Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/08/34200803Min.PDF
MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Board Chair Kioni Dudley called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a quorum of seven members present of the total of nine seats, with five members required for quorum and to approve any Board action.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: James Arthur, Kioni Dudley, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, Linda Young.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Golojuch, George Yamamoto.
GUESTS: Russ Saito (State Comptroller); Lt. Mike Johnson and Sergeant Ron Ige (Honolulu Police Department -- HPD); Henry Eng (Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – Deputy Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), George Kuo and Moani Wright (Board of Water Supply), Councilmember Todd Apo, Cindy Ramirez (Councilmember Todd Apo’s Office), Moani Wright-Van Alst (Board of Water Supply), Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office), Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard's Office), Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa), Gary K. Omori (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Pat Chardon and Lorraine Martinez (Honokai Hale); Ivonne Cardenas (Makakilo.com videographers), Damon J. Duhaylonsod (The Voice of Kapolei), Doug Chafe, Mike Freitas, Kalana Kai, Cynthia K. L. Rezentes, John Ridings, Ron Schaedel, Jeanette Grace, George Grace, Sophina Placencia, Edwina, Peter Ridela, Seibert Murphy, Georgette Stevens, Kanani Oleole, John Pacheco (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD), Clyde Vierra, Polly “Granny” Grace, Mark Garrity, Stevenson Samuelu, Frank Genadio, Keaue Oka, Matt Riel, Renee McClung Lee, A.O. Sanipson, Elwin Spray (
WELCOME: Acting Chair Dudley welcomed the community to the meeting. Timson reported that member Golojuch was absent due to the recent passing of his mother. Acting Chair Dudley presented a ‘certificate of appointment’ to Arthur, recognizing his appointment as a Board member at the past meeting, with Arthur thanking the Board and the community for the opportunity to serve the community.
ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIR AND OTHER OFFICERS: Acting Chair Dudley asked for nominations for the postion of Board Chair. Kanno nominated Maeda Timson and Moses nominated Evelyn Souza. Acting Chair Dudley offered the opportunity for personal statements: Timson stated she had previously served as chair, where she had been fair, followed the rules, and not followed a personal agenda except for working to improve the quality of Kapolei life. Souza stated that she believes she, as all here, are striving to serve and hopes for a positive change, saying she desires to get down to serving the community. Acting Chair Dudley asked for the vote, explaining he would follow the same procedure as the Board used in the recent member vacancy election and asked for a total vote on each of the candidates, and announced the first vote as four for Timson and three opposed and the second vote as four for Souza and three opposed, declaring that no candidate received the required vote of five to be elected. (First vote, for nomination of Timson, for Timson – Arthur, Kanno, Timson, Young. Opposed – Dudley, Moses, Souza. Second vote, for nomination of Souza, for Souza – Arthur, Dudley, Moses, Souza. Opposed -- Kanno, Timson, Young.). Acting Chair Dudley took up the next agenda item.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain John Pacheco was present from the Kapolei Fire Station and reported station activity statistics for the prior month: three structure fires, three brush fires, two rubbish fires, three vehicle fires seventy four medical emergencies, five search/rescues and fifty-three miscellaneous calls. He reported no major incidents, no unusual incidents and no outstanding concerns from the past meeting, offering to respond to any concerns tonight. He reported a fire safety tip on cooking fires:
Cooking at home can be a fun family activity, but it can also be hazardous if safety steps aren't taken. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, cooking fires are the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries nationwide. The following precautions can be taken to minimize your chances of starting a cooking fire:
1. Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat, and take a spoon or oven mitt with you to remind yourself of the food on the stove.
2. Do not become distracted. Attending to children, answering phone calls, watching television, and answering doorbells can have devastating results when the stove is on and unattended.
3. Keep ignitable items, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, or curtains, at least three feet away from the range top.
4. Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher near the kitchen, and learn how to use it.
Acting Chair Dudley thanked Pacheco for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Mike Johnson was present from the Kapolei Station, introduced Sgt. Ron Ige and distributed copies of the monthly statistical report to the Board and the community. Johnson highlighted total adult arrests for the district at 366 and juvenile arrests at 197 and offered a safe driving tip of the need to remember to wear seat belts on all trips, even short drives, and to drive courteously, stressing that courtesies improve safety. Moses expressed concern about Ft. Barrette Road, explaining that busy periods cars misuse the right lane, including making u-turns, with Johnson agreeing to step up monitoring, with Johnson and Moses discussing that other abuses include driving on the shoulder, kicking up dust, and speeding. Lorraine Martinez asked for increased police presence in Honokai Hale, reporting incidents of speeding and regular running of stop signs, and asked that an officer be assigned to that area; Johnson said he would pass on the concern. Sophina Placencia offered her appreciation for HPD’s work with the Leeward and Kalaeloa homeless shelter programs. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Johnson for his report.
Mayor's Representative – Henry Eng, Director, of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann and reported the legislature currently has six items alive dealing with sunshine law amendments. Eng distributed a copy his testimony recommending change to the law permitting neighborhood board members more ability to receive information by attending meetings (currently only a limited number of board members may attend a community meeting at the same time) and by allowing for information-only at announced meetings where there is no quorum (no action would be taken). Eng presented information on issues raised at prior meetings:
1. Roadway connecting Renton Road (from Ewa Villages) to F. D. Roosevelt Avenue (near the train depot), possible road closure: Construction is ongoing to complete Kapolei Parkway between the ocean and the City of Kapolei, which will provide an additional travel route, but the older roadway will stay open for the foreseeable future.
2. Wal-Mart permits for Farrington Highway and Makakilo Drive: No building permits have been applied for.
3. Costco permit status: The foundation permit was issued in 2007 and the generally understood timetable was for the building to open in February 2009.
4. Neighborhood Board complaints: The Neighborhood Commission handles complaints in the order they are filed, with a large number of complaints currently which require the Corporation Counsel to conduct hearings for each and changes anticipated in the new revision to the Neighborhood Plan.
5. High Pointe area: The dedication of roadways to the City has not been completed, with additional material needing to be submitted.
6. Sidewalk repairs on Palahia Street: Sidewalks will be worked on in April or mid-May, 2008.
7. Sidewalk repair on Makakilo Drive (Kikaha and Ala Hoi Streets): Finished March 18, 2008.
8. Pedestrian access project (from Makakilo Drive, Makakilo Community Park: The City is finishing the contract (with Leigh Diversified Construction, Inc), with building permits and a Notice to Proceed to follow.
9. Farrington Highway widening project (between the Kapolei Golf Course Road and Old Fort Weaver Road): Widening is not part of the rail transit project.
Eng said two prior issues are still being pursued; permit process questions about the Kapolei High School annual one mile run (March 4, 2008) and the Nohona Street tie-in to the freeway. Acting Chair Dudley asked about a possible Wal-Mart sale of their Farrington Highway site, with Eng saying he was not aware of any plans but he would check. Moses asked about intersection changes to Kamana Avenue at Farrington (suggesting ‘no turn on red’), saying it is a bottleneck, with Eng saying he would follow up. Kanno stressed the need for Farrington Highway improvements (associated with proposed widening) to be in place with the opening of the North-South Road and before the transit line operation, saying it should be worked on as soon as possible and asking for a timetable and reports on State-City coordination of improvements; Eng said he would follow up. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Eng for his report.
Board of Water Supply – George Kuo was present from the Board of Water Supply and also introduced BWS staff member Moani Wright-Van Alst. Kuo reported one area main break and plans for a ‘replacement’ construction project along west Kapolei (Honokai Hale) towards Waianae, with Wright-Van Alst explaining that the water main replacement improvement project was from Old Farrington Highway (at Honokai Hale) to Haleakala Avenue (Nanakuli) with the first portion starting at Honokai Hale and going towards Nanakuli. She distributed a flyer, which outlined the Honokai Hale start date as March 2008, lasting for fifteen months and invited calls to contractor Delta Construction 479-6376 or the BWS at 748-5730. She said the middle phase (Ali’inui Drive to Black Rock) is to start in August 2009 (night-time work for twenty-two months) and the opposite Nanakuli end starting in June 2008 (fourteen months), with Okada Trucking at 841-0138 providing both of those improvements. Acting Chair Dudley remarked on the length of time of the project, with the answer that the under grounding is through very hard material (blue rock). Timson expressed concern about notification, saying this major project should have been discussed more and that media such as “The Voice of Kapolei” should have been provided the materials, that letters should be sent to area residents and sign-boards used on the freeway to explain what’s occurring; Wright-Van Alst said she would meet with “The Voice of Kapolei” editor Damon Duhaylonsod after the meeting and follow up with the other. Timson stressed the need for workers to be off the road at 3 p.m. with Wright-Van Alst agreeing that the workers would be off the road at 3 p.m. Young asked about notification to her area, with the explanation that it would be only the Honokai Hale end of Farrington that would be involved. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Kuo and Wright-Van Alst for the report.
CHAIR’S REPORT – Acting Chair Dudley thanked Board members and the audience for their cooperation in the conduct of the meeting over the past months and expressed hope that the Board would continue on a positive path. Acting Chair Dudley said he would observe speaker’s times.
PRESENTATIONS
Kalaeloa Homeless Project – Russ Saito, State Comptroller (Director of the Department of Accounting and General Services – DAGS), introduced himself as head of the State’s homeless project, explaining that former coordinator Kaulana Park is now Deputy Director for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). Saito reported the project includes construction of a new village at the Voice of America site in Waianae (five apartment buildings of eighty total units, a learning center, and a cafeteria for $14.5 million and intentions to be moving in at the end of 2008) and the Kalaeloa sites, with Building 36 (a former bachelor’s quarters) being converted into seventy-one units (anticipated $2.7 million project completed by June 30, 2008). He explained problems encountered with Building 36 were types encountered in other places, where the property was designated as the University of Hawaii’s, released for the purpose of public housing, which meant it reverted to the United States Department of Education, who needed to release it to the Navy, and then to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), anticipating the project can be done by the end of June. He explained that the three shelter sites on Kalaeloa were in need of transportation, with Tesha Malama, of the Kalaeloa portion of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), reporting working on public transportation issues with the City Bus (possible circulator route)and with Utu Lanagi (H-5 project). She explained, in answer to a question from Acting Chair Dudley, that the H-5 program had worked with Robert’s Hawaii to have sixteen buses donated to the non-profit, which were intended to provide temporary shelters but two would be able to be converted to shuttle buses, and Saito saying that Langi’s buses would be the main carriers and a plan for some fifteen smaller vans, which would be more frequent.
Saito discussed homeless causes, stressing to not simply react to immediate needs, highlighting financial, family conflict and substance abuse as components of the issue. He mentioned the hidden homeless of some 64,000 who are staying with other family members and saying that many in the community are at risk (169,000) of becoming homeless if they were to miss three paychecks. He reported the state’s plan as progressing from 1) emergency shelters/housing, 2) transitional housing (two year limits) and 3) permanent housing (reporting 8,000 on the waiting list) with Governor Lingle’s plan being to push incentives for builders to make timely affordable housing. He reported the solution would not be found in six months, offering the suggestion that if you’re in the muck in a swamp, you’re ultimate goal would be to drain the swamp, but if you’re up to your arm pits in alligators, you what you can, and the state’s intention is to focus resources on families and children. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Saito, saying it was the most concise statement he had heard on the problem. Souza suggested low interest ohana housing and ohana zoning, with Saito saying that public housing is caped but that all possibilities need to be looked at. Timson asked if Building 36 would be the last Kalealoa unit, with Saito agreeing it would, but noting the need for couples, for a community center and for teaching learning skills. Timson asked to make the shelters safe for children, with Saito reporting the recent media story of a Waianae shelter rape was not verified but that safeguards have been placed. Placencia reported the Waianae shelter staff as trained, involved and as committed to the residents. Kanno explained the Board had passed a motion of support for the project but asked for the transportation component to be in place, with Saito agreeing it was established. Kanno asked if the shelter sites were permanent, with Saito saying the intention is for the clients to cycle out over two years but noting that there may always be a need for shelters. Kanno asked for a written summary report on the project and shelter operations (including items like vendors and funding services) with Saito saying he could provide; Acting Chair Dudley asked if the request should be directed to the Chair rather than directly to the presenter. Kanno suggested a full time staff would be valuable in this project, recognizing that Sandy Miyoshi is the Public Housing Authority was involved but was not full time. Kanno proposed a motion to request to the State for a fulltime homeless coordinator. Saito said that the current concept was for a cabinet-level team, headed by himself, with the staff from other departments as needed. Kalana Kai noted the need for specialized shelters and transitional housing would always exist and stressed the need to look at affordable housing, with the first priority being families with minor children; Saito said he agreed. John Ridings asked about use of disaster trailers with Saito stating they were available but there are issues with building codes and hurricane-proofing, saying that they have also looked at modular housing. Kanno stated the motion to ask the State to designate one full time staff person dedicated to this one issue of homelessness, with Arthur seconding. Acting Chair Dudley noted that Saito said he is part of a team, with Kanno saying Saito does an outstanding job but that he may have a full plate. Saito said that currently two departments provide support for the project with all those involved having regular assignments which include the homeless project; Timson referred to a presentation by Park where he said he was 24/7 on homeless. Saito said that the initial need was from the Leeward coast where there were health concerns and the City’s plan to limit camping in portions of the parks, so Park needed to deal with that as a top priority. Souza said she supported Saito. Kai said program support goes back to Miyoshi’s department. Edwina asked off-microphone for more public housing. Saito referred public housing issues to the state’s public housing web-site. Acting Chair Dudley noted that there had been discussion about the motion and asked Kanno if he wished to proceed, with Kanno asking for a vote. Acting Chair Dudley asked for a vote on the motion for the Board to recommend State designation of one full time staff person dedicated to the homeless issue and declared the motion failed to receive the necessary five votes for a Board position 4-3-0. Aye: Arthur, Kanno, Timson, Young. No: Dudley, Moses, Souza. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Saito for his presentation.
Freeway By-Pass and Freeway Lights – Scott Ishikawa, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation (DOT), was present to discuss transportation issues:
1. The interchange construction for the North-South Road will require bulging out the freeway at the interchange site (creating work space in the center) so that the traffic can be maintained at three lanes in each direction. There will need to be a reduction in speed to 50 miles per hours (mph) for safety, from the current 60 mph. The alteration will start on June 22, 2008 and run for six months, but intending to be finished before Christmas. The resulting interchange will be a full diamond shape.
2. The interchange construction for new off-ramp configuration (at Zippy’s and at Ft. Barrette Road) will start in July 2008.
3. Ft. Barrette widening project will start at the end of 2008.
4. Ft. Weaver Road will be opened incrementally, with lanes expanding from two lanes to four, and then from four to six.
Kanno asked about the Kuni Road intersection, where from Kapolei the roadway goes from three lanes to two as one dedicated lanes turns to Kuni Road, saying it’s a mess now and can only worsen; Ishikawa reported DOT Director Brennon Morioka was looking at the issue. Kanno also asked for a joint State-City-Neighborhood Board (NB) effort to change the traffic patterns, expressing concern that the Farrington Highway widening is not being planned for soon with the planned opening of the North-South Road, as well as the many other projects, having many impacts on traffic; Ishikawa agreed with the need, saying traffic is like water, flowing in all directions toward the goal. Kanno stressed the need for action now, with Young agreeing about Farrington Highway and the need to realign it. Moses asked about the freeway bypass timetable, with Ishikawa saying it would be in place for six months and the total project would be completed at the end of 2009. Moses also asked about guard rail installation with Ishikawa agreeing he thought they would be done. A question from the audience was asked about the Kapolei interchange timetable, with Ishikawa saying the project would be eighteen months for the two ramps, one at Zippy’s and one westbound to Waianae. Genadio suggested adjusting state maps (referring to the distributed maps and others) to reflect the street name of Makakilo Drive extension (rather than Palehua Road) for the grade separation site on the H-1 Freeway. Kanno reported lack of lighting at the interchange work site is a problem, referring to tire marks on existing barriers, with Ishikawa agreeing and saying more are being added now. Ishikawa referred to freeway lights, saying the DOT has attempted to replace interchange lights (re: theft of electrical wires) and are exploring several options, including welding shut (boxes then damaged with sledge hammers), aluminum wiring (expensive), solar (not consistent enough) and in the interim, reflectors on the roadways. Acting Chair Dudley asked how the thefts are unnoticed and how the public can assist, with Ishikawa saying to call 911 when you observe a stopped truck, explaining that one arrest occurred because a tow-truck stopped to help a truck with its hood up and discovered the truck was not in need of repair. Ridings suggested the thieves include road crews with orange vests, with Ishikawa agreeing that the safety vests are cheap and available in any hardware store. Acting Chair Dudley asked about the apprehended thieves’ equipment, with Ishikawa saying they were carrying sledge hammers, coli wire and voltage meters. Timson thanked Ishikawa for his presentation, but asking what can be done now, with the lights out and an e-mail from Representative Har that quotes DOT’s Morioka as saying that because the areas are “rural” that they have no priority for lights. Ishikawa said he would follow up. An audience suggestion was made for a graphic demonstration of electrocution, with Ishikawa agreeing in the danger but commented that some are very skilled, again stressing to call 911, and thanking the legislature for the increase in penalties. Souza reported a recycler had explained that the wire is likely being shipped bulk in a closed container to a west coast state where it can be sold for scrap with less scrutiny, and, asked where the funds were going that had been saved due to the reduced electricity charged, with Ishikawa saying the funds were going for the repair costs. Polly Grace asked why country lights are dimmer than those in Hawaii Kai and Kahala and asked why country residents’ needs are being neglected, suggesting that mainland-type highway patrol – or at least DOT night patrols – would help, with Ishikawa saying he would check. P. Grace stressed that rural lighting is dim, and is more dangerous when it rains, with Ishikawa saying that the thefts occur in the less-populated areas, where there are no neighbors. Timson reported that at a recent legislators’ talk-story a figure of $40,000 in electricity savings was report due to the wire thefts, with Ishikawa saying he knew re-stripping was added to areas of theft. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Ishikawa for his report and noted that it was 9:00 p.m. and that the room needed to be emptied at 9:45 p.m. and reported a number of agenda items remaining.
Public Facilities Map Symbols for High Capacity Transit Corridor (HCTC) Stations – Acting Chair Dudley reported a letter from the City’s DPP (which was e-mailed to Board members) about the need to add a Public Facilities Symbol in advance of the budget process, explaining that DPP was asking for Board input in March 2008. Kanno reported he had not received the e-mail, with Acting Chair Dudley explaining it was sent by the
COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Acting Chair Dudley invited community concerns not listed on the agenda:
1. Moses reported the Kapolei High School front gate would be closed by 4:00 p.m. as a result of use of the parking lot as a drive through, resulting in an unsafe area for the students and staff.
2. Timson asked that the Board have the opportunity for voting on issues like the complaints, where Acting Chair Dudley needed to have the official complaints listed on the agenda, explaining that complaints were automatically agreed to without Board input. Acting Chair Dudley said that the issues were known within the Board where positions were already taken and the discussion would have served little purpose.
Member Souza left at 9:15 p.m.; six members present.
Acting Chair Dudley asked for additional concerns or announcements:
3. Genadio thanked Councilmembers Apo and Garcia for advocating review of the transit alternatives (including maglift), reporting decision making by the Council would be on April `16, 2008.
Moses reported Souza had to leave.
BOARD BUSINESS:
Approval of December 5, 2007 and February 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes – Acting Chair Dudley asked for approval or corrections to the December 5, 2007 and February 27, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes and declared the minutes unanimously approved without objection 6-0-0. Aye: Arthur, Dudley, Kanno, Moses, Timson, Young.
Transportation Committee Projects – Timson distributed a summary of transportation projects and issues written by committee chair Golojuch.
Parks and Recreation Committee Projects -- Acting Chair Dudley deferred with committee chair Brent Buckley not present.
Planning and Zoning Committee -- Acting Chair Dudley reported a March 19, 2008 committee meeting, where Island Recycling had made a presentation, which included that a Use Permit was not required from the City but that the company had provided information on their activities.
Education Committee – Committee chair Moses had no additional report.
Treasurer's Report – Acting Chair Dudley deferred with Treasurer Yamamoto not present (written report was available).
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART II:
Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Todd Apo acknowledged continuing community concern over the landfill alternatives, reporting that the City is planning the purchase of the H-Power plant with intentions of adding an additional burner. He also reported that Mayor Hannemann will have $5 million in the City budget to export trash, with response to a circulated Request For Proposals (RFP) due in mid-July 2008. He reported the Council will continue to evaluate the alternatives on the mass transit project, considering rail, rubber tire and maglift, with Apo saying that he does not presently see rubber tire as viable and the maglift is probably too cutting edge for a publicly-funded project. Timson expressed appreciation for Apo’s support of the transit project, stressing the need to have the project and the need to teach keiki to use public transit. Apo reported he had inquired of the Federal Transit Administration personnel if they felt the Honolulu project was on track, with the response that ‘yes, Honolulu was on track.” Acting Chair Dudley reported that he had received four calls suggesting the maglift, saying he hasn’t received many other calls on transit alternatives, with Apo reporting the final vote on April 16, 2008. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Apo for his report.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee represented Councilmember Garcia and circulated his community report, and thanked Councilmember Apo for making possible the consideration of the alternatives, thanked also the supporters of the transit program for their input and invited comments and testimony either in advance or to the April 16, 2008 Council hearing. He invited comments or questions for Garcia to hchee@honolulu.gov Chee reported the City Budget includes funding for the
Governor’s Representative – Ron Boyer, Deputy Director of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), represented Governor Linda Lingle, distributed a written neighborhood board report, and was available, to address community concerns, noting that Comptroller Saito and DOT’s Ishikawa had already covered many community issues. He reported that much of the state’s attention is at the legislature, where 8,000 bills are still in play. Kanno asked that the comments made by Board members earlier on the full-time staff person for the homeless be taken back to the Governor. Acting Chair Dudley offer congratulations on the new DHHL building and thanked Boyer for his report.
Senator Mike Gabbard – Rock Riggs was present for Senator Gabbard, distributed a community report and highlighted current legislation. He advocated participation in the annual Foodbank drive and reported a planned April 12, 2008 community meeting. Acting Chair Dudley thanked Riggs for the report.
Representative Sharon Har – No representative was present.
Representative Karen Awana – Stevenson Samuela was present for Representative Awana, distributed a community report, and suggested audience participation in an attached survey. Timson thanked Samuela and Awana for their regular participation, noting that she represents only Honokai Hale but that she always has a presence at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business before the Board, Acting Chair Dudley adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
Submitted by: Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission office staff