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KAILUA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2007

KAILUA RECREATION CENTER

Visit:  http://www.neighborhoodlink.com  for more information from Kailua Neighborhood Board

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kathy Bryant-Hunter called the last meeting of the 2005-2007 Term of the Board to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Bartley, Kalana Best, John Brown, Kathy Bryant-Hunter, Jon Chinen, Mike Correa, Jim Corcoran (9:55 p.m.), Susan Dowsett, Mike Dudley Faith Evans, Debbi Glanstein, Joe Harding, Knud Lindgard, Charles Prentiss, Claudine Tomasa, Linda Ure, Josh Wisch and Donna Wong.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Porter.

GUESTS:  Dr. Glenn Wasserman (Governor’s Representative), Ann Chung (Mayor’s Representative), Andrew Malahoff (Councilmember Barbara Marshall’s staff), Janine Tully (Representative Pono Chong office staff), Representative Cynthia Thielen, John Foster (Representative Thielen office staff), Barbara Kwasniewski (Senator Hemmings office staff), Senator Jull Tokuda, Capt. Raul Fallau (Honolulu Fire Department), Lt. Richard Robinson and Lt. Dave Eber (Honolulu Police Department), Glenn Uyeshiro, Ursula Retherford, Tim and Elaine Roberts, Suze Salms, Joe Gillman, Marie T. Gorek (Homeless Animals), Patricia Medville (Friends of Kailua Library), Honorable Judge Mark Recktenwald Richard Boudreau, Ginnie Enos, Joan Cash, Ken Saunders, (Kailua Chamber of Commerce) Mark Nierode, Don Bremner (Keep It Kailua), Kevin Robert, Bali Fergusson, Bryan Mick, Andy Hood, Jim Wood (Windward Ahupua’a Alliance), Eric Iwamoto (KFC Engineering Mgmt.), Stuart Ujimore (DDC-Wastewater-Wanaao Road) Dexter Kubota (KFC Engineering Mgmt.), Clifford Kanda (DDC-Wastewater-Kailua Road Sewers ID),Judy Moody, Bob Grantham (Property Tax), Major Christopher Perrine (Marine Corps Base Hawaii), and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:  Chair Bryant-Hunter congratulated all the incumbent neighborhood board members that were re-elected and took a few minutes to acknowledge those members leaving the board and a dedicated community member who has served the Board for on a long and unique capacity:

      Acknowledgement of Brian Findlay – a student of Kalaheo High School, for his dedication and commitment to the Kailua Neighborhood Board.  Now graduating from Kalaheo High School, Brian has, each month since his 7^th grade year set up the chairs and tables for the regular meetings of the Board.  Brian was presented with a card and lei in appreciation.

Evans commented that Brian’s work ethics far surpasses many adults, along with his pleasant and easy going personality. When he was unable come and setup, his father and grandfather fill in for him.  Brian would bring his friends to help setup as well. The Board has been very fortunate to have had Brian, thank you!

Bryant-Hunter also noted that Brian is an outstanding tennis player.

Acknowledgement of 2005-2007 Board Members:  Chair Bryant-Hunter would like to celebrate both board members for their commitment and thank them publicly for what sometimes appeared to be a thankless job. She proceeded to recognize:

Josh Wisch, representing Sub district 2 - Enchanted Lake and Keolu Hills, and Chair of the Vacation Rental and Bed & Breakfast Enforcement Permitted Interaction Group, was thanked for his dedication and service to the Kailua Neighborhood Board.

 “The Neighborhood Commission, the Kailua Neighborhood Board and your community, thanks you for your dedication and service as a member of the Kailua Neighborhood Board.  As Chair of one of our significant permitted interaction groups, you have continued to work with the community, city and the board to gather information and updates about the city’s efforts to enforce the rules for vacation rentals and B&B.  You have brought a balanced perspective to the board and your opinions will be missed.  Again, thank you for serving your community with energy and enthusiasm.”

Wisch was presented with a Certificate of Recognition, lei and was applauded by everyone.

Larry Bartley, representing Sub district 4 – Coconut Grove, Aikahi, Kailua Town, and Kalaheo Hills, past Vice Chair, and a member on several Board Committees, was thanked for his dedication and service to the Kailua Neighborhood Board.

“The Neighborhood Commission, The Kailua Neighborhood Board and your community thanks you for your dedication and service as a member of the Kailua Neighborhood Board.  You have been a great asset to the Board.  Your willingness to serve as Vice Chair emphasized your dedication to making the Board successful and your leadership in the community. You have been a strong advocate; working tirelessly on issues you feel will change the character and nature for Kailua.  Several standing motions are the result of your efforts.  The community will continue to benefit from your efforts.  We also recognize and appreciate your commitment to making our meetings heard on Olelo and in the meeting room.  You have donated your own sound equipment and monitored the sound every month.  Again thank you for serving your community with energy and enthusiasm.”

Bartley was presented with a Certificate of Recognition, lei, and was applauded by everyone.

Faith Evans – Retiring Board Member, Faith Evans, representing the Sub district 3 – Maunawili, Olomana, Pohakupu and Kukanono, who chose not to run this year, was thanked for her leadership as past Chair of the Board, Committee Chair and a member of various committees of the Board, and for her dedication and public service in the Kailua community.

            “The Neighborhood Commission, the Kailua Neighborhood Board and your community, thanks you for your dedication and service as a member of the Kailua Neighborhood Board.  You have dedicated much of your life to public service and your community.  On the Board, you have served four years as Board Chair (1999-2003), and Transportation and Public Safety Chair for 3 years (2004-2007).  In addition, you have represented the board on several task forces, ad hoc committees and permitted interaction groups.  You have never been afraid to ask tough questions or take difficult positions.  You get things done.  The Kailua community has benefited in many ways from your efforts on the Board. We are very grateful.  Thank you for serving your community.”

Since 1985, she served a total of six terms on the Kailua Neighborhood Board. Evans was presented with a Certificate of Recognition, lei and was applauded by everyone.   

Chair Bryant-Hunter opened the floor to persons wishing to say a few words to the departing members:

·         Honorable Judge Mark Recktenwald, Chief Justice of Intermediate Court of Appeals – shared a few words of appreciation and thanked the Board for the courtesy shown him while tenure as the Governor’s representative. He thanked the Board and all its members for their service to the community and Board, representing a democracy and providing a forum for all issues to be aired and addressed. He thanked Ms. Evans, Mr. Bartley, and Mr. Wisch. Particularly Ms. Evans by his observation while working with her on public safety and transportation issues with her encyclopedic knowledge of those issues. To Mr. Bartley, for his strong and steadying hand as Vice Chair, his extraordinary knowledge of parliamentary procedure providing guidance and leadership. And more recently to the Board, Mr. Wisch, immediately made a contribution in preparation, hard work and energy brought to the Board’s work. Each, are public servants in the finest sense of the word and wished them well. Everyone applauded.

·         Councilmember Marshall – Andrew Malahoff, on behalf of the Councilmember, sends her apologies and would like to present Ms. Evans with an Honorary Certificate from the Honolulu City Council, commending her dedication and commitment to public service, recognizing this compassionate community leader who held various titles in her tenure of public service with various organizations, including an appointment by President Ronald Reagan. Ms. Evans, a longtime Republican, was the first woman to hold the position of United States Marshal. In 2000, she was also appointed the Chairperson to the Board of Regents of the Centennial celebration by the Democratic Hawaii Governor Ben Cayetano, but best known for her ten-year tenure to the Kailua Neighborhood Board in many capacities, and was always committed to the betterment and protection of the community. The Honolulu City Council also extends its appreciation and thanks to the family of Faith P. Evans for sharing her aloha with the community for whom she loves so much and wishes her happiness and good health in the years to come. Everyone applauded.  

·         Senator Jill Tokuda, on behalf of fellow representatives, would like to thank the outgoing Board members, Ms. Evans, Mr. Bartley and Mr. Wisch, for their tireless dedication over the years and will be looking forward to        working closely with all in the future. Thank you! Each was presented with a lei followed by applause from everyone.     

·         Senator Fred Hemmings – Barbara Kwasniewski, on behalf of Senator Fred Hemmings, was pleased to say aloha and mahalo to Ms. Evans, Mr. Bartley and Mr. Wisch, for their dedication and commitment to public service and congratulations to the newly elected board members. Thank you!      

·         Ginnie Enos thanked Ms. Evans, Mr. Bartley and Mr. Wisch, but especially to Ms. Evans for her fired-up       energy, great inspiration, and beacon of light to this community. Enos presented Evans a lei.

Bryant-Hunter noted that Enos came all the way from the Big Island and brought a cake for refreshments tonight. 

·         Ken Saunders, of Kailua Chamber of Commerce, shared the highest phrase to Ms. Evans, Mr. Bartley and Mr. Wisch for the dedication and hard work they have given to this community. It takes people like them who are willing to put the common good ahead of their own personal needs and desires, and do what’s necessary to make things happen. Thank you for your commitment.    

·         Kevin Roberts would like to share a warm “Mahalo Nui Loa” from the Castle Medical Center to the outgoing board members. While many have served in this capacity for many years and seen the hospital grow and prosper, have advised and counseled Castle, and in part of an increasingly effective health system in this community and Mahalo and God Bless on your endeavors; a token of appreciation was given to the outgoing members.  

·         Joanie Cash honored Evans for all her wisdom, and appreciated her advice and her fairness. Thank you!

·         Representative Thielen was here earlier and had to leave and wishes to acknowledge the services of board members Bartley, Evans and Wish and sends her warmest wishes in their future endeavors.

Chair Bryant-Hunter acknowledged Faith Evans’ husband, Noel…thank you very much!

Larry Bartley jokingly took credit for encouraging participation by prodding members to attend board meetings, and threatened to kick them off the board if they did not. But he mostly wanted to thank the Kailua community who has been most responsive and that Kailua should thank themselves for being great participants. Not all Boards have such crowds in attendance at its meetings.

Chair Bryant-Hunter advanced the agenda to Agency Reports, without objection.   

 AGENCY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Fallau representing Kailua, Olomana and Aikahi Stations, reported:

·         A total of 158 alarms, 6 structure, 1 brush, 7 rubbish, 1 vehicle fire, 104 medical emergencies, 3 rescues and 36 miscellaneous alarms.

·         One major incident of a fatality at Kapa’a Quarry Road.

·         Safety Tip of the month is:  Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closes phone is to call 911.

Lindgard would like to know how many of the 36 miscellaneous alarms heart attacks are. Capt. Fallau’s response was that heart attacks come under the medical emergencies and is about 60 to 70% of the calls. To find out statistics for heart attacks would take some digging into but he could find out the specifics and the miscellaneous calls are other type calls. Lindgard want it to be understood by people that when there is a traffic problem, it could be a heart attack.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Richard Robinson from the Kaneohe Station distributed the monthly statistic report and highlighted:

·         That looking at the totals for thefts and other thefts, there’s been an increase in about every category over the last month. HPD has identified the suspects in those cases, made an arrest and he confessed to several burglaries and thefts in the area.

·         There were 24 new cases of graffiti with one arrest of an adult male.

·         There were also 12 felony arrests, 23 misdemeanors, 5 citations for camping (in parks), 38 DUI (drinking under influence) arrests, 259 speeding citations, and 420 moving violations.

Questions and answers followed:

1.       Wong was curious of what the police helicopter were doing flying around over the Pali and Kawai Nui Marsh area about 5 p.m. tonight and inquired about how many officers are there for Kailua. Lt. Robinson indicated HPD were looking for a suspect but did not know the nature of the case. With regards to officers for Kailua it is broken down to officers in a police district. Kailua, being only a part of District 4, has an assigned compliment of about 168 for District 4 and of that, 154 are working on the road and basically, on any given day about 16 to 18 officers working per watch.

2.       Dudley asked to thank the officers who worked at the “I Love Kailua Town Party” event; there were about 18 officers’ total working special duty that weekend. Lt. Robinson acknowledged the compliment.

3.       Lindgard had become aware of an unwarranted attack on the homeless person, day before yesterday in broad daylight and there were witnesses. He noted this is not the first time hearing someone from the outside attacking the homeless. He asked that HPD pay closer attention and that he was shocked to hear that the homeless are now being attacked.

4.       Evans questioned the complaint from last month regarding what appeared to be homeless harassing people in the afternoons at the bus stop fronting the Good Year Store; and whether that’s been taken cared of. Lt. Robinson indicated that several checks were made and citations were issued for what they could. In the end, if they are just sitting on the bus stop bench, HPD can not tell them to leave even if they’ve been there for a long period of time, however, if they are harassing people and people come forward and make a complaint, then appropriate enforcement actions can be taken. Beat officers are aware and monitoring the situation. 

5.       Lindgard noted that there were about five or six individuals hanging around that area and three were noted for demonstrating harassment or hostile behavior, but they have been gone a few weeks now, and today he saw no one. Lindgard commended the police for doing a wonderful job.       

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Before having the Marine Corps liaison proceed, Chair Bryant-Hunter requested that an overview of the different military groups stationed at Kaneohe, their duties, deployments, etc., be given at a future meeting, June or July.

Major Christopher Perrine, Liaison reported:

·         A presentation scheduled for July would be agreeable using a power point presentation.

·         May 15 – Windward Civilian-Military Council meeting begins at noon at the MCBH Officers’ Club. Meetings are comprised of civilian representatives from local communities and also attended by command representatives and MCBH staff. Details available from the MCHB Public Affairs Office at 257-8840, or Col Lou Torraca, USAF (Ret.), Council president at (808) 253-3286.

·         Hawaii Military Appreciation Month 2007 – sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, events kicked off yesterday and opening ceremonies were held at the new Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island.

·         Memorial Day Events 2007 – Marines and members of other services will participate in Memorial Day commemorations, honoring the service of America’s veterans. Events will include: the Mayor’s Ceremony 9 a.m. at Punchbowl; and the Governor’s Ceremony at 1 p.m. at the State Cemetery, Kaneohe, 1:00 p.m.  

Wong would like a brief explanation about the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) and whether one has been preformed for the Marine Base in July. Maj. Perrine acknowledged the request noting that there will not be one for Kaneohe Bay, but there will be one for Waikane Valley. Chair Bryant-Hunter will work with Maj. Perrine on the best month to have the presentation. 

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – No representative was present, however, a report was available highlighting:

1.       April 9 main break at Ilimani and Iilani Streets, 8-inch cast iron main, 50 years old;

2.       April 10 at Makalii Place and Lihiwai Road, 10-inch cast iron main, 63 years old;

3.       April 23 at 728 Oneawa Street, 8-inch cast iron main, 63 years old. 

4.       Water Saving Tips:  If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.

There were no other Agency Reports for Emergency Services Department (EMS) and Honolulu Liquor Commission (HLC).

BOARD RECESS: Board members Evans, Bartley and Wisch were presented with a departing gift (tee shirt).

The Board recessed at 7:47 p.m.; and reconvened the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The Board resumed its agenda with ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Acknowledgement of Virginia Tech with a Moment of Silence

Acknowledgement of Terry Carroll, Past Board Member – On a sad note, Chair Bryant-Hunter recognized longtime board member Terry Carroll, whom many have known was an absolutely amazing community activist. He passed away a few weeks ago and was a real shock and surprise. The Board has a card they would like to send to his family; it was being circulated amongst the Board members to sign.

Board members shared comments:

1)       Glanstein - Terry Carroll was a friend, neighbor and a college. It sent shock waves over the island to people who knew, worked with and loved him. This is very difficult, very sudden, and a younger member that taught many. He was full of energy and many have missed the opportunity to meet or work with him; he will be missed.

2)       Wong – was on the board with Carroll, and who was also an active member of Hawaii’s Thousand Friends, friend and college. For those who did not know Terry, there is a lot to thank him for; he worked very hard to keep the community safe, beautiful, believed in protecting the environment, and believed in open government. This really is a surprise and shock, but to the many Kailua residents who did not know him; protection of the people and environment was always in urgency and importance. So when you hear the name Terry Carroll, now that he’s gone, Kailua residents can say thank you!

3)       Evans – Terry was already on the Board and she learned a great deal from him because he was the Board’s secretary; and felt he was one of her kids. When reading the obituary she was stunned; was like reading about a family member. As the saying goes, “only the good die young.” Terry was the patriarch of his family, keeping them all together; taking care of the financial matters, etc. He really worked hard for people and Kailua will miss him and she’s hopeful at some point that this Board will do something in his memory.

4)       Bartley – Terry was a good friend. He first got involved with the Board in 1990, through Bartley’s Rights Committee, a somewhat rough character, putting in so many hours to the Board, donating the mixer to the City so to have a sound system, hours and hours to the 1992 Charter Commission, fostering so many resolutions for this Board; he just worked and worked; Bartley will surely miss him. 

While the card was being circulated around to the Board, Bryant-Hunter requested ideas relating to Evans’ suggestion to recognize Carroll in a more permanent way. Glanstein noted on Sunday at the I Love Kailua Town party, Representative Thielen’s former aide had suggested we speak to John Foster, current aide, to develop a resolution to honor Terry Carroll, as an appropriate thing to do during the interim. 

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 5, 2007 - Board Secretary Ure suggested that the recording for last month failed with no sound and had to hurriedly pickup the sound from a different source that we continue with the minute’s process next month because there was some substance lost that needs to be picked up along with reports. Ure also received some corrections which she could read aloud or be included in the minute and asked to defer the approval until next month. Bryant-Hunter accommodated the request for next month and is comfortable with that since many of the Board members will be continuing on having continuity. Prentiss noted there was some mix-up with collating; pages were missing and collated backwards.       

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None.                                                                                   

COMMUNITY ISSUES & ANNOUNCEMENTS:     Chair Bryant-Hunter encouraged people wishing to speak to please signup at the sign-in table; comments will be limited to two minutes.

Friends of Kailua Library - Patricia Melville is a member of the Board of the Friends of Kailua Library. This is a non-profit group - open to the community who wish to join or just want to donate books/materials to the Book Store. Their mission is to support Kailua Library. They give money to increase the number of books, DVDs, etc., pay for incentive prizes for the reading programs, for adults and children throughout the year, and pay for special events such as an Authors Night held at the library. The community is very generous to give materials to sell in the Book Store, which is opened six days a week and is staffed by 40+ volunteers during the public library hours. The Friends ask that any donations be brought in only during the store, or library, hours. The library staff has been wonderful to bring the materials into the store when they have a chance; materials left after hours only encourage vandalism and recently there was a fire near the parking lot entrance of the library. Mahalo for any help given.

Congratulations - Don Bremner, of Keep It Kailua, felt it appropriate to be talking in this category and the only community concern he had was relieved on Tuesday morning when he read the election results. And KIK came to express their congratulations to all and those that have been reelected. He felt the community thought it was okay to have CAVE People and NIMBYs to protect Kailua realized that the election was a sort of referendum on the question of vacation rentals in Kailua. The community spoke loudly in all of the actions taken and policies developed by this Board and that is a good foundation moving forward into the new term. Best wishes!   

Windward Ahupua’a Alliance (WAA) – Jim Wood made two announcements: 1) the WAA will have their next cleanup this Sunday, May 6 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The group alternates which side they work on and this moth will be on the Kailua town side of the marsh. Flyers are available at the sign-in table and if you are interested in participating, there will be a Pau Hana party after. 2) Flyers were also available regarding personal steps one might take to solve global warming.  

Chair Bryant-Hunter indicated that Olelo viewers would not be noticed in time for Sunday’s cleanup and whether other cleanups would be scheduled for June that can be announced tonight. Wood did not have any timeline of cleanups for June and referred to the website: www.waa-hawaii.org for the latest information.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:  

Governor's Representative – Chair Bryant-Hunter introduced Dr. Glenn Wasserman substituting for Dr. Morgan Barrett, State Department of Health for May and June.

Wasserman encouraged filling in the blue sheets with concerns and returning it back to him. The Governor’s Office is very diligent about responding to neighborhood board concerns. Wasserman proceeded to respond to the previous month’s concerns:

·         Gilman – does the State DLNR or UH Aquatics Scientists have any idea of why there are no lobsters in Oahu’s waters? Foreign fish (taape and toau) where introduced some two decades+ ago. They are very aggressive, prolific fish. Now, there are very, very few lobsters here. Is there any correlation?  A response from Francis Oishi, Program Manager, Division of Aquatic Resources: “Short answer for why there are no lobsters in Oahu waters: over fishing and other influences. Longer answer for whether this observation of no lobsters is due to an alien species (taape and toau) introduction:  Unlikely to be correlated. Diet studies by the UF Fishery Cooperative Unit and others indicate that at least for taape, they do not feed on lobster or lobster larvae. Taape’s main diet consists of other crustacean types – small shrimps and crab larvae. Larger taape feed on other fishes but are not responsible for lowered stocks of local bottom-fish, as some believe. Taape and many other snapper species that are non-native to Hawaii were introduced in the late 1950’s as a result of a determination by the fisheries officials that the evolution of the Hawaii’s marine ecosystem lacked the presence of suitable snapper species for fishing enjoyment and for food. Alien species interactions did not occur to them at the time.”

·         Glanstein – The only disaster shelter in Kailua is at Kailua High School. Has the facility been determined safe?  Response from Danny Tengan (SCD): “Shelters in Hawaii had an initial on site survey in 1994-1995 and a walk through in 2000-2001. Since there was very little monies available to retrofit our potential shelters, mostly our DOE school facilities, a Technical Data Book was prepared to show the status of those facilities that were nonstructural surveys, not detailed engineering analyses. They were quite general and limited in general. This not to say that these shelters are not safe, but ARE CONSIDERED SAFE HAVENS, IN THAT THEY ARE SAFER THAN A WOODEN SINGLE WALL HOME. There are currently many issues regarding shelters, and we are addressing them the best we can.” Also: List of schools that have shelters in the Kailua area are: Enchanted Lake Elementary, Kailua Elementary, Kailua Intermediate, Kailua High, Kainalu Elementary, Kalaheo High, Keolu Elementary, Lanikai Elementary, and Mokapu Elementary Schools.

·         Glanstein – is the Department of Health (DOH) going to encourage legislation in 2008 to re-establish the School of Public Health?  In response, the DOH is certainly supportive, but the question actually goes to UH who has the lead for this legislation. The UH responded that they will have their strategic and business plan for rebuilding the School of Public Health completed by June. Vice Chancellor Gary Ostrander will be the one making the decision about the university moving forward to rebuild the School of Public Health. One comment was that UH seemed to be very supportive but that timing will be an issue, especially with the new medical school facility being a large cost item. Both DOH and UH are finishing up with legislative session 2007, so they really haven’t started to prepare legislation for 2008 yet. 

·         Reiziss – concerned about enforcement of environmental and commercial rules and regulations related to filming at Kailua Beach Park on March 6 and 7. He letter was sent to Governor Lingle and Senator Hemmings. Response: This was investigated to Reiziss’ satisfaction. I don’t have a copy of the investigation, but Reiziss wrote to Senator Hemmings:  “Thank you for forwarding me a copy of the investigative findings of the FILMING complaint sent to the Hawaii Film Office concerning a series of incidents occurring in the Kailua Beach Park on March 6 and 7, 2007. Although there are several discrepancies offered as explanation and omissions to what I actually witnessed, I AM OF THE OPINION AT THIS TIME, THAT IT IS NOT NCESSARY TO GO ANT FURTHER WITH THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. It appears that all parties involved now understand the importance of enforcing the environmental and commercial rules and regulations and making them clear to all future permit issuers and recipients. Situations such as those that occurred in Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park the week prior to this filming, will simply no longer be passively tolerated by the residents of Kailua, and hopefully of the entire State of Hawaii.…” 

·         Wong – is the ITT property next to Kawai Nui Marsh going to be used for storing equipment or depositing of soil and rocks and was that part of the SMA permit and discussion with DOT? [Contest: The DOT came to the Board and wants to use that as a staging area for their equipment. They are now putting down dirt and rocks and she believes they will be excavating on the hillside. Wong was concerned that the Board was not informed about DOT putting materials there. Board member Evans spoke to Brennon Morioka regarding the soil and rocks; DOT did not need a Shoreline Management Area Use Permit, DLNR gave approval to go ahead.  The response from Brennon Morioka, Highway Division of DOT: “An SMA permit is not required…If  the ITT property Wong is inquiring about is the DLNR parcel across the street from the rockfall mitigation project next to the pump station, that was a separate agreement between the contractor and the DLNR. My understanding is that the DLNR wanted the material to raise the grade of the parcel to actually better control surface runoff into the marsh so there is no stockpiling of material on the location as the material will be used on the parcel itself on a permanent basis. My understanding is that there will not be storage of equipment there.”

Questions, comments and answers followed:

1.       Evans regarded the school emergency shelters at various schools that her understanding was that the Department of Education received $500,000 to retrofit some of the schools; so the State Civil Defense did not give you accurate information or that not enough information. The DOE were to be retrofitting because the schools are theirs. Wasserman indicated that the question can be resubmitted to DOE.

2.       Regarding the property that the rockfall contractor was to be using, Wood commented that the agreement was that a park was to be built there after they’re done.

3.       That requires a statement said Wong. That is adjacent to a wetland and used to sustain native birds because it was always wet and now it’s being filled in without any kind of permit and adjacent to the wetland is not satisfactory.

      Regarding the response to Mr. Reiziss about the filming at Kailua Beach Park boat ramp, she believed was not generic for Kalama Beach Park. Wasserman indicated that it included Kalama Beach Park and             Wasserman would be happy to share the information with Wong after. Chair Bryant-Hunter believed that                               both sites were mentioned and that the Board has a copy of the letter on file. Wasserman reiterated that                           the “situations such as those that occurred in Kailua Beach Park and Kalama Beach Park the week prior to                          this filming, will simply no longer be passively tolerated by the residents of Kailua, and hopefully of the                             entire State of Hawaii…”   

In Acknowledgement of Faith Evans, Coelho stated that Evans never thought twice about public service--someone we could all look up to and endear.  The Mayor made a special commendation for Evans:

In recognition and appreciation of a stellar career in the State House of Representatives, U. S. Marshall Service, and the Neighborhood Board, for a proud and distinguished record of achievement in public service, and for your Aloha for the people of Hawaii, I hereby present you with the Certificate of Commendation.

Signed by:  Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the Honorable Mufi Hannemann, this 3^rd day in May, 2007. 

The audience and Board Members gave Evans a round of applause.

Mayor's Representative – Standing in for Ann Chung, Director, Office of Economic Development, was Jeff Coelho.

·         Regarding Dudley’s concern about the flooding issue along Kawailoa and Alala Road – the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be doing some minor grading (in the next 3-5 weeks) in the park at this corner to allow the ponding water to drain into the park. This will help reduce the ponding which occurs at the corner of Alala and Kawailoa Roads.

·         Regarding Wisch’s concern about the pedestrian walkway on the bridge near Buzz’s Steakhouse has been closed off for some time now.  When will it re-open? The wooden pedestrian walkway on Kawailoa Road Bridge was severely deteriorated and was removed. The City is currently in the process of contracting consultant services to design the much needed bridge rehabilitation, including the pedestrian walkway. The design is anticipated to be completed in 2008 with construction subject to availability of construction funds, to follow.

·         Regarding Glanstein’s request for a briefing on the responsibilities and scope of the “filming office” and requested a monthly written report.  Glanstein’s question was not addressed.              .

·         Best - regarding the tour buses going east of the Kalapawai Store and letting about 60-80 people off on the bike path/unimproved sidewalk area and residents being told that tour bus operators have 3-min to do that, however, it is taking much longer than 3 minutes to drop off that many people.  Response: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) contacted the Hawaii Transportation Association (HTA) to inform the drivers of commercial buses to avoid the area if at all possible. DTS will continue to work HTA to resolve this matter and has informed HPD to monitor the area.

·         Regarding Evans’ concern about the accident on Kapaa Quarry Road that DTS was to make a decision concerning the road by next Friday (May 19) and Evans would like to know what it is.  Response: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will continue their traffic assessment for safety measures on Kapaa Quarry Road.  

·         Regarding Evans’ report, turned over to Chung from B. Marshall’s office re: the bus stops near the Maunawili entrance on Kalanianaole Highway, Evans would like follow-up.  Response: DTS planned to install a shelter, however, the State Department of Transportation (SDOT) required us (DTS) to upgrade the roadway.  Funds set aside for us (DTS) to do the work were insufficient to meet contract requirements.  We (DTS) will request SDOT to program bus stop upgrades to this portion on Kalanianaole Highway as part of their Highway Improvement Plan.

·         The City Council is in the final days of Budget approval and working toward that final goal. Council Chair Barbara Marshall could not be here tonight as she is co-hosting Outstanding Achievement Awards in Kapolei. She asked Coelho to give fond regards to Evans.

·         Mayor Hannemann was present (briefly) at the I Love Kailua Town Party event and really enjoyed himself.  

Questions, comments and answers followed:

1.       Wisch inquired about any expectations of when work is expected to begin for DTS to repair the pedestrian walkway. Coelho explained that the planning process is ongoing. The process would begin with the need for DTS to get a consultant which will require the removal of the existing walkway and rehabilitation of the roadway bridge.  Getting that done by next April, the project can be placed in the budget for ’08-’09; 18-36 months.

2.       Wong noted how old the bridge is and that it is only 10-year or less that the bridge was completed.   The Board when through the would process then so the bridge can’t be needing a complete rehabilitation—she suggested if the issues was the pedestrian walkway it should be repaired as a single project.  As the Board had input regarding the bridge they would like to be kept apprised of any modifications; and once the consultant is selected that the consultant come to the board and give a presentation.  Coelho stated that DTS wanted to get a structural assessment of the bridge which does not mean they will rehabilitate the whole bridge; however it needs to be determined whether a full-service sidewalk is needed and are there any other concerns regarding the bridge that need to be addressed.  Wong reminded Coelho that impediments to the canoes need to be addressed as well.

3.       Dudley noted that the grading of the drainage swale was not just minor grading as reported. The drainage that led out to the ocean from Kailua Beach Park was filled in and this allowed the ponding of water to drain into the park from Alala Road side. Residents are asking that the drain be reopened to accommodate the flooding to drain to the ocean.

4.       Dudley also stated that the only sidewalk is on the mauka side of the road and on approach to the bridge, ending at the bridge--pedestrians are now at a point where they have to cross the street to get to the other side. The problem is also that the crosswalk is situated at a curve making it hazardous for both pedestrians and motorists. He would like to see the walkway re-opened sooner than later.

5.       Prentiss commented on the buses issue going east from Kalapawai Store and suggested that DTS review the situation again. Coelho noted that the site is being closely monitored by HPD, so they have been instructed to increase the monitoring. Coelho, however, was not certain whether the situation is transportation issues but, if the matter continues; bring it to the DTS attention again.

6.       Best requested a copy of the letter from DTS to Hawaii Transportation Association, informing the drivers of the commercial buses to avoid the area east of Kalapawai Market.

7.       Evans said many of the board’s issues are with DTS. She is frustrated that the DTS Director does not feel he should have to come to NB meeting for that is what the Mayor’s rep is doing by reporting back questions raised and following up the next month with responses. She asked that he attend to talk about Kapaa Quarry Rd. and he was reluctant. And although he had a legitimate reason (military duty), her comment was that the issues could have been taken cared of with better communication and that there is not that kind of communication with DTS; and poor on responds to NB correspondence as well.   Coelho will take the concern back. He also explained that directors of DTS, DPP & DFM all put in 10 – 12  hour days; and with 32 Neighborhood Boards - who would all like for them to come all the time, which they have from time-to-time; it’s not always possible. Coelho did not have a problem presenting an arrangement to meet, if not at a board meeting, perhaps downtown.

8.       Lindgard was thankful for the efforts with the standing water issue fronting the bus stop at Good Year Tire Store.

9.       Bartley clarified the history of the drainage at Kailua Beach Park in that when the road was widened, the sidewalk installed and a high fence put up from the ‘80s that is when the City allowed the ditch to be filled in the park.  The City allowed the filling and the clogging of the drainage pipe to the ocean and never cleaned it out again. 

Chair Bryant-Hunter announced Representative Tommy Waters and his wife just added a baby boy to their family. He, Mom, and baby are now home and the family has one boy and one girl--Congratulation!

Senator Jill Tokuda – Senator Tokuda distributed her 2007 Legislative Wrap-Up report:

·         Capital Improvement Projects - highlights included: a) $300,000 for the planning a design of the Kalaheo High School football and track fields with spectator seating; b) $41, 579, 000 for the planning and construction of Windward Community College’s library and learning resources center; c) $675, grant-in-aid by Hina Mauka for Teen Care portable offices statewide, including a numerous campuses in Windward Oahu for drug and substance abuse services; d) $800,000 for capital improvement projects relating to repairs, improvements and safety measures at Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility; and another CIP project that benefits Windward community is e) $1.25 million for PE complex improvements at Kailua Intermediate

·         Education – inserted into the budget was a bill introduced by the Senator – SB886 SD1: for appropriations for 15 complex area business manager positions proposed by this measure and the funds necessary for these positions at DOE school complex area.

·         Kawai Nui Marsh - HB1899, HD2, SD2, CD1 - ended a 17-year dispute was inserted as a Budget line item allowance of $500,000. The bill codifies the agreement and allows for the transfer of land to the State and the management agreement for the levee system along with the leverage of Federal funds.  Restoration of the Marsh will be $40M when the project is completely finished and Senator Inoue has placed in the Interior Budget $4.1 in federal funds this year, alone.  This bill included $420,000 for FY2009 by DLNR.

·         Traffic Resolutions - despite the strong support, SCR 155 and SCR 156 passed through the Senate but did not make it through the House. SCR 155 would have established a Kapa’a Quarry Road Task Force to recommend traffic safety measures to the State Legislature and the Honolulu City and County; and SCR 156, Senior Vanpool, as a means of providing seniors with transportation to and from areas such as the market, bus stop, etc.; did not make it through. 

Questions, comments and answers followed:

1.       Prentiss referred to an earlier matter about the construction by Windward Boats where the contractor is filling in the white lines; he would like that she check on what’s that all about. Senator Tokuda acknowledged the request and will have her staff person contact the Board and look at this right away.

2.       Glanstein asked that the Senator elaborate more on the internship program and how the student did. Senator Tokuda reported that her final legislative wrap-up will have articles written by both her interns: Somerset Wong (Kamehameha Schools) and Tippy Moreland (Castle High School). Both did a wonderful job and testified a few times: Wong testified on the resolution for Kapa’a Quarry Road, first hand involvement with the students involved in the crash; and Moreland is still working on putting together recommendations that she will be sharing with other student lobbyist. She’s involved with the Hawaii State Student Council, so through this experience will had been asked to write down tips for lobbing. She also put together an Art Review Program at the Capital. Senator Tokuda’s Art Review Program, “Star” will be showcasing artwork from various schools from this district during the session. She even did an amazing job hosting a reception and inviting all the parents. Next year the Senator will be calling upon everyone for more applicants.  

3.       Wong thanked the Senator for all her hard work in bringing all the parties together with Kawai Nui Marsh, which has been decades in the making. It took someone with Tokuda’s confidence to bring everyone to the table without feeling like they were getting the short end of the stick. She also wanted to recognize that junior Senator first term, the Kailua and Kaneohe communities should be very proud; she worked very hard bringing home Kawai Nui, a very big accomplishment. Senator acknowledged the recognition.

Senator Fred Hemmings – Barbara Kwasniewski noted the Senator provided a written report and she highlighted:

·         The Senator was disappointed that only one-third of the Governor’s requests for affordable housing were appropriated by the Legislature; and when it came to tax relief, only one-seventh of what the Governor requested is coming back to the taxpayers.

·         The Conference Committee on SB 750, relating to Transient Accommodations Taxes, indefinitely deferred the bill.

·         CIP Projects – there are projects for Kailua Elementary School, Kailua Intermediate School and Family Promise, which house homeless families and in some windward churches; and that was through a grant made.   

Dudley thanked Senator Hemmings for his kind ad in the Windward News about the neighborhood board.  Kwasniewski will pass the comment to the Senator.

Councilmember Barbara Marshall – Andrew Malahoff earlier provided a written report from the Councilmember. 

Representative Cynthia Thielen – Bryant-Hunter noted that Representative Thielen was present earlier and wanted to acknowledge Board members Evans, Bartley and Wisch. 

There were no representatives or reports from Representative Chong or Congresswoman Hirono’s offices.

Chair Bryant-Hunter transferred the gavel to Vice-Chair Prentiss for the presentation and discussion.

PRESENTATIONS:  COMMUNITY PROJECTS                                                   

Evans introduced Dexter Kubota, President of KFC Engineering Management, Inc., and Eric Iwamoto KFC Project Manager. She mentioned KFC Engineering were kind to attend a Committee meeting two months ago and responded to questions on the Wanaao-Keolu sewer project as well as Kailua Road.  

Eric Iwamoto thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak about the CIP sewer re-construction-rehabilitation projects in the Kailua District. Iwamoto also recognized members in the audience from the City and County Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the contractor for the Wanaao Sewer Project, Frank Coluccio Construction, and KFC Engineering Management, construction manager for the Wanaao Sewer Project. KFC Engineering Management is a local project construction management firm with a staff of 75, in business for 13 years (unrelated to KFC Chicken); and has provided similar services for various city, state, federal and private projects. A handout was distributed among the Board with a map and work schedule. Iwamoto would be speaking on both the Wanaao Road-Keolu Drive Reconstructed Sewer Project and the new Kailua Road Sewer Installation Project as well as the Hamakua Drive and Kuulei projects.

1)               Wanaao Road-Keolu Drive Reconstructed Sewer Project – The project consist of approximately 6,600 linear feet of new sewer pipe including connections into an existing sewer collection systems. Also included in the project is resurfacing, re-striping of the existing pavement, replacement of bus pads, ADA ramps, and traffic signal work at the intersection of Wanaao and Keolu Drive. The project will extend from the intersection of Wanaao Road and Papalani Street where the existing pump station is located to the intersection of Keolu Drive and Akahai Street.

a)       The method of construction for the installation of the sewer pipe will consist of open trenching, micro tunneling and horizontal directional drilling. Traffic will be impacted, but a traffic control plan has been developed for two lanes, two-way traffic which will remain throughout the duration of the project with the exception of one area along Wanaao Road near Paopua Loop, subject to one lane during construction; although it will be opened for the period of 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate afternoon traffic with flagmen to direction traffic when only the one lane is available.  

b)       The project work hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the sewer work and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the street paving work; and the construction duration for the project is 1000 calendar days. The start of construction is anticipated to begin July 2007, and is contingent on other city projects being completed timely.  In particular, the ongoing work on Hamakua Drive, also known as “Rehab Unit 42”. The project consists of improvements along Hamakua Drive between Kailua Road and Keolu Drive. The importance of this project being completed is that Hamakua Drive is the main detour for the Wanaao project. So work will not start on Wanaao until that project is finished, and it appears that project is on schedule for the July for the start of the Wanaao project in July. 

c)       There are also two other projects: Kailua Road Sewer ID project and the Kuulei Road Rehabilitation project (also known as Rehab of Streets Unit 46) which is scheduled to occur from December 2007 thru July 2008. The project along Kuulei Road between Hamakua Road and Kainalu Road is scheduled to start in December 2007. The construction of the Wanaao project will start at Wanaao Road and Papalani Street near the pump station and will continue to and along Keolu Drive to Akahai Street (about 6,600 linear feet or 1.2 miles).

d)       KFC understands that communication is critical, therefore KFC will issuing newsletters to the community on a regular basis, which will provide updates and status of the project and establish a website to relay project information to the community along with a 24-hour Hotline by mid June. KFC’s objective is to work with the community and the contractor to make this project as painless as possible and KFC asks for your patience as they move through much needed work.              

2)       Kailua Road New Sewer Project – The project consist of approximately 1,600 linear feet of gravity sewer line on Kailua Road extending from an existing sewer manhole at Hahani Street to Wanaao Road. The method of construction is open trench and the pipe size ranging from 6 – 8 inches. Also included in the project is the relocation of an existing 16-inch water line and eight new manholes. Construction will start at Hahani Street and proceed along Kailua Road and end just beyond Aoloa Road. The project serves as the trunk line to 15 parcels within the area that are currently serviced by septic tanks or cesspools, including the Kailua District Park Comfort Station.  The project duration is six-months and commenced on May 1 with a scheduled completion date end of October 2007. The project work hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. All driveways along Kailua Road will open to local traffic. There will be detours signs, message boards and flagmen to route motorist around the construction work. The traffic control plan has been approved and is scheduled to close Kailua Road, Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for approximately four months from early July 2007 to late October 2007. The contractor for this project is Okada Trucking and the City & County Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is administering the contract and acting as the construction manager. Communication is critical and an informational letter has been sent from the Director of DDC. Copies of the letter were available and a hotline number has been setup - (808) 306-1385. 

3)       Highlights of Other Projects:  

a)       1) Iliamalia Loop and Mokapu Boulevard Reconstructed Sewer project is estimated to begin construction in late May, early June 2007, estimated duration is 5-months and DDC is the construction manager for this project, and the City DDC will be notifying the residents prior to construction.

b)       Kailuana Place and Kailuana Loop Sewer Replacement and Rehabilitation is estimated to begin construction in June 2007, estimated duration is 9-months and DDC is the construction manager and the City DDC will be notifying residents prior to construction.

c)       Kailua/Kaneohe Sewer Rehabilitation is currently in design phase and is estimated to begin construction in April 2008.

d)       Kalaheo Avenue / Mokapu Road / Aikahi Loop Sewer Rehabilitation - is currently in design and estimated to begin construction in May 2008 and estimated construction duration is 7-months. A construction manager has not been determined for that project.

Iwamoto reminded that with several projects going on concurrently, communication with the community and open discussions are important and the hotline is currently open for some of the projects.        

Vice Chair Prentiss opened for questions requesting identification of which project the question is referred.

Questions, comments and answers followed:

·         Referring to the Kailua Road New Sewer Project - Wong noted that the project mentioned that it would be servicing 15 homes including the Kailua District Park Comfort Station. Iwamoto’s responded that was correct. Wong asked if it is also for the co-op that’s there and whether consideration has been given to the new apartments that will be going in; Iwamoto would have to defer that question to the City. Clifford Kanda with DCC said yes – it does include service to the Kailuan and it does take into account service to the D.R. Horton/Schuler project; Wong asked clarification for both parcels starting from Hahani to Aoloa and over to the other side of Kailua Road. Kanda response was yes.

·         Referring to the Wanaao Road project - Prentiss asked what happens now from Papalani over to the bridge to the pump station. Iwamoto noted that the project ends at the pump station and apologized for not making that clear. He clarified that the project ends at the pump station which is adjacent to Papalani Street. Prentiss asked what’s going to happen at the corner of Wanaao and Papalani (where his house is located). Iwamoto noted there is some open trenching but most of the work is micro tunneling and Iwamoto will have to get back to Prentiss with the specifics as the construction schedule is not in place yet

·         Evans encouraged keeping communication efforts with the residents and the Board. Although the Kailua Road is an Okada Trucking project along with the City DDC, if the residents have a question or concern who should they call? Iwamoto repeated the hotline number 808-306-1385 on that particular project. Evans reminded that the notification letter was sent out from DDC and copies of that notice were available. Evans asked that when sending communication out to the community and the Board that it is very clear whom to call for which project--regardless of the Board’s Public Works Committee Chair.

·         Chair Bryant-Hunter felt, ideally, there should be one number to call and the question is whether the two companies could or would work together to help to facilitate the calls without residents having to struggle with who to call. Understanding there maybe some confusion, Iwamoto said it is something they can look into.  He further noted that the Kailua Road Sewer project number (808) 306-1385 is City DDC and the number for the Wanaao Project will be KFC’s.   

·         Brown asked (Wanaao) whether KFC will be able to adhere to the 1000 calendar days or is there a chance of it turning into 1400 or 2000 days; and is there going to be anything done with the pump station that might cause leaking into the canal right next to the pump station at Papalani? Iwamoto indicated he could not definitively guarantee 1000 days of construction, however KFC will be working with the contractors to make sure that this project is successful. With regards to the question regarding spillage, Iwamoto said with the directional drilling on the Kalaheo project that with that process there maybe some risk but that should not be a specific problem with the contractor because of their experience.    

·         Wong asked for an explanation of why the project is called Kailua/Kaneohe Sewer Rehabilitation project includes “Kaneohe”, when it is (thus far) in Kailua? Okita reported that the Kailua/Kaneohe project does involve two areas; one in Kailua and one within the Kaneohe area. Wong asked if they were connected by sewer pipes; Okita indicated they are not directly connected in anyway but that it is one contracted project with two scope-of-work areas. For clarity, the hand-out map does not show any of the areas outside Kailua. 

·         Evans wanted to re-emphasize the communicating aspect. If it can get taken care of, in the beginning, the contractors will have a lot less problems with the community--Kalaheo was a good example of poor communication. She also highlighted the letter from Director Eugene Lee (of which no board member got a copy), and asked that the neighborhood board be on the DDC list when information is sent out. Always include the neighborhood board--otherwise the Board will be down your throats and up your sewers. 

·         Chair Bryant-Hunter Evans wanted to extend her thanks foe KFC to addressing all the projects at once and commended them on going the extra mile; requested frequent updates and reminded that addressing the communication issues was very important.

Vice-Chair Prentiss returned the gavel to Chair Bryant-Hunter.

Chair Bryant-Hunter asked to take the agenda out of order to item X.C.2.a. Permitted Interaction Group: Property Tax Reform (Chuck Prentiss, Chair), Report and Proposed Action, there were no objections.  

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Permitted Interaction Group: Property Tax Reform Report and Proposed Action – Chair, Chuck Prentiss reported that the problem being addressed is the large and recurrent increases in the Honolulu property tax for the improved residential and apartment categories. The group researched and reviewed data concerning the increases in property assessments, past and present tax rates, and revenue collected by the City and County of Honolulu from the property tax as well as other data. Mr. John Elliot and Mr. Robert Grantham were acknowledged for providing information and data along with their diligent work on the problem for nearly two years.  

·         The group also reviewed the proposals currently before the City Council for changes to the property tax system. The group considers these proposals, some of which have short-term merit, as additional patches or band aids on a flawed revenue system.   The ones that have merit are those that will provide some help to homeowners and renters in the coming year. Nonetheless, there is a need to revisit the basic cause of the problem which is the use of residential and apartment values as a basis for city revenue collection. The group has referred their findings to the Board’s Government and Community Services Committee to make recommendations on this year’s proposals that are before the City Council. This report, prepared by the PI Group Chair, is to create awareness for an alternative to the current property tax system.

·         Historically, the use of an ad valorem tax base has been the norm for many decades in the United States and in Hawaii. It has been the main source of revenue for counties and local municipalities. However, nationwide, there have always been problems associated with its use such as easily changed rates, unfair assessments, and actual political scandals. It can be a very regressive tax for homeowners and renters, and people have actually lost their homes in other states. Locally we have seen attempts to salvage what is a broken system with all sorts of exemptions and credits which never do measure the real problem that the market value of a house or apartment is not a fair measure of the ability to pay for the financing of city government.  Witness the problem the City Council had last year when they wanted to do something to help renters, but could not find a way to do it. The much touted change that limited property tax for households making less than $50,000 helped only about 1,200 taxpayers out of over 250,000, and no renters.

·         But things are finally beginning to change, spurred by the voters of California who approved a system where property values are addressed in a much different way know as Proposition 13. Much closer to home, the taxpayers of Kauai have changed their county charter to adopt new procedures similar to those of California. These new procedures basically replace annual assessed values with acquisition values which mean that a property is only reassessed when it is sold. Included in this is that tax rates can only rise with the cost of living and a maximum of 2% per year. Also, in 2004, the Big Island put a cap of 3% on assessment increases. Yes, as is said “the handwriting is on the wall” for change.

·         The group feels that similar procedures could significantly benefit the homeowners and renters of Honolulu. However, the main problem with these systems is that they have not provided sufficient revenue for government to operate the necessary services it must provide, and has led to many increases in user fees which are undesirable and must provide, and has led to many increases in user fees which are undesirable and regressive. In Hawaii, it would not affect the schools as it can in other states, but it could have an effect on such things as a county’s ability to adequately fund public employee salaries, and on the provision of services such as reconstructing sewerage systems, etc. This is why our local government and others such as public employee unions have resisted these procedures.

·         PROPOSAL: The group has discovered another way which may be more appropriate, fair and workable. That is to use a tax base different than residential and apartment property values to pay for the residential share of city government. This proposal is for a substitute tax system under which improved residential and apartment properties would pay no property tax.

·         The alternative came to light when review in the levels of revenue that have been collected by the City and County of Honolulu in the past, and the estimated revenue that has been generated by the recent increase in the General Excise Tax (GET) of .5% increase in the GET.

·         On March 15, 2007, the Star Bulletin reported that the Honolulu City administration is using an estimate of $150,000,000 for the revenue it will receive from the .5% increase in the GET (They consider this is a conservative estimate). On April 22, 2007, the Honolulu Advertiser reported that the .5% increase yielded about $12,000,000 in the month of January, which substantiates the estimates since January is a slow sales month.

·         In addition, at last year’s tax rate ($3.59 / 1000), the City will collect about $500,000,000 in property tax from residential and apartment owners this coming year (fiscal 07/08): a huge increase over last year’s huge increase.

·         What if the residential and apartment property tax were totally replaced with an increase in the GET?       Not a new tax, but a substitute for the property tax. Since each .5% increase in the GET raises $150,000,000, if the GET was used instead of the property tax, an increase in the GET of 1.65 points would generate the same revenue ($500,000,000) as follows:  

§         $500,000,000 = 3.3 x .5 = 1.65

§         $150,000,000    

·         These are very encouraging numbers given the problems with the property tax system.

·         If a GET tax were substituted for the $500,000,000 residential and apartment property tax, the GET rate would have to go from 4.5% to 6.15%. But there would be no residential and apartment property tax. If a household spends $40,000 a year on things subject to the GET tax, they would pay an additional $660 instead of the property tax that they would pay. Many now pay over $4,000 a year.  

·         This can work because the GET is a broader based tax; for example, a visitor pays a share of it. An additional benefit is that economic growth increase revenue. GET revenue historically increase about 10% per year without a rate increase. This relates to why the State has a $600,000,000 surplus, while the City is struggling and has nearly doubled its property tax on homeowners since 2003. The City could not only look forward to obtaining the necessary revenue, but to an annual increase of 10% with no rate increase. This is why it is a win-win for the homeowners and renter and the City government.

·         Substituting the GET tax would be a benefit to everyone who has a roof over their head on Oahu whether they own or rent. It is less regressive than the property tax; people who have more money to spend will pay more tax, and those with less money will pay less. Currently with the property tax, some people who have less actually pay more.

·         This is considered a preliminary proposal because there are details that need to be worked out, public input and support is necessary, and a bill in the Legislature and the City Council would be required. But it is a proposal with great potential, and it is time to start considering it before people are forced to give up their homes or food or medications to pay the property tax.

Prentiss recommends that the Board begin to consider the following (proposal) motion He also understands that the procedure is to refer this matter to a Standing Committee – Government and Community Services Committee for further review and consideration. Chair Bryant-Hunter further explained that the Permitted Interaction Group is only investigative in nature; and no action can be taken on a recommendation from the PI Group. All this information will go to the Government and Community Services Committee (on the committee agenda for this month) will be taken into consideration the motion that the PI Group asking to consider and will formally bring to the Board in either June or July or when the work is completed for action.

Chair Bryant-Hunter opened the floor for comments, questions or clarification; no action will be taken. She also encouraged working with the Government and Community Services Committee, Chaired by Jon Chinen, while they deliberate on the findings. Mr. Grantham will speak on the Committee motions coming up in the Government and Community Services Committee. 

Comments, questions or clarification followed:

1.       Bartley’s comment was that this is exactly what happened in Michigan 3-4 years ago with property taxes pretty much gone and the counties getting their money out of the state general fund. It happened by a political accident rather than a formal plan.  Bartley was somewhat supportive however people don’t realize that the state is cracking down on landlords who don’t pay the GET on rents. That is the single biggest source of income doe the state - 4.5% on Oahu is applied to rents; and who rents? Those are the people that can not afford to buy a home in the first place?  So, you will be raising their taxes on their home while you are not on your own.  This is a regressive tax to poorer people who will pay a larger share of it than people who own their homes. However, it is a broader base than the current property taxes although it becomes a rental income tax.  Prentiss noted that Bartley is correct, in that the increase in the GET would need not to be applied to the rents and the GET would need to be adjusted accordingly.   

Chair Bryant-Hunter directed that the agenda be taken out of order to address IX.B.1 and 2 Government and Community Services (the remaining Property Tax motions) without objection. 

BOARD ACTIONS:                                                                                           

Government and Community Committee:  Committee Chair Jon Chinen read Motion 1 – The Kailua Neighborhood Board encourages the City Council to enact legislation resulting in rate reduction for improved residential and apartment properties.  Ure explained that board members each received a handout of supporting documentation for their consideration that reflects 25 random properties in Kailua at the current Property Tax Rate of $3.59 per 1000 as compared to a Property Tax Rate reduction to $2.76 per 1000 (which is similar to a proposal by Councilmember Barbara Marshall).  Board members and the community have been told repeatedly by the Administration and the City Council that when the assessments go up the rate should be adjusted downward by the City Administration and the City Council in the Budget for the current year. The supporting documentation provides examples of how this motion would reflect in a reduction of the Property Tax Rate as applied to real homes in Kailua and on Oahu.  The City Council and the Administration need to follow through on their rhetoric concerning property tax assessments and rates being correlated.   There was no discussion.  The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch and Wong.

Committee Chair Chinen read Motion 2 – The Kailua Neighborhood Board strongly urges the City Council to amend Bill 38(2007) to reflect the current $50,000 income* shall be indexed to the Honolulu Consumer Price Index (CPI).  Glanstein noted that Bill 38 is essentially a circuit breaker that represents several things: 1) homeowners whose annual income is $50,000 or less would be eligible and the tax would be no more than 4% of that household annual income. While a short-term solution, it does help a substantial number of people.  2) what the committee is asking tonight is to adjust the income* used -- indexing the income to the Honolulu Consumer Price Index (as referred to the handout) as the Federal Consumer Price Index does not reflect the cost of living and the level of wages in Honolulu and would allow the City to plan ahead for their revenues. Glanstein has testified on Bill 38, in her individual capacity, and is asking the Board to support this motion.

Discussion followed: 1) Bob Grantham noted both he and John Elliott worked faithfully on this issue for the last 15 months.  Their activity started right in this room in January 2006 when the Neighborhood Board had called a Special Meeting and everybody attended because they had just gotten their property tax assessments and proposed bills. We started our petition drive that night. Over 10,000 people signed that petition. That petition was hand-carried to the City Council Budget Committee.  June 6, 2007 is D-Day for your property taxes.  We provided the Committee and the Board the handout of representative properties in Kailua and we are encouraged that the City Council will come up with a rate of $2.76  per 1000 down from the $3.59 per 1000 you received in your assessments this December 2006.  For every penny the City Council reduces the property tax rate means the City council must take $1.4 million off of the budget.  While the Council has been doing very well in making the necessary budget cuts, strange things do happen.  Last year it was the sewer break-down in Waikiki which threw cold sewage water on the good plans to get a fair property tax reduction.  This year, it is the mysterious report that came out from the Association of Towns and Governments across the country and said if you don’t fund your liabilities for your retiree health care cost it does not represent a true financial picture of your government.  So, the Administration decided to put $61 Million in this year’s budget process and start up a fund for these retiree health care benefits.  Bear in mind, it has always been “pay-as-you-go”.  No one has been denied health care benefits or had a reduction. The State presents the bill every year and it is placed in the City Budget.  But some in the City think it will lower the bond rating if they start this fund. That describes the battle you face to reduce your property tax rate this year.  On a personal note, we are disappointed in this Board and all other Neighborhood Boards as we personally contacted each Board asking them for assistance and help. With the exception of Debbi coming down to testify, we saw no one from this Board testifying, not even a letter from this Board.  I am encouraged that you have these motions before you this evening and I hope you will pass them and get these actions and help John and I get what we have been working toward for the people of Kailua. This Board gets involved in a lot of things and that is very good, but if there is one single issue that involves every resident of Kailua, it is the run-away property taxes. Everybody is involved, whether you own the house or rent.  We need your help.  Support the motions, send the communications and help John and I with the help we need. 2) Glanstein announced that there are copies of the documentation that John and Bob prepared on the sign-in table for anyone who did not yet get a copy.  Feel free to take additional copies to share with your neighbors and friends and all who are similarly impacted. Chair Bryant-Hunter re-read the motion.   The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch, and Wong.     

The agenda resumed order with Board Actions, Executive Committee

Executive Committee: Chair Bryant-Hunter explained the motion are primarily transition to carry this board forward to the new board in June so that the new board would be aware of the standing committees and permitted interaction groups and transfer of materials from committee in preparation for new committees if they were to be formed in the new board. 

Motion 1 - The Kailua Neighborhood Board shall have the following Standing Committees: 1) Planning and Zoning; 2) Environment and Sustainability; 3) Government and Community Services; 4) Transportation and Public Works Projects; 5) Public Safety & Civil Defense; 6) Parks and Recreation; 7) Executive Committee. Chair Bryant-Hunter Stated that upon examination of the committee work as compared to its structure over the last couple of years there is an indication that some committee were doing a lot of the work. The proposal is to divide up that workload by creating a new committee structure.   Discussion followed: Wong suggested that to include in item Environment in Sustainability would require the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and would be a whole lot more work. Bryant-Hunter clarified the Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Assessments (EA) are still Planning and Zoning Documents and would remain in Planning and Zoning as they are still associated with permitting.  The broader issue of Environment which falls under the Community Sustainability Plan would entail discussion on what we do to protect the environment and natural resources management for sustainability.  Evans was concerned with having 6 committees and whether the Board could find Chairs for the 6 committees and places for them to meet.  Under 5: Public Safety and Civil Defense should read Public Health and Safety and Civil Defense, especially with thoughts on flu and other communicable diseases.  Chair Bryant-Hunter agreed to add the word Health. Glanstein was concerned that with two correctional facilities in Kailua, there is no committee to address the issues and so the Public Safety portion would address those issues.  Chair Bryant-Hunter reminded the Board it could amend the committee structure anything it deemed necessary and that this would be a good starting point for the new board.  Chair Bryant-Hunter re-read the motion as amended.  The Kailua Neighborhood Board shall have the following Standing Committees: 1) Planning and Zoning; 2) Environment and Sustainability; 3) Government and Community Services; 4) Transportation and Public Works Projects; 5) Public Health & Safety & Civil Defense; 6) Parks and Recreation; 7) Executive Committee. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch and Wong.

Chair Bryant-Hunter read Motion 2 – The Kailua Neighborhood Board shall continue the following Permitted Interaction Groups: 1) Neighborhood Plan; 2) City Charter; 3) Property Tax Reform; 4) B&B and Vacation Rentals. Bryant-Hunter explained a rolling over to the new term at which time additions of new permitted interaction groups could be formed as need but to continue these until the new board has had an opportunity to discuss the issue.  The motion carried by unanimous consent. 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch and Wong.                                  

Chair Bryant-Hunter withdrew Motion 3. Ure suggested placing the Committee of the Whole back on the agenda for next month so that the new board member could avail themselves of such a meeting so that they might “hit the ground running” with this very busy board. Chair Bryant-Hunter felt the three new members might be oriented in a less formal way and get them up to speed if not for the first meeting, definitely for the second meeting in July.  We have also asked that the Neighborhood Commission provide them with all the documents, e.g., Neighborhood Plan, etc, prior to the meeting.  Glanstein suggested etc is a large and undefined category and she believes the new members need to know what they are getting in to.  A committee of the whole would most certainly give them a more comprehensive look than just having the item on the agenda

Chair Bryant-Hunter read Motion 4 - All Committee Chairs and Permitted Interaction Group Chairs and Board Members shall transfer archival materials to Board Secretary by May 31, 2007. Bryant-Hunter stated he motion was to facilitate the Board should there be a large turn-over, now the motion can be withdrawn and made as an announcement for departing Committee Chairs. The motion was withdrawn in lieu of an announcement.   

Corcoran arrived at the meeting at 9:55 p.m. 18 members present.

Chair Bryant-Hunter read Motion 5 - The Kailua Neighborhood Board authorizes transfer of refreshments funds to operating-publicity funds. Chair Bryant-Hunter stated that this gives the Board more resources to do what they have to do before the end of the budget year, especially the mailing expenses through the end of the year.   The motion carried by unanimous consent. 17-0-0. Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Harding, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch and Wong.

Harding left the meeting at 10:00 p.m., 17 members present.

Transportation and Public Safety – Committee Chair Faith Evans read the Motion – The Kailua Neighborhood Board supports the formation of an Intergovernmental Task Force to address solutions to Kapaa Quarry Road safety improvements to include, but not limited to TMK: 42014002 (Kapaa II LLC); 42016006 (C&C of Honolulu); 42013010 (State of Hawaii); 42015005(C&C of Honolulu); 42016001 (C&C of Honolulu); 42017021 (State of Hawaii); and 42015006 (Kapaa I LLC).  Committee Chair Evans stated the motion would allow the board to continue with the issue and the board should not let up on the issue until it is resolved.  Joanie Cash and Mr. Kaku (DTS) met lat week, however, the board needs to continue its position on Kapaa Quarry Road. 

1. Chair Bryant-Hunter reported the meeting occurred because Joanie cut through the red tape and got the meeting with the Director of Transportation Services (DTS) and the Managing Director because of her persistence.  She may yet get a meeting with the Mayor.  This proves that when a citizen calls and gets involved the Administration responds. The Director says he is very supportive of the task force because it will look at the more long-term solutions concerning the road, to improve safety while he has given us assurances he will be working on the short-term solutions immediately.  Our biggest concern was that they would put a task force together and it would be a year before we got any immediate safety equipment or improvements that DTS has available and could put on the road immediately and the Board can continue to advocate for the short-term solution while the Task Force addresses the long-term solutions, understanding it is a costly endeavor to improve the road in the long-term. 
2. Joanie Cash questioned as the Senate resolution for a Task Force did not make it through the House, is that the Task Force we were discussing with DTS and the Managing Director?   
3. Bryant-Hunter stated the DTS agreed to do a Task Force anyway regardless of the outcome of the Senate Resolution.  Now Senator Tokuda will work with DTS without the concurrent resolution.
4. Joanie thanked Kathy for attending with her especially as during the last four years she herself has been at the scene before the first responders.  This last accident has taken a toll on Joanie especially since after the previous accident she and Kathy had already discussed all the options available with the administration and nothing was done. Had a guardrail been installed the young girls may not have had to die. Other cars that have gone off the road, nobody would have ever have found them—we hear it and we respond and call for help.  The Road is an industrial road and everyone has to learn to respect that road as that.  You have to drive the road carefully as the trucks sometimes don’t.  Today Joanie surveyed the truck drivers at the Quarry and the transfer station to solicit their comments on what would make the road safe. They know what needs to be done.  They need to take the thrill out of the hill.  If they shave the hill you won’t get the air-bound effect.  8 people have died on that hill, alone. When they say they don’t have enough money to fix the hill, Joanie wonders how they can spend the dollars to fix the hill in Kailua so the rocks won’t fall off.  And they spend lots of dollars to shave the hill up by the Pali—they need to spend the money shaving this hill.  DTS will use some short-term remedies in the next few months to warn drivers they are approaching the hill, Joanie is still hopeful to get the Mayor to ride the road so he will know exactly what is being talked about. 
5. Lindgard asked if that road was put on the “close the road” list a number of years back—like the old Pali road.  What happened to that?
6. Joanie said it was suggested to bypass the hill a while back but it has become a major road now as an alternative to Oneawa and traffic because of all the people who have moved into Kailua.  Proposals get pushed aside by the Administration and the Department.  And over the next three years there have been more accidents. 
7. Wong was concerned that both the Senate and the City DTS Task Force may not meld. 
8. Chair Bryant-Hunter explained they were now the same since the concurrent resolution failed and the Senator will be working with the City DTS Task Force. The motion carried by unanimous consent, 17-0-0. Aye:  Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch, and        Wong.      

COMMITTEE REPORTS:                                  

Civilian-Military Council – Update will be next month and of note will be a presentation about the Base on July.

Kailua Chamber of Commerce – No report.     

Permitted Interaction Groups:

Enforcement of B&B and TVUs – Josh Wisch, Chair, no report and request to be kept informed so that he may help out.

Neighborhood Plan 2007 – 1) Jon Chinen will further update board members next month; 2) Glanstein reported that she and Ure went to the most recent Neighborhood Commission meeting…

Evans moved, seconded by Glanstein, to continue the meeting after 10:00 p.m.  The motion failed.  9-7-1. Abstain: Aye: Best, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Evans, Glanstein, Ure, Wisch and Wong.  Nay: Brown, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa. Abstain: Bartley. The motion failed, however the meeting cannot be adjourned without a vote.

Bartley moved, seconded by Prentiss to adjourn. The motion failed. 6-11-0. Aye: Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa. Nay: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Evans, Glanstein, Ure, Wisch and Wong.  The motion failed, the meeting continued. 

2.       Glanstein continued…among the items that were raised at the Commission meeting, one had to do with the neighborhood plan which is stuck in Corporation Council and we are not likely to see it emerge until some dawning day in June, but we are taking bets—some of us are holding to Neighborhood Plan 2007, others of us are saying Neighborhood Plan 2008.  Glanstein is hopeful for October 2007; however her prior bet was on March 2007. It is stuck there, whether out of laziness or an abundance of problems we don’t really know.   The other item Ure should address because it addressed minutes and neighborhood assistants. 

3.       Ure reported that the training is not consistent across all NAs and that all NAs are always allowed to continue their minutes with their boards because of reassignments. It is unfortunate that the left-over “standardization” of minutes from the previous Executive Secretary has leaked into this one making it difficult.  NAs need to follow the Sunshine Law. Whatever training they may get they first have to include in minutes what is prescribed by the Sunshine Law. We made that abundantly clear to the Neighborhood Commission—they understand.  The Neighborhood Commission Office is short-staffed and tell us they are doing the very best they can under very unusual circumstances.  However, the problem is that the minutes are not necessarily going to be out on time when it conflicts with “duties as otherwise assigned” remain in their contracts. So, our minutes suffer even though the NAs are supposed to be there first to product minutes and provide resources to neighborhood boards.  The Neighborhood Commission and the Neighborhood Commission Office are hearing us, however, we will have to wait and see if there are results soon.

 Planning, Zoning and Environmental Committee – Donna Wong, Chair suggested the committee investigate the homeless resource center because whenever you go past, it is never open, there is no sign on the door—so if it is going to be a resource for the homeless in Kailua, we need to investigate what is actually occurring at the location so the homeless know it is there and what it has to offer.

Parks and Recreation Committee – Chuck Prentiss, Chair reported on Commercial activities at Kailua Beach Park as an individual who had previously been cited for illegally renting kayaks at Kailua Beach Park was found guilty and has been fined and barred from the Park for six months. In follow-up to that Prentiss will be meeting with the Police Department next week to follow up on further citations.  

Planning, Zoning and Environmental Committee –  1) Jim Corcoran reported on Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Leeward that we have now passed the deadline for the Draft EIS, It was supposed to come out in early 2007 and heard and acted on in mid 2007 which we are approaching now.  The result is that the Landfill extension will have to be opened one year from now.  Sirens and bells should be ringing because it looks like the City is not going to make it unless they take immediate action to get something done. 2) Donna Wong, Chair suggested the committee investigate the homeless resource center because whenever you go past, it is never open, there is no sign on the door—so if it is going to be a resource for the homeless in Kailua, we need to investigate what is actually occurring at the location so the homeless know it is there and what it has to offer. 3) Donna Wong reported that Senate Bill 750 regarding the City’s ability to review tax from the State for whether they are paying their TAT, that bill is dead for this session but is still alive for next session. . 

Transportation & Public Safety Committee – Faith Evans, Chair reported on the Kailua Road Comfort Station DPR cannot do the repairs and has requested assistance from ENV-Wastewater to fix the problem.  Apparently there is and electrical problem that is affecting the pump that sends the wastewater from the comfort station to the sewer line on Kuulei Road.  Unfortunately, ENV-Wastewater has been responding to some high profile sewage issues and has not gotten back to Kailua DP’s comfort station.  While the situation is becoming a great inconvenience to park users it is not a true health and safety concern.  We have notified ENV-Wastewater that DPR has received complaints about the situation.  So, that is why the comfort station is locked up and why the portable toilets are there. 

Sustainability Committee – Bryant-Hunter reported a consultant has been hired to update the Ko’olaupoko Sustainability Communities Plan Update and will let Chris Porter the Committee Chair know so that he may invite the consultant to meet with the Sustainability Committee so that the committee can let the consultant know what are our expectations for the Plan process.  Prentiss reminded that this Board is on record with the City saying they should not update that plan until they update the Land Use Ordinances to be consistent with it; which the Plan says they are supposed to do.  Bryant-Hunter stated that fortunately the committee has restated that position and has other items to add to the plan that have not been addressed in the Plan.

Executive Committee – Bryant-Hunter reported 1) Congratulation to Jon Chinen as the top vote-getter.  He will be Chair Pro Tem for the first meeting of the new board.  Congratulations.  Jon Chinen and Rachel Glanstein are the two youngest Chair Pro Tems on the Island.  2) Treasurer's Report-deferred to next month for the annual report. 3) I Love Kailua Town Party – was a very successful event.  Ure created note cards to collect and collate for the Board on information of concern to the community.  4) Dudley and Brown are purchasing the sound system from Bartley to continue the sound for the board.  Bartley will train the next operator of the sound system—free of charge. 

Evans made several good-bye statements: It has really been my privilege to serve on this Board for the last ten years or so and I am really going to miss it.  It was a tough decision to make but I am looking to another path.  I will still be involved in the community—I will never give up on the community.  Advice: You will be facing elections next month for the Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary, and also the committee Chairs.  Don’t do what was done two years ago—have Pono on the board.  I would like, right now to campaign for Kathy as Chair of the next board.  I think that will work out very well.  I won’t be at every meeting, but when I do come I will be in the first row in a special chair. 

Glanstein moved and Ure seconded to adjourn the meeting.   The motion carried with unanimous consent 17-0-0.  Aye: Bartley, Best, Brown, Bryant-Hunter, Chinen, Corcoran, Correa, Dowsett, Dudley, Evans, Glanstein, Lindgard, Prentiss, Tomasa, Ure, Wisch, and Wong.  The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 p.m.           

Submitted by

Linda Ure, Board Secretary

And Marie Richardson, Neighborhood Assistant