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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2007

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lester Fukuda called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson, Michael Troy.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Gerri Digmon, Leo Hura, Richard Turbin.

GUESTS: Capt. Tim Turgeon (HFD), Lorna Heller (BWS), Marion Kelly, Kathleen Kelly (Citizens Against Noise), Sgt. Glenn Maekawa, Lt. Alex Ahlo (Honolulu Police Department), Lauri Kauhane, Michelle Matson, Gaye Miyasaki (Representative Barbara Marumoto Office staff), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Lyla Berg, Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).  

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

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Tim Turgeon (Kaimuki Station) reported:

·         6 structure, 1 brush, 2 rubbish, 1 vehicle fire, 85 medical and 9 miscellaneous emergencies; there were no major or unusual incidents.

·         Fire Safety Tip: Every home should have a working smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level. Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen or bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned four to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.

The 85 medical emergencies reported occurred within the Kaimuki Station area from 6^th Avenue to Wilhelmina Rise down to Kahala and the Kahala Mall area. The Kahala Nui Senior Center is within the geographic area of the Wailupe Station. But Kaimuki Station has responded to calls at Kahala Nui dependant of their location at the time of the alarm.  

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Alex Ahlo (District 7) introduced Sgt. Glenn Maekawa, Community Policing Officer and reported: 

·         Distributed earlier was the crime statistics for the month of January.  

·         The monthly safety tip from the Narcotics Vice Division if you suspect drug activity in your neighborhood; a list of helpful contact information was also available.

·         The All Terrain Vehicle statistics included: 52 liquor, 6 illegal camping, and 4 park closure citations.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Tom reported speeding still occurs on Malia Street mostly on the weekends late at night and weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; HPD will try to take some action.

2.       K. Kelly, member of Citizens Against Noise (CAN), wondered if citations were issued this month for loud mopeds or modified mufflers. Lt. Ahlo did not have that information at this time but will have Sgt. Maekawa contact Kelly with the information. The Board would be interested in a monthly statistic report.

3.       Responding to Troy, mopeds are not required to be inspected annually and only required to have a bicycle registration tag. K. Kelly said CAN is looking at how moped mufflers are certified in California.

4.       Pyles noted some areas (Kahala Avenue stretch) are clearly impacted when mopeds traverse in packs.

5.       Fukuda reported the Department of Transportation Services would not attend tonight’s meeting. DTS is asking that the traffic issues go to a committee to collaborate a unified plan, rather than a piece meal effort. Tom agreed to assist with the committee.

Mayors Representative - Laverne Higa reported on the:

·         Bus shelter relocation – will happen by the end of February.

·         Ainakoa Community Park – the second water fountain will be installed within the next two months by the basketball court area.

·         Kilauea Avenue rehabilitation project – is currently out to bid; bid opening is scheduled for March 1.

·         Mayor’s State of the City Address on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m.; the public is invited.  

Pyles raised concern about the Board’s request and desire to be removed from the Primary Urban Core and included in the East Honolulu Development Plan (EHDP) area. Discussion ensued: Higa was asked to help assist the Board during this process. Suggestions included submitting the Board’s request and desire again, contacting Hal Senter of DPP, contact person working on the EHDP, and having the Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force take this matter into committee.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller reported:

·         No main breaks in January.

·         Effective February 1, Dean Nakano is the new Deputy Manager & Chief of Board of Water Supply.

·         Water Saving Tip: Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.

Questions followed:

1.       In response to K. Kelly, Heller said to call the BWS Water Waste Complaint phone number when you see excess water runoff; Heller will have that number next month.

2.       Heller will let the roving crew know again about the overgrowth at the water stations on Ainakoa Drive.

3.       Heller will find out what the standard watering schedule is. A suggestion was noted that watering for 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset is sufficient. Heller noted there are a number of variables and it depends on how much rain there is; she also recommends using moisture sensors.  

Councilmember Charles Djou - Stan Fichtman distributed the monthly report and highlighted:

·         A request from Councilmember Djou prompted DPP to investigate the Kawamoto properties of for violations of permitting rules on modifications done. In response, properties at: 4337, 4398, 4332 Kahala Avenue permits were issued for work done; properties at 4744 and 4758 Kahala Ave did not have permits and a notice of violation was issued on that work; and the property at 4578 Kahala Ave did not have any observed modifications.

·         City Council on February 13, held a joint meeting of the Transportation and Budget committees to consider the proposed minimum operating segment for the mass transit system. 

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Pyles questioned the property tax reform.

2.       Tom is concerned about the tremendous amount of weddings held at the Waialae Beach Park and asked is there anyway of limiting that type of activity; Fichtman will make some inquiries and get back to Tom before the next meeting. 

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING

Approval of the January 18, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes – Corrections included:

·         Page 4, Representative Marumoto, item 2, second sentence should read, “She has asked to look at the property and is concerned; …”.

·         Page 5, Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force, Discussion ensued, first sentence, delete “the next”.

Troy moved, Fichtman seconded to approve the meeting minutes of January 18, 2007 as amended. The motion carried by unanimous consent.

Treasurer’s Report of January 2007 – Fichtman reported: The Operating/Publicity Account incurred expenses totaling $67.68, leaving a closing balance to-date of $2,285. 71. The Refreshment Account reflected no expense, leaving the closing balance to-date of $120.00. Troy moved, Roberson seconded to accept the February 2007 Treasurer’s Report for filing. The motion carried by unanimous consent. 

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

1.       Tom asked that a representative from Kahala Nui Senior Center come to the next meeting to discuss the on-street parking issues.

2.       Kauhane shared concern about the traffic impacts posed by the marathon events. The Board would need to invite representatives next year.     

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – No representative, no report.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Gayle Miyasaki distributed the monthly report and reported on:

·         Homeowners who suffered flood damage during the heavy rains in 2006 may be entitled to state tax credit. Form N338 is available at: www.hawaii.gov/taxation/forms or contact Lynn Garcia at 586-1577.

·         The State Constitution requires the Legislature to return money to taxpayers in the form of rebate.

·         The House has proposed a bill that would remove legislators from the code of ethical standards established and enforced by the State Ethics Commission.

·         The Representative introduced HB 58, which makes obtaining your phone records and/or personal information by fraud and selling this information illegal.

·         Work will begin on converting the city’s parking lot between 11^th and 12^th Avenues to attendant parking.

·         Representative Marumoto was on Olelo Community TV station to discuss traffic safety bill HB-57 and spent a day with students on UH Day.

·         Lobbying for the passage of legislation to recognize the Asian Luna New Year; the legislation calls for an observance day or week in Hawaii.    

K. Kelly asked who is responsible for the Kaimuki parking lot. Fichtman said the contractor doing the renovation of the parking lot is also the one to maintain. Kelly was concerned that the trash bins are overflowing.

Representative Lyla Berg – No representative was present; no report available.  

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and highlighted:  

·         The session is one-third complete. A listing of bills introduced can be tracked on the website.

·         There are proposals to spending $700 million surplus; the focus will be on collective bargaining.

·         Former Director of DOT, Rod Haraga, is now employed with the City & County of Honolulu. 

·         Coqui frogs have been found in Hawaii Kai.

·         Introduction of SB 211 relating to drug testing for legislators has been amended to include teachers.

·         SB138, SD1, to allow a user fee, but to require that not less than 55% of money collected remain with Diamond Head maintenance, renovation, and operation of the visitor education center; passed out of committee. 

·         Next Tuesday is crossover deadline for bills. The last day of the session is May 3.

·         There is a bill to lower the age requirement for someone to run for Governor from 30 to 21.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1.       Troy said a significant user fee paid for last year’s Diamond Head Crater concert included multiple conditions. Matson said apparently $10,000 was given to another charity; and cautioned that DLNR take to take a serious look at this type of commercialism.   

2.       Senator Slom elaborated on the aim to restrict muffler noise that both the House/Senate received over 300/400 emails on both sides on that issue and more were in opposition than pro. K. Kelly’s explanation about changes from the manufacturer make sense, in terms of changing what already exist Slom is not likely to be in favor; but will keep an open mind.

3.       Slom said this is largest number of bills he introduced. But these are bills to rectify an existing bad law, change, eliminate or expand citizen participation.        

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported the next meeting is February 21, 2007.

Land Use & Zoning – No report.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head - Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force – Roberson reported the meeting held on February 6 discussed parking and traffic issues on Ainakoa Avenue and Malia Street, a desire for a four-way stop at that intersection. Discussion also included Kawamoto properties, their options, and being concerned of the Board’s position and involvement in civil disputes, and the considerable responsibility of the Kahala Community Association (KCA). Minutes of the meeting will be distributed at the next meeting.

Pyles made a correction in that the KCA has no power to enforce any of the covenants. The only people that can bring action or suit are a fellow homeowner of the same tract. J. Pyles noted a lot of discussion and no nothing. Tom was credited for attending the meeting. L. Pyles reported for the record, one of the people attending, who was a realtor, was aware of two properties that had fallen out of escrow when the perspective buyers found out they bordered the Kawamoto property.     

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Waialae Beach Park Update on City project – No report.

Kahala Beach area (Vegetation Encroachments/Seawall Variances) Update & Variance – No report.

State DOT Landscaping Plan for Waialae/Kahala area (Chris Dacus, SDOT proposal) – Project is out to bid; a suggestion to follow-up was expressed. 

Ainakoa Community Park Update on City Maintenance – reported earlier; a second fountain will be installed.

East Honolulu Development Plan – NHB#3 included in East Honolulu instead of Central – Higa will follow-up.

Muffler Citations, Chronic Noise Violations and Complaints – HPD will give a report. CAN introduced bills relating to aircraft noise, backup beepers, car alarms, leaf blower, and loud mufflers; six of the bills are still alive. Matson shared SB 1683, a 22 page comprehensive legislation, which establishes an aircraft noise abatement master plan. For real time tracking for all flights in and out of Honolulu International log onto:  www.flightaware.com; another link give you the coordinance and altitudes, similar to the FAA flight tracking records. The closest monitor 11 is at Diamond Head – compare 21 degrees 15 minutes (21.5) 40 Latitude by 157 degrees 48 minutes (157.4); this will show real time tracking and how close to the shoreline.

Kelley admits being unaware of what the protections are and said it’s worth reading. There is still time and Matson just wanted to share another resource – HRS Chapter 261 – aircraft statues and HRS Chapter 263 – uniform aeronautics act.      

Kahala Nui Senior Center – Parking concerns on Malia Street; and Kahala Nui will addressed internal parking with employees again – Kahala Nui will have an internal meeting with staff about the parking; Fukuda will follow-up. Tom said residents are very frustrated.

Representative Lyla Berg – distributed her report and highlighted: three community forums focusing on economics, February 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Kahala Elementary School Cafeteria, March 21 and April 11; the muffler bill passed second reading and in Finance Committee; trouble with your neighbors contact the Mediation Center of the Pacific; tips for writing a letter to the Editor.

Troy raised interest about the facts relating to workers comp claims.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

ADJOURNMENT: Troy moved, Roberson seconded to adjourn at 8:48 p.m.

Submitted by:

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant