Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/08/34200802Min.PDF
MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair (Vice Chair) Kioni Dudley called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of six (6) members present. Note This nine-member Board requires five (5) votes to adopt a motion.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: James Arthur (appointed at this meeting), Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto (arrived at 7:08 p.m.), Linda Young.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Evelyn Souza.
VACANCIES: One previous vacancy from Shad Kane's resignation, which was filled at this meeting.
GUESTS: Captain M. Kiyuna, Major M. Moses, Lt. D. Tsouhida (Honolulu Police Department); David Tanoue (Mayor Mufi Hannemanns Representative Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Permitting); George Kuo (Board of Water Supply); Dr. Ira Rohter (University of Hawaii); Shirley Swinney (Maluohai); Jim Nutter, Karen Shinmoto (Island Recycling); Councilmember Todd Apo; Chris Garth, Cindy Ramirez (Councilmember Todd Apos Office); Councilmember Nestor Garcia; Erika Moon, Alan Texeira (Senator Mike Gabbard's Office); Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority Kalaeloa); Terry Phillips (Aloun Farm); Gary K. Omori (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Pat Chardon, Lorraine Martinez (Honokai Hale); Mel Kahele (Hawaii Iron Workers); Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development); Kurt Fevella (Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23); Jo Jordan (Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24); Ron Mobley (Neighborhood Commission); Michael Golojuch, Jr. (Oahu Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays); Bob Farrell and Ivonne Cardenas (Makakilo.com videographers); Ross Rolirad (Rotary Club); Nalani Aki (State Department of Health); Damon J. Duhaylonsod (The Voice of Kapolei); Sashi Hernandez, Shirley Santana (Waianae Community Outreach); James Arthur, Paula Bailig, Guy Benjamin, Klaus Bertram, Doug Chafe, Sabrina Dela Rama, Matt Flach, Mike Freitas, Alan R. Gano, Carolyn Golojuch, Michele Golojuch, Hillery Harby, Teri Heede, Lou Ann Johnson, Zac Johnson, Kimo Kelii, Michelle Lawson, Attilio Leonardi, Kevin Macey, Cynthia Murphy, Chris Pine, Cynthia K. L. Rezentes, John Ridings, Ron Schaedel, Patty Teruya, Kriss Tiotuico, Edwina Wong; Mary Chanel-Benjamin, Rachel M. Glanstein, Leland Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).
Yamamoto arrived at 7:08 p.m., making seven (7) members present.
FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Nominations included Jane Ross (Golojuch), Brent Buckley (Moses), John Ridings (Dudley), Matt Flach (Yamamoto), James Arthur (Young), Klaus Bertram (Yamamoto) and Michael Golojuch, Jr. (Golojuch). Yamamoto and Golojuch were allowed to nominate more than one person by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (7-0-0).
Golojuch spoke for Jane Ross, saying that she was a well-qualified previous Board member. Moses spoke for Brent Buckley, noting that he also served on the Board previously, and that he serves the community. Mr. Ridings introduced himself and stated that he has run for the Board in the past. Mr. Flach introduced himself and specified that this was his first time to try to get on the Board; he is a landscape architect and expressed that he wanted to work with the whole Board. Mr. Arthur introduced himself as a longtime resident with a background in construction that could benefit the Board. Mr. Bertram introduced himself as a Villages of Kapolei Association board member and mentioned that he also ran for the Board in the last election. Mr. Golojuch, Jr. introduced himself as a longtime resident and active community activist that regularly attends Board meetings.
The motion to appoint Jane Ross to the Board was NOT adopted, 4-3-0 (Aye: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; No: Dudley, Moses, Yamamoto).
The motion to appoint Brent Buckley to the Board was NOT adopted, 2-5-0 (Aye: Moses, Yamamoto; No: Dudley, Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young).
The motion to appoint John Ridings to the Board was NOT adopted, 3-4-0 (Aye: Dudley, Moses, Yamamoto; No: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young).
The motion to appoint Matt Flach to the Board was NOT adopted, 2-4-1 (Aye: Golojuch, Kanno; No: Dudley, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; Abstain: Moses).
The motion to appoint James Arthur to the Board was ADOPTED, 5-2-0 (Aye: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Timson, Young; No: Dudley, Yamamoto).
No votes were taken on appointing Klaus Bertram or Michael Golojuch, Jr. to fill the vacancy on the Board, since a majority of the Board chose to appoint James Arthur. A recess was taken from 7:20 p.m. to 7:24 p.m. so that Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Glanstein could administer the Oath of Office to James Arthur. Then there were eight (8) members present.
ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIR AND OTHER OFFICERS: Nominations included Timson (Kanno), Souza (Yamamoto) and Dudley (Dudley). Timson stated that she works with the community, developers and businesses, and expressed her desire to get the Board back on track. Yamamoto spoke for Souza, describing her as a longtime resident active in the community; Souza could not attend this meeting because of a trip. Acting Chair Dudley noted that he had served as Chair for the last two meetings and would like to do more.
The motion to elect Maeda Timson to be Chair was NOT adopted, 4-3-1 (Aye: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; No: Dudley, Moses, Yamamoto; Abstain: Arthur).
The motion to elect Evelyn Souza to be Chair was NOT adopted, 2-5-1 (Aye: Moses, Yamamoto; No: Dudley, Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; Abstain: Arthur).
The motion to elect Kioni Dudley to be Chair was NOT adopted, 1-6-1 (Aye: Dudley; No: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; Abstain: Arthur).
The votes above were retaken with the same results, therefore a permanent Chair was NOT elected.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) There was no representative or report present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Lt. Tsouhida distributed reports and highlighted the following information:
1) There were no unusual spikes in crimes or traceable crime trends.
2) HPD encourages citizens to start Neighborhood Security Watches and/or Citizens' Patrols, given their effectiveness in reducing crime. Call Officer K. Barboza at 692-4247 for more information.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Golojuch noted that the Palehua Townhouse Association will be working with Officer Barboza on organizing their first walk around their neighborhood.
Mayor's Representative David Tanoue reported the following responses to previous concerns:
1) Kamokila Boulevard Extension The bids opened on December 13, 2007. The project is expected to start in April 2008 and finish in October 2008.
2) Kapolei Parkway, Phase 8B The work includes full roadway construction and related onsite/offsite infrastructure improvements between North South and Renton Roads. A pre-construction meeting will be scheduled by the end of January 2008 with construction anticipated to follow thereafter. The construction contract duration is 360 construction days.
3) Kapolei Parkway, Phase 8C The work includes mauka-bound roadway construction between Renton Road and the existing section of Kapolei Parkway. The construction contract has been conditionally awarded with the pre-construction meeting and construction to follow thereafter. The contract duration is 275 construction days.
4) Farrington Highway Widening The widening project will cover from Kapolei Golf Course and Old Fort Weaver Roads, and is an integral part of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) and is needed to provide improved regional circulation. At this time, the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is unsure about the scope and transportation requirements for the Transit and Schuler Hoopili Development, and therefore cannot yet provide scheduling/timetable information.
5) Planning Commission Meeting The Planning Commission will meet on March 12, 2008 to discuss: (a) the West Oahu zone change for the University of Hawaii (UH) to rezone approximately 500 acres of land; and (b) the Makakilo quarry.
6) Land Use Commission Meeting The Land Use Commission will meet on March 6 and 7 to discuss the Waimanalo Gulch issues.
Questions, comments and concerns followed (Mr. Tanoue will follow up):
1) Road Between Ewa Villages and Franklin D. Roosevelt Road Some residents have stated that the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) is trying to close the road that bridges Ewa Villages near the train depot with Franklin D. Roosevelt Road on Kalaeloa; residents do not want this road closed.
2) Wal-Mart Permits There was a request for the status of the Wal-Mart permits for the area off of Farrington Highway and Makakilo Drive.
3) Costco Permits A question was raised about the permitting process for Costco; there was supposed to be a groundbreaking but instead a mound of dirt was put on the property.
4) Complaints Filed Against this Board Timson stated that there were two complaints filed against this Board over a month ago. Since they were not heard this month, it means that they are automatically accepted by the Neighborhood Commission (NC) as valid complaints. The question was raised about when the NC will hear these two complaints, since there are still at least two other pending complaints, more than a year old, that have not been heard by the NC.
5) High Pointe and Stars Edge Roads There was a request to know if the City has accepted the roads in High Pointe and/or Stars Edge in Makakilo.
6) Sidewalk Repairs on Palahia Street Certain areas on the sidewalks of Palahia Street were marked with orange paint and it was asked if the City was planning sidewalk repairs.
7) Sidewalk Repairs on Makakilo Drive An update was requested on the status of the project to repair the sidewalks on Makakilo Drive between Kikaha and Ala Hoi Streets.
8) Pedestrian Access in the Makakilo Community Park It was asked when construction will start on the new pedestrian access from Makakilo Drive in the Makakilo Community Park.
9) Farrington Highway Widening There was a question about whether the Farrington Highway widening project (between Kapolei Golf Course and Old Fort Weaver Roads) will be constructed as part of the rail transit project.
10) Kapolei High School Annual One Mile Run For the past five years, Kapolei High School did not need to get permits to run their annual one mile on City property, but they were told this year to get permits.
11) Nohona Street Tie-In to H-1 Freeway There was a question about what will happen with the Nohona Street tie-in to the H-1 Freeway; there was confusion about whether this concern should be directed to City or State agencies.
Board of Water Supply George Kuo circulated handouts and water conservation calendars, and imparted the following information:
1) Main Breaks There were no main breaks in January 2008.
2) Water Conservation Calendars Free 2008 water conservation calendars are available at the 630 South Beretania Street BWS location.
3) 2009 Water Conservation Calendar Contest The next Water Conservation Calendar Contest has begun and the deadline for entries is March 13, 2008. For more information, call 748-5041 or go to www.boardofwatersupply.com.
APPOINTMENT OF TIMEKEEPER: Acting Chair Dudley reminded everyone of the one-minute per speech rule, and the fact that everyone gets two speeches.
Motion to Vote Again on Election of Chair Golojuch moved, and Young seconded, to vote on the election of Chair again. Acting Chair Dudley explained that this would require moving backward in the agenda, which would require two-thirds of the members to adopt (six votes). The motion for an additional vote on the election of Chair did not receive the necessary six votes, and so was NOT adopted, 5-3-0 (Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; No: Dudley, Moses, Yamamoto). Golojuch moved, and Timson seconded, to appeal the decision of the Chair (that the motion to vote on the election of Chair again required two-thirds of the members to adopt). The decision of the Chair was SUSTAINED, 4-4-0 (Aye: Arthur, Dudley, Moses, Yamamoto; No: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young), since a tie vote sustains the decision of the Chair.
PRESENTATIONS PART I ADAPTATION OF HAWAII AND THE WORLD: Dr. Ira Rohter highlighted the following information from his presentation
1) Background: Dr. Rohter has been observing the islands develop and transition from their rural roots to a highly urbanized Oahu (with neighbor islands to follow) since 1968. During the last year he closely followed and was distressed by a series of global trends which will soon produce increasingly huge and grave impacts on all lives.
2) Continuation of Trends: The business and political leaders, and citizens act as though the future will most be a continuation of trends started in the 1970s. Ward Center owners plan to rebuild everything that exists there today. Hawaiian Airlines will spend $4.4 billion to buy jets, beginning in 2012, even though their fuel costs increased 78% between 2004 and 2006, and jumped 20% more in 2007. It's estimated that the share of operating costs for airlines devoted to fuel has doubled in six years.
3) Oil Supply: State economists optimistically predict moderate economic growth for Hawaii; however, fundamental changes will soon be forced upon Hawaii, the United States, and other nations. Within a few years (most likely by 2012) all nations will face dramatically soaring oil prices. Oil production has reached its peak; supply will now begin to decline. With demand for that oil staying the same or increasing over time, prices for that decreasing supply of oil will skyrocket (for the "peak oil"). The oil supply matters because: (a) 99% of the food involves oil or gas for fertilizers, agrochemicals, tilling, cultivation and transport; (b) 50-75% of all oil is used for transportation; (c) 95% of all goods in shops get there using oil. In February 2008 the price of oil reached $101 per barrel. The natural gas situation is also volatile.
4) Global Changes: Global and possibly catastrophic climate changes, unleashed by global warming (which causes floods and rising sea levels), will begin to manifest themselves within the next decades, not centuries. Crises will converge on climate chaos, energy declines, and economic crashes. Environmental threats that will stimulate change: (a) deforestation; (b) soil erosion and desertification; (c) polluted water and soil; (d) toxic waste; (e) collapsing fisheries; (f) biospecies dying; (g) declining water supplies; and (h) the disappearing Aral Sea. The age is now one of mega-droughts and deserts, more intense hurricanes, and mega-fires. Mass migrations across borders are predicted, along with the spread of diseases caused by the changing environment. Many global climate changes will not be gradual, but will be abrupt and irreversible jumps.
5) Economic Changes: Financial breakdowns that will change the way of life on the planet include: (a) a huge federal deficit; (b) record consumer debt; and (c) hyper-inflation. Banks create capital by lending more than they have with the confidence that tomorrow's expansion, fueled by cheap oil-based energy, is adequate collateral for today's debt; however, the decline of cheap oil undermines the soundness of that collateral. The result is that certificates, stocks, bonds, etc. will lose value. It's possible to level off the ever-worsening impacts by achieving a 90% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
6) Solutions: The world has the technological and economic ability to deal with "peak oil" and to combat global warming, to prevent some of the worst catastrophes from occurring. However, the solutions will require firm, quick actions, starting immediately. Some solutions, involving renewable energy sources, include: (a) wave power; (b) ocean thermal energy conversion; (c) geothermal power; (d) solar thermal arrays; (e) "energy wedges" 15 ways to reduce emissions; (f) end-user efficiency and conservation; (g) improvement of power generation systems; (h) carbon capture; and (i) agriculture and forestry. Everyone needs to be part of the solution and decrease oil consumption. Rail transit systems are emphasized, and they are eight times more fuel-efficient, as well as more labor-efficient, than trucking. Barges and freighters are eight times more energy efficient than trucks, and two times more efficient than rail.
7) Preparations: Many wealth countries less dominated by special interests are preparing for flooding and climate changes, such as: (a) Toyko, who's building underground drains to channel anticipated flood waters; (b) the Netherlands, who's building higher sea walls and river barriers to implement a program to allow predestined areas to flood; and (c) Britain, who has a Climate Impacts Program to educate individuals and businesses in Britain about the risks of climate change and ways to cope, and who's building a new urban village 120 miles north of London to be a low-carbon energy user resilient to future climate changes. Air travel will become even more expensive and already produces too much carbon dioxide emissions.
8) The United States: Vice President Dick Chaney was quoted as saying "The American Way of Life is non-negotiable." There are many corporations trying to "go green"; however, they are still pursuing their own self-interests. Many public relations campaigns focus on deliverance through technology and imply that America can still continue its heavy use of dwindling resources. Neither renewable energy or nuclear power can sustain the present level of consumption in
9) The Future of the World: An idea is to "buy local" from small farms and farmers' markets to decrease the use of oil for shipping. Another goal is to have people that work live closer to their jobs, in compact energy efficient homes. Government policies need to be implemented, such as those in Denmark, Norway and Sweden, that require houses to use one-quarter of the energy of housing standards used in England and Wales., by building homes with thick insulation, solar cells and panels, and energy efficient appliances. Denmark's energy consumption has held stable for more than 30 years even as the country's gross domestic product has doubled; the downside is that Denmark has higher taxes and costs for businesses and consumers.
10) The Future of
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Mode of Transportation Dr. Rohter drove to this meeting.
2) Micronesian Migration A question was raised that, if the Micronesian islands will be covered with water, will the Micronesians all be living here in a few years. Dr. Rohter explained that it's a longer process for islands to be completely submerged than just the global warming and peak oil issues.
3) Community Leadership Comments were made that change is needed now, which require community leadership. Rohter responded that Hawaii was lucky to have fertile soil and available agriculture, and suggested that Hawaii grow its own food.
4) Development Young pointed out that in this Board's area, the main issue is development to allow people to live closer to where they work to decrease the amount of commuting. Dr. Rohter responded that the community should go farther and make more energy efficient houses.
FORMATION OF A REGIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP: Acting Chair Dudley established the Regional Neighborhood Board Permitted Interaction Group by explaining the part of the Sunshine Law related to forming permitted interaction groups (Hawaii Revised Statutes [HRS] 92-2.5) and then disclosing the following information [he did not state who the members of the group were]
1) Scope: The scope of the matter to be investigated by this regional Neighborhood Board interaction group is How anticipated housing development will affect freeway traffic, and the impact this will have on the lives of people in the region. The Regional Interaction Forum will also look at solutions and recommend positions for involved Neighborhood Boards.
2) Authorization: Each member is authorized 1) to participate in the organizing of the regional interaction forum, and to hold any office or position, and to perform the tasks required by that office or position; 2) to help decide issues to be studied, and experts to be brought in to better educate the group about the issues--voices pro and con--governmental decision makers, affected stakeholders, and others; 3) to participate freely in all discussions, to participate in all other activities, and to vote on matters discussed in the Forum; 4) to help determine what matters will be referred to the Neighborhood Boards for their vote; and 5) to make presentations or observations to this Neighborhood Board, whether pro or con, or supporting the majority or minority opinion, Forum-approved or personal, about any matter discussed by the Regional Interaction Forum.
3) Explanation: There are a number of problems that reach beyond the boundaries of individual Neighborhood Boards (NB) and which may need to be addressed regionally, such as traffic, development, land use, water and the future of the area. Bringing together several NBs could more effectively study such regional problems, bringing in experts from all sides and fully airing issues. The current Neighborhood Plan (NP), the document that governs NBs, requires NBs to hold meetings only within their own boundaries, and the Sunshine Law (HRS 92) limits NB members attending other than NB meetings to two or less. A permitted interaction group allows meetings to be held at any location and provides that less than a quorum of the NB may attend, instead of two or less members. The proposal for this regional group was sent to the: (a) Waianae Coast NB No. 24; (b) Ewa NB No. 23; (c) Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu NB No. 25; (d) Mililani Mauka NB No. 35; (e) Wahiawa-Whitmore Village NB No. 26; and (f) North Shore NB No. 27.
4) Forum Meetings: The initial meeting of the regional group will be held in early March, and the forum will be composed of these groups, committees, and/or individuals who will represent and report back to each Board the findings and actions suggested by the forum. It was proposed that each NB contacted about the forum send two members to the first planning meeting in early March.
Young moved, and Golojuch seconded, that this Neighborhood Board does not support the formation of the Permitted Interaction Group. Discussion ensued:
1) Waipahu NB No. 22 Young offered that the Waipahu NB No. 22 voted to not participate in the regional group. Acting Chair Dudley responded that there were four other NBs that plan to send members to the group's meetings.
2) Regional Group Concept Timson stated that she had received calls from other NBs on this issue, and she did not see this item on any other NB's agenda. She expressed that the issue is hard to define and feels like a personal agenda. Timson added that this Board always agrees with what the majority decides.
Kanno moved, and Timson seconded, to amend the motion to read "to disapprove the Regional Interaction Group being discussed and terminate all actions at this time". Discussion ensued:
1) Amendment Agreement Various residents spoke of their agreement with the amendment, and emphasized that the Board needed to work together.
2) Regional Problems Acting Chair Dudley stressed that his goal was to establish a regional forum to discuss regional problems, such as the traffic on the freeway, and that the regional meetings would greatly serve the good of the community.
3) Board Representative Young countered that one person shouldn't claim to be representing the Board if there's no majority vote of the Board to support that person.
4) Group Membership Acting Chair Dudley detailed that he asked Kanno to join but didn't ask Timson because of their antagonistic history.
Timson raised a point of order that discussion should be limited to their merits of the amendment, not on personalities of individuals, which was ruled NOT well-taken (against NA Glanstein's advice).
The motion to amend the main motion to read "to disapprove the Regional Interaction Group being discussed and terminate all actions at this time" was ADOPTED 6-1-1 (Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; No: Dudley; Abstain: Moses).
The motion to disapprove the Regional Interaction Group being discussed and terminate all actions at this time, as amended, was ADOPTED 7-1-0 (Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; No: Dudley).
PRESENTATIONS PART II:
Support for a Permit for a Parade on Kuhio Day Shirley Swinney requested support for a Prince Kuhio Day 2008 (March 26, 2008) Celebration and Parade to go along one mile of Kapolei Parkway, beginning at Kapolei High School and ending at the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' (DHHL) Hale Kalanianaole building. She noted that the title of the event is the "Hookupu Processional". NA Glanstein distributed a draft letter for the Board to send to the Mayor and the City Council noting the Board's support of the Kuhio Day 2008 event.
Timson moved, and Young seconded, that the Board fully supports the Hookupu Processional on Kuhio Day 2008 in Kapolei, which was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).
Island Recycling Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Jim Nutter circulated a handout, introduced Karen Shinmoto, and provided the following information:
1) Background IR is Hawaii's premier multi-commodity recycling company, serving Hawaii for 25 years. Their main function is to collect/accept recyclable material and package it to be shipped to end-users in Asia and on the west coast. IR also operates a State certified redemption center on their site. Recent industrial growth and environmental concerns have made recycling more important than ever, and to address this, IR wants to expand operations to better serve the community and the State while helping to preserve the natural environment and keep Hawaii clean. Currently IR ships out nearly 300 containers per month and is the third largest exporter in the State.
2) Purpose Island Recycling (IR) is seeking the Board's approval to develop their five acre property adjacent to the two acre site they have been operating for the past three years.
3) Proposed Plan The proposed plan for the new site has three parts: (a) Operations accept steel, appliances, "universal" waste, which includes computer and electronic equipment, fluorescent bulbs, batteries, etc.; (b) Structures two truck scales, office building (they are currently in temporary trailers), warehouse, loading dock, and mechanics' garage; and (c) Land Development property will be graded, concreted and landscaped according to regulations.
4) Community Benefits Additional space will allow IR to handle more and diversified material so the growing population will have the convenience of "one-stop" recycling. Expansion will create at least 15 more jobs for residents in the vicinity. IR will be able to at least double the more than 70,000 tons of recyclable material it already keeps out of the waste stream.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Permit Process IR will apply to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for a permit after receiving approval from the Board.
2) Fire IR did have a fire on their Kalihi site involving burning tires (caused by the shredding of the tires); arson was suspected. The whole Kalihi complex caught fire and cost IR over $1 million to repair the damage. This was the only major accident. IR worked with HFD to open up the fire lines and eliminate unnecessary storage (using a first in first out policy). In addition, IR no longer shreds tires.
3) Materials at Each Site The new site will handle scrap steel and electronics; the old site will handle paper, nonferrous metals, aluminum and plastic.
Term Limits for NB Members Acting Chair Dudley introduced the item being considered by the City Council relating to term limits for NB members; he specified that the term limits would start from this point and would not be retroactive.
Timson moved, and Young seconded, that the Neighborhood Board reject Councilmember Djou's resolution (07-379) to put term limits on Neighborhood Board members. Discussion ensued:
1) Unpaid Volunteerism Timson felt the resolution was poorly crafted and would prevent people from volunteering to serve on NBs; in her experience, she's never known an organization to put limits on their unpaid volunteers. Timson continued to point out that many NBs can't fill their vacancies currently, and this resolution could make it more difficult; she concluded that the community should choose who's on their NB. Golojuch supported the Board's motion; he doesn't approve of stymieing unpaid volunteers.
2) Councilmember Todd Apo's Position Councilmember Apo explained that the resolution asks that a charter amendment with a term limitation for NB members be put on the ballot for registered voters to consider. He has not yet taken an official position on term limits for NB members, although the resolution has received a great deal of testimony in support.
3) Councilmember Nestor Garcia's Position Councilmember Garcia mentioned that he's leaning toward opposing term limits for NB members, but would still like to hear more input from the NBs themselves. He also stated that the majority of emails he received have been in support of the term limits.
4) General Support of Motion Kanno expressed his support of the Board's motion, since the community still has the power to elect people to the Board. A resident demonstrated support of the Board's motion.
5) General Opposition to Motion A resident felt that term limits would provide more turnover on the Board.
6) Neighborhood Commission (NC) Ron Mobley noted that the idea of term limits for NB members was included in the NB Task Force report; however, there is still concern that many NBs can't fill their vacancies now. The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Executive Secretary, Joan Manke, testified against the resolution. The NC has not taken a position on this resolution, but preliminary discussion revealed that the NC does not support it. There is also an idea that the draft NP could be revised to provide term limits for NB members.
The motion that the Neighborhood Board reject Councilmember Djou's resolution (07-379) to put term limits on Neighborhood Board members was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).
COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Waianae Resident Concerns Patty Teruya voiced her concern about the January 23, 2008 "meeting" of the Board, which didn't have a quorum, at which statements were made that insulted Waianae residents. This Board took a position in 2006 to expand the Grace Pacific Quarry and then made statements that the quarry should be moved to Waianae. However, there are already three landfills in Waianae, and she felt that the quarry should be this Board's problem.
Kimo Kelii added that Waianae residents always try to listen to other communities, especially this one, and it was offensive for speakers to say that the quarry should be moved to Waianae. He suggested swapping the landfill for the quarry.
Acting Chair Dudley indicated that he convened the Board meeting on January 23, 2008, determined that there was no quorum present, and then adjourned the meeting. He stated that since there were people there who didnt know that the meeting was cancelled, he listened to everyone's comments. Acting Chair Dudley recounted that there was nothing said about Waianae, and the community always has the right to come to meetings and speak.
Kanno asked NA Glanstein the January 23, 2008 "meeting" was considered an official meeting of the Board; NA Glanstein replied that since there was no quorum, there was no meeting, as provided by the State Office of Information Practices (OIP), who administers the Sunshine Law (HRS 92).
Young asked when the public was notified about the cancelled Board meeting on January 23, 2008; Acting Chair Dudley answered that the public was notified at 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting (January 22, 2008), and added that the whole situation was the fault of the four Board members who didn't attend the meeting. Timson requested that he take responsibility for his actions, since the agenda was not filed on time, according to the NP. Acting Chair Dudley responded that the Neighborhood Commission Office had stated in a letter to Kanno, which she was aware of, that other NBs had held meetings even though they had missed the deadline.
"Legislators Listen" On March 18, 2008 there will be a community meeting called "Legislators Listen" held at
Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Award Theresia McMurdo announced that the deadline is March 24, 2008 to nominate a person for the Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Award.
Agenda / Meeting Michael Golojuch, Jr. asked why certain items were being left off of the agenda and noted that the Board meetings are one of the few opportunities available for people to talk to their elected officials.
BOARD BUSINESS:
Approval of October 24, 2007 and December 5, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes The October 24, 2007 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0).
The December 5, 2007 regular meeting minutes were not considered.
Transportation Committee Projects Golojuch communicated the following information:
1) Bypass Ramps for H-1 Freeway The bypass ramps should be completed in the summer of 2008.
2) Makakilo Drive Extension The connection of Kamokila Boulevard to Franklin D. Roosevelt Road should be finished up soon.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Presentation on H-1 Freeway Specifics Timson requested a presentation on freeway specifics regarding the connections to Ewa Beach, since she has received numerous calls on the issue. Acting Chair Dudley replied that he plans to place the item on the March agenda. Kanno showed concern about the project, since motorists have already collided with the barriers erected in the shoulder lane; he also requested a presentation on the issue.
Treasurer's Report Treasurer Yamamoto reported that: (a) the Operating Account reflected $61.18 for printing and postage expenses, leaving the balance at $899.81; (b) the Publicity Account reflected $419.04 for videotaping expenses (October and December 2007), leaving the balance at $1,452.40, and the Refreshment Account reflected no expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00.
There were no reports given for Parks and Recreation committee projects, the Planning and Zoning committee, or the Education committee.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART II:
Councilmember Todd Apo Councilmember Apo distributed his report and was available for questions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Landfill Extension Update The State Planning Commission (PC) put out an application to approve the landfill extension to May 2010 (a two-year extension), but the matter was deferred. The March 6 and 7, 2008 agendas have the matter up for consideration. The PU and the State Land Use Commission (LUC) are aware that this Board and the Waianae Coast NB No. 24 both took positions opposing the landfill extension and expansion. For a 15-year extension, the application has to go through DPP and then back to the LUC. Mayor Hannemann has talked about expanding H-Power, since there are now better ways than landfills to handle most trash.
2) City Budget The Mayor's Office should have the City's budget to the City Council this Friday, February 29, 2008. Board input about the budget is requested by April 2008.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia Councilmember Garcia circulated his report, prescription discount cards, and was available for questions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Steel Rail System The Council does not have to take the advice of the panel on what technology to employ for the mass transit system; people were encouraged to testify.
The rest of the agenda was not reached before the time of adjournment.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Kioni Dudley, Acting Chair (Vice Chair)