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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006
HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts apologized for being late and called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with seven members present. She announced that Neighborhood Assistant Glanstein would be leaving the Neighborhood Commission Office and presented her with a lei.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Elkington (left at 8:45 p.m.), Kathryn Heath, Donald Hurlbut, Zenobia Iese, Barbara Kahana (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), Norman Kaluhiokalani (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Dee Dee Letts, Patrick Macy, Creighton Mattoon, Warren Soh (arrived at 7:15 p.m.).
MEMBERS ABSENT: Les Steward.
GUESTS: Capt. W. Char, Fire Fighter 1 (FF1) K. Ching (Honolulu Fire Department); Lt. K. Finn, Officer H. Lau (Honolulu Police Department); Patrick Kubota (Mayor's representative Deputy Director, City Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); Grant Kawaguchi, Ann. M. Yamasaki (Council Chair Dela Cruz's Office staff); Ben Henderson (Governor's representative Deputy to Chair, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands); Representative Colleen Meyer; Dede Alo (Representative Magaoay's Office staff); Lea Albert, Donna Lindsey (State Department of Education); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Evan, Kathryn Michaud (Federal Emergency Management Agency); Craig Chapman (Malaekahana); Dan Quinn (State Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Division); Dee Dee Herron (Alter-Native Fishery Management); Principal Bradley Odagiri (Hau'ula Elementary School); Fred Mencher (Hawaiian Marine Enterprises); Luanne Aalona (HPCS); Ralph Makaiau (Kahuku Community Association); Gerry Meade (Ko'olauloa Health and Wellness Center); Choon James, Oris Terry (La'ie Point Community Association); Julene Kawaauhau (Parent Community Networking Center Hau'ula); Edmund Aczon (U.S. Senator Inouye's Office staff); Davina Sanders (Ulaleo / HPCS); Laurie A., Ernest Golden, Yolanda Keaho, Jessica Leong, Dovey Silva, Coreen Taihook, Sifa Tiueti, Tamara Ulima, Dennis Wilkey, Nancy Wilkey; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
MINUTES:
Correction of February 9, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes The following amendment was offered:
* A letter from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) was supposed to be attached.
Hurlbut moved, and Mattoon seconded, to amend the February 9, 2006 minutes, which was adopted by unanimous consent.
Approval of March 30, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes The following amendments were offered:
* Page 1 Mayor's Representative substitute the following paragraph for the one there
"Mayor's Representative Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues informed Chair Letts that Patrick Kubota sends his regrets. In addition, Chair Letts read the following: 1) Ka'a'awa Beach Park contractor was not able to start construction in February due to unforeseen problems. Contractor anticipates starting site work on April 24, 2006 and expects to complete construction work in November 2006. 2) Hau'ula Community Recreation Center construction is proceeding. Tentative construction completion is now July 2006. 3) Hau'ula Skate Park No status change. Revised design plans were given to the contractor. The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is now waiting for the contractor's best and final offer to construct the redesigned skate park. Construction is anticipated to start in mid 2006. 4) Hau'ula Beach Park DDC is working with the contractor to raise the sign (since the wall in front obscures the bottom half). DDC is investigating the situation with irrigation system batteries exposed and will report back next month. 5) Bulky item pickup sometimes, items are left behind temporarily. Some items go to the landfill while others are recycled. Different trucks collect different types of materials. What is not collected is: construction materials, demolition debris, dirt, rock concrete, large automobile parts, tires, auto batteries, propane tanks and hazardous waste. 6) The City is in the process of determining the cost and procedure for purchasing additional green bins for green waste pickup. 7) The City's Refuse Convenience Centers are designed for small quantity household use and cannot accommodate businesses and contractors. City disposal facilities are available at no charge to householders only. Businesses are required to pay a tip fee for disposal at transfer stations, landfill and H-POWER. The composting facility also charges businesses. The City has a contract with the composting facility to cover the cost of green waste collected curbside and at the convenience centers and allows self-haul householders to drop-off directly at the composting facility. 8) DPP confirms that there are 40 parking stalls at Turtle Bay provided for public use, as required by the 2003 permit.
* Page 2 Department of Education (DOE) second paragraph strike out "Matton" and insert "Mattoon".
Mattoon moved, and Hurlbut seconded, to approve the March 30, 2006 minutes as corrected, which was adopted by unanimous consent.
Approval of April 13, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes The following amendment was offered:
* Page 1 Guests eighth line "(Native Fishery Management)" should be "(Alter-Native Fishery Management)".
Hurlbut moved, and Iese seconded, to approve the April 13, 2006 minutes as corrected, which was adopted by unanimous consent.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Iese reported the following The Operating Account expenses were $89.82, leaving a balance of $1,058.36. 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) FF1 K. Ching highlighted the following:
1) April Statistics (format: fires, medical/rescue emergencies, miscellaneous calls which include hazard conditions, investigations, etc.) Kahuku: 7, 13, 10; Hauula: 4, 26, 2; Kaaawa: 3, 7, 5.
2) Fire Safety Tip Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Lt. K. Finn circulated the March and April statistical reports, and emphasized the following:
1) April Statistics There were 23 burglaries, 15 other property thefts, 12 thefts from automobiles (UEMVs), 0 robberies and auto/motorcycle thefts, which made the total 48.
2) There's been an increase in property crime, such as burglaries and thefts. Punalu'u has more burglaries than any other area, with a 3:1 ratio. Call 911 if you are suspicious it's better for the call to be a mistake than to let a crime happen.
Officer H. Lau introduced himself as the designated coordinator with the community for this area. He works with different organizations and schools, providing programs and lectures. Officer Lau suggested that the communities form Neighborhood Security Watches (NSW), since it reduces crime. His goal is to create a partnership to deal with community concerns, such as traffic, homelessness, etc. Call him at the Kaneohe Station at 247-0748 or email him at D4NSW@yahoo.com.
Dee Dee Herron noted that there are three homeless parolees living on the beach in Punalu'u, and their information states that they live elsewhere. They've been cited, but are moving on to private properties again. She asked if the community itself can file a temporary restraining order (TRO) against them. Lt. Finn replied that the parole officers need to be made aware that the parolees are not living where they say; the second citation for trespassing usually includes an arrest. Herron indicated that sometimes the parolees stay on land belonging to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and HPD and DLNR need to work together on this problem. Officer Lau agreed. Chair Letts inquired if the Board can assist this coordination; Officer Lau affirmed this.
Mayor's Representative Patrick Kubota distributed: (a) the May Mayor's Newsletter; (b) updates on community projects; (c) press releases on the thefts from City parks' restrooms, new property tax credit applications, and on the City's HONline program; (d) a brochure for sewing lei for Memorial Day; and (e) a Mayor's concern form. He highlighted the following:
1) Ka'a'awa Beach Park Construction will start on Monday, June 19, 2006.
2) Hau'ula Community Recreation Center Additional unforeseen damages were discovered during construction; as a result another change order is required before the contractor can proceed.
3) Hau'ula Skate Park No status change from last month's meeting. DDC is still waiting for the contractor's best and final offer to construct the redesigned skate park.
4) Hau'ula Beach Park DDC is currently negotiating the price for redoing the sign with the contractor. The contractor investigated the problem with the exposed irrigation system batteries and fixed the situation.
5) Vandals have stolen more than $10,000 of toilet flush valves from City parks in the past weeks, primarily from parks in Central Oahu and on the North Shore. Call 911 if you see strange activity in the parks.
6) New tax credit applications are now available for the "circuit breaker", which has four conditions for eligibility: (a) there must be a home exemption on their property during the tax year claimed; (b) the combined income of all the titleholders may not exceed $50,000; (c) the amount of 2006-07 property taxes must exceed 4% of the combined income for all titleholders; and (d) neither the property owner nor any member of the owner's household may own any other property anywhere. Applications are available through September 30, 2006.
7) On March 1, 2006, DPP began issuing permits online for projects that require no plans, such as solar installations, electrical meter or plumbing replacements for single-family dwellings. The program has been very successful so far. The maxim is: "Go online; don't waste time in line."
8) Sew a Lei for Memorial Day 50,000 lei are needed to place on the graves of veterans, in memory their service to our country, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl and at all State Veteran's cemeteries. (The handout included information on desired lei type and where to drop it/them off.)
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Heath noted that there are other options involved in raising the Hau'ula Beach Park sign (a bench could be placed there, etc.). She requested that other options be checked out.
2) Kaluhiokalani asked what's being done to address the driver's license issue where people are camping overnight to get their license; some people even made reservations, but still had to wait a long time.
3) Chair Letts conveyed that the Kapolei DPP office seems to be giving out electrical permits without the signature of an electrician.
4) Iese inquired about the City's solutions to the theft of toilet valves from City parks. She remarked that thieves have been stealing toilets, valves and sinks from bathrooms along the Ko'olauloa coast for some time. Kubota replied that the community has to be the City's eyes and ears in these situations, since HPD can't station officers at every park all the time. Iese suggested hiring security guards for the parks; Kubota explained the prohibitive cost of security. Lt. Finn added that HPD does monitor the parks.
5) Mattoon mentioned that many illegal vacation rentals advertise online; he offered that the City may want to look into starting a program to check these out, without a complaint. He wanted to know if these illegal vacation rentals are paying the appropriate taxes and where they're located. Some people from Punalu'u filed a complaint but there hasn't been any progress. Lt. Finn added that illegal vacation rentals are a big problem in Kailua as well; he assured that DPP responds to complaints. Kubota will discuss the idea of creating a program to monitor illegal rentals without complaints with the heads of DPP. Mattoon acknowledged the possible cost of the program, but noted that something must be done.
6) Dee Dee Herron commented that a place is needed on the windward side to dump commercial green waste that has a working scale.
7) Iese requested that the Board be updated on the Kahuku condemnations; Kubota responded that the Mayor sat down with the landowner and potential developer, but he needs time to work everything out.
Kubota will, or is still following up, on the above concerns.
Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz Ann M. Yamasaki circulated the report and several Council bills and resolutions, encouraged everyone to read the handouts, and highlighted the following:
1) The James Campbell Estate is scheduled to terminate on January 20, 2007; therefore, the government must work quickly to assist the residents of Kahuku Village or face the possibility that more than 200 people will be evicted from their homes.
2) Real property tax relief is available for Oahu flood victims. To apply for this remission of taxes, visit http://www.honolulu.gov/rpa/forms.htm, scroll down to the bottom and click on the link under the "Claim Forms" heading to print an application.
3) Resolution 06-119 proposes an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance relating to affordable housing.
4) Bill 7 (2006) was passed and enacted Ordinance 06-15, an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) relating to Ohana dwellings.
5) Bill 17 (2006) was passed and enacted Ordinance 06-17, relating to making the motor vehicle weight tax zero cents per pound for buses used as temporary shelters for the homeless.
6) Resolution 06-173 proposes to have the Director of DPP process the Council's proposal to amend Ordinance 86-99 (rezoning for Turtle Bay Resort Expansion project) by amending the unilateral agreement incorporated therein by reference.
7) On May 17, at 10 a.m., there will be a Council meeting at the Brigham Young University Hawaii (BYU-Hawaii) Ballroom in La'ie. The afternoon session will begin at 1 p.m. Some of the resolutions relating to Kahuku may be on the agenda; she promised to email the agenda to Neighborhood Assistant Glanstein.
8) Grant Kawaguchi will be leaving Council Chair Dela Cruz's office. Kawaguchi explained that he will attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. to work on a Master's in Business Administration (MBA).
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Chair Letts inquired about when Resolutions 06-119 and 06-173 will be heard. Yamasaki replied that Resolution 06-119 actually passed and is on its way to DPP. She'll follow up on Resolution 06-173. Heath requested her assurance that she will let the Board know when Resolution 06-173 will be heard. Yamasaki noted that the earliest it would be heard would be May 22, when it may be brought up in the Zoning Committee; she will notify the Board when Resolution 06-173 will be heard.
2) A resident expressed his disappointment that no representatives from the offices of lawmakers attended the April 13 Board meeting about the Turtle Bay Expansion. Chair Letts answered that many of them did attend, but the point of the meeting was to allow the community and the developer to speak.
Governors Representative Ben Henderson distributed the Governor's Update, and reported the following:
1) The legislative session has ended. The Governor has until July 11 to take action on any legislation. She has already signed about 90 bills into law. Other bills are currently being reviewed by other departments.
2) U.S. President George W. Bush signed disaster relief for Hawaii into law. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be working the State Civil Defense to help the flood victims.
3) The repeal of the gas cap was signed into law.
4) Kahuku High School will receive more funding.
5) DLNR has removed the homeless from the restrooms at Kahana Park and are repairing the damage.
6) Henderson will continue to follow up on requesting the return of the concrete barriers along parts of the coastline, to protect the shorelines.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Mattoon mentioned that there are two barriers that have not been returned to the Punalu'u North Bridge area and vehicles have been driving right up to the shoreline. Heath reiterated the concern for Hau'ula and specifically Kaluanui. Chair Letts clarified that barriers are missing all the way through Punalu'u, since they were removed to allow cleaning of the culverts, but never replaced.
2) Elkington requested more information on the funding received by Kahuku High School. Henderson replied that the school received $1.5 million for land acquisition to relocate the school.
3) Chair Letts commented that the Ka'a'awa community is upset the State Department of Transportation (DOT) promised that the finished grade of Kamehameha Highway (after resurfacing) would be no higher than the side streets, to mitigate flooding. However, the highway is about six inches higher than side streets.
4) Iese announced that much concern was expressed about the care of the Kaliuwa and Makana valleys at the Health Fair at the Punalu'u Queen Lili'uokalani's Children's Center. She inquired if there is a process whereby communities can adopt valleys, to take care of them. Chair Letts responded that there is a Citizen Advisory Committee working with DLNR on that particular issue.
Henderson will follow up on the above concerns.
Representative Colleen Meyer Rep. Colleen Meyer circulated her report and emphasized the following:
1) One of her legislative aides attended the April 13 Board meeting.
2) The legislature has spent a good deal of the surplus money; they've funded the DOE with over $215 million for repair and improvements to school facilities.
3) The gas cap was not repealed it was just suspended. It was desired to change the formula used in computing the cap. The Governor can still bring back the gas cap, if she feels it necessary.
4) The Electronic Surveillance bill proposes to conform Hawaii electronic surveillance laws to those of the federal government. It will allow federal and State law enforcement officials to collaborate more closely on matters, and modernize a State law that was unsafe for local law enforcement officials. Passage of this bill will help to crack down on the illegal manufacture and distribution of "ice".
5) Alternative energy legislation encourages the electric company to give reduced rates to those who use alternative energy.
6) Hospitals may now release the placenta of a newborn to the mother or another designee following the birth.
7) Regarding "matchmakers", it's now proposed to check the backgrounds of men looking for foreign brides for any previous abuse.
8) The amount of the tax credit to provide relief for victims of recent flooding in Hawaii will be 10% of the amount spent by the taxpayer for costs directly related to damage caused by heavy rain and flooding.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Heath inquired about creating tax credits to parents and families who use TheBus as transportation, since it decreases traffic; she would like using TheBus to be encouraged. Rep. Meyer responded that TheBus falls under the City and suggested that Heath approach the City Council with the idea. However, she noted that TheBus is 75% subsidized by funding, which means that fares don't come close to paying for the operation.
2) Elkington asked what the effect of suspending the gas cap is. Rep. Meyer clarified that the suspension of the gas cap results in the gas price not being set by the formula.
Representative Michael Magaoay Dede Alo conveyed Rep. Magaoay's apologies for missing this meeting. He did attend the Board meeting on April 13 and heard the community concerns about the Turtle Bay expansion; he is working with the Mayor on the issue.
Department of Education (DOE) Lea Albert relayed the following information:
1) The DOE is very pleased with the funding ($1.5 million) given to Kahuku High School.
2) The DOE also received $20 million from the legislature to replace funds lost by schools using the weighted student formula; this funding will be a recurring amount.
3) Ka'a'awa Elementary School will be renovated.
4) Three Kahuku High School students won the top three spots in the International Memorial Essay Contest (relating to essays written about September 11, 2001).
5) Kendra Ho Ching won the International Science Fair and received a scholarship to the University of Oregon.
Davina Sanders inquired about funding for the Hawaiian language immersion program; Albert replied that the DOE has approved the creation of 12 more full-time staff positions and two more teacher positions for the programs. She added that the community must put in a bid to get some of those positions. Iese referred to the Board of Education (BOE) meeting at La'ie Elementary School and asked if the State will provide funding for resources for the Hawaiian language immersion programs. Albert clarified that the funding from the DOE is for the staff and teacher positions; she explained that the programs make up one line item in the budget. Albert assured that the DOE will continue to try and provide funding. Sanders noted the low morale of the teachers as expressed at the La'ie BOE meeting and inquired about how the DOE plans to address it. Albert responded that the teachers' concerns were all addressed already.
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) No representative present; the report was not received prior to the meeting.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Barry Usagawa distributed a notice and provided the following information:
1) There were no main breaks in April. The pumpage for the first week in May was 145 million gallons per day. The average pumpage for March was a very low 117 million gallons per day due to the rain.
2) First, second and third place winners of the BWS Water Conservation Week Poster Contest received $100, $75 and $50 U.S. Savings Bonds, respectively. The winning entries will be displayed at Pearlridge Uptown from May 8 to May 18.
3) There's been no change in the status of the Ko'olauloa Watershed Management Plan.
4) BWS is proposing a system-wide rate increase of 13%, which represents a $3.23 increase in the average residential customer's monthly charge. The rates have not been raised in almost 11 years (in spite of numerous increases in costs) and they are some of the lowest rates in the country. The water rate will increase from $1.77 to $2.00 for 1,000 gallons of water. Further increases will continue for five years, raising the rates approximately 50% spread out over the five years, to reduce the impact. A public hearing will be held on Monday, May 15, at 2 p.m. or thereafter, in the Board Room of the Public Service Building on 630 South Beretania Street. For details, call Su Shin at 748-5311 or go to www.boardofwatersupply.com.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Mattoon asked if there was any consideration for the protection/management of watersheds. Usagawa explained that the rate increases include everything and everyone; he noted that the BWS couldn't afford any funding for watersheds in 2007. BWS must replace miles of pipeline every year. The next two years will be lean on funding, since the BWS needs to rebuild their funding capacity. Mattoon asked if there were any projects planned for Punalu'u. Usagwa replied that the pumps are a priority and well as fixing the mains.
2) Elkington inquired about the increase in water levels with the amount of rain in April. Usagawa answered that the rain raised aquifer levels; in Punalu'u the water rose a total of 160 feet. The extra water is good to rebuild resources.
There were no objections to adding an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Evan and Kathryn Michaud reported that there would be a Disaster Recovery Center at Kualoa Ranch on May 12, from noon to 8 p.m., where those with flood damage can register. Low interest disaster loans are available. Registration may also be done online, at www.fema.gov, or by calling 1-800-621-3362. Flyers were available at the back table. They indicated that FEMA would remain in the State as long as necessary to help the flood victims.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Koolauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update Given earlier in the meeting.
Malaekahana State Park Update Craig Chapman imparted the following: He has made all of the requested presentations to the various community associations, and incorporated some clarifications from those meetings. There will be no real electromagnetic field from the generator, and it run on bio-fuel and will be less noisy. Chapman now has the money and the plan in place for the improvements, he just needs a vote of support.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Hurlbut asked if Chapman had letters from the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) supporting his new energy source. Chapman responded that he's working with HECO and his plan has been submitted to them. The sewage system meets and exceeds the required specifications. He's trying to get formal documentation to support these statements.
2) Dan Quinn, from the State Parks Division of DLNR, acknowledged his receipt of Chapman's concept for Malaekahana, but would like to see a more in-depth proposal. Chair Letts requested that the Board get a copy of the full proposal when it's received by Quinn; he assented. Chair Letts explained that the proposal has changed many times, due to community input, and the Board just wants to ensure that the proposal given to DLNR is the same as that given to the Board.
Macy moved, and Mattoon seconded, to support Chapman's concept for Malaekahana, but request to see the proposal finally submitted, which was adopted 8-1-1 (Aye: Elkington, Hurlbut, Iese, Kahana, Kaluhiokalani, Macy, Mattoon, Soh; No: Heath; Abstain: Letts).
3) Choon James inquired if putting up a windmill there would set a precedent. Chapman acknowledged that it's one of the concepts and conceded that it could set a precedent.
Real Property Tax Proposals at City Council Update Given earlier in the meeting. Ann M. Yamasaki added that there will be special Budget Committee meeting on May 25; the property tax rate will be set on May 25 or 26. Grant Kawaguchi indicated that there were related forms on the back table. Chair Letts suggested that Council alter the procedure so that older people (over a certain age) don't have to file every year for age-related exemptions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hau'ula Charter School (HCS) Laurie A. circulated flyers and presented the following information: The Hau'ula Ice Breakers (HIB), established in 2003, is a family and community-based anti-drug non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring a safe, drug-free community. Supporters of HIB and other community members recognized the need for viable solutions to the educational and cultural needs of the children and the community, and partnered to form Hau'ula Public Charter School. The HIB Board of Directors are: Miriam Chang, Kenneth Furukawa, Kaina Awaa, Annette Santiago, Raymond Kalili, Jr., Lenora Kalili, and Gerry Meade. The HCS Vision Team dedicated to forming the Hau'ula Public Charter School is comprised of: Dovey Silva (dedicated community leader and child advocate), Zenobia Iese (DOE educator for over 25 years), Missy Aalona (inspired to serve the community and promote Hawaiian values and culture), and Mary Wood (provides administrative and operational support to HIB).
Dovey Silva expressed her desire to take care of her community. She relayed concerns about teachers using drugs and not taking their jobs as educators seriously. Silva implemented a drug-testing process for teachers. She would like to improve the community for the children and families.
Coreen Taihook conveyed her support of the charter school conversion process. She is excited and has seen the procedure work and produce impressive results. Taihook remarked that only the median children make it through school in the area, not the smartest or those who need the most help.
A resident recounted her child's story, who was not a "problem child" but just wanted to attend the charter school, since she felt that the public schools ignore most children. Her child is doing well now. She emphasized the need of the community for the charter school and noted that the DOE system has room for improvement.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Heath questioned the ability of the charter school to be ready to open in the 2006-2007 school year. She asked if the process is specifically the conversion of Hau'ula Elementary School to a charter school. Silva affirmed this; she stated that she and others have been home-schooling many of the displaced children.
2) Iese mentioned that the HCS Vision Team gave a presentation to the Hau'ula School Community Council, and revealed that Principal Odagiri has disallowed them from presenting to the teachers at Hau'ula. Iese explained that 50% of the teachers need to agree to the conversion, so they must be able to give them a presentation. Chair Letts confirmed that they are going through the DOE process to convert to a charter school and announced that this item would remain on the agenda. Macy noted that the Board can do nothing until the DOE process is done; he stressed that no one's passion or dedication for teaching is being questioned. Iese clarified that the presentation is to notify the community not to request action.
3) Lindsey commented that, in order for the conversion to go into effect, the teachers must agree to it or be able to transfer. It's possible that the conversion could happen in time for the 2007-2008 school year. She stated that when errors in the presentation are corrected, then the HCS Vision Team is welcome to present it to the teachers. Iese is the only teacher at the school currently supporting the conversion.
Chair Letts expressed the Board's appreciation for everyone's passion and dedication, but reiterated that the Board can't move this forward until the DOE process has been satisfied. She requested that the Board be kept informed on this issue.
PUBLIC INPUT: The following announcements and comments were made
1) Gerry Meade relayed that: (a) there will be an on-site archaeological presentation on Waimea Valley on May 17; and (b) the Heath Center is opening a site in Hau'ula there will be an open house on June 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. brochures were on the back table.
2) Choon James expressed that she had wanted the Board to take a position on the proposed Turtle Bay Expansion in Kawela Bay, since there is a meeting on it next month. Chair Letts responded that City Corporation Counsel is nervous about the issue, but she will try to place it on the agenda for discussion.
3) A resident noted that the Board meetings are the only place to get representatives from City and State agencies to attend and hear community concerns. He conveyed his frustration at the length of time involved in HPD investigations. Chair Letts stated that the Board and the community get frustrated as well, and added that as a community, the area has accomplished a great deal (most parks, etc.). Kaluhiokalani commented that the area is fortunate to have community associations, but asked that people continue to attend the Board meetings and encourage the Board to be active.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee reports are deferred until next month.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein
Neighborhood Assistant