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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: Chair James Pickard, Sr. called the meeting to order at
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT: Al Coleman, Baybee Hufana-Ablan and Antoinette Lee (resigned as of the last committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009).
GUESTS: Fire Fighter III Larry Moore (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Ken Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department); Dana Takahara-Dias (Mayor’s Representative – City Department of Customer Services, Director); Gary Omori (Honolulu Rapid Transit); Ron Prescott and Ed Yoshida (Tokugawa Masonry); Steven Sung (Verizon Wireless); James Propotnik (Governor’s Representative – State Department of Public Safety, Deputy Director, Law Enforcement Division); Councilmember Gary Okino; Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Manny Cabral (Chancellor of Leeward Community College); Silas Collier (Swinerton Inc.); Jerome Uluave (Nordic Construction); Representative Roy Takumi; Joyce Felmet (Pearl City Public Library); May Imamura (Former Member Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21); Roger Olegario; Kathleen Yoda; Charles Kaopua; Michael Motoki; Julie Vega; Shaun Kaulukukui; Matt Young; Kevin Cassell (videographer) and Linnie Pascual (Neighborhood Commission Office).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Cruz Vina, Jr. 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 TWO (2) VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS: Chair Pickard deferred this item as the 2009 Neighborhood Board Elections are coming up soon.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS:
1) April 2009 Statistics – There was 1 vehicle and 9 rubbish fires; 146 medical emergencies, 1 search/rescue and 39 miscellaneous.
2) Fire Safety Tip – The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Make a 30-foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. Some wildland fires could force the evacuation of neighborhoods. Have an emergency preparedness plan ready in case of such an event. Consider the route you would take and other preparations you could have in place if you need to evacuate your home due to an emergency. If your property borders an area where a wildland fire could occur, consider the need for fire department access in case the fire approaches your home.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sgt. Ken Miyazaki distributed the report and highlighted the following:
April 2009 Statistics: 3 auto thefts, 3 auto theft recoveries, 4 burglaries, 5 criminal property damages, 0 sex assault, 12 thefts, and 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV’s). There were a total of 6,445 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,396 (7.68%) calls from the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
HPD was commended to remove abandoned vehicles. However, concern was expressed that the City not taking action to remove excess storage and bulk items being stored on a city street at
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Office: Dana Takahara-Dias gave the following responses to concerns raised at last month’s Board meeting:
1) Questions concerning the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) including the Rapid Transit Division needing six Executive Assistants, getting a lump sum push while other City Departments are shaving their budgets, whether these positions are civil service or exempt positions as well as their salaries would be answered in the Board’s June meeting when DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka would answer those questions personally.
2) A service request has been prepared to address the City sign (20 MPH) coming out of Pacific Palisades coming before the Children’s House being vandalized will either be cleaned or replaced.
3) In response to a concern raised by a resident complaining about the removal of trees on Kuala Street (near Walmart) and replacing it with bigger trees. The truth is that nether the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) nor their contractor performed such tree removals. It is DPR’s understanding that these removals were included as part of Walmart’s building permit.
4) As for requesting the City to donate a podium to the Waiau Park Facility, given the City’s current fiscal situation, a podium would not be a priority for DPR. However, if someone would like to gift the podium to the Waiau Park Facility, the City would be happy to accept the donation.
5) Concerning
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was expressed as to why Mayor Hannemann is expending $125,000 on the City Office of Economic Development. Takahara-Dias replied that this is one way to promote the City & County of Honolulu. Councilmember Gary Okino has stated his support for this expenditure.
2) Raising the Vehicle Tax is a two-step series to have it raised incrementally over a two-year period where it would go to funds highway beautification.
3) The City by law has to have a balanced budget where they are making tough choices with compromises to balance the City budget in this tough economy otherwise this budget would be out of control.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS Representative Lan Yoneda highlighted the following:
1) There were no water main breaks in April 2009.
2) 2009 Water Conservation Week and Poetry Contests. Mahalo and aloha to the nearly 3,500 student artists and poets who participated in the 2009 Water Conservation Poster and Poetry Contest. Contest theme – Ola I Ka Wai (Water Gives Life) by depicting simple ways to conserve water. The winners were honored an awards ceremony by Mayor Mufi Hannemann. A full list of winners, an online gallery and a short video may be found at our website at www.boardofwatersupply.com. Also these posters will be on exhibit at the following locations: Pearlridge Uptown – May 18th to 29th; Kahala Mall – June 1st to June 12th; and Windward Mall – June 29th to July 10th.
3) BWS will launch its 19th Annual Detect-A-Leak Week, which will be held from June 7th to 13th, as a way to encourage our customers to check for property leaks and repair them promptly. Leak detection efforts are simple ways top save water and save money. Free toilet leak detection dye tablets may be picked up at any City Mill store,
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) As for fixing a road patch on
2) Regarding dumping at the Kuala Street Pumping Water Station, Yoneda will follow up and give an update report at the next Board Meeting in June 2009.
Councilmember Gary Okino: Councilmember Okino distributed his written report and highlighted the following:
The Honolulu City Council passed Bill 19 (2009) CD1 that provides a one-time real property tax credit to eligible property owners for the Fiscal Year 2010. This bill establishes the tax credit outlined in the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget submitted to the Council. The bill originally proposed a $75 tax credit for any residential property that currently receives a homeowner exemption. At the Special Budget Committee Meeting on May 18, 2009, this bill was amended to a CD1 version which increased the tax credit from $75 to $175. The bill passed in the Budget Committee on Third Reading. This is good news for homeowners however, it raises taxes for investors.
PRESENTATIONS:
Awarding of Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: Albert Fukushima was awarded Certificates of Appreciation by his fellow Board Members along with Councilmember Gary Okino and Area State Representatives Roy Takumi, Mark Takai and Blake Oshiro for his 31 years of service as a Board Member. Councilmember Okino noted that the City Council honored
The Board recessed at 7:08 p.m. and reconvened at 7:14 p.m.
Tokugawa Masonry: Zoning Variance to City Department of Planning and Permitting: Accompanied by Ed Yoshida, Ronald Prescott, from Tokugawa Masonry informed the Board that Tokugawa Masonry is using the
Clemente arrived at 7:19 p.m. There are now nine (9) members present.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was expressed regarding this proposed variance by Tokugawa Masonry to change the land use from agricultural to industrial therefore will not support the proposed variance.
2) It was noted that the proposed use of the area for rock processing and manufacturing was reached in a tentative agreement by Tokugawa Masonry and Gentry.
3) It was noted that conditions for this variance includes actual appointments with the City on progression of this variance and that the Board knows what has been approved.
4) It was inquired if land on Parcel 24 shown on the map is owned by Bishop Estate. Ed Yoshida replied that he would clarify land ownership at the Board’s June 2009 meeting.
Fukushima moved, and Cruz seconded, that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 support Tokugawa Masonry to provide current logistical use of stockpiling for 2.1 acres of land owned by the Gentry-Waiawa project for rock processing and manufacturing which is an ongoing activity in the area. The motion was adopted by a vote of 8-1-0 (AYE: Clemente, Duncan,
Verizon Wireless Proposed 60’
1) Proposed construction of a 25 x 30 fenced telecommunication facility.
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’ monopole.
5) Proposed new underground commercial power and telecommunications to an H-Frame located in the fenced compound.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was expressed that there was no consultation with the city regarding to what problems they might anticipate with regards to the city’s plans for that area. The proposed 60’ antenna would be 200 feet away from the nearest residence.
2) There would be no transmission interference or encroachment on city property.
3) The proposed setting for the 60’ antenna is a setback adjacent to the park located on
4) With so many questions unanswered, it was suggested that Sung provide more information at the June 2009 Board meeting. Sung replied affirmatively.
COMMUNITY/PUBLIC AGENCIES REPORTS:
Board of Education: No representative was present.
1) At the L’ulu Fundraiser held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 for its Culinary Arts Program, there were over 600 attendees including special guests Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Producer Emme Tomimbang and Judge James Burns. The college recognized Chef Alan Wong in the Wall of Honor that same night.
2) Commencement exercises took place on Friday, May 15, 2009 where 220 students graduated as members of the Class of 2009. Commencement Speaker was Councilmember Nestor Garcia.
3) Summer Session I begins May 27, 2009 and ends July 2, 2009. Summer Session II begins July 6, 2009 and ends August 13, 2009. Tuition for residents is $215 per credit and non-residents is $248 per credit. In fall 2009, the tuition for residents is $79 per credit while for non-resident is $272. As of May 26, 2009, about 1,500 students have registered for summer sessions.
4) Fall 2009 enrollment is projected to go up 23%.
1) Free Library Programs in June and July:
a. For All Ages
i. There will be Summer Reading Program for Infants & Toddlers, Children, Young Adults, and Adults which starts Sunday, June 14, 2009. The five-week reading program will end Friday, July 17, 2009. The library will give out weekly incentives to participants who read. Most of the 51 libraries of the Hawaii State Public Library System will be conducting this reading program.
ii. Very young children can have an adult read to them. Young adults are encouraged to read at their own pace and come into the library as often as they read. And adults can listen to books-on-CD or download e-books to participate.
iii. The following companies and organizations have our heartfelt thanks for sponsoring our summertime programs: Friends of the Library of Hawaii, The Friends of Pearl City Library, National Football League Charities, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Hawaiian Telcom, Junior League of Honolulu, McDonalds Restaurants of Hawaii, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Diamond Bakery, Hawaii Pizza Hut, Frito-Lay of Hawaii, UH Outreach College and Storyteller Linda Martin.
b. For Children
i. There will be five Monday performance programs at 1:00 p.m.
· Starting June 15, 2009 when Aloha Clowns will do a Bubble program featuring bubbles of all shapes and sizes.
· Ronald McDonald House will do book time on June 22, 2009 and entertain with songs, magic, and of course reading.
· Uncle Wayne Watkins who is the Director of the Children’s Center at the
· Chris Da Clown will use balloons while he tells a story in an interactive program on July 6, 2009.
· The Finale Program will be done by
· There will be Wednesday story times for 3-5 year olds at 9:30 a.m. from June 17, 2009 to July 15, 2009. Also, a Thursday Puzzle time story time at 9:30 a.m. will be for toddlers from 18 months to 36 months.
c. For Young Adults (teens and first year college students)
i.
d. For Adults
i. Storyteller Linda Martin who is also a school librarian and teacher from the State of
ii. Thanked Master Gardeners Brian and Imelda Cyr for their free program on May 14, 2009 about Integrated Pest Management for healthy plants and minimizes pesticide usage. 31 adults learned about insects who are pests such as slugs, and insects who are beneficials such as ladybugs. Brian said if you have a sick plant or a question about gardening, you can call the Oahu Master Gardeners Help Line at 453-6055 from Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Masters Gardeners are volunteers trained by the
2) Statistics
a. The number of library cardholders in April 2009 has increased by 3% to 40, 204 borrowers from a year ago.
b. The number of materials borrowed in April 2009 has declined by 9% to 20,637 items.
3)
4) Groundbreaking for a North Kohala Public Library took place April 20, 2009. This is the system’s first library to earn the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification. The State Librarian Richard Burns says “It will include creative and innovative design features such as wing and photovoltaic energy systems, water catchments and retention systems, and design elements to maximize ambient lighting and ventilation.”
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) In response to a question of whether the public can access or learn how to use the internet in the library, the public can use the internet in the library as long as there is someone who can teach them how to use it. There is a free class on Wednesday and Saturday mornings where the librarian teaches a one hour session on learning how to use the internet.
2) As for the State’s plans to cut library hours, the library has heard no news about it.
RESIDENTS CONCERNS:
1) Approximately 80% of the site has already been paved. The new buildings have been constructed completely.
2) Pet Company will open their store in the first week of June 2009.
3) Baby’s R Us is expected to open in July 2009.
Walmart Gas Station Project Update – Jerome Uluave, Project Manager from Nordic Construction, reported the following:
1) 95% of the project has been completed with remaining work left to be done on
2) Complete pavement is expected to be done on June 1, 2009 including inspection while inspection is scheduled for June 8, 2009.
3) Property will be turned over to Walmart by June 17, 2009 while the Gas Station is expected to commence on June 19, 2009.
4) In response to the status of trees raised at the last Board meeting, a complaint was filed with the Mayor.
5) Since the complaint was filed, this issue has been cleared.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Concern was raised that the new gas station would congest area traffic. Uluave replied that the whole entrance will be blocked therefore drivers will have to come on toward the right side to enter the new gas station.
2) The new gas station will be publicized informing everyone that opening day of the new Walmart Gas Station is on June 19, 2009.
OTHER CONCERNS:
Just Tacos
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND/OR THEIR DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVES:
Governor Linda Lingle’s Office: James Propotnick distributed the Governor’s written report and highlighted the following:
1) Governor Lingle has up to July 15, 2009 to sign, veto or allow 250 bills that passed the in the 2009 State Legislature those measures to become law without her signature. Everyone was encouraged to give input on these bills by logging on to http://capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/lists/RptMeasuresPassed.aspx.
2) Governor Lingle has released $1 million to widen the Middle Street Merge widening project on the H-1 Freeway.
Senator Clarence Nishihara: No representative was present. However, the Senator’s written report was distributed.
Senator David Ige: No representative was present.
Representative Roy Takumi: Representative Takumi reported the following:
1) The State Council on Revenues will give their forecast at their next meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 28, 2009 to give updated forecasts on the State’s economy.
2) $180 million has been carried over from last year’s state budget.
3) Announced that
Representative K. Mark Takai: No representative was present.
Community Input – There were no reports/updates from the following: Pearl City Community Association, Pearl City Foundation, Manana Community Association, and Pacific Palisades Community Association.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 24, 2009, MARCH 24, 2009 AND APRIL 28, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The February 24, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Clemente, Duncan, Fukushima, Lum Lee, Nyuha, Pickard, Veray, Vina). Both the
ACCEPTANCE OF APRIL 2009 TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Lum Lee reported the following: (a) the Operating Account expended $33.12 for printing and postage, leaving a balance of $704.91; (b) (b) the Publicity Account expended $200.00 for videotaping, leaving the balance at $1,300; and (c) the Refreshment Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $104.67. The report was filed.
COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:
EXECUTIVE (EXEC): Chair Pickard reported the following:
1) Election of Board Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) where terms run from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Without objections, Pickard ran unopposed for Chair thereby no vote was taken. By a unanimous vote of 9-0-0, the Board voted to combine the Secretary/Treasurer Position. For Vice Chair, Vina or Lum Lee competed for this position. After much discussion ensues, a unanimous consensus was reached where Vina was elected Vice Chair while Lum Lee was elected Secretary/Treasurer. It was further agreed that the Draft Minutes would be reviewed by both Vina and Lum Lee. Chair Pickard noted that the new Board Officers would assume office on July 1, 2009.
2) FY2009 – FY2010 Board and Committee Goals and Objectives – Item deferred.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Concern was expressed that the new Board term was to begin July 1st as compared to June 1st in past years and that the Neighborhood Commission took unilateral action to begin the Board year. It was noted that the 2009 Neighborhood Board Election results will be released today – Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP): Committee Chair Lum Lee reported the following:
1)
2)
3) Bill 42: Neighborhood Board Charge a fee for entities requesting multiple appearances at $250 – Concern were raised at this proposal where it was noted that the Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary Joan Manke turned down this proposal. Fukushima moved, and Pickard seconded, that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 opposed Bill 42 to charge entities $250 per meeting that come forward to present their proposals at Neighborhood Board Meetings. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Clemente, Duncan,
4) Lum Lee moved, and Vina seconded, that the Board add to the agenda Support of City Council Resolution 09-170. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Clemente, Duncan,
5) Lum Lee stated his strong support for this resolution where federal monies from the economic stimulus package – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 would supplement funding for the Honolulu Police Department. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Ching, Clemente, Duncan,
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT): Committee Chair Vina reported the following:
1) Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – No report.
2)
3) The Bus Request on Potential Route Changes on Route 53: Honolulu-Pacific Palisades and Route 73-Leeward Community College – Item to remain in committee.
4) Bus Route/Schedule Changes for Nos. 53 and 54 is effective June 7, 2009 where there is no community opposition of having this route go through Halawa.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING (DPZ): Committee Chair Fukushima reported the following:
1) Status of Development for Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties – No updates.
2) Olelo Channel – No date has been set by DCC office yet. Notice will se sent out via mail.
3) Tokunaga Masonry Application to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) – Earlier in the meeting, the Board passed a motion supporting Tokugawa Masonry’s Application to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
4) Verizon Wireless Proposed 60’
5) 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 – Item is sent back to the TT, HEW and LCIP Committees to contact Senator David Ige to address this issue and set up a community task force. It was noted that this task force was vetoed by Governor Lingle.
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. At the HEW committee meeting, it was reported that the City has yet to take action and clean up boat parts, auto parts, tent and other materials on
2) Feral Chicken Problem in Momilani area near
3) Community Education Campaign
4) Anti-Graffiti Campaign for Pearl City – Contacted various merchants soliciting their donations of paint along with soliciting assistance from Neighborhood Security Watch Program Members in the
5) Illegal dumping of hazardous waste and materials on City Streets – Over the summer period, both the Pearl City and
6) 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 contact the State Department of Health (DOH) the exact noise level that is permitted. This item will remain in committee for educating the community on Olelo Community Television.
7) Pearl City High School Students are disrupting the Neighborhood Community – Received a complaint at the HEW committee meeting from a resident in the Momilani area who lived on the perimeter of the school grounds. The complainant said that students were cutting through the homeowners’ yard, littering, making noise, sitting on fences and fighting. This resident asked if the City bus could pick the students up at the school close to the bus stop near residential homes. The HEW committee will look into the problem and attempt to come up with a solution to this issue. This item will remain in committee for educating the community on Olelo Community Television.
8) Finally, requesting placing this following item on next month’s HEW Committee Agenda as part of HEW’s Community Education Campaign – What is the State and City doing to prevent fireworks and explosives entering the state in preparation of 4th of July celebrations?
PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R):
1) Investigate that why March and April 2009 Board meetings have not been shown on the 3rd Tuesdays on Olelo Channel 54. However, the March 2009 Meeting videotape has been recently retrieved.
2) NA Linnie Pascual will follow up concerning videotaping March and April 2009 meetings.
3) It was requested that Senator David Ige show up in person to the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 Meetings.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Next Committee Board Meeting is Tuesday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m.,
2) Next Regular Board Meeting is Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.,
3) The City Department of Emergency Management, the State Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs and
4) Chair Pickard thanked Stanley Ching for his service/contributions to this Board.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at
Submitted by:
Linnie Pascual, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Cruz Vina, Jr. and Chris Lum Lee, Board Minutes Reviewers