Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

  http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb22/08/22200801Min.PDF

WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2008

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.; a quorum was established with 11 members present. The Chair noted for the first time in the Board’s history, there was no meeting in October 2007 due to a lack of quorum.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Cory Chun, Romeo Garcia, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Thomas Maus, William Maglinti, Richard Oshiro, Rito Saniatan, Chuck Wheatley, and George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Russell Roller and Kerry Nishimoto.

GUESTS – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Capt.  Harold Naone, Fire Fighter III Edwin Tangunan, Fire Fighter I’s Shawn Wray and Kawika Harbottle, (Honolulu Fire Department [HFD]), Sgt.s Roger Nitta and Aaron Farias (Honolulu Police Department [HPD]) and Officer Allan Keller (HPD/Waipahu Weed and Seed), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Barron Oda (Senator Nishihara’s Office), Senator Will Espero, Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office), Representative Alex Sonson, Phillip Guillermo (Representative Alex Sonson’s Office), Representative Ryan Yamane, Brandon Lee (Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu’s Office), Michael Schowalter and En Young (Representative Sharon Har’s Office), Daniel De Gracia (Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa’s Office), Ilalo Parayno (Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa’s Office and FILCOM Center Representative), David Festerling (Governor’s Representative), Pat Lee, (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Consultant), Patty Dukes (Head of Emergency Medical Services [EMS]), Gordon Pang (Honolulu Advertiser), Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply), Liz Delfico (Waipahu Community Association), Bob Farrell (videographer), and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS – Everyone present introduced themselves.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro announced that at the November 15, 2007 regular meeting, two vacancies were filled: Chuck Wheatley, Subdistrict 3 and William Maglinti, Subdistrict 11. Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui administered the Oath of Office. 

Yakowenko mentioned that Irene Elston, Wheatley’s predecessor was supposed to be present at the November 2007 regular meeting. However, due to an injury from a fall which resulted in medical complications, she was unable to attend. He presented a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Board to Elston; and Wheatley accepted it on Elston’s behalf. 

Wheatley noted that Elston, Patsy Mink and C.O. Andy Andersen were the founding members of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board, having served 25 years and setting high standards of outstanding public/community service. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD:

FILLING OF VACANCIES IN SUBDISTRICTS 7, 8, AND 9 – Chair Oshiro asked if there were any candidates interested in filling any of the vacancies. Interested candidates should provide their addresses to Neighborhood Assistant Jamal Siddiqui for verification purposes. Board

Burke stated that he had found out that Board Members Roller and Nishimoto have resigned.  Herolaga replied that is not the case.  

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 15, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The following corrections were made:

·         Page 2, paragraph 1, line 6, under Filling of Vacancies, delete “seated” and insert “elected”;

·         Page 3, paragraph 9, line 1 under Mayor’s Representative, delete “routes 43 and 43A” and insert “stops 43 and Express A”;

·         Page 4, paragraph 4, under Residents Concerns, delete “at the Waipahu Satellite City Hall” and insert “Pearlridge Satellite City Hall”.

Yakowenko moved and Burke seconded to approve the November 15, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion was adopted unanimously 13-0-0.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan reported the following: December 2007 – previous operating account was $925.01, expenditures were $22.75, balance to date is $902.26; previous and current publicity account is $2,080.96; refreshment account remains at $120.00. Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report filed subject to audit. The motion was adopted unanimously 13-0-0.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – Capt.  Harold Naone reported: 1) Fires – 7 structure, 11 brush, 25 rubbish and 50 vehicle. 2) Emergencies – 333 medical, 10 search/rescue and 343 miscellaneous. 3) There were numerous traffic accidents that HFD responded to during the holiday season. 4) Fire Safety Tip: Ensure that your smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly in the presence of all household members. Practice your escape plan together. As a result of a smoke alarm and a parent’s quick response, a child’s life was saved. The child was unable to escape from the room where the fire originated; however, the parent told Fire Investigators that upon hearing the smoke alarm, she went to the room to investigate and was able to save her child. 

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sgt. Roger Nitta reported the number of offenses committee in December 2007 – 23 assaults, 24 auto thefts, 10 auto theft recoveries, 41 burglaries, 55 criminal property damages, 0 drug/narcotic, 227 motor vehicle collisions, 22 O.V.U.I.I., 5 robberies, 79 thefts, 62 U.E.M.V., 3,612 calls for services in Waipahu, 7,857 calls for service in District 3, 45.97% of calls for services and arrests: 56 adults and 36 juveniles.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Oshiro asked why traffic was backed up today on the H-1 Freeway. Sgt. Nitta replied that someone had fallen off over the Waipahu overpass landing on the H-1 Freeway. This incident remains under investigation.
• Chair Oshiro asked if HPD is monitoring illegal left turns heading toward Royal Kunia Shopping Center at Kupuna Loop. Sgt. Nitta replied that HPD is monitoring the situation. 
• Alfonso inquired further detailed information specifically the locations of police beat numbers 350, 351, 353, 360, 362 and 363 in the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 District. Sgt. Nitta’s response is as follows: 350 – Pupu Street, South Farrington Highway from Fort Weaver Road to Waipahu Depot Road; 351 – McDonalds at Leoku Street to Don Quijote Store to Paiwa Road; 353 – Village Park, Royal Kunia; 360 – Waipahu Depot Road from Leeward Community College to Waipahu High School; 362 – Waikele; 363 – Crestview, Seaview, Waipio Gentry and Pineapple Road. Note: Beats 350 and 351 are in the jurisdiction of HPD/Waipahu Weed & Seed. 

• Saniatan stated his concern regarding speeding at the Royal Kunia Junction. Sgt. Nitta replied that HPD will monitor the situation.

HPD WEED & SEED – Officer Alan Keller announced that the Neighborhood Security Watch Training is scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 5:00 p.m., Weed & Seed Safe Haven II (Blue Building at 94-132 Pupupuhi Street).

Alfonso stated that he had seen on television that Weed & Seed in Ewa Beach is closed due to lack funding therefore he inquired about the funding status of Waipahu Weed & Seed. Officer Keller stated that he would follow it up.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported the following: 1) Mayor Hannemann is in Washington D.C. attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting promoting Honolulu to the more than 250 Mayors from various U.S. cities. 2) The City’s website www.honoulu.gov has been revamped with improve features including finding directions to any place on Oahu. 3) Regarding the plans by the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to its bus stop relocation plans, DTS will measure amount of bus ridership that determines if the bus stops remain or is removed. 4) In response to an inquiry regarding recycling plastics, there is a code from 1 to 7. Codes 1 and 2 are recyclable items while codes 3 to 7 go to H-Power where recycling plastics are converted to energy. 5) Regarding notification of bulky item pick ups, call 786-4087 to Mr. Shiraki who is responsible to contact resident managers that bulky item pick ups are on the Third Mondays of the Month.  

Wheatley stated his concern that Express Bus A does not go inside St. Francis West Hospital where for some patients, taking the bus is their only mode of transportation. Hufana-Ablan will follow it up.

Without objections, the agenda was moved out of order.

PRESENTATIONS:

PROCESS FOR RELOCATING AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) RESPONSE UNIT AT WAIPIO GENTRY – Patty Dukes, Administrator for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) presented the following: (1) In response to a question raised earlier in the meeting regarding traffic being tied up on the H-1 Freeway, Dukes replied that the woman who jumped from the Waipahu Overpass on the H-1 Freeway is in critical condition at Queen’s Hospital. (2) EMS responded to 76,000 emergency calls last year, where 44,000 patients were taken to the hospital taking 44,000. (3) Acknowledged Representative Ryan Yamane for securing funding for EMS’ Waipio Gentry site. Since the Waipio Gentry site opened on January 17, 2008, there have been 101 emergency calls the EMS center has responded to. Dukes noted that the location in Waipio Gentry is strategic where it services the Waipahu, Waikele, Waipio Gentry, Crestview, Seaview and Waikele areas.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Chair Oshiro asked what plans are in the works to make the Waipio Gentry EMS Station a permanent one. Dukes replied that the EMS station is located next to McDonalds on Ukee Street.

2. Burke asked Dukes why she was not present at the Waipio Gentry Community Association (WGCA) meeting. Dukes attended the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board No. 25 meeting last night. Both this Board and WGCA where that Board along with this Board supports an expedited process to have a permanent EMS station in Waipio Gentry. 

The order of the agenda was resumed.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

HPD WAIPAHU SUBSTATION CLOSURE AND RELOCATION – Chair Oshiro expressed dismay when in December 2007, a meeting with HPD Maj. Tandal who received a letter from Don Quijote Management that HPD’s Waipahu Station had to be closed and relocate elsewhere. This shows Don Quijote’s Management’s unwillingness in not serving the community. Herolaga suggested that HPD move their Waipahu Station to the Waipahu Festival Market Place. Wheatley suggested Waipahu Shopping Center next to the Golden Coin Restaurant where there is an empty lot that would provide ample space to house HPD’s Waipahu Station. Mayor’s Representative Hufana-Ablan will follow up on it with the Department of Customer Services.  Alfonso inquired if the City could take legal action against Don Quijote. Hufana-Ablan will follow it up with City Corporation Counsel.

VILLAGE PARK NO LEFT TURN FROM KUPUNA LOOP INTO THE SHOPPING CENTER; TRAFFIC AND SAFETY CONCERNS –  Andrade stated that in November 2007, the Village Park Community Association voted to close the left turn lane from Kupuna Loop where motorists are rushing to make a left turn towards the Royal Kunia Shopping Center thereby creating a traffic hazard for pedestrians.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

PATSY T. MINK CENTRAL OAHU REGONAL PARK/WAIPIO SOCCER COMPLEX – Burke complimented Glen Kajiwara and his maintenance crew from the Department of Parks and Recreation’s District 5 for doing an exemplary job in maintaining The Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, Waipio Soccer Complex and Hans L’Orange Parks. Burke added that that Kapiolani Park has the largest number of maintenance crew personnel working there that is more than the total maintenance crew personnel working at Central Oahu Regional Park, Waipio Soccer Complex and Hans L’Orange Park combined.

FILCOM CENTER – Ilalo Parayno expressed regret that Tony Arre, the regular FILCOM Center Representative, could not be present tonight. Parayno announced that on May 5, 2008, there will be a Filipino Fiesta taking place at the FILCOM Center.

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR – Project Consultant Pat Lee expressed appreciation to the Board in participating in the process regarding the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project. Lee stated that the Honolulu City Council voted to approve the Technical Committee comprising of 5 members (2 appointed by the Mayor, 2 appointed by the City Council and 1 appointed by the Technical Committee) to evaluate and decide which technology should be used for the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the proposed system should be completed by end of 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns:  Wheatley announced there would be a Leeward Transit Oriented Development Committee meeting on January 30, 2008, 6:30 p.m., FILCOM Center.

LEEWARD YMCA – No representative was present.

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OMPO CAC) – Chair Oshiro asked if any 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) Angie Bugarin is the new Office Manager. (2) The Waipahu Festival Marketplace has been open for the past two months. The shopping center will be hosting a variety of community services including free federal and state tax filings by certified volunteer tax preparers on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from January 23 to April 9, 2008. (3) Regarding funding of the Waipahu Weed & Seed, her salary is the funding where she coordinates and works on getting financial grants for additional funding to the Waipahu Weed & Seed programs.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. 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.

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 November and December 2007. 2) On behalf of BWS wishing everyone a Happy New Year. (3) Distributed the 2008 Water Conservation Calendar.

REPORTS FROM NB PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUPS – Burke reported that on the Koa Ridge Mauka Project will precede the Koa Ridge Makai Project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – 1) Andrade Nishimoto announced that landscaping is being done at Village Park to beautify the community. 2)  Burke announced that longtime Waipahu resident and former Mayor’s Representative to this Board Sid Baquilar is doing very well in the Philippines where his business his thriving.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

SUNSHINE LAW: LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS FOR 2008 LEGISLATURE; OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES (OIP) OPINION REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REQUIREMENT – Chair Oshiro stated that he would keep this item on the Board’s Agenda for the time being.  Yakowenko mentioned that he is working with Representative Sonson on House Bill 1968 that allows two or more Board members but constituting less than a quorum to investigate issues/items that relates to Board Business. 

REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Chair Oshiro announced that the proposed redistricting of this Board from 11 Subdistricts to 3 Subdistricts and 9 At-Large Seats will be on the agenda at the next Neighborhood Commission Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2008, 7:00 p.m., Kapolei Hale. 

T-MOBILE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – Chair Oshiro informed everyone that he received a letter from Kusao and Kurahashi, project consultants for the T- Mobile Project stating that the Christmas Tree Monopole is not possible. Chair Oshiro expressed disappointment with T-Mobile’s lack of creativity.

NEW BUSINESS:

VILLAGE PARK ACTION ON NO LEFT TURN FROM KUPUNA LOOP INTO SHOPPING CENTER DUE TO TRAFFIC AND SAFETY CONCERNS – Andrade moved and Maus seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 send a letter to HPD and appropriate City Departments and Agencies requesting No Left Turn From Kupuna Loop into Shopping Center due to traffic and safety concerns. Discussion followed: Yakowenko inquired if HPD could do a surveillance ion the area. Andrade replied that HPD do frequent area surveillance. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 13-0-0. 

REGIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD PROPOSAL – Chair Oshiro informed the Board that he received a letter from Kioni Dudley, Chair of the Kapolei/Makakilo/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34, suggesting a Regional Neighborhood Board to deal with issues concerning Leeward Oahu.

Various Board members expressed skepticism regarding this proposal where the purpose of the Neighborhood Board is to deal with issues in a community that is based in a geographic area therefore not worth discussing it.

Burke moved and Wheatley seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 reject the proposed concept of a Regional Neighborhood Board. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 13-0-0. 

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

CITY COUNCILMEMBER NESTOR GARCIA – Councilmember Garcia distributed his written monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Conveyed best wishes and a happy new year to Board members. 2) Distributed written information regarding Free Prescription Drug Discount Cards, a program designed for uninsured and underinsured residents of participating National Association of Counties (NACo) member counties nationwide. 3) With regards to a concern raised by Wheatley earlier in the meeting in requesting a bus stop fronting St. Francis West Medical Center, he will work to address this issue concerning easement for the bus access to enter and exit the hospital. 4) The Honolulu City Council recently adopted Resolution 08-04, CD-1, concerning the Mokuola Vista Affordable Housing Project. 5) Asking for Board support to send a letter to HPD Chief Bossie Correa and Mayor Hannemann for the need in having a Police Station in Waipahu.

Wheatley moved and Burke seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 send a letter expressing concern to why Don Quijote Management evicted HPD from their premises and  establish an HPD Station in Waipahu. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 13-0-0.

7) Councilmember Garcia informed the Board that he held a meeting today with Lester Chang, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) concerning repairing the decking parameter for the swimming pool at Waipahu District Park. The question is whether is there a demand in the community for a swimming pool in the Waipahu District. If there is a demand, proceed with the renovation. If there is no demand, the project will not proceed.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. In response to Chair Oshiro, Councilmember Garcia replied that the City and not the State that builds and maintains public swimming pools.
2. Chair Oshiro noted that Salvation Army is constructing a swimming pool at their new Kapolei Facility. In addition, the Leeward YMCA has a swimming pool. He stated his personal support to have a public swimming pool in Waipahu.
3. Burke pointed out that Central Oahu Regional Park has a swimming pool that is designed for competitive swimming and mentioned that Waipahu is a densely populated neighborhood.
4. Wheatley suggested that a newspaper article should be written so that the public including area schools, senior citizens and others in the community, the need for a public swimming pool in Waipahu. He also added that Aiea, Waipahu, Kapolei and Mililani High Schools do not have swimming pools on their campuses.
5. Chair Oshiro commented that the location of Waipahu District Park may not be ideal.
6. Councilmember Garcia stated that community awareness and support is critical to have a public swimming pool in Waipahu.

•  Wheatley stated that speed bumps are needed on Pupupuhi Street.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Karen Scharfenstein distributed Councilmember Okino’s written monthly report and highlighted the following: (1) Distributed written information regarding Free Prescription Drug Discount Cards, a program designed for uninsured and underinsured residents of participating National Association of Counties (NACo) member counties nationwide. (2) Councilmember Okino has secured funding for road repairs in Waipio Gentry. 

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – David Festerling distributed the Governor’s written monthly report and highlighted the following: Governor Lingle’s 2008 State of the State Address was given on Tuesday, January 22, 2008. The text of the address is available online at www.state.hi.gov. Festerling noted that the speech is translated in the following languages: Hawaiian, Tagalog, Illocano, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Alfonso inquired about the State ID program that has not been updated on the State’s website. Festerling replied that the State has a new website server therefore the State ID program on the web will be updated soon.

H-1 Freeway Resurfacing from Waipahu to Waikele – Festerling introduced Scott Ishikawa, Spokesperson from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to give a report regarding the H-1 Freeway Resurfacing from Waipahu to Waikele.

Ishikawa reported that DOT will begin work on Sunday, February 3, 2008. This “pavement preservation” project will resurface all freeway lanes along 1.83 mile stretch of the H-1 Freeway, including the on-and-off ramps at the Paiwa Interchange and the eastbound Waipahu off-ramp (Exit 8A [East]). Contractor Grace Pacific Corporation is scheduled to complete the $4.6 million project in June 2008. Lane closures will run along this section of the H-1 Freeway from Sunday nights through Friday mornings from 9:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. No work is scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights. Lane closures and dates will be publicized in future weekly DOT news releases. Overnight ramp closures are tentatively scheduled from the first week of April as part of the repaving. The Zipperlane will also be deployed earlier than normal on three Sunday nights (February 10 and 24 and March 2) beginning at 6:00 p.m. to make room for the repaving work. This project helps extend the lifespan of roadway surfaces by repaving the top layer of asphalt before there is subsequent damage to the road foundation. This proactive approach prevents future repaving work that would be much more extensive and expensive. 

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

SENATOR WILL ESPERO – Senator Espero distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: 1) He will sponsor legislation to fund the State ID Program being administered by the counties. 2) In wake of the murder of Karen Ertell in her home by a 15-year old neighbor. The current statute allows this 15-year killer to have a trial in family court where trial will be held behind closed doors and if convicted will be released by his 19^th birthday. Therefore, sponsoring new legislation to require all 15 year olds accused of murder to be tried as adults and if found guilty, serve time in juvenile detention, then be transferred to an adult prison upon reaching 18 years of age. 3) Currently there is a 10 year statute of limitation on rape cases. With today’s technology, cold cases can now be solved. Therefore is introducing a bill to remove the statute of limitations on rape cases so that we can catch and prosecute sexual offenders in our communities. 4) Regarding the disappearance of Peter Boy Kema, a young boy who was allegedly given to his auntie over 10 years ago. To date, the auntie was never found or identified even though the parents say Peter Boy was given to her on Oahu. He is working on legislation to never allow this lame excuse be used by a parent or guardian. This case appears to have allowed the parents to get away with murder by saying the child was sent away to live with another person. He is saddened and shocked that the parents have not been tried for the disappearance of Peter Boy Kema. 5) Part-Hawaiians account for 40% of the state’s inmate population comprise 22% of the state’s population, a sad commentary. Therefore is introducing legislation to create a task force to study why the rate of incarceration for Hawaiians is so high and what kind of actions we should take to reverse this statistic. 6) Presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Irene Elston, one of the founding members of this Board who recently resigned from the Board. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Chair Oshiro asked Senator Espero if the Senate State ID Bill has a counterpart bill in the House of Representatives. Senator Espero replied no.

2. Alfonso inquired about phone charges being paid by Hawaii prisoners. Senator Espero replied that he would work on a resolution to address this problem.   

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Senator Nishihara distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: 1) Stated strong personal support for having a public swimming pool at Waipahu District Park. 2) In meetings with constituents, they do not support Governor Lingle’s proposal to purchase land Turtle Bay Resort as Preservation Land to prevent development due to financial costs for land acquisition. 3) Highlighted various Senate Bills he is authoring this session: SB 2199 – Grants service credit for state retirement purposes for service as a Philippine veteran; SB 2022 – Appropriates funds to construct a sidewalk on Waipahu Street from Waipahu Depot Road to Awamoi Street and from Amokii Street to Waikele Road; SB 2012 – Requires dealers and redemption centers to pay consumers the scrap value for aluminum cans in addition to the deposit refund value; and SB 2023 – Exempts county neighborhood boards from the ‘sunshine law” or Chapter 92, HRS, relating to public agency meetings. 4) On Saturday, March 1, 2008, will be involved in recycling items at Waipahu Intermediate School where proceeds will benefit the Waipahu Schools Complex.

REPRESENTATIVE ALEX SONSON – Representative Sonson distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: 1) Sponsoring HB 1512 – Authorizes public input at noticed neighborhood board meetings and discussion but not on decision making on those issues. In addition, it allows of two or more neighborhood board members but less than a quorum to attend meetings related to board business. 2)  He expressed concern that a developer who presented plans housing plans to this Board has changed plans instead to construct low-income rentals while bypassing this Board. HE tanked Mayor Hannemann for going out of his way to save the character of the Waipahu community. 3) As Chair of the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment, is eager to working on bills this session that will benefit public sector employees.

REPRESENTATIVE RYAN YAMANE – Representative Yamane distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following: 1) Apologized for not being present at the previous Board meeting held in November 2007 due to the passing of his Father-In-Law. 2) On January 5, 2008, he along with Boy Scout Troop No. 32, based at Kanoelani Elementary School participated in the Aloha Aina Earth Day Recycling Community Clean Up held at Mililani Park and Ride where residents from the Mililani, Mililani Mauka, Waipio Gentry, Waikele, Waipahu and Wahiawa brought in various items including scrap metal, appliances, auto parts, bicycles, newspaper, cardboard, beverage containers, usable clothing, household items, green waste, car batteries, telephone books and computers. 3) In the wake of numerous copper thefts taking place, is introducing legislation that would require copper to be purchased by checks, not cash in order to track and trace the monies involved in copper transactions. 4) The Waipio Gentry EMS Unit has been up and running of this year where they are averaging 8 to 14 calls a day. There will be formal opening for this new Waipio Gentry EMS Unit is scheduled in June 2008. 5) Introducing legislation that would funds area education projects: design and construction of a covered walkway for Kanoelani Elementary School; improvements and construction of ADA projects and slope stabilization for a building at the back of Mililani Uka School; design and construction of covered bus stops and benches for Mililani Middle School; and design and construction of the football field and Girls Athletic Locker Room for Mililani High School.   

SENATOR MIKE GABBARD – Erika Moon distributed and stands by Senator Gabbard’s monthly written repot.

REPRESENTATIVE JON RIKI KARAMATSU – Brandon Lee distributed and stands by Representative Karamatsu’s monthly written report. 

REPRESENTATIVE SHARON HAR – Michael Schowalter and En Young distributed and stood by Representative Har’s monthly written report. 

REPRESENTATIVE RIDA CABANILLA – Ilalo Parayno distributed and stands by Representative Cabanilla’s monthly written report.

ADJOURMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 10:24 p.m.

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant