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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER – Pro Tem Chair Marty Burke called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of 16 members present. Note - this 19 member Board requires ten (10) votes to adopt a motion.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT – Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Richard Oshiro, Edmund Alfonso, Daryl Macha, Chuck Wheatley, George Yakowenko, Rito Saniatan, Cory Chun, Connie Herolaga, Ty Cullen, Romeo Garcia, Andrew Michaels, Ilalo Parayno, Blaine Tsugawa, and Thomas Maus.                                              

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT – None were absent.

GUESTS – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor Hannemann’s Representative), Senator Mike Gabbard, Sgt. J. Kaneshiro and Officer Lynn Utu (Honolulu Police Department and Weed & Seed);   Firefighters Robert Main and Nolan Zoller (Honolulu Fire Department); David Festerling (Governor’s Lingle’s Representative), Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education), Erika Moon, Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Okino’s office), Pat Lee (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project-HHCTCP), Bill Balfour (Monsanto), Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Tuika Faumuina, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Introduction – Board members and guests introduced themselves.

Oath of Office – All members took the oath of office.

ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS:

Election of Board Chairperson –

Saniatan moved to nominate Yakowenko, Burke moved to nominate Oshiro. The nominations were closed. Both candidates accepted the nominations and reported the following:

Yakowenko stated he was retired from an active member of the United States Army after 30 years of service and moved to Hawaii in 1982 and worked at Fort Shafter before retiring. For the past 12 years he has been involved as a volunteer with community services such as the Citizen’s Patrol Neighborhood Watch, Weed & Seed Program, Community Association, HPD Disabled Enforcement Program and of course, the Neighborhood Board. He will continue to volunteer in his community dear to his heart He has also previously served as a Board Chairperson and is grateful for the consideration and would be honored to serve once again.

Oshiro stated he was thankful for the consideration and the opportunity to have served as Board Chairperson previously. He was willing to see new Board leadership and offer support to Yakowenko and other members; therefore, he wishes to withdraw his nomination. The Board unanimously agreed on Yakowenko by acclamation to be the new Board Chairperson.

Yakowenko assumed the Office of Chairperson. Saniatan thanked Oshiro for his past role as Chairperson. Burke added that the Board was very fortunate to have such great members and thanked all members for serving at their capacity.

Election of Board Vice Chairperson –

Garcia moved to nominate Saniatan for the office of Vice Chairperson. Parayno moved and Garcia seconded for the Board to elect two Vice Chairpersons. Burke thought the Board can manage with only one vice chairperson, Yakowenko said the Board has had two vice chairpersons in the past. Saniatan wanted the Board to decide whether to have one or two vice chairs. The motion for the Board to have two vice chairs was NOT adopted; 4-12-0: Aye: Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno and Saniatan. No: Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko. Maus moved to nominate Herolaga for the office of Vice Chairperson. Herolaga accepted the nomination. The nominations were closed. Herolaga was appointed by acclamation to the office of Vice Chairperson. (Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno, Saniatan, Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

Election of Board Treasurer –

Burke moved to nominate Saniatan as Board Treasurer and Alfonso moved to nominate Wheatley as Board Treasurer. Wheatley thanked the Board for the nominations but he declined the nomination. The nominations were closed. Saniatan was appointed by acclamation to the office of Board Treasurer. (Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno, Saniatan, Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

Election of Board Secretary –

Andrade moved to nominate Burke to remain as Board Secretary. Nominations were closed; by acclamation Burke remained as Board Secretary. (Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno, Saniatan, Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

Board Meeting Days, Time, Place and Video Taping –

Burke moved and Saniatan seconded for the Board to remain meeting at the Filcom Center during the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and to continue video taping all Board meetings by Makakilo.com. The motion WAS unanimously adopted; (Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno, Saniatan, Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

Board Recesses –

The Board unanimously agreed to recess in August and December 2009, and to move the November 26, 2009 Board meeting to November 19, 2009 due to a holiday. (Garcia, Oshiro, Parayno, Saniatan, Alfonso, Andrade, Burke, Chun, Cullen, Herolaga, Macha, Maus, Michaels, Tsugawa, Wheatley and Yakowenko)

VACANCIES – Due to the wording of the New Neighborhood Plan Section 2-14-104; the Board is not able to fill any vacancies. There were three public hearings scheduled in August 14 and 15, 2009. The Neighborhood Commission will announce thereafter when vacancies shall be filled that were left open by the election. The following sub-district (SD) seats are currently vacant:

• SD 2 has two (2) vacancies
• SD 3 has one (1) vacancy 

CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS: Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) and Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Reports were taken out of order to facilitate the early departure of all public safety officers.

Honolulu Fire Department – Firefighter Minn reported the following information:

1)       June 2009 Statistics – There were a total of 53 fires, 153 emergency rescues, 52 good intention calls, 12 hazard condition calls, 10 service calls and 8 false alarm calls.

2)       Safety Tip – During the summer months as children are on school break, this is an opportune time to review home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations. Childproof your home by checking situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, and/or houseplants. Ensure swimming pools are properly fences and gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent unattended child drowning. Keep matches and lighters away from children.   

3)       Royal Kunia Fire Station (RKFS) and Map Revision – A reminder for needed comments due regarding the RKFS’s public infrastructure map (PIM). The PIM serves informational and City budgetary purposes. Additional information on the proposed revisions is available for review at the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP); also, any questions may be answered by calling Mike Watkins at 768-8044. PIM copies were circulated.

Honolulu Police Department – Sgt Kaneshiro reported the following information:

1)       June 2009 Statistics – There were 29 auto thefts, 13 auto theft recoveries, 25 burglaries, 53 criminal property damages, 68 thefts and 59 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles.

2)       Calls for Service for District 3 – There were a total of 6,487 calls in the District.

Weed and Seed (W&S) Officer – Officer L. Utu reported the following information:

1)       Parking Violations near the Red Building on Pupukahi and Pupumomi Streets – There was a citation issued this morning; officers will continue to monitor the area with periodic checks.

2)       Bike Patrol – Patrol has increased and as a result the team has addressed abandoned vehicles and parking violations on Pupuole Street and Leoleo Street with assistance from Board members and the Handicap Enforcement Unit.

3)       Abandoned Vehicles Reported – There were a total of 18 abandoned vehicles reported in one day.

4)       Truancy Enforcement – Monthly warrant sweeps will begin August and also, W&S’s Truancy Enforcement Project.

5)       Ohana Day – Various booths and volleyball tournament are part of the event beginning at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pupuole Park.

6)       National Night – The Target Store on Lawehana Street in Salt Lake is the host of this event on August 4, 2009 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

7)       Cane Haul Run – This event is slated for August 23, 2009 beginning at 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

8)       Tip of the Month – Please report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Handicap Stall Violations – The evening hours when stalls are mostly needed, is when stalls are being violated. Please call 9-1-1 to report violations and ask for patrol assistance in the area affected.

Mayor Hannemann’s Report – B. Hufana-Ablan reported the following information:

1)       Power and Fire Safety – Per investigator Nicolas Ching of the State Public’s Utilities Commission Office, complaints may be called into his office at 586-2020 in the event any of the involved utility companies were not properly addressing a consumer’s concern.

2)       Paiwa and Waipahu Streets Blind Curve – The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will be issuing a work order to upgrade the curve warning signage in the area, they also found the flashing light was not obstructed by existing signage as reported.

3)       Waipahu and Hiapo Streets T-Intersection – DTS will conduct an investigation to determine if crosswalks are justified across these two streets and Old Waipahu Street, sometime after September 2009 when all schools are back in session. This will ensure a more accurate assessment of the traffic patterns in the area. A follow up report will be made by November 2009.

4)       Neighborhood Commission (NC) Agenda Template Complaint – Mrs. Manke appreciates the invitation to the Board meeting; however, her schedule did not allow time for the meeting tonight. The agenda template as noted was adopted by the NC and is within their area of responsibility under the new Neighborhood Plan which reads, “the commission shall be responsible for establishing policy and providing oversight evaluation for the neighborhood board (NB) system, also review and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and NBs.

5)       Temporary BusStop on Farrington Highway fronting Don Quiotte Store – The State Department of Transportation (DOT) completed the repairs to the curb, gutter, and roadway and relocated the stop back to its permanent location fronting the bus shelter. Seating is available under the bus shelter.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Paiwa and Waipahu Streets Blind Curve – The Board asked DTS to consider looking at the intersection again as the blinking light is considered obstructed, perhaps look at all angles and report another finding. Parayno has reported another accident in the same area.

·         Behind Times Supermarket near the Waipahu Bus Terminal – The area is extremely busy with large trucks blocking the roadways creating traffic. Perhaps the City can create a loading zone behind the area to move these trucks away from blocking the intersection.

·         Kapolei Bus Stop and Shelter for No. 40 Bus – The bus stop has no shelter and is further away from the transit area making transferring to other buses difficult. Especially during hot sunny days, elders can become overwhelmed with heat as they walk to other bus stops. The unsheltered bus stop can also become very warm during a hot sunny day.

·         Walking Bridge Path near The Hawaii Plantation – The bridge path was closed without notice, residents would like to know when it will be open again. Councilmember Garcia’s office reported that it may be re-opened in August 2009. It was alleged someone had burned and damaged part of the bridge and that possibly the homeless may be living under the bridge.  

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Report – N. Hanohano reported the following information:

1)       There were no main breaks in the district to report.

2)       Halawa Xeriscape Garden – Free guided garden tours were available. The annual open house and unthirsty plant sale is slated for August 1, 2009, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 99-1268 Iwaena Street. For a map or more information, log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041. Also, enter a chance to win a $20,000 extreme xeriscape garden makeover.

City Councilmember Garcia’s Report – Councilmember Garcia reported the following information:

1)       Federal Transit Authority (FTA) Project Management Oversight (PMO) Report – On Tuesday, DTS and the FTA jointly released a recently completed PMO report prepared by a consultant contracted by the FTA which shows that the proposed 20-mile Honolulu Rail Transit Project is qualified to enter Preliminary Engineering (PE) and the federal New Starts program. The PE phase is a major milestone that further defines a project’s engineering and design features, and a significant step toward obtaining more than $1 billion in federal funding. Among the PMO report findings were: a) the current cost estimate is reasonable and acceptable at this stage for a rail project. The report concludes the Project’s budget is appropriate at this phase with the oversight consultant’s estimate less than a few percent different from the City’s total estimated cost, including contingencies. B) The project also has a strong likelihood of beginning full service on the 20-mile East Kapolei to Ala Moana Center route in 2019.

2)       District Transit Stations (TS) – The entry building to the station at the corner of Farrington Highway (FH) and Mokuola Street will take on many images and shapes of the old Waipahu Sugar Mill. The West Loch TS at the intersection of FH and Leoki Street took on a different style inspired by the ripples created by the Hawaiian fish ponds that were once part of the Waipahu area.

3)       Waipahu Street Repairs – Bridge 1: In the latest update received from the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), materials to repair the wooden pedestrian walkway on the bridge nearest the Cultural Garden Park have been ordered and the repair work is anticipated to be underway in early August 2009. The walkway had been repaired and restored within the past year and it is truly unfortunate that members of the community would purposefully damage this much needed asset for people who walk along Waipahu Street. Councilmember Garcia will be working with HPD and DPR to address the unwanted trespassers living under the bridge who may have been the cause of the fire that damaged the walkway in the first place. Bridge 2: The recently announced closure of Waipahu Street between Waipahu Depot Road to Awamoi Street is to repair the bridge above Waikele Stream that was damaged by the heavy rainfall we experienced late last year. Work is scheduled to begin on August 3 is anticipated to end by the end of August 2009. Guardrails: DTS has reported their investigation also supported by federal road safety, warranted installations of guardrails along Waipahu Street between the Waikele Bridge and the Waipahu Cultural Garden Park.  The City Department of Design and Construction has been requested to provide the designs. Also, Mokuola Street and Kauolu Place also has been approved for a crosswalk by DTS. DTS will begin programming the funding and installation of an accessible curb ramp on the Ewa side of the street in conjunction with the installation of a marked crosswalk. A DTS investigation regarding alleged vehicle speeding on Kahuanui Street has yielded a decision to stripe in a 10 feet travel lane/10 feet parking lane configuration from between Paiwa and Kahuanani Streets.

4)       Bill 39 – Council adopted a first draft version relating to the real property tax exemption for schools, which provided similar property tax exemptions for “for profit” and “not for profit” child care centers.

5)       Resolution 09-141 – Approving the City’s proposed 5-year plan relating to the targeted use of the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnerships, Emergency Shelter Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids Programs which is to be submitted to the Housing Urban Development for review and authorization.

6)       Kanoelani Elementary School – The school is planning a community wide clean up on Saturday, September 19, 2009, beginning from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please contact Vice Principal Walleen Hirayama at 675-0195 for further information.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Speed Bumps Need at Pupukahi Street – A request was made for the area to deter alleged speeding.

·         Engineer Solutions for City Buildings – The city has recommended replacing old light bulbs with the newer eco-friendly bulbs for all light fixtures. The recommendation could save the city several thousands in electrical use.

·         Kunia Road near the H-1 Onramp New Lane – There were several concerns regarding the new configuration of stripping in the lanes leading to the freeway, near misses has been reported. It seems speeding vehicles traveling from Ewa was making it difficult for vehicles to merge to the west side lanes of Kunia Road to access the H-1 westbound freeway entrance.

·         Members thanked Councilmember Garcia for his perfect attendance at the Board meetings and offering many solutions and updates for the community.

City Councilmember Okino’s Report was circulated by K. Scharfenstein.

Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – P. Lee reported the following information:

1)       Transit Rail Stations – All of the elevated stations along the route will have an open air design to take advantage of Honolulu’s year-round pleasant weather. Cooler industrial fabrics such as the station’s canopy roofline will be used instead of plastics or metals that can absorb more heat. It has been reported that elevated rail systems are faster and less costly.

2)       Community Workshops – The final workshop for the West Oahu area is August 5 at Kapolei High School and for the Leeward Community College campus is on August 18, 2009.

3)       Reported Rail Accident – The recent rail accident in San Francisco was reported to be possible a human error.

4)       View Drawings – For more information, please contact the project office at 566-2299, and to view drawings of the train stations, log onto: www.honolulutransit.org.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Federal Funding – The City reported the federal funding for the project is available. The City Record of Decision has been completed and recorded. The City is now preparing to follow the process by Congress and looked forward to the decision vote.

·         $4 Billion Rail Funding – A concern for the reported two percent increase in funding for a small island as Oahu will increase taxes even further. Approval on bonds for the project has also been reported.

·         Farrington Highway (FH) – Some Board members were opposed to the rail project traveling down the middle of FH. The median proposed for rail travel on FH will keep the cost down and minimize land acquisitions.

RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

• The 89 th. Annual Hawaii Senior State Softball Game – The event will take place at

the Central Oahu Regional Park.

·         Mokuola Street and Kauolu Place – According to a site inspection and analysis, DTS found that a marked crosswalk was warranted across Mokuola Street and Kauolu Place. Also, according to the American with Disabilities Act, the installation of a marked crosswalk triggers the need for accessible curb ramps on the Ewa side of the street. DTS will program the installation of an additional accessible curb ramp in conjunction with the installation of a marked crosswalk, pending the availability of funds. 

·         Kahuanui Street – DTS has also completed an alleged speeding complaint and recommended along Kahuanui Street be striped in a 10-foot travel lane/10-foot parking lane configuration in each direction between Paiwa and Kahuanani Streets. Street parking will be retained while the narrowing effect should help to deter speeding in the area.

·         Board members wish to thank previous member L. Duhaylonsod for making silk “lei” for all Board members on their new election term.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: June 25, 2009 – The minutes were adopted with the following amendments:

• Page 3; under residents’ concerns, delete the first sentence and insert “Re-striping and installing a yield sign for drivers coming from Waipahu created a huge safety hazard”

BOARD BUSINESS AND REPORTS:

National Children’s Study (NCS) – Terry Shintani, MD reported the following information:

1)       NCS – The NCS is examining the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of more than 100,000 children across the United States (US), following them from before birth until age 21. The goal of the study is to improve the health and well-being of children and defines environment broadly and takes a number of issues into account, including: Natural and man-made environmental factors, biological and chemical factors, physical surroundings, social factors, behavioral influences and outcome, genetics, cultural and family influences and differences, and geographic locations.

2)       NCS Different from Other US Health Studies – NCS includes children and families from 105 locations across the country, from varied backgrounds, and of different family types, to allow investigation of issues important to the diverse US population. The study includes the wide range of biological, physical, genetic, social, cultural, and other factors comprising a child’s environment that can affect health and development. This study will collect information on the same group of people from before birth into adulthood. By following children and families for 21 years or more, collection information about health at different ages and stages of growth and in various situations, to shed light on the factors that influence health and development as people grow. Even though the study will span more than 20 years, the world won’t have to wait that long for results, Study researchers will begin to analyze information as soon as it is collected. As the children enrolled at the study reach certain developmental milestone, findings related will be released, and some may lead to new health and environmental questions that can be answered later in the course of the study.

3)       Federal, State and Local Partnerships – NCS represents a unique, overarching partnership with many components and does not rely on one specific agency, industry, or company to function. Federal, state, and local agencies, universities, academic and professional societies, medical center, communities, organizations, industries, companies and other private groups all play vital roles in this partnership. The partners are involved in advising on various phases of the study, from its design to its conclusion, to ensure that the results are accurate, unbiased, and reliable.

Clearwire Zoning Application at 94-333 Mokuola Street – The application has been filed with City Department of Planning and Permitting. A report was circulated without a presentation.

Treasurer’s Report (June 2009): Treasurer Saniatan reported that the Operating Account reflected $131.57 for printing and postage expense, leaving the balance at $223.62, the Publicity Account reflected $500 expense for video taping for the month of May and June 2009, leaving the balance at zero, and the Refreshment Account remained at $120, leaving the Appropriated balance at $343.62.

Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Complex – Burke reported the following information:

1)       The Patsy T. Mink Central O’ahu Regional Park Advisory Committee (CORP AC) Meetings – Meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month at the park’s aquatics complex.  Meetings are open to everyone.

2)       July Community/Park User Concerns – (a) A brush fire on July 1 consumed about 25 acres of brush. Investigators say it will be nearly impossible to determine what started this blaze.  (b) Tahitian drummers are practicing drumming in the tennis facility parking lot after lights out.  It’s not unpleasant, but too late at night.  Park employees contact HPD, but HPD has been slow to respond.  A related concern is an apparent Native American drum group that practices in the archery area.  (c) Dirt bikes and 4x4s/ATVs apparently being operated by young people are driving along the Waikele fence line during the day.  Residents observing this activity are advised to notify HPD (call 911).

3)       Items of Interest – (a) The Armed Forces sponsored YMCA E. K. Fernandez carnival took place July 17th - 19th.  Last year, the carnival contributed $10 thousand to support park operations and maintenance. (b) Public hearings on park fees are expected to be scheduled for late August or early September.  User groups reportedly don’t object to reasonable fees but want the proceeds to stay in the park rather than going to the general fund. (c) Funds to begin replacing the fragile fencing along park roads with telephone poles on concrete pedestals (as at the Waipio Soccer Facility) are expected to be made available in 2010-11.

4)       Scheduled Organized Activities – A following schedule was circulated.

Adult Baseball Fields:

July 7 to 12 - USABF/West Oahu Baseball Hawaiian Baseball Classic (8 am – 9pm)

July 17, 18, 19 – Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament

August 1, 2 – Triple ISA World Series (8 am – 9 pm)

August 20 to 23 - Baseball In Paradise

Youth Baseball Fields:

July 2 to 6 – State Pony Tournament

July 8 to 13 – Cal Ripken Tournament

July 16 to 23 – District 7 Tournaments

July 21 to 31 – Triple ISA World Series

August 1, 2 – Triple ISA World Series

August 20 to 23 – International Youth Tournament (7 am – 7 pm)

Softball:

July 3, 4, 5 – Soft Ball Tournament (8:30 am – 9:30 pm)

July 7 to 19 – JO State Tournament (8 am – 9:30 pm)

July 25, 26 – Various Soft Ball Tournament (8 am – 9:30 pm)

July 28 to 31 – Alumni Tournament (5:30 p – 9:30 pm)

August 1, 2 – Alumni Tournament (7 am – 9:30 pm)

August 4 to 6 – SR Makuli Softball Tournament (8am – 5pm)

August 7, 8 – State Mountainball Tournament (8am – 9 pm)

August 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30– Various Softball Tournament (8 am – 9:30 pm)

Tennis:

July 3 – DCCA Tournment (7 am – 12:30 pm)

July 10 to 12 – Aloha State Games (4 pm – 8 pm Friday, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun)

July 17, 18, 19 – Hawaii State Sr Tournament (9 am – 6 pm)

August 1, 2 – Pilot Foundation Tournament

August 14 to 16 – USTA Hawaii State Jr Open

August 21 to 23 – USTA Adult League Section Championships

Swimming:

August 3 to 8 – Western Zone Swimming Championships

5)       Waipio Peninsula Soccer Facility – 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. Recent sanctioned events at the facility include the AYSO Rainbow Tournament, the Hawaii International Cup sponsored by the Honolulu Bulls Soccer Club and the Aloha International Cup sponsored by the Leahi Soccer Club.  The Hawaii Classic Cup sponsored by the Men’s Island Soccer Organization (MISO) will take place in August.  Participation has been ranging between 80 and 90 teams per tournament, many from out of state, down somewhat from last year due to the economy. The University of Hawaii Wahine soccer team schedule begins in August.  This year both the Chaminade University men’s and women’s teams plan several games at Waipio as well.

6)       Hans L’Orange Baseball Field – July 9 to 14, 2009, District Tournament Juniors/Seniors; July 23 to 28 – State Juniors Tournament

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): Tsugawa will be the new Board representative and will report for the next CAC meeting. 

Waipahu Community Foundation (WCF) – Burke reported the following information:

1)       WCF Meetings – The committee met on the first Friday of each month at Waipahu High School (WHS).

2)       Next Quarter Funding – Applications for the next quarter funding for 501C3 groups was due in September 2009. Burke offered his assistance to anyone that may need help in filling out the application. The Internal Revenue Services does regulate and allocate the funds once applications are approved and finalized for awards.

3)       District Qualification – The WCF only serves Waipahu district applicants such as schools, athletic teams and groups serving non-profit companies as a 501C3 status.

4)       Mahalo to WHS – A big mahalo to Pat Paterson for her support of WCF. P. Patterson recently retired as principal at WHS; she also is a member of WCF. Burke hopes P. Patterson remains a member of WCF.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor Lingle’s Representative – D. Festerling reported the following information:

The governor and Major General Lee toured a facility designated for persons with special health needs as well as a pet friendly shelter facility at Stevenson Middle School. The State Civil Defense is working with the State Department of Education, American Red Cross, State Department of Health, Hawaiian Humane Society and other private and public agencies to designate over 150 facilities statewide that may serve as a Special Health Needs shelter in the event of a disaster.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• State Contract for Half Way Home at Crestview Apartments – The home seems to have no supervision most of the time. According to a state contract, a state representative is supposed to be on hand to monitor home activities. Information is to be submitted to the governor’s representative for a follow-up. Several complaints to the state have gone unanswered.

• DOT Presentation regarding the Kunia Road Re-Striping – According to several Board members, DOT made presentations to the Makakilo and Ewa districts; however, Waipahu residents were left in the dark and surprised by the quick addition to Kunia Road. The new re-striping has made merging to the left lanes on Kunia Road from the Waipahu side of Kunia Road very dangerous and near misses has already been witnessed and the Board would really like for DOT to consider an option to make it safer before an incident happens. Vehicles traveling over the bridge from Ewa on Kunia Road are traveling at high speed making the merge very dangerous to get over to the far left lane especially for those trying to enter H1 westbound.

Board of Education (BOE) Report – B. Harimoto reported the following information:

1)       Tax and Special Funds – BOE members have urged the governor and state officials to look at alternative funding to minimize budget cuts to public schools. BOE members also voted on June 12 to request a consideration using the Hawaii Hurricane Relief and Rainy Day funds or temporarily raise the general excise tax.

2)       Library Closure – The department has considered closing the Ewa Beach library; however, it has been recommended to look at the five libraries located in urban Honolulu rather than closing one of the only three libraries serving the Leeward communities. (Waipahu, Makakilo and Ewa Beach)

3)       WHS New Principal – Principal Patterson has retired, Keith Hayashi has been named the new principal.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         School Supply List – It was suggested the department help with supporting the economy by updating the list. It seems the list has parents buying too much repeated supplies from previous years which end up being returned home unused. Please revise the list to prevent an overwhelming supply.

·         Hawaii DOE Standards Compared to the U.S. – Hawaii ranks high in the national standards. BOE suggests keeping the current Hawaii standards such as 37 measures being currently met at each school in order to meet its standards annually. There were 47 schools that were not up to standards by one mark relating to special education; however, has until 2014 to comply.

Senator Espero reported the following information:

1)       USS Hawaii – The arrival f the newest navy ship named after the state arrives today at Peal Harbor (PH). Military personnel at PH contribute at least 60 percent to Oahu’s economy and helping its community.

2)       Illegal Fireworks – The state will be looking at ways to deter illegal fireworks from entering the state.

3)       Women Prison in Kentucky – The state is working on returning home women prisoners currently serving time on the U.S. mainland.

4)       Kunia Road Re-Striping – The new lane and re-striping will benefit Ewa residents; however, reported 1,000 vehicles out of Waipahu versus 4,000 out of Ewa does warrant some type of additional signage or lane. DOT has reported to be adding better signage on the right of Kunia Road.

5)       Homeland Security – Senator Espero attended a conference in San Diego with many officials discussing statewide interoperability emergency communications.

6)       Saving Ewa Beach Library (EBL) – Mahalo to those that assisted Senator Espero in testimonies to save EBL from being cut.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Ewa and Aloha Care – A request for the Senator to look at the need for more senior care in Hawaii, as doctors seem to be leaving Hawaii for better opportunities on the mainland U.S. Senator Espero will discuss the issue with those concerned.

Senator Gabbard reported the following information:

1)       Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy (HYCA) – It was an honor to be the keynote speaker at the HYCA’s graduation; nearly 100 graduates with honorary certificates from the State Senate were awarded in recognition of their achievement. The academy is a Kalaeloa-based program run by the Hawaii National Guard, which uses military training to significantly improve the life skills and employment potential of young people who drop out of high school before graduating.

2)       Listen Story – Senator Gabbard’s next community meeting will be at Kamokila Park in Honokai Hale on Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 a.m. Contact the senator’s office at 586-6830 or by email, sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov for any helpful assistance if needed.

Senator Kidani reported the following information:

1)       National Conference for State Legislators (NCSL) – Senator Kidani was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the NCSL in San Francisco last month hearing topics ranging from racial disparities in the juvenile justice system to wind and solar energy. Senator’s notes from the NCSL conference are available on her website: wwwsenatormichellekidani.com.

2)       Website – As part of the senator’s “Green” contribution, www.senatormichellekidani.com was set up to deliver up-to-date information to the community minimizing mail outs and reduces legislature expenses for paper and postage.

3)       Kanoelani Elementary School (KES) – Sixth graders Joshua Pono Akau and Cassidy Kusumoto were recognized for being outstanding students, they both received congratulation certificates and U.S. savings bonds.

4)       Aloha Aina Earth Day – KES is hosting its first community clean up and recycling fundraiser on September 19, 2009 beginning from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 94-1091 Oli Loop in Waipio Gentry. Items not accepted: gas tanks, hazardous fluids, microwave ovens, paints, school or commercial computers and televisions. For more information, please call 675-0195.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Fireworks Bill – Senator Kidani supports the total ban on fireworks and will consider re-introduce the bill next year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Viewing of the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 on Olelo Channel 49 network is on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2009. The Board is in recess for August and December 2009.

2)       The New Neighborhood Plan (NP) – Members were urged to read up on the new NP so that questions can be addressed if any.

3)       Member Roster – Burke was compiling a new roster list; please inform him of any information change.

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

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