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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT - MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bill Clark called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. NOTE: This 15 member Board requires eight votes to adopt a motion.

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: The roll call of Board members was administered with a quorum of eight members present (Arakawa, Clark, Hargrave, Ho, Jacobs, Mobley, Sugihara, Texeira).

7:32 p.m. Arakaki arrived; nine members present

MEMBERS PRESENT: Tracy Arakaki, David Arakawa, William Clark, Ruby Hargrave, Wilbert Ho, Carl Jacobs, Ron Mobley, Sylvia Sugihara, Jane Sugimura, Monica Texeira.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Booth, Tuika Faumuina, Ross Lee, Danielle Lum, George Passmore

GUESTS: Steve Antonio (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office), Stan Fichtman (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office), Gerald Sakamura, Ken Best (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office), Eileen Clarke (Board of Education), Shareen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Amy Tsuneyoshi (Board of Water Supply), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Major Dave Kajihiro, Lt. Grant Arakawa, Sgt. Louie Pestana (Honolulu Police Department, District 5-Pearl City), Captain Tay Enos, Firefighter Vern Enriques (Honolulu Fire Department-Aiea), Gary Omori (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association(, Suzette Adversalo, Representative K. Mark Takai, David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office/Deputy Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting),  Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), Alika Malabey (Representative Josh Green’s Office), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: The guests introduced themselves at this time.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Enos reported the following:

1)     Statistics for the month of March included 3 structure, 3 rubbish, 3 vehicle fires, 57 medical, 2 search/rescue, and 31 miscellaneous calls; one major incident with 5 companies responding to a propane leak.

2)     Fire Safety Tip – Fire Safety Tip: Is a smoke alarm really necessary in your home? The answer is YES, ABSOLUTELY! Smoke alarms are proven life savers. Fire produces smoke and toxic gasses which can numb your senses and prevent you from reacting to the fire. This is especially true at night when you and your family are asleep. A working smoke alarm gives you early notification of a fire and time to escape. NOTE: A smoke detector alerted the person in the unit directly above the fire in the building fire that E24 responded to on March 17^th.

§         Smoke Alarm Safety Tips: 1) Install smoke alarms on every level of your house and outside of every sleeping area. 2) Test smoke alarms once a month. 3) Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or when the smoke alarm chirps to signal that the battery is low. While smoke alarm can give you advanced warning, you must have advanced planning to escape a fire. Work with everyone in your family to make a fire escape plan.

§         Tips to Prepare a Plan: 1) Plan two ways out of every room. 2) Plan a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. 3) Plan to stay out, once you’re out. 4) Plan a drill where you activate your smoke alarm and practice your fire escape plan.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lt. Arakawa introduced the new Pearl City Commander, Major Kajihiro and announced that monthly statistics report would arrive soon, due the office being delayed on a call. Chair Clark said that the report could be given later in the meeting.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY: Ann Tsuneyoshi reported no water main breaks for the month of March. A handout was provided with information regarding Oahu’s water cycle. She announced that this month is “Earth Month.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION: Eileen Clarke reported:

• The Board of Education has approved new high school graduation requirements to take effect School Year 2009-2010. The policy amends Board Policy 4540, “High School Graduation Requirements and Commencement Policy, “to specify the minimum courses, credit requirements, and grade point average to qualify for a “Board of Education Recognition Diploma” and “Board of Education Recognition Diploma with Honors.” The Board Recognition Diploma is aligned with the expectations of employers and colleges.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Mobley – Asked how does the new policy compare with an academic degree. Clarke answered she was not sure, but thinks no special diploma is given for an academic degree.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT CONTINUED: Sgt. Pestana reported:

• Statistics for the month of February included auto theft 12, auto theft recovery 3, burglary 23, criminal property damage 22, sex assault 2, theft 68, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) 68; calls for service were 1646.
• Statistics for the month of March included auto theft 12, auto theft recovery 8, burglary 18, criminal property damage 32, sex assault 2, thefts 70, UEMV 42. Total calls for the Aiea area was 1727 (26.21%) out of 6590 total district calls.

Questions, comments, concerns followed:  1) Regarding the shooting incident at Pearlridge, Ho asked who shot first. Lt. Arakawa replied that officers were threatened by the suspect with a vehicle; one officer was dragged along with the car. 2) Tamamoto asked if any status was available regarding the stabbing at Puuwai Momi housing. Arakawa answered if was not sure if the case was solved. Micronesians who are supposedly all related were involved in the altercation. The case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Division. Tamamoto asked if the community should be concerned. Lt. Arakawa explained that through ethnicity those people basically stick together in one group; and they have problems within the group. 3) Jacobs asked the status quo of gang related activity. Arakawa replied he has not been alerted by the Gang Detail about increased activities.

APPROVAL OF MARCH 2008 MINUTES: Chair Clark asked if there were any corrections/changes to the March 2008 regular meeting minutes. The following corrections/additions were made:

Page 1, Roll Call of Board Members- add comma after Sugihara.

Page 2, paragraph 6, without objection the agenda was taken out of order to consider item 10.5.

Page 3 item 4 should read, …cleaned…”

Page 5 : Item 4, delete tomorrow and add and; item 6 should read bothersome; item 9 delete In August 2006 problems with Chez Monique started, and working together resolved the problems; sentence should read, “…Also suggested there was on-going communication’ item 11 delete become, should read come before the HLC.

• Board of Water Supply – line 8 comma after So.

Page 7, Questions, comments, concerns:

§          “… 1) Chair Clark asked Miura if in his knowledge that the property still State owned…”

§         Discussion followed delete Ho withdrew the motion; Arakawa agreed, sentence should read, ‘…without objection the motion was withdrawn…”

Page 9, Resolution 07-379, sentence 6 delete He replace with Djou.

Without objection, the March 2008 regular meeting minutes was accepted as amended.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Jacobs reported expenditures in the Operating Account were $28.61, leaving the balance at $1208.18; no expenditures in the Publicity Account leaving the balance at $3063; and having no expenditures, the Refreshment Account remains at $120. The treasurer’s report will be filed.

7:47 Sugimura arrived; ten members now present.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT – Gary Omori distributed two handouts and reported the following update:

• Selection for the mass transit will be discussed at full City Council hearing on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Steel wheel on steel rail is the recommended choice, most reliable, with many vendors to compete in the bidding. The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) has funded 56 past projects out of 62 requests. Other technologies were submitted including magnetic levitation (1 only in Japan); rubber tire on concrete has also received lots of publicity; there are not may Phileas systems in existence (1 in Europe). Interested persons were invited to present testimony at the hearing. Council Bill 80, CD2 FD 2 – steel wheel on steel rail; FD3 rubber tire on concrete; FD3 - magnetic levitation; FD4 – magnetic levitation with rubber tires. For more information contact Omori at 551-6693.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Arakawa – Asked which draft did the committee recommend. In answer Bill 80, CD2 FD2 (steel wheel on steel rail) is recommended by the committee. 2) Mobley - Said that the Mayor re-emphasized that steel wheel on steel rail will not be as noisy as originally thought. 3) Jacobs - Commented that the FTA approval regarding the spur to Bellows Airfield in D.C., impacts Hawaii’s funding. He believes the funding was turned down to the choice of fixed rail. 4) Arakaki – Asked which U.S. system is most modern. In reply to his knowledge the one in Utah. 5) Tamamoto – Asked if a decision would be made after the Wednesday hearing or proposed again. In reply, anything could happen. 6) Omori noted regarding the funding (Transit Commission) the Mayor is positive about the system and going forward to the money up front with GET tax. However, the determination of the technology may be delayed (EIS). Jacobs noted that the FTA disagreed because the preferred choice is steel on steel. Tamamoto added the longer the delay will put us in the back of the line.

RECONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO NAME THE BASEBALL FIELD AT MAKALAPA PARK IN HONOR OF LT. MURPHY – Stan Fichtman, from Councilmember Djou’s Office explained that their office has received calls from the U.S. Navy Seal Foundation of Hawaii asking that the proposal be delayed. Other options are under consideration and would prefer that the entire Makalapa Park be renamed after the entire Seal Red Team. The request has also been made from Lt. Murphy’s parents that the entire team be recognized. The proposal has been pulled from this Wednesday’s Council meeting. Chair Clark mentioned that a letter of support was sent to their office. Fichtman said that Djou respects the U.S. Navy Seals Foundation on this proposal.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Jacobs – Wanted to know the number of citations awarded to the Red Seal Team. In answer, it is nothing to worry about, the request is to rename the park after all recipients. 2) Tamamoto – Asked for the possible consideration of the parcel of land fronting the entrance to the Ford Island Bridge. The land (federally-located on Kamehameha Highway near the housing) was initially Navy owned and given to the Aloha Stadium for a gateway. 3) Mobley – Nothing is required from the Board, it is at the Council level; it is just acknowledging why the proposal is being pulled.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

AIEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported:

• Food Bank Drive is scheduled for April 19, 2008.
• ACA will be participating in the Pearl Harbor Historic Trails Clean-up Project, coordinated by the Lions Club, Saturday, April 19. 2008 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon; meet at Neal Blaisdell Park; a volunteer head count is needed.
• Aiea High School Community Forum – Volunteers are needed to participate in this program to give input from the community.

• Aiea High School is seeking volunteers to take a proactive approach in addressing the high truancy rate to assist calling parents when their child is not in school; it is hopeful that the truancy numbers will reduce.
• The next ACA meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2008, Aiea Public Library Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. A concern was raised regarding the usage change of residential homes to care homes for people with challenges with no lock down system. Neighbors on Kaamilo Street feel threatened with strangers in their yards and knocking on their doors.
• Aiea Gateway Park – Tamamoto met with the State Highways Division regarding the broken water line and was told there is no money for repairs. A plan to seek funding; and input from the Board is welcome. It was suggested that the trees be cut down, with Tamamoto rejecting this idea. Chair Clark said a previous response from the State gave him the idea that the State wants the Board to do something. Tamamoto replied the impression from the State was that they approached with difficult tasks and would see if the needs could be addressed regarding maintenance of the area.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Chair – Announced receipt of a letter from the State Highways Division. 2) Mobley – Commented if a contract has been given out someone has already been paid to do the maintenance. 3) Tamamoto – Clarified that there is no extra funding to repair the water box. 4) Mobley – Regarding repairs and maintenance, noted according to the State the contract has lapsed and they are unable to get the previous contractor to repair what he broke. According to the letter from Melvyn Ho, it was never the intent of the State to have this Board maintain the area. 5) Tamamoto - Added an exposed Navy pipe was discovered and the well is being monitored.

PEARL KAI SHOPPING CENTER (WALGREEN’S) – Tamamoto reported a meeting was held with the management agent, the architect, Board member Sugimura and herself, to discuss concerns. After viewing the plans, more concerns were expressed. The group met again last week with the progress made and everyone having a good attitude. Talks are ongoing with the architect and management being receptive to the input. Walgreens started paying rent 185 days from the submission of the application, made some concessions to the plan, and will have the entrance face towards the parking lot.

REPORT ON ISSUES AND ACTIONS TAKEN CONCERNING EXCESSIVE EARLY MORNING NOISE COMPLAINTS AT THE WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER – Chair Clark reported a meeting was held on March 14 with members of the Pearl City Police Station, concerned residents, and Westridge management to discuss solutions to the noise problems. It was decided that the top parking lot would close at midnight, with cars exiting makai (Moanalua Loop entrance); a special duty police officer will secure the upper parking lot. Both Chez Monique and Lilikoi Lounge doors will be closed during weekdays. This will be a one trial period, and Friday will be day to find out if it is successful. No complaint calls have been received from concern residents.

NEW BUSINESS:

COUNCIL RESOLUTION 07- 379 RELATING TO TERM LIMITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD – Chair Clark - Explained that Resolution 07-379 would set term limits for Board members to two consecutive four year terms. However, a break in the term would not be counted. Mobley – Said that this resolution would put restrictions on Board members and have the public vote on the issue at the State elections. The problem is that the public wants term limits on everything and do not know the problems some Boards have in filling vacancies. He would like this Board to go on record in opposition to this resolution. Mobley moved, seconded by Hargrave that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 opposes Council Resolution 07-379, relating to term limits for members of Neighborhood Boards.

Discussion followed – 1) Arakawa – Commented that Board vacancies are hard to fill. The motion was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0 (Arakaki, Arakawa, Clark, Hargrave, Ho, Jacobs. Mobley, Sugihara, Sugimura, Texeira).

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN APPROVAL BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION – Mobley read the following overview: The Revised Neighborhood Plan was approved by the Commission on March 31, 2008; it took about 9.5 years to get to this point. The Commission approved the version of this plan that requires another review by Corporate Counsel; following this review it will be sent to the Mayor for his signature. There were 49 changes recommended either by the Commission or Board members or members of the public. Of the recommendations, all but three were adopted with little or no modifications. Among the changes were:

• Executive Director reports to the Managing Director and administers the Commission and Commission Office.
• Commission may at least annually assemble a conference of chairs.
• Removed the need to be present, given the amount of time to get credit for attendance.
• Added a definition of minutes.
• Have a duty to participate in the vote.
• Removes committee limit of only commission or board members serving.
• Commission and board member to make every effort to attend meetings.
• Robert’s Rules Newly Revised set as parliamentary authority.
• Added Nanakuli Board description and modifies that for Waianae Board.
• Did not add back the prehearing reviews (Corporation Counsel will not be tasked with more).
• Modifies provision for Hearing to impose sanctions. Added ability for either board members or the public to initiate complaints.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Reported that the legislature is still in session and will be adjourning on May 1, 2008. The budget bill is in conference. According to a Honolulu Advertiser article this morning, substantial money has been allocated for the University of Hawaii’s lower campus; line items chosen for the athletic department with discretion for other needs. For more information log on to www.capitol.hawii.gov, this now includes action sheets, written testimonies accepted by the committee, etc.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Mobley – Expressed disappointment that none of the HPD package passed. In response, if focus is on a particular bill, there may be other bills that may accomplish the same thing. 2) Arakawa – Asked is language included in any bill would still be alive. Tamamoto does a Google search or call the office of the representative or senator.

REPRESENTATIVE BLAKE OSHIRO – Ken Best distributed the written report and noted funding for the Aiea Library is still pending. The State budget should be complete in the next two weeks.

REPRESENTATIVE LYNN FINNEGAN – Steve Antonio circulated the written report and highlighted the Pearl Harbor Historic Trails Clean-Up Project, Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 8:30 – 12:00 noon; meet at Neal S. Blaisdell Park.

COUNCILMEMBER ROMY CACHOLA – Shareen Oshiro circulated the written report and noted that the Makalapa Park restrooms always have grafitti.

SENATOR DONNA KIM – Ross Tsukenjo distributed the written report and noted the Aiea/Pearl City Town Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Pearl Ridge Elementary School.

SENATOR NORMAN SAKAMOTO – The written report was available for interested persons to review.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Breene Harimoto reported that repair of upper Kaamilo Street is in the budget. Last year’s budget was $40 million, and this year’s is $70 million.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – David Tanoue reported:

• City Council hearing regarding steel on steel will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at City Hall.
• The Third Waipahu Community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
• Regarding the rail stations for West Oahu, it has been recommended for the past two years to at least have the station to UH West Oahu close to the entrance if not up to the campus. There has been do discussion on the matter. The preferred route must cross over Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) land with their permission (no assurance). However, the lower route would miss the DLNR property; the original plan was that the rail not go onto the UH West campus.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Tamamoto – Noted that the West Oahu Chancellor is in favor of the transit system and route. Tanoue stated for clarification that the school never wanted the transit on their campus. Out of the 500 acres for the UH West campus, 300 acres will be for development and a commercial property area; and move the station back 1000 feet to the Schuler property. 2) Harimoto – Commended the City Department of Planning and Permitting for facilitating a good meeting. In answer, Bill 10, relating to transit will not happen overnight, ultimately there will be legislation by the end of summer. 3) Arakawa – Commented that a presentation by the UH West Oahu project that he understood confirmation was received from DLNR to allow the rail to go through their property or the West Oahu campus. In answer, UH is like a sister agency, and would like things that benefit the school. Engineering will touch part of the DLNR property for this route. No confirmation has been provided, so the line may be dropped down. There is still time for decisions, but it causes delays. 4) Comment - Is this not of interest to the Ewa legislators. In reply, the City has tried, the more delays, the more we pay; the project is moving forward. 5) Rep. Takai – asked if West Oahu made a request to have the line go to the campus. The response was yes, in November, the City said no. West Oahu has its own priorities. Rep. Takai – asked if communication between the City and West Oahu has been sent to DLNR Director Thielen and the media; is the City taking hits; the City Departments of Planning and Permitting and the Department of Transportation Services. 6) Chair Clark – Asked Tanoue if he would like to draft a letter to DLNR. In reply, a letter is currently being drafted. 7) Follow up with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will be done regarding Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) rehabilitation of streets (Kaahumanu St. (all); Moanalua Rd. (Kaahumanu St. To Pali Momi St.); Hapaki St. (Piki St. to Nahele St.); Kaahele St. (Moanalua Rd. to mauka end); Nahele St. (Komo Mai Dr. to Hapaki St.); Kaonohi St. (Moanalua Rd. to Kamehameha Hwy).

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

EXECUTIVE: Chair Clark announced: Two public hearing notices were received from the Honolulu Liquor Commission –

• Off the Wall Restaurant and Bar located at 98-199 Kamehameha Highway, B-10, Pearl Kai Shopping Center; a hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2008, at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard at 4:00 p.m.
• Waimalu Market located at 98-020 Kamehameha Highway (Waimalu Shopping Center) to sell liquor.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: Arakawa – commented that the same noise issues arise repeatedly relative to bar establishments and if the Board has a standard letter.

Arakawa moved, seconded by Hargrave to consider adding to the agenda that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 prepares testimony as the Board see fit regarding the Off the Wall Restaurant and Bar liquor application. There were no objections.

Arakawa moved, seconded by Texeira that a letter based on past complaints with respect to liquor license applications be submitted to the Hawaii Liquor Commission regarding the Off the Wall Restaurant and Bar (Pearl Kai Shopping Center) liquor application. The motion was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0. (

• An update regarding noise complaints at the Westridge Shopping Center will be reported at the May meeting.

There were no other Committee Reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Salt Elementary School Fun Fair (1131 Ala Lilikoi Street), Saturday, April 28, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: Chair Clark adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.

Submitted By:

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By:

William Clark, Chair