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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2007

KEY PROJECT 

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Luersen called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., a quorum was present. She announced that Chair Okuda would be arriving late.

MEMBERS PREENT: Robert Cappella, Emil Wolfgramm, George Okuda, Jean Paul Renoir, Leialoha Rocky Kaluhiwa, Arthur Machado, Jr.  Kurt Mench, Wayne Panoke, Kenneth LeVasseur, Daniel Bender, Amy Luersen, Elwin Spray (appointed tonight), Rich Vermeesch, Gregory Geboski.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None. One vacancy in Sub district 2

GUESTS: D. Keala Naluai, Amanda Jones, Captain R. Libed (Honolulu Fire Department – Kahalu’u), Violet Roberts (WWCA) Jacce Mikulanec (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office), Lt. D. Eber and Lt. R. Robinson (Honolulu Police Department, District 4-Kaneohe), Wayne Thompson, David Henkin, June Nakamura, Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply, Leslie Chow and Roosevelt Freeman (Representative Colleen Meyer’s Office), Wesley Mundy (DOCARE), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff), and approximately 15 people who did not sign the guest sheet.

VACANCY, SUB DISTRICT 5, Temple Valley – Chair Luersen asked if there were any audience members interested from Subdistrict 5 in filling the vacancy explaining that the term would end May 31, 2007. Elwin Spray volunteered to serve on the Board. Bender moved, seconded by Mench nominating Elwin Spray to fill the vacancy in Sub district 5. Spray gave a brief background about himself. The motion carried unanimously 10-0-0. The Neighborhood Assistant administered the Oath of Office.

Chair Luersen announced that Board member Morris Graham representing Sub district 2 has stepped down as a Board member. This vacancy will be placed on the April agenda.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Feral Chickens – An audience member submitted written testimony regarding feral chickens in the community. Chair Luersen read the testimony. Follow up will be done.

Kahekili Widening Contra-flow – The Governor’s representative will be asked for an update during his report.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Libed reported the crew at the station this evening is one captain and three firefighters. February statistics included 13 fire calls (blown roof, flooded condition, electrical short, sight of smoke, rubbish fires) and 18 medical responses. Fire Safety Tip – Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Now is the time to prepare for brush fire season. Be responsible and extinguish fires properly. Even small sources of fire, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Formulate plans and communicate with family members and neighbors to create a safer community. Report and remove hazards. Maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding all structures. Fire wise suggestions were available for interested persons to review. For further information on creating a safe space around your home, street or community log on to www.firewise.org.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Mench asked if the Kahalu’u Station has a rescue board. Captain Libed replied no, but the Kaaawa Station has a jet ski boat and Kahuku has a surf board. The Kahalu’u Station area covers from Johnson Road (not including the pier) with not many beaches in their area. 2) A question arose as to the cause of today’s fire in the Hookano Estate area. Captain Libed replied that one family was displaced and no injuries incurred. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but points towards the kitchen area. Captain R. Libed was thanked for attending the meeting.

7:15 p.m. Kaluhiwa arrived (12 members present).

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Barry Usagawa reported no water main breaks for the month of February. Pumpage for January was 140 million gallons per day. Weather forecasters are predicting that El Nino conditions are expected to last for the next 3 to 6 months. As a result, below-normal rainfall is anticipated throughout the islands. Until these conditions subside, they are recommending that voluntary water conservation measures be practiced. Most islands are expected to receive 60% to 70% of rainfall normally anticipated during the first six months of 2007. However, month-to-month variations in rainfall patterns may cause any island to experience less than half of normal rainfall during any one or two months from now until the end of June. Water Saving Tip – if you walk across your lawn and leave footprints, it’s time to water; keeping your showers to 5 minutes or less can save up to 1000 gallons a month; if your dishwasher is new, you can cutback on rinsing dishes before putting them in (the new washers clean more thoroughly than the old ones); you can leave lower branches on trees and shrubs to allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Panoke asked if BWS interfaces with the City when a sewer main breaks such as the one that occurred last night. Mayor’s representative Nishimura replied that sewer breaks comes under the Department of Environmental Services. 2) Bender asked if information regarding the catchment barrels for rain water was available. Usagawa will provide the information at the next meeting.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Robinson circulated the February statistics and noted: District 4 is working on removing abandoned vehicles. A sweep with the SWAT Team and Narcotics Vice Division was done at a residence in Waiahole Valley where six warrant arrests were made; one stolen firearm and one stole vehicle were recovered. Several people were trespassed. The property is owned by about 20 people. One of the residents informed HPD that she has a right to be there because her grandmother gave her permission.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Bender asked why is it difficult to publish intersections where pedestrians get hit (high incident neighborhoods). Lt. Robinson answered that fatalities and criticals are difficult to track because the reasons why is not available. Information of where the incidents occur is not enough to determine why more accidents happen in a particular area. Bender asked if the jaywalking citations will affect the problem. In response, it is a difficult problem to solve because of the many factors involved. Vermeesch commented that he observes jaywalking citations being issued in the downtown area. 2) An audience member said there is an abandoned vehicle in Waikane Stream. The answer was that the towing company is not permitted to remove cars from the water. Determination must be made under whose jurisdiction the water sits (City or State). 3) Kaluhiwa commended HPD for doing a good job. She reported a pickup truck parked on Kamehameha Highway for the past two weeks. Follow up will be done. 4) Vermeesch asked what has attributed to the decline of activity around the Banyan Tree. Lt. Robinson replied a combination of factors such as increased police patrols, input from the community, and a church nearby. Cappella added the illegal activity has moved to the Poi Factory. Follow up will be done. Lt. Robinson and Lt. Eber were thanked for attending the meeting.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Major Chris Perrine announced that handouts relating to the proposed Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) were available for interested persons to review. 1) Upcoming events: a) March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Parade; b) March 17 – Base Chapel Outreach “Feeding the Homeless”; c) March 19-21: Castle High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC Spring Camp; d) March 24 – Prince Jonah Kuhio Day Parade; March 28-30: Radford High School Junior ROTC Spring Camp. 2) Open House Meetings were held to discuss forming a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay and Waikane Valley on March 6 and 7. 3) 2^nd Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment returns from Iraq this month. 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Marine Regiment and 1^st Battalion, 12^th Marine Regiment deploy this month.4) The Hawaii Medal of Honor will be awarded to 68 families at a joint session of the Hawaii State Legislature at the Capitol, April 16^th at 9 a.m. 5) A copy of the Cultural Resource Assessment for Waikane Valley was given to the chair. Extra copies would be provided at a later date. Copies are also available at public libraries.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Cappella expressed concern of off-roading in Waikane Valley and it appears to be military personnel. Major Perrine will follow up with the new conservation officer Gordon Oliva for follow up and action. Major Chris Perrine was thanked for attending the meeting.

7:26 p.m. Wolfgramm arrived (13 members present).

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC) – Art Machado relayed that he going through the selection process to serve as Board representative on the KBRC. He asked if a letter of support from the Board could be sent to Senator Kokubun. The hearing will be held in a couple of weeks.

Bender moved, seconded by Kaluhiwa that a letter of support be sent to Senator Kokubun in support of Board member Art Machado. The motion carried unanimously, 13-0-0. Bender agreed to draft the letter.

Without objections the agenda was taken out of order to 9.B Proposed DOCARE facility at He’eia State Park.

Proposed DOCARE Facility at He’eia State Park – Wes Bundy, from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), reported DOCARE is proposing a field office at He’eia State Park. They are also seeking alternative State or City owned land somewhere in the He’eia Boat Harbor area. A more permanent fixture is being sought on the Windward side where officers can do reports, etc. instead of driving to the main office located in Pearl City. Windward DOCARE officers cover the areas from Makapuu to Velzyland. They support the community and are working with the legislature on a field office concept.

7:50 p.m. Okuda arrived (14 members present). Vice Chair Luersen relinquished the gavel to Chair Okuda.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Kaluhiwa said she spoke with Senator Hee relative to having a field office in an area of the park (a former kayak rental area space). In response, the department is currently spending their money wisely. 2) Currently there are five officers and one supervisor and it is hopefully and increase of officers in the future. The Branch recently received two ATV’s where officers are getting training at the Marine Base and in Waikane Valley. 3) Besides an area in the park near the pavilion, other avenues are being looked at with the assistance from the legislature. If a twenty-five foot trailer is to be utilized as the office two trees would have to be removed and the area fenced. Equipment would be kept where the office is located and try not splitting the fence between two areas 4) LeVasseur mentioned there are abandoned vehicles encroaching on State land in the park 200 feet off the parking lot near the McCabe property. The response was that it is under HCDA control. 5) Cappella suggested using the State’s surplus budget to fund the field office. Bundy replied he is not in the position to speak for the legislature regarding allotting more funding to DLNR. The Senate is in support of the proposal. 6) With reference to the budget, Panoke noted it seems if a commitment is made, realistically it would simpler if the line items were known. Bundy answered that he has preliminary sketches and estimates, approximately $100,000, which includes the office trailer, building of the foundation, be as close to the pier as possible, open sided hale. A twenty-foot storage facility would be used to house the ATV’s and jet ski. Currently, that park area is unused. 7) Panoke asked if any thought has been given to a public/private partnership. Bundy said that would be worth exploring. 8) Chair Okuda asked if Peter Young, Director of DLNR supports the proposal and is he working with the State’s Park Division. The reply was he is aware of the proposal and Dan Quinn and Steve Thompson are in support of the front area of the park. A question was posed if using the A-frame currently housed by the Friends of He’eia would be a possible (their lease expires in august). 9) Luersen noted the community is sensitive to trees and if he could bring a schematic back to the Board before the trees are removed or a fence built. Bundy agreed.

Kaluhiwa moved, seconded by Luersen in support of a DOCARE field office at He’eia State Park. The motion carried unanimously, 14-0-0.

Further discussion followed: a) Bundy announced copies of the new gill net ruling were available in the back of the room. Gill nets are banned from the Sampan Channel (Kailua to Kahuku) through the sandbar and to Kuapa Isle. Officers will provide education to the public.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Panoke asked how would the rules be enforced. Bundy replied they are awaiting direction from the Aquatics Resource Division. He reiterated educate the public, warnings, citations (misdemeanors) but may lead to arrest. Wes Bundy was thanked for attending the meeting.

The agenda order resumed.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES, FEBRUARY 2007: Chair Okuda asked if there were any correction or additions to the January 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes:

• Page 2, last Questions and comments delete, “…5) LeVasseur noted it seems like the military would like to bring the community together, which is protocol for the military to address the issues and follow the procedure…”

• Page 6, Kahalu’u Regional Park – Delete line one, …” It should read, “Mayor’s representative Craig Nishimura said that Mr. Chang, Director for the Department of Parks and Recreation sends his regrets for not being able to attend the meeting…”

Panoke moved, seconded by LeVasseur to accept the February Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 14-0-0.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Daniel Bender reported balance in the Operation/Publicity Account is $1,736.42; no expenses incurred in the Refreshment Account leaving the balance at $120.00. The Treasurer’s report will be filed subject to audit.

PRESENTATION:

Kahalu’u Master Plan Update - No representative was present. Chair Okuda announced comments from the community will be accepted until April 4. Mench mentioned a booklet recommends plan and design outlines. Chair Okuda asked Mench if his committee would compile and submit the comments. Mench said the comments would be submitted at the next Working Group Meeting later this month.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kamehameha/Kahekili Highways Update- Scott Ishikawa, of the State Department of Transportation, distributed two handouts and gave the following update: 1) The Kamehameha Highway/Kahekili Highway project is out to bid. Low bidder was Roadmill for $887,000. Turn lanes were decided on rather than a roundabout for safety reason. 2) New lighting installed on Kahekili Highway near Kaneohe.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Geboski asked where does one wait for Bus 65. Ishikawa answered the bus stop would remain where it is. Follow up will be done with the construction engineers if the bus stop would be moved. Property needs to be purchased on the mauka side for the project. 2) Regarding the bus stop issue, LeVasseur suggested a left turn into Ahuimanu from Kahekili. Also, he sees no five miles per hour signage. More bus stops are needed heading in the Ahuimanu direction. 3) Geboski noted it is difficult to switch from Bus 55, get off at the Hygienic Store because it is a long walk. Follow up will be done relative to a 25 miles per hour sign. 4) The Kamehameha Highway/Kahekili Highway intersection will have turn merge lanes. 5) Spray noted when buses stop people can’t see around the bus for pedestrians (existing crosswalk). A staggered stop line was suggested. It was suggested showing where the turn-offs would be fronting the Hygienic Store. 6) Vermeesch suggested embedded roadway lights. Follow up will be done. 7) Chair Okuda asked when the landscaping between Haiku Road on Kahekili Highway will be completed. Ishikawa replied the project received additional funding and DOT is asking for another $1 million; awaiting Governor’s approval. Negotiations with the contractor will take about three to four months. The additional funding will be used for day work between rush hours and lane closure. 8) A question was posed if the money could be used for street flooding prevention instead. Ishikawa answered the problem with the Waihee Bridge is that it is raised. 8) Machado noted the project’s infancy started in 200, and for other projects property must be purchased. The response was that the project will move ahead once the property is purchased. 9) Bender questioned the timeline. The project should take approximately three to four months. 10) An audience member noted that the Waihee Bridge is owned by the State and City. The problem is with the silt that collects under the bridge. The reply was that funding has been appropriated by the legislature to beautify the area. 11) Relative to the project, Mench questioned if it is a law or only on the design that the crosswalk is ten-feet from the left turn lanes. Ishikawa said they are looking at pushing the stop lines back from the crosswalks. Concrete curbing was suggested. Follow up will be done. 12) Renoir asked if the DOT is aware of the Kahalu’u Master Plan and are they coordinating. In answer, originally DOT proposed a stoplight and was told no and he is not sure if they are aware of the Master Plan. 13) Regarding the Waikane Stream entrance resurfacing, Cappella relayed that the barrier was moved and the area is used as an entrance for vehicles to go off-roading. Follow up will be done. 14) There was no update relative to the proposed contra-flow on Kahekili Highway. 15) Luersen stated that this Board is on record opposing the widening of Kahekili Highway, and do not believe that widening could be done for safety reasons. Follow up will be done. 16) Audience member Lee noted when Rod Haraga was the Director for the DOT he said a round about was not possible, and stated he no longer works for the State. Ishikawa said a round about would back up traffic for miles and it was best to compromise. 17) Geboski asked for conclusive dates regarding roundabouts. 18) Governor’s representative Barrett said there is too much opposition to the widening. Senator Hee and Representative Meyers seeking support for the widening from Valley of the Temples into Kaneohe both directions. Luersen responded that contra-flow cannot be done without widening. The subject has not comeback to the Board for conversation in years, only in a report. Panoke added that Representative Meyers surveyed seventy-eight residents, and he feels the questions were biased. He questioned how decisions could be made with inaccurate statements. He suggested giving the $300,000 for the Waiahole Stream. Panoke stated he does not want the highway widening. 19) In response to Geboski, Barrett said EMR is working on gathering community input. Chair added for the last two years. 20) Vermeesch expressed disappointment that the round about was shut down because good money was spent on the planning and it is unfortunate that we are unable to see it through. 21) Ishikawa mentioned that the work would be done in the a.m. hours with one lane closures. 22) An audience member suggested surveying the audience. Chair Okuda said that would not represent the entire community. 23) Ishikawa will check on the budget status. Bender suggested asking the area representatives for assistance. Follow up will be done. Scott Ishikawa was thanked for attending the meeting.

Kahalu’u Regional Park Update – Craig Nishimura gave the following update: Several walk through site visits were done with the contractor, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) personnel, and members of the Board’s Permitted Interaction Group (PIG); at an initial meeting with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) the conclusion was that the community would be provided with the best park that could be; the grass would be removed, a new drainage system installed, the field will be replanted and maintained; The contractor will repair the irrigation system; target start date is March 26, 2007. PIG Board members were thanked for a productive meeting.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) it is hopeful completion date will be in 2008. 2) First step prior to staring is securing a permit from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Panoke added the issue is not funding but the permit. 3) Kaluhiwa asked if the makai side of the park could check first due to an upcoming long distance race.

Without objections the agenda was taken out of order to 10.A. Mayor’ Representative.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS’:

Mayor’s Representative – Craig Nishimura noted: 1) Mayor Hannemann’s monthly report was circulated and highlighted the Mayor’s State of the City Address, plans to proceed with pedestrian safety, which has a timeline; another sewer rate increase is being requested that is a serious issue and must be addressed quickly. 2) Update on past issues: a) the west Hui Iwa Stoplight concern was forward to SDOT. b) A staff person of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) telephoned Board member LeVasseur to discuss the matter and recommended this concern be referred to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). 3) Relative to the City’s using herbicide, we are using Aquamaster which is approved by the EPA and permitted for aquatic spraying. It is used because it is cost effective. The City does not have sufficient resources (manpower) to manually cut the overgrowth. 3) The City received a notice of violation from the Department of Health relative to Kualoa Park and the water quality issues, water, and maintenance of the sewer system. Due to legal litigation Nishimura was unable to answer questions on the subject. Board members and audience guests were encouraged to make their voices known and call the Administration for follow through. Chair Okuda asked what is being done with past input from the community. Nishimura replied it went through the Burial Council, there were numerous contacts; continued through the process and was approved. Panoke noted that now the process must be repeated. According to the lineal descendant no more than two inches could be dug. He suggested concrete on the top of the burial sites, which would require no digging. Regarding the Burial Council, Lee said an archaeological report was done in 1970, but ignored by the City. Follow up will be done. Craig Nishimura was thanked for attending the meeting.

9:15 Bender left the meeting (13 members left).

The agenda order resumed.

Kahalu’u By-pass Road – Transportation Chair LeVasseur reported the final report consists of four recommendations and circulated the resolution for Board Consideration. LeVasseur moved, seconded by Panoke in support of the Kahalu’u bypass system. Discussion followed: 1) Luersen asked if widening to eighteen feet would require purchase. The response was the entire right of way is forty feet. Ahilama Bridge to the Fire Station is City owned. Property owners would provide the easements. However, Pulama Road itself has sixty owners. Luersen notes given that regarding the ownership, she feels uncomfortable asking the Council to purchase (private ownership) the property, due to too many unknowns. The resolution was amended – Furthermore, the Kahalu’u Neighborhood Board requests that the city and County of Honolulu investigate protocols for the city to implement allowing large vehicles to pass an accident scene rather than use the Kahalu’u Bypass system in its current state if it is physically possible. LeVasseur agreed. 2) Geboski mentioned that the narrow point of the road is now sixteen feet wide, and would that be part of and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). LeVasseur replied the area is zoned country, privately owned and the owners would be asked to sign-off. 3) Spray asked if other proposal were researched. 4) It was suggested the last sentence of the resolution be delete. LeVasseur agreed. 5) Panoke noted he supports the amended resolution with reservations and believes funding is important. 6) Chair Okuda added a similar system was done in Waianae. Spray added the protocol was studied and laid the framework. 7) Luersen noted she is unsure of the impacts and suggested the resolution be less specific. LeVasseur said she must read the report and added that he has a list of the owners’ names but has not met with them. Chair Okuda agreed with Luersen. The amended motion carried 10-0-3. Aye: Cappella, Wolfgramm, Renoir, Kaluhiwa, Machado, LeVasseur, Panoke, Spray, Vermeesch, Geboski; Abstention: Okuda, Luersen, Mench.

NEW BUSINESS:

Board Members Response to Complain - Chair Okuda explained that on behalf of the Waiahole/Waikane Community Association a complaint has been filed against the Board by Elizabeth Royos that the Board took a position against the community and the Chair had a conflict of interest (January 2007 meeting) as a member of the Kalopaa when the Board voted on the resolution. A letter from WWCA was attached with the complaint. He added there are two issues for discussion. A review of the January 2007 Regular meeting minutes indicates Luersen did disclose that she was a member of Ulu Mea Ai and organization that assisted Kalopaa with getting liability insurance, but no monetary profit was gained.

Discussion followed: 1) Panoke asked what as the Neighborhood Commission Office’s (NCO) recommendation regarding the response.. Chair Okuda said the Board has thirty days to respond by either denying or accepting the complaint. 2) Geboski mentioned he called the NCO to find out the definition of conflict of interest. 3) Spray noted according to the Neighborhood Plan a Board member has to declare a conflict of interest but can vote. 4) Luersen relayed that the Board either accept or deny the complaint, and the complaint is forwarded to Corporation Counsel for review. 5) Panoke felt uncomfortable relative to the process and inquiries without an attorney present. 6) Chair Okuda read the resolution passed at the January 2007 meeting and noted the Board voted in support of the HHFDC intent to issue a permit to insure that a stewardship agreement for use of the property to include non-exclusive use and opportunities for education work groups and to learn about the lo’i. 7) Geboski asked if the determination is whether actual conflict occurred or not. Chair Okuda replied there are two separate issues. 8) Spray noted the NCO office is asking was there something done wrong. 10) Panoke asked if the assistance of Attorney David Henkin could address the matter (conflict for a legal issue conclusion based on fact). 11) Wolfgramm said there is a linkage and Luersen did fashion some conflict. 12) Geboski noted if denied send the complaint back to the Neighborhood Commission and two people could get together with the attorney for discussion. 13) Richard Garcia, President of WWCA stated Luersen had a direct conflict whether legal or technical. 14) Cappella felt Luersen was in conflict. However, Mench reminded him that he did vote on the resolution, although it was a no vote. 15) Regarding the conflict of interest, Luersen reiterated that Hui Ulu Mea Ai is a physical sponsor for Kalopaa and no financial gain. She added she knows people on both groups. Hui Ulu Mea Ai receives no business, financial or benefits and emphasized there is no conflict of interest on her part. She stated that this was information was disclosed at the January 2007 meeting.16) Chair Okuda reiterated tonight’s determination regarding the complaint is for the Board to accept or deny, respond to the Commission for Corporation Counsel to review and make a decision. 17) Rule 10, 4-10.1 and 4-10.2 from the Revised Neighborhood Plan (1986) was read.

Chair Okuda called a three minute recess.

The agenda order resumed.

Panoke moved seconded by Wolfgramm calling for the question. There were no objections. Geboski moved, seconded by Spray to deny the conflict of interest complaint. A roll call vote was taken.

The motion carried 8-1-4; Aye – Wolfgramm, Renoir, Okuda, Mench, LeVasseur, Spray, Vermeesch, Geboski; Nay – Cappella; Abstention – Kaluhiwa, Machado, Panoke, Luersen.

Complaint Part 2 – The Board took a position against the community – Comments: 1) There is illegal use of Lot 79 (Kualele). As quoted in the January 2007 minutes regarding testimonies it is an HHFDC decision. The Board supported support of the HHFDC intent to issue a permit to insure that a stewardship agreement for use of the property to include non-exclusive use and opportunities for education work groups and to learn about the lo’i.

Discussion followed: 1) Geboski – the Board made every effort not to take sides and addressed both groups to avoid this kind of a situation (general acceptance). 2) Kaluhiwa – Expressed being uncomfortable listening to bickering among the Board and community members, noting that the community feels the Board is against them. 3) Panoke – Two months ago both groups came to the Board. This is not an easy issue and he did not know why they came to the Board. He stated the Board’s capacity is advisory only and has no impact on the State’s decision. Boards are set up to be in conflict with the community and nothing counts with the Board. The Board wants the lo’i to be on Lot 79. For an organization to decide to make the Board feel like opala, he emphasized the issue is over. Machado agreed with Panoke. Panoke added if the issue is so important why has no State representative and an attorney sat down with both sides to discuss the issue. It is unfair to Board members and stated he would refrain from voting.

Elizabeth Royos thanked the Board for listening to the community and said she did not want ill feelings among the community and would withdraw the complaint. Richard Garcia reiterated that the complaint would be withdrawn. Chair Okuda thanked Elizabeth Royos and Richard Garcia.

Vermeesch moved and seconded by Mench to accept the withdrawal of the complaint by Elizabeth Royos on behalf of the Waiahole/Waikane Community Association. The motion carried unanimously, 13-0-0.

Wetlands – Deferred until the April meeting.

Windward Homeless Coalition – March 24, 2007, Dinner for the Homeless - the North Shore (grant received from the Royal Order of Kamehameha).

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS’:

Governor’s Representative – Dr. Morgan Barrett was in attendance earlier in the meeting; the Governor’s Weekly Review was available for interested persons to review.

U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono – No representative was present.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Mikulanec distributed the written report and noted: City Council is in the middle of the budget. Councilmember Dela Cruz met with Senator Hee regarding stream cleaning. A timeline was submitted to the Department of Design and Construction regarding wastewater. Signage installed at the He’eia Boat harbor crosswalk. Haiku Stairs budget cut.

Concerns and comments: Chair Okuda requested of the Councilmember a workshop relative to property taxes for the community. Follow up will be done. Jacce Mikulanec was thanked for attending the meeting.

Representative Colleen Meyer - Freeman circulated the written report and was available for questions. Roosevelt Freeman was thanked for attending the meeting.

Senator Clayton Hee – Chair Okuda reported SB 952, relating to Kahuku Hospital, Hawaii Health Systems Corporation ($); SB 1260, relates to the continued operation of Kahuku Hospital passed the Health Committee; hearing for HB 1378, relates to emergency appropriations was held today.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Ø       Cappella announced an “Easter Egg Hunt”, April 7, 2007 at Waiahole Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – Without objections the meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.

Submitted by, Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

  Reviewed by, George Okuda, Chair