Kahaluu Neighborhood Board

CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum present, Chair Daniel Bender called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Reppun, Moana Lee, Robin-Gay P. Makapagal, Kurt Mench, Gilbert Silva, Richard Halverson Sr., Kenneth LeVasseur, Daniel Bender, Amy Luersen, John Piper, Charles Tanouye, Jr., and Richard Vermeesch.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mahoe Collins, Michael Powell, and Melodie Williams-Aduja.

GUESTS: Fire Fighter I Akana (HFD), Sgt. Linda Blagrave, Lt. Mark Molgren and Officer Hathaway (HPD), Carl Fujita (BWS), Elwin Spray (Mayor's Representative), Bob Mon (Councilmember Holmes' Office staff), Ted Sakai (Governor's Representative), Senator Robert Nakata, George Okuda (Senator Nakata's Office staff), Representative Colleen Meyer, Francisco Figuerido (Representative Djou's Office staff), Shannon Wood (Ko'olau News), Derrik Cosier (Operations Manager, RCI Construction Group), Michael Kim (Project Contractor, RCI Construction Group); Sitani Suguturanga, Lenami Regatti, and Dale Sorenson (Haiamoa Marsh), Lee Kravitz (DPR), Earl Omoto (Harbor Manager, He'eia Kea Pier), Kaipo Faris, David Knox, Dan Cunningham, Rick Towill, Robert Kauaroe, Vince & Ella Randy, Larry Lopez, Phillip Mowrey (Kaneohe Neighborhood Board No. 30), and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Assistant).

APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 14, 2001 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The following corrections were made _
    
            .    Page 1, should read: Lee arrived at 7:49 p.m.
            .    Page 2, paragraph 1, line 4 should read: (3) A fire on Kamakoi Street involved hazardous materials.
            .    Page 3, paragraph 3 delete: (4) It was witnessed that strong winds could have blown the truck away from Likelike Highway.
            .    Page 3, paragraph 6, second sentence should read: Fujita added that a hole would have to be dug 30 feet deep to minimize vibrations.
            .    Page 3, paragraph 8, substitute: “. . .vandalism heavy. . .” with “. . .heavy vandalism. . .”
            .    Page 4, paragraph 3, first sentence should read: (1) Kelvin Ching pointed out that the Kaneohe Bay Master Plan does not call for the expansion of the pier parking lot. He suggested that a reduction of commercial activities would reduce the amount of parking needed to reduce commercial activities at He'eia Kea Pier.
            .    Page 4, paragraph 3, line 9, delete: (Senator) Nakata agreed to pull the bill (SB1468).
            .    Page 4, paragraph 7, under Transportation Committee, should read: LeVasseur stated that a landscaping subcommittee was formed for community input and has been updating the community regarding the progress at the Kahekili Highway Beautification Project.

The minutes were approved as corrected.

Silva and Mench arrived at 7:37 p.m.

Treasurer's Report: Piper reported the Board's financial statement for February 2001 can be reviewed at the Neighborhood Commission Office. The treasurer's report was filed.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sgt. Linda Blagrave introduced Lt. Mark Molgren along with Officer Hathaway and reported the following statistics for February 2001 - nine burglaries, twenty-one auto thefts and eight thefts including one accessory robbery and two auto thefts occurring at Kualoa Beach Park. Officer Hathaway pointed out that the addresses not posted on mailboxes make it difficult for HPD in emergency cases. He expressed concern regarding speeding on Kamehameha Highway, specifically from Kualoa Park to Kualoa Beach. He suggested that the Board send a letter to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to designate the area a "No Passing Zone."

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Discussion followed: (1) The Chair acknowledged HPD for their patrolling Keahiakahoe Canoe Club Landing that has helped reduce the number of illegal incidents that have taken place recently. (2) Halverson suggested that HPD work with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to make sure that addresses appear visible on mailboxes. (3) It was noted that the statistics show an increase of auto thefts throughout the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board district.

Honolulu Community Prosecutor Program: The Chair announced that a representative from the Office of Honolulu City Prosecutor could not make tonight's meeting but would appear next month.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter I Akana reported the following - (1) Statistics for February 2001 - Eleven fires and twenty-four medical emergencies. (2) Safety Tips of the Month: (a) Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (minimum 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and know how to use it. (b) Keep fire hydrants in your neighborhood clear of obstructions i.e., parked cars, weeds and debris. (3) In response to a question raised at last month's meeting, various chemicals were found on a fire that occurred at Kamakoi Road including Ultrafine, Magamp, Round-up, Anthene (Ziam) and Diazinon. (4) BWS plans to install a new fire hydrant on Lihikai Street sometime this year. (5) There were no fireworks related calls on December 31, 2000.

Reppun arrived at 7:48 p.m.

He'eia Kea Pier Update: Earl Omoto, Harbor Master at He'eia Kea Pier, reported that the there are no tire bumpers on the Kahuku side of the pier. He stated that there is always one lane open for emergency use by the HFD and He'eia Kea Pier for search/rescue operations. For more information, call Omoto at 233-3603 or fax 233-3602.

Discussion followed: (1) The tire bumpers left off is standard practice. (2) Cables at the pier have prevented emergency vehicles from entering the pier especially at night citing poor visibility. (3) Concern was noted regarding to the lack of response to the fuel spills that have occurred at the pier. (4) Parking at the pier is at a minimum when there is sunny weather and a plentiful amount of fish along the pier coastline. (5) It was suggested that an advisory board be established to help find ways to improve the quality of life at He'eia Kea Pier along with sending a letter to Steve Thompson, Head of the Boating Division at the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR): Lee Kravitz reported the following: (1) Kahalu'u Community Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt for children on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (2) Progress regarding the construction of Kahalu'u Regional Park should come from the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). It was suggested that the Board invite a representative from DDC to give an update.

Discussion followed: (1) Reppun mentioned that improvements to the ball fields along with a pathway are needed for Kahalu'u Regional Park. (2) Makapagal asked if city parks would be used by school children in the event of a teachers' strike. Kravitz replied that DPR is working on a contingency plan should a strike take place.

Without objection, an agenda item was taken out of order.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor's Representative: Elwin Spray, representing Mayor Harris, reported that Randy Fujiki, the regular Mayor's representative could not make tonight's meeting and was ready to answer questions.

Discussion followed: Dan Cunningham asked Spray if he was familiar with the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Spray replied yes. Cunningham noted that at last month's meeting, he suggested to Councilmember Holmes that he ask the U.S. Navy to donate nuclear submarines being decommissioned to be used as a source of energy. He pointed out by noting that the cost of using nuclear energy is 1 cent per kilowatt hour.

The order of the agenda was returned.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH): Sarah Fry distributed a written report that is attached to the minutes.

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Discussion followed: Makapagal stated that she had made inquiries regarding the noise of Coast Guard helicopters flying over residential areas. She suggested that the military must engage in a dialogue with the community. Luersen suggested that a hotline be established for the community to find out information on activities including military exercises.

ELECTED OFFICIALS (continued)

Councilmember Steve Holmes: Bob Mon, representing Councilmember Holmes, reported the following - (1) The Councilmember has been named Chair of the Budget Committee. (2) The Budget Committee will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, March 21, 2001regarding Bill 52 - proposed bus fare increase for third and final reading. The purpose of the across the board rate hikes is for the City bus system to keep up with the increased costs of fuel and upgraded bus service. The bus fares will be adjusted so that the bus fares does not fall below 27% nor exceed 33% of operating costs.

Discussion followed: Rick Towill suggested that the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board along with KEY Project sponsor an informational meeting regarding Kahalu'u Regional Park.

Representative Colleen Meyer: Representative Meyer distributed copies of the 2001-2001 Who's Who in Government in Hawaii, published by the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce and reported the following - (1) 345 House Bills crossed over to the Senate while 418 Senate Bills crossed over to the House for consideration by the non-originating body. (2) The HB 23 - raising the age of consent to 16 passed the House while SB 711 passed with an amendment that raises the age of consent to 15. (3) HB 1256 - charges bottle distributors to pay two cents for every bottled drink they sell. Consumers will pay a five-cent deposit on the same when they purchase it. If the beverage container is more than 20 ounces, customers must deposit 15 cents. In addition, it requires all stores larger than 5,000 square feet to establish a redemption center where customers return their empty beverage containers. (4) HB 196 - a food tax credit of up to $70.00 per person passed. (5) The House Finance Committee reduced the State's budget by $640 million. However, expressed disappointment that the budget does not include pay raises for school teachers and university professors.

Discussion followed: (1) Mench expressed concern with the spread of algae on Kaneohe Bay. Meyer replied that the House Water and Land Use Committee passed a bill to address the algae problem, but has yet to be heard by the House Finance Committee. (2) Shannon Wood pointed out that Representatives Djou voted against HB 1256 _ the bottle bill. Meyer responded by stating that Djou voted against the bill citing too much bureaucratic authority being given to the State Department of Health (DOH).

Senator Robert Nakata: Senator Nakata reported the following: (1) The state must award the HGEA - Hawaii Government Employees Association a pay raise that was reached through mandatory arbitration. (2) Concern with teachers and university professors not getting their pay raise, therefore a significant number of them have moved to the mainland citing higher pay. It was noted that many older teachers would retire soon thus resulting in a shortage of teachers. (3) The Senate voted 14-11 to freeze income tax cuts that passed in 1998 to fund pay raises for teachers. (4) Bills relating to privatization and managed competition are alive in the 2001 legislative session. (5) SB 497 SD 1 - adding a member of the Commission on Water Resource Management with experience in traditional Hawaiian water resource management - passed the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration. (6) Announced that a community forum regarding traffic congestion on Kahekili Highway is scheduled to take place either April 4th or 5th at Ahuimanu Elementary School from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Representatives from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will be there to answer questions and concerns. (6) Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) is near the end of its five-year review. The proposed $670 million for a four-lane Kahekili Highway has been removed from OMPO's priority list. He mentioned with DTS Director Cheryl Soon to place the contra flow lane on Kahekili Highway.

Discussion followed: (1) Vermeesch asked if the Senate's action is freezing income tax cuts was permanent. Nakata replied yes. (2) Reppun suggested that the community along with appropriate government departments and agencies work together on a proposed scope of work for any future highway improvement project before a consultant is hired. He further suggested that Councilmember Duke Bainum, Chair of the Transportation Committee, be invited to the community forum that takes place in early April at Ahuimanu Elementary School to discuss ways to address the traffic congestion on Kahekili Highway.

Representative Charles Djou: Francisco Figuerido, representing Representative Djou, reported the following: HB 1374 - funding for four security guard positions at the Hawaii State Hospital was not heard before the Finance Committee, therefore the bill is dead this session.

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Governor's Representative: Ted Sakai, representing Governor Cayetano, reported the following - The primary issue facing the state is the funding for teacher pay raises along with compliance with the Felix Consent Decree and how that would fit into a tight state budget.

Discussion followed: (1) Piper suggested that there be a two-year moratorium on road projects to fund teacher pay raises. (2) Makapagal suggested that private insurance companies must pay their fair share of the costs regarding the Felix Consent Decree. Sakai responded by pointing out that the Felix Consent Decree was a result of a class action lawsuit that was settled during the administration of then-Governor John Waihee. (3) Sakai thanked the Board and the City for their support of needed area road improvements.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Kahekili Highway Status: BWS Representative Carl Fujita reported that the Representative Djou wrote a letter on behalf of the Ahuimanu Homeowners Association expressing concern with possible damages during pile driving phase of the Kahekili Highway 42-inch water main installation project. Derrik Cosier, Operations Manager from RCI Construction Group, stated that a hole would have be dug 30 feet deep to help mitigate any vibrations during pile driving phase that would be carefully monitored. He mentioned that phase IV of the Kahekili Highway 42-inch water main installation project is complete. The work hours for phase IV-A are weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Discussion followed: (1) Halverson expressed concern with the delays of town bound traffic coming from Ahuimanu School. Cosier replied that the delay should end in two days. (2) Makapagal suggested placing a more visible "No Left Turn" sign get installed during the project.

Presentation on working as a Community - Haiamoa Marsh: As stated from last month's Board meeting, Sitani Suguturanga reported that he is building a community in Haiamoa Marsh whose primary goal is helping troubled youngsters by teaching them to farm the land by planting taro. He asked that the Board should live up to its motto "Let us not ever have an unhappy minority; rather, let us build a community consensus." Dale Sorenson, a friend of Suguturanga's, pointed out that a similar effort took place years ago in Fallbrook, California where he taught youths to farm the land, thus helped prevented them from joining dangerous gangs. Sorenson commented that Kahalu'u was selected for establishing the farm citing both the community and the environment. Suguturanga stated that he would live on the property and instill hard work and moral values among youth based on the concept of kaina - extended family - where these kids will be raised as if they were his own children. He mentioned that he would be selling a number of lots to fund farming activities.

Discussion followed: (1) Larry Lopez noted that since Suguturanga's group started farming the land, there has been no flooding in the area and noted that it was done without City/State intervention. Suguturanga added that he would work with the Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and regulators from both the City and
the State for a reasonable amount of time. (2) Reppun commented that government regulations have made it possible for Suguturanga's group to farm the land by protecting it from inappropriate use. He further stated that these same government regulatory agencies should and must take into consideration the needs of the community. He added that Suguturanga's plans are beneficial to the community. (3) The community is encouraged to tour Haiamoa Marsh.

Knake Property Contested Case - Conservation District Use Application (CDUA) OA-2964 Hearing Update: Reppun reported that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has assigned William Milks to be the hearing officer in the Knake Property Contested Case. He noted that DLNR has allowed both Genesis Plus and the Lulani Homeowners Association to be the intervening parties in the case. He further stated that the contested case should be completed in December. A recommendation by Milks goes to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) in early January.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Executive: The Chair announced heard in the community that there would be a Karaoke Bar at the Ko'olau Shopping Center. Board members gave the following input - (1) The proposed establishment would have to be in character with the Kahalu'u community for it to succeed. (2) Concerned about liquor being served after hours while most of the establishments have closed. (3) It was suggested that a representative from the Honolulu Liquor Commission attend a future Board meeting to explain the liquor license process to the community.

LeVasseur reported that a teahouse built at the end of Mapele Road is five feet below the conservation zone.

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Planning: Luersen announced that community groups/organizations can apply for grants from Healthy Hawaii Initiative, to be used to promote physical activity and prevent tobacco use among Hawaii's youth. Funds come from the state's settlement with tobacco companies.

Parks and Recreation: Reppun reported the following: (1) A public hearing regarding the Special Management Use Permit (SMP) for Kahalu'u Regional Park takes place Tuesday, April 3, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. in KEY Project. He added that grading plans including the placement of berms at Kahalu'u Regional Park are near completion. He noted that the City Council passed a resolution to create an advisory committee to give input and recommendations to the care and maintenance of the park. (2) Funds from the Minami Foundation would be allocated in improving the ball fields at King Intermediate School.

Education: Halverson reiterated his point regarding town bound traffic coming from Ahuimanu Elementary School.

Community Concerns: (1) Rick Towill stated his concern regarding the placement of antenna sites. He asked the Board to find out what suitable locations should be used for wireless providers to set up co locations for placing antenna sites. George Okuda asked if Voicestream is placing an antenna at Kualoa Ranch. The Chair replied that Voicestream has agreed to place underground wires at Kualoa Ranch. (2) Larry Lopez suggested that crosswalk be placed at the intersection of Wailehua Road and Kamehameha Highway. (3) Vermeesch asked why Carl Cunningham's statement suggesting that Councilmember Holmes ask the U.S. Navy to donate decommissioned nuclear submarines be used to provide electricity at 1 cent per kilowatt hour was not mentioned in the last month's minutes. (4) A resident asked that with Councilmember Holmes as Chair of the Budget Committee, would the Pyramid Barge site be acquired. Bob Mon replied yes.

Transportation: No report.

Kaneohe Bay Regional Council: Mench announced that the Kaneohe Canoe Club Race takes place Saturday, April 14, 2001 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1) Next Regular Board meeting will take place Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in KEY Project, 47-200 Waihee Road. Councilmember Duke Bainum, Chair of the Transportation Committee, will appear at the April 11th meeting speaking on transportation alternatives and how it will affect the Kahalu'u Community. (2) Board agendas and
minutes are available on the web at http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us . (3) For suggestions on future agenda items, page The Chair at 844-1740.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further Board business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui
Neighborhood Assistant

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