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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2006
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lester Fukuda called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lester Fukuda, Gerri Digmon, Michael Troy, Lucinda Pyles, Sylvia Himeda.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Turbin, Kelley Roberson.
GUESTS: Heidi Byrne (Hawaii Literacy), Capt. Ernie Akana (Honolulu Fire Department), Stan Fichtman (Councilmember Djou’s Office staff), K. Turley, Jerry Scroggs, Lance Tom, Lt. Abner DeLima and Det. Tim Walsh (Honolulu Police Department), Leo Hura, Senator Sam Slom, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Lauri Kauhane, Adi Bucar, Lavern Higa (Mayor’s Representative), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Everyone present introduced themselves.
HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Akana reported:
· 4 structure fires, 67 medical calls, and 15 miscellaneous alarms.
- Fire Safety Tip - Brush fires cause great damage and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Be responsible and dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation-surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Det. Walsh reported:
· Statistic total for February included: 8 burglaries, 22 thefts, and 11 UEMV’s.
· Narcotics Complaints – New: 3 Kaimuki, 1 Moiliili, 1 McCully, 1 Waialae, 1 Kuliouou; Closed – 5 McCully, 5 Waialae, 2 Kahala, 2 Hawaii Kai, 1 Kaimuki, 1 Palolo, and 1 Hawaii Loa Ridge; routine investigations continue.
· Hawaii Airport Task Force seized 1042 grams of crystal meth and $37,000 in currency.
· Press Release included: Maryknoll Grade School Faculty Takes to the Streets Against Pollution; and b) pollution tip handout – How Can You Help - 9 Pollution Tips.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Closed complaints are those unfounded or insufficient evidence.
2. Digmon said the “no parking” signs on Malia Street are not sanctioned. The parking situation was monitored and citations were issued.
3. Checks in the Wahinekoa and Alakoa Street areas regarding the drug house; observed no criminal activity. The Criminal Investigation Division is aware of the problem; and officers continue to make periodic checks.
4. Passed in the Senate Intergovernmental and Transportation Committee was a bill to have a grant specifically for retention and recruitment; and uniform and car allowance for the police.
5. Announced in Representative Marumoto’s report was the “Keiki ID” event (photo laminated identification card) at Kahala Mall on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
REPORT FROM MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVES:
Mayor’s Rep - Laverne Higa reported:
§ Available - informational handouts on curbside recycling and green waste collection; a bag, pair of shoelaces and pencils were just examples of items made from recycled material.
§ Kahala Senior Center – the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) requested that the project consultant reevaluate the “No Parking” zone to determine if any on-street parking on Malia Street can be restored.
§ Halekoa Drive Illegal Construction: a) the owner stated that Sulimoa Taufele constructed the CRM wall at 1493 Halekoa Drive, not the resident. On March 9 a site inspection was done; on March 10 a notice of violation was issued. b) Building permit No. 592658 was for a 36-inch high retaining wall with a 1.6 feet fence on top; as such an engineer stamp was not required. c) On March 9, inspection by William Kupau revealed no auto repair or storage of contractor’s equipment in the garage area of 1493 Halekoa Drive. d) Awaiting a response from HPD regarding the parked limos on the street.
§ Unsafe Fence at 4441 and 4441 Wahinekoa Place – confirmed wall was constructed as part of the road; ownership is that of the City. DPP is still awaiting pipe railing safety standards.
§ Frontage Improvements – according to Kahala Community Association, new frontage improvements for Kahala homes require a presentation at the neighborhood board. According to DPP, if the frontage improvements are street frontage improvements, DPP is not aware of any requirement for applications to present such a proposal. If the requirement is a private deed restriction, DPP will not enforce it.
Questions followed:
1. Regarding frontage improvements, Pyles referred to a dispute in 1989, dealing with setbacks, etc.; accordingly, presentations were to be presented to the Kahala Community Association.
2. Digmon referred to the Kahala Nui driveway, three feet clearance, which she hopes would not require a variance.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller:
§ Reported no main breaks in February.
§ Detect-A-Leak Week was last week – BWS wants to encourage checking your house periodically for water leaks; checking your water meter and your toilets.
Troy reported that the two water tank areas on upper Halekoa Street are out of control and needs to maintain and landscaped more frequently.
Councilmember Charles Djou – Stan Fitchman distributed Councilmember Djou’s report and highlighted on:
§ Bill 72 - introduced by Councilmember Djou, requires mandatory curbside recycling by July 1, 2007; Mayor Hannemann signed the bill;
§ Administration will be asked to re-inform the residents and resident managers of the Tropicana Gardens and Waialae Gardens, about scheduled pickup times for bulky items. This should prevent items from being dumped prematurely (2 – 3 weeks before scheduled); and
§ Hearings coming up for FY 2007 Capital Improvement Project and Operating Budgets. The $2.1 billion: includes a $600 million debt and a 15.3% increase from last year.
Questions followed:
1. Pyles inquired about the Waialae Beach Park improvements. Djou’s office will continue to press DPP to put out the contract. DPP responded they have until December 31.
2. Tom mentioned flooding of the Waialae Beach Park parking lot; Fichtman will try to get the landscapers out to address the problem.
BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:
Approval of the February 16, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Correction to the minutes:
§ Page 3, under Representative Marumoto’s report should read, “…received the President’s Award…”.
Troy moved, Himeda seconded to approve the February 16, 2006 Meeting Minutes as amended; carried by unanimous consent.
Treasurer’s Report – February / March’s Treasurer’s Reports deferred until the next Board meeting.
RESIDENTS CONCERNS:
Kahala Community Association Report – None.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Governor’s Representative – No representative present.
Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her report and announced:
§ A list’s of House bills that crossed over to the Senate;
§ “Celebrate Kaimuki” on Saturday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
§ “Keiki ID” at Kahala Mall on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; and
§ Setting up a meeting with the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) to discuss beautification measures in response to various landscaping complaints.
Other comments regarded similar concerns in other areas of Waialae Kahala. Marumoto suggested a motion to Director Haraga, Department of Transportation. Pyles moved that a letter be sent to Director Rod Haraga of SDOT requesting that they address the deterioration of the landscaping on the mauka slope of Diamond Head Road between Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head Park; seconded by Troy. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
Representative Lyla Berg – No representative present.
Senator Sam Slom – distributed his report and touched on:
§ SB 2911 modifying the gas cap, which he voted against;
§ Container tax law, which he voted “no” on (SB 3114, 3105, 3181);
§ Recognition to Representative Marumoto for her prestigious President’s Award of the Women Lawyers; and
§ The Sunshine Law – the concern is interpretation of the law; and the whole purpose is to keep meetings open and public; and another issue regarding eminent domain, which the counties do not want passed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
OMPO Traffic – Fukuda announced at the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan meeting, he made the Board’s priorities known, which included: bikeways, fix the H-1 Freeway corridor, and Kalanianaole Highway; and questioned having enough provisions of construction monies budgeted.
Vision Team & CIP Report – No update.
Land Use & Zoning Report – Pyles reported on the Draft Environmental Assessment – Improvement of Nonconforming Seawall and Other Improvements within the Shoreline Setback area of three vacant lots (TMK: 3-5-003:008; 009; 010). Due to the timeliness, the matter will be brought up tonight under item 9.5 Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachment. The Board felt it is relevant to the issue.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Kahala Nui Senior Living Community Center Project Update – Digmon entertained a motion regarding the “No Parking” sign issue on Malia Street fronting Kahala Nui Senior. Digmon moved, Himeda seconded a resolution: for immediate removal of the non-sanctioned “no parking” sign erected makai of Malia Street by the Kahala Nui development; and all City & County street parking be returned to the community park users and residents. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
Weldon Fence Issue Update – No update.
Waialae Beach Park Update – No update.
Dogs on the Beach Signage Task Force Report – Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has approved the signage. Signs will say, “Dogs Must Be Leashed on Beach.”
Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachment Update – As previously noted, and due to its timeliness, Pyles is asking the Board support:
a) To oppose the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for 4433, 4423, and 4415 Kahala Avenue (TMK- 3-5-003:008. 009, 010). Pyles moved, Digmon seconded to oppose the Draft EA, expressing concern to propose major enforcement of a non-conforming deteriorating seawall. Discussion followed: Pyles will submit the letter expressing the Board’s concern. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
b) Pyles raised another concern regarding a situation similar to the Weldon Fence issue; at 4709 Kahala Avenue of a minor shoreline structure permit, because it is in the wash of the waves and denying lateral access. The property was also cited for the rocks and plastic, etc. Pyles moved for support of a resolution concerning the minor shoreline structure permit at 4709 Kahala Avenue (similar to the Weldon Fence issue); Himeda seconded the motion. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hawaii Literacy – Heidi Byrne reported there are 154,000 adults in Hawaii with very basic literary skills. Hawaii Literacy has helped thousands of adults learn basic reading and writing skills; and is dedicated to helping people gain knowledge and skills by providing literacy and lifelong learning services. Programs available provide one-to-one tutoring to English-speaking adults; programs for caregivers and children; offers free evening reading and writing classes to non-native English speakers; Hawaii Literacy’s bookmobile visits housing projects; and referral service through Aloha United Ways 211 hotline. For more information call 537-6706 or email info@HawaiiLiteracy.org or online at: www.HawaiiLiteracy.org.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: The following announcements were:
§ There will be a DLNR integrated shoreline policy workshop on Thursday, April 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; at Kalanimoku Building, Room 132.
§ Hawaii Brownfields Forum on Wednesday, April 5 at Ala Moana Hotel; registration 8:30 a.m., program and networking 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
§ Representative Marumoto will work with Pyles regarding notifying primarily beachfront property owners about the shoreline policy workshop.
§ Pyles suggested going back and looking at issues; another suggestion was when resurrecting the effort to make sure that the City administration is on Board.
ADJOURNMENT: Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted by
Marie Richardson
Neighborhood Assistant