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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2008
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza,
BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: James Arthur.
GUESTS: Representative Karen Awana, Polly “Granny” Grace,
WELCOME: Chair Timson welcomed the community to the meeting and called attention to the agenda time limits, explaining the desire of the Board for fairness to everyone. She asked for each speaker and attendee to act as if they might be a guest in each other’s home. She said the chair would call out of order abusive or negative comments directed to individuals and asked that questions to be directed to presenters through the Board chair. She explained the Board’s policy was to take reports from the Public Safety agencies at 7:00 p.m. time or whenever representatives are available.
Kapolei City Lights:
Kanno arrived during the above report at 6:45 p.m.; seven members present.
MONTHLY CITY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Jeffrey Bruchal (from the Kapolei Station) distributed copies of the November 2008 monthly activity statistics to the Board and the community. He encouraged participation in the Live and Let Live Campaign, which includes sign waving to encourage traffic safety over the holiday season, and invited participation through contacts with Office Michael Kahikina at 692-4248. He wished a safe and happy holiday season to the community from HPD district commander Major Michael Moses and the officers of the Kapolei Police Station. Michael Golojuch asked about reports of an impersonator of a security company doing house-to-house sales, with Bruchal reporting an estimator said to be going through the community saying he was from Honeywell – which does not do home sales – and invited calls to 911. Carolyn Golojuch thanked HPD officers for monitoring speed on Makakilo Drive. Councilmember Garcia noted a high number of burglaries (twenty-three) in one Makakilo beat area (#867) and asked about details with Bruchal reporting a recent apprehension and offered the hope that future numbers would therefore be decreasing. Polly Grace reported near misses from motorists coming from the construction area adjacent to the Honolulu Advertiser building, asking for monitoring and for review of area directional signs. Chair Timson thanked Bruchal for his report.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain William Steinke reported on Kapolei and Makakilo Fire Stations activities, with the monthly statistics of two rubbish fires, sixty-seven medical emergencies, and thirty-nine miscellaneous alarms. He reported a fire safety tip of caution about dried Christmas decorations (including trees and wreaths). He also warned about fireworks usage and encouraged calls to 911 to dispose of residual (unused) fireworks. Chair Timson thanked Steinke for his report.
City Transportation Issues – City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka, was present, accompanied by DTS staff Ty Fukumitsu, Mark Kikuchi, and Leland Nakasaki. Yoshioka reviewed community transportation issues, including:
- Concerns expressed about Kalaeloa Boulevard (at the Honolulu Advertiser building intersection) would be reviewed with the contractor, including inspecting the lighting of the signs, and relaying concerns to the area employers.
- Makakilo Drive issues, including Kikaha Street (“no parking” signs being worked), Palahea Street left turn issue being studied, Palailai Street right turn issue (morning and evening rush) continuing to be reviewed, with the Palailai signalized crossing issue study to be finished at the end of January 2009.
Chair Timson asked for the Palailai left turn phasing to be attended to, with Fukumitsu reporting that it had been monitored but that he would return for additional review. Chair Timson explained that the stacking lane backs up without cars coming down, with Fukumitsu saying the lights should be coordinated for the peak hours and may be off cycle; he said he would review the synchronization. Fukumitsu also discussed with Chair Timson and Souza that the signal sensors would be checked. Yoshioka explained that the work order to restrict Kikaha parking had been issued and the Palahea and Palailai reports would be communicated to the Board.
Yamamoto arrived during the above report at 7:20 p.m.; eight members present.
Chair Timson commended Yoshioka for the “no parking” sight-protection signs, with Dudley explaining that the Board’s intent was for a DTS review of the whole stretch, citing Gardens III as an additional site, with Yoshioka agreeing that DTS could review but that Board input for specific problem places would be welcomed. Kanno stressed the need to review the Palahea pedestrian crossing and proposed its move to the mauka side, with Nakasaki thanking Kanno and agreeing that the suggestion would be included with the review, but reporting that the site has ponding and driveway problems. Kanno said the safety issue was a concern with Yoshioka saying possible alternatives would be reported to the next meeting. Dudley said the issue includes the turn as well as the crossing with Yoshioka agreeing that the options would be included. Moses stressed the Makakilo Drive left arrow and asked for attention to the pedestrian crossing issue from Garden I, II, and III, reporting that a fatality had occurred there several years ago and that speeders regularly head down the hill in that area because they know there is no light. Souza agreed with Moses, saying that there is a long-standing community concern of speeding down the hill where students cross, with Yoshioka agreeing to look at the corridor. Michael Golojuch proposed a Transportation Committee meeting in January 2009 to review the alternatives, with Yoshioka agreeing to participate. Jeff Kay said that pedestrians are now crossing mid block and that any alternative would be difficult, but suggesting a demand signal might be the better alternative. Mike Freitas suggested the very narrow streets of Makakilo be attended to, where parking on both sides restricts the lane to an almost impassable state. Mike Neivatbe said traffic concerns include the exits from the Makakilo Drive market. Yoshioka reported a current island-wide signal optimization program underway, with alternatives being considered. Polly Grace stressed the need to check traffic during school opening/closings as well as other times, with Fukumitsu agreeing.
Mayor's Representative – Henry Eng (Director, Department of Planning and Permitting – DPP) represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and thanked Yoshioka for the presentation. Eng reported the comment period for the Ewa Development Plan (DP) update was extended until the end of January 2009. Eng reported he would retire at the end of the 2008 and thanked the Board and the community for their courtesies and the opportunity to serve. Chair Timson thanked Eng on behalf of the Board and community, with Souza presenting Eng a lei honoring his service. Michael Golojuch acknowledged Eng work with Campbell Estate and his prior term as the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Chair. An audience question requested information about parade overtime costs. Carolyn Golojuch thanked Eng and asked that Makakilo Drive median grounds keeping be followed up, asking for contract information for a future meeting. Chair Timson thanked Eng for his report.
Rail Transit Project Update – Gary Omori reported on the Rail Transit project, saying that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) summary was available and invited comments. He distributed a rail newsletter and information brochure. He reported a change to the planning documents to reflect a reduction in congestion, explaining the new figure is 21-23% (at #5.5) and invited review of the Draft EIS on the internet or with hard copies at libraries, saying that a full copy could also be purchase ($59). He invited the community to a public information meeting on December 6, 2008 at the Kapolei Hale. Dudley asked if the figures included the number of cars today and the number of the increase due to the 12,000 Ho’opili new housing and the other area housing, with Omori saying all of these projects were part of the projection. Dudley noted that the Ho’opili project would be adding more area congestion. Yamamoto asked if the various route options were included in the Draft EIS, with Omori agreeing the alignment possibilities were. Carolyn Golojuch thanked the public for their support of the Rail Transit project and Omori for his efforts in communicating the information. Chair Timson thanked Omori for his presentation.
Council Chair Todd Apo – Chair Timson congratulated Council Chair Apo on his new post, with Chair Apo circulating a community newsletter and reporting his desire to keep the community informed about the possible routes and the discussion the Council is continuing about a spur or re-routing of the rail transit line to cover both the Salt Lake corridor and the Honolulu airport. Apo reported welcoming input on the City Budget process and the services the City provides, saying there is a need to review the planning for future budgets. Dudley asked about pushing the opening of the Kapolei Parkway before the new Costco store opens, with Apo saying the Parkway project continues to be important but that the Costco side is a private level rather than the City level. Souza commented that she had never heard of anyone saying they needed to go to Salt Lake, with Dudley reporting a need for Ewa stops, and Apo reporting three stops planned to provide service to Ewa along the Kunia-Kapolei route, with the Kroc Center site to be the primary one (although the specific site is not yet located). Michelle Golojuch noted the need for construction jobs now and suggested starting construction after the holiday season. Apo reported the cost for an airport line would be $200 million, so the cost is a concern but noted that federal funding for public projects like the rail line are likely to continue.
Councilmember Nester Garcia – Chair Timson congratulated Council Vice Chair Garcia, who distributed a written community report, and discussed the balance of both the Council and the Administration in the transit procurement process. He reported the proposed Council legislation introduced by Councilmember Djou about “no texting” would cover a vehicle while it was “in motion.” Garcia reported that the rail transit route issue was still in committee there intent is wait for the Draft EIS January 7, 2009 deadline for input to respect the efforts of those who would be making comments. Chair Timson thanked Garcia for his report.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo was present and reported no area main breaks. He reported he would distribute calendars next month and announced the start of the art contest for the next year. Carolyn Golojuch reported the downtown BWS site as traditionally having the best City Lights display, with Kuo saying the BWS would be also in the Kapolei City Lights parade. Chair Timson thanked Kuo for his report.
Chair’s Report – Chair Timson noted the need to finish the meeting by 9:45 p.m. to honor the commitment to the Kapolei High School for the use of the room. She reported receiving a liquor license application for the Beach Villa in Ko Olina.
PRESENTATIONS
Department of Education (DOE) – Board of Education (BOE) member Breene Harimoto introduced Deputy Superintendent Andy Moore and Complex Area Superintendent Gordon Young to report on DOE plans for the Leeward area. Moore gave a slide presentation on Leeward school facilities, highlighting repair and maintenance needs as well as growth, reporting plans for new Leeward schools:
- Ewa Middle 2010-2011
- Kapolei II Elem 2012
- E. Kapolei Middle 2012
- Royal Kunia Elem 2013
- Kapolei II Middle 2014
- E. Kapolei High 2014
- E. Kapolei I Elem 2015
- E. Kapolei II Elem 2016
He reported the general “best practice” estimates for repairs at $150 million versus the DOE budget of $110 million, noting that there is also a difference in funds appropriated and funds released. He explained to Souza that the impact fee provision for developments allows for contribution of land and a 10% building cost for new projects. Yamamoto commented on the plans for new Leeward schools, saying the priorities are revisited as funding changes, with Moore agreeing that items slip if no funds are available and the list is reprioritized. Chair Timson commented on need for green buildings instead of just air conditioning, with Moore agreeing that recycled buildings are required to be environmentally green, which frequently is an added expense concern. Moses expressed concern that the Kapolei High School is now over crowded and intended to become multi-tracked, a situation that is not fair to students, as well as the projected housing increases, with Moore saying he would review housing plans and report back. Moore explained that a danger in planning is that a peak will be hit but that then the student population will dramatically drop, offering Kailua High School with a past peak of 3000 but now having 800 students, and saying that the intent is for “portables” in combination with the permanent facility. Moses urged the use of better numbers, pointing out that the DOE projection is for 1.5 children per household but saying she has more children and that different communities have larger families. Michael Golojuch asked about closures, with Moore saying land goes back to the source, which is generally State, City or federal control. Souza expressed concern that the planning is for overcrowded schools from day one, reporting that area schools are bursting at the seams, with Moore saying the Kapolei Middle School is now trending down. Linda Young stressed that the ratio for Kapolei might not be fitting the general community, saying that Kapolei is intended for families and was promoted as family-oriented, with Moore agreeing that the ratio was different for townhouse and single family houses. Chair Timson said the Kapolei peak of 2030 would mean 25 years of not accommodating to the family, stressing that Kapolei/Makakilo was a community built for the family, with Moore agreeing to review the ratios, with Moses, Souza and Chair Timson stressing the need to revisit the projections. Chair Timson asked then Moore might be able to report back, with his commitment to return the projections to the February 2009 meeting. Carolyn Golojuch reported not enough chairs in the Middle School, with Herman Young adding that the area residents sent their children to the public schools. Polly Grace reported the need for a complete school experience, including summer school operation. Lacuesta said school issues should be pursued collectively by all Leeward neighborhood boards. Michelle Golojuch expressed concern that the public school programs need to be improved, not just the facilities. Linda Young expressed concern about the State financial shortfall impacting the school budget, with Harimoto saying the budget was under discussion and would be reported on as it unfolds, but stressing the desire of the BOE to be as prepared as possible and look at alternatives. Chair Timson thanked Harimoto and the DOE representatives for their reports.
Ewa Development Plan – Proposed Draft Revision Community Input – DPP Director Eng and Councilmembers Garcia and Apo were present to discuss possible Ewa Development Plan (DP) revision. Eng explained that testimony was welcomed, which would go to the Planning Committee, then to the City Council, with the area involved to include issues for Kalaeloa, DHHL, West Oahu University of Hawaii and the Kroc center. Glen Oamilda stressed that the DP was the community vision. Ken Morner stressed the need for congestion concerns to be included, especially stressing the need for good modeling numbers. Tom Berg offered written comments from Representative Pine and asked for a timeline for the East-West Connector Road to be added. Daniel Swenson said he hoped the revision would include the Ho’opili housing and would display a new paradyne that would eliminate congestion. Gary Bautista expressed concern that the review/response time is limited and suggested it be extended to May 31st 2009. Scott Belfour suggested planning include community computer fiber coverage. Dudley suggested the Ho’opili congestion would cover the freeway system leading to Makakilo/Kapolei and moved that the Board request the issue be included in the draft revision; there was no second to the motion. Chair Timson asked that the Board continue, with Dudley moving that the Board adopt a motion resolving that all land with the Ewa Development Plan be kept in agriculture; there was no second to the motion. Souza suggested the issue could be addressed at the planned Transportation Committee meeting, with Michael Golojuch agreeing, and general agreement for the committee meeting to be set at the third week in January. Chair Timson announced that the issue would be deferred to the committee meeting tentatively set for the third week in January 2009. Chair Apo and Vice Chair Garcia discussed the need for input, with Apo reporting their job as to educate the other seven Council members about Ewa, asking that if the Board felt there was a need to adjust the timeline they were available to assist. Garcia agreed that they represent Ewa and would be able to assist as needed. Chair Timson noted the time as almost 9:30 p.m., with a need to be out of the room by 9:45 p.m. and thanked Eng, Apo and Garcia for their reports.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative present.
Department of Hawaiian Homeland (DHHL) – Patrick Kubota was present for DHHL, reporting leases signed the week before and lots to be selected on December 13, 2008 (400 homes in Phase I and 205 homes in Phase II). Yamamoto reported a need to address mailbox problems for residents. Moses asked for caution to be expressed to the DHHL workers, reporting that there have been many more speeders in the Middle School area since the DHHL office has opened.
Legislative Planning Reports: Senator Mike Gabbard, Representative Sharon Har, Representative Karen Awana – Senator Mike Gabbard reported the legislative package to be developed by the end of the month, saying he would be chair of the Senate Energy and Environment Committee. He explained that he was trying to coordinate the Kamakila Extension (currently projected to be the end of March), Costco (opening end of February) and Target (opening March 4) projects, as well as traffic concerns with Roosevelt Avenue (seeking to have off-duty HPD officers to be assigned to the intersections at peak times). He announced the legislative opening to be January 21, 2009 and invited the community to the opening, and reported that he welcomed suggestions for the up-coming session. He announced attempts to have the Kalaeloa Post Office open extended holiday hours but said it was unlikely to be repeated this year. He announced the Target grand opening date to be March 8, 2009, with a likely smaller opening on March 4, 2009.
Representative Sharon Har was congratulated by Chair Timson for her election, and Har expressed her thanks to candidate Legal for his service in being a candidate. She said she hoped to earn the support of those who didn’t support her earlier. She reported the $1.2 billion shortfall in projected State income needs to be made up by the legislature in order to produce a constitutionally-required balanced budget. She explained the legislative leadership has reported that there are “no funds” which means that community programs will be hard to support this coming session. She invited participation in the December 6, 2008 Aloha Aina recycling fair and reported working with Gabbard on the Roosevelt 4-way stop to see if federal funds could be used for a round-about.
Representative Karen Awana was congratulated by Chair Timson, with Awana distributing material on health issues, underage drinking programs and pedestrian safety. She reported being Vice Chair for the House Transportation Committee and on the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (OMPO) Policy Committee. She reported pursuing electrical informational signage for Honokai Hale and for installing blinking lights at Honokai Hale. Awana invited the community to the January 21, 2009 legislative session opening.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Timson noted the time and adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Elwin Spray,