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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bill Clark called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Note: This fifteen (15) member Board requires eight (8) votes to have a quorum and take official Board action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: William Clark, Wilbert Ho, Danielle Lum, Ron Mobley, George Passmore, Susan Sheldon, Silvia Sugihara, Jane Sugimura, Monica Texeira.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Dave Arakawa, Mary Booth, Ruby Hargrave, Carl Jacobs.

VACANCIES: One seat sub-district 4, Newtown/Royal Summit.

GUESTS: Barney Hanson, III, Anne Chipchase (Ohana Health Plan), John Hanson, Sharleen Oshiro (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Ken Best (Office of Representative Blake Oshiro), Breene Harimoto (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino), Barney Hanson, Jr., David Tanoue (Office of the Mayor/Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting), Debbie Hiramoto (Office of Senator Donna Kim), Sgt. Roger Nitta and Capt. Raymond Ancheta (Honolulu Police Department, District 3 – Pearl City), Firefighter Arron Yoshida (Honolulu Fire Department - Aiea), Nick Grocki (Boy Scout Troop 201), Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit), Suzette Adversalo, Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

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

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Arron Yoshida reported:

1)   January 2009 Statistics: 3 structure, 3 rubbish, 2 vehicle fires, 71 medical, 52, miscellaneous, and no major or unusual incidents.

1)       Fire Safety Tip: In a fire, medical, or other emergency, it is critical that emergency responders quickly identify the correct location. Fire, building, U.S. postal codes, and City ordinances state that property owners shall place their house numbers so it is legible and readily visible from the street. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in quickly locating your house in the event of an emergency. If your property is difficult to locate and/or access, provide 911 dispatchers with additional information to assist them in locating your property during an emergency.

2)       No fireworks related incidents were reported on December 31, 2008.

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

1)       December 2008 statistics: 25 auto thefts, 14 auto theft recovery, 23 burglaries, 22 criminal property damage, 1 sex assault, 72 thefts, 43 UEMV (unauthorized entry into motor vehicle), 1,833 calls for service; 25.56% of 7,172 total district calls.

2)       Beat 374 (Newtown to Aiea Heights) will be restructured in the near future.

7:44 p.m. Sugimura arrived; 9 members now present.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Passmore asked if all 911 calls are responded to, because last month he called 911 twice asking to meet with an officer, but no officer responded. Sgt. Nitta replied when one encounters a problem call back and ask for the Sgt. or supervisor in charge.

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

1)       Water Main Breaks: a) November 3, 2008, 8-inch cast iron main at 99-595 Halawa Heights Road; and November 6, 2008, 8-inch cast iron main at 98-1071 Alania Street. b) December 2008 - No water main breaks were reported.

2)       Power Outage: Last month’s island wide power outage, was a reminder that we all need to prepare and plan in advance for an emergency. The BWS will issue water information bulletins and appropriate actions to be taken through the media. As a general rule of thumb, when there is a power outage, BWS asks that you keep water use to an absolute minimum because all of the BWS’s pumps need electricity to operate. This means that during a power outage BWS will have limited ability to pump water out of their wells and other water resources and up to the reservoirs. Until power can be restored, all that would be available is the water left in your community’s reservoir. It is essential that residents use water sparingly, for drinking and sanitation purposes only.

3)       New Years Resolution: BWS suggests that a new year’s resolution to cut down water usage by 2.5 gallons or 10% will save money and help conserve our precious water supply. Simple steps that could be taken are installing a low-flow fixture in your shower saving 3-28 gallons of water daily per 5-minute shower; filling your sink with water to wash dishes verses keeping the tap open will save 25 gallons of water; and for more saving tips, visit www.boardofwatersupply.org.

4)       The 13^th annual poster contest has been launched and is open to students in Kindergarten through 6^th grade; and a brand new poetry contest open to students in grades 7-12. This year’s theme for both contests is “Ola I Ka Wai – Water Gives Life.”

5)       Copies of the 2009 Water Conservation Calendar and contest packets were distributed to Board members. Additional calendars and contest packets are available at www.boardofwatersupply.org.

Questions, comments, concerns: Lead joints are not connected to the water pipes.

Board of Education (BOE) – Eileen Clark distributed the BOE Highlights and noted:

1)       BOE members elected to the Board leadership positions (2008-09) are Garret Toguchi, Board Chairperson, Karen Knudsen, Board First Vice Chairperson, and Dr. Lei Ahu Isa, Board Second Vice Chairperson. BOE outgoing members are Cec Heftel and Denise Matsumoto.

2)       The next BOE Central Districts meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2009, Moanalua Elementary School, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

3)       BOE conducted its annual evaluations December 2008 of Superintendent of Education Patricia Hamamoto and State Librarian Richard Burns, and both received “more than meets expectations” ratings for their job performance for the past year.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Passmore asked where he could find information regarding national ranking standardized testing in comparison to two local schools. Clarke said if it is for a child, their school should have the information, or for a high school call the Department of Education office. Mobley added that the information used to be on the website and suggested checking there first. 2) Mobley reported that the Student Leadership Conference was held November 2008.

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 10, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Chair Clark asked if there were any corrections/additions to the November 2008 regular meeting minutes:

• Page 3, Questions, comments, concerns followed line 4 delete, “…or email…”
• Page 5, Questions, comments, concerns followed 3^rd line should read, “…Mobley added, relative to subjects of oral and written communication many people are unable to write a sentence; and believes excess state money should go to the schools rather than in the general fund…”

Without objection, the regular meeting minutes of November 10, 2008 was accepted as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Chair Clark reported for December 2008, the balance was $4,446.85. Expenditures in the Operating Account was $66.66, leaving a balance of $1,263.85; no expenditures in the Publicity Account, the balance remains at $3,063.00; and no expenditures in the Refreshment Account, leaving the balance at $120.00

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Makalapa Park Water Run-off Onto Resident’s Property – 1) Resident Hanson reiterated his previous concerns regarding a drainage easement behind his residence (99-130 Kalaloa Street). The city is required to maintain the easement and it has not been maintained, is full of mud debris, standing water, and water runoffs onto his property; and is now damaging his wall. 2) A concern was raised regarding an ongoing problem of water runoff and silt from Makalapa Park discharging into the drainage easement and polluting the stream. 3) A follow up will be done on the status of the Makalapa Park Drainage study.

Aiea Heights Drive – A large pothole going mauka was reported; and a change to the road grading since the resurfacing at the horseshoe turn near the top. Follow up will be done.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported:

1)       The next ACA meeting will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009, Aiea Public Library Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.

2)       The Christmas Parade was a success with fair weather and slight rain. As participants, the Royal Hawaiian Band has requested a larger walking area for future Aiea parades.

3)       The Friends of Pearl Harbor Historic Trail (the trail runs from the Admiral’s Boathouse to Waianae) is starting up again and interested people are welcome. Contact Tamamoto at clairet@hawaii.rr.com for more information.

4)       ACA worked with the Boy Scout Troop, clearing debris at McGrew Point. The troop is interested in restoring the McGrew point fishpond.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Gary Omori gave the following update: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) public meetings have been completed. Comments are being accepted for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) until February 6, 2009 and comments may also be emailed to www.honolulutransit.org. Right-of-way issues are being worked out with property owners. Public outreach to minority groups with bi-lingual flyers is ongoing. A meeting with the Oahu Island Burial Council and Hawaiian organizations is scheduled for this Wednesday. It is hopeful the final EIS is completed by this summer.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: 1) Kamehameha Highway is still a planned route. 2) Mobley said that the business owners on Kamehameha Highway and the last part of Aiea have not been informed about the Aiea rail route. Omori replied that they are currently looking at people directly on the alignment, which would go down the middle of Kamehameha Highway. 3) One transit center will be located next to Home World (on Kamehameha Highway) and the other at Aloha Stadium. 4) For more information log on to www.honolulutransit.org or call the hotline at 566-2299. 5) Mobley noted that a letter from the Board with comments went out in December 2008.  6) Chair Clark mentioned, being that the Board’s meeting in February is after the comment deadline, would comments be accepted after the deadline. He noted if there is enough interest, a special meeting could be held prior to the regular February meeting to discuss the route. He added that sometimes comments received after the deadline are accepted by not included with the final report. Follow-up will be done if comments received after the deadline would be accepted and included in the final report. 6) Construction projected date is the end of this year. 7) Lum noted that Rep. Takai and the Kamehameha Highway Task Force are working on the Kamehameha Highway beautification. Omori said that both projects are being coordinated. 8) Regarding the view plane, Chair Clark stated it was reported in November 2008 that the route would follow along Kamehameha Highway past Pearl Harbor, not the Salt Lake route, and not subtract from the area view plane.

NEW BUSINESS:

Filling of Vacancy, Sub District 4 (one seat, Newtown/Royal Summit) – There was no interested person present to fill the vacancy.

`Ohana Health Plan Briefing (QExA) – Anne Chipchase presented the following: The `Ohana Health Plan is a managed care health plan for Medicaid members who are aged, blind or disabled, are part of the WellCare group, and offer quality health care coverage to families. `Ohana offers quality health care, focuses on meeting your needs, has large networks of providers to choose from, and information to help you make good health choices. Health Connections are programs that are designed to help members and their families connect with local community-based groups to get their health care needs met.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Qualifications for the `Ohana Health Plan program are specific to: the number of household members, money in the bank, household income, etc., however, one must first go through the State Department of Human Services system.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto circulated the written report and noted that the report includes the City Council’s reorganization. Claire Tamamoto was thanked for organizing the Aiea Christmas Parade.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best reported Opening Day Ceremony for the 25^th Legislative session is on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 and invited everyone to join in the festivities at 12 noon. Rep. Oshiro’s office is now in room 439.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the written report and was available for questions.

Senator Donna Kim – Debbie Hiramoto distributed the written report and announced that their office is located in room 210. Senator Kim is the Ways and Means Committee chairperson. On behalf of the Board, Chair Clark asked Hiramoto to relay the Board’s condolences to Senator Kim on the passing of her father.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – David Tanoue reported: the follow up on previous concerns: The project on Lalawai Drive and Aliipoe Street off Halawa Heights Drive is called Aliipoe Ditch Reconstruction FY04. The project is ongoing to repair the Aliipoe Ditch. The bridge is the maintenance access ramp into the newly constructed ditch.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: Follow up will be done regarding: a) the status of the Makalapa Park Drainage Study. b) Runoff and silt from Makalapa Park is discharging into drainage easement and polluting the stream. c) The drainage easement behind of 99-130 Kalaloa Street, that the city is required to maintain and did so many years ago. The easement has not been maintained and is full of mud, debris and standing water. d) The large pothole going mauka on Aiea Heights Drive. e) The road that’s eroding/collapsing at the horseshoe turn near the top of Aiea Heights Drive since the resurfacing of the road.

Written reports were provided by Senator Norman Sakamoto and Representative Lynn Finnegan.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive – Chair Clark reported:

1)       The Board meets once a month and a folder was available with information of things done monthly by this Board.

2)       Received correspondence from Board member Lum regarding an article written in a column of “In The Military” dated November 23, 2008, about renaming a park after U.S. Navy Seal Lt. Michael Murphy (deceased), and stating that the Aiea Neighborhood Board was in opposition to the request. He explained that at the March 10, 2008 Board meeting a request was made to the Board to rename Makalapa District Park in honor of Lt. Michael Murphy. The Board took action at this Board meeting in support to accept the proposal to rename the Ball Park at Makalapa District Park honoring Lt. Michael Murphy. At the April 2008 Board meeting a staff member of Councilmember Charles Djou’s office relayed that they received a call from the U.S. Navy Seal Foundation of Hawaii requesting that this proposal be delayed. Chair Clark stated that the article was in error and that the Board was not in opposition to the request and asked that the correction be added to the next column of “In the Military,” so members of the military in our community are correctly informed of the Aiea Neighborhood Board’s actions. Per the article, Ft. Ruger Park has been renamed.

Transportation – Sugimura reported that she has been attending transportation meetings.

Parks and Recreation – Ho reported that members of the Aiea Lions Club cleaned the Onishi plaque at Rainbow Bay Park.

Planning and Zoning – No report.

Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) - Mobley reported that the RAB is looking to have Navy control of rules in the future.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Don Yoga Center Open House - January 17^th and 18^th starting at 8:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT: Ho moved, seconded by Mobley to adjourn the meeting. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

Submitted by,

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by,

William Clark, Chair