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Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

OPENING CEREMONIES: Vice-Chair Yamamoto opened with a moment of reflection of the past week. Following the reflection, everyone stood for the pledge of allegiance.

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Yamamoto called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jyun Yamamoto, Silvia Koch, Sheri Bentley, Vee Chuensanguansat, Joe Frencher, Mary Jane Lee, Jeanne Ishikawa.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Ben Acohido, Kathleen Masunaga.

VACANT SEAT(S): There were no vacant seats.

GUESTS: Clifton Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Ellen Hyer, Keanu Young (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Jeff Alameida, Hugh Lowery, Captain Janet Stewart (NCTAMS PAC), Bill Stewart, Major Pat Campbell (U.S. Army), Bart Huber (HPD), Darryl Wong, Jack Kampfer (WCBA), Jeannine Tosaka (Leilehua Health Services), Geri Tramantano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Kurt Nakamura (HPD), Colonel Piat (U.S. Army), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Tom Matapua, Benny Quiseng, Tracy Kubota (Representative Marcus Oshiro’s office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF REGUALR MEETING MINUTES FOR JANUARY 28, 2008: Lee moved with Chuensanguansat seconding that the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board approve the January 28, 2008 regular meeting minutes with the following corrections:

• Entire Document: Correct spelling of “Ellen Hyre” to “Ellen Hyer.”
• Page 1: HPD: Questions Comments & Concerns: include “Rose Street” after Loko Drive.
• Page 4: Election of Treasurer: include “treasurer” between “her” and “position”, and replace “floor” with “position to Board members that were willing to serve.”

AAPPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT: Bentley reported that as of February the operating balance is at $1,146.99, due to a $26.73 charge for printing and postage. The publicity account remains at $2,110.00 and refreshment account at $120.00.

DEFENDERS & FIRST RESPONDERS, REPORTS & CONCERNS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): No report available at this time.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Ballisteros, representing HPD, reported the following:

• Statistics for the month of January 2008 include; 14 burglaries, 12 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle, 23 thefts, and 10 auto thefts. These statistics reflected a decrease in criminal activity from December 2007.
• On January 7, 2008 two burglars entered a house they assumed was unoccupied; the four residing children called HPD and reported the break in and fled the house. Both suspects were apprehended. The female suspect was caught with a firearm in possession.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

• Frencher noted that he resides on Rose Street and noticed several vehicles parked on the sidewalks, but when reported the officer took no action. Lt. Ballisteros noted that any parking on the sidewalk is illegal, and if anyone is not satisfied with an officer’s response, ask for a supervising officer.
• Lee noted she had read an article in the Kanupepa that the pharmacy at Wahiawa Medical Center had been broken into. Lt. Ballisteros confirmed the break in, and noted that the nurse on duty had checked the area prior to the break in.
• Chuensanguansat questioned if the two suspects caught on January 7th were residents of Wahiawa. Lt. Ballisteros replied that they were both residents of Ewa Beach and both had prior convictions.
• A resident raised the concern of suspicious bicyclist in the neighborhood. Lt. Ballisteros replied that if the bicyclist look suspicious and you don’t recognize them, please call HPD.
• Koch questioned an area near Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) where she noticed drinking and smoking. Lt. Ballisteros noted the location.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS): No report available at this time.

U.S. ARMY- SCHOFIELD BARRACKS: Major Pat Campbell introduced Colonel Piat. Colonel Piat introduced himself and noted that he and his family has lived in Wahiawa since 2003. Piat also announced that the Army’s training cycle will soon intensify on Schofield, which means an increase in traffic and noise. Piat then welcomed Board members and the public on a Schofield tour, and thanked everyone for their continued support.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Vice Chair Yamamoto questioned the Schofield tour. Colonel Piat replied that he is working with Frencher and is looking at March 3, 2008 with residents and guests meeting at the Wahiawa Recreation parking lot. Lee noted that on Mondays the Rainbow Club also meets at Wahiawa Recreation Center, and to possibly look at Center Street as a meeting area.
• Frencher invited the Army to the transportation committee’s first meeting, scheduled on March 13, 2008. Colonel Piat noted the date and agreed to have an Army representative at the meeting.
• A resident questioned the possibility of supporting the Stryker Brigade. Colonel Piat asked the resident to provide contact information of the supporters after the meeting.

USARPAC- 2nd STRYKER BRIGADE: Colonel Piat announced that USARPAC will make arrangements for a presentation in the upcoming months.

U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC: Captain Janet Stewart, representing the U.S. Navy, welcomed the Colonel back to Wahiawa, and noted that the Navy is willing to participate in the transportation committee meetings as well.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

• A community member noted several potholes on California Avenue; several potholes are new, while many have been there.
• A community member noted speeding has been increasing on Olive Avenue, including City & County of Honolulu garbage trucks.
• A resident noted that at the corner sidewalk near Leilehua High School has been lifted several inches and poses a safety hazard for several members of the community.
• Hyer noted that her neighbor’s tree has been dead for some time and is an eye sore and a safety hazard. She has been trying to get the tree removed but cannot seem to do so. Eugene Lee noted that if it is a safety hazard there is a law that would allow the City to remove the tree, Lee will follow up.
• A community member noted that near his home, a tree is on unknown lands. Mary Jane Lee noted that she volunteers at the adjacent Botanical garden and will look into the location and ownership of the tree.
• A community member invited everyone to the 54th Annual Kunia Orchid Show from March 14-March 16, 2008, and offered complimentary tickets.

PRESENTATIONS:

LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL BLOOD DRIVE: Students of Leilehua Health and Services Academy lead by Ms. Jennine Tosaka, presented information regarding Leilehua’s Blood Drive scheduled on April 11, 2008 from 7:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. The students noted that in a life time, 6% of humans will need blood, while only 2% will donate, and that one donation of blood can save up to three lives.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Koch questioned restrictions if residents have been in foreign lands within five years. Tosaka noted that she does know of several restrictions for Europe, but will follow up via e-mail.
• Ishikawa questioned if an appointment was necessary. The students noted that walk-ins are a possibility, though an appointment would ensure a set time.

NRSA NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN: Jeffery Kalani-Alameda, representing the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA), informed the Board that NRSA is a community strengthening program supported by Empower Oahu and the Wahiawa Community & Business Association (WCBA). Wahiawa is eligible to work with NRSA and WCBA to better the community and revitalize distressed neighborhoods. Kalani-Alameda noted that the Board and community members have this opportunity to work together with NRSA to form a community based program in the selected 93 and 94 track areas of Wahiawa.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Frencher questioned if NRSA would provide technical assistance in the process. Kalani-Alameda noted that both Ewa and Waipahu has worked with NRSA and has formed community organizations in their community. NRSA will assist in the process but cannot force the communities to do anything.
• Ishikawa questioned if residents involved must live within the 93 and 94 track area. Kalani-Alameda noted that all residents of Wahiawa should get involved, but residents within the two tracks must agree to a plan. Kalani-Alameda also noted that there will be three community meetings, with the first in March 2008.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

WCBA: Jack Kempfer, representing Wahiawa Community & Business Association (WCBA), noted that he supports the community strengthening program. Kempfer invited everyone to a free Wahiawa Bus tour, scheduled for March 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. and noted that the Pineapple Festival on May 17, 2008 would conduct a similar ride. Kempfer then noted that Pastor Jack will be holding sunrise service on March 16, 2008.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Koch questioned if WCBA would be able to assist in the clean up area near Kentucky Fried Chicken as earlier noted. Kempfer noted that the Church as well as land owner are looking into it.
• A community member noted that WCBA and the Army should work together in removing graffiti.
• Lee commended the City & County of Honolulu’s Wahiawa Botanical Garden employees that remove graffiti nearly everyday.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee, representing the Mayor, noted that if anyone would like a copy of the Mayor’s state of the City address, please see the City & County of Honolulu’s website, and noted;

• In regards to a request that Glen Avenue traffic measures be similar to those installed at Royal Palm, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is conducting a pilot project on Royal Palm Drive with removable speed humps. DTS should complete their evaluation by mid 2008.
• In accordance to Ellen Hyer’s request that any City Lights decorations be donated to Wahiawa Botanical Garden, the City lights are put into storage for their safety and are reused in the following years display, if there is excess, the City will keep the donation in mind.
• In regards to the bus stop at Kalala Street and California Avenue that was relocated, the sidewalk area is uneven and needs to be leveled or resurfaced  the Department of design and Construction’s fiscal year 2009 repaving project for California Avenue, they will be extending the ac into the right-of-way Kalala Street bust stop area.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Ishikawa mentioned that she has been contacted by several parents of students at Leilehua High School and noted that the heater of the school’s pool cannot be turned on. Lee will look into it.
• Ellen Hyer noted that the Wahiawa Police Station has been painted except the sign. Lee would follow up.
• A community member questioned the status of a proposed stop light on California Avenue to address the speeders. Lee will follow up.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Keanu Young, representing Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office reported the following information;

• In regards to the Transit Panel; the first meeting was held nearly a week and a half ago where it was chosen that steel wheel on steel rail as the specific technology. The Transit Panel also is subject to the sunshine law, obligating the panel to have open meetings to the public.
• As for the Wahiawa Transit Center, Richard Torres of DTS has executed a memorandum of agreement, but will work on contract details next week. Young will continue to update the Board with information.
• In regards to council resolution 07-379 relating to Neighborhood Board members, it is back in committee and will go before Council in the future, the Council members are waiting for testimony from Neighborhood Boards before they make a decision.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Frencher questioned if steel on steel was final. Young will follow up.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Laurence Lau, representing the Governor, noted the Governor will be having a public meeting in regards to the purchasing of Turtle Bay Resort on March 4, 2008 at Kahuku High School and reported the following;

·         Following up on a concern regarding the Galbraith Lands, the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Agriculture (DOA) and Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) have all testified on the particular bill.

·         In regards to the Wahiawa Freshwater Park, DLNR has noted that a portion of Lake Wilson is under the State Park’s jurisdiction, and no improvement projects are scheduled at this time.

·         In regards to a reported dead coconut tree on Nimitz Highway near Maunakea Street, the State Department of Transportation (DOT), checked the area and found no tree.

·         In regards to the $1.5 million appropriation to the Mililani Library, Lau will follow up.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Lee questioned the meaning of “rural life style” in the Governor’s report. Lau will follow up.

·         Frencher questioned the details of the Galbraith Land and Dam; Lau noted that several studies and factors will weigh in on the State’s involvement including water quality, and the two owners of the Lake.

·         Ishikawa questioned if any connections have been made in recent disease out breaks. Lau noted that no common threads have been found but the issue does remain a high importance to his department.

·         A community member questioned why multiple buildings in Kalaeloa are not being used. Lau noted he will follow up on specific details, and noted that there are functioning buildings in Kalaeloa.

SENATOR ROBERT BUNDA: No report available at this time

REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OSHIRO: Tracy Kubota, representing Representative Marcus Oshiro, invited everyone to attend Representative Oshiro’s Mid-Session Forum on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Wahiawa District Park Hale Koa Room from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. the forum will be a great place to get updated information on the State Budget as well as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) ceded lands. Kubota noted the internet is also a great way to stay updated or call the office at 586-6200.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Lee gave her condolences for the passing of Representative Oshiro’s father. Kubota thanked the Board for their support and would pass on the message.
• Vice Chair Yamamoto questioned the Representative’s position on the Poamoho Camp variance zoning. Kubota will follow up, and noted that this could be answered at the mid-session forum.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): No report available at this time.

HAWAII SATELLITE CITY HALL: Geri Tramantano, representing Wahiawa Satellite City Hall, noted that it is now the second collection of real property tax, and reminded everyone to have all documents ready to decrease the wait time. Tramantano reminded the military of their resident exemption, and noted bills can be paid via internet.

No questions, comments or concerns followed.

OTHER AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS: No other agencies or organizations were present at this time.

CORRESPONDANCE: Vice Chair Yamamoto noted and made available the collected correspondence.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

FORMATION OF TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY J. FRANCHER: Frencher announced that his initial meeting date will be changed due to Representative Oshiro’s mid-session forum. Frencher noted that anyone interested to contact him for details.

STATUS OF GALBREATH ESTATE AND GIFT BY OWNERS OF WAHIAWA DAM: Vice Chair noted that it seems that the State is unsure if it will acquire the Galbreath Lands and Wahaiwa Dam at this point in time. The Board will continue to follow this issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

FORMATION OF P.I.G. RELATING TO FORMATION OF CENTRAL OAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS REGIONAL FORUM: Vice Chair Yamamoto noted that this is a proposed Permitted Interaction Group amongst Boards in the central area that will discuss regional projects. Lee moved with Koch seconding that the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board form the Central Oahu Neighborhood Board regional Forum Permitted Interaction Group (PIG), with Acohido, Frencher, Lee and Yamamoto sitting on this PIG. With no objections the motion was ADOPTED unanimously 7-0-0.

FORMATION OF P.I.G. RELATING TO “VOICES OF MEN” AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Lee moved with Frencher seconding that the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board form a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to aid the “Voices of Men” against domestic violence.

Discussion followed:

• Lee questioned if it is “Voices of Men” does that mean that women cannot be involved. No member knew the correct answer.
• Ishikawa questioned if this is the same or different group that performed the march against domestic violence. No member knew the correct answer.

Lee withdrew her motion. Vice Chair Yamamoto noted that he will keep this item on the March 17, 2008 regular meeting agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lee announced that information regarding the Board’s decision to not form a PIG should be posted at Whitmore Village, preferably the gym. Vice Chair Yamamoto agreed.

ADJOURNMENT: Noting the end of the agenda Vice Chair Yamamoto called the meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant