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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2009

WAIAU DISTRICT PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. without a quorum of six (6) members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Roger Clemente (arrived at 7:00 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Roger Olegario, James Pickard Sr., Larry Veray, Cruz Vina Jr., and Blake Yokotake.

Members Absent: Chris Lum Lee.

Guests: Captain Young (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Ken Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative – City Department of Emergency Services, Deputy Director); Kirk Caldwell (Managing Director, City & County of Honolulu); James Propotnik (Governor’s Representative – State Department of Public Safety, Deputy Director, Law Enforcement Division); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office); Keoni D. Mattos (Board of Water Supply); Senator Clarence Nishihara: Joyce Felmet (Pearl City Public Library); Michael Pescok (Leeward Community College); Myrtle Nyuha; Wesley Inouye (Project Consultant, Pearl City Gateway); Breene Harimoto (Board of Education); Enoch Lum (Jas W. Glover Construction Company); Carl Young (Sprint PCS); Lois Miyashiro; Robert & Charlotte Rod; Mark & Brian Matsutani; Ronald Simpson; Richard Braunskill (videographer); Linnie Pascual (Neighborhood Commission Office).

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

TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES: (1) Rules of Speaking – It was indicated 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). (2) Notes – The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on the agenda cannot be voted on unless properly added to the agenda.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Young highlighted the following:

1)       July 2009 Statistics – Fires: 11 structure, 11 wildland, 6 rubbish, and 4 vehicle. Emergencies: 108 medical, and 16 miscellaneous. 

2)       Fire Safety Tip – HFD investigates reports of smoke to determine is a fire exists. While some fires are allowed or authorized under county and state regulations. Most are unauthorized. When the HFD encounters an unauthorized fire, the Fire Captain will request that the fire be extinguished or have the fire crew extinguish it. If the fire is allowed, the Captain must determine if the fire is safe, properly contained, and not a nuisance to others. 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Ken Miyazaki distributed the July 2009 statistics and highlighted the following: There were 6,886 total calls in District 3 where 1,682 (24%) of the total calls occurred in the Pearl City community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       A resident reported that last week Friday at a football game held at Pearl City High School, there was a fight that occurred from 10:00 to 10:30 p.m. It was inquired if HPD has special duty officers to monitor incidents in similar venues. Sergeant Miyazaki replied that HPD does have special duty coverage in these venues. It was suggested that HPD work closely with Pearl City High School officials to coordinate with HPD school sponsored events with HPD providing special duty coverage.

2)       It was inquired if HPD has special detail to address the graffiti problem. Sergeant Miyazaki replied yes where if anyone witnesses graffiti that they 911 for HPD to intervene by giving HPD much detailed information as possible. Sergeant Miyazaki pointed out that graffiti goes up during the summer months and in school breaks. 

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative: Baybee Hufana-Ablan gave the following report: 

1)       In response to a concern raised at the July Board Meeting, the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) will follow up again with Wal-Mart to remove illegal dumping located next to their store on Makolu Street. The Wal-Mart Store Manager agreed that it is Wal-Mart’s responsibility to remove the illegal dumping with assistance form ENV. Hufana-Ablan provided the point of contact of ENV’s Pearl City District Office at 455-9644 or call Mr. David Shiraishi, the Collection Administrator at 768-3407.

2)       Mayor Mufi Hannemann has recently won the 2009 Boys Scouts of America District Award by Council Aloha.

3)       The City & County of Honolulu was recently awarded $4 million in federal stimulus monies that went to various local organizations providing services to the homeless.

4)       The Annual Mayoral September 11^th Remembrance Walk takes place on September 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. with the route beginning at the HPD Headquarters on South Beretania Street, proceeding makai on Alapai and South Streets to the HFD Headquarters at the corner of Queen and South Streets, moving on to Halekauwila Street and mauka on Punchbowl Street with the route at Honolulu Hale.

5)       Every Saturday, Mayor Hannemann has his radio show – Jukebox Jamboree with Bart DaSilva – at 12:00 p.m. on Kool Gold KKOL 107.9 FM.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

It was inquired as to how it was determined that it was Wal-Mart’s responsibility to remove the item being dumped illegally next to their store on Makolu Street. Hufana-Ablan replied that she sent pictures to ENV on the accumulation items being dumped illegally. It was suggested that Hufana-Ablan follow up on it and have ENV contact Board Vice Chair Vina for following updates.  

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative Keoni Mattos highlighted the following:

1)       Informed the Board that regular BWS Representative Lan Yoneda has left BWS to take another position within the City.

2)       There was one water main break on July 7, 2009 where an 8-inch main broke at 2246 Auhuhu Street.

3)       Cross-connection Control and Backflow Protection: Keeping Oahu’s drinking water safe is a top priority of the BWS. Did you know that water can flow in two directions in a hose? If there is a main break or sudden drop in pressure, there is an extremely small chance that water from your pipe could backflow and contaminate the BWS system. To prevent this from happening, the BWS has a Cross Connection and Control Section who work hard to educate and work with the community to prevent backflow.

4)       The 21^st Annual Halawa Garden and Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale was held on Saturday, August 1, 2009 with a great turnout.

5)       Last month, a concern was raised regarding broken sprinklers at O’Malley Road near Hickam Air Force Base (AFB) where BWS investigated and fixed the sprinklers since.      

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Concern was raised regarding the barricades at the BWS pumping station on Kuala Street being busted into pieces. Therefore, BWS should look at this problem. Mattos replied that BWS would install wooden barricades to secure the facility.        

Councilmember Gary Okino’s Representative: Robert Sato distributed Councilmember Gary Okino’s written report and highlighted the following:

1)       Earlier this year, a constituent contacted Councilmember Okino’s office regarding speeding on Komo Mai Drive, specifically the turn on the roadway located between Waimano Home Road and Lanikeha Place. Councilmember Okino forwarded this concern to the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for follow up. Upon conclusion, DTS determined that in addition to installing a new Speed Limit 25 mph sign for Koko Head bound motorists; various existing signs should be replaced to alert drivers to the speed limit and driving conditions of the roadway. DTS has also asked HPD for assistance to speed enforcement and area monitoring. As part of their speed enforcement efforts, HPD has scheduled a Community Traffic Awareness Partnership (CTAP) sign waving event in the affected area on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. CTAP consists of HPD and community members working in partnership to remind motorists to slow down and obey the speed limit. For further information on this event, contact HPD’s Pearl City Community Policing Team at 723-8805.

2)       Resolution 09-240 – Granting a Special Management Area (SMA) Use Permit for New Business Services Shop. The SMA would allow the demolition of an existing vacant building and construction of a new commercial building at 371 Kamehameha Highway (corner of Kamehameha Highway and Kaluamoi Place). The applicant has previously presented its proposed plans to this Board last month. The resolution is scheduled for adoption at the next City Council Meeting, Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 10:00 a.m., Honolulu Hale.

Clemente arrived at 7:00 p.m. There is a quorum established with seven (7) members present.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Pearl City Gateway (Kuala Street): Construction Update of Commercial Development: Project Consultant Wesley Inouye stated he has no updates at this time.

Other Concerns:

Concerns Regarding Posible Bus Stop Fronting Pearl City High School: Numerous concerns were raised regarding this proposed project:

1)       A resident received a survey on such short notice regarding the City’s plans to install a bus stop fronting Pearl City High School where further information is needed before responding to this City-funded survey.

2)       Another resident stated alarm that if the survey is not sent back by residents it means strong support for installing the bus stop. It was further mentioned that another bus stop being proposed for persons with developmental disabilities attending Waimano Home is not true where the State Department of Health (DOH) has stated that the Handi-Vans would provide transportation to persons with developmental disabilities.

3)       The issue of having a bus stop fronting Pearl City High School is problematic where the question is how many students would be serviced. Furthermore, having a bus stop would create traffic congestion and how the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) would be able to maintain this road.

4)       Chair Pickard replied that the City cannot proceed with this proposal without prior approval from this Board where DTS must be held accountable. He further mentioned that James Burke, TheBus Division Chief will give a presentation at the Board’s next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. He further stated that if the City presents a feasible plan, the Board would support it. However, if the proposal is flawed, the Board would oppose it thereby the proposed bus stop, it would be stopped!

5)       HEW Committee Chair Veray stated that the ethics of the survey is very poor and questionable therefore he would work with DTS to see that future surveys be done ethically without the disclaimer that if no response means automatic support. He announced that there would be a community meeting on Friday at Pearl City High School (PCHS) where the school Principal, parents of PCHS students’ along with community members will discuss and educate students (especially those few who cause problems in the community) that performing good deeds to the community is a part of their education at PCHS.

APPROVAL OF JUNE 23, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: It was noted that the HEW Committee report needs to be inserted in the June 23, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes. The June 23, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were ACCEPTED AS AMENDED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Clemente, Duncan, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake).   

BOARD BUSINESS:

Presentations:

Awarding of Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: Publicity/Refreshments Committee Chair Duncan reported that the Certificates awarded to Outgoing Board Members and to current HPD officers will be hand delivered.

Proposed Sprint/Nextel Antenna Facility at 96-1402 Waihona Place: Sprint/Nextel Site Acquisition Consultant Carl Young distributed a written report and highlighted the following:

1)       Sprint/Nextel is proposing to install 100-foot monopole with 12 panel antennas and three 10-foot whip antennas fronting the Oceanic Cable facility at 96-1402 Waihona Place.

2)       The CDMA transmitters are at 16 watts per sector carrier (with four carriers in each sector will total 64 watts for each sector).

3)       There are six ports from the BTS; each port will transmit 32 watts. There are a couple of scenarios that Sprint/Nextel can consider in deploying the antennas.

4)       Scenario 1: If we use dual pole antenna for each sector then each antenna will have tow ports; each port will have an input of 32 watts; up to three antennas for each site; total input power is 192 watts,

5)       Scenario 2: If we use vertical polarized antennas on each sector; two antennas are installed spatially separately to obtain diversity gain, each antenna will have only one port and hence each antenna will have 32 watts; total of six antennas on site; total input power is 192 watts.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

It was commented that this proposed project is good for the Pearl City community where it was inquired to how long would the new system last under circumstances such as hurricanes, power outages, etc. Young replied that the portable generator is more reliable where it lasts two days. It was pointed out that with the existing old tower, cell phone calls would only last 3.5 hours; while the new proposed tower being installed, cell phone calls would last 6.5 hours.

Cruz moved, and Veray seconded, that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support the proposed installation of the 100-foot monopole with 12 parcel antennas and three 10-foot whip antennas by Sprint/Nextel at their antenna site fronting the Oceanic Cable facility at 96-1402 Waihona Place. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Clemente, Duncan, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake). 

Without objection, the Agenda was moved out of order.

Presentation by City Managing Director on the City’s Rail Transit Project: Honolulu City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell gave the following presentation:

1)       Started as City Managing Director in January 2009.

2)       Praised this Board for running their meetings in a business like efficiency.

3)       Announced that the City will be having a series of workshops island-wide to discuss and get community input on the City’s Rail Transit System Project including one meeting at Pearl City Elementary School on September 1, 2009.

4)       Purpose of these community meetings is to show the preliminary design and the final design of this proposed project with community input.

5)       One cost figure of this project at $4,000 per person is false where this project runs from 2007 to 2023 where cost estimates in the duration of those years is less than $1.00 per day per person where 20% of the funding is paid by tourists.

6)       The City will send reports including a draft financial report on a quarterly basis to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review.

7)       The Final Report on the City’s Rail Transit Project is due in September 2009.

8)       The proposed project’s primary objective is to make better use of urban lands where Honolulu, the 12^th largest municipality in the United States deserves integrated transportation services to improve the quality of life.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Pickard pointed out that this Board has supported this project since its inception.

Moved back to the order of the Agenda.

Jas. W. Glover, Ltd. To perform roadway construction in various Pearl City Areas’: Enoch Lum was present substituting for Keola Goo, the regular representative from JAS W. Glover Construction Company was ready to answer questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       It was inquired as to why Hoohiki Street, located above Pearl City Intermediate School has not been repaved. Lum replied with Hoohiki Street being a heavily traveled road that it needs a special type of material – Asphalt Sub Base.

2)       Lum reported that JAS W. Glover construction is resurfacing numerous streets in different neighborhoods while avoiding bus routes.

3)       In response to an inquiry, the street resurfacing project is expected to be completed by January 2010 where it depends on contingency funds from City & State governments. It was further stated that the project timeline might be extended by a month or so citing weather delays. 

Community Input:

Pearl City Community Association and Pearl City Foundation: Breene Harimoto reported that the 5^th Annual Family Fun Day held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Momilani Community Center was a tremendous success where more them 3,000 people were there having a great time including watching Mayor Mufi Hannemann singing with members of the Royal Hawaiian Band.

Manana Community Association and Pacific Palisades Community Associations: No representatives were present to provide reports.

REPORTS:

July 2009 Treasurer’s Report: Chair Pickard reported the following: (a) the Operating Account balance was $1,520.00; $74.03 was expended for the printing and postage of the Agenda/Minutes; current balance to date is $1,445.97 (b) the Publicity Account balance to date is $2,500; and (c) the Refreshment Account balance to date is $120. The report was filed.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

Executive (EXEC): Chair Pickard reported the following:

Filing of Vacant Board Seats: The Board is not able to fill the five (5) vacancies left by this past 2009 elections due to the wording of the Neighborhood Plan 2-14-104. This section is in the process of being amended. Deadline for written testimony is due on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. The Neighborhood Commission will be holding a Special Meeting to take action to approve amending 2-14-104 on August 31, 2009, 7:00 p.m., Honolulu Hale, Second Floor, City Council Committee Meeting Room.

Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP): Chair Pickard reported the following:

1)       Status of Approved Appropriated Projects for Pearl City in the Agency Priority Listing: Item deferred due to LCIP Committee Chair Lum Lee out of town.

2)       Human Trafficking Bill 2010: The proposal’s primary aim is to give law enforcement tools to stop human slavery through prostitution.

Traffic and Transportation (TT): Committee Chair Vina reported the following:

1)       Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – Attended a meeting held on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 held at the Mayor’s Conference Room where there are plans to spend $18 million to fix bike lanes. It was clarified that the Pearl City Park & Ride Station where there is land available for the proposed station. The community will keep the community informed. For further information, contact Pat Lee at 223-9670.     

2)       Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Update (DPZ); Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement Preparation Notice (EISPN); Request to become a consulted party for the Draft EIS – No report.

Development Plan and zoning (DPZ): Chair Pickard reported the following:

1)       Status of Development for Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties – No updates.

2)       Olelo Channel 49 (HEW) – Contract for videographer Kevin Cassel has expired where Cassel has stated that he is no longer able to videotape Board meetings due to scheduling conflicts. Temporarily Cassel’s assistant Richard Braunskill has been videotaping Board meetings during the interim. One individual interested in videotaping future Board meetings is Dave Amodo, a vendor who provides videography services. It was suggested that Amodo be invited to the Board’s Committee meeting scheduled for September 15, 2009 to do a presentation on his quality of work.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Olegario commented that the past few meetings shown on Olelo that the video quality is very poor. It was suggested that Olegario be assigned the task force leader on videotaping Board meetings. Olegario agreed to taking on this task.

Chair Pickard moved for the Executive Committee for the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 invite videographer Dave Amodo to do a presentation at the next Committee Meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 including showing a sampling of videotaping and telecasting work. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Clemente, Duncan, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake).

2)       Liquor License “Just Tacos” on Makulo Manana Village – On Thursday, July 9, 2009, the Honolulu Liquor Commission approved the General #2 Liquor License Application for Just Tacos where the hours of operation are from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., seven days a week.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW): Committee Chair Veray reported the following:

1)       Lower Pearl City Second Street ewa end, west of Waimano Home Road (Community complaint of abandoned vehicles, excess storage, bulk items being stored on City street property and rubbish in the area) – The City reported that the property that is being used to store a boat, two canopies, auto parts and other items on what is actually State property. This issue will be brought to the attention of the Governor’s Representative – James Propotnik. This item remains on the HEW Agenda until it is resolved.

2)       Pearl City High School (PCHS) students are disrupting the Neighborhood Community – HEW Chair Veray Chair and Ms. Myrtle Nyuha met with the Vice Principal of PCHS to discuss options for a new bus stop to resolve student disruptions at City bus stops in the near residential area. A meeting has been arranged at the Principal’s Office on Friday, August 28, 2009 to be facilitated by Veray where the PCHS Principal, Student Council Representatives, school security, City Bus Management, selected residents and Pearl City Neighborhood Board (PCNB) Members will discuss issues and hopefully work out a solution. In addition, Veray will provide input to the PCHS newspaper reporter to educate students on the problem and to let everyone know that these disruptions to the community will not be tolerated. This item remains on the HEW Agenda for education of the community on the Olelo channel.

3)       Anti-Graffiti Campaign for Pearl City – Graffiti continues to be an eyesore in Pearl City especially on Waimano Home Road. Kaahumanu Street has also had graffiti tagging occurring on the H1 overpass area and various City bus stops and electrical boxes. The community needs to be vigilant and report any visual activity of graffiti to HPD. The City and volunteers continue to paint out tagged areas. The PCNB plans to take one future Saturday and help paint out graffiti at various areas in Pearl City in August. Veray will lead this effort over the summer period soliciting assistance from Neighborhood Security Watch Program and members in the Pearl City area. This item will remain on the HEW Agenda for education of the community on the Olelo channel.

4)       Excessive and unnecessary noise generated by private vehicles including motorcycles, mopeds impacting health and quality of life for Pearl City residents – Veray will make comments at the regular Board meeting to educate the community on the impact of unnecessary noise impacting the community. In addition, Veray will also be researching with the State Department of Health (DOH) on the exact noise level that is permitted and will bring in a noise meter in the future. This item will remain on the HEW agenda for education of the community on the Olelo channel.

5)       Illegal Dumping of Hazardous Waste and Materials on City Streets – Many residents of both Pearl City and Aiea communities are not following the City requested pick up dates for bulk items on the last Monday of the month. Furniture, appliances, scrap, tires, auto batteries and auto parts continue to be dumped on many locations of Kaahumanu Street and other residential areas. The community will be educated during regular Board meetings while being videotaped for future broadcasts on the Olelo channel. Veray will work with the City and determine if the City can post signs on Kaahumanu Street to educate the community. Veray has attempted to contact the Aiea Neighborhood Board by email there has been no response. Veray will draft letters to each of the Town Home Associations at Waiau and Hillside requesting their assistance to help control illegal dumping and set up designated pickup locations on specific dates. Veray asked Robert Sato from Councilmember Gary Okino’s office to update the Board on the fines if they are caught.  This item will remain on the HEW Agenda for education of the community on the Olelo channel.

Publicity/Refreshments (P/R): Committee Chair Duncan had no report.

Permitted Interaction Groups: None.

Elected Officials:

Governor Linda Lingle’s Office: James Propotnick presented the following:

1)       Hawaii recently commemorated the 50^th Anniversary of Statehood where it was low key. There was a Statehood Symposium held at the Hawaii Convention Center where people spoke their minds in the Aloha spirit.

2)       Governor Lingle and Union officials figuring a way out of the state’s budget crisis. As a result some state workers have received pink slips. 

3)       Regarding placing lights at the underpass of the H-1 Freeway on Second Street, located west of Waimano Home Road, a State official is looking at the site for possible installation. This is in response to a complaint raised at the Board meeting held on July 24, 2007 which was mentioned by then-State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Scott Ishikawa. Cruz replied that he would email Propotnik details of this complaint.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

It was inquired if Governor Lingle’s appointees could get pink slips as a result of the state’s budget shortfall. Propotnik replied that option is being considered.

Senator Clarence Nishihara: Senator Nishihara distributed his written report and highlighted the following:

1)       Showed a list of bills that passed the 2009 State Legislative Session.

2)       Regarding the Human Trafficking Bill under consideration in the 2010 State Legislative Session, Senator Nishihara stated that he would give copies of the proposed bill to Board Members to disseminate.

3)       Senator Nishihara inquired on the Status of the Waimano Home Road Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Facility. Chair Pickard replied that the news media falsely reported a story concerning security guards at the facility receiving pink slips. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

It was inquired as to what the rationale was for Governor Lingle to veto a bill concerning Liquor Liability Insurance. Senator Nishihara replied that one possible rationale for the veto was that it would put small businesses at a disadvantage. Senator Nishihara pointed out big name like 7-Eleven came out on opposition to this bill.

Senator David Ige: No report or representative was present.

Representative Roy Takumi: No report or representative was present.

Representative Mark Takai: Representative Takai is still on duty in Iraq.   

Board of Education (BOE): Breene Harimoto distributed the July 2009 BOE Newsletter and highlighted the following:

1)       Stated hope that there would be a settlement soon concerning teachers contracts otherwise it would be decided by arbitration in November 2009.

2)       The BOE’s Budget Committee met where there are no plans to close public libraries. There is a preliminary review where vacancies will not be filled. It was noted that minimum staffing at the public libraries are two persons per library. BOE is working on proposals to address staffing issues.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Concern was raised based on an article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin stating that two libraries on the Big Island and one on Maui will be closed. Harimoto replied BOE is working an alternate proposal where if libraries are below the minimum staffing, the BOE could entertain the possibility of moving library staffers around.

2)       It was inquired as to where did the $226.8 million comes from to fund education. Harimoto replied that the BOE has had to cut numerous programs/support services for the public schools plus eliminate 200 positions due to the State’s budget shortfall.

3)       It was inquired as to how these budget cuts would impact Pearl City area schools. Harimoto replied that he would send a breakdown to the DOE budget per school. Harimoto pointed out that the DOE budget which was at $2.2 billion has been cut to now $1.6-$1.8 billion. 

Leeward Community College (LCC): Michael Pescok, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs distributed his written report and highlighted the following:

1)       The first day of instruction for the University of Hawaii was on Monday, August 24, 2009. The whole UH system welcomed record enrollments. For LCC, the enrollment as of today was 7,395 which is 11% higher than the year before. Over two-thirds of classes are filled to the maximum. It was pointed out that last year was also a record enrollment year for LCC. Over the last four years, LCC’s enrollment has grown over 20%.

2)       One symptom of the enrollment growth was a parking crunch at LCC. If you visit LCC in the morning, you will find parking scarce. To help meet the parking needs, LCC has opened a temporary overflow parking area behind the LCC Theater.

3)       Part of the reason for the growth is the current economic downturn. People are returning to college to develop new or upgrade existing career skills. Unfortunately, just has LCC hit record enrollments, it is also facing substantial budget cuts estimated at $2 million. Some of the budget shortfall is being offset by increased tuition revenue, tapping reserves and an injection of federal stimulus money. It is also pointed out that all UH administrators are taking between 6%-10% salary cuts. Even though LCC received more tuition with increased enrollments, tuition only accounts for 25% of its budget. The economic situation for all UH campuses will be more acute when reserves are spent and stimulus funding expires.

4)       On August 18, 2009, LCC hosted the City’s rail transit team to present to the College plans for the rail station to be built on the ewa end of the campus. The station will be one of the few stations at grade. LCC appreciates the design team’s efforts to integrate the station into the campus’ fabric.

5)       The Pearl, the gourmet restaurant operated by LCC’s Culinary Arts program will begin lunch service September 3, 2009. Lunch will be served Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. throughout the semester. Call 455-0475 for reservations.

6)       The LCC Theater starts its 35^th season with the Irish world music group Dervish on October 17, 2009. Tickets are available at www.etickethawaii.com.   

Pearl City Library: Joyce Felmet, Adult and Senior Citizen Reference Librarian distributed the monthly written report and highlighted the following:

Pearl City Public Library Facility – In August, the entire library was retrofitted to energy efficient light fixtures. The library is now very bright and the book spines, the posters, and the colorful chairs sparkle. In September, the library will be undergoing the Air Conditioning Upgrade project which will last approximately six to eight months. During the duration of the project, the Pearl City Public Library will remain open. However, all library programs will be suspended during the project due to limited parking. The construction of the mechanical room will be done in the parking lot. The staff and the public will have to park in the remaining parking area and on the grassy area.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Next Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., Waiau District Park.

2)       Next Regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., Waiau District Park.

3)       Board Members Concerns – Olegario raised a concern that both Senator David Ige and Representative Roy Takumi have not been present at this meeting during his two years on the Board therefore he suggested that Chair Pickard write a letter to formally invite them to attend the meetings. Chair Pickard replied that LCIP Committee Chair has sent an official letter to both Senator Ige and Representative Takumi to attend the meetings. Olegario replied that he will send a letter and talk personally to both lawmakers.  

4)       Broadcasts of Board Meetings are shown on Olelo Channel 54 Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Submitted By:

Linnie Pascual, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Cruz Vina, Jr. and Chris Lum Lee, Board Minutes Reviewers