Kaneohe Neighborhood Board
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2001
KANEOHE COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro-tem Patricia Yamashiro called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Christi Conroy, Wendell Lum, Louis Mansanas, Sam Moku, Clyde Morita, Philip Mowrey, Bill Russell, Patricia Yamashiro, Roy Yanagihara, Larry Zdvoracek. Appointed at this meeting: Denise DeCosta, Timothy Wong, Paulette Tam, and Joseph Kim.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Danny Smith.
GUESTS: Cynthia Okazaki, Representative Charles Djou, Senator Bob Hogue, Leigh Miyashiro (Board of Water Supply), Richard Faria, Vicki Kneisley (Councilmember Steve Holme's Office staff), Joyce Ito (Representative Ken Ito's Office staff), Dottie Lee Kwai, Dorothie Pala, Kehau Kelly (KNRA), Linda Liu (Department of Parks Recreation), Sgt. Barry Chang, Lt. John Thompson (Honolulu Police Department), Dan and Judy Brookins, Josephine Patacsil, Lono Correa (ARCH), Alison Fujimoto (EAH), Rocky Kaluhiwa, Shannon Wood (Koolau News), Wesley Mandy (DLNR/DOCARE), Anne Siegenthaler, Lea Hollingsworth, Liz Harrington, Jediah Bishop, Carole McClean (Friends of He'eia State Park), Lemeul Spain, Stephen Torres, Daisy Nasau (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
OATH OF OFFICE: Neighborhood Assistant Nasau administered the oath-of-office to the members who weren't present at the installation ceremony.
Chair Pro-tem called for a moment of silence for one of the Board member's son who has passed away following a motorcycle accident.
ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS:
ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIR - Nominations were open. Zdvoracek nominated Yanagihara. Mowrey nominated Morita. There being no objections nominations were closed. First vote-Yanagihara: 6-3-1. Morita: 3-6-1 . Neither candidate received the necessary 9 votes to be elected.
Discussion followed: Yanagihara gave a brief background on himself and goals that he would like to accomplish for this term. Morita stated that be submitted a resume and goals that he would like to accomplish for this term.
A second vote was taken as follows: Yanagihara: 6-4-0. Morita: 4-6-0. Neither candidate received the necessary 9 votes to be elected.
Discussion followed: Yanagihara withdrew his name from consideration. By acclamation Morita was elected Chair.
At this time Chair Morita presided over the meeting.
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR - Zdvoracek nominated Yanagihara. Yanagihara was elected vice chair by acclamation.
ELECTION OF SECRETARY - Yanagihara nominated Yamashiro. There were no other nominations . Yamashrio was elected by acclamation.
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ELECTION OF TREASURER - Zdoracek nominated Mowrey. There were no other nominations . Mowrey was elected by acclamation.
FILLING OF VACANCIES:
SUBDISTRICT 4 _ Chair Morita reported Dan Brookins and Joe Kim expressed interest in filling the vacancy at last month's meeting . Mowrey nominated Brookins. Yanagihara nominated Kim. The candidates provided a brief background on themselves at this time. A vote was taken with the following results: Brookins _ 4, Kim _ 6. Neither candidate received the necessary 9 votes to be elected. Brookins withdrew his name from consideration. Kim was elected by acclamation.
SUBDISTRICT 6 - Chair Morita reported Denise DeCosta expressed interest in filling the vacancy at last month's meeting. Zdvoracek moved and it was seconded that DeCosta be elected to fill the vacancy. DeCosta was unanimously elected.
SUBDISTRICT 7- Chair Morita reported Lemuel Spain expressed interest in filling the vacancy at last month's meeting. It was noted that Spain has withdrawn his name from consideration. There were no interested candidates present at this time.
SUBDISTRICT 9 - Chair Morita reported Paulette Tam expressed interest in filling the vacancy at last month's meeting. Yanagihara nominated Tam. Tam was elected by acclamation.
SUBDISTRICT 10 - Chair Morita reported Timothy Wong expressed interest in filling the vacancy at last month's meeting. Yanagihara nominated Wong. Wong was elected by acclamation.
SUBDISTRICT 12: There were no interested candidates.
Neighborhood Assistant Nasau administered the oath-of-office to Kim, DeCosta, Tam, and Wong.
RATIFICATION OF PRE-ESTABLISHED REGULAR MEETING DAY OF THE MONTH, TIME AND PLACE TO HOLD MEETINGS: Discussion followed on setting schedules of the Regular and committee meetings. Mowrey moved and Lum seconded that the Board set the first Tuesday of the month for the Agenda Planning Committee, and the third Thursday of the month for the Regular meetings, 7:00 p.m., Kaneohe Community and Senior Center. The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001 REGULAR MEETING: Lum reported he has submitted corrections for the minutes of the May 17, 2001 Regular Meeting to Neighborhood Assistant Nasau. The minutes were unanimously approved as corrected.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 21, 2001 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD: The following correction was made:
Under Filling of Vacancies, Sub district 4, Dan Wilkins should read Dan Brookins.
Under Filling of Vacancies, Sub district 7, Daniel Spain should read Lemuel Spain.
The memorandum for the record was unanimously approved.
APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND VOLUNTEERS FOR COMMITTEES: Deferred.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Mowrey gave his report for the month ending June 30, 2001 as follows: (1) The Operating Account balance is $491.54. (2) The Publicity Account balance is $3,168. (3) The Refreshment Account balance is $72.94. Zdvoracek moved Moku seconded that the treasurer's report be approved subject to audit. The motion carried unanimously.
. PUBLIC INPUT: At this time Chair Morita asked for a time limit of two minutes.
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HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Faria reported the following: (1) Last month the station responded to 86 alarms: 57 medical and 15 auto. (2) Two major fires one on Pupukahi Place and the other on H-3 by the lookout. (3) Fire safety tip of the month: Wildfires - Many residents are now located on former plantation land, near forests, and in remote mountain sites. The HFD wants the public to have a fire safe summer and requests that the community take the following precautions: (1) Protect Your Home -Regularly clean roof and gutter. Keep household items handy that can be used as fire tools: rake, axe, bucket, shovel, etc. (2) Create a Safety Zone Around Your Home - clear all rubbish and flammable vegetation. Remove leaves, dead limbs, twigs, and trash around and under structures. Remove dead branches that extend over any roof. Remove vines from the walls of the home. Mow grass regularly. Clear an area around propane tanks and outdoor cooking equipment. Regularly dispose of newspapers and rubbish. Store gasoline, oily rags, and other flammable materials in approved safety cans in a safe location away from the base of buildings. Have a garden hose that is long enough to reach any area of the home and other structures on the property.
Captain Faria stated that: (1) the fire at Kokokahi Place is still under investigation. (2) the bridge fire was malicious. (3) compared to previous years, fires caused by fireworks were down this year on July 4, 2001. Discussion followed.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lt. John Thompson distributed his report and highlighted the following: (1) Included in the handouts are the maps that were requested from the last meetings. (2) Police are making a number of arrest and burglary and theft crimes should be going down. (3) Should anyone notice any drug activities in the area, please feel free to call the Police.
Discussion followed: (1) Mowrey thanked the Police for their handouts and great work. (2) DeCosta asked if the Police could do something about the people at the end Waikalua Road.
MARINE CORPS BASE LIAISON: No representative was present.
KANEOHE BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: No representative was present.
KAILUA BAY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Shannon Wood reported the following: On Thursday, August 16, 2001 the Koolau News will be posting the water quality mediation if anyone is interested.
RESIDENTS' CONCERNS: Chair Morita asked for any residents' concerns and requested that they limit their comments to two minutes.
Stephen Torres stated that there are a lot of accidents by the Kualanani apartments and would like the City and County to put mirrors on or by the driveways so people can see if there are cars coming and would like the City and County to apply pesticide to the sewer pipes since there are a lot of roaches coming out of the pipes and into their building.
Discussion followed: (1) Torres stated that the City owns the Kualanani apartments. (2) Torres stated that he has called and no one has done anything yet. Chair Morita stated that he will notify Danny Smith of this and either he or someone else will get back to you. (3) Lum stated that the driveway is long and dark but is it possible to put speed bumps. Torres stated that speed bumps would help but having the mirrors would be better and there is sufficient light to see the mirrors. Tam stated that there are mirrors coming around the bend. Chair Morita stated that he would rather not write a letter to the Mayor until he has all the facts on this issue, but Torres could fill out the complaint form and it will be given to the Mayor or his staff.
ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS:
MAYOR'S REPRESENTATIVE: No representative.
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The agenda was taken out of order.
SENATOR BOB HOGUE: Senator Hogue distributed his newsletter and highlighted the following: (1) Congratulated Chair Morita on his election and thanked Yanagihara for everything that he has done. (2) The Legislature had a couple special sessions one on the budget, and the other to override the Governor's veto on the age of consent bill. (3) Chief of staff Moku attended a Kaneohe Bay meeting that took place on Thursday, July 5, 2001 where a lot of concerns about the Kaneohe Bay piers were expressed. (4) Senator Hogue and Representative Djou have gone to take a look at the Hawaii State Hospital and the changes that have taken place there and the hospital is looking to put in private security. (5) Hopes that Chair Morita would help to support a legislative annex in Kaneohe.
Discussion followed: (1) Senator Hogue stated that the age of consent could be looked at in the next session, but is in favor of a law that is less vague and to look at a penalty phase. (2) Senator Hogue stated that security at the State Hospital is in place and the people are handled on a case-to-case bases and the facility is a very open place. Tam stated that there have been escapes from the hospital for the past 25 years. Senator Hogue stated that the escapes have gone down over the years. Lemuel Spain stated that he worked at the hospital for 10 years and for the past 6 to 7 years there has been private security and the escapes has gone down and the hospital has improved security. Senator Hogue stated that the hospital has improved security, but there is room for the hospital to be better.
REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES DJOU: Representative Djou reported the following: (1) Thanked Chair Morita and welcomed the new Board members. (2) The over ride of the Governors veto of the bill raising the age of consent, was the first since statehood. (3) In regards to the hospital there is a lot of room for improvements. (4) The Legislative committee in the Felix Consent Decree are investigating what wrong is being done.
Discussion followed: Representative Djou stated that a special session will take place in August sometime. Senator Hogue noted that a date has not yet been set.
At this time the agenda resumed order.
COUNCILMEMBER STEVE HOLMES: Vicki Kneisley distributed Councilmember Homes report and highlighted the following: (1) Congratulated the new Board members and the new officers. (2) Congratulated the Police on their raid of a crystal meth lab. (3) The next Council meeting will be Wednesday, August 1, 2001 at Kapolei Hale. Should anyone would like to attend, please feel free to call 523-6910.
Discussion followed: Kneisley stated that she is not sure how much the Geographic Information System (GIS) maps cost but to call Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) directly.
GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE: Maria Okamura reported the following: (1) Congratulated the Board. (2) Will stay to answer any question that may come up under Heeia State Park.
Discussion followed: Okamura stated that the tax refund has to do with the Federal Government and not everyone will be receiving a tax refund. The State will be giving tax refunds of a dollar. Okamura stated that the dollar refund is mandated by the State constitution.
REPRESENTATIVE KEN ITO: Joyce Ito reported the following: (1) Representative Ito is attending an educational conference for the week. (2) Congratulated the Board members and the new officers. (3) The first meeting for the Felix Consent Decree was on Friday, July 13, 2001. Please feel free to call Representative Ito for any questions.
SENATOR BOB NAKATA: No representative was present.
REPRESENTATIVE DAVID PENDLETION: No representative was present.
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REPRESENTATIVE CYNTHIA THIELEN: No representative was present.
At this time Chair Morita asked for the reports to be limited to two minutes.
CITY AND COUNTY DEPARTMENTS:
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION (DPR): Linda Liu reported the following: (1) Summer Programs are coming to a close. (2) Thanked the Kaneohe Lions Club for sponsoring the Makahiki Fun Fair. (3) Kaneohe District Park is going under renovation through September 2001. (4) Widening of Keahala Road as of Wednesday, August 1, 2001 and will last for two years.
Discussion followed: (1) Liu stated that the whole road will be widened. (2) Liu stated that the people's open market will stay open as long as they can. Should they need to move they will be moving to Kaneohe Community Park. (3) Liu stated that if anyone needs to call about the widening of Keahala Road to call the Alex Oshiro with the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Kaneohe District Park call 233-7312.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Leigh Miyashiro reported the following: (1) Congratulated the new elected Board members. (2) Disaster supplies, one should have on hand a three-day supply of water with one gallon allotted per person per day. More water should be allotted for persons with special needs. Store water in clean sealed containers, keep them in a cool, dark place and it will keep indefinitely. Bathtubs and washing machines may also be filled with water for storage. (3) The 13th Annual Halawa Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 4, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Halawa Shaft.
Discussion followed: Lum stated that the best part of the tour is that you are able to buy plants.
FRIENDS OF HEEIA: Carole McClean distributed handout and highlighted the following: (1) Congratulated the new Board members and new elected officers. (2) Has been working on analyzing water quality. (3) Several organizations are concern with safety at the Heeia Stated Park and are interested in staffing DOCARE Officers at the Caretakers cottage and would like the Board to support this. (4) In the final session of the Summer Program and should anyone be interested please feel free to call. (5) Introduced the staff. (6) Liz Harrington will be making a presentation to the Board.
Liz Harrington, project manager of the restoration project, reported the following: (1) Her job is to inform the community of what the Friends of Heeia is doing and how the community can help. (2) Friends of Heeia are a non-profit organization that helps with the natural resources of the land and sea. (3) Friends of Heeia offer environmental education to the community. (4) The project's objective is to restore Heeia Stream back to its natural habitat. (5) The stream restoration work takes place every fourth Saturday of the month and are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. (6) Water quality testing is done once a month and is being analyzed at a lab at the UH. (c) There are eight water quality monitoring sites along the stream. (7) Should anyone want to help, fill out a membership form. Handouts were available on the back table.
Discussion followed: (1) Harrington stated that the project is a two-year project. (2) Lum stated that he doesn't feel that it is able to clean out the mangrove. Harrington stated they are trying to get ride of the mangrove very slowly. (3) Chair Morita thanked the Friends of Heeia for the presentation.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
AHUPUA'A RESTORATION OF HE'EIA: Zdvoracek reported the following: Zdvoracek read a resolution that the Board support the goals of the Ahupua'a Restoration Council of Heeia.
Zdvoracek moved and Tam seconded that the Board support the resolution.
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Discussion followed: Kaluhiwa stated that she was here to represent the restoration of Heeia and thanked the Board for supporting this resolution.
The motion carried, 13-0-1. Morita abstained.
Discussion followed: Chair Morita asked Mowrey if the letter for the recommendations on beautification of Kahekili Highway was sent. Mowrey stated that he is not sure. Yanagihara stated that the Board adopted the resolution and assumed the Neighborhood Assistant forwarded it to the appropriate persons. Neighborhood Assistant Nasau stated that she would get back to the Board on the issue.
NEW BUSINESS:
HEEIA STATE PARK: CARETAKER'S COTTAGE: (1) Chair Morita asked if anyone from the Board is making a proposal on this issue. (2) Tam asked what is the procedure to making a resolution on an item on the agenda? (3) Yanagihara made a point of order and stated that the item is on the agenda and since there are members on the Board who weren't at the last month's meeting where Kaluhiwa brought up her concern under Residents' Concerns, and Kaluhiwa is supposed to make a proposal before the Board tonight. Tam stated that Officer Westly Mandy is here to represent the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (DOCARE). Yanagihara stated that someone from DLNR should be here to speak on the issue. (4) Chair Morita stated that this has been put on the agenda since some Board members would like to pass a resolution. Tam stated that isn't there a Sunshine Law that allows a person to speak on an agenda item without having a formal Board action. Chair Morita stated that the Sunshine Law pertains to public notices of agenda items and the Board operates by the Neighborhood Plan and Roberts Rules of Order. (5) Tam stated that the Friends of Heeia made a presentation and now these people want to make a presentation so the Board has to make a motion to put these people on the agenda for the next meeting? Chair Morita stated that should any Board member move to adopt a resolution to propose that DLNR utilize the caretakers cottage for a specific purpose, then that is a motion that could be seconded and the Board could have this discussion.
Tam moved and Yanagihara seconded that the Board adopt a resolution calling for a 24-hour DOCARE substation at the now vacant DLNR caretaker's cottage at the Heeia State Park to address the crime and safety issue.
Discussion followed:
Yanagihara moved to allow Kaluhiwa to speak.
(1) Chair Morita stated that there already is a motion on the table so another motion cannot be made or can only amend the existing motion.
Yanagihara withdrew his motion.
(2) DeCosta stated that there are valid concerns with this issue and this is a State problem and does DOCARE want to do this and does anyone have anything in black and white so that the resolution is clear? (2) Chair Morita asked Kaluhiwa to brief the Board on the situation and recommend what she would like the Board to do. (3) Kaluhiwa thanked McClean on their presentation and noted that the crime rate has gone up. Would like to have security at the park. Tam reported that she is asking for 24-hour security. (4) Mandy stated that the DOCARE officers are the conservation and resource officers. (5) Mandy stated that there are only seven officers that monitor District four and isn't sure whether Tam would like someone living there or someone there just to monitor the grounds? Tam stated that she is trying to establish what to support. Mandy stated that by having an officer there will make a great difference but it all depends on what the Board recommends. (6) Chair Morita asked if Okamura could say something. Okamura stated that she spoke to the head of DLNR and there are structural problems. McClean stated that the cottage is falling down and the State decided to fix it. (7) Kaluhiwa stated that
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she has not yet met with the Governor or the head of DLNR. (8) Mowrey stated that all of these organizations feel that there is a need for a security guard there and would like the Board to pass a resolution tonight resolving that the Board support the stationing of a security element there in lieu of the caretakers utilization of the. (9) DeCosta suggested the the Kaneohe Board support having a canoe club base their canoes there to help monitor the area when the security guard isn't there. Leialoha stated that she already spoke to Kamehameha Schools to help. (10) Chair Morita stated that he feels that there is a need for more than just a resolution, possibly the creation of a task group. McClean stated that her only interest is that the Board get something done. (11) Tam stated that she would like the first motion to stand and to have any other modifications to be added on at a later date.
The motion carried, 12-1-1. Wong opposed, Lum abstained.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) The Board's agenda planning meeting is on Tuesday, August 7, 2001.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, the meeting was adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
Submitted By:
Daisy Nasau
Neighborhood Assistant
