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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of 12 members present. Note - this 19 member Board requires ten (10) votes to adopt a motion.

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

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT – Joe Hunkin Jr., Terry Healey, Edmund Alfonso, Romeo Garcia, and Robert Kakalia.

GUESTS – Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor Hannemann’s Representative), Senator Mike Gabbard, Representatives: Henry Aquino, Sharon Harr, and Jon Riki Karamatsu; Sgt. Kaneshiro and Officer Brant Pia (Honolulu Police Department and Weed & Seed), Captain Darrell Kuioka (Honolulu Fire Department), David Festerling (Governor Lingle’s Representative), Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education), Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s office), Naomi Hanohano (Board of Water Supply), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Okino’s office), Pat Lee (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project-HHCTCP), Bill Balfour (Monsanto), Blaine Tsugawa, Ilalo Parayno,  Tuika Faumuina, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Introduction – Board members and guests introduced themselves.

VACANCIES – There were no interested residents to fill the following vacancies.

• Sub-district (SD) nine (9) has one (1) vacancy
• SD11 has one (1) vacancy  

CITY GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Capt. D. Kuioka from Engine 12 Waipahu Fire Station (FS) reported the following information:

1)       May 2009 Statistics – There were 19 Fires, 199 Medical Emergencies, and 110 Miscellaneous Calls.  

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Our islands will be at a higher risk during the hot summer months due to dry vegetation and hot weather. Please use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices, such as fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, around wildland vegetation; the smallest spark and/or flame can ignite the dry vegetation. As a reminder, the law states that children under age 18 shall not possess or have access to fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, except under adult supervision. Flame-producing devices are not safe for young children. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label. As Independence Day nears, consider leaving fireworks displays to pyrotechnic professionals and enjoy one of several public fireworks displays offered by various communities.

Honolulu Police Department – Sgt. Kaneshiro circulated all beat statistics and reported the following.  

1)       May 2009 Statistics – 33 auto thefts, 40 auto theft recoveries, 32 burglaries, 60 criminal property damages, 4 sex assaults, 79 thefts and 32 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles.

2)       Calls for Service – There were 6,903 calls in District 3.

Weed and Seed Officer – Officer B. Pia reported the following information:

1)       Abundance of Abandoned Vehicles – Member Yakowenko and officers from the Handi-cap Enforcement Unit are working to address these vehicles illegally parked on Pupukahi, Pupupuhi and Pupumoni Streets. Approximately 40-50 vehicles were marked and were issued citations.

2)       HPD Designated Parking Stalls at the New HPD Oasis (OA) Apartment Location – HPD has inquired with residents of the OA for parking on Leokani Street near the Lighthouse Outreach Center.

3)       Bicycle Patrol – Unit Officers have been addressing concerns and patrolling the area utilizing bicycles and planning on doing it at least once a week.

4)       “Hug Me Bears” – A member of the Waipahu Community Coalition is having a fundraiser car wash on Saturday, June 28 at the Waipahu McDonalds beginning from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

5)       Lighthouse Outreach Center Free Luncheon – Pastor Joe Hunkin invites the community to their free luncheon on Saturday, June 28 beginning from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Waipahu Intermediate School near the basketball courts.

6)       Crime Tip – During the summer months, many trees and shrubbery may be overgrown from the spring rains and could shield intruders from being seen. Trimming overgrown shrubbery is recommended to allow for visual protection.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Public Drinking on Sidewalk Concerns – HPD will be patrolling the areas of Pupu Streets concerning residents drinking in public and blocking sidewalks, especially for those in wheelchairs having to use the roadways to cross when the sidewalks are blocked.

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

1)       Crosswalk at Waipahu and Hiapo Streets – The City Department of Transportation Services will conduct an investigation to determine if the crosswalk is justified across the two streets including Old Waipahu Street sometime after September when schools are back in session.

2)       Neighborhood Commission (NC) Agenda Template – Executive Secretary, Joan Manke, appreciates the invitation and when her schedule allows her to attend the Board meeting, she will gladly be present. The pilot agenda template 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 system, and review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Plan and neighborhood boards.”

3)       Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival – The event is slated for this weekend beginning Friday through Sunday including food vendors and “Sunset on the Beach” which includes a movie.

4)       The Boat – The last chance to ride The Boat will be June 30, this will also include eliminating the shuttles.

5)       Mayor Hannemann Elected a Trustee of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) – Mayor Hannemann will help oversee the national organization’s administration and finances. The USCM is the official nonpartisan organization of the nation’s 1,201 cities with populations of 30,000 or more. Mayor Hannemann also serves as Chairman of the USCM Standing Committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports.

6)       Waipio Soccer Complex No Tent Rule – B. Hufana-Ablan will have to follow up on a new commissioner rule which has prevented families from using tents at the park during games. Several members felt that families enjoying the games would appreciate some shade.  

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

Water Safety and Test – BWS works hard to ensure that the water served to customers meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards and want to reassure that the water delivered is safe to drink. Annually, BWS and State Department of Health conduct thousands of tests on the water source. These tests check for more than 100 different types of contaminants, as required by the Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These tests are shared with customers in the annual water quality report or Consumer Confidence Report mailed to customers by July. Further information can be obtained at BWS’s website: www.boardofwatersupply.com.

City Councilmember Garcia’s Report –

1)       Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Section 15-24 – Motorists may be cited for operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device. This law takes affect July 1, 2009.

2)       District 5 Councilmember Duke Bainum’s Seat – Due to the sudden death of Councilmember Bainum, a special election will be held to fill his vacant seat.

3)       Waipio Soccer Complex – Discussion with the Navy is underway to pursue building a permanent structure at the park to resolve the tent issue. It is understood that without shade, the hot sun can affect players using the field. It was noted that some military teams from Hickam also uses the soccer field.

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

1)       Honolulu Rail Transit Symposium 2009 – The event was a success with over 400 attendees. Further information is available on the rail transit’s website at: www.honolulutransit.org.

2)       Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) – The administration draft of the final EIS will be submitted to the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) at the end of June 2009, and will be made public in August 2009. A Record of Decision (ROD) from the FTA is anticipated after October 1, 2009.

3)       Project Start – The procurement process has already begun, so that once the ROD is received, the project can begin. Groundbreaking for the rail project is set for the end of December 2009. Proposals for the maintenance and base yards are currently being reviewed.

4)       Kapolei Rail Station Workshop – On June 29, 2009, at 6:30 p.m., at Kapolei High School, the appearance of the Kapolei rail station will be discussed, and the community may present their ideas.

5)       Pearl Highlands Park & Ride Station – The multi level complex will include about 1,500 to 1,700 parking stalls. A preliminary design will be available by 2011.

6)       Rail Ride Tickets – A city ordinance may have to be in place once the rail commences in order to have rider tickets spot checked for validation as done so in many rail systems in North America. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Train Crash Preventative Measures – The National Transportation Services does investigate all train crashes. The rail system in Vancouver will be similar to the rail system being considered for Hawaii which has had no incidents thus far.

RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

·         The Newly Re-striped Lanes on Kunia Road – A big concern over the three-way stop turned into a yield sign on Kunia Road seemed very unsafe for both drivers and pedestrians. Yakowenko said his neighborhood will be greatly affected by this change; there was also very little notice of the community hearing presented by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) which he could not attend. The Board also did not receive any notice of the meeting from DOT. The Kapolei Board was briefed in May 2009; however, again, there was no official notice to the Waipahu Board. Representative Har apologized as she was unaware of the short notice, and offered to submit a DOT request for a presentation.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: May 28, 2009 – The minutes were adopted with the following amendments:

·         Page 1 – Sgt. Pestana HPD report  under No. 1 – strike out “18,771 calls” insert “6,445 calls”

·         Page 5 – under Residents’ Concerns – insert “3) Alfonso reported the tree still remained in the Waipahu Stream”

BOARD BUSINESS AND REPORTS:

State Officials:

Representative Har reported the following information:

1)       Economic Update – The State’s Council on Revenues (CR) made their quarterly economic prediction on May 28. This prediction was lowered due to a lower collection of state tax revenues from a -5percent to a -9percent, equating to a loss of $180 million for the fiscal year (FY) 2009. This FY will end on June 30, 2009. The CR lowered the prediction for the FY 2010 from a growth of +0.5percent to a 0percent beginning on July 1, 2009.

2)       Senate Companion Bills Introduced on her Behalf – The following bills have been passed: HB981, Ignition Interlock, recommendations of the ignition interlock task force includes mandatory installation for first time offenders. Other penalties will include revocation of a driver’s license and privilege to operate a vehicle for at least a year. In addition, there will be a requirement for community service work, prison time, and a fine. Repeat offenders would receive heightened penalties. SB714 allows all motor vehicles to use the high occupancies vehicle (HOV)/zipper lanes when one or more lanes have been shut down due to accident. SB715, is a recommendation of the 2007 Task Force on Smart Growth Development, ensures balanced transportation planning between State and Counties.

3)       Kama’aina Kids in Kalaeloa – Further information can be obtained by calling 262-4538.

4)       Capital Improvement Projects and Budget Appropriations – Projects funded in the biennium state budget for the 40^th District totaled $62,418,000.

5)       Talk Story – Please join Representative Har on August 15, 2009 at Royal Kunia Community Association, 94-615 Kupuohi Street in room 201.

Representative Karamatsu reported the following information:

1)       The Identification Bill – This bill did not pass which was a disappointment; however, given the amount of larger bills he will continue to stall some bills to reintroduce them in the new legislature.

2)       Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy – Supported the requiring the establishment of energy-efficiency portfolio standards, establishing the building energy efficiency revolving loan program. Also, encouraged the development of renewable energy to increase the required use of renewable energy by electric utilities and projects. (HB1464)

3)       Renewable Energy and Food Security – Supported Hawaii’s energy self-sufficiency and agricultural sustainability establishing rates for the purchase of renewable energy produced in conjunction with agricultural activities encouraging buying locally. (HB1271)

4)       Medical Contracts – Supported to encourage cultural sensitivity among Medicaid health insurance entities by requiring the Department of Human Services to include annul reporting requirement in all Medicaid healthcare insurance plan contacts. (HB1525)

Representative Aquino reported the following information:

1)       Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) – Approximately $13,983,100 in CIPs were appropriated for the Waipahu community, particularly benefiting residents of the 35^th District. This includes projects for several Waipahu schools, the Filipino Community Center, and the Waipahu Health Center located at the Civic Center.

2)       HB1536 – He introduced this bill that reduces the salaries of members of the Legislature and certain members of the Executive and Judicial branches by five percent. This bill will assist with our revenue shortfall at this state of the current economy.

3)       HB358 – As Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, this bill has significance in assisting drug offenders to get treatment they need in secure facilities. Drugs and substance abuse affects all communities and this piece of legislation will ensure that we invest in alternative forms of incarceration that creates a safer and healthier community.

Representative Yamane reported the following information:

1)       HB690 – Introduced by Representative Yamane, requires Health Insurers who provide health coverage and benefits to full time employees to also provide same coverage to part-time employees who work a 15 hour week.

2)       HB989 – Introduced by Representative Yamane, provides funding to assist Keiki Care Program to continue to provide primary health care services to uninsured children in Hawaii, and extends the program until June 2012.

3)       HB200 – Relating to the funds of $3.85 million to construct an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility in the Waipio Gentry area to store new EMS Waipio ambulances staff.

4)       HB814 – This bill will ease the recertification requirements that burdens many nurse aides (NA), it will also clarify training and continuing education hour requirements to assist NAs. HB1378 will also assist advanced practice registered nurses as primary care providers to increase access to rural health care.

5)       HB1611 – The bill will require that fish and meat products that were gas treated to appear fresher be labeled to indicate the gas-treatment.

6)       SB423 – This bill will allow the State to match the $12.5 million in federal funding to support the disproportionate share hospital allowance to assist all of our hospitals in Hawaii to provide patient services.

7)       Highlands Intermediate School – Funding of $480,000 will be used to remove asbestos from the chorus classroom and renovation.

8)       Community Reminders – June 1 began Hawaii’s hurricane season, stay prepared and make sure your family has a plan. Visit the Pacific Hurricane Center’s website for further information at www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc.

Senator Gabbard reported the following information:

1)       Renewable Energy – Hawaii took a significant step toward economic recovery and began to reduce its addiction to carbon based fuels, the vehicle for these changes is SB464, a measure that will attract hundreds of million in out of state and federal investment monies to Hawaii and accelerate the adoption of clean, reliable, solar energy.

2)       SB1202 – Establishes the development of non-fossil fuel transportation as a state policy goal. Requires the designation of parking spaces for electric vehicles and provides penalties for parking a non‑electric vehicle in reserved spaces. Requires State and county agencies to follow a priority list when purchasing energy-efficient vehicles, including electric vehicles. Includes requirements for developing an electric vehicle infrastructure. Establishes the Transportation Energy Transformation Grant Fund Program.

3)       DOT Contra Flow Lane and Signal at Kunia Road – A letter was sent to DOT inquiring about the short public notice regarding the project. A response was pending.

4)       Coffee Hour – The next community meeting at Kapolei Starbucks, next to the Chevron gas station, on Saturday, July 18 beginning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Waipahu CIPs – Total appropriated for Waipahu alone in CIPs is about $14 million.

·         Fireworks and ID Bills – Several Board members requested district officials to reintroduced and support the two bills. Fireworks in the district has become out of control beginning in October through January annually. Representative Karamatsu said he will continue to urge law makers, State and City officials for their support and wishes to thank member Chun for his assistance in writing the ID bill. Chair Oshiro said the State ID card program will begin July 11, 2009 at Waipahu High School only on Saturdays between 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Further information regarding the ID cards may be obtained by calling 586-1500, the Department of the Attorney General’s office.

8: 52 p.m. Wheatley left the meeting. There were now 11 members present.

Senator Nishihara’s Report – The Senator’s report was not currently available. He was attending a caucus in North America along with Senator Kidani.

Senator Kidani’s Report – The Senator’s report was circulated naming her accomplishments for the 2009 Legislative session:

1)       District CIPs – Among the 17^th Senatorial District’s CIPs approved this year, the major accomplishment was securing funding in the 2010 CIP budget for the construction of an Ambulance Facility adjacent to McDonald’s on Kamehameha Highway and Ka Uka Boulevard. This facility will directly benefit Waipio Gentry, Waipahu, Mililani and Mililani Mauka.

2)       SB1338 – The clothesline bill will allow single-family dwelling and town-home residents to use clotheslines to minimize electrical use. It will also allow homeowners associations to set reasonable rules regarding the use of clotheslines.

Previous Board Business:

Waipahu Transit Oriented Development Plan (TOD):

Letter of inquiry from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) regarding Board comments on the Public Review Draft – Several Board members would like to read more details before offering support as a Board and thought another TOD presentation was due in order to respond. Andrade moved and Maus seconded for the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 to support the Waipahu Neighborhood TOD Plan. The motion was NOT adopted; 7-3-1. (Aye: Andrade, Chun, Duhaylonsod, Herolaga, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro. No: Antonio, Burke, Saniatan. Abstain: Yakowenko)

Neighborhood Board Agenda Template:

Letter addressing the Board’s Position on the Neighborhood Commission’s (NC) Trial Agenda Template –

Antonio moved and Burke seconded for the Neighborhood Board No. 22 to write an opposition letter to the NC regarding the trial agenda template. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED; 11-0-0. (Andrade, Chun, Duhaylonsod, Herolaga, Maus, Nishimoto, Oshiro, Antonio, Burke, Saniatan, Yakowenko)

Future Board Meetings for the New Term:

FY2010-2011 – Members agreed to allow the new Board members in July decide on Recess, Day, Time and Venue for the new term Board meetings. It was recommended for the Board to consider keeping the same schedule including video taping the meetings as well. (Recess in August, November and or December. Meeting Day to be fourth Thursdays of each month) The Board also agreed to vote in July to cover the video taping fee for the July 23, 2009 meeting. NA, M. Chanel-Benjamin, will confirm the pro tem Chair for the July meeting, Oshiro or Burke.

Treasurer’s Report (May 2009): Treasurer Saniatan reported that the Operating Account reflected $136.68 for printing and postage expense, leaving the balance at $355.19, the Publicity Account reflected $250 expense for video taping for the month of April 2009, leaving the balance at $500, and the Refreshment Account remained at $120, leaving the Appropriated balance at $975.19.

Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Complex: Burke had nothing new to report at this time.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): The next meeting is slated for July 7, 2009 in Room 309 at the State Capitol.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Burke reported the following information:

Awarded Grants – Some $54,000 were awarded to local youth organizations in the district. The next quarter applications were due by September 4, 2009. Burke offered to assist with the application process if needed. The next WCF meeting was slated for July 9, 2009 at Waipahu High School.

Other Community Reports:

Building Industry Association of Hawaii – The new two story training center was near completion after two years. A $2 million federal funding and $1 million State funding made this possible with the grand opening planned for early October 2009. The community would like to thank the Board and Councilmember Garcia for supporting this opportunity which will serve citizens of Hawaii well. An invite will be noticed once the event is confirmed.

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

1)       Crosswalk on Farrington Highway – The crosswalk near the Bank of Hawaii was reported as too expensive to install; however, DOT was considering re-channeling the turn signal and create an island to better serve pedestrians at this intersection. The area is currently under evaluation and a study report will be available once it is completed.

2)       BusStop on Farrington Highway fronting Don Quijote Store – The work is underway to repair the bus stop which should be ready the second week of June 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         ID Bill – Further information regarding the ID bill was requested.

·         Steadfast House at Village Park, 9468 Kahui Place – A concern regarding the home with a recent reported attempted suicide was arousing curiosity as to why the home is not being monitored by the State. As, per a State contract, the home is suppose to have 24 hour State guardianship due to residents at the home requiring medication; however, there was no sign of a State representation in the home. Neighbors are reporting the State representative was only providing yard service without monitoring the home as contracted. Residents are very concerned for their own safety. 

·         Kunia Road Lane and Re-Striping – Concerns over the recent change on Kunia Road before the H-1 on ramp has many residents unhappy, residents were taken by the surprise change without notice to the community from DOT. Board members said DOT only gave presentations to the Ewa and Kapolei community and Neighborhood Boards and completely ignored giving the same report to the Waipahu Board and community. A request for DOT to please give the community an opportunity to hear the presentation may be possible in September 2009.

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

BOE Efficiency – The State BOE has created an investigative committee assigned with modernizing the public school system to make more efficient in light of recent budget cuts which will find ways to streamline operations and make the best use of resource to improve the delivery of educational services to students. The committee’s goal is to help upgrade the Education Department in an effort to raise academic achievement while positioning the state to receive additional federal education dollars through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – 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 July 23, 2009.

ADJOURMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. without objections.

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