Kilauea association elects board members

KILAUEA — The Kilauea Neighborhood Association elected new board members and officers prior to its public meeting Jan. 2.

During a closed executive session Jim Spencer was elected president. He replaces John Constantino, who said he is stepping down from the association.

Yoshito L‘hote was elected vice president, and Rae Yadao Butac is the new secretary.

Two new members include Mike Latif, a local pharmacist, and Cherie Grousset. The continuing members include Scott Mijares, Gary Pacheco, Bill Troutman, Nicki Pignoli, Shann Hashimoto, Mark Freeman, Lyle Robinson and Tamra Martin.

At the meeting, the association discussed updating its review and recommendation role for county transit vacation rental permit applications in relationship to real estate density and gentrification issues in the Kilauea area. Community members expressed concern that county and private owner actions are inconsistent with association agreements.

A motion passed for the association to submit a letter to the County Planning Department that requests a review of Kilauea area transit vacation rental permit applications before consideration.

Several parents expressed their concerns at the meeting about prescription and illicit drug abuse among teens and young adults in the Kilauea area.

Presenters included parents of victims and others who felt the level of addiction has surpassed what would be considered experimental.

Association members voted to send a letter requesting the Kaua‘i police chief, county prosecutor or other official attend the next meeting to discuss community participation in addressing the issue.

The association also said it would consider having a board member become a liaison to the mayor’s drug task force.