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Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JUNE 16, 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.

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of seven (8) 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, Silvia Manley Koch, Jyun Yamamoto, and Bob Lormand (appointed at this meeting).

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Jane Lee.

VACANT SEAT(S): There was one vacant at large seat.

GUESTS: Hugh Lowery, May Marrotte, Keanu Young (Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office), Alesia Au, Bill Stewart (NCTAMS), Benny Quiseng, Linda Quiseng, Leonard James, Grace Dixon, Captain Richard Ochoa (HFD), Lieutenant Derrick Cheng (U.S. Army), Todd Chipman (NCTAMS), Don Olden (Wahiawa General Hospital), Dave Penn (Governor’s representative), Lt. Benjamin Ballesteros and Officer Gerald Scoville (HPD), Diane Alaili, Rodney Funakoshi and Kathy Best (Castle & Cooke Hawaii), Michael Akagi, senator Robert Bunda, Representative Marcus Oshiro, Eugene Lee (Mayor’s representative), Daniel Nyer, Dean Harvest and Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS: Chair Acohido noted the Board annually elects officers in June, to correspond with the upcoming fiscal year. Board officers will serve from July 2008 through June 2009.

CHAIR: Chair Acohido opened the floor to nominations for the Chair position. Francher nominate Acohido. The motion to elect Acohido as Chair was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

VICE CHAIR: Chair Acohido opened the floor to nominations for the Vice Chair position. Koch nominated Yamamoto. The motion to elect Yamamoto as Vice Chair was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

SECRETARY: Chair Acohido opened the floor to nominations for the Secretary position. Bentley nominated Koch. The motion to elect Koch as Secretary was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

TREASURER: Chair Acohido opened the floor to nominations for the Treasurer position. Francher nominated Bentley. The motion to elect Bentley as Treasurer was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 19, 2008: Bentley moved and Francher seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 19, 2008 with the following correction;

• Page 2: U.S. Army Schofield Barracks: First Bullet: Remove “Stryker.”

The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 19, 2008 was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT: Bentley read the treasurer’s report of May 2008 highlighting, a current expense of $75.51 due to printing and postage, for a current operating fund balance of $1,017.23, and an overall balance of $3,196.91.

Chair Acohido noted the Board needs to fill a vacancy, however as it is not stated on the agenda, a 2/3 Board vote is required to place it on the agenda. Yamamoto moved and Bentley seconded to include ‘Filling of Vacancy’ to the agenda. The motion was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

FILING OF VACANCY: Chair Acohido noted three members of the public that wished to serve on the Board, Hugh Lowery, Bob Lormand, and Dean Harvest. Chair Acohido accepted their nominations and asked each candidate to introduce themselves. Requiring five (5) votes to be appointed, the motion to fill one vacancy was NOT ADOPTED; Lowery: 2 (Koch and Jyun), Lormand: 4 (Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, and Francher), Harvest: 1 (Ishikawa).

Chair Acohido questioned if any Board member would like to reconsider their vote, Ishikawa requested the candidates re-introduce themselves and provide more detailed background. Following the second introduction, Yamamoto noted he would like to reconsider his vote. The motion to fill one vacancy was ADOPTED, with Lormand being appointed to the Board, Lowery: 1 (Koch), Lormand: (Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher and Yamamoto), Harvest: 1 (Ishikawa).

RECOGNITION AWARDS AND REFRESHMENTS: Chair Acohido announced he would like to honor several members of the community. Chair Acohido introduced several Eagle Scouts; Alan Akagi, Tavana Alailima, Truman Chun, Joshua Jamias, Jacob Medeiros, Jeremy Morris, and Gerald O’Reilly. Chair Acohido also introduced several Scout Masters and applauded their volunteerism and dedication.

Chair Acohido welcomed and congratulated Sailor of the Year G.J Jones of NCTAMS Naval Network Warfare Command. Accompanied with Jones were his three daughters, Jazmin, Jordyn, and Jada. Chair Acohido noted Jones has completed and excelled in the Sailor of the Year competitions in Hawaii and the mainland.

Chair Acohido welcomed the Police Officer of the Year, Officer Gerald Scoville. Accompanied with his fellow officers, Scoville is a resident of Wahiawa and has been active in several community based campaigns.

A recess to enjoy refreshments was taken at 7:24 p.m. At this time Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Ribac administered the Oath of Office to Bob Lormand, following the Oath of Office, Lormand joined the Board. The meeting was called back to order at 7:43 p.m. with eight members present.

DEFENDERS & FIRST RESPONDERS, REPORTS AND COCNERNS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD): Captain Richard Ochoa reported the following information;

• Statistics for the month of May 2008 include 16 total fires consisting of; 1 structure fire, 1 brush fire and 1 vehicle fire, 72 medical calls, no major or unusual events.
• Fire Safety Tip: Summer is upon Oahu, and our State will be on a higher risk for fires due to wildland vegetation continuing to dry with the hot weather, please use caution when utilizing flame-producing devices such as fireworks, matches, and lighters.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Francher questioned how much of a delay first responders would have to deal with if the bridge leading to Whitmore Village was closed; Ochoa noted responders would have to go around the route for an estimated 5-10 minutes longer.
• A community member inquired if the recent fire was caused by fireworks; Ochoa noted it is currently under investigation, however, it has been determined arson was the cause.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Ballesteros reported the following information;

• Statistics for the month of May 2008 include; 9 burglaries, 6 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (U.E.M.V), 27 thefts, and 9 auto thefts.
• Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 291C-72 Pedestrians’ right of way in cross-walks, was provided as several residents voiced concern regarding vehicles and pedestrians.
• Lt. Ballesteros introduced Officer Gerald Scoville who has been awarded the title of Police Officer of the Year. Scoville provided a brief history of himself, his ties to the community, and several of his achievements.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Yamamoto suggested Scoville tackle graffiti in Wahiawa, as he has been an advocate in other locations.
• Koch questioned if the burglaries reported were related to Glenn Avenue; Ballesteros noted it has happened in the past, but did not know of specifics to last months incidents.
• A community member voiced concern regarding pedestrians and vehicles; Ballesteros noted safety is a responsibility for both parties; vehicles as well as pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings.

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

U.S. ARMY SCHOFIELD BARRACKS: Lieutenant Derrick Cheng reported the following information;

• Lieutenant Campbell has left the island and will be heading to North Carolina in the near future.
• There has been a division change. Major General Caston is now in charge.
• Everyone is welcome to participate in the 4th of July festivities at Schofield, Billy Rae Cyrus will be in attendance and a covenant signing will take place at 7:00 p.m.

U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC: Captain Janet Stewart reported the following information;

• Lt. Jenkins will no longer be attending the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board meetings, as he will be retiring.
• Lt. Commander Todd Chipman, who is also a member of NCTAMS, will be Jenkins replacement.
• NCTAMS continues its efforts to raise money and canned foods for the 14th Annual Operation Aloha, which provide food to residents on Thanksgiving Day. To date, sailors have raised nearly 3,000 pounds of food and $4,500 in donations.
• NCTAMS appreciates local law enforcements in Wahiawa as well, today marks the 100th D.U.I free day on the military base.

RESIDENT’S CONCERNS: A community member raised concern regarding the speed humps on Royal Palm Drive and the consequences it has posed on Glenn Avenue, noting residents now speed, and overtake other vehicles on Glenn Avenue. This increasing threat of speeding vehicles has put her family as well as other residents in danger, where residents and vehicles have almost collided.

Discussion followed:

• Senator Bunda noting his residence on Royal Palm Drive, expressed his concern regarding speeding on Glenn Avenue, and agreed that this is a potential hazard.
• Several Board members noted their concern regarding the issue.
• Francher and Ishikawa suggested a collaborative effort and meeting between the residents of Royal Palm Drive and Glenn Avenue be held with City and State officials.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Chair Acohido reminded Board members to keep a tentative schedule of upcoming events including a visit to the Army facilities, as well as the NCTAMS base, and a visit to the Pearl Harbor Barge.

PRESENTATIONS:

COURT OUTCOME: STATUS OF C&C WAIAWA PROJECT AND PACIFIC HEALTH CENTER: Rodney Funakoshi and Kathy Best of Castle & Cooke provided a brief update of the Koa Ridge Makati and The Castle & Cook Waiawa projects. The Waiawa Project encompasses 190 acres and will house 1,500 units, the Koa Ridge project will encompass 575 acres, and will house 35,000 units. Maps were provided to illustrate the mixed usage of industrial, rural, and open space. Both projects include a wide range of potential jobs and occupations, bus transit locations, and elementary schools.

Questions, comments and concerns followed;

• Koch inquired as to how many schools would be incorporated into both projects; Funakoshi noted one elementary in each project has been appropriated for.
• Yamamoto inquired about the potential hazards due to the increase of traffic that the projects will bring; Funakoshi replied several accommodations are being examined, noting a ‘park and ride’ will be included.
• Francher requested the revised environmental impact statement include the regional impacts the increase of traffic will have on the neighboring residents.
• Ishikawa inquired if there is sufficient acreage to accommodate a production studio, as she believes this would be a great location for the film industry; Funakoshi will follow up.
• A community member questioned the potential number of residents in the projects; Funakoshi noted with a 5,000 unit, there could be on average 15,000 residents.
• A community member inquired if any of the property that is being planned for development is owned by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands; Funakoshi noted he does not believe so.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

WCBA: No report available at this time.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee, Mayor’s representative, reported the following information;

• The concern regarding erosion along the Wahiawa Botanical Garden has been referred to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) as well as the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM).
• The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will conduct an investigation regarding the No Parking signs along California Avenue, and inform the Board by August 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Yamamoto questioned the status of the Wahaiwa Transit Station; Chair Acohido noted he will follow up.

COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Keanu Young reported the following information;

• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) include in the fiscal year (FY) 2009 budget include; the installation of traffic signals on California Avenue and Nanea Street, Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant influent pump station upgrade, re-roofing of the Hale Koa Building, Wahiawa Transit Center and Bus stop ADA access improvements on California Avenue and Lehua Street.
• Important legislation that continue to move through the City includes; Bill 16 Council Draft (CD) 1, resolution 08-58, Bill 25, and resolution 08-1125 CD 1 which urges the state, city and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) to continue efforts to improve conditions for safe bicycling.
• Requests have been sent to address the issues regarding the Wahiawa Freshwater Park, speeding concerns on Glenn Avenue, and to replace missing pavement reflector markers on Glenn Avenue.
• A brief update was provided regarding the Wahiawa Transit Center status, as well as the Howard Oda baseball field improvement updates.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Francher questioned if it seems the Wahiawa Transit Station is on track; Young noted yes.
• A community member inquired if Bill 16 CD 1, which relates to a $100 tax credit, had any stipulations; Young to follow up.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: No report was available at this time.

SENATOR ROBERT BUNDA: Senator Bunda thanked Representative Oshiro for their collaborative efforts this past legislative session. Senator Bunda noted several large accomplishments for the community highlighting the purchase of the Galbreth Estate lands as well as the Leilehua High School football field.

REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OSHIRO: Representative Marcus Oshiro reported the following information;

• Representative Oshiro thanked Senator Bunda for their collaborative efforts this past legislative session.
• The Galbreth Estate purchasing bill is awaiting signature by the Governor, along with the proposed lands come various liabilities to the owners which may become problematic in the future.
• Leilehua High School has been appropriated funding to work on the football field, which will also double as the track field.
• Several pieces of legislation dealt specifically with energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
• The budgeting process has been tightened tremendously and will continue to tighten.
• The broadcasting station Olelo is looking for a potential site location in Wahiawa, where students will be able to acquire hands on experience in professional broadcasting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Chair Acohido noted the Olelo opportunity will be great for local students in Wahiawa.
• Chuensanguansat referenced an article in the Honolulu Advertiser and noted the complexity of the Galbreth Land purchasing; Oshiro replied the purchasing is complex due to liability issues.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): A written report was provided at this time.

WAHIAWA SATELLITE CITY HALL: No report was available at this time.

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

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido noted several correspondences that are available through him.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

COLLABORATION WITH WCBA: WAHIAWA BEAUTIFICATION: Chair Acohido deferred this item.

P.I.G REPORT ON MAY 28 MEETING RE: NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REGIONAL FORUM: No report was available at this time; Chair Acohido noted he will keep the Board posted with forthcoming information.

NEW BUSINESS:

BUSINESS AND VACATION MONTHS: Chair Acohido noted the months of August and December serve as regular recess months in the past. Jyun moved and Bentley seconded to recess for the months of August and December. The motion was APOTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Koch, Ishikawa, Yamamoto.)

DETERMINE TWO MEETING DATES AT HELEMANO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Chair Acohido noted the Board has scheduled two regular meetings at Helemano Elementary to accommodate residents in the past. Yamamoto moved and Bentley seconded to discontinue meeting at Helemano Elementary School.

Discussion followed:

• Yamamoto noted when meetings are held at Helemano Elementary, both residents of Whitmore-Village or Wahiawa attend, and several agencies have not been able to find the area.
• Ishikawa noted Helemano Elementary is a free venue and doesn’t hurt the Board to meet there.
• Ishikawa also noted that special meetings could still be held at that location.

The motion to end meeting at Helemano Elementary School was ADPOTED, 5-3-0, (Aye: Bentley, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Lormand, Yamamoto, Nay: Ishikawa, Koch, Acohido.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Acohido announce the Director of the State Department of Transportation will be present at the next Board meeting on July 21, 2008 at the Wahiawa Recreation Center.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted BY:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant