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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2006
KEY PROJECT
MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cappella, George Okuda, Moana Lee, Rocky Kaluhiwa, Art Machado, Jr., Kurt Mench, Wayne K. Panoke, Kenneth LeVasseur, Daniel Bender, Rich Vermeesch.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Emil Wolfgramm, Morris Graham, Amy Luersen, and John M. Piper.
GUESTS: Keith Kurahashi (Kusao & Kurahashi), Katherine Folasa (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), Ralph Makiau (Kuilima Resort Co.), Captain William Ralston (Honolulu Fire Department – Kahalu’u Station), Sarah Fry (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), Yvonne Kearns (U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Office), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), D. Keala Naluai (Malama O Kamali’i Makamae), Lt. Finn (Honolulu Police Department – Kaneohe Station), Alex Webster, Kim Laugley, Bob Nakata, Alec Lambert, Jerry Kaluhiwa, Jean Paul Renoir, Bob Masuda (Governor’s Office), Dianne T. Stevens-Poire’, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
Due to a lack of quorum at this time, the agenda was deferred to Information Session reports.
Chair Okuda asked if there were any public concerns not on tonight’s agenda. There were no concerns.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Ralston reported the following:
1) Statistics for the month of May included 1 structure, 4 rubbish (unauthorized burning), 3 vehicle fires and 39 medical responses.
2) Fire Safety Tip:
Ø Brush fire season is here, so remember to maintain a 30-foot wide clearing in between any structure and vegetation. Recent rains may have overgrown vegetation in some breaks.
Ø With Independence Day around the corner, consider leaving fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the many fireworks displays around town. If you use fireworks, follow all warnings and instructions. Young children should never be given fireworks. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult. Have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration!
Captain Ralston was thanked for attending the meeting.
7:15 p.m. Mench arrived (a quorum of eight members was now present).
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Finn distributed a newly designed statistics report detailing incident types by selected Beats. He mentioned statistics for Kahalu’u would be under Beats 471 and 472. Beat officers do float between sectors.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Cappella commented that the new statistics report format is an improvement.
2) In response to Bender, HPD has always handled animal noise complaints. Some issues are referred to the Hawaiian Humane Society for follow up.
3) Panoke asked if there was any indication of the number of vacant positions would be filled and are they projected in the budget. Lt. Finn replied no, according to Police Chief Correa, he would like to fill 300 positions. Panoke then asked if it is true that there are 24 vacant positions in the Kaneohe District to be filled. Follow up will be done.
4) Machado informed Lt. Finn that he received a call regarding traffic congestion on Pulama Road the day of the bus caused fatal traffic accident. He mentioned Pulama Road has an exit, but he was told that five cars were parked blocking the exit. When accidents occur, there seems to be no alternative routes for cars to exit when the highway is shut down. Panoke added there is an exit road that could be opened, however it is privately owned. Lieutenant Finn answered HPD will always look for an alternate route to move traffic along.
Chair Okuda expanded that when accidents happen, cars are stopped as far back as Waihe’e or Wailehua Roads. He suggested cars be stopped at the intersection of Kahekili Highway and Kamehameha Highway. The response was cars are moved back far enough so buses and cars can safely turn around. Follow up will be done with the Lt. on duty the day of the bus accident relative to rerouting cars to alternate routes. There are several spots on this side of the island with no alternate routes.
5) Cappella expressed concern about people who used to hang around Waiahole doing illegal activity is now at Noriko’s. He asked if police are allowed to enter private property. Lt. Finn replied police have limited enforcement on private property relative to trespassing.
6) Cappella expressed concern relative to illegal motorcycle riding in Waiahole Park. Calls were made to 911 with an officer responding. He said one person in violation had no respect for the police and did not leave the park as requested. Lieutenant Finn replied if the response received by the caller is not acceptable, the person calling should ask to speak with a sector sergeant
7) Dropped calls are when someone calls 911 and hangs up. It is mandatory that two officers be sent to respond. Phone numbers and addresses are what the dispatchers see when calls are received. HPD is also working to get the locations for cell phones calls.
Lt. Finn was thanked for attending the meeting.
With a quorum now present the order of the agenda resumed.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair George Okuda called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m. A quorum was present.
ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR 2006-2007: Deferred until later in the meeting. Bender nominated Mench, who declined. A question was posed what would happen if a chair were not elected this evening. Bender explained that a pro-tem from Board members present tonight would have to be chosen to conduct the meeting. Bender suggested deferring the election of chair until more Board members arrived.
7:26 p.m. Lee arrived (nine members present).
ELECTION OF OTHER BOARD OFFICERS 2006-2007: Deferred until later in the meeting.
VACANCY (ONE) SUBDISTRICT 6, HUI IWA LOOP: There were no interested persons present this evening to fill the position.
APPROVAL of MAY 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Discussion followed:
Resident Naluai said she spoke with the Neighborhood Assistant today and asked about community members submitting corrections/additions to the minutes. She was told to bring the corrections/additions in writing and submit them to the Board. The Neighborhood Assistant reiterated to Naluai per the phone conversation it was mentioned that correction/additions may be submitted to the Board, however it is the Board’s option to accept them or not. Copies of the corrections/additions were submitted to the Chair and Neighborhood Assistant stating it was relative to a certain issue.
Chair Okuda said he would take the issue up later and asked Board member if they had any corrections/additions. Chair Okuda asked Naluai if extra copies were available for Board members. Naluai offered to get copies for the Board members.
Per Naluai, Page 4, should read, “...Malama O Kamalii Makamae, not Malama O Kealii Makamae...”
Naluai: Under her presentation, the second to last sentence was not mentioned during her presentation and asked that it be deleted (With the help of Representative Meyer, House Concurrent Resolution 178 was passed on March 16, 2006). Panoke: It is difficult for the Board to remove this kind of statement from the minutes. Naluai stated in her corrections that only the Neighborhood Assistant (NA) and Chair knew about House Concurrent Resolution 178, regarding requesting the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a study of Hawaii’s laws affecting at-risk youth.
Bender: Suggested the NA review Naluai’s corrections and provide copies to the Board at the next meeting.
Bender suggested that the NA go over the tape and notes to see what had transpired and compare the minutes with the submitted corrections/additions to clarify if they were stated or not. If stated the item should not be removed.
Discussion: 1) Panoke – Going over the submitted corrections/additions, he noted the document reflects a summary of opinion of a presentation. He questioned how could the NA be charged with doing that. The presenter is coming back a month later advising the Board that certain things were not mentioned. He said no, and emphasized that the corrections submitted are corrections to the presentation, not the minutes. 2) Bender agreed it was a good point. He asked that the submission be submitted to a form all can read. 3) Panoke suggested that Ms. Naluai provide copies for everyone at the meeting and that the issue be resolved this evening. 4) Bender noted minutes could be corrected at anytime. 4) Machado added the sentence in question relative to the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 has nothing to do with this Board, is the issue.
Bender moved and seconded by Panoke to defer the approval of the May 2006 regular meeting minutes until later in the agenda.
Discussion: 1) Machado questioned if it is valid for the minutes to contain information from another Board’s meeting. 2) Chair Okuda mentioned the corrections are Naluai’s view. 3) Machado called a point of order stating there was a motion on the floor.
Bender withdrew the motion and Panoke withdrew his second.
Further discussion: 1) Lee expanded the issue relative to Representative Meyer and HRC 178 was mentioned at the last meeting, if not if would have been written. Minutes are noted of what was mentioned at the last meeting. 2) Naluai disputed how the minutes were written, and stated the minutes are not accurate and all discussion was not put in.
Bender moved and seconded by Panoke to defer the approval of the May 2006 regular meeting minutes until the July Board meeting.
Discussion: 1) Panoke stated corrections are to reflect only the technical aspects of the meeting, not the geneses. 2) Chair Okuda will work with the NA. 3) Lee reiterated changes made must be factual to the minutes.
The motion carried unanimously.
7:35 p.m. Kaluhiwa arrived (10 members present).
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Vermeesch reported the following: Operating Account balance is $42.91; Publicity Account expenditure was $20.13 leaving a balance of $972.87; the Refreshment Account balance is minus $18.37.
Vermeesch moved and seconded by Bender that $200 be transferred from the Publicity Account to the Operating Account to cover cost anticipated June expenses. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Sarah Fry gave the following report:
1) Biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006 Exercise June 23-July 27, 2006, The MCTAB beach at Bellows will be closed from July 21-26 for RIMPAC amphibious operations. An official notification letter regarding the closure has been submitted to the City and County of Honolulu.
2) Bayfest 2006 – June 30 – July 4,2006
3) Kailua 4th of July Parade – July 4th, will include 500 marchers, 70 vehicles, 15 floats, and five bands. For more information contact the Kailua Chamber of Commerce at 261-2727.
4) Castle High School MCJROTC Leadership Academy, July 15-23, 2006.
Sarah Fry was thanked for attending the meeting.
Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – Kurt Mench provided that no report was received by Board representative Robyn Makapagal. He mentioned the next meeting would be held on the first Wednesday in September. Per request from the Chair, Mench will have Makapagal contact him.
Kurt Mench was thanked for the information.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa gave the following report:
1) There was one main break in the month of May. A 48-year-old 20-inch cast iron pipe, located in a marsh broke.
2) Pumpage statistics through June 7 was 158 million gallons per day. Water usage is increasing, but the levels remain healthy.
3) The “Hawaii Backyard Conservation” booklet, put together by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Big Island Resources Conservation and Development, the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Transportation, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Natural Resources Conservation Services, O’ahu Resource Conservation and Development, and the University of Hawaii was distributed. For additional copies call the Natural Resource Conservation Service at 483-8600 extension 3.
4) Follow up to a previous concern about a broken concrete box on Wailehua Road, the box will be repaired and asphalted.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Mench reported there is a broken manhole cover missing a pie size section on the Kahekili Highway side of Lulani Street. Follow up will be done.
2) Cappella commented that the booklet was good and suggested it be included with the water bills.
3) Cappella asked if an update for the Waiahole Valley systems was available. Usagawa
answered that BWS is currently not involved and the report was given to the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH). HCDCH will be hiring a consultant to re-evaluate the system using the BWS report as a basis.
Barry Usagawa was thanked for attending the meeting.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Panoke reported the following:
Follow up to a concern from last month relative to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) refusal to enforce the ordinance and require compliance with the building code, laws, and ruling on a neighboring property – DPP will send an inspector out to the address listed in the report. Initial meeting set with the complainant, originally scheduled for May 18, 2006 was cancelled by her, and since rescheduled for June 21, 20006 at 11:00 a.m. to physically point out to the building inspectors discrepancies she feels exists in the CRM retaining wall constructed by neighbor abutting her property. Findings and follow-up actions will be initiated after this scheduled meeting. Previous meetings with the complainant and inspectors showed no violations.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Cappella asked Mayor’s representative Panoke to repeat the explanation given before as to why the Kahalu’u Regional Park was not ready yet. Panoke replied no. Chair Okuda said that the explanation has been given at several previous Board meetings and the contractor is yet to turn the park over to the City. It is the responsibility of the contractor to replace any dead trees prior to acceptance by the City. No taxpayer money is being utilized to pay the contractor. The City can use the contractor’s bond for repairs. Panoke mentioned per Mayor Hannemann the park would be ready in 2007.
The City is responsible for monitoring the contractor. Relative to if the contractor gets full payment for not completing the work Mench explained a contractor does not get full payment until the contract is met. Chair Okuda said to his understanding the City is working with the contractor to resolve the topsoil problem.
Ms. Stevens-Poire’ mentioned that she did not cancel the May meeting with DPP, but asked that it be rescheduled due to short notice given for the first meeting.
Wayne Panoke was thanked for his report.
Governor’s Representative – Bob Masuda reported the following:
1) Circulated the Governor’s weekly update, and a booklet on Hawai’i Drug Control Plan Report.
2) Congratulated Board member Rocky Kaluhiwa for her hard work at the legislature regarding Ahu O Laka, which is currently going through the legislative process.
3) Approximately 10 derelict boats in the area have been removed.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Bender mentioned that going toward the Hygienic Store on Kahekili Highway there are two sets of streetlights that not always on. LeVasseur mentioned the contractor came across undocumented sewer lines while installing the new lights. It was commented that the contractor should have checked with the City regarding sewer lines. Thus, the new light poles cannot be installed. The old wooded light poles will be replaced with the same. Bender asked if the old light could be put on. Follow up will be done. Another comment was the sewer lines are located between Haiku Road and Hui Iwa Street. Follow up will be done as to why the active sewer line was not known to the contractor.
2) Kaluhiwa commended DLNR relative to Ahu O Laka.
3) Follow up will be done as to when the motor for the equipment would be returned to complete cleaning out the leaves from the reservoir at the Botanical Gardens.
4) Follow up will be done with the Department of Health if violations are occurring at the Noriko’s property.
5) Follow up will be done relative to the cost, authorization, and why “No Trespassing” signs with holes in them were posted in Waiahole Valley.
Bob Masuda was thanked for attending the meeting.
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – Yvonne Kearns distributed the Congressman’s monthly report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Congressman Ed Case televises talk with U.S. Comptroller David Walker on the federal budget crisis. The Congressman Ed Case Reports shows can be seen statewide every week and on O’ahu’s Olelo Channel 54, every Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
2) Gasoline prices will be addressed by the U.S. House legislation.
3) Talk Story Community Meetings for the Kahalu’u (Kaneohe/Kahalu’u/Waiahole) area is scheduled for Sunday, July 9, 2006, Benjamin Parker Elementary School, 47-259 Waikalua Road from 1:30 ~ 2:30 p.m.
4) The Congressman’s newsletter has been sent to each house in the Second Congressional District.
5) Follow up to a previous question – The City monitors native species in the marsh. A letter and email were sent to Wildlife Enforcement, and Kearns is awaiting a reply. To contact Wildlife Enforcement call 867-8525. Kearns explained due to heightened security of anthrax, a letter sent to the Washington office takes between three and three weeks for a response. Cappella thanked Kearns for her follow up.
Yvonne Kearns was thanked for attending the meeting.
Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Katherine Folasa distributed the monthly report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Participants of the Aloha Aina Earth Day on May 27, 2006, that benefited KEY Project were thanked.
2) Bill 49, relating to stream maintenance, passed second reading.
3) Resolution 06-173 relates to assigning to the Director of Planning and Permitting a proposal to amend Ordinance 86-99 (Re: rezoning for Turtle Bay report expansion project) by amending the unilateral agreement incorporated therein by reference. The purpose of this ordinance is to amend the unilateral agreement incorporated by reference into Ordinance 86-99 to reflect current laws and practices pertaining to conditions for zone change.
Questions, answers and comments:
Kaluhiwa asked if there was an update regarding the installation of the canoe halau gate. Panoke replied the Department of Design and Construction issued proceeding for the installation and the gate should be in. Follow up will be done.
Katherine Folasa was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative was present.
Senator Clayton Hee – No representative was present.
The agenda order resumed.
ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR 2006-2007: Lee moved and seconded by Kaluhiwa nominating George Okuda. LeVasseur nominated Bender who declined. LeVasseur nominated Machado who declined. Without objection nominations were closed. By a unanimous vote of 11-0-0, George Okuda was elected chair for the 2006-2007 term.
ELECTION OF OTHER BOARD OFFICERS 2006-2007:
- Vice Chair: LeVasseur moved and seconded by Bender nominating Amy Luersen for Vice Chair. By acclamation Amy Luersen was elected Vice Chair.
- Treasurer: Vermeesch moved and seconded by Kaluhiwa nominating Daniel Bender for treasurer. By acclamation Daniel Bender was elected treasurer.
- Secretary: Mench moved and seconded by Bender nominating Moana Lee for secretary. By acclamation Moana Lee was elected treasurer.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT:
Property Taxes: Discussion –
1) Chair Okuda explained that the assessment appeal does work, and encouraged anyone planning to file an appeal assessment to do his/her own homework.
2) Bender reminded everyone the deadline for filing an appeal assessment is December 31. There is a $25.00 filing fee and the process takes approximately nine months to a year to complete.
3) Mench mentioned the only problem with an appeal is that it is only good for a year.
4) Mr. Lambert disagreed stating why should a resident of 45 years pay taxes religiously have to pay the same property taxes as those who purchase homes for speculation only. Bender commented the legislative process sets the tax rates. It was suggested Lambert work with his council member.
5) Bender mentioned that the Bill 6 was a long process resulting with a $200 tax rebate, which is better than no rebate at all. Although it is a one time only cut, it is positive.
6) Although is too late this year for the Board to submit input, it can be done for the next 2007-2008 fiscal year.
Panoke moved and seconded by Machado that the issue on property taxes be referred to the Board’s legislative committee and report back at the next Board meeting.
Discussion followed: 1) It was recommended that a special meeting be held with questions and answers from the community. 2) Mench mentioned one of the problems are that the community keeps asking for more things such as swimming pools, etc., but not enough funding is available. He noted to be careful of what is asked for, and make sure the community gets its fair share. Mench emphasized to be aware of one’s exemptions. The motion carried unanimously.
Legislation:
Without objections, agenda item City Council Bill 40 was corrected to read City Council Bill 48.
City Council Bill 48, Regulating for an Interim Period Development on Lots with and Average Grade of 20 percent or more in the City and County of Honolulu: Panoke moved and seconded by Bender in support of City Council Bill 48.
Discussion followed: 1) Bender mentioned that this bill passed first reading, and that the bill is a moratorium for 18 months. This bill has been referred back to the Zoning Committee. 2) Bender explained within the next two months anyone owning a lot, must get a three level permit, which may have a reverse effect. 3) In response to Vermeesch, the bill does not impact current building permits. 4) Ms. Stevens-Poire’ invited everyone to attend the meeting at her home with the Department of Planning and Permitting on June 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. 5) Bender commented once this law passes all permits at all levels stops for the interim of this legislation. 6) Vermeesch asked what happens at the end of the moratorium. Panoke replied the bill sunsets.
The motion carried unanimously.
City Council Bill 53, Regulating for an Interim Period Development on Lots next to Streams in the City and County of Honolulu: Panoke moved and seconded by Bender in support of City Council Bill 53. The motion carried unanimously.
City Council Resolution No. 06-126, Adopting Revisions to the Public Infrastructure Map for the Koolaupoko Development Plan Area, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, proposed dog park in Ahuimanu – Panoke moved and seconded by Bender in support of City Council Resolution No. 06-126. The motion carried unanimously.
Without objections agenda item City Council Resolution No. 06-217 was corrected to read City Council Resolution NO. 06-127.
City Council Resolution No. 06-127, Adopting Revisions to the Public Infrastructure Map for Koolaupoko Development Plan Area, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, a sewage treatment plant has been proposed to be established in Ahuimanu – Panoke moved and seconded by Bender in support of City Council Resolution 06-127.
Discussion followed: 1) Bender explained the reason for this resolution is to put the public facilities symbol on the map. 2) Panoke commented it allows the community to be part of the process to determine if that is what they want and how to get funding. 3) Mench asked if it is in the area of the “Woods at Ahuimanu’? 4) Two resolutions do not change the zoning. It was reiterated it is just to put the designation on the map. The process was introduced on March 23, 2006. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has 75 days to respond, which expired on June 6, 2006. A memo would be sent to DPP. The motion carried unanimously.
Turtle Bay Development Presentation: Keith Kurahashi and Ralph Makiau presented the following Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan:
In 1998 developer Bill Mills and affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management Company bought Kuilima Resort Company the entity that owned Turtle Bay Resort. In 2001 affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management LLC, acquired full control of the Kuilima Resort Company and Turtle Bay Resort.
The following completed improvements were part of the proposed development approved in 1986 by the Zone Change and Special Management Area Permit at the Turtle Bay Resort: a) Construction of the links at Kuilima Golf Course (Palmer Course). b) Punahoolapa Wildlife Preserve. c) Wastewater Treatment Plant. d) Sewer force main along Kuilima Drive (connecting the Estates East and West to the Treatment Plant). e) Phase 1, Opana Well Facility. f) A 12-inch water transmission line along Kamehameha Highway, from Kuilima Drive to Marconi Road completed and accepted by the Board of Water Supply (1991). g) Nine Hole Fazio Course improved to an 18-hole golf course. Planned in the 1985 Environmental Impact Statement, approved in 1986 zone change and Special Management Area Use Permit. h) 2003, a golf course maintenance facility was built for the Palmer Course. i) Development at the project site, in accordance with approved permits, continued from 1986 through 1991 and restarted in 2001 and has continued to date with Kuilima Resort Company working with the State and City to receive approval of traffic improvements at the proposed West Kuilima Drive and Kamehameha Highway intersection. A meeting was recently held with the State Department of Transportation to discuss timing and participation of proposed improvements at the existing intersection mentioned above.
1) A subdivision request is in the process to allow subdivision of three proposed park sites (Kawela Bay Park already subdivided) and creation of three of the five proposed access easements (two already created) and the 100-foot wide public access use easement along the shoreline.
2) The Turtle Bay Resort Development will offer the following community benefits: a) Two public parks and two private parks open to the public. b) Shoreline access through 100-foot easement for public use along the shoreline, including a pathway extending from Kawela Park to Kahuku Park that breaks around the existing Turtle Bay Hotel parking lot and returns to the shoreline on the Kahuku side of the existing hotel development. c) Five easements containing parking for 20 stalls and pedestrian access to the shoreline. d) Resort related jobs for the North Shore Region. e) Affordable Housing. f) Additional improvements at Punahoolapa Marsh. g) Childcare, dedication of 0.5 acre of land.
3) There will be new Hotel Units - 2,500 and Resort Condo Units - 1,000; Two City Parks – Five-acre Park planned at Kawela Bay and a 33-acre park is planned for Kahuku Point;
Kawela Park 1 with 22 parking stalls and comfort station; and Kahuku Point Park will be developed with 30 parking stalls and comfort station; Shoreline Walkway; Public ocean access; Roadway Access; Approved landscape master plan; and Fazio Renovation
4) The Kuilima Resort Company has been working with the City to ensure that all conditions of approval are met in a timely manner. The City has been requiring updates to the approved wastewater, water and drainage master plans to reflect current Development Plans. A traffic impact analysis report update for the proposed Turtle Bay Resort Master Plan has been prepared in response to a City requirement.
5) The development of an employment center in the resort development would allow employee traffic to flow toward the resort rather than into town in the peak travel direction. Approximately 85% of the existing employees come from the Koolauloa/North Shore communities.
A lengthy discussion ensued:
1) Relative to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being updated, Kurahashi replied it is currently going through the litigation process and several groups will decided if it needs to be updated. However, reports continue to be updated. The problem with an EIS update is time. The company is willing to work with different City and State agencies regarding updates. Thus far the City has requested updates such as archaeological monitoring plan, survey plan, traffic study from DPP, water study, etc.
2) Two public parks are planned with shoreline access. The central area would be privately owned, but open to the public. There would be 100-foot wide trip outside of the shoreline for public use. This was previously in the Special Management Area (SMA), because it is already zoned. There will be five locations with parking stalls accessible to the beach off of Alpha Road.
3) Panoke asked if the only legal access to the shoreline would be from the parking lot. Kurahashi responded currently the only access is from the parking lot. He explained that there would be a total of 40 parking stalls and access could be from either of the proposed parking lots. Access would also be available from the middle of Kawela Bay to the parking lot.
4) Panoke questioned if the current Public Access Shoreline (PASH) law, relating to obstructing access to public property applies to the proposed development. Kurahashi replied the law does not apply to undeveloped property. He mentioned they are trying to open more of the shoreline access to the public.
5) Lee expressed the problem is that there is a large area to access but only 20 parking stalls are being proposed. She mentioned that one time she got charged for parking. Kurahashi reiterated that 40 parking stalls would be available to the public. Lee asked what if all the stalls are taken. Mench noted 40 stalls are not enough. Kurahashi replied the number of parking stalls could be increased at no charge to the public.
6) Kurahashi reiterated his earlier response that it is up to the courts to decide if a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed. Another EIS would if requested by the courts, however an EIS causes opportunities for delays, which could extend completion of the proposed project to two and a half or three years.
7) The Opana Wells on the property would provide the water.
8) A comment was made that it is unsure of what is constituted under the PASH law, and what the effect would be to Kawela Bay.
9) The low-income housing will be built off of the resort site. Cost of the homes would be based on income and cannot exceed $200,000 to assist people living in the Kahuku Villages. Infrastructure must first be built.
10) It is public policy to build comparables off-site when designated.
11) Lee expressed safety concerns relative to the intersection of Oio Street and Kamehameha Highway. Kurahashi answered plans are to have left-turn storage lanes and right-turn acceleration lanes. In 1991 the community approached the State Department of Transportation to improve the design of the intersection. The owner plans to step up to see what is justifiable for the intersection (there is a small dip prior to the intersection obstructing the sight line).
12) Kaluhiwa mentioned there is no shoreline access for cultural practices. She asked if the area would be gated for cultural practices. Kurahashi replied DLNR controls access to the shoreline. He suggested that the community work with the Department of Parks and Recreation regarding parks and the 100-foot easement. He noted, access would not be as great during the p.m. hours. Plans are to have five parks with 20 parking stalls, three of which would provide access to the shoreline.
13) Relative to market value for the affordable homes to be built, Makiau reiterated the cost would be based on income and to exceed $200,000. Kurahashi added when the appraisals were done, part of the area is zoned for development and the other for resort. The condominiums will be built in a resort golf course setting.
14) In response as to the impact to parks at Kualoa and Malaekahana since tourism has grown, there are a number of hotels, etc. planned. Waikiki apparently is going in the other direction to condo units.
15) Usagawa asked if it is true the Opana Wells would used for the development and the master plan must complete the wells. He also wanted to know if recycled water would be fully utilized for the resort. Makiau responded that is the intent for both golf courses. Usagawa noted he looks forward to the review of the water master plan.
16) In response to Vermeesch, an example given was the Ko Olina project that was approved at the same time to have resort and condo units, some of which are still under development. Panoke noted the comparison with Ko Olina is not good because they have an open shoreline. He stated this community tries to maintain to keep the country, country. The development would impact and change the lifestyles of residents from Waimanalo to Kahuku. He questioned how would the impact affect the Kahalu’u community.
17) Relative to the burial plan, a meeting was held today and plans are being worked on.
18) The area is currently approved for hotels.
19) To access Kahuku Park, Marconi Road would be extended to Alpha Road. The hotel side of the road is private. The park and driveway is owned by the City and must guarantee an access.
21) Chair Okuda asked that the Board be kept abreast with updates.
Keith Kurahashi and Mark Makiau were thanked for attending the meeting.
9:20 Bender left the meeting (9 members present).
KAHALU’U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29 WILL RECOGNIZE AND THANK ANY “LOCAL BUSINESSES THAT REDUCES ITS CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY BY THE ADDITION OF SOLAR WATER HEATING EQUIPMENT, INCREASE OF INTERNAL TEMPERATURES BY FIVE OR MORE DEGREES, AND/OR ADDTIONAL OF THERMAL INSULATION MATERIAL TO REFLECT HEAT OUT OF RETAIL SPACES. INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD WRITE TO THE BOARD TO BE RECOGNIZED AT THE NEXT MEETING – Deferred.
COMMITTEE PRESENTATION – There were no committee presentations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – There were no announcements.
ADJOURNMENT – Chair Okuda adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
Submitted by Nola J Frank
Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair George Okuda