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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2006

HAU'ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at p.m. with seven of nine members present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: John Elkington, Patrick Macy, Subdistrict 1 (vacant), Subdistrict 3 (vacant).

GUESTS: Reed Matsuura (City Council Chair Dela Cruz office), Fred Mencher (HME), Margaret Primacio, Joshua K. Primacio, Sherry Martinez, Herbert Lau (HPD), Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Oris J. Terry (LPCA), Ernest Golden (LPCA),Capt. R. Johnson (HFD), Dave Eber (HPD), Junior Primacio, Nalani Matty, Shannon Wood, Choon James, Barry Usagawa (BWS), Douglas Vaioletti, Kay Afalava, Lisa Evangelista, Noreen Cristobal (KVA), Debbie Sarson.

Approval of October 12, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – The following amendments were offered:

Moved and seconded to approve the October 12, 2006 minutes as corrected.  Motion passed unanimously. 

TREASURER'S REPORT: The operating and publicity account had a previous balance of $2,745.38 current expenditures were $109.96 leaving a remaining balance of $2,635.42.  The refreshment account had no change with a balance of $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain R. Johnson gave the following report:

1.      The statistics for the month of October 2006: For Hau`ula Station:  1 rubbish, 1 vehicle fire, 24 medical emergencies and 2 miscellaneous calls.  Kahuku Station: 1 vehicle fire, 8 medical calls and 9 miscellaneous calls. Ka`a`awa Station: 2 structure fires, 4 vehicle fires, 10 medical calls, 3 search & rescues and 4 miscellaneous calls.

2.      The Fire Safety Tip of the month: The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment.  Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes, do not overload extension cords and try to keep live trees as moist as possibly by watering them daily.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Dave Lieber apologized for HPD’s absence at last months meeting and gave the following report:

1.      The statistics for the month of October 2006: 1 aggravated assault, 17 alarm calls, 31 arguments, 4 simple assaults, 1 auto theft recovery, 6 burglaries, 2 counterfeit/forgeries, 1 delinquent juveniles, and 44 dropped calls

2.      The Honolulu Police Department is currently undergoing an on site assessment for a reaccreditations program.  Public comments can be submitted until December 11, 2006 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at 479-6307.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Kahana questioned if the reaccreditations was a voluntary process and Lt. Lieber reported that it was a voluntary process.  Honolulu is one of only a handful of cities that carries the accreditation and is the only city in the country to carry all three levels of accreditation.  Kahana questioned the length of the accreditation and Lt. Lieber stated that it last for three years.

2.      Officer Herbert Lau spoke regarding the Neighborhood Security Watch Program and the effectiveness that it has in deterring crime.  The relationship between Police and the community is strengthened when a Program exists in the area.  Lau urged residents that were interested in creating a program in the neighborhood to contact him.

Vacancies – 2 seats are open on the Board:

Subdistrict 3 [vacated by Zenobia Iese resignation] – No interested parties had contacted the Board and without objections, Chair Letts deferred this action until next Board meeting.

Subdistrict 1[vacated by Don Hurlbut’s Passing]

Chair Letts notified the Board that she had received several letters of interest concerning the open seat on the Board for Subdistrict 1 which she distributed to the Board members.  Soh voiced concern that he would like to nominate at this meeting.  After conflicting opinions from the Neighborhood Commission were reconciled he was allowed to do so. 

Letters of interest were presented from Margaret Primacio and Sherry Martinez.  Soh nominated Doug Violetti.  Chair Letts asked that each candidate speak on their background, prior community service and reasons for applying for the vacant seat.

Margaret Primacio commented on her long standing ties and service to the community and believed that she would be the best person to represent the entire community and not just one element or group.

Sherry Martinez commented on being a long time resident who plans on keeping long ties with the community and her involvement.

Doug Violetti commented on his ties with the community as a long time resident.  Violetti is a small business owner and though he has never been involved in community association he believes that now that his business in established he is able to give back to the community.

The Board took three separate votes for all three interested parties:

M. Primacio: 3-3-0                S. Martinez: 0-0-0                                    D. Violetti: 3-3-0

No party garnered the necessary 6 votes by the Board in order to be voted onto the Board.  Without objection, Chair Letts deferred this action until the next Board meeting in January and asked that those that remain interested in the seat attend the meeting.

Mayor's Representative – Patrick Kubota, Deputy Director of Budget and Fiscal Services, gave the following report:

1.      Kubota gave updates on questions from the last Board meeting:

a.      Regarding Martinez’ comment on the Mayor’s support of the Kahuku village development, Kubota commented that the Mayor is open to assisting a community based planning efforts for Kahuku Village  

b.      Board member Mattoon questioned the status of the Koolauloa Sustainable Communities Plan, which was over due for a revision several years back.  Kubota reported that the plan is scheduled to start later this year and completed in 18 months.  A consultant team has been selected with the first public meetings will be held in early 2007.

c.      Ka`a`awa Beach Park roofing has been installed and plumbing rough-ins are completed.  The septic tank is being installed and ceramic tile work to start soon.  Due to weather delays, the project is expected to be completed by early 2007.

d.      Hauula Community Recreation Center renovation work is continuing.  Installation of the finish flooring is the last major work to be done.  Anticipate completion of the project in December 2006.

2.      Kubota also announced the City agreement on Laie Wastewater System acquisition, ending a decade of negotiations. 

3.      Mayor Hannemann’s November issue of Honolulu News highlights transit issues for the City and a copy of several articles by Mayor Hannemann and editorials are included in the packet.

4.      A new clean stream program was announced that is designed to help land owners whose property includes or abuts streams prevent potential flooding during periods of heavy rain.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.      Heath questioned if she was correct in believing it was easier for the City to build a new facility instead of maintaining a decaying structure to which Kubota stated she was correct.  He reported that the termite damage was extensive at the Hau`ula Community Recreation Center.

2.      Mattoon questioned why DDC needed to contract a planner for the updates of the Sustainable Communities Plans (SCP).  Kubota reported the DDC did not have adequate staff to do its existing work and update the SCPs every 5 years. The City recognizes that they are behind schedule at the moment which is the reason why they are brining on consultants.

3.      Letts asked what consulting firm would be contract to update the Ko’olauloa SCP and Kubota agreed to follow up and bring that information to the next meeting.  Letts also questioned the definition of community when used in the community based planning.  Kubota stated that the community based planning was a generic term.

4.      Heath commented on the proposed rail transit alignment and why it did not follow current highway rights of way.  Her concern was the a different alignment would take more land which is scarce enough in Hawaii.  Kubota commented that the transit lines would run through communities in order to create easier access points for riders and that by not collocating with existing Rights of Way the State would maintain the option of building toll way lanes over the existing freeways.  

5.      Mattoon commented that if there is a delay within the consulting process on the SCPs (which he noted were already 2 years behind) then the city should revise its policy and place a moratorium on any further development in the area until the sustainable communities plan is updated.  Kubota stated he would take the comment back to the Mayor and follow up.

City Council Representative – Reed Matsuura from City Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’ office gave the following report:

1.      The Laie Wastewater had $13 million invested from the City and $31 million invested by HRI which reflects the costs of all infrastructure improvements built prior to and as a result of the lawsuit.

2.      The CIP budget for FY 07 includes $300,000 for a stream study clean up study from Kahlu`u to Waialua.

3.      Reed passed out the schedule of public meetings sponsored by the City Council on Alternative Analysis for Honolulu Transit.   During November and December, the City Council will choose a preferred alternative.

Governor’s Representative – No representative was present. A written report was given to the Board members.

Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative was present.

Representative Michael Magaoay – No representative was present.

Department of Education (DOE) – No representative was present.

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

1.      There were two main breaks for the month of October 2006 – 10/9, 55-164 Kamehameha Highway, Laie; 4 inch main.  10/12, 55-080 Kamehameha Highway, Laie; 4 inch main.

2.      BWS thanked customers for conserving water during last month’s earthquake and the ensuring blackout.  Your efforts helped to insure that your community continued to have access to water throughout the day.

3.      During a power outage, BWS has a two-pronged approach to sustaining water for customers: reservoirs have a 36-hour average storage capacity and permanent backup generators at key facilities coupled with six mobile generators allow for maximum flexibility.  Currently BWS is re-evaluating their emergency response plans to find ways to ensure the response is even better the next time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.      Kaluhiokalani questioned if BWS lost money during the earthquake because people did not use water.  Usagawa reported that a single day’s activity would not make much effect on year totals and reminds people that conservation of our resources is always a desired affect.

2.      Soh questioned the size of the mobile generators and Usagawa reported that each generator could create 1000 KVH and was set upon a trailer.

3.      Kahana questioned if BWS would get more of the mobile generators in order to deal with times of emergency. Usagawa reported that at key spots, there are permanent bypass generators stored with enough fuel to be used in the event of an emergency.

Ko’olauloa Watershed Management Plan (KWMP) Update – Barry Usagawa gave the following report: Usagawa reported that the planning group continues to meet and that the public comment period on the KWMP would be until December 31, 2006.  There will be meetings scheduled between the end of the comment period and the final review for the plan.

Questions, comments and concerns:

Heath commented if the parties working on the Sustainable Communities Plan and the Watershed Management Plan will collaborate in order to have a possible continuum between the two plans.  Usagawa reported that several members of the Watershed Management groups will also be working on the Sustainable Communities Plan as well as the Neighborhood Board which should provide for coordination between the two plans.

U.S. Marines – No representative was available for comment.

Congressman Ed Case – No representative was available for comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahuku Plantation Camps Update – Letts reported that Eric Morrison from Continental Pacific was not available to attend this meeting as he was out of state but will attend the January meeting.

Turtle Bay Update – no update.

NEW BUSINESS:

Steve Gumble, SBG Productions: John Morgan, from Kualoa Ranch reported that a musical event would take place sometime next year and the promoters have come to the Board to describe their proposal.

Steve Gumble, president of SBG productions introduced himself and presented his proposal for a concert in May/June of 2007. At this time, Gumble presented plans for an event similar to an event which SBG Productions promotes in Telluride, Colorado.  Mr. Gumble stated that the event in Colorado was a family friendly event.  Mr. Gumble stated that he had community support for his event in Colorado and would be sensitive to the community and their concerns.  Gumble discussed his plans for parking, crowd control, HPD involvement, a trash and recycling program and emergency medical plans.  Gumble hopes to work with HPD closely in order to have effective crowd control.  He also hopes that he will be able to return the ranch back looking the same if not better.  He stated that they would like to keep the event as ‘local’ as possible using local vendors.  Gumble stated that they would like to see as much community participation as possible.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1.      Heath commented that promoters should take into account Polynesian Cultural Center traffic after the night show, which hits the Kualoa area around 9:15 p.m. to avoid worsening what is already a bad traffic situation. 

2.      Mattoon questioned if Mr. Gumble had been to the immediate Community Associations such as Kahalu`u and Ka`a`awa Community Associations.  Gumble reported that he had spoken to the Kahalu`u Neighborhood Board and reported that they had been very supportive and enthusiastic of the event.  He had not talked with the Ka`a`awa Community Association. 

3.      Letts questioned what permits were required in order to have the musical event.  Kualoa ranch is allowed one musical event per year by the Conditional Use Permit already in possession by the ranch.  The promoter had a permit revision for 2 days but will limit it to a one day event.

Letts also questioned how many people the promoter expects for the event and Gumble stated they had estimates of 6,000 paying individuals. 

Letts questioned whether the music would be similar to the Telluride festival and Gumble reported that the main focus would be a 30-40 year old contingent with music from reggae to rock n’ roll to possibly blues.  There would also be a 2^nd stage used as a Polynesian stage that would allow for some local performers. 

Letts questioned if the camping clause would be deleted and Gumble confirmed that it would. 

Letts` final questions were regarding the time frame of the event and when liquor sales would end at the event.  Gumble stated they were looking for a 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  All alcohol sales would end one hour before the end of the concert.

4.      Sherry Martinez commented if a 7 p.m. end would be better because it would allow for the traffic from the musical event to ease by 9:15-9:20 which is when the PCC traffic arrives in the area.  Gumble said he would consider the concerns

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1.      Fran Corcoran from the Kahuku Library gave the following update:

A silent auction with be held by Turtle Bay with all proceeds going to a purchase of a mini book mobile.

The Kahuku Library is in need of a large capacity copy machine that would be able to copy 500 sheets at a time.  The Library is willing to purchase a used model if the price is inexpensive and Corcoran asked anyone who might have information regarding a copy machine to contact them.

A taste of Samoa event will be happening at the Kahuku Library and all are invited to attend.

Questions, comments and concerns:

Heath commented that is a shame that the Library due to budget cuts must now be closed on Saturdays.  It was a great loss for the community and questioned if she was correct in her thinking that their budget is based upon their circulation.  Corcoran stated that it is based on circulation and that Kahuku Library has the lowest circulation in the state.

2.      A member of the Laie Point Community Association thanked the Board as well as the Mayor for their assistance and diligence in the Laie wastewater plan.  It had been a long time coming and they are appreciative that it is at an end.

3.      Choon James thanked Mayor Hannemann and Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz and his staff Reed Matsuura for their work on the Laie wastewater plan.  James also commented that the total number of $31 million also included Hukilau Beach cleanup required by the lawsuit in 1990 and the creation of a state of an art wastewater facility.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

A.     CIP/Public Works – No report

B.     Cultural Affairs – Steward. A taste of Samoa event at Kahuku Library.

C.    Education – Macy. No report

D.    Health/Human Services – Soh reported that the Ko’olauloa Health and Wellness clinic had a new Executive Director, Chuck Braden.  He was a former Executive Director for Hau`ula Wellness Center.

E.     Housing – No report – member absent.

F.     Parks & Recreation – Kaluhiokalani reported on the management plan sent out to Board members for Malaekahana state park.  He questioned when the DLNR hearing would be and the process involved because the plan did not seem to protect public’s right to use the park.  He also commented that the plan provided for more of an eco-tourism destination rather than a state public park.

G.    Planning and Land Use – No report.

H.     Public Information – No report.

I.         Public Safety – No report.

J.      Transportation – Steward questioned when transportation will begin on an additional turning lane and information will be sent to the Governor’s Representative, Ben Henderson.  Reed Matsuura commented that there is a start date within 2007.

K.     Water – Kahana.No report.

Reed Matsuura announced before the end of the meeting that Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s office welcomes a new face to their Ohana, J.C., as their new Senior Advisor.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

Submitted by:

Vanessa Matautia

Neighborhood Commission Office