When
Where
47-200 Waiheʻe Road, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi, 96744
KAHALU‘U NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 29
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2024
6:00 P.M.
Via WebEx or Call-In
In Person Venue
KEY Project
47-200 Waiheʻe Road Room 105
Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
This venue has been facilitated to comply with Sunshine Law and give the public a venue to attend the meeting if personal internet connection is not available.
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m2bad181dba8fb9cebfca7d3e2252500c
Meeting ID / Access Code: 2486 006 8469
Passcode: NB29 (6229 from phones and video systems)
Join by Video System: Dial 24860068469@cchnl.webex.com
Dial by your location: 1-408-418-9388
Meeting Materials: Find a referenced archive of handouts and materials for Neighborhood Board No.29 at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB?usp=drive_link
Recordings of Board meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
Rules of Speaking: To ensure the maximum opportunity for all attendees to be heard, the following guidelines apply: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to type their question in the chat box or raise their hand using the “raise hand” function in the online platform – which is indicated by a hand. If accessing the meeting using your phone and you have a comment, indicate this by pressing the symbols *9 – this will show the moderator that the person calling from that number wishes to speak. To mute/unmute your phone, press *6. In-person, please raise your hand. Please wait until recognized by the chair to begin comments and address those comments to the chair. All official reports, comments or concerns shall be five (5) minutes or less.
Please Kōkua: To help all attendees the opportunity to hear presentations & comments, please place your device on mute until you would like to speak. When you are recognized, unmute yourself and make your comments.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds vote (10) of this 15-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Items may not be added if they are of major importance and will affect a significant number of people.
I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Parker Spencer
II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD (Residents must present I.D. & proof of address)
A. Election of Officers
i. Secretary
B. Board Member Vacancies
i. Sub-District Six (6): Two (2) Vacancies
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – Regina Malepeai
B. Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina
C. Councilmember Matt Weyer – Chelsea Gonzales
D. Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa
E. Governor Josh Green Representative – Katie Lambert, Deputy to the Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
F. Senator Brenton Awa
G. Representative Lisa Kitagawa
H. Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg
I. Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo
J. U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda
K. Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa
V. COMMUNITY TOPICS (Limited to ten (10) minutes each)
A. Red Hill Water Spill Movement – Melody Aduja
VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)
VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Discuss, Review, and Approve Subdistrict 6 Vacancy Flyer – Chair Parker Spencer
B. Approval of Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS (Limited to two (2) minutes each)
Kahaluʻu Board Boundary Map: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/29_Kahaluu.jpg
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Oʻahu White Cane Walk – Friday, October 18, 2024
B. Next Regular Board Meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.
X. ADJOURNMENT
A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this Board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco
If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.
All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
KEY PROJECT ROOM 105, 47-200 WAIHEʻE, KĀNEʻOHE, HI 96744
AND VIA WEBEX
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCPer9HU0tY
Reports & other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T530VW69IeAahTHy9svOIVH4gGqNA4bB
I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:03]:
Chair Spencer called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.; Quorum was established with 8 members present. Note – This fifteen-member Board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Parker Spencer, Arthur Machado, Jarrett Machado, John Reppun, Rick Towill, Clifford Loo, Dan Bender, Rocky Kaluhiwa, Ken LeVasseur (joined at 6:03 p.m.), Hiʻiaka Jardine (joined at 6:15 p.m.), Jessie Makainai (joined at 6:25 p.m.).
Board Members Absent: Ian Masterson and Edwin Ige.
Guests: Captain Sueda (Honolulu Fire Department); Officer Konegay (Honolulu Police Department); Katie Lambert (Governor Green’s Office); Barry Usagawa (Board of Water Supply); Regina Malepeai (Mayor Blangiardi’s Office); Director Laura Thielen (Department of Parks and Recreation); Wendy (Representative Kitagawaʻ Office); Senator Brenton Awa, Elizabeth Tatofi-Tavake (Senator Awaʻs Office); Chelsea (Councilmember Weyerʻs Office); Emily Natori (Congress Representative Tokudaʻs Office); Marie Samudio (KKCERT); Kristi Kaluhiwa, Bob Piasecki (Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base); Alice Talbott, Aria, Elizabeth, Donald Sakamoto, Jason (Residents & Guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There was a total of 47 participants.
II. EMERGENCY RESPONDER MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:00:10]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:00:20]: Captain Sueda provided the monthly statistics from the month of August 2024. The fire safety tip for the month was regarding moving over for emergency vehicles.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q-bKhKOW_x97REF0SxV_kuUIs1cW5OjI/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:02:08]
Member LeVasseur Joined at 6:03 p.m.; 9 members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:03:38]: Officer Konegay provided the monthly statistics from the month of August 2024 and partial of September 2024. She also provided details regarding the type of thefts that had occurred.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:05:10]
Member Hiʻiaka joined at 6:15 p.m.; 10 members present.
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES ON THE BOARD – [0:15:13]
Election of Officers – Secretary – [0:15:16]: No volunteers.
Sub-District Six (6): Two (2) Vacancies – [0:15:31]: No volunteers.
Chair Spencer announced that he was working on a flyer to share with the Board to gather their feedback – [0:15:37].
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS – [0:16:07]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi Representative – [0:16:08]: Regina Malepeai reported the following:
● Installation of nearly 30 new security cameras across Chinatown
● Hoarder home on Pensacola Street demolished
● Responses to concerns that were raised from the previous meeting regarding to the following: Haiku Road’s sidewalk clean up request; grass maintenance request between Heʻeia Pier and Heʻeia State Park; request for a staff that handles pre assessment consultation for highway, roadway, rehabilitation, erosion mitigation, and the environmental assessment; and the request for Director Thielen to attend the September Neighborhood Board Meeting.
● Details on the process for streamlining and expedite demolition permits
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LXhVr9KKx-EzRBWtwZoXGXofkg7Bw6LL/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:21:04]
Councilmember Esther Kiaʻāina – [0:22:15]: Chair Spencer announced that an email was received that Councilmember Kiaʻāinaʻs office would not be able to attend.
Councilmember Matt Weyer – [0:22:27]: No representative present, but this was discussed later in the meeting.
Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa – [0:22:58]: No representative present, but this was discussed later in the meeting.
Governor Josh Green Representative – [0:23:17]: Katie Lambert provided the following:
● Governor Green and his team visited Maui last month to commemorate the one year mark of the Maui Wildfires.
● Responses to the previous meetingʻs concerns regarding the sewage treatment plant and if the City swap had been completed on the Kalaheo HIllside to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL).
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Obk9LObKRl7uwdQX-peuE9im-FtjgkQP/view?usp=drive_link
● Member Bender’s Question
○ “We understand that the leach field sewage disposal installation is now completed at the Heeia Kea Pier entrance from Kamehameha HWY. This installation is critical for the process of raw sewage from dozens of daily bus loads of tourists who utilize the pier when they complete their Kaneohe Bay excursions….as many as 1000 tourists per day. Without this equipment installed and working properly, we understand that raw sewage is going directly into the bay….even though the holding tanks are pumped by “honey wagons” as required. Please find out (do discovery) as to when this equipment will be put into operation. Will “honey wagon” collectors still be required. AND THIS IS NOT THE SAME SYSTEM THAT IS USED TO SERVICE THE TOILETS AT THE OCEAN END OF THE PIER. We have not seen the Heeia Kea Pier (Ocean End) system collector, in use for tourist or private boats. Please explain how the sewage from tourist boats, and private yachts will be collected and disposed of, once the Heeia Pier entrance equipment is put into use. (Paragraph One Above) We have “heard” that it will take at least two more years for it to begin operations.”
Member Hiʻiaka left the meeting at 6:24 p.m.; 9 members present.
Member Makainai joined at 6:25 p.m.; 10 members present.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:26:57]
Senator Brenton Awa – [0:31:15]: Senator Awa reported the following updates:
● The Department of Transportation approved an extension to the Kahaluʻu Food Tree Project into Ahuimanu in front of the public housing.
● Submitted an application 2 months ago to the Department Parks and Recreation
● Haleiwa Food Tree Project relating to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:34:15]
Representative Lisa Kitagawa – [0:37:57]: Wendy reported the following:
● 5th annual drive thru flu shot clinic at Windward Community College
● Newsletters are sent out every Friday. Contact repkitagawa@capitol.hawaii.gov to be added onto the distribution list.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:38:56]
Windward Community College – Chancellor Ardis Eschenberg – [0:41:41]: No representative present.
Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo – [0:41:50]: No report.
U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda – [0:41:58]: No representative present, but this was discussed later in the meeting.
Kāneʻohe Bay Regional Council – Clifford Loo (Continued) – [0:42:19]: Member Kaluhiwa announced that she called the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and that they donʻt have a representative. There has been a vacancy for a few months and she asked if they could have that filled. Kristi Kaluhiwa announced that there will be a meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Member Makainai left at 6:46 p.m.; 9 members present.
Kāneʻohe Marine Corps Base – Kristi Kaluhiwa – [0:43:47]: Kristi Kaluhiwa announced that their Deputy Director of the Installation and Logistics is attending the meeting and will provide a slide presentation. Other things that she reported were a request to present on the next monthʻs agenda and new online form for noise concerns and reporting. Bob Piasecki provided a slide presentation regarding to water reclamation facility update.
● Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1i88OsM59L_AQ-gOmKUKHutrqLVMWAJLd/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101205618811575423434&rtpof=true&sd=true
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:51:56]
V. COMMUNITY TOPICS – [0:59:54]
Residential Animal Sanctuary – [0:59:57]: Resident Elizabeth informed that she has combined her interests which were to help animals and people. This was how she established her institute.
Community Park Concerns – Kahaluʻu Regional Park Homeless Encampment & Importance of Park Public Use – [1:02:22]: This was discussed later in the meeting.
VI. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [1:03:02]
Kūlia Academy – [1:03:15]: Karen Awana introduced herself as the Director of Advancement for Kūlia Academy. She provided information about the school as they are new. Their curriculum is focused on data science and artificial intelligence. They have their students purchase drones in computer programming. For more information, the public can visit kuliaacademy.org
Paratransit Services – [1:04:59]: Donald Sakamoto was advocating for improvements in paratransit services, particularly regarding the safety of blind and disabled individuals using the new rear-entry vans. He expressed concerns about the dangers posed by the stairways and the drop-off locations near traffic.
Red Hill Spill Concern – [1:07:04]: Melody A. expressed her concern that the Red Hill spill is now at the Aiea well and is moving. It will most likely go past the Aiea Well.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:12:08]
Kaneohe Kahalu’u Cert – [1:14:02]: Mary discussed details regarding community resilience efforts. She also expressed that she is concerned that they are missing out on great financial and support services. CERENE and Vibrant Hawai’i are advice support services while the Castle Foundation is mostly financial support.
IV. CITY / STATE / FEDERAL REPORTS – [1:19:14]
Board of Water Supply – Barry Usagawa (Continued) – [1:19:14]: Barry reported the following:
● Imagine a Day Without Water: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T419ikqI8E_ZXDc9LEv_L2dhtxCEDf4I/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:20:35]
Councilmember Matt Weyer (Continued) – [1:25:34]: Chelsea reported the following:
● Bill 46 is the taxation on vacant homes.
● Bill 3 recently signed by the Mayor. It incentivizes housing to be built on smaller parcels in the urban core.
● Key Project is having a fundraiser on Saturday, October 12, 2024
U.S. Congress Representative Jill Tokuda (Continued) – [1:28:46]: Emily reported the following:
● Congresswoman spent the month of August in the district, so she is now in D.C.
● The House will be taking a continuing resolution before the end of the federal fiscal year.
● Their office is receiving applications for any students who are interested in seeking a nomination to a military service academy.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sj_1gaR3W9yRF9sTaKXjdtAQo_vxUb1y/view?usp=drive_link
● Link to submit applications for those seeking military service academy nominations: https://tokuda.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations
V. COMMUNITY TOPICS (CONTINUED) – [0:59:54]
Community Park Concerns – Kahaluʻu Regional Park Homeless Encampment & Importance of Park Public Use (Continued) – [1:30:12]: Member Bender provided details regarding the homeless encampment at the Kahaluʻu Regional Park. Three groups of people are living with dogs that are not properly leashed. They are on the outskirts of the regional park. Director Thielen explained the City’s efforts to clean up stored property in parks and how they coordinate with the police for enforcement. Director Thielen highlighted the need for mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, noting the City’s commitment to providing additional beds for those in need.She acknowledged the challenges posed by chronic homelessness, where some individuals refuse help, and mentions legal support for the City’s actions to manage encampments. There’s a focus on collaboration with local organizations to activate parks, thereby encouraging community use and reducing encampments.She also emphasized the importance of maintaining parklands and suggested that better management and community engagement could enhance the situation. There was discussion about the overgrowth in certain areas of parks and the potential need for further maintenance and clearing to improve accessibility.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:43:44]
VII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:55:16]
Discuss Subject Matter Committees – [1:55:16]: Chair Spencer expressed that he would like the Board to have multiple committees and have the Board Members participation. Few Board Members announced that they’re already involved in some activities that could be a committee, so they would consider presenting to the Board. They agree that having committees would help important items be presented to the larger group and smaller items can be provided in the committees.
Approval of Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes – [2:08:00]: MOVED by Member Kaluhiwa and SECONDED by Member Bender to approve the Wednesday, August 14, 2024 regular meeting minutes [2:08:14]. Hearing no discussions; a voice vote was conducted. The motion was ADOPTED 9-0-0 (Aye: Spencer, Arthur Machado, Jarrett Machado, Reppun, Towill, Loo, Bender, Kaluhiwa, and LeVasseur; Nay: None; Abstain: None;) [2:08:41].
VIII. SUBDISTRICT REPORTS – [2:08:52]
Subdistrict One (1) – [2:08:53]: No report.
Subdistrict Two (2) – [2:09:10]: No report.
Subdistrict Three (3) – [2:09:17]: Member Keone Machado announced a community concern regarding an abandoned boat. Member Kaluhiwa reported a homeless issue.
Subdistrict Four (4) – [2:11:32]: Member LeVasseur announced that heʻs working with Marie Samudio.
Subdistrict Five (5) – [2:11:47]: Member Bender announced that there will be an Ahuimanu Homeowner Association meeting and he plans to ask if there is anyone that would be interested in joining the Neighborhood Board.
Subdistrict Six (6) – [2:12:09]: No report.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:12:14]
Hawaiian Electric Co. Pole Replacement/Installation – Chair Parker Spencer
Next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at KEY Project.
Chair Spencer announced that he received a request from Member Bender to have a 5 second moment of silence in remembrance for 9/11. Hearing no objections. The Board conducted a moment of silence [2:12:39].
X. ADJOURNMENT – [2:15:56]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO
Finalized by: Parker Spencer, Chair, NB29
To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.
Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone. If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.
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