Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb21/09/21200907Min.PDF
PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro-Tem Sol Ray Duncan called the meeting to order at 6:37 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: Roger Clemente (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Chris Lum Lee (left at 7:30 p.m.), Roger Olegario, James Pickard Sr., Larry Veray, Cruz Vina Jr., and Blake Yokotake.
Members Absent: None.
Guests: Colleen Kojima (State Department of Health), Kathleen Yoda, Myrtle Nyuha, Captain Aaron Lenchenco (Honolulu Fire Department), Breene Harimoto (Board of Education), Joyce Felmet (Pearl City Library), Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply), Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Jim Propotnick, David Fray (Department of Health), Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), James Burke (Department of Transportation Services), Jon Nouchi, Patrick Seguivant, Wayne Yoshioka (Director of Department of Transportation Services), Gary Omori, Lois Miyashiro, Myrna Sugiyama, Wesley Inouye (Pearl City Gateway), Laurie Nonaka, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Linnie Pascual (
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Cruz Vina Jr. 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. Smoking and/or Alcohol Beverages are prohibited in this Pavilion.
BOARD ORGANIZATION:
Election of Board Officers – The following officers were all ELECTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE:
Chair – James Pickard, Sr. was ELECTED Chair.
Vice Chair – Cruz Vina was ELECTED Vice Chair.
Secretary/Treasurer – The motion to combine Secretary / Treasurer was adopted by Unanimous Consent, 7-0-0 (AYE:
Selection of Regular Meeting Day, Time and Place – The motion for the Board to hold their Committee Meetings on the Third Tuesdays of the month at 7:00 p.m., Waiau District Park, 98-1650 Kaahumanu Street and Regular Meetings on the Fourth Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m., Waiau District Park, 98-1650 Kaahumanu Street was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Duncan, Lum Lee, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake).
Recess in December 2009 – The motion to recess in December 2009, 2010 and 2011 was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE:
Approval of Video Telecasting for FY2010-FY2011 – The motion to approve videotaping of Regular Board Meetings in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Duncan, Lum Lee, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake).
Recess in December 2009:
The motion to recess in December 2009, 2010 and 2011 was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE:
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:
1) June 2009 Statistics: There were 9 fires, 98 medical emergencies and 35 miscellaneous/hazardous conditions, service calls, good intent, false calls.
2) Fire Safety Tip: With our island keiki on summer break, this is an opportune time to review your home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations. Take the time to childproof your home. Check for situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, and/or houseplants. Ensure swimming pools are properly fenced and gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent unattended keiki from drowning. Keep matches and lighters in a safe, secured place away from children.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD): No report available at this time.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative: Baybee Hufana-Ablan gave the following report:
1) In response to a concern raised at the June Board Meeting concerning abandoned vehicles, excess storage, bulk items being stored on Second Street and rubbish in the area, Board Member Veray confirmed that on June 16, 2009, HPD has ticketed and removed abandoned vehicles but the City has yet to respond to a homeowner using City property to store his boat, auto parts and various items on Second Street. The matter of City property being used by a homeowner has been referred to Wallace Carvalho of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for follow up. A site inspection was conducted by a DPP inspector on July 17, 2009 and found a boat on a trailer, two tarps and four tires located on State property below the overpass. A phone call was made to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and they were informed to follow-up on the removal of the above items.
2) Invited everyone to join in the festivities of the Annual Honolulu Family Festival at
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) A photo was submitted as evidence showing illegal dumping at
2) Concern was expressed regarding three accidents that have occurred on hairpin turn at the Children’s House in Pacific Palisades where motorists need to slow down. It was suggested that speed bumps be installed. Hufana-Ablan will refer the matter to City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative Lan Yoneda highlighted the following:
1) Congratulated Board Members elected to serve the 2009-2011 Term.
2) There were two water main breaks in June 2009: June 8, 2009 at
3) BWS will host its 21st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The community is invited to an afternoon of family fun and education where you will learn all about Xeriscaping which is an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping that helps save water and money. All activities at the event are geared toward helping our community learn how they can have a beautiful lush
4) BWS’ annual water quality report was mailed out to all
5) Water Conservation Tips: (1) Water lawns just 2-3 times a week – Lawns don’t need to be watered everyday. Even during the summer. If you just water once every three days, you promote deeper root growth making your lawn healthier and more water-efficient. (2) Don’t water lawns between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as water evaporates quickly when the sun is out. Instead, water early in the morning, evening or at night.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
It was mentioned that there have been four water main breaks at the intersection of
Councilmember Gary Okino’s Representative: No representative was present.
TheBus Division Chief: James Burke, Chief of the Public Transit Division, presented the following:
1) Beginning on Monday, August 24, 2009, Route 73 of TheBus will extend service to
2) The Route 73 Description:
a) Eastbound: Pearl City Peninsula to Hoolaulea/Hoolawa – TheBus will service via Franklin, right on Laniwai, right on Ashley, left on Lehua, cross Kamehameha Highway onto Waimano Home Road, right on Komo Mai, left on Hoomoana, left on Hookiekie servicing Pearl City High School, left on Waimano Home Road, left on Komo Mai, right on Hoolaulea.
b) Westbound: To Leeward Community College – TheBus will service via Hoolaulea, left on Waimano Home Road, right on Kamehameha Highway, left on Farrington Highway, left on Waiawa Road, right on Ala Ike, left onto Ewa entrance to Leeward Community College main parking lot continuing route Counter-Clockwise through parking lot.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was expressed regarding vandalism occurring at the bus stop located next to
2) It was suggested that the City inform and remain in constant communication with the community association. It was further mentioned that there is a petition to stop relocating the bus stop fronting
3) Burke replied that he would meet with the affected area community association on this issue prior to coming to a future Board meeting.
4) Concern was raised regarding students trashing the area therefore should residents contact
5) Burke stated that he would meet with every resident to listen in to their concerns. Chair Pickard replied that he would not support any motion establishing a bus stop fronting
6) City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka replied that similar to situations in Aina Haina and
7) The Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee Chair Veray stated that he would arrange a meeting with
Clemente arrived at 7:15 p.m. There are now eight (8) members present.
Department of Transportation Services Director: DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka was ready to answer questions, comments and concerns:
1) It was requested that DTS Director Yoshioka address the Draft Environmental Assessment regarding a traffic signal maintenance facility. Yoshioka replied that the present warehouse owned by the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) located next to Wal-Mart is inadequate therefore DFM is planning to build a newer facility adjacent to TheBus Facility in Manana thereby the full Environmental Review process is the first step.
2) Yoshioka stated that DTS will review the hairpin turn at Pacific Palisades in the wake of recent accidents that have occurred there. DTS will do an analysis and give a report to the Board in a future meeting.
3) Concerning the Rapid Transit Project, a project of this scope where there are so many complexities that the City has formed a Rapid Transit Division (RTD). To address the questions why the RTD needs new positions. Yoshioka explained the following:
a) The RTD needs to hire Executive Assistants who are in reality engineers who have technical expertise and are carefully screened in such a complex project like the City’s Rapid Transit Project.
b) The salary range for these employees ere not out of line where their salaries meet and are properly set by the civil service rules where they are hired on a personal service contract basis.
c) Yoshioka pointed out that per request of City Councilmember Gary Okino that half of these positions are personal service contract positions whose contract must be renewed annually.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
It was expressed as to why Yoshioka came three months late to explain the following reasons just presented at this meeting. Yoshioka apologized and expressed commitment to working with the
Lum Lee left the meeting at 7:30 p.m. There are now seven (7) members present.
RESIDENS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
1) Phase I is winding down as reported in the June 2009 Board meeting.
2) Construction of the
3) PETCO has opened as planned in July 2009.
4) Baby’s ’R Us and David’s Bridals will open in September 2009.
5) Signed a lease with a new tenant McDonalds.
Other Concerns:
Lighting Under Overpass: Concern was raised regarding lighting under the overpass that was mentioned in the 2007 Board meeting and the City never responded to it. It was suggested that Vina address this issue with the concerned resident. Vina agreed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 24, 2009, May 26, 2009 and June 23, 2009: The March 24, 2009 Memorandum for the Record and May 26, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were ACCEPTED AS CIRCULATED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (Aye: Clemente, Duncan, Olegario, Pickard, Veray, Vina, Yokotake).
BOARD BUSINESS:
Presentations:
Awarding of Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: None at this time.
Jas. W. Glover, Ltd. To perform roadway construction in various
New Business Services Shop (Toshi) 371 Kamehameha Highway – Pearl City Special Management Area Use Permit (Major) to allow the Demolition of an existing eating Establishment and the Construction of a New Business Services Building (No EIS Required) Tax Map Key: 9-8-21: 42: Patrick Seguirant, Planning Consultant accompanied by Project Architect Ross Yamamoto gave the following presentation:
1) New Business Service Shop will be located where L&L Drive-in and Kentucky Fried Chicken used to be located at
2) The owner is planning to demolish the existing vacant restaurant building in order to construct a two-story commercial building and on-site parking. New Business Service Shop will provide business services to other companies that include minor job printing, foil stamping, dye cutting, folding and binding to other printing establishments. The subject property located in Pearl City approximately 200 feet to the east of
3) This project is located within the Special Management Area; thereby the applicant is applied for a Special Management Area (SMA) Building Permit.
4) The proposed project’s hours of operations are Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was raised regarding noise level by the machines. Seguirant replied that the noise level is equivalent to the level of a television/radio. During construction time from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, there will be no noise impact.
2) Regarding the chemical odor, Seguirant pointed out that there was a study done by another company based on a different type of chemical where the shoyu-based ink has fewer odors.
3) It was inquired if neighbors are aware of this project. Seguirant replied that the shop manager has talked to residents owners along with nearby auto shops who are aware of this project.
4) Concern was raised regarding the slope where in the event of heavy rains there could be flooding. Seguirant replied that DTS has required to do slope work which includes improving/widening the road while installing sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
5) It was suggested that trees be planted. Seguirant replied the City building code requires planting trees.
6) Seguirant mentioned that an existing Hawaiian Electric Company power pole located on the site will be removed and/or relocated because its current location conflicts with the proposed parking arrangement.
Community Input:
Pearl City Community Association and Pearl City Foundation: Breene Harimoto announced that both organizations are sponsoring the 5th Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Momilani Community Center where there will be food, fun, craft fair and entertainment for families to enjoy including a grand finale entertainment by the Royal Hawaiian Band at 2:00 p.m.
Manana Community Association and Pacific
REPORTS:
June 2009 Treasurer’s Report: Chair Pickard reported the following: (a) the Operating Account balance was $537.39; (b) the Publicity Account balance was $1,300; and (c) the Refreshment Account balance was $95.22. The report was filed.
COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:
Executive (EXEC): Chair Pickard reported the following:
1) Appointment of Standing Committee Officers and Members:
a) Executive: Chair – Pickard, Vice Chair – Vina, and Secretary/Treasurer – Lum Lee
b) Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs: Chair – Lum Lee
c) Health, Education and Welfare: Chair – Veray
d) Development Plan and Zoning: Chair – Temporarily filed by Board Chair Pickard
e) Traffic and Transportation: Chair – Vina
f) Transportation and Development Plan and Zoning: Member – Clemente
g) Publicity/Refreshments: Chair –
h) Olegario and Yokotake are considering what committees to serve.
2) Attendance by Board Members of Committee and Regular Meetings: Chair Pickard stated that Board members must attend Committee and regular Board meetings where three unexcused absences throughout the year are subject to removal per the Neighborhood Plan. If any Board member cannot attend the meetings, please inform/notify Chair Pickard or Vice Chair Vina.
Chair Pickard stated that the following motion needs to be revoted due to a mistake made at the last Board Meeting.
- Motion to Revote: It was moved that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support Clearwire’s submission of an application for a Conditional Use Permit to extend the height of an existing Sprint 35-foot
Chair Pickard stated that the following motion needs to be revoted due to a mistake made at the last Board Meeting.
- Motion to Revote: It was moved that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support Verizon Wireless’ proposal to install a 60-foot
Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP): No report – item deferred.
Traffic and Transportation (TT): Committee Chair Vina reported the following:
1) Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – Attended a presentation given by Councilmember Gary Okino (except for the City’s Transportation Plan) where funding came through the City Council’s Budget Process.
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 until the Final EIS is released. In the meantime there is preliminary engineering for the proposed project.
3) Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Phase 1 Project (DPZ) – There is possible traffic problems along
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) – Item to remain in committee.
3) Reconvening of Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force (WRMPTF) Relocation of DOH Developmental Disabilities Division, Case Management Units to the Waimano Complex and the requesting of Bus Service (TT, HEW and LCIP) – A mistake was done by an employee who requested a bus stop at the facility via email. City Handivan vehicles will be used to provide transportation to persons with developmental disabilities.
4) Jas W. Glover Construction to perform roadway construction in the Newtown, Royal Summit, Pacific Palisades, Pearlridge and Aiea areas – (1) Cold planning the edges of the roadway to remove existing pavement; (2) Installing new AC pavement for the entire width of the road; (3) Re-adjusting the manhole coves to match the new AC pavement; and (4) Restoring the pavement striping. (5) No Parking signs will be posted.
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) – A report was sent to the Mayor’s Representative and HPD Pearl City Station representatives at the Board’s April 28, 2009 meeting. HPD and the City acted by ticketing and removing abandoned vehicles, cleaning up trash and cutting the grass. The City has not taken action on a resident who is storing a boat with canopy, auto parts and other items on City property. This item remains in committee.
2)
3) Anti-Graffiti Campaign for Pearl City – Graffiti remains an eyesore in
4) Excessive and unnecessary noise generated by private vehicles including motorcycles, mopeds impacting health and quality of life for Pearl City residents – Will make comments at the regular Board meeting to educate the community on the impact of unnecessary noise impacting the community. In addition, will be researching with the State Department of Health (DOH) on the exact noise level that is permitted. This item will remain in committee for educating the community on Olelo Community Television.
5) Illegal dumping of hazardous waste and materials on City Streets – Many residents of both the Pearl City and
At this time, Veray introduced Myrtle Nyuha for her report. Nyuha deferred to a resident who wants to raise a concern at this time.
A resident stated her concern that she heard on KGMB-9 News that the seven guards working at the Waimano Home Road Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Facility being removed. Chair Pickard replied that Governor Lingle has sent pink slips to the seven guards. He pointed out that there is a law stating that prior to any changes in the facility that the community and the Board be notified about it. Chair Pickard asked Vina and Veray to follow up on this. He further stated that if the state goes through with it, they would have to hire private security guards who have to be trained. He will ask both the Governor’s Representative James Propotnik and Senator Clarence Nishihara to address this issue. Committee Chair Veray will place this item on the next HEW Committee Agenda.
Nyuha announced that
Publicity/Refreshments:
1) Awarding of Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – No report.
2) Approval of Refreshment Account/Publicity – Board Member Veray had purchased items and gave receipts to Neighborhood Assistant Pascual totaling below $50.00 thereby not requiring prior Board approval.
Reports:
Permitted Interaction Groups: None.
Elected Officials:
Governor Linda Lingle’s Office: James Propotnick presented the following:
1) The Submarine U.S.S. Hawaii has arrived where it will generate $17 million into the State’s economy. In addition, two more submarines will soon make
2) The $1.4 billion construction of a 30 meter telescope will create jobs for
3) Regarding the possible layoffs at the Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Facility on
4) The Department of Public Safety (Propotnik is Deputy Director) will concentrate on core functions where its employees include State Security Officers who guard facilities like the Hawaii State Hospital, State Department of Defense and Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Facility at Waimano Home Road.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) In response to an inquiry, the projected State budget deficit totals at $1.5 billion that accumulates daily due to decreases in tax revenues.
2) Concern was expressed that these proposed budget cuts are being done unfairly burdened by State employees. Propotnik replied that he is not part of the budget negotiations and pointed out that there will be no pink slips for state employees.
3) Chair Pickard asked Propotnik to inform Governor Lingle that if she makes a decision concerning the Youth Sex Offender Facility at Waimano Home Road that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 be notified. Chair Pickard expressed further concern regarding proposed cuts at the Kulani Correctional Facility on the
Senator Clarence Nishihara: Senator Nishihara distributed his written report and highlighted the following:
1) Met with State Department of Taxation Director Kurt Kawafuchi regarding the State’s budget shortfall who announced that the revenues for the State fell by 9.4% more than May’s projected 9%. Unlike May’s projections, the July percentage is based upon actual revenues received. The actual revenue through June increases the State’s budget shortfall by $56 million to an estimated $786 million through June 2011. The previous shortfall was estimated to be $730 million.
2) Senator Nishihara suggested that Governor Lingle would have to consider using the rainy day fund to make up for the projected budget shortfall. Senator Nishihara stated that the proposed excise tax increase would be so small that it would have a ripple effect on the State’s overall economy.
Senator David Ige: No report or representative was present.
Representative Roy Takumi: No report or representative was present.
Representative Mark Takai: No report or representative was present.
Board of Education (BOE): Breene Harimoto distributed the June 2009 BOE Newsletter and highlighted the following:
1) There have been severe budget cuts to education due to the State’s budget shortfall. The $111 million from the federal stimulus will help sustain current level of funding but not enough for the long haul.
2) The BOE has decided to eliminate the student based formula that goes directly to the schools based on the schools’ student population.
3) The BOE has rejected closing five public libraries in rural areas.
4) The BOE’s job is to reflect community concerns of communities statewide regarding public secondary education.
5) Agrees with Senator Nishihara’s suggestion to utilize the rainy day fund as an alternative to minimize budget cuts to public schools where if it is not used, the alternatives would be even worse.
6) Pleased to announce that the incoming student member of the BOE is Kelly Maeshiro, a senior at
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Chair Pickard stated that he is pleased that the BOE does meet community concerns.
1)
2)
3) The entire library is going to be retrofitted to energy efficient light fixtures. The month long work is scheduled to start in August. The library will remain open, but expect minor disruptions as the contractors work on the ceiling lights. All measures to keep it safe inside for patrons and staff will be taken.
4) The State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is repaving the
5) The library staff will be meeting with the contractor this week for the pre-construction meeting to discuss the Air Conditioning Upgrade Project that should begin sometime in August.
6) The number of library cardholders has increased in Fiscal Year 2009 by 3%. In June 30, 2009 there were 40,365 borrowers; for fiscal year 2008 there were 39,119 borrowers.
7) The number of circulation activity has increased by 6% for the Fiscal Year 2009 to a count of 262,816 items borrowed. Previous count for Fiscal Year 2008 was 249,053 items borrowed.
8) Free Library Programs in August 2009:
a) For Adults – Internet classes are ongoing and taught on a one-on-one basis. They are free for library cardholders. Also, cardholders get free Internet Access at the library. There are nine internet stations at the Pearl City Public Library.
b) For Children – (1) There will be Wednesday storytimes for three year olds to five year olds at 9:30 a.m. from August 12 to December 9, 2009 by Mrs. Vicky Brown, the children’s librarian. Also right after storytime, crafts will be done by Ms. Lisa Komatsu-Liu, Library Technician. (2) A Thursday Puzzletime Storytime will be done for children from eighteen months old up to thirty-six months at 9:30 a.m. from August 13 to December 10, 2009.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Next Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.,
2) Next Regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.,
3) There were no Board members concerns.
4) Broadcasts of Board meetings are shown on Olelo Channel 54 Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Submitted By:
Linnie Pascual, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Cruz Vina, Jr. and Chris Lum Lee, Board Minutes Reviewers