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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum of eight (8) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Leo Hura, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson, Michael Troy, Richard Turbin.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

GUESTS: Kendys Fukuda and Robert Young (HECO), Capt. Ernie Akana (HFD), Rick Blangiardi, Lt. Howard Ishida, Robert Garr, Shane Fujitani, L. Dabaluz and Capt. Alan Green (HPD), Kamuela McCormick, Maureen B., Richard Rogers, Suzanne Roig (Honolulu Advertiser), Senator Sam Slom, Erron Redoble, Mr. & Mrs. Ngai, Lorna Heller (BWS), Kathleen Kelly (Citizens Against Noise), John Pyles, Councilmember Charles Djou, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Michelle Matson, Ross & Leilani Gilfoy, John, 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. Ernie Akana: 1) 9 structure, 1 brush, 2 rubbish, 1 vehicle fire, 57 medical, 5 search/rescue and 4 miscellaneous emergencies. 2) Fire Safety Tip: Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Howard Ishida distributed report: general crime statistics for November and December, Narcotics/Vice Division statistics, and information on the new child booster seat law; and introduced all the officers present tonight. 

Questions and answers followed:

1)       Investigation of the recent kidnapping involving a red Honda is ongoing. Capt. Green encouraged reporting any concern or emergency to 911. Do not rely on someone else to make that call; it's likely that HPD will not know what might have happened if not aware of the situation.

2)       There was some understanding that the elderly in the neighborhood are fearful and would like to remain anonymous when calling 911. Even anonymous calls are investigated; or call the community policing officer at 529-3362 and a report would be generated.

3)       Individuals of mopeds with modified mufflers will take incredible risk to get away, however, if HPD is able to get them to stop, then officers are more inclined to issue a citation, and if the moped is not taxed then the moped can be taken away. 

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor's Report – Higa reported: 1) 4-way stop at Malia and Ainakoa streets – DTS conducted an analysis for a 4-way stop at Malia and Ainakoa streets and determined that this condition at the intersection of Ainakoa and Malia streets was not warranted. When evaluating an intersection for an all-way stop, DTS follows federal guidelines set forth in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These guidelines are based on vehicular/pedestrian volumes and the accident history at the intersection. DTS' evaluation of that intersection showed that volumes, frequency and type of accidents did not meet these warrants. Contact Leon Lau of DTS at 768-8326 with questions. 2) Parking restrictions implemented on Malia Street, as a result of the Kahala Nui Project, were recently revised to address the board's concerns regarding loss of on-street parking. If NHB wishes to pursue additional parking restriction, DTS requires clarification as to the specific location, limits, and reason for the restriction request; appropriate investigation can be conducted. 3) DTS conducted an investigation and found that in accordance with the City's Traffic code, parking on the makai side of the Malia Street is currently prohibited 200 feet in the Ewa direction of the Ewa curb line prolongation of Ainakoa Avenue due to the location of a bus stop and residential driveways. HPD will be monitoring the area, and additional parking restrictions are not recommended at this time. Contact HPD when vehicles are observed illegally crossing the centerline. Contact Leon Lau, DTS at 768-8326 with any questions. 4) Permit was issued, but expired 2005 regarding the stockpile situation at 4823 Kahala Avenue (Gensiro Kawamoto (TMK 3-5-59:8). 5) Suggestion, comments, and questions on the East Honolulu Sustainables Community Plan can be provided at any time to Hal Senter by phone at 527-6028, by mail at Department of Planning & Permitting, 650 S. King Street, 7^th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813 or by email at hsenter@honolulu.gov. A comprehensive list of all questions and suggestions received from the public will be sent to the Board for their reference. 6) Traffic calming at 21^st Avenue and Luawai Street. A work order has been issued to have the sign replaced. By copy of this response, we are referring the speeding concern to the HPD for their appropriate action they deem necessary. For your information, several communities have worked successfully with the HPD to curb speeding in their neighborhoods by developing alternative strategies to address the speeding problem. Should this be a desired option, the HPD may be contacted at 529-3362. Should there be any questions, please call Adrian Chee, DTS at 768-8317. 7) City and County of Honolulu announces "A Month in Chinatown" celebration to welcome in the Year of the Boar. The free public events will take place every weekend in February with a movie featured at A'ala Park. Events include: lion dances, fireworks, displays and exhibits, Chinese singing and dancing, martial arts demonstrations, feng shui demonstrations and fortune-telling, and a wide variety of food.  A 32-page, full-color guidebook and the Year of the Boar ribbons and pins was distributed. For more information call 808 948-2007 or visit: www.chinatownhi.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Occasional events where traffic is diverted to Malia Street causes backups. Whether a 4-way stop is the solution is a question to ask of DTS. The task force will setup a meeting with DTS.

2)       Suggestion to narrow the lanes on Malia or add an extra lane to slow the speeding traffic down. Consideration would be appreciated to have the task force look at this as well.

3)       Presentation by EHSCP was requested a couple months ago, however, the word was that they would not do any presentations until after the draft plan was published. The issue is that the Waialae/Kahala area is in to the Primary Urban Corridor area, but is more in common with the East Honolulu area of single family residential neighborhood. Waialae Kahala is a single family residential neighborhood, which would apply more in the East Honolulu development plan area then that of the urban corridor. The Board is asking to be included in the EH development area. Pyles will form a subcommittee.

4)       Another request was made to replace the second water fountain at Ainakoa Community Park. The bus shelter on Malia was to be moved to the corner of Malia/Ainakoa by the end of November; it was never done. Higa will check with DTS.

5)       Ambulance service is over burdened with the four to eight calls per day to the Kahala Nui Senior Center. Interns and employees, as well as attendants, who attend the functions held at Kahala Nui, are taking up all the on-street parking. Kahala Nui will be asked to attend the meeting.

6)       Higa will check the status of the resurfacing project of Kilauea Avenue from 18^th Avenue to Malia Street.            

Turbin arrived during the above portion of the meeting (9 members present).

Board of Water Supply – Heller reported: 1) One main break on December 22 at 4504 Kahala Avenue of a 6-inch cast iron main; 72 years old. 2) Belated Christmas and New Year greeting from BWS; the 2007 Water Conservation Calendars were distributed; this year's theme is "Xeriscaping". 3) Water Saving Tip: Your tap can release up to three gallons per minute depending on your fixture, don't let it run! Low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush, as compared to the older ones that use 3.5 to 7 gallons. Switch your old toilet out today, and take advantage of the low flow toilet rebate from BWS. For more information, check out BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com and use the conservation pull down menu to get to our special programs and rebates section.

There are three stations on Ainakoa and with all the rain, if the grass is not cut more frequently it looks awful. Heller will bring the concern up again.

Councilmember Charles Djou – welcome back to all the legislators and to City Council on its 14^th session. He reiterated his position of never voting for a single tax increase and will continue to push through legislation to help hold down government debt and spending, limiting the amount real property taxes can increase in a given year, and legislation on dangerous dogs, similar to gunshot wounds, that if hospitalization is required, that notice to HPD and the City is given. City Council has also gone through reorganization with a new leadership structure on January 2.  

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Turbin indicated that the danger of too high property taxes, if it becomes so great, that people risk loosing their homes. Is there a way for the Councilmember's to come up with a realistic way of giving everyone back property tax relief. Djou's position on real property tax is that the single and most effective means to reduce taxes is to just cut taxes or at least not continue to raise taxes. Also, the dogs on Kahala Beach have been a problem for years. There is an HPD - ATV unit that patrols the beach.

2)       Digmon asked why not touch the home tax exemptions; Djou noted that last year City Council raised the real property tax exemptions and doubled it from $40,000 to $80,000. He feels it should be increased more and upon moving into the budget season, he'd be looking at increasing the homeowner's exemption again. Digmon said the appeal process is a farce, what's the sense.

3)       Pyles agreed that the issue goes beyond property taxes. Hawaii's become a play ground of the rich and famous. People can no longer afford to compete to buy property. Djou will continue to advocate for year round residents and owners to put a cap on the amount of tax increases in a given year. Fukuda suggested supporting Djou in Council hearings on all these tax cuts.

4)       In regards to the rail studies in others states, Digmon asked why not disclose the population and ridership versus our population and anticipated ridership; what is the determination.    

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:

Approval of the November 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes – Corrections followed:

·         Page 1, Mayor's Report item 1, should read, "Council passed Bill 83, first reading…".  

Fichtman moved, Troy seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 2006, as amended. The motion carried by unanimous consent. 

Treasurer's Report – Fichtman reported for the month of December the starting balance was $$2,408.13, monthly expenses totaled $$25.50, leaving the balance of $2,382.63, and the Refreshment Account balance is unchanged at $120.00. Roberson moved, Himeda seconded to approve the Treasurer's Report of December 2006 for filing. The motion carried by unanimous consent. 

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

HECO Power Outages – Kendys Fukuda, Community Relations Department, on behalf of HECO, apologized and understands the tremendous inconvenience the power outage had on the residents and the community, but that HECO tries their best to get back online. Robert Young, Manager of Systems Operations will address technical aspects.

Waialae Kahala area is a mixture of overhead and underground cable facilities. Many problems recently experienced, particularly on October 19 were mainly due to underground cable faults. In addition to repairing the damaged areas, Young's crew was very concerned when they see a high frequency in particular areas, which they are tracking, and trying to identify the larger cause. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten to that point yet but are aware of the on-going problem, high priority and being watched closely. As far as the overhead facility, HECO is working proactively inspecting all the lines to ensure there are no incidental outages. The system is designed in such a way that there is more than one circuit serving an area; a primary circuit and a backup. If there is a fault on the primary circuit, a trip will occur and a momentary flash and the secondary circuit will power up.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Roberson is there a life cycle replacement plan. Some areas have had premature failures said Young but normally should last at least 30-years, or longer in some parts of the island. But a way to deal with replacement is when it's reasonable because anytime you replace lines it will incur cost and additional expenses. Understandably, replacing those that are starting to age or have a history of outages.

2)       Roberson is there a time by which HECO will be finish with testing of the cables in Waialae Kahala or is this a continuous and ongoing thing. Young said because of the soil conditions or chemicals used in the ground before, they are seeing a bunch of failures, so obviously they would like to attack those areas first. And its not that they are jumping from place to place, but there is a program in place and focusing in the areas with outages.

3)       Slom how good is the monitoring. Young said ideally you want to be able to monitor the residential areas. But several years ago, they want to try and put in sensors across the island, but found that it was not economically feasible at the time, but will probably explore it again.      

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor's Representative – Andersen distributed the Governor's Update: 1) key policy components encompassing a variety of initiatives to transform Hawaii's economy: innovation in education – through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); economy – creation of ideas, products and services; workforce development – life-long learning and skill building opportunities; linking Hawaii to the global economy – a lead role in the Asian Pacific region to build competitive advantages; and in State Government will lead Innovation by example.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Digmon - the program for the young people sounds wonderful and that the young people have to be recognized and their accomplishments highlighted. She hopes the Governor would look into it and support these young people.

2)       Hura - how are you going retain the scientist, mathematicians and technical people on the islands or is the intent for these activities somewhere else. Anderson indicated we're in a situation right now that those coming out of engineering schools get better job offers on the mainland, so we're trying to address that situation by increasing the supply of people with these skills. 

3)       Tom would like the State to start enforcing the naupaka growth on the beach.

Representative Marumoto – Distributed monthly report: 1) Number of bills to be introduced this session; CIP bills included the district pool, Kapiolani Community College parking structure, and the Diamond Head State Monument – rockfall mitigation, trail improvements, linear parking and construction of a loop trail. 2) Calls questioned the Kahala Avenue issue; very little she can do since no laws have been broken. She has looked at the property and is concerned; and the Environmental Division of the Department of Health will be looking into the issue. 3) Let all the legislators know how you feel on any bills by emailing - Public Access Room at: par@capitol.hawaii.gov. 4) The Legislative Calendar was attached to her report.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Turbin noted that the Kawamoto property is clearly in violation of the health code because of the illegal dumping attracts rats and the green stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. He asked that both Marumoto and Berg put pressure on the DOH to cite Kawamoto for the illegal dumping; she will follow-up. Turbin mentioned a violation of deed restriction as well.

2)       Hura said the legislature acknowledged the cost of living is a concern for the people in Hawaii.  GOP caucus has introduced time honored bills that taxed on food, residential rent, medical services; and introducing a bill for the constitutional rebate, a five-year moratorium on the unemployment insurance act, lower the taxable amount to $7,000, workers comp measures, and she would like to reduce the tax on the county surcharge.  

Representative Berg – Distributed her monthly report - contact website information and two new staff members: Ian Lind and Liz Labby. 1) working with the County to be sure that the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan is in constant process. 2) graffiti bill that passed the House last year, died in the Senate; not sure of how much leverage they'll be but if the public feels it's important a rally can be staged. 3) Sustainability Task Force meeting met today.  Concerned about the streamlining of the permitting process for developers to build affordable rentals; and for three years, the proposal is to suspend the zoning and ordinances. She's hoping this Board will weigh-in. 4) Early childhood learning a key priority. 5) New Committee assignments include: Agriculture, Economic Development Concerns, Tourism and Culture, and a member of the Small Business Caucas. 6) Introduction of a bill with Representative Blake Oshiro regarding Sunshine Law to allow two or more members to gather information; her understanding is there's an interpretation piece that needs to be clarified. 7) The Board is invited to the U.H. Policy Group Committee meeting in October; a report will be online shortly.          

Senator Slom – distributed his report and noted: 1) the Legislative session will be focused on sustainability and innovation initiatives. 2) The state budget surplus will be the subject of much debate; he's in favor of providing taxpayers with a badly needed and substantial tax refund. 3) Governor's Press Conference; took a firm position on tax exemptions for food, as long as it's one of the eleven products subject to food stamps. 4) Tax Review Commission will be making a public report tomorrow. 5) Hanabusa was elected Senate President; first woman president in the Senate. 6) Outlined in his report are some of the bills the Senator introduced. Please get involved.

McCormick was interested in the bill regarding medical savings account. Senator Slom noted Hawaii is the only state with a prepaid health care. A medical savings accounts, which does exist in other states, the opportunity where you deposit money into an account and its tax exempt and that account is specifically for medical services and not products. It's not right for everyone but it gives you an option.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic Update – Fukuda reported OMPO is starting a new session and highly recommends attending.

Land Use & Zoning – No update.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head - Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force (NETF) – Roberson said there's no report, no separate meeting.  Seeking participation in renewing the standings of the Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head area. NETF has received one residents concern - the Kawamoto properties. The group felt that the issue might well fit under this task force.  Consensus to the have the task force convene a special meeting to address the two issues: health issues at the Kawamoto property and the traffic concerns at Malia, Halekoa and Ainakoa Streets. Strong concerns were expressed indicating the health issues going on there.

Discussion ensued: There were a number of comments made regarding taking the agenda out of order the next when there is a crowd of people present on a particular issue; and a number of suggestions were given. Fukuda agreed that it has always been the Board's option and any board member can make a motion to do so. A suggestion was to have the Department of Health attend the meeting.

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waialae Beach Park Update on City project – No report.  

Kahala Beach area Vegetation Encroachments/Seawall Variances Update & Variance actions or response – Governor's representative, Mark Anderson, will review the matter.

State DOT Landscaping Plan for Waialae/Kahala area (Chris Dacus) – SDOT proposal – No report.

Ainakoa Community Park Update on City Maintenance – Higa will look into the water fountain issue. 

East Honolulu Development Plan – Any interest of working on this issue should contact Lucinda Pyles. NHB #3 is requesting to be included in East Honolulu rather than the Primary Urban Center. 

Muffler Citations, Chronic Noise Violations and Complaints – Leo Hura noted that Capt. Green, earlier under the police report has issued up to 60 citations on illegal modified mopeds and that HPD is struggling with trying to put a stop to those modifications, but they have to wait until the moped is stopped before HPD can check it to see if it's been modified.

Kathleen Kelley with the Citizens Against Noise displayed a chart showing the issues the group is concerned about, which includes loud mopeds, low flying helicopters, etc. Michelle Matson mentioned a bill regarding aircraft noise; there are some interested senators and representatives who will be introducing legislation regarding this matter.

NEW BUSINESS:

Time Limit on all presentations, reports, testimony and questions – Fukuda noted that currently, there is a 3 minute limit on all presentations, reports, and questions/testimony.  The Chair must first recognize any board member or guest desiring to speak before proceeding. Roberson moved, Troy seconded to approve a time limit on all presentations, reports, testimony and questions; as an operational procedure of the Board. The motion carried by unanimous consent.

Mass Transit and City Council Bill 92 – Michelle Matson and John Bristol are working on legislation and following the transit bills: Bill 79 passed 7-2 on January 22 - addressing the route alignment from Kapolei to Manoa; Bill 92 decides whether the alternative is rail or bus. Bill 92 – relating to transit is to select the type of technology for the city's High Capacity Transit Corridor project; was heard by City Council, but yet to be assigned to a committee. The alternative for fixed bus guideway is less expensive, flexible and faster. The incentive on the bus alternative is going 60 m.p.h. versus the rail alternative going at 25 m.p.h.

Before the Board is a resolution for consideration. 

Pyles moved, Turbin seconded to approve the resolution asking the City Council for the consideration of the express guideway; striking out the word "approval". Discussion followed: While everyone was in favor of the less expensive, flexible and effective alternative; concerns were raised, hearing more about the other alternatives.

The following amendments were entertained: 1) Turbin amended the title of the resolution to read "Consideration be given for the Express Bus Guideway; deleting "Strong support for". Pyles agreed to amend the seventh paragraph to read, "BE IT RESOLVED that the Waialae Kahala Neighborhood Board strongly urges the City Council's consideration for transportation solution, as an alternative option transportation solution. Amendments were accepted by the maker and the second of the motion. The motion carried by unanimous consent. Aye: Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Hura, Pyles, Roberson, Troy, Turbin.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NHB#3 mail or City Council notices

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. 

Submitted by

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant