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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bill Clark called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Note: This fifteen (15) member Board requires eight (8) votes to have a quorum and take action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: David Arakawa, Mary Booth, William Clark, Danielle Lum, Ron Mobley, George Passmore, Susan Sheldon, Jane Sugimura.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Ruby Hargrave, Monica Texeira, Carl Jacobs, Ross Lee, Wilbert Ho, Silvia Sugihara, Tracy Arakaki.

VACANCIES: None.

GUESTS: Breene Harimoto (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino), Jamie Moody (Office of Representative Lynn Finnegan), Eileen Martinez (National Park Service), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Kira Sensui, Tanya Nuyha, Phil Booth, Ryan Toyomura (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit), Representative K. Mark Takai, David Tanoue (Office of the Mayor/Deputy Director City Department of Planning and Permitting), Senator Norman Sakamoto, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: The roll call of Board members was administered with a quorum of eight (8) members present (Arakawa, Booth, Clark, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura).

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

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – There was no representative present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – There was no representative present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported the following:

1. Water Main Breaks – A) October 23 – 8-inch cast iron at 99-639 Kahilinai Place (Aiea Heights); B) October 25 – 8-inch cast iron at 98-1455 Kaonohi Street.

2. Holiday Workshops at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden:

§         Tillandsia Holiday Craft - November 15, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

§         Two Xeriscape Holiday Wreath Making workshops, November 22 and 29, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

§         Pre-registration and a nominal fee are required to join in these family-friendly and fun-filled events.

§         For additional information or to register, call 748-5363 or email tours@hbws.org.

3.   BWS will have Christmas trees and a ginger bread house at both Honolulu and Kapolei Hale. BWS will also be participating in the December 6 Honolulu City Lights parade and the December 13 Kapolei parade.

4.   Due to conserving of electricity, the BWS Christmas light display on Beretania Street will be displayed until midnight.

Board of Education (BOE) – Eileen Clark circulated the September and October BOE Highlights and noted:

1. Newly elected BOE members are Janet Akuna and Carol Mon Lee. Installation is planned for December 9, 2008.
2. Central District BOE Community Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2008, Mililani Ike Elementary School from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
3. BOE is struggling through the budget cuts process.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Chair Clark asked if there were any corrections/additions to the October 2008 regular meeting minutes:

§         Page 1, 4^th paragraph from bottom should read, ‘…Booth was previously nominated to fill the vacancy, but do to the lack of a quorum the nomination could not be voted on for several months. Mobley moved that the nomination be approved…”

§         Page 4, Aiea Community Association bullet 2 should read, “… Aiea High School Alumni Fundraiser Meeting, Tuesday, October 21, 2008…”

§         Page 4, a) Pearl Kai Shopping Center (Walgreen’s) progress report, bullet 4 should read, “…Due to concern raised regarding the proposed drive-thru pharmacy, the location on the plans was changed to the opposite side next to Jiffy Lube.

§         Questions, comments, concerns 1) should read, “…The consultant is Tae Yong Kim…”

Without objection, the regular meeting minutes of October 2008 were accepted as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chair Clark reported: Previous balance in the Operating Account was $1,391.83 current expenses were $30.43 leaving a balance of $1,361.40; no expense in the Publicity Account leaving the balance at $3,063; no expense in the Refreshment Account, the balance remains at $120.00; total board appropriated balance is $4,544.40.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Lalawai Drive and Aliipoe Street off of Halawa Heights Drive – Some type of bridge being built near the culvert (before the apartment building, left hand side going up Halawa Heights Drive.

Board of Education Cutbacks – 1) Concern was raised that with the cutbacks. Aiea High School restrooms will be reduced to one; and what is the solution to this matter. Chair Clark explained that a certain amount of money was budgeted last year. There is a difference between last year and this year’s budget and that the budget goes from year to year. Harimoto noted that this year’s budget is more than last and added that the current year’s budget was requested to the legislature who cutback $10 million. The Governor has other restrictions including having all state departments cutback 15% of their budget. Representative Takai noted that after the budget was reported out by the legislature the Governor’s Task Force put in restrictions. The Budget and Finance Department has quarterly allotment funds for pay raises. Shortfalls are due to the rise in fuel costs, electricity, food, etc. Chair relayed that if things are done right fuel costs should decrease in a few months. 2) School Bus cost increase – Harimoto reported that school bus service costs have increased. There are six bus contracts up for renewal yearly. However, neighbor islands school bus providers have no competition. 3) Arakawa asked if it is a fact that under used schools would be utilized for other purposes. He suggested consolidation closure, which is one way to increase school income. Clarke noted that this matter was vetoed by the Governor and said that that idea is already in the works to consolidate and utilize schools for offices now being rented elsewhere (relocate offices). 4) Chair Clark mentioned that BOE has a $24 million shortfall. 5) Regarding budget restrictions by the Governor, it was asked what department and who is responsible for the decision relating to public schools. Harimoto replied that currently all departments have a 15% budget cut. BOE decides how to implement the cuts. State Budget and Finance decides the base of the discretionary funds. Harimoto noted that he chairs the BOE Finance Committee.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported:

1. About 20-30 people from the community, Rotary Club, and military participated in “Make A Difference Day” on October 25, 2008. A collection of toiletries (toilet paper, shampoo, condition, lotion) were donated to seniors.

2. The next ACA meeting will be held on Monday, November 24, 2008, Aiea Library Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. A collection of toiletries, toilet paper, paper towel, soaps) were brought by the clean up volunteers to be donated to Aiea Community Seniors through the Aiea Hongwanji Mission’s Project Dana. Project Dana outreaches to our community.

3. The ACA took a stand at a public hearing regarding the public library system, and presented testimony stating that previous budget cuts were not restored. A petition drive may be launched and lobbying of the legislators in support of library services.

4. Aiea High School fundraiser sponsored by the Aiea High School Alumni, February 15, 2009 at Ige’s 19^th Puka Restaurant from 4-10 p.m.; included will be free pupu, live music and video; no host cocktails. Ticket cost is $50 each; a silent auction will also be held.

5. “Nutrition for Seniors”, Saturday, November 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the Aiea Hongwanji.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Initially proceeds from the alumni event was to be given to the PTSO for operations and school expenditures. However, the alumni would like a portion of the proceeds to purchase items in need to the school. 2) For information regarding the alumni event contact Claire Tamamoto at 486-0282 or email at www.clairet@hawaii.rr.com. Deadline for ticket purchase is February 6, 2008. Flyers are forthcoming. 3) The Aiea High School Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 13, 2008 starting at 9:00 a.m. The route will be from Pearl Ridge Elementary School on Moanalua Road to the former Aiea sugar mill site where there will be booths and family fun day from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Volunteers are being sought to man the booths. For additional information contact Karen Higa at www.boohiga@yahoo.com.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Gary Omori reported the following:

1. The Honolulu High - Capacity Transit Corridor Project name has been changed to Honolulu Rail Transit (HRT). The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be out on November 21, 2008, which starts the comment period until January 7, 2009. Early comments are being accepted. Log on to www.honolulurailtransit.org for more information.

2. Community meetings will be held at the following locations:
• December 6, 2008 – Hale O Kapolei (949 Kamokila Blvd), 9-11 a.m.
• December 8, 2008 – Ala Moana, Neal Blaisdell Center (777 Ward Ave.), 6-8 p.m.
• December 9, 2008 – Salt Lake District Park (1159 Ala Lilikoi Pl.), 6-8 p.m.
• December 10, 2008 – Waipahu FILCOM Center (94-428 Mokuola Street, 6-8 p.m.
• December 11, 2008 – Bishop Museum (Kalihi-1525 Bernice St.), 6-8 p.m.

3. If the Board chooses to do so, they may add comments in the Draft EIS.

4. Individuals may submit comments to Mr. Wayne Yoshioka, Director of the City Department of Transportation Services, 650 S. King St., 3^rd floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.

5. E-copy of the EIS with a video executive summary is free. However, the cost for a printed copy is $50 per copy. Log on to www.honolulurailtransit.com for additional information.

Questions, comments, concerns followed:

1. Arakawa relayed that the City Council proposed Bill 63 RFD, and Bill 64 the airport rail route. Omori answered that he is not involved with what the Council is doing and is focusing on what was previously approved, airport, Salt Lake, or a combination.
2. There will be a question, answer, and comment period at the community meetings. Chair Clark asked if someone would be there to make sure everyone remains on the topic.
3. Representative Takai reiterated that the Kamehameha Highway Task Force took a position in support of the airport route, with alignment in Pearl City and Aiea and to include the Pearl Harbor Historic sites. Omori suggested that the task force submit their position and input. Representative Takai asked how the task force would go about restating their position. Mobley added that he thinks it would need to be redone.

Mobley moved, seconded by Sugimura that the Aiea Neighborhood No. 20 supports the Kamehameha Highway Task Force recommendation to support the airport, Pearl Harbor, Kamehameha Highway route for the rail system.

Discussion followed: 1) Alignment on Kamehameha Highway through Pearl City/Aiea to the airport was recommended. 2) A transit center at the Pearl Harbor Historic sites. 3) That the design be consistent with the ideas from the Kamehameha Highway Task Force forwarded to the City Council and area representatives, and a copy to Wayne Yoshioka, Director of the City’s Department of Transportation Services. 4) Tamamoto relayed that the City Council will be hearing Bill 64. Harimoto was asked to inform Councilmember Okino about the task force’s position.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8-0-0 (Arakawa, Booth, Clark, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura).

NEW BUSINESS:

USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor Two-year Renovation Project – Eileen Martinez, Chief of Interpretation for the Arizona Memorial, presented a power point presentation and highlighted:

§         This $58 million project is to replace the current facility and would consist of: Per the overall site plan, the two theaters would remain; a new education and research center facility to include a video conference program is planned; the main entrance would be linked with the Kamehameha Highway project; central ticketing and audio tours counter; bookstore expansion; and exhibit area.

§         The contract has been awarded to Danny Watts LCC.

§         Oral histories are being sought from the community for the galleries.

§         Starting January 2009, construction would start in two phases.

§         Completion by December 7, 2010.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Per a request, the board may have an on-site tour. Call Martinez at 422-2771 with a date and time. 2) Regarding the display, Tamamoto asked if any information regarding the internment camp and what happened after has been gathered because that affects many Hawaii people. 3) It was reiterated that the project cost is about $58 million with funding from the Department of Defense, and the National Park Service; $30 million from the State and private funding make up the rest.

Declaration of Vacancy/Filling of Vacancy, Sub District 4, Newtown/Royal Summit (one seat) – Chair Clark explained that a letter was sent to board member Ross Lee in August asking if he plans to continue as a board member being that he has not attended a meeting in a year. Since the only reply was he would be back from oversees in October and did not attend the meeting, the board may vote to vacate the seat. Chair Clark announced that parties interested in filling the sub-district 4 vacancy, should come to the January 12, 2009 meeting. Without objection the seat in sub-district 4 was declared vacant.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Senator Norman Sakamoto – Senator Sakamoto reported:

1. Continue as chair for the Education and Housing Committee.
2. Early on $2 million was put in the budget for the Arizona Memorial facelift; $1 million donated by the State. Initially the Arizona renovation cost was $38 million, but has now increased to $58 million. Rep. Takai asked for combined Bowfin, Missouri, and Arizona center.
3. Regarding education, the funding issue is discretionary funding; per Governor Lingle state departments must cutback 10%, 15% or 20%.
4. He opposes cutting school days.
5. Hawaii’s education global measurements are not competitive with foreign countries.
6. It was mentioned that some states do not cut their education budget.
7. Quality teachers must be kept.
8. School facilities and infrastructure are still on the table.

Questions, comments, concerns followed:  Chair Clark commented that as a business teacher at a community college for the past 30 years education is important as is the ability to write and think critically on a variety of topics. Mobley added, relative to subjects of oral and written communication people are unable to write a sentence; and believes excess state money should go to the schools rather than in the general fund.

Representative K. Mark Takai – Rep. Takai reported:

1. Kamehameha Highway Task Force – the $8.9 million state project is tied in with the changes to the Pearl City/Aiea corridor.
2. Next task force meeting, Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 7-8:30 p.m. at Waimalu Elementary School.
3. City and State plans for traffic meeting, Wednesday, January 28, 2009, 7-8:30 p.m. at Waimalu Elementary School.
4. The task force project items are moving forward are:

§         Changes to Kaahumanu Street and Kamehameha Highway (intersection), standard signal timing optimized.

§         Tie all traffic signals in with fiber lights.

§         Median fencing project – State Department of Transportation (safety for seniors/kids not jaywalking).

5. Kaahele Street Project: Repaving for Newtown and Royal Summit; restrip while paving

§         Newtown briefing, Wednesday, January 7, 2009, Newtown Recreation Center; update will be given at this board’s February 2009 meeting.

6. Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial –

§         Rep. Takai, Senator Sakamoto, and Rep. Finnegan work with the sites about four years ago (USS Bowfin, USS Arizona, .USS Missouri, USS Oklahoma, Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor Historic Trails).

7. The Kamehameha Highway project has funding to improve the gateway to the Pearl Harbor Historic Trails.
8. The freeway signage has been changed making it easier for tourists and locals to find their way to the USS Arizona Memorial.
9. It was noted that the property where the white tent existed between the USS bowfin and the USS Arizona was traded with the Navy with the help of U.S. Congressman Daniel Inouye allowing better access to the USS Bowfin and USS Arizona. The land now comes under the National Park Service.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) A question was will the fiber optics on Kamehameha Highway be coordinated systematically. Rep. Takai replied that paving is not in the plan, the conduits will be underground. Cost to repave would be in excess of $30 million. 2) Regarding the restriping, changes will be made. However, there is never 100% satisfaction. The latest rendering is that there is no parking for park users on this zigzag road (Kahele Street).

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Ryan Toyomura circulated the written report and was available for questions.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Jaimie Moody distributed the written report and noted that the ConCon was voted down by the voters.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto had no report, but was available for questions. Chair Clark asked what is the Councilmember’s position regarding the rail airport route. Harimoto answered that Council is still trying to come to a decision. Councilmember Okino supported the airport route in the past.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – David Tanoue reported a work order has been issued for the faded signage on Uao Place. Everyone was thanked for voting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: There were no committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Ø       Kamehameha Highway Task Force meeting Wednesday, December 10, 2008, Waimalu Elementary School, 7-8:30 p.m.

Ø       Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 will recess in December.

Ø       The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2008

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Submitted by,

Nola J. Frank Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by,

William Clark Chair