Kula Community Association

 

    

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Board Meeting Minutes

6 April 2000

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Elliott Krash at 5:30pm in the Kula Elementary School Library. 

 Attendees

Members present were: Emma Abihai , Hari Ajmani, Gina Flammer, Alan Kaufman, Elliott Krash,  Terry McBarnet, John McDonald, Dick Mayer, Mitch Silver, Steve Sutrov, Verna Nahulu, John Wilson

Community Officers:  Ernest Soares, Kula and Randy Burgess, Pukalani

Members excused: Karolyn Mossman

Members absent: Erwin DePonte, Dale Greiner, Tom Jewell, Henry Lau

Guest: Jeanne Pellekai, Kula resident about highway litter

 Treasurer's Report

Treasurer John McDonald reported a balance of $2,651.88 with income as $2.52 in interest and no expenses.)  On a motion from John Wilson with a second from Mitch Silver the report was accepted subject to audit.

 Secretary's Report

On a motion by John Wilson with a second from Terry McBarnet the minutes of the 3 February Board Meeting were approved as submitted by Gina Flammer. 

Communications

All communications listed on the agenda were circulated at the meeting. 

 Committee Reports

T-shirts:  Alan Kaufman reported that there are only 29 T-shirts left.  Morihara's store has requested additional shirts.  Alan Kaufman made a motion to print an additional 60 shirts.  John McDonald seconded.  A discussion followed that centered on printing a new design.  It was decided that the 60 shirts will be needed until the Board approves a new design.  The motion for 60 new shirts to be printed was passed. 

Water: The legislation status report was tabled until Tom Jewell is available.  

 New Business (see additional new business at end of page 2)

Traffic Safety at King Kekaulike High School:  Officer Soares reported that there is a morning (7:15-7:45am) traffic problem on Kula Highway between the Five Trees and the A'apueo intersections. The problem is caused by excess traffic from the King Kamehaha  School morning drop-offs, King Kekaulike students doing a U-turn at the intersection to avoid the long line to the school entrance, and morning commuters being unwilling to let cars make the left turn onto the highway.  Calls to the police department about the traffic build-up has resulted in an officer being posted daily to direct traffic.  Waits at the A'apueo intersection for a left turn have been timed by the officer at 10 minutes. Barbara Long, former planning commission member, has requested the Board's assistance in getting a traffic signal to curb the problem.  She would like the Board to write a letter to the DOT Highways division.  John Wilson, with a second by Terry McBarnet, made a motion to write the letter.  Ernie also suggested education in addition to a light.  Alan Kaufman suggested the language include a signal as well as other mitigating measures.  John McDonald would like professional traffic input and consideration of  alternatives to a signal.  Steve Sutrov said the intersection was studied as part of the Upcountry Highway terminus EIS study and that the Board should wait for the terminus decision to be made before requesting a light and that we should work with the Pukalani Community Association.  The motion was passed.  Elliot Krash will write the letter.

Highway Adoption for Litter Clean-up:  Jeanne Pellekai told the Board the 13 to 15 mile marker area is available for adoption and suggested that the KCA Board adopt it for litter clean-up.  The commitment requires 7-10 people for 1-2 hours 4 times a year.   The Board suggested that she call the county litter group for suggestions of people who might be interested.  Steve Sutrov offered to bring up the need at our next general meeting.  Alan Kaufman suggested having the Board meet once a year for an hour before a Board Meeting.  John Wilson suggested speaking to St. John's Church and also calling Community Work Day.  Mitch Silver said that much of the litter is glass and that if someone calls the county it may get removed.  The item will be placed on the agenda for the next Board Meeting for final KCA decision.  

 Unfinished Business

May General Meeting Topics:  Terry McBarnet suggested a drought update.  As part of an overall health and safety topic is was suggested that we present several topics, including: the King Kekaulike traffic problem, with the Highways Division to present their mitigation plan; hurricane preparedness and disaster relief; health and fire safety during a drought, with a drought update and current information on long range plans to alleviate the inadequate Upcountry water system; and an update on the Kula Malu development by Everett Dowling.  A table with sign-ups for Red Cross community coordinators for emergency preparedness was also discussed.

 Newsletter:  It was agreed that this newsletter would not focus on promoting membership, but on educating residents.  The cost for the newsletter is $700 for 3100 copies.  Mitch Silver offered to do the newsletter with contributions by John Wilson (KCA's annual accomplishments and continuing concerns), Elliott Krash and Verna Nahulu (general meeting topics), and Gina Flammer (update on the Kulamalu development).

KCA Funded Projects:  Alan Kaufman and Mitch Silver will ask Community artists to donate a design for a logo which may be used for T-shirts and possibly a sign.  It was asked why Kula needs a welcome sign.  Verna Nahulu responded that it will help raise the awareness of Kula on Maui and better establish our community presence and possibly help the community get more water. 

  New Business

Renewable Energy Resolution:  Dick Mayer made a motion for the Board to take a position to urge the legislature to foster the development and use of indigenous natural resources for clean power.  He read the motion with revisions proposed by Board Members.  John McDonald suggested supporting a study, rather than the resolution, to determine the cost and effectiveness of renewable energy in Hawaii before legislating its development.  John Wilson expressed concern about the economic feasibility of developing alternative energy sources. Dick Mayer responded, citing the cost differentials given the recent price increases of fossil fuels.  Elliott Krash questioned the appropriateness of the KCA supporting a broad issue not specific to Kula.  Terry McBarnet stated that renewable energy is a Kula concern.  Dick Mayer said there is an increase in renewable energy use all over the mainland.   Steve Sutrov and Terry McBarnet expressed support for wind energy.  Alan Kaufman seconded Dick Mayer's motion to accept the resolution with revisions.  The motion passed (6-2).   

 Kula Lodge Renovation Plans:   Steve Sutrov reported that the Planning Commission will meet on May 8th, 6pm at the Community Center to consider the Kula Lodge renovation/expansion plans.  He discussed concerns about the impact on neighbors of bright lights, outdoor music after 9pm, outdoor dining, a planned 36 foot high new structure, and the use of the Lodge as a spot for the origination of bike tours.  It was noted that the Board voted in 1996 that this project could continue and some of these concerns were addressed at that time.  Dick Mayer proposed that Steve Sutrov draft a position statement for the Planning Commission reiterating the KCA's concerns about Kula Lodge plans. 

 Adjournment

On a motion by Dick Mayer with a second by Verna Nahulu the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 pm. 

 

 

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