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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (Draft)
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009
WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER
OPENING CEREMONIES: Chair Acohido welcomed everyone to the meeting, opened with a moment of reflection of the past week, and led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note - This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) votes to have a quorum and take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT: Dean Harvest
GUESTS: Lieutenant Ben Ballesteros (HPD), ITI. Dave Watkins, Lieutenant Miguel Macias (NCTAMS PAC), John Chang (Mayor’s Representative), Keanu Young (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Larry Lau (Governor’s Representative), Lei Learmont (Representative Marcus Oshiro’s Office), Nancy Nishikawa and Glenn Kimura (Kimura International), Jason Kage (Sato & Associates), Ben Miura (DOE FDB), James Toyota (Leilehuah High School Athletic Director), Hugh Lowery, John F.K. Pitts, Rey &: Julia Mozo, Reggie Shimizu, Bobby Bautista, Vilma Van Dyck, Desiree Treu, Virginia Richards, Les De Costa, Tom Matsusaka, Mario R. Raquino, Joshua Pergllad, Benny S. Quiseng, Cindy & Tom Bauer, Joanne Y. Cannon and Peter Salbiejo (
TREASURER’S REPORT: Harvest read the treasurer’s report for February 2009 noting a beginning balance of $3,370.96, an incurred expense of $52.28 due to printing and postage, leaving a current balance of $3,318.68.
DEFENDERS & FIRST RESPONDERS:
HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) - No representative or report present.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) - Lieutenant Ballesteros reported the following:
Statistics for the month of March 2009 compared to February 2009: 12/18 burglaries, 13/11 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 16/23 thefts, 8/4 auto thefts.
1. A 20 year old homeless man was arrested on March 25, 2009 for the armed robberies of Divine Pleasures at 55 South Kamehameha Highway that was committed on March 23, 2009 and Quizno’s at 71 South Kamehameha Highway that was committed on March 25, 2009.
2. A 27 year old female operator of a motorcycle was killed and her 23 year old female passenger was critically injured when the driver lost control and collided into a guard rail on the “S” turns area of Kaukonahua Road on March 29, 2009. Speed may have been a factor in the crash.
3. The Honolulu Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve reaccreditation by verifying it meets professional standards. Administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. As part of the on-site assessment, the public is invited to phone in comments by calling (808) 599-0050 on Monday April 27, 2009 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public may also attend a public comment session on Monday, April 27, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in HPD’s Career Center Conference Room, at 715 South King Street with on-street metered public parking available.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Chair Acohido stated that he will appoint a Permitted Interaction Group (P.I.G.) to submit comments to the accreditation body at the public comment session on April 27, 2009.
2. Chair Acohido noticed that there were many more emergency service responses to upper Wahiawa this past month than usual. He asked Lt. Ballesteros if he knew of the nature of the emergency responses. Lt. Ballesteros replied that he would have information on those calls in which police were called as a co-responder. He said that he recalls they were asked to respond to cases where a difibulator was needed. He also said that the majority of the calls were probably for medical assistance, which in those cases would involve the Honolulu Fire Department and the City Department of Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) responding.
3. Francher relayed the concern from residents of the area that the corner of Kamehameha Highway and Kilani Avenue is dangerous. He asked if statistics were available to determine what kinds of vehicle or pedestrian accidents may have occurred there. Lt. Ballesteros replied that kind of information may be obtained from the Wahiawa Police Station, Community Policing Team. He also reported that they have already been in contact with the 7-11 store located at the corner and the store has agreed to a request from HPD to ban left turns on Kilani Avenue into their parking lot from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Signs are currently being made by the City informing motorists about the hours of the left turn ban. They will be erected as soon as soon as possible.
Without objection the motion to place on tonight’s agenda HPD’s request for closing hours with signs posted for the Municipal Parking Lot next to Wilson Bridge was approved. Discussion followed:
1. Yamamoto explained that the police are asking the Board to support closure of the parking lot during certain hours with signs posted in order to give them the authority to require people who are loitering after hours to leave. Currently the lot is open 24 hours a day. HPD is leaving it up to the Board to determine the closing hours. Yamamoto suggested closing the park from 12:00 midnight to 5:00 a.m. He asked Lt. Ballesteros if that seemed reasonable to him. Lt. Ballesteros replied that the Watch Commander noted that there is no activity in the area after 10:00 p.m. A nearby Taco Bell restaurant is closed by 10:00 p.m. and a nearby market that is open has its own parking lot.
2. Since the Wahiawa District Park closes at 10:00 p.m. Chair Acohido suggested closing the Municipal Parking Lot at 10:00 p.m. as well.
3. Lee asked if it was legal to take this kind of action. Keanu Young from Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office reported that asked the City Department of Facilities Maintenance about the process and they replied that if Board approval is gotten and a petition is submitted signed by area businesses approving of the action then they will take action. Chair Acohido volunteered to take the petition to area businesses
The motion to close the Municipal Parking Lot next to Wilson Bridge between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. was approved 7-1 (Aye: Acohido, Chuensanguansat, Francher, Ishikawa, Koch, Lormand, Yamamoto. Nay: Lee).
U.S. ARMY SCHOFIELD BARRACKS – No representative or report.
U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC - ITI Dave Watkins introduced Lt. Miguel Macias as the new Public Affairs Officer. Lt. Macias expressed his desire to work with the Board on behalf of the Navy. ITI Watkins reported that on Saturday April 18, 2009 the Navy held two fund raising events for “Operation Aloha”. There was a canned food drive and a car wash at JN Chevrolet on Nimitz Highway. Both events were successful in raising funds and collecting food to be donated on behalf of Operation Aloha.
Chair Acohido announced that there has been a proposed changed in the agenda format for Neighborhood Board meetings. In an effort to increase participation by residents instead of conducting Board business first as we have been doing in the past, the City and State government represents will give their reports, followed by residents’ concerns, and then Board business. He called a five minute recess in order for all parties to get acclimated to the new agenda order.
The meeting was called back to order by Chair Acohido at 7:31 p.m. with a quorum of eight members.
GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS)
Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz - Keanu Young from Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz’s office passed out his newsletter and highlighted the following:
1. As part of his Public Health and Safety package there are some bicycle safety initiatives such as Bill 30 which requires the City Director of Transportation Services (DTS) to plan, develop and install bike lockers in City facilities.
2. Resolution 09-84 which asks the City Department of Transportation Services to investigate the feasibility of implementing a bicycle sharing program similar to those used in other municipalities such as Washington D.C.
3. Resolution 09-85 which requests the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to indentify the crosswalks which had the most pedestrian accidents and install in-road lighting and other appropriate traffic safety devices to improve pedestrian safety.
4. Bill 10, CD2 – relating to providing for the establishment of transit-oriented development special districts and accompanying land use regulations around rapid transit stations was adopted by the City and Council and signed by the Mayor.
5. Resolution 09-47, CD1 requesting the City Clerk to explore implementing an online voting program for the City was adopted by the full Council on March 18, 2009.
6. Bill 4 (2009) relating to prohibiting the use of certain electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle is scheduled for third reading in front of the full Council. If it passes it will then be forwarded to the Mayor for his signature.
7. The amendments to the CIP budgets that Councilmember Dela Cruz made were not included. These projects include the speed humps for Glen Avenue and Eames Street and for Lemi Street and Lemi Way. The Whitmore Gymnasium expansion was also not included but in talking to City Department of Design and Construction people he was told the project would be included in fiscal year 2011-2012. Young encouraged Board members and residents to submit testimony in support of the speed humps by the end of the month. If anyone needs information on how to testify for these projects please contact our office for assistance.
Regarding Harvest’s request whether HPD can use some of the encumbered funds from Homeland Security to cover the cost of police projects in Wahiawa such as Weed and Seed. - Forwarded to the Mayor’s office and awaiting a response.
Regarding request to the City Department of Environmental Services to address the persistent bulky item problem on Koa Street – Forwarded to Director Tim Steinberger and awaiting a response.
Request to City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to work to obtain funding for the design phase of the Eames Street Drainage Study. Certain residents of that street suffered flood damage as a result of the heavy rain in December 2008. – Forwarded to Director Craig Nishimura and awaiting a response.
Mayor’s Representative - John Chang reported the following:
1. Regarding Francher’s request on the status of the construction of the Bus Transit Center on Center Street:
A. The lease agreement with State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) has been approved and executed on March 23, 2009. Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) expected before the end of April 2009.
B. Construction plans and estimates are completed. Plans undergoing “one-time review”.
C. Relocation and relocation assistance for storage building that will be demolished under this project will be negotiated with the State Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).
D. A letter from Mayor Hannemann to Governor Lingle seeking release of State of Hawaii funds for the project has been sent.
2. Regarding Chair Acohido’s request that a Department of Facilities Maintenance representative attend the Board meeting and explain why the California Avenue repaving project keeps getting pushed back.- Unfortunately they were unable to send a representative to this month’s Board meeting but they will attempt to have someone attend next month’s meeting.
State Representative Marcus Oshiro – Lei Learmont reported the following:
1. She has a copy of a letter from Governor Lingle to the State Board of Construction Contracts asking them to release two $25 million general obligation bond funds for the Wahiawa Transit Center and Parking Lot.
2. Representative Oshiro asked about the tree removal near Wheeler Air Force Base which was supposed to be completed by the end of February 2009. He was told the removal should be completed in a couple of weeks.
Governor’s Representative - Larry Lau passed out the Governor’s report and reported the following:
1. Regarding Harvest’s suggestion that some type of stationary warning signs be placed or activated when there is an accident informing drivers of the delay or giving them enough time to use an alternate route instead of getting caught in traffic congestion - The State Department of Transportation recognizes the value in the placement of traffic signs such as these but funding for the design, construction and placement of the signs would probably delay the implementation.
2. The State Department of Labor announced that because of the State’s unemployment rate, there are additional Federal benefits available for some unemployed people. More information can be obtained by accessing the State Department of Labor website at www.hawaii.gov/labor or see Mr. Lau after the meeting.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Lee expressed her appreciation for Governor Lingle signing a bill which repealed a law that would have required the registration of owners with homes that were fifty years or older.
Wahiawa Satellite City Hall - Geri Tramontano reported that the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall had to stop selling Spay and Neuter Certificates from the service provider, Animal Care Foundation, because they were unable to fulfill the obligations of the contract. An announcement will be made when or if a new service provider is hired.
WCBA – Chair Acohido acknowledged the efforts of the Wahiawa Lions Club in cleaning up graffiti in the area. He also announced that “Malama Wahiawa”, a neighborhood watch program has been started by the organization and is encouraging all the neighborhoods to participate. If anyone is interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program in their neighborhood please contact
CBDO – Francher said that the organization is still in the process of being organized. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night at Kaaala Elementary School Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Virginia Richards, a resident, reported that there needs to be buses going to Whitmore Village after 6:30 p.m. A shuttle bus brings people up from Kamehameha Highway until 6:30 pm. After that one needs to walk up to Whitmore Village. She notices many people, of all ages, that have to walk all the way to Whitmore Village every night. Also because of the lack of sidewalks in certain areas of the route it is very dangerous. She submitted a petition to Chair Acohido with signatures of people who support the increase in service to Whitmore Village. She also submitted ideas in which current bus routes, with a little adjustment, would be able to service the Whitmore Village area until 11:00 p.m. She is asking the Board to support the addition of a route that services Whitmore Village after 6:30 p.m. or the adjustment of current routes that could service the Whitmore Village area after 6:30 p.m.
Lormand moved for the Board to support Virginia Richards request for improved bus services. Discussion followed:
1. Lee asked Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office be involved in the process along with the Mayor’s Office.
The motion to support Virginia Richards request for improved bus services was unanimously approved.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT - Chair Acohido reported he will be forming an ad hoc group to meet with citizens, State Department of Transportation officials and City Department of Transportation Services representatives to discuss various long-standing issues in the Wahiawa area.
PRESENTATIONS – Informational briefing on a Department of Education proposal to construct new baseball and softball facilities for Leilehua High School. The briefing was conducted by Nancy Nishikawa from Kimura International with the assistance of members of the support team and Leilehua Athletic Director James Toyota. The briefing lasted approximately thirty minutes.
The motion that the Board has received the presentation from Kimura International and may proceed with their Environmental Impact Statement was unanimously approved.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for May 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wahiawa Recreation Center Ceramics Room.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Submitted By:
Peter Salbiejo
Neighborhood Assistant