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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. This Board of 19 requires a vote of 10 to adopt motions; a quorum of 13 was present.  

MEMBERS PRESENT – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Cory Chun, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Terry Healy, Connie Herolaga, Thomas Maus, Richard Oshiro, Kerry Nishimoto, Rito Saniatan, Chuck Wheatley and George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Romeo Garcia, Joe Hunkin Jr., William Maglinti Jr.

GUESTS – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Venus Delos Santos (Senator Willie Espero’s office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Senator Mike Gabbard, Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Firefighter Christopher Powell (Honolulu Fire Department HFD), Honolulu Police Officer, Liz Delfico (Waipahu Weed and Seed), Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s office), Representative Alex Sonson, Ilalo Parayno (Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa’s office), David Festerling (Governor’s Representative), Danielle Bass (Representative Ryan Yamane’s office), Pat Lee (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Consultant HHCTCP), (Board of Water Supply), Elizabeth Chinn (City Department of Planning and Permitting DPP), Stan Fujimoto; Karen Seddon and  (Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation HHFDC), Henry Imai, Bill Balfour (Monsanto), Mike Kimura, Breene Harimoto (State Department  of Education DOE), Mario Pacho, Jamie Corra, Dean Harvest, Allan Bartolone, Rudy Costales, Buddy Correa, Dean Harvest and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office staff NCO).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS – Chair Oshiro welcomed everyone and requested everyone introduce themselves.

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, no one came forward.     

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 28, 2008 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Yakowenko moved and Chair Oshiro seconded to accept the February 28, 2008 meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (13-0-0: Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Duhaylonsod, Healey, Herolaga, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro, Saniatan, Yokiwneko, Wheatley)

TREASURER’S REPORT – Yakowenko reported expenses incurred in February 2008 were; Operating Account expended $132.23 for postage, printing and facility rental; balance was $870.70: Publicity Account balance is $1,871.72: Refreshment Account balance was $120. This leaves a closing total appropriated balance of $ 2,730.28.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – Firefighter Powell reported statistics for the month of February: 1 structure, 2 brush, 3 rubbish and 8 vehicle fires; 137 medical emergencies: Fire Safety Tip: Cooking at home can be a fun family activity, but please be careful. According to the U.S. Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. The following precautions can be taken to minimize your chances of starting a cooking fire; do not leave food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat, and take a spoon or oven mitt with you to remind yourself of the food on the stove.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – HPD Officer reported statistics for the month of February: 1) 23 assaults, 23 auto thefts, 19 auto thefts recovery, 23 burglaries, 44 criminal property damage, 5 drug/narcotics, 179 motor vehicle collisions, 4 robberies, 59 thefts, 45 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV). 2) There were about 3,000 calls for services in the Waipahu district and about 6,500 in the Pearl City district. 3) There were 57 adult and 29 juvenile arrests.

Questions and concerns:

·                      Alfonso was curious where he could access information regarding jaywalking laws. HPD Officer said         to search under Honolulu.gov and scroll under districts’ laws and complaints. Burke said to do an ordinance              search on the same site; bills and resolutions can also be found.

·                      Yakowenko inquired if HPD has selected a new sub-station location and if there has been reduction in staff.             HPD Officer said a new location is currently being sought.

·                      Herolaga wanted to commend an HPD Officer for assisting with after Easter service traffic congestion. The officer happened to witness the traffic safety mishaps on Farrington Highway at St. Joseph church.

MAYOR HANNEMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE – B. Hufanna-Ablan reported:

1)       The rail transit committee has opposed the steel wheels on steel rails recommendation at the March 19 meeting. Councilmember Garcia would be best to advise the community as council continues to meet.

2)       The next Transit Oriented Development Plan (TOD) meeting will be held on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Waipahu Elementary School Cafeteria.

3)       The transit Advisory Committee meeting will be held on April 22 at 7:00 p.m. at Waipahu Elementary School Cafeteria.

4)       According to the City Department of Transportation Services, TheBus rider-ship between December 2007 and February 2008 increased from 1,936 to 5,609.

5)       TheBoat has a new schedule, adding a third trip to its’ current schedule; leave Kalaeloa Harbor for Aloha Tower at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Returning schedule leaves Aloha Tower Harbor for Kalaeloa Harbor at ; 3:55, 5:00 and 6:15 p.m.

6)       DPP supported two bills affecting the neighborhood boards; HB 2730 and HB 1512, both bills removes unnecessary barriers that prevent key community leaders from participation in planning for their communities at public information meetings and workshops. Both bills can be found by logging on to www.capitol.hawaii.gov.

7)       The Waipahu swimming pool development process is ongoing with re-tiling; therefore covering the pool is not necessary. The pool cleanup should be completed by year end 2009.

8)       The sidewalks on North Road in Ewa Beach have been temporarily patched up; permanent work will be scheduled for mid June 2008 pending equipment and resource availability.

9)       According to the State Department of Transportation Services, the bus stop request near the Latter Day Saints church on North Road, Ewa Beach would have to be supported by and benefit the surrounding community.

Questions and concerns:

·          Burke inquired about TheBoat’s last round of the day; does one boat return empty. B. Hufana-Ablan will follow up.

·          Duhaylonsod said the right side of the intersection of Paiwa and Waipahu Streets was a large crack due to overgrown tree roots.

·          Chair Oshiro asked to clarify why the pool cannot be covered up prior to the start of construction. It is now an eyesore, with trash and graffiti in the empty pool, and is a safety hazard as well. B. Hufana-Ablan will follow up.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1)       Paiwa Street parking: H. Imai lives on the corner of Paiwa and Ka’anuinui Streets across from the district park near where the Plantation Town Apartment project is being built. He said his driveway faces Paiwa Street and cars are parked too close which block his view of oncoming vehicles. There is also a stop sign at the intersection which should allow him 30 feet clearance from the stop sign, however, cars continue to park there and vehicles do not obey the stop sign. He alleged the current Plantation Town Apartment construction workers own most of the cars creating the parking problem. He has avoided about eight near miss incidents and is concerned for the safety of everyone using the intersection. He asked the Board tonight to assist with a petition submitted by concerned neighbors of Paiwa Street intersection.  He shared pictures of the intersection and gave Chair Oshiro the signed petition to be submitted. Saniatan asked the project developer, Mike Kimura, if there was parking available for the workers on site. M. Kimura said currently the parking lot is being worked on. Constituents from the Paiwa Street neighborhood said HPD should monitor the intersection and issue citations if warranted.

Plantation Town Apartments: Chair Oshiro said City Council had a resolution pending to allow rental units versus sales only for the project. M. Kimura said the City Council passed a resolution allowing the units to be rented if they could not be sold by the closing date of July 8, 2008. M. Kimura said it was not his intention to offer rentals; however, he has again initiated sales this past month. There are about 100 units now pending sales with partial contracts in place. The condominium will be converted to a tax free credit and the association will be formed by July 8.

Questions and concerns:

·          Alfonso said he understood the medium income was at 120%. M. Kimura said a family of four can qualify at an income of $77,300.

·          Herolaga asked how long will the rentals continue. M. Kimura said his goal is to sell all units; however, there will be options to rent to own offered; month to month, or a six month lease.

·          Chair Oshiro asked what the parking ratio will be at the project and if motorcycle parking will be provided as well. M. Kimura said the project is near a transit station and expected most tenants to have a parking stall; other stalls will be available for rent.

·          H. Imai asked how many three bedroom units in the condominium. M. Kimura said there were 44 units with 11 per corner units.

·          Chair Oshiro inquired if the developer anticipated any other new affordable projects for sale or rental in the district. Stan Fujimoto from Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) said currently he does not know of any.

·          Herolaga asked Councilmember Garcia to comment on the project.

·          Councilmember Garcia said he is still waiting for a report request from the developer. The report subject being sought was how to increase the pool for sales and a clause was added to keep the medium income of 120% instead of 140% as originally proposed.

·          Burke asked if there was a resale restriction once a unit was purchased. M. Kimura said it will require the approval of the State.

Chair Oshiro moved the agenda without opposition to hear related issue to Paiwa Street parking

under new business on the agenda.

New Business: Paiwa Street no parking – Herolaga said only the four homes on Paiwa Street have signed the petition; the rest of the neighborhood will have to comply with the no parking zone once the State Department of Transportation implements it. Yakowenko asked if the Board should review the situation after the construction of the parking lot is completed and if the illegal parking continues. Andrade suggested the developer ask the workers to not park in this intersection. Chair Oshiro said he will have to review and validate the petition and needed the State Department of Transportation Services’ input. Herolaga suggested asking HPD to cite illegal parked cars at this intersection instead of the Board having to make a decision especially when a risk of a deadly accident is involved. H. Imai said cars are not coming to a complete stop at the intersection making the safety visual issue even more of a concern. Burke moved and Duhaylonsod seconded to recommend temporary establishment of a no parking zone on Paiwa Street in front of 94-265, 94-267 and 94-269. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (13-0-0: Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Duhaylonsod, Healey, Herolaga, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro, Saniatan, Yakowenko, Wheatley)

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

FILCOM CENTER –

1)       The Smart Senior’s Program is suspended as of February 29, 2008 pending Grants In Aid for fiscal year 2008. The funds have not been released by the Governor’s office.

2)       Registration for Basic and Computer Photography in on going. The fee is $25 per course.

       Filipino Fiesta and Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 10. Participants interested in business booths, food and        parade should call 680-0451.

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR – Project Consultant Pat Lee reported:  

­­­­­­­­­The fixed rail line will be fed every mile off the adjacent power grid to help move the system in the event of power failure. The independent panel has chosen steel wheel on steel rail based on several evaluation criteria such as reliability, duration capacity and cost. The panel felt this modern system has proven best results with 56 out of 62 federally funded rail systems throughout the nation. City Council has amended the recommendations by asking the panel to consider; rubber tires on concrete and magnetic levitation. April 3 and 16 will be the next council sessions discussing the final system. 

Questions and concerns:

·          Burke was not confident the electrical power grids would be sufficient to support the system during a major         blackout. P. Lee said the city experienced a heavy blackout about 25 years ago; having few and far between         interruptions, city has moved ahead thus far. P. Lee said the upcoming transit meeting in Waipahu on April               23 will offer more information regarding the transit planning.

·          Wheatley expressed concern that the outer islands were also being charged for Oahu’s transit and felt the                                terms of the system may be politically linked to the city planners and providers. P. Lee said only Oahu                                 residents are getting charged the ½ percent surcharge for the rail system.

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OMPO CAC) – Chair Oshiro said we still needed a representative to this committee and asked members if they have an interest in serving to let him know.    

WAIPAHU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (WCA) – Liz Delfico reported:

1)       April 2 will be the next Weed & Seed meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Waipahu Intermediate School Cafeteria. Speakers will include U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo; underage drinking in Waipahu will be discussed.

2)       Training was offered to 18 residents on March 19.

3)       An “aloha” celebration for Sergeant Cheryl will be held on April 15 at 8:00 p.m. at Pupupuhi Street as she is returning to desk duty.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – N. Hanohano reported:

1)       There was a main break on February 2 in Waipahu.

2)       The BWS continually analyzes the water system to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. There are four factors              that BWS takes into account: Condition Assessment, Water System Upgrades, Public Impact, and Project                 Coordination. Once the above four factors are analyzed and a stretch is identified, BWS budgets for design and    construction and then notifies all involved parties including Neighborhood Boards. A bid process followed. BWS          recognizes the impact construction projects can have on a community. However, these projects are critical to reducing          the number of emergencies. To find out BWS constructions in your area, log onto to boardofwatersupply.com and click     on “Construction Projects” or contact BWS at 748-5730.

Questions and concerns:

·          Alfonso asked if BWS will be testing for pharmaceuticals or medicine in the system. N. Hanohano said testing in the water system is still being developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and currently had no guidelines in place. Underground rain water is only used for consumption and is 100% protected. The rumors circulating on Kauai regarding this issue is false. Those concerned are encouraged to call the Clean Water Branch.

REPORTS FROM NB PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUPS – No report available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – There were no announcements.

PRESENTATIONS:

Department of Public Safety: Offender Reintegration Program – Jodie Maesaka-Hirata reported: the Waiawa Correctional Facility will begin a pilot reintegration program effective Monday, May 5. The purpose of the pilot program is two-fold; one is to proactively address the overcrowding and lack of bed space and second is the needs of the offenders and to prepare for their re-entry back to our communities by partnering with the local Trade Unions and other work establishments in the area. To do this, the program will focus on establishing: a) Develop career pathways to enhance technical and vocational skills. b) Develop life skills that include but not limited to positive work ethics and lifelong learning and coping skills for working and residing in the community. c) Stable employment prior to parole and release to community.

Participant criteria included some of the following; sincere interest in participation, 30 day notices to the Prosecutors’ Office  , no formal or informal misconducts of any type within the last six months, those with mandatory minimums are eligible, those with consecutive sentences must be within 24 months of their final sentence expiring, must be medically cleared, have a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) or equivalent and must have competed all recommended departmental recommended programs.

The department humbly requested the community’s support as the Waiawa Correctional Facility embarked on this new endeavor.

Questions and concerns:

·          Burke asked what support was needed from the Board; he would like to support the program in giving them a         chance. J. M-Hirata said the program utilizes vans and will need to establish a drop off and pick up point for              the participants. The facility itself is located approximately 4 miles from the main road. She does not want the          community to become suspicious of the participants waiting at bus stops and being dropped off by vans. She            asked for the community’s support.

·          Wheatley asked if they will be incarcerated or residents of the community. J. M-Hirata said they will not be residents. She said the candidates will exclude sex offenders and hard criminal offenders. The participants will also be performing community services.

·          Yakowenko motioned and Burke seconded to for the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 to support the Waiawa Correctional Facility pilot reintegration program. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (13-0-0: Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Duhaylonsod, Healey, Herolaga, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro, Saniatan, Yakowenko, Wheatley)

REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Yakowenko inquired what date is the public hearing. Chair Oshiro said he was waiting to hear from NCO to confirm public notice of the hearing but a deadline was not met. The State Sunshine Law required a 30 day public notice prior to the actual meeting and as he was informed the notice was published and the hearing will be held April 24 starting at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular Board meeting.   

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

1)       Sunshine Law updates were covered earlier in the agenda.

2)       Redistricting hearing information were covered earlier in the agenda

3)       Waipahu Substation was covered earlier in the agenda

NEW BUSINESS –

Bicycle Safety Resolution: the draft will be emailed to all Board members and the NA will provide copies at the April meeting before discussing this item.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Councilmember Nestor Garcia reported –

Plantation Town Apartments; the resolution amended the affordable target markets at least 10% of the units rented or sold to households earning 80% or less of median income, at least 20% of the units rented or sold between 81 % and 120% of median income and any remaining units rented or sold be at 140% or less of median income. The developer is required to submit quarterly written reports to the Council and DPP documenting their efforts and progress.

UH West Oahu Zone Change; UH is requesting a changing in zone for some 500-acres of land in Kapolei. The Planning Commission considered the zone change request on March 12 and is recommending approval in agreement with the DPP’s recommendation.

Transit Legislation; Bill 80 was further amended to include rubber tire on concrete and maglev technologies for consideration and reported for the second reading and referred back to the Transportation and Public Works Committee. Then next meeting is scheduled for April 3 at 9:30 a.m.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – D. Festerling reported:

1)       The Governor’s Turtle Bay (TB) Advisory Working Group encourages the public to stay involved with the efforts acquire the Turtle Bay property. The bill (SB2423) authorizing the Governor to acquire the TB property is moving forward in the House. You can email and ask to receive regular updates at TurtleBayAWG@gmail.com and visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/turtlebay.

2)       As part of the Administration’s effort to promote access to, and openness in, state government, a new webpage has been created on the Governor’s website at www.hawaii.gov/gov/missed-it.

Questions and concerns:

·          Chair Oshiro asked why the State’s Land Use policies weren’t being used to preserve the TB North Shore                                         lands from further development, instead of an outright purchase by the State. Why can’t we use those millions                  of dollars to fix our traffic problem on H-1. Mr. Festerling will follow up and get back to us at our next Board                          meeting.

·          Wheatley said he was informed that the State may award Turtle Bay to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

·          Alfonso asked about the copper theft issue and how the freeway lights are still not working. D. Festerling the department is working on a solution with the State Department of Transportation.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – A monthly report was circulated.

SENATOR GABBARD – A monthly report was circulated.

SENATOR ESPERO – A monthly report was circulated.

COUNCILMEMBER OKINO – A monthly report was circulated.

REPRESENTATIVE CABANILLA – A monthly report was circulated.

SENATOR NISHIHARA reported:

1)       HB 2730 and 1512 will allow Neighborhood Boards without Quorum to receive public information and time sensitive announcements.

2)       The Kamehameha Highway dip was reported to State Department of Transportation a month ago.

3)       The Transportation Security Association (TSA) has granted an extension to Hawaii to meet requirements under the federal “Real ID” Act. With the extension Hawaii now has until December 31, 2009 to comply with the Act.

4)       Portions of Kamehameha Highway fronting Sam’s Club area will be receiving some needed new 10 street lights at the cost of 1 million dollars.

Questions and concerns:

·          Alfonso inquired about the update on the copper theft issue in regards to freeway lights that are still out and              pose a safety problem. Senator Nishihara said he has been in touch with State Department of Transportation             Director Morioka and they are working on a solution to replacing the wiring with alternatives.

REPRESENTATIVE ALEX SONSON – Representative Sonson reported:

1)       HB 2730 and 1512 will allow Neighborhood Boards without Quorum to receive public information and time sensitive announcements.

2)       A landmark store on Waipahu Street will be demolished at the end of March; asbestos has been removed this week. The 15,000 square feet location had many problems over the years with alleged drug and prostitution issues and was unable to be sold.

3)       He is in favor of a constitutional convention to promote education and labor in government.

ADJOURMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin, NA

Approved by Chair Oshiro