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Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2008

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

OPENING CEREMONIES: Chair Acohido explained that every Board meeting he opens with a moment of reflection of the past week. Following this reflection, everyone stood and recited the pledge of allegiance.

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

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kathleen Masunaga.

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

GUESTS: Ellen Hyre, Clifton Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Benny Quiseng, Hugh Lowen, Dawn Bursen, Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Patty Dukes (EMS), Major Patrick Campbell (ARMY), Yukio Kitagawa, Jack Smith, S. Bray (Leilehua High School), Lieutenant Ballisteros (HPD), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Keanu Young (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office), Nolan Tokuda, and Alfred Viloria (Leilehua High School), Troy Tamura (Wahiawa Elementary), Ted Fisher (Kaala Elementary), Laurence Lau (Governor’s Representative), , Mark Takemoto (Castle & Cooke), Kylee Kin, Tracy Kubota (Representative Marcus Oshiro’s Office), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2007: Chair Acohido explained that the regular meeting minutes of November were not completed, and deferred this item until the February meeting.

DEFENDERS & FIRST REPONDERS, REPORTS AND CONCERNS:

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

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Ballisteros introduced himself noting he was new to the Neighborhood Board and reported the following information.

• Monthly statistics for the month of November 2007 include; 15 burglaries, 5 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 19 thefts, and 13 auto thefts.
• Monthly statistics for the month of December 2007 include; 27 burglaries, 15 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 27 thefts, and 8 auto thefts.

Questions, comments or concerns followed:

Board member Mary Jane Lee, on behalf of Wahiawa Middle School, requested that HPD cite vehicles that are illegally parked on Loko Drive, during school hours. These cars pose a hazard for students and pedestrians. Lt. Ballisteros noted the location and said if they are illegally parked they will be cited.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE (EMS): Patty Dukes, representing EMS, apologized for missing several past meetings and reported the following information:

• Emergency response statistics from November 1, 2007 to the present include; 710 in Wahiawa, 464 in Mililani, and 43 on Military grounds.
• On January 6, 2008 a new paramedic service was established in Waipio, which received 16 calls in the first day. Since the opening, this service has responded to 217 calls in Waipio and 220 calls in Wahiawa. The new service will aide Wahiawa, Aiea, and Waipahu. Dukes noted that this provides a paramedic service for more people, and is a great asset to the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Frencher questioned the new garage facility in Wahiawa, to which Dukes explained that due to roofing complications, the project was held back in the past. The roofing has finally been completed and furnishings and equipment can now be done, the anticipated completion date is April 2008.

·         Ellen Hyre questioned the facility’s entrance and exit plan, to which Dukes noted emergency vehicles, will have a private entrance and exit on Mango Place.

U.S. ARMY – SCHOFIELD BARRACKS: Major Patrick Campbell, representing the U.S. Army and Schofield Barracks noted that the Third Brigade has returned and are very happy to have come home. The Third Brigade will be returning to Iraq sometime this fall. Major Campbell noted that surrounding areas may hear an increase in simulated gun fire and combat simulations.

U.S. NAVY – NCTAMS PAC: Chief Warrant Officer Clifton Jenkins, representing the U.S. Navy, reported the Navy has been participating in the Read Aloud program at Helemanu Elementary, and noted that the Navy has successfully raised and donated four containers of books to the elementary schools in Wahiawa.

Bentley moved with Yamamoto seconding that the agenda be taken out of order and recognize item XII. C. Recognition of Leilehua High School Football Team. Seeing no objections the motion carried unanimously 8-0-0.

RECOGNITION OF LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM: Chair Acohido explained that he would like to acknowledge several individuals in the district that has provided excellent services and profound results.

LEILEHUA VARSITY FOOTBALL COACHES: Chair Acohido with Board member Koch presented the Leilehua High School Varsity Football Coaches Nolan Tokuda, Tuisamau Alailima, Jon Morikawa, Edward Kama, Jake Kawamata, Mark Kurisu, Darrin Matsumiya, Pat San Nicolas, and Burt Souza. Chair Acohido read the certificate of recognition, highlighting appreciation for their dedication and professionalism in molding fine student-athletes. Noting the absence of several coaches, their certificates would be distributed through the coaches in attendance.

LEILEHUA JUNIOR VARSITY FOOTBALL COACHES: Chair Acohido with Board member Yamamoto presented the Leilehua High School Junior Varsity Coaches Alfred Viloria, Richard Townsned, Jon Acohido, Len Nakasone, and Wesley Ohori. Chair Acohido read the certificate of recognition, highlighting the inspirational coaching which prepares young football players for the next level of competition. Noting the absence of several coaches, their certificates would be distributed through the coaches in attendance.

LEILEHUA CROSS-COUNTRY TRACK COACHES: Chair Acohido with Board member Mencher presented the Leilehua High School Cross-Country Coaches Lena Lynn Miyamoto, Curtis Lau, Michael Akagi, and Shawn Nakata. Chair Acohido read the certificate of recognition, highlighting the Coach’s inspiring leadership that led the Mules to the OIA 2007-2008 Division and Hawaii State Cross-Country Track Championships. Noting the absence of several coaches, their certificates would be distributed through the coaches in attendance.

WAHIAWA AND KAALA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: Chair Acohido and Board member Lee presented Principal of Wahiawa Elementary School, Troy Tamura, a certificate for Wahiawa Elementary School’s 100^th anniversary. Acohido and Lee also presented Principal of Kaala Elementary School, Ted Fisher, for Kaala Elementary School’s 50^th anniversary.

LETTERS OF APPRECIATION: Chair Acohido and Board member Bentley presented Mr. Laurence Lau (State Department of Health), Mr. Duke Chung (Board of Water Supply), Mr. Eugene Lee (City & County of Honolulu Design & Construction Department), and Ms. Gerri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), for their continued work and dedication to the Wahiawa district.

Chair Acohido called a thirty minute recess at 7:20 p.m. to enjoy several desserts prepared by members of the community. Chair Acohido called the meeting back to order at 7:45 p.m. The agenda resumed its regular order.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Resident Ellen Hyre raised a concern regarding the recently moved bus top on Kalala Street, not only is the bus stop now too far to walk to, but the adjacent sidewalk is uneven and a safety hazard. Chair Acohido noted the concern.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Chair Acohido reported on the following:

• Repairs on California Avenue have been completed as of December 28, 2007. The City & County of Honolulu will not accept the road until the one year warranty has expired.
• Traffic issues have risen regarding Glenn Avenue transportation committee will follow up.
• Legislation in regards to the Galberth lands House Bill (HB) 2292 is up for hearing by the Finance Committee, and written or oral testimony will be accepted.
• Wahiawa Community Business Association has identified three initiatives; 1) To develop community leadership and an educational facility in Wahiawa. 2) To brings Wahiawa to the world through providing a city wide trolley ride. 3) To reclaim Wahiawa Freshwater Park.

PRESENTATION:

DONOVAN DELA CRUZ COUNCIL FREE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARD: Keanu Young, representing Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office reported that a prescription drug discount card, which is available and free to all Oahu residents. This card can be used at participating drug stores, throughout the islands and on the mainland. Average savings are up to 20%. Informational materials were made available.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

WCBA: Chair Acohido previously provided report earlier on the agenda.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee, representing the Mayor, noted that he was once a student of both Wahiawa Elementary and Leilehua High School. Lee also noted that the city has developed a website, www.driveakamai.com, to which drivers can access the most updated information on traffic issues.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Ellen Hyre reiterated her previous concerns regarding the bus stop location and adjacent sidewalk issues on Kalala Street. Hyre also requested that Christmas decorations that are no longer being used by the City & County of Honolulu, be donated to Wahiawa. Lee questioned to whom would these donations be referred to, which Hyre quickly volunteered Board member Mary Jane Lee.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Keanu Young, representing Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office, noted that the Councilmember’s report is available and that he is available for any questions.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Laurence Lau, representing the Governor, reported that the Governor delivered the State of the State address last Tuesday, which highlighted innovation and energy independence. Lau noted that the Governor’s expectation is to see Hawaii 70% independent on energy in 20 years.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Ellen Hyre explained the importance of the Galberth lands located in Wahiawa. Hyre pressed that these lands should be left alone as they have been. The Galberth lands as well as the freshwater park should be protected and left alone.
• Chair Acohido noted that the working committees will need the State’s aid and expertise regarding issues like the Galberth lands, freshwater park, as well as transportation. Lau noted he would be happy to help, and connect the Board with the right agencies.

SENATOR ROBERT BUNDA: No report available at this time.

REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OHIRO: Tracy Kubota, representing Representative Marcus Oshiro, provided several pieces of legislation and material that was previously requested, and highlighted the following:

• The legislature has started and several pieces of legislation that have been distributed include House Bill (HB)2292 and HB2293.These pieces of legislation directly relate to the Galberth land acquisition, and is on the House Finance agenda, Wednesday, February 6, 2008, testifiers are welcome.
• Representative Oshiro’s mid-session report, release date in March 2008), will explain the revenue projection shortfall, which also explains why the fiscal year ’08-’09 will have less money to work with.
• The Finance team is currently processing all grants in aid (GIA) requests, and if you should have any questions of any GIA or bills, feel free to contact their office.

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

WAHIAWA SATTELITE CITY HALL: Chair Acohido again thanked Gerri Tramontano for all of her hard work and wished her a very happy birthday. Tramontano thanked the Board and the public for their birthday wishes. Together the Board and public sang Happy Birthday to Tramontano.

WAHIAWA ACTION INITIATIVE: No report available at this time.

OTHER AGENCIES/ORGANIZATIONS: No other agencies or organizations provided reports.

CORRESPONDANCE: Chair Acohido noted that correspondence has been distributed.

NEW BUSINESS:

ELECTION OF TREASURER: Chair Acohido explained that Board member Masunaga, previous treasurer, has resigned from her position, and opened the floor to any willing to serve. Bentley volunteered, hearing no other nominations and with none opposed Bentley was elected Treasurer unanimously 8-0-0.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

POSSIBLE BOARD SEAT OPENING: Chair Acohido noted that Board member Masunaga, may not be returning to the Board, and therefore will leave on seat vacant. Please submit any nominations of interest to Vice Chair Yamamoto. Chair Acohido noted he will try to contact Masunaga, and take further action upon notice of her resignation. Chair Acohido also noted that February’s meeting date has changed to Monday, February 25, 2008 instead of Monday, February 18, 2008, as that is President’s Day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS/ORGANIZATIONS: No announcements at this time.

RECOGNITION OF LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBAL TEAM: Item previously heard on the agenda.

ADJOURNMENT: Noting the end of the agenda Chair Acohido called the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant