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Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

OPENING CEREMONIES: Chair Ben Acohido welcomed everyone to the Board meeting, opened with a moment of reflection of the past week, and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ben Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note- This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ben Acohido, Joseph Francher, Dean Harvest, Jeanne Ishikawa (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Silvia Manley Koch, Mary Jane Lee, Robert Lormand and Hugh Lowery.

Board Members Absent: Cindy Bauer

Guests: Keanu Young (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Alana Ammons, John Chang (Mayor’s Representative), Commander Jim Darenkamp and Lieutenant Miguel Macias (NCTAMS), Officer Wendy Atabay and Lieutenant Benjamin Ballesteros (Honolulu Police Department), Wilfredo Pormento, Keith Kawaoka (Department of Health/Governor’s Representative), Marian Tsuji (Lanakila Pacific), Leroy Chincio, Kayla Overton and Commander John Sego (Army), Donald Estrella and Yolanda Spaire (AHHA), Joe Tower, Rich Brine, Chad Nugal Sunny Algoso (Hope Impact), Senator Robert Bunda, Jyun Yamamoto, Alesia Au, Kate Butts, Carrie Miyasoto, Constantine Nightingdale (Hawaii Dream Vision Center), Leland S.M. Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Vacancies: There were no vacancies on the Board at this time.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No report at this time.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Officer Wendy Atabay and Lieutenant Ben Ballesteros reported;

1. Crime Statistics August 2009: Statistics included; 12 burglaries, 4 stolen vehicles, 24 thefts, 13 unauthorized entrances to a motor vehicle (UEMV), for a total of 53 incidents.

2. Minutes Correction: Atabay requested that the Board minutes reflect the phrase ‘residentially challenged’ besides the phrase ‘homeless’ in the past HPD reports.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Funding for Additional Classes/Officers: It was questioned and clarified that funds are being sought to fill vacant officer positions and additional classes. The beats in Wahiawa are currently being restructured.

2. Possible Identity Theft Victim: A community member raised a concern that HPD did not provide help when he tried to resolve a possible identity theft case. Atabay explained if an officer does not provide satisfactory service, the community member can request a higher ranking officer.

Board member Jeanne Ishikawa arrived at 7:10 p.m. A quorum of eight (8) members present.

Mayor’s Representative: John Chang noted there were no follow-up questions reported from previous meeting, and made himself available for any questions. There were no questions for the Mayor’s representative.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): No report at this time.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz: Keanu Young reported the following information;

1. Food Waste Recycling: Resolution 09-262 was co-introduced with Councilmember Kobayashi, urging the City administration to implement a food waste recycling program for residential buildings in the City.

2. Stream, Drainage, Ditches and Waterways: Privately owned streams are the responsibility of the property owner. If the stream is not being maintained by the owner, the City is authorized to maintain and clear the stream, and bill the property owner. Refusal to pay will result in a lien on the property.

3. Important Legislation: Highlighted in the Councilmember’s report included; Bill 59, Bill 63, Bill 64, Bill 51 and Bill 55. For more information regarding the legislation visit www.honolulu.gov.

4. Resolutions: Resolutions of interest included; Resolution 09-229 relating to the acceptance of a gift to the Director of Parks and Recreation from Dura Constructors, Inc. and Resolution 09-241 establishing City policy with respect to household income thresholds for affordable housing by unilateral agreements.

5. On-Line Voting Option: The question of why online voting was not an option for the special Council district races, the City Clerk’s office confirmed that the state law only allows for the choice of vote-by-mail for special elections.

6. Koa Street Bulky Item: The City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has assured our office that they will continue to monitor the Koa Street area for bulky item compliance and will notify City agencies to issue citations against the owners who are in violation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Sleeping On Sidewalks: The status of Bill 69-09 relating to sleeping on sidewalks was requested; Young will follow up at the next meeting.

2. Wahiawa Treatment Center: The status of the Wahiawa Treatment Center project was requested; Young will follow up.

3. California Avenue Repaving: A community member urged the Councilmember’s office to do what ever they could do to urge the City to complete the California Avenue repaving project.

Emergency Medical Services: No report at this time.

Wahiawa Satellite City Hall: Residents are encouraged to do business at the Satellite City Hall before the end of the month as it becomes very hectic at that time.

Harvest moved and Francher seconded to take the agenda out of order and hear Items 6A-G at this time. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Francher, Harvest, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery.)

Military: NCTAMS PAC: Commander Jim Darenkamp and Lieutenant Miguel Macias reported the following;

1. Operation Aloha Status: As of today, the Navy has collected donations of over $7,000 in cash, 8,000 pounds of clothing and 10,000 pounds of canned goods. The donations will be given to families in need during the holiday season. Donations are still being accepted.

2. Final Phase of Homes: As part of the NCTAMS Final Housing Phase, 15 new homes will be opening in the upcoming weeks. These homes will go to military families that were displaced during the renovation process.

3. Wahiawa Veterans Day Parade: NCTAMS will participate in Wahiawa’s Annual Veterans Day Parade.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Homeless on Base: It was questioned and clarified if homeless residents have been sleeping near or around the outer area of the military bases. Fences have always provided a boundary for the homeless residents, and have kept them off base at this time.

2. Live Fire Practice: It was clarified that firearms are not allowed on base by public residents. There have been recent events where live fire was heard but the culprit was not caught. Residents are urged to contact HPD if they know residents firing on base.

3. Change of Command: Commander Darenkamp noted that the Change of Command Ceremony will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

U.S. Army: Commander John Sego with Kayla Overton explained that residents are encouraged to join the Army in welcoming home deployed soldiers. A part of Third Brigade will be returning home in October. For an exact homecoming schedule visit www.25IDL@army.mil.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Underage Drinking: Concern was raised regarding military underage drinking in Wahiawa. Board members noted they do not want to see the military get in trouble or in danger due to underage drinking at local bars throughout Wahiawa.

2. Ku Tree Reservoir Lowery requested a status update for the Ku Tree Reservoir; Overton to follow up.

3. Construction Semi-Truck Use: Board and community members urged the Military to use other routes besides Wilikena Drive when using heavy semi-trucks. The trucks tend to destroy the road and cause unnecessary traffic back up for Wahiawa residents.

4. Wastewater: It was questioned and clarified that Schofield Barracks has its own waste water treatment center on base, and does not pump contaminated water into local streams of Lake Wilson.

Wahiawa Community & Business Association (WCBA): Wendy Atabay reported the following information;

1. Past/Future Meetings: No update from the last meeting. Upcoming meetings will be posted and announced in the future. WCBA continues to focus on community strengthening programs for Wahiawa.

2. Up-Coming Community Events: Up-Coming events will also be announced as they near. The first week in December is the Wahiawa Christmas Parade. For interested community members, contact Pastor Jack Smith for more information.

Whitmore Community Association: No report available at this time

Community Based Development Organizations (CBDO): No report available at this time.

Governor’s Representative: Keith Kawaoka of the State Department of Health (DOH) provided a written report to Chair Acohido and was available for questioning.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Advisory Signs: It was questioned and clarified that HPD does have traffic advisory signs that may be used to direct traffic during an emergency. The signs are kept in Wahiawa when not used.

2. Freeway Lighting: A community member thanked the State Department of Transportation (DOT) for repairing the lights on the freeway leading up to Wahiawa.

Senator Robert Bunda: Senator Bunda reported that he has been in contact with HPD and reiterated the concern regarding the lack of signage and lighting near Kamehameha Highway and Wilikena Drive. Senator Bunda suggested that a meeting between DOT and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) be held with community leaders to raise all traffic concerns in the district.

Representative Marcus Oshiro: No report available at this time.

The agenda resumed order.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Several concerns were raised at this time;

1. Traffic Light Synchronization: Concern rose regarding the traffic light signals throughout Wahiawa that are not synchronized at all. Residents are making several stops to get from one location to another. During afternoon rush-hour, vehicles are backed up to the freeway for more than half an hour.

2. California Avenue Repaving: Concern rose regarding the repaving of California Avenue. Residents were informed that the project was to be completed by November 2010; however it doesn’t seem likely at this point. Residents have been asking for the repaving for over three years.

3. California Avenue Sidewalks: It was questioned and clarified that the un-improved sidewalks on California Avenue are there because residents did not want to pay a higher cost for regular sidewalks.

4. Noise Nuisance: Concern rose regarding vehicles that are driving through the neighborhood with loud music and bass. It was questioned and clarified that HPD does take these concerns seriously; but not have the man power to stop every vehicle exerting loud noise.

5. Crosswalk Lighting: Concern rose regarding the dimness of light fixtures throughout Wahiawa. Board members requested that the lights illuminating the crosswalks be increased, as to protect pedestrians from motorist when crossing the streets at night.

6. Illegal Car Washes: Concern was raised against Enterprise Car Rental, are noted washing their vehicles in a parking lot that does not have proper drainage.

7. Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW): Officer Atabay explained that Wahiawa currently does not have a Neighborhood Security Watch, and encouraged interested community members to come together and form a NSW to help fight the war on crime in Wahiawa.

APPROVAL OF JULY 20, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Acohido requested that Board members take the meeting minute’s home for further review and deferred approval until October 2009.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Presentations:

Hawaii Dream Vision Service Center Vision 2009: Constantine Nightingdale, President and CEO of Hawaii Dream Vision Center reported the following information;

1. Goal Vision 2009: Noting the program has been working with several communities. The Hawaii Dream Vision is looking to purchase 204 acres of land in Kunia to build a structure that will house and support over 5,000 homeless people from Wahiawa and all over the island.

2. Board Participation: Wahiawa has a growing population of homeless residents. The program would like to work with the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board in the near future.

3. More Information: For more information visit www.hawaiidreamservicecenter.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Current Permit Status: It was questioned and clarified that the project is currently in the process of obtaining needed permits. An environmental impact study (EIS) will also be completed.

2. Background Work: The Hawaii Dream Vision Service has worked with several outsourced groups regarding homeless. Currently the Vision Service is working with a program in Kailua which specializes in helping women get back on their feet.

3. Faith Based Program: It was clarified that the program is faith based, non-profit certified program.

4. Position Unclear: Several Board and community members voiced concern regarding the project as it seems too vague and that no permits have been obtained at this time, the Board members noted it will be hard for them to take a position.

At this time, 8:20 p.m. the gavel was turned over to Vice Chair Francher.

Closure of Wahiawa Early Childhood Service Program: Chair Acohido reported that due to funding stipulations, the Wahiawa Early Childhood Service Program will be closing its doors on Friday, November 13, 2009. Residents from both Wahiawa and North Shore who use the program will be at a great lost. A request for proposal (RFP) has been sent out by the State. Workers of the program will also loose their positions upon closure.

Unfinished Business:

Homeless Task Force Report: Chair Acohido provided a memorandum of the record for the Monday, September 21, 2009 Task Force on Homeless meeting.

1. Findings of Homeless Problems: The problems with the homeless population were summarized with lack of services or resources for the homeless and the need to restore public safety and public access for certain locations.

2. Recommended Actions: The Task Force recommends several short-term and long-term solutions;

·         Short Term: Request the Minister Association to coordinate their efforts with food pantries and feeding programs.

·         Med-Term: Create a ‘Resources Fair’ to identify the homeless population and to provide health services.

·         Long-Term: Obtain use of State land parcels at the Fresh Water Park for a possible shelter and training facility,

3. Next Meeting: The next Task Force meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2009 in conjunction with the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Committee of the Whole meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Proper Minutes Attached: Harvest noted that the special meeting minutes of Monday, August 31, 2009, which is referenced in the Task Force’s report is incorrect and needs to be replaced with the proper minutes, which were previously provided by Secretary Koch. Harvest moved and Koch seconded to replace the set of minutes in the Task Force Report with the proper Special Minutes of August 31, 2009. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Francher, Harvest, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery.)

2. Alcoholic and Narcotics Anonymous: A community member explained she too has come from a life of homelessness, however was able to change her ways and get back on her feet. The community member noted that she is looking to start an Alcoholic and Narcotic Anonymous (AA/NA) program in Wahiawa.

3. Support of the Task Force’s Recommendations: Francher moved and Harvest seconded to support the Task Force’s noted recommendations, and submit a letter to community organizations requesting their aid and participation. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, (Aye: Acohido, Francher, Harvest, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery.)

At this time, 8:50 p.m. the gavel was returned to Chair Acohido.

Designation of Third Recess Month: Chair Acohido noted that the Board has already voted to recess in August and December, however, may take a third recess if the Board chooses. Harvest moved and Ishikawa seconded to recess in April 2010. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0, (Aye: Acohido, Francher, Harvest, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery.)

Meeting at Whitmore Village: Chair Acohido explained that the Board usually meets at Whitmore Village once a year. Harvest moved and Lormand seconded to meet at Whitmore Village in February 2010.

Discussion followed:

1. By the End of This Year: Concern was raised that February 2010 is too long away, and the Board should meet at Whitmore Village sooner than that.

2. Location: It was noted that the residents prefer the Whitmore Village Gym, over the school location.

The motion to meet at Whitmore Village in February 2010 was NOT ADOPTED, 1-7-0, (Aye: Harvest; Nay: Acohido, Francher, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery.)

Lee moved and Francher seconded to meet at Whitmore Village in November 2009. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-1-0, (Aye: Acohido, Francher, Ishikawa, Koch, Lee, Lormand and Lowery; Nay: Harvest.)

Appropriateness and Cost of Videotaping: Harvest reported that he had been in contact with Leilehua High School, and was informed that no Olelo Team has been set up at the school at this time. The Board does have enough publicity funds to cover videotaping at this time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Staying On Topic: Concern was raised regarding the Board’s tendencies to drift away from agenda items. The Board was urged to stay on topic if the Board is videotaped.

Committee Appointments: Chair Acohido appointed the following members to Committee Chairs:

• Transportation and Traffic Management: Joe Francher
• Legislative and Military Affairs: Hugh Lowery
• Planning and Zoning: No one appointed at this time.
• Education, Public Welfare and Safety: Silvia Manley Koch
• Environment and Agriculture: Mary Jane Lee
• Oahu Arts Center: Bob Lormand
• Wahiawa Town Beautification: Jeanne Ishikawa and Dean Harvest

Regarding the Appointment of the Planning and Zoning Committee: Harvest noted that he may have a conflict of interest with the Planning and Zoning Committee as he has several personal and family ties with organizations dealing directly with planning and zoning counterparts. Harvest will Co-Chair in the Wahiawa Town Beautification Committee

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Chair Acohido explained the importance of the Committee of the Whole meetings, noting that this is when agenda items are determined. Chair Acohido announced the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2009 beginning at 6:30 in the Wahiawa Recreational Center Ceramics Room.

New Business:

Status of the U.S. Army and Lake Wilson: Chair Acohido explained that Board member Lowery will continue to dialogue with the Army regarding Lake Wilson and the Ku Tree Reservoir. A report will be presented at a future Board meeting.

REPORTS: Reports sections including the Military, WCBA, Whitmore Community Association, CBDO, and State Officials were previously reported on the agenda.

Treasurer’s Report: Harvest read the August 2009 treasurer’s report, highlighting a current expense of $66.55 due to printing and postage, leaving a current operating account balance of $1,426.15. Harvest also explained that due to budgetary constraints, the $120 refreshment account has been removed from the Board’s budget. The report was filed.

Chair’s Report: No additional report at this time.

Permitted Interaction Groups (PIG): All PIG reports were deferred to the October 2009 meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;

1. Committee of the Whole: The next Committee of the Whole meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2009 at the Wahiawa Recreation Center Ceramics Room starting at 6:30 p.m.

2. Wahiawa Historic Society: Residents that may have available vignettes to donate are urged to contact the Wahiawa Historic Society. The vignettes will be used to further beautify Wahiawa Town.

3. Community Organization Recognition: Ishikawa requested Kilani Bakery, which has operated in Wahiawa for over 50 years be recognized for its accomplishments and service at the next Board meeting; Chair Acohido agreed.

4. North Shore Neighborhood Board: Lormand announced that he has been in receipt of hundred of pages of information from North Shore Neighborhood Board member Jake Eng, relating to several issues that effect both Boards. Lormand noted he will disseminate the work load and report back to the Board later.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted By:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By:

Ben Acohido

Chair