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Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JULY 21, 2008

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

OPENING CEREMONIES: Chair Acohido explained at 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. Chair Acohido memorialized Ellen Hyer, a treasure to Wahiawa, and noted several successes Ellen Hyer achieved. A certificate was presented to Steven Hyer, Ellen Hyer’s son. Steven Hyer thanked the Board and residents for their continued support. Dr. Baysa also remembered Ellen Hyer and was awarded a certificate from the Board for his continued efforts to better the entire Wahiawa district. Applause followed.

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. with a quorum  of seven (7) members present. Note, this nine (9) member Board requires five (5) votes to adopt a motion.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Sheri Bentley, Vee Chuensanguansat, Joe Francher, Jeanne Ishikawa, Mary Jane Lee, and Bob Lormand.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Silvia Manley Koch, and Jyun Yamamaoto.

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

GUESTS: Doris War, Linda Quiseng, Hugh Lowery, Paul Harris, Mitchell Mizukani, Tom Holloway, John Greedon, Elton Au and Bryan Goo (DCK Pacific), Roxanne Waite (Quest Expanded Access), Bob Kent, Robert Williamson (U.S. Army), Reed Matsuura (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Bert and Rose Baysa, Daniel Nyer, Steven Hyer, Captain Scott Fukamae (HFD), Marc Wong, Lieutenant Ballesteros (HPD), Kirk Lagerquist, and Gary Yamagaya (U.S. Navy), Geri Tramantano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Stacee Sasagawa and Dr. Fred Perlak (Monsanto), Thomas Santos (CRM), Karla Haerfel, Fidel Sapigao, Tracy Kubota (Representative Marcus Oshiro’s office), Benny Quiseng, Kate Butis, Todd Chipman (NCTAMS), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Larry Lau (Governor’s Representative), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR JUNE 16, 2008: Francher moved and Lormand seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 16, 2008 with the following correction:

Page 3: Status of Waiawa Project and Pacific Health Center: Replace “35,000 units” with “3,500 units.”

The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of June 16, 2008 was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand.)

APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT: Bentley read the treasurer’s report for June 2008, highlighting a current expense of 473.05 due to printing, postage and refreshments, leaving an ending balance of $3,123.86. Francher moved and Ishikawa seconded to accept the Treasurer’s report, the motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOSULY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand.)

DEFENDERS & FIRST RESPONDERS, REPORTS AND CONCERNS:

HONOLLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Scott Fukamae provided a written report, noting he had to tend to an emergency. Chair Acohido made the report available.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Ballesteros provided the following report;

• Statistics for the month of June 2008 compared to May 2008 include; 6/9 burglaries, 9/6 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (U.E.M.V.), 18/27 thefts, 3/9 auto thefts.
• There has been a recent increase in burglaries involving termite treated ‘tented’ homes. Burglars have been breaking into the homes during the night. The fumes are harmful after prolonged exposure.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

·         Francher noted he has received several e-mails regarding an increase in gang violence, and inquired information regarding the assault near California Avenue. Lt. Ballesteros noted the confrontation on California Avenue did involve two groups of younger males and a baseball bat.

·         Ishikawa questioned the community walk; Ballesteros noted the walk consisted of community members as well as the land owners and was meant to provide awareness of gang violence.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS): Patty Dukes reported the following information;

• A total of 704 calls have been registered to the Wahiawa EMS station between June 1, 2008 and July 21, 2008. This area covers nearly 80,000 people.
• The Waipio EMS station, which opened in January of this year, has provided a great service to the surrounding areas, and has decreased response times for the Wahiawa EMS station.
• The new station in Wahiawa is near completion, and will finally be completed after a 12 year wait.
• A total of 25 Junior Paramedics have completed their training and has graduated in the program

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• A community member questioned the difference is community college based training and the services provided by the EMS stations; Duke noted the training is very similar, however, accreditations differ.
• A community member inquired information regarding ambulance fees; Dukes noted the change in amount is due to a 10% increase by the State on a yearly basis, and noted reimbursement procedures have been put in place.

U.S. ARMY SCHOFIELD BARRACKS: Sergeant Major Williamson greeted the Board and public, noting he has been in Hawaii since June 2, 2008. Williamson noted the 4th of July festivities and covenant signing were a great success and thanked the Board and community for their continued support for the Army.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Acohido commented he had the pleasure to sign the covenant between the Army and community, and he would like to know when troops depart and return as his group would like to welcome them.

U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC: Lieutenant Commander Todd Chipman thanked the Board for their continued support, and reported the Navy’s DUI campaign continues to be a success where for over 130 days there have been no DUI arrests. Chipman also noted the Navy is available to help residents with home repairs.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Several residents voiced their concerns at this time;

• A concern was raised regarding the lighting at California Avenue and the surrounding crosswalks.
• A community member raised concern regarding vehicles speeding on Ohai Street and California Avenue, as well as Olive Street and Cypress Avenue.
• Chair Acohido reported the Director of both the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) will be present at the next Board meeting in September.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORTS: Chair Acohido reported the following updates;

• A bid has been put out for the design of the Wahiawa Low Rise Community Center.
• Several zoning appeals have been made (and submitted in correspondence) regarding local farmers.
• Chair Acohido reported Monsanto Company is here to do a presentation regarding their proposed facilities in Kunia, however are not on the agenda. Lee moved and Ishikawa seconded to place Monsanto’s proposed Kunia facilities on tonight’s agenda. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand.)

At this time, 8:10 p.m. Chair Acohido called for a short recess. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 p.m.

PRESENTATION:

HRSOC PROJECT STATUS REPORT: Gary Yamagata, Elton Au, Brandon Goo, and John Creedon provided several maps of the Kamehameha Highway and Whitmore Avenue. The project is ongoing is slated for completion by December 2008. The widening of Kamehameha Highway, a separate project, is slated for completion in late 2009.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Bentley questioned if the traffic signal will also be updated; Yamagata noted there will be a designated right turn lane, which should alleviate traffic, included in the updated traffic signal.
• Lee inquired the width of the lanes, Yamagata noted the road will be turned into four lanes, and lighting will not be on both sides, however, lighting should still be adequate for drivers and pedestrians.
• Ishikawa inquired if a designated bike lane could be incorporated into the project; Yamagata noted the project has already started, though there is a paved shoulder lane five feet wide.
• Chair Acohido inquired if the contractors would aide the community in placing the Whitmore Village signs at the entrance of Whitmore Village; Yamagata will follow up.
• Eugene Lee noted the dilemma with the Whitmore Village sign is that the sign requires a wall to which it will be mounted on; which mean contractors would only have to build a wall.

Chair Acohido noted representatives of Monsanto Corporation is present tonight, and would like to make a brief update on their Kunia lands. Without objection Monsanto Corporation provided a brief update.

MONSANTO CORPORATIONS RECENTLY ACQUIRED LANDS IN KUNIA: Dr. Fred Perlak with Stacy Sasegawa provided a visual rendering of the proposed structure in Kunia. Perlak provided a brief company history of Monsanto, noting 800 current employees in Hawaii, and 20,000 employees nationwide. Monsanto has currently acquired 2,300 acres in Kunia. Proposed structures include offices, laboratories, and employment facilities. A total of 1,600 acres will be farmed of the purchased 2,300 acres. Monsanto plans to break ground on August 18, 2008.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

·         Francher questioned if the pictured facility will be the largest; Perlak noted the seen facility is for employees, and the largest facility will actually be the warehouse.

·         Francher questioned how many employees are projected and what positions will be held; Perlak noted Monsanto plans to hire 400-500 employees ranging from field workers, staff, and biologists.

·         Ishikawa questioned if hazardous chemicals will pose a threat to the surroundings; Perlak noted Monsanto prides itself in worker and public safety and will adhere to all of the safety precautions.

·         Chuensanguansat questioned the dangers of pesticides; Perlak noted Monsanto will use containment precautions when using pesticides.

·         A community member noted corn, which will be tested in Kunia by Monsanto, is the future.

·         A community member noted Kamehameha Highway is very dangerous; Perlak noted Monsanto continues to work with DOT in creating a more accessible roadway.

·         A community member questioned what water source Monsanto will use; Perlak noted Waihole Ditch.

·         Chair Acohido noted there is some community opposition, and clarified that 1,600 of 2,300 acres purchased will be farmed.

·         Chair Acohido questioned the boundaries of the purchased lands; Perlak explained it is an unusual parcel of land, where the tip of land reaches the H1 Freeway, and is pushed mauka into Kunia. Perlak noted Monsanto does not plan to develop the purchased land into housing faculties.

OLELO ESTABLISHMENT AT LEILEHUA HIGH SCHOOOL: No report available at this time.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

WCBA: No report available at this time.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee reported several follow up questions;

• The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is finalizing their evaluation of the Royal Palm Drive Pilot Project and should submit their report by August 2008.
• A consultant contract to complete the Environmental Assessment and Design of the Wahiawa Transit Station is being executed at this time.
• There are signs of erosion at the fence line of the Wahiawa Botanical Gardens, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is looking into it.
• DTS has conducted an investigation and records do not indicate a parking restriction on California Avenue between Rose Street and Nanea Avenue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Ishikawa inquired information regarding Iliahi Park basketball courts; it seems the basketball rims have been removed; Lee to follow up.
• Francher noted several derelict vehicles on the transit land; Lee noted it is a City facility but the land is owned by the State, and would therefore have jurisdiction to remove the vehicles.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Reed Mastuura reported the following information;

• A contract for field improvements on the Howard Oda baseball field was awarded and will begin on June 16, 2008. The project is to include new 30 person dugout, batting cage, and sidewalks.
• A request was sent to the City Administration to address speeding concerns on Glenn Avenue, and public parking concerns on Ohai Street.
• Hurricane Season Preparedness is crucial during Hurricane Season; provided in the Councilmember’s monthly report is a complete list of ‘what to do’ in case of a hurricane.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Larry Lau provided the Governor’s Neighborhood Board update, recognized Ellen Hyer for her hard work in the community and provided several follow up responses;

• The State Department of Transportation (DOT) noted the Karsten Thot Bridge has a potential for soil erosion, it does not have a high potential for a landslide. DOT will have the slope mulched and grassed as part of the project, which will help with the surface erosion problem.
• Governor Lingle has released $30 million for classroom renovations statewide, for a complete list of schools refer to the Governor’s Neighborhood Board update.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Lee noted the community members of Whitmore Village would appreciate the repairing of their walk path near Kilani Avenue; erosion has destroyed much of the walk path.
• Ishikawa inquired information regarding school progress reports, re-structuring and suspensions.

SEANTOR ROBERT BUNDA: No report available at this time.

REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OSHIRO: Tracy Kubota reported the Legislature did go into Special Session to override a few bills vetoed by the Governor, the Galbreth Estate bill was not one of them, and Representative Marcus Oshiro will continue to work with the Galbreth Estate.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): A written report was made available.

WAHIAWA SATELLITE CITY HALL: Geri Tramantano noted the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall has begun accepting real property tax payments. Tramantano also spoke in remembrance of Ellen Hyer.

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

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido highlighted several pieces of correspondence and noted anyone interested may see him following the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

COLLABORATION WITH WCBA RE: WAHIAWA BEAUTIFICATION: Chair Acohido noted he will continue to work on creating a Task Force, and has Dean Harvest in mind as the coordinator.

REORGANIZATION OF NEIGHBORHOOD REGIONAL FORUM: Chair Acohido reported the Regional Forum has taken a position in opposing development in the region; Chair Acohido will keep the Board updated.

NEW BUSINESS:

RECONSIDERATION OF MEETING AT HELEMANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Chair Acohido noted at the last Board meeting, it was decided to discontinue regular meetings at Whitmore Village, however should reconsider to hold two meetings at Helemano Elementary. Ishikawa moved and Lormand seconded to rescind last month’s motion and continue holding regular meetings at Helemano Elementary School. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0 (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand.)

DETERMINE TWO MEETING DATES AT HELEMANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Lee moved and Chuensanguansat seconded to meet at Helemano Elementary School for the Board’s regular meeting in October and March. The motion was ADOPTED, 6-1-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand, Nay: Francher.)

APPOINTMENT OF OAHU ARTS CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Chair Acohido opened the floor to volunteers to sit on the Oahu arts Center Board of Directors. Without objection, Chair Acohido appointed Lormand to the position, Lormand accepted.

ANNOUCNEMENTS: Chair Acohido announced the Community Strengthening Forum will be held at Kaala Elementary School on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant