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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Stanley Ching (left meeting at 8:20 p.m.), Al Coleman (arrived at 6:55 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Antoinette Lee, Chris Lum Lee, James Pickard, Sr., Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr. Myrtle Nyuha (appointed at this meeting), Baybee Hufana-Ablan (appointed at this meeting), and Roger Clemente (appointed at this meeting).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Captain Carl Chagami (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor’s Representative – City Department of Customer Services, Director); James Burke (Department of Transportation Services); John Nouchi (Oahu Transit Services); James Propotnik (Governor’s Representative – State Department of Public Safety, Deputy Director, Law Enforcement Division); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Michael Pescok (Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Leeward Community College); Silas Collier (Swinerton Inc.); Jerome Lloyd (Project Manager Sam’s Club); Breene Harimoto (Board of Education); Lee Korenaga (Representative Roy Takumi’s Office); Patrick Batumgbaehl; Asia Lee Batumgbaehl; Harry Harilal; Kerri Ann Yvette; Martina Reyes; Donna Gomes; Roger Olegasario; Ronald Simpson; Kathleen Yoda; Charles Kaopua; Michael Motoki; Julie Vega; Shaun Kaulukukui; Matt Young; and Linnie Pascual (Neighborhood Commission Office).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vina led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES: Chair Pickard indicated that that anyone wishing to speak must raise their hand; and when recognized to speak, address comments to the Chair. Speakers must keep their comments within one minute. Those giving reports must keep it within three minutes. Presentations must me kept within ten minutes (or five minutes if previously heard). Please silence all electronic devices.
FILLING OF FOUR (4) VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS: Myrtle Nyuha introduced herself as a previous Board member who has resided in this community for the past 22 years and interested in serving the community again. The motion to appoint Myrtle Nyuha was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Duncan,
A brief recess was taken at this time so that Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Linnie Pascual could administer the Oath of Office to Nyuha. When the meeting was called back to order, there were then nine (9) members present.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:
1) March 2009 Statistics – There was 1 structure, 2 wildland, and 4 rubbish fires; 88 medical emergencies and 18 miscellaneous.
2) Fire Safety Tip – Smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Since the late 1970’s properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes that had no or inoperable smoke alarms. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms.
The following are a few smoke alarm and fire safety tips:
a) Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
b) Test smoke alarms at least once a month or as directed by the manufacturer.
c) Replace smoke alarm batteries one a year or as directed by the manufacturer.
d) Practice your home fire escape plan.
e) Designate a safe meeting place outside your home.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sgt. K. Miyazaki distributed the report and provided the following information:
1) Statistics for March 2009: 12 auto thefts, 4 auto theft recoveries, 8 burglaries, 21 criminal property damages, 1 sex assault, 27 thefts, and 44 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV’s). There were a total of 6,542 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,396 (21.34%) calls from the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Concern was expressed regarding blue flyer stating No Parking at Times Square. HPD will follow up on it.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Office: Dana Takahara-Dias gave the following responses to concerns raised at last month’s Board meeting:
1) Concerning the No Parking Sign located between 2217 and
2) Concerning the presence of chickens’ crossing over on
3) Introduced James Burke from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and John Nouchi from the Oahu Transit Services (OTS) to give an extensive report concerning Bus Route 53, Pacific Palisades.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concerns were raised regarding why salaries of full time Executive Assistants (EA) are $148,000 a year while the comparable salary range for an EA is from $6,000 to $10,000 per month and civil service exams being rigged. Takahara-Dias will follow it up.
2) It was inquired if graffiti on City signs located next to the Children’s House would be cleaned or replaced. Takahara –Dias will follow it up.
3) An inquiry was raised to why the trees on
Coleman arrived at 6:55 p.m.; Ten (10) members present.
At this time, James Burke from DTS reported on the following:
1) Bus Route 16 will be from the TheBus’ Middle Street Station to
2) Primary reason for change of Express Bus Route 202 from
3) Bus Route 43 is getting through
4) With concerns raised at last month’s Board meeting regarding potentially changing Bus Route 53 Honolulu-Pacific Palisades, the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has not made a firm decision on service modifications to Route 53. Prior to any service modifications, the City will work with the Board and perform a community outreach campaign to get comments and evaluate existing service, seeking opportunities to provide a better and more efficient island-wide TheBus service.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) It was pointed out that the wait times are for Bus Route 53 from Pacific Palisades –
2) It was suggested that TheBus continue Route 73 on
3) Chair Pickard referred these matters to the Traffic and Transportation (TT) Committee to work with the Pacific Palisades and Manana Community Associations.
4) It was suggested that the City donate one of their unused podiums to the Waiau District Park Facility.
PRESENTATIONS: Lee presented Certificates of Appreciation and Acknowledgement to the four area students competing in and being named 2008 Leeward Young Artist Finalists for showing artists making positive/constructive contributions: Asia Lee Batumgbaehl, Harry Harilal, Kerri Ann Yvette and Martina Reyes.
Without objection, the agenda was taken out of order.
Baybee Hufana-Ablan introduced herself as someone who had just moved to
Moved back to the order of the agenda.
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS:
Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative Lan Yoneda highlighted the following:
1) Water Meter Maintenance – As stewards of
2) BWS checked the water meter at
1)
2) Summer Session I begins May 26, 2009 and ends July 2, 2009. Summer Session II begins July 6, 2009 and ends August 13, 2009. Registration is now open by calling 455-0642.
3) On Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., the College holds its annual fundraiser for their Culinary Arts Program. L’ulu is billed as an “evening of indulgence” where one can taste the cuisine of many island restaurants. For tickets, please call 455-0300.
4) On Saturday, May 23, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the College is hosting the Ka Mole Festival. This day long family event dedicated to sustainability through word, music and interactive activities.
Board of Education: Breene Harimoto distributed the March 2009 BOE Newsletter and highlighted the following:
1) On May 2, 2009, the BOE will be having a meeting to discuss to State Schools Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto options to cut costs including consolidating schools.
2) The Federal Stimulus monies available for
3) BOE is working to achieve pay equity for public school teachers.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) It was mentioned that there was a newspaper article stating that a new high school is being constructed in Waiawa expected to be completed in 2014 while some area elementary schools could be closed down for consolidation and what would happen to the school staff working in schools being considered for consolidation. BOE response – teachers and school staff members would be reassigned to other schools.
2) Has the BOE looked into regionalizing school administrative positions like a Regional Principal. The idea has come up to have one Principal oversee several area schools.
3) It was commented that changes need to be made concerning
4) BOE Representative Harimoto encouraged everyone to write a letter to the Governor’s office urging the Governor to take action to accept federal stimulus funds to help
RESIDENTS CONCERNS:
1) Approximately 1/3 of the site area has already been paved. The project should be completed by the end of May 2009.
2) Proceeding to install traffic signals/signs on
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Will there be new traffic signals or fixing existing traffic signals on
Walmart Gas Station Project Update: Jerome Lloyd, Project Manager from Sam’s Club reported the following:
1) 72% of constructing the new service station and 75% of constructing the kiosk has been completed.
2) Moving street lights towards the intersection of Kuala and Makolu Streets.
3) Construction is expected to be completed by June 9, 2009.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Inquiring about the status of trees in the area. Walmart is working the Urban Forestry Division in the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) along with Arborist Steve Nims to address this issue.
2) Possibility of planting trees along the median is unlikely due to issues concerning storm drains and water based on an assessment reached by the project’s civil engineer.
3) It was requested by Board Chair Pickard that the Project Manager work directly with the Board’s Traffic and Transportation (TT) Committee Chair Vina.
4) It was noted that with the presence of two construction companies present at tonight’s Board meeting to see if it is possible do configuration of the sidewalks.
5) The project manager noted that with the trees roots being grown on the sidewalks creates a hazard that places the sidewalk under constant repairs.
6) Board Chair Pickard referred this item to both the Traffic & Transportation (TT) and Health, Education & Welfare (HEW) Committees to find out what can be done to plant trees at the proposed Walmart Gas Station.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Has anyone checked with the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) on this matter. Board Chair Pickard suggested that the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee to work with School Principal Loo regarding the reconfiguration of the fence line and report back at the next Board Meeting.
Other Concerns – There were no other concerns reported.
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND/OR THEIR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES:
Governor Linda Lingle’s Office: James Propotnick distributed the Governor’s written report and highlighted the following:
During this time where
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) It was asked what would the impact be on the State Budget by filling vacant positions and if those vacant positions remain vacant. State Response – Public Safety and Health positions would not be impacted. As for filling other vacancies, it will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis where some of the positions would not be filled but to the budget shortfall.
2) What is the timetable for the Board of Education, Department of Education and Hawaii State Teachers Association along with the State Administration to work out a plan to apply for the federal stimulus money toward
3) It was commented that the process to apply for these federal grants must be done in transparent manner.
4) It was noted that the $157 million in the federal stimulus monies allocated to
5) How would closed schools be utilized. When there are new housing developments in the area, students would attend those schools. It was noted that schools being under utilized would be closed. It was further noted that closing schools would not necessarily save the State money due to the cost of maintenance of those school buildings.
6) It was commented that why should $1.8 million be spend on paying the salary of the University of Hawaii Head Football Coach where instead monies should be prioritized for education. Board Chair Pickard ruled that comment Out of Order.
7) It was noted that 80% of the students attending schools in the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 Community are from outside making them district exceptions. Therefore, these students should not be penalized if a school in the
Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office: Robert Sato distributed Councilmember Okino’s written report and highlighted the following:
The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 4 (2009) CD2, FD1 that prohibits the use of certain electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. According to the bill, the use of mobile phones is permitted only when used in conjunction with hands-free device. Emergency responder drivers (police, fire, ambulance) using two-way radios for work purposes and amateur radio uses are exempted.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
It was inquired when this new law would go into effect. Response is July 1, 2009 is the first day of enforcing Bill 4. During the interim, HPD will inform and educate the public on this new ordinance.
Senator Clarence Nishihara: No representative was present. However, the Senator’s written report was distributed.
Senator David Ige: No representative was present.
Representative Roy Takumi: Lee Korenaga reported the following:
1) The State Legislature and Governor Lingle are working on finding ways to balance the State budget in order to get the economy back on track.
2) Informed everyone that Representative Takumi’s Newsletter is being mailed out to constituents.
Representative K. Mark Takai: No representative was present.
COMMUNITY INPUT:
Ching left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.; Ten (10) members present.
Manana Community Association:
Pacific
Without objection, the agenda was taken out of order.
Roger Clemente introduced himself as a community resident since 1993 interested in serving on the Board. The motion to appoint Roger Clemente was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Coleman,
Moved back to the order of the Agenda.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 27, 2009, FEBRUARY 24, 2009 AND MARCH 24, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The January 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS, 11-0-0 (AYE: Clemente, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Hufana-Ablan, Lee, Lum Lee, Nyuha, Pickard, Veray, Vina). Both the
ACCEPTANCE OF MARCH 2009 TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Lum Lee reported the following: (a) the Operating Account expended $477.40 for printing and postage, leaving a balance of $738.03; (b) the Publicity Account expended $200.00 for videotaping, leaving the balance at $1,500; and (c) the Refreshments Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $104.67. The report was filed.
COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:
Executive (Exec): Chair Pickard reported the following:
1) Appointment of Committee Officers – Noting that some Board members are leaving the Board, the following Committee Officers were appointed: LCIP – Lum Lee; TT – Vina, DPZ – Nyuha, HEW – Veray and P/R – Lee and Hufana-Ablan – Board Secretary. Regarding the Board Treasurer’s Position, this item would be discussed at the next Committee Meeting.
2) FY 2009 Board and Committee Goals and Objectives – Item deferred.
3) Regarding the status of the Neighborhood Board Elections, Mayor’s Representative Dana Takahara-Dias informed the Board that the City has awarded a contract to help them do Neighborhood Board 2009 elections via online voting from May 6 – 22, 2009 from one’s personal computer. Anyone not having access to the internet can go to Honolulu Hale, Windward Mall and Kapolei Hale to vote online.
4) Adoption of Agenda Template and Minute-Taking Guidelines beginning May 1, 2009 – Adoption of the motion of the agenda template is for a six-month period where City officials will move up on the Board agenda. As for State Legislators, their position of the Board’s agenda template remains unchanged. According to the Neighborhood Plan, the Chair has the authority to change the order of the Agenda. Therefore, suggested that the Board adopt the proposed Agenda and Minute-Taking Guidelines as was adopted by the Neighborhood Commission.
Lee moved, and Cruz seconded, that the
Discussion followed:
It was stated that it should be taken into consideration that the proposed agenda template will take effect May 11, 2009. It was suggested that the Board support Item No. 3 where City Officials move up to the top of the agenda while the rest of the agenda template be up for discussion.
Lee moved to withdraw her motion, Cruz withdrew the second.
A point of clarification was raised regarding the agenda template where the response is that the change in the agenda template is a six-month pilot project to help standardize Board Meeting Minutes, where after the end of the trial period that the Board could revert back to their own agenda template.
Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP): Committee Chair Lum Lee reported the following:
1)
2)
3) The two projects mentioned above will remain in committee, while the Board should push for existing CIP Projects.
Traffic and Transportation (TT): Committee Chair Vina reported the following:
1) Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – OMPO CAC met recently to discuss the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan for 2035.
2)
3) TheBus Request on Potential Route Changes on Route 53: Honolulu-Pacific Palisades and Route 73-Leeward Community College – The committee will work with the affected area Community Associations to meet with the appropriate City officials to discuss this project.
4) H-1 Deck Repair, Pearl City Viaduct Eastbound, Vicinity of Lehua Avenue and Kamehameha Highway – It was suggested that motorists drive carefully in this area while the repair project proceeds.
Development Plan and Zoning (Dpz) [1]: Committee Chair Fukushima reported the following:
1) Status of Development for Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties – No updates.
2) Olelo Channel – No updates.
3) Tokunaga Masonry Application to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) – Tokunaga Masonry has already submitted their application to DPP.
Health, Education and Welfare (HEW): Committee Chair Veray reported the following:
1) Lower Pearl City Second Street Ewa end (Abandoned Cars and Excess Storage of Bulk Items and Rubbish) – The Committee has sent letter to the Mayor’s Representative for follow up. This items remains in committee.
2) City’s Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Project Update – Item deferred and dropped of Board Agenda.
3) Feral Chicken Problem in Momilani – Contractor has been contacted and has chicken traps available to eradicate the chickens. It was noted that the traps remains on private property at all times.
4) Pearl City Curbside Recycling Program – The Blue Carts for Curbside Recycling should have been delivered to
Development Plan and Zoning (Dpz) [2]: Committee Chair Fukushima commented that if the City is unsuccessful in getting a variance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding their Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Project, costs will be passed on to consumers who would have to bear the brunt of the costs.
Publicity/Refreshments (P/R): Committee Chair Lee reported the following:
1) Approval of Refreshment Account/Publicity Expenditures – Lee moved, for the Committee that the Board approve allocating $30.70 for the purchase of leis (including refreshments) given at tonight’s meeting to the
2) Proposing to award the HPD’s Pearl City Station for doing a great job protecting the community at the next Board Meeting. Chair Pickard will follow up.
3) The Pearl City High School Baseball Team won the 2009 Oahu Interscholastic Association Title. The Team is currently competing in the State High School Baseball Tournament.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Next Committee Meeting will be held on May 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.,
2) Next Regular Board Meeting will be held on May 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.,
3) The City Department of Emergency Management, the State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs and
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at
Submitted by:
Linnie Pascual
Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Cruz Vina, Jr. and Chris Lum Lee
Board Minutes Reviewers