to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.
Heath asked if there was any news on the new Hau'ula fire station. FF1 Myung answered that there is no news yet.
Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota distributed: (a) the February Mayor's Newsletter; (b) updates on community projects; (c) a handout on curbside green waste collection; and (d) a Mayor's concern form. He encouraged everyone to read the handouts. He highlighted the following:
1) The City moved to preserve Waimea and Pupukea from urbanization, in partnership with public and private organizations. The non-profit Trust for Public Land will use City funds and other monies to purchase 1,129 acres in Pupukea-Paumalu – this land will be kept as a State reserve. The City spearheaded the purchase of Waimea Valley for $14 million, a conservation and public access easement will be obtained in perpetuity.
2) The Mayor announced several changes in his administration – one is that the new Managing Director is now Wayne Hashiro, formerly the Director of the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC).
3) Ka'a'awa Beach Park (demolish and replace comfort station, close cesspool, install septic tank and leach field) – Construction was planned to commence on February 6.
4) Hau'ula Community Recreation Center (building renovations including roof repairs and interior work) – date of completion for the renovation work is now estimated to be in June 2006.
5) Hau'ula Skate Park (design and build) – No status change from last month's meeting. Revised design plans were received and given to the contractor. DDC is now waiting for the contractor's best and final offer to construct the redesigned skate park. Still anticipating that construction will start in early 2006.
6) Hau'ula Beach Park (various park improvements including picnic tables, irrigation system; raising the sign; request for a chain to lock parking lot) – Picnic tables will be installed this week with final inspection scheduled for Friday, February 10. DDC is still checking with the contractor to see if the park's name sign can be raised to increase visibility with minimal cost. The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) stated that they look forward to working with the community to address the issue of security, but currently DPR does not have the resources to secure the parking nightly, seven days per week.
7) Hau'ula Community Center (needs more chairs to accommodate attendees at Board meetings) – The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) is still researching this issue.
8) The Mayor is starting curbside green waste pickup in March, using the blue bins originally given for recycling. Also, regularly scheduled bulky pickup will be expanded to this part of the island.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Steward asked for a definition of what's considered bulky items, since some items that he left out were not picked up. Definitions are posted on www.opala.org. The schedule for pick-up is also on this web site.
2) Iese confirmed that blue bins may now be used for green waste. Kubota added that if a second one is needed, residents may call the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) to request another bin, which will be green. ENV will charge for a third trash bin. Kubota noted that the gray bin may also be used on green trash pickup days. Iese inquired how much the extra bin costs the taxpayers
3) Chair Letts reiterated that the irrigation system batteries at Hau'ula Beach Park are still exposed, which is very dangerous.
4) Choon James pointed out that over 20 meeting attendees were standing and encouraged the City to get more chairs for the room.
5) Didi Herron asked if, instead of green waste pickup two times per month, if the contractors could be allowed to dump their own green waste (at the La'ie Convenience Yard). She requested no dump fees for contractors bringing green waste to transfer stations, because of the expense of going to Kailua. Herron commented that they have to pass the cost on to their customers, which the contractors are then taxed on, even though the City burns the green waste at H-Power or "sells" the power back to them.
6) Theresia McMurdo announced that Campbell Estate would be willing to fund some of the chairs. Residents expressed their approval of the offer.
Kubota will follow up (or is still following up) on the above concerns.
Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani circulated Congressman Case's report, and mentioned the following:
1) The Department of Defense's Quadrennial Defense Report clearly highlights Hawaii's expanding role in the nation's defense and affects a range of military and civilian operations in the islands ranging from shipbuilding to more mobile forces ready to deploy to trouble spots around the world.
2) The U.S. Department of Education will be hosting 10 workshops in the state for individuals and organizations interested in learning how to apply for the $9.5 million in federal grants to fund Native Hawaiian education programs.
3) Everyone is invited to "talk story" with Congressman Case on: (a) Friday, February 24, at Aikahi Elementary School Cafeteria, 281 Ilihau Street, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; (b) Saturday, February 25, at Kahuku Village Association Community Center, 56-576 Kamehameha Highway, from 8 to 9 a.m.; (c) Saturday, February 25, at Hale'iwa Elementary School Cafeteria, 66-505 Hale'iwa Road, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; and (d) Sunday, February 26, at Wahiawa Recreation Center, 1139-A Kilani Avenue, from 4 to 5 p.m.
4) Nakatani followed up with the U.S. Marine Corps about their lack of attendance at Board meetings and there are representatives here tonight.
Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Reed Matsuura distributed the report and highlighted the following:
1) The Council is taking an active role in the search for affordable housing solutions. The Council Chair has introduced Resolutions 06-032 (expresses the Council's support for the preservation of residential homes in former plantation owned housing areas) and 06-033 (proposes an amendment to the City's subdivision ordinance allowing the establishment of plantation community subdivisions in current or former sugar or pineapple plantation communities, including those in Kahuku, Poamoho and Waialua). Council Chair Dela Cruz and Councilmember Kobayashi introduced Bill 3, which allows an owner of property used as low-income rental housing to be granted various exemptions from real property taxes for the next tax year.
2) City and State agencies have partnered to address flooding problems on Kamehameha Highway in Waikane (from the unnamed stream running parallel to Waikane Stream). Council Chair Dela Cruz included $250,000 in the fiscal year 2005 (FY05) Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget.
3) Council continues to discuss real property tax relief proposals. More detailed information about the proposals can be found at the City's Docushare website http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare.
4) The vacancies in HPD are being filled.
5) Regarding the Ko'olauloa parks' projects, the report is being finalized.
Governor's Representative – Ben Henderson circulated the Governor's Update, and reported the following:
1) This week (January 28 – February 3) Gov. Lingle attended two legislative hearings to listen to public testimony on several bills relating to energy and the environment, and affordable housing.
2) Hawaii's tax season is underway, and the State Department of Taxation is encouraging taxpayers to use electronic filing. Visit their website at www.hawaii.gov/tax/tax.
3) The activity noted at Kaluanui Stream was part of the bridge replacement project currently in design.
4) Kamehameha Highway will be "cold-planed" (scraped) as part of the resurfacing.
5) He asked if the community had wanted concrete barriers installed at Kualoa Park. Chair Letts clarified that the community wants barriers installed at Ka'a'awa Beach Park.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Jim Anthony requested Henderson to follow up on: (a) the Governor's position on gill-net fishing; (b) the Governor's position on marine-protected areas; and (c) asking the Governor to question Peter Young, the Director of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) about his opposition to science.
2) Didi Herron is an avid fisherman, and she noted that 90% of the fishermen did not want the fisheries closed. She added that the Governor spoke against gill-nets, but Herron doesn't want them banned or any more shoreline closed. She concluded that these fishing restrictions could kill native Hawaiian fishing.
Henderson will follow up on the above concerns.
Senator Clayton Hee – Laura Contreras distributed: (a) Sen. Hee's report; (b) the text of Senate Bill (SB) 2647 (explained below); and (c) the text of SB 2004, relating to historic preservation.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Chair Letts thanked Sen. Hee for introducing SB 2647 for the Board, relating to the sale of pornography near schools. SB 2647 will prohibit the display or sale of sexually explicit material within 500 feet of a school between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The bill will be heard by the Senate Committee on Education and Military Affairs on February 14 at 1:15 p.m. in Room 212 of the State Capitol. Heath will go the hearing to testify. Chair Letts noted that there is also House Bill (HB) 2228, but it is slightly different.
2) Jim Anthony mentioned that the two bathrooms in the Kahana Bay area are in a state of decay – the bathrooms at the park and across the street by the boat ramp. He has spoken to DPR with no results.
3) Didi Herron asked if Sen. Hee could help the community to get DLNR to police the Kahana Bay area, because there are many homeless living there, causing erosion, dealing drugs and dumping vehicles. Chair Letts added that furniture has been dragged up there by the homeless people.
Representative Colleen Meyer – Liz Heiselt circulated Rep. Meyer's report and mentioned HB 2228, which proposes to make it a Class C felony to promote pornography within 1,000 feet of a school campus or public park. She noted that progress of bills may be tracked online at www.capitol.hawaii.gov (click on "Bill Status & Docs").
Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert relayed the following information:
1) Kahuku High School won the National Scholastic Art Competition, and will send four students to compete nationwide in photography.
2) Sen. Hee has submitted three bills on the DOE's behalf: (a) one to do with the land exchange with the Hawaii Baptist Academy – DOE representatives submitted testimony; (b) SB 3122, which asks for $5,000 for each Hawaiian Language Immersion student, which will be heard on Monday, February 13; and (c) a bill requesting additional funding for English for Second Language Learners (ESLL).
Iese stated that she received a flyer in the mail announcing that the bill referred to in item (c) above will be heard tomorrow, February 10.
Representative Michael Magaoay – Rep. Magaoay introduced a new staff member, Deirdra Alo, who lives in the area, distributed his report, and provided the following information:
1) He introduced a bill to provide emergency helicopters to transport people to Queen's Hospital for one year, since soon medevac helicopters will no longer be available due to overseas deployment.
2) Rep. Magaoay runs the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) program; already there are $233 million in requests for grants. He asked that whoever submits requests to talk to him and lobby their case. They are currently focusing on social issues.
3) He apologized for not attending the Board meetings very much last year and expressed his thanks.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Heath objected to the idea of calling the improvement of school facilities to an acceptable level a CIP. Rep. Magaoay explained that there is a construction management team, and that the projects need to come out on a timely basis. Heath reiterated that current school facilities are not healthy environments.
2) Rick Spencer noted that he has to ask GIA every year for money for the Kahuku Hospital, and inquired if some money could be garnered from the two hotels in the area to support the hospital. Rep. Magaoay replied that the hospital received $1 million last year, that now they're asking for $1.5 million, and he hasn't seen any signs of improvement; he asked if people are using the hospital. Spencer related that the hospital went from a $2 million loss per year to a $1 million loss; they've increased the usage to three to four patients per day. Spencer asked why some of the tax from hotels can't be used to help the hospital. Rep. Magaoay suggested that the Board and the administration discuss this with legislators. Choon James reported that she had to go the emergency room at Kahuku Hospital for a few sutures, waited four hours, then gave up and drove to Castle hospital. Rep. Magaoay acknowledged the issue and repeated that everyone needs to work on it.
U.S. Army – Sgt. First Class A. Ho Lung introduced Maj. H. Willingham and relayed these community updates:
1) The Division Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Brigade, the 45th Sustainment Brigade (their brigade), and the Aviation Brigade will deploy this summer to Iraq.
2) The 84th Engineers who have been deployed for a few months have not suffered any casualties or fatalities.
3) The first Stryker is here – it's a Medical Evacuation Vehicle (MEV) and will be displayed at various events around Oahu for the public to see (e.g., the Great Aloha Run and the Pro Bowl, etc.). More vehicles will be arriving during the summer.
4) Even though the 45th Sustainment Brigade will be deployed, representatives will still attend these Board meetings – they will be introduced prior to the previous representatives' departures.
Didi Herron mentioned that there's a great deal of construction work being done at the range above Kahuku. Chair Letts responded that they have approval and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which was unsuccessfully challenged; she'll follow up. Hurlbut offered that they're constructing a new building.
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) – Sarah Fry circulated a handout, noted that she will send the report electronically, and introduced Mr. Gate, who reported the following:
1) The Civilian-Military Council meets every third Tuesday, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Officers' Club (11:30 lunch).
2) The USMC has a school liaison officer – Amy Bevan – who works very closely with the schools.
3) There will be some fighter plane traffic for the next 10 to 12 days, beginning tomorrow at 2 p.m.
4) Airfield hours have been slightly reduced from 110 operating hours to 74, but they will return to 110 in six to eight months when the base gets more controllers.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Kaluhiokalani commented that helicopters were flying around at a low altitude, not in the prescribed flight patterns, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; he called the base to report them. Kaluhiokalani asked what's being done to address these flights. Mr. Gate answered that they can coordinate with Army helicopters and added that if helicopters are flying in open air over the water (and in unpopulated areas in general), then they must maintain an altitude of 500 feet. In populated areas, the helicopters should maintain an altitude of at least 1,000 feet. Heath noted that helicopters flying lower than 1,000 feet will cause her glass table to vibrate, and asked if residents should contact the base if they think that the helicopters are flying lower than 1,000 feet. Chair Letts also suggested that residents call the base if the helicopters aren't flying according to flight plans either. Kaluhiokalani thanked the USMC representatives for responding and attending the meeting. Mr. Gate assured the community that the USMC is very concerned about proper flight patterns, but they will never say that pilots aren't doing what they're supposed to. He continued to explain that some of the pilots are junior pilots with limited experience.
2) Iese mentioned a show at the Kaneohe base a few months ago that shook buildings including Kaneohe Hospital. She has a sick relative there who was traumatized. Iese requested that the USMC check the effects on people who are ill. Mr. Gate responded that there will be no show this year. Iese requested that if there are any shows, to please notify the community, to which Mr. Gate agreed.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa provided the following information:
1) There were no main breaks in January. The pumpage for the week ending January 5 was 140 million gallons per day.
2) The 2006 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest's theme is "Each and Every Day I Save Water My Way". The deadline for entries is Thursday, March 9. Winners will receive a savings bond, will be included in the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar, and their entries will be displayed at City Hall to commemorate Water Conservation Week. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.
3) March 5-11 is Detect-A-Leak Week on Oahu. Promotional flyers and leak detection dye tablets for toilets will be available at BWS on Beretania Street, various hardware stores, and all satellite city halls.
4) Water Savings Tip – Turn off the water as you brush your teeth to save as much as four gallons of water.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Ko'olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa reported that preparation of the public review draft is taking longer than expected – they are postponing the release until March.
Jim Anthony requested that Usagawa ensure that the community receives adequate time (at least two weeks) to review a 200-300 page document before the public comment period. Usagawa affirmed that the document should be ready two weeks before the next working group meeting, then two weeks will be provided for comments. The plan must go through the City Council and the Water Commission as well.
Malaekahana State Park Update – Craig Chapman distributed handouts and imparted the following: The State has put the Malaekahana State Park out for privatization, and Chapman is the only bidder that came back with a Request for Proposal (RFP). Chapman has made some changes to the plans as a result of the comments from the last Board meeting. Instead of the "yurt" (dumbbell-shaped) type of cabin, they rethought the idea and chose a plantation look in three different styles. Each cabin will have a wood floor and a cathedral-style ceiling. The park won't use the grid electricity – they will have solar power and a backup generator system. There will be a 40 by 50 foot structure with a solar paneled roof to provide the energy for the park. This is an opportunity to teach children about alternative forms and conservation of energy; this will bring more students and learning to the area. In addition to solar energy, there will be composting toilets and devices to create water out of air, which will show people how to survive without infrastructure. At least five cabins will need to be constructed on the Kalanai side. The entire project will now cost $3 million; each building has a price under $100,000. The whole park will be low-density, so it won't contribute to traffic. It's as low-density as possible for Chapman to break even on the deal. They are keeping the picnicking and camping areas. This proposal will demonstrate to the State that parks can be low-density, semi-profitable, and still fill a niche. Chapman then requested a vote of confidence from the Board.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Macy asked if Chapman gave the presentation to the La'ie community associations. Chapman replied that he just thought of the idea, the State likes it, and he wanted to see how the community felt. He's been to the Hau'ula Community Association (HCA). Iese added that the HCA Board of Directors unanimously supported the idea.
2) Kaluhiokalani inquired if Chapman is now satisfying the State requirements. Chapman affirmed this but again requested a vote of confidence. Macy responded that he wants to hear what the La'ie community has to say before he takes a position on the issue. Chapman added that he scaled back the project – they are under the carrying capacity by approximately 70 people. Macy requested that he go to the La'ie and Kahuku communities before coming back to the Board. Chapman explained that he has to go to DLNR in mid-March, so that's why he wants a vote now. Chair Letts offered to put the item on the March agenda and let DLNR know the board likes the proposed cabin design better.
3) Hurlbut conveyed that there is a general membership meeting of the Kahuku Community Association (KCA) on February 16 at 7 p.m. at the community center. Chapman will attend. Macy noted that the La'ie Community Association board meetings are on the first Thursdays of the month. Chapman will attend. Mattoon indicated that the next Punalu'u Community Association (PCA) board meeting won't be until after the next Board meeting. Chair Letts provided that the Ka'a'awa Community Association will meet on Tuesday, February 14, and will try to put Chapman on the agenda. Elkington asked if Mattoon would support Chapman's proposal. Mattoon answered that he won't support it without the backing of his community, and will try to call a special meeting of the PCA board.
4) Choon James questioned if Chapman's company would be in charge of the security of the whole area. Chapman replied in the affirmative.
5) The cost to rent a cabin (six to eight person capacity) will be $100 for Kama'aina and $150 for Malihini.
6) Ralph Makaiau asked that the Board get the original RFP from DLNR, which lists the requirements. Chair Letts has a copy and will mail it out the Board members before the next meeting. Chapman noted that the electricity will have to be put underground, which is not in the RFP.
7) Chapman emphasized that he is working with the community because he wants to. Jim Anthony inquired what the regulatory basis is for having an applicant appear before community associations and asked if Chapman is the only applicant that the Board has required to do this. Chair Letts responded that the Board members represent their individual communities, and all applicants must go before the community associations that their projects may affect. She reiterated that the Board does not usually take a position on any project until the affected community (ies) have been consulted. Jim Anthony objected that there was no opportunity for people to make statements, only to ask questions. Chair Letts explained that this is a Board meeting and that the Board moves through its agenda as expeditiously as possible. The issues will be on the March agenda, that there will be a longer discussion period then hopefully, but that in general, the Board has to accomplish its business and is allowed to set limits on debate. Members of the public may also write their concerns to the Board. Community members may also discuss their concerns with their representative(s).
Campbell Estate Land Sale (800 Acres) to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – Ralph Makaiau reported that there was a meeting with Campbell Estate, the USFWS, the Conservation Fund (the interim buyer) and the KCA board where the problems were discussed and solved. KCA wishes to withdraw their request of a no-confidence vote. They had a special meeting and unanimously approved the sale.
NEW BUSINESS:
Halau Lokahi Charter School (HLCS) – Christopher Suarez stated that he doesn't know why HLCS is on the agenda except that an employee was dismissed. Chair Letts explained that, at the last Board meeting, the issue was requested to be put on the agenda. Suarez added that legalities prevent him from discussing the situation.
Update on Subdivision Status and Any Other Permit Issues Concerning Turtle Bay – Patrick Kubota gave the following update: He contacted the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to request a reply to the Board's letter dated December 30, 2005. Kubota received a reply before this meeting, and Chair Letts sent a response. He will facilitate the gathering of information on this issue. DPP will send an inspector out soon to check out the suspected grading without permits (five grading permits are under review and haven't been issued).
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Mattoon circulated copies of the 1986 Unilateral Agreement and Declaration for Conditional Zoning. Didi Herron distributed: (a) information on how to appeal shoreline certifications (deadline February 15, 2006); (b) a June 10, 2004 Honolulu Advertiser article about the Turtle Bay Resort (TBR); and (c) a Star Bulletin article about TBR development. Mattoon pointed out the following parts of the unilateral agreement:
· TBR shall submit a plan for the development of the water system for the resort to the BWS and the Department of Land Utilization [now part of DPP] and receive their approvals prior to the issuance of subdivision approvals and building permits;
· TBR shall submit a plan for the development of the wastewater system for the resort to the Department of Public Works and receive approval prior to subdivision approvals and building permits;
· A minimum of 51% of the 4,000 resort units shall be operated as full service hotel units;
· TBR shall provide low-moderate income housing opportunities within or outside of the project site for residents living in the Ko'olualoa and North Shore region by constructing and offering for sale a number of dwelling units equal to 10% of the number of dwelling units not a part of a full service hotel operation to be construction on the property as a result of this zoning action;
· TBR shall provide four public parks and dedicate them to the City in compliance with requirements;
· Upon TBR's receipt of its first building permit for development of the first hotel to be built at the resort, they shall record a document with the State Bureau of Conveyances (BOC) which dedicates the Kawela Bay park to the City and County of Honolulu;
· Prior to subdivision approvals, TBR provide rights-of-way and parking for the public; and
· All structures shall generally be set back a minimum distance of 300 feet from the certified shoreline.
2) Chair Letts noted that the EIS doesn't have to follow cultural requirements as it predates some of these requirements. Chair Letts expressed appreciation to Kubota for his follow up on the issue. She stated that the shoreline certification is very difficult to appeal. Chair Letts emphasized that it's been 20 years since this project has seen any scrutiny and added that the City feels that no scrutiny is needed. She read the response she received from DPP, dated February 8, 2006, which made it clear that the City feels that no time frame for development of the expansion area was either implied or imposed by the City Council, and that documents accepted prior to 2000 don't require amendments to include social impact statements. Chair Letts attempted to contact the person listed as the official contact, Eugene Takahashi, and was promptly referred to someone else, who was unavailable at the time.
3) Elkington asked if the unilateral agreement is transferable to the new owners. Chair Letts explained that the agreement goes with the land.
4) Didi Herron conveyed that there are currently only 28 parking stalls for the public to use to access the rights-of-way, and there should be 40. Kubota will follow up.
5) A resident inquired what TBR plans to do about any endangered animals there. Chair Letts acknowledged that they did an EIS, but that was 20 years ago, and according to DPP there is no recourse to ask for environmental studies.
6) Lea Albert requested that the letter from DPP be put in the minutes; Chair Letts agreed.
7) Choon James inquired if the City feels that they should respect "institutions" of the community. Chair Letts clarified that the unilateral agreement contains many conditions – the Board is just asking questions to see if these conditions have been met.
PUBLIC INPUT: Gil Riviere, of the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27 Transportation Committee, announced that the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) will be presenting their 2030 Regional Transportation Plan on Wednesday, February 15, at the Hawaii Convention Center (parking will be validated). He indicated that the Turtle Bay expansion could add more problems to transportation and requested that interested parties come down to testify.
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts received correspondence and made the following announcements –
1) Hawaii Reserves, Inc. (HRI) responded to the Board's letter requesting the activation of the new fire hydrants on Kamehameha Highway in La'ie. Currently all new fire hydrants from the La'ie Shopping Center Foodland bridge to the Kawainui Stream are active. The La'ie Water Company is completing the installation of a new water main on Kamehameha Highway from the Kawainui Stream to the Pounders Beach Park bridge, so those hydrants are still under construction and so are bagged, indicating that there are not yet usable. This area should be complete within the next two to three months.
2) She received a ticket for reserved seating for the Mayor's State of the City address and requested that any interested Board members see her after the meeting.
3) Kokua Ohana Sessions will be held on February 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 5, 19, May 10, 24, and June 7 and 21, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center (53-516 Kamehameha Highway in Punalu'u). Information will be provided on financial aid for Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian ancestry registration.
4) The Ko'olauloa Interagency Community Council (KICC) hold meetings on the third Wednesday of each month. Their next meeting is on February 15, at 8:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Hospital conference room. A representative from the North Shore Strategic Planning Committee will give a special presentation.
5) The Annual Foodbank Drive officially opens on February 13 and ends on April 22. Any non-perishable food may be donated through Neighborhood Assistant Glanstein.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Hurlbut moved, and Elkington seconded, to defer the committee reports until next month, which was adopted by unanimous consent.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.
Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein
Neighborhood Assistant