Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb2/09/02200912Min.PDF
Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
‘AINA HAINA PUBLIC LIBRARY
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bob Chuck called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of 11 members present. Note - This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Baron (arrived at 7:04 p.m.), Bernie Boltz, Steve Camara, Jay Campbell, Bob Chuck, Peter Kay, Heather Lum, Charlie Palumbo, Kevin Quinn, J. Ed Schell (arrived at 7:50 p.m.), Phil Sharp, Linda Starr and Mel Yap.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sherry Spangler (notified absence) and Joseph Young (notified absence).
VACANCIES: Two vacancies - One in Subdistrict 6 ('Aina Haina) and One in Subdistrict 8 (Kuli'ou'ou).
GUESTS: Cindy Inouye (Governor Linda Lingle's Representative, State Department of Human Resources Development, Deputy Director), State Senator Sam Slom, State Representative Lyla Berg, Joan Shinn (Representative Barbara Marumoto's Office), Sidney Quintal (
CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) The Honolulu Marathon will be on Sunday, December 13, 2009. 2) There will be curb construction on Halema'uma'u Street. 3) Campbell announced that there will be picture taking with Santa, starting on December 18 from 12:00 noon to 5:30 p.m. Cost will be $7.00. 4) The Legislative Process handout was distributed, courtesy of Representative Barbara Marumoto and the House Majority Staff Office.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) REPORT: Lt. Gary Lum Lee distributed the monthly report and reported: 1) November 2009 Statistics - 14 burglaries (breaking into a building or business), 11 thefts (outside of a building) and 15 (+10) UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle or car break-in). 2) Personal Safety Tips - A) Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. B) Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you'll be gone only a short time. 3) Contact HPD at www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7.
Comments followed: 1) A resident was robbed in November and there were three other robberies on the street. It was suggested that they start a Neighborhood Watch program. Camera surveillance by a private community association is okay. There is an increase in burglaries all over. 2) Sgt. Clinton Sukekane was commended for his service. 3) A resident reported that a stranger set off his house alarm system and ran away.
Baron entered the meeting at 7:04 p.m.; 12 members present.
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) REPORT: Capt. Elton Furutani returned from an emergency call and reported: 1) November 2009 Statistics - 2 structure fires, 32 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue and 11 miscellaneous calls for service. 2) Fire Safety Tip: Dried Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations are extremely flammable. Remove them from the home as soon as possible and consider recycling the tree at a participating green waste center in the area. Leave the fireworks to the pyrotechnic professionals and enjoy the fireworks displays offered by various communities on New Year’s Eve. As a reminder, the law states that children under the age of 18 shall not possess or have access to fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, except under adult supervision. Residual fireworks are potential fire hazards. For safe disposal, call 911 and the Honolulu Police Department will dispatch a patrol officer to your location to collect your unused fireworks.
Comments followed: 1) Regarding the Emergency Vehicle Caution System (EVCS), they will test it on December 10. The City has cut trees on the town side. 2) Resident Jeannine Johnson thanked the HFD for saving her nephew's life four years ago. His hand was caught in a cement mixer. She has thanked HFD annually.
PRESENTATIONS:
'
Comments followed: 1) A Board member expressed her concern about wheelchair accessibility from the Public Library to the U.S. Post Office. However, the library is not part of their property. 2) They will repave the parking lot. 3) Walgreen's, as a tenant, is no longer "on the table." 4) Phase 1 has two tenants - a restaurant and a furniture store. 5) Regarding a barbershop, they are working on it.
'Aina Haina Bus Stop Relocation - City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka reported: 1) As the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has ruled that there will be no bus stops on bridges, Director Yoshioka wants to meet and have further discussions with the 'Aina Haina Community Association (AHCA). Then, DTS will come back to the Neighborhood Board. Jay Campbell, Wayson Chow and Art Mori will follow up.
Financial Plan for Rail - It was reported that $300 million from the bus system would cover any shortfall in the funding for the rail project. Director Yoshioka responded that the City has followed a conservative fiscal policy and this would fall under a "worst case" scenario. However, the first phase went out to bid and came in $90 million less than expected. The $300 million were "5307 funds" to assure the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) that Honolulu can cover fluctuations in funding. The City has budgeted $1 billion in contingency funds.
Complaints about the Handivan - Due to a shortage of drivers and maintenance workers, the older vans are having a lot of problems. The buses are in pretty good condition and the City retires buses every year.
Kainoa Place Parking - Jack Paterson suggested removing parking on the Koko Head side, but residents want no parking on Ewa side. Palumbo moved, and Kay seconded, that the Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 supports Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to allow parking on the uphill (Koko Head side) of Kainoa Place and have no parking on the Ewa side. The motion was ADOPTED, 11-0-1 (AYE: Baron, Boltz, Camara, Campbell, Chuck, Kay, Lum, Palumbo, Quinn, Sharp, and Yap; ABSTAIN: Starr).
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) - Jackie Burke, Charlie Kaaiai and Mr. Morioka distributed their newsletter and materials about fisheries management and the Western Pacific Council Process. Congress created eight Councils to manage the zone from 3 to 200 miles offshore and they wanted more input, as humans are part of the eco-system. They have talked to Neighborhood Boards on O'ahu and Kaua'i fishermen. On Lana'i there is an aquamarine culture and on the Big Island of Hawai'i there are different towns. A WESTPAC questionnaire was e-mailed to Board members and the Director of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) sits on the Council. They are federally funded and come under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Department of Fisheries, but they are not enforcement.
American Samoa people have their travel paid to come to Honolulu. The Board was requested to return the survey.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Anti-Graffiti Resolution - Recently, it was reported that there was graffiti at Wailupe School and Board member Sharp was concerned. Mayor's representative Sidney Quintal mentioned that the City already painted over the graffiti. He explained that when property goes back to the City, then departments can input into how to use the property. If the City cannot use it, then the City will go to the private sector. As to the graffiti, no one saw the violators. The public was advised to call 911. The graffiti was cleaned up. Wayson Chow and Chair Chuck had written a letter to Mayor Hannemann, requesting what the City plans to do with the Wailupe site. There are liabilities and costs. A Board member favored a transitional medical facility like the one proposed by Advanced Health Care Corporation (AHCC) in May 2009. Chow was disappointed that Managing Director Kirk Caldwell did not attend the September 30 annual meeting of the 'Aina Haina Community Association (AHCA). The AHCA is opposed to any private, profit-making ventures or commercial activity and favors an educational facility, a charter school or any non-profit that will serve the community. The original deeding of the land may have a lot of restrictions, like Kapiolani Park. The Board favors continued discussions with the AHCA, the Board and the City. The graffiti incident got the attention of the Mayor and City Department of Corporation Counsel (COR) is examining the deeds. The City has hired private security and the City is not in the "housing for the low income" business. It will not become a homeless shelter. While the community wants input, the City is following ordinance. The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is overseeing it. The City had the property for only 60 days and is following the process. The community and Chair Chuck are eager to get involved.
There was an "anti-graffiti" bill introduced last Legislative session. This item was deferred to a future meeting.
Grace Chapel of Honolulu - Jeremiah Gruenberg reported that they are refurbishing their property. They will try to keep the noise down. All construction will be within the existing structure and they are rethinking their Master Plan, which they will present to the Board later.
MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN’S REPRESENTATIVE: Sidney Quintal reported: 1) Regarding who owns property on the Ewa-side of East Hind and Kalaniana'ole Highway, City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) is not responsible for that property. City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Land Division may know who the owner is. It may belong to the State. 2) Bulky item pick up is slated for the fourth Monday of the month for Opihi Street. 3) Regarding Adult Residential Care Homes, as the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Director indicated in his letter of August 25, 2008, under the Land Use Ordinance (LUO), the DPP cannot require a public hearing for an ARCH if that facility meets the LUO definition of family. A copy of the letter is attached for reference. 4) The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has four trash
Comments followed: 1) Pictures of 1204 Laukahi Street were distributed. They showed a pile of bulky items. An administration proposal for $500 fines is going before the City Council. Let Councilmember Charles Djou know what you think. As there was no bulky item pick-up before, now that the City has bulky item pick-up, it has other problems. If bulky items are going into the street, don't confront violators. If the City doesn't pick up on first day, then it is usually picked up by the third day. 2) Regarding the Adult Residential Care Home (ARCH) letter, DPP Director David Tanoue had sent former Director Henry Eng's letter. 3) It was reported that there were homeless people at the Wailupe Park for the last two months. Call 911. 4) Regarding street signs being faded, get the locations for the City to investigate. 5) Regarding graffiti by minors, a bill was discussed in the Legislature to go after the parents. 5) The Rail system is supposed to create 10,000 jobs and cost $5 billion, of which $3.5 billion will come out of the local economy. A Board member asked how many jobs will be lost. 6) A Board member thanked the City for trimming the hedges on Opihi Street.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator Sam Slom distributed his newsletter and reported: 1) An anti-graffiti bill would be hard to pass in the Legislature, but he will support the Neighborhood Board's position. 2) Regarding furloughs, the four unions are wide apart. He would oppose a Special Session with no agreement reached. On December 17 the Council of Revenues will predict another downward estimate, down $1 billion and maybe $400 million more. 3) Hawai'i ranked 42nd for "business friendliness." 4) Regarding the Aloha Stadium rail station by 2018, the State may move the Aloha Stadium to West O'ahu and it may not be in Halawa. The State may "raid" the rail fund and the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) for the counties. The Governor must sign off on the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and ask if the City looked at the alternative of a ground level, light rail. Senator Slom believes that the rail system will not be built. 5) The Opening of Legislature will be on January 20, 2010. There will be no free entertainment, no food and no speeches. Everyone is invited to Room 222 for refreshments. 6) The Legislature will focus on financial issues. Last session the graffiti bill was introduced and could be revived. 7) The firing of the Chief Elections Officer was because he was less than competent. The State does not have voting machines for the 2010 elections and he proposed to close 90 precincts.
Comments followed: 1) Regarding "Furlough Fridays," the Governor wants to use $50 million from the "rainy day" fund to pay for contracts. But what happens next year? Cutting instructional days gave Hawai'i a "black eye." There is an untrue rumor going around that students can't get into college because of the low number of instructional days.
Starr left the meeting at 8:58 p.m.; 11 members present.
Representative Barbara Marumoto - Newsletter was available.
Schell entered the meeting at 9:06 p.m.; 12 members present.
Representative Lyla Berg distributed her newsletter and reported: 1) Keiki ID will be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Kahala Mall. 2) "Shop with a Cop" will also be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kahala Mall. 3) The Kaiser Complex requested a Performing Arts Center. 4) Regarding the Department of Education (DOE), there is $3.5 million available to the States to help the 14 lowest-performing schools. There is no fiscal management audit of the whole DOE, only parts. An U.S. Department of Education (DOE) official was impressed with Niu Valley School. She has been meeting with Hawai'i Education Matters - a grassroots group to bring everyone together. 5) In 2005 a graffiti bill passed the House, but not in the Senate. The legislators felt that parents were not able to pay for the fines by children. 6) On Opening Day, everyone is invited to Room 324 for light refreshments and no speeches.
Comments followed: 1) Regarding Wailupe School, other counties use properties for senior centers, charter schools or early childhood education. 2) She is meeting with Pacific Island legislators about Micronesian problems. 3) Regarding "Furlough Fridays," no action can be taken until the Legislature opens. There will be no Special Session. 4) Representative Ward introduced the graffiti bill, but it died in committee. She will follow up. 5) She is running for Lt. Governor and wants to unite the Neighbor Islands.
Councilmember Charles Djou - Kenny Amazaki distributed the newsletter and reported: 1) Councilmember Djou was in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade. 2) Regarding the "Bulky Items" bill, he will look at the details of the bill. 3) Regarding Bill 7, the "Bed and Breakfasts (B & Bs)" bill, it went before the full Council and went back to committee for a new draft.
Comments followed: 1) Councilmember Djou's position on Bill 7 is enforcement of current laws first. He does not support Bill 7 and supports that the owner must live on the premises. Bill 8 has its pros and cons. Amazaki did not know the Council vote on Bill 8, but will follow up. 2) A resident asked why the lights on Kalaniana'ole Highway are not on at nights. 3) As to feral cats in the parks, people are feeding the cats. The Hawaiian Humane Society will neuter the feral cats.
GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE’S REPRESENTATIVE: Cindy Inouye reported: 1) She will follow up on the street lights on
Comments followed: 1) Regarding the two properties, there are no ponds any more. Vice Chair Schell was talking about the properties further down, Koko Head of Bay Street on Kalaniana'ole Highway. Palumbo added that the State was talking with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Scot Muraoka reported: 1) Water Main Breaks - There were three water main breaks on Ailuna Street 2) Water Conservation Calendar - The calendar features the winning artwork and poetry submitted from Oahu’s keiki in last years water conservation contests and also includes coupons and helpful information from the calendar and contest sponsors: the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden, Hawaiian Electric Company, Times Supermarket, City Mill, Big City Diner, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, BWS Federal Credit Union and Whole Foods Market. Also included in the calendar is the entry form for the 2010 Water Conservation Poster & Poetry Contest. The poster contest is open to students in Kindergarten through sixth grade and the poetry contest is open to students in grades 7-12. This year’s contest theme is “Stop the Drop,” a theme centered on the importance of leak detection as a means to stop unnecessary water loss and preserve this precious resource. Please be sure to share the entry form and information with keiki and encourage them to enter the contests. In addition to helping keiki learn about the precious water supply, the winning entries will be featured in the 2011 Water Conservation calendar and the winning keiki get cash prizes. The deadline to enter these contests is Wednesday, March 10, 2010. More information is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com or by calling 748-5041. 3) Water Conservation Tip - During these winter, rainy months, consider turning off automatic sprinklers. 4) Happy Holidays/Honolulu City Lights - The BWS and other City departments will participate in a variety of Christmas functions this year. If looking for free, family-friendly Christmas activities do not forget to visit the annual Christmas decorations at Honolulu and Kapolei Hale. Gingerbread houses and decorated Christmas trees will be displayed at both hales in December. While visiting Honolulu Hale, do not forget to drive by the BWS annual Christmas light display fronting the South Beretania Street building. Do not miss the City’s Christmas parades on December 5, 2009 in downtown and on December 12, 2009 in Kapolei. On behalf of all of the employees and family, the Board of Water Supply wishes everyone a very safe and joyous holiday season!
Comments followed: 1) Regarding the Wailupe water tank, there is an existing reservoir next to it. The water tank is scheduled to be replaced in the next few years and BWS plans to build a new reservoir.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Adult Residential Care Home (ARCH Type I) at 5304 Limu Place Update - Although resident Joe Anthony had left the meeting, it was reported that there has been no license issued as of yesterday.
APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 MEETING MINUTES: Schell moved, and Boltz seconded, that the November 5, 2009 meeting minutes be approved as circulated. As there were no objections, the November 5, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 12-0-0 (AYE: Baron, Boltz, Camara, Campbell, Chuck, Kay, Lum, Palumbo, Quinn, Schell, Sharp and Yap).
TREASURER’S REPORT: Vice Chair Schell reported the Previous Balance was $2,646.75 and $41.98 was expended for current expenses, leaving a balance of $2,604.77. The Operating Balance was $1,146.75 and $41.98 was expended for the printing and mailing of the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $1,104.77. With no expenditures, the Publicity Balance remained at $1,500.00. The Treasurer's report was filed.
REPORTS FROM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS: There were none.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 will recess in January 2010. The next Kuli'ou'ou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 regular meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2010 at the 'Aina Haina Public Library, 5246 Kalaniana'ole Highway at 7:00 p.m.
- Informal audio recordings of the meetings are available to the general public at http://www.nboard2.com.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Submitted by:
K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by
Heather Lum, Secretary
and Bob Chuck, Chair