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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009

WAIAU DISTRICT PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) 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, Sol Ray Duncan, Baybee Hufana-Ablan, Chris Lum Lee, Myrtle Nyuha, James K. Pickard Sr., Cruz Vina, Jr.

Members Absent: Larry Veray (notified absence).

Guests: Wesley Inouye (Robertson Properties), Kathy Yoda, Breene Harimoto (Board of Education), Samson Reiny (Just Tacos), Roger Olegario, Mark Lane (Leeward Community College), Fire Fighters DeRoy Lavatai, Keith Yasui, Paul McGhiey and Wayne Morita (Honolulu Fire Department), Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply), Gary Omori (Hawaii Rail Transit), Silas Collier, Jim Propotnick (Governor’s representative), Charles Fortner (Clearwire), Dana Takahara-Dias ((Mayor’s Representative – City Department of Customer Services, Director) and Linnie Pascual (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Pledge of Allegiance: Baybee Hufana-Ablan led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Time Limit Policy and Procedures: (1) Rules of Speaking – Chair Pickard 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.

FILLING OF FOUR (4) VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS: The vacancies remained unfilled at this time.

CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter D. Lavatai reported the following:

1)       May 2009 Statistics – There were 7 structure, 4 brush, 4 vehicle and 4 rubbish fires; 91 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue and 18 miscellaneous.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Summer is upon us, and the island is at a higher risk for fires due to dry vegetation and hot weather. Use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices, such as fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, around wildland vegetation; the smallest spark and/or flame can ignite the dry vegetation.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): No report available at this time.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Office: Dana Takahara-Dias provided copies of the Mayor’s June Report and gave the following responses to concerns raised at last month’s Board meeting:

1)       Rail Transit Symposium: Takahara-Dias relayed Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka’s apologies for not attending tonight’s meeting due to an all-day Honolulu Rail Transit Symposium today; a DTS representative will be present at the July meeting.

2)       TheBoat Update: The City’s TheBoat, which has serviced 110,000 riders’ total, nearly 210 people daily, will suspend service on June 30, 2009.

3)       Second Street Abandoned Vehicles: As previously stated by the City Customer Service Department (CSD), HPD will continue to monitor the area for violations and take action as warranted.

4)       Loitering in Momilani: Sergeant K. Miyazaki of the Pearl City Police Department has informed patrol units to monitor Komo Mai Drive in the Momilani area.

5)       Board of Water Supply Pumping Station on Kuala Drive: Lan Yoneda of the BWS informed the City Department of Facility Maintenance of the barricade’s status, DFM noted they will remove the bulky trash, and Yoneda will provide a further follow up on the issue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Lum Lee expressed strong disappointment for Yoshioka’s absence, noting the Board has waited for several questions to be answered regarding the City’s Rail Project since April 2009.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – BWS representative, Lan Yoneda, highlighted the following:

1)       Main Break Report: One water main break was reported in the month of May 2009, located at 1207 Waimano Home Road.

2)       General Water Announcements: The BWS works hard to ensure that the water served to all customers meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking standards. All customers should receive a report of several tests completed by the BWS by July 1, 2009. You can also visit www.boardofwatersypply.com.

3)       Summer Conservation: Simple tips where consumers can save water include; turning off the water when brushing your teeth or taking a shower, check homes for leaks and installing a nozzle on your garden hose

4)       Poster Contest Winner: Sarah Nguyen of Waiau Elementary School is a BWS poster contest winner.

Councilmember Gary Okino’s Representative – Robert Sato provided the Councilmember’s report and highlighted the following information:

1)       Fiscal Year 2010 Budget: On June 10, 2009 the City Council approved the various bills and resolutions pertaining to the City’s budget for the upcoming July 1, 2009 fiscal year. A more concise update was provided in the Councilmember’s Neighborhood Board report.

2)       Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): Several CIP affecting Pearl City include $1,000,000 for planning, designing, and construction improvements to existing park recreational facilities, including Pacheco Neighborhood Board, and $437,000 for Bus Stop American Disability Act (ADA) access improvements.

Department of Transportation – Honolulu Rail Transit (HRT) representative Gary Omori reported the following:

1)       Federal Transit Authority (FTA): As previously noted Wayne Yoshioka will be present at the July Board meeting. The Administrative Draft of the Final Environmental Impact Study (FEIS) will go to the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) by the end of this month.

2)       Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS): The FEIS will be made public in August 2009. The HRT would like to present to the Pearl City Neighborhood Board in September 2009.

3)       Record of Decision: The record of decision is anticipated sometime after October 1, 2009, with anticipated dates to break ground in December 2009.

4)       Procurement Phase: The project is currently in its procurement phase, where requests for qualifications and requests for proposals (RFP) have already gone out to the public.

5)       Banana Patch Update: The right of entry was received from owners of the Banana Patch, and property surveys have been completed with the exception of an archaeological survey, the project is currently in its pre-appraisal and appraisal phase.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Alpha Omega Church: It was questioned and clarified that the Alpha Omega Church is currently in its Pre-Appraisal phase before the land is acquired.

2)       Traffic Signal Update: Chair Pickard requested a follow up of the proposed traffic signals.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

Pearl City Gateway (Kuala Street) – Construction Update of Commercial Development – Wesley Inouye of Robertson properties reported the following information:

1)       Construction Update: Construction continues however, is winding down. The Pet Company is on site and is scheduled to open on July 6, 2009 and Baby’s R Us is scheduled to open in August 2009.

2)       Proceeding to install traffic signals/signs on Kuala Street.

Wal-Mart Gas Station Project Update: Chair Pickard deferred this agenda item.

Other Concerns: Samson Reiny, Reporter and Editor of the Hawaii Independent, welcomed local stories and ideas regarding Pearl City to sreiny@thehawaiiindependent.com. Reiny will try to attend future meetings or send a representative to listen to concerns and latest updates on projects.

APPROVAL OF MARCH 24, 2009, APRIL 28, 2009 AND MAY 26, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The April 28, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes was APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Clemente, Duncan, Hufana-Ablan, Lum Lee, Nyuha, Pickard, Cruz). Both the March 24, 2009 and May 26, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were still under Board review.  

BOARD BUSINESS:

PRESENTATIONS

Awarding of Certificates – Lum Lee presented a Certificate of Recognition and Acknowledgement to Dana Takahara-Dias for being named the University of Hawaii at Manoa Women’s Basketball Coach. The Board offered their congratulations and appreciation for Takahara-Dias’ dedication and service to the Administration.      

Without objection, the agenda was moved out of order to discuss the Liquor License Grant for “Just Tacos Pearl City”.

Liquor License Grant for “Just Tacos Pearl City”. Place of Business 1029 Makolu Street, Suite B Pearl City and (Pearl City Shops) Diamond Head Makai/Corner of the Intersection of Makolu Street and Kuala Street. Restaurant’s General Premises in which Live Entertainment or Recorded Music is provided. Facilities for Dancing by Patrons may be permitted: Jesus Santoyo, owner of Just Tacos Pearl City, was ready to answer questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Concern was expressed regarding the liquor license process in general where in the past the Board has had a negative experience with previous applicants.

2)       Santoyo replied that he does not want to create a negative feeling from the community towards his business. Concerning his establishment, regular liquor will be served along with occasional live performances by a mariachi band that cost him $300 an hour. Anyone under age 21 will be carded. In addition, an additional restroom will be built that meets with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a requirement to be granted a liquor license.

3)       Hours of operation are as follows: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Mondays thru Thursdays; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Fridays and Saturdays; and 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Sundays. Just Tacos Pearl City might have special events like Cinco de Mayo he held in his other restaurant in Mililani. If Just Tacos decides to do the same in Pearl City, they would inform the community.

4)       It was suggested that Santoyo communicate with other area businesses. Santoyo replied affirmatively noting that he has hired an outside consultant to inform residents and businesses with 500 yards of his establishment concerning his business including hours of operations and business plans and practices which is available for the public to access and that information is well documented.

5)       An area business owner inquired to why Santoyo’s business establishments in Mililani and could have applied for a liquor license simultaneously.

6)       Santoyo noted that the liquor license process is a long and expensive process where profits from his Mililani Store helped pay for this current liquor license application. He further noted that the Cinco de Mayo event in Mililani cost him $58,000.

7)       It was commented that if the liquor commission did not place restrictions concerning hours of operations, establishments like Just Tacos could open late nights. It was noted that Just Tacos Liquor License Application will before a public hearing at the Liquor Commission on July 9, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. If area residents/businesses cannot be present, they should send in their letter of testimony three days prior to the hearing.

8)       Chair Pickard stated that the Board is here to listen to the concerns of the community and assigned both the DPZ and HEW committees monitor this situation.

The agenda resumed its order. 

Clearwire Submit an Application for a Conditional Use Permit to Extend the Height of an Existing 35 Foot Monopole Tower with a New 60 Foot Monopole Tower located at Highland Intermediate School – Clearwire representative, Charles Fortner, distributed his written report and highlighted the following:

1)       Due to the growing demand for services in the Pearl City area, Clearwire, an internet wireless company is in the process of upgrading service and has a need to establish a new wireless facility at the existing Sprint-Nextel monopole located at Highlands Intermediate School, located at 1460 Hoolaulea Street.

2)       Clearwire will be requesting from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) a new Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and waiver to the zoning district height requirement to allow for a new 60 foot monopole inn place of the existing 35 foot monopole. A secure cabinet will also be installed on the ground within the existing Sprint-Nextel compound.

3)       Clearwire is proposing for the site: three 42 foot tall antennas that are 12 inches wide, three remote radio units, two 24 foot tall microwave antennas and a 7 x 7 equipment pad.

4)       The new antennas and monopole will be painted to blend in with the surrounding area. The additional monopole height is needed in order for the antennas to see over the neighborhood gymnasium.

5)       Clearwire’s antennas are very low and it adheres to strict Federal Communication Commission (FCC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules governing antenna installation, maintenance and safety of its facilities.

6)       This proposed project has the support of the Principal of Highlands Intermediate School Principal. In addition, Clearwire will pay the school rental money for use of their facility to house the monopole tower.

Pickard moved, and Vina seconded, that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support construction of the following: a new 60 foot monopole antenna, three 42 foot tall antennas that are 12 inches wide, three remote radio units, two 24 foot tall microwave antennas, a 7 x 7 equipment pad and painting the monopole to blend in the area surrounding. The Motion was not ADOPTED, 6-0-1 (AYE: Lum Lee, Pickard, Vina, Hufana-Ablan, Nyuha, Clemente. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Duncan).

Liquor License Grant for “Just Tacos Pearl City”. Place of Business 1029 Makolu Street, Suite B Pearl City and (Pearl City Shops) Diamond Head Makai/Corner of the Intersection of Makolu Street and Kuala Street. Restaurant’s General Premises in which Live Entertainment or Recorded Music is provided. Facilities for Dancing by Patrons may be permitted: Previously reported in the meeting.

Verizon Wireless Proposed 60 Foot High Monopole Antenna Tower at 1255 Kuala Street – Verizon representative, Steven Sung, distributed his written report and highlighted the following:

1)       Verizon Wireless is proposing construction of a 25 x 30 fenced telecommunications facility at 1255 Kuala Street.

2)       Proposed installation of supporting RF equipment inside the fenced area on a concrete slab of grade.

3)       Proposed installation of an emergency generator within the fenced compound.

4)       Proposed erection of a 60 foot high monopole antenna.

5)       Proposed new underground commercial power and Telco to an H-Frame in the fenced compound.   

Vina moved, and Lum Lee seconded, that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support Verizon Wireless construction of a 60 foot high antenna at the monopole property at 1255 Kuala Street. The motion was not ADOPTED, 6-1-0 (AYE: Lum Lee, Pickard, Vina, Hufana-Ablan, Nyuha, Clemente. NAY: Duncan. ABSTAIN: None).

COMMUNITY INPUT:

Pearl City Community Association and Pearl City Foundation: Breene Harimoto announced that both organizations are sponsoring the 5^th Annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 22, 2009, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Momilani Community Center.

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

REPORTS

Acceptance of the May 2009 Treasurer’s Report: The report was filed.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL

Executive (EXEC): Chair Pickard reported the following:

1)       The Committee voted for approval of Committee and Regular Board Meeting locations, times and recess dates for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010) on the 3^rd and 4^th Tuesdays of each month respectively (start times – 7:00 p.m. for committee meetings and 6:30 p.m. for regular meetings) and Recess in Decembers 2009, 2010 and 2011.

2)       Appointment of Standing Committees Officers and Members – was done at last month’s committee meeting.

3)       FY 2009 - 2010 Board and Committee Goals and Objectives – Vice Chair Vina emphasized the need to have a vision to set goals and objectives to address the concerns of the community.

4)       Chair Pickard emphasized the need for attendance at both the committee and regular meetings. If any Board member misses three meetings in one fiscal year (not necessarily consecutive) that Board could be dismissed. If not able to attend the meeting, email Chair Pickard or Vice Chair Vina.

5)       Vice Chair Vina stated that during the Installation Ceremony, Board Members were sworn in to serve the 2009-2011 Term and received excellent training in the State’s Sunshine Law that was held at the Mission Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Chair Pickard noted that two Board members have not been administered the oath of office where if they do not receive it by July 31, 2009, they could be removed from the Board within 30 days. Neighborhood Assistant Linnie Pascual will follow up on it.

Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP): No report at this time.   

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

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – Attended a Honolulu Rail Transit Symposium Meeting held on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall where the event was well attended with great speakers.

Development Plan and Zoning (DPZ): Committee Chair Nyuha reported the following:

1)       In terms of 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] (Item to remain in Committee) – Nyuha stated that the DPZ will be reconvening a Permitted Action Group (PIG)  task force to obtain information on facilities and possible tenants to be presented by Jan Wong, Larry Lau of the State Department of Health (DOH) or Senator David Ige at the Board’s next meeting in July 2009. Chair Pickard commented that the WRMPTF’s plans including requesting a bus service is a violation of the Waimano Ridge Master Plan.

2)       Status of Development for remaining Pearl City Gateway – (1) Sam’s Club Gas Station opened on June 17, 2009 with gas and diesel service. (2) Pearl City Gateway businesses have been identified at their various sites.

3)       Olelo Channel – Stated that Neighborhood Assistant Linnie Pascual had communicated with Board Chair Pickard about the quality and timeliness of Olelo Channel 54 videotaping Board meetings. It was decided that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) will not be charged for March 2009 and April 2009 meetings. The May 2009 meeting videotaped will be submitted for airing.

Health, Education and Welfare (HEW): With Committee Chair Veray not present, the report was deferred to next month’s meeting. 

Publicity/Refreshments (P/R): Chair Pickard reported that at the recent Neighborhood Board Members Installation, it was announced that amount a Board Chair can spend the Publicity/Refreshment (PR) budget without Board approval has increased from $25.00 to $50.00.

Permitted Interaction Groups: None

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Governor Linda Lingle’s Office: James Propotnick reported that there is stalemate on the issue concerning possible furloughs, layoff of state employees. All State Department Directors have answered questions concerning impacts on Their Respective Departments.

Senator Clarence Nishihara: No representative was present. 

Senator David Ige: No representative was present.

Representative Roy Takumi: No representative was present.

Representative K. Mark Takai: No representative was present.

Board of Education (BOE): BOE Representative, Breene Harimoto, reported the following:

1)       Expressed disappointment that the BOE has deferred three times concerning votes on the schools budget for Fiscal Year 2010 (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) including testimony from State Budget Director Georgina Kawamura. The BOE will be holding their next meeting on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.

2)       Concerning possible furloughs, the line share of the budget is related to BOE personnel.

3)       Given the tight budget crunch the state is in, the BOE has already voted to close Wailupe Valley School. Thereby, it’s a possibility that smaller public schools may be seriously considered for closure. However, there may be more schools being built in Leeward Oahu.

Leeward Community College (LCC): Mark Lane, Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services, highlighted the following:

1)       Concerning the impending furloughs and/or layoffs of state workers, the UH system including LCC will be subject to some level of state budget reductions. At the present time, the University’s and LCC’s budget reduction plans remain a work in progress. The budget reduction strategies that will finally emerge from this process will most likely involve several different cost savings measures and not simple rely on one approach.

2)       LCC is continuing to work with the City and the rail transit consultants and engineers regarding impact to its Pearl City Campus. The rail alignment and the LCC transit station will cause a realignment of Ala Ike Street, the relocation of several campus portable buildings, and the loss of nearly 200 parking stalls. Transit officials have been very cooperative in dealing with the campus on these issues and plans are in the works to mitigate these impacts.

3)       Despite the economic downturn and the possibility of further budget cuts, enrollment at LCC for the Fall 2009 Semester is well ahead of the record student enrollment pace set last at this point in time. LCC and other community colleges are seeing enrollment up by 20% over last year. Economic downturns usually result in increasing enrollments for higher education as students go back to school to pursue degrees or re-training opportunities.

4)       M.R.C. Greenwood has been named as the 14^th President of the University of Hawaii System. She will assume her post as President in August 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Concern was expressed regarding the impact of the rail transit system impacting Pearl City that could result in the loss of 200 parking stalls at LCC. Lane replied that LCC is working with the City to replace those parking stalls with new ones.

2)       Concern was raised regarding the 2^nd Access Road (40 year issue) where the City has plans to set up a maintenance base yard center at LCC that could impact LCC in 2010. Lane replied that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is working to connect Ala Ike Street in Pearl City to Waipio Point Access Road in Waipahu. Lane noted that according the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report that it will not have a significant impact. Further there are no plans to complete the 2^nd Access Road at this time

Pearl City Library: No representative was present. 

Chair Pickard informed everyone that the change of the agenda order was suggested by the Neighborhood Commission Office for a trial period of six months.

Nyuha informed everyone that she attended a meeting of the Aiea Neighborhood Board where one of the items discussed was a Short Term Care Outreach Facility to be located in the lower Aiea area. She noted that Pearl City is an aging community therefore a similar facility offering services like physical therapy should be available in the Pearl City Community. She noted that the Aiea Neighborhood Board meetings are not seen on Olelo. She further mentioned that Chair Pickard downloaded from the Jas S. Grover Construction Company website a list of streets in the community that need to be rehabilitated. Chair Pickard noted that this is a concern of the Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Pickard announced the following:

1)       Next Committee Meeting is Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., Waiau District Park.

2)       Next Regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., Waiau District Park.

3)       Board Members Concerns: None at this time.

4)       Olelo Broadcast is Channel 54 Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.

5)       The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will soon start construction of a new sewer line located near Waimalu Elementary School. The DPZ and HEW Committees have been assigned to monitor this project.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.

Submitted by:

Linnie Pascual, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

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