HAWAII KAI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
HAHAIONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2004
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Lester Muraoka called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with twelve members present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dolores Elms, Louise Fleming, Jeanette Hanson, Walt Harvey, James Kennedy, Greg Knudsen, David Livingston, Manny Menendez, Lester Muraoka, Anthony Paresa, Cassandra Stewart, Bob Speck and Brett White.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Clark and Mary Houghton.
GUESTS: Lieutenant Abner DeLima, Sergeant Gerald Reese and Officer Chad Nishimoto (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Robert Thomas (Honolulu Fire Department), Senator Sam Slom, Representative Bud Stonebraker, Representative Bertha Leong, Councilmember Charles Djou, Francisco Figueiredo (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office staff), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Suzanne Roig (Honolulu Advertiser), Arla Harvey (East Oahu Realty), Elizabeth Reilly (Livable Hawaii Kai Hui), Carl Young (Site Acquisition Consultant representing Nextel), Thomas Yamabe (Pacific Island Growers), Lillie C. Wong, Charles Nii and Mary Lou Toyama (Kamilonui Farmers’ Cooperative), John Peyton (Governor’s Representative), Russ Saito (State Comptroller/Director, State Department of Accounting and General Services), John Sakaguchi (Wilson Okamoto), Donna Wong (Hawaii Thousand Friends), Jacqueline Parnell (League of Women Voters), Terri Peck (Kamilonui Hui), Daniel Clement (Hawaii Kai Plaza), Chuck Johnston, Dr. Emogene Yoshimura, Karen Matthews, Jackie Miller, Jim Stone, Paul Bauer, Kamala Trotter, David Flinn, Gary Lum, Evangeline Yead, Elizabeth Uhr, Bonnie Ozaki, Natalie Iwasa, Steven Geshell, Christa Gerlich, Gary Weller, Don Johnston, Bob Hampton, Eve G. Anderson, MaryAnn Sacharski, Nicole LaPrade, Marian Grey, Susan Von Geldern, Matt McCullough, John Wells, Andy Constantaras, Rick Rocheleu, Ralph Gonzalez, Kim Legawa, Ruth Guaneiri, Jan Zichtect, Janice Harrer, Bob Fowler, Dick Baker, Rachelle Read, Steven Geimer, Anna Marie Watkins, Jaquelin Miller, Iain Reilly, Mariliz Reilly, Todd Shelly, Sam Tokunaga, Alan Tateishi, Douglas Kurihara, Ruth Stepulis, Stephen Kohn, Don Mackay, Morton Cotlar, Tai and Pat Hong, Howard and Betsy Wiener, Steve and Gail Carr, Mike Bacon and Greg Houtz (Mike Bacon Productions) and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF JUNE 29, 2004 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The following corrections were made:
· Page 2, paragraph 12, line 3, item 2, add the following: “Paresa suggested that the Board’s Legislative Committee hold a meeting in November 2004 to formulate ideas and suggestions for consideration by area lawmakers for the upcoming 2005 state legislative session.”
· Page 4, paragraph 8, under Public Generated Issues – The Future of Farming on Kamilonui Valley, line 2, insert “one time Executive Director” between “Thomas Yamabe” and “of the Hawaii Farm Bureau”
· Page 6, under Representative Bud Stonebraker, paragraph 4, Discussion followed, item 2, second sentence should read: “Representative Stonebraker replied that he does not support the new grading system being proposed by the State Department of Education, but does support giving teachers the tools to discipline their students.”
Without objections, the June 29, 2004 Regular Meeting Minutes were approved as amended.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Harvey reported the following financial statement ending June 30, 2004: The previous operating account balance was $489.14; previous expenditures totaled $1,030.86; current expenditures was $93.37 (May 2004 was $17.62 – building rental; June 2004 was $17.62 – building rental; and June 2004 was $58.13 – mailing out June 2004 Agenda and May 2004 meeting minutes), total expenditures to date is $1,124.23; and the current operating account balance to date is $395.77. There being no expenditures, the current publicity account balance remains at zero. There being no expenditures, the refreshment account balance remains at $113.02. Without objections, the treasurer’s report was approved for filing subject to audit. Harvey asked Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui if the monies leftover from the Board’s budget are carried over from the previous fiscal year to the new fiscal year. Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui replied that those leftover monies lapse.
Kennedy arrived at 7:06 p.m. (thirteen members present)
SECRETARY’S REPORT: No report.
STATUS REPORTS
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Robert Thomas reported the following statistics for June 2004: The Hawaii Kai Fire Station responded to the following: Fires – three structure (including a major structure fire that occurred at 365 Kuliouou Road), five brush, and one vehicle. Emergencies – thirty medical calls, five search/rescue and fifteen miscellaneous.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Officer Chad Nishimoto reported the following: (1) Property crimes for June 2004 in the following police beat numbers: Beat 774 – three burglaries, three unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and three felony thefts; Beat 776 – two burglaries, three unauthorized entries into motor vehicles, and one felony theft; Beat 778 – three unauthorized entries into motor vehicles and one felony theft; Beat 780 – five unauthorized entries into motor vehicles and four felony thefts; Beat 782 – one authorized entry into a motor vehicle collision; and Beat 784 – four unauthorized entries into motor vehicles and one felony theft. (2) Attached to HPD’s written report is Hawaiian Humane Society’s Guide to Dogs on Beaches. (3) HPD’s Narco/Vice Division’s Complaint Detail closed four prior complaints is and now working on ten new complaints. (4) Distributed the Aloha Pace Sticker including information to educate motorists not to exceed the speed limit.
Discussion followed: (1) Paresa commended HPD’s efforts in helping to reduce crime throughout Hawaii Kai. However, he mentioned that there was a break-in that occurred a year ago in a Kalama Valley home and inquired about it’s status. Officer Nishimoto could not give a definitive response. (2) Fleming inquired on the status of convict Stuart Calistro who was released in May 2004 on bail. Officer Nishimoto stated that he would follow up on it. (3) Speck mentioned that he reported to HPD a kidnapping that occurred last month. (4) Chair Muraoka inquired on what HPD is doing in patrolling Mariners Ridge that has experienced a rash of burglaries including a robbery during broad daylight at the home of City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, and what support is available for a neighborhood watch program. Officer Nishimoto replied that HPD is utilizing different means of patrols throughout Mariners Ridge and will get the phone number and contact for the neighborhood watch program. (5) Andy Constantaras inquired to what time of day did most of the robberies on Mariners Ridge occur. Officer Nishimoto replied between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when most of the residents were at work or in school.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Lorna Heller reported the following: (1) There were four water main breaks that occurred in June 2004: (a) June 9 – 4-inch at 812 Kiaala Place; (b) June 11 – 8-inch at 7455 Kekaa Street; June 17 – 8-inch at the intersection of Honokahua Street and Ipuai Street; and June 21 – 8-inch at 1345 Kaeleku Street. (2) General Water Announcements: (a) BWS invites everyone to their 16th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 7, 2004 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be plenty of activities including garden tours, xeriscaping workshops and games for kids. About a dozen local nurseries will be on hand to sell drought resistant plants for use at your home or business. For more information, call BWS’ Community Relations Office at 748-5041. (b) Water conservation is a year round effort, but it is particularly important during our dry summer months. If you see water being wasted, for example, broken sprinkler heads, lawn watering at mid-day or other excessive use of water, call 748-5041. (c) During July 2003, Oahu consumers used an average of 175 million gallons of water a day. BWS’ latest water use report for the week ending July 14, 2004 shows an average water use of 168.64 million gallons a day. That’s an increase of 3.58 million gallons a day from the previous week. Compared to the same time last year, water use is down 8.25 million gallons a day.
Discussion followed: (1) Contact number to report water waste is 748-5041. (2) Speck congratulated Heller for being named Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year.
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS: Stewart announced that she and Clark are organizing the political candidates forum in August 2004 for the primary election and September 2004 for the general election. Please forward questions to your respective Board representatives at www1.honolulu.gov/refs/nco/members.htm#nb1.
CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Muraoka announced the following: (1) Public hearing for a zoning variance application regarding 307 Koko Isle Circle takes place Thursday, August 5, 2004. (2) Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui will be out of town during the Board’s August meeting but will be back for the September meeting.
PUBLIC GENERATED ISSUES:
United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers Home Administration Program helping young farmers: Lillie C. Wong, President of Kamilonui Farmers Cooperative, stated her congratulations to Lester Muraoka as new Board Chair and complemented the previous Board Chair Brett White for presiding over Board meetings in a democratic manner. Wong commented that for the past few Board meetings, she has been hearing interested young farmers expressing their passion for continued farming on Kamilonui Valley. Wong mentioned that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a special loan for young farmers through their Farmers Home Administration (FHA) Program where they can obtain a $200,000 loan at five percent to be paid in forty years or a seven-year loan with a five percent interest to purchase farm equipment. Wong stressed the need to have young farmers to feed the nation. She noted that there are thousands of acres of prime agricultural land owned by big landowners. She added that the USDA has a class teaching young farmers marketing skills to sell one’s agricultural products to the open market. She finally stated when the Livable Hawaii Kai Hui places a sign saying SAVE KAMOLUNUI VALLEY, it should amended by adding SAVE KAMILONUI FARMERS.
Discussion followed: Chair Muraoka asked Wong would provide a contact or phone number for those interested in participating in this program. Wong replied that she would provide a contact number.
Explaining the legality for placing the Livable Hawaii Kai Hui Sign on private property: Liz Reilly, from Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, mentioned that when her organization placed signs all over Hawaii Kai including the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Wailua Street, she took the time to talk to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) officials who informed her that Livable Hawaii Kai Hui did not need a permit to express their first amendment rights as long as the signs were placed on private property.
Inquiry to farmers farming on land owned by one of the Kamilonui Valley farmers: Bob Fowler asked Thomas Yamabe if those young farmers are farming on land owned by Yamabe. Board members Elms and Chair Muraoka told Fowler that question is a private in both nature and scope.
Mentioning a newspaper article regarding truckloads of dirt on watershed land in Hawaii Kai: Chuck Johnston mentioned a newspaper article regarding over-development throughout Oahu. Johnston cited an example of over-development on Mariners Cove where more than 2,000 truckloads of dirt are going into the proposed Hawaii Kai Cemetery. He further mentioned that Mayor Harris stated more than ten years ago that he would preserve watershed land in Hawaii Kai where it is now the home of the Hawaii Kai Cemetery.
Kamilonui Farmers needing financial relief: Jim Stone, an attorney representing various Kamilonui Valley farmers, stated that most of the farmers are elderly (most in their seventies, eighties and nineties) who want to get out farming where in recent years it has become more difficult due to the following: lack of sewer hook ups, unpaved roads, crossing an easement and being required to paying approximately one million dollars to repair the storm drainage system. Stone noted that Kamilonui Valley is marginal farm land where the lease rents will be unaffordable in five years. This will force many farmers into dire financial consequences that make them willing to sell their farm lots. Under these circumstances, it does not make sense to anyone to purchase farm leases.
Discussion followed: (1) Speck mentioned that the Honolulu City Council voted for Bill 10 that raises the agricultural land tax by 1,000%. Stone replied that five years from now, the leases for farmers will go up even higher, therefore he asked the Board to understand the farmers’ plight. (2) Charles Johnston stated that he spoke to two farmers who told him that they are doing fine financially. (3) Chair Muraoka mentioned that Board member Houghton will make arrangements for Board members and/or any interested individuals to tour the Kamilonui Valley Farm Lots. (4) Thomas Yamabe stated that the primary question is whether the Board supports the (1999) East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan in current form that includes retaining open space in Kamilonui Valley or amending the document by proposing to change area land use.
REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Manny Menendez reported the following: (1) He has asked Speck to get a private group to address fixing the drainage along the Hawaii Kai Drive cul-de-sacs. (2) He mentioned the process regarding the formulation of the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan where he stated that the renewal of this document is in the preliminary stages where during that time there will be ample opportunities for public input in various venues including presentations to both the Hawaii Kai and Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Boards, East Honolulu Vision Team, the Honolulu City Planning Commission and the Honolulu City Council.
Discussion followed: (1) Knudsen expressed concern that the City installed a gate that blocked access to Hanauma Bay entrance to Koko Head Regional Park. Menendez replied that he would follow up on it. (2) Paresa inquired to when the Hawaii Kai Community Sign would be fixed. Menendez replied that the repair job would be done soon. (3) Paresa stated his concern regarding the loose boulder on Koko Crater where it becomes a health and safety hazard. Menendez replied that he is following up on this problem. (4) Paresa thanked Councilmember Djou for helping to place on the City’s website, HPD dispatches highlights reported in real time. Paresa also requested that the bus stop currently located across Koko Marina Shopping Center at the intersection of Lunalilo Home Road and Kaumakani Street be relocated soon for pedestrian and vehicle safety. (5) Wong thanked Menendez for helping Kamilonui Valley Farmers by opening the west end of Kamilonui Valley for farmers to ingress and egress especially in rainy days. (6) Livingston inquired about the resolution that passed at last month’s Board meeting requesting the City Auditor to audit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Special Fund. Menendez replied that the audit is occurring as this moment. (7) Marian Grey expressed her disappointment with the City Administration’s proposal to divert monies from the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Special Fund to the City’s general fund. Menendez replied that excess monies from the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Special Funds are allocated to fund improvements to the Koko Head District Park. (8) Steven Geimer asked that the Ironwood trees fronting the Tesoro Gas Station be watered on a regular basis. Menendez stated that he would follow up on it. (9) Fleming thanked Menendez for answering her questions about the Koko Head District Park facility. She noted that Menendez has been absent or the past two Board meetings where there was no alternate Mayor’s representative present. Menendez replied that Vergel Adonis was Mayor’s Representative while Menendez was traveling on City business. Menendez noted that his job as Executive Director of the City Department of Economic Development includes traveling to recruit businesses to come and do business in Honolulu.
COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU: Francisco Figueiredo reported the following: (1) Councilmember Djou could not be present. (2) Resolution 04-198: Supporting the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan including preserving agricultural lands in Kamilonui Valley, passed by a unanimous vote of 5-0-0 to day before the City Council’s Planning Committee. The Councilmember thanked residents who testified on the resolution regardless of one’s point of view. (3) Resolution 03-240: Relating to Ethics will be heard before the City Council’s Executive Matters Committee on Thursday, July 29, 2004, 9:00 a.m. (4) The City and County of Honolulu’s new website is www.honolulu.gov which replaces the cumbersome www.co.honolulu.hi.us.
SENATOR SAM SLOM: Senator Slom reported the following: (1) At the end of the July 13, 2004 deadline, Governor Lingle signed 242 bills into law and vetoed 28 bills passed by the 2004 state legislature. (2) There are four constitutional amendments that were initiated by Honolulu City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle that will be on the November 2004 General election ballot. They include the following: (a) allowing the courts to decide what behavior constitute a continuing course of conduce in sexual assault cases; (b) providing the public the right to access information regarding convicted sex offenders; (c) providing the inadmissibility of privileged confidential communication between an alleged crime victim and that victim’s counselor or health professional; and (d) allowing for a felony prosecution to be initiated by the process of information charging in preliminary hearings. Senator Slom stated his support for all four proposed constitutional amendments. (3) The Bottle Bill became law without the Governor’s signature will go into effect November 1, 2004 when a six cents per container charge will be levied on every single beverage container bought by every consumer. Starting January 2005, five cents of the six cents will be refundable to consumers at a pre-designated site in usable or recyclable cans. Note: not applicable to crushed cans. (4) An additional 60 cents have been inserted in cell phone consumers’ monthly phone bills to help fund emergency 911 services on wireless cell phones. (5) Governor Lingle has appointed Kenneth Taira to be the State’s chief negotiator. (6) The security gate installed at the State Capitol’s Miller Street gate will be in effect on July 16, 2004 with public access on weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from 5:30
a.m. to 11:30 p.m. when the legislature is in session. (8) He thanked Ms. Cynthia Bond for successfully coordinating the Blood Bank Drive this past Saturday.
Discussion followed: (1) Speck inquired to why Governor Lingle did not veto the Bottle Bill. Senator Slom replied that crushed cans do not apply for the five cents rebate. (2) Chair Muraoka complimented Senator Slom on his near perfect attendance at the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meetings.
Stewart left at 8:00 p.m. (twelve members present)
SENATOR FRED HEMMINGS: Not present.
REPRESENTATIVE BUD STONEBRAKER: Representative Stonebraker reported that he testified before the City Council testifying in support of Resolution 04-198: Supporting the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan, including preserving agricultural lands in Kamilonui Valley, citing his concern that further development would worsen traffic conditions. A sentiment shared by Marian Grey who urged the Board to support Resolution 04-198.
REPRESENTATIVE BERTHA LEONG: Representative Leong reported the following: (1) Governor Lingle signed House Bill 2645 – Exempts for ten years retired teachers holding a teaching license from prerequisite coursework that the department requires of substitute teachers. (2) Governor Lingle vetoed House Bill 2859 – Requiring the Governor to convene a working group to study the feasibility of establishing a multi-purpose international equestrian facility. Rationale for the Governor’s veto is that this proposal should have been done through a concurrent resolution rather than law. The Governor added that the study should have been done by the private sector. (3) She attended a presentation given by Dr. Yung-Ping Chen, Professor at the University of Massachusetts regarding Policy Implications for Social Security and Long-Term Care at the State Capitol on June 22, 2004. (4) She along with a representative from Star of the Sea Health Ministry and a representative from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will be hosting a seminar on changes to medicare and prescription drugs at Star of the Sea Community Center on August 2, 2004, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (5) Pre-construction fabrication of the pedestrian bridge at Wailupe Valley Elementary School will take about two to three months to be completed and should be installed in early January 2005. She thanked Councilmember Djou and Mayor’s Representative Manny Menendez for their support on this project.
Discussion followed: Knudsen stated that it is significant that Governor Lingle signed Act 51 into law – Reinventing Education Bill, that is a first step forward to moving slowly towards reforming the current public education system. He further mentioned that the Governor released the funds on July 23, 2004.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: John Peyton distributed the Governor’s monthly newsletter for interested individuals to read. Peyton mentioned that the State Department of Health (DOH) would like to do a presentation at a future Board meeting regarding the West Nile Virus.
Discussion followed: Speck inquired to why Governor Lingle did not veto the Bottle Bill. Peyton replied that he would give an answer at the next Board meeting.
White left at 8:20 p.m. (eleven members present)
PRESENTATIONS
OVERVIEW OF NEXTEL PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE FACILITIES VIA THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT AT THE HAWAII KAI GOLF COURSE: Carl Young, a site acquisition consultant, representing Nextel, stated that Nextel is planning to install an antenna pole on the Hawaii Kai Golf Course in Kalama Valley located between the fourth Green and fifth Tee, disguised as a seventy-foot tall pine tree, blending in with the existing pine trees at the golf course. Young stated that Nextel offered to install their proposed monopole at Kalama Valley Shopping Center, the Board of Water Supply’s Kalama Reservoir and the intersection of Hawaii Kai Drive and Kealahou Street. Nextel was turned down for all three sites prior to choosing the golf course.
Discussion followed: (1) Knudsen commented that the proposed location is an improvement compared to their previous proposal to installing it at the intersection of Hawaii Kai Drive and Kealahou Street. (2) Elms asked if Nextel has installed similar poles elsewhere. Young replied Kalihi Elementary School. (3) Menendez inquired if the revenues from the monopole would go to the golf course. Young replied that information regarding revenue sharing is confidential information. (4) Paresa concurred with Knudsen’s point that the proposed placement of the pole between the fourth Green and fifth Tee is an improvement, but inquired of Nextel is asking for Board approval. Young replied yes. (5) Karen Matthews stated her opposition to the proposed monopole installation that would adversely affect Koko Crater Stables. Young replied that Nextel is installing a monopole that is disguised as a seventy-foot pine tree. (6) Dr. Emogene Yoshimura expressed concern with the proposed project that may result in radiation spreading the affected neighborhood. Young replied that this pole generates between 10 to 100 watts as compared to five million watts on a television tower. Young noted that a similar pole is installed at the Geriatric Ward in Kuakini General Hospital that does not adversely affect patients. (7) Janice Harrer stated that this proposed installation would invite further development around Koko Head Stables where that area is already developed. Speck moved and Fleming seconded that the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board No. 1 support Nextel’s installation of the fifty-foot monopole disguised as a seventy-foot pine tree at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course located between the fourth Green and fifth Tee.
Discussion followed: Elms suggested that the Board not vote on this item until Board members see the site for themselves. Speck replied that he has heard plenty on this item therefore the Board should proceed with the vote.
The motion was adopted by a vote of 8-0-3. Ayes: Fleming, Hanson, Harvey, Knudsen, Livingston, Muraoka, Paresa, Speck. Abstain: Elms, Kennedy, Menendez.
Resolution expressing support for the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan: Elizabeth Reilly, speaking on behalf of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui, stated that for the past four months, the Board has heard from residents stating the need to preserve agricultural land at Kamilonui Valley. She noted that the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan was unanimously approved by the City Council, the Mayor and the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board in 1999. Reilly noted that the Board expressed deep reservations regarding a provision that included building height limits. Those concerns were the driving force for City Council Resolution 04-198 that reiterates support for the 1999 East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan specifically in preserving agricultural lands on Kamilonui Valley. Livingston moved and Fleming seconded that the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board No. 1 support City Council Resolution 04-198 – Reiterating support for the 1999 East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan including preserving agricultural lands on Kamilonui Valley.
Discussion followed: (1) Paresa spoke in support of the motion but stressed the importance that this plan be a living document. He asked Mayor’s Representative Menendez that when the five years are passed before another review, that many people as possible be involved in the public input process. Fowler added that there is room to refine this plan. (2) Speck stated that this is an innocuous document that does not specify on how to preserve open space for future generations. (3) Fleming inquired of Board support would give this plan teeth. (4) Dick Baker spoke in support of this motion where by citing the Schuler Homes episode where they presented the Board their housing plan, but once construction started, the result turned out to be very different as originally proposed. (5) Menendez mentioned that when he first came to the Board as Mayor’s representative, there was a debate regarding constructing the Home Depot store in Hawaii Kai. As a Hawaii Kai resident, Menendez stated the need for a moratorium on further development. Individuals should go deeper and think of others especially the farmers. He suggested that there be a public lands trust to preserve areas like Kamilonui Valley for agricultural and other uses by buying the land and keeping it open space in perpetuity with a proviso to provide financial relief to the farmers. Knudsen and Jim Stone, an attorney representing various Kamilonui Farmers, stated their support for Menendez’s proposal. (6) A resident mentioned that she received a letter from a consultant stating the soil on Koko Heads Stables and Koko Head Botanical Gardens is sliding therefore there should be no further development in the area. (7) Chair Muraoka temporarily passed the chairmanship to Harvey and asked Board members to support this resolution. (8) Livingston thanked the community for their vigilance on this issue.
The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.
Livingston left at 9:10 p.m. (ten members present)
Radio Communications Site at Koko Head: Russ Saito, State Comptroller/Director of the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), presented a joint proposal by DAGS and the United States Coast Guard to construct a radio communications site at Koko Head Ridge located near Hanauma Bay, to connect all islands statewide to help improve communications among first emergency responders. This proposed seventy-foot tower is located between the Oceanic Cable and Nextel Towers. The existing antennas owned by the City would be replaced with these new towers. He added that the State would accommodate all government agencies for insuring communications among first responders.
Discussion followed: Elms asked if the State would be able to maintain those towers. Saito replied yes.
Speck moved and Harvey seconded that the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board No. 1 support installing the new Radio Communications Site at Koko Head Ridge to helping first responders’ communications.
Discussion followed: (1) Baker thought this was a motion to end further discussion on the matter. Knudsen replied that the motion is on the floor for discussion. (2) Baker asked if the proposed tower would consolidate commercial antennas. Saito replied no, it is for first responders (police, fire, ambulance) to communicate. Baker further inquired of members of the Koko Kai and Portlock Community Associations were informed on this project noting that the commercial antennas are an eyesore. Saito replied no. (3) Baker inquired to how the communication waves are transmitted. Saito replied microwave – beams like a flashlight. Saito stated that for further questions, he could be reached at 586-6400. (4) Menendez commented that consolidating various antennas operated by government agencies into one antenna would result in less clutter. Saito replied yes. A similar sentiment shared by project consultant John Sakaguchi. (5) Jackie Miller inquired if there are any archeological sites at the proposed location. Saito replied no but noted that there is bunker there that was used during wartime. (6) Paresa expressed concern about noise attenuation resulting from mechanical equipment used to provide cooling to the facility. Saito replied that the building design would minimize sound attenuation.
The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 10-0-0.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chair Muraoka named the following committee chairs:
Parks and Recreation - Mary Houghton
Transportation - Anthony Paresa
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Delegate - Louise Fleming
Health and Safety - James Kennedy
Legislation, Ethics and Policy - Bob Speck
Communications - Walt Harvey
Planning and Zoning - Bob Clark
Education - David Livingston
Community Relations - Jeanette Hanson
Capital Improvement Project Advisory - Cassandra Stewart
ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1) Chair Muraoka announced that the next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, 2004, 7:00 p.m., Hahaione Elementary School Cafeteria, 595 Pepeekeo Street. (2) Harvey announced that broadcasts of Board meetings on Olelo Channel 54 in July 2004 are Mondays at 5:00 p.m. and in August 2004 are Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
Knudsen suggested that the Board place Board Concerns as a regular agenda item for future Board meetings. Knudsen mentioned two concerns: (1) The Koko Villas Expansion Project that requires a zoning change would reduce the amount of open space in Hawaii Kai. (2) Plans to building a Costco Gas Station across Burger King where the price of gas is $2.06 would attract so many motorists that it would result in a traffic jam citing lack of sufficient space at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center parking lot. Chair Muraoka replied that Costco will be on the agenda this fall, and it was also noted in Senator Slom’s monthly written report.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
Submitted by Jamal Siddiqui, Neighborhood Assistant
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