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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2006

KEY PROJECT

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

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Robert Cappella, Gregory Geboski, Morris Graham, Leialoha “Rocky” Kaluhiwa, Moana Lee, Kenneth LeVasseur, Amy Luersen, Arthur Machado Jr., Kurt Mench, George Okuda, Wayne Panoke, Rich Vermeesch, Emil Wolfgramm.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Daniel Bender, John Piper.

GUESTS: M. Sanfilippo, Wayne Liu, Patrick Torres, Dayna Minatodani, April Talamei, Anita Roberts, Debbie Frasco, Barry Usagawa; Alison, Madeleine, Joyoelyn, Daron (UH Manoa students); Gary Frasco, Representative Collen Meyer, Dorothy Reed, Michael Shimoda, Randall Shinida, Alan Nishimura, Rodney Kawelo, D. Keala Naluai, Katherine Folasa (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), Sarah Fry (MCBH), Craig Nishimura (Mayor’s Office/Department of Design and Construction), Jennifer Betrel (Department of Land and Natural Resources), Captain Robert Libed (Honolulu Fire Department – Kahalu’u Station), Lt. D. Eber (Honolulu Police Department – District 4, Kaneohe), Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

WELCOME --  Chair Okuda welcomed the community to the meeting and asked for cell phones to be turned off or on vibrate.  Board members (10) present: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Vermeesch. 

PUBLIC CONCERNS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Chair Okuda invited concerns that could be discussed at future meetings, but which, because of the Sunshine Law and the legal requirement to give advance public notice of discussion items, could not be addressed at this meeting. 

Panoke and Wolfgramm arrived at 7:05 pm; twelve members present. 

1. Follow-ups on two prior issues (a land use concern and a board representation issue) were requested by an audience member, where she said she had requested personal responses; Luersen explained that since the issues were brought up at the public meeting, the responses had been read in public and could be found in the meeting minutes.
2. Real property tax law reform was suggested as a topic by an audience member.  Chair Okuda also referred to prior discussions of workshops on both current laws and exemption procedures, as well as reform, noting with Luersen that the matters should be added to a future agenda.  Machado and Panoke agreed that both the workshop training and the discussion of future legislative changes were important, with Panoke suggesting the referral to or formation of a committee to formulate a plan.  Chair Okuda noted, that after several suggestions were made that the Legislative Committee should be assigned the issue to formulate a plan, that he as Legislative Chair, would bring back a plan for discussion at a future meeting.
3. Chair Okuda reported a letter from the State Department of Planning Economic Development Tourism, which discussed the formulation of a Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan and a meeting on September 26, 2006 at the Ala Wai School.  The plan is posted at:  http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/czm/czm_initiatives/orm.html

Kaluhiwa arrived at 7:10 p.m.; thirteen members present.

4. Chair Okuda noted that the Board of Water Supply is conducting an informational workshop for Neighborhood Board members on September 30, 2006.
5. Luersen referenced a letter which had recently been received by Board members announcing that a quorum (eight members, which is one half of the Board total membership of fifteen) must be present at the being of the meeting or else the meeting must be cancelled.  She proposed adding to the agenda consideration of a change of the Board’s starting time back to 7:30 p.m. in order to accommodate those members perhaps caught in traffic, insuring a quorum at that time.  Luersen moved and Vermeesch seconded that the change in Kahaluu Neighborhood Board No. 29’s regular starting time to 7:30 p.m. be added to the evening’s agenda at the end of New Business, with the motion passing unanimously, 12-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Panoke, Vermeesch. Wolfgramm.
6. Chair Okuda noted that he had, following informal suggestions from Board members over the past several meetings, rearranged the agenda order, placing public agencies first, representatives later and listing a 2-minute limit on speakers.  He invited comments before the next meeting’s agenda was due to be published. 

Chair Okuda also recognized and welcomed new Board member Gregory Geboski, who represents the subdistrict of Hui Iwa Street loop (makai side). 

INFORMATIONAL SESSION

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – Captain Robert Libed reported the following emergency response statistics for the month of August 2006: six fire calls and thirty-four emergency medical responses; he reported no major or unusual incidents.

Libed reported a monthly Fire Safety Tip:

The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 8-18, 2006. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2006 Fire Fighter Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools, hopefully by the end of this week.

In addition, the Honolulu Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder. Please refer to the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Traffic Code, Section 15-4-47 located at http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/roh/15al_9.htm.

Chair Okuda thanked Libed for his report.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. D. Eber, the 3^rd Watch Commander, distributed detailed Kaneohe District activity statistics for the month of August 2006 and highlighted that robberies have slightly increased while there have been decreases in rape and aggregated assaults, with other numbers generally being the same.  He reported that there had been a reorganization of assignments as the HPD has changed work cycles from two shifts per day to three shifts per day, and that Lt. John Chong would be the regular attendee for future Board meetings

He responded to questions and comments:

1.                      The four-way stop of Hui Iwa Street and Hui Kelu Street (lower side near the Ahuimanu School) being frequently ignored as a “full” stop as the result of speeders traveling down and up (generally mauka of the intersection), especially in the rain, was reported by a community resident.  HPD was requested to monitor, especially 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and in the late afternoon/early evening.  Eber reported that the morning would definitely be checked but that the late afternoon was frequently a busy time; he thanked her for the request and said he will follow-up. 

2.                      A need for additional Windward HPD personnel, especially for those who are involved in traffic enforcement, was expressed by an audience member who also stated that 25% of the beats are not fully staffed.  Eber said that the minimum of 16 available officers do not always work in pairs, as was suggested by the audience member. Chair Okuda and Panoke discussed that the Board had previously referred a proposal for additional HPD personnel for Kahaluu to a committee that was likely to report a proposed motion at the next month’s meeting.

3.                      The cleanup of a “chop” site in the Waiahole Valley / Beach Park area and the encouragement of HPD monitoring to prevent a return by those stripping stolen cars was reported by Cappella.  He also reported a clean up session by the community of the Waiahole Beach Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006 and invited everyone to come lend a hand.

4.                      Possible thefts of gasoline was a concern expressed by LeVasseur, who asked if HPD had experienced problems; Eber said he wasn’t aware of a specific concern of fuel theft but that all thefts should be reported if the situation is known.

5.                      Hazardous driver reports were asked by Mench; Eber said a report was made by calling 911 to the location of the incident but the driver has moved on.  Eber noted that frequently the driver would then be off the road – and far away from the site -- but that with the license number a report will be filled and the residence will usually be visited.  LeVasseur also said that the report will generate a letter which will stay on file for six months and is supporting evidence in case of additional traffic or other violations.

6.                      The cutting of trees (harvesting of Milo trees) in the Heeia Pier area was mentioned, with Kaluhiwa reporting that an arrest was made.  She reported that HPD does a  “good” job in responding to assistance calls in the Kamehameha Highway area.

Chair Okuda thanked Eber for his report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa reported no major main breaks and encouraged water conservation, noting usage is approximately at the five-year average.  He also reported that online BWS construction information is available at www.BoardofWaterSupply.com (from “Community,” use the pull down menu under Construction Projects).  There are two current projects in Kahaluu and he could answer any specific questions.

Usagawa announced that the BWS information session for Neighborhood Board members is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2006, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the BWS’ Fredrick Ohrt Museum, 1381 N. King Street; for more information contact Devon Nekoba at 748-5369.  LeVasseur announced that  Usagawa had been in attendance at a recent general community planning session for the year Conference Hawaii 2050; as an attendee, he congratulated Usagawa for also attending.  Census population comparisons – using the Census 10-year marks – were reported being used in making comparisons of water usage, with Usagawa responding to Luersen’s question that the water usage is decreasing slightly but gallon per capita is going up.  Usagawa agreed that housing increases are creating a higher demand, and further explained to Panoke that the leveling of use has been the improvements to housing fixtures and use of water saving devices, with right-now weather being more of a determining factor with regard to fluctuations. Cappella asked about rates; Usagawa said a rate increase will be shown on the October 1^st bill which is due December 1^st and that additional rate increases are planned for July 1^st for a five year period.  Chair Okuda thanked Usagawa for his report.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Sarah Fry reported several flights of aircraft being deployed to and from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakumi (Japan) and California over the next several weeks and she noted that several events were occurring: the first national Patriots’ Day celebration and a joint celebration with the annual MIA/POW remembrance day.  She noted a planned return of parts of several squadrons from overseas assignment, participation in the Aloha Festival floral parade and announced that the Windward Civilian-Military Council meeting was cancelled to allow for participation in a Commanding General’s reception.  Machado asked about the possible use of the Bay by canoe clubs for a final regatta, with Fry making the suggestion that a group meeting be set up by those interested and then having a subsequent meeting with the base officials.  Panoke asked about the process, with Fry replying that the formal meeting request should be a letter to the Commanding General MCBH.  Panoke asked if Congressional endorsements were of value in seeking Bay use; Fry said they would be and suggested the endorsements be done in advance.  Chair Okuda suggested Panoke and Machado meet and Machado report back to the Board.   

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – Mench reported that Robin Makapagal’s term, who has been representing the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board at the KBRC, is over. Mench explained that the KBRC Chair John Morgan had said a new representative should be designated by the Board, with that new representative being welcomed to attend KBRC meetings, however, the official appointment will still need to be made by the Governor.  Luersen noted that the item was reported at the last meeting and Luersen and Mench agreed it should be an agenda item for the next Neighborhood Board meeting.  Mench said the next KBRC meeting would be October 4, 2006.

APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2006 – Chair Okuda asked for approval of the regular Meeting Minutes of July 12, 2006.  The following corrections were proposed:

1.                  Page 4, delete the repeated sentence phrase in its first occurrence in first paragraph, “The reply was there is interest … other possible sites.” (the sentence is also in second paragraph on page 4).

2.                  Page 7, at middle of page and sentence on Kahaluu Master Plan workshop, the Regional Park issues “would not be effected by the Kahaluu Community Master Plan.”

3.                  Page 10, vote on the Board recess, Machado not voting

4.                  Page 6, correct sixteen trees to sixteen “lehua ohia” trees

5.                  Page 9, on the Noriko property, delete sentences referencing litigation and all of item 1, retaining only that the property is zoned B-1.  

Machado moved and Panoke seconded to approve the minutes as corrected. By unanimous consent the July 12, 2006 regular meeting minutes were accepted as corrected, 13-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Panoke, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chair Okuda reported the Board balances as follows: Operating Account $1302.41, Publicity Account $993.00, and Refreshment Account $120.00.  Vermeesch suggested that the refreshment procurement be assigned to a specific person.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Board Recognitions – Chair Okuda noted that Bender had produced suggested recognition samples that could be used by the Board to honor community members but deferred the issue due to Bender’s absence (reported to be on the mainland).

Pulama Road – Chair Okuda reported that the issue of blockage of Pulama Road had been requested to be addressed by a joint meeting of several Board members (LeVasseur and Panoke) with the City’s Corporation Counsel.  The meeting has not been set yet.

NEW BUSINESS

Renaming of Kahaluu Regional Park to Hiram L. Fong Regional Park – Chair Okuda noted that the Council is considering a resolution designating the Waihee Road park as the Hiram L. Fong Regional Park, with an initial hearing on July 26, and that he had requested the Council to delay the item in order for the Board to act on a recommendation.  Luersen reported that she had submitted testimony for the community and signing as Board Vice Chair, explaining that the issue had not been before the Board, but that the process should include community input.  Discussion from Chair Okuda, Luersen and Panoke referenced proposing a Kahalu’u hearing by the Council.  Nalauai said she opposed the name change.  Geboski asked if Senator Fong was involved in the park effort, with Mench explaining that the Fongs were the landowners but they had other development plans, with Kaluhiwa adding that community resident Mrs. Lau opposed the name change and that it was not a suggestion from the community.  Panoke suggested a formal request to the Council for a formal hearing on the issue and a Council deferral until then.  Luersen moved, and Mench seconded, that the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board No. 29 opposes the renaming to Hiram L. Fong Regional Park or any other individual name because it does not reflect the community effort that has gone into making this park a reality.  Panoke said that the community should be involved in the decision and asked if it was a strong enough statement to the Council, with Lee agreeing the statement was simple and strong, and Wolfgramm stressing that the name (which Folasa reports was a resolution introduced by Councilmember Djou) was not from the community.  Chair Okuda announced that the motion passed unanimously, 13-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Panoke, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.   Luersen noted that the question had been asked of the audience for comments and that this process of Neighborhood Board input was community input.

Maintenance and Clearing of Streams – LeVasseur presented a power point presentation, referencing the recent 44 days of rain and noting the need for regular cleaning and maintenance of streams.  He noted that regular cleaning and maintenance is not done because of the failure to have a unified responsibility for streams, with incremental permits to modify a section of a stream bed having devastating effects on the stream down water from the problem – where a portion might be channelized or brush and tree cuttings accumulate.  LeVasseur said the government should take over, creating a multi-government agency.  A comment was made that funds exist to accomplish the organization that LeVasseur is referring to from agencies like the federal Environmental Protection Administration.  Audience member Pacalardo asked if the City was responsible; which was answered by several that the adjoining landowner was responsible, since the land ownership frequently went to the middle of the stream.  Luersen said that the State Water Commission actually has responsibility; although others commented that other state agencies have available funding but that the funds cannot be used on private land.  Chair Okuda reported that the last legislature had asked for the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to produce a study and recommendations for the next legislature.  DLNR staff member Jennifer Betrel reported she was present to represent DLNR Director Peter Young and reported that by calling 587-0400 streambed land ownership can be checked.  She said she would report the concerns and issues to Young.  Panoke and Lee discussed the reluctance of government to step on to private property to take what others would consider to be proper corrective action; Geboski offered an example of a large fire on private property not being permitted.  Chair Okuda and Luersen noted the item was actively being addressed by the legislature and suggested deferring until the next session, with Chair Okuda asking for more information from the Governor’s representative.  

Traffic Safety:  Speeding and Drifting on Hui Iwa Street – Hui Iwa Street resident Debby Frasco reported problems of speeding and drifting (sliding or spinning) on the wide roadway of Hui Iwa Street above Hui Kelu Street (makai intersection near Ahuimanu School).  The incidents are reported occurring at 3 a.m. and other times, with group members congregating in front of the video store at Temple Valley who are active participants, as well as incidents being self-reported on blog sites.  She described that the drifting has been into parked cars and into mailboxes, and although the damage has been relatively small, it is potentially very large, especially as people walk the area at all hours. D. Frasco said that she was requesting for herself and for others, asking for permanent traffic calming devices at the front of their property.  Torres reported damage (to cars, mailboxes, light poles, moss rock and concrete block walls and into the canal), suggested confiscation of vehicles as a penalty and expressed concern that the four-way stop is not being honored (Hui Iwa and Hui Kelu Streets – makai by Ahuimanu School) where school children travel.  Nishimura offered pictures of damages and street locations, and Green stressed that the walkers are there at all hours, not just children at school hours. D. Frasco noted that HPD has an inability to address non-witnessed accidents.  Lee asked for suggestions from State Department of Transportation staff Scott Ishikawa, with Panoke noting the need to first have input from the City departments. Chair Okuda asked for Ishikawa to proceed, with Ishikawa noting the street width and relative seclusion is attractive.  Luersen moved and Panoke seconded that the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board requests that HPD provide close monitoring along Hui Iwa Street between the two Hui Kelu and Hui Iwa Street intersections (and Hui Aeko) including investigating the use of camera cable observation.  Cappella suggested that the enforcement should be done with HPD presence at the video store parking lot. A question was asked from the audience with Luersen requesting as a point of order that the issue now needed to be a Board member only discussion; Chair Okuda ruled that the issue was now for Board member discussion only. Chair Okuda announced that the motion passed unanimously, 13-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Panoke, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.   Luersen moved that the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board requests the City and County work with the community to design some traffic calming measures (design options) for the Hui Iwa Street area between the two Hui Kelu and Hui Iwa Street intersections (and Hui Aeko).  Panoke suggested adding specifics to the motion, including the initial meetings, government involvement and deadlines (which reports to the entity the priority the community assigns to the request).  Luersen amended the motion to request that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and community residents meet to assess traffic calming measures and that the report be submitted back to the Board within thirty days. Panoke seconded the amended version of the motion.  Machado noted that a death could occur more immediately than the timeframe suggested and said that the HPD District major should be addressed today. Vermeesch noted that traffic calming measures have been divisive in the community and that the Board should exercise care in proposing measures without full community involvement.  Chair Okuda announced that the motion passed unanimously, 13-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Panoke, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.  Lee suggested that the “drifting kits” be considered to be classified illegal if they are the real problem; Vermeesch noted that the kits provide additional stability and are were useful.

Panoke noted the need to revise the agenda format for future meetings.

Traffic Safety on Kamehameha Highway – Community member Meyer presented a discussion on traffic items which he said was similar to the previous discussion, including that traffic design and control problems exist in a number of places.  He suggested five issues as critical and items that need to be addressed by transportation officials but require the neighborhood board to be the advocate since they are health and safety issues: 

1.                                          Assignment of two HPD officers as dedicated to traffic enforcement for the area from Tang’s Store through Kahalu’u

2.                                          Recognition that roadway curves are under-engineered for oversized vehicles, especially the large transit buses (cross-county motor coach) being used by the tourist industry, which means that the vehicles “drift” into adjacent (oncoming) lanes, as well as noting that shoulders of roadways are used by pedestrians, bikes and school children.

3.                                          The maintenance schedules for roadways transiting the community are not subject to enforceable review to insure community safety.

4.                                          Too many uninsured motorists, including those who cancel insurance after having the vehicle reconstruction modifications done.

5.                                          The creation of two adjacent T intersections, which are being used by the Kualoa Ranch as a Kamehameha Highway crossing point.  

Ishikawa noted he would have the curves reviewed by State DOT traffic engineers as well as the Kualoa Ranch crossing.  Chair Okuda said that the uninsured motorist was a legislative issue and Panoke reported that the assignment of officers was a funding concern that the Board was addressing, although he noted that funding items were a long-term issue.  Chair Okuda thanked Meyer for his presentation.

Clearwire Wireless – Panoke discussed the lateness of the meeting and that several issues remained to be covered; he suggested canceling the Clearwire presentation or reporting that the transportation issues from the Governor’s representative or the City issues be postponed.  Panoke moved and Kaluhiwa seconded to defer the Clearwire presentation to the next meeting.  Lee said that they had been waiting also and suggested the presentations be two minutes.  Chair Okuda took a voice vote and ruled that the motion to defer failed.  Pat Miura reported that the Clearwire application for an additional antennae adjacent to other antennas on an Okana Road site.  Luersen asked about configuring the antennae as a tree; Miura explained that existing antennas were not disguised and that this would not be.  Chair Okuda, Panoke and Luersen discussed that no motion was appropriate.

Motion to Change Board Starting Time to 7:30 p.m. – Luersen moved and Vermeesch seconded that the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board starting time be changed to 7:30 p.m. to allow for traffic conflicts.  Panoke expressed concern that a circulated letter from Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary Joan Make is perhaps based on a new version of the Neighborhood Plan, with Spray explaining that the issue is an interpretation from the State Office of Information Practices that the Sunshine Law applies at the beginning of a meeting and mandates a quorum at the meeting start, and that the Neighborhood Plan hasn’t changed.  Several members suggested that the Board continue with prior practices of having an informational session if there was no quorum, with Luersen explaining that the letter said that if there were no quorum at 7 p.m. there would be no staff assistance.  Chair Okuda ruled that the motion failed (as the required majority of eight votes was not attained), 7-6-0.  Aye: Kaluhiwa, Lee, Luersen, Mench, Okuda, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.    Nay: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, LeVasseur, Machado, Panoke.       

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor’s Representative – Craig Nishimura (Deputy Director, Department of Design and Construction) represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann, distributed copies of the Mayor’s Honolulu News and discussed the following issues:  flyers inviting residents to a recycling fair were distributed and landscaping at the Regional Park remains the responsibility of the contractor – with the trees being assessed as not having a deep enough root base.  He commented that he has reviewed the file on the park project and that the field is not acceptable, being too rocky, without correct drainage and that its rock hard when dry and that the community is owed a first class park.  He reported that the contractor would have to re-screen the soil, lay drainage, re-top soil and re-plant grass.  Because of the need for dry soil when working with this project, the start date will probably not be till next year, following which will be the six month field and landscaping project.  He also said he will follow-up on the Hui Iwa Street issues.  Luersen suggested the release of the design as soon as possible to allow the contractor to start; Nishimura will check on the design.  LeVasseur noted there is a need for baseball lights at the Kahaluu Playground, where the lights have been not working for several years.  Machado noted that the community is very concerned about the total costs and about the finish date for the Kahaluu Regional Park because the sports leagues do planning many months in advance.  Cappella expressed continued concern about dying landscaping, with Nishimura explaining that the trees will be evaluated to be replaced with trees more compatible to the costal area.  Mench asked to be assured that the funding was available; Panoke assured him it was.  LeVasseur asked about the availability of laptops and projectors that Spray will answer at the next meeting.   Panoke suggested that Board funds might be spent to tell the community of the planned completion dates for the Kahaluu Regional Park, with Chair Okuda saying he will write a letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation and discuss press releases with them. Nishimura was thanked for attending the meeting.

Panoke left at 10:00 p.m.; twelve members present.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Jennifer Betrel introduced State Department of Transportation spokesperson Scott Ishikawa who discussed the planned construction at the Kamehameha Highway and Kahekili Highway intersection.  The project will provide a longer stacking lane for left turns, be widened on the side next to the gas station and will not incorporate either a round-a-bout or a traffic signal. Ishikawa explained that the recommendation was to lower the posted speed in the area to 25 miles per hour, with that speed to be the new limit from Waihee Road to Ahaolelo Road.  The project will also slightly widen the Hygenic Store road and provide for curbing along the Hygenic Store area and an additional crosswalk at the former First Hawaiian Bank location.  Mench suggested a left turn stacking lane into Waihee Road, which was suggested would be a separate project.  Betrel asked Kaluhiwa about the location of the damaged/harvested milo tree she had referenced before; Kaluhiwa explained that it was within the entrance to the Heeia State Park.  Mench noted that the Kaneohe Bay Regional Council had developed rules for jet ski use area but that new signs have gone up that are not the correct version.

Macado moved and Kaluhiwa seconded that the Kahaluu Neighborhood Board No. 29 endorses the lowering of the speed limit on the State Kahekili Highway to 25 miles per hour between Waihee Road and Ahaolelo Road, with Chair Okuda to write a letter to the DOT director.  Mench suggested a left turn stacking lane into Waihee Road. Chair Okuda announced that the motion passed unanimously, 12-0-0.  Aye: Cappella, Geboski, Graham, Kaluhiwa, Lee, LeVasseur, Luersen, Machado, Mench, Okuda, Vermeesch, Wolfgramm.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case – A staff member from Congressman Case’s office was present to distribute a district report and report that Congress would recess on September 27 and then reconvene after the General Elections.  He highlighted the Healthy Farms, Foods and Fuels Act and that a recent concern about non-US ships perhaps dumping at sea during the Rim Pac Exercise had been communicated to the military planners. He also noted that the issue of endorsing a canoe event use of the Kaneohe Bay was appropriate issue for a Congressional letter and suggested he be contacted.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Katherine Folasa distributed Council Chair Dela Cruz’s written report and highlighted that the City’s Department of Design and Construction is projecting an earlier completion date than that being presented here tonight; she said DDC is telling her the start point will be this year.  The discussed workshop on Real Property Tax is projected for the end of September 2006.  Folasa will follow-up with a report on the lights for the Kahaluu Playground.  Mench reminded the meeting that Mayor Hannemann was in this room and committed to a park completion of 2007.  Chair Okuda thanked Folasa, noting that she has copied him with the internal communications on issues she is tracking through the Councilmember’s office.

Senator Clayton Hee – No representative was present.

Morris out at 10:30 p.m.; eleven members present.

Representative Colleen Meyer – Representative Colleen Meyer was available to respond to questions, noting that since she didn’t have an opponent she is assisting other candidates.  She thanked the State Department of Transportation with residents on Johnson Road.  She explained that the current law is already doubled for speeding in construction and school zones.

COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS:

Safety, Transportation, and Environment: LeVasseur reported that the Waihee marsh area (near the canoe halau) has filled with fresh water and as a result, this fall will likely be several months of a very strong smell.  He will report back on mitigation plans.

There were no other committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Okuda announced the next meeting will be October 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. and discussed that the agenda format can be modified over the next several months.  He asked that agenda item requests must be directed to the neighborhood assistant two weeks prior to the Board’s meeting. The neighborhood assistant will then send the draft agenda to Chair Okuda for finalization.

Chair Okuda reported two specific items:

• Go vote on September 23, 2006.
• Century Bike Ride is to be on September 24, 2006. 

ADJOURNMENT – Chair Okuda, without objections, adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff