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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., with a quorum of nine (9) members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members for a quorum and to take action.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Stanley Ching, Alfred Coleman (arrived at 6:42 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, David Howton, Antoinette Lee (departed at 6:49 p.m.), Chris Lum Lee, James Pickard, Sr., Amoreena Rabago (arrived at 6:37 p.m.), Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

VACANCIES: There are two (2) vacancies.

GUESTS: Capt. S. C. Kohn (Honolulu Fire Department); Sgt. A. Chang, Sgt. R. Nitta (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Department of Enterprise Services, Deputy Director); Keith Kurahashi (Kusao and Kurahashi Inc.); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Manny Cabral (Leeward Community College – Chancellor); Joyce Felmet (Pearl City Public Library); Silas Collier (Swinerton Builders); David Festerling (Governor Linda Lingle's Office); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino's Office); Charles K. Kapua (Aha Kiole Committee); Lori Bulosan, Angie Higa, Dana Low, Amy Sharp, Jen Wong (Central Pacific Bank); Kathy Lin (Highlands Intermediate School); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Kent Kitagawa (State Department of Health, State Labs Division); Charlene Caraang, Crispina Caraang, Kenneth Chen, Kevin T. Furutani, Georgia Howton, Cal Kawamoto, Nelson T. Moriwaki, Roger Olegario, Ronald Simpson; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ching 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.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. S. C. Kohn reported the following information:

1)       August 2008 Statistics – There was a total of 8 structure, 4 wildland, 4 rubbish and 4 vehicle fires; there was a total of 119 medical emergencies, 0 search/rescue and 28 miscellaneous calls (animal rescues, flooding, broken hydrants, sights of smoke, false alarms, assisting invalids, people locked in/out).

2)       Major and Unusual Incidents – There was one major incident involving a building fire on September 1, 2008, at 914 Hoomoana Street, and one unusual incident involving a chemical explosion on August 28, 2008, at 96-1368 Waihona Street.

3)       Fire Safety Tip – Fire Prevention Week (FPW) is from October 5 to 11, 2008, and the theme is "It's Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!" FPW has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire on October 8 to 11, 1861. Most fire injuries and fatalities are caused by fires that occur in homes, so this year's campaign will focus on preparedness (including having smoke detectors and a family fire escape plan) and underscore the importance of regularly checking homes for fire hazards. In October, elementary school children will receive a Fire Fighter's Safety Guide. Parents are encouraged to review the guide with their children.

Rabago arrived during the above report at 6:37 p.m.; 10 members present.

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

August / July / June 2008 Statistics: 15 / 13 / 5 auto thefts, 8 / 4 / 2 auto theft recoveries, 29 / 8 / 18 burglaries, 28 / 22 / 23 criminal property damages and 17 / 11 / 25 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,444 / 6,717 / 6,360 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,570 / 1,520 / 1,528 (24.36% / 22.63% / 24.03%) from the Pearl City area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Beat 370 – Beat 370 encompasses the Manana area toward Home Depot and Blaisdell Park (from the Waihona Street industrial area up to Kaahumanu Street).

2)       Neighborhood Security Watches (NSW) – It was recommended that Pearl City start some NSWs, since the burglaries have greatly increased.

3)       Loose Dogs and Dog Droppings – Hawaii does have a leash law; if loose dogs are observed, residents are urged to call 911 and let HPD address the situation. Regarding dog droppings, the Humane Society must be contacted first, and then HPD officers can try to speak to the dog owner and remind them that they may be cited if they don't clean up after their dog. If a dog owner knowingly allows their dog to leave droppings on private property, then prosecution is possible; however, it's difficult to prove foreknowledge. If the offenses are recorded on film, then the City may be called to clean up the droppings and will bill the offender. The offender will most likely know who is making the complaint, given that it's mainly neighbors who would be able to observe these offenses. It was suggested that neighbors talk to each other.

Coleman arrived during the above comments at 6:42 p.m.; 11 members present.

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

Discover Recycling Fair – The Discover Recycling Fair will be held on this Thursday through Saturday, September 25 to 27, 2008, at the Neal Blaisdell Arena. Children will learn about recycling on Thursday and Friday, and the public is invited to attend the fair on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Beach Accessibility – There are only two beach sites (Waikiki and Ala Moana) that have access compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It was proposed that the City look into expanding ADA access to more beach sites.

PRESENTATIONS:

Awarding of Certificates – Publicity/Refreshment committee (P/R) Chair Lee presented the following certificates of recognition and acknowledgement:

1)       Kathy Lin – Kathy Lin, of Highlands Intermediate School (HIS), received the Hawaii Outstanding Biology Teacher Award in 2007. Scheduling conflicts prevented the presentation until now.

2)       Charlene Caraang – Representative K. Mark Takai honored Pearl City High School (PCHS) student Charlene Caraang for outstanding student leadership.

Lee departed following the presentation of certificates at 6:49 p.m.; 10 members present.

Hale Mohalu II Status Update – Keith Kurahashi highlighted the following items from the PowerPoint presentation:

1)       Site Details – The site (tax map key 9-4-19:35) is 4.7 acres in size, is just off of Kamehameha Highway and is zoned as P-2 General Preservation and R-5 Residential. The site is classified as Low Density Residential and is for Urban use.

2)       Background – From 1949 until 1978 the property contained Hale Mohalu, a hospital and home for patients with Hansen's disease which extended on to the lot located to the southwest of the property. In 1978 the State closed Hale Mohalu and in 1983 the last of the tenants were moved out and the buildings were torn down. In 1985 the property was leased to the Pearl City Youth Complex Association; the Youth Complex never developed the parcel and the lease was canceled in 2005 after 20 years. In 1996 Hale Mohalu Elderly Housing, with about 210 units, was developed on the neighboring property to the southwest by the Coalition for Specialized Housing (CSH). In January 2006 a direct lease to CSH for affordable housing development in Hawaii was approved.

3)       Project Details – The proposed affordable rental development will include 168 family units and 168 senior units with 5% of the units supporting families or individuals earning at or below 30% of median income and 95% at or below 60% of median income. The applicant (CSH) will provide the 212 parking stalls required for the family units, 57 parking stalls for the senior units, and 26 stalls for the proposed multi-purpose building. CSH has received HOME, CDBG, Rental Housing Trust Funds and Low Income Tax Credits to develop the affordable rentals.

4)       201-H Exemptions – 201-H Exemptions are needed to allow: (a) multi-family dwellings and a community center in a P-2 General Preservation District; (b) a height of about 60 feet in a district with a 25-foot limit; (c) an encroachment into the building height setback; (d) the project to exceed the maximum building area (5% of the zoning lot); (e) an exemption from off-street parking; (f) an exemption to allow a medium density multi-family development in an area designated Lower-Density Residential; (g) an exemption from the park dedication permit process; and (h) an exemption from and deferral of application and infrastructure fees.

5)       Infrastructure – The municipal water service to the property is adequate to support the proposed development. CSH is working with the City to determine wastewater requirements for the proposed development. The project site is in Flood Zone D, areas in which flood hazards are undetermined.

6)       Traffic – The project is not expected to have a significant impact on traffic conditions in the area. The traffic assessment recommends prohibiting left turns from the driveway (making it right turn only) which reduces vehicle delay for vehicles exiting the proposed driveway by over 65% in peak traffic hours.

7)       Plans/Layouts – Plans for the site, and building and apartment layouts were displayed.

8)       Proposed Rental Rates – The proposed rental rate calculations are based on 30% and 60% of median income, so income limits must be met to be able to qualify for the rentals. For senior housing, the proposed rental rates will be: (a) $401 for the nine 1-bedroom units at 30%; and (b) $668 for the 154 1-bedroom units at 60%. For family housing, the proposed rental rates will be: (a) $481 for the four 2-bedroom units at 30%; (b) $707 for 52 2-bedroom units at 60%; (c) $734 for seven different 2-bedroom units at 60%; and (d) $870 for the 21 3-bedroom units at 60%. The project will have affordable housing for at least the next 61 years.

9)       Drainage – The estimated peak discharge of the stream tributary is 6,200 cubic feet per second (cfs). The previous channel was not able to accommodate the peak discharge rate. The existing channel was designed to accommodate the peak discharge rate with a freeboard of approximately 3.7 to 4.0 feet, to prevent potential flooding of the adjoining State lands. Based on the ultimate development plans for Hale Mohalu II, the estimated increase in runoff from the proposed development is three to four cfs, which translates to a peak discharge rate of 6,204 cfs at Waimano Channel. The estimated increase in water surface depth is 0.01 of a foot, which could be considered negligible.

10)   Tentative Schedule – (a) City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Report to City Council – December 2008; (b) City Council Decision – February 2009; (c) Building Permit – August 2009; (d) Construction – August 2009 to October 2010; and (e) Occupancy – December 2010. It will take two years of construction to build the entire development, with a six-month wait between construction phasing of the buildings.

11)   Benefits to Community – Oahu Transit Services (OTS), of the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), the contractor for TheBus, was contacted to see if this development could include the improvement of the bus stops along Kamehameha Highway near the site; this area belongs to both the City and the State, so jurisdiction may be an issue, but this will continue to be pursued. In addition, the new project hopes to provide better pedestrian access to Kamehameha Highway, and CSH is working with the Pearl City Business Plaza to allow continuous access to their driveway.

12)   Upkeep and Security – The current project there, Hale Mohalu I, was not kept up, but this project will be nicer and more secure, with security guards.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Waiting List – Fukushima asked about the process of getting on the waiting list for the affordable housing. Call Prudential Locations or Kusao and Kurahashi, Inc. about six months before the opening, around June 2010, to inquire about the waiting list. The selections will be made by a lottery system, after the income qualifications are met (the selections are not made on a first-come first-served basis).

2)       Purpose of Presentation – Ching questioned the purpose of the presentation. The purpose of the presentation is to get Board support for the development and to inform the community. Updates have been given over the last two years, through the final Environmental Assessment (EA) process, and the submission of the 201-H exemption requests. The City Council, who has approval authority, prefers to hear input from the Board and area community associations about a development.

3)       Concerns – Ching expressed concern over the significant zoning change, from preservation to apartment and mixed use. He pointed out that the sewer prices could be affected, and added that an additional 300 living units will have a significant impact on the community. Ching inquired about what the community will receive in return for giving up valuable preservation land. CSH is a non-profit group and is planning this development to provide affordable housing for seniors and families who need it, not to earn a profit. Mr. Kurahashi, as consultant on this project, does make a profit, but the developer does not. Ching specified that he could not support the project without more information. Chair Pickard acknowledged that the Board may not be ready to take a position on the proposed Hale Mohalu II development. Fukushima noted that the project was discussed at last week's committees' meetings, and the Development, Plan and Zoning Committee (DPZ) recommended approval of the proposal with some conditions.

Development, Plan and Zoning Committee (DPZ) Chair Fukushima moved on behalf of the committee to support the Coalition for Specialized Housing's (CSH) application to obtain from the City Council approval of 201-H exemptions and waivers of the following items: (a) land use; (b) height limit; (c) building setback encroachment; (d) maximum building area; (e) off-street parking; (f) park dedication; and (g) application and infrastructure fees; with the following conditions: (a) to provide landscaping features on the property and structures to mitigate building height impact; and (b) to provide updates to the Board on the progress of the project.

Discussion ensued:

1)       Two Stages of Development – Fukushima mentioned that CSH indicated that development of the project will occur in two stages, due to lack of sewer capacity, but the exact date for the beginning of the 2nd phase is unknown.

2)       More Information – Ching stressed his opposition until he has more time to study the information given.

The motion to support the Coalition for Specialized Housing's (CSH) application to obtain from the City Council approval of 201-H exemptions and waivers of the following items: (a) land use; (b) height limit; (c) building setback encroachment; (d) maximum building area; (e) off-street parking; (f) park dedication; and (g) application and infrastructure fees; with the following conditions: (a) to provide landscaping features on the property and structures to mitigate building height impact; and (b) to provide updates to the Board on the progress of the project, was ADOPTED 9-1-0 (Aye: Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Howton, Lum Lee, Pickard, Rabago, Veray, Vina; No: Ching).

Waiawa Correctional Facility Final Environmental Assessment (EA) – This item was deferred, since the presentation was not ready.

QUEST Expanded Access (QEXA) Community Enrollment – This item was deferred, since the presenter was unable to attend this meeting.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lan Yoneda distributed two handouts, relating to how water gets to the tap and water emergency preparedness, and communicated the following information:

1)       July/August 2008 Main Breaks – There were two main breaks on July 4, 2008: (a) at 1760 Kuahaka Street, a six-inch cast iron main installed in 1970; and (b) at 584 Hoomoana Street, an eight-inch cast iron main installed in 1970. There were no main breaks in the Pearl City area in August 2008.

2)       Toilet Rebate Program – The Ultra-Low Flush Toilet Rebate program has been extended to at least June 30, 2009. If you are connected to the City's sewer or water system, and replace an existing non ultra-low flush toilet (three gallons or more per flush) to an ultra-low flush toilet (1.6 gallons or less per flush), you could qualify for a $100 rebate. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com.

3)       BWS Facts – The BWS pumps an average of 150 million gallons of water every day, in addition to maintaining a water system that includes approximately 2,000 miles of pipe, four shafts, 12 tunnels, and 84 well stations.

4)       Service Disruptions – Natural disasters, power outages, rolling blackouts, or other unexpected events can disrupt the ability of the BWS to provide water service to the community. September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month. A handout was distributed that explained what to do to prepare for an emergency, from a water perspective, and what should be done during and after the emergency.

Leeward Community College (LCC) – Manny Cabral circulated a LCC 40th Anniversary calendar, and detailed the following items of interest:

1)       LCC's 40th Anniversary – September 16, 2008 was the kick-off event to celebrate LCC's 40th anniversary. A calendar highlighting the 40 events open to the community was available.

2)       Fall 2008 Enrollment – Enrollment for Fall 2008 is near record levels, reaching 6,890 students by the end of the first week of classes, resulting in an increase of about 14% or 843 students. This is the largest numerical increase among all University of Hawaii (UH) system campuses.

3)       Luncheon at The Pearl – On September 12, 2008, LCC hosted nearly 30 State Department of Education (DOE) principals/representatives to a luncheon at The Pearl, highlighting the successful Associate in Arts in Teaching Program, which has grown nearly seven times in size from 24 majors in Fall 2008 to 165 in Spring 2008. The goal is to help students complete their degree, prepare for completion of baccalaureate programs, establish partnerships with DOE schools and become the future teachers of tomorrow.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Financial Assistance Programs – LCC no long participates in the merit program, in which high school students who received a grade point average of 3.5 or higher can enroll in the first semester for free. However, there are some discounts for academic and SAT scores in the first semester. Often, students don’t take advantage and the funds available for discounts are not completely used.

Board of Education (BOE) – No representative or report present.

Pearl City Library – Joyce Felmet distributed flyers and described the following items:

1)       Adult Programs – Two programs are offered for adults: (a) free internet classes on Wednesday and Sunday mornings – call to schedule; and (b) Tai-Chi for Health on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.

2)       Teen Programs – Three programs are offered for teens: (a) Youth Library Card Sign-Up Drive in September 2008 – free small gifts for new cards and renewals; (b) Macbeth: Live in Context! – scenes from Shakespeare’s play about ambition and evil to be performed on Sunday, October 12, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. (funded by the Friends of he Library of Hawaii, the Hawaii Council for the Humanities, and UH); and (c) Bones – darkly humorous exploration in dance, music and story inspired by the mystique of ancient human bones to be performed on Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. (funded by UH and the library system).

3)       Children’s Programs – Five programs are offered for children: (a) Storytime by Vicky Bowie, followed by Crafts conducted by Lisa Komatsu-Liu, ongoing on Wednesdays until November 19, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.; (b) Puzzletime Storytime for children ages 18 to 36 months, including educational puzzles followed by stories and songs, ongoing on Thursdays until November 20, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.; (c) Youth Library Card Sign-Up Drive in September 2008 – free small gifts for new cards and renewals; (d) Japanese Storytelling using kamishibai, picture cards, by Cathy Spagnoli, for children five years and older, on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. (funded by UH); and (e) a Halloween program performed by PCHS drama class students using a series of skits, on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at 3:30 p.m.

4)       Program Funding Assistance – Special note was made of the organizations listed above that help the library to provide all of these free programs for the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Pearl City Library Auditorium – The library auditorium where the Board used to meet is still being used for office space for some of the staff from the Salt Lake Library. Some library system meetings are held in part of the auditorium that isn’t dedicated to office space, but no other organizations are being allowed to use the auditorium at this point.

2)       Budget Cuts – There have been reports in the media indicating possible curtailing of library hours. The Pearl City Library is lucky to have been fully staffed when the hiring freeze was implemented, and they are not yet thinking of cutting any library programs.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Pearl City Gateway (Kuala Street) Update – Silas Collier, the general contractor from Swinerton Builders, offered the following updates:

1)       Site Status – The concrete for most of the fittings has been poured; the concrete slabs will be poured in one and one-half weeks. The sewer and water lines have already been mostly installed.

2)       Road Work – The Kuala Street road work is ready to be done, but was postponed until after the holidays to minimize the impact on traffic, so the work will begin in January 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Tenants – The tenants at this point are Babies R Us, PetCo, David's Bridal, McDonald's, Checker's Auto Parts (CSK Auto), Long's, and a few other small stores. Long's will soon be selecting a contractor.

Manana Connector Road Status Update – No updates were provided.

Other Concerns –

Campaign Spending Investigation: Cal Kawamoto introduced himself and noted the five years that had passed since he had attended any Board meetings. Five years ago he was charged with improper campaign spending, and some Board members defended him of the charges. In August 2008, the State Attorney General concluded that there were no criminal violations by Mr. Kawamoto, and the State Campaign Spending Commission voted 3-1 to dismiss all charges after five years of investigation. He noted the lack of reporters present at his dismissal, contrasting with the media coverage his charges received, and expressed the feeling that the case may have been a vendetta against Vietnam veterans. Mr. Kawamoto thanked the Board for their support.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Linda Lingle‘s Office – David Festerling circulated the Governor's Neighborhood Board Update and delivered the following information:

1)       Workers’ Compensation Rates Decrease – A request was filed for a decrease of 11.6% in the workers’ compensation loss costs as will affect premiums beginning January 1, 2009. The reduction is based on a continuing decrease in the number of claims filed in 2006. Over the last three years, decreases of 19.3%, 18.2%, and 12.3% were approved as evidence began showing a significant reduction in claims. This latest reduction brings the total decrease in workers’ compensation loss costs to 61.4% over the past four years.

2)       Federal Economic Stimulus Checks – The State Department of Taxation (TAX) wants to remind everyone that October 15, 2008 is the deadline for taxpayers to file their federal tax returns to receive the 2008 federal economic stimulus check. Thousands of Hawaii citizens, many of which are senior citizens, veteran, and people with disabilities still have not filed a 2007 federal tax return to claim their check. Anyone who received at least $3,000 in benefits or income in 2007 is eligible for the stimulus check, but a tax return must be filed. The minimum payment is $300 for an individual and $600 for a couple filing jointly. A special free service is provided to people who are filing solely to receive their stimulus check. Go to www.irs.gov and click on “Rebate-It’s Not Too Late”, or call 1-866-234-2942.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Alternatives to Layoffs – With necessary budget cuts looming, Gov. Lingle is working with her cabinet to look at alternatives to layoffs, such as decreasing electricity and operating costs, and cutting unnecessary programs. If the State continues to operate in the same fashion, there may be a $903 million shortfall.

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

Open House – There will be a Community Open House to discuss important issues such as rail transit, City Charter amendments, the forthcoming expansion of the curbside recycling program, and other City-related matters. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Disabled American Veterans Makai Hall at Keehi Lagoon, 2685 North Nimitz Highway. Councilmember Okino welcomes everyone to attend. Free dinners will be provided to attendees.

Senator Clarence Nishihara; Sen. David Ige; Representative Roy Takumi; Rep. K. Mark Takai – No representatives were present.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

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

Pacific Palisades Community Association (PPCA) – Howton reported that Chris Prendergast returned at the right time to fill the position of president on the board of directors, since the previous president, Ron Tostuo had to return to service in the U.S. Navy.

Chair Pickard announced that the Leeward People newspaper will shortly be no longer in circulation.

APPROVAL OF THE JULY 22, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The July 22, 2008 Regular Meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0) (Aye: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Howton, Lum Lee, Pickard, Rabago, Veray, Vina).

JULY AND AUGUST 2008 TREASURER'S REPORTS: The July and August 2008 Treasurer's reports are filed. Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Rachel M. Glanstein will follow up on the payment made to rent the school's facilities for meetings.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

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

1)       Opening and Closure of Board Meeting Site – DPZ Vice-Chair Vina will open the cafeteria site for next month's meetings.

2)       Conference of Chairs Report – Vina distributed CDs to Board members with scanned copies of the information given out at the Conference of Chairs held by the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO), in addition to other useful materials; he urged all members to review their CDs. Mel Kaku, the Director of the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM) has not gotten back to the NCO on giving presentations to Boards; NA Glanstein will follow up on the issue.

3)       Future Presentations Before the Board's Agenda – This item was deferred.

4)       Boards Committee Meetings Reports Required by Sunshine Law – Compliance with the Sunshine Law requires notes or reports of committee meetings; committee reports were requested in writing.

5)       Requested Resolution to Remove Committee Meetings from Board's Agenda – A request came up at the last committees’ meeting to cease committee meetings, although the request was not approved at that meeting. There was a recommendation to keep committee meetings, since it helps the Board to prepare before regular Board meetings. A suggestion was made that if a certain month doesn’t need committee meetings, then the Chair may decide to do so.

Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP) – LCIP Chair Rabago circulated her report and covered the following items:

1)       Sunshine Law Legislation, Act 153 (2008) – The text of Act 153, relating to Boards and the Sunshine Law, was included in the report. This item may be removed from the agenda.

2)       2008 Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP) – Follow-up will be done with the NCO to see if Mayor Hannemann has signed the new RNP distributed at the Conference of Chairs.

3)       Appropriated Projects for Pearl City in Priority Listing – For the State, a new request will be submitted in November 2008 to State legislators for expansion of the Pearl City Library’s parking lot and ADA renovations for the auditorium restroom for the 2009 Capital Improvement Programs (CIP). For the City, funds have just been appropriated for certain projects and it’s too early to discern priorities. A complaint was raised over the harsh speed bumps in the library parking lot; however, with the large number of children and seniors, speed bumps are needed for safety. The speed bumps could be kept, only adjusted to not have such a damaging effect on vehicles. Chair Pickard referred this concern to Mr. Festerling, from Gov. Lingle’s Office.

Traffic and Transportation (TT) – TT Chair Vina distributed a report and specified the following information:

1)       Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – At the meeting on September 17, 2008, there was a presentation from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) on the State’s bike plan and its update. Other items discussed at the last OMPO CAC meeting were the formation of the CAC bylaws committee and prioritization of future CAC meeting topics. Vina also received an email about the 2nd round of meetings on the Oahu Bicycle Master Plan; the next dates are: (a) Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at the Kapolei High School Cafetorium, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; (b) Thursday, October 16, 2008, at the Blaisdell Center, Oahu Room, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ; and (c) Tuesday, October 21, at the Pali Golf Course, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

2)       Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP), Request to Become a Consulted Party – Traffic and Transportation Committee (TT) Chair Vina moved on behalf of the committee that the Board submit a letter to the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to request to become a Consulting Party for the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and final Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN). Coleman received assurances that, if the Board is chosen as a consulting party, representatives from DTS would be required to provide the Board with updates. The motion that the Board submit a letter to the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to request to become a Consulting Party for the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and final Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN) was ADOPTED 9-0-1 (Aye: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Howton, Pickard, Rabago, Veray, Vina; Abstain: Lum Lee).

3)       Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Regarding Commuter Stations; Separate Traffic Signal Phasing of Left Turns on Moanalua Road at Hoolaulea Street; Extension of Left Turn Mauka-bound Lane on Waimano Home Road into Kuala Street – These items were deferred.

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

1)       Status of Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties; Water Project Warehouse Manana; Hale Mohalu II; LCC 2nd Access Road – These items were deferred.

2)       Olelo Channel 49 – The Board has always supported public television and more community programming. Public hearings will be held in October and November 2008 regarding the Olelo community access channels; DPZ Chair Fukushima will provide testimony to support the previous position of the Board to support Olelo Channel 49 and community access programming.

DPZ Chair Fukushima added that a Hickam Air Force representative from the Base Engineers will attend the October 28, 2008 Board meeting and present an investigation follow-up report with possible remediation action for the fuel line petroleum contamination sites and provide a schedule of further test pit road work on Kamehameha Highway and Lehua Avenue in Pearl City.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) – HEW Chair Lum Lee and HEW Vice-Chair Veray submitted the following:

1)       Proposal for Monthly Notification Report by the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM) – This item should be removed from the agenda.

2)       Clean Water and Natural Lands Commission (CWNLC) – The next meeting of the CWNLC is scheduled for Friday, October 3, 2008, at 12:00 p.m. This item may be removed from the agenda.

3)       Pearl City Curbside Recycling Program – Veray is in communication with Suzanne Jones, of the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) about the future program, and will be informed about which households will be affected and when. For more details, go to www.opala.org.

4)       Hawaii Civil Defense Outdoor Warning Sirens – There is a replacement list for outdoor warning sirens; the three sirens in Pearl City are rated as low priorities on the replacement list.

5)       Waiawa Correctional Facility (WCF) Final Environmental Assessment (EA); ACS Government Healthcare Solutions, QUEST Expanded Access – These items were deferred.

Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) – P/R Vice-Chair Duncan and Coleman supplied the following information:

1)       Authorization of Expenditure for Videotaping and Broadcast of Board Meetings on Olelo – This item was referred back to the committee.

2)       Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – Three recipients have not received their certificates yet, so presentations were deferred until next month’s meeting.

3)       Email Newsletter; NB#21 Website; Group Photo – There has been discussion regarding the website and an email newsletter; 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, October 21, 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, October 28, 2008, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Albert Fukushima

Substitute Board Minutes Reviewer