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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Lester Fukuda called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.; a quorum was present with seven (7) of nine (9) members.  

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Gerri Digmon, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Leo Hura, Lucinda Pyles, Kelley Roberson, Julia Kane (arrived at 7:06 p.m.).

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Richard Turbin.

GUESTS:  Scotty Anderson, Officer Tony Kahapea, E. Nishiyama, L. Dabaluz (Honolulu Police Department), Capt. Mike Tosaki (Honolulu Fire Department), Lyn Worley, Representative Barbara Marumoto, Natalie Iwasa (Hawaii Bike League), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Laverne Higa (Mayor’s Representative), Kathleen Kelly, Marion Kelley, Senator Sam Slom, Nina Reppun Carney, Sam Lemmo (Department of Land and Natural Resources), Peter Rappa, Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

FILLING OF VACANCY: The vacancy was filled at the April 19, 2007 meeting.  

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS FORUM:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Mike Tosaki (Kaimuki Station) reported:

·         4 structure, 1 rubbish, 1 vehicle fire; 82 medical, 2 search/rescue and 14 miscellaneous emergencies.

·         Fire Safety Tip:  Pre pare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the hours where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911.

Discussion followed focusing on emergency vehicle sirens when responding to calls at Kahala Nui Senior Center. Residents would like relief from the frequent sirens and as an alternative perhaps the sirens can be turned off when entering the residential area. Understanding the frustration, Capt. Tosaki, indicated that the law states that these measures be taken and the only way to change that would be through City Council.  

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Tony Kahapea (District 7) distributed the monthly statistic report, which included narcotics/vice statistics and a handout regarding safety tips for adults. 

Questions and answers followed:

1.       An inquiry regarded cars racing on the freeway. Officer Kahapea reported not much racing as is speeding. HPD is aware and monitoring and have issued citations for speeding.

2.       Mopeds if tagged are also checked for any modifications. Regarding loud vehicles, the question becomes the understanding of what is a violation. The Officer noted if the noise is over bearing within 30-feet from the vehicle would constitute a violation.

3.       Regarding the parking complaint issue on Malia Street, there is not enough manpower to monitor the situation and not high a priority; however, concerns can be handled on a case-by-case basis.      

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative - Laverne Higa reported:

·         Regarding the crosswalk painting – DTS will conduct an evaluation and report back the findings regarding Malia; a work order will be put through as part of the effort regarding Ainakoa and Hoakoa Place.

·         Regarding the ambulance siren – the traffic code states that the lights and sirens be on at all times.

·         Regarding the maintenance of Wilson Park – the grounds keeper assigned cleaned the park.

·         Announced that the Pea Tree Community Park play courts will be reconstructed and repaved.

·         Hurricane season is near approaching – take care and stay safe.  

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       The trees on the Hunakai median were removed and the area is in need of maintenance. The campaign to donate trees to replant on the median will be looked into by Higa, as to what kinds would be acceptable and the procedure for the initiation of getting the tree donated. A formal response was requested.

2.       The Kilauea road repaving/rehabilitation project is scheduled for this year. But there are concerns that other streets in the area are in need of rehabilitation and a question asked how is it determined which areas get rehabilitated.

3.       The maintenance along the stretch from 3635 Diamond Head Road and the lighthouse is rough looking and needs maintenance spot check, as the road is heavily used.

4.       There was a request to extend the pedestrian crossing timer at 21^st and Waialae Avenues, at both the mauka and makai corners (Times Supermarket and the Storage area).

5.       What will it take or what is the process to get a bus stop re-instated; and what determines the removal of a bus stop.  Representative Marumoto received a number of calls against the removal of the bus stop on 21^st Avenue; and the community residents requests it be restored.

6.       Pyles would like to go on record and will continue to advocate against the 35% average increase of property taxes.     

Board of Water Supply - Lorna Heller reported:

·         No main breaks for the month of April.

·         General Water Announcements:  The 2007 Detect-A-Leak Week will be observed from June 3 rd through the 9^th; dye tablets are free for the pickup at various City Mill stores, satellite city halls, and in the BWS Lobby on Beretania Street. Free home leak check-ups will be provided to 50 customers through a drawing. The average household leak or two that adds up to a 1/8” stream can lose up 150,000 gallons over the course of a year.

·         Water Saving Tip: If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead. When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.   

Councilmember Charles Djou - Stan Fichtman distributed the Council member’s monthly report and announced that the Councilmember is out of town; and highlighted:

·         On the hearing of the renaming of the Waikiki Shell to Don Ho. A probability being looked at is the triangle park property near Lewers Street, which the City owns.

·         Another hearing on Wednesday will address property taxes.

·         Councilmember is no longer the chair of the Zoning Committee; will be chairing the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.

·         Council Djou’s office will continue to monitor the situation at the Kawamoto properties. 

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:  

Approval of the April 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes – Roberson moved, Fichtman seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 19, 2007. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 8-0-0. Aye:  Digmon, Fichtman, Fukuda, Himeda, Hura, Pyles, Roberson, Kane.

Treasurer’s Report – Fichtman reported that the Board remains frugal with expending $29.63 in April for mail out of Board agenda and minutes. Hearing no objections, the Treasurer’s Report was accepted for filing. 

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  No residents’ were expressed.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Andersen distributed the Governor’s Weekly and had nothing new to report.

The agenda was taken out of order to Kahala Beach area (vegetation encroachments/seawall variances).

Kahala Beach area (vegetation encroachments/seawall variances) - Arrangements were made by Andersen to have Sam Lemmo and Dolan Eversole with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)   

Sam Lemmo, Administrator of the Office of Conservation & Coastal Lands with the DLNR and Dolan Eversole, Coastal Geologist with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program and working with DLNR were present to give input and clarify issues and situations where vegetation is clearly encroaching on public property; and how involving the community working in partnership with DLNR, efforts are being made to address coastal and geological issues and the effects it has on the beaches and marine areas from the shoreline seaward. Shoreline management is maturing and evolving into a complex coastal induced encroachment of vegetation and seawalls.

Discussion followed focusing on concerns regarding public access easements; and the question becomes under State law what is the public’s right of way; and which is an issue to be settled by the courts; and where vegetation is induced to prevent further land erosion and at the same time preventing the public clear passage. A similar situation as Kahala occurs in Kauai where the Sierra Club partnered with “We the Beach”, a community based group. A suggestion encouraged putting a committee together; Representative Marumoto would like to be a part of the committee. For more information contact Sam Lemmo at 585-0391 or Dolan Eversole at 587-0321.    

Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her monthly newsletter and highlighted on:

·         Kahala School Library dedicated its new extension. Mahalo to parents, Mr. & Mrs. Brett Hill, whose company constructed a learning center extension to the library; and to the parents who raised funds for this project.  

·         This year’s graduating class of Kapiolani Community College (KCC) heard from a KCC graduate, Calvin Nomiyama, an inspiring talk of his nurturing at KCC before going on to the Manoa campus and on to graduate school.

·         Included was a list of 2007 bills that passed, failed, was vetoed and or overridden.  

In response to the inquiry regarding enforcement officers for DLNR, Marumoto indicated was a real problem that the Legislature did not grant.

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and reported:

·         The 2007 session was characterized as a nasty, “do nothing session.”

·         DLNR Director Peter Young’s re-nomination was turned down by the Senate, eight in favor and 15 against; Slom spoke for and voted for Director Young.

·         The Governor’s executive budget presented was turned down by the Legislature (four years going); next year should be interesting; it is a major election year.

·         The Governor signed or let become law about 70 bills become law; 8 others become statue after the legislature overrode the Governor’s vetoes.  

Representative Lyla Berg – No representative was present;, however her monthly report was available.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported that OMPO will be reviewing its 2008-2011 the traffic plan; comments are due by July 2007. See Fukuda and pickup a pamphlet if you are interested in participating.

Land Use & Zoning – Pyles noted that the East Honolulu Development Plan will be going through it’s 5-year review. 

Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force Update – Roberson reported that the Task Force did not meet last month and stressed the importance of involving community members as well. He will be looking at scheduling another meeting to discuss topics about the East Honolulu Development Plan and Hawaii 2050.   

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  

Waialae Beach Park – Fichtman announced he and Pyles have worked on putting together a resolution regarding Waialae Beach Park. Fichtman read the motion aloud and moved that the Waialae Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 supports the resolution as read. Discussion followed and two amendments were suggested: a) Whereas (paragraph 9) delete Ewa, replace with “…Diamond Head…completing the work in 2003”; and b) Whereas (paragraph 11) following “totaling $150,000”, include…”these funds had lapsed.”  The amendments were accepted and the motion carried by unanimous consent. Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and Council of the City & County of Honolulu; and are available at your request.

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

East Honolulu Development Plan – will be discussed further by the Neighborhood of Excellence Task Force.

Muffler Citations, Chronic Noise Violations and Complaints – Discussed earlier under the agency report

NEW BUSINESS:

Bike Safety Presentation – Natalie Iwasa and Peter Rappa, members of the Hawaii Bicycling League, were present to talk about bicycle safety and basic safety tips. Rappa added that tomorrow is “Bike to Work Day” and Mayor Hannemann will be giving a speech at 7 a.m. Iwasa is also requesting Board support on a Bicycle Resolution which was distributed earlier.  

Roberson moved, Digmon seconded to approve the resolution as circulated. Discussion followed with comments such as: some bicyclists’ are arrogant yelling; bicyclist going up and down Halekoa Drive take up the whole roadway, while others ride side by side; bicyclist are discouraged from using Kahala Avenue because the lane is very narrow. Another comment regarded once it becomes safer, more people will ride bicycles. The motion carried by unanimous consent.        

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Chair Fukuda highlighted the following announcements:

·         NHB#3 mail or City Council notices

·         Mayor’s Community Meeting on Recycling, Monday May 21, Kapolei Hale

ADJOURNMENT:  Being there was no other Board business, the meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

Submitted by

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant