North Shore Neighborhood Board minutes 4/27

NORTH SHORE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 27

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, April 27, 2010
JOHN KALILI SURF CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Michael Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of ten (10) members present. Note this 15-member Board requires eight (8) votes to establish a quorum and take official board action.

Members Present: Jeff Alameida, John. H. Hirota, Arlene Kawahakui, Jacqueline Leinau, Roberts Leinau, Michael Lyons, Antya Miller (Arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Reed Mitsuura, Jacob Y.W. Ng, Kathleen Pahinui (Arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Carol A. Phillips (Arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Gil Riviere and Warren H. Scoville.

Vacancies: None

Members Absent: Bruce Bellows and Blake D. McElheny.

Guests: Gail Lum (Hawaii Bicycle League), Virg Basilio (Waialua High School), Roland Silva (Kaala Ranch), Karen Gallagher (Sunset Beach Community Association), Stew Ring (Mokuleia Community Association), Nicole Sivatia (Waialua High School Boosters), Alenka Remec (Mayor’s Representative), Randy Jung (Lanakila Pacific), Bonnie Smolenski, Celia Marie Moore, Paul Nelson, Officer Chad Aoki and Lieutenant Ernie Brown (Honolulu Police Department), William Aila, Keapoi Namakaeha and Catherine Datuin (Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance), Debbie Kim Morikawa (City Department of Customer Services), Sheryl Bieler, John Arnold, Talimy Escorzon, Bodo Van Der Leeden, Al Jeffers-Fabro, Thomas Shirai, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Theresa Pavlovich, Kalani Fronda (Kamehameha Schools) and Kazuaki McArthur (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

CITY MONTHYLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No representatives present; no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Officer Aoki reported;

March Statistics: 7 Auto thefts, 7 auto theft recoveries, 16 burglaries, 25 car break ins and 17 other thefts.

7:05 Phillips arrived; 11 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Abandoned Vehicles: Clarification on the law concerning abandoned vehicles was requested. It was stated that any vehicle left stationary for a period of twenty - four (24) hours or more is classified as abandoned. The public was advised to call the police and that HPD must see the abandoned vehicle to file a report and have it towed.

Car Break Ins: It was asked what factors contributed to the reduction of car thefts in March. There was no clear answer given.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative - Alenka Remec reported;

2011 City Operating Budget: Furloughs are pending the negotiations which are in progress with between the unions and the City. The overall Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 City operating budget is $1.827 billion, which is a 1.2 percent increase over the current fiscal year. Reasons for increases include:

- Previously negotiated raises to the Police Union, the Firefighters Union and bus drivers will require an additional $20 million next year.
- Fringe benefits for all City employees to increase by $16 million. This includes FICA, Unemployment, Workers’ Compensation, Employee Retirement System, and Health Fund increases.

- President Obama has selected Honolulu to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in the fall of 2011. Honolulu was selected due to the tremendous work of Honolulu public safety agencies. Hosting the conference will require reinforcement of security systems. The FY 2011 budget includes an additional $14 million for Police, Fire, Emergency Management, and Emergency Services. Without these uncontrollable cost increases and the cost to prepare for APEC, the operating budget would be $1.510 billion

Waialua Beach Road Lights: Per B. Yee of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), all lights are still under contract (Standard Electric). All lights working.

Ehukai Beach Park Showers: The water pressure at the Ehukai Beach Park showers are approximately 60 lb. which is within the normal operating range for the water supply system. Each shower is controlled by a separate valve that regulates how much water comes out of the shower. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has installed shower flow restrictors but, beach goers have removed them because they prefer more flow to rinse off themselves and their boards. DPR concurs with the complainant that beach goers should not waste water.

Pupukea Road Lights: Light repaired on April 15th. All other lights operating properly.

Haleiwa Road No Parking Sign: The Department of Transportation Services will be conducting an investigation and will inform the board of their findings by the July 2010 Neighborhood Board meeting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Waialua Recreational Center: It was requested that the recreational center tennis courts be repaired so that student athletes may be allowed to practice closer to home instead of traveling to other sites to do so.

7:10 Miller arrived; 12 members present.

Board Of Water Supply (BWS): George Kuo and Sandy Nahoopii-Wong reported;

Water Main Breaks: There were no water main breaks reported in March.

General Water Announcements: Many Oahu communities were first established more than a century ago. As these communities age, many portions of the infrastructure like roads, sewers, and water mains are also aging and nearing the end of their useful life spans. The Board of Water Supply (BWS) system includes nearly 2,000 miles of pipeline, with more than 40% between 30 and 60 years old. In an ongoing effort to provide a safe and reliable water supply, BWS carefully manages and plans for the renewal and replacement of its infrastructure.

7:15 Pahinui arrived; 13 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Pupukea Waterline: Multiple concerns over the Pupukea waterline project were raised. It was expressed as a hazard and an inconvenience especially during afternoon hours due to parents picking up children at schools. It was also stated that traffic will affect Haleiwa businesses in the upcoming summer months. Suggested resolutions included: Night construction, temporary construction pauses during the day to allow for regular afternoon traffic, shortening the daily amount of time that construction can be done and dividing work between morning and evening hours to allow for traffic flow in the afternoon. It was answered that night construction posed a noise problem to surrounding residents and the early shut down or temporary halt of daily construction would not be practical for crews to get sufficient work done and would only delay the total length of the project.

Watershed Projects: Representation was requested for watershed projects in the area.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Reed Matsuura reported;

Bill 7 & 8: The Council approved and the Mayor has signed to law an ordinance that prohibits tents without a permit and shopping carts from being used at city parks. The administration initiated legislation was to address concerns from residents that parks were becoming harder to use because of the increase of tents in parks. Many councilmembers including Councilmember Dela Cruz battled with the reality that this legislation would directly impact the homeless. The original legislation was fairly restrictive with the amended version allowing apparatuses with one wall to be used and falling in the definition of a tent. Therefore, canopies can still be used with a wall set up to block the wind. Tents are not being prohibited at parks; rather, it is required to have a permit use.

The Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the North Shore Area:

-Haleiwa Walkway improvements - $2,000,000 plan and design.
-Waialua Beach Road—Ponding- $90,000 plan and design.
-Pupukea Beach Park—Revision of Master Plan $50,000 plan.
-Guardrails for: 66-826 Haleiwa Road.
-Waialua Beach Road Culvert $200,000 plan and design.
-Play-Tot equipment for sunset beach Neighborhood Park $140,000.

There is still a chance that projects could get cut. Community members are encouraged to contact Budget Chair Nestor Garcia at 768-5009 or [email protected] to show support for keeping the projects in.

Requests for Investigation:

-Kaukonahua Road—dangerous driveway Is being investigated by DTS
-Haleiwa Road/Haleiwa AliI Beach Park—signage for no parking between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on makai side of Haleiwa Road DTS is still investigating.
- Flooding issues regarding civil defense sirens: The state Department of Defense has determined three sites that the sirens are needed:
-Paalaa Road
-Waialua High and Intermediate School
-Thompson Corner
-Department of Facility Maintenance is sending letters to all Paukawila, Kaukonahua and KiikiI Stream owners in regards to their responsibilities for maintenance.
-The Department of Design and Construction is currently working on a study to alleviate the ponding on Haleiwa Road fronting Kaiaka Bay Beach Park and the fire station.
-Kaukonahua Bridge at Otake Camp—The State Department of Transportation will not be clearing this area under this bridge until other landowners clear their portions.

Last meeting concerns:
-Request for dredging of Paukawila Stream - No response
-Would Ashley Road be open for evacuations and emergencies? - No response

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Landowners: A clarification of landowners at Otake Camp was requested. According to public record, landowners are the Otake family, Dole, the city and the state.

Goodale Avenue: Concern was raised that though markings and lighting have been installed, there is still a need for reflectors on the road. The request has been made.

Kiikii Stream Bridge: Question was raised about funding for a bike path on Kiikii Stream Bridge. It was answered that the bike path cannot be built until guardrails are redone because bicycle heights are currently higher than existing guardrails and would be unsafe for cyclists. An additional extension to the bridge would also be required to allow for the bike path. Costs were estimated at $1.5 million.

Kaiaka Bathroom Replacement: A question was raised about when funds would be appropriated for the replacement of the Kaiaka Bay beach park. It was answered that in order to make the necessary repairs without shutting down the park, a new bathroom would need to be constructed before the existing bathroom could be demolished. It was answered that a request to implement a new master plan has been made but, it has been denied.

Haleiwa Town Walkways: It was requested to pave the sidewalks along Haleiwa road. It was answered that DTS has been contacted and that the city is currently working on it. It was also asked if another letter for the $2 million for repairs to the Haleiwa town walkways to Budget Chair Nestor Garcia would be necessary. It was answered that it would be a good idea.

Treasurer’s Report: Roberts Leinau reported the remaining board balance is $1,423.02. The March spending shows $328.21 for printing and postage and $250 for video taping.

Pahinui moved, Kawahakui seconded, to accept the March 2010 Treasurer’s Report for the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 21. The motion was APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY 13-0-0 (Aye: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller, J. Leinau)

With no objections, the meeting was taken out of order. Reports from the Disaster Preparedness and Homelessness Committees were moved to a later point of the meeting.

Committees:

Transportation: Gil Riviere reported that a traffic committee meeting will be held on May 12 at the Waialua Community Association cottage #2 at 7:00 p.m. The Laniakea project is four months away and DTS is seeking public input before the project commences.

Flood/Emergency/Waterway: Jacob Ng reported that a special Kaiaka Bay Watershed Committee met at the Civil Defense office on April 22, 2010 to discuss flood warning control, hazard mitigation, water quality, Ku Tree Reservoir, Wahiawa Reservoir and the Army’s clean - up plan. A report of proposed action items was circulated to the board. The committee also met with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It was reported that FEMA has funds for projects but stated that according to data, FEMA is looking to Koolauloa due to the higher amount of rainfall in that area.

25th Infantry Report: Major Daryl Collins reported that persons who live, work or frequently visit army instillations will need to register their vehicle and obtain a decal with the vehicle registration on post. Those who do not have a decal will be sent to a gate to obtain a one day pass. A report was circulated.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

1.    Flood Contamination; Concern was raised that the army is contributing to flood contamination with current road construction. A site visit for the community is currently in the process of being scheduled to show what the army is planning on doing.

2.    Helemanu Gate: It was questioned if visitors would need to drive to Schofield to obtain a pass through Helemanu gate. It was answered that there are currently no guards at that gate but, there are plans to man it in the near future. When guards are placed at that gate, there will also be a visitor’s center made available to obtain a visitor pass.

Resident’s/Community Concerns:

1.    Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL): Gail Lum of the Hawaii Bicycling League reported that it is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote cycling for health, safety, recreation and transportation through advocacy, education and events. It was requested that the board draft a letter in support of the league and their annual fundraising marathon. HBL is seeking permit approval for the use of the overflow parking area at Kaiaka Beach Park.

2.    Tents: Concern was raised that an officer has been targeting the homeless and cutting down their tents.

3.    Haleiwa Elementary School: It was expressed that Haleiwa Elementary School should be left open and not be combined with Haleiwa Intermediate School.

4.    Bill 24: It was requested that Bill 24 be put on the May agenda for discussion and that the Board write a letter in opposition of the bill after discussion.

5.    Agricultural Committee: It was stated that the North Shore is the largest agricultural area on Oahu and it was recommended that an agricultural committee be formed.

6.    Waialua High School: Gratitude was expressed to the community for supporting the Waialua High School breakfast fundraiser. It was reported that enough funds were raised to award two scholarships to graduating seniors this year.

7.    Lanakila Pacific: Randy Jung reported that Lanakila Pacific is a local non-profit organization which is charge of the Hawaii Meals On Wheels program. Volunteers were sought to service six (6) seniors in the North Shore area. Volunteers would be asked to meet on Tuesday Mornings at the Wahiawa recreational center between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Interested persons should contact Randy Jung at 554-5360 or [email protected].

8.    Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance: Catherine Datuin and Keapoi Namakaeha of the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance (AHHA) reported that AHHA specializes in case management, food distribution and referrals to other agencies. AHHA currently services approximately 300 families on the North Shore and offers literacy programs, housing services and resume and employment services. AHHA can be contacted at their website www.hawaiihomeless.org or they may contact Catherine Datuin at 782-6843 or [email protected].

9.    City Homeless Services: Debbie Kim Morikawa reported that city resources are very limited and stated that most services are provided through state agencies. The city has acknowledged Waialua as an area of need and is currently working on allocating funds to address homeless services. A report listing city services was circulated.

Satellite City Hall: It was requested that a satellite city hall be allocated to the North Shore area stating there is a need for residents in the area.

Keep the North Shore Country: The community was urged to stay involved with the supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process concerning Turtle Bay.

Approval Of Minutes:

Phillips moved, Alameida seconded to approve the March 23, 2010 regular meeting minutes. The minutes were APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller and J. Leinau).

Agenda Requests For next Meeting:

Kaena Point Advisory Board Presentation: It was requested that the results of the Kaena Point advisory group be reviewed and discussed and to list it as the sole agenda item on the July 27, 2010 agenda. It was also requested to hold the July 27, 2010 meeting at the Haleiwa Elementary School Cafeteria.

Miller moved, Pahinui seconded the request to put the Kaena Point Advisory board presentation on the July 27, 2010 agenda. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller and J. Leinau).

Pupukea Rock Fall Mitigation Project Update: It was requested to invite the city to give an update on the plans for the Pupukea rock fall mitigation project and to add it as an agenda item on the May 25, 2010 agenda.

Miller moved, Riviere seconded the request to put the Pupukea Rock Fall Mitigation Project update on the May 25, 2010 agenda. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller and J. Leinau).

Turtle Bay Development Update: It was requested that the May 25, 2010 agenda include an update of the Turtle Bay development with reports from Stanford Carr and Keep The North Shore Country Country.

Discussion followed: It was stated that though the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be required, Kuilima resorts filed a motion for reconsideration and it was expressed that an update should be reserved for a later date to allow for the final results to be confirmed first. Several Board members agreed that the update should be postponed. It was stated that the final results would not be available until June 30 and concern was raised that if the update was postponed until that time, the update would not be able to be shared until September. It was also expressed that input from the Koolauloa area should be taken into consideration as the Turtle Bay development will affect residents of that area. It was stated that whether the update is given next month or further down the road, the community will need to know this information.

R.Leinau moved, Miller seconded to NOT put the Turtle Bay update on the May 25, 2010 agenda. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-6-0 (AYE: Alameida, J. Leinau, R. Leinau, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere and Scoville; NO: Hirota, Kawahakui, Lyons, Matsuura, Miller and Phillips)

Tow Company Request: It was requested that a letter be submitted to Mayor Mufi Hanneman asking that a tow company be allocated nearby to service the North Shore area to help HPD expedite the towing of illegally parked vehicles. It was requested that the letter be added as an agenda item on the May 25, 2010 agenda.

R. Leinau moved, Alameida seconded to put the tow company request letter on the May 25, 2010 agenda. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller, and J. Leinau).

Board Business:

Chair Lyons acknowledged that motions adopted during the March 23, 2010 were out of order and that a revote of the motions were required and added to the April 27, 2010 agenda to bring them in accordance with Neighborhood Plan regu

Appointment of North Shore Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee Representative: It was proposed that Antya Miller be appointed as representative to the North Shore Disaster Preparedness Steering committee.

Pahinui moved, R. Leinau seconded to appoint Board member Miller as the representative to the North Shore Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller, and J. Leinau).

Consider alternatives and solutions to dangerous parking, rubbish and noise on Haleiwa Road during night hours, address signs and homeless situations: It was proposed that a homeless committee be established. Board member Phillips was nominated to chair the committee but declined. Board member Pahinui was then nominated and accepted the nomination to chair the committee.

Miller moved, R. Leinau seconded to establish a Homeless Committee with Board member Pahinui as chair. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 13-0-0 (AYE: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Pahinui, Riviere, Lyons, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, Miller, and J. Leinau).

Adoption of a proposed resolution to the West Oahu University of Hawaii Campus Project: It was proposed that the board support an adoption of a proposed resolution to the University of Hawaii Campus West Oahu project.

Discussion followed: Concern was raised that there was a lack of information for the board to make a vote on the resolution. Concern was also raised that the resolution only covers a portion of the funds needed to complete the project and that until the appropriate funds are designated to complete the whole project, the vote to support the project should be withheld. It was stated that if the resolution is not signed, the land for the project will be lost. It was expressed that a vote to support the resolution would signify the importance of education in the community. It was stated that the project would be a great benefit for students residing in central and west Oahu.

Ng moved, Pahinui seconded to accept the adoption of a proposed resolution of the West Oahu University of Hawaii Campus Project. The motion FAILED TO BE ADOPTED 6-7-0 (AYE: Kawakahui, Lyons, Ng, Pahinui, Phillips and Scoville; NO: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Riviere, R. Leinau, Miller, and J. Leinau)

North Shore Neighborhood Board Venue Change from John Kalili Surf Center at Haleiwa Alii Beach Park to Haleiwa Elementary School: Pending the principals approval, it was proposed that future neighborhood board meetings be held at Haleiwa Elementary School. It was stated that the use of the school would be free of charge and allow a larger venue for the community to participate in board meetings.

Discussion followed: Concerns were raised concerning sound quality and the ability to hear discussion clearly at the school. Also, a concern was raised that though it was stated that the school would not charge for use of the facility, there is still the possibility that that may change in the future. It was requested that the principal be present to confirm the presented information before the board make a vote.

Miller moved, Pahinui seconded the motion to relocate North Shore Neighborhood Board meetings to Haleiwa Elementary School. The motion FAILED TO BE ADOPTED 3-10-0 (AYE: Pahinui, Miller and Lyons; NO: Alameida, Hirota, Matsuura, Ng, Riviere, Phillips, Kawahakui, Scoville, R. Leinau, and J. Leinau).

The agenda resumed order to hear from the Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee.

North Shore Disaster Preparedness Steering Committee: Antya Miller reported;

Training: There have been 18 shelter volunteers trained, 13 volunteers trained for the Disaster Action team and 12 residents have been certified in the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) program.

Shelters: Waialua High School gym is currently the only approved shelter for the North Shore. Other venues are currently being assessed and memorandums of understanding will be issued to approved locations. The Red Cross also wants to allocate disaster supplies to the North Shore with the Waialua Community Association as a possible storage location.

Education: A website is close to completion.

Communication: There are currently 10 volunteers being trained on ham radio operations. Efforts are being made to bring back the specialized radio equipment to the North Shore.

Volunteers: Volunteers are still being sought. Interested individuals may contact Jay Oku at 393-0707 or Antya Miller at 342-8557.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

Ashley Road: An update was requested about Ashley Road. It was stated that the committee is currently working with Major Huber to figure out evacuation routes; North Shore maps to be created.

Liliuokalani Protestant Church: It was questioned if Liliuokalani Protestant Church has been included in the Red Cross shelter assessment. It was stated that they are currently being assessed and that though they had already received memorandum in the past, most of the previously issued memorandums have expired and need to be renewed.

Lifeguards: It was questioned if lifeguards were part of the disaster action plan. It was stated that lifeguards are included as past of the first response team.

Homeless Committee: A meeting has been set for Thursday, May 5, 2010 at the Waialua Community Association; Cottage 2 at 7:00 p.m. Community members interested in attending may contact Kathleen Pahinui at 637-8545 for more information.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

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

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

State Representative Michael Magaoay: No representative present; no report available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Next Board Meeting - The next North Shore Neighborhood Board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at the John Kalili Surf Center.

Recess - The board will recess in August.

Board Member Announcements:

North Shore Lifeguard Association: Gratitude was expressed to the North Shore Lifeguard Association for donating entry fee monies raised from their recent surfing contest to the Food Bank to benefit the homeless.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.

Submitted by: Kazuaki McArthur, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Mike Lyons, Chair