MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

NOVEMBER 28, 2006

HAHAIONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by Chair Muraoka at 7:05 p.m.  A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Dolores  Elms-Beattie, Richard Halverson, Elizabeth Reilly, Robert Clark, Marian Grey, Mary Houghton, Lester Muraoka, Jeanette Hanson, Donald Huff, Wayne Levy.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Greg Knudsen, David Livingston, Anthony Paresa, John Steinmiller.

MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT:  One seat in subdistrict 4.

GUESTS:  Murray Luther, Suzanne Roig (Honolulu Advertiser), Elizabeth Uhr, Tai Hong, (Livable Hawaii Kai Hui), Harry Blanchette (Senator Fred Hemmings’ Office), Maureen Muraoka, Capt. Sharp (HFD-Hawaii Kai Station), Senator Sam Slom; Lt. G. Kurihara, Sgt. H. Ishida, Sgt. M. Asato, Det. G. Abbley, Officer J. Hendricks, Lt. L. DeCaries (HPD), Kendys Fukuda and Jose Dizon (Hawaiian Electric Company), Pam Kam, Sherry Spangler (Waikiki Golf Course Community Association/Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2), Su Shin and Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Natalie Iwasa, Tom Yamabe, Francisco Figueredo (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office), Councilmember Charles Djou, Sid Quintal (Mayor’s Office), Russell Saito (Governor’s Office), R. Livingston, Michael Bass, Adrianne King, Dean Chu (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 31, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:   The minutes were approved as distributed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Hanson reported for the month of October the Operating and Publicity Account expenses were $257.91 leaving a balance of $2680.90, the Refreshment Account had no expenses leaving a balance of $120.00.   The Treasurer’s Report was filed subject to audit.

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  No report.

STATUS REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Capt. Sharp, from the Hawaii Kai Station, reported the following:

1.       Since the last Board meeting the station responded to 88 calls, including 72 medical cases, and a rescue involving an overturned board and all on board were rescued.

2.       Holiday Safety Tips:  The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, and increased risk of fire due to heating equipment;  a)  unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, b) after a party, check for smoldering cigarettes, c) use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-retardant, or noncombustible materials, d) purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance, e) do not overload extension cords, f) try to keep live trees as moist as possible by watering them daily, g) when purchasing an artificial tree, ensure it is made with flame-retardant material.

There were no questions from the Board or guests.  Capt. Sharp was thanked for attending the meeting.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Sgt. Ishida reported a written report with area statistics and civil defense tips relating to tsunamis was distributed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Condolences were expressed on the death of Solo Bike Officer Steve Fevela, who was injured while serving on a motorcade escorting President Bush earlier this month.  A moment of silence was observed in memory of Solo Bike Officer Steve Fevela.

1. Youths have been seen skateboarding in the park-and-ride lot when a park facility was developed in the area just for this activity.  It was suggested the area be monitored and youths reminded about the facility.

1. Concern was expressed about speeding, particularly on Kalanianaole Highway, even by school buses and large trucks.  Quintal, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported speeding enforcement is a police department priority and that the department is doing the best it can even though it has a manpower shortage.

Results of the speeding task force were requested.

Additional comments about speeding were expressed and it was noted that approximately 4,000 citations have been issued since the establishment of the task force, and complying with the speed limit is everyone’s responsibility.

It was noted by one resident that the traffic lights on Kalanianaole Highway are not synchronized and it is necessary to go 50 miles per hour to make the lights, another resident noted that the lights are synchronized for 35 miles per hour.

1. It was the noted the street lights on Kalanianaole Highway, makai side, between the Aina Koa and Aina Haina areas, have been out since the earthquake and power outage making the area hazardous at night.  Follow up will be done.

Lt. DeCaries, from the Communications Division, reported the following:

1. The 911 call center is undergoing renovations and its operations are being conducted out of the alternate call center at the Kapolei Station.

1. The department is scheduled for an on-site assessment, December 10 – 13, as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards.

1. Job openings are available for 911 dispatchers.  Applications were made available for interested persons.

1. Soon 911 dispatchers will be able to locate persons calling 911 on cell phones.

1. In September 79,722 calls were made to 911 with 75 percent or 59,925 of the calls for police and 16,075 being emergencies.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

            HPD’s dispatch center is in the headquarters building on S. Beretania Street.

Lt. G. Kurihara, Sgt. H. Ishida, Sgt. M. Asato, Det. G. Abbley, Officer J. Hendricks, and Lt. L. DeCaries were thanked for attending the meeting.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lorna Heller, from the BWS, reported the following:

1. There was one water main break last month, occurring on Lunalilo Home Road.  Replacement of old mains is an ongoing priority.

1. The community was thanked for conserving water during last month’s power outage.  Reservoirs have a 24-hour capacity, emergency generators are located at key sites, mobile generators are pre-positioned, and are available from other agencies if needed.  Advisories to conserve water are issued in some emergencies.

1. An evaluation of how the power outage situation was handled by BWS is being done.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

            Work is being done on how to address a low water pressure condition in Kalama Valley.

Heller and Shin were thanked for attending the meeting.

BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS:

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD ELECTIONS – Elections for the Neighborhood Board 2007 – 09 term will be held early next year.  Applications for candidates should be available on the Neighborhood Commission Office website later this year and in the past have been mailed to persons on Board mailing lists. The current Board’s terms run from June 2005 to May 2007.

CITY COUNCIL BILLS RELATING TO THE KAI IWI DEVELOPMENT – The City Council has passed Resolutions 06-355 and 06-356 that would make projects like this presently requiring a Conditional Use Permit, Minor, require a Conditional Use Permit, Major, instead; and a public hearing.  The resolutions come up for a vote by the full Council on December 13.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

PARKS AND RECREATION – Houghton reported the following:

1. The dedication for the Koko Head Archery Range is scheduled for Saturday, January 6, 2007, 10:00 a.m., at the range.  More information will be provided when it becomes available.

1. The Goes Field project is still in progress, the grass is not yet full established.  The City has not yet accepted the project from the contractor.  A dedication ceremony is to be scheduled.

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION – Huff reported the following:

1. The super ferry is scheduled to begin operation serving Oahu, Kauai and Maui in July 2007.

1. The City Council is holding a meeting relating to the alternative analysis for the mass transit system on December 20.

HEALTH AND SAFETY – Chair Muraoka reported Hawaii American Water, operator of Hawaii Kai’s sewage treatment plant, will arrange a community meeting to discuss residents’ concerns.  Tentative dates are December 11, 12, 18, or 19.  Interested persons should contact Board member Steinmiller.  Equipment has also been acquired to test for odor problems.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS – Hanson reported the following:

1. The Honolulu City Lights Parade and other festivities are scheduled for December 2.

1. The Honolulu Marathon is December 10, and a flyer listing street closures and other information was available for interested persons to review.

There were no other Committee Reports.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Chair Muraoka reported Board member Sharp has submitted his resignation creating a vacancy in subdistrict 4.  This will be formally announced at the January 2007 meeting and filling of the vacancy will be placed on the February 2007 agenda.

PUBLIC GENERATED ISSUES:

BOARD’S AGENDA, ORDER OF ITEMS – Spangler suggested the Board’s agenda be modified so items people attend the meeting to discuss are earlier on the agenda than they currently are.  Chair Muraoka reported that the Board has decided the order of the agenda and has no plans to change it.

TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHT ON HAWAII KAI DRIVE BY POST OFFICE – Iwasa inquired whether or not there is a project to install a traffic signal light at this location.

ADA CURB MODIFICATIONS ON LUNALILO HOME ROAD – Iwasa noted there are plans for ADA curb modifications at only five intersections on Lunalilo Home Road, between Wailua Street and Hawaii Kai Drive, and would like to see all the intersections modified which would benefit many people, not just the handicapped.  She also questioned why only handicapped persons can request ADA modifications.

BICYCLE LANE PROJECTS – Iwasa requested this matter be brought up at Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization meetings.

PILOT PROJECT FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ON KALUANUI ROAD – Iwasa reported that approximately 61 persons attended the meeting, with 25 or 26 supporting the project and 31 opposing the project.  Based on this vote the City will not proceed with the project.  She noted collecting a petition with 29 proxy votes against the project, and questioned the requirement that only homeowners, not renters, were allowed to vote on this matter.  She also requested trees be trimmed.  Follow up will be done with Steinmiller.

COMMUNITY EVENTS – Luther noted community organizations put on the Christmas boat parade in the marina and the Christmas parade on Lunalilo Home Road for the community.

ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS:

MAYOR’S OFFICE – Sid Quintal, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported the Honolulu City Lights Parade and other festivities is scheduled for this Saturday, and reported on questions from last month’s meeting as follows:

1. Sprinklers at Koko Head District Park were running at the wrong time because the earthquake-caused power outage caused the timers to run the sprinklers at the wrong time.  The timers have since been re-set.

1. Board comments that Hawaii Kai Drive is too narrow to develop bicycle lanes without the removal of curbs, trees, lights, etc., have been noted by the Department of Planning and Permitting.

1. Regarding odor problems at the Hawaii American Water’s sewage treatment plant, the State Department of Health has jurisdiction.  The sewer system was built to City-standards as the City may take over the system, but not the plant or pump stations.  The City Department of Planning and Permitting reviews and approves all gravity lines, and the developer must get clearance as to the adequacy of the lines as the pump station and plant.

1. Regarding the Lunalilo Home Road median modifications, there were seven bidders, the lowest was $92,500 for reconstruction of the area back to a roadway.

1. The City has a flexible work hours program.

1. The estimated $3.6 billion cost of the rail system includes train cars, bus terminals, land acquisition, and construction costs.

1. Regarding the Portlock right-of-way, the City is not pursuing the acquisition of public rights-of-way because public access over the lanes in the area is available, as long as access is available, the City will hold off on acquisition based on the arrangement and understanding between Councilmember Djou and the Portlock Community Association.

1. Regarding wooden pallets being burned in the area of Allen Davis Beach leaving nails in the sand, the area is under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources which has been notified on the concern.  Additional research is being done as some land in this area may be under City jurisdiction.

Quintal reported that the City Council approved the tax increase to fund the rail transit alternative.  One of the problems with the toll road alternative is handling the traffic at the end of toll road.  Interested persons are encouraged to contact their elected officials if they have a better idea.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The new ‘no parking’ restriction on one side of Portlock Road was implemented at the request of the fire department to assure access to the area in the event of an emergency.

1. Follow up will be done on the cost of the Lunalilo Home Road median modification.

1. Follow up will be done on the status of the project bid for left turn traffic light signal on Keahole Street by the Safeway store.

1. Follow up will be done if there are plans for a traffic signal light on Hawaii Kai Drive by the post office.

Quintal was thanked for attending the meeting.

COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU – Councilmember Djou reported the following:

1. The Council’s Zoning Committee earlier today passed Resolution 06-355, relating to indoor amusement and recreation facilities, and Resolution 06-356, relating to vacation cabins to change the Conditional Use Permit requirement from the minor to major category which would require a public hearing.  These resolutions relate to the proposed development of vacation cabins on the Ka Iwi Coast.

1. Iwasa requested the City Administration readdress the Kaluanui Road safety concerns issue.

1. Legislation related to the rail transit alternative is up for second reading at the full Council’s December 7 meeting.  At this time he believes there is a 7-2 vote in support.  The final vote should be taken by the end of the year.  He also believes the current tax increase is not enough to pay for the system, building the 28-mile system would result in a $2 billion deficit, building the 20-mile system would result in a deficit of several hundred million dollars.  He supports an elevated toll road alternative.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The annual operating cost of the rail system alternative is estimated at $250 million a year, with fare box revenue estimated at $100 million a year.  The tax increase is estimated to generate $150 million a year.   Originally a one percent tax increase was sought, but the legislature approved a half percent increase.

1. This state does not have an air pollution emissions credit system to offset allowable amounts of air pollutants produced as other states do.

1. Regarding the Kaluanui Road safety improvement project, residents have voted that nothing be done, and he is willing to support whatever the residents want.  Chair Muraoka noted that in the past residents have requested that safety improvements are needed.

1. He supports the toll road alternative as it is what the City can afford, costing approximately $500 million, compared to $6 billion for the rail transit alternative.

1. Follow up will be done with the State Department of Transportation about the traffic signal light at Kalanianaole Highway and Lunalilo Home Road.

Councilmember Djou was thanked for attending the meeting.

SENATOR SAM SLOM – Senator Slom highlighted/added the following to his written report which was distributed earlier in the meeting:

1. First Hawaiian Bank is accepting donations to assist the family of Solo Bike Officer Steve  Favela.

1. Donations to assist Sharnell Onaga, who needs a bone marrow donation, can be sent to Friends of Sharnell Onaga, P.O. Box 700814, Kapolei, HI  96707.

1. Thanks were expressed to the Hawaii Kai Lions Club for sponsoring the Christmas Parade on November 25.

1. The Inauguration for Governor and Lt. Governor will be on December 4, 12:00 noon, State Capitol.

1. Senator Colleen Hanabusa is the new President of the Senate.  The next session of the legislature opens on January 17.

There were no questions from the Board or guests.

Senator Slom was thanked for attending the meeting.

REPRESENTATIVE-ELECT GENE WARD – Representative-elect Ward distributed a written report and highlighted/added the following:

1. Thanked the voters for their support.

1. Though he has not been able to move in, his office will be room 318, phone number will be 586-6420, fax number 586-6421.  He has been elected Minority Whip, and will serve on the Finance, Health and Human Services, Housing, and International Relations committees.

1. The written report includes his testimony to the City Council on Resolutions 06-355 and 06-366, relating to requiring Conditional Use Permits for the construction of cabins on P-2 lands, will affect not only the Ka Iwi coast, but have an island wide impact.

1. The next session of the legislature opens on January 1, everyone is welcome to visit at his office after the opening ceremonies.

There were no questions from the Board or guests.  Representative-elect Ward was thanked for attending the meeting.

SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS – A written report was received and made available for interested persons to review.

REPRESENTATIVE LYLA BERG – No report.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE – Russell Saito, representing the Governor’s Office, distributed the weekly report and highlighted/added that construction has started on a new transitional emergency shelter in Waianae.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The State Department has made checks of the Hawaii America Water sewage treatment plant in response to complaints about excessive odor problems, none were found.  If excessive odors are detected, residents should call the Clean Air Branch.

1. The Governor does not have a position on the City’s transit alternative analysis report at this time.

1. Regarding the problem with people burning wooden pallets in the Allen Davis Beach area leaving nails behind in the sand, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources has plans to extend a guardrail to restrict vehicle access, and work is being done with the City about extending a guardrail on land under its jurisdiction in this area to do the same.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

            It was noted there is also other debris in the Allen Davis Beach area, including a burned out car.

Saito was thanked for attending the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None.

NEW BUSINESS:

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC COMPANY CAPACITY TO HANDLE GROWTH IN HAWAII KAI – Kendys Fukuda and Jose Dizon, from Hawaiian Electric Company, reported on Hawaiian Electric Company’s work to meet the needs of future growth. This work includes the use of Integrated Resource Planning which was required by the State Public Utilities Commission in 2003 which requires utilities to forecast future demand for electric power and thoroughly analyze ways to meet that demand in an efficient and reliable manner, and at the lowest reasonable cost.  Meeting future needs includes: a) forecasting needs and included working with developers, economists on economic growth, b) demand side management, and includes encouraging use of energy efficient appliances and solar water heaters, and c)  supply side planning, which includes use of new technology and alternative energy sources such as wind, photo voltaic, bio fuels such as ethanol and bio diesel.  New technology will be used in the development of a new generator by 2009 in Campbell Industrial Park that will use bio fuel.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Some power outages in the Hawaii Kai area are due to problems with underground lines which were not installed in ducts, which was the practice years ago, resulting in damage and other problems.  These lines are being replaced.

1. Electrical distribution lines seen on Lunalilo Home Road strung on street light poles are temporary, used to restore power to customers until underground lines can be repaired, usually within a few months.

1. The shutdown of electricity island-wide last month as a result of the earthquake was done to protect the entire system.  Alarms and other indications were that the shutdown was necessary.  Restoring power takes time, areas had to be isolated otherwise demand would have exceeded supply causing more problems.   Protection systems cannot be disabled as doing so could cause more problems.  Building an earthquake proof system would be too expensive and the cost would have to be borne by rate payers.

1. A reserve capacity of 30 percent is desired, a 25 to 26 percent reserve exists right now and the new generator will bring the reserve capacity back to desired levels.   There is no shortfall in capacity.

1. Temporary shortages may occur if generators are off line, or temporary distribution problems such as lines being out of service and remaining lines not being able to make up the difference.

1. Developers cannot be stopped from proceeding with their projects; work is done with developers to accommodate their projects.

1. It was suggested that Hawaiian Electric Company’s monopoly be ended, competition would provide better service.  Contradictory statements seem to be made, conservation is requested, while stating capacity is adequate and no shortfalls exist.

1. It is not simple to build new generators, Public Utility Commission approval is needed, the permitting process is long, no one wants a power plant in their backyard, etc.

1. The new generator in Campbell Industrial Park will initially burn locally produced naphtha, and eventually burn 100 percent bio fuel as it becomes available.

Fukunda and Dizon were thanked for attending the meeting.

LEGISLATIVE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATION FOR THE 2007 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION – Committee Chair Paresa was absent. Chair Muraoka reported recommendations for legislation were previously distributed to members for their review and were also made available for interested persons to review.

RAIL ALTERNATIVES, OPPOSING THE FIXED RAIL MONOPOLY - Grey moved and Hanson seconded that the Board adopt a resolution for the City Council and Mayor to abandon the rail transit proposal and rescind the 1/2 percent excise tax increase implementation as planned for 2007.  Discussion followed.  A call for the question carried, 8-2.  Levy and Halverson opposed.  Discussion followed.  The motion failed to carry, 7-3.  Elms, Levy, Halverson opposed.  The motion did not receive the necessary eight votes to carry.

Discussion followed on whether or not there should be further discussion on other recommendations due to the absence of the committee chair and other members might make it difficult to achieve a majority vote.  Huff moved and Clark seconded to table this matter.   The motion carried unanimously.  Representative-elect Ward reported that there was sufficient time for the Board to address the committee’s recommendations at its January 2007 meeting and still meet legislative deadlines.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next meeting of the Board is January 30, 2007, Hahaione Elementary School, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Submitted by,

Dean Chu

Neighborhood Assistant