No 27 North Shore Neighborhood Board Regular Meeting July 2024
North Shore Neighborhood Board Meeting
HPD Seatbelt Reminders and Enforcement Requests
Attendees heard reminders about the importance of wearing seatbelts in light of a recent fatal accident. An HPD representative stressed that seatbelts should be worn consistently, citing the risk of injury or death. The officer also noted that some local drivers occasionally forget to buckle up and encouraged community members to call 911 if they observe dangerous situations on the road. One board member asked about including citation statistics in monthly HPD reports, requesting details such as speeding, no-parking infractions, and their locations, should HPD’s data collection allow it.
Traffic Citation Data and Parking Concerns
A board member relayed a request from a constituent for monthly breakdowns of speeding and parking violations. The HPD officer indicated they would check if monthly statistics could be made available. Discussion followed about illegal parking around popular food truck sites, including locations near McDonald’s (“Gecko Gulch”) and across from the old Kalamatta gas station, where cars park on the highway shoulder. Board members expressed that visitor vehicles often occupy these congested areas and create safety risks.
Speeding, Patrol Issues, and Daytime Enforcement
Attendees voiced concerns regarding speeding on Haleiwa Road and alleged that some HPD officers might remain in Kayak Park longer than standard break times. Board members emphasized a need for more proactive enforcement and asked for heightened patrols, especially since July sees heavier traffic from visitors. Several members stressed that daytime visibility of HPD is key for addressing speeding, unlawful parking, and other violations.
Sharks Cove Rock Wall Repair and Parking Lot Closure
An update was given on the City project to fix a failing rock wall at Kapo‘o (Sharks Cove) near the comfort station. The wall is approximately 100 feet long and is about 50% compromised, carrying a price tag of up to $1.2 million. Work is set to begin on July 29, with a projected three-month closure of the entire parking lot. Attendees voiced concerns about the spillover parking that will likely affect adjacent residential streets, stores, and local access. The board underscored the need for coordination among HPD, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and the City Council member’s office to develop a plan for handling visitor traffic and illegal overflow parking during construction.
Trespassing Procedures and Warnings
A community member asked HPD to clarify trespassing procedures for private property. The officer explained that an owner or authorized representative must be present to file a trespass warning when the offender is on-site. Once documented, further presence by the offender can warrant arrest. Board members shared experiences in which repeat trespassers have been removed after repeated warnings, although the property owner often has to coordinate carefully to ensure a police officer can issue the notice before the individual leaves.
North Shore Fourth of July Traffic and Safety Efforts
Organizers of a large Fourth of July event, including the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, thanked HPD for helping direct traffic and minimize congestion. They noted that even with an accident causing a temporary blockage, officers acted quickly, improving overall flow for both residents and visitors. Some recognized that better traffic management results from clear communication with HPD before events.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report
A BWS representative announced there were no main breaks in the local area. BWS is hosting its annual “unthirsty” plant sale at Halawa Xeriscape Garden on Saturday, August 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring low-water-use plants and demonstrations on installing rain barrel catchments. The BWS representative also circulated a survey about potential water bill assistance programs and encouraged residents to fill it out so data can be collected on who might benefit, including seniors on fixed incomes and others with financial challenges.
Meeting Logistics, Recess Dates, and Testimony Rules
Board members voted to continue meeting on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Waialua Elementary School. They upheld a recess schedule for August, December, and April. Oral testimony rules were also re-adopted, limiting public comments to two minutes per person to manage time effectively.
Community Concerns and Proposed Moratorium on Development
During the open forum, a community member proposed a development moratorium on the North Shore District until traffic and parking conditions improve, particularly around well-known congestion points such as Laniakea. Another resident raised questions about illegal parking along Kamehameha Highway. The board noted it would keep track of these issues and invited further resident input and suggestions.
Wailua High and Intermediate School Updates
A coordinator from Wailua High and Intermediate School announced the upcoming Kickstart event on July 30, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., where students can handle key back-to-school tasks such as class registration, ID photos, and bus information. School starts on August 5 for new students, with grade-level assemblies soon thereafter. The annual homecoming parade is planned for September 19, followed by a homecoming football game on September 20 against McKinley High School.
Neighborhood Board Committee Formations
Several committees were formally re-established. The Parks Committee intends to meet at different parks to address local facility needs, rotating locations monthly. The Agricultural Committee will focus on forthcoming amendments to City land-use ordinances that affect agricultural zoning. The Health and Emergency Preparedness Committee aims to host events later in August and monitor issues ranging from outbreaks of invasive species to software outages affecting emergency services. The Cesspool Committee chairs reported that they will resume activity in September to discuss proposed legislation for the 2025 session.
Recognition for Kauai Hapai Airfield Consent Work (Deferred)
A planned tribute for Ben Devine, who assisted with finalizing a 50-year lease for Kauai Hapai Airfield, was postponed because of an injury that prevented him from attending. The board praised his multi-year effort to negotiate and keep the airfield operational and resolved to recognize him at a future meeting.
Waimea Valley Improvement Projects
Representatives of Waimea Valley summarized capital improvement plans funded by a $3.75 million federal grant. The project includes building a new agroforestry garden and a traditional Hawaiian hale at Pu‘u Kua, adding a resource center, expanding visitor facilities, and enhancing the pavilion for cultural events. A traffic signal proposed for Kamehameha Highway may not be needed if Waimea Valley’s paid beach parking lot is eliminated. Plans show final Environmental Assessment completion in August 2023, followed by Special Management Area applications, with construction tentatively slated for mid-to-late 2025. As part of ongoing considerations, Waimea Valley management is addressing the mix of commercial luau attractions versus core cultural and botanical preservation.
City Administration and State Legislature Updates
City and Council representatives recapped ongoing concerns such as speed humps, sign repairs, and the jurisdictions involved in road projects. They encouraged residents to use the 311 app to report maintenance needs. A State Representative provided details on progress for North Shore water infrastructure, attended a forum on coconut rhinoceros beetle response, and promoted an upcoming August 12 public forum on new housing laws. Attendees were reminded that written feedback on military lease renewal issues is due by August 7, following multiple nights of public testimony held on the North Shore and in Wahiawa.
Approval of Minutes, Committee Reports, and Adjournment
The board approved minutes from the previous meeting and reviewed the accomplishments and goals of its committees. The meeting adjourned with a reminder about the next regularly scheduled board meeting, which will be held in September since August is a recess month.