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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Scotty Anderson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum was present. 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Scotty Anderson, Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Julia Kane, Kelley Roberson, Richard Turbin.

GUESTS:  Mitchell Nakagawa and Kristi Schulenzer (Hawaii Bicycling League), Capt. Tim Turgeon (Honolulu Fire Department), Lt. Ellen Nishiyama, Sgt. Stuart Yano and Officer Jason Hendricks (Honolulu Police Department), Louise Yamamoto and Carol Hoshino (Kapiolani Community College), Kathleen Kelly (Citizens Against Noise), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Lance Tom, Laverne Higa (Mayor’s Representative), and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBERS – Board members Anderson and Digmon were sworn in prior to the meeting.

Board members and Guests introduced themselves.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE TERM JUNE 1, 2007 – MAY 31, 2008:

Election of Chair – Fukuda nominated Kelley Roberson. Himeda moved, Digmon seconded to close the nominations. Being there were no other nominations, Kelley Roberson was elected by acclamation.

Election of Vice Chair – Fukuda nominated Lucinda Pyles as Vice Chair. Digmon moved, Fichtman seconded to close the nominations. Being there were no other nominations, Lucinda Pyles was elected by acclamation.

Vice Chair Pyles asked that Chair Pro-tem Anderson continue the process for election of officers. 

Election of Secretary – Digmon nominated Sylvia Himeda; Himeda declined the nomination. Pyles nominated Lester Fukuda. Digmon moved, Himeda seconded to close the nominations. Being there were no other nominations, Fukuda was elected by acclamation. 

Election of Treasurer – Pyles nominated Sylvia Himeda. Digmon moved, Fichtman seconded to close the nomination. Being there were no other nominations, Sylvia Himeda was elected by acclamation.

Chair Pro-tem passed the gavel to Vice Chair Pyles who resumed the meeting.

DETERMINATION OF BOARD MEETING:  Vice Chair Pyles opened discussion of the meeting determination. The consensus was to keep the Board’s current meeting status. There were no objections. The Board’s meeting will continue to be held the third Thursday of each month, at 7:00 p.m., at the Wesley United Methodist Church.

The consensus of the Board was to also determine that the Board recess in the months of August and December 2007. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  The following announcements were: 1) Oath of Office – all board members are required to take the oath of office and will not be seated until doing so. 2) Sunshine Law Training – the revised ordinances of Honolulu require that all board members certified every two years; please coordinate with Neighborhood Commission Office for next training.

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

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

·         4 structure fires, 84 medical, 2 search/rescue and 6 miscellaneous; no major or unusual incidents.

·         Fire Safety Tip: a) Remember to maintain a 30-foot wide clearing in between any structure and vegetation. b) Independence Day is just around the corner, so consider leaving fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the many fireworks displays around town. If you use fireworks, follow warnings and instructions. Young children should never be given fireworks. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult. Have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration! 

Question and comment followed:

1.       HFD uses the shortest route when responding to any emergency and is required by law to use lights and sirens at all times. There is some discretion when responding to a non-medical emergency where HFD would travel the speed limit if no lights or sirens are used. 

2.       All requirements for brush and clearing vegetation are referred to the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB). Contact FPB you have any concerns about overgrowth of state land abutting private properties.

3.       A better sounding emergency vehicle siren could be as effective than the current screeching siren.       

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Jason Hendricks distributed the monthly report, introduced Lt. Ellen Nishihara, Sgt. Stuart Yano and highlighted on the new format of the status report and basic information and helpful hints for the hurricane season – be prepared!

Questions and comments followed:

1.       The recent gun point burglary at Black Point involved individuals from Ewa. It was unlikely that they resided at a home in Kahala; but more common that they traveled out of their residential area (Ewa).

2.       HPD was thanked again for the speed monitor on Malia Street. Speeding has been cut down a lot, however racing is still occurring between 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Officers are aware and will address it when possible.

3.       There are no direct trends to the increase in UEMV’s in Beat 760 (Kahala Mall area), but if the opportunity presents itself – unlocked vehicles and valuables left in plain view, crimes of this sort will happen; and it happens in spurts.

4.       The District 7 (East Honolulu) area is a much larger area and do not provide statistics for loud noise violations, at this time. However District 7 is aware and tracking the situation. 

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative – Laverne Higa reported:

·         DTS (Department of Transportation Services) reported a marked crosswalk has been painted where the curbside ramp has been installed on Malia Street.

·         DTS removed the bus stop on 21st Avenue, near Times Super Market, as part of Phase 3 of the Bus Stop Realignment Project; due to traffic and safety issues attributed to its downhill location of the H-1 Freeway Waialae Avenue off-ramp.

·         ENV (Environmental Services Department) would need more time to investigate the concern about the constant flow of water into the Waialae Nui Channel from the Kahala Nui Senior Center.

·         The contractor that maintains the Hunakai Street median was notified on June 4, to eradicate weed growth on the median; herbicide treatment to begin on June 18.

·         Monetary donations toward tree planting at the Hunakai Street median or others locations can be made to the City and should be designated for “Department of Parks and Recreation /Division of Urban Forestry tree planting.” A completed Declaration of Gift form is required of the donor that includes the following information: Donor’s Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Statement of Ownership and/or Terms of Conveyance. Interested parties should contact Brandon Au, Park Grounds Improvement Supervisor ll, of the DPR/DUF; address 3902 Paki Avenue, Honolulu, HI  96815, Phone: 971-7196 or 971-7151. Donations are subject to the City Council approval. The City has been approached by the Waialae-Kahala Outdoor Circle to do a joint planting project at this site; individuals can contact them directly to get involved.

Questions and comments followed:

1.   Residents of Luinakoa Street are happy with the repaved road. Digmon asked who did the job and    requested a schedule when the rest of the streets would be done. Higa noted the work was contracted out      and the next street scheduled to be repaved is Kilauea Avenue. 

2.   When Kahala Nui Senior Center put their dumpsters out on the street, the liquid from the dumpster is           leaking onto Malia Street and beginning to smell.

3.   Slom received a call from a resident complaining about the condition of the Waialae Iki Park basketball        courts.

4.   Digmon reported due to near misses, residents are still talking about a 4-way “stop” on Ainakoa Avenue       and Malia Street. Higa suggested taking the matter up under the Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force.   

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

·         No main breaks in the month of May.

·         BWS is investing millions of dollars annually on proactive, preventive infrastructure projects to ensure reliable water service, minimize water loss and service disruptions by repairing and replacing aging water mains and facilities using Global Positioning System technology. The project is in Mililani, Waikele, Waipahu, Pearl City and Aiea; and there are plans to expand the project to the rest of the island.

·         Water Savings Tips: a) When installing a drip irrigation system, don’t exceed 200 feet of poly tubing from valve to end cap. Don’t exceed a total flow of 200 gallons per hour per valve. b) We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Tom is concerned that thousands of gallons of water draining from between the Mormon Church and Kahala Nui Senior Center makai of the Malia Street bridge; the flow is about 10-feet wide running 24-hours. Heller will check. 
   

Councilmember Charles Djou – Stan Fichtman distributed the Council member’s monthly report and highlighted:

·         The largest budget in Honolulu history was signed by the Mayor yesterday; grossly expensive.

·         Calling for the City to comply with the Clean Water Act without waivers or variances; Resolution 07-132.

·         Discussion to create a municipal bowling alley; the resolution is moving along.

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:

Approval of the May 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes – Correction to the minutes included:

·         Page 3, second paragraph under Kahala Beach (vegetation/seawall) area should read, “…the Sierra Club and other citizen groups partnered to form “Weed the Beach,” a community based…”

Fukuda moved, Fichtman seconded to approve the May 17, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes, as corrected. The motion carried by unanimous consent. Aye:  Anderson, Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Pyles.

Treasurer’s Report – Himeda reported: 1) For May the Operating Account expense was $30.29, leaving a balance of $2,192.72; the Refreshment Account reflected no expense leaving a balance of $120.00. 2) Fiscal Year 2008 Board appropriation is $2,576.00; projected Operating/Publicity budget totals $2,468.00, and Refreshment budget is $120.00. Appropriations are available should the Board opt to videotape monthly meetings. Anderson moved, Fichtman seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report of May 2007; and carried unanimously.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  None.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto distributed her written report and announced: 1) a correction to the Kahala landscaping update that the Kalanianaole Highway/Ainakoa landscape area was installed with a watering source. 2) Marumoto’s step-son, Sgt. Theodore Coons, was presented the outstanding contributions award made to officers and community members by Chief Boisse Correa. 3) Marumoto was able to acquire $4.4 million for rockfall mitigation and other improvements.  

Senator Sam Slom – Senator Slom distributed his monthly report and highlighted on: 1) the replacement of one of the judges (deceased) to the Intermediate Court of Appeals; the head of the Housing and Community Development Authority, Daniel Danell submitted his presentation effective August. 2) The deadline for the Governor to veto, sign or allow bills to become law without her signature is July 10. 3) Diamond Head funding bill initially introduced was to repair and maintenance of the park. Should the Governor veto the bill, Senator Slom plans to support the override. 4) The anti-graffiti bill, Act 196, was signed by the Governor.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Senator Slom will try and get answers from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to Tom’s inquiry about the octane level gasoline being below what is stated on the gas pumps.

2.       Marumoto stated she would vote to override the “safe haven” bill; Slom stated he would vote to sustain the bill. When asked why – his reasoning was that lack of pertinent medical information necessary for that baby’s health and welfare.

3.       Slom is opposed to forced ethanol because it would rive the price of crops up thereby driving the cost of food up. People would stop growing food and start growing crops for bio products because it’s much more money.

There were no representative present for the Governor’s report and for Representative Lyla Berg however, a monthly report was available for Representative Berg. The consensus of the Board was to take the agenda out of order to New Business.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Update – Carol Hoshijo and Louise Yamamoto, representing KCC, updated that Dr. Leon Richards is the acting chancellor of the campus; that repair, renovation and maintenance work is on-going; and that KCC received funding for long range development planning; and will be coming out to seek community input.  

Hoshino reported on the Culinary Institute of the Pacific’s effort to build the advance culinary training and restaurant facility. KCC is very much on target and have secured the services of the planning firm, PER, Inc., with the hopes to have the schematics, close to the original footprint, soon.

Discussion focused: 1) KCC’s ground breaking by 2009 and completion hopefully by the fall of 2011. 2) Compliments to Chef Grant and KCC’s outstanding impact on the culinary community. 3) The goal to raise $14.5 million. Although the project is federal and state funded, the bulk of the funding is private. The Hookipa Fund Raising campaign will be held on Saturday, August 18 at the location site. 4) The parking issue is still being deliberated. However, Marumoto noted that supposedly there is a proviso. 5) According to the student profile of KCC indicated that a lot of the students are from the east and other parts but because of certain programs at KCC, many students are from the islands.

Honolulu Century Ride Announcement – Mitchell Nakagawa, events manager, thanked the Board for supporting the Hawaii Bicycling League’s resolution and is presenting the Honolulu Century Ride, a family-oriented event to be held on Sunday, September 30th. This is a ride and not a race. It began in 1981 and grew into one of Hawaii’s two largest cycling events. This year the projection is about 4500 cyclists from Hawaii, the mainland and Japan. Outside of the ride event, HBL channels education and programs advocating bicycle safety, sharing the roads, and preserving bike trails, healthy family recreation and an alternative for transportation. There are going to be about 4500 riders coming through this community, no road closures, no coning and police officers stationed to help maintain a flow of traffic. HBL are taking steps to help make the public aware of the event and to help make things go smoothly. 

Discussion followed: 1) the ride will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. at Kapiolani Park routing through Diamond Head along Kahala over to Hawaii Kai and over to the windward side. The bulk of the individuals to clear the Waialae Kahala are on their way to the windward side via Waimanalo is expected within two hours (by 8 a.m.). 2) A concern regarded riders riding in pods taking up the whole lane and acting obnoxious. 3) HBL is taking steps to advocate riding single file and disseminating information on obeying the rules of the road. 4) The Japanese travel agencies also hold safety, seminars advocating road safety however in places where roads are wide it can be used for passing. 5) Pyles noted that she has witnessed the fact that motorist always veer into the on coming lane of traffic when passing bicyclist on Kahala Ave because the lanes are so narrow.  Kristi Schulenzer commented that also dangerous are bicyclist passing parked cars when a car door suddenly opens in their path. Pyles has requested in the past that the Bicycling League discourage bicyclist from using Kahala Avenue as a route to and from Kalanianioli Hwy.

The Executive Director of HBL saying that it’s unfortunate and that she cannot discourage cyclists from using Kahala Avenue but can encourage cyclists to pay close attention, use common sense and obey the law. 

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported OMPO have been pushing bicycling lanes and would like to have more voices from the community and the public.

Land Use & Zoning – Pyles reported no land use or zoning issues for the Waialae Kahala area.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force – In the absence of Roberson, Fukuda highlighted looking at the four-way stop on Ainakoa and Malia, bus stop at 21st Avenue, work with KCC on the campus projects, landscaping of Hunakai median.

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahala Beach area (Vegetation Encroachments/Seawall Variances) – Work on group options.

State DOT Landscaping Plan for Waialae/Kahala area (Chris Dacus) – Discussed earlier.

East Honolulu Development Plan Status – Deferred.

Muffler Citations, Chronic Noise Violations and Complaints – HPD, District 4 (East Honolulu) currently has no status report on these types of violations.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

·         Request for safety measures relating to the crosswalk at Ainakoa and Malia.  

ADJOURNMENT:  Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Submitted by

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant