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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2008

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m., with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Stanley Ching (left at 7:33 p.m.), Alfred Coleman, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Antoinette Lee, Chris Lum Lee, James Pickard, Sr., Larry Veray.

MEMBERS ABSENT: David Howton, Amoreena Rabago, Cruz Vina, Jr.

VACANCIES: There are three (3) vacancies.

GUESTS: Firefighter C. Smith (Honolulu Fire Department); Officer D. Kalahui, Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Department of Customer Services, Director); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Dr. Mike Pecsok (Leeward Community College – Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Jim Propotnick (Governor Linda Lingle's Office – State Department of Public Safety, Deputy Director); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino's Office); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Representative K. Mark Takai; Charles K. Kapua (Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club); Nelson T. Moriwaki, Roger Olegario, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Coleman led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

RULES, REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Chair Pickard indicated that smoking is not allowed on school grounds and summarized the time limit policy and Sunshine Law requirements listed on the agenda.

FILLING OF TWO (2) VACANT BOARD SEATS: There were no nominations or volunteers to fill the vacancies. Chair Pickard noted that a third vacancy arose, after the agenda was filed, due to the resignation of David Howton for health reasons.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS [1]:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter C. Smith relayed the following information:

1)       October 2008 Statistics – There were 10 structure, 5 wildland, 6 rubbish, and 4 vehicle fires, 128 medical emergencies and 17 miscellaneous calls.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – This holiday season, consider a fire-resistant, artificial Christmas tree; otherwise, choose a natural tree that’s as fresh as possible and keep it hydrated and away from any heat source. Decorate with noncombustible materials. Choose only Underwriter’s Laboratory-approved electrical decorations and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload extension cords. A significant portion of home fires originate in the kitchen, so don’t leave cooking unattended, even for a minute. Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it. Don’t wear long, loose-sleeved clothing while cooking, turn handles on pots and pans inward to prevent accidents and keep children away from the kitchen. If hosting overnight guests, share the home escape plan with them.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. K. Miyazaki circulated the report and provided the following information:

October / September / August 2008 Statistics: 25 / 20 / 15 auto thefts, 18 / 8 / 8 auto theft recoveries, 25 / 19 / 29 burglaries, 40 / 23 / 28 criminal property damages and 41 / 36 / 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,493 / 6,528 / 6,444 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,500 / 1,497 / 1,570 (23.10% / 22.93% / 24.36%) from the Pearl City area.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office [1] – Dana Takahara-Dias, Director of the City Department of Customer Services (CSD) informed the Board, that she would be arriving late due to a scheduling conflict.

PRESENTATIONS:

Awarding of Certificates – No awardees were present.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS [1]:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [1] – A representative arrived later in the meeting.

Leeward Community College (LCC) – Dr. Mike Pecsok, the LCC Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, detailed the following items of interest:

1)       18th Annual LCC Family Fun Fair – Appreciation was expressed to those who came to the Family Fun Fair to learn about the environment and "being green", despite the poor weather conditions in the morning.

2)       Enrollment Dates – The Fall 2008 semester will end on December 11, 2008. The first day of the Spring 2009 semester is January 12, 2009, with the application deadline extended to December 19, 2008. The application form is available online at www.lcc.hawaii.edu or by calling 455-0642.

3)       LCC's 40th Anniversary Celebration Upcoming Events –

a)       Holiday Choral Concert – The annual concert will be held on November 30, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at the LCC Theatre.

b)       The Nutcracker – The Hawaii Ballet Theater will perform The Nutcracker on December 13, 14 and 20, 2008, at the LCC Theatre. Go to www.lcctheatre.hawaii.edu or call 455-0385 for information.

c)       Native Hawaiian Art Exhibit – The faculty and student Native Hawaiian art exhibit is in the Foyer Art Gallery on the first floor of the Administration Building; the exhibit closes on December 3, 2008.

4)       Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) – LCC has two major CIP projects before the State legislature:

a)       Education Building – Planning and design funds have been received for the first new LCC building in more than 25 years and funds are being sought for construction. The building will house the teacher education program and feature innovative technology classrooms and labs.

b)       LCC at Waianae – LCC is seeking CIP funding for the purchase and renovation of the college center at Waianae, since the center there is currently operating out of crowded rented quarters and needs a permanent place for the students.

5)       2nd Access Road – Plans now call for completion of about half of the road in conjunction with the baseyard planned for the rail system, which would complete approximately half of the project.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

LCC 2nd Access Road – The 2nd access road is not on the CIP list because the university is not in the road-building business; and if the rail base yard is located by LCC, then the 2nd access road will be necessary.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto distributed a report and touched on the following items:

1)       Budgetary Concerns – The important issue for the BOE right now is the budget; the BOE already approved an overall cut of approximately 15%, but they are still being asked to make more cuts. The State's economy has problems and the State Department of Education (DOE) experienced shortfalls, due to the increases in the costs of electricity, bus transportation (including contract renewals) and school lunches.

2)       Possible School Consolidation – The Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) state that, if certain conditions are met then the DOE Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto must consider school consolidation; although she is not required to implement, only to consider the issue. It's possible that Pearl City schools may be some of the ones affected by a consolidation. The BOE wants to create a strategy for consolidation, if it's found to be necessary. Public and legislative sentiment wants to close smaller schools to save money; but that method doesn't always decrease costs (maintenance of property, overloading of other schools, etc.).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       School Consolidation – Currently, HAR contain a community process and local recommendations for school consolidations. The BOE has suggested amending the rules to allow the BOE to make the decisions regarding consolidation, instead of the Superintendent. The potential school consolidation is being considered statewide. Some schools are overcrowded and it was suggested to reallocate some of their students to the schools with less students (instead of closing them). Mr. Harimoto indicated that the DOE has tried when possible, to shift school boundaries to balance out the numbers of students.

2)       Budget Cut Options – Utilizing a furlough day (where an employee must take a day of unpaid leave) may help to avoid other budget cuts; however, one union has already objected to any furlough proposal. At the BOE Budget committee meeting on December 1, 2008, this option and others will be discussed. Regardless of funding, it was felt that the focus should be on education.

3)       Decrease in Transportation Costs – The price of gasoline has greatly decreased                                                                                              and it was remarked that the prices of transportation should be back near their original levels (before the economic problems).

The report from Mayor Hannemann's Office was heard at this time, without objection.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS [2]:

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office [2] – Ms. Takahara-Dias offered the following responses to previous inquiries:

1)       Kamehameha Highway / Kaahumanu Street Unsynchronized Traffic Light – There is almost always heavy traffic along Kamehameha Highway at the intersection of Kaahumanu Street (mauka to makai) in front of Blaisdell Park, due to an unsynchronized traffic light. This concern was forwarded to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for a response.

2)       Painting Curbs Red – Red curbs normally are painted only at bus stops, as directed by the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Red curbs by itself do not indicate "No Parking" zones and are only enforceable when accompanied by proper signage. Painting of red curbs in the area, not at bus stops, may have been made without City authorization and may need to be removed; however, the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) couldn't locate the culprit, mentioned at the last meeting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Komo Mai Drive / Hoomalu Street Intersection Traffic Lights – In the fiscal year (FY) 2008, funds were allotted to install traffic lights at the intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Hoomalu Street (in Momilani); an inquiry was raised about the status of the project and its funding.

Pearl City Library – Joyce Felmet informed Chair Pickard, that she was unable to attend due to health reasons.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Pearl City Gateway Update – No representative was present.

Manana Connector Road Status Update – Chair Pickard observed cleaning taking place near the connector road; Ms. Takahara-Dias added that DFM removed the brush from this area.

Other Concerns –

Monitoring of Signs: There are currently many unsightly and illegal (if placed there for commercial purposes) signs posted on Pearl City streets, especially on roadway shoulders, near the end of the Westbound Pearl City off-ramp from the H-1 Freeway at Moanalua Road and Hoomalu Street, and on the medial strip on Kuala Street near Acacia Road. The Board used to monitor this activity and should revive that process. It's possible that the Outdoor Circle can also help with monitoring signs.

Illegal Dumping: There is a great deal of this unsightly situation in the Pearl City area, especially on Kaahumanu and Noelani Streets/Hillside Terrace area; residents were asked to place curbside bulky trash out on the street only on the proper pickup days.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Linda Lingle‘s Office – Jim Propotnick circulated a handout outlining the State's five-point economic action plan and highlighted the following information:

1)       Pearl City Library Speed Bumps – Concerns were raised previously over the “abnormal” speed bumps in the library parking lot. On November 12, 2008, Mr. Propotnick visited the library and met with librarian Floriana Coffman. There have always been two speed bumps in the lot. The old facilities were shorter, allowing motorists to swerve around them, causing vehicular and pedestrian accidents (especially with children and the elderly); in addition, motorists will often use the parking lot as a place to make a U-turn. The library was ordered by the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) to install longer speed bumps, due to these safety concerns. Mr. Propotnick observed the situation and concluded that the speed bumps are necessary to keep the State from being subject to liability.

2)       Five-Point Economic Action Plan – The five-point economic plan includes: (a) increased tourism outreach and marketing (example: extending visas); (b) investing in improvements for local infrastructure and State facilities; (c) lowering business fees and providing tax relief; (d) attracting outside investment, especially in energy; and (e) maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Pearl City Library Speed Bumps – It was the height of the speed bumps, not the length, that was the complaint. However, Mr. Propotnick noted that bumps he observed were not very high; so they may have been slightly altered.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Robert Sato distributed the Councilmember’s report and furnished information on the following items:

1)       Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – The City recently released and is accepting comments on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the rail transit project. The purpose of the draft EIS is to present the potential environmental and economic effects of the construction of a rail transit system in Honolulu and is required for the project to be eligible for federal funding. The draft EIS is available for review at all State libraries, the City library, the DTS office (650 South King Street, 3rd floor), the DTS Rapid Transit Division office (1099 Alakea Street, Suite 1700) and online at www.honolulutransit.org. The public is urged to review the document and submit any concerns or comments by: (a) writing a letter to DTS, postmarked by January 7, 2009; (b) submitting them online at www.honolulutransit.org; and (c) attending one of the five public hearings to be held in December 2008. The public comment period officially ends at 4:30 p.m. on January 7, 2009. All comments received will be considered, when the Federal Transit Administration and the City prepares the final EIS. Substantive comments will be responded to in writing.

2)       Resolution 08-261 (2008) – Resolution 08-261 amends the Minimum Operable Segment (MOS) for the rail transit project. If adopted, this would designate the airport alignment, rather than the Salt Lake alignment, as the MOS or initial phase of construction of the system, while still leaving the Salt Lake alignment, as part of the overall Locally Preferred Alternative. After much deliberation, the Council Transportation and Public Works committee deferred action, until the public has had an opportunity to submit comments on the project for the draft EIS; this will give the Council time to review and consider the public's concerns before making a decision on any changes to the MOS alignment.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Sen. Nishihara circulated his report and highlighted the following information:

1)       Chair of State Senate Committee on Tourism – Sen. Nishihara will continue as chair of the State Senate Committee on Tourism.

2)       Improvements to Waipahu and Wahiawa Public Libraries – A total of $195,000 was released for improvements to the Waipahu and Wahiawa libraries; Sen. Nishihara is again requesting improvements to the Pearl City library parking lot, but economic conditions may prevent the appropriation approval for now.

3)       State Traffic Study – In October 2008, $572,000 was released to construct a vehicle traffic counting and classification system on each of the islands, to help DOT with helpful data in its planning and design of highway projects statewide.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Pearl City Library Improvements – The request, for the public auditorium restrooms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for the Pearl City library, is still pending.

2)       Recognition of Board Member David Howton – Recently a senior Board member, David Howton, resigned due to health reasons. It was requested that the State Senate draft a resolution of appreciation for his long-time service and dedication of the Pearl City community.

Sen. David Ige; Representative Roy Takumi – No representatives present or reports given at this time.

Rep. K. Mark Takai – Rep. Takai detailed information on the following items:

1)       Kamehameha Highway Task Force (KHTF) – There will be a KHTF meeting on December 10, 2008, at Waimalu Elementary School, 7:00 p.m., to provide updates on anticipated projects:

a)       Kaahumanu Street Intersection – At the busy intersection of Kaahumanu Street and Kamehameha Highway, traffic signal changes should help to better mitigate traffic.

b)       Prevention of Mid-Block Crossings – Installation of median fences along Kamehameha Highway, should help to prevent dangerous mid-block crossings by pedestrians.

c)       Coordination of Traffic Signals – Fiber optic cables will be installed to connect and coordinate the traffic signals along Kamehameha Highway, to improve the traffic flow.

2)       Traffic and Transportation Town Meeting – The town meeting, sponsored by the Aiea and Pearl City legislators and Councilmember Okino, scheduled for January 28, 2009 at Waimalu Elementary School, will include both City and State representatives.

3)       Legislative Session – The next legislative session begins on January 19, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.; everyone was invited to attend the opening ceremonies and the reception.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

Pearl City Community Association; Pearl City Foundation – No updates.

Manana Community Association (MCA) – Fukushima reported that the free Christmas Craft Workshop Session for members of MCA held on November 19, 2008 had 20 participants and was successful even though there was a power outage. This event will continue to be held annually.

Pacific Palisades Community Association (PPCA) – No update, since Howton was not present

The Board of Water Supply's (BWS) report was heard at this time, without objection.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS [2]:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [2] – Lan Yoneda communicated the following information:

1)       October 2008 Main Break – There was an eight-inch cast iron pipe main break on October 10 at 1698 Kaweloka Street, in upper Manana.

2)       Xeriscape Workshop – A xeriscape workshop will be held at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden on November 29, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will include activities to teach people about "unthirsty plants" and how they can be used to craft decorations. Pre-registration and a nominal fee are required to join in these family-friendly and fun events. For additional information or to register, please call 748-5363 or email tours@hbws.org.

3)       Holiday Decorations – BWS participates in the decorating of both Honolulu and Kapolei Hale and in the downtown and Kapolei light parades. The public can view the BWS's light display at the 630 South Beretania Street building.

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 28, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The October 28, 2008 Regular Meeting minutes were APPROVED, AS CORRECTED, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0). (Aye: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray), with the following corrections:

*         Page 3 – Residents' Concerns – Pearl City Gateway – Questions, comments… – The [Long's] store will be a "normal" facility, but not necessarily a "major outlet".

*         Page 4 – Presentations [2] – Walgreen's Pearl Kai [2] – item no. 1 – first sentence – They will tear down the vacant Tower Records [building] and replace it with an 11,000 square foot floor area for the new store.

*         Page 6 – Committee Referrals… – Executive – title of item no. 3 – Requested Resolution to Remove Committee Meetings from Board's Agenda for Change of HEW Committee Name.

OCTOBER 2008 TREASURER REPORT: Treasurer Lum Lee indicated that: (a) the Operating Account expended $76.60 for printing and postage, with the facility rental fee pending, leaving a balance of $1,205.08; (b) the Publicity Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $2,100; and (c) the Refreshments Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $104.67.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

Executive – Chair Pickard summarized the following items:

1)       Opening and Closure of Board Meeting Site – The Health, Education and Welfare committee (HEW) will be responsible to open and close the facility for the January 2009 meetings.

2)       Increase in Fees for Highlands Intermediate School – This item was deferred; Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Glanstein will follow up on a partial refund to the Board, based on the original contract charges.

Ching departed at 7:33 p.m.; seven (7) members were present.

3)       Course of Action Regarding Board's New Meeting Location – New locations for the Board to hold its meetings were investigated, with an emphasis on City-owned facilities, since there is no charge to use these sites. The locations were narrowed to Manana Community Park (MCP) and Waiau District Park (WDP); however, the MCP was only available on Mondays and the Waiau District Park was available on the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays (when the Board currently meets) and the location seems like a better choice. Discussion ensued:

a)       Setup / Breakdown – Fukushima asked, if the Board would be responsible for the setup and breakdown of the tables and chairs, as they currently are doing, when using Highlands Intermediate School.

b)       American and Hawaiian Flags – Chair Pickard noted that the Board would have to purchase American and Hawaiian flags with stands for the new facility; Veray and Coleman volunteered to handle the purchase of the flags. Fukushima recommended sending the item back to committee to investigate the price of flags.

c)       Start Date for New Location – If the Board selects the Waiau District Park for its new meeting location, the facility could be used starting in January 2009.

Coleman moved and Fukushima seconded, to utilize the Waiau District Park Recreation Meeting Room,as the new meeting facility for the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21, as soon as possible, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (7-0-0). (Aye: Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray).

4)       HEW Chair Request to Include "Safety" in Committee Name – Chair Pickard deferred the item, since there was no discussion at the last committee meeting. The Board will not consider this proposal, until the originator of the proposal comes to the committee meeting to discuss the issue.

Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP) – These items were deferred due to the absence of LCIP Chair Rabago.

Traffic and Transportation (TT) – TT Vice-Chair Coleman distributed copies of the executive summary for the rail project's draft EIS and relayed information on the following:

1)       Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – No update.

2)       Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Draft EIS – The deadline to submit comments for the draft EIS is at 4:30 p.m., or postmarked on January 7, 2009.

3)       Separate Traffic Signal Phasing of Left Turns on Moanalua Road at Hoolaulea Street – DTS reported that the conditions of the intersection did not warrant a separate left traffic signal phasing at this time.

4)       Extension of Left Turn Mauka bound Lane on Waimano Home Road into Kuala Street – DTS stated that it will make the improvements to extend the lane and modify the left turn phasing, when funds are available.

Development, Plan and Zoning (DPZ) – DPZ Chair Fukushima highlighted the following information:

1)       Status of Development for Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties – The representative, for the owner of Irrigation Water Systems Warehouse (IWSW), confirmed that the two-story office building has been completed and is now open for business. Water pipe lines and other items are being stored on the mauka side of the property. The City has an easement to access the Manana Community Park on the northern portion of the facility. The two vacant parcels along Kuala Street are still available for commercial development. A future connector road to Kuahaka Street will be constructed along the mauka side of the proposed Manana Village Center, beginning later this year. The owner/developer of this commercial property, located across from the IWSW, has already changed a few times.

2)       Central Oahu Restoration Advisory Board (CORAB) Remedial Investigation Report for Air Force Fuel Spill Clean Up –The CORAB is monitoring identified fuel leaks in the vicinity of the Home Depot / Public Storage / University of Hawaii Urban Gardens sites and will be supervising the clean-up of the contaminated fuel spill. Rick McComb, the Hickam Air Force Base project engineer, will attend the January 2009 Regular Board meeting, to provide a progress report.

3)       Olelo Channel 49 – Public hearings were conducted by the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) earlier this year, for the re-licensing of the Olelo system on Oceanic Cable; DCCA staff mentioned that they were overwhelmed with the amount of input received and the decision-making had to be postponed. The earliest formal hearings could be held in February 2009.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) – HEW Vice-Chair Veray specified the following information:

Pearl City Curbside Recycling Program – The Board will be notified when the program is to begin in Pearl City. Everyone was requested to continue their own recycling measures, until the City program commences later this year. A representative will attend a Board meeting to make a presentation, when the new collection start is impending.

Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) – The following information was supplied:

1)       Authorization of Expenditure for Videotaping and Broadcast of Board Meetings on Olelo – This item should be removed from the agenda.

2)       Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – P/R Chair Lee mentioned that the Highlands Colts Football team should be recognized, along with the other certificate presentations, at the January 2009 Regular Board meeting.

3)       Email Newsletter; NB#21 Website; Group Photo – Coleman discussed creating a community website and will continue to follow up on the issue.

4)       Approval of Refreshment and Publicity Expenditures – There were no expenditures for reimbursement.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Recesses in December 2008 – The Board and its Committees will recess in December 2008.

2)       New Meeting Location – Chair Pickard reminded everyone, that the Board will be holding its meetings at the Waiau District Park, starting in January 2009, on the same days (the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays) and the same times (7:00 p.m. for committees and 6:30 p.m. for the Board).

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Albert K. Fukushima

Substitute Board Minutes Reviewer