Kula Community Association

 

    


Board Meeting Minutes
4 June 1998

Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President John Wilson at 5:30 p.m. in the Kula Elementary School Library.

Attendees
Members present were: Henrietta Chong, Erwin DePonte, Sue Guille, Gerri Hestand, Brian Jenkins, Alan Kaufman, Elliott Krash, John McDonald, Mitch Silver, Steve Sutrov, and John Wilson.

Members excused were: Henry Lau, Charlie Maxwell, Dick Mayer, and Karolyn Mossman.

Members absent were: Tom Jewell, Ben Keau, and Ron Sakugawa.

Others attending were: Chris Halford, State Representative; Judy Nakamura, Program/Marketing Specialist for Maui Land and Pineapple Company and Ernest Soares, Community Police Officer.

Treasurer's Report
Treasurer Karolyn Mossman reported the previous balance of $2152.28, with revenues of $71.55 (from T-shirts - $48; dues - $10; refreshments - $11; and interest - $2.55) and expenditures of $866.18 (for T-shirts - $731.78; bulk mail permit - $85; and administrative expenses - $49.40), bringing the current balance to $1357.65. On a motion by Brian Jenkins, seconded by Alan Kaufman, the report was accepted subject to audit.

Secretary's Report
On a motion by John McDonald, seconded by Brian Jenkins, the minutes of the 7 May Board Meeting were approved as submitted.

Communications
From KCA to:

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands - Ken Taguchi: A letter requesting an update on the status of the Waiohuli Project.

To KCA from:

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands - Ken Taguchi: A telephone call to President John Wilson informing him that the dedication ceremony will be held on 19 June and that DHHL representatives could meet with KCA members following the ceremony.

Department of Water Supply - David Craddick: A letter requesting a KCA representative to serve on a task force to address upcountry water concerns.

Council Planning Committee - Alan Arakawa: A letter reviewing the procedure for updating the community planning process and requesting KCA's comments on specific areas of concern.

Committee Reports
Land Use/Planning: Brian Jenkins highlighted some of the significant items in the latest version of the Proposed Agricultural Zoning Ordinance, including the following:

- Developable area can total 10% of the lot size.

- One farm labor dwelling is allowed if a lot is five acres or larger and the farm has a minimum dollar amount of agricultural business annually.

- Two farm dwellings are allowed on a two acre lot.

- Special use permits will be required for such activities as rifle and archery ranges.

- Restrictive covenants will be prohibited.

- Set backs and retaining wall specifications are the same as in previous drafts.

- Leases will be allowed for lots smaller than the total parcel, but without a dwelling.

The bill was approved by the Council's Land Use Committee on 15 May and sent to the Planning Commissions on each island for review within a 120 day period. The KCA will post the ordinance on its web site, request comments be sent to Brian Jenkins, and place it on the agenda for the 2 July Board Meeting.

Membership: Gerri Hestand reported that as of 21 May there were 586 members.

Program: Sue Guille commented on the excellent presentations given for the "Family and Community Drug Awareness" program at the General Meeting and said that she is sending thank you notes to all presenters.

Unfinished Business
Maui Pine Market: Judy Nakamura made a brief presentation then responded to questions on the plans for the Maui Land and Pineapple Company market on Haleakala Highway across from King Kekaulike High School. In her opening remarks she emphasized that Maui Pine's interests in promoting agriculture and preserving open land are congruent with KCA's vision and that Maui Pine identifies the need for the market as a tool to promote pineapple products and preserve jobs and a way of life. The market has been in the planning stage for over two years. Project plans include a market building of 500 square feet plus an additional 300 square feet of lanai (to be enclosed in phase two). The parking area would accommodate 15 cars and no buses unless a decision is made in the second phase to contract with tour operators. The market will display photographs and farming implements and maintain a demonstration garden to educate the public about pineapple. Items sold will be primaily pineapples and pineapple related products and other fruit and vegetable products from Maui Pine and other island growers. Items sold will not duplicate those sold at the Pukalani Superette. Maui Pine will coordinate with the high school to sell student-made products and to provide tours, training, and job opportunities to students. No alcohol or tobacco products will be sold and no meal or snack service will be offered. Issues raised by KCA members during discussion and the responses included the following:

- Traffic when the school is completed -- The study was done and requires both left and right turn lanes at a cost of about $100,000 to Maui Pine.

- Proximity to school and development of agricultural land -- The three acre lot to be used is the only non-cultivable, accessible parcel owned by Maui Pine in a marketable location.

- Attractive nuisance to students -- The products sold will not attract the youngsters; there will not be a pay phone on the premises; the market staff will be trained to inform the school of unauthorized visitors; the school administration does not forsee a problem; and the community police officer will assist as necessary.

- Parking lot drainage -- Existing swales, pipes, and other drainage system components will handle the run-off.

- Schedule for approval and construction -- The Council's Planning Committee may consider the application at its 23 June meeting; construction may begin in late 1998 if Maui Pine decides it is feasible to invest in the $100,000 worth of required highway improvements; and the required Special Use Permit must be renewed periodically, according to county ordinance, thereby providing opportunity for additional community review.

Candidates' Night Programs: Alan Kaufman reported that the dates for the forums have been distributed to all prospective participants but the list of invitees is not yet firm. He said that he and Dick Mayer had discussed revising the format to not provide opportunity for unscreened questions/statements from the audience. Instead, only preselected questions from Board Members would be used, and possibly screened questions from the audience and panelists. This would ensure balanced coverage of issues and prevent grandstanding by individuals.

KCA Mailing: Alan Kaufman offered to prepare a draft newsletter using any copy receved by him before 7 June. He then will circulate the draft for review and comment and prepare another draft for action at the July Board Meeting

Hawaiian Homes: (Also see Communications, above) John McDonald reported on his visit to the Waiohuli project site and his review of the final plans with the project contractor. He also reported that the work has begun and that the plans include a possible commercial strip along the highway. John Wilson will confirm the 3:30 p.m. time of the proposed meeting of KCA representatives with DHHL officials and notify Board Members who indicated they might be able to attend - Alan Kaufman, Charlie Maxwell, and John McDonald.

New Business
Legislative Update: Chris Halford provided a brief review of legislative action on several issues of interest to Kula residents, including the following:

- Waiohuli Project -- Work is underway, water is available, the plans include a commercial strip, and additional information will be forwarded to the KCA by DHHL officials.

- Agricultural Waterline -- Funding was approved for the second phase of construction.

- Education Funding -- Maintaining the current funding level is anticipated to have negative impacts because additional students are expected to be identifed for costly special education services.

- Unfunded Items -- Requests and needs not budgeted included raises for unions and new windows for Kula Hospital.

Jacaranda Trees/Beautification: John Wilson reported for Henry Lau who had spoken with Athan Adachi, the State Highway Department Official who is working with community members to improve the "Five Trees" triangle. Athan Adachi had oulined the guidelines for placement and care of the trees and Henry Lau has located available trees ready for planting on Kula highways.

Street Address Renumbering: John Wilson reported that there is no schedule yet for renumbering the Kula area and that the project will be very expensive to complete.

Announcements

KCA Board Meeting: 2 July, Kula Elementary School, 5:30 p.m. Proposed Agenda: Newsletter, Beautification Projects, Agricultural Zoning Ordinance, Candidates' Night Programs, and Hawaiian Homes.

KCA General Meeting: 27 August, Kula Community Center, 6:30 p.m. Agenda: Primary Candidates' Forum.

Adjournment
On a motion by Brian Jenkins, seconded by Gerri Hestand, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

 

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