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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008

FILCOM CENTER

Call To Order – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present with 12 members. Note: This 19 member Board requires a vote of 10 to adopt a motion.   

Members Present – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Stephen Antonio, Cory Chun, Connie Herolaga, Robert Kakalia, Richard Oshiro (arrived at 8:45 p.m.), Marty Burke, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Thomas Maus, Rito Saniatan, George Yakowenko, and Chuck Wheatley

Members Absent – Romeo Garcia, Terry Healey, William Maglinti, and Kerry Nishimoto                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Guests – Senator Michelle Kidani, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Firefighter Chris Powell (Honolulu Fire Department: Waikele Fire Station-HFD), Sgt. Kaneshiro (Honolulu Police Department-HPD), Erika Moon (Senator Gabbard’s office), David Festerling (Governor’s Representative), Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply-BWS), Breene Harimoto (Board of Education-BOE), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Okino’s office), John Bond (Save Ewa Field), Stephanie Whalen (Hawaii Agriculture Research Center-HARC), Eti Fealofai, Connie Guinto, Olivia Sabas, Fely & Mark Wayfield, Tom Berg, Gary Omori, Ilalo Parayno, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO). 

Organization of Board –

Sub-district 9 has one vacancy; Acting Chair Herolaga asked if anyone were interested in filling the vacancy. No one stepped forward.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes –

September 25, 2008 minutes: adopted without objections with the following amendments.

Page 3: under No. E; replace “provide lessons can” with “apply may contact the Waipahu High School complex to”; replace “George from Royal Kunia Golf Park” with “Yakowenko”; replace “Board Chair” with “Board Representative”.

Treasurer’s Report – Saniatan reported expenses incurred in October 2008 were; Operating Account expended $24.09 for postage and printing; leaving a balance of $1,092.89: Publicity Account balance was $1,750.00: Refreshment Account remained at $120. This left a closing total appropriated balance of $ $2,962.89.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Powell reported statistics for the month of October consisted of:  22 wildfires and 127 medical emergency calls. Fire Safety Tip:  This holiday season, consider a fire-resistant, artificial Christmas tree. However, if a natural tree was chosen; choose one as fresh as possible; keep it hydrated and away from home heat sources. Use noncombustible materials for decorations. Also, choose only Underwriter’s Laboratory approved electrical decorations and follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation and load. Do not overload extension cords. Also, holiday family gathering often include extensive food preparations; significant portion of home fires originate in the kitchen, therefore, do not leave cooking unattended. Have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher available near the kitchen and learn to use it. Turn off the heat if you must leave the stove, even if only for a few minutes. Never wear long, loose-sleeved clothing while cooking. Turn the handles on pots and pans inward to prevent accidents. Keep children away from the kitchen. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso inquired regarding instructions on using a fire extinguisher. Firefighter Powell said to study the extinguisher and upon use; pull the release lever, aim at the target and squeeze the handle to release the chemical to extinguish the fire. He also invited anyone to stop by the fire station; if they are in quarters they will be happy to demonstrate how to use a fire extinguisher.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Capt. Misaki circulated the statistic report included 1) Waipahu contributed to 45.53 percent of service calls with 2,972 calls out of 6,528 total calls from District 3.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       T. Burke inquired how service calls were calculated. Capt. Misaki said all 911 calls were service calls.

2)       Wheatley reported the huge gang fight armed with poles and lumber at Pupukahi required about 30 HPD officers; a cause for concerns for both HPD and the community. Capt. Misaki said individuals were armed with “tools” and required assistance from other districts.

3)       Saniatan added that now was a good time to inquire and propose for a new sub-station once again. Capt. Misaki said the lease was expired at the last proposed location; currently HPD was using a location at the festival market place.

Weed and Seed – No representative or report available.  

Mayor Hannemann’s report – Andrade read the report on behalf of B. Hufana-Ablan who was not present tonight: 1) HPD reported that the Waipahu location considered was not appropriate for HPD’s use.  Due to the budget restrictions, funds that were previously used for our Weed and Seed office site in Waipahu were no longer available. Location being sought was for an office to house the Weed and Seed personnel; therefore, housing HPD officers within this Weed and Seed site. 2) The beat officers have been made aware of this complaint and were instructed to monitor Kahualena Street as no crosswalk and no flashing cross warning light exist for the area.  No violations have been observed; officers will continue to patrol. 3) Stagnant water in a street dip at 94-1243 Lumikula Street.  The area is being checked out and a status report will be file with the board in January, 2009. 4) A bus stop closer to the Filipino Community Center location will be evaluated; determination at the January 2009 Board Meeting.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1)       Alfonso commended the City for storm drain cleaning as it was long overdue.

2)       Yakowenko suggested HPD look into the Youth Center where Head Start was housed now vacant; a 30 year lease was only $1. Herolaga said the situation regarding the building was currently pending court proceeding and may not be available for some time.

3)       Wheatley suggested the new City Plan covering Board meetings should be reviewed to coincide with the state Sunshine Law as some guidelines violated the Sunshine Law. 

4)       Alfonso asked Olelo video staff to correct the Board’s meeting place statement during broadcast of the Board meeting; currently it’s stating the Board met at Cultural Gardens.

5)       Burke said the Mink Park advisory committee had real concerns over the noise, fireworks and public drinking at the park; residents have reported calling HPD without response. Capt. Misaki said HPD responds to priority calls first and when they become available they will serve the remaining calls as needed.   

6)       Burke also reported late night public drinking occurring at Lelepua Street cul-de-sac; HPD does not respond either to these complaints.  Capt. Misaki said to ask for a 911 operator supervisor if the problem continued without response in the event information received was not clear or incorrect. Burke also inquired if special duty HPD officers were authorized to make arrests. Capt. Misaki said all HPD officers were authorized if laws were broken and warranted an arrest.     

7)       Councilmember Garcia reiterated the concern over nightly fireworks; aerial explosions over Waipahu could be both fire and safety issues. Capt. Misaki said HPD does respond to complaints; however culprits were difficult to identify without witnesses.

8)       S. Whalen from Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC) announced relocating to its Kunia Road location from the Aiea property improving scientific efficiency. The facility was approximately 20,000 square feet and was in compliance with current zoning and land use. Acting Chair Herolaga thanked S. Whalen for the information and will allow time for HARC on the next agenda.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

A. Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Complex – Burke reported the Mink Central Regional Park Advisory Committee met on second Mondays of each month at the park’s aquatics complex starting at 7:00 p.m.; open to the public.  Allegedly stolen cars are being abandoned on unimproved park property adjoining the Highlands Townhouses Waikele community; subjected to noise and fireworks between the hours of 6:00 and 9:30 p.m. City permits issued clearly states rules and regulations forbidding the use of alcohol and fireworks and park closure at 10:00 p.m. Park management was seeking HPD’s assistance; park manager’s duty hours were also being temporarily adjusted to have him on site afternoon and evenings to monitor park violations. Abusers might not necessarily be associated with the softball leagues; however, City should require leagues to employ special duty officers to enforce regulations during events. Fiscal Year 2010 improvement requests included additional hard surface parking for the makai portion of the park; motorcross racing track; dog obedience training facility; fencing for grass; additional walking trails; outdoor basketball and volleyball courts; additional picnic tables, benches; more drinking fountains, lighting, seating and tennis practice backboard.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Saniatan also added that evening drumming has also continued to echo from the park late at night.

B. Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor – G. Omori reported: the EIS summary comment period begins on November 21 and ended January 7, 2009. An e-copy was also available for $59; at state libraries and also the University of Hawaii library. All public hearings in December 2008 are as followed starting from six to eight in the evening: 8^th. at Blaisdell Center; 9^th. at Salt Lake District Park; 10^th. at Filipino Community Center in Waipahu; 11^th. at Bishop Museum. Comments can be addressed at these meetings or by contacting the Wayne Yoshioka, City Director of Department of Transportation Services.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Yakowenko was curious to know what churches were on the displacement list. G. Omori said Omega Church near the banana patch area near Waipahu was one to be affected.

C. OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – R. Kakalia encouraged the Board to maintain status with the Citizens Advisory Committee as bylaws were currently being created; meetings were at 3:30 p.m. monthly on the third Wednesdays at Honolulu Hale.

D. Waipahu Community Association (WCA) – No representative or report available.

E. Waipahu Community Foundation – Burke encouraged qualifying 501C3 businesses wishing to provide services can apply for a grant by December 5; contact Waipahu High School for grant application. Companies seeking funds to offer youth programs including youth sports equipment also may qualify.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Senator Nishihara inquired as to who was reviewing these applications, how were funds distributed and what was the total funding for 2007 versus 2008.  Burke said Patricia Patterson and Cal Kawamoto and other members of the group; process was guided by bi-laws to allow applicants all fairness. Burke added that he thought $100,000 was available last year compared to only $35,000 in 2008. He also said the funding once qualified, would be released partially at the beginning of the said year and at the end of each year qualified.

F. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – N. Hanohano reported there were no main breaks during October and November; however, there was one main break in September. Water being stored should be replaced every three to six months to prevent spoilage; however, the Hawaii Red Cross sold water containers as part of their hurricane kits. BWS’s Xeriscape holiday wreath making workshops will be November 22 and 29; from 10:00 a.m. to noon as well. Pre-registration and a nominal fee were required by calling 748-5363 for reservations; email tours@hbws.org. 3) The city’s Christmas parades were slated for December 6 in Honolulu and December 16 at Kapolei Hale; both beginning at 6:00 p.m. BWS wished everyone a safe and joyous holiday season and don’t forget to visit BWS’s annual light display at S. Beretania Street. More information can be found on to www.boardofwatersupply.com.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso inquired regarding the status of a water backup plan. N. Hanohano said the impact study was completed however, due to increased costs, the plan is currently on hold until the year 2020; instead a technology to produce usable water from seawater was undergoing study. Water conservations were still being recommended for the Windward district until the end of November.  

2)   Saniatan stated that recycled water used by a nearby golf course had an odor to it. N. Hanohano said the    water was dedicated only for that type use and due to limited pipelines this system was sufficient.

3)   Wheatley related there has been a water leak creating moss and mildew growth about three feet wide near   the Wendy’s Kapolei sidewalk; he has made several reports without much success. N. Hanohano said the    24-hotline to call in problems was 748-5010 or 748-5041 during regular business hours. She added the          problem may be with the irrigation system on this private property.

G. Mill Town Center – Steve Avalon reported the center will open in two months; Ohana Health Plan and Liberty Dialysis were the first tenants and others to follow were Aloha Sushi and Pearls Chinese Restaurant with more to come.  The center was also open to discussing the possibility of offering HPD space for its Waipahu Weed & Seed location currently being sought. There was also a concern regarding a parcel of graded land which has housed some homeless citizens near the center in a makeshift “shack”; however, HPD reported the two major land owners have been notified to file a complaint to have the “shack” removed.

There were no other reports.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

A. HPD Waipahu Substation: The matter was discussed earlier during the meeting.

B. Resolution to Save Ewa Air Field: Brad Hayes reported the airfield was first destroyed during the memorable December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor; four United States Marines lost their lives that day. A poster of the airfield was presented which clearly showed the area destroyed. The field located on Roosevelt Road off of Geiger Road will undergo a cleanup with efforts to install plaques to honor this historical site was also being recommended. Presentations were also made at the both Ewa and Kapolei Neighborhood Boards. B. Hayes presented a resolution for support (Chair Oshiro arrived at the meeting at 8:45 p.m. 13 members present)

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Yakowenko commended the effort to restore and preserve the air field; he inquired as to who owned the property. B. Hayes said the National Parks in partnership with military museums managed the property. B. Hayes added how important it was to honor the field as part of a preservation museum due to the nature of why life was lost on the field on December 7, 1941.   

2)       Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded the motion to adopt the resolution with some minor changes. The motion as corrected WAS adopted by unanimous consent. (13-0-0; Alfonso, Andrade, Antonio, Burke, Chun, Herolaga, Hunkin, Kakalia, Maus, Oshiro, Saniatan, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

GOVERNMENT REPORTS –

City Councilmember Garcia reported Bill 67 relating to the use of electronic devices while operation motor vehicle was out for second reading and a public hearing. The Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Project draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was available online at www.honolulutransit.org. Public meetings will begin on December 6 at Kapolei Hale and continue through the following week from December 8-11, 2008. The Waipahu meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 10; a visit to the website will confirm dates and times of these meetings. Public comment including preference on the Salt Lake or airport route will be accepted at these meetings and will be preceded by a brief presentation of the report.                                                                                                                                                 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro reiterated reports the project will be delayed due to the re-routing of the system and which council members supported the route change. Councilmember Garcia said the value of the project being rerouted via the airport direction was greater than the original plan therefore the 200-million additional cost was well worth it; the City was looking at a two month delay. He also added that members Apo and Djou introduced the proposed route change. Alfonso thought the project should continue as scheduled while City Council debated details of the route change since time was of the essence. Councilmember Garcia said Council voted to defer the comment period from December 3 to January 7, 2009. A constituent thought arriving visitors may be discouraged due to luggage transfer since the route will not travel via Waikiki. Burke said the route may still be more affordable with less frequent travel time and expensive cab fares.

2)       Alfonso asked to clarify electronic devices in regards to Bill 67. Councilmember Garcia said all electronic devices such as but not limited to video recording and display, text messaging and cellular phone use; the city has requested for legislature to re-introduce Bill 67. Burke also wanted clarification on type electronics; did it include hearing aids and how the law was being enforced.

City Councilmember Okino’s report – K. Scharfenstein reported there were four town hall meetings; Hauula, Waianae, Wahiawa and Aiea. Meetings were sponsored by the City Department of Transportation Services to hear seniors, people with disabilities and low income residents dealing with transportation needs.

Governor’s representative – D. Festerling reported Governor and Lt. Governor were traveling to Asia this week; goal was to work with the Asia market to increase visitor travel to Hawaii. To address economic challenges in Hawaii caused largely by national and international factors, the administration continues to implement a focused, five point plan to stimulate the economy and preserve and create jobs. The plan’s components included: investing in improvements to our infrastructure and state facilities; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting outside investment, especially in energy; and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships.

Board of Education – B. Harimoto reported the BOE has approved a ten percent budget reduction proposal to the Hawaii State Public Library System’s Operating Budget for fiscal year 2009-2011. The impact of the reduction meant the elimination of funds in all 51 public libraries statewide would be severely affected. Even with a 30-million reduction thus far, a large deficit still remained. He plans to have a summary of a district plan to present to the Neighborhood Board.       

Senator Kidani’s report was circulated. She was the newly elected Senator serving District 17 and can be reached at Hawaii State Capital, Room 203, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, Phone: 586-7100, Fax: 586-7109, E-mail: senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov. She serves as the Vice Chair of the committee on Education and Housing and a member of Way and Means, Public Safety and Military Affairs as well as Tourism Committee.

Senator Nishihara reported in October, $572,000 was released to construct vehicle traffic counting and classification system on each of the island. Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2009 and should be completed by August 2010, with a total cost of $3,710,000 including $2,788,000 in federal funds. The project will provide the State Department of Transportation Highway Division with helpful data in its planning and design of highway projects statewide.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Yakowenko suggested the state upgrade smoke laws as current laws did not include 20 feet from private residences. He also asked to consider a fireworks noise law to curb all the illegal nightly fireworks in the district. Wheatley added that many elder residents on the Pupu Street vicinity have been suffering for years from firework allergies.

2)       Yakowenko asked for a current count of half way houses in the district. Senator Nishihara said he will relay these concerns in hopes legislature will continue to update and refine laws.

Senator Gabbard’s report: E. Moon reported the Senator will be hosting a “Listen-Story” meeting at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Makakilo starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2008.

Representative Aquino thanked the district for the opportunity to serve District 35 and he was looking forward to working with the community. He can be reached at Hawaii State Capitol Room 310, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, and Phone: 586-6520, Fax: 586-6521, Email: repaquino@capitol.hawaii.gov. He reported he was serving on the Public Safety (Vice-Chair); Finance, Labor & Public Employment and the Transportation Committees.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A. Tom Berg announced a December 1 meeting to discuss the Ewa Development Plan starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Ewa Library. The meeting will be streamlined live.

B. Chair Oshiro announced the Waipahu parade was set for December 20 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the District Park; member Pastor Joe Hunkin Jr. was the parade grand Marshall.

C. Viewing of Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 via Olelo; Fridays, Channel 49, 9:00 p.m.

D. Chair Oshiro reminded the Board was in recess for December 2008; January 22, 2009 was the next scheduled meeting.

ADJOURMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. without objection.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin, NA