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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2009

FILCOM CENTER

Call To Order – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. This 19 member Board requires a vote of 10 to adopt a motion. A quorum of 11 was present. (Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Duhaylonsod, Herolaga, Hunkin, Kakalia, Maus, Oshiro, Saniatan and Wheatley)   

Members Present – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Steven Antonio, Marty Burke, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin Jr., Robert Kakalia, Richard Oshiro, Thomas Maus, Rito Saniatan, Kerry Nishimoto, and Chuck Wheatley.

Members Absent – Cory Chun, Romeo Garcia, Terry Healey, William Maglinti and George Yakowenko.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Guests – Baybee Hufana-Ablan - Mayor Hannemann's representative, Senators Michelle Kidani, Will Espero, and Clarence Nishihara; Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Representative Jon Karamatsu, Firefighter Darrell Kuioka-Honolulu Fire Department (HFD); Sgt. Kaneshiro and Officer Shellie Paiva-Honolulu Police Department (HPD), David Festerling-Governor's representative, Breene Harimoto-State Department Board of Education, Danielle Bass-Representative Yamane's office, Naomi Hanohano-Board of Water Supply (BWS), Karen Scharfenstein-Councilmember Okino's office, Pat Lee-Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP), Erika Moon-Senator Gabbard's office, Blaine Tsugawa, Ilalo Parayno, W. Balfour, Bobby Newron & Kyle Whitaker-Narconon Hawaii; Randy Lau-Designer Built System, Andrew Michaels, Harry Baer, Harry Williams, Darryl Michaels, Jane Serikaku-Hawaii United Okinawa Association, Sharon Imanaka, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin - Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). 

Introduction – Board members and guests introduced themselves.

Organization of Board – Sub-district 9 has one vacancy; Chair Oshiro offered the vacancy to any qualified resident. There were no nominations at this time.

Chair's Announcements – Chair Oshiro urged the community to attend two community workshops for the sharing of ideas and perspectives on Transit-Oriented Development Plan (TOD): Tuesday, March 17; 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Waipahu Elementary School Cafeteria located at 94-465 Waipahu Street and on Wednesday, March 18; 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hale Pono'i Building, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands located at 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – The January 22, 2009 minute minutes were adopted with the following amendments without objections:

Page 2; under HPD report, strike out "Capt. Kaneshiro" and insert, "Sgt. Kaneshiro"

Page 2; under residents' concerns No. 1, strike out "7 members", insert "17 members"

Treasurer's Report – Saniatan reported expenses incurred in January 2009 were; Operating Account expended $32.28 for printing and postage; leaving a balance of $927.42: Publicity Account balance remained at $1,500: Refreshment Account remained at $120. This left a closing total appropriated balance of $ $2,547.42.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:

1)       Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Kuioka reported Fire Stations No. 299, 177, 99 and 125 statistics for the month of January 2009 consisted of:  30 fires; 354 medical emergencies and 214 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tip: smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Since the late 1970's, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in 200-2004 resulted from fires in home that had no or inoperable smoke alarms. An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms. Do you have working smoke alarms in your home? Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms at least once a month or as directed by the manufacturer. Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or as directed by the manufacturer. Practice your home fire escape plan. Designate a safe meeting place outside your home.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Burke asked if the required house identification code was a uniform fire code (UFC) or a city code. Capt. Kuioka read Article 9:901.4.4 of the General Provisions for Safety under Premises Identification: Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.

2)       A constituent was curious if roadway lanes near construction sites were each 10 or 12 feet in width. Burke said he understood the lanes to be 12 feet in width. Capt. Kuioka said perhaps the State or City can answer the question as we did not have any information on roadway specifications.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Kaneshiro circulated the statistics for all district beats which included: 41 auto thefts, 65 burglaries, 54 criminal property damages (CPD), 3 sex assaults, 60 thefts and 70 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 6,488 calls within District 3.  Officer Paiva shared a Weed & Seed tip: During the upcoming spring break, residents should be aware that crime increases during these school breaks; graffiti, shoplifting and property damage were some concerns. She added that residents should be aware of surroundings and if large groups sporting backpacks are in one area; HPD should be notified of the time and location.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Alfonso reported an alleged homeless man living near the makai bus stop near First Hawaiian Bank contributing to a very unsanitary condition; trash littered the area as well as a urination odor. Sgt. Kaneshiro asked for a description of the man; HPD can only advise him of the complaint and offer him shelter information. Sgt. Kaneshiro also added unless the man violated an ordinance, HPD was not able to arrest him for being just a homeless person.

Mayor Hannemann's report – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported on previous concerns: The tree growing or standing in the Waipahu Stream will be removed once machinery was available. Residents requiring more trash bins should call the city's recycling office at 768-3200 each time they will have extra trash bags for pick up. This process will verify the need for an extra cart for refuse collection. She also reported the trash bins were not for sale. The sizes of the refuse collection were based on the number of bins issued per route; about 1,000 per route. The city wants to ensure every extra trash bin issued will be used consistently. If residents have been using neighbors' bin, they need to instead leave their excess refuse in bags for the City to verify once the call was made and the trash bags should be logged at that address upon removal of the trash bags. The NCO was planning on holding public hearings to amend the new Neighborhood Plan to bring it into conformity with State Sunshine Law. Investigation determined a high spot in the gutter area at 94-1243 Lumikula Street was causing "ponding"; work will be scheduled by the end of January. Candidate profiles for the upcoming Neighborhood Boards have been updated. The four lanes fronting Costco Kapolei have opened to much traffic in the area as new businesses have opened. Mayor Hannemann will be returning to the islands tomorrow after the Mayor's conferences in Washington.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro reported the re-districting information was incorrect on the NCO website; reduction from 11 to only three Sub-Districts is scheduled to take effect in July when the new Board members get elected as well as 9 at large seats rather then two currently held. He urged the website reflect these changes as well as to have an accurate map. Candidates were not provided an accurate description of subdistricts on the website.   

2)       Chair Oshiro also asked for an update on the Hawaii Plantation building as the roof was in disrepair for some time now.

3)       Alfonso reported TheBus stop at Don Quiote was fenced up; however, no works has commenced, no bench or shelter either was present at the site.

4)       Saniatan reported he was scheduled with the appropriate rental paperwork to use a City Park facility in October 2008 and January 2009; however, no representative showed up on both these occasions to open the building for his use.

5)       Hunkin asked if the City Refuse would pick up store bought trash bins. B. Hufana-Ablan said she will check with the City; however, she didn't think non-approved City bins were approved for refuse pick. Duhaylonsod said the City did not respond to her phone calls regarding extra trash bags; the City never showed up. 

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:

1)       B. Newron shared that Narconon Hawaii was a fresh approach to the problem of drug addiction and will soon open a program facility at Barbers Point leased from Hawaiian Homelands; requested presentation time on the April agenda. He offered complimentary kits to anyone needing one tonight; please call 550-0005, toll free 866-373-2809 for further information. 

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

A. Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Complex – Burke reported the committee met at 7:00 p.m. the second Mondays of each month at the park's aquatics complex; open to the public. Park users concerns included certain unimproved areas of the park have been barricaded to counter possible illegal activities and late night noise problems. Activities in the undeveloped section of the park are generally not legitimate; in any event parking isn't available there. The tennis complex hosted the USTA 18-and-under National Championships February 14 to 18. More than 350 players competed. DBEDT estimates average daily visitor spending in Hawaii was $172 in February so while specific figures aren't available, the positive economic impact of the players alone would exceed $300 thousand just for the five days of the tournament. Factor in extra days spent before and after the tournament, and spending by the coaches, families, friends and visiting spectators and the economic contribution of just this feature of the park becomes substantial. The Veteran's Memorial Aquatic Center has had some debris problems from rainbow shower trees washing into the pool; they are currently being trimmed or removed. The center has become increasingly popular for organized competition. As a competition pool built to Olympic standards, the facility isn't intended for family recreation which is available at the nearby Waikele Community Park pool and other neighborhood pools. When not reserved for special events, open adult lap swimming hours are: Daily, 6:45-9:30 a.m.; 2:30-4:30 p.m.: Weekends and Holidays, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Log on to www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks and the public can also call 677-8510 for further information. Waipio Peninsula Soccer Facility is still increasing in popularity and having a continuing positive economic impact on Waipahu and Honolulu, the facility serves more than 20,000 local youth on a continuing basis and is home to the UH Wahine Soccer team as well. International sanctioned events has been a strong supporter of the park; positive impact for the district and lobbied funds for the park improvements will be an investment two fold in return. He asked for strong efforts in lobby support to upgrade and maintain a great neighborhood park.    

B. Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor – P. Lee reported the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently reported that transit ridership was up all across the nation, the highest level of ridership in 52 years. According to the report, people made 10.7 billion trips on public transit (trains and buses) in 2008, a 4 percent increase over 2007.  Over the same time, Americans drove 3.6 percent less on the nation's highways. Gas prices peaked at more than $4 in July before falling, but ridership on public transit systems has remained strong. Families can also realize substantial savings by eliminating a second automobile and choosing public transit instead.  According to the APTA's "Transit Savings Report", a person can achieve an average annual savings of about $8,416 per year by taking public transportation instead of driving, based on today's gas prices and the average unreserved parking rate.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated the cost to own and operate a car in 2008 at about 54.1 cents per mile. The Honolulu Rail Transit Project is on track to start construction at the end of this year, and when completed, would have a system capacity equivalent to six freeway lanes of cars. One 300 passenger train can take 200 cars off the road.  Rail would reduce future traffic delays by 23% and remove more than 30,000 cars and trucks from the roads each day. On March 10th, the US Senate will approve the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009, which includes $20 million for Honolulu's rail transit project. These funds will help pay for preliminary engineering and design of the transit system, and follows a separate federal appropriation of $15 million last year from the Congress.

C. OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – R. Kakalia said according to the State Department of Transportation statistics; Hawaii had the highest alcohol related motor vehicle fatalities, third involving motorcycle fatalities, fourth involving pedestrian fatalities and seventh involving bicyclist fatalities nationwide. One main focus of the Highway Modernization Plan (HMP) was to save lives and reduce statistics as well as reduce commuter traffic time. The HMP was making its way through the legislature in the form of various bills. 

E. Waipahu Community Foundation – Burke reported March 5 will be the deadline for applying for qualifying 501C3 businesses wishing to provide services to organized district youth groups; contact Waipahu High School for grant application. There was still about 40 thousand for the current quarter available. The foundation has streamlined the application process to assist with the process. An application can be obtained by calling 676-6531, or stopping by the Waipahu High School complex.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Hunkin said his program application was disapproved due to the extensive application process. Burke said in Hunkin's case, it had to do with re-submitting a new application due to the change in the dollar amount request; therefore, the process had to be repeated.  Burke added they are working on some resolutions to offer assistance like in this case.

2)       Wheatley said a group he was involved with needing some computers for its learning center will be requesting some help with the application. Burke said the process was complicated and was Internal Revenue Services (IRS) regulated. Burke added the review period will be from March 10 through 24; once approved, funds can be available within two weeks.

3)        Senator Nishihara inquired who reviewed the applications and what entailed in the process of ones' application. Burke said a panel of 10 to 14 members from WHS reviewed them and then followed a score system and each panel member gave an individual evaluation based on criteria in place.        

 F. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – There was no report available.

G. Other Community Reports –

R. Lau from Designer Built Systems reported the wall fronting Waipahu Street near YMCA was not structurally sound after the recent heavy rains diverted water from the bridge towards the original wall; therefore DPP granted an emergency permit to construct a double wall. HPD and Civil Defense were called due to the bridge overflow forcing the closure of nearby roads. Engineers duplicated a wall matching design with the original wall. Construction on the site will begin July 8 through December 2009.

S. Imanaka from Pearl City Development Center reported that mental health therapy services were available for qualified children. Further information can be obtained by calling 676-5584.

H. NB Permitted Interaction Groups (P.I.G) – There were no reports available.

PRESENTATIONS –

United Okinawan Association (UOA) Rezoning Application from 1-2 to IMX-1: S. Fujikawa reported the center was in need of expanding its parking to sustain community growth; goal was to add 88 more parking stalls to the facility; first phase to start in the year 2011. The IMX-1 zoning was consistent with the current sustainable community plan; infrastructure already in existence that was in compliance with additional parking stalls installations.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro said this project is similar to the FILCOM Center, which has commercial tenants that support its non-profit activities. Waipahu was fortunate to have centers such as these to support the community. A. Yamasato said the center was non-profit and after 19 years being in existence, the building was in need of many repairs and they looked forward to offering expanded cultural education programs.

2)       Alfonso inquired on how many building phases there were. A. Yamasato said phase one will entail building two stories; phase two was the third story addition with two levels of basement parking. 

3)       Andrade moved and Kakalia seconded for the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 to support the UOA rezoning application. The motion WAS unanimously adopted; 13-0-0. (Alfonso, Andrade, Antonio, Burke, Duhaylonsod, Herolaga, Hunkin, Kakalia, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro, Saniatan and Wheatley)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Board agreed without objections to defer the request from Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Board No. 35 of the Central Oahu Transit Connection Resolution to the March agenda.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS –

City Councilmember (CM) Garcia reported these as key issues and concerns he is following on behalf of the district: 1) Transit Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction of the first segment of the elevated guideway for Honolulu's rail transit system was issued on February 4, 2009. This first segment runs from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands, approximately 6.5 miles. The RFP was for an estimated $500 to $600-million design-built contract; includes track installation and surface restoration in addition to guideway viaduct. RFP available at www.honolulu.gov/pur/index/htm; deadline was March 13, 2009. 2) Honolulu Rail Transit Draft Environmental Statement (DEIS) copies were available for review at State libraries, City library, State Department of Transportation Services (DOT) and online at www.honolulutransit.org. The project website has a computer-simulated fly through of the two alternative alignments covered in the DEIS; the Salt Lake alignment and the Airport alignment. Further information may be obtained by calling 566-2299. 3) He urged families to attend the Waipahu neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) meeting on March 17; 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Waipahu Elementary School Cafeteria. 4) Finally the burned shell of a building in the district will be demolished on Saturday after the long awaited City inspectors' approval. A list of bills Council was currently working on was circulated.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro reiterated the ongoing roof leak at the plantation building still needed a resolution. CM Garcia said the CIPs will be submitted March 2; about 75 percent funding will come from property taxes. CM Garcia added as Chair of the Budget Committee he foresees an increase in the 2011 Fiscal Year budget; which should be completed within the next two weeks. CM Garcia also would like to propose the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park be home to the memorial arch from the Waikiki Natatorium; he requested to be on their Board agenda next month. 

Governor's representative – D. Festerling reported the Governor has been in Washington DC this past week for the National Governors Association annual meeting. The focus at this year's meeting was investing in improvements to Hawaii's infrastructure as well as meeting with the Obama Administration officials on energy independence initiatives. Moving forward with infrastructure improvements will strengthen Hawaii's economic future improving residents' quality of life; the Lingle-Aiona Administration initiated the $2.3 billion Airports Modernization Plan (MP) in 2006, the $618 million Harbors MP in 2007, and the $4 billion Highways MP initiated in 2009.  DOT has launched a new website with information on the Highways MP; www.hawaii.gov/dot/highways/modernization. There were links to information on legislative hearings recent news articles, and a place for public feedback. The Governor and officials along with the airline industry joined last week to dedicate the new parking structure at the Honolulu International Airport; increased parking stalls from 4,500 to approximately 6,300. From March 26-28, 34 teams from Hawaii, the continental US, Mexico and the Philippines will compete in the First in Hawaii Regional Robotics Competition; free to the public. For further information log onto; www.robotics.hawaii.gov.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro asked if the State could consider changing the zipper lane occupancy back to two per vehicle to facilitate traffic bottleneck from Mililani and Ewa; perhaps the State needed to monitor the zipper lane especially when there were accidents traveling east bound on H-1 creating a parking lot while the zipper lane remained empty. Chair Oshiro also thought tow wagons were not immediately available as traffic backs up due to stalled vehicles. Kakalia said three to four tow wagons are supposed to be available according to the Highway Modernization Plan. Chair Oshiro reiterated the dire need of traffic solutions; traffic has become a major problem traveling into town. D. Festerling said he will check with DOT.    

Board of Education:  B. Harimoto reported the State Department of Education's recent audit was very concerning to many; issue has been deferred to the Attorney General's office. BOE was working on ensuring that all stewards of DOE funds are appropriately utilized. Also reported was a new requirement for graduating; students must now complete an online course in order to graduate. DOE saw the need for students to become computer literate as the nation becomes depended on computer functions.

Senator Espero reported there were about 134 care homes in the district. DOT was supposed to re-evaluate the zipper lane occupancy issue within six to eight months since the change-over back to three occupancies. There is legislation that gives DOT authority to allow all vehicles regardless of occupancy to use the zipper lane in the event an accident closed lanes on H-1. He will report further on this law after a review of the law.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members were concerned regarding the Identification and the Civil Union Bills. Senator Espero said some bills have until March 12 to crossover; civil rights bill was currently in the Judiciary Committee and Senate will try to move the bill back to the Senate for vote.

2)       Chair Oshiro said the DOT needed to re-evaluate the zipper lane issue; radio and message boards along the highway have the capability of informing the public of an accident and lane closure; therefore, those who are able to use the zipper lane may do so to help alleviate back-up traffic regardless of occupancy. Senator Espero was going research the law and report findings.      

3)       Wheatley offered a suggestion in regards to the DOE being owed a huge amount from unpaid lunch monies from irresponsible parents; parents should be held accountable by arrest warrants to uphold their responsibility rather then allow debts to continue increasing. Senator Espero said it was a possibility to require parents to pay upfront and garnish their wages to repay the DOE.

Senator Nishihara reported that continued complaints regarding wheelchair users on dangerous highways were becoming a safety issue; he will suggest amending the law in 2010 as there were no precautions required for wheelchairs on busy highways. He pleaded with the district for anyone using a wheelchair on the highways to please refrain from doing so; Waikiki District was battling too many wheelchairs on its main roads. The State Identification Bill was in transition and passed with amendments; this bill will serve the public as needed. On February 25, he met with constituents in Aiea and Pearl City discussing the global financial crisis and the widening downturn as it related to Hawaii's economy. Featured speakers were: Dr. Carl Bonham, UH Economics Professor; Dr. Paul Brewbaker, Bank of Hawaii Chief Economist and Senator Mercado Kim, Ways and Means staff. Reminder: Senator Nishihara continued his monthly 7:00 a.m. coffee hours with constituents at McDonalds Restaurants in Pearl City Wal-Mart during the fourth Wednesdays and the fourth Thursdays in Waipahu.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Oshiro said the need of the I.D. Bill was urgent; the City supported the bill.

2)       Duhaylonsod added the need to amend the Wheelchair Safety Bill; wheelchairs putting everyone at risk traveling on highways without lights, flags or reflector warnings.

Senator Kidani reported she met with Senator Inouye regarding the stimulus funding process for some 100 DOE projects covering education in Hawaii. She has included in her capital improvement projects (CIP) request funds for the Waipio Gentry facility. The I.D. Bill will be heard at 3:00 p.m. on February 27, 2009. February 26 – March 4 was a mandatory 5-day recess for the 25^th Legislature. March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to noon was an apprentice and engineering job fair at Honolulu Community College Campus. Senate efforts to fundraise for Hawaii Foodbank raised almost $800. There were 20 full scholarships available to public and charter high schools students in grades 9-12 to explore history and culture in Korea. Applications were available at www.paachawaii.org and must be postmarked by March 10 or call 944-7759. Community comments and suggestions are always welcome. Please feel free to visit her office or contact her by phone, fax or email: 586-7100; 586-7109 fax or senkidani@capital.hawaii.gov. ;

Representative Karamatsu reported the I.D. has moved forward. As chair of the Judiciary Committee, he has to dealt with over 600 house bills; all positive bills to the communities. He suggested anyone wishing to testify email testimonies as this was very efficient in hearing from the public.

City Councilmember Okino; Senator Gabbard; Representatives Cabanilla and Yamane's reports were all circulated.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Viewing of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 via Olelo were Fridays on Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. Chair Oshiro also reminded the March 26 Board meeting has been rescheduled for March 18 due to the Kuhio Day holiday.

 ADJOURMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. without objection.

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