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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Wilbert Ho called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note: This 15 - member Board requires eight (8) members for a quorum and to take official action. Ho relinquished the gavel to Board member William Clark.

MEMBERS PRESENT: David Arakawa (appointed tonight), William Clark, Ron Fitch (appointed tonight), Wilbert Ho, Danielle Lum, Ron Mobley, George Passmore, Susan Sheldon, Jane Sugimura, Kelsey Morinaga-Wells.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki.

GUESTS: Dennis Enomoto, Ken Best (Office of Representative Blake Oshiro), Sharleen Oshiro (Office of Councilmember Romy Cachola), Sean Ajimine (PY Inc), Aubin Stremler, Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Ronald Fitch, Patricia Kowal, Debbie Hiramoto (Office of Senator Donna Kim), Tom Nishi (Aiea High School), Fire Fighter Aaron Yoshida (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea Station), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Sgt. Roger Nitta (Honolulu Police Department, District 3 – Pearl City), Barbara Annis (Office of the Governor), David Tanoue (Office of the Mayor/Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting), Eileen Clarke (Board of Education), Suzette Adversalo, Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit), Scott Ishikawa (City Department of Transportation Services, Public Information Officer, Rail Transit Division), David Arakawa, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS, TOTAL OF (6) – Sub district 1 (2 seats, Sub district 2 (2 seats), Sub district 3 (1 seat), Sub district 4 (1 seat).

• Sub district 1 – David Arakawa volunteered to fill a vacancy in sub district1, and stated his background and interests in the community.
• Sub district 2 – Ron Fitch volunteered to rill a vacancy in Subdistrict 2, and gave stated his background and interests in the community.
• Other Vacancies – There were no other interested persons to fill the vacancies.

Mobley moved and seconded by Sugimura appointing Arakawa and Fitch to fill vacancies in sub districts 1 and 2, 8-0-0 (AYE: Clark, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).  Neighborhood Assistant N. Frank administered the oath of office.

BOARD ORGANIZATION:

Ho moved and seconded by Passmore nominating the following slate of officers – Chair – William Clark, 1st vice chair – Jane Sugimura, 2nd vice chair – Wilbert Ho, and 3rd vice chair – Ron Mobley. The slate of nominees was UNANIMOUSLY elected, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).

Election of Secretary – By acclamation Kelsey Wells was elected secretary, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Wells).

Election of Treasurer – By acclamation Danielle Lum was elected Treasurer, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).

Selection of Meeting Time, Date, Place – Mobley moved and seconded by Ho, that the Board continue to meet at 7:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the Aiea Public Library Conference Room. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).

Use of Publicity Funds – Ho moved and seconded by Lum to utilize the publicity funds for a Board newsletter. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).

Board Recesses – Lum moved and seconded by Passmore to recess in December 2009 and April 2010. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells). Chair Clark mentioned that the Board did take their annual August (2009) recess.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

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

• August 2009 Statistics – 4 structures, 2 wildland, 2 rubbish, 1 vehicle fires; 63 medical, 2 search/rescue, and 16 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip:

o        Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has its roots in the great Chicago Fire on October 8-10, 1871. On the 40th 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. The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned” as this year’s theme (October 4-10, 2009).

o        This year’s campaign will focus on burn awareness and prevention, and keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires. Testing a child’s bath water prior to placing the child into the tub or wearing an outfit with short or close–fitting sleeves when cooking are simple actions that may prevent serious burns.

o        HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure the home is safe from fire hazards and have a prepared plan to escape when alerted by the smoke alarm. Practice your family escape plan and have a designated meeting place outside of the home.

o        In October, elementary school children statewide will receive a Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide (FFSG) and parents are encouraged to review the pamphlet with their child, create or revisit the family fire escape plan, practice the plan, test smoke alarms, and consider the other safety tips in the guide.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Waiawa Brush Fire – Yoshida did not have an update on the fire, he only knows what is printed by the media.

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

• August 2009 Statistics – 13 auto thefts, 6 auto theft recoveries, 16 burglaries, 25 criminal property damages; 249 area calls; and a total of 7000 district calls.
• District Statistics – Chair Clark relayed that the statistics could be found on www.honolulupd.org, click on the map area (District 3), click sector on the map (2 for Pearl City and 3 for Aiea). The annual statistical report comes out in June.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Drug Activity – Drug activity was reported at the end cul-de-sac on Uao Street.

2. Haliwiliko Street – All terrain vehicle riders, self defense training, and people meeting there to fight were reported occurring in the cul-de-sac at the end of Haliwiliko Street across from the old sugar mill site. The area is secluded and cannot be seen from the road.

3. Avocados taken from Complex Common Area – If living in a condominium and the tree is on a common area HPD cannot do much because they do not know who gave the person permission to pick the fruit.

4. Speeding – Ongoing speeding was reported fronting Dixie Grill on Kamehameha Highway when exiting the freeway.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative - David Tanoue reported the following:

• Honolulu News – The Mayor’s Honolulu News was distributed for interested persons to review.

• Increase of Homeless at Neal Blaisdell Park – The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been working with HPD to address the issue. One of the problems is when HPD approaches the area, the homeless leave and leaving their belongings behind. The closest shelter to the Aiea area is the Lighthouse Shelter in Waipahu and can be reached at 680-0823. The matter has also been referred to the State Department of Human Services.
• Homeless Residing along the Bike Path between Pearl Harbor and Lehua Avenue – This matter has been referred to the State Department of Human Services.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Adult Care Home (Aiea Heights Drive and Kealakaha Street, mauka, Waipahu side) – A follow up as to when the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was issued in the last 10 years. The facility is also using the vacant lot next to the property for parking. According to Chair Clark he did not remember the owner ever approaching the Board. Tanoue noted that a presentation is not required, but the Board must be informed. The use of the lot for parking is being investigated by the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).

2. Homeless at Blaisdell Park Timeline –The Department of Planning and Permitting is aware of this ongoing situation. In some areas, such as Waianae transitional housing for the homeless, is provided.

3. Bus Stop Fronting Care Home on Lower Kaamilo Street – Construction workers cars block the bus stop near this residence. Follow up will be done if the bus stop is a designated or a courtesy bus stop.

4. Chain Link Fence Under Construction on Kamehameha Highway – This project is part of the Kamehameha Highway improvement project and poles are being installed along the median not a chain link fence. The median poles that will be covered with a Hawaiian design are being installed for safety reason. Previously there has been a rash of pedestrian accidents and the fence was suggested to prevent jay walking. The governor’s representative will follow up regarding if the slits on the covering will be made of solid materials.

5. Recycling Center next to the Kam Swap Meet – The recycling center is located on private property

Board of Water Supply – Tracy Burgo reported the following

• July 2009 Water Main Breaks – There were six water main breaks in the month of July 2009: July 3, 2009 at 99-143 Moanalua Road; and July 4, 2009 at 99-915 Aiea Heights Drive.

o        Cross-Connection Control Backflow Prevention – Board of Water Supply’s priority is keeping Oahu’s drinking water safe. If there is a main break or sudden drop in pressure, there is an extremely small chance that water from the pipe could backflow and contaminated the BWS system. For prevention, BWS has a Cross Connection Section to work with the community to prevent backflow. A helpful brochure was provided containing more information relating to backflows. The BWS Cross – Connection and Control Section staff is willing to talk with customers one-on-one or conduct informative presentations tailored to the neighborhood board’s specific community concerns; and can be reached at 745-5470.

o         

• August 2009 Water Main Breaks – There were six water main breaks in the month of August: August 3, 2009, 98-1813 Ipu Place; August 4, 2009, 98-1775 Ipuala Loop; August 10, 2009, 98-1765 Ipuala Loop; and August 13, 2009, 98-1727 Ipuala Loop. Since the repairs, there have no water main breaks in the Newtown area.
• Water Emergency Preparedness – Hurricane Felicia was the first major hurricane of the Central Pacific Hurricane Season. Have an emergency kit with at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least five to seven days is just one of the crucial water emergency tips listed in the prepared handout. It is very important that everyone stay tuned to media reports. The BWS will issue water information bulletins and appropriate action to be taken through the media. For emergency preparedness information visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Hurricane season continues until the end of November.

• Water Saving Tips – When mowing the lawn, leave the cuttings. The added organic matter helps the soil retain moisture. Instead of dumping leftovers from dinner into the disposal that uses water, start a compost pile that will help the soil retain moisture and nutrients, help to save water, and fertilize the yard. For more information about xeriscaping or water conservation log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Compost – Compost should be mixed with a three to one ratio.

2. Water Main Breaks in the Newtown Area – These water main breaks are suspected to have been caused by heavy equipment vibrations causing multiple breaks in the same area when construction was going on.

3. Heavy Equipment Reverse Alarms – A follow up will be done regarding reverse truck alarms in the early morning hour while doing night construction work. However, if the reverse alarms are turned off,  a worker would have to be directing the truck from the back.

4. Upper Kaonohi Street Paving – A follow up will be done regarding the side streets off of Kaonohi Streets being repaved, but the community was told that BWS would be replacing the sewers before the repaving would start.

5. Aiea Heights Repaving – Camp Smith administration has asked that the repaving be delayed and that the City work with them on the matter. It was mentioned that Aiea Heights Drive and Aiealani Street is being repaved noting that last Thursday the road was stripped; and this evening the area has no water. However, water wagons were provided. It was advised to call 748-500 to report the water outage.

6. Water Expiration Dates – Information relative to water expiration dates is provided in the handout.

Councilmember Gary Okino – No representative was present.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the written report and highlighted:

• Salt Lake Widening Project – The Salt Lake widening project is on again for the one mile stretch and will be completed in the near future.
• Budget – The Administration is soon to start the next budget and constituents are encouraged to call the office with any ideas or legislation. The current budget can be found on www.honolulu.gov.
• Kalihi Community Health Fair – Everyone was invited to attend the Kalihi Community Health Fair on Saturday, September 16, 2009, at the Susannah Wesley Community Center (1117 Kaili Street) from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free health screenings and exams will be available.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1.       Aiea High School Project Grad – Aloha `Aina Earth Day #62, Recycling Community Clean-Up and Fundraiser for Aiea High School Project Grad will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Old Sugar Mill (Halewiliko Place) from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Without objection the agenda was taken out of order to 7.d Elected Officials, Governor’s Representative.

Elected Officials:

Governor Linda Lingles Representative – Barbara Annis gave the following report:

• Workers Compensation Rates – If approved workers compensation rates will be decreased four percent.
• Budget – The state continues struggling to balance the budget. Services may be impacted due to the $3 billion shortfall.
• Rainbow Bay Park Bike Path Overgrown Trees – The Rainbow Bay Park bike path is City owned and the kiawe trees will be trimmed by the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. State Complex with No Security – Disappointment was raised that security personnel at the state facility located on Waimano Home Road were cut. It was explained that per the Council of Revenues projection was one and a half percent lower than expected. A comment was made that public safety should be the last to be cut. It was reiterated that over the last year cuts were made across the board throughout all departments. The governor is trying to trim the $3 billion deficit. The Department of Health is cutting off programs that will impact the needy in the state.

2. Rainbow Bay Park Bike Path Overgrown Trees – It was reiterated that Department of Transportation Services will trim the kiawe tree branches hanging over the bike path.

The agenda order resumed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

• May 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes – Lum moved and seconded by Sheldon accepting the regular meeting minutes of May 11, 2009 as circulated, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0,  (AYE: Arakawa, Clark Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).
• June 2009 memorandum for the Record – Without objection, the June 2009 memorandum for the record was ACCEPTED as CIRCULATED,10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells),
• July 2009 Memorandum for the Record – The July 2009 memorandum for the record was ACCEPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark Fitch, Ho, Lum, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells), with the following corrections:

• Page 3 should read, ‘…12) Dining Facilities…”
• Page 3, should read, “…Treasurer’s Report was not provided…”
• Page 3, Questions, comments and concerns followed should read, “…Certain departments identified cannot be furloughed. A comment was made such as public safety…”

• August 2009 – The Board recessed in August.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Honolulu Rail Transit – Gary Omori reported the following:

• Proposed Pearlridge Transit Station – The station will be located at the bottom of Kaonohi Street, 400 feet in the Ewa direction on the makai side of Kamehameha Highway.
• Proposed Park and Ride – The proposed park and ride will be located between Kamehameha Highway and Ford Island Boulevard on the seven acre parcel adjacent to the Aloha Stadium (current stadium overflow parking lot).

Honolulu Rail Transit (HRT) Update – Scott Ishikawa, City Department of Transportation Services, Public Information Officer, highlighted the following:

• Travel Times from the Pearlridge Station – An elevated guideway separates the train from traffic, is reliable and efficient; and less private property would have to be taken.
• Project Schedule – Late summer 2009, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be released; fall 2009, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issues a Record of Decision; fall 2009,  the award design/build contract for first guideway segment;  and December 2009, start construction of elevated guideway.
• Community Station –The history, culture, character, and appearance; roofing materials and shapes; landscaping; entryways; exterior wall materials; building finishes; and canopy designs for the stations were highlighted.
• Next Meeting – The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Pearlridge Elementary School from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Aiea Liveable Community Plan (1990) – At the first Pearlridge meeting the HRT was aware of this plan.

2. Rail Stations Safety – The stations may be locked from midnight to 4:00 am.

3. Comment –Support of the rail was emphasized noting the rail will be good for people drinking and don’t have to drive home.

4. Parking –The station will have parking and timely circulator buses from the park and ride.

5. Meetings – Groups attending the rail station meetings make recommendations for consideration at the next session. The architects showed the rough sketches at the second meeting.

Kamehameha Drive - In Swap Meet Traffic Issue – No report.

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported the following:

• Next Meeting – The next Aiea Community Association meeting will be held on Monday, September 28, 2009 at the Aiea Public Library Conference Room, at 7:00 p.m.

• Aiea Gateway – Plants at the Aiea Gateway are dead due to the drought. However, the area now has water and a tool turn the water on was provided by the State Department of Transportation (DOT), but must be installed. The Eagle Scouts are willing to do work at the site as a project. The Lions Club approved of signage improvements. The Mormon Church may be willing to adopt the area once a month.

• Aiea Town Center Master Plan (2002) for the Old Sugar Mill Site – a) A proposed senior facility is planned for the site and a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. b) Castle & Cooke plans to build affordable housing.
• First Assembly of God Plaza at Moanalua Care Facility – A public hearing is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2009 AT 10:30 A.M.
• Hawaii State Peace Day – Hawaii State Peace Day activities will be held on Monday, September 21, 2009 at the State Rotunda at 6:30 p.m.
• 50,000 Books Program – Hawaii can win 50,000 books with enough votes. Log on to http://booksforkids.firstbooks.org/whatbook/about.php to cast your daily votes.

REPORTS:

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Lum reported:

• August 2009 – Expenditures in the Operating Account were $23.40, leaving a balance of $1,470.99; the Publicity Account had no expenditures, leaving the balance at $3,063.00.
• Refreshment Account – Chair Clark announced that due to budget cuts the Neighborhood Commission Office has eliminated the Refreshment Account for all Boards.

Lum departed the meeting at this time nine (9) members present.

There were no committees or permitted interaction group reports.

Ho departed the meeting at this time, eight (8) members present.

Elected Officials:

Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Debbie Hiramoto reported the following:

• AARP Health Care Briefing – The AARP Health Care Briefing will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2009, at the State Capitol Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Board of Education – Eileen Clarke reported the following:

• The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and the Department of Education (DOE) are close to an agreement regarding furloughs/lay-offs. All must be in place before a decision is made by DOE.
• A full Board of Education Board (BOE) meeting is scheduled for this Thursday,, September 17, 2009.
• Information regarding the Step Up Program was circulated.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best reported the following:

• Community Traffic Awareness Partnership (CTAP) Road Sign – Sign Waving Events – 1) Wednesday, September 23, 2009, Halawa Heights Road and Iwaiiwa Street (2 blocks above Ulune Street) from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. 2) Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Kaonohi Street and Iho Place (next to Kaonohi Park) from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
• Senior Fair – Saturday, October 17, 2009, Pearlridge Center Uptown from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Keiki ID – Saturday, October 24, 2009, McDonald’s Pearl Kai from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Advanced Healthcare Facilities (aka AHA Facilities) - Dennis Enomoto reported that AHA has decided not to purchase the property on Mikilemi Street and is looking for another property in Aiea, possible at the Old Sugar Mill. The Board and community were thanked for giving AHA the opportunity to come before the Board.

Reinstatement of Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Project – Arakawa moved and seconded by Sheldon that the permitted Interaction Group (PIG) for the Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Project be reinstated. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Arakawa, Clark, Fitch, Mobley, Passmore, Sheldon, Sugimura, Morinaga-Wells).

9:50 p.m. Sheldon departed the meeting at this time, quorum lost, seven (7) members present.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.

Ø       Chair Clark unofficially announced the next Board meeting will be held on Monday, October 12, 2009, Aiea Library Conference Room, at 7:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Nola J. Frank,

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: William Clark

Chair