North Shore Neighborhood Board June meeting minutes

Jade Eckardt

North Shore Neighborhood Board, regular meeting minutes
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
John Kalili Surf Center

Call to order: Chair Michael Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note – This 15-member Board requires eight (8) votes to establish a quorum and take official board action.

Members Present: Bruce Bellows, Jacqueline Leinau, Roberts Leinau, Michael Lyons, Reed Matsuura, Jacob Ng, Kathleen Pahinui, Gil Riviere (arrived at 7:07 p.m.) and Warren Scoville.

Vacancies: None.

Members Absent: Jeff Alameida, John Hirota, Arlene Kawahakui, Blake McElheny, Antya Miller and Carol Phillips.

Guests: Nicole Sivatia, Aundra Baldonado, Dan Severcool, Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Maj. Matthew Gragg (25th Infantry representative), Lt. Gregory Osbun and Capt. Moana Heu (Honolulu Police Department), Ron Weidenbach (Hawaii Fish Company), Kevin Chang (Office of Hawaiian Affairs), Kayla Overton and Mike Egami (USA Garrison Hawaii), Ben and Anita Acohido, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Keapoi Namakaeha, Heidi Brgoyne, Tammy Escorazon, Vai Escorazon, Bodo Van Der Leeden, Woody Adams, John Ogen, Kalani Fronda (Kamehameha Schools), Hathie Nichols, Van A. and Kazu McArthur (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

The Chair stated that the Board will be asked to add “Approval to draft a letter in support of not consolidating the Waialua School Complex” and “Recognition of Puiki Cemetery volunteers” as agenda items when ten (10) Board members are present to make a two-thirds vote.

City monthly reports:

Honolulu Fire Department: No representative present; no report was given.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Capt. Heu and Lt. Osbun reported;

Introduction: New Lt. Gregory Osbun was introduced to the Board and the community.

Pupukea Road Officers: HPD will make sure special duty officers are managing traffic effectively on Pupukea Road.

May 2010 Statistics: Included 7 auto theft recoveries, 13 burglaries, 23 Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle (UEMV), and 30 thefts.

Gil Riviere arrived at 7:07 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Crime Rates: A newspaper article listing District 2 as the district with the highest crime rate on Oahu was presented to the Board. It was pointed out that though HPD is working hard, District 2 is the largest district on Oahu. It was stated that letters to HPD have previously been sent by the Board requesting that more officers be assigned to District 2; however, it was requested that a new letter be sent along with the news article to Chief Kealoha of HPD.

2. Service Calls: It was expressed that HPD needs evidence to prove that there is a need for more officers in the area. It was requested that a policy be adopted to ensure a report is filled out for every service call responded to. It was stated that though many calls may not be of significance, a report provides evidence of activity in the area.

Ng moved, Matsuura seconded to send the news article with a letter requesting for more officers in District 2 to Chief Kealoha of HPD. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

3. Officers Per Area: It was asked but, HPD was not sure of the correlation between the number officers in an area and population density. HPD stated that the way to get more beats in an area is to receive more calls.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative: Alenka Remec reported;

Waialua Tennis Courts: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) can issue a permit to Waialua High School (WHS) for two courts at Waialua District Park for tennis meets; however, permits will not be issued for practices. While DPR is sympathetic to WHS, there are many high schools that desire access to public parks. The existing rules were written to address the demands for tennis courts islandwide.

Satellite City Hall: There are no plans to build an additional satellite city hall in the North Shore area as the start up cost is prohibitive. At minimum, a rent free satellite city hall office start up cost would require funds of $300,000 and cost $135,000 a year to maintain. Additional locations may be considered in the future when the financial situation of the City improves.

Haleiwa Road/Kamehameha Highway & Waialua Beach Road/Goodale Avenue Intersections: A letter has been sent to Councilmember Dela Cruz addressing the issue.

Kaukonahua Road Access: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is currently investigating several aspects of the access design with regards to traffic safety. DTS will respond to the Board with results of the study in July.

Sunset Beach Recreational Center Classes: DPR will consider adding more art programs if there is sufficient interest. Implementation will depend on availability of class time, space and instructors. The mission of the center is to offer a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages.

Pupukea Rockfall Mitigation Project: The project is limited to the upper slope.  The existing physical dimensions of the road preclude constructing wider shoulders. Archeologists have also found significant historical sites on the upper and lower slopes of the road that limit what can be done.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Sunset Beach Recreational Center: It was clarified that the concern was a lack of youth art programs being offered at the Sunset Beach Recreational Center. It was also asked if a teacher would be allowed to charge students for art classes.

Waialua Tennis Courts: It was requested that an exception be made to allow WHS to use Waialua District Park tennis courts as WHS is so secluded from other tennis court alternatives.

Kaukonahua Road: It was requested that alternate entrances to Kaukonahua Road properties be evaluated.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): George Kuo reported;

Water Main Breaks: There were no water main breaks in May 2010.

- Water Quality: BWS conducts thousands of tests on the water source and distribution system to ensure that the water service to customers meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards. The results of those tests will be shared to all customers in BWS’s annual water quality report. Customers should receive this report by July 1, 2010. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information.

Summer Water Conservation: Residents were reminded of ways to save water: 1) Check home for leaks, 2) Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, 3) Install a nozzle on your garden hose and 4) Don’t water lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Reed Matsuura circulated a newsletter and reported the following;

Emergency Sirens: A Sunset Point resident indicated that sirens could not be heard. Resolution 10-59 was adopted by the full Council on May 12, 2010. The resolution urges City, State and Federal Governments to prioritize and expedite the installation of new civil defense sirens and to repair and upgrade existing sirens. The setup of a phone tree and purchase of a Weather Band Radio were some ideas presented to help with communication during times of disaster.

Important Legislation: Bills regarding the City’s Legislative, Operating and Capital Improvement Project budgets were passed. Real Property tax rates were also reported.

Community Concerns:
Ashley Road: The Department of Emergency Management investigated a request to use Ashley Road during natural disasters but found the roadway to be incapable of handling vehicles during an emergency.
Haleiwa Road/Kamehameha Highway & Waialua Beach Road/Goodale Avenue Intersections: A letter from DTS indicated that traffic signals at the Haleiwa Road/Kamehameha Highway and Wailaua Beach Road/Goodale Avenue intersections will not be installed.
Kaiaka Bay Beach Park: Kaiaka Bay Beach Park indoor showers could not be repaired due to problems with drainage.
Velzyland: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) indicated that the original lock at the Velzyland gate had been cut and replaced.

Seeing no objection, the meeting was moved out of order to allow HPD to listen to RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS.

Resident/community concerns:

Property Damage: A resident raised concern that persons parked across the street on Haleiwa Beach Road have caused property damage of up to $1500. HPD advised the resident to call 911 when suspect activity occurs.

Hawaii Fish Company, Mokuleia: It was noted that the Board had sent a letter in the year 2000 in support of a long term lease for the Hawaii Fish Company, Mokuleia aquaculture farm. The hearing on the long term lease has been set and it was requested that the Board redate and resend the letter.

Pahinui moved, Matsuura seconded to redate and resend a letter in support of a long term lease for the Hawaii Fish Company, Mokuleia. The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE:  Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

Inappropriate Art: A resident raised concern of art that is being displayed in public view that is described as pornographic in nature.

Satellite Tracking Station: A handout on a satellite tracking station project was circulated to the public. The project proposes to demolish and reconstruct an existing station at Kaena Point and erect a 52 foot antenna. The project is currently waiting for an Environmental Assessment (EA). The public will be notified when the EA is ready for public review.

Kukaniloko Land Study: The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) will be hosting a meeting on the traditional cultural property study for Kukaniloko on July 22, 2010 at the Halehookipa Room at Wahiawa District Park from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Funding for Officers: It was expressed that Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) officers need more funding to protect natural resources and fulfill duties properly.

School Consolidation: Copies of petition letters were given to the Board and it was reported that a public hearing on the consolidation of Haleiwa Elementary, Waialua Intermediate and Waialua High School will be held on July 7, 2010 at the Haleiwa Elementary School cafeteria. Sign waving in support of non-consolidation will be held on July 6, 2010 along Weed Circle. It was stated that the problem with consolidating the schools lies in the lack of funding that will be available to provide a proper learning environment for students.

Puiki Cemetery: Photos of Puiki Cemetery were circulated to the Board. Individuals were recognized for service rendered in beautifying the cemetery. It was requested that pets be kept off of cemetery grounds.

Graffiti Bust: Gratitude was expressed for Graffiti Bust workers for cleaning graffiti in the area. It was requested that the Board recognize the Graffiti Bust.

The meeting resumed order with BOARD/COMMITTEE REPORTS.

Board/committee reports:

Treasurer’s Report: Roberts Leinau reported the remaining board balance is $734.74. The May spending shows $137.06 for printing and postage and $250 for video taping.

The Treasurer’s report was ACCEPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

Transportation Committee: Gil Riviere reported that traffic lights will not be placed at the Goodale Avenue/Waialua Beach Road and Haleiwa Road/Kamehameha Highway intersections; however, the road will be redesigned to address traffic concerns. It was suggested that the Board send a thank you letter to Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz and the DTS director for cooperation with the intersection concerns.

Pahinui moved, Riviere seconded to send a thank you letter to Councilmember Dela Cruz and the DTS director for their cooperation on the intersection issues. The motion was ADOPTED UNANYMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (Aye: Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

Flood/Emergency/Waterway: Jacob Ng reported that the next meeting will be held June 23, 2010 at the Haleiwa Shingon Mission. The agenda will cover a long range flood mitigation plan, Ku Tree Reservoir, short and long range Wahiawa Reservoir plans, repair of the Wahiawa Reservoir gates and water quality. The Committee is requesting a site visit of Drum Road. Five (5) individuals were verified to take a site visit of Stryker Road on June 25, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. A news article was circulated to the Board of a flood control study that will be held.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Funding: It was asked and answered that funding is being sought through the Department of Health (DOH) and Kamehameha Schools.

Disaster Preparedness: No representative was present; no report was available.

Homelessness: Kathleen Pahinui reported that a survey will be taken to gather input from the homeless. The committee is working with City officials to gather data and is in the process of looking at possible land options to allow for homeless services. Volunteer efforts are being organized to prepare current housing for occupation. The next meeting will be at the Waialua Community Association Cottage 2 on July 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Agriculture: Jacqueline Leinau reported that a wide variety of individuals attended the meeting on June 17, 2010. Councilmember Dela Cruz also attended the meeting and clarified Bill 23 and Bill 24. The committee will be drafting an agricultural action plan which will support both residents and farmers. The next meeting will be at the Waialua Community Association Cottage 2 on July 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

1.    State Problem: It was expressed that “Gentlemen Farms” (farmland that is purchased with no real intent of agricultural use or development) are a problem that is affecting other areas in the state.
2.    Election of Chair: It was asked and clarified that the election of an Agricultural Committee Chair will be held in July.

25th Infantry Report: Major Gregg reported that the military has been involved with a number of school and youth related activities on the North Shore. A variety of training activities were reported at Dillingham throughout the month of July.

Drum Road: Mike Egami reported that phase 2 of Drum Road has been completed. Twenty (20) miles have been paved while three (3) miles have been left unpaved due to OHA restrictions. The road will be considered for emergency vehicle access during time of disaster.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Thank You: Gratitude was expressed to the 25th Infantry for reaching out to the community.

July 4 Activities: It was asked and clarified that July 4 activities at Schofield will include a 5K run, child fun run, various musical groups, battle of the bands, car drawing, fireworks and other family activities.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): It was asked and clarified that the proposed vehicle trail from Farrington Highway to Dillingham airfield has been cancelled due to the lack of funding.

APPROVAL OF MAY 25, 2010 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

Page 3 – Under Intersections should read…(DTS) review and remove the recommendation of lights..

Page 5 – Under Sunset Beach Recreational Center should read…there are very limited youth art programs

Pahinui moved, Matsuura seconded to approve the May 25, 2010 as amended. The minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

Agenda requests: There were no agenda requests.

Board business:

Tow Company Request: Kathleen Pahinui circulated a draft letter to the Board. The letter was addressed to the Mayor and requested that a tow company be allocated near the North Shore. It was stated that the nearest tow company is situated in Campbell Industrial Park. It was expressed that HPD is spending unnecessary time waiting for tow trucks to tow away vehicles. Corrections, commentary and input on the letter were invited.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Suggestions: It was suggested that the fourth paragraph indentation be removed and a contact number be included at the bottom of the letter.

Industrial Area: It was clarified that the lot needs to be located in an industrial area. It was also stated that the tow company will be responsible to locate land for the lot.

R. Leinau moved, Ng seconded to send out the letter as amended. The letter was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bellows, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Lyons, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, and Scoville.)

Since two-thirds of the Board was not present, a motion to add “Approval to draft a letter in support of not consolidating the Waialua School Complex” could not be made. The Chair invited Board members to send individual letters of support for the non-consolidation of the Waialua School Complex. A generic letter template was made available for the use of interested Board members. 

Elected officials:

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono: No representative was present; no report was available.

State Senator Robert Bunda: No representative was present; no report was available.

State Representative Michael Magaoay: Larry Sagaysay circulated a newsletter and reported that HB2486 relating to education has turned into Act 167. HB2775 relating to agriculture was also highlighted.

Announcements:

Next Meeting – Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Haleiwa Elementary School cafeteria. Annual house keeping items will be addressed as well as a presentation on Kaena Point.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

Submitted by: Kazuaki McArthur, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Mike Lyons, Chair