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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Chair Clark announced per the Office of Information Practices (OIP) a quorum of eight (8) members is needed for the meeting to be called order and he would wait until 7:45 p.m. before cancelling the meeting.

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 7:46 p.m.; a quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: David Arakawa, William Clark, Wilbert Ho, Carl Jacobs, Danielle Lum, Ron Mobley, Sylvia Sugihara, Jane Sugimura, Monica Texeira.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Mary Booth, Tuika Faumuina, Ruby Hargrave, Ross Lee, George Passmore.

MEMBER SEATS VACANT – None.

GUESTS: Matthew Motas, Lorna Motas, Chester Oda, Kevin Kubo, Chris Kubo, JoAnn Yasutake, Kelly Matas, Steve Antonio (Representative Finnegan’s Office), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Okino’s Office), Stan Fichtman (Councilmember Djou’s Office), Ken Best (Representative Oshiro’s Office), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Cachola’s Office) , Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Anthony Pinochi, M.F. Kendrick, Stephen DiRico, Stanley and Vivian Kage, Acting Major A. Ahlo, Acting Captain G. Maekawa, Sgt. Roger Nitta (Honolulu Police Department, District 5-Pearl City), Captain Lee Muller and Firefighter 1 Reid Yoshida (Honolulu Fire Department, Aiea-E10); Keoni Mattos, Eric and Hiroko Forney, Councilmember Romy Cachola, Marty Aldinger, Senator Norman Sakamoto, Suzette Adversalo, Susan Sheldon, Mike Miura, Curtis Miyamura, Tae Yang Kim, Dewey Kim and Jeff Smith (Honolulu Liquor Commission), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office), Robert Piper (Governor’s Office), Garrett Littman (LACAZE Development), Taeyong M. Kim (Consultant), Jim Brewer, Nola Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS – The roll call of Board members was administered with quorum of eight members present (Clark, Ho, Jacobs, Lum, Mobley, Sugihara Sugimura, Texeira).

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

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter R. Yoshida reported:

1. Statistics for the month of February included 3 structure fires, 2 rubbish fires, 75 medical, 1 search/rescue, and 18 miscellaneous response calls.

2. Fire Safety Tip: Cooking at home can be a fun family activity, but please be careful. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. The following precaution can be taken to minimize your chances of starting a cooking fire:

o       Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat, and take a spoon or oven mitt with you to remind yourself of the food on the stove.

o       Do not become distracted. Attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television, and answering doorbells can have devastating results when the stove is on and unattended.

o       Keep ignitable items, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, or curtains, at least three feet away from the range top.

o       Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen, and learn how to use it.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. R. Nitta reported statistics included:

1. December 2007: Criminal property damage 41, theft 113, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) 63; total area calls 2,066.
2. January 2008: Burglary 26, criminal property damage 40, and unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV) 40; total area calls 1,773.
3. February 2008: Burglary 23, criminal property damage 22, sex assault 2, theft 68, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV) 50; total area calls 1,646.
4. Acting Major A Ahlo was introduced.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed: 1) Chair Clark commented that calls for service were down in December and January, burglary fluctuating, and UEMV’s down. He noted a significant difference in the December statistics. Sgt. Nitta replied crime is up when kids are on school breaks. 2) A member of the audience raised concerns about the increase of graffiti in the area. Sgt. Nitta suggested calling the Graffiti Hotline at 529-3222.

Without objection the agenda was taken out of order to item 10.5 Request to name the ball park at Makalapa Community Park after Lt. Michael Murphy, a Presidential Medal of Honor recipient who died on duty in Afghanistan, who lived on Oahu and was stationed at Pearl Harbor where he was a Navy SEAL.

NEW BUSINESS:

Request to Name the Ball Park at Makalapa Community Park after Lt. Michael Murphy: Stan Fichtman, from Councilmember Djou’s Office, distributed a handout regarding a proposal to rename the Makalapa Community Park Ball Park, located at 99-102 Kalaloa Street, Aiea, Hawaii, after Lt. Michael Murphy. He relayed that per Councilmember Djou with communication from Councilmember Cachola, Senator Sakamoto, Commanders of the Pacific and Camp Smith, and members of the Navy, it was decided to honor Lt. Murphy and recognize him for his services. Councilmember Cachola said that a memo was sent to the City Department of Parks and Recreation Director, Les Chang asking if a section of the park could be renamed and if Board approval was needed.

Jacobs moved, seconded by Sugimura to accept the proposal to rename the Ball Park at the Makalapa District Park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy.

Discussion followed:

1. Tamamoto – Meaning no disrespect, she commented that not many military personnel use this particular park, the park is small and the ball field in disarray. She asked if there were other more appropriate area parks to honor him, and noted we should select a good memorial not a poor one. Fichtman answered comments would be relayed to Councilmember Djou. He mentioned that, not knowing Tamamoto’s knowledge, basically the park was chosen because it is close to Pearl Harbor. Tamamoto suggested the smaller park just below the Post Office. Councilmember Cachola said you have to understand that the letter was written by Councilmember Djou and sent to the base commanding officer. The decision should be made by the Board.

8:06 p.m. Arakawa arrived (nine members present).

2. A member of the audience asked if approved, if a dedication ceremony will be held. Fichtman responded they are working on the resolution to include a dedication ceremony and signage.
3. Sheldon – Agreed with Tamamoto that the park needs repair.
4. Mobley - Commented that should not be a reason not to rename the ball park honoring this individual. He stated the park should be clean up.
5. Tamamoto - She is not saying not to rename the park, but choose a more appropriate park that is frequented by many people.
6. Senator Sakamoto - In agreement with Tamamoto’s comment, there is a park in Salt Lake across the Tesoro gas station and more visible. The urgency is to rename the park before this Memorial Day.
7. Councilmember Cachola - If the park is not maintained plans are to partnership with the Navy for maintenance.
8. Fichtman – Councilmember Djou’s intent is to have the resolution pass full Council by Memorial Day.

Mobley moved to amend the motion to include investigating if another park would be more appropriate.

Discussion followed: 1) Ho disagreed and preferred the original motion. 2)  Texeira was in opposition to the amendment, noting that time is of essence. The motion to amend was not adopted, 3-6-0. A vote of eight is need for a motion to be adopted. The motion to accept the proposal to rename the Ball Park at the Makalapa District Park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy was ADOPTED, 8-0-1; Aye: (Arakawa, Clark, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Sugihara Sugimura, Texeira); Abstention: Jacobs.

Chair Clark announced that a letter from the Board would be sent to Councilmember’s Cachola and Djou regarding upkeep of the park.

Without objections the agenda was amended to take out of order item 10.2 Report on issues and actions taken concerning excessive early morning noise the Westridge Shipping Center.

NEW BUSINESS:

Report on issues and actions taken concerning excessive early morning noise at the Westridge Shopping Center:

1. Chair Clark relayed that he received a call from resident Ms. Yasutake on February 12 and emailed HPD and the Liquor Commission on February 13.
2. Sgt. Nitta (HPD), introduced Acting Major A. Ahlo and Lt. G. Maekawa, and reported: Statistics for 2007, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m., calls included 39 arguments, 53 noise, and 21 nuisance complaints. From January to February 2008, there were 8 arguments, 20 noise, and 2 nuisance complaint calls.
3. Garrett Littman, of the Westridge Management, reported he did meet with HPD in 2006 regarding complaints from the Chez Monique Sports Bar, noting that the bar does have both a liquor and cabaret license. Westridge Managements had teamed up with HPD and HPD’s special duty officers working from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. Up until June/July of last year there were many fights, even attacks on security officers, who are on duty 24 hours. With the assistance of HPD he believes the many incidents have curbed. Littman noted he has received no other major complaints and was open to suggestions.
4. The Honolulu Liquor Commission (HLC) Administrator, Dewey Kim, introduced Jeff Smith, Chief Investigator, who reported the HLC has over 12 investigators with sound meters. If a complaint is received, an investigator is sent out that night or the next. Measures taken are according to state law. If the level is close to a violation a warning is issued; a citation is issued if there is a violation. The HLC hotline is 523-4194. Kim added that Honolulu is compacting. He encourage people opposing the issuance of a liquor license to attend the HLC meetings and give their concerns or testily prior to the issuance of the license. Smith noted it is helpful if the person with a complaint would leave a name (kept confidential) and specific information, and allow an investigator to monitor the noise from the person’s residence. Kim noted that more patrons who smoke are in the parking lots due to the “no smoking” law. A meter reading graph was available for interested persons to review.

Question, answers, comment followed:

1. Lum asked how high a decibel reading must have to be before it is a violation. Smith replied decibel reading is taken for two minutes every twenty minutes. If a violation occurs within two consecutive 20-minute sessions a citation is issued.
2. Harbor Pointe resident Joy Yasutake raised concern and frustration against the issuance of a cabaret license to Chez Monique. She noted that she was one of two people testifying against the permit, but it was approved. Many 911 noise complaint calls have been made, to the point that the dispatchers recognized her voice. The noise problem is not better even with special duty police officers, the bar door is kept open nightly. She is trying to do everything legally, but nothing seems to work.
3. Littman commented that the property was purchased under foreclosure in 2004 and management is trying to turn the property around. However, there are businesses with 15-year leases or longer.

4. Smith said that a letter would be sent tomorrow to Chez Monique tomorrow an investigator will be sent out to Chez Monique until 5:00 a.m.
5. Kim said that all complaints are responded to and followed through. There are no state laws pertaining to bass vibrations and no limits of calculations. Chair Clark stated that bass vibrations are measured with frequency not decibels.
6. Kim mentioned that liquor licenses are issued yearly and he encouraged everyone with concerns to come and petition the commission meeting, which may result in the application not being renewed. Cabaret licenses are not issued often. Violators risk losing the privilege if bars become bother some, and if the violations continue the license will be taken away.
7. An audience member raised concern that if the HLC knew the concerns regarding Chez Monique, why was a liquor license issued to the Lilikoi Restaurant that shares the same building. Harbor Pointe Manager Pinochi answered that problems with the parking lot were raised; cars driving back and forth; and he had spoken with Littman many times. He suggested that Chez Monique be good neighbors and assist their patrons when they are leaving.
8. Chair Clark suggested a meeting with the HLC, HPD, Westridge Management, and representatives from Harbor Pointe, start a phone tree and work on resolving the problems. Problems started with the Chez Monique Sports Bar in August of 2006, and working together with HPD and the community problems were solved at that time.
9. In August 2006 problems with Chez Monique started, and working together resolved the problems. Also suggested was on-going communication. Kim asked the interested parties to call his office and they would set up a meeting. Chair Clark suggested the meeting be held in Aiea and have a meeting within the next week.
10. Sugimura asked Kim how often liquor licenses are up for renewal. Kim replied that the process is yearly before July with hearings conducted.
11. Texeira asked if future consideration could be given to not renew the liquor license. Kim answered, that the bar must become before the HLC. However, if 51% of the area voters say no, the application could be denied. A license could also be issued with conditions.

The agenda order resumed.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported statistics for the month of January included: One water main break on January 4 on Hapaki Street, 12-inch main, spliced/horizontal/corrosion; installed in 1974. March statistics included two water main breaks: a) February 22, 8-inch (1955) on Mikalemi Street; horizontal/corrosion spliced. b) February 28 an 8-inch (1953) on Aiea Heights Drive, circular/corrosion spliced. General Water Announcements: The BWS takes pride in the fact that water that is pumped to homes and businesses is of the highest quality. Many Oahu communities were first established more than a century ago. So as these communities age, major portions of the infrastructure, from roads to sewer to water mains are also aging and nearing the end of their useful life span. To continue to provide a safe and dependable water supply, BWS carefully manages the systematic replacement of our infrastructure through their water main replacement program. A handout was available explaining how BWS chooses which water mains to replace and what happens during the planning and construction process.

Questions, comments and concerns: 1) Regarding an article in today’s newspaper about pharmaceuticals in drinking water, Hawaii has no exact Environmental Protection Agency standards, and currently pharmaceuticals are not monitored in the water. 2) In response to Tamamoto, the Kaamilo Street project is completed, repaving on the left trench is done, and repaving for the rest of the road is up to the City.

Board of Education (BOE) – No representative was present.

Approval of Minutes of January 2008 – Without objections, the January 2008 regular meeting minutes were accepted as written.

There were no minutes for the month of February; due to lack of a quorum the meeting was cancelled.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Jacobson reported: 1)  For the month of January 2008 expenditures in the Operating Account were $39.39, leaving a balance of $1,269.96; no expenditures in the Publicity Account leaving the balance at $3,036; and with no expenditures the Refreshment Account remains at $120. 2) For the month of February 2008 expenditures in the Operating Account were $33.17, leaving the balance at $1,236.79. Both treasurers’ reports were filed subject to audit.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto thanked the 36 people who participated in the community clean-up of the Aiea Gateway Park. Approximately 50 bags of trash were collected. A community member returned to the area and planted plants between the signs. She is still working with the State regarding repairing the sprinkler system at the park.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Aiea Gateway Park: Chair Clark explained that issue arose in 2001-2004, with the State suggesting that the City accept the land where the Aiea Gateway Park is located. Concern is raised because the last two paragraphs of a letter received by the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Land Division from the State suggests that all maintenance functions will be continued by all members of the Neighborhood Board. Discussion regarding the history must be modified.

Former Board Chair Mike Miura gave the following brief history regarding this park: The Aiea Neighborhood Board started jurisdictional issues in 1981 by a joint partnership with the Leeward Junior Chamber of Commerce for sponsorship. At that time a joint application was submitted to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources 9DLNR), but found out that the lot was reserved for a future fire station. The site was found not suitable for the fire station resolving the issue. Next step was working on restricted and access rights controlled by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for approval. Due to federal aide fronting the project site distance must be approved by the Traffic division and environmental control requirements must be approved by State Highways Division. Miura did not know if the City is aware of the requirements. Former Board member Alice Takehara got clearance from the DLNR and Miura from the DOT.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Chair Clark asked Miura to his knowledge is the property still State owned. 2) In response to Arakawa, the Junior Chamber of Commerce has disbanded. 3) Mobley asked if there is an agreement with the State regarding upkeep of the park from the Board’s standpoint. Miura replied the State agreed to install a potable water sprinkler system. 4) Mobley wanted to know if there is an agreement relative to maintenance. Miura answered yes, with the application, not so much for maintenance, but to beautify the area. But there is no agreement per se. 5) Chair Clark asked Tamamoto was the project taken over by the City Vision Team when Mayor Harris was in office. Tamamoto responded the Vision Team requested work on two gateway parks. There was a memorandum of understanding for funding for the Aiea Gateway Park. Since then funding has ceased. A maintenance contract with DOT is delinquent, and was sub-contracted out to a private vendor. If the Board has no objections, the ACA would like to step forward to try to maintain the area and get the waterline restored. In the planning is scheduling quarterly clean-ups with different organizations. 6) Chair Clark asked if it mattered whether it is City or State jurisdiction. 7) Mobley asked if the ACA is asking the Board for permission to take over the maintenance of the area. Tamamoto replied the ACA is willing at this time.

Ho moved, seconded by Arakawa in support of passing on Neighborhood Board members upkeep of the Aiea Gateway Park, to Claire Tamamoto, President for the Aiea Community Association.

Discussion followed: 1) Arakawa moved to amend the motion to read supporting no objection to the Aiea Community Association maintaining the area. Ho withdrew the motion; Arakawa agreed. This item was deferred until later in the meeting.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP): No representative was present.

NEW BUSINESS:

Pearl Kai Shopping Center Walgreens – Kim presented a brief overview of plans for a Walgreens at the Pearl Kai Shopping at the former Tower Records site with the entrance on the Ewa side of the shopping center, requiring a Special Use Permit (SUP). The current building will be removed and replaced with a new free standing L configuration building, some parking, with additional parking at the Vitamin Shop. A subterranean parking lot near the 24-Hour Fitness will have 15 more parking stalls. There will be a drive-thru pharmacy with a lane parallel to Kamehameha Highway. The store will consist of two stories totaling 13,000 square feet; top floor 2,000 square feet and bottom floor 11,000 square feet. Plans include fast food restaurants, camera area, with storage on the top floor.

Questions, comments, concerns:

1. Chair Clark asked how much taller would Walgreens would be compared to other area buildings. Kim replied thirty-five feet three inches tall. Chair Clark stated that for many years under the Aiea Liveable Community Plan there has been a policy to have visibility from the mountain to the ocean, which is critical for a Board decision tonight.
2. Littman noted that the 24-Hour Fitness building is over thirty feet.

3. Tamamoto said that the community adopted the Aiea Livable Community Plan to see the ocean, which would be blocked by this building at the entrance to the property. Kim answered the height is within zoning rights for the area.
4. Chair Clark reiterated that the whole point is ocean view and suggested modifying the buildings, so people driving by would not have to look at tall buildings.
5. Mobley asked if there was any way to modify the plans to not have a second story and still have the space needed. Kim responded that the ground level would have to be re-evaluated. The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) asked that the building be articulated to add character.
6. Chair Clark reiterated if the consultant was expecting an approval tonight, he will recommend an approval by this Board not be made.
7. Tanoue mentioned that the last time Walgreens came to the Board it was advised that  

they meet with the ACA regarding the design. Freeman said he open to a meeting with  

ACA.

8. Tamamoto noted that the Aiea Community Livable Community Plan was adopted by the City and includes traffic patterns, ideas, etc., and addressed the community’s concerns.
9. Westridge Management also manages the Pearl Kai Shopping Center.
10. Lum said having used the drive-thru pharmacy in another state she asked if the parking lot traffic has been timed. Kim replied there will be a dedicated storage lane for the pharmacy. Lum raised concern asking what assurance there will be that people won’t be backed-up; and noted she had waited 20 minutes to go through the drive-thru for a prescription to be filled.
11. Jacobs said that people going to McDonald’s stop on Kamehameha Highway to go through the drive-thru and offered to work with Walgreens, the community, Rep. Takai’s office and the Kamehameha Highway Task Force. Chair Clark said the idea is to exchange telephone numbers (Tamamoto, Jacobs, Arakawa).
12. Tanoue said per the plans he recommended working with DPP and the community and come up with creative ideas. He stated the height issue is of concern to the community.
13. This item was deferred until the April meeting.

Chair Clark said that the agenda item relating to HB2790 HD1 was in error and should read HB2730, HD1. There were no objections to the correction.

House Bill 2730 HD1, A Bill for an Act relating Legal Requirements for Neighborhood Board Meetings:

1. Chair Clark reported that the City’s Task Force recommended term limits for Board members to encourage younger members, be fairer to the communities, and noted if the bill is supported and passes it will place term limits on the 2008 general ballot. The Council Resolution 07-379 would allow four consecutive two-year terms effective 2009. The State law is being looked into.
2. Senator Sakamoto said that he introduced three bills relating to the sunshine law with parts relating to different aspects of this law.
3. Chair Clark noted one bill relating to emergency meeting was approved by the City Corporation Counsel (CORP). Sakamoto suggested amendments for clarification and specifics. Mobley noted if an emergency arises there is no way to contact CORP.
4. Sakamoto urged Board members and individuals to testify on what would help or not. Chair Clark suggested that he write a testimony letter for the Board.

Resolution 07-379: Chair Clark explained in order to add Resolution 07-379 to the agenda this evening the Board would need a two-third vote of ten members present. He Clark reported that resolution 07-379, relating to term limits for Board members was introduced by Councilmember Djou. Arakawa requested a testimonial letter be drafted by the Chair with copies to Board members to send as private citizens. Mobley explained that Djou’s resolution would allow for term limits, be an eight year consecutive term period. He suggested taking this issue to the voters not the City Council. The issue is yet to be voted on by the Neighborhood Commission. Harimoto to follow up, noting the resolution is still in the Executive Matters Committee. Lum said if the resolution does not move to place it on the April agenda.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Mayor’s representative – David Tanoue announced the Rail meeting tonight at Alvah Scott Elementary School from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Governor’s Representative – Robert Piper distributed the monthly report and was available for questions.

Senator Sakamoto – Senator Sakamoto circulated his written report and noted: Revenues will be announced this week with the budget lower based on six years from the previous legislators. The House is asking for budget cuts. He said that the budget must be balanced and maintain school repairs, maintenance, and teachers. With regards to the Aiea Gateway Park and the state contract, he suggested letting the state continue to cover maintenance.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo circulated the written report and announced the next Investigative Committee meeting will be this Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. and Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best distributed the written report and noted the report included mid-session highlights and the HPD recommendation. The Aiea Library relocation cost would be $10 million and is not included in the supplemental budget.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Steve Antonio reported cleanup of the Aiea Historical Trail bike path with the Lions Club, Army and community is scheduled for April 19, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Aiea Gateway Park – Sugimura moved seconded by Arakawa in support of passing on the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 upkeep of the Aiea Gateway Park to Claire Tamamoto, President of the Aiea Community Association. The motion was unanimously ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (Arakawa, Clark, Ho, Jacobs, Lum, Mobley, Sugihara Sugimura, Texeira).

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Community Relations and Publicity: Lum reported she would contact the neighborhood assistant to discuss a flyer for printing.

Transportation – Jacobs reported he will be attending a transit meeting.

Restoration Advisory Board - Mobley reported the next Hickam RAB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2008, Aiea Public Library Conference Room.

There were no other Committee Reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Revised Neighborhood Plan – Mobley reported the plan is already under review by the Neighborhood Commission, so there is no longer a need for a Board committee. He will be attending the Neighborhood Commission meeting on March 17 and give an update at the April Board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.        

Submitted by:

Nola Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

William Clark, Chair