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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2008

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER – With a quorum established (14 Board Members Present), Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Cory Chun, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Romeo Garcia, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., William Maglinti, Thomas Maus, Richard Oshiro, Kerry Nishimoto, Chuck Wheatley and George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Terry Healy and Rito Saniatan.

GUESTS – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Captain Tom Simon  (Honolulu Fire Department [HFD]), Acting Major Alex Ahlo, Sergeant Jett Kaneshiro, Lieutenant Grant Arakawa and Officer Wyllie Lum,  (Honolulu Police Department [HPD]), Officer Allan Keller (HPD/Waipahu Weed and Seed),  Barron Oda (Senator Nishihara’s Office), Venus Delos Santos (Senator Will Espero’s Office), Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office), Representative Alex Sonson, Representative Ryan Yamane, Brandon Lee (Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu’s Office), Jessica Rice, (Representative Sharon Har’s Office), Ilalo Parayno (Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa’s Office), David Festerling (Governor’s Representative), Pat Lee, (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Consultant), Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply), Liz Delfico (Waipahu Community Association), Ati Jeffers-Fabio, Al Tivera, Brooke Hernandez, Rudy Costales, Jeff Overton and Elena Hobbs (Group 70 International) Stanford Carr and Richard Riegels (Stanford Carr Development), Cheryl Lacar, (Nursing Student, Hawaii Pacific University), Major William Begonin, Bram Begonia, Arwyn Llewellyn and Elizabeth Gross (Salvation Army), Bob Farrell and Yvonne Cardenas (Olelo videographers) and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS – At the request of Chair Oshiro, everyone introduced themselves.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro announced the following: (1) He welcomed everyone for attending tonight’s Board Meeting. (2) He received a letter from the Building Industry Association (BIA) stating that they have received $1 million from the State to fund constructing their training center in Waipahu.  

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

FILLING OF VACANCIES IN SUBDISTRICTS 7, 8, 9 AND 11– Chair Oshiro asked if there were any candidates interested in filling any of the vacancies. There were no interested candidates present. Board Member Burke pointed out that all the seats in Subdistrict 11 have been filled. Chair Oshiro stood corrected.   

APPROVAL OF JANUARY 24, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The following corrections were made:

·          Page 1, paragraph 11, line 1, under Filling of Vacancies, delete “Roller”

·          Page 2, paragraph 10, under Honolulu Police Department, insert “Board Member Romeo Garcia reported an incident of handbag theft at the bus stop on Waipahu Street (entrance to Waipahu) from the Ewa direction. A woman at the bus stop was approached by a man who started a conversation, reaches over and grabs her handbag. A car with several people then pulled up to pick up the thief. This is the second incident in the same

area. He asked if HPD could monitor the area from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily Sgt. Nitta              replied that HPD will monitor the area.” 

·          Page 3, paragraph 2, under Mayor’s Representative, delete “Express Bus A” and insert “Express Bus E”

·          Page 4, paragraph 6, line 1, under Waipahu Community Association Questions, comments and concerns, delete the following (1) Board Member Alfonso asked Delfico is she is aware of the loss of funding for the Waipahu Weed & Seed Program. Delfico replied that the Weed & Seed program has important components: law enforcement by HPD, community policing, community residents volunteering as Neighborhood Security Watch Patrols, along with providing drug treatment and prevention programs. (2) Regarding the impact of losing the HPD Waipahu Station on Weed & Seed, in the long term, it would have an adverse impact where there will be a rise in youth gangs and juvenile delinquents. Please insert the following: Liz Delfico replied there are two different elements of Weed & Seed: (1) Weeding – Law Enforcement and Community Policing and (2) Seeding – Prevention, Intervention and Treatment and Neighborhood Restoration. Delfico further responded with five points: (1) Weeding is part with HPD and their funding is under the City. She does not have information and that inquiry should be directed to HPD District 3 or the City & County of Honolulu. (2) Under WCA’s (Waipahu Community Association) Waipahu Weed & Seed, WCA only receives funding from her salary, WCA provides other expenses as in-kind and that it will end in June 2008. (3) All Weed & Seed sites which are (Honolulu, Waipahu and Ewa) received funding under the Grant-In-Aid (GIA) but do not have detailed information and did not provide any other information. (4) Regarding the impact of losing the HPD Waipahu Station, it has been less than a month and that inquiry should be directed to HPD. However in the long run, it would have an adverse impact and her primary concern is juvenile youth-statistics. (5) Angie Bugarin has been promoted from Office Manager to Executive Director at WCA.”

·          Page 4, paragraph 10, under Reports from Permitted Interaction Groups, line 1, delete “Mauka” and insert “Waiawa”

·          Page 6, paragraph 2, under Councilmember Nestor Garcia, insert “Pupukahi and Pupumomi Streets”

Nishimoto moved and Burke seconded that the Board approved the January 24, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously 14-0-0.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Board Member Yakowenko reported the following: January 2008 – previous operating account was $902.26, expenditures were $31.47, balance to date is $870.79; previous publicity account balance was $2,080.96; current expenses – videotaping the November 2007 meeting was $209.24; current publicity account balance to date is 1,871.72; refreshment account remains at $120.00.

Andrade moved and Herolaga seconded that the Board approve the Treasurer’s Report filed subject to audit. The motion was adopted unanimously 14-0-0.

OFFICIAL REPORTS

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – Captain Tom Simon reported the following: (1) The

Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 25 fires and 223 medical emergencies. (2) Fire

Safety Tip of the Month: The Fire, Building and U.S. Postal Codes and City Ordinances state that

property owners shall place their house numbers in such a manner so it is legible and readily

visible from the street. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in

locating your house quickly in the event of an emergency. 

Questions, comments and concerns: Board Member Herologa thanked Captain Simon for helping

her husband getting back on his feet after he fell down.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sergeant Jett Kaneshiro reported the following: (1) Assaults have increased in January 2008 as compared to December 2007. (2) Beat 351 has become prone to numerous burglaries occurring there. (3) Citing statistics, 25% of the crimes HPD’s Pearl City Substation have responded to have originated from Waipahu. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Board Member Andrade expressed concern regarding Roberts Bus Parking illegally at the Park and Ride Parking Lot in Village Park. Sergeant Kaneshiro replied that HPD will patrol the area. 

·          Board Member Alfonso inquired about his request concerning detailed maps of HPD beat numbers 350, 351, 353, 360, 362 and 363 in the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 District. Sergeant Kaneshiro replied that he will follow up on it.

·          Board Member Burke reported that he witnessed HPD flashers going through the Moanalua Road going onto the H-1 Freeway. He inquired to what is HPD’s policy in using emergency equipment in non-emergency situations. Sergeant Kaneshiro could not give e definitive response.  

·          Board Member Herolaga inquired to who supervises HPD in Waipahu. Acting Major Alex Ahlo replied himself.

·          A resident reported that he was chased by a young male carrying a machete.

HPD WEED & SEED – Officer Alan Keller reported the following (1) HPD Weed and Seed have heard complaints regarding bulky item trash. (2) Regarding complaints of shopping carts being left behind at Pupupuhi Street, it is the responsibility of the shopping centers to retrieve their shopping carts.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Royal Kunia Resident Brooke Hernandez showed pictures regarding sidewalks on Royal Kunia Street being used as driveways. She noted that the streets are narrow where school children have to walk on the street. It is a matter of time before a pedestrian gets injured. Acting Major Ahlo replied that HPD will follow up on it. Ms. Hernandez mentioned that when talked to an HPD officer to respond to her concerns, that HPD officer’s response to her was very rude and unprofessional.

·          In reference to the pictures shown by Ms. Hernandez, Board Member Alfonso inquired about the area located between the curb and sidewalk. Acting Major Ahlo will follow up on it. Board Member Duhaylonsod suggested that Ms. Hernandez write down that HPD’s officer’s badge number and reported to that HPD officer’s supervisor.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported the following: (1) Mayor Hannemann’s State of the City Address occurred last week Thursday, February 21, 2008. Mayor Hannemann mentioned the six priorities needed to right the course of City Government: (A) We would be honest, truthful and accountable for the public’s money. (B) We would ensure that our first-responders were staffed and equipped. (C) We would repair our roads. (D) We would fix sewers and tackle our solid waste problems. (E) We would better maintain our parks and public facilities. (F) We would find solutions to our transportation needs. One of the proposed initiatives this year will be the formation of a parks patrol to ensure laws are enforced and are safe for our children, our Kupuna and our ohana. (2) Encouraged everyone to visit the City’s website www.honoulu.gov. (3) While looking for a vacant place to relocate the HPD Waipahu Substation back in Waipahu. HPD Chief Bossie Correa said that HPD personnel stationed at the Waipahu Substation are temporarily working at the main police station. HPD Waipahu Substation’s rental agreement with Don Quijote was in a month to month rental and with notice given to HPD to vacate the place is legal. It was a business decision and they respect that. (4) The City Department of Transportation Services’ responses to concerns raised at last month’s meeting: (A) Express Bus Route A: It is a “semi-express/limited stop” service between Waipahu to the University of Hawaii at Manoa; it cannot be extended beyond Waipahu without serious detriment

to existing rider’s service; (B) Handi-Van Service: It is a door-to-door van service; if elderly residents wants this service and are qualified they should pursue to apply; (C) Access to Hawaii Medical Center (HMC): It is on private land; any planning effort is totally the responsibility of HMC. The Bus cannot properly and physically access HMC at this time. DTS is doing a fully consolidated assessment on the issue of service into HMC. Assessment will list all potential service options and will describe the physical barriers to operation within HMC which need to be resolved before service would be possible. The report should be completed and reported to the Waipahu Neighborhood Board Meeting in April 2008. (5) Announced that the Transportation Oriented Development (TOD) Community Update Meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 6:30 p.m., Waipahu Elementary School. (6) Reminded everyone to Drive Akamai.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Board Member Yakowenko pointed out that the 30-day vacancy notice by Don Quijote is not good enough where he cited a state law where there is a 45-day vacancy notice. Hufana-Ablan replied that month-to-month rental agreement makes the 30-day vacancy notice legal.

·          Board Member Wheatley suggested that HPD’s Waipahu Substation be housed at a vacant lot at the Waipahu Shopping Center. Hufana-Ablan replied that HPD is negotiating to find a suitable location to house HPD’s Waipahu Substation.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS

WAIPAHU DISTRICT PARK SWIMMING POOL REPAIRS – Councilmember Nestor Garcia thanked both the Board and community for their tremendous response in support of repaving the Waipahu District Park Swimming Pool.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Chair Oshiro inquired about the timeline to complete this project. Councilmember Garcia replied that the City Administration’s paperwork is completed. Chair Oshiro pointed out that he saw debris and graffiti at the pool.

·          Board Member Romeo Garcia inquired to the cost of repairing the swimming pool. Councilmember Nestor Garcia replied $2 million.

·          Mayor’s Representative Baybee Hufana-Ablan informed everyone to call Mr. Shiraki at 768-3407 regarding bulky item pick up. Chair Oshiro asked if the swimming pool could be cleaned and covered prior to the repair project. Hufana-Ablan will follow up on it. 

CONCERN REGARDING ROYAL KUNIA PHASE II PROJECT – Brooke Hernandez stated that she received a letter regarding the Royal Kunia Phase II Project. Her primary concern is that the developers have made the area streets narrow and that the sidewalks are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

THREE ITEMS MENTIONED BY BOARD MEMBER ALFONSO – Board Member Alfonso mentioned three items: (1) Waipahu High School will have a State ID Registration event on Saturday, July 19, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Waipahu High School. (2) There is a major dip on Farrington Highway fronting Bank of Hawaii. (3) Expressed concern that there are no guardrails when motorists enter the Ewa/Waipahu exit on Kunia Road.  

COMMUNITY REPORTS

PATSY T. MINK CENTRAL OAHU REGONAL PARK/WAIPIO SOCCER COMPLEX – Board Member Burke reported the following: (1) There was an age 16 and under tennis tournament that occurred at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park. (2) Complimented the work reliance crew for their admirable job in maintaining both the Central Oahu Regional Park and the Waipio Soccer Complex. 

FILCOM CENTER – No representative was present. .

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR – Project Consultant Pat Lee reported that the 5-Member Technology Panel met on Friday, February 22, 2008 at Mission Memorial Auditorium where they voted 4-1 in favor of steel wheel technology that has high reliability and is a proven technology. City Council Bill 80-2007 – Relating to Public Transit Fares where it authorizes the Council to suspend public transit fares for one fiscal year has passed second reading in the Honolulu City Council. Third reading of this bill takes place in April 2008. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Board Member Burke inquired to what factors were considered in the event there is a power outage. Lee replied that the steel wheel runs on electricity. As for further details, he will follow up on it.

·          Board Member Alfonso expressed concern that this technology reminds him of Aloha Stadium where over time the technology like the stadium will rust in corrosion.

·          Board Member Wheatley expressed disappointment with the technology panel’s decision in choosing steel wheel technology while he prefers the magnetic levitation technology used in Japan.

LEEWARD YMCA – No representative was present.

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OMPO CAC) – Chair Oshiro asked if any Board Member or Waipahu resident would be willing to be the Board’s Representative in OMPO CAC meetings should see him.  

WAIPAHU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (WCA) – Liz Delfico reported the following: (1) Free federal and state tax filings by certified volunteer tax preparers continues on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from February 27 to April 11, 2008. (2) WCA recently celebrated Chinese New Year. (3) For further information on WCA activities, call WCA Executive Director Angie Bugarin at 677-6939. (4) Regarding Waipahu Weed & Seed, they are doing an extensive outreach in by distributing flyers to mostly Micronesian residents on Pupukahi Street and mostly Samoan residents on Ahiahi Street in their native languages educate these communities and their landlords regarding landlord/tenant law.   

WAIPAHU COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (WCF) – No representative was present. 

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Naomi Hanohano reported the following: (1) There were no water main breaks in January 2008. (2) Distributed a written report regarding the needs in repairing and maintaining water mains. BWS’ average of 19.2 mains breaks per 100 miles of pipeline exceeds the national benchmark in maintaining water mains. (3) BWS’ Annual Poster Contest by Elementary School Students is due Friday, March 13, 2008.

REPORTS FROM NB PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUPS – Board Chair Oshiro reported that he met with representatives from Castle & Cooke Homes, Inc. last week Thursday, February 21, 2008 regarding their Koa Ridge Waiawa Project. The project’ status is that it now goes to review before the State Land Use Commission.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – (1) Board Member Yakowenko announced that he met with former Board Member Ruth Lum at Paradise Cove where she conveyed her best wished to the Board. (2) Board Member Herolaga announced that Senator Nishihara will be collecting recycling items on Saturday, March 1, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Waipahu Intermediate School where proceeds benefits the Waipahu Schools Complex. 

PRESENTATIONS

SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER – Bram Begonia, from Salvation Army gave the following presentation: (1) The Kroc Foundation is investing $80 million ($40 million in capital and another $40 million in community outreach programs) to construct the Kroc Center. Funding comes from the late Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of Mr. Ray Kroc who founded McDonalds.  (2) The center is located on 15 acres of land at the intersection of North-South Road and East-West Road, located next to Kapolei Middle School and the future Main UH-West Oahu Campus. (3) Salvation Army’s primary mission is to help fill the many needs of the community along with spreading of Jesus Christ. Begonia noted that the Salvation Army does not discriminate. (4) The Kroc Center includes worship and art center, communal kitchen to prepare meals served at this facility, aquatic center for water sports and swimming, tennis courts and a preschool with the capacity 125 students. (5) Project architect is Group 70 International.

Arwyn Llewellyn, from Salvation Army informed everyone that there will be a youth camp from June 9 -11, 2008. She further mentioned that the Salvation Army has a church located near Anna Miller’s Restaurant.

Elizabeth Gross, from Salvation Army informed everyone that they have the Keo program that provides young people educational, motivational and nutritional support during after school hours.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Chair Oshiro commended this presentation where the presence of this new facility will benefit the community. He inquired if the Red Shield Centers are similar to that of the Boys & Girls Club. Begonia replied that the Red Shield Centers provides recreational activities for its participants.

ROYAL KUNIA PHASE II PROJECT – Accompanied by Elena Hobbs, Jeff Overton of Group 70 International presented the following: (1) Royal Kunia Phase II is on 180 acres of land located near the Royal Kunia Golf Course and Robinson Estate. 12 acres of land have been set aside for construction of a new elementary school. (2) The area is zoned R-5: Residential and A-1: Apartment thus making this mixed zone area a livable neighborhood with the following amenities: a recreation center that includes a swimming pool. (3) Current plans are to construct 2000 additional residential units including single and multi family residences. 30% of these new residences will be affordable.

Accompanied by Richard Riegels, Stanford Carr, from Stanford Carr Development added the following: Previous plans for this project were to segment townhouse apartments and single family houses. However, the new plans are to integrate apartment complexes with single family residences into a livable community.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Chair Oshiro asked how this Phase II project is different from the Phase I project. Carr replied that in the second phase, unlike the first phase wider roadways will be constructed along with setting aside 17 acres of land for an open space park where residences can walk including access for entering and exiting the new elementary school.

·          Chair Oshiro inquired if there is further development located west of the Royal Kunia Golf Course. Carr replied no.

·          Board Member Andrade inquired about traffic impacts. Carr replied that this project includes widening Kunia Road from two lanes to four lanes. In addition, median landscaping will cover fences thus helping to mitigate traffic congestion.

·          Chair Oshiro inquired about the status of Aniania Road. Carr replied that there will be a second entry to enter Royal Kunia Phase II. Carr noted that the City has changed policy be staying away from building cul-de-sacs and instead construct roadways for the community to get connected in an integrated manner. Chair Oshiro further asked about the project timeline. Carr replied construction begins in 2009. Chair Oshiro asked Carr if the community expects a park and ride facility in the phase II community. Carr replied that there already is a park and ride facility in the phase I community that includes housing a child care facility.

·          Ms. Brooke Hernandez stated her concern regarding developers not paying attention to the current state of infrastructure where it is not address it thus make the traffic problem even worse.

·          Hernandez expressed concern with speeding motorists thereby it is an accident waiting to happen leaving area residents vulnerable. Hernandez inquired if an entire apartment building counts as a single unit. Carr replied that one apartment/townhouse unit equals to that of a single family house.

·          Hernandez pointed out there is a drainage ditch in the proposed Royal Kunia Phase II area. Carr replied that the drainage will go underground thereby meeting City standards.

·          Board Member Hunkin commented that one unit equals 4 cars this with 2,000 unit times 4 cars = 8,000 cars in the Royal Kunia Phase II community. Carr replied that Kunia Road and other nearby roadways will have their lanes expanded from two lanes to four lanes.

·          Erika Moon inquired what the timeline is to build the new elementary school. Carr replied that once this project proceeds, construction of the new school will be a top priority.   

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SUNSHINE LAW: LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS FOR 2008 LEGISLATURE; OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES (OIP) OPINION REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REQUIREMENT – Chair Oshiro deferred this item to area elected officials.  

REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Board Member Yakowenko announced that the Neighborhood Commission will be hold a public hearing during the Board’s March 2008 Regular Meeting to get public input on the proposed redistricting of this Board from 11 Subdistricts to 3 Subdistricts and 9 At-Large Seats.  

HPD: WAIPAHU SUBSTATION AND RELOCATION – Item discussed earlier in this meeting.

VILLAGE PARK: NO LEFT TURN FROM KUPUNA LOOP INTO SHOPPING CENTER DUE TO TRAFFIC AND SAFETY CONCERNS – Chair Oshiro announced that the Board took action on this item at last month’s meeting. Both he and Board Member Andrade are drafting a letter to the appropriate City Departments and Agencies requesting this action.   

NEW BUSINESS

DISCUSSION/ACTION COUNCIL RESOLUTION 07-379: INITIATING AMENDMENTS TO THE REVISED CHARTER OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU 1973, AS AMENDED RELATING TO NEIGHBORHOOD AND NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS (BOARD MEMBER TERM LIMITS) – Chair Oshiro stated that he testified at a recent City Council committee meeting speaking for himself, not the Board his strong opposition to this proposed resolution due to the difficulty in filling vacancies at Neighborhood Board Meetings. He further mentioned Board Members are community volunteers. He that there already is a term limit mechanism called elections where every two years all Board seats are up. Board Member Yakowenko stated that the purpose of a neighborhood board is to get people involved in the decision making process of government. Board Member Wheatley shared similar sentiments.

Yakowenko moved and Burke seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board does not support Resolution 07-379. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 14-0-0.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS

CITY COUNCILMEMBER NESTOR GARCIA – Councilmember Garcia stood by his monthly written report.

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Chair Oshiro inquired about the status of Council Resolution 08-30: Plantation Town Apartments Affordable Housing Project. Councilmember Garcia replied that the developer had a hard time selling units for rent. Contributing to this problem is the sub prime mortgage crisis. Individuals who previously bought the units now have to pay an additional 10% down payment. It is these concerns that Councilmember Garcia stated his vote in opposition to this resolution. He further stated that he will have a meeting with officials from the Hawaii Housing Community Development Corporation (HHCDC) to resolve this problem.

·          Chair Oshiro replied that the proposed Plantation Town Apartments location is in prime real estate because it is located next to the Waipahu Transit Center and Waipahu District Park Swimming Pool. Councilmember Garcia suggested that the developer and officials from HHCDC give a presentation at the Board’s March 2008 Regular Meeting on this project.

·          Board Member Burke stated his opposition to this project and stated no sympathy for the developer who took a risk therefore this developer should lower the unit prices for future tenants.

·          Board Member Wheatley suggested that Plantation Town Apartments should house low income senior renters.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Karen Scharfenstein stood by Councilmember Okino’s written monthly report.  

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – David Festerling distributed the Governor’s written monthly report and highlighted the following:  (1) Governor Lingle urges residents to contact their state legislators to support the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Energy for Tomorrow Package whose primary objective is for Hawaii to be energy independent: (a) Offering a tax credit to low-income payers for the installation of renewable energy technology in the home;  (b ) Establishing a “One-Stop Permit Shop” for renewable energy projects, starting with a permits facilitator; (c) Expanding the successful “pay-as-you-save” solar water heater program to photovoltaic systems that convert sunshine into electricity; (d) Establishing an endowed Chair for Power Generation and Distribution Engineering at the University of Hawaii; (e) Protecting funds paid by electricity users to support energy-efficiency and demand-side management programs (Public Benefits Funds) from legislative raids and other state encumbrances; and (f) Expanding the definition of ‘renewable energy producer” to include growers and producers of organic materials for the production of biofuels and related natural fuels. (2) The State ID Outreach Program takes place Saturday, July 19, 2008, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Waipahu Elementary School.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

·          Board Member Burke commented that State ID’s can be produced and picked up at Satellite City Halls islandwide and noted that the State has the technology to transfer this service from the State to the Counties.

·          Chair Oshiro asked Festerling to have HHCDC attend the March 2008 Board Meeting to discuss the status and plans relating to the Plantation Town Affordable Housing Project. Festerling will follow up on it.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – No BOE representative was present.

REPRESENTATIVE ALEX SONSON – Representative Sonson distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: (1) He informed everyone that he has emphysema. (2)   Expressed concern with the proposed settlement agreement reached between the State Administration and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs resolving past claims. He noted that based on the 1959 Admission Act, it required the State to use these public land trusts for five purposes: (A) betterment of the condition for native Hawaiians, (B) support for public education, (C) development of farm and homeownership, (D) public improvement, and (E) lands for public use. From 1959 to 1978, there was only one primary purpose the trust fulfilled – public education. Since there was no mechanism to address the betterment of conditions for native Hawaiians, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs was created at the 1978 Constitutional Convention which was ratified by voters in the 1978 General Election. Since then payment to fulfill this obligation has been partial, this settlement which must be approved by the state legislature which must approve the in the amount of $200 million. The concern is that there will be less money spent on programs and services benefiting all of Hawaii’s people.

REPRESENTATIVE RYAN YAMANE – Representative Yamane distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: (1) He informed everyone that Representative Sharon Har’s father passed away recently. Therefore, Representative Har could not be present at tonight’s Board meeting. (2) Governor Lingle has released $1,000,000 in grant-in-aid funds to construct the Construction Training Center in Waipahu. (3) Distributed a copy of a letter he received from Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, Inc. regarding his inquiry concerning the potential provision of City emergency services at the proposed Koa Ridge development.

Chair Oshiro requested that staff members representing area elected officials not present in tonight’s Board meeting to stand by their monthly written reports.

ADJOURMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui, Neighborhood Assistant