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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2008 KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM CALL TO ORDER: Chair BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: James Arthur, Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: George Yamamoto. GUESTS: Herman Young, Alan Ong, Craig McGinnis, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nester Garcia’s Office staff), Fire Fighter 3 Alex Keaunui (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD), Chester Koga, Betty Nathaniel, Damon Duhaylonsod (Voice of Kapolei), Rosita Sipirok, William Balfour Jr. (Monsanto), Gary Omori, Patrick Kubota (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands – DHHL), Councilmember Todd Apo, Brian Suzuki (City Department of Transportation Services – DTS), Steve Kantebueler, Lee Tokuhara, Mel Kahele, Lt. Michael Johnson (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Mike Freitas, Tracy Omori, Erika Moon, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Ron Schaedel, Bob Stanfield, Herman Young, Michael Golojuch Jr., Bob Farrell (Makakilo.com), Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development), Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa), Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle's Representative – Deputy Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), Henry Eng (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Michele Golojuch, Carolyn Golojuch, Elwin Spray ( WELCOME: Chair Timson welcomed the community to the meeting and explained the Board chair was responsible (under the Neighborhood Plan’s Rule 9) for the orderly conduct of the meeting, asking that all keep in mind the need for fairness to all others and for each speaker and attendee to act as if they might be a guest in each other’s home. She said the chair would call out of order abusive or negative comments directed to individuals and asked all comments to be to agenda subjects within the times allowed, with questions to be directed to presenters through the Board chair. She explained the early Board start of 6:30 p.m. was to be tried for the next two months in order to accommodate community requests for agenda times, with the Board to be prepared to take reports from the Public Safety agencies at the 7:00 p.m. time or whenever representatives are available, with that language shown on the printed agenda. Chair Timson explained that unless there were objections, she would accept the Public Safety reporting language as a Board Standing/Special Rule for future meetings; there were no objections and Chair Timson said the Rule was passed unanimously 8-0-0. MONTHLY CITY REPORTS, PART I: Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Fire Fighter 3 Alex Keaunui reported on Kapolei and Makakilo Fire Stations activities, with the monthly statistics of three wildland fires, ninety-four medical emergencies, and thirteen miscellaneous alarms (including locked vehicles and vehicle accident fluid cleanups). He reported a fire safety tip of encouraging fire-retardant materials for Halloween costumes and for increased awareness for pedestrian safety as children would be in area streets. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern about fire safety in relation to the proposals for a racetrack operation in Kalaleoa, asking for HFD attention to the adequacy of the area water tower in the event of a brush or storage fire. Chair Timson thanked Keaunui for his report. Hunt Development – Kalaeloa Public Facilities Update – Alan Ong explained that the Navy has agreed to the turnover of the 500 acres of Kalaeloa properties to Hunt’s Ford Island Properties (FIP), with Hunt’s intention being to continue with the public access and that there would now be a period of transition where the current or former operations would be bridged to the Hunt operation, with the intent being for Hunt to develop a strong and lasting positive relationship with the community. He said Hunt was committed to keep the public facilities open in balance with the redevelopment process, referring to a recent press release, and saying: Pride and Pointer Fields would be kept the same (and Hunt would work with the City), the child care would continue (as private operation open to the public, but the Navy clients were now moving to a temporary operation elsewhere) and the bowling site was to be reopened. Chair Timson thanked Ong and Hunt for the good news and for the report. Dudley asked about the location of the 500 acres, which Ong explained were within the area bounded from Roosevelt to Saratoga and from Costco to Barrette. Arthur asked about long term plans, with Ong explaining that new studies are being started to reflect the recent market changes but that the intent is to create a vibrant community. Arthur asked about affordable and market housing, with Ong saying that there would likely be a mix, including commercial and light industrial, with Chair Timson commenting that those changes would come back to the Board. Dudley stressed a need to celebrate existing large trees in the planning. Souza thanked Ong and expressed concern about future accommodation of churches (who meet in the cafeteria), with Ong saying that he understood those leases to be short-term. Souza also stressed need for the swimming pool, with Ong saying that for the time being it was open to the public and would be for the foreseeable future, and Souza commenting on “regulars” who used the pool and the need for a timetable. Ong said the transition is only starting and that the Navy is still in charge of the sites. Michael Golojuch stressed the need for the closed bowling building to be reopened with Ong agreeing. Bob Stanfield asked about the Navy agreement with Ong saying it was a long term lease with a possible fee purchase. Moses asked about the child center, with Ong saying it was still operating but that the Navy was the current operator and was intending to continue until a private contractor was to take over, with the current Navy children to be accommodated also at a Pearl Harbor site. Moses expressed concern that the operation might lapse, with Chair Timson stressing that the Navy was still in control of the operation. Souza asked about possible bowling in January, with Ong saying they were attempting to open it earlier and that both the Navy and Hunt/FIP was committed to minimizing the limbo transition period. Souza asked if the information would also be made to the State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa (HCDA) meeting, with Ong agreeing he would and would try to have better predictions of time. Carolyn Golojuch asked about affordability issues, with Ong saying that the issues would be resolved with the finalization of the Master Plan. Michelle Golojuch expressed concern that unutilized buildings attract people who trash and tag and expressed her desire to see the buildings maintained; Ong agreed with the need and explained that the concern had previously been expressed to the Navy (and to HPD) and said that was part of the desire to have facilities open and operating. Chair Timson thanked Ong for his presentation. Save Ewa Field – James Bond was present to discuss a proposal for creation of a historical park site – a national battlefield site – encompassing the former Ewa Marine Air Field, saying that this could be part of the National Park Service, the State, the City, the Navy, or of Ford Island Properties. He said the Ewa Field started in 1925 with a single strip airfield for a dirigible and was expanded in 1941 to have two strips and a hanger, saying that the group believes that this site was the first attack point on December 7, 1941. He explained that Barber’s Point Field was not built until 1942, that Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Mike Johnson (from the Kapolei Station) distributed copies of the September 2008 monthly statistical report to the Board and the community. He cautioned the community about the upcoming Halloween holiday and the many pedestrians. He invited on-line questions for HPD at the District 8 HPD link on the City’s HPD website: www.honolulupd.org. He said the answers should be responded to within two to three days. Michael Golojuch asked about recent burglary increases in Makakilo, with Johnson saying there was no pattern of thefts. Chair Timson noted an increase in auto thefts with Johnson saying that the patterns can sometimes be identified when groups or individuals are arrested and in jail, with Chair Timson encouraging everyone to remember to lock their cars. Carolyn Golojuch thanked HPD for responding quickly to a recent call for assistance. Michael Golojuch Jr. asked about an HPD position about a proposal for a Kalaeloa racetrack, with Johnson saying he was unaware of a department position but that the HPD would be in support of any agreement reached; Johnson said having a track venue might be beneficial. Mike Freitas expressed concern about speeding issues in Honokai Hale (as well as the freeway fronting Honokai Hale), saying he knows HPD is stretched thin, but that the speeding and reckless driving continues; Johnson said the area is being monitored with up to twenty citations a day being issued. An audience comment supported the HPD speed trailer’s use in Makakilo, with Johnson saying that there is only one trailer for the district and that it is rotated around to different sites. Arthur asked about problems at the construction site on Kalaeloa Boulevard where illegal left turns were being made that block the whole roadway, with Johnson saying that if there was no special duty officer that the site will need to be monitored. Chair Timson thanked Johnson for his report. Navy Aviation Museum – Brad Hayes was present to discuss the Naval Aviation Museum, inviting visits to the web site or calls for information to 682-3982. He explained suppor for the Ewa Field, saying that he supported request to the Navy to see what brought the United States to war, advocating an historical park with full preservation. Hayes said no City funds should be used to develop the park and asked for a Board resolution to support the Ewa Field. Dudley asked to see pictures of the site, with Chair Timson saying that the Ewa Field proponents were asked to make the initial presentation to the HCDA commission. Young said it would be nice to have a Waipahu site on the map but that the project needs to have the right players involved, which would include the Navy. Hayes said the issue had gone to the HCDA staff, with Souza saying that State’s HCDA is a step but that the Navy is not a participant with the State HCDA commission; she said the Navy would be more likely to be responsive to a proposal from HCDA. Hayes reported he had talked to the HCDA staff. Chair Timson thanked Hayes for his presentation. Mayor's Representative – Henry Eng (Director, Department of Planning and Permitting – DPP) represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and introduced DPP staff Bob Stanfield. Stanfield reported plans to update the Ewa Development Plan (DP), with a Public Review Draft Workshop set for October 25, 2008. He distributed a flyer which included an overview map and the October 13, 2008 invitation letter, nine pages of proposed substantive changes to the DP, an errata list for the changes, a status report on the review process (with the last prior public event identified as May 4, 2004) and a transmittal letter (dated October 21, 2008) which stated the deadline for response as November 17, 2008. Dudley asked about a Board presentation on the DP changes with Stanfield inviting him to the October 25 workshop. Chair Timson asked about the Board need to meet the State law requirement of Board members not attending presentations where more than a quorum of the Board members were in attendance, with Eng also addressed different issues:
· Eng reported no change in the Walmart permits status. Chair Timson said the left turn directional signal at Palailai and Makakilo intersection needs to be changed, saying it does not make sense and that due to the seriousness of the issue, asking that DTS participate at the next meeting on the issue. Souza said that the whole length of roadway is being held up for the construction crew and ten homes. Dudley stressed that the prior year’s planning for Costco included the roadway completion, with Eng answering that he had checked, agreeing that all want the completion to be finished, but stating that the item Dudley is referring to was not in the agreement. Moses asked about the Campbell raceway site grading application, with Eng saying he would report at the next meeting. Moses also cited the Kapolei Parkway between the High School and the Elementary School as needing safe crossings, explaining the special need for attention in the morning when people cut down streets, with Eng to check on street ownership for the next meeting and Chair Timson saying the issue should also be reviewed by the State representative. Moses asked about the protected habitat (for the Hawaiian stilt) at the raceway site, with Eng saying the Department also had that concern but that stockpile use would not affect the pond. Michael Golojuch Jr. asked to extend the hours of the morning bus service that supports the City Boat – Sea Express – after the 8:30 a.m. run. Michael Golojuch said that the prior concern about the “t” intersection across from the HPD station had not been addressed. Rosita Sipirok reported that the crosswalks near the Westview condominiums were not used and proposed that the crosswalks be moved up the hill. Chair Timson thanked Eng for his report. Rail Transit Project Update – Gary Omori was present to give an update on the Rail Transit project. He distributed a rail newsletter and information brochure. He reviewed proposed costs and proposed incomes, with one highlight being the projected operating fund for the rail to be $40 million, which was estimated at 2% to 3% of the City’s Operating Budget. Chair Timson said that she wished to disclose her involvement in support of the rail transit project, saying she serves as the head of “Go Rail Go.” Mel Kahele stated support for the rail transit project, saying that a full 20% of the project would be located in Makakilo/Ewa. Carolyn Golojuch said she was told the alternative rail proposal would only go one way, and stressed the need for the steel-on-steel project but said it needed to be both ways; Omori said the project would go both ways with one segment proposed for a 2.5 mile 2-lane reversible segment (projected at $500 million). Sipirok expressed concern that with a stop every mile the transit line would be relatively slow and proposed an express routing, with Omori saying that a configuration to include an express line was still being considered but that the regular stops would be brief and the total time would still be a quick ride. Michelle Golojuch added that the route would be without stop lights or the need to slow due to traffic or accidents and agreed that it would be a quick trip. Dudley commented that the express bus system skipped stops with Omori explaining that setting up a system for the transit cars to pass around is very complex. Councilmember Apo explained that a switch could be installed to permit transit cars to pass, with that design not in the current plan but that it could be added and he would push for its inclusion, explaining that nothing had been received from DTS saying that a switching system was not possible. Arthur said the transit project needed to go forward. Michael Golojuch said the discussion for the additional transit extension had included a cost figure from the Director of the State Department of Transportation of $250 million per mile. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern that the federal funding would be lost if the Charter Amendment issue was not approved by the voters at the General Election. Chair Timson thanked Omori for his presentation. Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported the Council still considering the Airport extension in the planning documents, pointing out that the transit funds coming from the General Excise Tax were limited and could not be easily moved to be used for new roads, that the federal transit funds are highly desired by other cities and that the seniority of the congressional delegation has contributed to the federal transit funds being available, saying that for all these reasons the project needs to be approved at this election. He said that he feels the Airport and Pearl Harbor workers and inter-island travelers need the route there and that he would continue to push for that coverage. Apo distributed a community report and highlighted the Council as starting to prioritize City needs for the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) portion of the budget and encouraged community participation in the near future. Apo said that the deadline of one month for Ewa Development Plan (DP) input should be expanded to include Neighborhood Board input and that he would request Director Eng to extend the time before the next step of going to the Planning Commission. He reported that the Sunshine law allows for Board members – less than a quorum – to attend the DP Workshop and that the part of the rule is for them not to say anything. Chair Timson asked for a clarification as to why the DP review process, which started in 2004, was delayed and has now come up with the allowance of only one month for input. Dudley agreed with the short time concern for the DP review and suggested more input meetings. Dudley also stressed the traffic congestion around Costco, saying he was told the project would be finished in December but would not open until the March finish of the Kapolei Boulevard. Apo said he understands Dudley’s concerns and that he is also pressing for the road projects and for the roadway construction completion. Chair Timson thanked Apo for his report. Councilmember Nester Garcia – Puni Chee represented Councilmember Garcia, distributed a written community report, and highlighted that the Paluhia Bridge restoration project had started this week and would be finished in February 2009. He reported that the drive-through of the Makakilo Pantry parking lot is a problem for large vehicles and that signage is to be placed there to eliminate the larger trucks. He reported follow-up on the line-of-sight issues, with the “no parking” signs by driveways to be placed but that other sites are also been looked at. Kanno report rough surfaces on some of area streets, saying he though part of Palehua Street needed attention even though it had just been resurfaced, with Chee saying that the department had reported some streets are in need of re-building down to the sub-road structure, an additional project apart from resurfacing the upper layer. Kanno said the traffic signs at Kekaha Street also needed to be resolved. Michael Golojuch asked for a status report on the Makakilo Community Park, specifying fence and grass issues, with Chee saying he would check. Souza explained there was need to address the requirements of the larger trucks on the smaller streets and for them to be able to make u-turns and to go into the Pantry area, stressing Alama Street as a very narrow example, and asking for Chee to follow up. Moses commented on a Garden Tree area traffic study, with Chee saying he had made the request before and would follow up again. Chair Timson noted the many traffic issues needed to be referred to DTS and stressed the need to invite DTS to a Board meeting. Chair Timson thanked Chee for his report. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo was present and distributed background material on long-range water planning, reporting one area main break on September 26, 2008, and being available to respond to community questions. Arthur asked about island water levels, with Kuo encouraging conservation but reporting that overall consumption is down. Arthur asked about desalination, with Kuo saying that the land for a Campbell plant site had been received but that the need is not perceived for 15 to 20 years, explaining that two deep wells had been developed (a total of some $3 million) which would be used by the plant when built. Carolyn Golojuch said she was glad that there was an initial plan and suggested Disney could participate in financing since resorts use a large amount of water. Chair Timson thanked Kuo for his report. Chair’s Report – Chair Timson deferred a Chair’s Report. PRESENTATIONS Kapolei Pacific Center – Steve Kantebueler was present from the Kapolei Pacific Center development, explaining his desire to provide an update and to discuss altering the project and seeking a rezoning application on a portion of the project. He explained the project as next to the Hawaii State Library, to be an office and complementary uses structure (including parking) and that the rezoning would be to a 120 foot height, with the mixed use of 120 feet being allowed in the business – mixed use BMX zoning. Chair Timson asked that the application was then to go from a 90 foot building to a 120 foot height, with Kantebueler agreeing. Young noted that three more floors would then be allowed, with Dudley noting that the height was in the back section and that he appreciated the prior presentations which had shown landscaping depictions. Kantebueler explained that the drawing were to show a massing of the building without landscape and that the development group remained committed to landscaping. Michael Golojuch moved and Young seconded for the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 to support the Kapolei Pacific Center BMX 120 foot height in compliance with the urban design plan. Michael Golojuch confirmed that the plan was for the building farthest from the park to go up while the closer one stayed the same. Dudley stressed the need for as green a building as possible and the prior commitment to a green building. Chair Timson reminded the meeting that it was 8:50 p.m. and the meeting needed to be dark at 9:45 p.m. Carolyn Golojuch asked about the definition of a green building, with Kantebueler explaining that by designing environmental saving items like recycling into the building the building is attractive to tenants and that they are looking at all types, including solar and water. Herman Young asked about additional parking, with Kantebueler saying the parking structure is part of the complex. Chair Timson thanked Kantebueler for the presentation. Chair Timson asked for a vote on the support for the Kapolei Pacific Center BMX 120 foot height and declared it passed unanimously 8-0-0. Makakilo Drive Extension – Brian Suzuki (City Department of Transportation Services) and Chester Koga (RM Towill Corporation) were present, with Suzuki saying he would take the prior concerns and comments to DTS for follow-up. Suzuki and Koga reported the September 2008 kick-off for the development of the Makakilo Drive extension, with the initial community task force meetings on the alignment, lane and bike lane components being brought to a preferred alternative meeting on October 27, 2008 at the Makakilo Community Park. Carolyn Golojuch said she was happy to see progress after a 27-year wait. Koga explained that planning is proceeding but that construction dollars are not available now. Dudley asked about a truck route through to the quarry, with Koga saying the road would remain but relocated. Kanno said the quarry road now goes to the top of the hill, with Koga saying the whole project is very expensive due to the steepness, with the construction n the books for 2011 construction, although cautioning that the amount is not sufficient for the project. Michael Golojuch reported attending four past meetings and looking forward to the October 27, 2008 meeting. Kanno expressed the need for archeological studies and for real dates for construction, with Koga saying the site’s use was for agriculture and that the planners were told that federal funds were being curtailed. Dudley expressed concern about the grade to the top on the existing road, with Suzuki saying the grade is close to 8%, which is a balance between cost and grade. Young asked for a comparison, with Suzuki saying the 8% is the general upper level used for emergency and rubbish vehicles, and that the existing Makakilo Drive might be 8%, with Koga saying the lower part of Makakilo might be 8% but the upper might be at 10%. Freitas asked about one-way and the H-2 Freeway intersection, with Koga saying the H-2 Freeway could be accessed either way as the road will go under the Freeway. Chair Timson thanked Suzuki and Koga for the presentation. Announcements – Michael Golojuch Jr. announced the Kapolei Family festival on Saturday, November 1, 2008 (at Kapolei Regional Park) and encouraged volunteering to work in the election polls. Michael Golojuch announced a “caring for caregivers” workshop on November 1, 2008 and encouraged registration (at the Sheraton Waikiki). Community Concerns – Chair Timson invited community concerns that were not listed on the published agenda: 1. Carolyn Golojuch said she had Board of Education (BOE) concerns, with Chair Timson saying that the BOE presentation by Board of Education (BOE) member Breene Harimoto was deferred to the December meeting. 2. Arthur invited the community to the upcoming November Ewa-on-the-Plains community celebration. 3. Souza invited the community to the Makakilo Elementary School 2009 Luau, inviting sponsorship and volunteers. 4. Dudley commented on the lower gas prices at Costco and suggested Chevron, Tosoro, and Aloha be invited to a future meeting to explain how Costco can consistently be so much lower. Board Business and Committees – Chair Timson asked for Board Business, with no items offered. Board of Education – Chair Timson deferred BOE member Breene Harimoto’s presentation to December. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No representative present. Department of Hawaiian Homeland (DHHL) – Patrick Kubota was present for DHHL, introducing himself as a finance specialist in the office of the DHHL Director, and explained that the office had recently moved from downtown to the Kapolei, inviting the community to tour the office and invited questions to him at 620-9280. He reported leases having been issued for the second phase, with the construction on the first phase to be finished early next year. He reported the shopping center was still a component of the project. Dudley expressed concern about the loss of farmland – prime agricultural land, with Kubota saying there are 19,000 on the list waiting for homesteads, with the priority being for homes. Kanno asked for a timetable and future presentation on the mall development. Chair Timson thanked Kubota 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 renewals of professional licenses were generally possible on the DCCA internet site. He highlighted the electrical generation agreement reached by the State, Senator Inouye and the Hawaiian Electric Company on renewable energy, with the buying provisions intended to encourage the development of new energy generating sources. He encouraged everyone to vote on November 4, 2008. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern that Governor Lingle left the State for campaigning purposes when the State was involved in the education funding crises and the announcement of library cuts. Herman Young expressed concern about the cutting of funds from public education programs, saying that he needed the libraries when he was a child. Kanno expressed concern that 5 to 6 libraries were announced as in danger of closure and also over the mixing of mainland trips of State business and campaigning, with Boyer saying that Lingle was very careful to separate State business and campaigning and Kanno stressing his concern over the appearance of commingling. Michelle Golojuch asked that Lingle be informed that she was offended that Lingle, who as governor outside of the State speaks for the whole State, had said that Senator Obama, born and schooled here, was not of Hawaii. Dudley objected to Chair Timson that such a comment was personally directed, with Chair Timson saying questions could be asked. Carolyn Golojuch asked for Lingle to explain why the designated funds for education use were not being maintained. Schaedel said the Hawaii is one of the greatest places to live. Chair Timson thanked Boyer for his report. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for August 27, 2008 – Chair Timson asked for a motion to approve Board Minutes for August 27, 2008, with Michael Golojuch moving and Souza seconding Board approval [corrections noted at September 24, 2008 meeting] and Chair Timson declaring approval of the August 27, 2008 minutes passed 7-0-1. Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Young. Abstain: Dudley. Member Kanno left at 9:35 p.m.; seven members present. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for September 24, 2008 – Chair Timson asked for a motion to approve Board Minutes for September 24, 2008. Young moved and Moses seconded to accept the minutes, with Chair Timson declaring the vote on approval of the September 24, 2008 minutes passed 6-0-1. Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Moses, Souza, Timson, Young. Abstain: Dudley. Announcements – Michael Golojuch announced the rescheduling of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) was not to deal with the Rail Transit Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as the Rail Draft EIS was not yet available. Chair Timson announced the next Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board meeting as December 3, 2008, with no other November or December meetings, and the following meeting to be January 28, 2009, all at the Kapolei High School site. ADJOURNMENT: With no other business before the Board, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m. Submitted by: Elwin Spray, |
| Friday, November 28, 2008 |