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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

Pro-tem William Clark announced that there was no quorum, explained that without a quorum reports can be heard but no board action or discussion on issues could take place. He noted that he would wait until 7:45 p. m. to start the meeting.

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting commenced at 7:47 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jane Sugimura, Tracy Arakaki, Silvia Sugihara, William Clark, Danielle Lum, George Passmore, Ron Mobley.

MEMBERS ABSENT: David Arakawa, Wilbert Ho, Ruby Hargrave, Monica Texeira, Carl Jacobs, Ross Lee.

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

GUESTS: Sharleen Oshiro (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Ken Best (Office of Representative Blake Oshiro), Breene Harimoto (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino), Donald Fukumoto, (Fukumoto Adult Care), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Gary Omori (HRT), Eileen Clarke (Board of Education), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office/ Deputy Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting), Blake Vance, Susan Govier, FF1 Aaron Yoshida (Honolulu fire Department – Aiea), Sgt. Roger Nitta (Honolulu Police Department, District 3 – Pearl City), Kapiolani Silva (PW/NSW), Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Michelle Sheldon, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

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

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – FF1 A. Yoshida reported:

• Statistics for the month of August included 2 structure, 0 wildland, 4 rubbish, 1 vehicle, 77 medical, 2 search/rescue, and 14 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip – Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire on October 8-10, 1871. On the 40^th anniversary of that fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the anniversary should be observed nationally to inform the public about the importance of fire prevention. Since 1992, FPW has been observed the week of October 9. The national Fire Protection Association has selected “It’s Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!” as the theme for FPW on October 5-11, 2008. Did you know that most fire injuries are caused by fires that occur in our homes? This year’s campaign will focus on preparedness and underscore the importance of regularly checking your home for fire hazards. HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure that your home is safe from fire hazards and that your family is prepared to escape when alerted by your smoke alarm. Practice and have an escape plan and a designate a safe meeting place outside your home.
• In October, children attending elementary schools statewide will receive a Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide (FFSG) from their teachers. HFD encourage parents to review the FFSG with their child, create or revisit your family fire escape plan, practice you plan, test your smoke alarms, and consider the other safety tips in the guide.

Questions, comments, concerns – HFD spent the day on the ridge above Kaonohi Street to continue looking for the missing hiker; he is yet to be found.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. R. Nitta circulated the written report and highlighted:

• Statistics for the month of August included 9 auto thefts, 6 auto theft recovery, 20 burglaries, 20 criminal property damage, 1 sex assault, 70 thefts, 20 U.E.M.V. (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), 1,567 calls for service; and 6,444 total calls for District 3.
• Pedestrian Safety & Driver Safety brochures were distributed.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) burglary involves breaking and entering, thefts is open to the public such as shoplifting, and robbery is committing theft with force. 2) No statistics regarding school break-ins were available. It was suggested that the Criminal Investigative Division may have the information. 3) It was suggested that a letter be sent to Chief of Police Correa requesting an ITD program for schools relative to beats and statistics (school burglaries, thefts, criminal activity). 4) Part of the routine for an officer on patrol is to check out the schools. 5) To be hired as a school traffic monitor, one must put in an application, a background check is done by HPD, and if hired paid out of HPD’s budget.

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

• July 19 - one water main break, 12-inch cast iron main, 98-114 Lipoa Place, installed in 1961.
• August three water main breaks – August 12, 8-inch cast iron pipe, 98-208 and 98-253 Aiea Kai Place, installed in 1976 and1957; August 12, 8-inch cast iron pipe, 98-231 Aiea Kai Place, installed in 1957; and August 16, 8-inch cast iron pipe, 98-222 Aiea Kai Place, installed in 1976.
• Natural disasters, power outages, rolling blackouts, or other unexpected events can disrupt the ability of BWS to provide services to the community. September marks the observance of national Preparedness Month, so we prepared a handout that explains what you should do to prepare for an emergency, from a water perspective and what you should do during and after an emergency.
• BWS along with the Department of Environmental Services and the Commission of Water Resource management has extended the ultra-low flush toilet rebate program to at least June 30, 2009. Those replacing their existing non ultra-low flush toilet to an ultra-low flush toilet could qualify for a $100 rebate. For more program information log on to www.boardofwatersupply.org.
• A “How Does Water Get to Your Tap” flyer was available for interested persons to review.
• Amy Tsuneyoshi will be reporting for Tracy Burgo in October meeting.

Board of Education (BOE) – Eileen Clarke circulated the BOE Highlights and noted:

• The Department of Education (DOE) schools will move to a 1-2-1 single school calendar in school year 2009-2010.
• Encouraged public testimony at BOE meetings.
• Next BOE meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2009 at Waipahu High School.
   

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Noise Concerns – A resident raised concerns about noise from yard blowers, weed whackers, and construction work on Kulawai Street during day light hours daily and on weekends. Responses to the resident were: a) An ordinance covers the noise during the day. One must be five-feet away from the noise to use a decibel meter reading monitor to measure the noise levels. Start time for construction work is 7:00 a.m. on weekends until dark. b) The noise ordinance is regulated by the State Department of Health. c) It was recommended to petition the City to lower the noise levels. d) It was noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently passed environmental measures to lower noise levels and the exhaust of small motors (lawn mowers, etc.). e) A comment made that the noise is from yard workers hired to maintain people’s yards; and suggested that all the neighbors get together to find a solution or compromise agreeable to all.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association – Claire Tamamoto reported:

• Thanked the City for repaving upper Kaamilo Street.
• Attended the Aiea High School Council meeting:
• Aiea High School Homecoming Week September 15-19, 2008. Tamamoto was no sure if the school will have a Homecoming Parade and invite alumni back to the school.

• The next Aiea High School Council meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at the Council room.
• State of Hawaii Peace Day, Sunday, September 21, 2008 at the Hawaii Convention Center, with activities starting at 12:00 p.m. and the forum from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Churches will be ringing their bells at 9:00 a.m.
• Voter registration forms were available on the back table. September 13 is the last day for absentee ballots and for the Aiea area early voting can be done at the Aiea Shopping Center, second floor, Room 224.
• Make a Difference Day clean-up is set for Saturday, October 25, 2008; volunteers are welcome.
• Christmas Community Parade is scheduled for Saturday December13, 2008. The route will be from Pearl Ridge Shopping Center to the Sugar Mill, with activities and food booths.
• The water pipes at the welcome to Aiea Gateway sign are under repair.
• Aiea High School Public Education Forum, Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 6:00 p.m., Aiea High School Library.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Gary Omori reported:

• Resolution08-166, amends the revised charter relating to the Director of Transportation Services proposes: “Shall the powers, duties, and functions of the city, through its director of transportation services, include establishment of a steel wheel on steel transit system?” The resolution was passed by the city Council at its August 20, 2008 meeting; the question will appear on the November general election ballot.
• Stop Rail Now lacked the required amount of signatures to get their question on the ballot.
• Per the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the Administration and City Council failed to select a system and chose steel wheel on steel wheel (selected technology) to move the DEIS along.
• Through procurement laws the Administration were within their rights to select.
• DEIS status – Completion is anticipated by October or early November of this year, then open to the public for comment and review.
• Currently, residents’ properties are being prioritized with several meetings already held. Properties will be appraised at the fair market value and both sides must agree on the appraisal.
• Working with commercial landowners.
• Reaching out to different minority groups.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) The resolution does not exclude other technologies. 2) There were no statements made to the effect at meetings regarding businesses within 100 yards of the rail being displaced. Call Omori at 551-6693 with any concerns.

Pearl Kai Shopping Center (Walgreen’s) progress Report – Clark reported correspondence received from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regarding Walgreen’s Peal Kai application for a Special Management Area Use Permit. A public hearing on this matter will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the Aiea District Park, 99-350 Aiea Heights Drive. Those desiring to testify may register prior to the public hearing at the public hearing site and are encouraged to submit one (1) copy of their testimony in writing. Attendance at the hearing is not necessary to submit testimony (written/email testimony may be sent in) to City Department of Planning and Permitting, Frank Fasi Building, 650 South King Street, 7^th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813; email: honolulu.dpp.org; or call Lynne Wong at 768-8033 for more information.

Public hearings are held during the day so as not to have to pay overtime.

NEW BUSINESS:

USS Arizona memorial Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor Two-year Renovation Project – No representative was present.

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for98-779 Kaamilo Street, Increasing Clients from 6-12 Adult Day Care Center – Donald Fukumoto, of Fukumoto Adult Care, presented the following:

• Located at 98-779 Kaamilo Street, Fukumoto is seeking Board approval for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to increase the capacity of his Adult Home Day Care Center from 6-12 clients.
• His six surrounding neighbors have been notified and have no objections.
• The Day Care would be State Certified and complete supervision would be provided the entire time of operations, with 12 elderly participants and possibly two additional staff members. Hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Drop-off and pick-up times would vary with each client; traffic impact minimal. No zoning variances are required.
• A letter with a map of the Day Care along with signatures from the neighbors was provided to Board members.

Questions, comments, concerns 1) No renovations will be made to the existing house. 2) Employees would park in the garage and driveway. 3) Day field trips are offered with most of the clients declining. Clark explained that without a Board quorum no action could be taken this evening. 4) Call Fukumoto at 487-7528 or email at usssmili@yahoo.com with any questions.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the written report and noted:

• Asked if there were any interested groups in adopting Makalapa Neighborhood Park.
• The resilient flooring for the play equipment at Makalapa Neighborhood Park has been repaired.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Makalapa Neighborhood Park has park closure signage. It was previously recommended that all park closure times be kept standard. 2) The matter regarding who is responsible for the fence surrounding Makalapa Park was referred to Senator Kim and Representative Finnegan.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo handed out Senator Sakamoto’s written report and noted that Senator Kim has been attending several meetings this month relating to Grandparents Day.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best reported:

• Town Meeting, Wednesday, September 24, 2008, Waimalu Elementary School from 7-8:30 p.m., sponsored by Senator Sakamoto and Representative Takumi.
• Annual Senior Fair, Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center Uptown from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; sponsored by Representative Oshiro.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto circulated the written report and noted:

• Community meeting, Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the DAV HALL, 2685 Nimitz Highway (Waikiki side of Keehi Lagoon Beach Park (enter through the park or Nimitz Hwy. just past the airport). Announcement flyers are forthcoming and dinner will be provided.
• A list of Council action was included in the written report.
• Bill 42, relating to Public Parks, clarifies the definition of camping. This was necessary due to the Supreme Court decision which held that the previous definition was overly broad and vague.
• Next Council meeting, Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Honolulu Hale.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann – David Tanoue reported:

• A notice from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reported that no parking signs have been installed on Laulima Street.
• Voter turn out has been low. For convenience, early balloting started today (September 8-18, except Sundays) at Aiea Shopping Center, 2^nd floor, room 246, Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale, Windward Mall, and U.H. Campus Center; Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Log on to www.honoluludpp.org for more information about the Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
• Regarding the Adult Care Center, as the population grows more adult centers will be popping up in residential neighborhoods.

Questions, comments, and concerns: 1) A comment made was that a piece of City owned property near the Aiea Sugar Mill was set aside for a nursing facility, and asked if the component could be revisited. 2) Where the permit for the parking lot near the Aiea Medical Building is. The response was that people build without the proper permits, and permits are harder to get after the fact especially if there is opposition from the neighbors; the permit is going through the process. 3) It was noted that Pearl City Foundation is planning to build a senior care home and the permit was denied.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive – Clark reported:

• Harimoto said that Pearl City and Aiea hosted a joint candidate’s forum.
• $656,000 construction funds released for the Halawa Bridge.
• Due to installation of air conditioning at the Pearl City Library in FY2009, this board would need to find a new meeting place until the air conditioning is completed.

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) – Mobley reported the next RAB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 2008, Leeward Community College from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

There were no other committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting ended at 9:27 p.m.

Submitted by,

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by,

Bill Clark, Chair