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: Erwin DePonte, Sue Guille, Gerri Hestand, Brian Jenkins, Elliott Krash, Dick Mayer, John McDonald, Karolyn Mossman, Steve Sutrov, and John Wilson.

Members excused were: Henrietta Chong, Cathy Ross, and Mitch Silver.

Members absent were: Tom Jewell, Alan Kaufman, Ben Keau, Henry Lau, and Ron Sakugawa.

Others attending were: Dee Brown, State Legislature Candidate and Ernest Soares, Community Police Officer.

Treasurer's Report

Treasurer Karolyn Mossman reported the current balance at approximately $1100. On a motion by Dick Mayer, seconded by Erwin Deponte, an expenditure of $ 35 was approved for refreshments for the November General Meeting..

Secretary's Report

On a motion by Sue Guille, seconded by Brian Jenkins, the minutes of the 1 October Board Meeting were approved as submitted by Elliott Krash.

Kali Watson, Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman: A letter expressing KCA's interest in a joint planning effort with the Department of HHL, the Waiohuli and Keokea Homesteads Community Associations and the County of Maui Planning Department.

Kali Watson, Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairman: A letter acknowledging the KCA's letter on joint planning. (See Unfinished Business)

HC&S: An email invitation to Board Members for tours of the sugar cane mills, fields, and other operations.

C. Takumi Engineering, Inc.: A letter acknowledging and responding to the KCA's comments on the Pulehu Road improvements.

David Craddick, Department of Water Supply Director: A letter inviting the KCA to review and comment on proposed revisions to the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Water Supply. (See Committee Reports)

Introductions

John Wilson introduced Dee Brown who had been the Democratic candidate for the 11th House District seat She explained that she had made a committment to maintain her community involvement and therefore wished to join the KCA as an associate member and attend meetings whenever possible.

Committee Reports

Highways: Sue Guille reported that the modification of the guardrails on the Kula Highway is in progress and that the changes made to date are in accordance with KCA and community requests. Steve Sutrov reported on the Outdoor Circle's meeting to plan the plantings for the Haleakala Highway median strip. The task force is reviewing the plants that are and are not suitable for the median strip and future meetings will include site visits and review of detailed plans.

Land Use/Planning: Elliott Krash and Brian Jenkins reported that the Council Land Use Committee will hold further discussions on the Ag Zoning bill in the weeks following election day and that the main focus will be on the sliding scale for subdivision and Charmaine Tavares' proposed amendments.

Water: John McDonald reported that he had done an initial review of the Department of Water Supply's proposed revisions to the Rules and Regulations and had informed David Craddick that he would forward KCA's comments after further review. Issues raised during discussion included: drought cutback rules, incentives to store water for drought periods, and the water meter issuance rule.

Nominations: Sue Guille reported the the Nominations Committee has been unsuccessful in obtaining a candidate for the presidency, however, there are volunteers for the other positions. The Committee will continue contacting individuals who may be willing and eligible to serve, with the goal of presenting a full slate to the membership at the General Meeting.

Unfinished Business

Candidates' Night Programs: Dick Mayer reported that he had received a positive response from the candidates, community members, and others about how well organized the forums were and how informative they were for both the live audience as well as the television viewers. During discussion it was noted that the forums were not covered by the Maui News. There was consensus that a letter should be sent to the Maui News publisher. Dick Mayer will draft a letter expressing KCA's concerns that these forums were planned for the entire county as well the Kula community and the Maui News should have provided coverage.

Hawaiian Homes: John Wilson reported that he called Kiewit Construction and Erwin DePonte reported that he called Bob Siarot to share KCA's concern that overloaded trucks were traveling Highway 37 to the construction site. Ernie Soares reported that because there are no weighing stations the police can cite only for uncovered loads and speeding. Following discussion, it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the State Department of Transportation to request trained staff at the weighing stations so that truck weights can be monitored. John Wilson reported that Kali Watson expressed interest in joint planning efforts and that a meeting will be held for HHL and County of Maui planning officials and KCA, Keokea, and Homelands representatives. No date has been set for this meeting, but the next regular meeting of the Waiohuli and Keokea residents at St. John's Church will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, 18 November.

Newsletter Survey Results: John Wilson reported that 78 responses were received on the KCA's position statement on the Kihei/Upcountry Highway terminus location, with 62 in agreement with the KCA position, 13 not in agreement, and 3 undecided. He also announced that the preliminary study on the proposed routes is due in November or December.

November General Meeting: The agenda will include: elections of officers and board members; a brief written survey of audience members' priorities for KCA's requests at County Council budget hearings; and a program with presentations and discussion on the Haleakala antenna farm. Sue Guille will contact speakers representing various perspectives, including: broadcasters - Chuck Bergson; scientists - Mike Maberry; native Hawaiians - Charlie Maxwell; and conservationists - Mary Evanson.

New Business

Haleakala Antenna Farm: Following discussion on the environmental impacts of several of the sites being considered for construction of the antennas, there was consensus that the KCA should send a letter to Dr. Robert McLaren of the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy requesting that a complete Environmental Impact Statement be done to address concerns relating to flora and fauna habitats, construction noise, electromagnetic fields, visual aesthetics, and accessibility.

Cable TV: Dick Mayer announced that the cable franchise has been taken over by AT&T and that there will be a public hearing for community members to express concerns and questions on cable TV issues. (Since the meeting it has been learned that the hearing will be on 18 November at 5:30 p.m. in the HEI Room at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and for additional information, contact TCI of Hawaii, Inc. at 871-7303 or the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 984-2400 x 62620#.)

Announcements

KCA General Meeting: 19 November, Kula Community Center, 7 p.m. Agenda: KCA Elections, County Budget Priorities, Haleakala Antenna Farm.

KCA Board Meeting: 3 December, Kula Elementary School, 5:30 p.m. Proposed agenda: TBD

Adjournment