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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 2006
KEY PROJECT
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Okuda called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was not present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cappella, Emil Wolfgramm, George Okuda, Morris Graham, Moana Lee, Rocky Kaluhiwa, Arthur Machado, Jr., Kurt Mench, Wayne Panoke, Ken LeVasseur, Amy Luersen, Rich Vermeesch.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Daniel Bender, John Michael Piper.
GUESTS: Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz, Dorothy Reinhart, Calvin and Elaine Tadaki, Stan Dickson (Keahiakahoe Canoe Club), Judy and Lambert Fu, Captain William Ralston (Honolulu Fire Department – Kahalu’u Station), Sarah Fry (MCBH), Wally and Louise Ho, Sandra Abelaye (City Department of Transportation Services), Peter Young (Governor’s Office), John Black, Daniel Lum and Alex Webster Boy Scout Troop 117), Melany Melakea, Peter Field, Brian Abelake, Alec Lambert, Kaiulani Lambert, Yvonne Kearns (U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Office), James Burke (City Department of Transportation Services), D. Keala Naluai (Malama O Kamalii), Mahealani Cypher (HCID Working Group), Geraldine Green, Kim Langley, Linda Debo, Senator Clayton Hee, Jean Paul Renoir, Helen Gokan, Patti Borsch, Representative Colleen Meyer, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INFORMATIONAL SESSION:
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Ralston reported statistics for last month included 3 fire calls and 33 emergency responses of which 24 medical, and 9 miscellaneous (flood related). There are five firefighters on staff this evening.
Captain Ralston was thanked for attending the meeting.
Boy Scouts Daniel Lum and Alex Webster from Troop 117 were introduced.
Honolulu Police Department – No representative was present.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii – Sarah Fry reported the following upcoming events:
- April 16 – Easter Sunrise Services, Ft. Hase Parade Field facing Mokapu Peninsula’s eastern shore, at 6:30 a.m.
- April 21 – Base Colors Ceremony. 8:00 a.m. at MCBH HQ flagpole area.
- April 19 – Kalaheo Band Visit: The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific Band will host the Kalaheo High School Band at MCBH for a morning clinic at the band hall to prepare for a May 11 combined band performance at the high school.
- April 25 – ANZAC DAY – The annual event commemorates Australian and New Zealand forces that fought at the Battle of Gallipoli (Feb 1915-Jan 1916). Start time is 11:00 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
- April-May Military Appreciation Month Events: a) 27 Apr – Opening Day Ceremonies (invitation only); b) 6 May – “Salute to the Troops”, 9:30 a.m. (free to the public); 13 May – 10th Annual Twilight Tattoo, 4:00 p.m., Kuroda Field at Fort DeRussy (military band participants from each military service); 17 May – Annual Military Recognition Luncheon; 20 May – “Living History Day”; 20 May – Combined Military Band Concert, Hawaii Theater.
7:07 Kaluhiwa and Mench arrived (9 members present; a quorum was now present).
Questions, answers and comment followed: Kaluhiwa thanked MCBH for the Makahiki festivities.
Sarah Fry was thanked for attending the meeting.
7:09 p.m. Cappella arrived (10 members present). With a quorum now present, the agenda order resumed.
Chair announced before proceeding must recognize any Board member or guest desiring to speak before the Board. He requested cell phones be shut off or put on vibrate mode while the meeting is in progress.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chair Okuda asked if anyone had a comment or concern that is not on tonight’s agenda.
1) Naluai reiterated from last month that her concern relative to a Board member possibly not residing in his/her subdistrict is yet to be addressed by the Neighborhood Commission Office. Luersen reminded the Neighborhood Assistant that a letter was submitted to her at the February meeting. She request the Board look into this matter.
2) Rise in property taxes – A resident asked if the Board has already discussed the rise in property taxes. Chair Okuda responded this issue has not been addressed. Machado mentioned this item be placed on the May agenda.
3) King Intermediate School Stoplight – LeVasseur report the installation of the stoplight is in the finally stages. He mentioned the Board previously expressed to keep the country, country. From his observation the stoplight will create traffic problems on Kahekili Highway, lead to contra flow and eventually a four-lane Kahekili Highway. This would open the area for more development. Also, the widening of Kahekili Highway would be unstoppable. He reiterated the Board agreed to a pedestrian/student crossing, not the installation of a major traffic light. He feels the stoplight is unwarranted and will cause impact traffic on Kahekili Highway. LeVasseur pointed out that an investigation should be conducted at the federal government level because the light is not in compliance with the federal rules and regulations as warranted. In response, Yvonne Kearns of U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s office said letter of inquiries could be sent to the various departments involved with a thirty-day response turn around.
A resident commented according to the City and State, once a traffic signal is installed it is impossible to have it removed.
4) Luersen announced the Kahalu’u Master Plan Workshop, Thursday, April 27, 2006 from 7 – 9 p.m. at Kahalu’u Elementary School.
5) Chair Okuda announced a Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, April 13, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss Lot 79. A submittal was received for approval for their lease.
7) Stan Dickson of Kahiakahoe Canoe Club reported canoe races commence on the 13th of next month. Canoe Clubs island wide will be participating. It is hopeful the canoe hale is completed by then.
VACANCY (one seat) SUBDISTRICT 6, HUI IWA LOOP: There were no interested persons present to fill the vacancy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 2006: The following corrections/additions were made:
- Page 1, Honolulu Police Department, #3 a) delete, “... no...”
- Page 2, Questions, answers and comments followed #1 should read, “...Cappella thanked HPD for following up with concerns regarding illegal truck and dirt bike riding at Waiahole Beach Park...”
- Page 2, Public Comments first bullet should read, “...Transportation Committee Chair LeVasseur stated that the 18-page report indicated eight-warrants (possible of what two are needed to install a light). Third sentence should read, “...As previously agreed to by this Board for a pedestrian crossing, but seems the City is proceeding with installing a three-way signal...”
- Page 2, Public Comments second bullet add, “... A letter was formerly submitted to Vice Chair Luerson at the March 8 Board meeting...”
- Page 5, #5 second sentence delete, “...only...”
- Page 5, Governor’s Representative #1 should read, “...Per the Department of Health there are signs of leptospyrosis along in or around Waiahole Stream.
- Page 5, add item 3 “...Luersen mentioned the notice flyer relative to all thrill craft and high speed water activities was inadvertently forgotten to be attached with the Board’s mail out and she would like to make sure it is sent next month...”
- Page 5, Discussion followed item 4, sentence 2 should read, “...She suggested HCDCH should initiate a process with the community to resolve the issue...”
- Page 9, 3rd paragraph from bottom delete, “ The gavel was relinquished to Vice Chair Luersen...”
Machado moved, seconded by Kaluhiwa to accept the March 2006 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously.
7:20 p.m. Panoke arrived (11 members present).
TREASURER’S REPORT – Deferred until the May meeting.
Kaneohe Bay Regional Council – Chair Okuda announced a letter was submitted (cc to Mench) with the name of Board member Kurt Mench requested him as the alternate for Robyn Makapagal.
Discussion followed:
1) Mench relayed he did attend the meeting and said Makapagal is attending the meetings and her term ends December 2006, and she told him she would serve out her term. It was brought up the Board has received no reports from the meetings for quite some time.
2) Machado mentioned Makapagal now resides in Kailua. A comment was made that the Board is only asking for a monthly report.
3) Panoke asked if there is jurisdictional requirement. Luersen responded that the jurisdictional requirement is that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board (KNB) selects a representative. That person does not have to live within the KNB area.
4) Mench stated the KBRC meets quarterly. Luersen explained the reason the item is on the monthly agenda is if an issue or concern arises at a Neighborhood Board meeting the Board representative could take the concerns to the council meeting, but also if there is an item on the Kaneohe Bay Regional council agenda. A standing agenda item allows the KNB to take action.
5) Kaluhiwa noted the council meeting was held last week. She requested this item be put on the May agenda to name a representative from the Board for 2007.
6) Chair Okuda informed the Board the KBRC took action in February on Senate Bill 2004, relating to Ahu O Laka and voted against the bill.
7) Mench stated some of the public feels they will be losing a public area. Panoke asked if the public was provided with all the facts. He requested a letter be sent to KBRC advising them of this Board’s position on the matter.
8) It was mentioned notices of the KBRC public meeting were sent out. Luersen explained it was not a special meeting, to discuss the Ahu O Laka, but the KBRC regular meeting with that on the agenda.
9) Chair Okuda expressed concern on what is this Board’s representation at the KBRC meetings.
This concern was tabled until the May meeting.
8:39 p.m. Lee arrived (13 members present).
Board of Water Supply – No representative was present.
Elected Officials:
Mayor’s Representative – Mayor’s Representative Panoke gave the following report:
1) With the Mayor’s “Honolulu News” circulated Panoke reported the Centennial Family Festival was well attended with over 60,0000 people over a four day period.
2) In response to the canoe halau parking lot, the Department of Parks and Recreation has provided input into the proposed design plans for the Kahalu’u Regional Park, makai, but defers to the Department of Design and Construction, constructing of the park gate, parking lot and landscaping.
3) Thus far just over $3,000,000 has gone into the Kahalu’u Regional Park development.
4) No charge order has been issued for the amount of $8,000 to cover maintenance, insurances, etc. The contractor(s) have been providing the service without charge.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Resident Peter Field is seeking help from the Board regarding a clogged storm drain on Mapele Street causing road erosion, and stated it is a safety factor. Field replied it is a private road owned by the farmers. Luersen expressed concern that response from the City might be that since it is not a City road, they cannot help, but she felt it was a safety issue that the city should investigate and help resolve.
2) Wolfgramm mentioned according to a report from the Waiahole Beach Park Master Plan the unnamed stream is called Waianu. Luersen noted Waianu Stream is further up the mountain and the name for the unnamed stream is incorrect. Follow up will be done for clarification relative to the name of the unnamed stream. Wolfgramm noted an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye personally informed him that the unnamed stream has a name. He said calls have been made, and after three years the name for the unnamed stream has not been found. He suggested checking with U.S. Senator Inouye’s staff. Board members Panoke and Lee (Board’s Historic Preservation committee) will start the process to find out the name of the stream.
3) Cappella expressed concern of 10 to 12 dead coconut trees at the Kahalu’u Regional Park. Panoke answered it is the contractor’s job to do the landscaping. Cappella replied the contractor is not doing his/her work because the landscaping is deteriorating.
4) Closure signs (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) were once again requested for Waiahole Beach Park. Barriers were also requested to cut off trespassers from the park’s north end.
5) Illegal activity is occurring makai side of the park, back of the canoe halau where the gate is supposed to be installed. Illegal parking is also taking place back of the canoe hale. Mench added he spoke with Wilford Ho, from the Department of Parks and Recreation about the gate, who told him the gate, was installed in the wrong place and is now going through the process to be re-installed. Machado mentioned last month he questioned the date and time the gate for the canoe halau to be installed due to canoe races starting soon. He stated it seems like a revolving door, because the halau is in the same condition it was in five years ago.
Wayne Panoke was thanked for his report.
Governor’s Representative - Peter Young circulated the Governor’s “Weekly Update” and reported the following:
1) The State Department of Transportation’s Kamehameha Highway (DOT) traffic improvement does cover Wailehua Road and is working together with the City.
2) Relative to the abandoned/derelict barge issue, it is a multiple step process, has been taken to court and results should be available soon.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
A resident reported a flat bottom boat blocking a culvert at Heeia Kea past the second bridge going in the Kahalu’u direction. Follow up will be done. Kaluhiwa added there is more than one abandoned boat near the harbor. One was removed from the mouth of the river during the recent heavy rains and flooding. Young asked if the boats are floating or not.
Chair Okuda questioned who is responsible for the removal privately owned boats that sinks. In response, typically the boat owner is responsible. However, if the owner abandons the boat it is removed by the State.
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – Yvonne Kearns circulated the written report and highlighted a demonstration project involving Molokai General Hospital and five other sites across the country will help to improve early detection and treatment of cancer and reduce health disparities among minority Medicare beneficiaries.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) LeVasseur asked if an investigation through the Federal authorities be done relative to the installation of the King Intermediate School stoplight. Kearns asked that LeVasseur send a letter to the office, and the inquiry process would begin. Copies of the letter would be to the agency as an attachment with a letter from the Congressman. The agency has a 30-day turn around to respond.
2) Cappella expressed concern about the Waihe’e Marsh where he found several dead birds. He mentioned federal agency is supposed to be monitoring the wetland. Also, previously there were several birds that are now missing and he found only one. The wetland located is located next to the highway, and he stated the birds and ducks must be protected. Luersen informed Cappella the issue should be raised at the town meeting. LeVasseur noted four endangered species of birds live at the marsh and the City is not maintaining the area. Follow up will be done. Wolfgramm commented he submitted input with the plan. An auwai passes through the system and a quick designation does not apply because of Native Hawaiian cultural practices are still being utilized.
Yvonne Kearns was thanked for attending the meeting.
Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Councilmember Dela Cruz distributed his written report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Thanked Senator Hee for assisting with providing the community with 4,500 sandbags, which were donated.
2) Forms were available for persons needing flood damage assistance.
3) Bill 7, relating to Ohana dwelling unanimously was passed by the City Council on March 1, 2006.
4) Resolution 06-119, proposes amendment to Land Use Ordinance, is aimed at encouraging development of affordable rental housing projects.
5) Bill 17, relating to buses used for the homeless (waiving the weight tax) passed second reading.
6) Bill 25, establishing a real property tax exemption for kuleana lands ($100 minimum) passed first reading.
7) Resolution 06-081, urges the Department of Planning and Permitting to complete its five-year review of the Koolaupoko, Ko’olau Loa, North Shore, and Waianae Sustainable Communities and appropriately budget for the five-year review of the Central O’ahu Sustainable Communities Plan.
8) Bill 49 (2006) requires the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to maintenance an inventory of all city-owned streams to be reviewed and updated annually.
9) A public hearing on the budget and Capital Improvement Project budget is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2006.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Prior to 1998 the Department of Facility Maintenance was called Public Works, however stream cleanup was never a priority. Governor’s representative Young said state law enables counties to maintain streams except on private property. I an owner permits the stream can be cleaned by the county and charge the owner for the cleaning.
2) Chair Okuda inquired relative to private landowners of streams, why was a permit application denied to build a set back line. The response, according to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) the back line would affect the stream flow. Chair Okuda then asked why is the back line not move further back. The answer was it is for owner’s health and safety.
Council Chair Dela Cruz and Aide Grant Kawaguchi were thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Colleen Meyer – Representative Meyer circulated her written report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Second crossover just occurred with 310 bills still alive. Support or opposition to any bill may be by letter or emailed to: repmeyer@Capitol.hawaii.gov.
2) The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission invited members of the House, Water, Land, and Hawaiian Affairs committees to a two-day tour. She noted improvements over the past six years were impressive.
3) Senate Bill 3000 HD1 requires that applications for affordable housing units be expedited and responded to within 45 days. If no response is received, it is accepted as is. It also authorizes the waiver of some infrastructure requirements for affordable housing projects.
4) House Concurrent Resolution 146 and House Concurrent Resolution 239/HR 180 calls for the reexamination of the development and expansion that Turtle Bay Resort is planning. Due to changes and conditions on the North Shore since the project was approved 20 years ago, the House believes the project should be re-evaluated.
5) Senate Bill 2364 HD/3 establishes a pilot program to be conducted in hospital emergency rooms. After treating a person obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol, health professionals would be asked to summon a trained counselor.
6) There is a bill going through the legislature asking to use wind as alternative energy. Another bill asks the State to purchase the Kukui Gardens affordable housing project.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Panoke asked if it is the desire of the legislature to provide funding for the Kahoolawe cleanup. In response, the project started with $40 million and is down to $35 million. Panoke then asked is the jurisdiction back to the State, because it is ceded land. It is currently under the Kahoolawe Commission.
2) In response to a question raised regarding the Representative’s position on Ahu O Laka, she voted against the bill (she is from a boating family), and there is concern that recreational boaters would not be allowed to use the sandbar. An error also occurred in the committee report stating 192 persons were in favor of the bill, however the report should have read 192 persons were in opposition. A petition was signed at the Kaneohe Yatch club and at Heeia. Kurt mentioned U.S. Senator Ed Case had a Talk Story session the night of the meeting at the yatch club. She responded she hopes Senator Hee’s resolution moves forward with more talk on both sides.
Representative Meyer was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Clayton Hee – Senator Hee explained the following:
1) Ahu O Laka – People have reservations because they don’t like the State to make rules and others have mistrust in government. Ahu O Laka is not fiction, a map dated 1882 significantly identified the sandbar’s name to be Ahu O Laka. History can be ignored but not denied. The sandbar would not be an issue if people did not abuse the privileges in a civilized society. The legislature embraced the idea to devise framework of human behavior. Other parts of the bill recognize it as a significant site.
2) The Opihi Bill is in conference. It is hopeful DLNR could help with saving the opihi for future generations, by instilling no sale of native opihi giving the opihi time to reproduce. Presently opihi is imported from Ireland, Micronesia, Philippines, and possibly Mexico. The bill is currently on the Governor’s desk was amended to include spiny lobster, and Samoan crabs, allowing no harvesting of female Samoan crabs. The Senate agreed to the amendments.
3) Senator Hee is seeking support from DLNR for the Ahu O Laka and opihi bills.
4) House Bill 1448, Senate Draft 1, provides a one-time refundable tax credit to assist the victims of the heavy rains and flooding statewide. He explained the tax credit would be for the first $10,000 expenses incurred by the homeowner, is called the gut and replace bill. Representative Ken Ito, giving apartment owners credit for installing fire sprinklers, introduced this bill last year. Due major flooding in the Kaneohe and Kahalu’u areas Rep. Ito was asked to incorporate the flooding bill with his and expand it statewide.
5) A bill proposed by HCDCH requests that Board of Water Supply work with them to take over domestic water systems in Waiahole, which is supported by the Waiahole/Waikane Community Association.
6) A resolution relative to Turtle Bay has been proposed.
7) Senator Hee is attempting to locate the attorney to assist with resolving the Iuiu Street drainage ditch issue. Council Chair Dela Cruz is work with the Department of Planning and Permitting to help resolve the matter. Machado mentioned a portion of the Kawamoto property is on conservation land. The Senator replied he is in the fact-finding stage and is hopeful the issue will move forward with enforcement.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Kaluhiwa thanked the Senator for the installation of reflectors on Kamehameha Highway near the Heeia Kea harbor. However, reflectors should have been installed on both corners of the area. The Senator was also thanked for the Ahu O Laka bill, and she mentioned that both he and her took hits on the matter.
2) Relative to the “opihi” bill, Lee furnished information that a study was done twelve years ago regarding the feasibility of commercial aquaculture. She noted opihi spawns during the full moon.
3) Panoke mentioned the Ahu O Laka bill is in conference. Representative Meyer opined she thinks the bill creates a big wedge to the situation.
Luersen stated to move on with the agenda because guests are patiently waiting to hear discussion on other issues on the agenda and this issue (Ahu O Laka) is not on the agenda tonight.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT:
Response to a concern raised last month regarding gray colored matter being placed on the mountain at the top of Waihe’e Road – Luersen reported receipt of correspondence relative to the issue states jute netting, a protective biodegradable material used to prevent the organic fertilizer spray on the slopes to be run off by the rain. On top of the jute material was also hydro mulched to plant new grass on the slopes. The jute netted was prescribed by both the Department of Health and Planning and Permitting for protection of the slope while new vegetation takes growth. Once the new shoots are established the netting will be covered, and biodegradable. Thus far, besides the grass being planted about 400 koa trees, 150 shower trees, and crepe myrtle trees have been planted.
Flooding at corner Kamehameha Highway/Wailehua Road – Previously reported.
Without objections, the agenda was taken out of order to Additional Bus Stops at Hui Iwa Street.
Additional Bus Stops at Hui Iwa Street – Luersen explained the issue was brought up at the November 2005 meeting. Concerns were raised that an old bus stop (removed 25 years ago), which was located at the intersection of Hui Kelua and Hui Iwa Streets was to be reinstated.
James Burke and Sandra Abelaye of the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), gave the following update:
1) Bus stops are put in for people to ride the bus. The purpose is also to increase rider ship. If bus stops were placed too far apart, riders would have to walk a longer distance to catch the bus. Burke said that he understands the concerns relative to vandalism, graffiti, etc.
2) Abelaye received a request for investigation services from Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz in November 2005 relative to the bus stop being reinstated. However, DTS knew nothing about the issue. Two letters from Hui Iwa residents were also received. To date, no petition or official request to reinstate this bus stop has been received by DTS. Throughout the years, residents of the family development on Hui Kelua Street have made several requests. Signage has been posted since the bus stop was discontinued.
3) Per the bus stop realignment project, bus stops island wide are being reevaluated. It is hard to maintain a balance between riders and residents in residential areas. Abelaye explained her primary responsibility is to provide bus service to people who need it. Since the bus stop was removed 25 years ago, DTS could try to revisit the area.
4) There were no persons in favor of reinstating the bus stop present at tonight’s meeting.
5) Different factors constitute placements of bus stops in areas such as suburban, which may differ from another area such as Waikiki.
The following concerns were expressed:
1) Judy Fu – On the other side where she heard the bus stop would be replaced, people waiting for the bus trespass into the carport 24/7.
2) Lambert Fu – In the past 35 years, he has experienced three attempted break-ins, only during the time the bus stop was there.
3) Elaine Tadaki – She called DTS concerned about the possible reinstating of the bus stop and explained that this matter was brought to the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board November of 2005. Tadaki was told DTS takes no responsibility of what happens at a bus stop. She was also informed the department does not have to abide by the Board’s recommendations because they are only advisory, and department decides what is best for the community. She feels DTS should be responsible of what happens at bus stops while riders are waiting for the bus.
4) A resident commented the old stop was between her and a neighboring property. A bad scenario would take place when it rained whereas people waiting for bus would seek shelter in neighboring garages. It was scary coming out of her home to find strangers in her garage. Trash would be left and at times items missing from the garage or yard.
5) Linda Debo mentioned copies letters in opposition from neighboring constituents were submitted at the Board’s November 2005 meeting. She noted a letter from the Board was to be submitted to DTS and was not sure if it had been sent.
6) Helen Gokan opposed reinstating the bus stop.
7) Calvin Tadaki emphasized his house extends to the sidewalk. He was opposed to another bus stop installed at the corner.
Further comments:
1) Luersen commented a bus stop current down the hill fronts a home that is set back from the sidewalk and the garage is always closed. She said residents of the Club View currently walk either direction to catch the bus, either up the hill or down to the intersection with Hui Aeko.
2) Chair Okuda stated if the bus service discontinued sign was put up 25 years ago, why not remove the sign. How can a community get involved with input to assist DTS with where should the bus stop be placed? Burke replied DTS would speak with the neighbors, and it would depend if it were an urban area or not. A resident asked when are residents notified, because in the Hui Iwa Street area everyone works.
3) It was noted the best location for a bus stop would be the mauka intersection of Hui Kelua and Hui Iwa Streets. Burke responded to call DTS for information relative to establishing bus services and a bus stop. There is a timeline where going through the Board. No final decision has been regarding reinstating the Hui Iwa Street bus stop; the situation is still being looked into.
4) Chair Okuda asked if Burke could assure the residents no bus stop would be put on Hui Iwa Street.
Machado moved seconded by Kaluhiwa the Kahalu’u Neighborhood No. 29 requests no bus stop be installed at the intersection of Hui Kelua and Hui Iwa Streets.
Discussion followed: Luersen amended the motion to add in the vicinity of Hui Kelua and Hui Iwa Street. Lee amended the motion adding the removal of the discontinued service sign. Both Machado and Kaluhiwa agreed.
The amended motion reads: The Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 requests no bus stop be installed in the vicinity of Hui Kelua and Hui Iwa Streets, and the removal of the discontinued of service sign. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
Without objections, the agenda was taken out of order to Community Concerns/Public Input 6.D, Iuiu Street Runoff from Neighboring property.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT:
Iuiu Street Run Off from Neighboring Property – Comments followed:
1) Alex Lambert commented a response from the Mayor’s reports indicated there is natural erosion. He noted large monkey pod trees from the neighboring property (Kawamoto property) are hanging over on to neighboring properties, and residents have no resources to trim the trees. Several property owners hired tree trimmers at their own expense try to help alleviate the problem of the monkey pod trees crashing into their homes. Lambert asked for Board support in contacting property owner Kawamoto, whose property is causing the run-off.
2) Kailulani Lambert informed Board members and guests there are three rivers flowing that are fifteen feet deep (easements). A giant culvert exists on the Kawamoto property. She asked whose responsibility is it to maintain the culvert if it is on private property. She questioned what are the rights of neighboring property owners, because this is a safety issue.
3) Art Machado stated the erosion has affected his and five other homes. There is fear the monkey pod trees (approximately 100 feet tall) that are leaning will fall onto his bedroom. A meeting was held with 32 homeowners in attendance. It was noted an easement and conservation land exist on the Kawamoto property. Home affected are between 47-132 to 47-136 Iuiu Street.
Discussion followed: a) Panoke asked if the issue was mitigated. b) Mench asked Council Chair Dela Cruz if the City could swath and acquire the property. In response, Dela Cruz said the issue would first go to the Council and then the Mayor. c) K. Lambert commented there is an existing ditch on the property that is not maintained. The ditch carries water to the culvert, and she wanted to know who owns the culvert, which is not on any map. d) Luersen asked if the City has any way of contacting Mr. Kawamoto. e) Machado added former families living on the property cleaned the auwai. He pointed out current owner Mr. Kawamoto posted “no trespassing” signs, allowing no one to clean the auwai. f) Panoke, chair of the Board’s Preservation of Hawaiian Heritage Committee, offered to ask for a site investigation and site visit with himself and residents of Iuiu Street. g) Kaluhiwa noted pictures were taken of the flooding from the runoff. H) In response to Chair Okuda about what the process is to get the person responsible to do the cleanup, Panoke said there was no answer tonight. I) Council Chair Dela Cruz recommended waiting for the response from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) before requesting a site visit. j) A resident mentioned to see Machado for the cell phone number of Kawamoto Industries, which was provided by another constituent. K) Panoke suggested the Iuiu Street homeowners make no contact with Kawamoto on their own, and to let the City do the process and make recommendations. l) This issued will be place on the May agenda for further discussion.
Luersen stated to move on with the agenda because guests are patiently waiting to hear discussion on other issues on the agenda and this issue (Ahu O Laka) is not on the agenda tonight.
The agenda order resumed.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT CONTINUED:
Legislation:
House Bill 1448, Relating to Tax Credit – Machado moved seconded by Kaluhiwa that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 supports $10,000 tax credit for property damage sustained during the recent storm (House Bill 1448, relating to tax credit). The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
House Concurrent Resolution 278 (HCR278) (proposed amendment), Requesting the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, City and County of Honolulu, Board of Water Supply, Queen Emma Foundation, and Kamehameha Schools to support the establishment of cultural preserves in Hai’ku Valley and North Halawa Valley:
Discussion followed: Mahealani Cypher, of the Halawa Cultural Mitigation Project Working Group asked for Board support of HCR278. She mentioned the House would be voting this resolution on April 13. The plans are being reviewed by the Department of Transportation. The next step would be to start work on the implementation.
Questions, answers and comments followed: a) Luersen asked if there are any residents in the Kaneohe area who raised concerns relative to this resolution going forward. The response was no. b) In reply to Lee the boundaries are kukuokane heiau to Leluku Terrace.
Panoke moved seconded by Machado in support of House Concurrent Resolution 278. The motion carried unanimously 11-0-0.
House Concurrent Resolution 287, Requests that the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Counties to conduce a study of all streams and drainage channels in the State of Hawaii – Panoke moved, seconded by Machado that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 supports House Concurrent Resolution 278 HD1. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
Luersen left the meeting at this time (10 members present).
House Concurrent Resolution 238, strongly requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to enforce its moorage permitting rules in Kaneohe Bay: Mench moved, seconded by Machado that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 not support Concurrent Resolution 238. The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.
City Owned Streams and Waterways – Panoke moved seconded by LeVasseur that the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board No. 29 supports Council Bill 49 (2006), requiring the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to maintain an inventory of all city-owned streams to be reviewed and updated annually. The motion carried unanimously 10-0-0.
Iuiu Street Run-off from Neighboring Property – Previously discussed.
Malama o Keali’i Makamae – Keala Naluai offered that her presentation be deferred until the May meeting.
Special Use Permit (SUP) No. 2006/SUP-4 (Cingular Wireless): By unanimous consent, a draft letter will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Permitting requesting this application be denied.
Board member Panoke expressed dismay that Representative Meyer voted against the wishes of the Board on Senate Bill 2004, SD 1, establishes an Ahu O Laka monument, and directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to adopt rules for the protection and maintenance of the Ahu O Laka State monument.
Resident Keala Naluai informed the Board that the issue raised last month regarding gray colored matter being placed on the mountaintop of Waihe’e Road was just an inquiry not a complaint. She requested a copy of the response from Mr. Renoir.
COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS: There were no committee presentations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Kahalu’u Town Master Plan Meeting, Thursday, April 27, Kahalu’u Elementary School (47-280 Waihe’e Road), from 7-9 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 10:43 p.m.
Submitted by Nola Frank, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair George Okuda & Vice Chair Amy Luersen