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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES-draft

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

FILCOM CENTER

Call To Order – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; a quorum was present with 11 members. Note: This 19 member Board requires a vote of 10 to adopt a motion.   

Members Present – Edmund Alfonso, Stephen Antonio, Cory Chun, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Connie Herolaga, Robert Kakalia, Richard Oshiro, Marty Burke, Joe Hunkin, Jr., George Yakowenko, and Chuck Wheatley.

Members Absent – Maureen Andrade, Romeo Garcia, Terry Healey, William Maglinti, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, and  Rito Saniatan.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Guests – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor Hannemann’s representative), 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), Pat Lee (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Consultant HHCTCP), Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply), Breene Harimoto (Board of Education and Councilmember Okino’s office), Senator Nishihara, Danielle Bass (Representative Yamane’s office), Representative Karamatsu, Stacie Sasagawa, Fred Perlak, Bill Balfour and Paul Koehcer (Monsanto);, Blaine Tsugawa, Harry Williams, George Yakowenko Jr., Jo Barrientos, S. Arios, Deborah Sarutor, Amy Anderson, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO). 

Organization of Board –

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

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes –

July 24, 2008 minutes: adopted without objections with the following amendments;

Page 2; under Questions and concerns fifth bullet, strike out “would rather not include the Mayor’s report on the August agenda but instead”

Page 3; under Residents’ Concerns, second bullet, replace “91-1030 identified as Mathew” with “94-1030 Ka’aholo Street identified as Mathew Bright”

Page 5; move Presentation by Monsanto’s F. Perlak to be placed as an announcement on page 7 instead.

Treasurer’s Report – Herolaga reported expenses incurred in August 2008 were; Operating Account expended $131.53 for postage, printing and facility rental; the balance was $1252.29: Publicity Account expended $250.00 for video taping; balance was $2,000: Refreshment Account had no expense and the balance remained at $120. This left a closing total appropriated balance of $ $3,372.29.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter C. Powell reported statistics for the month of August consisted of:  16 wildfires, 104 medical emergency calls with 77 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tip: Prevent Home Fires; Fire Prevention Week was October 5-11. This was the 40^th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, fire marshals nationally has focused on fire hazards campaigns to prevent fires. Practice an escape route and have updated working smoke alarm installed in all rooms. Elementary schools statewide will receive a fire safety guide from teachers; parents are encouraged to review them with all family members and practice them throughout the year.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso asked if HFD station offered blood pressure testing. Firefighter Powell said Station No. 12 offered testing as long as they were in quarters; but not during meal times and emergencies.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Kaneshiro circulated the statistic report including the Pedestrian and Driver Safety brochure and reported: 1) Waipahu contributed to 45.50 percent of service calls with 2,932 calls out of 6,444 total calls from District 3. 2) HPD will be taking an active role in reducing pedestrian accidents and warnings of jaywalking. HPD asked the public to adhere to all safety guidelines for both drivers and pedestrian crossing.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso asked if there has been a crime increase due to the lack of a Waipahu Sub-station. HPD said there was no specific crime linked to the lack of a sub station; however, he will report if there are any future findings.

2)       Burke asked HPD when possible; patrols were needed at Waipio Uka and Lupu Streets near the church and park area for speeding vehicles as they travel downhill at high speed.                 

3)       Wheatley asked HPD if something could be done regarding the homeless man using much needed parking stalls on Pupukahi Street; 14 shopping carts lined the street along with a table and chair as if it were a living room. Wheatley went on to say children roamed this area daily and parents should be aware there was this problem. Hunkin added that he has helped to dispose of the items before only to have the homeless man return with more carts and things; an offer to assist with a shelter was declined by the man as well. They both agreed something has to be done as the area reeked of feces and urine. HPD said they have not gotten a report of such a person; however, they will pass the information to other officers and try to find the area and the homeless man. Wheatley offered to direct HPD right to the area. Chair Oshiro said a letter was sent to the Mayor with a response that there was no ordinance covering removal of shopping carts with personal items in them and a resolution was needed. Hunkin said this problem cannot continue as it has been for the past five years now.

4)       Alfonso noticed for the past two weeks a vehicle with a citation on the windshield remained near the post office blocking oncoming traffic; towing the vehicle could solve the problem. HPD said they will check on the vehicle.  

Weed and Seed – No representative or report available.  

Mayor Hannemann’s report – B. Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) Honolulu was ranked 17^th on the list of America’s Most Sustainable Cities as determined by a devoted network of companies interested in healthy living. Honolulu was ranked 15^th in last year’s rating.  The study also noted that Honolulu voters will be deciding on a mass transit project in November that could reduce traffic congestion and combat the city’s drive-alone rate. 2) Waipahu HPD Sub-Station was still seeking a location.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Yakowenko said the city should be monitoring recyclable green waste in order to have a record once containers were ready for issuance; some homes may need more containers than others. B. Hufana-Ablan said the city has a plan to monitor within three months prior to the start of the project.

2)       Alfonso asked how he and his family could camp safely overnight at a beach without breaking an ordinance. B. Hufana-Ablan said a camping permit can be obtained from the city prior to camping is needed.

3)       Wheatley asked if a closer bus stop could be added to service FilCom and YWCA; the closest one was at the transit center.

4)       Kakalia asked if speed bumps could be considered for Kauhualena Street to curb constant speeding. B. Hufana Ablan said City Department of Transportation would have to have to do a study and review; however residential streets usually cannot have speed bumps as it would prevent emergency vehicles from responding to time sensitive emergencies.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1)       C. Kawamoto said he has suffered a setback in life since he was wrongfully charged by the Campaign Spending Commission five years ago. He said there were 10 reporters present when the news broke; however none were present on August 13, 2008 when the charges were dismissed by the attorney general’s office. He wanted to take this opportunity to thank the community for their support.

2)       Alfonso asked who compiled the questions posed to district candidates during the forum on August 28. Chair Oshiro said top questions were focused on issues facing the community; Board members offered questions as well.

3)       Alfonso asked if the November Board meeting was going to be moved due to Thanksgiving Day. Chair Oshiro said November’s Board meeting will be held on the 20^th. and December was a recess month.

4)       A constituent asked if Lumikula Street at Crestview Park was being considered for a crosswalk flashing warning light as she was involved in an accident there in 1994 and it is now 2008. Chair Oshiro said speeding curbing operations were being developed and being persistent does help however; it will not happen overnight. Burke said perhaps Councilmember Okino could be made aware of this problem as this was his district.

5)       Wheatley said the NCO calendar sent out with the minutes had wrong Board information.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

A. Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Complex – Burke reported: the park pool was closed for repairs; however, it was opened again.  

B. Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor – P. Lee reported: 1) as the economy took a toll on local businesses, the state should look forward to the 4,700 estimated jobs the transit rail will offer and the estimated 11,300 annual jobs with regards to rail operations itself. The city also expected 900 million from the federal government for the rail project. The “Go Rail” project will have a display offering more information at an upcoming October 10-12 trade show at the Blaisdell Center.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro asked if the proposed federal bailout of $700 million was going to be on the ballot in November; such a significant amount to ask of taxpayers did not seem appropriate without consensus of the people. Chair Oshiro thought if the rail issue was highly recommended to be on the ballot, so should the bailout of $700 million. P. Lee said he did not think the bailout will be on the ballot.

2)       Burke asked if the federal government could fund the total cost of the rail and what would be the operating cost of rail. P. Lee said the process was to do the EIS first, then apply for the funding with submission to Congress to finalize decisions. P. Lee added Oahu was highly recommended for the rail project and trusted federal backup without opposition; $60 million was reported to be operating cost with 40 percent paid by federal funds and two to three percent of the city budget to cover the rest.

3)       Chair Oshiro asked where the funding will come from if voters opposed the project after the November election. P. Lee said the excise tax will be used; however, toll roads were not covered under the excise tax funding. Chair Oshiro added that the rail was uplifting news compared to the current negative effects of the economy. P. Lee agreed and said rail construction will bring positive impact on Oahu’s economy and should assist with the state’s unemployment rate as well.   

C. OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – R. Kakalia reported: during the August meeting members were asked to submit two questions for DTS. He submitted the following: a) Will parking inventory in Waipahu District decrease due to rail. B) Could visitor versus residents parking permits be considered for the Waipahu District. He will report findings in November. 

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

E. Waipahu Community Foundation – Burke reported: Qualifying 501C3 music businesses wishing to provide lessons can apply for a grant by December 5; contact Waipahu High School for grant application. If the Board had no objections, George from Royal Kunia Golf Park volunteered to be the foundation alternate Board Chair in the event Burke was not able to attend.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Wheatley asked if a Housing Urban Development (HUD) 501C building that provided children with computers would qualify; computers were old and no longer working. Burke said the financial grant did not cover items other than musical type lessons.

F. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – N. Hanohano reported: 1) there were no water main breaks. 2) BWS reminded residents to conserve water during the ongoing drought to support the Windward/East Districts currently under drought watch. 3) Prepare for a water emergency by including at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Use clean containers to store water as the water will pick up storage odor; disinfect containers with mild bleach (two tablespoons bleach to two gallons of water and rinse containers thoroughly); fill containers with water from the tap; boiling the water before storing was also possible after water has cooled; keep minimal amount of air between the water and the cap; store in cool, dark place. When power goes out, keep water use at an absolute minimum; BWS pumps run on electricity and during outages ability to pump water out of wells is low. Water use during emergencies should be limited to drinking and sanitation only; do not fill containers as it will drain reservoirs quicker. Conserve for whole community until power is restored as BWS will take preventative measures to secure all water pumps and facilities to prevent damages to specialized equipment. Stay tuned to media reports and bulletins for appropriate actions to be taken during emergencies. For further information log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com  or call BWS.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso asked how long should saved water be kept. N. Hanohano said to call BWS at 745-5000 and a technician can clarify more on safe water keeping.

G. Other Community Reports – No other reports available.

H. Reports from NB Permitted Interactions Groups – No reports available.

PRESENTATIONS:

Monsanto Company, Dr. Fred Perlak reported: Monsanto was a global seed company focused on corn, cotton and soy as well as other vegetables. Monsanto operations were located on the islands of Maui, Molokai, Kauai as well as Oahu as of July 2007. The Haleiwa location was 23,000 acres and August 2008 the Kunia facility broke grounds. The Kunia land parcel donated by James Campbell Estate will include a 70,000 square foot facility dedicated to research; labs, storage and cafeteria as well. Currently statewide Monsanto has about 800 employees, with 130 full time employees on Oahu with plans to maintain 400 to 450 more by the year 2012. Hawaii’s flexible climate allowed a perfect year round research operation for Monsanto as well as product shipment worldwide. Monsanto was registered with the State Department of Agriculture as well as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He introduced his staff present tonight.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro said it was refreshing to have businesses move into the community at a time of economic hardship; asked to offer more information on type employment. F. Perlak said field workers as well as research teams and administration crew will be sought; intent was not to bring in outside employees. He added Monsanto was considering an internship program with the University of Hawaii; Hawaii offered a competitive seed market due to its’ many crops.

2)       Alfonso asked if any specific water and chemicals were being used for facilities; 20 year old Kunia wells were susceptible to leaching water.  F. Perlak said 30% of the 12,000 acres will be dedicated to planting with normal BWS water usage and EPA approved chemicals. F. Perlak added the field was valuable to Monsanto and great care will be taken to monitor projects and updated techniques and chemicals were now in use and keeping systems free from leaching waters will be of no problem.

3)       Wheatley said he had information to pass along to Monsanto as he knew many previous Dole employees. F. Perlak said to be sure to speak with S. Sasagawa for contact information and appreciated the support. By the year 2012; the company hopes to employ from the Hawaii employment bank with few positions being filled from the mainland connection.

4)       Kakalia asked if Monsanto was producing any genetic modified organism (GMO) and what were the effects on other products. F. Perlak said there will be some GMOs; all products were safe for both human and animal consumption as approved by USDA. The GMOs will be at least 600 feet isolated; pollen movement may have cross contamination however, there were no consequences if cross genes occurred.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Waipahu HPD sub-station was reported by B. Hufana-Ablan earlier, the item will remain on the agenda for resolution.

NEW BUSINESS – Chair Oshiro said the Save Ewa Field will remain on the agenda as no resolution has been met. Wheatley said the Board should consider seeing the magnificently preserved fields; the surroundings were historically inline with Pearl Harbor as a part of history that should be memorialized. 

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

City Councilmember Garcia reported: 1) thanked the Board for a well attended candidate’s forum. 2) City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), State Department of Transportation (DOT) along with community members were hoping to meet on September 3 to share information regarding rail. 3) The council has not had a chance to review city tax revenues in regards to property tax increases. 4) DTS traffic engineers will revisit the “calming traffic” situation as problems still existed and will continue to increase with more traffic. DTS was proposing to use the current pilot program as they did in Salt Lake Boulevard which was successful. The department was following federal mandated guidelines which covered additional crosswalks as cities experienced growth.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Wheatley said TheBus stop at Pupukahi and Farrington Highway needed a crosswalk as many were crossing illegally. Councilmember Garcia said the city moved bus stops to prevent jaywalking and discouraged pedestrians to dart out in front of oncoming vehicles. 

City Councilmember Okino’s report – B. Harimoto reported: A city open house meeting was scheduled for October 7 from 5:30 to 7: 30 p.m. to “talk story” in response to the city issues on the November 4 ballot.    

Governor’s representative – D. Festerling reported: 1) the State Department of Taxation reminded everyone as October 15 was the deadline for taxpayers to file returns to receive the 2008 federal economic stimulus checks. 2) A 4% restriction on discretionary spending for all government departments went into effect July 1; these and other control measures will help to narrow the revenue gap. State schools were also impacted as programs proposed cutbacks by October 10. He suggested to log onto www.hawaii.gov to review specific proposed cutbacks and send the governor any feedback.

Board of Education – B. Harimoto reported: 1) the department was facing a huge statewide deficit and was undergoing proposed funding cutbacks. A September 29 BOE meeting was scheduled to finalize the proposal as it’s due by an October 6. The department was facing continued increasing fuel costs affecting some salaries as they seek up to $70 million possible budget cut. 2) BOE will consider a presentation to the community to address growth status in regards to school infrastructures in the district.   

Senator Nishihara reported: 1) He still stood by reported allocation misuse of campaign spending by C. Kawamoto. 2)  The district was eager to view assessments of the affect properties due to the rail project. 3) The Pearl Harbor bicycle path will need patrol backup from the military as much illegal activity was still reported.   

Senator Espero and Representative Karamatsu:  No representatives available; monthly reports were circulated. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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

B. Exercise your right to vote on November 4; general Election Day.

ADJOURMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. without objection.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin, NA                            Reviewed by Chair Oshiro