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KOOLAULOA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2007

HAU’ULA COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dee Dee Letts called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Dee Dee Letts, John Elkington, Les Steward, Junior Primacio, Jimmy Leonardi, Creighton Mattoon, Kathryn Heath, Dawn Wasson, Barbara Kahana, Norman Kaluhiokalani.

MEMBERS EXCUSED: Kelika Ishol.

VACANCY: There are no vacancies.

GUESTS: Fred Mencher (HME), Henry Wasson, Sherry Martinez, Yavette Charles (KCHWC), Diana Hoppe, Magno Transfiguracion (U.S. Army), Captain Ron Johnson (HFD), Lieutenant John Cheung (HPD), John Olszowka, Fran Corcoran (Kahuku Library), Margaret Primacio, Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office)Kaylene Sheldon, Ella Siroskey (Kahuku Hospital), Lea Albert (WDOE), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

APPROVAL OF THE MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 9, 2007: Mattoon moved with Primacio seconding to approve the August 9, 2007 regular meeting minutes, the motion was approved without objection by the Board with the following amendments:

• Page 2: Correction in the spelling of Governor’s Representative.
• Page 4: Kahuku Hospital Update: Second Bullet: Replace “A new Director of Nurses has been hired from Texas. with “The Director of Nurses has returned from vacation in Texas.”
• Page5: Correction in Ko’olauloa Community Heath and Awareness Center to Ko’olauloa Community Heath and Wellness Center.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Steward read the balances of the accounts of August 2007; highlighting that the Operating Account is at $1,427.60, Publicity Account at $1,081.00, and Refreshment Account at $120.00.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Johnson of the HFD reported the following information:

• Statistics for the month of August include the Ka’a’awa District: 10 brush fires, 3 rubbish fires, 15 medical emergencies, 4 search and rescue, and 1 miscellaneous. In the Kahuku District: 4 brush and 2 rubbish fires, and 10 medical emergencies. In the Hau’ula District: 9 brush and 4 rubbish fires, and 19 medical emergencies.
• The Tip of the Month: the National Fire Protection Association has selected “Practice Your Escape Plan” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week from October 7-13, 2007. The 2007 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools.

No questions, comments or concerns followed.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant John Cheung of the HPD reported the following:

• Statistics for the month of August 2007 showed a decrease in many areas: 0 murder/manslaughter, 5 rape, 3 robbery, 5 aggravated assaults, 58 burglary, 143 thefts, 95 unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV), and 31 auto thefts.
• Earlier this morning a man was arrested on outstanding warrants on Waikulama Street in Hau’ula.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Leonardi questioned when the old communication police tower in Kahuku was to be removed, and noted that neither Kahuku Village Association (KVA) nor Kahuku Community Association (KCA) was informed of construction. Cheung replied that to his knowledge, the new police tower is non-operational at the time, did not require an impact statement, and apologized for the communication error in not informing KVA and KCA.
• Steward questioned if the five rapes were from the district? Cheung replied that they were not. Steward requested that a list of apprehensions be provided.
• Mattoon questioned in regards to thefts in Punalu’u, have the thieves been caught? Cheung replied that the cases are still open and investigators have been assigned to the project.
• Chair Letts informed Cheung that there is an individual that uses a three-wheeler ATV at Ka’a’awa Beach Park. Cheung noted if they knew the person he would be glad to take the information.
• A member of the community noted that there are drug activities taking place in front of Kahuku Hospital. Cheung to look into it.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Mayor’s representative was not present at the meeting.  Chair Letts reported that a letter which was sent by Keoki Miyamoto to the State Department of Transportation, in regards to flooding at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Anemoku Street, has been provided. Chair Letts also reported:

• The Department of Facility Maintenance reports that the streams located mauka of Kamehameha Highway of Ki’i Bridge and Kahuku Bridge are privately owned.
• A new play apparatus was installed at Kahuku district Park and has been in use since August 10, 2007.
• The renovation of Hau’ula Community Park multi-purpose building was completed before summer and used during the summer fun program.

Chair Letts asked is there were any issues the Board would like to forward to the Mayor’s representative via the Neighborhood Assistant:

• Leonardi expressed that he is not pleased with the response in regards to the two streams. Leonardi thought that one stream was owned by the State.
• Letts noted that there is a leak in the sprinkler system at Ka`a`awa Beach Park restrooms that are not yet opened that has resulted in the stairs to the beach being covered in moss which makes them slippery and dangerous – she requested that this be looked into and repaired.
• Wasson questioned the status of Pa’eo Pond in Lai’e. It has been proposed that part of the pond is to be zoned as a sewage pumping station. Wasson explained the Hawaiian importance of Pa’eo Pond, and wishes that no harm comes to the Pond.

COUNCILMAN DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Matsuura representing Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office reported the following information:

• Matsuura explained that the Councilmember is looking for ways to keep affordable housing affordable. The Councilmember believes that without affordable housing the homeless level will increase.
• Matsuura explained that he is in collaboration with Primacio to work on identifying capital improvement projects (CIP) for the upcoming fiscal year.
• The Councilmember sent two letters in regards to the trash collection issue in Kahuku. A letter addressed to the Department of Environmental Services, requesting the reimbursement of trash bins KVA purchased.  
• In regards to Kahuku Elderly housing, if the area was to be expanded, residents were not to loose their houses.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts questioned if the elderly citizens at the elderly housing would loose their Section 8? Matsuura could not say. Primacio noted that the status of the residents will stay the same, and the president of the association is visiting each resident to update them with information.
• Leonardi requested that the two letters regarding trash pick up be sent to both KVA and KCA. Matsuura agreed.
• Chair Letts questioned when the deadline is for all CIP bills. Matsuura urged that the requests be in by October, and to prioritize three CIP to focus on. Chair Letts explained that one of the projects is the play courts in Hau’ula. Chair Letts asked if a report was ready. Primacio said a list would be ready for distribution at the next meeting
• Wasson voiced concerns of rent rate control and tax breaks for long time residents.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Ben Henderson, representing the Governor’s office reported the following :

• The Governor’s Annual International Women’s Leadership conference is scheduled for September 25, 2007, registration is available online at www.iwlc.org.
• Kokololio Bridge is scheduled for completion in late October.
• In regards to providing a new left turn at Kahuku High School; the original scope included a revised intersection, revised traffic signal, intersection lighting, and a traffic study. The project has been expanded to provide for new bus pullouts, bus shelter, ADA sidewalks to the bus shelter, a paved shoulder area for school bus loading and unloading. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a consultant working on the design which is to be completed by mid 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Heath questioned if the construction will be scheduled during non-school hours? Henderson noted that he would convey this to DOT.

·         Leonardi noted that the streams previously noted in the minutes were overgrown and may be a State issue. Leonardi also noted that Contenental Pacific needs help in the process. Henderson will follow up.

·         Chair Letts requested that the culverts be put on a cleaning schedule. Chair Letts explained that when a resident of Ka`a`awa called regarding the cleaning schedule they were told it was too hard to be put on a schedule and that they should call when it is needed. Mattoon replied that that is a strange answer considering that the culverts in Punalu’u are already being cleaned on a schedule.

·         Wasson expressed the Hawaiian culture of Kokololio Bridge and explained the true Hawaiian meaning.

·         Heath questioned if Kokololio Bridge was to be blessed? Henderson will follow up.

·         Mattoon noted that blessings of bridges usually occur before the start of use.

·         Steward noted that the crosswalk in Lai'e before Hukilau Beach is unsafe and on a blind turn. The crosswalk should be moved into a more open area.

·         A community member announced that Amy’s Store will be closing within the month.

·         Mencher announced that Malai Kahana Shoreline recreation area went out for bid again.

STATE LEGISLATORS: There were no State legislators at this time.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE): Lea Albert representing the DOE reported the following:

• The Hawaii State assessment in science will start soon.
• Ka’a’awa Elementary received a portable office and a portable room to act as the library.
• Kahuku High School has received three air conditioned portables.
• Albert noted and requested that as DOT addresses the traffic and turning lane needs at the High School, she hopes that they will work closely with the Department of Education (DOE).
• A new district educational specialist has been acquired.
• Kahuku Elementary renovation was held due to cuts in funding. Kahuku Elementary needed painting.
• Kahuku High School and Sunset Elementary has begun work with the USDA Kitchen project which supports the use of foods made with produce grown from local farmers.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Heath questioned if Albert felt that the cuts in funding which resulted in Kahuku Elementary not being painted were equitable? Albert felt that they were considering Kahuku Elementary is one of the younger schools in the district.
• Wasson questioned if Hawaiian studies were taught by full-time teachers? Albert noted that there is one full-time Hawaiian language teacher who was hired this past summer, and two part-time persons from Kamehameha Schools.
• Elkington questioned if Hau’ula Elementary would reach minimum enrollment numbers? Kahuku Elementary did not meet enrollment, Kahuku High was short 32 students, and Lai’e, Hau’ula and Ka’a’awa met enrollment.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): There was no representative at this time.

U.S. ARMY: Magno Transfiguracion of the U.S. Army reported the following information:

• Colonel Clay B. Hatcher is in charge of the U.S. Army in Hawaii for the time being.
• Transfiguracion explained that they have just returned from deployment and are trying to get back into routine. Several troops have or will be returning in the upcoming weeks.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson noted that low level aircrafts were flying over houses. Chair Letts explained those were part of the Marines, and will convey the message.
• Primacio questioned the road to join the east range in the hills. Trasfiguracion explained that when the Striker Brigade arrived the priority was to connect the east range to Kahuku, and that the trails on the hills were best for the environment.
• Heath questioned if a significant amount of troops returning were part of reserved units? Transfiguracion noted many returns including the 357 National Guard and the 322 Civil Affairs were reservists.
• Siroskey of Kahuku Hospital questioned if the hospital’s medevac would be returned? Transfiguracion will look into it.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

KAHUKU MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE: Ella Siroskey, representing the Kahuku Medical Center, reported the following information:

• Effective from July 1 through September 30, 2007, the hospital is working with Hawaii Health System’s Corporation (HHSC) to attain the necessary permits, licenses, and other documents prior to the purchase of Kahuku Hospital by HHSC.
• Since the official filing in February 2007, the bankruptcy process continues and will be completed by October.
• The Ko’olauloa Advocates for Critical Health Services (KACHS) have been hosting meetings in the service area but have canceled the remaining meetings, stay tuned for updates.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Wasson inquired about patients without coverage in emergencies, and about the “Phil Burton” policy. Siroskey did not know what the Phil Burton policy was, but noted that all patients that come into the hospital are helped regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

KAHUKU TRASH COLLECTTION UPDATE: Leonardi reported that he did not meet with Mayor Hannemann, but has rescheduled the meeting to October. Since the initial issue, several news articles have been published. Leonardi noted that he has sent letters to the Department of Environmental Services. The second of the two trash bins will arrive at the end of the month and cost $4,000.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Letts asked Leonardi if a second letter from the Board would be helpful? Leonardi said that the letter would not hurt, and seems to be the only letter to have gotten a response.
• Elkington noted that a CIP should be done for the paving of the road to asphalt. Matsuura explained that the road is private, and before the City & County of Honolulu takes over that road it would have to be up to City standards.
• It was noted that if the City & County of Honolulu cannot alleviate the trash situation in Kahuku it could turn into a health issuethat could require legal action.
• A resident suggested that the automated collection truck be used in any case possible to help alleviate at least the green waste.

NEW BUSINESS:

ELDERLY HOUSING IN KAHUKU: Junior Primacio will look into the matter and keep the Board updated.

NOMINATION OF PERSONS FOR CONSIDERATION BY HCF BOARD TO FILL VACANCIES ON COMMUNITY GRANTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Chair Letts opened the floor to nominations for persons to fill vacancies for the Community Grants Advisory Committee, to be considered by the Hawaii Community Foundation. Steward nominated Teressa Bigby, Kelika Ishol wrote a written nomination for Chair Letts, Wasson nominated Margaret Primacio, Junior Primacio nominated Leonardi, and Leonardi nominated Junior Primacio. Mattoon moved to close the nominations, with Primacio seconding. Chair Letts noted that the nominations in the form of a letter will be sent to Amy Luersen of HCF, and a copy sent to all Board members.

PUBLIC INPUT:

• Fran Corcoran of Kahuku Library reported that the Library’s air conditioning went down, but the DOE will replace it in the next few days. A shuttle bus was given to the Library and is planned on being used as a bookmobile. The Turtle Bay Seafood Festival and silent auction is to donate to the bookmobile, $24,000 has been donated so far.
• Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) the new Dean of Business is Chuck Stilen.
• Lai’e Post Office is offering a free Wednesday passport acceptance program located at the library.
• The Kahuku Library is also involved in the Nationwide Big Read Program; the featured book is “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan.
• Yavette Charles of Kahuku Community Health and Wellness Center  (KCHWC) reported that they do perform outreach programs at Kahuku Hospital, Kahuku High School as well as elderly housing.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Wasson questioned where they plan to send the bookmobile? Corcoran explained that the bookmobile will go up and down the coastline making three stops a day in a selected area. The library will try and reach people furthest from the library.
• Elkington questioned if people would need ID’s to borrow books? Corcoran noted that they would need a library card to do so.

CORRESPONDANCE: There was no correspondence to announce.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

CIP/PUBLIC WORKS: CIP’s were discussed previously in the agenda.

CULTURAL AFFAIRS: Dawn Wasson was appointed to chair this committee.

EDUCATION: Lea Albert had covered these issues early on the agenda.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES: Kahuku Hospital meetings have been canceled but will be rescheduled visit www.kadvocates.org for updates.

HOUSING: Heath pushed to the public and elected official representatives that affordable rental housing is very important and the entire district is in need of more of it.

PARKS & RECREATION: Kaluhiokalani noted that he visited Moku’au’ia and was disappointed to see open fires and no signs with contact numbers in case of emergencies. Chair Letts noted to call the Department of Land and Natural Resources at 586-2211 where Dan Quinn may be of assistance.

PLANNING & LAND USE: Mattoon noted that he will give critical review to everything in this committee.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: Steward reminded everyone that from June through November is hurricane season. In Lai’e there will be an open house event to better prepare residents for natural disasters on September 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. located at the Cannon Activity Center.

PUBLIC SAFETY/TRANSPORTATION: Elkington noted all concerns brought up at the meeting including Kokololio Bridge as well as the crosswalk at Hukilau Beach, and awaits responses with DOT.

WATER: Barbara Kahana noted to protect and preserve water in the district.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Lai’e- Steward noted that Brigham Young University has a new president, Mr. Steven Wilright. Wasson also noted to register your households for tax exemptions by September 30, 2007, which is for all homeowners on O’ahu only.

Hau’ula- The Hau’ula Community Association will be hosting a garage sale later this month.

Ka’a’awa- As said early in the meeting, do not use the Ka’a’awa Beach Park back stairs as they are wet and slippery with moss.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Chair Letts reminded everyone of the Sustainable Community Plan had its most recent meeting on August 30, 2007, there will be two more, the plan is available on the DPP website.
• Wasson explained that she had asked Corporation Counsel for a ruling regarding conflicts of interest. Letts noted that when the Board had previously asked for ruling on this issue the Corporation Counsel ruled that under Charter Laws, if a person is elected into office and is paid, a conflict of interest is possible, but if elected in and not paid no conflict is recognized.
• A community member announced that Hapa Holi Restaurant is closing down and will re-open soon.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by:

Leland S.M Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant