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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2006 HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with 10 members present. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh, Les Steward (arrived at 7:05 p.m.).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Lt. K. Finn (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 Chair, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands); Senator Clayton Hee; Liz Heiselt (Representative Meyer's Office staff); Donna Lindsey (State Department of Education); Luanne Aalona (Halau Lokahi Charter School); Sgt. First Class Andre Ho Lung, Maj. Frankie Ras (U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association); Lloyd Haraguchi, Theresia McMurdo (Campbell Estate); Sylvia Peilzza (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service); Keoni Fox (Cingular); Louis Prescott (Hauula Boy Scouts); Fred Mencher, Rick Spencer (Hawaiian Marine Enterprises); Davina Sanders (Hui Makua O Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Ko'olauloa); Junior Primacio (KNSSPC); Gail Haraguchi, Jessica Leong, Gerry Meade, Annette Santiago, Dovey Silva, Mary Lou Wood; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 10, 2005 MINUTES: The following corrections were offered – * Page 4 – DOE – questions, comments and concerns – item no. 2 – add "at Kahuku High School" at the end of the sentence. * Page 8 – Bridge Replacements – questions, comments and concerns – item no. 12 – second sentence – strike out "Lockwood" and insert "Letts". * Page 9 – Community Reports – Punalu'u – second sentence – after "short meeting" and before "and went on a tour", insert "with the U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science". Kaluhiokalani moved, and Mattoon seconded, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 10, 2005 as amended, which was adopted by unanimous consent. TREASURER'S REPORT – The Operating Account expenses were $66.75, leaving a balance of $1,306.43. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts did not incur any expenses, leaving the balances at $1,081.00 and $120.00, respectively. GOVERNMENT REPORTS: Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative present. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. K. Finn circulated statistical reports from November and December, a pamphlet on tobacco laws, a brochure about the graduated drivers licensing program, and provided the following: 1) November Statistics – There were 7 burglaries, 18 other property thefts, 15 thefts from automobiles (UEMVs), 0 robberies and 7 auto/motorcycle thefts, which made the total 47. 2) December Statistics – There were 20 burglaries, 17 other property thefts, 18 UEMVs, 0 robberies and 5 auto/motorcycle thefts, which made the total 60. 3) Compared to 2004, the total crime in 2005 went up 17% from the previous year. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Iese asked if crime rates rose in December. Lt. Finn replied that HPD normally does see a rise in crime in December, and then are many factors that could influence the statistics. 2) Mattoon commented on the spike in burglaries in Punalu'u (one in November to 13 in December). Lt. Finn added that two people were arrested for burglary two days ago, and he will follow up to see if the burglaries have decreased. 3) Kaluhiokalani questioned how they break down the areas (such as La'ie, Punalu'u, etc.). Lt. Finn responded that the beats (areas) are for the most part bounded by zip codes. 4) Heath voiced her displeasure over the lack of training and bad timing of the police officers directing the contra-flow on Kamehameha Highway; she noted the extreme delays and the excessive backlog toward Kaneohe. Heath is not reassured about the traffic when the pending bridge replacements begin. Lt. Finn will inform the sergeant of the concerns. 5) Iese inquired if any of the crimes are related to the increase in crystal meth use. In his opinion, Lt. Finn agreed that the increase of meth use may have led to crimes, but officially, he is not sure. 6) Chair Letts informed Lt. Finn that there was a stretch limousine selling drugs on private pull-offs (off of Kamehameha Highway), and HPD merely moved them to Kamehameha Highway, where they continued their activity. Lt. Finn advised her to get the badge number of the officers and then call HPD for the Sector Sergeant to express any concerns. About reporting the illegal activity itself, Lt. Finn suggested that when people call 911 they should let the operator know that the crime is ongoing, which changes the category of offense, and may decrease response time. The limousine may be moving from park to park. Lt. Finn will let the Sector Sergeant know. 7) Annette Santiago described the teenage drinking under the Kamani tree in Hau'ula, and added that they return after the police officers leave. Lt. Finn noted that the police officers must witness the drinking. Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota distributed: (a) the December and January Mayor's Newsletters; (b) updates on community projects; (c) a Star Bulletin article by Mayor Mufi Hannemann showing his position on real property tax; (d) a Start Bulletin article by Cynthia Oi about taxes versus spending; and (e) a Mayor's concern form. He encouraged everyone to read the handouts. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Chair Letts noted that the projects listed for Ka'a'awa Beach Park should include Beach Replenishment, since their permit is contingent on it. 2) Mattoon asked if residents should call the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to report anyone using agricultural zoned property for commercial purposes. Kubota replied that a formal complaint should be filed with DPP's Customer Service Office at 523-4531, which will begin an investigation. These sorts of illegal activities will continue unless they are reported. 3) Iese questioned the delay on the renovations of the Hau'ula Community Recreation Center. Kubota answered that there was an unanticipated termite infestation. Heath commented that termite problems should always be anticipated with older buildings. 4) Iese inquired as to the delay in making the plans for the Hau'ula Skate Park. Kubota responded that the plans needed to make the park smaller and less expensive to meet the currently budgeted amount. The revised design plans were given to the contractor, and the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is waiting for the contractor's offer. 5) Iese mentioned that the irrigation system batteries at Hau'ula Beach Park are exposed, which is very dangerous. Kubota will follow up. 6) Dovey Silva thanked Kubota for his support with the use of Hau'ula Beach Park for the Taste of Hau`ula event. Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani circulated Congressman Case's report, encouraged everyone to read it, noted that Congress is not in session currently, and will follow up on getting the U.S. Marine Corps to provide reports to the Board. Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Grant Kawaguchi distributed Council Chair Dela Cruz's report, and highlighted the following: 1) Council Chair Dela Cruz has sent a request to DPP for more information about the expansion of Turtle Bay Resort. 2) The first Affordable Housing Committee meeting of the City Council was held today and will be addressing ways the City can help with affordable housing. The schedule of meetings will be posted online. Chair Letts requested that everyone hold their questions, comments and concerns about the real property tax proposals until the specific agenda item comes up under New Business. Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson circulated the Governor's Update, and reported the following: 1) Gov. Lingle returned from a recent trip to the Philippines to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Filipinos in Hawaii, on January 11. 2) Gov. Lingle is working on the State budget; surplus revenues are up, so communities should be thinking about projects for their schools, and the like. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Mattoon inquired about the work going on Kaluanui Stream, since there are signs posted indicating possible delays. Henderson will follow up, and offered that the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) could be dredging the stream. 2) Chair Letts requested that Henderson check with DLNR on the status of the beach barricades in La'ie. Henderson will follow up. Senator Clayton Hee – Sen. Hee added that the amount of the surplus is approximately $700 million, announced that the deadline to introduce bills was coming in about a week and noted that some items, such as a left-turn lane into Kahuku from Kamehameha Highway, are already in the budget. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Chair Letts expressed the Board's wish to have a bill introduced to restrict the sale of pornography near schools. Sen. Hee will look into it. 2) Steward and Chair Letts reiterated that scraping prior to any repaving on Kamehameha Highway is needed otherwise the highway continues to serve as an ever-increasing dam to the properties behind, worsening an already bad flooding situation. Ben Henderson will follow up. Representative Colleen Meyer – Liz Heiselt distributed Rep. Meyer's report, and mentioned that there is minority legislation being released in the next week to increase the amount of the standard deduction, among other items. Chair Letts requested that Rep. Meyer also look into legislation banning the sale of pornography near schools. Department of Education (DOE) – Donna Lindsey relayed the following information: 1) There are Kahuku Complex Schools science fairs, for third- to sixth-graders. Each school in the complex will have its own fair, then there will be one large science fair at Ka'a'awa on January 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m. 2) Saturday, February 25, is "History Day" at King Intermediate. 3) It is now possible to access individual schools' academic and financial plans (blueprints for the school), which should be available at each school. 4) On January 19, at 3:30 p.m., at the La'ie Elementary School cafeteria, there will be a Board of Education (BOE) meeting. 5) The BOE is looking at a land acquisition package for Kahuku High School (so for the immediate future the Ka'a'awa Elementary School proposal is not being pursued), in a potential land-swap with the Hawaii Baptist Academy. 6) Hau'ula Elementary School met their goal of having the students read at least 5,000 books (they read over 7,800 books), and the pizza party will be given on January 25, offering free pizza and a movie. 7) Coach Kaluiokalani will be speaking at 12 p.m. tomorrow, January 13, at Kahuku Elementary School, about securing the Pi'i grant. 8) Opera will come to Kahuku High School in April; there will be more details to follow. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Iese requested a progress update on the federally funded tutoring program and asked if Halau Lokahi is allowed to use the program. Lindsey replied that they are starting their second tutoring session; enrollment begins in the third week of January. Halau Lokahi was on the waiting list, so Lindsey will follow up. She added that many more tutors are needed, and they have the funds to pay them. Lindsey noted that the Ka’a’awa, Sunset and La’ie schools are able to keep their tutors. She remarked that the amount of children in all of the programs decreases when the end of the session nears. A tutor for Hawaiian language immersion has been hired. 2) Luanne Aalona inquired about the status of the DOE proposal from Pat Hamamoto to provide $800,000 for Hawaiian language immersion students. Lindsey will follow up. 3) Dovey Silva commented on the many stipulations involved in getting Halau Lokahi students involved in the tutoring programs; she asked if the requirements are the same for students from Hau’ula Elementary School (if there are separate standards for charter schools). Chair Letts requested that Lea Albert attend the next Board meeting to answer these questions. Lindsey mentioned that there is a waiting list for the program. 4) Aalona asked how many tutors and students the program has. Lindsey answered that there are currently four tutors for 45 students. Chair Letts noted that with more tutors, they would be able to take more students, and related how Ka’a’awa taps their retirees to help out. Lindsey specified that they need highly qualified tutors in high math and literature. Chair Letts requested that Lindsey send the Board the criteria for tutors, so that they can help to find more tutors. A resident offered that the Brigham Young University (BYU) has students that are always looking for part-time jobs. Lindsey responded that they have some BYU students in the tutoring program, but that other companies with less stringent requirements (the program requires lesson plans and teaching semi-large groups) are often more attractive to the students. Charter Schools – Luanne Aalona reported that the children returned to school on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. The Halau Lokahi Charter School is currently going through reconstruction as well. Dovey Silva gave some background history of Halau Lokahi, and expressed her belief that the person that began the school wanted it to fail. She spoke briefly of a possible lawsuit. More information will be provided at the next Board meeting, when the issue is an agenda item. U.S. Army – Maj. Frankie Ras announced that Lt. Kellie Knight would no longer be attending the Board meetings, that Sgt. First Class Andre Ho Lung will be taking her place. Maj. Ras relayed the following community updates: 1) The 25th Infantry Division has been “re-flagged”, and is now called the 45th Sustainment Brigade. 2) The 84th Engineering Battalion arrived safely in Iraq, where they are carrying out construction missions. 3) Four helicopters flew to Pakistan with humanitarian supplies and transported 1,100 refugees; they have mostly returned. 4) Approximately 7,000 troops will be deployed this summer for Operation Iraqi Freedom. 5) Currently, they sponsor three schools – Kahuku High and Middle schools, and Sunset Elementary School. Chair Letts recognized the Hau’ula Boy Scouts for attending the Board meeting, and noted that more chairs are needed for this room of the Hau’ula Community Center. 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 December. The pumpage for the week ending December 26 was 144 million gallons per day, which is good for the winter (less than 150 million gallons). 2) On January 3, Clifford P. Lum began his appointment as the new Manager and Chief Engineer of the Board of Water Supply. As the eighth manager and chief engineer of the BWS, he is responsible for providing the overall strategic direction and management of the BWS. Lum is a registered civil engineer in both Hawaii and California. He was born in Honolulu, raised in Hilo, and holds both a bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Loyola Marymount University. 3) Water Savings Tip – Limiting your shower time to five minutes and replacing your old shower head with a water-saving one can save up to 20 gallons of water per shower. U.S. Marine Corps – No representative present. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa reported that the review team is continuing to look over the draft plan; they hope to complete the review by the end of January, and will distribute it in February. There will be a working group meeting in February, the date is to be announced, and eventually a formal presentation will be made to the Board. Usagawa circulated the water conservation calendar to the Board, and noted that it encourages children to learn how to conserve water. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Junior Primacio asked if the next working group meeting will take place before the Board meeting, as before. Usagawa replied that they would prefer to hold the meeting on a Saturday. Chair Letts will ensure that Primacio is able to attend the meeting. 2) Hurlbut expressed concern that the new fire hydrants on Kamehameha Highway in La’ie are not hooked up, and it has been more than a year with no protection (water). Usagawa noted that Hawaii Reserves Inc. (HRI) may own the hydrants, but he will follow up. Chair Letts offered to write a letter to HRI. Hurlbut moved, and Steward seconded, to send a letter to HRI asking about the fire hydrants, which was adopted by unanimous consent. NEW BUSINESS: Real Property Tax Proposals at City Council – Grant Kawaguchi distributed: (a) copies of Bills 3, 4, 80, 81 and 82; (b) forms to file notice of real property assessment appeal; and (c) an overview of the proposed real property tax relief legislation from the Council. He highlighted the following information: 1) Low interest rates over the last few years have fueled the real estate boom that has sent property values skyrocketing not only here in Hawaii but across the United States. Many island homeowners have seen property taxes increase year after year. As part of efforts to lessen this unfair financial burden, Council Chair Dela Cruz and Vice-Chair Ann Kobayashi have introduced five bills that, if passed, would alleviate some of the tax burden caused by soaring real property assessments. 2) Bill 80 (2005) proposes to expand the availability of the real property tax credit by increasing the maximum qualifying income from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill provides for a tax credit equal to the amount by which the taxes calculated for the property exceeds four percent of the title holders’ income. 3) Bill 81 (2005) would allow a homeowner to dedicate real property as the owner’s home for a period of 10 years, provided that: (a) the dedicated real property is limited to that used by the owner; (b) the real property qualifies and continues to qualify for a home exemption during the dedication period; and (c) the real property is not transferred to a new owner by gift, sale, devise or operation of law. Under this dedication, any increase over the prior year in the assessed value of real property dedicated to residential use shall not exceed the rate of increase in the consumer price index of the previous calendar year. 4) Bill 82 (2005) would provide an immediate, one-time real property tax credit against the taxes owed for the owner’s home for the 2007 tax year, provided that during the 2005 calendar year: (a) the owner’s household income did not exceed the median income as established by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development for the City and County of Honolulu; (b) neither the owner nor any member of the owner’s household owned any other real property anywhere; and (c) the homeowner’s real property qualified for a home exemption. The amount of the tax credit is undetermined at this time. The application for this credit must be filed by a property owner on or before May 1, 2006. 5) Bill 3 (2006) can grant an owner of property used as low-income rental housing an exemption from real property taxes for the next tax year equal to 20% of the gross assessed valuation of each property dedicated as low-income rental housing. Additionally, property-owners leasing real property to a Section 8 program participant may be granted an exemption from real property taxes for the next year equal to 100% of the assessed valuation. Property-owners must file for the exemption by September 1 of any calendar year, providing evidence that the property or dwelling unit is currently used as affordable rental housing, and certify that it will continue to be used as such in the dedicated tax year. 6) Bill 4 (2006) offers an additional real property tax exemption that increases as household income decreases. The bill would benefit households making 20% of median income and below up to those making 160% of median income. 7) Any across-the-board remedy, such as a roll-back of tax rates, will give the same measure of relief to the buyers of high-end properties as those long-term residents on fixed incomes. These tax relief proposals are designed for these homeowners, along with many middle-class families who are already having a hard time making ends meet. 8) Homeowners should have received information on the assessed value, general land class and any exemptions for their property (go to www.honolulupropertytax.com for a list of exemptions, or call 527-5510 or 527-5539 for more information). If you disagree with the assessed value or were denied an exemption for your property this year, you must file an appeal by January 17, 2006. Council Chair Dela Cruz's report contained more information on the appeal process. 9) The first public hearing to discuss all of the proposed real property tax relief measures is on Thursday, January 26, at 9 a.m. in the City Council committee room on the second floor of Honolulu Hale. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Mattoon asked how likely the property assessments are to be inaccurate. Patrick Kubota responded that they use a two million dollar state-of-the-art system to value property and many outside observers are very impressed and believe that it's very accurate. Kubota encouraged homeowners to appeal anyway if they feel that the valuation is incorrect. He noted that the amount of appeals has doubled since the property valuation has increased. Chair Letts inquired as to the number of successful appeals. Kubota replied that there have been many successful appeals; the two Appeal Board members are volunteers. 2) Heath asked what's considered to be affordable rent. Chair Letts offered that it's no more than 30% of the person's gross income. Kawaguchi added that statistics are posted on the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) website, www.hcdch.state.hi.us. 3) Elkington questioned if valuations take speculative prices into account. Kubota answered that speculative prices are taken into account as it is determined by recent sales in an area, but also that a person improving their house will raise the value of the neighboring property. 4) Chair Letts commented that the increase in valuations is forcing people to sell their property because they can't afford to live there anymore. Kubota responded that the Mayor proposed to add a "homeowner's" class (right now there is only an "improved residential" class), to lower the rates for long-time homeowners. Chair Letts noted that it's a good idea to separate the homeowners from the speculators. 5) Elkington inquired if Kubota is recommending that homeowners file appeals on their valuations. Kubota clarified that if the valuation feels too high, then appeal, and added that once the bill is received, it is too late to file an appeal. 6) Iese remarked that many taxes/fees are increasing, such as car registration, property tax, flood insurance, etc., all at one time; she asked if the government could coordinate with each other so that the taxes/fees aren't raised all at once. Kubota pointed out that the car registration fee is a "user fee". Chair Letts confirmed that the City needs to look at the cumulative impact of all the taxes. Kubota responded that many of these increases were not done in the previous administration, and sometimes it's a choice between cutting services or raising taxes. 7) Heath contended that Hawaii has a tourist industry which relies on services for individuals, who don't live here and they should contribute significantly. 8) Chair Letts requested updates on these tax relief proposals every month. Kawaguchi gave his assent and encouraged community members to attend Council meetings and testify (or submit testimony) on the issue. There is a special hearing on the bills mentioned above on January 26, at 9 a.m., at Honolulu Hale. Crown Castle – Verizon Wireless – Proposal to Upgrade Tower – No representative present. Campbell Estate Land Sale (800 Acres) to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – Ralph Makaiau, with the Kahuku Community Association (KCA) circulated: (a) a letter from him to Hurlbut (President of the KCA) about the land sale, dated November 14, 2005; (b) a response letter from Campbell Estate to Hurlbut, dated November 17, 2005; (c) a letter from Hurlbut to the office of U.S. Senator Inouye, noting Hurlbut's recommendation that KCA withdraw their support of the land acquisition, dated December 10, 2005; (d) a letter from Hurlbut and Clyde Conner (with the Kahuku Farmers Association [KFA]) to the office of U.S. Senator Inouye, noting that the boards of the KCA and the KFA recommend that the Ko'olauloa Neighborhood Board No. 28 (NB#28) withdraw their support of the land acquisition; and (e) a January 8, 2006 Star-Bulletin article relating to the Kahuku protest of the pending land sale. He gave some background of the issue and then emphasized the following points: 1) There have been significant changes in the discussion with Campbell Estate since November 14. Campbell Estate now wants to dispose of its land in Kahuku without including any conditions of sale to help the community with its flooding problems. 2) KCA has been unable to contact the interim owner, the Conservation Fund, before USFWS takes over the land, to have any discussion about the flood mitigation. 3) Campbell Estate is planning to dispose of all lands in the Kahuku area as they have previously stated. 4) KCA has taken a position opposing the land acquisition and is seeking the support of the Board; therefore, Makaiau requested that the issue remain on the agenda for the February meeting, so the Board may take action. Hurlbut moved, and Macy seconded: (a) to adopt a vote of no confidence in continuing support of land acquisition by USFWS, as of January 12, 2006, until such time that the Campbell Estates and USFWS address with Kahuku Community their concerns; and (b) that NB#28 convey this action to the Office of Senator Daniel Inouye. Discussion ensued: 1) Elkington commented that the request from Makaiau is a 100% turnaround from the KCA, and asked how Campbell Estate failed to keep their part of the bargain. Makaiau explained that the community wants the floodway to be built by the stricter City standards. He continued to express that the community is not being allowed to participate with Campbell Estate or the new owner USFWS. Chair Letts clarified that he wants the Board to withdraw support for the land acquisition because the community went from being a full partner in the sale to being excluded. Fred Mencher voiced that he wants the Board to go beyond withdrawing support to condemning the plan. 2) Junior Primacio expressed his opposition to the pending motion, because he felt that only USFWS will help to solve the flooding problems of the area. He wants KCA to meet with USFWS before deciding to withdraw support of the land acquisition, and would like the Board to wait on taking a position until said meeting occurs. 3) Lloyd Haraguchi, with Campbell Estate, gave the opinion that it's premature for the Board to oppose something that the community wants (mitigating the flood problems), and added that if the community doesn't want the land sale to go through with USFWS, then Campbell Estate may sell the land to another buyer. They've already turned down a private buyer for the land. Sylvia Peilzza, with USFWS, stated that if the land purchase with the USFWS doesn't go through, then there will be no flood control project unless there is another public buyer. She stressed that everyone will have a chance to provide input, and the Environmental Assessment (EA) will be out by next fall. 4) Makaiau mentioned that the KCA has been unable to talk to the interim buyer (Conservation Fund). Chair Letts asked about the timeline. Makaiau replied that there is a 90-day timeline on selling the golf course. Chair Letts asked if it would be all right with the Kahuku community if the Board requested in writing that a meeting be convened within 30 days with all affected parties to deal with the issues of concern. She noted that if acceptable the current issue would stay on the agenda for February to allow for further discussion based on the meeting. Based on the community’s acceptance of this proposal the pending motion was withdrawn by the mover (Hurlbut) and the seconded (Macy). Iese moved, and Macy seconded, that the Board write a letter giving a limit of 30 days for the Conservation Fund, USFWS and Campbell Estate to meet with KCA to discuss the land acquisition, which was adopted by unanimous consent. Lloyd Haraguchi remarked that the Conservation Fund is an intermediary party, and they will hold the land until USFWS buys it (they won’t keep the land). Ali'i Wireless Specialists – Cingular – Placement of Antenna Facility – Keoni Fox, a consultant representing Cingular, distributed a handout and announced that they are considering a new antenna site at Kualoa Ranch. There is already an antenna on the bunker there (T-Mobile), and Cingular wants to have one there as well. They need a Special Use Permit and will most likely have a public hearing. Discussion ensued: 1) Various comments were made complimenting the location, and noting that cellular phones lose reception in that area a great deal of the time. Fox answered that many new antenna sites come about through customer requests for improved coverage. 2) Mattoon asked if Board approval is required. Fox responded that they are required to present the proposal, and approval of the proposal isn't necessary, but Cingular would like community support. Mattoon inquired if Fox had gone to the Ka'a'awa Community Association with the proposal. Fox replied that he's been to every other community association, and he will call Chair Letts to schedule a presentation with the Ka'a'awa Community Association. Chair Letts affirmed the Board's policy to check with the communities before supporting anything. PUBLIC INPUT: 1) Gerry Meade extended everyone invitations to help with Waimea Valley. 2) Annette Santiago related that her office has moved to Hau'ula Beach Park, although she has officially retired as of December 31, 2005, and is waiting for a replacement. She requested a chain to secure the entrance of the parking lot at Hau'ula Beach Park. 3) Davina Sanders announced that the Annual Benefits Concert for the Hawaiian Immersion School will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2006, at the Waikiki Shell. The ticket prices range from $7 in advance to $13 at the door. She asked everyone to please support the concert. CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Letts noted that the Board received two invitations from the Turtle Bay Resort to their 5th Annual Turtle Bay Championship (golf tournament), and asked anyone who wanted to attend to see her after the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. Submitted by: Rachel M. Glanstein Neighborhood Assistant |
| Thursday, February 02, 2006 |