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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

MONDAY, JULY 14 2008

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order with six (6) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Dave Arakawa, Ron Mobley,  Wilbert Ho, Monica Texeira, Tracy Arakaki.

MEMBERS ABSENT: William Clark (excused), Ruby Hargrave, Silvia Sugihara, Danielle Lum (excused), Carl Jacobs (excused), George Passmore, Ross Lee.

VACANCIES: Sub-district 1, Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley, Ford Island – 2 seats

GUESTS: Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Wayne Hashiro (City Managing Director), Wayne Yoshioka, Director  and Richard Torres, Deputy Director (City Department of Transportation Services), Joan Manke (Executive Secretary, Neighborhood Commission Office), Michael Nakasone, Bandmaster (Royal Hawaiian Band), Eugene Lee, Director (Department of Design and Construction), Les Chang, Director (Department of Parks and Recreation), Craig Nishimura, Director (Department of Facility Maintenance), Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s/Senior Advisor, EMS), Mito Ablan, Sharleen Oshiro (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Melody Moses (Lanakila Pacific), Breene Harimoto (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino/Board of Education), Ken Best (Office of Representative Blake Oshiro), Sgt. K.  Miyazaki and Lt. G. Arakawa (Honolulu Police Department, District 3-Pearl City), Captain Mel Oshio and Firefighter Ross Takata (Honolulu Fire Department-Aiea), Gary Omori (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project), David Tanoue (Deputy Director Department of Planning and Permitting), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Representative K. Mark Takai, Ross Tsukenjo (Office of Senator Donna Kim), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS – Board members introduced themselves at this time.

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

MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN – Mayor Hannemann introduced members of his Cabinet present tonight and highlighted the following:

1. Periodic visits are made to Neighborhood Boards and tonight he is visiting his area Board.
2. Status of repaving projects that have gone out to bid:

§         Kaahumanu Street/Kamehameha Highway to the mauka end.

§         Moanalua Road from Kaahumanu Street to Pali Momi Street.

§         Hapaki, Kili, Kahele, Kaahele Streets to the mauka end of Moanalua Road.

§         Kahele Street, Komo Mai Drive to Hapaki Street.

§         Kaonohi Street was added to the FY08 list by Councilmember Gary Okino.

§         The anticipated project start date is the first quarter of 2009. The community was thanked for their patience.

§         The Ulune Street/Kaimakani Street traffic signal has had a slight delay due to a defective cable. A new cable will be ordered and the traffic signal should be in operation by mid-August.

Questions, Comments, Concerns:

1. Mayor Hannemann was commended for doing a wonderful job.
2. Mayor Hannemann explained it is basically respect for the initiative process. The contention lacking with the anti-rail group is they are thinking to remove rail from any consideration; and to promote hot lanes, flyovers, toll roads, bus lanes, managed lanes, etc. There are no other alternatives other than rail. Mayor Hannemann’s position is to continue providing information. Guaranteed for rail are $15 million in funding and $9 million in federal funding sooner rather than later. Four previous Directors for the State Department of Transportation joined by the State Department Health Deputy Director came out today in support of rail. If rail was built 15 years ago the cost would have been $1.8 million. The feeling is if this project does not happen now, it will never happen. According to the Governor, flyovers did not work out well. There is support from U.S. Congressman Daniel Inouye (federal funding). Hannemann believes the majority of the people who sit in traffic gridlock seven days a week want rail. Many in opposition do not live on the Westside, but it is only fair to have a better traffic option. He stated that the City remains committed to rail.

3. Voter’s elected officials to make decisions, however Mayor Hannemann has no problem with allowing the initiative put on the ballot.

7:49 p.m. Arakaki arrived (6 members now present).

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Captain Oshio reported the following:

• Statistics for the month of June included 3 structure, 1 rubbish, 2 auto, 75 medical, 23 miscellaneous, and 0 major calls.
• Fire Safety Tip: With our island keiki on summer break, this is an opportune time to review your home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations. Take the time to childproof your home. Check for situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, and/or houseplants. Ensure swimming pools are properly fenced and gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent unattended keiki from drowning. Keep matches and lighters in a safe, secured place away from children.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) HFD must find a way to reach emergencies if cars are parking on narrow roads in private communities blocking access. 2) The Aiea HFD was invited to participate in the community Christmas Parade on December 13, 2008.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Miyazaki circulated the monthly statistics and highlighted:

• District 5 (Pearl City) covers the areas from Kunia to Pearl Harbor.
• Statistics for the month of June included 14 auto thefts, 6 auto theft recovery, 22 burglaries, 27 criminal property damage, 55 thefts, 23 UEMV (unauthorized entry into motor vehicle); and Aiea totaled 1,638 calls for service out of  6,630 for the entire district.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) The Board will be informed if there is a trend in certain crimes. 2) Anyone witnessing a suspicious vehicle or crime no matter how minor was encouraged to call 911. 3) Per Chair Clark, Mobley charted the statistics reports for four years and revealed the increase in UEMV’s when school is not in session. 4) An audience member relayed in her neighborhood neighbors watch out for each other.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY – Tracy Burgo reported the following:

• Main Breaks – Two main breaks on June 16, an 8-inch main (installed in 1955) on Kauhale Street, and a 12-inch main (installed in 1969) on Kaonohi Street.
• General Water Announcements – The 20th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant sale on Saturday, August 2, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 99-Iwaena Street. All attendees can enter for a chance to win an extreme xeriscape garden makeover, valued at over $18,000 courtesy of Steve’s Landscaping Services, Rain Bird, and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden. A variety of drought-tolerant and native Hawaiian plants will also be on sale. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply,com or call 748-5041. There is a 30% to 80% water reduction with a xeriscape garden.
• Water Conservation – Everyone was reminded to please continue conservation efforts, use what you need but don’t waste it. A brochure, “7 Easy Ways to Save Water” was provided.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto, substituting for Eileen Clarke, circulated the BOE Highlights, and reported the BOE proposed budget was reduced $10 million by the legislature, $9.3 million cut from government restrictions with future cuts. However, electricity rates are skyrocketing, bus transportation for students have quadrupled, etc., thus the cost must be absorbed from other departments. Costs previously bore by other departments have been moved to the Department of Education (DOE), with the Felix Decree costing billions. There is no huge bureaucracy and cuts in services and possible lay-offs are anticipated. Due to the increase in user fees, the budget must be balanced. Updates will be reported at future meetings.

Questions, comments, concerns:

• Concern was raised as to what is BOE doing to generate more income; schools decrease in enrollment; and the continuation of building new schools.
• A major issue for consideration is under utilize-schools in one area on O`ahu and an increase in other areas; and how to make use of the resources. The DOE does not own all the land where schools are located; but a possibility would be to lease out a portion of the campus to generate needed income to refurbish the old schools.
• What happened to the use of school facilities recommended to offer signature programs? Now would be a good time to decide where to put them, with consideration in prime locations. A smaller footprint would be to lease part of the land; and consolidations are being looked at.
• The ramifications of the legislative override to preschools are only the starting point; funding is very limited and would not go far without continued funding.
• Harimoto was commended for taking the initiative with the committee on working with the businessmen offering ideas to increase income for schools.
• The Student Leadership Conference is this Friday and Saturday.
• Follow up will be done on whether charter schools impact the DOE schools system. It was noted that charter schools are public schools, but the reality is limited funding. Charter school funding is not taken from the DOE but is allocated by the Legislature through the same pool of moneys. There are some great charter schools, and others that need to be shut down.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

AIEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported the next ACA meeting is on Monday, July 28, 2008, Aiea Public Library Conference Room., 7 p.m. The first half of the meeting will focus on planning the Christmas Parade; volunteers are welcome.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT (HHCTCP) – Gary Omori reported the Draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS) would be completed by the end of this year. Outreach efforts have stepped up having coffee hours with different business establishments, ethnic groups, etc. A federal requirement is that minority groups are also informed and given input.

NEW BUSINESS:

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL VISITOR CENTER AT PEARL HARBOR TWO-YEAR RENOVATION PROJECT – Deferred until the September meeting.

HALAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, TEMPORARY HOUSING AND/OR PROGRAM STRUCTURES AT THE FACILITY – No further information from June’s presentation.

LANAKILA PACIFIC – Melody Moses reported the following: Effective March 15, 2008 the Lanakila Rehabilitation Center has changed their name to Lanakila Pacific; and their new website will be introduced in the near future. Programs for the community includes Meals on Wheels, Workforce Resources, Teaching and Learning Center, Social Enterprises, Xpress Chefs (funds the Meals on Wheels Program),  and others. She announced Lanakila Pacific’s 13th Annual Golf Tournament is Friday, August 22, 2008 at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club; entry deadline is August 1, 2008. Catering informational flyers were available.

NOTIFICATION OF VACANCIES ON NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS, SUB-DISTRICT 1 (Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley, Ford Island) – Vice Chair Sugimura announced that filling of two vacancies in Sub-district 1 would be taken up at the September meeting. Everyone was reminded that the Board would take their annual recess in August 2008.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Rep. Takai reported that the Legislature was back into override session last Tuesday with the House overriding 13 bills and 1 fiscal issue; the Senate overrode 40 Bills, 2 of which pertained to the University of Hawaii. The next Town Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, 2008, Waimalu Elementary School from 7 – 8:30 p.m. with U.H. Athletic Director Jim Donovan as guest speaker.

Questions, comments, concerns: The DOE faces many challenges with repairs and maintenance. There are 10,000 less students than 20 years ago, with projection suggestions of 40 new schools in the next 10 years in new construction areas. It is hopeful that the issue is revisited and addressed by BOE. Some areas throughout the state are growing while others are not.

REPRESENTATIVE BLAKE OSHIRO – Ken Best circulated the written report and announced A Sign Waving event with the Neighborhood Security Watch and HPD, on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Halawa Heights Road and Iwaiwa Street. Plans are to have a monthly sign waving event.

SENATOR DONNA KIM – Ross Tsukenjo distributed Senator Kim and Sakamoto’s written reports and was available for questions.

COUNCILMEMBER ROMY CACHOLA – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the written report and was available for questions.

MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN’S REPRESENTATIVE – David Tanoue thanked the Board for allowing Mayor Hannemann to speak with them and the community this evening.

COMMITTEE REPORTS – There were no committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Ø       Board recess in AUGUST 2008.

Ø       Next scheduled meeting, Monday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008, Aiea Public Library Conference Room (99-143 Moanalua Road), at 7:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – Vice Chair Sugimura adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by:

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Bill Clark, Chair