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Printable version (copy and paste link into browser): http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb29/06/29_2006_05Min.pdf KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2006 KEY PROJECT
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Okuda called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. A quorum was not present. MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Cappella, George Okuda, Morris Graham, Arthur B. Machado, Jr., Wayne K. Panoke, Kenneth LeVasseur, Amy Luersen, Rich Vermeesch. MEMBERS ABSENT: Emil Wolfgramm, L. Rocky Kaluhiwa, Moana Lee, John Michael Piper, Daniel Bender, Kurt Mench. GUESTS: Yvonne Kearns (U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Office), Captain Michael Moses and Lt. K. Campbell (Honolulu Police Department, District 4, Kaneohe), Alec Lambert, Captain R. Libed (Honolulu Fire Department, Kahalu’u Station), Peter Young (Governor’s Office), Ann Maile Yamasaki and Grant Kawaguchi (Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz Office), Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply), D. Keala Naluai, Carl Morita, Edward Lee (Malama O Keali’i Makamae), Dianne T. Stevens-Poire’, James Harding, Garrett Toguchi (Senator Clayton Hee’s Office), Jean Paul Renoir, Nola Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). Due to lack of quorum at this time, Informational Session reports were given. INFORMATIONAL SESSION: Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain R. Libed reported the following: 1) Statistics for the month of April included 3 fire incidents, 17 medical, and 4 miscellaneous response calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911. Captain R. Libed was thanked for attending the meeting. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Kathy Campbell gave the following report: 1) Apologized for having no representative at last month’s meeting. 2) Statistics for April as compared with the month of March included burglary9/9, other property thefts 17/17, theft from vehicle (UEMV) 9/9, robbery 0/0, auto/motorcycle theft 5/9. There has been an increase in car thefts. Everyone is encouraged to lock his or her car and do not leave any valuables in plain sight. 3) In the month of March Narco/Vice received 11 complaints; 9 suspects were charged with 13 felonies (dangerous drugs, etc.). A controlled buy occurred in April, with warrants to be issued and arrests soon to be made. 4) New District Captain Michael Moses was introduced and gave a brief background about his experiences. Questions, answers and comments: 1) Panoke thanked HPD for their positive support of the first Sunset in Kualoa scheduled for July of this year at Kualoa Ranch. 2) Chair Okuda asked how fast could a car thief get into a locked car. Captain Moses replied within a matter of seconds. Sometimes no damage to the locks is visible. Lt. Kathy Campbell and Captain Michael Moses were thanked for attending the meeting. Cappella arrived during the above portion of the meeting (7 members present). Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – No representative was present. Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – This item to be discussed later on the agenda.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa gave the following report: 1) There were no water main breaks for the month of April. 2) Water pumpage through May 3 was 145 million gallons per day. Due to the high rainfall in the month of March the water levels rose 300 percent, but fell during the month of April. 3) Proposed Water Rate Increases – BWS rates are among the nations lowest for communities of similar size and haven’t raised rates in nearly 11 years. A study done over the past year relative to system needs and defining true costs of providing water service, results show that rates must be raised to continue servicing their customers. To reduce impacts on customers, a multi-year rate schedule is being proposed. The reason for this increase is due to increase in costs of electrical power, labor, fuel, etc. If the proposal were accepted, the rate increase would commence October 1, 2006. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2006 BWS board room, Public Service Building, 3rd floor, 630 S. Beretania Street at 2:00 p.m. Testimonies are welcome. For more information log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call Su Shin, Chief Communications Officer at 748-5311. 4) Copies of the proposed water rate increase fact sheet were circulated for interested persons to review.
Questions, answers and comments: 1) Follow up will be done relative LeVasseur’s concern about cracked concrete boxes that hold the valves and manholes damaged on Wailehua Road after the water project was completed. 2) Panoke commented the proposed rate increase fact sheet was informative, and asked if the staff would be increased. Usagawa replied the rate increase would be for a five-year period. BWS would be focusing on need such as pipeline replacements, operations, etc. 3) Vermeesch inquired if the Waihe’e Tunnel tours would resume. Usagawa explained due to security reasons, several tunnels are not opened to the public. BWS and KEY Project have a partnership, so planned activities may occur in the future. 4) In response to Cappella, part of the proposed water rate increase is also due to a cut back of essential Capital Improvement Projects. 5) In answer to a resident, sewer and water are separate entities. Information regarding how much of the increase would be going to labor cost was unavailable. For more information contact Su Shin at 748-5311. 6) Chair Okuda asked if money received from water charges go into a special account or the general account. Also, can the City remove money from that account if there is a surplus? Usagawa explained the former administration requested the surplus be returned to the consumer. However, in the 1990’s many projects were done by BWS. 7) LeVasseur wanted to know if BWS manages both water and sewer. Usagawa responded both are separate entities. Sewer is under the jurisdiction of Environmental Service Department (ENV). The sewer department treats recycled water. Barry Usagawa was thanked for attending the meeting. NON~AGENDA ITEM CONCERNS: Rediscover Sunset – Panoke announced Sunset in Park at Kualoa Ranch, July 22-23. The first planning event meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, Kualoa Ranch at 7:00 p.m. He pointed out this is a community event, and encouraged all interested persons to attend the meeting. Flood Damage to Streams from the last Flooding – LeVasseur reported area streams received damage from flooding due to the recent heavy rains. Pictures of damage were circulated for interested persons to review. It was requested this item be placed on the June agenda for discussion and possible Board action. Removal of Bus Stop at 47-769 Kamehameha Highway (Kaneohe side of Kamehameha Highway and Pulama Road) – Chair Okuda reported receipt of response from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). The bench will be moved closer to the pole, thus avoid people climbing the wall and trespassing on the Furukawa property. O’ahu Transportation Services has been notified to have buses assigned to that stop not pull off the road, which causes damage to driveways. A thank you letter was received from Mr. Furukawa. Panoke mentioned the Board should reciprocate with a letter to Mr. Furukawa and bring closure to the issue. Stoplight fronting King Intermediate School – LeVasseur briefed everyone that the light fronting King Intermediate School is what this Board, the previous Administration, Councilmember Barbara Marshall and numerous others agreed to what should be there. He visited the site today and tried pushing the light buttons today. He noted the light is probably in a phase in because sensors have been installed along the roadway as for a full-scale traffic signal. He stated the intersection would be safer without green lights. LeVasseur received a copy of a letter sent to Mayor Hannemann from U.S. Congressman Ed Case asking him to look into the situation. Luersen arrived during the above portion of the meeting (8 members present). A quorum was now present. The order of the agenda resumed. VACANCY, ONE SEAT, SUBDISTRICT 6 (Hui Iwa) – There were no interested persons present to fill the vacancy. Without objections the Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes to April 2006 was added to the agenda. APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES, APRIL 2006: The following corrections/additions were made:
Panoke moved and seconded by Graham to accept the April 2006 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0. TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasure Vermeesch reported current expenditures in the Operating Account were $227.44 leaving a balance of $172.97; the Publicity Account incurred no expenses leaving a balance of $993; and $1.76 remains in the Refreshment Account. Panoke moved and seconded by Graham to accept the Treasurer’s report as read, subject to audit. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0. Key Project Facility Use Fee – Luersen explained the rental use fee for KEY Project is $65.00 per month. However, the Board may use the facility any time during the month for committee meeting, special meetings, etc.
Luersen moved and seconded by Panoke to continue the rental use fee for Board meetings at KEY Project. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0. A request was made by Keala Nalua to take the agenda out of order to 6.Community Concerns/Public Input, B Malama O Keali’i Makamae. Discussion followed: a) Luersen agreed for this evening, but commented as courtesy to the community the Board should not make it a practice. b) Machado mentioned the problem with moving item out of order is what would happen with future requests. He noted at last month’s meeting and a precedence be set for future agenda items. Machado accepted the request for made this evening. Without objections, the agenda was taken out of order to 6. Community Concerns/Public Input, item, B. Malama O Keali’i Makamae. Malama O Keali’i Makamae – Keala Naluai presented the following: Malama O Keali’i Makamae is a non-profit organization (Na Kamali’i O Hawaii) who’s objective would be to provide emergency safe shelters, promote and improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each endangered and needy child ages 0-13 years. Collaborating efforts are needed between State, City, Federal Agencies, communities, non-profit organizations, and socially responsible businesses. Emergency resources would include in-house 24hour childcare and emergency care services, adult supervision and security (24 hours), and in-house food services. Opportunity resources would establish cultural and academic learning, early childhood education learning, and trade skills, talent training and development on-site laboratories. Prevention resources would include changing inappropriate learned behavior, keeping Hawaii’s children in Hawaii, and giving families a second chance at reunification. Nature, aesthetics and a caring community surrounding natural beauty create a literally soothing and peaceful place in Windward O’ahu for effective healing process. Opportunity to cultivate community involvement by serving the children at the center and working in partnership with providers for their parents, guardians, as the lead community in rallying against drugs, crime for a safer place for children and everyone to live in. There is a law that states a child must be placed in foster care or a safe facility within 12 months. With the help of Representative Meyer Concurrent Resolution 178 resolution was passed on March 16, 2006. The Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 voted to draft a resolution in support of the concept of House Concurrent Resolution 178. The organization has received letters from the State Legislature stating this project should be started island wide. Discussion followed where it was noted that this Board did not support this proposal years ago due to concerns that were unanswered then, and remain unanswered at this time. This Board prefers to comment on projects with specifics established. This Board has concerns about this project despite claims that it has received wide community and Kaneohe Neighborhood Board support, as this proposal is only a concept that is overly broad in nature; is vague in the seeking of an unspecified and substantial amount of public land in Kahalu’u Regional Park for a private purpose that conflicts with the community’s long desire for the development of this park; makes assumptions that various City agencies support it, does not consider alternative types used by other non-profit organizations, and could put this Board in an undesired position if there are changes to the proposal. No Board action was taken. Naluai was thanked for her presentation. The order of the agenda resumed. Elected Officials: Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Panoke reported the following responses from previously asked questions: 1) Relative to the canoe halau gate, the plans have been reviewed by the Department of Design and Constructions, are all in order, and currently going through the permit process. One permit has been issued. Barricades would be put up prior to the installation of the gate. Once construction begins, Panoke will be contacted relative to the timeline. 2) The drainage system on Mapele Street is privately owned. Maintenance of the systems is the responsibility of the property owner(s). 3) The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will not install park closure signs to close off the entire area of Waiahole Beach Park as it conflicts with State law requiring access to the shoreline. DPR is working to install concrete pilings at the north end of the park in the next two months. Cappella questioned why a State law, when the park is under the jurisdiction of the City. Chair Okuda explained the signage would restrict access to fishermen walking through the park to reach the beach. LeVasseur commented the fishermen could park outside of the park, and provide pedestrian access through the park. He noted parking in the park should be prohibited. The issue was referred to Governor’s representative Young. 4) Mayor Hannemman’s “Honolulu News” was circulated for interested persons to review. 5) Panoke announced the first Rediscover O’ahu in Kahalu’u. The event, “Sunset at Kualoa Ranch” will take place on July 22-23, 2006. Everyone was encouraged to participate and updated reports would be given as the event nears. There were no concerns. Wayne Panoke was thanked for his report. Governor’s Representative – Peter Young reported copies of Governor Lingle’s “Weekly Highlights” were available for interested persons to review. Regarding night park closures Young mentioned there are several State and City parks that are closed at night. Cappella emphasized that Waiahole Beach Park is City owned. Rod Haraga, Director of the State Department of Transportation was introduced and gave the following update report: 1) Repaving three and a half mile stretch of Kamehameha Highway from Likelike Highway to Kahana Bay should start early next year. 2) The repaving fronting the Crouching Lion to Waiahole Valley Road will be completed in August. 3) The “Click It or Ticket” campaign will start again on Monday, May 15 through June 3, 2006. Anone caught without a seatbelt is subject to a fine of $92.00. Questions, answers and comments: 1) Luersen: The community is in the midst of the Kahalu’u Master Plan, and asked how does Haraga propose to interface the Kahekili/Kamehameha Highways intersection. Haraga replied information would be sent with Governor’s representative Young to report at the June meeting. 2) Regarding repaving from the Crouching Lion to Waiahole Valley Road, the shoulder and extreme right-of-ways would be paved. 3) The proposed plan for the Kahekili/Kamehameha Highways intersections would include stacking lanes, a dedicated left turn pocket (left from Kamehameha Highway) for safer transition. This would allow pedestrians to be more visible. The final plan should be complete this month. 4) Machado reported approximately 200 yards on the Honolulu side of the Wilson Tunnel is unpaved. Haraga replied the State has not taken over from the contractor as yet. The work is still under the jurisdiction of the contractor and will send him a memo. They are informed about that stretch of highway. 5) Relative to a resident’s concern about pedestrians crossing at the Kahekili and Kamehameha Highways’ intersection, refuge centers would be built for pedestrians to wait prior to crossing. The resident stated speed posted is 35 miles per hour, but drives drive at least 10 or more miles over the speed limit. 6) Relative to the flooding at Wailehua and the cleanup, Chair Okuda asked if there is any future plans to repave the Hiamoa Stream area. The answer was eventually it would be done. 7) Macho referring his concern to Young asked what is the process regarding trees overhanging from conservation land onto an adjoining property. Young said if the trees are more than six-inches in diameter a permit is needed to cut the trees. If there are just a couple of trees a DLNR worker could be assigned to trim the trees. 8) LeVasseur asked about the proposed Kahekili contra-flow. The response was the House put money in the budget for a study to be done. Haraga was unsure if the project would be a five- year step project or not. Peter Young and Rod Haraga were thanked for attending the meeting. U.S. Congressman Ed Case – Yvonne Kearns circulated the Congressman’s written report fliers regarding USDA Farm Service Agency, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance. She was available for questions. Yvonne Kearns was thanked for attending the meeting. Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Ann Yamasaki distributed the written report and highlighted/added the following: 1) Resolution 06-160 urges the Department of Planning and Permitting to conduct a public hearing on the application for subdivision approval for “The Woods At Ahuimanu” proposed development in Kahalu’u. 2) Resolution 06-173 assigns the Director of Planning and Permitting a proposal to amend Ordinance 86-99 (re-zoning for Turtle Bay Resort Expansion Project) by amending the unilateral agreement incorporated therein by reference. 3) She announced that tonight is the last meeting for Council Chair aide Grant Kawaguchi who decided to go back to school. 4) On behalf of the Board, Chair Okuda thanked Kawaguchi for attending Board meeting and wished him well on his new endeavor. Ann Yamasaki and Grant Kawaguchi were thanked for attending the meeting. Representative Colleen Meyer – No representative was present. Senator Clayton Hee – Grant Toguchi reported the following:
1) Senate Bill 2737, relating to marine invertebrates, prohibits the taking or killing of female ula (spiny lobster), Kona crabs, and Samoan crabs, subject to some exceptions (SB2737 HD1) was signed in to law by Governor Lingle. 2) Senate Bill 2006 SD3 HD2 CD2, relating to prohibiting sales of opihi, and Senate Bill 2004 SD1 HD1 CD1, relating to historic preservation (Ahu O Laka) are awaiting the Governor’s signature. 3) House Bill 1448,HD2 SD1, relates to income tax credit of up to $10,000 for flood damage statewide. 4) Windward Community College has been allocated $2.6 million for the design of a new library and learning center. 5) House Bill 1280 HD1 SD2 CD1, relating to flood control, appropriates funds for the UH Center for Conservation Research and Training to develop and implement comprehensive watershed management strategies for at least two of the most severely flood-impacted watersheds in the State (HB1280 CD1). The context of this bill has been merged with HB967, relating to income tax relief. Questions, answers and comments: 1) Chair mentioned anyone who sustained flood damage might report the damage to FEMA at Kualoa Ranch until this Friday. Those without flood insurance should keep receipts of repairs. Damage could be claimed for up to $10,000 per household member. Kearns noted that applications were available, but are subject to deadlines. 2) Machado commented he applied for reimbursement, but it is not as easy as it sounds. There are many restrictions to the type of damage occurred, as well as strict guidelines. He was unable to get assistance. Garrett Toguchi was thanked for attending the meeting. COMMUNITY CONCERNS/PUBLIC INPUT: Increase in Property Taxes – Discussion followed: 1) Resident Alec Lambert expressed concerns relative to the rise in property taxes. He questioned if property assessments are based on improvements. 2) Yamasaki of Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office, said property tax contact information was listed in the Council Chair’s written report. Each claim for flood damages is decided on case-by-case. 3) Lambert commented on the following: a) he called the property tax office regarding property tax values and was told assessments depends on lot size, house, location, improvements, etc. He stated house sales in the area affects surrounding property tax. He questioned who makes this decision. b) He stated short-term owners should be assessed more (years versus 40 years).
4) Chair Okuda commented several years ago he filed an appeal and the value of his property on Wailehua Place was based on property values in Ahuimanu. 5) Luersen noted a number of bills were proposed relative to this issue. She suggested working with Council staff offering input for changes. Council can assist with other changes to the laws. 6) A resident commented he could contend with the rise in taxes if services improved 100%. It was noted there is no improvement to services, but one must pay more. 7) In short, Luersen explained that the issue could not be resolved tonight. Changes are needed in the legislature. She stated the Board is not ready to take a position and suggested this matter be referred to the Legislative Committee and specifics be brought back to the Board. Machado moved and seconded by Luersen that the issue of increase in property taxes be referred to the Board’s Legislative Committee Chair gather property tax information and reported to the Board as an agenda item. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0. 2007 Kaneohe Bay Regional Council Board Representative – Without objections, Chair Okuda will draft a letter to Board representative Robyn Macapagal informing her to continue to serve out her term as the Board’s representative. But reports must be given to the Board. A letter would be sent by Chair Okuda to draft the letter. Run-off from Neighboring Property on Iuiu Street – Art Machado reported that due to too much water in the culvert and the drainage system not being taken care of on the Kawamoto property, he must now retain an attorney to assist with solving the issue. Attempts to contact owner Kawamoto or a local managing property agent have failed. In other words this is a matter of a person with lots of money that does not care what is happening in Hawaii. The State previously took care of the matter. Discussion followed: 1) Yamasaki of Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office, added a meeting held with Council Chair, Mr. Machado, and Mr. Eng, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) resulted in a determination that the trees in question are on conservation land and under the jurisdiction of Department of Land and Naturalization (DLNR). The next step would be for Chair Okuda to draft a letter to DPP asking that they work together with DLNR and Council Chair Dela Cruz on the issue. 2) A question was raised as to what address is the City sending Mr. Kawamoto his tax bills, and is there any way to find out. 3) Machado asked Young being that the trees on the Kawamoto property is on conservation land, who is responsible for the maintenance & upkeep of those trees due potential hazardous condition to residents below. Young replied it comes under the DLNR jurisdiction. Follow up will be done. Panoke left during the above portion of the meeting (7 members present, no quorum). Legislation: Since no quorum was present, Chair Okuda asked if the following agenda items could be deferred and voted on at next month’s meeting. Discussion followed: Luersen commented she feels uncomfortable voting on an issue that was just handed out and she has had not time to read the entire document. She did not mind voting of the concepts of the bill for an ordinance. She suggested if there is specific legislation could it be mailed out with the minutes and agenda to give Board members an opportunity to read on the matter. Chair Okuda noted the item was on the agenda due to receipt of a letter from the Department of Planning and Permitting relative to Resolutions No. 06-126 and 06-127. No vote on the matter would be taken tonight. City Council Bill 40, regulating for an Interim Period Development on lots with an Average Grade of 20% or more in the City and County of Honolulu: Deferred. 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: Deferred. City Council Resolution No. 06-127, Adopting Revisions to the Public Infrastructure Map for the Koolaupoko, Development Plan Area, Honolulu, O’ahu, Hawaii, a sewage treatment plant has been proposed to be established in Ahuimanu: Deferred. Grading Encroachment-41-122 Kaimalolo Place: Chair Okuda explained per the request of a constituent concerned that when a neighbor build their wall they encroached on her property. The Department of Planning and Permitting informed her that the wall was built correctly, but the inspector did not look at the encroachment at the time of construction. Kawaguchi of Chair Dela Cruz’s office said a request for investigation and services was sent to the Department of Planning and Permitting regarding this matter. The concerned resident stated DPP did not inspect the property during construction. The Department of Planning and Permitting is refusing to address the issue. She explained photos were provided to DPP, and asked who is responsible for enforcing violations. She stated the permitted was issued, although the property owner was cited for violations. Her property was excavated while the neighboring wall was being built, using her soil as filler that left a hole on her side of the wall. Chair Okuda asked what would she like the Board to do? She asked that a request from the Board to DPP asking for a survey of the property line. A meeting will be held at her residence with personnel from DPP on Thursday, May 25, 2006. Any person wanting to attend this meeting may call her. 3) The resident filled out a Mayor’s concern for follow up. Usage of Wetlands adjacent to Waihe’e Stream (47-xxx Ahilama Road): Project manager Connie Ramsey of the Army Corps of Engineers, reported the following update: The process for an application for an Army permit is posted on the website. The value of a watershed is taken into account, along with the flood plain and water quality. She assured everyone that comments are taken seriously. The wetland is currently under the review process. All steps would be taken to avoid impacts to the wetlands. State and local authorizations are pending. The process for a Department of Health certification relative to the wetlands has yet to start. Questions, answers and comments: 1) A resident inquired if the State’s Fish and Wildlife Division would have to sign-off. In response they have not commented on the project as yet. 2) Luersen raised concern relative to mediation when there is no other alternative. She also asked if there is any knowledge if other proposed parcel may come forward to the Board. 3) Relative to A-2 zoning, the owner has rights, which allows one structure regardless of environmental impact. It is difficult to protect the wetlands from rezoning. Connie Ramsey was thanked for attending the meeting. 9:44 p.m. Graham left the meeting (6 members present). COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS: There were no Committee Presentations. ANNOUNCEMENTS: o Keala Naluai mentioned she is still awaiting a response to her inquiry about confirming a Board member’s residency from the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO), since her concern was brought up last July. A written concern was submitted in February to the Board and a copy sent to the NCO and questioned why to date no response has been received. Neighborhood Assistant Frank explained a formal complaint to the NCO has not filed. This procedure was explained to her following previous meetings. Naluai did speak with the Board member in question and is requesting confirmation from the NCO that the Board member resides in subdistrict 2. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Okuda adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Submitted by. Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant Reviewed by Chair George Okuda & Vice Chair Amy Luersen |
| Wednesday, June 07, 2006 |