Minutes

Bob B has had conversations with several City officials about the berm situation. KNB also had committed to sending a letter to the City. Bob B was able to coordinate a project with about 75 marines to clean up the park at the entrance to Kailua. There was a clean-up last month. There will be another one this week which will concentrate on the algae bloom in an attempt to quantify the problem. Bob B states that history supports the conclusion that the algae are a result of the construction run-off from recent storms.

Ron reported discussing the dredging project with Farley Watanabe and he states that an agency coordination letter will go out this week. We are asking for a letter of permission which gives us 5 years to complete the project. There is no permit on the horizon for the berm openings but the Lake is currently healthy from the rains. There have been two mangrove clean-ups on the stream and participation has been poor.

Bob B will send a letter to Kioke Miyamoto of the City Division of Facilities Maintenance outlining reasons for pushing the permit process forward. Copies will also be sent to the Army corps of engineers and the politicians. Bob B attended a seminar off island today on BMPs and was able to share frustrations over the Koapa subdivision problems. Bob B and Cal attended the March Community meeting and reported on the Koapa issues and our attempts to contact the DOH about the failure of their BMPs. KNB members have been invited on a Lake tour and Cal and Bob will take some out on Saturday.

Board members shared their ideas on what we want the public to know. The berm was opened by tractor and firemen last week during a rain event.

There was discussion about a recent blog from Malia Zimmerman which contained much misinformation. Bob B did send her an email and asked her to contact him with no reply. It was felt that responding further to her would not be productive. Her information did not include steps for preventing sewage spells or dealing with the fragile ecosystem. Bob S suggested that the association should send out regular press releases that should also include a mission statement. The berm opened naturally and with some assistance during the recent storm and was open for 14 days. The opening was 150 feet wide and 4 feet deep. Right now the Lake level is down as a result of dropping tide levels. The sand has been shifting as the surf directions change and has resulted in more sand in the mouth of the canal.

Bob B has a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers for dredging of the boat ramp. It is good for 1 year. The Lake must dispose of the solids up to 25 cubic yards. Kukilakila has agreed to the dredging as long as there is no cost to them. Ron shared a “Public notice of request for permit”. Nicole sent a response letter emphasizing the importance to the Lake.