Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

  http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb20/08/20200801Min.PDF

AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.; a quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: David Arakawa, William Clark, Tuika Faumuina, Ruby Hargrave, Carl Jacobs, Danielle Lum, Ron Mobley, Jane Sugimura, Monica Texeira.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Mary Booth, Ross Lee, Wilbert Ho, George Passmore (excused), Silvia Sugihara (excused).

MEMBER SEATS VACANT – None.

GUESTS: Major Greg Lefcourt (Honolulu Police Department), Amy Tsuneyoshi (Board of Water Supply) Shareen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office staff), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office staff), Teddy Biesecker, Captain Lee Muller, Firefighter 1 Reid Yoshida, and Firefighter 1 Ross Taketa (Honolulu Fire Department, Aiea-E10), Steven Antonio (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office staff), Marty Aldinger, Ken Best (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office staff), Susan Sheldon, Suzette Alversalo, Gary K. Omori (HHCTCP), Randall Sumida (Mayor’s Office), Robert Piper (Governor’s Office), Eileen Clarke (Board of Education), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Representative K. Mark Takai, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office staff), Nola Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

MEMBERS’ SEATS VACANT – None.

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS – The roll call of Board members was administered with a quorum of eight members present.

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

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Ross Takata reported the statistics for the month of December included 2 structure, 1 rubbish, 1 vehicle, 56 medical, and 27 miscellaneous response calls. Major incident building fire at 4411 Likini Street (fatality) with 9 companies responding. Commendation recommendations were made for four bystanders at a building fire at 99-089 Kaamilo Street.

Fire Safety Tip: 

Dried Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations are extremely flammable. Remove them from your home as soon as possible. Your Christmas tree can be taken to a participating recycling center.

Consider leaving fireworks to the professionals. Enjoy one of the public fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. Follow all warnings and instructions for the safe use of fireworks. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

Reid Yoshida reported Statistics for the month of January included 3 structures, 8 rubbish, 2 vehicle, 75 medical, 25 miscellaneous response calls.

Fire Safety Tip:

Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly in the presence of all household members. Practice your escape plan together.

As a result of a smoke alarm and a parent’s quick response, a child’s life was saved. The child was unable to escape from the room where the fire originated; however the parent told fire investigators that upon hearing the smoke alarm, she went to the room to investigate and was able to save her child.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – No representative was present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Amy Tsuneyoshi reported:

1)     No water main breaks for the month of December; two on-going projects and one pending in the area.

2)     BWS wishes everyone a very Happy New Year!

3)     The new BWS 2008 Water Conservation calendar is out, free to the public, and is available in lobby at the Beretania Street location. It will also be available on the website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

4)     Water Saving Tips: 1) Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using. 2) When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

5)     The following contractors from Ideal Construction, Inc. helped with the fire on Kaamilo Street: Guy Salis (foreman), Paul Perreira, Don Texeira, Evan Kinilau, and Floyd Awa.

Board of Education (BOE) – Eileen Clarke distributed the BOE Highlights and noted: 1) The Board leadership has been elected for 2007-2008. 2) New State Librarian Richard Burns, received a four-year contract from the Board. 3) Jo Ann Schindler was honored for her years of service as State Librarian of the Hawaii State Public Library System on December 13, 2007. 4) The Board of Education held a Board Development Workshop in November to examine how Board members work together as a board, decide on areas of improvement, review its follow-up on the Board goals and priorities of the 2007 year, and establish the board’s goals and priorities for 2008.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NOVEMBER 2007: The following corrections/additions were made:

• Page 3, Approval of Minutes, October 2007, last sentence should read, “…were…”.
• Page 4, New Business 1^st sentence delete, “…to…”.
• Page 4, Question, answers, comments followed, item 3 last sentence should read, “…sites…”
• Page 5, 4^th paragraph 7^th sentence should read, “…delete is and add if…”
• Page 6, Draft Revisions of the Neighborhood Plan Briefing line 6 should read, “…than…”; line 9 delete, “…attended by…”
• Page 6, last sentence delete “… say…”

Without objections the regular meeting minutes of November 19, 2007 were adopted as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORTS: Treasurer Jacobs reported expenditures for the month of December in the Operating Account were $25.67, leaving a balance of $1,309.35; no expenditures in the Publicity Account leaving the balance at $3,063; and no action in the Refreshment Account leaving the balance at $120.

The report was accepted as read.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association – Claire Tamamoto reported:

1)     The Aiea Community Association meets on the fourth Monday of each month. The January 28 meeting will be held at the Aiea Public Library Conference room. A new location for a meeting place is being sought.

2)     The Aiea Christmas Parade participants were thanked, which included 20 organizations and community groups.

3)     A workshop for Project Donna, relating to home safety for seniors, is scheduled for January 24, 2008, Aiea Hongwanji Social Hall (99-186 Puakala Street), 10 a.m., with guest speaker Mike Hirano. For more information or to RSVP call Shareen at 486-5050.

Without objections item 10.3 New Business – Honolulu Police Department Legislative Package was taken out of order.

NEW BUSINESS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Legislative Package – Major Greg Lefcourt presented that the 2008 HPD Legislative Package consists of:

• Recruitment and retention (HB 1819/SB 1952) – Relates to the rehiring of retirees.

• Chapter 34, Dangerous weapons – A) Outlaws possession of .50 caliber Browning

machine gun rifle and ammunition to prohibit ownership and importation of such firearms and ammunition in the State of Hawaii. B) There are only two ranges in the State of Hawaii that can handle this caliber round, both are military and do not allow civilians. This round is of no use for hunting in the State of Hawaii.

• Relating to Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers – requires pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers to file daily with the county police departments. Electronic reports of their property transactions. Current system – pawn slips are filled out by pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers, slips picked up weekly and inputted into police department’s data base. Duration of time from item pawned in store to information available to officers’ average 3 months (90 days). Proposed Electronic System – Slips are sent electronically and inputted daily directly into police department’s data base at the time or by the end of the working day. Duration of time information available to officers is 24 hours. This would increase the recovery rate of stolen property reduction in property crime.

• Radio Dispatchers, HB 1160/ SB 1576, relating to police radio dispatchers proposes 25 year retirement for Class A retirement members.

Questions, answers, comments:

1. The legislative cross-over date is March 6.

2. Lum noted that the package is good and asked what the cost is. Major Lefcourt gave the following approximates - the pawn slips $15,000, software $50,000, and for the dispatcher depending on when they retire.
3. Regarding the dispatcher bill, the retirement system has challenges.

Sugimura moved, seconded by Mobley that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 is in support of the HPD 2008 Legislative Package, regarding recruitment and retention, weapons, dispatchers, and pawnshops.

Discussion followed:

Chair Clark asked if the Board would like to take action on the entire package or as separate issues.

Lum amended the motion to be split as individual issues. Both Sugimura and Mobley accepted. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0.

Further discussion:

Lum relayed that she was a little hesitant to vote on the dispatcher issue because she does not know the cost to the taxpayers.

Chair Clark disclosed that he is a retired HPD officer.

Electronic Pawn Slips- Discussion:  1) Some funding will be provided by the State. 2) Chair explained that at one time pawn brokers’ fees would be imposed at the time of granting the license to operate. 3) Software would be purchased and the filled out forms emailed to HPD. 4) This proposal is not only for Oahu, but the state. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0.

Firearms, Ammunition and Dangerous Weapons – The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0.

Radio Dispatchers – The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0. Lum was voting yes with reservations.

Recruitment and Retention – The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0.

The agenda order resumed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) Public Involvement Team (PIT) Update: Gary Omori reported that Council Resolution 07-376, CD1, relates to establishing a technical expert panel to select fixed guideway technology. The major objective for this panel is to get experienced people with expertise in these types of technology as to what will work here. This resolution will be heard next Wednesday at the City Council meeting. Omori requested to be placed on the February agenda.

Questions, answers and comments:

1. Mobley commented regarding a newspaper article report the technical panel would make the decision, however, per the resolution the decision would be made by the City Council. Omori replied that Council wants the panel to be advisory. Mobley added it seem that the Administration wants the technical panel to make the decision. Omori answered the panel should be advisory only; Administration to make the decision.

2. In response to Jacobs, there is a possibility than one of the panel members would be from here (civil engineer); it is a huge difference building a viaduct opposed to building rail. The other experts would come from the mainland.

3. Texeira asked the role of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).  Omori replied, relative to the State Department of Transportation (DOT), the source of funding is from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) with new start funding (highway money). The project would interface between DTS and DOT.

4. Cost for the project is approximately $5 billion and no information relative to the experts was available this evening.

5. Tamamoto relayed that as part of the Transportation Commission and the project, DTS staff is capable. The technical panel of experts has worked on different types of technical projects and would make recommendations.

ADA Compliance Funds for Central Schools: Jacobs reported that the governor released $25 million for ongoing improvements at schools in the Central District starting in October 2008, with completion in 2009. Individual schools is yet to be decided, and thanked Representative Takai for his efforts;

NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED:

Whole Stadium Improvement at Aloha Stadium Pre-assessment Consultation: Chair Clark reported a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) is now being prepared for this project by Myounghee Noh & Associates, (L.L.C.) to comply with State environmental regulations under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 343 and Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11, Chapter 200. Written comments are due in 14 days of the letter dated December 13, 2007. For more information, log on to www.noh-associates.com.

Aiea Gateway Park: Chair Clark reported correspondence received regarding the Aiea Gateway Park and continuing concern about the landscaping and signage of this park located across from St. Elizabeth’s Church. A brief history of the area was relayed

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best invited everyone to opening day ceremonies at the Legislature this coming Wednesday.

Council Member Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto distributed the written report and thanked Claire Tamamoto for doing a wonderful job organizing the Aiea Christmas Parade; he was available for questions.

Questions, answers, comments:

1. Texeira asked if there was any future legislation regarding boom boxes and modified car mufflers. Harimoto replied there is a problem with noise enforcement because a decibel reading is needed (vehicle noise should be ten feet away from another car). Regarding boom boxes, the music cannot be heard only the bass; he noted the law has to be changed regarding the boom box bass decibel reading.

2. Mobley thanked the Council member for getting involved with racing on Kilinoe Street.

Council Member Romy Cachola – Shareen Oshiro circulated the written report and announced that prescription drug discount cards with information were available for persons without prescription coverage, with a list of pharmacies honoring the card, which is provided by the City, were available on the back table. She announced that former aide Hiroko Nakamura has retired.

Representative K. Mark Takai – Representative Mark Takai circulated three handouts relating to American Disabilities Act Improvements at Central District Schools, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)/Repair and Maintenance (R & M) in the Aiea community and Impact Aid, and noted: School repair maintenance funding will be allotted in a lump total. The governor has released $3 million for Waimalu Elementary School. The Impact Aid handout showed a table of federal impact aid funds received as a result of the completion of Table 9 by years. Per Table 1, the federal education program, the funding was transferred back to the Department of Education (DOE) last year. He announced that the legislature opens in two days (January 16) and invited anyone with ideas to call his office at 586-8455.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo circulated Senator Kim’s written report and noted that Senator Sakamoto was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but his written report was available for interested persons to review.

Senator Norman Sakamoto – The written report was available for interested persons to review.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Steve Antonio circulated the written report, invited everyone to opening day ceremonies at the legislature and noted that the representative is in room 328.

Governor’s Representative – Robert Piper distributed the Governor’s Update and noted he is working with Tamamoto regarding proper signage for the Halawa Stream project.

Mayor’s Representative – Randall Sumida, substituting for David Tanoue reported:

1. Mayor Hannemann wishes everyone a Happy New Year.

2. Commended Tamamoto for her efforts with the Aiea Christmas Parade and relayed that Mayor Hannemann was honored and grateful to participate with the Royal Hawaiian Band.

3. Follow up regarding two white signs blocking the stoplight at the intersection of Ulune and Kulawea Streets – The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) investigated and found that the two traffic signals on the mast arm pole are clearly visible for Koko Head (east) bound traffic on Ulune Street at Kulawea Street, which currently meets guidelines. DTS review of the intersection’s traffic history over the past two years also confirmed the relative safety of the area. As such, no field changes to the existing traffic control devices will be made at this time.

4. Call 768-7777 to report potholes on City streets.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive – Chair Clark reported:

1. The Waimalu Drainage Canal clean up and repairs public notice received.

2. State Board of Education (BOE) Meeting, January 31, 2008, Highlands Intermediate School from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

3. The Kaonohi and Kahapili Streets signage (no parking sixty feet from corner) has been put in on the mauka side.

4. The BWS Waimalu Well Rock Fall Drainage Improvements was announced at a previous meeting.

5. Correspondence received from Hawaiian Cement regarding a zoning variance application for seven structures which are already in existence, but exceed the 25 foott height limit. Mobley noted that a presentation was once made to the Board and the Board approved. For information relative to the public hearing, contact Steve Tagawa at 768-8024.

6. Received a resolution from the Salt Lake Neighborhood Board No. 18 regarding drifting racing at Aloha Stadium, opposes drifting and motor sports at the stadium. Chair Clark mentioned that the Board took no previous position on the matter.

Transportation- Jacobs reported he checked with the Federal Aviation Administration regarding concerns about a black helicopter flying and hovering over residences and found it that the helicopter is within FAA 91 regulations.

The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) called for a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) sub-committee relating to private/public partnerships (toll roads). He added that the CAC chair supports toll roads.

The next OMPO meeting is scheduled for January 17, 3:00 p.m. in the Mayor’s Conference room, third floor, Honolulu Hale.

Community Relations and Publicity – Lum reported that a Board newsletter would be out this month and every other month thereafter. The newsletter would be distributed/ at various businesses (grocery stores, etc.) in the area (to be announced later).

Restoration Advisory Board – Mobley reported: The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting is scheduled at Leeward Community College on January 22, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

PIG Revised Neighborhood Plan Review - Regarding review of the proposed Revised Neighborhood Plan, a Permitted Interactive Group (PI Goup) was formed at the November meeting to review the proposals. A letter sent to the Neighborhood Commission asking for an extension of the review period. A meeting of the PI Group will be needed if an extension is granted.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

Submitted by Nola Frank,                                                 Reviewed By,

Neighborhood Assistant                                                   William Clark, Chair