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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2008

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m., with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alfred Coleman, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Antoinette Lee, Chris Lum Lee, James Pickard, Sr., Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Stanley Ching, David Howton, Amoreena Rabago, Larry Veray.

VACANCIES: There are two (2) vacancies.

GUESTS: Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Department of Customer Services, Director); Garrett Littman (Pearl Kai Shopping Center, Property Manager); Robert Freeman (The Freeman Group / Walgreen's); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Mark Lane (Leeward Community College – Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Silas Collier (Swinerton Builders); Jim Propotnick (Governor Linda Lingle's Office – State Department of Public Safety, Deputy Director); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino's Office); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Ikeolu Terell (Breakthroughs); Tom Graves (Pearl City Lions Club); Charles K. Kapua (Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club); Roger Olegario, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vina 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. Fukushima noted that when microphones aren't used, it's difficult to hear the videotaped broadcast on t.v. and requested everyone to use the available microphones.

FILLING OF TWO (2) VACANT BOARD SEATS: There were no nominations or volunteers to fill the vacancies.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative or report present.

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

September / August / July 2008 Statistics: 20 / 15 / 13 auto thefts, 8 / 8 / 4 auto theft recoveries, 19 / 29 / 88 burglaries, 23 / 28 / 22 criminal property damages and 36 / 17 / 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,528 / 6,444 / 6,717 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,497 / 1,570 / 1,520 (22.93% / 24.36% / 22.63%) from the Pearl City area.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – Dana Takahara-Dias offered the following information:

1)       Early Voting – Early voting is allowed from mid-October to November 1 at Honolulu Hale, Kapolei Hale, Aiea Shopping Center, Campus Center of the University of Hawaii (UH) at Manoa, and Windward Mall.

2)       New Neighborhood Plan (NP) Signed – The Neighborhood Commission (NC) and the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) were recognized for the completion and signing of the new NP (the document that governs Neighborhood Boards) by Mayor Hannemann, NC Chair Grant Tanimoto, NCO Executive Secretary Joan Manke, and City Clerk Denise De Costa on October 10, 2008.

3)       Left Turn Phasing on Moanalua Road at Hoolaulea Street – The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) completed their investigation for a dedicated left turn phase for Moanalua Road motorists turning onto Hoolaulea Street. The study included morning and afternoon peak periods and a review of the area's history, and concluded that the minimum required volumes, delay, and accident history were not met at this time. DTS will continue to monitor the area and ensure that proper traffic controls are installed once they become warranted.

4)       Left Turn Lane on Waimano Home Road into Kuala Street – DTS completed their investigation for an extension of the left turn mauka-bound lane on Waimano Home Road into Kuala Street. The study included morning and afternoon peak periods and a review of the area's history, and concluded that the minimum required volumes, delay, and accident history were not met at this time. DTS will continue to monitor the area and ensure that proper traffic controls are installed once they become warranted.

5)       Beach Accessibility – Go to www.honolulu.gov/parks/programs/beach/index.html for information about beach accessibility.

6)       Manana Connector Road Status – The construction was pushed back to the 2nd quarter of 2009 due to resolution of issues involving Hawaiian Tel's overhead utility and property adjustments requiring some design changes. Once started, construction time is 11 months, and will provide a connection from Kuala Street to Kuahaka Street utilizing the Old Cane Haul Road.

7)       Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant Status – In March 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tentatively decided to deny the 301(h) waiver for the Honouliuli plant. The public comment period ended on August 27, 2007. To date, no final decision has been made by the EPA. A 301(h) waiver is a modified national pollution discharge elimination system permit that allows publicly owned treatment works to discharge to marine waters less than secondary treated wastewater.

PRESENTATIONS [1]:

Awarding of Certificates – No awardees were present.

Central Oahu Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Report: Air Force Fuel Line Clean-Up – No representative or report present. Fukushima will contact the representative to reschedule the presentation.

Ola I Ka'Hana Goodwill Industries Hawaii – No representative or report present.

QUEST Expanded Access (QEXA) Community Enrollment – No representative or report present.

Walgreen's Pearl Kai [1] – Fukushima was informed that the representatives may be late to the meeting.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS [1]:

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

Leeward Community College (LCC) – Mark Lane detailed the following items of interest:

1)       Mayoral Candidates' Forum – LCC hosted a mayoral candidates' forum on October 21, 2008, attended by both Mayor Hannemann and Ann Kobayashi, along with the local media, community members, and LCC students, faculty and staff. This was the only college-sponsored forum for the two candidates.

2)       LCC's 40th Anniversary Upcoming Events – As part of LCC's 40 events to celebrate the college's 40th anniversary, here's a list of upcoming events for November 2008:

a)       Full Drama Production – Journey to the West – The production will be held on November 14 to 15 and 20 to 22 at 8:00 p.m., and on November 16 at 4:00 p.m., at the LCC Theatre.

b)       Automotive Technology Information Session – The session will be held on November 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the iCenter, DA 200.

c)       Chef Showcase with Chai Chaowasaree (Chai's Island Bistro) – The showcase will be held on November 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Pearl Restaurant (call 455-0475 for reservations).

d)       Family Fun Fair – The theme of the fair is sustainability, and the campus-wide event will be held on November 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

e)       Native Hawaiian Art Show and Hoolaulea (Makahiki Celebration Event) – The event will be held on November 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Eucalyptus Courtyard and Administration Building Foyer Gallery.

f)         Thanksgiving Buffet – The buffet will be held on November 19 to 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Pearl Restaurant (call 455-0475 for reservations).

3)       LCC Website – The LCC website address is www.lcc.hawaii.edu.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       LCC 2nd Access Road – No update.

2)       The Pearl Restaurant – The Pearl Restaurant is open to the public for lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; it's located at the Campus Center building behind the Administration building.

3)       Thanksgiving Buffet Cost – The cost of the Thanksgiving Buffet at the Pearl Restaurant is between $15 to $25 (gratuity not included).

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto distributed a report earlier in the meeting.

Pearl City Library – Joyce Felmet previously informed Chair Pickard that there were no updates.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Pearl City Gateway Update – Silas Collier, the project manager, provided the following information:

1)       Site Status – Most of the concrete slabs are done. Walls are being finished for Babies R Us, with work to start on PetCo's walls.

2)       Checker's Auto Parts – There is a rumor that Checker's Auto Parts may not sign the lease.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Long's – The [Long's] store will be a "normal" facility, but not necessarily a "major outlet".

Manana Connector Road Status Update – Ms. Takahara-Dias reported on this item earlier in the meeting.

Other Concerns –

Pearl City Lions Club Vision Screening: Chair Pickard relayed that the Pearl City Lions Club will hold in-school vision screening on the following dates – (a) November 3 at Manana Elementary School; (b) November 12 at Lehua Elementary School; (c) November 14 at the Children's House; (d) November 17 at Palisades Elementary School; (e) November 18 at Pearl City Elementary School; (f) November 19 at Momilani Elementary School; (g) November 20 at Pearl City Highlands Elementary School; (h) November 21 at Kanoelani Elementary School; (i) November 24 at Waimalu Elementary School; and (j) November 25 at Waiau Elementary School.

The Pearl Kai Walgreen's presentation was returned to the agenda, without objection.

PRESENTATIONS [2]:

Walgreen's Pearl Kai [2] – Garrett Littman, the property manager for the Pearl Kai Shopping Center (PKSC) introduced Robert Freeman, of the Freeman Group / Walgreen's, and summarized the following information:

1)       Building – They will tear down the vacant Tower Records [building] and replace it with an 11,000 square foot floor area for the new store. The new building will be within the appropriate height restrictions and should be a good improvement to the PKSC.

2)       Community Outreach – A similar presentation was also given to the Aiea Neighborhood Board (NB) No. 20.

3)       Feature – The main feature of this new Walgreen’s is a drive-through prescription pick-up.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Public Hearing – The City Council Zoning Committee approved the plans, with no opposition expressed.

2)       Schedule – The designs will take six months to complete, the approval for the designs will take another six months, and the construction will take six months, for a total project timeline of 18 months.

3)       Walgreen’s Stores – This Walgreen’s won’t be the main store on the island; there is a store on Keeaumoku Street, and two stores are coming to Kalihi and Kaneohe. Most Walgreen’s pharmacies, at the least, are open 24 hours per day.

4)       Long’s Drugs – It was CVS, not Walgreen’s, that bought out Long’s.

The Board of Water Supply's (BWS) report was returned to the agenda, without objection.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS [2]:

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

1)       September 2008 Main Break – There was one eight-inch cast iron main break on September 13 at 1467 Hoohaku Street (the main was originally installed in 1957).

2)       Recycling Water – One way the BWS works to maximize Oahu’s precious water resources is by recycling. Recycled water is essentially wastewater that has been treated to a level suitable for industrial processing, irrigation, and other non-potable uses; it’s completely safe to touch, but is not intended for drinking. The BWS owns and operates the State’s largest water recycling facility, the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility, which produces 12 million gallons of recycled water per day and is used by golf courses and refineries in the Ewa and Kapolei areas. Recycling water helps to conserve the highest quality water supply for drinking. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Linda Lingle‘s Office – Jim Propotnick circulated the Governor's Neighborhood Board Update and highlighted the following information:

1)       Hawaii’s Energy Future – The State and the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) announced a major agreement of a collaborative partnership and action to build a clean energy economy. A cornerstone of this progress is the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, that seeks to supply 70% of Hawaii’s energy needs from clean or renewable sources by 2030.

2)       Five-Point Economic Action Plan – To address economic challenges in Hawaii caused largely by national and international factors, the State continues to implement a five-point plan to stimulate the economy and encourage investment. The plan’s component’s include: (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. The State is facing a potential $869 million budget deficit. By law, the State must have a balanced budget when it’s submitted in mid-December, so measures are being taken to cut the deficit. A four percent restriction on discretionary spending for all departments was implemented on July 1, 2008, and there is now a hiring freeze for State jobs, except for those that are considered critical health and safety positions. Out-of-state travel is being restricted and the purchase of new equipment and vehicles is being curtailed.

3)       Health Coverage for Children – Currently, 108,000 Hawaii children are now enrolled in Medicaid, including the QUEST and Fee-For-Service programs. The increased enrollment is attributable to expandable outreach by the State Department of Human Services and their community partners, and to the increase in income eligibility for Medicaid.

4)       Homestead Leases in East Kapolei – The State Department of Hawaiian Homelands recently awarded 205 lots in its East Kapolei II project to beneficiaries, some of whom had been waiting since 1957.

5)       Discounts for Online Professional License Renewals – The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is offering discounts on professional license renewals for the approximately 9,000 Hawaii professionals if they renew online at http://pvl.ehawaii.gov/renewals. The deadline is December 31, 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Energy Sources – There is currently one coal energy plant in the State, and there is a prohibition against creating new coal plants. The State constitution prohibits nuclear plants, even though the technology is improving. There is a wind farm on the North Shore. Concern was expressed that Hawaii may be behind the rest of the nation in energy sources. Different sources of energy would reduce Hawaii’s need for oil. The State and HECO are working together to provide more renewable energy sources.

2)       HECO Representation – Fukushima indicated that the average citizen may not understand the increases in their electric bill, and what the money is being used for. In the past, there were HECO representatives who made presentations to the Board. Chair Pickard referred this matter of HECO representation to the Health, Education and Welfare committee (HEW) for action. Mr. Propotnick will assist HEW Chair Lum Lee.

3)       Pearl City Library Speed Bumps – Concerns were raised at the last two meetings about the abnormal speed bumps in the Pearl City Library parking lot. It was requested to change them to standard devices.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Robert Sato distributed the report and furnished information on the following item:

Election Choices – In addition to voting for candidates for elective office, there are also four charter amendments to be voted on – go to www.hawaii.gov/elections for more information. Councilmember Okino urges a “yes” vote on charter amendment question no. 4, relating to rail transit, but encourages everyone to vote no matter what their opinion.

Senator Clarence Nishihara; Sen. David Ige; Representative Roy Takumi; Rep. K. Mark Takai – No representatives were present or reports given at this time. Sen. Nishihara arrived later but had no updates to report.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

Pearl City Community Association – No update given.

Pearl City Foundation – Mr. Harimoto circulated flyers for the Halloween Bash earlier in the evening. Chair Pickard stated that the event will take place on Friday, October 31, 2008, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Momilani Community Center. There will be games and prizes, a costume contest for all ages, a keiki village, and treats for everyone.

Manana Community Association (MCA) – Fukushima announced the free Christmas Craft Workshop Session for members of MCA on November 19, 2008, at the Manana Elementary School Cafeteria.

Discussion followed:

Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) – The Manana Elementary School has been hit two days in a row with graffiti. The Manana area previously had a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW), but had no support from HPD; residents lost enthusiasm and disbanded. Fukushima will bring up the recommendation of creating a new NSW to the MCA board and HPD.

Pacific Palisades Community Association (PPCA) – Chair Pickard reported that Howton is undergoing rehabilitation for a broken hip; he sent out heartfelt feelings to Howton and his family.

APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The September 23, 2008 Regular Meeting minutes were APPROVED, AS CIRCULATED, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (7-0-0) (Aye: Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Vina).

SEPTEMBER 2008 TREASURER REPORTS: Chair Pickard indicated that: (a) the Operating Account expended $82.88 for printing and postage, leaving a balance of $1,281.68; (b) the Publicity Account expended $200 for videotaping, leaving a balance of $2,100; and (c) the Refreshments Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $104.67.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

Executive – Chair Pickard and Vice-Chair Vina summarized the following items:

1)       Opening and Closure of Board Meeting Site – Vina will discuss this at the next Committee meeting.

2)       Future Presentations Before the Board's Agenda; Boards Committee Meetings Reports Required by Sunshine Law – These items were deferred.

3)       Requested Resolution to Remove Committee Meetings from Board's Agenda – Lum Lee emailed a resolution to the Board explaining his request for a name change of the Health, Education and Welfare committee (HEW) to Safety, Health, Education and Welfare. Discussion ensued:

a)       No Committee Level Discussion – Fukshima noted that this issue was not discussed at the last Committee meeting.

b)       “Safety” is Universal – As an engineer, Coleman stated that “safety” is a part of everything, and could be added to every committee title since all committees at one time or another have to deal with it.

c)       Explanation – The explanation of the request’s rationale was included in the emailed resolution.

Vina moved and Fukushima seconded, to defer (the issue) until the next Committee meeting, which was NOT adopted 6-0-1 (Aye: Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Pickard, Vina; Abstain: Lum Lee). Chair Pickard referred the matter back to Committee.

4)       Increase in Fees for Highlands Intermediate School (HIS) – After June 2009, the fees for the Board to use HIS twice a month for its meetings will increase almost 400%, from $18.20 per month to $67.30 per month. The Board will have to start considering other locations for its meetings, such as Lehua and Waiau Elementary Schools, and the Pearl City District Park (although the park doesn’t have handicapped access). Chair Pickard would like to assign some committee members to look into a new location, since the Board won’t be able to afford any extra items with these new charges. Unlike State organizations, City organizations are not exempt from charges when using a State facility (although they are exempt when using City facilities). Comments were made about requesting a larger Board budget, but it seemed unlikely given the current economy. There are no free facilities to use in the area. However, some schools may differ in rates, since each school is allowed to choose how to apply their budget cuts. Some organizations receive lower rates from schools in return for doing service projects. The Board will look at the City facilities in the area. Chair Pickard referred the matter of the increase in fees for the use of HIS, back to the Executive Committee.

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

Traffic and Transportation (TT) – TT Chair Vina noted that he is awaiting the draft Environmental Impact Statement about the proposed rail transit, and deferred the remainder of the Committee items.

Development, Plan and Zoning (DPZ) – DPZ Chair Fukushima is checking on public hearings regarding the Olelo community access Channel 49 and deferred the remainder of the items. Discussion ensued:

Olelo Channel 49 – Since the Board took previous action to support Olelo Channel 49, Fukushima was able to reiterate the previous support from the Board at the recent public hearings.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) – HEW Chair Lum Lee deferred the item relating to curbside recycling and requested that the organization of a Pearl City NSW be removed from the agenda.

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

1)       Authorization of Expenditure for Videotaping and Broadcast of Board Meetings on Olelo – Fukushima expressed his support to increase the payment to videographer Kevin Cassel to $250 per month. However, Mr. Cassel refused the proposed increase, so the item will be removed from the agenda.

2)       Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – P/R Chair Lee reported that four recipients have not received their certificates yet, so presentations will be held over for next month’s meeting.

3)       Email Newsletter; NB#21 Website; Group Photo – Coleman discussed creating a community website; this item was referred back to the Committee.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Next Committee Meetings – The next Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

2)       Next Board Meeting – The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

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

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Albert K. Fukushima

Substitute Board Minutes Reviewer