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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2008
OPENING CEREMONIES: Chair Acohido welcomed everyone to the meeting, opening with a moment of reflection of the past week. Following this moment of reflection everyone stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Jack Smith provided the pule.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of six (6) members present. Note this nine (9) member Board requires five (5) votes to adopt a motion.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Sheri Bentley, Joe Francher, Jeanne Ishikawa (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Mary Jane Lee, Bob Lormand, and Jyun Yamamoto.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vee Chuensanguansat and Silvia Manley Koch.
GUESTS: Bob Kent, Dawn Bursener (Lanakila Pacific), Patty Dukes (EMS), Daniel Neyer, Lieutenant Ben Ballesteros (HPD), Senator Robert Bunda, Marlena Wiletter and Milton Tsuji (Lanakila Pacific), Keanu Young (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Tracy Kubota (Representative Marcus Oshiro’s office), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Kate Butts, Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
APPROVAL OF THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 2008: Lormand moved and Francher seconded to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 20, 2008, with amendments;
- Page 2: Honolulu Police Department: Questions: 3rd Bullet: Replace “increasing” with “decreasing.”
- Page 3: Community Strengthening Forum: Replace “inner” with “lower.”
The motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of October 20, 2008, was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Francher, Lee, Lormand, Yamamoto.)
APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT: Bentley read the treasurer’s report for October 2008, highlighting a current expense of $80.45 due to printing and postage, leaving a current balance of $1,311.03.
DEFENDERS & FIRST RESPONDERS: Board member Jeanne Ishikawa arrived at 7:15 p.m.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD): Lieutenant Ballesteros reported the following information;
- Statistics for the month of October 2008 compared to September 2008 include; 26/17 burglaries, 13/12 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 14/24 thefts, 15/15 auto thefts.
- Upon further investigation, several burglaries did occur during several football games; HPD notes these are crimes of opportunity, and suggests not giving the burglars an opportunity.
- Permits are required for fundraising and soliciting donations on the roadways.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (
- Statistics for the month of October 2008 include; 228 calls and in
- Residents and Board members are invited to join in the festivities for the Wahiawa EMS Facility blessing and dedication ceremony on Thursday, November 20, 2008.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: A community member voiced concern regarding homeless residents and illegal campers adjacent to Kentucky Fried Chicken. Chair Acohido noted programs are being formed. Francher noted that if homeless residents become rowdy to contact HPD. Lormand questioned if it would help if the property owner was to place a “No Loitering” sign on the property; Lt. Ballesteros noted it would help minimally.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Chair Acohido reported the following information;
- On July 4, 2008, he had the pleasure of signing the community covenant with the Army, and on October 10, 2008 was part of the Aloha Ceremony to see off the 3rd Brigade. Holiday Wishes go out to the families of departed soldiers.
- As part of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Chair Acohido has been greeting returning soldiers, and sending off departing soldiers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars would like to see more community participation.
- It is nearing the time for the Neighborhood Board to choose their top Capital Improvement Projects, so place some thought of which choices the Board will make.
- All Board members should educate themselves in the Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP) which is available on the internet; changes have been made which directly affect the Board.
PRESENTATIONS:
CDBG FOR LANAKILA PACIFIC: Shannon Carvalho along with Marian Tsuji and Dawn Burgener reported they are currently seeking a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Carvalho provided a brief history of Lanakila Pacific, formerly Lanakila Rehabilitation. A sample letter of support was provided to Board members. The $550,000 CDBG monies will be used to complete renovations to the
Bentley moved and Lormand seconded to support Lanakila Pacific’s request for a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Discussion followed:
- Chair Acohido questioned if the space would be available for community use when not being utilized by Lanakila Pacific; Carvalho noted that the community is more than welcome.
- M.J Lee questioned how many participants use the
- M.J. Lee inquired the total amount of monies being used to renovate the facilities; Carvalho explained $1.9 million will be used, the first phase of the renovations has been completed, and the $550,000 will complete the renovation process.
- M.J. Lee questioned if Lanakila Pacific has been granted by the City & County of Honolulu in the past, Carvalho noted yes, however the main priorities re to accommodate the participants and repair safety and ADA accessibility requirements.
- Ishikawa inquired if there seems to be a growing need for the facilities to which Carvalho answered yes.
- Francher questioned what the designs process was, and if local builders would be bidding; Carvalho noted the designs have been completed, and local bids will be accepted.
- A community member questioned who the building owner is; Carvalho noted the State of
- A community member inquired if the patients are residents of the facility to which Carvalho noted all participants of Lanakila Pacific at the
- Several Board members provided corrections and additions to the sample letter of support. Francher noted he would support the letter if there was a section stating to support local builders, several members did not agree with the stipulation, and it was not added into the letter.
The motion to support Lanakila Pacific’s request for a $550,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), was ADOPTED, 6-1-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Ishikawa, Lee, Lormand, Yamamoto; No: Francher.)
GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:
WCBA: Pastor Jack Smith reported the WCBA continues to work on two major projects; the Neighborhood Watch and the Community Strengthening project. A meeting was held on October 30, 2008 which had a poor turn out. The next meeting will be held in January and everyone is welcomed to join the meetings.
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee reported the following information;
- The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) informed Mr. Clifford Wong on September 17, 2008 that his petition for speed humps along Lemi and Lemiwai Streets should be forwarded to the DTS via the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board.
- The DTS conducted an investigation in April 2008 regarding a request for a dedicated left turn phase for
- The cut tree parts at
- The Mayor extends his thanks to the residents of
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Ishikawa requested the City and the State join forces to clear out the lingering homeless near the entrance of
- Yamamoto inquired the proposed timetable of the resurfacing of
- Bentley requested the Mayor visit the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board, as he has not in a long time.
COUNCILMEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Keanu Young reported the following information;
- The City released the Transit Daft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on November 2, 2008, the entire document can be viewed at http://www.honolulu transit.org.
- Councilmember participated in the 63rd Annual Wahiawa Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11, 2008.
- The petition for speed humps on
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Acohido questioned if Federal funding is still available for the Rail Transit at it’s current design; Young noted funding is available for its current design, however bids need to be placed, and could jeopardize the current design.
- Lormand questioned if the Rail Transit will be going to the Airport, and is luggage will be allowed on the Transit; Young noted this issue still needs to be discussed; and will follow up.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Larry Lau reported the following information;
- A public hearing was held last Thursday, November 13, 2008 regarding greenhouse gas ignition. For more information or to place comments regarding the public hearing, visit the Governors website.
- Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona continue to promote tourism abroad and will visit
- Governor Lingle releases $3.8 million for a new center at the
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Ishikawa thanked the Governor for lessening the restrictions for Korean visitors, as this opens a window for the film industry.
- M.J. Lee questioned who will be in charge of the State, when both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are away and over seas; Lau noted the Attorney General, Mark Bennett.
- Lormand voiced concern for Hawaii Libraries, as they face a possible 20% budget cut, and a second 10% budget cut in the future. Lau will pas o the concern.
SENATOR ROBERT BUNDA: Senator Robert Bunda reported the Senate has organized with the State House, and is the Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Military Affairs (PSM) committee, and serves on the Judiciary and Government Operations (JGO), Labor (LBR), and Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs (WTL).
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Chair Acohido questioned if the Galbreth Estate Lands are in danger in this economic times; Senator Bunda noted they are waiting to see; the most concerning issue remains the fact that outside buyers may want to purchase the lands and build.
- Chair Acohido noted he strongly disagrees with Senate President Hanabusa with the fact that the Legislature can make constitutional amendments, and 30 years has been too long.
- Ishikawa noted the Constitutional Conventions (con-con) was publicized too late in the election process.
REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OSHIRO: Tracy Kubota reported the State House of Representatives has been organized and provided a complete listing of the House Leadership. Representative Marcus Oshiro remains the Finance Committee Chair, and will be hosting his pre-session forum on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 here at the
Questions, comments and concerns: Chair Acohido inquired the status of Leilehua High School Football Field; Kubota noted the Governor has not yet released the funds.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Chair Acohido noted he has been informed a BWS representative may be able to attend the Board’s regular meetings, and will invite him to the next one in January 2009.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONS/AGENCIES: No report available at this time.
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido read a notice from the Department of Planning and Permitting noting the proposed plans for a settling basin facility, should anyone be interested, please see the letter.
NEW BUSINESS:
SPECIAL MEETING TO BE SCHEDULED FOR ROAD
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Ishikawa noted the Board should meet early in December, as this will allow further action if needed.
- Yamamoto noted holding a Special Meeting may be only the fist step in the process, and may intact include several meetings.
- Francher noted he will spear head the petition through the Transportation Committee, and work with Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office for a complete mailing list, and the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) to get a post card type mailing out to the public.
- M.J. Lee noted this speed hump issue is a
- Yamamoto noted the petition requires 90% of the residents approval on
- Francher noted he will hold a Transportation Committee meeting on November 26, 2008 to solidify the actions of the committee regarding the speed humps of
PETITION FOR SPEED HUMPS ON LEMIWAI: Chair Acohido noted the petition for speed humps on
Ishikawa moved and Yamamoto seconded to support the petition for speed humps of
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
COLLABORATION WITH WCBA RE:
COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM: Chair Acohido deferred this item.
PLACEMENT OF TOWN SIGN AT WHITMORE VILLAGE: Chair Acohido deferred this item.
BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN HOME RESIDENCES: Chair Acohido deferred this item.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;
- Committee of the whole nest meeting scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at the
- The next Wahiawa Historical Tour will be a sunset tour, and explore the wonders of Schofield lights.
- There will be no Regular Board Meeting in December 2008.
Yamamoto moved and Francher seconded to hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, December 22, 2008, the motion was ADOPTED, 6-1-0, (Aye: Acohido, Bentley, Francher, Lee, Lormand, Yamamoto; No: Ishikawa.)
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Submitted By:
Leland S.M. Ribac
Neighborhood Assistant