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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2006
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lester Fukuda called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present with five members.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerri Digmon, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson and Stan Fichtman (newly elected).
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Turbin, Mike Troy.
GUESTS: Acting Capt. Stephen Kohn (Honolulu Fire Department), Stan Fichtman, Nolan Kido, Lori Gorospe and Francisco Figueiredo (Councilmember Djou’s Office staff persons), Lance Tom; Lt. Alex Ahlo, Capt. Robert Green, Maj. Mark Nakagawa, Sgt. L. Dabaluz, Det. S. Forman, Officer J. Hendricks (Honolulu Police Department); Senator Sam Slom, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Laverne Higa (Mayor’s Representative); Kevin Nitta, Jennifer Sunada and Joel Lagund (Hawaii Kai Jaycees), Kamuela McCormick, Leo Hura, George Nitta (Hawaii Ethanol), Steven Onone, Kathryn Michaud (FEMA), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Everyone introduced themselves.
HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Alex Ahlo reported: 1) The statistics report was available for review for specific crime trend details; the ATV Beach Detail issued: 19 liquor, 1 camping, 2 dogs on the beach and 160 miscellaneous citations; speed trailer enforcement on Malia Street; and graffiti enforcement efforts – arrested a total of five juveniles since the effort began. 2) Monthly Safety Tip: “Home Safety – A Guide to Using the Internet.”
Questions, comments and concerns:
1. Asked patrol officers to watch the traffic going in the wrong direction on Malia Street during road closures and/or emergencies.
2. Lt. Green reported 500 written warnings and citations were issued from April 16 to May 15. Digmon felt the effort is a real deterrent; Tom agreed that speeding has subsided.
3. Report that in the vicinity of 4630 Kahala Avenue, the unimproved sidewalk area is being used to display cars for sale. HPD will monitor the area; call 911 immediately at the time of the violation.
4. Late night gatherings reported at Wilson Park, and he asked if there’s been any drug bust recently. None lately, but HPD encouraged calling 911.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Acting Capt. Stephen Kohn (Kaimuki Station): 1) 6 structure fires, 19 medical and 17 miscellaneous calls for service; Ladder Company 5 – 2 structure fires, 63 medical and 2 miscellaneous calls for service. 2) Safety Tip: Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911. Practice your escape plan periodically. For information call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 732-7153. 3) Use a flat bed sheet to cradle a bed bound individual in an emergency situation.
BOARD VACANCIES: At the last meeting, a motion carried by unanimous consent to elect Stan Fichtman (Sub district 4) vacancy. Fichtman requested to defer his acceptance until this month, which he accepted. NA Richardson administered the Oath of Office and Fichtman was congratulated by his father, his co-workers, and friends, as well as the Board. Fukuda announced one vacancy in the Kahala area (Subdistrict 3).
REPORT FROM MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVES:
Mayor’s Representative - Laverne Higa: 1) Unsafe Fence on Wahinekoa Place – built in 1956, safety standards were different. Further research is required. 2) Weldon Fence and Kahala Avenue seawall issues – no response from Department of Planning and Permitting, 3) Ainakoa Community Park – research is continuing. 4) Waialae Nui Neighborhood Welcome Sign – project would need to be community driven, funded and maintained. 5) Road Resurfacing – the street rehabilitation program will be doing 2,500 miles of rehabilitation, focusing on the main thoroughfares; funding is limited. 6) Irrigation on Kilauea Avenue – this particular irrigation is old, deteriorated and no longer operational; and at this point, not economically feasible to replace.
Questions and comments:
1. News issue focused on the removal a bus stop in front of Kahala Nui. Concern was the 40-foot setback from driveways and restoring on-street parking. A community petition letter was submitted to the Mayor.
2. Request for a follow-up report regarding three letters regarding: a) Waialae Beach Park Improvement; b) Hunakai Street drainage; and c) a Notice of Violation in a Special Management Area.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Heller: 1) No main break in April 2006. 2) Congratulation to the 2006 BWS Poster Contest winners. 3) Water Conservation Tip: Do You Know? An average family uses 13,000 gallons of water per day.
Councilmember Charles Djou - Fichtman: 1) Councilmember is on Radio Station KHVH - AM 830 from 7 to 8 a.m. 2) Request for an investigation into the sewer spills; why and who is responsible for the break. 3) Councilmember Djou is chair for the newly established Energy Committee.
Questions and comments followed:
Why is there a 40-foot setback (Kahala Nui) from driveways (justification by what traffic study)?
BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:
Approval of the April 20, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Corrections were:
· Page 3, Questions and comments, under Governor’s Representative, item 3 – third sentence, delete
Kelley, insert Roberson.
· Page 3, Land Use Zoning, should read, “Pyles reported regarding Resolution 06-118 that there was a City Council hearing on the recommendation to DPP to review…”; and “…its position to ban transient rental zoning; was adopted by unanimous consent.”
· Page 4, Kahala Beach Vegetation - Second paragraph - second line, delete yet another, insert a; third line – delete five, insert three; line seven, following (TMK:3-1-039:01), insert, “…was rescinded because it was not on State land.” Third paragraph - first line, (motion) delete “no tolerance policy”, insert expressing concern; third line, delete the line following May 8, 2006, insert, “…the severest consequences allowable under the law be imposed.” Fourth paragraph – delete item 2, should read, “A question was raised as to whether it is a real danger to pedestrians.” Fifth paragraph – line four, delete put a lien on the property for the value; insert invoke the severest consequences.
Digmon moved, Roberson seconded to approve the April 20, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
Treasurer’s Report – Pyles reported: 1) The Operating Account incurred an expenses totaling $60.94 for March/April, leaving a closing balance $1,237.37. 2) No expenses were incurred in the Publicity and Refreshment Accounts in March/April. Balances remain at $936.00 (Publicity); and $120.00 (Refreshment). Roberson moved, Himeda seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Kahala Community Association Report – No report.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Governor’s Representative – Andersen: 1) Light under the freeway – near Kahala Mall is under the State’s jurisdiction and should be addressed shortly. 2) Testing of the beach sand for bacteria – there is currently no approved methodology for sand test sampling; no scientific standard, so a standard needs to established. 3) Compliments to Department of Land Natural Resources for the recent Shoreline Management workshop. 4) Why two methods of the recycling program (weight/count) – Department of Health responded that the consumers have a choice on how they want to get their deposits back; there are pros and cons to that. 5) Crater Festival Celebration – Diamond Head Park coordinator, will be preparing a report to DLNR; the event was a success and the grounds restored satisfactorily. 6) No response yet whether it is safe to eat the fish.
FEMA Update – Kathryn Michaud, Community Relations Field Specialist for FEMA, wanted to inform the public regarding the Federal Disaster Declaration 1640, opened an assistance center at Kahala Mall. FEMA received such good response and they’ll be extending one more week. Flyers were available at the sign-in table. The important thing is to get individuals to register 1-800-621-FEMA.
Regarding the deadline date is dependant on the State; the deadline for registering for federal assistance is 60 days (from May 3). There is a comprehensive website: www.SCD.hawaii.gov.
Senator Sam Slom – 1) Bills signed into law: Act 81, mandates that criminals convicted of three separate violent crimes are sentenced to a minimum of 30 years in prison; HB 3115 CD1 signed into law as Act 78, the suspension of the controversial gas cap law; Act 96 (HB 2175); Act 96 (HB 2175) will require that 20% of new state vehicles be “energy efficient.” 2) Senators Hogue and Kanno will not be returning to the Senate next year.
Questions and comments:
1. Three comprehensive energy bills were passed. Discussion on solar credits – credit to be retained and not expand it. Also, solar cells will be installed at selected schools and government buildings.
2. McCormick local telecommunication services - competitive with cable TV, internet and landline telephone.
People are taking more advantage of other companies such Vonage, etc.
Representatives Marumoto and Berg were not present; however, monthly newsletters were available.
Roberson moved, Digmon seconded to take the agenda out of order to New Business, E10 Gas Report. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
NEW BUSINESS:
E10 Gas Report – George Nitta reported that Ethanol 10% (E10) is the cleanest, cheapest, and renewable burning alternative to gasoline. Ethanol mix is available at gas stations identified with a yellow E10 sticker. Consumers were under the impression there was at least 10% ethanol. Tests show that no stations used more than 6% ethanol. Ethanol will increase gas mileage on an average of 6 – 8 miles per gallon. More cars are coming in with engine damage, not because of the ethanol in the gas, but rather from the lack of octane.
Be aware of the many gas additive scams most don’t work. He recommends moth balls, an old fashion remedy that really works and will add to the life of your engine. Other options are using at least 20% of ethanol or getting a flex-fuel vehicle that can run 100% ethanol.
Questions and comments:
1. Ethanol is the purest and cleanest burning alternative, exhaust is carbon dioxide (which the plants take to make oxygen) and not carbon monoxide.
2. Information go to Nitta’s website at: www.georgenitta.com; or listen to radio station KUMU, AM
1500 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday’s.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
OMPO Traffic – OMPO will be prioritizing upcoming projects on June 8.
Land Use & Zoning Report – a) McCully NHB No. 8 - regarding the contamination of Ala Wai Canal; and b) the Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30 - regarding the strategic plan of the Civil Defense.
Primary Urban Center Development Plan Vision & Goals Task Force – Committee members are Fukuda and Roberson.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Kahala Nui Senior Living Community Center Project – Request that someone from the Department of Planning and Permitting attend the next meeting to explain: the 40 foot driveway setback, the provisions of the ordinance, and what traffic study was done.
Weldon Fence Issue Update – No update.
Waialae Beach Park Funding Request Update – Funding update was requested.
Dogs on the Beach Signage – Task Force Report –DLNR has approved signage and is waiting for the installation. Hatch will keep the Board updated.
Kahala Beach Vegetation Encroachment/Seawall Variances Update on Resolution – NHB letter was sent out.
Kahala Viaduct Landscape Improvements – State DOT Landscaping/Public – Private partnership progress, City to check on irrigation on Kilauea Avenue – Discussed earlier.
4441 Wahinekoa Place – Steel Rail Fencing Unsafe City Findings – more research.
Request City to Check Drainage at Hunakai Street at Kahala Mall – Request was sent to the City to check the drainage.
CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: a) Hawaii Congress of Planning Officials at the Convention Center from October 3 – 5. b) Kaimuki Neighborhood Parking Survey: www.KaimukiHawaii.com. c) Fichtman announced he will be absent next month. d) Himeda requested a Kamehameha Schools (KS) representative attend to talk about the old Chevron Gas Station. Fukuda: property is still leased by Chevron; other KS properties are sublet out and therefore, the responsibility of the sub lessee. e) Roberson: Asked to remove the Kahala Community Association from the agenda; Himeda said it’s been more than a year since a representative has been to this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: There was no other Board business, the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Submitted by
Marie Richardson
Neighborhood Assistant