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, Gerri Hestand, Brian Jenkins, Tom Jewell, Alan Kaufman, Ben Keau, Elliott Krash, Charlie Maxwell, Dick Mayer, John McDonald, Karolyn Mossman, Mitch Silver, Steve Sutrov, and John Wilson.

Members excused were: Sue Guille and Henry Lau

Others attending were: Ernest Soares, Community Police Officer; Bob Siarot and Athan Adachi, Maui Office of the Highways Division of the State Department of Transportation; and Baldwin Domingo, community member.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Karolyn Mossman reported the previous balance of $1565.68, with revenues of $97.35 (from T-shirts, dues, and interest) and expenditures of $358.42 (for T-shirts), bringing the current balance to $1304.61. On a motion by Charlie Maxwell, seconded by Alan Kaufman, the report was accepted subject to audit.

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Elliott Krash announced one change that had been made in the minutes of the 4 December 1997 Board Meeting minutes since the first draft was circulated: under New Business, Planning Committee was changed to Land Use Committee. On a motion by Alan Kaufman, seconded by Charlie Maxwell, the minutes as corrected were approved.

Communications
The following items were received and sent since the last meeting:

Mayor Lingle: A letter from Alan Kaufman to the Mayor clarifying that the KCA had not taken a formal position on the Maui Bow Hunters/Kula Nani dispute and a letter from the Mayor to Alan Kaufman acknowledging the KCA’s letter and affirming the County’s position (as stated in a previous letter to Dwight Weiding) that the land use is appropriate under current County Codes and that the parties involved should resolve their differences.

Public Works and Waste Management: A letter from David Goode seeking input from the KCA on relocation of the of the Kula recycling station. (See below, New Business)

Parks and Recreation: A letter from Robert Halvorson announcing the contract execution and pre construction conference for the Keokea comfort station and an invitation to the KCA to attend the conference for a final review of the plans.

Committee Reports
President John Wilson requested committee chairs to inform him before each meeting when they have something to report and wish to be on the agenda.

Roads: John McDonald reviewed the status of the guard rail project, in abeyance since early 1996 when the KCA and other community groups and individuals requested a halt to further construction and removal or relocation of the guard rails that were obstructing access to pull off areas and to roadside horse and foot paths. Bob Siarot and Athan Adachi explained that only approximately 20% of the community’s requested changes could be made due to federal requirements attached to use of federal funds. Following discussion there was consensus that

- The U.S.D.O.T. highway engineer, Pat Phung, will be invited to the 19 February General Meeting to explain safety and other regulatory requirements for guard rails and the options available for Highway 37.

- The State D.O.T. director, Kazu Hayashida, also will be speaking at the 18 February meeting on the location of the terminus of the Kihei/Upcountry Highway.

- A subcommittee of Erwin DePonte, John McDonald, and Steve Sutrov will meet before the 5 February KCA Board Meeting to develop recommendations for a strategy on addressing Kihei/Upcountry Highway issues.

- The Outdoor Circle and Hawaiian Equestrian Trails Association will be informed by Bob Siarot’s office of the current status on the guard rail project.

Technology: Mitch Silver circulated a copy of the web site membership list and requested corrections and updates.

Membership: Gerri Hestand requested clarification on distribution of membership cards and it was decided that they would be handed out at General and Board Meetings only, and not mailed. Board Members were reminded that dues are payable now for the 1998 January through December year and that up-to-date membership status is a prerequisite for voting privileges.

Hawaiian Homes: Charlie Maxwell announced that there will be a dedication and blessing for the Waiohuli project on 17 January; that the RFP’s for infrastructure will be issued by the end of the month; and individual home construction is expected to begin by late 1998..

Parks: Steve Sutrov reported on the Keokea Park building project that KCA representatives had helped plan. (See above, Communications)

Unfinished Business
T-shirts: It was reiterated that anyone wishing to purchase a T-shirt should be referred to Morihara’s ($12) or Cost’s Gallery ($15) and any checks received should be returned (except for checks that include dues, which Alan Kaufman offered to handle).

Ag Zoning Ordinance: On a motion by Steve Sutrov, seconded by Charlie Maxwell, the draft position was approved, subject to amendment. Following discussion on each item in the draft and each suggestion submitted, five items were amended, three were added, and one was deleted. The final position statement was posted on the KCA web site on 9 January and forwarded to council Members on 12 January by President John Wilson.

New Business
Recycling Station: Following a brief discussion, the following criteria were identified as being important for a satisfactory site: 5000 or more sf; minimal winds; separate from residences; supervision during open hours; and a fence and gate to prevent unsupervised access. Suggestions for location of a Kula-based site included: the KCC; the lot across from the ball fields; the lot next to the post office; and other public lands as set aside/identified in the Community Plan. Further discussion, recommendations, and action are scheduled for the next meeting.

Traffic Control Device: Steve Sutrov presented a motion, seconded by Karolyn Mossman, for support of the use of automated cameras to enforce traffic safety laws. Following discussion on the pros (safer roads) and cons (MCPD’s role, "aloha" image) the motion failed.

Newsletter: John Wilson will work with Alan Kaufman on a newsletter to be sent prior to the 19 February General Meeting. Issues to be covered include: highways issues; membership dues; survey of priority concerns and suggestions; T-shirt sales; and recognition of Morihara’s and Cost Gallery for their support in handling the T-shirt sales.

Program Chair: John Wilson requested volunteers for the Program Chair position, vacant since Ross Guthrie’s resignation. Suggestions included having the Vice President serve as a program coordinator, with assistance from Committee Chairs on programs pertaining to their committees.

Haleakala Summit: Charlie Maxwell presented a motion, seconded by Henrietta Chong, that the KCA support the Friends of Haleakala National Park, the Hui ai Pohaku, and Charlie Maxwell in controlling the urbanization of the summit. Charlie Maxwell referred to plans underway for relocation of antennae, and following brief discussion the motion was withdrawn until the Board could receive additional information.. The Secretary was asked to invite U.H. Institute of Astronomy staff and the Friends president to the next Board Meeting.

Announcements
Planning Commission: 29 January, Kula Community Center, 6:30 p.m. (Urban district zoning for Haliimaile, Makawao, Waiakoa, and Keokea)

KCA Board Meeting: 5 February, Kula Elementary School, 5:30 p.m.

KCA General Meeting: 19 February, Kula Community Center, 7:00 p.m. (Note correction of date to Thursday, 19 February)