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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009

WAIAU DISTRICT PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:40 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: Stanley Ching (arrived at 6:50 p.m.), Alfred Coleman, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Antoinette Lee, Chris Lum Lee, James Pickard, Sr., Larry Veray.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Cruz Vina, Jr.

VACANCIES: There are four (4) vacancies.

GUESTS: Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Department of Customer Services, Director); Wayne Kawahara, Jiro Sumada (State Department of Transportation, Highways Division); Mike Goodman (Malama-Aina Act); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Joyce Felmet (Pearl City Library); Donahue Fujii (Austin, Tsutsumi & Associates, Inc.); Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino's Office); Blaine Tsugawa (Senator Clarence Nishihara's Office); Lee Korenaga (Representative Roy Takumi's Office); Kristine Duong (Representative K. Mark Takai's Office); Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit); Jerome Uluave (Nordic Construction); Richard Braunskill (Olelo Videographer); David Atkin (Parsons Brinckerhoff); Nelson T. Moriwaki, Roger Olegario, Ronald Simpson, Kathy Yoda; Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

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

TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES: Chair Pickard indicated that there was no smoking or alcohol allowed in the pavilion and summarized the time limits and Sunshine Law requirements listed on the agenda.

FILLING OF FOUR (4) VACANT BOARD SEATS: There were no nominations or volunteers to fill the vacancies.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative was present.

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

January 2009 Statistical Totals: There were a total of 6,488 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,239 calls (19.10%) from the Pearl City area.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – Dana Takahara-Dias, Director of the City Department of Customer Services (CSD) distributed the Mayor's newsletters and City event calendars; and offered the following information and responses to previous inquiries:

1)       Mayor Hannemann in Washington D.C. – Mayor Hannemann is still in Washington D.C., at the Conference of Mayors; he was personally invited by President Barack Obama to work on the City's stimulus package.

2)       State of the City Address – Mayor Hannemann gave his 5th State of the City Address, in which he outlined some of the administration's plans to handle the issues to come.

3)       New Vehicles for HFD – The City recently dedicated seven new pumper trucks and four new rescue watercraft to aid in public safety.

4)       Hoomalu and Hooiki Streets – The previous resurfacing of other streets in Pearl City did not cover Hoomalu and Hooiki Streets, because they are high traffic areas and need more durable construction; the streets were identified as being in need of resurfacing and will be sent out to bid by the end of 2009.

5)       Manana Connector Road Status – The construction contract for the Manana Connector Road has been awarded and the notice to proceed is anticipated in the summer of 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       City Stimulus Package Projects – Ms. Takahara-Dias will follow up to see what the projects are in the City's proposal, especially those that would impact the Pearl City area.

2)       Royal Hawaiian Band (RHB) – Hawaii has the only municipal band in the nation; and concern was expressed that Mayor Hannemann stated that he was thinking about looking for other funding options. Ms. Takahara-Dias will follow up on the procedures involved with changing the structure of the RHB and stressed that Mayor Hannemann understands the benefits of the band.

Ching arrived at 6:50 p.m., during this portion of the meeting; eight (8) members present.

PRESENTATIONS:

Awarding of Certificates – No certificates were awarded.

Kamehameha Highway Task Force – Jiro Sumada and Wayne Kawahara, from the Highways Division of the State Department of Transportation (DOT); and David Atkin, from consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff, circulated handouts and presented the following information:

1)       2008 Project Updates – Funding of $8.8 million was appropriated; and the construction contract for the median fencing, Kaahumanu Street improvements and signal operation and monitoring improvements was awarded to Royal Construction. Groundbreaking is expected in late March or early April 2009.

2)       Project No. 1 – Median Fencing – The median chain link fencing (with aesthetic panels) will help to encourage pedestrians to cross legally at marked crosswalks (instead of mid-block). There will be no night work; lane closures will be limited to off-peak hours; and there will be only one lane closure per direction.

3)       Project No. 2 – Hekaha and Kaahumanu Streets Intersection Improvements – The improvements at the intersections of Kamehameha Highway with Hekaha and Kaahumanu Streets will improve traffic flow. There will be no night work; lane closures will be limited to off-peak hours;; and there will be only one lane closure per direction.

4)       Project No. 3 – Signal Operation and Monitoring Improvements (Hardware) – This project will provide pedestrian countdown signals at each intersection from Acacia Road to Center Drive; traffic monitoring cameras to provide full coverage of the corridor; and linking of all the intersections. There will be no night work; lane closures will be limited to off-peak hours; and there will also be only one lane closure per direction.

5)       Project No. 4 – Corridor Signal Optimization (Software) – The timing of the traffic signals along Kamehameha Highway will be optimized, after construction.

6)       Project No. 5 – Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Gateway – The goal of this project is to provide an improved, attractive, multimodal connection between the Kamehameha Highway and Kalaloa Street intersection in Halawa; and the central parking, reception and staging areas for the Pearl Harbor Historic Sites, which have very high attendance counts every year (nearly two million visitors annually).

7)       Outreach – Community outreach is being implemented, involving town meetings, display boards at popular locations and presentations at Neighborhood Board (NB) meetings.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Signal Timing – Hope was expressed that the project to improve traffic signal timing along Kamehameha Highway will actually be done this time. The signal timing at the intersection of Hekaha Street and Kamehameha Highway was improved a few years back and had a good impact on traffic congestion, in addition to laying out the procedure for similar efforts. Although the highway belongs to the State, the traffic signals are managed by the City; so any projects affecting the areas require collaboration. Once the hardware for the improvements is set up, a new cohesive timing pattern will be created.

2)       Aesthetic Panels – A suggestion was made to test the aesthetic panels at the Pearl Kai mall median, since chain link fencing was previously installed there; however, no one wants delays to the project. The panels will be made of heavy duty material with traditional designs; and the goal is to provide a cohesive visual effect to the corridor. If the panels are vandalized, shredded or become a traffic hazard, they will be taken down. Not all of the aesthetic improvements previously discussed will be done, since the rail transit will cause the area to be altered, when the project progresses

3)       Traffic Mitigation – Physical barriers and workers to direct traffic are measures to be used to mitigate the traffic congestion caused by the construction. Call the State Department of Transportation with complaints.

4)       Groundbreaking – Groundbreaking is anticipated in late March or early April; there are some permit conditions that the contractor has to satisfy before breaking ground.

5)       Future Updates – A representative will return to provide further updates.

The Malama-Aina Act – Mike Goodman distributed a handout and provided the following information:

1)       Definition and Purpose – The Malama-Aina Act is legislation, that Goodman drafted, based upon his study of graffiti and the solutions to it; which may be found at www.malamaainaact.org. The act's purpose is to end graffiti throughout Hawaii; a secondary goal is to decrease and end illegal dumping. Mr. Goodman has prepared a petition to support the bill.

2)       Details – The ideas are based on programs, which have worked in other parts of the world. Goodman felt that the concepts are neither complicated, nor expensive. Currently much of the island is covered with graffiti or with mismatched paint, used to paint out graffiti; and many residents have begun to accept the vandalism. He directed everyone to read the handout, which contained more specific information; and to sign the web petition or to call him for a paper copy of the petition to sign. Mr. Goodman is not requesting any funds, only support for the graffiti-related legislation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       History and Petition – A bill, introduced with these concepts last year in the Legislature, did not make it out of the Judiciary Committee. The petition would show the support of the community for the bill.

2)       Bill Components – There are five components to the bill: (a) quick removal of graffiti within 24 hours; (b) utilize better technology (computers and internet) to capture the vandals; (c) draconian (severe) punishment for violators, including community service, jail time and license or permit revocation or delay, depending on age of perpetrator; (d) education and teaching; and (e) a doctrine of vicarious liability, which allows the prosecution of those, who market graffiti paraphernalia to juveniles and others, regardless of location in Hawaii.

3)       Enforceability – HPD does have an enforcement detail to handle graffiti; and the bill's components would make enforcement easier for them.

4)       Community Empowerment – The community should be empowered to monitor graffiti and illegal dumping and creating reward systems for people to come forward with information works to encourage awareness. In addition, draconian punishment often makes some perpetrators turn in their partners. Graffiti strikes at the economic heart of Hawaii, which is its appearance; it's very important for Hawaii to attract tourists.

5)       Correlation Between Graffiti and Crime – There is a causal correlation (see the study for specifics) between graffiti and street gangs and crime.

COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCY REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lan Yoneda, from the BWS, provided the following information:

1)       January 2009 Main Breaks – There was one 16-inch main break on January 22, at the hairpin turn at the entrance to Pacific Palisades (on Komo Mai Drive); the break was fixed, with very little effect on traffic.

2)       New BWS Head – Wayne Hashiro, previously the City's Managing Director, has joined BWS as the new Manager and Chief Engineer.

3)       Xeriscape Workshops – Workshops are held each month at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden and are geared toward community education, about conserving water outdoors. The next scheduled workshops are on: (a) February 28, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – adults learn how to make organic pesticides; and (b) March 21 and May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – learn how worms can turn food waste into organic fertilizer at the worm workshop. Call 748-5363; or email tours@hbws.org to register for classes.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Resurfacing After Main Break Repair – A main break occurred two weeks ago on Auhuhu Street. Subsequently, following the repaving, large potholes were left near 2217 Auhuhu Street and evidence of road buckling (from the break) still exists. After a main break is repaired, BWS contractors are given 30 to 35 days to schedule resurfacing after they receive the contract; so the surface probably hasn't yet been repaved. There was another area in question on Komo Mai Drive; Yoneda will follow up on both areas. If residents notice any failures in the road, such as dips, after resurfacing is complete, please contact the BWS engineering section; BWS does have inspectors to help them improve the process; and they are trying to be more proactive. If the road fails within two years, the contractor must repair the road; the City is responsible for fixing any road failure that happens after two years.

Leeward Community College (LCC) – No representative was present.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated newsletters and disclosed the following information:

1)       Procurement Process – The State Auditor released an audit of the procurement process of the State Department of Education (DOE) and the BOE is committed to working with the Auditor to solve the issues.

2)       Possible New Online Requirement for Graduation – The BOE is considering requiring all school graduates to complete at least one online course in order to graduate. Most of the nation already requires some experience online; and there is a large demand for online classes, especially since many feel, that the six classes per day, here, do not cover enough of required information for students.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Computer Literacy – Although the younger generation is more apt to be computer literate, some students are not; and don't have access to computers and/or the internet at home. The point of online learning is that it does not have to be done within a classroom; and it will be incumbent on the schools to provide adequate computer and internet resources for those, without the resources at home. Computer and internet literacy have become necessary skills for everyone in today's world.

2)       School Consolidation – There are two school communities that are actively pursuing the school consolidation process. The communities will report to the Superintendent, who will in turn make a recommendation to the BOE.

Pearl City Library (PCL) – Joyce Felmet, from the Pearl City Library, made flyers available at the sign-in table and provided the following updates:

1)       Free Internet Access – Libraries offer free internet access with a library card.

2)       For Adults – (a) Contact area legislators to request libraries stay open, which requires budget cuts to be no more than 10% for the library system; PCL will fax letters these letters for free; (b) statistics – PCL had an increase of 4% in the number of items borrowed, when comparing January 2008 to January 2009 calendar year; the library with the largest circulation in January 2009 was the Hawaii State Library (45,894 items borrowed), followed by the Kapolei Library (36,434 items borrowed); PCL registered borrowers increased by 3% in one year, from 38,685 to 39,937; (c) 2008 Federal and State tax forms and instructions are available; (d) a video presentation entitled Learn About Humpback Whales will be given tonight, to educate people about humpback whales and their place in Hawaiian culture; (e) a Maximize Your Driving Skills class will be held on March 5, 2009, with a focus on age-related changes and safe driving skills, taught by a volunteer from the Association for Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP); and (f) library card holders may call 453-6566 to schedule a free one-on-one internet class on Wednesday and/or Sunday morning;

3)       For Teens – (a) See www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov for information about Federal student aid, since the library no longer carries hard copies of the application forms; and (b) February is Drug Free Awareness Month and an exhibit from the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii will be displayed; the public is welcome to come and pick up educational handouts.

4)       For Children – (a) Storytime and crafts will continue on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., until May 12, 2009; (b) Puzzletime Storytime for children 18 to 36 months including educational board puzzles, storytelling and singing, will continue on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., until May 14, 2009; (c) a Dr. Seuss program will be held on March 9, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., in the Adult Reading Room, to celebrate his birthday, with story reading; (d) a dancing and movement class, for children aged one to five, will be held on Wednesday, March 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; and (e) a free program entitled Musubi Man (a Hawaiian version of the gingerbread man), will be put on by the Honolulu Theater for Youth on Monday, April 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

5)       State Tax Donations – Each $2 State tax donation to the library system adds up; $99,000 was received from last year's tax return donations. The funds were used to purchase library items for people to borrow.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Sam’s Club Gas Station Construction Update – Donahue Fujii, the project consultant from civil engineer, Austin, Tsutsumi & Associates, Inc. and the project manager of the Sam's Club Gas Station from Nordic Construction, Jerome Uluave, furnished the following information:

1)       Description of Gas Station – There will be 12 bays and 24 pumps, with a small kiosk (not a concession stand) to manage the pumps. There are two 30,000 gallon gasoline tanks in the ground; and one 30,000 gallon diesel tank.

2)       Traffic Mitigation – Makolu Street will be widened by 10 feet. The flow of traffic will come onto Kuala Street from behind the gas station. Two intersections along Kuala Street will be widened to lengthen the turning lanes.

3)       Timetable – Construction of the gas station began on January 13 and will finish on June 9, unless there are further unforeseen conditions that affect the completion date. The opening is set for the latter part of June.

4)       Kamehameha Highway Improvements – Phase IV of the Wal-Mart improvements, which include work along Kamehameha Highway to create a right turn pocket, will be rebid by Wal-Mart in the future, since the bids came back at double the budget.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Prices – The gas station prices will be comparable to Costco's discount prices for Sam's Club members; and will also be available at an average price for non-members.

2)       Gas Station Access – The gas station may be accessed through the mauka side of the Wal-Mart parking lot; traffic can come around to the Makolu Street cul-de-sac to also access the station.

3)       Future Updates – A representative will return every month to provide further updates; the community was invited to stop by the site.

Manana Connector Road Status Update; Moanalua Road and Kaahumanu Street Project Update; Other Concerns – No updates or concerns were discussed.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Linda Lingle‘s Office – No report or representative present.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, distributed the report and delivered information on the following item:

TheBus Potential Route Changes – Community feedback is requested on several potential route changes for TheBus system. The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is in the preliminary stages of studying route changes to improve the service reliability and coverage. DTS wishes to present its plans and receive feedback and input from the communities, served by the routes and to assist in the formulation of any changes to the routes. DTS does plan to attend a Board meeting, but would also like to contact as many community organizations, within the area as possible, to get the most input. Please contact Virginia Bisho at 768-8374 or vbisho@honolulu.gov , to request a presentation and to provide comments. There is no deadline for the comments at this time.

Chair Pickard referred the issue of potential changes to TheBus routes to the Traffic and Transportation Committee (TT).

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Blaine Tsugawa, from Sen. Nishihara's Office, circulated the report and imparted the following information:

1)       House Bill 444 (HB 444) Relating to Civil Unions – The Judiciary Committee, today, addressed HB 444; and 1,400 people signed up to testify; there was over 1,600 pages of testimony submitted; the Committee is scheduled to make a decision, after going through the testimony.

2)       Libraries – Sen. Nishihara's Office has received faxes, requesting that libraries stay open; and he supports this measure.

3)       Bill Crossover Process – The time where bills cross over to the other house in the Legislature has been reached; bills are heard based on the discretion of the committee chairs. Contact legislators to express opinions on bills.

4)       Paper Reduction Initiative – The Senate this year implemented a paper reduction initiative, which results in each legislator now carrying a laptop into hearings to read electronic copies of testimony.

5)       Bill Tracking on Website – Everyone was urged to use the Capitol's website (www.capitol.hawaii.gov) to monitor legislation.

Sen. David Ige – No representative was present.

Representative Roy Takumi – Lee Korenaga, from Rep. Takumi's Office, recounted the following information:

1)       First Lateral Deadline – The first lateral deadline has been passed and all active bills must now be in their final committee for consideration.

2)       Focus – Rep. Takumi is focusing on bills relating to early childhood, charter school funding and special education services. He is Chair of the House Education Committee.

3)       Town Meeting – There will be a town meeting heldd on February 25 at Pearl Ridge Elementary School at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the economy.

4)       Back to School Event – Rep. Takumi will be participating in the Legislature's Back to School event at Pearl City High School, on March 4, at 9:00 a.m.

Rep. K. Mark Takai – Kristine Duong, from Rep. Takai's Office, distributed the newsletter and offered information on the following items:

1)       Rep. Takai's Deployment – Rep. Takai deployment to Kuwait, with members of the Hawaii National Guard combat team, is from February 4 to August 15. He has been temporarily excused from all committee duties and the legislative session. Other area legislators are assisting his staff to ensure the community is represented; and that issues are addressed.

2)       Libraries – It was requested that those faxing in requests to keep libraries open, include contact information, so that their office may respond to their faxes.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

Pearl City Community Association – No update.

Pearl City Foundation (PCF) – Breene Harimoto emphasized the following information:

1)       Intersession Program – The intersession program for elementary school students is ongoing and parents were encouraged to send their children to the program.

2)       After School Program – PCF needs more volunteers for their after school program for intermediate and high school students. The program teaches students life and job skills, packing in enrichment activities, which allow the mentors to nurture the students. The program is currently held every day, after school, until 6:00 p.m., serving an average of 40 students. Those interested, may go to Momilani Community Center, after school, to participate.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

PCF Programs – The after school program is offered by the PCF, free of charge, as a way of giving back to the community. It's understood that many families can't afford to pay for these types of programs; so the PCF relies on adult volunteers to assist, along with two paid staff. Anyone interested in mentoring students to achieve healthy lifestyles, please contact the PCF. The intersession program may cost $150 per child, but the amount may vary. There is a scholarship for the intersession program provided by the Weinberg Foundation; and in the past two years, 10 full tuition scholarships were awarded.

Manana Community Association; Pacific Palisades Community Association – No updates.

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 27, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: This item was deferred because the minutes have not yet been completed.

JANUARY 2009 TREASURER'S REPORT: The report was attached to the mailout.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

Executive – Chair Pickard summarized the following items:

1)       Opening and Closure of Meeting Site – The Waiau District Park employee is very helpful to open the meeting site and set up the tables and chairs; the Board is only responsible for cleaning up, after the meeting. This item may be removed from the agenda.

2)       Purchase of Flags – Coleman moved, and Fukushima seconded, to approve the purchase of a flag (for the meeting location). Discussion ensued:

Cost – An amendment relating to cost was discussed. It was noted that a motion was only needed, if the purchase would exceed $25. Veray will donate an American flag, so that only a Hawaiian flag needs to be purchased. It was estimated that the Hawaiian flag and a stand would cost about $50.

The motion to approve the purchase of a flag (for the meeting location) was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray).

Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP) – LCIP Chair Lum Lee circulated drafts of letters for further action and conveyed the following:

1)       Pearl City Public Library Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) – Lum Lee moved, on behalf of the Committee, to submit a request for the Pearl City Public Library parking lot expansion and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) renovations, to Senator Nishihara. Discussion ensued:

Background – These requests were originally approved, but the funds were used for other items. The ADA improvements refer to the construction of an handicapped-compliant restroom for the Library Auditorium.

The motion to submit a request for the Pearl City Public Library parking lot expansion and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) renovations, to Senator Nishihara, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray).

2)       Manana Community Park CIP –Lum Lee moved, on behalf of the Committee, to send a letter to Mayor Hannemann requesting support of funding for Fiscal Year 2010 to renovate Manana Community Park on Waimano Home Road by adding 30 parking stalls. Discussion ensued:

Background – The funding to provide more parking was previously deferred; but it's greatly needed, due to the increased number of programs and activities conducted at the park. Currently, those using the facility often must park in the surrounding vacant commercial and neighboring residential areas.

The motion to send a letter to Mayor Hannemann requesting support of funding for Fiscal Year 2010 to renovate Manana Community Park on Waimano Home Road by adding 30 parking stalls, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray).

3)       Senate Bill 669 (SB 669) Relating to Campaign Spending of NB Candidates – Lum Lee moved, and Coleman seconded, to send a letter of opposition to Senate Bill 669 (relating to campaign spending of NB candidates) to Senators English and Taniguchi. Discussion ensued:

Volunteers – At last week's Committee Meeting, discussion favored opposition to SB 669, since NB members are unpaid volunteers, who don't campaign for their seats and only hold advisory positions. SB 669 could prevent interested people from running in the NB elections. If passed, the bill would place NB members with elected officials and would require reports to be filed with the Campaign Spending Commission.

The motion to send a letter of opposition to Senate Bill 669 (relating to campaign spending of NB candidates) to Senators English and Taniguchi, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Lee, Lum Lee, Pickard, Veray).

4)       NB Election – The deadline to file for candidacy in the NB elections was February 20, 2009. Anyone who didn't file for the Board, may attend the June meeting and possibly be appointed to fill the vacancies, which will exist following the election. The Board has 13 seats; and only eight candidates filed to run in the election.

Traffic and Transportation (TT) – All items were deferred, except the item relating to Honolulu Rail Transit (HRT). Gary Omori, from the HRT Public Involvement Team, presented the following updates on the HRT:

Honolulu Rail Transit (HRT) Updates – The February issue of the Hawaii Business Magazine contained an independent analysis of the positive economic impact of the HRT, conducted by a professor at the University of Hawaii West Oahu. The HRT will bring $307 million in 2009, $1.2 billion in 2010 and $2.1 billion in 2011, through construction activities. About 10,000 jobs will be created for the project. The City Council has chosen the airport route for the HRT. There will be rail stations at the Makalapa Gate of Pearl Harbor, at the airport and on Lagoon Drive. The Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued for the Kapolei to West Loch, 6.5 mile, segment, valued at between $550 and $600 million; potential vendors have until mid-March to respond with bids; and it will probably take six months to select the contractor. Additional RFPs will be issued for the rail stations. The deadline for comments for the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was February 6; several hundred comments were received and all comments will be made part of the appendix of the final EIS, which is expected to be released this summer. Following the acceptance of the final EIS, a Record of Decision will be prepared in the fall; it's hoped to award the design-build contract, at the same time. Groundbreaking begins in December 2009.

Regarding the banana patch area, engineers met with residents to conduct an initial survey, have a briefing and facilitate comments; a court reporter was hired to make sure no comments were missed. Issues regarding the flood zone were discussed; and engineers were grateful for the insights, that certain long-time residents were able to provide. This process will be continued and more surveys will be done of the banana patch area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Rail Station in Pearl City – No more details were available about the configuration of the rail station in Pearl City; approximately 1,600 parking stalls are planned for a park-and-ride facility. Omori will follow up.

2)       Preliminary Engineering –Omori will also follow up on the status of the preliminary engineering studies.

3)       Additional Information– More information on the project is needed. It was requested, that consultants provide more information to the Board, now that the comment period has ended.

4)       Job Creation – HRT will create both direct and indirect jobs; direct jobs are those related to the construction activities; and indirect jobs result from transient oriented development, operation of the stations and involve retail and service industry jobs, among others. The job creation impact will be significant.

Development, Plan and Zoning (DPZ) – DPZ Chair Fukushima relayed the following updates:

1)       Development Manana Warehouse Properties – Fukushima is trying to contact the developer for the remaining Manana warehouse properties to schedule a future presentation.

2)       Air Force Remedial Investigation Fuel Spill Clean Up Report – The area near Home Depot and Public Storage, along Kamehameha Highway and Lehua Avenue contained military fuel lines that ran from the Wheeler Field to Hickam Air Force Base. The project was to study the area and provide remedies for any found fuel leaks. The previous project manager was reassigned to California, and Fukushima will continue to follow up when the new manager is assigned.

3)       Olelo Channel 49 – The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) hasn't decided on a date for a public hearing for the relicensing of the Olelo broadcast system (channels 49 to 55). The Board previously provided testimony in support of Olelo and community access, especially since the channels telecast NB meetings.

Fukushima requested that the Tokunaga Masonry Application item be placed on the March DPZ Committee agenda. In addition, the Koa Ridge planner will attend next month's meeting to provide responses to the questions, requested at the last Board meeting.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) – Veray imparted the following information:

1)       Pearl City Curbside Recycling Program – A presentation will be heard next month from the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV), regarding the recycling program. Community support and participation is needed for the program to succeed.

2)       Malama-Aina Act – The presentation was heard earlier in the meeting. Veray and Lum Lee will monitor the progress of the legislation.

3)       Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Project – No update.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Recycling Program – The recycling program will start in Pearl City in May 2009. The program will decrease the number of rubbish pickups to once per week, in order to pick up recycling and green waste every other week. The pilot program, that allowed a $10 charge for an extra pickup, will not be continued; so, residents will receive only one trash pickup per week. Some residents may not have the room to store the three bins (gray for rubbish, blue for recycling, and green for green waste). It was also pointed out, that many people are moving back in with their families, due to the hard economic times and more rubbish pickups may be needed; if a household consistently generates a great deal of rubbish, a second gray bin may be requested.

Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) – There were no updates on the Committee items; and the matter relating to the publication of an email newsletter, should be removed from the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Fukushima's Dedication to the Board – Chair Pickard announced that Fukushima would not be running in the upcoming NB election and lauded his 31 years of service to the Board and community. He suggested giving Fukushima a celebration at his last meeting, this coming May

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.

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Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Albert K. Fukushima

Substitute Board Minutes Reviewer