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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2006 AT 7:00 P.M.
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fukuda called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum was present with five members.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerri Digmon, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson, Mike Troy.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Turbin.
GUESTS: Capt. M. Tosaka (Honolulu Fire Department), Stan Fichtman (Councilmember Djou’s Office staff), Lance Tom, Mike Nauyokas, Suzanne Roig (Honolulu Advertiser), Ivan Lui-Kwan (Starn, O'Toole, Marcus and Fisher), John Pyles; Lt. Alex Ahlo, Capt. Robert Green, Maj. Mark Nakagawa, Officer Victor Mattox, Det. DeeAnn Koanui, Officer Cynthia Hytry (Honolulu Police Department); Senator Sam Slom, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Lauri Kauhane, Laverne Higa (Mayor’s Representative), Representative Lyla Berg, Ron Yoda (Manager, Kahala Mall Shopping Center), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office).
BOARD VACANCIES – Chair Fukuda announced one vacancy each in Sub district 3 and 4. Digmon moved, Pyles seconded to nominate Stan Fichtman to fill the Sub district 4 vacancy. Himeda moved to close the nomination. The motion carried by unanimous consent. Fichtman requested deferring his acceptance until next month. The Board was open to the request.
HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Tosaka reported:
§ March statistics included: 4 structure fires, 122 medical calls and 28 miscellaneous emergencies.
§ Two major incidents involved 12 companies; and one unusual incident involved childbirth.
§ Fire Safety Tip: Cooking fires are very dangerous for older adults. Turn off the stove if you must leave the room; keep a fire extinguisher in or near your kitchen, know how to use it and inspect it regularly.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Alex Ahlo introduced the officers accompanying him and:
§ Asked everyone to refer to the monthly statistic report for individual breakdowns by Beats.
§ Highlighted the monthly safety tip: Put Opala in its Place (refer to handout).
§ Reported that HPD will be focusing heavily on graffiti and speeding.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Speeding enforcement will be increased on Malia Street (around midnight), Halekoa Drive (going up), and Kalanianaole Highway. Speed limits on side streets are 25 mph; 15 mph over is deemed excessive. Speeding on Malia Street may be caused by the lack of parked cars giving the perception of an open road. (2) Digmon noted one street lamp on Wahinekoa Street has been brightened while the rest of the lights are dimmed or off; the area is dark, scary and has been burglarized. She thanked HPD for the increased patrols in that area. Neighbors are encouraged to call 911 if they have any concerns. (3) Tom noted that the activity at the house on Ala Koa Street has stopped. Arrests were made recently and the illegal activities should decline. (4) HPD reported some communication breakdown and misunderstandings about a complaint of a suspicious car and possible robbery in progress. HPD is addressing the matter. Calls are still being received.
Property Crime Division - Det. Koanui detailed the recent Black Point burglaries, which occurred from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Asian males (late 20’s / early 30’s) were described as very clean cut and inconspicuous. The truck used in the robbery was reported stolen by the registered owner. Home renovations and construction sites are being targeted.
REPORT FROM MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVES:
Mayor’s Representative – Laverne Higa reported:
§ Kahala Nui Senior Center – some of the on-street parking will be put back and the middle bus stop will be removed.
§ Wilson Park – meets the parks standards for small (four acre) parks and the maintenance of the rest should be referred to the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).
§ Graffiti on the former Tony Roma restaurant building – Higa suggested sending a neighborly letter.
Comments followed: (1) Digmon said the community is upset that the no on-street parking situation on Malia Street is taking so long; a petition with 125 signatures was available. Higa stated that steps are being taken to make those changes. (2) Troy mentioned the lights under the freeway are not working again. Higa will check regarding the matter. (3) Pyles expressed: (a) there's been no response to a letter sent April 24, 2006 to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regarding the draft Environmental Assessment for improvements within the Special Management Area; (b) Weldon was issued a citation to remove the illegally placed rocks, but the recent rains exposed hundreds more rocks; and (c) regarding the sprinkler system on Kilauea Avenue, mall sidewalk strip, between Waialae Avenue and Pahoa Street (to MacDonald’s) – it's a City irrigation system.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported:
§ There were no main breaks in March.
§ BWS will be having a public hearing on May 15 regarding rate increases.
§ Conservation Tip: The height that which you mow your lawn can affect watering. Make sure you know the right height for the type of grass you have; leaving grass cuttings on your lawn will help to retain moisture.
Comments followed: (1) Heller said BWS is looking at a 10 to 15% rate increase or $2.50 to $3.70 over the currently monthly charge. Kelley heard of a $5.50 charge per month and wondered when was the last increase. Heller indicated 11 years ago. (2) Troy noticed by the time the lawn was mowed at the pump station on Halekoa Drive, it was more than that of a normal cutting. The job done was substandard and an eyesore. Heller will forward the concern.
Councilmember Charles Djou - Stan Fichtman reported:
§ The City Council is hearing testimony today on the City’s Budget.
§ On March 31, Dewey Kim was named the new Chief Administrator of the Honolulu Liquor Commission (LIQ), and on April 27, the Executive Matters Committee will hear Kim’s views.
§ Resolution 06-140 was introduced to call for the City to examine creating a “graffiti wall”, allowing graffiti artists to practice their craft at a specific designated site.
§ Green waste is going to H-Power instead of being recycled; hopefully the problem has been resolved.
Questions and comments followed: (1) Tom asked when the City would start repairing the sewer line in Waikiki. Fichtman stated that the City said it’s in the plans and hopefully with the immediacy of the concern they will get on it. (2) Fukuda announced that the Nui Valley Waste Water Pump Station will begin “test boring” for the sewer line on Kalanianaole Highway, from late April to late May. Anticipate traffic delays between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (3) Digmon was concerned about the contamination of the sewer spill and the sand pollution and wished there were more information provided in the newspaper. Fichtman said the State is looking at doing some sand testing to get an analysis.
BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:
Approval of the March 16, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Unanimous consent was used to approve the March 16, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes, as corrected, with the following corrections:
§ Page 1, Questions, comments and concerns under HPD, item 2, the second sentence should read, “Det. Walsh responded that the parking situation was monitored and citations were issued.”
§ Page 2, under Mayor’s Rep, item 2, under Questions followed should read, “…referred to Kahala Nui driveway, three and four feet clearance, which after the City ordinance applied to most driveways.
§ Page 4, under Correspondence and Announcements, delete the fourth bullet point.
§ Page 2, under Mayor’s Rep, Halekoa Drive Illegal Construction – delete 1493 Halekoa Drive as stated in a), should read 1481 Halekoa Drive.
Treasurer’s Report – Deferred until next month.
RESIDENTS CONCERNS: Kahala Community Association Report – No report.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Governor’s Representative – Mark Andersen had no updates, but will report back next month on: the lighting situation under the freeway; testing of the sand; and the dogs on the beach signage.
Questions and comments followed: (1) Pyles attended the integrated shoreline policy workshop on April 6 and found it to be informative. (2) Digmon said to make the redemption of bottles standard by either weight or count, and asked what the status is of the money collected. (3) Himeda said the traffic did not flow well coming out of the crater near the Diamond Head Theater road during the Crater Festival and the buses had difficulty maneuvering. Troy felt that the festival was a success. Kelley requested the status of the cleanup and repair efforts; he understands it was quite muddy. (4) Regarding the sewage spill outside of Kawaikui to Wailupe, Tom asked if there’s been any testing of the fish in the area. Mullet season just opened.
Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her monthly report and highlighted on the following:
§ Beautification measures are being considered on Kilauea Avenue.
§ There are efforts to have the City fix the sewer main in the Kahala area as soon as possible; it is similar to the one that broke in Waikiki. Although it may not be one of the larger ones, it is in a critical position.
§ The public must be forewarned about the hurricane insurance crisis for landowners with single wall built homes, homes built before 1981, and homes within 250 feet of the beach.
Questions and comments followed: (1) Pyles thanked Marumoto for helping to mail out the flyers for the Shoreline Policy Workshop. She also requested that someone from Kamehameha Schools attend a meeting to discuss the plans for the Kahala commercial area. (2) There were other issues raised regarded drainage mitigation efforts on Ainakoa; Troy noted the lack of maintenance of the drainage system on Halekoa.
Representative Lyla Berg – distributed the “Lawmakers Listen” packet, her Legislative Newsletter, her monthly report, and highlighted on:
§ The 2006 Community survey preliminary results strongly support the expanded use of the renewable sources of energy and energy conservation.
§ There was a Kalani Complex Schools Educational Forum on April 12.
§ There was a Charter Commission meeting at Hahaione School, where she testified on proposals addressing issues of sustainability and the environment.
§ Project Ho’olokahi is a Polynesian Navigation Program.
Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and touched on:
§ The State Legislature will adjourn May 4. Session heads are in conference committee to decide the bills still alive; the Ways and Means and House Finance Committees are meeting to pass the budget.
§ Senator Brian Kanno will be undergoing an Ethics Investigation.
§ The Gas Cap will be well above the $3 per gallon price range.
§ The Bottle Tax bill now has a surplus approaching $24 million.
§ Unemployment compensation tax – still in conference.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Traffic – Fukuda reported that there is an Oahu work plan in place; comments must be received by May 1.
Vision Team & CIP – Pyles gave a brief overview to revisit the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP), and form a task force to reassess the community’s goals and issues. Pyles will chair the task force.
Land Use & Zoning – Pyles outlined Resolution 06-118, requesting DPP to review the transient oriented zoning ordinances of other municipalities and evaluate applicability here. Pyles suggested reiterating the Board’s previous position. Pyles moved, Roberson seconded, to resend a previous letter that the Board stands by its position to repeal the ban on transient oriented zoning; was adopted by unanimous consent.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Waialae Beach Park Update – Pyles raised awareness about funding not yet released to complete improvements at Waialae Beach Park. Pyles moved, Roberson seconded to send a letter urging the Mayor to release the funding of $35,000 as approved in the 2005-2006 Budget for the completion of park improvements of Waialae Beach Park, and that copies be sent to the City Departments of Design and Construction (DDC) and Parks and Recreation (DPR), and area elected officials. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
Dogs on the Beach Signage Task Force Report Update – Sign has been approved.
Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachment/Seawall Variance Update – Area resident, Mike Nauyokas, raised concern of yet another seawall being constructed on Kaimanawai Place – a cluster of six luxury homes. City officials issued a notice of violation to five of the six homeowners on April 7, 2006 for constructing a 50-feet long, 6-feet high new seawall within the Shoreline Setback area without a variance (TMK: 3-1-039-001 or 215, 217 and 219 Kaalawai Place). They were ordered to stop work immediately, obtain permits and correct the violation by May 8, 2006. Another Notice and Order was issued by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) alleging illegal activity on public land seaward of 215 Kaalawai Place (TMK:3-1-039:01). The packet distributed included: copies of the violation notice from the City and State; an invoice from Tom’s Carpentry; a newspaper article; emails and photos. Nauyokas asked the Board for support and encouragement.
Pyles moved, Roberson seconded, to send a letter to Director Henry Eng of DPP for a “no tolerance policy” regarding the Notice of Violations at TMK 3-1-039-001 (specific address of 215 and 219 Kaalawai Place), and providing that if the landowner’s don’t comply by May 8, 2006, that the City put a lien on the property for the value (amendments were made by unanimous consent).
Discussion (before and after the motion): (1) representing the landowner, Attorney Ivan Lui-Kwan shared that the damage to the seawall occurred around January 28, and repair began on February 6. He said that the owner did not violate the law, and merely wanted to fix the potential hazard to the property and the people that walk there, and prevent further criminal activity. (2) Comments were made that was no real danger to pedestrians there and that these homeowners must have a great deal of resources to hire an attorney to represent them. (3) There was debate over whether the part of the wall that was damaged was non-conforming or not. (4) A suggestion was made to remove the wall completely.
As amended, the motion reads: to send a letter to Director Henry Eng of DPP recommending a “no tolerance policy” regarding the Notice of Violations at TMK 3-1-039-001 (specific address of 215 and 219 Kaalawai Place), and providing that if the landowners don’t comply by May 8, 2006, the Board recommends that the City put a lien on the property for the value, was adopted unanimously.
Updates for the Kahala Nui Senior Living Community Center Project, the Weldon Fence and the Unsafe Steel Rail Fencing at 4441 Wahinekoa Place issues were covered earlier in the meeting. There was no update for the Kahala Viaduct Landscape Improvements.
NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion – Kahala Mall Flooding – Ron Yoda, Kahala Mall Manager, gave a brief timeline of the flooding and repairs. The water came from Hunakai Street and entered the mall first by the restrooms and then through the theater, and rose as high as 10 inches on both sides of the mall. By 12:15 p.m., evacuations began. By 12:45 p.m., the mall was closed and water was everywhere on the bottom floor. The mall was closed until Tuesday, April 4. It will take another four to six months to get new carpet, although temporary carpet has been laid down. Discussion: The Governor toured the areas hit hardest by the flooding to assess the damage; there was no water main break.
Roberson moved, Pyles seconded, to have the City evaluate the storm drainage on Hunakai Street and around Kahala Mall for improvement to prevent further damage, which was adopted unanimously.
Discussion – Guidelines and Master Plan for the Kahala Commercial District – Pyles suggested setting up a task force for this issue, and a few volunteered. She's discussed a few items with area legislators.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Hawaii Congress Planning Officials Annual Conference will be held on October 3 and 5.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.; submitted by Marie Richardson, Neighborhood Assistant