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KAHALU'U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

      REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (DRAFT)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007

KEY PROJECT

CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair David Henkin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum is present. Chair Luersen is attending meeting late tonight.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT (NB): Daniel Bender, Ned Busch, Richard Vermeesch (arrived late), Gregory Geboski, David Henkin,  Rocky Kaluhiwa, Amy Luersen (arrived 8:05), Kurt Mench, D. Keala Naluai, Jean-Paul Renoir (arrived late), Elwin Spray.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Keliko Hoe, Richard Garcia, Kenneth LeVasseur and Wayne Panaoke.

GUESTS: Brendon Morioka-Governor's representative, Senator Clayton Hee, Michael Formky-Governor’s representative, Department of Transportation (DOT), Craig Nishimura-Mayor’s representative, Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Jacce Mikulanec-Councilmember Donovan DelaCruz’s Office, Captain Robert Libed-Hawaii Fire Department (HFD), HPD Officer (District 4-Kaneohe, Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Barry Usagawa-Board of Water Supply (BWS), Art Machado-Kaneohe Bay Task Force (KBTF), Mitchell S. Nakagawa-Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL), Tod Grupen, Reb Bellinger, Alan Hochfelsen-Hawaiian Hurricane Production (HHP), Roger Ramirez, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin-Neighborhood Commission Office(NCO).

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: 1) A. Machado disappointed no Neighborhood Board (NB) representation at the NB bi-laws public hearing. Spray said members were able to submit materials electronically. 2) Naluai noticed brown area on Waihe’e Mountain. Both Henkin and Spray think it is on-going work at the site not yet completed. Henkin will add subject to the next agenda.            

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Libed reports the following information: 1) there was one structure and two rubbish fires; 33 medical and seven miscellaneous emergencies. 2) A recommendation for Good Citizen’s award was given to Mr. Williams. He assisted Mrs. Young in escaping a fire at her residence. Thanks to A. Machado for this recommendation. 3) HFD asks to consider a fire-resistant artificial Christmas tree. If using a natural tree, choose a fresh one and keep it hydrated, away from heat sources. Choose noncombustible materials and approved electrical decoration. Please follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and don’t overload extension cords.

Questions concerns followed:

1) A. Machado would like to commend Mr. Williams for his bravery.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): 1) HPD Officer reported: one rape, four robberies, one aggravated assault, 20 burglaries, 53 thefts, 44 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), and 12 auto thefts. Crime is down 17% from last month’s report. 2) In the district, there are 22 uniform officers however, only 18 are funded positions.

Questions and concerns followed:

Kaluhiwa questions a van parked nightly next to the canoe club on Kamehameha Highway and Kalupa Street. No one at the club house owns it. The officer will make a report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Barry Usagawa reports the following: BWS will participate in the City Lights Parade on December 1^st and 8^th at both Honolulu and Kapolei Hales. BWS offers two wreath making classes at Halawa Xeriscape Garden on November 24^th and December 1^st from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Class will offer

suggestions on how to use “unthirsty” plants to create holiday wreaths. Advanced registration plus $5 fee is required one week prior to class by calling 748-5041 or on line at: www.boardofwatersupply.com. 

Questions and concerns followed: There were none.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH): Lt. Binford Strickland is not present. A. Machado reports the following for MCBH: Lt. Strickland is tied up with military holiday festivities. MCBM reports about 3,000 soldiers returned home from duty last week. In keeping with a safe holiday season, MCBH asks to report any “out of order” conduct involving any marine.

Questions and concerns followed:

1) Chair Henkin wants to announce the Waikane Advisory Board cleanup is December 5^th, at 6:30 p.m. at Waiahole Elementary. 2) Few complaints were reported regarding Blues on the Bay during their performances.  He commends MCBH for great order and a successful event enjoyed by all.

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council (KBRC): Art Machado reports due to no quorum at the Kaneohe NB October meeting, no report available in regards to the issue at the sandbar. January 7^th is the next scheduled meeting. He seeks this NB’s recommendation to share with the Kaneohe NB.

Questions and concerns followed:

1) Spray clarifies he thinks Chair Thielan is looking for departmental rulings instead of NB adopting rules on the sandbar issue. A. Machdo said the situation is not resolved as to whom to contact regarding emergencies. Kaluhiwa surveyed the bay by taking a group out during a weekday and found it not crowed as she expected, however, she recommends setting crowd control standards plus suggests forming a watch group.

Without objections the agenda was taken out of order to 6. B) Woods at Ahuimanu.

The Woods at Ahuimanu Development: Senator Hee reports the following: He refers to a letter from the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the development. DOH requested to accompany the engineer and observe any future soil evaluation and percolation tests conducted, and to view past and future reports to be sure minimum requirements are met. However, no request from the developer or Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) was ever sent to DOH. Hee requests DOH review plans for waste water disposal and indicate whether the proposed project meets standards to prevent wastewater leaching into neighboring streams and subsurface. A concern that DPP has granted the developer (Aiello Development Group LLC) a third extension two days prior to the second one expiring. In December, Hee met with Council Member Dela Cruz regarding a resolution to be proposed by the City Council, urging DOH to conduct a public hearing. A community concern was presented in a meeting on April 19, 2006. Larry Lau, Deputy Director for Environmental Health, DOH, and some staff were present. Hee feels, like the Superferry, an environmental study should be applied. Hee also reported concerns over the re-alignment of the bridge leading to the development as well as potential home owners’ independent development of septic systems.  Henkin gives a background of the development as stated in a letter to Henry Eng, Director of DPP. Hee adds both DPP and the developer declined to meet including attending tonight’s meeting. Kaluhiwa suggests gathering information from DPP to add to the agenda. She motions to write a letter to stop construction until an agreement to meet by all involved. Naluai seconds the motion. The NB unanimously voted (10-0-0) for the letter asking developer to comply with the NB requirements of DOH and NB 2005 letters. He is also suggesting for an environmental assessment.

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 10, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

TREASURER’S REPORT: Daniel Bender

KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL (KBRC): A. Machado reports a commercial operator is seeking a request for Sunday use in the Kualoa Area, also adds extending to one vendor will allow others’ to seek the same. Area is already congested with fishing activities. Kaluhiwa suggests the request be shared with Ko’olauloa NB. Luersen arrived at 8:05 p.m. in time to comment before taking the Chair position. She said the master plan in 1992 balanced commercial use limiting no weekend tours however, Saturdays were added and Sundays set aside for community use only. The ranch states the bay is excluded, however, she pulled the map and shows otherwise. Naluai moved to oppose the request for Sunday use. Bender seconds the motion and all approved the motion with one abstention. (10-0-1) Motion passed.

8:15 p.m. Recess called by Chari Henkin to turn gavel to Luersen.

8:18 p.m. Meeting back in session.

CONCERT AT KUALOA RANCH BY HURRICANE PRODUCTION (HP): Alan Hochfelsen, on behalf of HP announces the annual concert at Kualoa Ranch is December 8^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  He hopes attendance to be close to 5,000. In 2005 there were only about 2,000 attendees. He met with HPD Capt. Delera and finalized a traffic flow plan to accommodate all parking including emergency vehicles access. Alcohol sales will terminate an hour prior to show closure. Ziggy Marley is the main named performer and several others yet to be confirmed. March 2008 is a tentative month for the next event. He will visit again for his presentation. He asks the NB’s support to send an email to confirm support for December concert.

Questions and concerns followed:

Spray, Bender and Geboski all have concerns regarding road closures, traffic gridlock and emergency vehicles access. A. Hochfelsen said he will follow strict guidelines and approaches the concert as if it were his own life. A. Machado concerned how the concert got a permit within a short time frame. Chair Luersen says Kualoa being a private entity therefore only needs 30 days prior notice. Kaluhiwa appreciates A. Hochfesen’s presentation and wishes him success. Bender moves to give support to the concert, Spray seconds, all approved the motion. (11-0-0) Motion passed.

Honolulu Century Bike Ride-Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL): M. Nakagawa, HBL Executive Director reports the following: The 31^st annual ride was held on September 30^th.  Public awareness used: posted signage, internet postings, T.V and newspaper advertisements. He wants to thank the community for support given. Fifty percent of riders were from out of state, created some specific traffic control issues and some HPD citations were issued. Also two bicyclists were taken out of the race. Un-swept areas and Kamehameha Highway bridges were some obstacles lacking control. On hand were 13 out of the 66 HPD officers on bike patrol which he thought was too much. He also states about 500 volunteers were on hand, 20 dedicated to be visible and direct route. About 3,500 registered riders which 1,500 or so crossed the finish line in a span from four to 10 ½ hours. HBL’s goal every year is to promote bike safety and he hopes to complete his 4-week window to evaluate and confirm the 2008 event permit. M. Nakagawa welcomes anyone’s suggestions or recommendations to please call him at 735-5756 or email: Mitchell@hbl.org.

Questions and concerns followed:

Naluai suggests changing the bike route through Kaneohe, Haiku road to Kahekili, instead of using the narrow strip of Kamehameha Highway.  A. Machado urges to consider it due to the fishing pier and the traffic disaster it causes.  He received complaint calls regarding the traffic delays both residents trying to get to Safeway plus from crowns to the hygenic Store.  M. Nakagawa says he does not support the closure of any lanes on Kamehameha Highway. He was also advised by DOT and DPP against any or partial highway lane closures.  He also said Haiku Road home occupancy is too high to consider and using Leeward district as an option would be a financial hardship for HBL. Naluai motions to oppose partial or full closure of Kamehameha Highway for any bike rides. Henkin seconds, motion passes unanimously. (11-0-0) Also, Kaluhiwa motions to change the bike route through Kahekili Highway instead of Haiku Road.  Naluai seconds, (7-3-1) motion fails. Henkin motions to recommend the Kahalu’u NB support the form of better transportation using bicycles in the district in support of safer driving.  Spray seconds. Vote on the motion, (10-0-1) motion passes.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD TASK FORCE DRAFT RECOMMENDATION (NBTF): Chair Luersen passed the gavel to Henkin as she reports on some major recommendation in front of the NBTF. Luersen reports the following: A seven member committee from various back-ground appointed by City Council sit on this committee. 1) A major issue recommendation is the majority verses minority agreement. 2) NB meetings should be held in an orderly fashion, members should hear both opinions in fairness without being out of order.  Require all NB members be responsible maintaining order not just the Chair. 3) Sunshine Law not be applied to the NB being it inhibits members from being effective on the job, participate in outside discussions and attending other meetings including public hearings. 4) Term limits should be at a five-two year limiting a member to only serve up to 10 years at one time, but still able to sit on committees.  A member would be able to return to the NB after sitting out one term. 5) Increase training and awareness allowing members to help inform the community in government procedures and expectations. 6) Structure the Neighborhood Commission to select the Executive Secretary (ES) and therefore, the ES maintain staff order. 7) Require all NB meeting to be video taped to maintain quorum order and increase community awareness. 8) Tie NB elections to general to increase voting or utilize online elections. 9) Luersen adds to please email task force inquiries to her or bmick@honolulu.gov.

Questions and concerns followed:

 Naluai suggests increasing the sit-out period to four years instead of two to give others an opportunity. A. Machado thinks NB meetings should last more then two and half hours. Renoir does not support on-line voting stating many district residences are elders and not computer savvy. Luersen added the NB voter turnout was low during the last election. Spray said consider the two processes: The Plan and the Sunshine Law are separate rulings so not to be confused with recommendations. Luersen adds a recommendation to place the NCO under a City agency away from political form. Chair Henkin motion to recommend sub-district candidate may not be on the ballot however, allow candidate to fill vacancy.  Spray seconds. (8-1-2) motion passes. Henkin motions to abandon the issue of minority versus majority opinions to reflect in the correspondence. This change may be horrible for dysfunctional NB.  Spray seconds. (10-0-1) motion passes. Spray motions to oppose having NCO and NB be incorporate into another branch of the City. Having the NCO under the Department of the Managing Director has the advantage and ability to open doors and allows issues to be more manageable. He also added the use of this independent seal of the DMD allows the NCO to manage the department more efficient rather than become another City branch which routes through the Mayor’s office to begin with. Henkin seconds the motion. (9-0-2) motion passes.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Craig Nishimura reports the following: 1) City Halls are preparing for the Holiday Season with City Lights and parades. 2) Issue focuses at City Council at the moment are: Transit, wastewater management, and sustainability.  3) The regional park drainage problem was inspected and found working. This area remains very wet and located in a shaded area which encourages moss growth. 4) Report of a homeless person trimming trees on Kamehameha Highway was noted however, we were not able to identify person. Call to report if it happens again. 5) Program Director at the Kahalu’u Regional Park and Recreation will shortly release a contact number to schedule events. The park is still undergoing construction; rain has hampered the project, mulching is being placed now through the next week, and expect completion in the next 5 months. 6) On behalf of the City he wishes everyone a safe holiday.

Question and concerns followed:

1) Kaluhiwa questioned when the bus route will convert to 24-hour service in the district. She polled some students and bus drivers, all of whom supports the extended route. Craig advised of the newly hired Department of Transportation Director and his name is not known yet, however, they are waiting funding for the expansion. He does not have his name but the department discussing and considering a 24-hour circle island route. Concerns regarding this may be addressed to DTS. Chair Luersen asks for a follow-up since the motion was already passed at the last NB meeting. 

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Mike Formky reports Brennon Morioka is off island at a convention and Scott Ishikawa is unavailable. M. Formky reports the following: 1) The Governor signed the second order on November 4^th and an executive order #207-10 which imposed conditions of operation for the Superferry. Today Mark Bennet traveled to Maui to argue the motion in front of Judge Cardoza granting the motion to lift the injunction allowing the Superferry to continue operations to Maui. The Superferry is expected to release its Maui schedule in the next few days with service to begin the first week of December. Kauai operations have not been announced yet until things are calm down before resuming operations. 2) B. Morioka should have a report at the next meeting regarding Kahekili Highway.

Questions and concerns followed:

1) Chair Luersen needed to know if B. Morioka will be reporting in person. M. Formky said B. Morioka will be attending in person to give this report. 2) Spray requested if DOT can participate in discussions regarding Kahalu’u Community Master Plan. Some advance information such as permits applications can be done prior to the next NB meeting.  Luersen mentions reports on motions already voted on still needed to be addressed by DOT; intersection safety and contra flow management.  3) Henkin also needed a reply regarding the right of way road work at Waihe’e Park.  M. Formky reassures that upon B. Morioka’s return he will be sure to relay all reports in need. He spoke with him before he left on his trip and was reassured he was working on it.  

10:05 p.m. –End recording.

Reported by Mary Chanel-Benjamin, NA