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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2008
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of seven members present (Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young) of the nine total seats, with five members required for quorum and for approval of any Board action.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: James Arthur, Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.
GUESTS: Breene Harrimoto (Board of Education – BOE; Councilmember Gary Okino's Office staff), Charlie Zahn, Jackie Zahn, Lt. Jeff Marshall (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Jimmy Lota (City Department of Community Services – DCS), Councilmember Todd Apo, Ron Schaedel, Michael Golojuch Jr., Carolyn Golojuch, Kathleen Canevera, Mike Freitas, Mike Leskovec, Gary Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit), Lorraine Martinez, Pat Chardon, Henry Eng (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), David Nakamura, Jeanette Ipo, Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle's Representative – Deputy Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), Cindy Ramirez, William Spots, Mitchem Kiyuna, Matt Riel, Gerald Park, Ryan Mielke, Jackie Conant, Tom Berg, Clyde Vierra, Polly Grace, Jack Legal, Frank Genadio, Mel Kahele, Betty Nathaniel, Chris Pierce, Jeanette Kaipo, Sasne Hernandez, Dan de Gracia II (Fil Am Courier), George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Michele Golojuch, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia's Office staff), Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard's Office staff), Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa), Bob Farrell (Makakilo.com), Damon J. Duhaylonsod (The Voice of Kapolei), Doug Chafe, Captain Albert Aea (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD); Theresia McMurdo, Steve Kelly (Kapolei Property Development); Elwin Spray (
WELCOME: Chair Timson welcomed the community to the meeting, and explained the intent to act with fairness to all as if each speaker were your guests in your own home. She reported the chair’s duty and responsibility was to keep order at the meeting, to have comments to agenda subjects (not on individuals) within the times allowed, with questions to be directed to presenters through the Board chair. She explained that the Board meeting might be briefly recessed or adjourned if order was not observed. Chair Timson stressed the community being invited to speak on agenda items.
MONTHLY CITY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Albert Aea reported on Kapolei and Makakilo Fire Stations activities, with the monthly statistics of two structure fires, nine wildland fires, two rubbish fires, two vehicle fires, seventy-four medical emergencies, one search and rescue call and twenty-one miscellaneous alarms. He reported one major incident (June 6, 2008) of a Soda Creek fire where two homes were burned; explaining that there had been a call out of ten companies and that there had been one victim. Aea reported a fire safety tip:
With our island keiki on summer break, this is an opportune time to review your home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations. Take the time to childproof your home. Check for situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, and/or houseplants. Ensure swimming pools are properly fenced and gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent unattended keiki from drowning. Keep matches and lighters in a safe, secured place away from children.
Chair Timson thanked Aea for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Jeff Marshall (from the Kapolei Station) distributed copies of the June 2008 monthly statistical report to the Board and the community, reporting no murders, manslaughters, or sexual assaults and highlighted one robbery, twenty-three burglaries, thirty-one Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicles (UMEV), twelve auto thefts, forty-one thefts, seventeen property damage incidents, and eighty motor vehicle collisions, with a total area calls at 1560, of which 405 were adult arrests and 134 juvenile arrests.
Moses arrived at 7:10 p.m.; eight members present.
Marshall reported a planned National Night Out event for the Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program to be held on August 8, 2008 and invited calls for information about the event or the Security Watch program to Officer Michael Kahikina at 692-4248. Chair Timsons noted the general decrease in calls and asked about trends, with Marshall saying that the there is not a real defined trend on any of these numbers. Arnold reported that a recent burglary occurred in his area and thanked HPD for their rapid response to the 911 call. Carolyn Golojuch asked about domestic violence increases, noting recent media reports, with Marshall saying that the statistics not do generally carry that specific category but that he would see if he could identify numbers for her. Jeanette Ipo reported her car having been stolen in 2006 but, although it was identified in the area, it could not be recovered due to the thief’s change of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (number found on vehicle dashboards). She reported that the HPD were unable to secure the vehicle but that Representative Har had been requested to assist and Har’s office had been able to affect the recovery.
Dudley arrived at 7:20 p.m.; nine members present.
Mayor's Representative – Henry Eng, Director, City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann and presented information on issues raised at prior meetings:
1. Recycling initiatives as an alternative to dumping – Oahu generates approximately 1.7 million tons of waste annually, of which 600,000 tons is processed at H-POWER and 600,000 tons is recycled into new products. The remainder is landfilled. Oahu's landfill diversion rate is currently 57%, achieved through a combination of material recycling and energy recycling (H-POWER waste-to-energy). Although rate is above the national average of 44-46%, the City recognizes that more must be done to significantly increase diversion from the landfill by further increasing recycling and waste-to-energy.
a. H-POWER facility expansions expected by 2012 (additional 300,000 tons).
b. Curbside recycling expanding (islandwide by 2010). Based upon Mililani and Hawaii Kai programs, islandwide to capture 30-40,000 tons of mixed recyclables (newspaper, cardboard, aluminum, glass, plastic) and 60,000 tons of green waste.
c. Community recycling bin program of 120 community recycling bin sites. Most located on school campuses and provide revenue to the participating schools.
d. City financial support to encourage condos to implement recycling programs –
e. eligible to apply for reimbursement for recycling program startup costs up to $2,000.
f. City recycling programs in commercial and government agencies: all City administrative buildings recycle office paper, commercial office buildings (20,000 square feet) required to recycle paper, bars/restaurants are required to recycle glass, food waste recycled, commercial haulers banned/limited from disposal of cardboard, green waste, tires, auto batteries, metal, appliances.
g. City convenience centers recycle green waste, metal appliances, tires, auto batteries, propane tanks.
h. City bulky collection separates metal appliances for recycling.
2. City’s liability exposure relating to slander law suits – If the Neighborhood Board member was acting beyond the course and scope of his/her duties, he/she would be exposed to personal liability, and the City would disclaim liability. Slander consists of a false and defamatory statement concerning another. Any comments that constitute the civil wrong of slander (or libel) would certainly be considered outside the course and scope of a neighborhood board member’s duties. Therefore, the City would disclaim any liability for a neighborhood board member’s slanderous remarks.
3. Signs at the bottom of
4. A request for Community Benefits Program information will be presented later in the meeting.
Eng also reported that he had reviewed the Board records following the past Board meeting where a comment was made that the Planning Commission did not have full information about the Makakiio/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34’s position on the Kapolei Property. He explained that the rules of the Neighborhood Commission and the Neighborhood Board system require that a five-vote majority is needed for this Board to take a position and the vote of 4 to 3 meant that no Board position was taken. He also reported no new information on the Wal-Mart property issue, that the Costco project is continuing, and that the transportation map information produced for the Board over the past several months is now being updated and available on the website at www.honoluludpp.org. Kathleen Canevera reported a Makakilo Cliffs-area complaint filed with the State’s Department of Health (DOH) over community dumping near the Mauka Lani Elementary School playground, explaining that the pile includes bulky items and dangerous/hazardous and construction materials. She also called the City Mayor’s office, HPD, the City’s Environmental Services and Councilmember Garcia, with Garcia’s office being response; Eng thanked Canevera for pursuing the issue, saying he would also follow up in case assistance is needed. Michael Golojuch Jr. thanked Eng for the follow-up on the signage and asked that DPP inspectors come out of Thursday and Friday evenings to view the signs, noting some are for yard sales and some for weekend functions, including churches, with the total collection making the site look like a dump area; Eng suggested photos be taken and forwarded to him. Dudley said there was a need for temporary signs for community gatherings like churches and expressed hope the City would continue to allow churches to put up signs. Chair Timson thanked Eng for his report and asked that any other comments on community signs be addressed to Eng after the meeting.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Cindy Ramirez distributed Councilmember Apo’s community newsletter and was available to respond to questions. Carolyn Golojuch offered commendations to
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee, from Councilmember Garcia’s office, reported speaking with Canevera about the Makakilo Cliffs dumping, following up on solar energy use and working on the Makakilo Community Park issues, including stairs, construction, surfacing, and tot-lot. Chee also reported the application deadline for the non-profits benefits. Michael Golojuch thanked Chee for the efforts on the Makakilo Community Park steps and asked if he would continue with the fencing and volleyball resurfacing efforts, with Chee agreeing he would continue the efforts. Dudley reported the need for landscaping, noting the need for tying in a new fence with replacement grass and perhaps soil replenishment. Arthur thanked Garcia and Chee for their continuing efforts on the Park usage, with Chee agreeing the effort was continuing. Doug Chafe asked about Garcia’s support of the Council legislation for a rail transit issue’s placement on the November 2008 ballot as a Charter Amendment, with Chee saying the normal first reading vote, which was 9-0, is normally unanimous and allows the item to be considered, with the issue usually being reviewed and sometimes changed, but stressing that the two area Councilmenbers support rail and that the support had not changed. Chafe reported support of rail project and that as a
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo was present from the Board of Water Supply and reported one area main breaks. He distributed a written community report and invited attendance to an August 2, 2008 Thirsty Plant gardening exhibition and sale at the Halawa Pump Station. He also encouraged conservation as “use what you need but don’t waste” and explained that xeriscape landscaping could cut water use by 30 to 80%. He also reported following up on Young’s question about a rumored hotel advisory (at Ko Olina) on tap water use and said neither the hotel or BWS have any knowledge of the original concern. Michele asked about recycled water with Kuo saying that there are 80 million gallons per day currently on line. Chair Timson thanked Kuo for the report.
CHAIR’S REPORT: Chair Timson reported a community concern had been reported about the City mailbox plants height ordinance (Eng is reviewing), the Kapolei Property Development (KPD) had followed up on (and cleaned up) a reported pile of rubbish, Michael Golojuch would report on safe streets and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Citizens Advisory Council (OMPO CAC) had presented a certificate recognizing the Board’s participation in the CAC activities over the past year. She reported the Board and community need to be sensitive to time limits and the need to be out of the school facility at 9:45 p.m.
PRESENTATION
Waimanalo Gulch Landfill Community Benefits Package – James Lota was present from the City Department of Community Services (DCS) to describe the Leeward Coast Benefits package, explaining that DCS works with an appointed community committee to support community projects by directing the distribution of Council-authorized funds through an application process from Hawaii 501(c)3 groups (non-profits). In addition to the non-profit grants, the City has a pool of funds through the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) budget. The two groups of funds are to be spent to benefit any underserved or un-served on the Leeward Coast – including projects deadline with graffiti and signage. This is the third round of project funding requests, with the deadline for this year on August 1, 2008. In 2006-2007, there were 21 projects approved out of 45 applications, and in 2007-2008 there were 25 projects approved out of 45 to 50 applications. He explained that each group of funds was for $1 million each, so that DCS had $1 million for the non-profits and the City Parks Department, which managed the CIP funds, had $1 million for parks improvements that would benefit the Leeward Coast area. He added that the DCS funds actually used $10,000 for administration expenses, including advertising and mileage, of the program. Souza reported having sat in on previous meetings, and expressed concerns that the communities past Honokai Hale receive the funds while the Honokai Hale community, which in the past was the problem site where the trucks would pass with rubbish blowing off, did not have to deal with the rubbish, and that the Honokai Hale school and park need air conditioning. She added that she was outraged that the park items listed for acquisition are usual and necessary material for general park use, and that some items are assigned to a City Park’s central yard where their use is not even designated for Leeward but for all parks. She pointed out that play apparatus is not used by the Honokai Hale or greater Kapolei children and that the general improvements are down the Coast away from Honokai Hale users. Souza also said the funds should come from the waste stream monies rather than from general City funds. Chair Timson requested follow up on “who asked” for support items and what would need to be done to be nominated for the Committee. Lota reported he would take back concerns. Souza added that the list should also indicate the non-profit relationship, explaining that the rules allow for a group to be under the sponsorship of a registered non-profit, which does not indicate the actual program organizers. Chair Timson asked for a follow-up report for the next meeting. Yamamoto requested a summarization of the Honokai Hale Parks and community expenditures. Chair Timson asked about Committee membership and vacancies, with Lota saying there were current three vacancies but that he did not know if replacements were in the process of being appointed. Michael Golojuch moved and Souza seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board request at least two Leeward Coast Benefits Committee members be appointed from the Makakilo/Honokai Hale community; Chair Timson asked for a vote and declared the motion passed unanimously 9-0-0. Polly Grace asked about a description of the benefits program and an e-mail address, with Lota explaining that the DCS web-site has the program description and proposal information.
Hawaiian Home Lands (Zone change from Agriculture (Ag-1) to Apartment (A-2) – Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii – Gerald Park (consultant for Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii), with David Nakamura (Mutual Housing Association), were present to discuss a proposed zone change from Agriculture (Ag-1) to Apartment (A-2) on the State land next to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) parcels. He reported the development will border a reserve area set aside to protect a habitation of a native plant. He reported the 308 unit project includes low-income rental housing in one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, on 16 acres, with maximum of three stories, 673 parking stalls, a community center and planned proximity to the transit station. He also explained that the site would be across from the shopping mall and the school, with the application to be submitted within the next two months and reporting that the Ewa Neighborhood Board had taken a position in support of the application. Chair Timsons asked about the relationship with DHHL, with Park saying that Mutual had a submitted a proposal in response to a State open bid process (through the State Housing Development Authority), with Mutual being awarded the contract to make the development. Dudley asked about affordability and access, with Nakamura saying the affordability would be in perpetuity, for general use and not as Hawaiian-designated, with the land being general State ownership not DHHL. Yamamoto asked about length of rentals, with Nakamura saying the renters could stay as long as they would meet the income qualifications. Yamamoto also asked about the propagation area, with Park saying that the thirty acres for the land reserve is set aside with the State having responsibility for it’s management. Young expressed concern about possible termination of the affordability aspect with Nakamura saying that Mutual’s mission is to keep the housing affordable. Souza asked about the relationship with the Kalaeloa transitional shelter, with Nakamura saying that qualifying renters can be brought in. Grace expressed concern about affordability and the proximity to the mall, expressing concern that the housing area children would become “mall babies.” Nakamura offered a reference of $40,000 income as the maximum amount used by the Federal programs as “affordable” and said that other properties that Mutual Housing have worked with have children programs, especially after-school programs. Grace stressed affordability level is a concern. Michael Golojuch moved and Young secoinded to support the zone change application from Agriculture (Ag-1) to Apartment (A-2). Yamamoto noted the Kroc Center was located nearby, saying that he hoped that it might help answer Miss Grace’s concerns about children. Dudley said he would support the project as it would serve the general community rather than just off-shore people. Chair Timson asked for the vote and declared the motion to support the zone change application from Agriculture (Ag-1) to Apartment (A-2) passed unanimously 9-0-0.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported Council consideration of a City Charter amendment on rail transit combined with the creation of a City Transit Authority, explaining that the authority question is very important. Apo said that the placing of the Authority in the Charter would place the transit project in concrete. He said he would support the Council legislation and said that the technology question is still open. Young asked about steel-on-steel and rubber wheel technology, with Apo saying the rubber is initially cheaper and maybe appropriate for short runs like within an airport area but that the long Kapolei to town distance means that the system needs the steel rail. Yamamoto asked about Council legislation, saying Mayor Hannemann could veto the proposal as a Charter amendment proposal, with Apo saying the Mayor has agreed to the proposed rail/authority question. Chair Timson asked about possible future rail ordinances with Apo explaining that the passage of a Charter amendment for rail would trump any future ordinances. Chair Timson noted the time as 9:00 p.m. and reminded the meeting that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m. Caroly Golojuch said she realized the proposed legislation was a compromise but expressed concern because other major City issues, such as H1, H2 and the landfill projects, were not submitted to votes, saying she wants a yes/no decision so that the anti-rail proponents can not slip in alternatives. Apo said the agreement now is that the general language will be for the rail system and for the authority. Genadio asked if the City would hold off on the project’s proposal requests until after the General Election balloting, with Apo saying he didn’t know. Martinez asked for Apo to find for her the projected costs of construction and maintenance of a tunnel from Ewa to town (under Pearl Harbor entrance channel) and for the projected cost of toll roads from here to town. Chair Timson thanked Apo for his report.
BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for June 25, 2008 and Treasurer’s Report – Chair Timson deferred action on the approval of Board Minutes and receipt of the Treasurer’s Report.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
BOARD BUSINESS, continued:
Transportation Committee – Committee Chair Michael Golojuch reported a recent meeting on the Makakilo Drive extension included concerns that the $50 million total funding may be not forthcoming with the Federal funds (coming from the shrinking Highway Trust funds – a usage tax on gasoline which is decreasing because of lower highway consumption) slowing. He reported Chee is involved in looking for possible alternatives. He also reported traffic calming measures being proposed, with Dudley asking if the general Makakilo are could be included and Golojuch and Apo agreeing but saying the phrase being used is “traffic engineering.”
Planning & Zoning Committee – Committee Chair Arthur reported an update on the D.L. Horton project and that he would also follow up with the State’s rezoning application that the Board had agreed to earlier.
Committee of the Whole – Chair Evelyn Souza reported the need to take a Board position on the previously-heard Ke Kama Pono Safe House for Kalaeloa. She explained that the Kalaeloa Authority Commission had heard the State presentation on the Safe House and had expressed the Authority’s support. Souza moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board unconditionally support the Ke Kama Pono Safe House for Kalaeloa. Dudley said the phrase “unconditionally” should be replaced with “fully support” with Souza agreeing and Chair Timson stating the motion for the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board fully supporting the Ke Kama Pono Safe House for Kalaeloa; Chair Timson asked for a vote and declared the motion passed unanimously 9-0-0.
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – Jackie Conant represented Congresswoman Hirono and distributed written material on Federal programs, reporting funding passed for pre-school support. Michael Golojuch mentioned the concerns about the Makakilo Drive extension funding and the use of Federal funds for theBoat and asked for Hirono’s attention and assiostance.
Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) Report – Tesha Malama, Director of Planning and Development at Kalaeloa, distributed a written report and highlighted revitalization work, continued success of the Community Network and the Safety Groups (with the Safety Group planning to concentrate in the north-west area and have a special emphasis on possible fires and dealing with dumping), and the Kalaeloa Advisory Team meeting the last Monday (every other month). Chair Timson thanked Malama for her efforts and offered congratulations for the recent successes. Michael Golojuch commented on the need to work on bringing all area roads up to code, with Malama saying she was working with Leach on opening of streets and would also ask Apo and the City for a review of all roadways. Riel endorsed the roadway improvements. Malama added that City concerns with Apo included liability issues. Dudley asked if the concern included the back road, with Malama agreeing that the road currently ends into the DHHL property and is only accessible for special use, with the concern being liability. Chair Timson thanked Malama for the report.
Board of Education – Board of Education (BOE) member Breene Harimoto was welcomed to the meeting by Chair Timson, with his reporting current Board of Education issues include teacher’s contracts and a $20 million cut of the BOE budget, being a $10 million cut byt the legislature and a $9.3 million cut by the Governor. He explained that the BOE is desiring to be proactive in looking for solutions, which includes their desire to explore cuts in athletics, rather than waiting for future cuts. He explained that office cuts could occur, but that office cuts impact classrooms and said the BOE welcomed input. Chair Timson offered congratulations on his re-election. Moses noted that the planning for the Kapolei area complex does not keep up with the anticipated growth and asked for a full presentation, with Chair Timson agreeing and asking for a BOE area presentation for a future meeting and Harimoto saying he would be available. Kanno noted the inclusion of Kapolei High School student Jonathan Allen as the student member of the Board of Education and his presence in the photo on Harimoto’s handout, suggesting he be invited to participate, with Harimoto endorsing Allen’s contributions as a BOE member. Michael Golojuch asked about possible school cut-backs, with Harimoto saying there were no specifics yet on any school closures but that the desire is to maximize school facility use. Dudley welcomed Harimoto back and expressed concern that some schools, including Aiea High School, had closed all their shop classes, endorsing the shop experience as a learning tool. Chair Timson thanked Harimoto for his report.
Governor’s Representative – Ron Boyer, Deputy Director, State’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), represented Governor Linda Lingle, distributed a written community report and reported the prior month’s question on Farrington Highway had been referred to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and he would be reporting back their answer. He reported planned expenditure Makakilo Elementary School and invited visits to the DCCA Consumer Affairs website to look up non-profits and other business records. Yamamoto asked about report costs, with Boyer saying some are charge items but most are not. Moses asked about the Makakilo Drive on-ramp, which is marked a 25 miles per hour, saying she understood that the ramp was not built correctly and asked about the needed modifications, explaining that she did not note any improvements planned in the immediate future. Moses expressed concern that the upcoming rainy season would see more accidents at the site. Michael Golojuch Jr. invited Governor Lingle to attend a future meeting so that she might experience the traffic congestion. Berg asked for thanks to be expressed to Governor Lingle for her support of the toll road concept. Chair Timson thanked Boyer for his report.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business before the Board, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Elwin Spray,
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