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KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2006
KAILUA RECREATION CENTER
Visit: neighborhoodlink.com for more information from Kailua Neighborhood Board
DRAFT Regular MEETING MINUTES March 2, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kathy Bryant-Hunter called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m., a quorum was present with 10 members. Announcements: extra agenda and minutes were available at the sign-in table; anyone wishing to be on the mail list to receive agenda and minutes should sign-in on the guest sign-in sheet; anyone wishing to speak on the agenda under community issues may do so by signing the speaker sign-in sheet.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lawrence Bartley, Kathy Bryant-Hunter, Jon Chinen (9:05), Jim Corcoran, Michael Correa, Susan Dowsett, Mike Dudley, Virginia Enos, Faith Evans, Debbi Glanstein, Joe Harding, Knud Lindgard, Charles Prentiss, Claudine Tomasa, Linda Ure, Bill Wilson, Josh Wisch, and Donna Wong.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dale Gibler.
GUESTS: Marie T. Gorak (Homeless Animals), Stann Reiziss, Senator Fred Hemmings and Barbara Krasniewali (Staff), Representative Tommy Waters, Malia Smith (Representative Hogue’s Office staff), Lt. Kennard Finn (Honolulu Police Department), Jeanne Schultz (Mayor’s Representative), Capt. Raul Fallau (Honolulu Fire Department), Kaipo Asing (Emergency Medical Services), Katherine Bird, D.J. Bird, F. Bird, Stanley Ano, Dolores Carmody, Neil Carmody, Julianna Lopez, John Foster (Representative Thielen’s Office staff), Diane Chun, Damien Chun (Boy Scouts), Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson (Kaneohe Marine Corp Base Hawaii), Professor Luciano Minerbi (University of Hawaii), Kalana Best, Virginia Fine, Leona Pereza, Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office).
UNFINISHED ACTIONS: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Meeting Minutes January 12, 2006 – Chair Bryant-Hunter acknowledged Ure, who took the special meeting minutes addressing property tax assessments which recorded City Council Bills and Resolutions with comments from the public, Board, Councilwoman Marshall and other elected officials. Ure received a correction for a portion of dialogue that gave technical information, which would be incorporated in the minutes of January 12, 2006. Evans stated she would abstain because she was absent; however, she asked whether it had been a special meeting as she assumed it was an informational meeting. Bryant-Hunter clarified it was a special meeting convened and noticed by the Board for the public to address Real Property Tax Assessments with Councilmember Marshall who conducted portions of the meeting.
Corrections:
Page 3, ¶6, line 2-3, Delete: [the Federal funded Act 108, and State Act 45(k)(1-4) to comply with Uniform Standard of Appraisers Practice USAP and only an licensed appraiser will be used.] Insert: Federal Laws and State of Hawaii Act 108, 1998, as provided for in HRS 466 which requires all Real Estate Appraisals, whether federal or non-federal, are to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as mandatory to all Hawaii State licensed appraisers. Glanstein moved and Harding seconded to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2006 as amended. The motion carried, 14-0-3. Ayes: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Enos, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong. Abstain: Dowsett, Dudley, Evans,
Regular Meeting Minutes February 2, 2006 – Chair Bryant-Hunter indicated corrections were received by Lindgard via email, which would be included in the minutes. Glanstein announced submitting, in writing, corrections and comments to Ure, Board Secretary. Evans announced corrections. Ure announced receiving corrections from Mark Recktenwald. Corrections follow:
· Page 2, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOLLOWED (AGENCY REPORTS): EMS, item 2, correction: [we are waiting to see when they are scheduled for a hearing and you can contact Evans and me so we can be there for the hearing.] Evans and I will check on when they are scheduled for hearings.
· Page 3, COMMUNITY ISSUES: Item 3, line 5, correction: crime that [is] are not generally known.
· Page 3, COMMUNITY ISSUES: Item 4, line 4, correction: however, they end up fining [their] they’re back to the area.
· Page 6, Item 7) Line 11, correction: introduced [a very cruel tax; that is,] the excise tax on food which is considered “a very cruel tax”, this surplus could be used to partially offset.
· Page 7, item 8) line 6, correction: especially [venerable] vulnerable people, frail and elderly,
· Page 8, item NON-COMMITTEE MOTIONS: item 4), correction testimony was before [SHIPDA] SHPDA and the Department of Health because what we [canted] wanted was inter-island support
· Page 9, ¶1, line 16, correction: [raise] raze
· Page 10, Resurfacing Project on Kalanianaole Highway, line 1, Replace: [DTS] DOT; Mokapu Boulevard. Line 2, Replace: [DTS] DOT; Kailua High Access Road, last line, correction: issues include [the] deciding; Low-Cost Rentals: Line 1, correction: Generally the Governor has been very supportive, as outlined in the state of the state address to increase the amount of the rental subsidy and to increase the eligibility
· Page 11, QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FOLLOWED: bullet 2, Enos, first line, correction: Enos [remained] reminded Recktenwald; last line, correction: cases before prosecution and [this should not have] should be able to explain why this occurred [if the case was a good case].
· Page 13, ¶6, lines 5-6, Delete: [Also, the testimonials prepared by Chair Bryant-Hunter, Ms. Glanstein and Ure and Mr. Corcoran were very helpful.] Insert: Testimony was presented by Chair Bryant-Hunter, Glanstein, Ure, Corcoran, and Wilson; line 8, replace: [al] all; line 13, replace: [tern] term; lines 14+ [Proposal 13, this Board’s recommended Proposal, recommended that the Neighborhood Commission develop revisions to the neighborhood Plan, review effectiveness of Neighborhood Boards and to submit an annual evaluation of the executive Secretary for review by the Mayor and the City Council. The Board strongly recommend the commissioners support Proposal 13 to strengthen the language of timely review, evaluation, and reporting between the neighborhood commission and the neighborhood boards, the further assistance from the neighborhood commission to neighborhood boards to fulfill their mission, along with the timely reporting on the effectiveness of an appointed and confirmed position back to the appointing and confirming bodies for the position of the executive secretary of the neighborhood commission office; bullet 1, delete: [on-voting member of the Commission] insert: non-voting member of the Neighborhood Commission.
· Page 14, ¶1, Item 1), line 4, replace: [And they are necessarily] And they are not necessarily; line 5, replace: [W] We; line 7, replace: [Bill thanks] Bill, thank; Item 2), line 2, replace: [of rules for voting] for the rules in voting; Item 3, line 4, replace: [Bill] Bill’s; line 6, delete: [how because many,]
· Page 14, TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE should read, Rod Haraga, delete Ed.
· Page 15, item 1), correction [goof] go from Hamakua Drive to Wanaao Road and that is a short distance for a bike [land] lane; item 2), correction: [Bryant-Hunters] Bryant-Hunter; item 3), clarification: they (DTS) [are] now [having] have a new director and they (DTS) are going through the whole process and we (the board) are just going to have to wait; item 10), line 2, clarification: only an observer, and (an observer) cannot comment. It needs to be clear that that is your role (as an observer) on the working group that you are to be there as an observer, report back to the board the findings (of the working group); Item 13) correction: as a member of the working group Evans is an observer and [my] may ask [question] questions but may not comment and must report back to the board; item 17, clarification: that was in the past and we (the Board) have clarified the role for now; item 19), clarification: Evans stated we (the Board) do not call the meetings; item 18), clarification: Speaker in 18 is Chair Bryant-Hunter, and a continuation of item 17).
· Page 16, bullet 1, line 1, correction [Budge] Budget
Evans moved and Harding seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2006 as amended. The motion carried by unanimous consent. 17-0-0. Ayes: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
AGENCY REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Actg. Capt. Fallau reported:
· A total of 108 alarms consisting of 4 brush, 1 rubbish, and 6 vehicle fires; 67 medical, 2 search/rescue and 28 miscellaneous alarms.
· A major incident involved a brush fire behind Kalaheo.
· Monthly safety tip: Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Be responsible and dispose of all fires properly. Even small sources of fire, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Work together with your community to make it safer. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing the vegetation surrounding all structures. Report and remove hazards. Communicate with each other. Formulate plans for yourself, your family and your neighborhood in case of emergencies. Now is the time to prepare for the brush fire season. If you are interested in creating a safe space around your home, street or community, you may contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at (808) 281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org.
Chair Bryant-Hunter asked to take a moment to address another correction request to the minutes of February 2, 2006. Leona Pereza indicated not corrections necessarily, but rather a comment; Chair Bryant-Hunter entertained hearing Pereza’s comment.
Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2006: Pereza said she did not attend the February 2 board meeting but receives the minutes and noticed a dialogue regarding the Traffic and Public Safety Committee Chair and that there had been a meeting with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). She suggested the dialogue boiled down to allegations. She also expressed disappointment when she read the February 2 Regular Meeting Minutes with the dialogue that took place and allegations made suggesting Evans overstepped her boundary. Pereza felt that the dialogue was hearsay that Evans had argued and continued to hammer the DTS people. In addition Pereza suggested an allegation, or threat, by Prentiss, in that he reminded Evans of her role as chair (of the committee) and a possible violation of the Sunshine Law. Pereza’s concern was that all the dialogue that went on at the February meeting was purely hearsay and not necessary or true.
Prentiss raised a point of order stating Pereza was not in attendance at the meeting, therefore, how she could comment on the minutes. Bryant-Hunter stated that according to the speaker sign-in sheet Pereza had requested to speak on the minutes. Bryant-Hunter assumed Pereza had corrections to the minutes. Bryant-Hunter further suggested it would be more appropriate to take the comments later; however, if it was just a question or brief comment, Bryant-Hunter would entertain hearing it now as it would be included in tonight’s minutes. Pereza asked whether Bryant-Hunter was suggesting that she wait until later and Bryant-Hunter noted if it were comments and not corrections to the minutes--then yes, later would be appropriate. Pereza indicated that perhaps she should have noted it being a correction instead because she considered the minutes inaccurate. Bryant-Hunter noted that the dialogue was what had been said at the meeting. Pereza again stated that the comments were inaccurate. Bryant-Hunter indicated that this is what was said and perhaps it should be taken up later under community concerns. Pereza was open to the Chair’s request.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lt. Kennard Finn reported:
· February 2006 statistics included: 8 burglaries, 59 other property thefts, 37 thefts from automobiles (UEMV), 0 robberies, and 19 auto/motorcycle thefts. Although statistics are looking better, he cautioned a slight rise of UEMV’s (theft from autos) in the Aikahi area.
· Park statistics included: 15 park closure citations, 4 arrests for parks/warrant/liquor offenses, 7 illegal camping/no permit citations, 15 human habitation citations, and 64 vehicles in the park citations.
Emergency Services Department (EMS) – No representative was present at this time.
Marine Corps Liaison (MCL) – Lt. Col. Patricia Johnson reported:
· March 13 – 16: MCAF is tentatively scheduled to shift to 24-hour operations in support of the U.S. Navy (USS Lincoln) exercises in the Hawaiian Islands area.
· March 10 – 13: Makahiki Season’s Closing Ceremonies. Several local Native Hawaiian families with genealogical ties to Mokapu Peninsula and their invited guests will gather at MCBH, Kaneohe Bay to participate in this annual celebration. A traditional Hawaiian welcoming ceremony will be conducted on Saturday, March 11. A number of Makahiki celebrants will paddle canoes across Kaneohe Bay, from Kualoa Beach Park to Mokapu Peninsula. A pre-dawn processional and an at-dawn ceremony are also planned on Sunday morning, March 12, at Pyramid Beach near Ku’au (Pyramid Rock). Call MCBH Public Affairs Office at 257-8832/8840 for details.
· March 11: Iwo Jima Veterans will stop in Hawaii on their way back from a March 8 Military Historical Tours visit to the Island of Iwo Jima. They will share a meal with active duty Marines and fellow veterans and visit the Pacific War Memorial at MCBH, at Kaneohe Bay.
· March 21: the first annual Sea Services Women’s Leadership Symposium event is intended to actively support the sea services (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) in the retention and career development of women and leaders of women, an essential element in maintaining operational readiness, provide professional development and mentoring, and support gender diversity.
· March 23 – 29: two groups of JROTC cadets from local Navy and Marine Corps programs will be visiting and staying aboard MCBH to train with Marines and Sailors as part of their annual military-based training.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – No representative was present, however, Detect-A-Leak flyers and detect-a-leak dye tablets for home toilet tanks were available.
Honolulu Liquor Commission (HLC) – No representative present, no report.
Questions & answers for AGENCY REPORTS:
HFD:
1) Tomasa asked what caused the brush fire behind Kalaheo. Actg. Capt. Fallau had no information on the cause of the fire however; he could have that information at the next meeting. Tomasa asked if HPD had any information; Lt. Finn’s response was that a witness saw some kids on the hillside before the fire and the information was given to HFD, but identification could not be made. Tomasa said it was a real concern being so close to the residential area.
2) Bryant-Hunter commented on the speed of response and a number of families that live on the hillside were amazed and very impressed by the quick response and were grateful.
HPD:
Responding to Wisch’s concern about the sex assault statistics, Lt. Finn indicated that 16 sex assaults were for the entire police District 4, and would have to check for the specific breakdown by area. The last time Lt. Finn checked, there were multiple offenses within isolated incidences.
MCL:
Evans congratulated Lt. Col. Johnson on her promotion.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
U.S. Congressman Ed Case – No representative was present.
Senator Fred Hemmings – Report distributed. Senator Hemmings just returned from Washington D.C. and thanked Governor Lingle and Director Peter Young of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, for the steps taken to halt commercial activity in state waters throughout the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. The proposed Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve is 38 times the size of Yellowstone National Park, that’s 120,000 square miles. It has an enormous biological, ecological, cultural and historical significance; starting west of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands and extending nearly 1,200 miles from Nihoa Island on the east end to Kure Atoll on the west. Senator Hemmings will be supporting HR 2376, introduced by Congressman Case, to protect the Northwest Hawaiian Islands in the perpetuity with the creation of the largest marine sanctuary in the world.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Evans asked about the gas cap. Sen. Hemmings said there are two initiatives - one from the House to repeal the gas cap; and another initiative from the originators. If you want the gas cap repealed, he would urge you to call your area legislators and have them uniformly support those initiatives, which he does. Evans asked if all else fails can the Governor step in and repeal it. Sen. Hemmings said it was not designed to protect the consumers from high gas prices, but under extraordinary emergency circumstances, the Governor can step in and repeal it; however those circumstances do not exist and he does not believe it’s the Governor’s duty to do that--rather it is the work of the legislators who voted in favor should repeal the gas cap.
2. Wilson asked if the both the House and Senate bills – pertaining to the Sunshine Law moved forward. Sen. Hemmings said he doesn’t think it will happen; the Office of Information Practices (OIP) has lobbied very hard to amend the law to allow not more than 50% of neighborhood board members to attend an open meeting. He further indicated how ironic that the only people exempted are legislators who wrote the law.
3. Glanstein is hopeful that the Senator has been getting her emails and faxes; however, Wilson asked a question that she feels needs to a response. There are a couple of bills, specific to neighborhood boards, which are not moving at all. There is one bill on ethics and neighborhood board members and members of boards and commissions, whether elected or appointed, which is moving; and another bill dealing with public meetings that would also impact (not in a negative way) members of the neighborhood boards.
Senator Bob Hogue – Malia Smith apologized for Senator Hogue not being present tonight. She expressed that he would like to remind everyone that tomorrow is the last day for the third reading of the proposed bills and next week these bills will travel down to the Senate floor to be heard on Tuesday and Thursday. Please contact his office at 587-7215, if you have any concerns or opinions on how you would like him to vote on certain issues.
Representative Pono Chong – No representative was present; his report was available.
Representative Cynthia Thielen – John Foster distributed Representative Thielen’s report and highlighted: 1) HB 1888 (co-sponsored by the Representative) – relating to renewable energy technology is rapidly advancing and Hawaii is one of two sites with infrastructure in place for potential energy; also 2) Rep. Thielen wanted to express her dismay that the Governor’s Omnibus bill seems to be dead and will not be making the crossover. At this point, it is unclear whether or not provisions of this bill will be drafted into other bills. Hopefully, there will be an update of what made it at the next meeting.
There were no questions for Representative Thielen.
The agenda was taken out of order for AGENCY REPORTS, Emergency Services Department.
Emergency Services Department (EMS) – Kaipo Asing apologized they were out on a call. He reported:
· February 2006 statistics totaled: 178 ambulance calls - 123 patient transports, 4 emergency room transfers, 24 patient refusals, 28 cancelled calls, 3 @ scene dead on arrival, 45 out of area (1 Waikiki, 1 Honolulu, 33 Kaneohe, and 6 Waimanalo), and 1 inability to communicate.
· In response to a previous inquiry regarding response time, Asing indicated contacting Chief Patricia Dukes at pdukes@honolulu.gov and she would make that information available.
The agenda resumed order.
Evans commented that Mayor’s Representative Jeanne Schultz’s name keeps getting misspelled and made a suggestion to correct that.
Mayor’s Representative - Jeanne Schultz thanked Joan Manke for filling in last month; and she proceeded to report:
· Low Cost Rentals – Shultz did not find out the response to Board member Wong’s inquiry about the policy for low cost rental and not affordable rental. Affordable rentals are low to moderate income and both are included in affordable rentals. The Mayor has established the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and the committee’s report is expected in late March; and she would expect that in that report there will be a discussion of what constitutes those levels of housing.
· Variance Requirements – Variances do not require a presentation to the neighborhood board; although some applicants choose to do so. With respect to this specific situation at 734 Mokulua Drive, a SV (Special Variance) requires compliance with the environmental and public review mandated by State Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regulations. The Environmental Assessment (EA) that was prepared for the proposed project was distributed to the KNB No. 31 on November 21, 2003 and was published in the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) Notice on December 8, 2003. The neighborhood board did not submit comments. On December 15, 2005, a copy of the notice of application and public hearing for the SV was sent to the neighborhood board and published in the Star Bulletin on December 26, 2005. The public hearing was held on January 17, 2006.
· EIS Update of Waimanalo Gulch – the response from the Department of Environmental was that the Mayor would make a statement within a month regarding Waimanalo Gulch.
· Repaving of Kalaheo Avenue – Kalaheo Avenue from Mokapu Boulevard to Kailua Road (its entire length) will be resurfaced after completion of two ongoing projects along the roadway, a sewer line installation project at the Kailua Road end and a waterline installation project at the Mokapu Boulevard end. Resurfacing will be done as part of these projects. Schultz and Richardson would have the name of a contact person.
· Drainage swales on Kipuka Place – the Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) Civil Division met with resident Ross Brown on February 24, 2006 regarding his complaint. A topographic survey will be done to assess the situation and identify alternatives. Schultz has a name of a contact person with DDC.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Wong thanked Schultz for researching the issue and asked Schultz whether or not she found an answer or a policy for low cost rentals. Schultz responded she did not find a policy. Wong requested getting a copy of the March report by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. Schultz said it would be available for public dissemination once the report is released; and she would notify Chair Bryant-Hunter.
2. Bartley recalled when he was very active on the PE&Z Committee (1990’s), they received notice from DPP and the Department of Land Use (DLU) on every variance application and acted on every request. The Board/Committee needs to be notified of every variance as was done previously. However, he has noticed that the Board is not receiving nearly as many as in the past. So he wonders whether there are fewer variance applications going through or the Board is just not being notified. He also noted that the Board used to receive the application form itself. Schultz will find out the process.
3. Corcoran shared the following concerns: a) the Mayor deserves credit for vetoing Bill 37 relating to Waimanalo Gulch and understands it wasn’t easy. He also hopes that members of the public conveys the message to their council members and not block the veto. b) The Kailua Beach Park portion of Kailua Bay was closed since last week because of sewage spills. It is remarkable--no fishing, boating or sailing in Kailua Bay. c) A portion of the Environmental Assessment for Wanaao Sewer Project talks about bypassing the trouble spots and perhaps it should be considered approaching the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to put these it in place to avoid any future sewage spills before the project starts; d) he requested the Board to be informed about the status of the Waimanalo Gulch EIS proceedings.
4. Dudley expressed: a) the mauka side walkway on the bridge across Kaelepulu Stream on Kawailoa Road, has been closed for quite a while and is a dangerous situation when trying to cross at the bridge. Some people are looking at the beach and don’t see the crosswalk. Bryant-Hunter substantiated the comment and asked how much longer it will be closed. b) Dudley said a resident in the Sub district 1 asked about the construction on Kalaheo Avenue, that there’s just too many intersections, and the intersection of Kailua Road and Kainalu Drive is a disaster and he would like to know how much longer will it be and whether there is reason to hope for relief. Schultz would look into it. Bryant-Hunter asked Evans to follow-up with the contractor. c) There is quite a flooding problem at the corner of Kawailoa and Alala Road, which came from the City filling in what used to be a drainage swale going to the ocean that has now been filled in from installing the bike path. The City did come out and look at it and monies were appropriated but nothing ever happened. He would like to know how to go about following up because he’s getting concerns from his neighbors.
5. Kalana Best has witnessed a number of near misses at Kawailoa and Alala Road. She said there is no prepare to “yield” sign as you come out of Kailua Beach. Also, she asked about the swimming pool in Lanikai and asked the protocol whether the Lanikai Community Association should have been notified also; they do meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. She feels this is a key issue and they could have gotten community input. Bryant-Hunter agreed.
6. Juliana Lopez wanted to make a correction that the construction closure isn’t on Kalaheo Avenue and Kainalu Drive but rather Kalaheo Avenue and Kai Nui Street; she indicated that Kalaheo Avenue doesn’t run into Kainalu Drive. Bryant-Hunter clarified that Kalaheo Avenue and Kai Nui Street is one end of the construction, but the other end is at Kainalu Drive and Kailua Road. Bryant-Hunter said a number of intersections are getting disproportionately impacted and the Board will follow-up to see what kind of traffic plans there are and to see if there are some kind of traffic relief.
7. Bartley would like to thank the Mayor and Director Eng regarding their efforts on illegal rentals. Several $1,000 fines have been issued in the Kailua Neighborhood Board area and $3,000 fine issued all within the last month. Although there is a long way to go, the City has really stepped up enforcement and it is really appreciated.
8. Prentiss commented on the Kawailoa Road issue and recalled back in 2002, the previous Mayor gave the Board $1 million to allocate towards Capital Improvement Projects in 2003. One of the projects that this Board approved was a traffic-calming project on Kawailoa Road. The project was approved by the City and monies encumbered, so the money is still there. The City said in addition to the traffic calming, there was some kind of a drainage problem and that they were studying that; he doesn’t understand why the project hasn’t moved forward.
Governor’s Representative – Mark Recktenwald updated on State highway projects:
· Kalanianaole Highway resurfacing is finishing ahead of schedule this month; still need to finish striping and some electronics at the traffic lights at the intersections.
· The two left turn lanes existing out of Kapaa Quarry Road area are seen as a very positive effect.
· DOT will be resurfacing Kamehameha Highway from H-3 to Castle Junction.
· Pali Highway near Waiokanaka Street will be spot resurfacing road work. A more major resurfacing from Waiokanaka down to Wylie is scheduled for two years from now.
· Kailua bound portion of Pali tunnels – the assessment is that the condition is good enough and given the other priorities DOT has, they haven’t scheduled that; but again he will relay the concern about that road to DOT.
· Castle Junction Intersection – water backed up and swirling in that intersection will be relayed to DOT to see if it were something related to the resurfacing work.
· Kite Surfing issue – after the last meeting, the Chair suggested DLNR looking into buoys as demarcation for the kite surfers; and a sign on the beach telling surfers where they can and cannot go. He relayed the suggestion to DLNR and his understanding is that they are pursuing those suggestions.
· The Kailua High School Access Road - the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) has, in writing, offered to take ownership of the road on an interim bases to get the project moving; a letter was sent to the Board.
· State policy on low cost rentals and whether the vision at this time that the State was building and operating rentals with the private sectors or other approaches – his sense of the policy is more, working in partnership with the public and private sectors rather then building the projects themselves. Example: taking State land and putting out RFP’s (request for proposals) and having someone other than the State build and operate the project.
· Kailua Beach Park camping issue – Recktenwald followed up with the Prosecutors Office. Lt. Finn pulled together a list of all the citations for the prosecutor. Recktenwald had conveyed the concern and they are addressing it. He hopes to report back next month about their observations. One thing he would like to bring attention to the issue about habitation in the parks is up with the legislature in SB 2687 – a bill that would repeal the criminal prohibition; trespassing in a public park. A bill that Board would probably want to monitor and consider.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Wong asked if Recktenwald’s comment was an administrative or state policy to work in partnership on low cost rentals. Recktenwald said it’s difficult to characterize an area so complex, but generally, in speaking with Stephanie Aveiro, Director of HCDCH (Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii), the State is not looking to build, develop, or operate low-income rental housing. One piece of the solution for example is if the State has property in an area that could be developed and make it available for a developer to build the housing on that property; the other piece is to increase subsidy for low-income individuals, increase rental subsidies, and increase eligibility for subsidy so more people are eligible for subsidy. Recktenwald would be happy to follow-up on any particular bills.
2. Glanstein said prior to the Legislative session, Recktenwald indicated working particularly hard on identity theft legislation. Of interest to Glanstein is one relating to financial institutions issuing credit cards to people, essentially as a ploy; and she asked if there were any other identity theft measures moving and are helping at this point. Recktenwald noted this administration put in five (5) proposals: a) a bill to enhance criminal penalties, and making it a Class C Felony; b) a bill where businesses with secured confidential records have been breached; c) a bill to restrict the use of your social security numbers by businesses; and d) a bill requiring business with this type of information to shred the information when disposing. All these bills are moving and the administration is optimistic. Glanstein also asked if there is anything moving on the conveyance tax; Recktenwald would have to check.
3. Enos thanked Recktenwald for the park follow-up. She also stated the following: a) a point regarding repeated offenders in the park; where it seems much easier to pay the fine and end up back in the park and repeating the offense; b) Complaints from constituents regarding individuals camping in the area along the City and County road, along the park. It’s an issued that’s been tossed back and forth whether it’s a park or road issue; and in the meanwhile, these people are still camping. Recktenwald heard the same thing and he knows of issues of blocking the crosswalk, substance abuse, and alcohol use. But from what he’s heard HPD is out issuing citations, and the question is what’s happening with those citations, which he’s asked of the prosecutor’s office and he hopes to have an answer next month.
Councilmember Barbara Marshall – No report.
BOARD ACTIONS:
Transportation and Public Safety: Committee Chair Evans read the committee motion:
1) Motion: The KNB strongly urges the Mayor and City Council to create a Park Ranger Program to be implemented and administered by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and that the District Commanders will have control over the rangers; additional funding will be added to the HPD budget for the Park Ranger Division.
Evans gave a brief description of the proposed program that the mission of the rangers would be to improve the quality and safety of the active parks and beaches in the City & County of Honolulu for the enjoyment of the community and to serve as a resource to park patrons. This would be accomplished through professional, courteous, and competent service and utilization of creative and ethical crime prevention/problem solving practices. The rangers would be considered peace officers employed by HPD. The division would operate under the community policing philosophy, responding to the needs of its patrons and employees of the park and beach lands. There were eight members on the committee and six present tonight and all voted for this.
Evan also indicated in the Windward People section of Yesterday, they talked about armed park rangers that said “volunteered”; at no time, Evans stated, did she use the word “volunteer” to this newspaper reporter, and she had some concerns about giving this interview by telephone.
Discussion followed: 1) Wong asked why do they need guns? Evans said if you’re going to enforce rules and make arrests, you’re going to need a gun, otherwise they would be ineffective. Every park ranger existing in other municipalities and Cities carry guns; and in some municipalities they have park rangers who are more educational (tours, etc.). This would be an augment to the beat officer because there aren’t enough beat officers to be patrolling the beaches. These officers will be able to make arrests and promote the welfare of the community. 2) Glanstein was a bit confused. As a member of that committee, she voted in favor but at no time were there any suggestions that there be armed rangers; nor does the motion contain that word. Evans indicated that it might have been her fault but if you’re going to have a peace officer, or someone enforcing laws and making arrests when necessary, they’ll have to be armed. They’ll be functioning like a police officer, but not have the full training of a police officer. Glanstein cannot support the motion the way it is if the implication that these peace officers are going to be armed. Evans indicated that a police officer is considered a peace officer; and she asked is that is not correct? 3) Enos spoke in favor of the motion – there is already a very high level of crime in the parks and the parking lots. What is needed are more policemen and essentially this is what they would be; but now if they are unarmed, they are at risk themselves. She was certain that no one would have a problem if they were HPD officers doing what they do, but would you ask to take their guns away? It’s a factor that there not kidding and they’re here to protect the community and enforce the law, and not here to shoot or kill anyone. 4) Dudley spoke against the motion – he lives directly across and on many occasions he’s seen police officers on ATV’s, issuing citations, etc.; also, he’s witnessed two mean fights in the parking lot and in those cases, HPD were called upon and responded immediately; and in one case it was very serious with about four to five officers. He also thinks it’s a good idea to have more police officers in the district and he would vote for that, but he could not support this. 5) Bartley doesn’t see anything about guns in the motion or the description. He also doesn’t see where it lays out the final resolution that says it has to mean people carrying guns, although personally he would not have any problems with that. He is going to speak in favor of the motion because the Board has begged for more police officers and the Kailua area is just not getting them. An active park like Kailua Beach Park gets about three fourths of a million tourist a year (other active parks include; Ala Moana Beach Park and Waimea Beach Park, etc.). So, if it’s a specialized law enforcement like a vice department, traffic department law, etc., why not a parks ranger department that deals with specific types of crimes and rules that exist in the parks. 6) Wisch didn’t want to misinterpret Evans, so he asked for clarification whether these park rangers would have the same powers as police officers, but not the same training as a police officer. Evans said she needed to finish the statement regarding training. It seemed that the people who were there seem to have a different understanding. So his concern is that it would seem odd to take someone who didn’t have the same training as a police officer and give him the same weaponry. He completely agrees with having more police officers there or park rangers with tazzers or something along those lines, but if there going to have the same guns; they probably should have the same training. Otherwise, he would like to hear why that would cause a problem. Evans said in the Department of Land and Natural Resources is the Conservation and Resources Enforcement Division officer’s that carry guns and enforce the rules of DLNR. There training is not as extensive as police officers (six months) and she envisions these park rangers would be trained and knowledgeable specifically to enforce the rules and ordinances for active parks (Ala Moana, Waimea, Kailua, etc.); also they would have dual jurisdiction so if there were violations with kayakers, etc. they could enforce as well, and call back up of regular beat officers. Wisch said basically that all seems to make sense, but there are a number people with a difference of opinions of what was said at the committee meeting, and that it seems to make sense for the issue to go back to committee for another discussion.
Bryant-Hunter passed the gavel to Vice Chair Bartley.
(7) Lindgard spoke against this kind of concept – a quasai type military concept. It requires an enormous amount of training to begin with; it requires military instructions of sorts, including types of martial arts, etc. Kailua is not the same as Yellow Stone National Park where you would find park rangers you could call upon to do anything from climbing mountains to taking care of bears, etc.; whereas, at Kailua Beach Park, exist of a more behavioral type of condition. Lindgard further indicated that most people don’t know this but he was a park ranger for 10 years at Ho’omaluhia Park, which gave him authority and he didn’t carry a gun or anything else. He felt why not get a Citizen Patrol going or the use of a cell phone – “if you see it call the cops”; and he feels it’s something that should be handled by the police department; in other words, he would like to see the officers out of their cars and walking the beat.
Vice Chair Bartley called Lindgard to order at this time and asked to refrain from using inappropriate language. Vice Chair Bartley recognized Bryant-Hunter.
(8) Bryant-Hunter spoke in favor of the motion because it the directs the Police Department to administer this program; and decide the appropriate training and appropriate enforcement tools would be necessary in order to implement a park ranger program. Any voluntary patrol group tasked with patrolling the beach, tend to come and go. And as effective as they are for the short term, it’s not a long-term solution. She’s very comfortable with this motion because it says, “administered by HPD” and the City is not going to put together a program that would put park rangers at risk and decide what appropriate training is necessary; and designed for all active parks. It is not just an issue in Kailua, but all active parks on Oahu where there’s inadequate resources to manage the activities in the parks. She strongly supports this and any ideas that would encourage creative ideas to help support HPD and the challenging issues. (9) Ure had two issues with this motion: a) the motion does not state this is going to be for an active park; it was to have been noted in the justification following the motion on the agenda; and b) the motion doesn’t say that they would be carrying a fire arm; she would suggest that the motion be amended to state those criteria. What was discussed at the committee was the fact that HPD would have the right to reassign persons, which mean they may not actually end up at the park. (10) Enos wanted to refresh the Board’s memory that about six years ago a cab driver was shot in the head at Kailua Beach Park, so as far as volunteers, she would not want to be the volunteer on duty that night. (11) After hearing what the Board members had to say, Prentiss said that this proposal really raised more questions than it answered. First of all, this is a proposal for an island-wide police organization, and he don’t see where there’s been any attempt made to contact other neighborhood boards to see what they feel before we make a decision of our own, and appears presumptuous on the part of KNB. Also, he last heard that there are seven police vacancies in Kailua and rather than creating a whole new bureaucracy for policing the beach parks that it may be more appropriate to spend that money to fill those police officer’s positions in Kailua. His thoughts were also that in this way the police might be more efficient rather than a park ranger sitting around waiting for something to happen at the park; whereas, a police officer would be handling other things. Another question--was there a bill by the Governor and DLNR in the Legislature, and with the current tax situation where the City has increased his property taxes by 56% in one year; and at the same time the State has a surplus that it may be more appropriate to fund this kind of activity with State funds rather than City funds. Creating a new division in the police department is an expensive proposition, which leads to a final question of how much things would cost.
Harding left the meeting at 8:40 p.m., 16 members present.
The lengthy discussion continued with public comments: (1) Kalana Best expressed a question and a comment. Born and raised in Lanikai, she commented she’d watched the increasing crime at Kailua Beach Park and continuing into Lanikai. She would welcome the intention of the Board to do anything to improve the safety of the community, and visitors. She questioned when you say “active parks” does that included the beach/shoreline area or just the park, and is there a demarcation line or jurisdictional boundary that the proposed the park rangers would monitor. Evans said it would be up to that point would be the jurisdiction of the City and County, and then of course it would become DLNR; and they would have joint responsibility and enforce the laws. Best asked in cases of an incident spilling over into the water would park rangers still have jurisdiction. Evans indicated that they would and at which time, park rangers would call for back up. Also, Best questioned why the article stated the program was to stop at Kawailoa and why does it not extend to Lanikai because her concern now would be that the elements would migrate into Lanikai. Evans assured Best that the efforts would go from one end to the other and the information Best read was incorrect, and Evans had a thought not to interview with the reporter. (2) Alice Ishihara stated this is the first time she heard that a peace officer would be armed with a gun; police officers and peace officers are not the same. Further, the motion states that you’re urging the Mayor and City Council; has the Police Department been contacted regarding this and what are their feelings. In response, Evans states that the Board would take a position; send a letter with the motion to the Mayor and the Council. If it sparks an interest then they would contact HPD, otherwise, HPD would not comment on the motion unless it’s gone to the Mayor and City Council. Also, in the Hawaii Revised Statues, the definition of a peace officer is a police officer; and their main mission is to keep the peace; and he or she also has the authority to enforce the law. These officers would also be trained by the Honolulu Police Department.
Evans, maker of the motion, asked to make one final comment that a member, who was not present at that meeting talked about cost, which the committee understands that it would be an expensive program and that they’ve not discussed cost. But the whole idea was to have a creative way to have (our) parks protected. Also, Ure’s concern that it should include all active parks and she believes that brief description of the proposed program could be included with the motion.
Bartley relinquished the gavel to Bryant-Hunter. The Board proceeded with the vote. The motion failed, 8-8-0; (10 votes are required to pass the motion.) Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Enos, Evans, Tomasa. Nay: Dudley, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
Evans wanted to say that it’s not over yet and they’ll keep talking about it, but it just follows the pattern of this Board in relations to things dealing with the park. They always come up with the ideas and it never passes and it goes back to a number of different Chairs’ of this committee, and very unfortunate. Wong needed to respond to Evans’ comment that it’s not the park; but that there are kids in the park and the idea of the guns. Chair Bryant-Hunter ended the discussion and moved on.
2) Motion: The KNB requests that the DTS implement a six-month pilot project of NO PARKING along the beach side of Kawailoa Road for Kailua Beach Parks "A" & "B". Parking would be prohibited from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., seven days a week. Appropriate signs to be installed.
Discussion followed: 1) Bartley’s understanding from DTS is that you really can’t park along the side of the street anywhere, so this would be not asking any change of the law to put signs up. You can park on the street where parking is legal, in a driveway or a parking lot. The grass edge along the side of the road is the easement and called the sidewalk and people are supposed to get tickets there. 2) Dudley favors the motion; it’s what they’ve waited for on Kawailoa Road, which is an unimproved roadway with no sidewalks. 3) Enos echoed Dudley and stated this is basically the specific area where all the camping is going on and this is exactly what they are trying to address. 4) In response to Wong’s inquiry regarding a specific area; Enos said starting from the road directly across from Buzz’s Steak House, going toward Lanikai (between the bus stop and the Lanikai end of the road). Also, there have been a number of complaints of the activities going on and that people have taken residence in their vehicles in that area. HPD is having a tough time trying to enforce the law as written and this is a measure to close that section at night. Wong asked whether parking was prohibited now. Enos replied no. Wong wondered why then were the canoe paddlers, during regattas, getting ticketed? Enos again responded that during regattas people begin extending into the bike lanes, crowding the area and now posing a hazard and violating the law. 5) Prentiss shared that the parks committee has been addressing the problem of homeless in the beach park, which this is separate from that and the committee hasn’t be able to do anything about, but the other problem is that the homeless are parking vehicles along side that, so he feels that this is a good thing and it would help to get a handle on that and be consistent with the park closure hours. 6) Best had a question and a comment. It turns out that the sidewalk also extends down to Mokulua Drive and they also have the same problems in Lanikai with parking during 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and they’d to ask that this be extended for all of Lanikai because if you move those people from Kawailoa Road, they are just going to move right into Lanikai. 7) Jim Wood questioned whether residents along those areas need that parking because he would think that that would be the main objection. He thought it would be strange to have no parking just to run the homeless out and it not really being a parking or safety issue. Enos responded that the overwhelming outcry from the community and the people that live directly across the street are concerned about the over night parking there and not that they are going to lose their parking. Dudley also shared that it is a residential area and on-street parking in not needed by the residents, especially on the makai side. The motion carried, 13-2-1. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Nay: Glanstein, Lindgard. Abstain: Wong.
3) Motion: The KNB requests that the Parks & Recreation Department implement a regular maintenance schedule for trimming of the Naupaka at Kailua Beach Park "A" & "B". The Naupaka should be no more than 2-3 feet high and four to five feet wide.
Discussion followed: 1) Wong asked what the purpose is. Evans said currently in some areas the naupaka is 20 feet wide and there is a problem with people visiting the beach park are being frightened by those in the naupaka. 2) Evans emphasized that they’re not getting rid of the naupaka, but rather trying to get a regular maintenance schedule. 3) Enos noted that the beach parks are not be used as a solution for homelessness and this is further addressing the matter. 4) Ure said it was noted that the naupaka has overgrown the area it was put in, so it is wider and taller than it needs to be to do the job of retaining the sand; so trimming it to a reasonable height and in clumps would not be detrimental. The motion carried, 14-2-0. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Lindgard, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong. Nay: Glanstein, Prentiss.
The agenda was taken out of order at this time; to address Elected Officials.
Representative Tommy Waters – Representative Waters distributed his report and highlighted: 1) HB 1900 – State Budget Bill. He is trying to persuade his colleges to included $10 million to finish the upgrade of the Waimanalo Wastewater Treatment Plant; $5 million for the construction of the Kailua High School Access Road; $32 million for the construction of a new library/resource center at Windward Community College; $500,000 for an assembly room/meeting hall at Lanikai Elementary; $100,000 for the Lanikai Community Center; $50,000 for a perimeter fence at Keolu Elementary School. 2) Did you know a) you can request s hearing on a bill by calling, faxing, or emailing the Chair of the Committee to which the bill has been referred; b) When submitting testimony put the name of the committee, the bill number and the time of hearing at the top of the testimony; c) if the testimony is five pages or under: you may fax it to the House Sergeant-at-Arms at 586-6501 at least 24-hours prior to the hearing; or submit testimony by email to testimony@captiol.hawaii.gov. 3) Other bills highlighted were: a) HB 1953, which would require flashing yellow traffic signals to be placed near driveways of all public schools and requires that traffic control signals be placed at all crosswalks around public schools and elderly housing projects. This bill introduced by Rep. Waters was stalled in Judiciary; b) HB 2924, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds to provide shelter to homeless veterans. Introduced by Rep. Green and crossed over to the Senate; c) HB 2176 – relating to the Omnibus Bill, appropriates funds for homeless and transitional housing programs; repair vacant public housing units; adjusts allocation of conveyance tax revenues, and allows state-owned parcels to be leased for the development of self-help housing. Introduced by the House and crossed over to the Senate with amendments; d) HR 14 – encourages Housing and Community Development Association to lease ala Moana Pump Station to Friends of Library (FOL) Hawaii. Introduced by Rep. Waters; the decision will be made on March 3, 2006 at 10 a.m.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Wong asked what’s happening with HB 3056 – relating to the transfer of Kawai Nui Marsh from the City to the State; and what are the chances. Waters said it passed out of the Finance Committee yesterday with amendments (although he hasn’t seen those amendments), but one of the things was that DLNR was working on was drawing the line at five feet inside the levy and everything outside of that go to the City; and the Attorney General wrote a letter to the Legislature saying that’s actually a good idea and he supported that, but he doesn’t know whether the Finance Committee followed the Attorney General’s recommendation. That was also his recommendation and he doesn’t know if it passed; he’ll have to get back with that information.
- Glanstein thanked Waters for including the Kailua High School access road in one of Water’s top three recommendations; also that she sees HB 3155 is now part of the supplemental budget. Waters said that appropriation came down from the Governor into the House and everyone including Pono Chong and himself are fighting very hard; but as you know it will be going over to the Senate and as you know last year the Senate took it out. He’s hoping the same thing doesn’t happen. With all due respect, said Glanstein, hope doesn’t work; actual work works.
Waters thanked the Board for accommodating him at this late hour. Although, Chair Bryant-Hunter can’t make everyone happy, she appreciates Waters showing up and also, she finds the handouts quite useful. Contact Waters at 586-9450. Chair Bryant-Hunter apologized to the Government and Community Services Committee for the interruption.
Government and Community Services: Vice Chair Corcoran read the motion:
1) Motion: The KNB supports qualifying exemptions ceasing at date of sale of improved residential property. Corcoran said this motion addresses when a person is buying property from someone who has exemptions. Right now those exemptions linger for a period of up to two years; so a person under 60 years of age, buys property from a person over 60 years, who has the exemption; the person under 60 years would benefit from that exemption. So the committee in discussion decided that it would bring quite a bit of money to seize this exemption on sale of any property.
Discussion followed: 1) Ure said when they were looking at various band-aid bills for property tax relief, what they noted was that when property transferred hands, the exemptions stayed with the property until the next time an assessment came out; and if you had a qualifying exemption of your own, you had to apply and if you didn’t, you had no exemption for a period of time. However, if you had escrow, the real estate agents are actually using this, as an interesting way to sell property because of the exemption the previous owner qualified for. This is something that could be used in escrow by simply using the tax rate times the assessment and using an exemption whether it is disability, age or fixed income. It would give our tax folks(who are not always working on the appeals that we have), they could actually work on this in the interim as well. 2) Glanstein said it was rather interesting what they’ve identified. But what they really found is a gap that may not impact hundreds of thousands of people but where so much time is spent and effort on this Board and the City and County to be able to address the issue of property tax exemption and property tax relief. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 16-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
2) Motion: In order to improve residential property tax relief and long-term reform, the KNB Neighborhood supports a holiday at the 2005 tax assessment year for a minimum of one fiscal year, which allows the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii to examine and identify mitigating strategies for reform and long-term relief. Corcoran said the purpose of this motion is to allow the City and County to get their act together to figure out some sort of equitable tax system for residents. As the Vice Chair, he pointed out all the work Glanstein and Ure put in, has really been beneficial.
Chinen arrived at 9:05 p.m. (17 members present)
Discussion followed: 1) Bartley favored the motion because it would address any shortcomings and inequities. He also took this opportunity to say that the elected people always say that they’re going to go for the higher income people; well…Bartley indicated that in his neighborhood, many of the elderly fixed incomes are the ones with the money; the working people have no money, and so even though he might have a decent income, working folks get soaked for paying the taxes for the wealthy people, like on his street, and he resents that. And speaking for all the other working people…leave our money alone – don’t try to turn property tax into income tax. 2) Bryant-Hunter supported the motion. There were several hundred people present speaking about property taxes and the two main things they asked City Council to do was: immediate relief of the 2005 assessments; and a long-term fix for a system that doesn’t work. And the bills that were passed, and it’s unfortunate that this motion is going to come out after City Council has passed the bills, really don’t do either relief or repair to the level we would like it done. There’s minimum short-term relief and no long-term fix. She would really like to encourage City Council to support this issue. 3) Glanstein said she really likes the relief and reform mantra, however, she also likes the meat in this essentially speaking of the holiday at the 2005 tax assessment year level. 4) Prentiss didn’t want to repeat what Bryant-Hunter said but there are three bills that do absolutely nothing for us. The increase of assessments in 2004 to 2005 is the real problem. The people in his sub district (Enchanted Lake) property taxes are going to go up 56% and unacceptable and City Council and the Mayor is doing absolutely nothing for us. He too, favored the motion. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
Planning, Zoning and the Environment Committee: Committee Chair Wong read the motion:
1) Motion: The KNB opposes a CDUA time extension for Kawai Nui Gateway Park because the following conditions are either not resolved or included. Wong said they discussed in committee about the Conservation District Use Application (CDUA) permit and this is the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS); and after review of the minutes she found that this Board did not take a position in the park; and this is not a position on the park; and this is only dealing with the time extension for the CDUA. The reason for that are listed 1 through 5. These were all the issues that letters were written and in the final draft could not find any of these concerns had been addressed:
1) DLNR requested that exterior lights be low sodium with shielded light fixtures to direct the illumination toward the ground to protect young Newell Shearwaters just learning to fly at night. 2) Adoption of Kalaheo High School’s suggestions for students safety: a) the new park will be an attractive nuisance so should not be opened before 8 a.m. on schools days (included in FEA); b) increased police patrols along Mokapu Boulevard to act as deterrent; 3) Confirmation that the requested site-specific information on the two potential Paleoenvironmental deposit sites has been given to the Historic Preservation Division, reviewed and acted upon. (Paleoenvironmental deposits can contain pollen and charcoal evidence identifying when initial settlement of an area begins, as well as identifying later human impacts to the landscape. Such deposits can be of considerable importance to historic preservation concerns. (4) Because of various traffic concerns a condition for a CDUA extension of should be that DOT conduct a traffic study to assess: a) the feasibility of permitting a u-turn at the Mokapu/Kapaa Quarry Road intersection, b) impact of a modified signal on existing traffic; c) if trucks towing canoes can safely make a u-turn going mauka on Mokapu to Makai on Mokapu; d) likely impacts on the intersection level of service due to need for an additional signal phase, e) whether it will be necessary to extend existing left-turn storage lanes; f) that plans for work within the State highway right-of-way be submitted to DOT highways division traffic branch for review and approval; and g) the inclusion of Kalaheo High School representatives in all discussion regarding Mokapu Boulevard and Kapaa Quarry Road signal. (5) Land ownership. An October 4, 2002 letter to DLNR Land Division- Engineering Branch from David Curry, Helber Hastert & Fee dated states “Both the Mokapu and Coconut Grove sites will be managed as a County Park. The land ownership and park management issues are unresolved, and the park will not be developed until these issues are resolved, The final EA states these issues as unresolved”.
The main issue for prompting this was number (5) – that both Mokapu and Coconut Grove sites will be managed as a County Park; and that the land ownership and park management issues are unresolved, and the park will not be developed until these issues are resolved. So the other issue was, “why are we issuing permits when there’s this kind of language.” Also, she understands that a Special Management Application (SMA) was issued in 1992; so they just didn’t see any need for issuing a CDUA until all these issues are resolved.
Discussion followed: 1) Enos asked for clarification – is it that you don’t want to support the time extension for the CDUP? Wong stated they are responding to application (CDUA), which would lead to a CDUP (permit). The thing Enos was not clear about was the opposition for the time extension for a CDUA. Wong agreed perhaps it should have been for a CDUP (permit). Enos said, “and not continue out the application”; Wong said correct. 2) Ure said one has to remember that the applicant in this case is the City and County of Honolulu (CCH); and they have all the pieces up to a certain point, in which they have some work to complete. They (CCH) can put in a new application for a CDUA for a CDUP anytime they want to, but in Ure’s opinion, it would be better to resolve some of these issues. (3) Glanstein said that park is already partially developed, so is she hearing that the park is not going to be fully developed because there are certain aspects that are problematic; no pavilion and no comfort station. Wong noted that the park is the one strip across from Kalaheo High School, and she sees no entrance or parking. Bryant-Hunter focused on Glanstein’s question, whether Kaha Park was part of the Kawai Nui Gateway Park. Bryant-Hunter thought they’re considered to be separate places; Kaha Field is managed by the City and County, and this is a “to-be-built” park that doesn’t exist yet on Mokapu Boulevard across from Kalaheo High School. (4) Wood would like to encourage the Board to vote against this motion. He thinks the park development is a good idea and should be supported and the idea that the City can apply anytime they want to make it sell much easier than it is and a burdensome thing that might easily derail the project. Right now most of the land in question is owned by the City and currently is waste; and an area that accumulates materials that have been dumped, an area where people can go into inappropriately, etc.; and may need landscaping. It is a very good idea. (5) Tomasa asked if by supporting the motion, would it be postponing the process? Wong replied “no” because there’s other issues that people could raise and it has been raised and there not resolved. Tomasa said about two to three years ago there were concerns raised during the Harris Administration’s Vision Team, which raised concern about the maintenance of the park if there is a comfort station, and there was no specific answer at the time from the consultant because nobody wanted the responsibility of the maintenance. But Tomasa remembers the statement back then that the residents (surrounding residents) take ownership of the maintenance. These are questions that really need to be addressed. Why develop something and leave it hanging; she would prefer to see the monies go into other important areas. Tomasa is going to vote in favor of the motion. (6) Wong noted that the FEIS (final environmental impact statement) that the City would be responsible for any other waste, solid, affluent and maintenance; and this is not a position on the park. Today Wong had a long discussion trying to find out where the trail is of the money that’s been spent. The 2003 monies had not been encumbered, so it means that they’ve not even floated the bonds to encumber what has been earmarked for the Vision Team. Wong noted that this is not her words, but words from the FEIS. (7) Wood commented that the understanding was that it is a City park and being a City park, maintained by the City. (8) Corcoran favored the motion for a number of reasons: a) it was a Vision Team project and the Board never got to vote on it; and (b) this project has just been hanging and if any of these funds have been held back, there not available for actual projects that are needed. Since 2001, the issues involved: traffic, parking for canoe paddlers, student safety, lighting, maintenance funding, historical preservation, and landownership, have never been resolved since 2001. So it’s time to act, so with the Board opposing the time extension and if people want to reignite the project, they need to get their act together and resolve these issues, which hasn’t been resolved for five years. Corcoran favored the motion. (9) Referring to Wood, Glanstein questioned if the contract has already been signed and in effect, then she cannot see where the Board has the authority to go forward with this motion as an interfere with contractual relations, and felt the need for more information before taking action. In reviewing the records, Wong couldn’t find that information; they could find that the funds were left for planning, and couldn’t find that any funds were left for construction. And the answer to the question of cumbersome to go back for a CDUA; the CDUA is 14 pages long; the hard work is done…they have the shoreline management permit and FEA, so putting in an application is not that difficult. The motion carried, 13-1-3. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson. Nay: Glanstein. Abstain: Enos, Wilson, Wisch.
Chair Bryant-Hunter entertained a request from Board member Wong regarding adding a motion to the agenda. Bryant-Hunter took a moment to clarify the process. She clarified the issue is on the agenda under committee for report, however, the issue is coming before committee and there are time sensitive circumstances.
Non-Committee Motion: Wong read the motion aloud:
1) Motion: The KNB requests that the Mayor veto Bill 7 relating to Ohana zoning. Chair Bryant-Hunter indicated that this is a non-committee motion and needs to be seconded. Bartley seconded the motion. Discussion followed: 1) Bartley informed everyone that this bill passed City Council, third reading; DPP opposes the bill and officially, Director Eng presented testimony opposing the bill. The bill would remove any size limitation on Ohana units, which typically 700 to 1,000 square feet, depending on lot size and zoning. This would allow an Ohana unit to be built up to 50% larger than the primary lot area. There are currently 260 Ohana dwellings in the KNB district, and 621 more are currently eligible. Those areas in Kailua are mauka of Kalanianaole Highway, Aikahi and Kalaheo Hillside. The big question is and he couldn’t get an answer to be: will the new sewer lines open up the rest of Kailua to Ohana eligibility? There’s really no other way to prevent your area from going Ohana unless you get 60% signatures of your census tract. Bartley said if the Mayor follows Director Eng’s lead, he would veto the bill, and this Board should stand up and support the Mayor on this veto. 2) Wong pointed out that the majority of Kailua was zoned for single-family house per lot; it’s now doubled and the infrastructure is now being improved to meet today’s needs. This Board has repeated asked when being presented with new sewer projects, will it increase with new increased capacity, and this Board has been repeatedly told “no”. 3) Glanstein noted if Bill 7, CD 2 – as currently drafted doesn’t cover the carrying capacity, then it’s got to be opposed; if it doesn’t cover sewer capacity, water capacity, off-street parking, schools, emergency services, it’s got to be opposed. If you live in an area where there is presently Ohana housing, it has changed the character of the community substantially. She will be supporting the motion. 4) Corcoran favored the motion. The Board hadn’t been informed by anybody and just out of the blue you wonder what’s going on at City Hall. It’s a lucky thing that we have grassroots residents on this neighborhood board to keep track and keep an eye on them when they get off track. 5) Enos favored the motion. She asked Bartley what Council members voted in favor of this; Bartley replied Council members one through nine. 6) Ure said the information presented at the sewer workshop that the Board was involved in said is they’re going to increase capacity, you bet it does. 7) Prentiss sat through the Council hearing on this and was astounded of the lack of participation on the part of City Council, not including Barbara Marshall. They have no clue what they are doing. 8) Juliana Lopez, new to the neighborhood, commented that there are many houses that have added onto substantially that are not Ohana; and people are being creative and going beyond. Many of the houses she’s looked at were that way. 9) Bartley thanked Lopez for her comment and said there so many zoning violations all over the island and in Kailua. And there are so many other things going on. While dealing with DPP, with another organization (B&B), Bartley was told that there’s no way they can just go and find out about everything that’s happening out there. The public is the eyes and ears, if people don’t complain and the department don’t hear of any of it, there’s nothing they can do, so he would advise people if you see these things going you need to call DPP and file a complaint. 10) Best said three letters CPR – she reported seeing a lot of these types of things happening in Lanikai – 7,000 square foot lot size with two full houses and three kitchens. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 15-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindguard, Prentiss, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
COMMUNITY ISSUES: Individuals wishing to speak were asked to sign in at the meeting or complete a community concern form or e-mail to: kathybryant@dpr4adr.com. Comments should be limited to 2 minute.
Comment on the Neighborhood Board minutes of February 2, 2006 – Leona Peresa called to attention to the bottom of Page 14 and most of Page 15 of the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 2, 2006. She emphasized her attendance at that meeting, but when she read the minutes and read the dialogue, it was quite upsetting. It contained allegations and threats against one person and finishes off with a reprimand to that person. To begin with the dialogue was inaccurate and she feels the response to that was inappropriate because it was all based on hear say. The way she looked at it, it doesn’t matter what committee that person is chairing, so if this is the kind of process that just by hear say, it will warrant a reprimands, then this would impede the democratic process. And also disables / handicap the person whose there to do the job.
In this case Evan, as the Chair as the Safety and Transportation Committee there were concerns and the project that this meeting was all about was only to be for six months; and is now going onto two years. The other topic was about bike lanes. Peresa witnessed the dangers of the bike lanes and wanted it removed; and now the City is saying that it’s better for the people who live there, and easier for them when reversing out of their driveway. All legitimate concerns, but besides that it bothered her because that the process that took place and the dialogue of the minutes was inappropriate. She would like to suggest if something like this comes again that perhaps the person who has that concern submit it in writing and then the appropriate process of investigating what truly happened rather than hear say as the absolute truth and then giving reprimand. She would hate to see this process continue on any committee and impedes the main objective.
Glanstein raised a point of order, Peresa was not in attendance at the February meeting and understands that the minutes in question are minutes taken of that meeting and reflects a journal of those proceedings and the conversation. Peresa said that’s exactly what she was commenting on, the conduct in which the conversation was handled and the inaccuracy in the minutes. Bryant-Hunter interceded on the almost heated discussion, and explained her understanding of Peresa’s comment and appreciated the input and suggestion and agreed that it was helpful to hear the point of view from another perspective; and that heated discussions cannot be accommodated, but she understands that sometimes you just get caught in the moment. With that, Bryant-Hunter ruled out the point of order; and asked Peresa to wrap up her comment. In light of that, Peresa said what’s the sense of attending a meeting if you’re not able to ask the appropriate questions, and suggested perhaps doing it in a better manner.
Consideration for a Tourism Response - Permitted Interaction Group – Kalana Best said she’s been listening to a lot of talk about infrastructure and carrying capacity. She feels that Kailua is at a crossroads and this Board really addresses it, but she would like to ask the Board to address one thing, which is infrastructure and carrying capacity. It’s not the homeless; it’s the people who are driving in from Waikiki either for the day or for the night. It impacts homelessness because rentals are getting off the market; impacting the beaches because of all the commercial activities; impacting the types of magazine racks you see; and impacting B&B housing. And rather than having it all in separate committees, she would like to ask the Board’s consideration of tourism response be addressed in a PIG (permitted interaction group) or another task force group. She further indicated that Lanikai is getting hammered with tour buses, limos, wedding parties, Echo Tours, etc., and parking all over. Tourist are walking through looking for water, rest stops, etc. and at some point this is going to backfire; and so the “aloha spirit” in Kailua is being impacted. Her plea was for a unified response from this Board.
Discussion followed: 1) Bartley said he don’t see as having a coordinated response and maybe the Board should look at forming a committee that’ll look at all the issues that deals with tourist. It doesn’t seem to fit one committee, but rather crossover into almost all the committees, and it doesn’t get looked at as a central issue. 2) Corcoran asked Best if the matter has been brought to the Lanikai Group, the Mayor and the City Council, Legislators, Governor, etc.? Best indicated they’ve tried but it’s problematic. There’s confusion and the issues themselves crossover into State, City, public and private jurisdictions, and lots of confusion, etc. She feels the need to step up and begin to control the matter and not wait for a problem. 3) Wong commented if the Board needs to come together and find a solution, otherwise, it’s going to impact everyone in Kailua. 4) Lopez asked who are her representatives in her sub district; Bryant-Hunter informed Lopez that she in sub district 4 and represented by: Glanstein, Lindgard, Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Gibler, Tomasa, and Wilson.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND NOTICES: None.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation and Public Safety Committee: Committee Chair Evans reported: 1) on the Keolu Drive Interim Project Working Committee stating she had distributed a packet to board members labeled exhibits. Ms Evans stated she would be speaking on a point of personal privilege and will speak in less than ten minutes. In her more than forty years in volunteering in the community her integrity has never been questioned and she had never been accused of lying as she had been at the last meeting (of the Board). Ms. Evans wished to go through the exhibits, briefly, because she had been accused of making a statement that DTS said it has not made a final decision on the Keolu Drive project. She stated she stood by that statement. She suggested she had also been accused of taking a position on the bike lane and that was taken out of context. What compounded the problem—and she thought the Chair (of the Board) meant well—is when she said the person sitting on that task force is an observer. I think she confused it with Wanaao Road when we had mediation and we were supposed to be observers—and no one went to that mediation process except residents of Wanaao Road. Ms. Evans felt that her due process was denied. She felt what was said was believed and wanted to respond, very quickly:
· Exhibit 1: reflects the position the Board took on May 6, 2004; attached is the motion that was actually distributed and Cheryl Soon’s response to it. We (the Board) stated in the motion that the project would be stopped if the community remained opposed to the project. We asked for data for the evaluation and that that data be circulated among the members—we also asked for the evaluation measures for the traffic calming measures fronting St. John Vianney (Church and) School. Cheryl Soon responded back to the Board about the bike lane the Board requested from Wanaao Road to Hamakua Drive, and she agreed with the Board and she agreed to continue the working committee.
· Exhibit 2: A letter sent to Mr. Ed. Hirata when he became the Acting Director for the Department of Transportation Services dated January 13, 2005 and asking him about the project and asking him did he intend to continue with the working committee. He responded on March 15 regarding the project. In fact, in April, 2005 we met.
· Exhibit 3: A statement was made by Mr. Wood, a former Board member, that he felt overwhelmed by the opponents of the project—this is the memo that went to Mike Oshiro in 2004, indicating who was going to be on this working committee. Penciled in later were those members who joined later. Barry Wong was a Board member with Mike Correa as an Alternate Board member. Those with an asterisk were proponents of the project. Anybody could join, there could have been more proponents and there could have been more opponents. Nevertheless, most of these people went to all of the meetings as they were held.
· Exhibit 4: a Memorandum for the Record for the meeting held April 19, 2005. That was the first meeting I had been to—I’d been to two; one on April 2005 and one on January 18, this year (2006). It is a very poorly done summary that someone in DTS did. It also said, on page two, that there was an attached list of attendees but it was not attached. It also says this was a Kailua Neighborhood Board ad-hoc committee and with all my markings—we corrected that. Now, when it comes to the bikeway—the bikeway goes three long blocks, from Wanaao to Hamakua Drive—on both sides. Also, in the statement that was made toward the bottom, it says “The bikeway was targeted toward experienced and adult cyclists interested in exercising an option to use a method of transportation other than a motor vehicle.” And that “Children and inexperienced cyclists should continue to use the sidewalk.” My question to DTS, at that time, was did they intent to continue the bikeway beyond Hamakua and Wanaao. Their answer was NO, they did not have the money to do this—so, I said, just eliminate the bikeway. The opponents opposed the bikeway; the proponents sort of want it. But the people who live on that street wanted only one lane, both ways, so that they could get out of their drive ways. That was the statement I made when I saw this ludicrous statement that only “experienced adult bicyclist”. I said, what are you going to do? Put up signs that say only “experienced adult bicyclists”? So, those were my remarks concerning the bike lane.
· Exhibit 5: A summary of the April 1, 2004 (a much better summary) that was done at that time. I did not attend at that time. Barry Wong represented the Board. Then you have the attendance sheet of those who attended.
· Exhibit 6: another interim evaluation plan meeting, on April 21, 2004.
· Exhibit 7: is an email I had been sent regarding the bike lane from a person who was very concerned about it.
My point is, it would have been better, and should have been done the right way--when the statement was made by the individual that was accusing me of these statements would be that he put it in writing and it could have been responded to by me. I was embarrassed and I was chastised by the Chair of the Board because I was only supposed to be an observer. I have taken the opportunity to pass these out to you (Board members) so that you will have this in your own file. And, I believe that because of our position—we are there to articulate our position and to have good dialogue. I believe we have been doing that. That’s where we are.
Chair Bryant-Hunter thanked Evans for taking the time to respond and put the package together for Board members in response to what happened at the last Board meeting—and I apologize. You are absolutely right, we should have taken some time to look it up and I do believe we followed what I thought was the Wanaao Project working group, which is different from the Keolu Drive project working group. I apologize and I think it clarifies the role of the Board on the working committee going forward. It is clear now, I appreciate you doing the work and I am sorry you had to. We will go forward with this understanding.
Government and Community Services – Committee Chair Chinen - 1) Charter Commission Proposals – Permitted Interaction Group report – Chair, Jon Chinen reported the Committee and the Board are currently in a wait-and-see period regarding the proposals and the neighborhood boards and whether or not they are going to go forward and be placed on the general election ballot for 2006. Debbi Glanstein reported that we have received a schedule for the public meetings: Tuesday, March 21 will be at Kailua High School Cafeteria; Those who worked on the Charter Amendments need to get together prior to the first meeting and coalesce the position of this board on what ever amendments are going to be discussed at that meeting. The other two meeting will be Tuesday March 28 at Kapolei Hale Conference Room A-D and Tuesday, April 4 at Hahaione Elementary School Cafeteria. Ure stated all meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. 2) Homelessness in Kailua as it relates to the Department of Human Services – the committee is still working on the issue, gathering information regarding inquiries and responses. 3) Legislative liaison report: Kailua High School Access Road – Debbi Glanstein reported as heard earlier, the House Budget HB1900 has now included the general obligation bonds for the Kailua High School Access Road. We have interim ownership of the road until construction is finished by the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS). After that, we may have a problem with ownership, but we will deal with that the way we have dealt with everything else—we will work on it, we will do what we can. Our next step is going to the Senate Ways and Means and going to conference as Budget always does and we will request, respectfully of course, to have the Conference Committee to include this in the final—and hopefully, in the end, the Governor will sign the Bill.
4) Various Neighborhood Boards resolutions to Legislature:
· NBs 1 & 35: Resolutions requesting state legislature to amend the Sunshine Law for Neighborhood Boards – remains in committee for further investigation.
· NB 8 Resolution: dedicated land protection and affordable housing funding – remains in committee for further investigation.
5) OIP letters pertaining to Neighborhood Boards -- Ure reported In relation to the Charter Commission: a letter of inquiry to the Office of Information Practices (OIP), concerning the rules changed in the voting procedure between the first and subsequent meeting of the Charter Commission; the OIP has stated the rules, an internal process of the Charter Commission, are under HRS 92-1.5 (2005 Supplement) and the Charter Commission has the right to change their rules and it is not covered by the Sunshine Law.
6) COMMITTEE MEETING: SATURDAY, March 18, 2006 AT 10:00 AM Zippy’s Kailua
Parks and Recreation – Committee Chair Prentiss: 1) Prentiss reported there is an ongoing dialogue concerning commercial activities at Kailua Beach Park and near the shore islands. Members of the committee are encouraged to consider recommendation on those commercial activities at the next scheduled meeting in April. 2) Prentiss announced NO COMMITTEE MEETING IN MARCH. Next committee meeting will be April 18, 2005.
The agenda was taken out of order to address the Status of the Sound System Upgrade from the Executive Committee: The Board needs to make a motion to use some of its resources to pay for the upgrade. Tonight is the last evening Hope Olomana will be providing the sound system. Their new facility is built and they are moving into the rebuilt Enchanted Lakes facility, as they will no longer be using the Recreation Center. The Board knew it would happen at some point and no longer have access to their services. The Board wanted to thank them again for their services the last couple of years for it has really been appreciated. The Board and the audience gave a resounding round of applause in support of the Hope Olomana sound crew and the assistance to the Board.
Bartley understood the Board would be able to use some Board funds to purchase an amplifier and cables to complete our own sound system. Speakers have been donated in the past to enhance the sound quality in the unique design of the facility and its acoustical effects. However, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office will not allow us to use our Board funds for this sound system project because they have a sound system we can use. My opinion is that that sound system is not adequate, having attended meeting that use the NCO system. The system is a single point speaker source and will create the same problem we have now. A number of Board and audience members have complained they cannot hear what is going on in the meetings. We need our own system that is going to be here, we have our own microphones and our own mixer, hopefully still available. All we need is an amplifier and a few cables. For $150.00 we can get all that. I hope the Board can convince Ms. Manke, with a motion, that we can spend our money to achieve that end. Bartley moved and Wong seconded that the KNB spend up to $150.00 of its Budget to purchase a public address amplifier and cables.
Discussion followed: Evans suggested that should the Board could not get approval to use Board funds then Board members should donate the money and get the system. She questioned if that would create a problem if we donated the money and then went through a process (of having it approved). Bartley suggested addressing the motion first. Evans suggested conferring with Mr. Terry Carroll as a knowledgeable person on the system. Bartley agreed. Wong inquired that if that takes care of the sound system, then will the Board continued to be filmed. Chair Bryant-Hunter stated the filming is separate and on contract with videographer, Paradise Films. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa (with reservation), Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong. Chair Bryant-Hunter again thanked the sound crew from Hope Olomana for their service to the community.
The Agenda was returned to order.
Planning, Zoning and the Environment – Committee Chair Donna Wong reported: 1) UH DURP Graduate Planning Practicum (Spring 2006)--Dr. Minerbi is in attendance tonight to observe. 2) D R Horton/Schuler Homes, Kailua Road Apartments – attended the Committee meeting and gave a similar presentation; however, Harbor Towers residents were concerned about the triangle and wetland that was used as a construction base yard. Schuler Homes stated that parcel was not a part of their purchase. 3) Mt. Olomana Proposed Land Exchange – no reported changes to report from the committee, however Evans reported that the owners of the land approached Rep. Pono Chong to arrange a meeting with the community in an effort to change opinion on the proposal for the land. Rep. Chong contacted Olomana Community Association; however no meeting has been arranged at this time. 4) Waimanalo Gulch Landfill–Leeward – Corcoran reported that Mayor Hannemann vetoed Bill 37 that would have closed the WGL-L May 1, 2008 and we wait to see if City Council accepts or overrides that mayoral veto. Chair Bryant-Hunter request the Chair of Planning, Zoning and Environment Committee to send a letter to the Mayor re-stating the Board’s position on the extension of WGL-L. Evans cautioned to temper the letter to the Mayor as more than one community will be impacted by the final decision. 5) Green Waste and Possible Pollutants / Carcinogens – Ure reported that the question of pollutants and carcinogens in the mulch from the home-collected green waste. Caution should be exercised to select you mulch only from the publicly allowed areas at Hawaii Earth Products in Kapaa Valley so as to keep consumers safe from un-processed material. Additional information can be found at http://www.Opala.org; and http://www.Menehunemagichawaii.com; as the product requires sorting and treating to remove hazardous material to include removal of wood treated for termites, metals, and plastic bags as required in EPA Section 503 so as to provide safe handling by you and safe treatment for plants. 6) Increased Budget Request for DLNR – Wong reported there was no update on the bill at this time. 7) Sidewalk Publication Racks in Kailua (ROH Chapter 29 Section 29-8.1: ‘publication racks’ in the Waikiki Special Design District) – Wong reported a letter has been sent to DPP requesting procedure and policy on the racks. Gail Meyers of Councilmember Marshall’s office is addressing the issue as well and has reported, thus far, that a permit is required. The Committee will continue to examine this issue for permitted and un-permitted racks. 8) City Council Resolution 04-300/Bill 06-007 CD1-2: Ohana Dwellings – Wong reported a letter had been written to David Pendleton regarding Ohana Dwellings.
Ure moved and Glanstein seconded to extend the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m. Motion Carried 17-0-0. Ayes: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, Wong.
9) BWS Wanaao Road Water project – Wong reported a letter had been written to Board of Water Supply regarding the project. 10) Flooding on Hahani Street – Wong reported a letter had been written to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) regarding the issue. 11) Wanaao Road/Keolu Sewer Reconstruction EA – Wong reported the Environmental Assessment (EA) would be reviewed in Committee. Evans requested to be advised of the areas affecting traffic.12) COMMITTEE MEETING: TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 7:00 p.m. KALAMA BEACH PARK
Executive Committee - 1) Secretary/Treasurer Report - Ure reported the budget statement is being reviewed and revised by the Neighborhood Commission Office. A meeting has been requested with Ms. Joan Manke, Executive Secretary of the NCO to discuss both the board Budget as well as the Board Mailing Lists. While the required items to be expended are being done, the display of that information is still being adjusted for clarity. We will continue to track our diminishing funds for the mailing of agenda and minutes to our mailing lists. Of concern is the 25-month term of the Board should the Neighborhood Plan revisions be adopted; and we have notified City Council of that concern as well. Bartley asked if the Board does not have its mailing list for homeland security issues and where withholding that list from the Board Secretary is a violation of the Neighborhood Plan, the Members Guidebook, and the Sunshine Law. Ure responded that the questions regarding the ability of the Board to be in possession of its mailing list as officer’s duty requirement, culling of the list, and security issues are to be addressed with the Executive Secretary of the NCO as the mailing list dropping to only 68 recipients without notification of recipients was of concern. The list is currently about 170 recipients. Marie Richardson (NA) informed the Board that recipients are sent a form to remain on the list and are removed from the list when they do not respond. This assists in saving the Boards and the Commission mailing costs as the lists are as large as 170 at $.87 per mail-out. Ure strongly suggested that when board mailing lists are above 200 that bulk mailing saves as 3.3 ounces can be mailed to the same zip code for lest than the cost of first class regular mail for one ounce. Further, it is the recipients right to remain on the list if they so choose. There is evidence that this Board’s list was culled without notification to the recipients. Wong suggested it was less expensive to have a list that qualified for bulk mail. 2) Status of Complaints - Ure reported there have been no pre-hearings scheduled concerning complains directed to the KNB. 4) OMPO representative from the board – Chair Bryant-Hunter reported that representative has not been selected at this time; discussion will continue at committee.
5) The Office of Information Practices (OIP) opinion letters from August 2005 to January 2006 concerning inquiries and responses by and to various Neighborhood Boards concerning the Sunshine Law are posted on the NCO website at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/05oip.htm. 6) COMMITTEE MEETING: TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 8:30 a.m., AGNES BAKERY
OTHER REPORTS:
Civilian-Military Council – Corcoran reported there was no February meeting; increased activities at the Base for March may cause increased inquiry by community members and the Base newsletter is in the chronological file. Bryant-Hunter stated all Board members now receive an email version of that newsletter.
NEW BUSINESS: None.
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) April Committee Agenda items to Chair by March 28, 2006.
2) The “I Love Kailua Town Party” is on Saturday, April 30, 2006. The table will be shared with DURP students from the University of Hawaii. Board members may volunteer there time at that event by notifying Chair of their intent.
3) Olelo Viewing times for KNB will be moved to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Scheduling can be accessed at the Neighborhood Commission Office web page http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/nco/index.htm and the Olelo default page at: http://www.olelo.org/programming/default.html.
3) All Committee correspondence should be copied to Chair and Secretary.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business of the Board, Glanstein moved and Ure seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 17-0-0. Ayes: Bartley, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Enos, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wilson, Wisch, and Wong.
Submitted by
Linda Ure, Board Secretary and
Marie Richardson, Neighborhood Assistant