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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2007

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kelley Roberson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of six (6) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Kelley Roberson, Scotty Anderson, Gerri Digmon, Lester Fukuda, Sylvia Himeda, Lucinda Pyles, and Richard Turbin (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Stan Fitchman, and Julia Kane.

GUESTS: Major R. Green, Lieutenant G. Lum Lee, Sergeant S. Yano, Officer S. Forman, Officer J. Hendricks (HPD), Captain Ernie Akana (HFD), Lori Wingard (Councilmember Djou’s office), Senator Sam Slom, Mark Andersen (Governor’s office), Joan Shinn (Representative Marumoto’s office), Marilyn Israel (Kahala Nui Senior Center), Laverne Higa (Mayor’s Representative, DFM), Marie Richardson and Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Chair Roberson thanked Richardson for all her hard work and dedication to the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board and welcomed Ribac to the Board. Pyles presented Ribac with lei; Roberson presented Richardson with lei; and Fukuda presented Richardson with a card from the Board. Applause followed and those present then introduced themselves. Chair Roberson then questioned if any agenda items should be taken out of order. Pyles suggested that Carol Wilcox’s unfinished business of the East Honolulu Development Plan, agenda item 9.3, be presented after HPD. Seeing no objections agenda item 9.3 was presented after HPD.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Ernie Akana of HPD reported the following information:

6 structure, 2 brush, 4 rubbish, and 1 vehicle fire(s). 82 medical and 7 miscellaneous alarms, no major or unusual incidents reported.
Fire Safety Tip: The National Fire Protection Association has elected “Practice Your Escape Plan” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 7-13, 2007. Demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island.

Comments followed. In response to Digmon’s question in turning off the siren of emergency respondent vehicles during the late night hours, Captain Akana noted that without the siren it is not classified as an emergency and it would be difficult to respond in an emergency if residents didn’t know to get out of the way.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Officer Forman’s (District 7 – East Honolulu) report included the crime trend statistics, narcotics statistics, and in non-emergency type of calls (i.e. stalled vehicles) use the HPD email and website; www.honolulupd.org and hpd@honolulupd.org.

A concern was raised with the increasing number of vehicles speeding in the 20 miles per hour area, and the danger these drivers are causing for all residents.

East Honolulu Development Plan Status Update- Carol Wilcox of Malama Maunalua explained the group’s initiative; to address the Bay’s water quality due to runoff and settlement. Malama Maunalua has a proposed resolution that the Kuliou’ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 02 has passed.

Board members commended Wilcox and Malama Maunalua for the work that is being done. The Board will take the item up next month.

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative – Laverne Higa reported on:

In regards to traffic concerns in Waialae, Kahala and Diamond Head, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) previously evaluated Ainakoa Avenue and Malia Street intersection and determined that the requirements for an all-way stop were not met. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices does not recommend the instillation of stop signs to control speeding, because the City presently controls speeding through proper signage and enforcement by HPD.A work order has been issued to repaint the cross walks and has been completed.
DTS re-evaluated the removal of four bus stops on Waialae Avenue between 16th and 21st avenues, and determined that these bus stops will not be reinstated due to traffic issues and spacing between existing bus stops.
DTS reports that after an evaluation of the intersection at Ainakoa Avenue and Honokoa Place, revealed warrants for a marked crosswalk were not met.
In regards to Waialae Beach Park, referred as Kahala Beach Park; the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will contact Waialae Country Club and the Kahala Mandarin Hotel to inform them that parking is strictly for Waialae Beach Park users only.
Regarding wedding ceremonies at Waialae Beach Park, ceremonies, and picnics with 50 or less people are allowed. These events require a permit; commercial photography also requires a permit which is obtained at the Parks Permit Section. The permittee is informed of various park rules and terms and conditions which include:

Park in designated stalls only. No reservation of stalls or double parking in lot.
Limousines are for drop-off and pick-up in parking lot only; limousines are then to park off the park’s premises.
Please clean up after your activity. If you anticipate much rubbish, please bring extra trash bags.
If you are using tent/arc/other stakes into the ground, be sure to fill all holes and level the ground for future safety.
No torches, candles or flame-like items allowed, due to safety precautions.
No loud/blaring music; PA system is not allowed. Please be sensitive to the surrounding neighborhood and other park users.
Do not leave your personal belongings unattended.
Have your permit with you during your date of use.

· In regards to bulky items please notify the Refuse Division at 768-3401 with addresses to where bulky items are left inappropriately.

Questions followed:

1. Anderson noted that he had spoken to HPD in regards of bulky items being left out, and HPD noted that they would have to witness someone putting these items out to reprimand.

2. Digmon asked to look at crosswalks again, because without the stop signs and crosswalks at Ainakoa Avenue and Malia Street, elderly residents would have to walk to Kalanianaole Highway to cross, which is too far.

3. Pyles mentioned Barbara Stanton who has been an advocate for safer pedestrian areas.

4. Turbin noted the Pedestrian Safety Workshop, and how it may be a great place to talk to State lawmakers.

5. Himeda added that it may be helpful to have officials actually walk the cite. Higa noted that statistics would justify the need of crosswalks and stop signs in the area.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Chair Roberson noted that a written report was available at the door.

Councilmember Charles Djou – Lori Wingard of Councilmember Djou’s office reported:

The Mayor’s curbside recycling will be implemented in Hawaii Kai.
Djou has introduced new legislation which includes an expedited permit fee; which is a fee for permits that would be expedited first.

Questions followed:

Digmon questioned how quickly will it take to obtain the permits with the expedited fee? Wingard noted that it would be placed at the top of the list of permits.
Chair Roberson questioned the status of Alex Santiago. Wingard noted that he does not work for Councilmember Djou’s office as he has resigned last week.
Pyles questioned if the dedicated bus lane for light rail is still an option? Wingard explained that the Council has approved funding of the rail, the next step being a decision on the type of technology.

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:

Approval of the July 19, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes – Anderson moved with Fukuda seconding the approval of the minutes; hearing no objections, the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Himeda reported for the month of August, current expenses of $27.36, leaving a balance of $2,513.34; the Refreshment Account remains at $120.00. There were no objections; and the report was filed.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Chair Roberson asked that the three minute time limit be observed.

Chair Roberson thanked Marilyn Israel of Kahala Nui Senior Center for attending. Israel noted that maintenance workers at Kahala Nui are not throwing birds onto the freeway.

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICAILS:

Governor’s Representative – Mark Andersen representing the Governor’s office reported that talks regarding the Superferry is continuing on Kauai; and he was available for questions.

Questions followed:

Andersen noted that he would be happy to host a meeting with organizations as well as Pyles, in regards to Kahala Beach area. Chair Roberson mentioned that if it is an investigation, and no decision making be done, all Board members are allowed to attend.
Turbin questioned what can be done in regards to a Kahala Avenue Beachfront property that seems to dump items within the lot. Pyles replied that the Building Inspector can be reached or contacting the Department of Health.
Board member Anderson questioned if Andersen (Governor’s rep) knew anything about the land being sold at Maunalua; Andersen did not.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Joan Shinn was present and a report was available.

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his monthly report and highlighted:

There has been a meeting with protesters against the Superferry, although the Governor will not take any action until the courts have made a decision. A Superferry representative noted that if it is ruled that the Superferry cannot service residents until a complete Environmental Impact Study (EIS) is done, the Superferry will relocate.
State Legislators do not want a special session and the Governor is reluctant to call one.

Questions followed:

Turbin questioned why a special session is not being called? Slom noted that it is ideal that a piece of legislation be present when a special session is called. Slom also noted that Laura Theilen has been appointed by the Governor to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Turbin also questioned the Senator if he had attended a second amendment meeting on the Mainland? The senator noted that he did attend.

Representative Lyla Berg- No representative present, however, a report was available.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported that the overall work plan of 2009 has been completed, which forces the State to look at certain items in the State. The H1 viaduct east side, Hawaii Kai, was added to that list. Chair Roberson questioned if anyone knows what is being done in Kahala Mall, to which no one responded.

Land Use & Zoning – No report.

Waialae/Kahala/East Diamond Head – Chair Roberson reported that the Neighborhood Commission office (NCO) had revised the Neighborhood plan, and encouraged Board members to read a copy. If corrections or opportunities for improvement come up, public hearings are open the community. Chair Roberson also mentioned that he will be attending the Sustainability 2050 meeting on September 22, and report at next meeting.

OLD OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Kahala Beach area (vegetation encroachments / seawall variances) – Pyles noted that she will look into ideas that can be included in solving this problem. A letter of thanks to Stan Oka, Head of Urban Forestry, and Susan Spangler; both individuals are both instrumental in this project.

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

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution Supporting the Weed-the-Beach Program to remove Artificial Induced Vegetation Seaward of the Shoreline – Pyles mentioned that she looks forward to working with organizations in solving this problem. A resolution will be drafted after the taskforce meets, and forms a solution. Pyles moved with Turbin seconding that the working group be converted to a permitted interaction group (PIG) for the purpose of meeting with State officials regarding vegetation encroachments at Kahala Beach, with Turbin, Fukuda, Pyles and Himeda. With no objections, the motion carried unanimously.

Anderson explained that there is a rule in the Neighborhood plan stating that if a Board member misses three meetings, the Board may send a letter in regards of these absences. Anderson moved with Fukuda seconding that the Board send a letter to Julia Kane, noting her absences, and requesting a written response. With no objections, the motion carried unanimously.

CORRESPONDANCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Roberson noted that he will be attending the Sustainability 2050, and encouraged others to attend. Chair Roberson also noted that the bus stop and parking response letter was previously given in the Mayor’s report. Fukuda displayed two banners purchased by the Board, to display scheduled meeting dates.

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

Submitted by:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant