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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (Draft)
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2009
WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER
OPENING CEREMONIES: Vice Chair Yamamoto 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: Vice Chair Yamamoto called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. with a quorum of five (5) members present. Note - This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) votes to have a quorum and take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido (arrived at 7:45 pm), Vee Chuensanguansat Joe Francher, Dean Harvest, Bob Lormand, and Jyun Yamamoto.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeanne Ishikawa, Silvia Manley Koch, Mary Jane Lee.
GUESTS: Lieutenant Ben Ballesteros, Capt. Moana Heu (HPD), Capt. Richard Ochoa (HFD), Col. Gottard, (U.S. Army, Schofield Barracks), ITI. Dave Watkins (NCTAMS PAC), John Chang (Mayor’s Representative), Keanu Young (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Senator Robert Bunda, Hugh Lowery, Daniel Neyer, Barbara Ladao, Doris J. Wass and Peter Salbiejo (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
MOMENT OF REMEMBERANCE – MS. SHERI BENTLEY: Asst. Chair Yamamoto announced the passing of long time Wahiawa Neighborhood Board member Sheri Bentley. The Bentley family asked the Lions Club to handle the funeral arrangements. Francher, who is the current President, will inform the Board of the arrangements when they are announced. Chair Yamamoto asked that a moment of silence be observed to reflect upon the memory of Ms. Bentley.
THE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2009 WERE APPROVED AS CORRECTED WITH THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIONS:
Page 3, U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC section, first sentence, change “Vanderkamp” to “Darenkamp”. The name should read “Commander James Darenkamp”.
Page 5, Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz, under Questions, Comments, Concerns, section, #2, delete “is definitely for the bill” and insert “supports discussion on the bill. Sentence should read “…Councilmember Dela Cruz is one of the introducers of the bill so he supports discussion on the bill.”
Page 6, NEW BUSINESS section, #9, delete “asked that” and replace with “appointed.” Delete “be formed”. Insert “it” between “tasked” and “to”. Sentence should read “Chair Acohido appointed a committee and tasked it to:”.
Page 7, NEW BUSINESS section, delete “people” and insert “three other persons” between “for” and “to”. Sentence should read “Chair Acohido asked Yamamoto to chair the committee and asked three other persons to form the committee.”
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 February 2009 compared to January 2009: 18/12 burglaries, 11/11 unauthorized entrance to a motor vehicle (UEMV), 23/19 thefts, 4/14 auto thefts.
Follow up concerns:
1. The Kilea Place home invasion is still under investigation by HPD detectives.
2. The white pickup truck reported by Lee illegally parked at the intersection of Hauola Avenue and Loko Drive. has not been seen. HPD will continue to monitor the area.
3. Information about the HPD Reserve Police Officer program can be found online at www.honolulupd.org/hrd/mpro.htm.
4. Lt. Ballesteros introduced Capt. Moana Heu from the Wahiawa Police Station. She asked the Board to consider action to have the Municipal Parking Lot on Kamehameha Highway near Avocado Street closed between 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. or at some time frame that is reasonable to the Board and have signs posted informing the public of the closure. The surrounding businesses are closed by 10:00 p.m. so no one should be parked in the lot after that time. People have begun congregating there and the potential for problems increases exponentially as others join them.
5. Capt. Heu reported that the State began clean up of the area under Wilson Bridge. Sherriff’s deputies told Capt. Heu that they noticed two of the displaced people have moved into the park and the rest have moved into the Wendy’s parking lot. She explained that this is one of the reasons why putting up signs in parking lots such as these are helpful in their enforcement efforts.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Senator Bunda asked if HPD had a role in the State-run operation to clean the area under the Wilson Bridge. Capt Heu replied that outside of providing two special duty officers to direct traffic by the bridge they did not participate in the operation. Bunda wanted to know if there are any follow-up plans to deal with the results of the clean-up such as hauling away the mounds of trash, assisting the people who were living under the bridge, and coordinating access to the areas which are owned by the Federal Government, Castle and Cook, and other private land owners. Capt. Heu did not have knowledge of the follow up plans but did say that they continue to stand by in case their help is needed. She was also told the clean up would take around 3-5 days and that prisoners were providing the labor.
2. Senator Bunda asked if private property owners post signs indicating that the land is privately owned and that trespassers are not allowed will HPD enforce the no trespassing request if they are asked by the land owner to do so. Capt. Heu replied that they would absolutely do so.
3. Harvest asked if Capt. Heu she had any preference on the closed hours of the parking lots in question. She suggested that a good guide would be times that are consistent with the hours of other municipal or private lots in the vicinity. Harvest suggested closing the lots from 12:00 midnight – 4:00 am or 10:00 pm – 4:00 am and asked for her opinion. She said that she would talk to the first watch officers and see what they say and report back to the Board. Asst. Chair Yamamoto informed Capt. Heu that this request will be added to the agenda for the next Board meeting.
4. A resident reported that he has witnessed prostitution activity in the parking lot where Wendy’s restaurant used to be. Capt. Heu replied that since the property is privately owned they are not able to go onto the property unless they are called by the property owner or witness and respond to a crime being committed. She said that because the area is dark illegal activity may be occurring there. Harvest asked if a spotlight or some kind of illumination in the area were provided by the surrounding businesses would be an effective deterrent. She opined it would be very effective. Harvest suggested approaching the WCBA with that request. Franchcher asked if the area were illuminated and officers observe criminal activity taking place would they investigate and take appropriate action. Capt Heu replied they would.
U.S. ARMY SCHOFIELD BARRACKS - Col. Gottard reported the following:
1. The Army’s appreciation was expressed for the tremendous support, patience and consideration shown by the community during these times of multiple deployments.
2. The 2nd Stryker Brigade has completed their return to Schofield Barracks from their fifteen month deployment. All 4,500 soldiers were honored with a ceremony and a “Stryker Bash” to celebrate redeployment.
3. The 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade is about half-way through their twelve month deployment in Iraq. They are scheduled to return sometime in the Fall with between 5,000 and 6,000 soldiers expected back.
4. The combined aviation brigade is preparing for deployment sometime in the Fall. Much of the activity that is heard at night and in the early morning in the skies is related to the brigade’s preparation.
5. U.S. Army Hawaii was the proud recipient of the National Fish and Wildlife Service’s Conservation Partner Award for 2008. The award is given to organizations that demonstrate a commitment to preserving the natural, cultural and environmental resources of the land under its stewardship.
6. The McNair Gate will be closed from March 4 to 18, 2009. McComb Gate will be closed from March 25 to April 8, 2009.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Harvest commended the Army for their efforts in meeting with community leaders and legislators to address concerns regarding cultural access and use of Makua. Some sites have already been set aside by the Army. He mentioned that members of his family are involved in some of the litigation action so he is aware of the developments in the ongoing meetings. He also lauded the Army’s efforts in preserving the Lihue Plain located in Schofield Barracks.
2. A resident asked if the community would be able to participate in the ceremony honoring those soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade who were killed during this latest deployment. Col. Gottard replied that a ceremony is scheduled sometime in May to honor those soldiers and that the community would absolutely be allowed to participate. He said he would give the contact information of those organizing the ceremony to the Board.
3. Vice Chair Yamamoto asked if the emergency action report completed by the Army Corp of Engineers for the Wahiawa Reservoir was available for review. He said that at their last briefing in September or October 2008 the Board was told that there was a plan but it was not yet completed. Col. Gottard said that he will arrange for a representative to attend the next Board meeting to provide an update.
U.S. NAVY NCTAMS PAC: ITI Dave Watkins reported:
1. On March 8, 2009 the Navy reached a milestone, reporting 365 consecutive days in which no Driving Under the Influence (DUI) citations were issued. As of tonight, the number of days is at 373.
2. The Navy had a wonderful time this past Saturday painting over graffiti. He announced that if there are service projects that the Navy could help out with to not hesitate to contact them.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
1. While waiting for TheBus at a bus stop a resident noticed a group of three young school girls who, after eating their snacks, threw their rubbish onto the ground instead of into the trash receptacle. The resident asked that they pick up their rubbish and throw it into the nearby rubbish can. They responded rudely and left their trash on the ground. The resident ended up picking the trash up herself. She feels that the schools need to educate the students about the consequences of littering. She also reported the positive comments she hears from bus drivers about the people living on the North Shore. She says that they tell her that it is always a pleasure when they are assigned a North Shore route.
Chair Acohido arrived at this time (7:45 pm); 6 members present.
2. A resident asked when the repaving of California Avenue was to begin. Vice Chair Yamamoto replied that it was reported that the project was scheduled to go out for bid in the Spring of 2009. Francher said that the Board has been requesting someone from the Dept. of Design and Construction (DDC) come to the meeting and provide an update on the repaving schedule because of the number of times it has been rescheduled .Chair Acohido replied that perhaps it would be best for an appointment to be made to meet with DDC personnel at their office.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT - Chair Acohido reported the following:
1. Now that that the 2nd Stryker Brigade has completed their redeployment it is important that the returning soldiers be re-integrated into the community after being away for their tour of duty. He encouraged the community to be involved in “coffee hours” where the solders can sit down with members of the community in a comfortable setting and “talk story”.
2. The sweep that HPD Capt. Heu reported on earlier in the meeting may have been successful in moving the homeless out and cleaning up the area but without permanent solutions future violations will occur.
Questions, comments and concerns:
Sen. Bunda said that part of his Capital Improvement Projects request for Wahiawa is the installation of a fence and signs around those portions of land where homeless camps were situated. He had hoped that Castle and Cooke, landowner of the majority of land, would erect the fences themselves but because of the poor economic climate is not able to do so. His office is preparing to draft a letter to DLNR thanking them for coordinating the operation. He suggested a joint letter from his office and the Board might be appropriate. Chair Acohido agreed.
PRESENTATIONS: Suzanne Jones from the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) presented information to the Board and residents regarding the curbside recycling program scheduled for implementation in the Wahiawa area beginning on May 4, 2009.
1. Green colored recycling carts, which are to be used for green waste, are scheduled to be delivered shortly to the affected homes.
2. Blue colored recycling carts, which residents already have, will be used for all other recyclables.
3. Instruction manuals, including the pick-up schedule, will be attached to the new carts.
4. The recycling pilot projects have been very successful with over 90% of participants reporting positive experiences.
5. There have been lower than expected instances of unacceptable recyclables placed in the bins.
6. Participation in the program is not required. However, the ease of the system encourages participation. For example, the Mililani pilot program reports 96% participation even though it is not required.
7. Start-up costs for the project are higher than the operational costs because of the purchase of the recycling bins. The operational costs remain the same as current expenses for rubbish pick-up.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. A resident asked if Whitmore Village was included in the Wahiawa schedule. Jones replied that a Whitmore Village and part of Kunia is included in the Wahiawa schedule.
2. Vice Chair Yamamoto asked about the holiday schedule. Jones responded that every three or four years Christmas and New Year’s will fall on Wahiawa’s pick-up schedule, which are the only two days of the year where there is no trash pick-up. Because trash pick-up will now be once a week for non-recyclables the department will arrange for trash pick-up within two days after the holiday.
3. The recycling program does not include the military households.
4. A resident asked what to do if one of your bins breaks. Jones said to call the Wahiawa Refuse Yard at 621-5241 and report the damaged cart. Someone will come out to inspect and repair the cart. If it cannot be repaired, it will be replaced.
5. Harvest asked if the imposition of a user fee will affect the pick-up schedule. Jones replied that if the City begins charging user fees for garbage collection, it should not affect the pick-up schedule.
6. Vice Chair Yamamoto asked if increased dumping has been noticed in the areas where no recycling was done. Jones said that they have not noticed any increase in illegal dumping in areas where no recycling was done as a result of the pilot programs.
7. Anyone can go to the website www.opala.org for more information about the recycling program.
8. Chair Acohido commended the department for their efforts in bringing recycling to the City.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Wahiawa Neighborhood Board action on Castle & Cooke and Ho’opili Developments – Vice Chair Yamamoto passed out a copy of a draft response to the “Friends of Makakilo” who want to halt the Ho’opili development in Ewa and to the Mililani Neighborhood Board No. 25 who want to halt a development project by Castle & Cooke. Vice Chair Yamamoto read aloud the draft.
Chair Acohido moved and Francher seconded, to send this letter to the Governor of the State of Hawaii and to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu. Discussion ensued:
1. Harvest asked that a copy of the letter be sent to all elected officials in the affected districts. Chair Acohido acknowledged the request and stated that a copy will be sent to the affected Neighborhood Boards as well.
2. Lormand pointed out some grammatical and typographical errors in the document. Francher suggested the document be proofread by Lormand and any errors detected be corrected.
The motion to send this letter to the Governor of the State of Hawaii and to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu was adopted UNANIMOUSLY 6-0-0 (Aye: Acohido, Chuensanguansat, Harvest, Franscher, Lorman, Yamamoto. Nay: None. Abstain: None).
Status of Speed Humps for Selected Wahiawa Streets – Chair Acohido reported that the process is in limbo. He feels that a meeting is necessary between the Department of Transportation Services and the Board to ensure that, among other things, the money is spent on the project at the right time after it is budgeted. He will work with Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office to set this up.
NEW BUSINESS
Permitted Interaction Group participation at Community Block Development Organization (CBDO) – The P.I.G. consists of Chair Acohido and Francher. Chair Acohido would like two more volunteers to be part of the group. Some residents asked questions like how often are the meetings, where are the meetings held, etc. but no one volunteered to join the group. Francher reported that the by-laws and articles of incorporation were developed at the group’s last meeting. Voting for the by-laws and electing a board of directors will be done at the next meeting on April 2, 2009. At least fifty one percent of the members of the board of directors must be individuals of low to moderate income or businesses which provide services to low to moderate income people.
Establishment of Special Committees: Chair Acohido said that the Board can establish committees for action provided the committee is headed by a Board member and opened to anyone for membership.
1. Wahiawa Town Beautification Committee – Chair Acohido asked Harvest to consider heading this committee. Harvest replied that though he is interested, he needs to see if he can give the time needed to make this committee work. He is involved in other community groups and projects and wants to see if he will be able to give enough of his time and attention to this group. Francher volunteered to chair this group.
2. Public Relations Committee – Chair Acohido asked for a volunteer to Chair this committee. Seeing no one, he said that he would ask Lee or Ishikawa to Chair this committee. Harvest and Lorman volunteered to be committee members.
GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS)
WCBA – Chair Acohido announced WCBA has begun to organize a neighborhood watch program. They are also closely supporting the formation of the CBDO group.
Mayor’s Representative - John Chang introduced himself and reported the following:
1. Regarding Harvest’s concern that the flashing light at Iliwai and Makaweo Streets is not working has been referred to the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) and they will be sending someone to inspect and repair or replace the light.
2. The Mayor has been notified of the passing of Ms. Sheri Bentley and has written a letter of condolence to the family to be read at her ceremony. Harvest clarified to Chair Acohido that initially a certificate was created honoring Ms. Bentley’s years of service to the Board. While in the process of being done the Mayor learned of Ms. Bentley passing. He then decided to write a letter of condolence to her family instead.
3. He will notify the Department of Transportation staff that someone needs to attend the Board meeting in April and explain why the California Avenue repaving project keeps getting pushed back.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Chair Acohido also wanted to address the DTS representative to address Glen Avenue and Eames Street speed humps and the Lemi Street and Lemi Way speed humps.
2. Francher requested information on the status of the construction on the Bus Transit Center on Center Street.
Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz - Keanu Young from Councilman Donovan Dela Cruz’s office passed out his newsletter and highlighted the following:
Regarding Ishikawa’s request to make the Farmer’s Market at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center a traveling type of operation that can be brought to Wahiawa.- Forwarded to the Mayor’s office and awaiting a response.
Regarding Lee’s request to inspect the fencing around the Wahiawa Botanical Garden - Forwarded to the Mayor’s office and awaiting a response.
Regarding Lee’s request to inspect and improve the lighting on California Avenue near the Wahiawa Town Center.- Forwarded request to DTS and awaiting a response.
1. Councilmember Dela Cruz introduced a resolution requesting the Mayor apply for Federal Stimulus money specifically energy grants to retrofit municipal buildings to become more energy efficient.
2. He also introduced a resolution to form an advisory group to educate, advise and assist the City and County of Honolulu in increasing its use of sustainable planning designs and construction initiatives.
3. In addition, he Introduced a resolution requesting the City Clerk’s office to explore implementing an on-line voting program.
4. Capital Improvement Projects in the Wahiawa area already included in the budget: (a) Traffic signal at California and Nanea Streets; and (b) Wahiawa Transit Center.
Governor’s Representative: Larry Lau passed out the Governor’s report and was available to hear comments and answer questions.
Harvest asked if it was possible to have some type of warning signs that can 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. Lau replied that he thought that was a great idea that can be used on the Federal Freeway System and City streets as well. He will pass the idea on to the State Department of Transportation.
Senator Robert Bunda: Report shared earlier in the evening.
Representative Marcus Oshiro: No representative. No report.
Board of Water Supply: No representative. No report.
Wahiawa Satellite City Hall: Geri Tramontano reported the following:
1. Provided a handout that provides information about various City websites where certain types of business can be transacted online and where forms can be downloaded.
2. Spay and neuter certificates for dogs and cats are available at Satellite City Halls. A new service provider called Animal Care Foundation has begun servicing pet owners. Right now they have a backlog in providing the spay and neuter operations. Because the certificates have to be used within three months of purchase it is best to call them at 396- 3333 and see if an appointment can be made within three months. If so, they it is recommended that you purchase the certificates.
Chair Acohido asked if anyone would object if he moves agenda item XII Government & Community Organizations up in the order to above agenda item X Unfinished Business for April’s meeting. Hearing no objection Chair Acohido announced that he would do so.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for April 6, 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