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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Lucinda Pyles called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum was present with five (5) members.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson and Richard Turbin.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Lester Fukuda and Michael Troy. 

GUESTS: Leo Hura, Capt. Ernest Akana, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Officer Jason Hendricks, Sgt. Stuart Yano, Lt. Howard Ishida, and Capt. Robert Green (Honolulu Police Department), Lauri Kauhane, Kamuela McCormick, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Representative Lyla Berg, Melvin Ah Ching (Senator Sam Slom’s Office staff), Kathleen Kelly, Cliff Montgomery, Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).  

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Everyone present introduced themselves.

Vice Chair Pyles entertained taking the agenda out of order to Honolulu Fire and Police Departments; no objections followed.

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

Boardmember Turbin arrived at 7:04 p.m.; six members were now present.

Honolulu Fire Department – Capt. Ernest Akana reported:

·         3 structure, 2 brush, 6 rubbish and 1 vehicle fire; 50 medical and 2 miscellaneous emergencies.

• Safety Tip: the National Fire Protection Association has selected “Prevent Home Cooking Fires: “Watch What You Heat” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week from October 8 – 14, 2006. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2006 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools. b) Provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicle does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder.

Honolulu Police Department – Capt. Robert Green introduced: Lt. Howard Ishida, Sgt. Stuart Yano and Officer Jason Hendricks. The statistic report was distributed, copies available at the sign-in table and Officers available for questions:  

Questions and answers followed:

1. Capt. Green added that over the past week, patrol officers caught three individuals on two separate occasions responsible for much of the UEMV’s in the Diamond Head area. The rising trend is the use of rental cars, so HPD forgery detail is working along with the car rental companies on this issue.
2. Digmon asked if HPD is citing the cars parked within the 40-foot setback fronting the Kahala Nui Senior Center on Malia Street. She said last week, Kahala Nui had a garage sale and people were parked on both sides of Malia Street and not abiding by the 40-foot setback. Capt. Green encouraged calling in the complaint and that officers will respond to most of the parking complaints.      
3. Tom was concerned: a) about drag racing on Malia Street between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.; also b) when Kalanianaole Highway is backed up, motorist traverse Malia Street to get around the blockage/accident. HPD’s first priority is to keep Kalanianaole Highway flowing if there is a backup or an accident, and is aware and will address the matter, although the side streets are not the first priority.  
4. Turbin expressed: a) the drag racing included racing on Kahala Avenue and up Pueo Street in the early mornings. b) On Sunday, there was an informal bike race or training session going, with people stopping traffic at the side streets. Green noted a permit for a bike race is required and includes a flagman for traffic control; and he’ll have officers keep watch for the speeding concerns.   
5. Hura has seen near accidents when there are two lanes turning left and the farthest left lane is allowed to make a U-turn. He suggested a more specific sign to indicate U-turn from the left lane only. Capt. Green would have to suggest that the Department of Transportation Services look at the signs.  
6. Kathleen Kelley asked what the public should do about loud modified mufflers on cars, motorcycles or mopeds.  Green said officers have cited motorist however, when it goes to court it gets thrown out because the officers are not equipped with decibel meters to measure the noise level. However, if it is a safety issue and depending on the severity, it could be cited as a hazard, but there are no specific statistics for loud mufflers. Digmon noted years back, if you were able to get the license plate number and a description of the car, if HPD received three complaints, they would get a letter; Capt. Green that is known as a hazardous driver.

REPORT FROM MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVES:

Mayors Representative - Laverne Higa reported:

·         Bus stop removal on Malia Street – the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) projected the bus shelter on Maila Street will be removed early next year.

·         The Discover Recycling Fair begins on Thursday, September 21 and runs through Saturday, September 29 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena. For more information log on to: www.opala.org or call 692-5410.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Tom is frustrated because the bus stop on Malia Street was removed but the bus shelter is still there, and that the bus stop on Ainakoa Street has no bus shelter. He suggested re-instating the bus stop on Malia with the shelter and removing the bus stop on Ainakoa Street, with no shelter. Digmon strongly urged having a shelter located at the bus stop. Due to the cut back of bus stops, there is a back log to remove the bus shelters.

2.       Turbin was concerned about private refuse pickup that takes up one to two lanes on Ala Wai Blvd. in the mornings during peak rush hour traffic. Turbin would like the City to get these private refuse companies to stop picking up between the hours of 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Higa would look at whether the City has anything in place to regulate the matter. Otherwise, Turbin suggested passing a resolution, which is something Higa noted Board members could do. 

3.       Lucinda mentioned available at the sign-in table were flyers about the “Discover Recycling Fair” on September 21, 22, and 23 at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena; and the latest September 2006 issue of the Hawaii Transit flyer from the Department of Transportation Services. 

Board of Water Supply - Lorna Heller reported:

·         No main breaks for the month of August.

·         General Water Announcements: a) View information about up coming construction projects or progress in your area online at www.BoardofWaterSupply.com in the “Community” pull-down menu under “Construction Projects.” Contact your NB representative or email: contactUs@hbws.org for specific questions about a project  b) The BWS Information session for neighborhood board members, is set for Saturday, September 30, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at BWS’ Fredrick Ohrt Museum at 1381 N. King Street. For more information or to RSVP, please call Devon Nekoba at 748-5369, or email him at dnekoba@hbws.org. c) Water Conservation Tip: When cleaning your fish tank, use the tank water for your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with an excellent free fertilizer!

Councilmember Charles Djou - Stan Fichtman distributed Councilmember’s report and reported that some of these transit studies are over the top so he’ll be looking at other transit options.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Councilmember Djou would make a decision once he reviews the results of the transit system report by consultant, Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas.

2.       Digmon said that Seattle voted the rail system down because the cost was prohibiting; and is very concerned that Hawaii will not get the necessary ridership to warrant such a system costing $3 billion.  

3.       Councilmember’s recommendation for a property tax cap to an overall 10% increased at any one time has been dismissed. There is a brand new provision in the real property tax exemption that limits your income to $37,000 per person and will go into effect this year. Digmon was interested in getting the form; Fichtman will get her the form.  

The agenda was again taken out of order to address Residents’ Concerns.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: 

1.       Kathryn Kelley, a concerned resident against noise pollution, introduced Cliff Montgomery with the Citizens Against Noise (CAN). CAN is hoping to work with HPD on enforcing the laws in place and will be working with elected officials in attempts to get better laws drafted. CAN is sharing information at different neighborhood boards to hopefully build a membership of concerned citizens. Their mission is to eradicate unnecessary noise. For more information: http://HawaiiCANHUSH.net; or voice your opinion at: http://HawaiiCANHUSH.net/blog; or reach Cliff Montgomery directly at cnm_-CANOFHawaii@yahoo.com. 

2.        

2.   Lauri Kauhane, resident of Ainakoa Street, is very concerned about the graffiti coming up in this neighborhood board area and would like to see it wiped out. Pyles suggested calling the Mayor’s Complaints line; Fichtman suggested another resource, Bill Hall, a graffiti cleanup volunteer in the Aina Haina area along Kalanianaole Highway; McCormick indicated stickers are being posted on highway signs changing what it looks like at night; it becomes a real safety issue if plastered over a stop sign.     

The agenda went back to Board Housekeeping.

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:  

Approval of the July 20, 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Roberson moved, Fichtman seconded to approve the minutes of July 20, 2006 as circulated. The motion carried by unanimous consent.   

Treasurer’s Report – Stan Fichtman reported: 1) For July 2006: Operating Account balance expense was $29.73, leaving a closing balance of $1,490.27. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts reflected no expenses, leaving the balances as: $936.00 (Publicity); and $120.00 (Refreshment). 2) For August: the Operating Account balance expense was $29.55, leaving a balance of $1,460. 72. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts reflected no expenses, leaving the balances as: $936.00 (Publicity) and $120.00 (Refreshment). Since there were no objections, the Treasurer’s Reports of July and August 2006 were accepted for filing.  

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Mark Andersen distributed the Governor’s Weekly report and reported he’d moving on to a new assignment.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Tom was concerned about the lack of enforcement when samoan crabs and lobsters are out of season and comments that the offense is a $1,000 fine, but that there’s no enforcement. Digmon asked if there is a department that enforces these type of offenses and how is it monitored.

2.       The Board made an effort this summer to find out who is responsible for the landscaping along the mauka side of Diamond Head Road in the vicinity of the lookouts.  Pyles recently found that the agency responsible is the State Parks Department, Special Diamond Head Division; so they will be looking into the landscaping issues mauka of Diamond Head Road.     

Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her monthly report and highlighted: 1) The Board of Education is rethinking the Weighted School Formula. 2) Tom Coffman’s documentary “The First Battle” – tells of how a few individuals managed to keep 160,000 Hawaii Japanese from being interned after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. 3) Marumoto will push in her district capital improvement projects (CIP) for KCC (Kapiolani Community College) parking structure in the next session. 4) Kalani High School’s Principal Randiann Porras-Tang has been reassigned to a job in the Department of Education. 5) Kalani High School received $200,000 to renovate the chemistry lab in Building N. 6) Kalani High School Band members were threatened on Admission’s Day event at Iolani Palace; Marumoto asked the protesters to offer an apology to the band however, none was forthcoming. 7) Chaminade University celebrated its 50^th Anniversary. 8) A fond Aloha to former Governor William F. Quinn, who was laid to rest. Services were held at Star of the Sea. 9) “Constitution Day” – Representative Marumoto and Senator Hanabusa spoke to KCC student on the importance of the election process and insuring persons’ right under the U.S. Constitution - Press Release: Why You Should Get Involved in Government? Why Vote? 10) Marumoto is continuing her efforts with the beautification projects along Waialae and Kilauea Avenues.

Representative Lyla Berg – distributed her monthly report and announced that Representative Marumoto is currently the Legislator in residence at University of Hawaii. Educational updates included: 1) Hanauma Bay Educational Program – each Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. They will partner with Malama Maunalua for a month of sharing information and field trips. Events are free and open to the public. Parking if free after 5:30 p.m. Field trip sizes are limited, so call 397-5480 for more information and to sign up. 2) East Honolulu Community meeting “Our Environment: It Matters” on Tuesday, October 17 at Hahaione Elementary School Cafeteria. From 6:30 to 7 p.m. – Recycle working computers and any cell phone with accessories; and from 7 – 9 p.m. Panelist of speakers: Alyssa Miller, Malama Maunalua; Jeff Mikulina, Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter; and Brent Dillabaugh, Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development. 3) Kuliouou Valley Hike and Trail Restoration (co-hosted by DLNR) at 8:30 a.m. Kuliouou Park; talk story hike with Curt Cottrell. Call for more information.   

Senator Sam Slom – Melvin Ah Ching distributed Senator Slom’s newsletter and highlighted on: 1) voters cast ballots early for Primary Election.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic Report/Update – No report.

Land Use & Zoning – No report.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head - Neighborhood of Excellence – Roberson communicated and will be working with committee members Troy and Pyles on a meeting to discuss ideas for the Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head Neighborhood of Excellence committee. Participation will include area businesses, organizations, group leaders, etc.; and community residents interested in participating and sharing ideas.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waialae Beach Park Update – Fichtman will give an update next month.

Dogs on the Beach Signage – Task Force Report – Vice Chair Pyles received a call from Susan Roig, Honolulu Advertiser, wanting to do an article and Roig understood that the signs that were taken down were going be replaced. Roberson and Turbin received calls as well. Pyles mentioned a neighbor’s daughter took her children to the beach, only to see a number of unleashed dogs there, so they left and went home.      

Kahala Beach area (Vegetation Encroachments/Seawall Variances) – No update.

State DOT Landscaping Plan for Waialae/Kahala area – An earlier update was given by Anderson, Governor’s representative. 

NEW BUSINESS:

East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan for presentation & discussion – Deferred to a future time. 

The agenda was taken out of order back to Filling of Board Vacancies.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY - One seat in Sub-District 3 (Kahala area) - Vice Chair Pyles explained that the Board has a plan to address the difficulty of filling the Sub District 3 vacancy. Currently, Richard Turbin is seated in the At-Large seat, but has agreed to resign that position to fill the vacancy in the Sub District 3, which is where he resides; meanwhile, residents, not of Sub District 3 have expressed interest of sitting on the board.  

Turbin announced his resignation from the At-Large seat; the Board accepted his resignation. Roberson moved, Digmon seconded to nominate Turbin to fill the Sub District 3 vacancy. Since there were no other interested candidates, Himeda moved, Fichtman seconded to close the nominations. Turbin was elected by unanimous consent.

The At-Large vacancy will be posted according to the Revised Neighborhood Plan on the Board’s next meeting agenda of Thursday, October 19, 2006.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Waialae Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 mail or City Council notices

ADJOURNMENT: Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant