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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2006

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with six members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington, Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Barbara Kahana, Dee Dee Letts, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Zenobia Iese, Norman Kaluhiokalani, Patrick Macy, and Les Steward.

GUESTS: Capt. W. Char (HFD), Lt. Robinson, (Honolulu Police Department); Patrick Kubota (Mayor's representative – Deputy Director, City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); Reed Matsuura (Council Chair Dela Cruz's Office staff); Lea Albert; Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Gerry Meade (Ko'olauloa Health and Wellness Center); Oris Terry (La'ie Point Community Association); Ernest Golden; Noel Maraki, Fred Mencher; Kirk Murakami, Ben Shafer, Bryan K. Mick (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

MINUTES:

Correction of June 8, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – The following amendment was offered:

*         Page 7, line 16, replace “health fair” with “open house.”

*         Page 8, line 59, replace “Koolauloa Health Fair” with “KCHWC open house.”

Hurlbut moved to approve the June 8, 2006 minutes as corrected, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

TREASURER'S REPORT: The Chair reported the following – For June, which was the end of the 2006 fiscal year, the Operating Account expenses were $58.63, leaving a balance of $915.70. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts did not incur any expenses, leaving the balances at $1,081.00 and $120.00, respectively. The 2007 fiscal year began on July 1, 2006, and the following amounts were budgeted for the board -Operating Account: $1520, Publicity Account: $1,081, and Refreshment Account: $120. Hurlbut ‘moved’ that the chair find a way to utilize the refreshment funds this upcoming year by bringing snacks to every meeting. Hurlbut moved that the treasurer’s reports be accepted subject to audit, which was adopted by unanimous consent.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Char highlighted the following:

1)       June Statistics (format: fires, medical/rescue emergencies, miscellaneous calls – which include hazard conditions, investigations, etc.) – Kahuku: 1, 5, 8; Hau’ula: 3, 17, 5; Ka’a’awa: 4, 7, 4.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Take the time to childproof your home, especially since keiki are on summer vacation. Check for potentially dangerous situations, i.e., electrical shock, accidental falls, or poisoning from medications, cleaning fluids, and houseplants.  Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and out of reach of small children.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Robinson circulated the June statistical reports, and emphasized the following:

1)       The new format for the monthly reports is in its second month of use.

2)       The Board has previously asked about staffing levels for the District. District IV has 29 open spots – 19 vacancies, five officers out on special assignment, and five officers out for other reasons such as long term injury. The net impact is a regular shift will have three officers instead of five.

Soh arrived at 7:10 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       The Chair asked if the five officers on special assignment were actually assigned to serve District IV but had been sent to service other areas. Lt. Robinson replied that was correct.

2)       Mattoon commented that the staffing levels have not changed in 20 years. When you consider that the population and crime levels have both increased, it seems unfair that more officers have not been assigned. Hurlbut added that it’s too bad that officers who get assigned to a particular beat get pulled to help out in other areas.

3)       Reed Matsuura, asked if the 19 vacant spots were funded? Lt. Robinson said they were.

4)       Kahana suggested that the Board should pass a motion stating they feel the staffing levels in District IV are inadequate and that the five officers pulled for special duty should be given back. Lt. Robinson added that Councilmembers Marshall and Dela Cruz had both been very vocal about the need for more officers to be assigned to the District. The Chair asked if anyone objected to the board sending a letter supporting Councilmembers Marshall and Dela Cruz’s efforts to get more officer assigned to the district? There were no objections.

5)       Lt. Robinson added that the new captain for the district has been active in proposing new beats in light of all the proposed construction projects that have been announced recently. The Chair pointed out that the community has been opposed to many of those construction projects and they are not even permitted yet, so that should not be the basis for pushing for more beats and/or officers.  The basis should be the need for the existing residential and business community.

6)       Heath added that the staffing problem is exacerbated by the fact that the increase in vehicular traffic thru the North Shore leads to more traffic accidents. When those happen, the on duty officers must respond, which allows criminal activity to happen elsewhere.

7)       The Chair commented that on Tuesday in Ka’a’awa, a camper set up in Kalaeoio Beach Park. Soon after a second tent appeared, and as of tonight a third camper was present. Besides the fact that there is no camping allowed, there are no restroom facilities available in this area and beach goers have complained of human feces being present along the shore. The campers are in plain sight of everyone, so the officers have been ignoring them so far. Lt. Robinson said he would follow up with the officers on this.

8)       Reed Matsuura, from Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office, said the letter of support from the Board to Councilmembers Marshall and Dela Cruz should note that using the resident population to determine staffing assignments ignores the fact that some communities on the island have a high transient population of tourists every day, and they utilize HPD services just like the residents do. He also suggested the letter be copied to the Mayor.

9)       A member of the public recounted that his sister was recently in an accident in which a police report was generated. When she needed to obtain a copy of the report, she was forced to drive into Honolulu and visit the main police station. Why was it not possible for a copy to be faxed to the Ka’a’awa station? Lt. Robinson explained that reports could only be released by the Records Division to a legitimate interested party to a case. Unfortunately, the Records Division is only located at the main station.

10)   The Chair requested that the police reports for monthly statistics also include a brief description of what area each beat covers so that a person looking at the report for the first time can better interpret it.

11) Heath commented that she was disturbed that the month of June had six runaways. As a community member, this worried her, and she wondered if that was average. Lt. Robinson hazarded a guess that six was actually n the low end of average for this category, and the Chair concurred.

12)   Hurlbut said that everyone could help make the case for more officers being assigned to the District if every time they saw a situation, they called 911. Every call to 911 is tallied and the amount of calls one district has versus another could be a major factor in the assignment of officers.

13)   The Chair asked for an official board approval to send a letter to council members Marshall and Dela Cruz supporting their efforts to get more officers assigned to the Koolauloa area and stating that the staffing levels should not be based purely on residential populations. The motion passed unanimously 7-0-0. Aye: Elkington, Heath, Hurlbut, Kahana, Letts, Mattoon, Soh.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota distributed: (a) the July Mayor's Newsletter; (b) The Mayor’s community concerns form. He highlighted the following issues.

1)       The Windward site for driver license tests should be open by the end of the year at the Koolau Center in Ahuimanu.

2)       Ka'a'awa Beach Park – A contractor is in place and is on site, but no actual construction has taken place due to a material shortage.

3)       Hau'ula Community Recreation Center – Construction is progressing, and should be completed by the end of September 2006.

4)       Hau'ula Skate Park – The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) received the contractor’s best and final offer. Unfortunately, the cost exceeded the available funds. The higher cost was due primarily to poor soil conditions at the site.

5)       Hau'ula Beach Park – The redesigned sign is anticipated to be installed by mid August of 2006.

6)       A question was submitted last month as to how the City could assist the Jon Mozo Legacy Foundation efforts to establish a youth center. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are available to non-profit organizations thru the Department of Community Services (DCS). A pre qualification application is due by July 14, while the full application due in August.

7)       A question was submitted last month about speeding on Hauula Homestead Road to and from the church, especially during mid-morning. HPD will monitor the situation and the pastor of the church was asked to inform the congregation to please observe posted speed limits.

8)       A question was submitted last month about noise exemptions for start times for use of heavy machinery. Noise permits fall under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health (DOH). Any construction that would exceed the designated levels and would occur between 7:00 am-6:00 p.m. weekdays or 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday would require a noise permit. If construction was going to occur outside of those hours, a noise variance is required and that process is subject to public participation requirements. DOH’s Noise and Radiation Branch can be reached at 586-4700.

9)       Free mulch produced from green waste pick up is available at Kaneohe’s Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden,, Kailua’s Hawaiian Earth Products, and Waimea Valley Audubon Center.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Heath commented about a pile of junk left over from the recent floods that is sitting along the highway in front of the church across from Hau’ula Beach Park. Would the City be able to help in hauling this pile away?

2)       The Chair asked what the options are in regards to the Hau’ula Skate Park and if the money will lapse? Kubota responded that the money would likely lapse. The Chair inquired as to how short the budgeted amount was versus the best and final offer made by the contractor. Kubota replied that $249,000 was budgeted, and the contractor’s offer was $383,000 meaning a difference of $134,000 existed. The Chair asked who the contractor was, Kubota said Preferred Contractors. The Chair asked if a non-profit could obtain CDBG funds and donate them to make up the difference in cost. Kubota replied that the time frame involved made that unlikely, and putting it in the ’08 budget was probably the best course of action. Reed Matsuura related that the $249,000 was budgeted back in 2004, along with an additional $75,000 in 2005. He said the City administration was always hesitant about locating the skate park in this park because of the soil conditions. An audience member commented that the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has said that the $75,000 additional funding allocated to the project was moved into something else. The Chair asked for clarification of if the current budget was $249,000 or $324,000, as the later figure would mean the gap was only $59,000. Matsuura explained that the $75,000 was designated for park improvements with the idea it would be used for the skate park, but that it could have been used for other improvements inside the park and probably was. The Chair expressed her frustration that the City appears to be ignoring one of the few requests of the community, and asked if Matsuura could guarantee that the money would be in the 2008 budget, Matsuura said he couldn’t. He added that his office had originally asked for $175,000 to be added in 2005, but was told $75,000 was enough. Mattoon commented that this project is more then two years old, and an audience member called out that its actually five years old at this point. Mattoon asked if the $249,000 would be spent elsewhere and added that this soil excuse seems funny to him. Kubota replied that the funds cannot be shifted, and that all projects like this utilize borrowed money, so if the project is cancelled the money simply won’t be borrowed. Heath asked about the $75,000, and Matsuura explained that those funds were simply designated for improvements to the park and not to the Skate Park specifically. The Chair commented that children growing up in the area have few activities and this could be something that helps them pass the time in a healthy way. Elkington added that we have already lost one generation of kids who will never get to utilize this skate park, and we might be losing another. He feels everyone has some blame, but without some commitment from our political leaders we are in trouble. The Chair commented that it was a shame the $175,000 suggested by Dela Cruz’s office was reduced to $75,000, which meant not enough money was available when the problem with the soil condition was discovered. Matsuura defended the administration, and pointed out that projects like this came out of Vision Teams, which had no knowledge of soil conditions or other mitigating factors. Things like soil testing would only occur after the initial project had gone out to bid, at which point problems that inflate the cost are likely to be found. The Chair asked if a feasibility study of all parks should be done for the placement of a skate park. Matsuura said yes, and that the Board should request the Mayor to include money for such a study in the ’08 budget. Elkington asked what exactly is wrong with the soil? Matsuura responded the composition of the soil itself is bad, and Hurlbut mentioned that the park was built adjacent to a swamp. The Chair asked if the Board should send a letter to the Mayor asking them to either salvage this project or to find another site more suitable. Kahana says we are back at square one and will have to wait to long for this park to be built. She suggests that the project at least he started now, it can be finished using funds in a future budget. Kubota mentioned that the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) was close to canceling the contract, and once that happens than getting money into the 2008 budget would be the only option. He suggested that perhaps the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), who would be responsible for the skate park once it was built, might have available funds to cover the shortfall this year. The Chair verified that the $75,000 was not available, and upon hearing confirmation commented that the appropriation never should have been written in a way that allowed a project other than the Skate Park to use the funds. Hurlbut relied that was the only way the appropriation would have passed the City Council. The Chair declared that the only viable option was to get the DPR to cover the cost. She asked Kubota when would the contract be cancelled. Kubota replied that the letter from the contractor was dated yesterday and cancellation was therefore imminent. The Chair asked if the cancellation could be held off while the board contacted DPR. Matsuura suggested writing the letter to the Mayor, as only he can order a stoppage on the cancellation.

The Chair moved to send a letter tomorrow to the Mayor asking him to hold off on canceling the Skate Park contract while DPR is contacted to see if they can make up the shortfall between the current amount budgeted and the final offer from the contractor. The motion passed unanimously 7-0-0, Aye: Elkington, Heath, Hurlbut, Kahana, Letts, Mattoon, Soh.

      The Chair asked Kubota to relay the Board’s desire for the contract to not be cancelled back to BFS. Heath commented that the Mayor had just recently come out and trumpeted the City’s support of the wishes of the Hawaii Kai community in their opposition to a proposed development project; he should do the same for the Koolauloa region. An audience member commented that it would be a shame if this contract were cancelled, because the sub-contractor is regarded as one of the best builders of skate parks in the world. Elkington suggested including in the letter the idea of looking at other potential sites for the skate park with better soil, but the Chair pointed out that money currently budgeted could only be expended in the Hau’ula Beach Park. Hurlbut commented that the Park was built in a bad area to begin with. The Chair responded that the skate park can be built, $134,000 more just needs to be found. Heath reiterated that the Koolauloa area deserves support from the Mayor in regards to their opposition to all the proposed developments, similar to what he did for Hawaii Kai. The Chair pointed out the Mayor has his department heads doing just that. Kubota pointed out that Hawaii Kai was a different situation, as the proposed project was outside the urban growth boundary. Heath asked where the boundaries come from. Kubota replied from the Koolauloa Sustainable Plan. Heath pointed out that it’s ludicrous that the Koolauloa area is inside the urban growth boundary.

3)       Kahana inquired if anyone had seen the redesigned Hau’ula Beach Park sign. Kubota said DDC had reviewed it with the contractor. Kahana explained she meant that she thought it would have been good for the community to see the design before it was installed in light of what happened with the last sign. Hurlbut commented that board should just be happy the sign is getting redesigned and replaced.

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

1)       The report includes updates on all Capital Improvement Projects. The Chair commented that the Banzai Skate Park was listed ($175,000). Matsuura mentioned that was a peculiar project, as it was being built with no parking or restrooms included. Those would hopefully be included in the next budget.

2)       $20,000 for Beach Park erosion at Haleiwa, Swanzy, Hau’ula, and Ka’a’awa beaches.

3)       $95,000 for Drainage project at Key Project (plan and design).

4)       $300,000 for dredging of Streams in the Kahaluu to Waialua corridor (planning).

5)       $227,000 for the Kahalu`u Fire Station roof (plan, design, and construct).

6)       $50,000 for Kahuku District Park parking lot improvements (plan, design, and construct).

7)       $500,000 Kahuku Flood remediation storm drain (plan, design, and construct).

8)       $225,000 Kahuku Police Station Roof (plan, design, and construct).

9)       $1,275,000 Kualoa Beach Park new wastewater system (plan, design, construct, and inspect).

10)    $100,000 Punalu`u Beach Park wastewater system reconstruction (plan, design, and construct).

11)   Applications for the County Tax Credit (Bill 6) are available on the table. This applies to people who make less than $50,000. It caps property tax at 4 percent of whatever that person’s income is.

12)   Bill 81 was passed and will provide a $200 discount on your next tax statement.

13)   Resolution 0679 which reduced tax rate on residential properties from $3.75 to $3.59 per thousand dollars of assessed value.

14)   There are many people in the community complaining about illegal Transit Vacation Units (TVU). The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) says there are so many, that they don’t have the staff to investigate all the complaints. They need community help, and are accepting affidavits from neighbors who are willing. The table has an instruction sheet on how to do such an affidavit, a blank affidavit sheet, and a filled out affidavit sheet that can be used as an example.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Mattoon asked why the Internet cannot be used to monitor the advertisements for illegal TVU’s. He feels someone in a downtown office could take the addresses and quickly tell if they were properly licensed as a TVU and if they had been paying their fair share of the Transient Accommodation Tax and the General Excise Tax. Matsuura responded that while the Internet can be used to flag potential violators, DPP must physically observe the illegal action occurring for any enforcement action to occur. Mattoon commented that the Board had once complained about an active TVU, but when DPP showed up there were no illegal activities going on and no enforcement action taken. Heath asked for confirmation that DPP must witness actual violations, Matsuura replied yes. The Chair suggested the relevant ordinance be reworded to outlaw advertising illegal activities. Matsuura mentioned the mansion on Pupukea which was being rented out for weddings taking a neighbor calling every time there was a function to allow for investigators to gather enough evidence. The Chair responded that since there are so many TVU’s now in operation, that method is not reasonable. The taxpayers are losing doubly out, since the quality of life is lowered by illegal TVU’s and they fail to pay appropriate taxes. Matsuura said he would get a response to the idea of rewording the ordinance by next meeting.

Governor’s Representative – Ben Henderson was unable to attend but sent a written report in:

1)       The Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that the road resurfacing project along Ka’a’awa resumed a few weeks ago.  The delay was caused by the shortage of asphalt.  They provided assurance that the transition areas will be brought up to grade.

2)       DOT was also appraised that the "snakes" used to prevent chemicals from going into the storm drainage system and ocean had been abandoned.  They will inform the contractor to properly dispose of these items.

3)       Regarding the displaying of campaign signs, the Office of Elections advised that there is no time period prior to the election during which signs cannot be put up. Signs can be displayed on private property without restriction. The State DOT reports that signs are not allowed within the highway right-of-way. 

4)       I could not get a definitive response as to who would be responsible for replacing the concrete barriers along Hauula Homestead Road leading to Makua Ridge.  I will continue to research this matter.

Comments and concerns followed:

Heath mentioned that there are three street lights out along Kamehameha Highway coming into Kahana, making it dark for drivers and a good area for people to engage in illegal activities. The Chair said she would e-mail Henderson about this tomorrow.

Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative was present.

Representative Michael Magaoay – No representative was present.

Department of Education (DOE) – Lea Albert relayed the following information:

1)       Area schools are busy with cleaning and construction projects in the short period between the end of summer programs and the start of the new school year.

2)       The new school year starts on July 25

3)       Ka'a'awa Elementary School is in the midst of a full-blown renovation, and will hopefully be ready for the return of students. There are contingency plans in place should the renovation not be completed in time.

4)       All schools are looking to fill teacher vacancy slots right now.

5)       Test scores will be released next week. Hopefully all schools will have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa distributed a report and provided the following information:

1)       There were two main breaks in June. Both were on Kamehameha Highway. On June 15, a six-inch main that was 47 years old broke. On June 19^th a thirty-inch main that was 39 years old broke.

2)       The month of June saw a daily average of 164 million gallons of water used per day. Normal average for this month is 168 million gallons.

3)       On Saturday, August 5^th, the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Gardens and the Board of Water Supply will sponsor the 18^th annual “Unthirsty Plant” sale at the Halawa Xeriscape gardens Gates will open at 9:00 am, with garden tours every 20 minutes. There is no parking at the garden itself, but shuttles will be running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along Iwaena Street.

4)       BWS just finished mailing your Annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report. This is required by the Environmental Protection Agency and goes out to every service holder on Oahu. Each report is custom-tailored to each service location of water and will include information about where their water comes from, what’s in the water, and how the water is treated if at all. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling 748-5370, and it will be available on the web by the end of July.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Elkington asked what percentage of the water to Oahu does the Ko`olauloa Watershed supply. Usagawa replied that 10 million gallons gets pumped each day in Ko`olauloa, of which 1.5 million is for use in the Ko`olauloa area. The remaining 8.5 million gallons is distributed to other parts of the island. Laie has its own system that uses about 1 million gallons per day.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa from BWS gave a short presentation. The State Water Code mandates that each county do such a water plan. The plan is still under review but is coming along. It ought to be more then just a use and development plan, it should also address conservation, protection, and management of water resources. To do that, it needs to have a macro view of the entire watershed. Land use has a huge impact on the water resources. The overall goal of the Watershed Plan is “To formulate an environmentally holistic, community-based, and economically viable watershed management plan that will provide a balance between: (1) the preservation and management of Oahu’s watersheds, and (2) sustainable groundwater and surface water use and development to serve present users and future generations.” Five objectives have been formulated to help achieve the overall goal. They are:

(1)     Promote Sustainable Watersheds

(2)     Protect and Enhance Water Quality and Quantity

(3)     Respect Native Hawaiian Rights and Traditional & Customary Practices

(4)     Facilitate Public Participation, Education, and Project Implementation

(5)     Meet Water Demands at Reasonable Costs

A narrow view would only include objectives 2 and 5. The inclusion of 1,3, and 4 helps to bring balance to the plan. For the Koolauloa Plan, sub-groups were developed to meet the objectives. These six sub-groups contain 39 various projects within them – Nine under Surface Water, four under Groundwater, ten under Land Management, five under Cultural resources/Traditional Practices, five under Implementation, and six under Water Supply. The comprehensiveness of these involves many City agencies; especially ones involved with C.I.P. projects. There will be an inter-agency meeting with all involved City and State agencies at some point. A draft for public review will be available by the end of the month. A tentative date of August 19^th has been set for a meeting of the working group. Notices will be sent out, hopefully two weeks after the draft becomes available. Eventually, the Plan will be presented to the Neighborhood Board for their endorsement. The draft plan for Waianae is on the website if anyone would like to view it, it is similar structurally to what the Koolauloa Plan will look like. Go to www.hbws.org.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Heath asked if there was going to be anything in the Plan about a damp area near Hau’ula Beach Park where the community would like a skate park built.

2)       Mattoon commented that effective management would seem to involve collaboration. He wondered how this would be achieved considering the scope of the Plan. Usagawa mentioned the inter-agency meeting as well as project 5d in the handout, ‘Ko`olauloa Implementation Entity.’ Mattoon asked exactly what would happen at the inter-agency meeting. Usagawa explained that the plan would be reviewed with everyone present, and each of their responsibilities would be reviewed as well. Much of the plan was derived from a review of various agency C.I.P. proposals. Mattoon commented that experience has shown difficulty in coordination between divisions in the same agency, not to mention between agencies.

3)       Mattoon asked what 2d was on the handout (Optimization of Punalu’u Pumpage). Usagawa responded that would involve lowering the pumpage level.

4)       The Chair asked for clarification that people would be able to review Waianae’s plan. Usagawa said yes, but promised that Koolauloa’s will be more detailed.

5)       Usagawa commented that the State Water Commission would be issuing a decision regarding Waiahole Ditch in the next few weeks. This may need to be incorporated into the Plan.

6)       Heath observed that the date for the working group meeting falls upon a three-day weekend. She is not sure if that would help or hurt attendance.

Kahuku Plantation Camps Update - No update.

Turtle Bay Update – The Chair reported that the Board had received a letter sent from the State Environmental Council to the City Corporation Counsel. It said that the Corporation Counsel’s response to an earlier letter regarding a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Turtle Bay expansion plan was inadequate and off point. The Council passed a motion to send a letter to DPP which recognized DPP as the accepting authority of the subdivision application, notifies DPP that the response letter from Corporation Counsel was insufficient as it does not address Sections 11-200-26 and 11-200-27, Hawaii Administrative Rules, and notifies DPP of the Council belief with the limited information available to the it, DPP should request a supplemental impact statement for the Turtle Bay project. Mattoon, Hurlbut, and Soh requested copies of the letter. Mick from the Neighborhood Commission Office said he would scan and e-mail/fax to all Board members.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recess in August: Hurlbut moved that the board recess in August. Mattoon seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously 7-0-0.  Aye: Elkington, Heath, Hurlbut, Kahana, Letts, Mattoon, Soh.

Kubota reported that he had made contact with the Director of Budget and Fiscal Services, Mary Pat Waterhouse, who told him she had not yet cancelled the contract for the Hau’ula Skate Park. She also agreed to hold off on doing so until the board had a chance to contact DPR about covering the budget shortfall.

PUBLIC INPUT: The following announcements and comments were made –

1)       Ben Shafer commented that Turtle Bay has been very active at community meetings ramming their expansion proposal down everyone’s throat. He feels that the community is united on their desire for a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be required by the City before issuing any permits. He added that many people in the community feel that the Sustainable Community Plans are obsolete and need to be updated.

2)       Ben Shafer reported there would be a fishing hearing at Benjamin Parker Elementary School concerning gill nets next week Tuesday, July 18.

3)       Ben Shafer commented that the lines along Kamehameha Highway near Kualoa had recently been altered so that there was no passing allowed anymore. The Chair said she sent in an e-mail into DOT asking why those changes were made without and community input, as well as the creation of a crosswalk in the middle of nowhere along the highway, but has yet to receive a response. Soh asked where the boundary was that separated Neighborhood Board #28 from #29. The Chair responded that it’s at Kalai `Oio Point. The restriping removed one passing area in Ko`olauloa, with Kahalu’u area losing several passing areas. Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board #29 was copied on the e-mail inquiry to DOT. Hurlbut commented that people are still passing along the highway, and that the drivers are ignoring the law and being dangerous. The Chair said she has gotten a lot of comments that she agrees with saying you have to have passing when you have a straight section of highway with clear lines of sight. Hurlbut disagreed with that premise.

4)       Noel Maraki introduced himself as a lobbyist for an organization proposing a lottery for Hawaii. Their proposal would limit someone to purchasing a maximum of 100 one-dollar tickets. There would be age and employment requirements to purchase a ticket. The winner would receive $2 million, while the proprietor of the shop that sold the winning ticket would get $100,000. The program would generate $128 million in annual revenue. There would be many benefits to the poor, vendors, and government agencies.

CORRESPONDENCE: The Chair reported that the Board had received that Mental Health Association newsletter, the Windward Arts Council newsletter, and the Neighborhood Board Member Directory. That Directory is available online and updated frequently, so the Chair will give the hard copy provided to Hurlbut since he is not online much.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A)      CIP/Public Works – No report

B)      Cultural Affairs – Heath mentioned a craft fair she stopped by in Punaluu. She was wondering if it was every weekend. Mattoon mentioned that although the community is not against the craft fair, they are asking if it’s a non-conforming use of the land.

C)      Education – No report.

D)      Health/Human Services – Soh reported that over 100 people came to the KCHWC open house.

E)      Housing – Elkington reported that BYU-UH faculty housing on Moana Street would be replaced and number of units expanded. The university currently subleases 20 houses in the community and would prefer to have people living on campus.

F)      Parks and Recreation – Mattoon commented that Kaluanui Beach Park that there are three parcels that are part of the Park. One of the lots is next to the developed part of the park but has yet to be modified at all. He wondered if DPR ran out of money. The Chair suggested submitting the question to Kubota for follow-up. Hurlbut commented that a backhoe came into Kahuku District Park and ripped out some of the playground equipment. An inquiry to DPR seemed to indicate that equipment was not to be taken out, but one section repaired. DPR promised to replace the equipment, but not when.

G)     Planning and Land Use – Mattoon reported that DPP is considering amendments to the Public Infrastructure Maps. He thinks the board was not given the proposals with enough advance time to make comments on it by the July 21. Also he has questions on what he has read so far. For instance he asked why the word municipal was being inserted before the term public facilities, which would seem to restrict it to City facilities. He thinks the amendments will have to go through the Council, allowing for public testimony. The Chair suggests that the Planning and Land Use committee submit a list of questions to DPP for now. Mattoon also mentioned that the board received a draft EIS for a setback variance application. It relates to a house which addition that encroached on the shore. There were three options, no action taken, raze the house, or raise and eliminate the portion of the house that is in violation. The last option was the one the EIS related to. The board declined to take any action relating to this. There was also a Draft EIS for South Kahana Bridge received by the board. The detour will go towards the shoreline.

H)      Public Information – No report.

I)     Public Safety – No report.

J)       Transportation – Elkington asked what the timeline is for the Hau’ula to Laie temporary road to begin so the community can be informed. Hurlbut responded he does not know, but he noticed that the bushes had been cleared in preparation. Heath commented that she hopes they hold off on switching over to the temporary road until school has been back in session for a while.

K)      Water – No report.

Community Reports:

A)      Punaluu – No report.

B)      Hau’ula – No report.

C)      Laie – No report.

D)      Kahuku – No report.

E)      Ka’a’awa – The community association cancelled their meeting because Turtle Bay said they weren’t making anymore presentations to communities regarding their expansion project at this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

       A)  Ben Shafer announced that the Kahana Community Association had new officers. They meet on the

             second Tuesday of every month.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by:

Bryan K. Mick

Neighborhood Commission Office