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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of seven members present (Arthur, Dudley, Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, 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: Lt. Michael Johnson (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Mike Freitas, Todd Bhul, Ron Timbreza, Dom Agorilla, Paulo Salas, Joanne Collins, Alan Villamor, Tracy Omori, Breene Harrimoto (Board of Education – BOE; Councilmember Gary Okino's Office staff), Roger Lacuesta, Celeste Lauesta, Terrance Lau, Christopher Lee, Kaipoi Holt, Dirk Fujii, Diane Preis, Roc Paiva, Erika Moon, Ernest Collins II, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Crystal Cavin, Mikale Cavin, Edward Askai, Travis Inay, Dante Tapat, Leilani Tapat, Ron Schaedel, George Grace, Jeanette Grace, Mike Leskovec, Ahu Nahuluwa'a, Wayne Nahuluwa'a, Moani Nahuluwa'a, Grace Peacock, Daniel Graf, Tristan Graf, Councilmember Todd Apo, Aloha Kane, Kamika Kane, Scot Perry, Captain Ken Yonemura (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD – Hazmat), Mike Kitchens, Ron Dalmacio, Glen Kashiwabara, Barb Hall, C.T. McAllish, Rosita Sipirok, Rhiannon Adina, Ada Lynn Braum, Joe Collins, Micah Kane, Mercy Aiu, Alexander Aiu Jr., Aaron Aiu, Frank Genadio, Michael Golojuch Jr., Heath Mattos, Denise Mattos, Tina King, Orian Muller, Angel Legaspi, Bob Farrell (Makakilo.com), Chris Horis, Derek Fujiti, Diae Luce, Rocky Piewa, Sesnita, Lance Holden, Howard Kau, Mary Ann Miyashiro, Brent Johnson, Denise Johnson, Monique Tingkang, Wayne Tingkang, Debbie Kaui, Shaina Kaui, Jennie Balai, Ernest Brooks, Anthony Yacapin, Harris Piho, Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development), Kimberly Piho, Chuck Jones, Valerie Murry, Polly Grace, George Grace IV, Desiree Mariani, Debbie Mariani, Debra Mariani, Linda Painter, Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa), Chris Messer, Allen Wallace Sr., Robert Webster, Tina Leone, Donald Adina, Aaron Braum, Kaomealani Pakelo, Matt Topas, Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle's Representative – Deputy Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs), Brandon Brown, Jordan Koeger, Shayne Tavuefu, Christine Matsuura, Harold August, Chris Torres, Joe Collins, Matt Topas, Barbara Martin, Matt Riel, Henry Eng (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Michele Golojuch, Carolyn Golojuch, Charles Roy, Sean Hughes, Sanford Kama, Minda Cortado, Taresa Ray, Jacob Ramos Sr., Steven Bonifaccio, Kathy Bonifaccio, Jamie Muller, Mai Ono Bardon, Clay Ah Soon, Brandon Abe, Loke Huddy, Noel Huddy, Joshua Huddy, Wesley Shiokawa, Eric Turner, Brad Hayes, Traci Ruiz, Randy Ruiz, Bev Brennan, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
WELCOME: Chair Timson welcomed the community to the meeting, and explained the Board's and the Chair's intent to act with fairness to all as if each speaker and attendee might be a guest in your own home and with no personally abusive or negative comments permitted. 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 is invited to speak on agenda items.
MONTHLY CITY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Ken Yonemura reported on Kapolei and Makakilo Fire Stations activities, with the monthly statistics of no structure fires, two wildland fires, one rubbish fires, no vehicle fires, sixty medical emergencies, and nineteen miscellaneous alarms (including locked vehicles and vehicle accident fluid cleanups). He reported the upcoming Fire Prevention Week schedule:
Fire Prevention Week has its roots in the Great Chicago Fire on October 8-10, 1871. On the 40th anniversary of that fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America decided the anniversary should be observed nationally to inform the public about the importance of fire prevention. Since 1992, fire prevention week has been observed the week of October 9. The national Fire Protection Association has selected "It's Fire Prevention Week: Prevent Home Fires!" as the theme for fire prevention week on October 5-11, 2008. Did you know that most fire injuries are caused by fires that occur in our homes? This year's campaign will focus on preparedness and underscore the importance of regularly checking your home for fire hazards. HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure that your home is safe from fire hazards and that your family is prepared to escape when alerted by your smoke alarm. Practice and have an escape plan and a designate a safe meeting place outside your home.
Chair Timson thanked Yonemura for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Mike Johnson (from the Kapolei Station) distributed copies of the August 2008 monthly statistical report to the Board and the community, and encouraged the community to consider establishing neighborhood security watch groups, inviting calls to Officer Barboza at 723-8409 who would be available to answer questions and to assist in establishing the group. Chair Timson thanked Johnson for his report.
Kalaeloa Property and Parks Issue – Chair Timson asked that Tesha Malama, Director of Planning and Development at Kalaeloa for the State's Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) and Henry Eng, the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Director, update the community on the Kalaeloa recreational sites. Malama explained that the property owner, the U.S. Navy, could not attend and that the Hunt Corporation, the new lessee, could not yet speak about the projects. Chair Timson explained the community is anxious about reported possibilities of recreation site closures due to the Navy turning the property over to Hunt. Chris Horis identified himself as a league president and expressed concern about the possible loss of Pointer Field, saying they had been told they might lose the field on October 1, 2008 and stressed the need to know if the needed site would be lost for the kids' use. Linda Painter expressed concern for the bowling facility, pointing out that some 600 bowlers, being both seniors and youth, need a safe bowling center in the area. Derek Fujiti, as the baseball president, expressed need for use of the baseball fields. An audience concern was also expressed for the need for baseball fields. Diae Luce asked for the sites to supply kids with safe activity uses. Mike Leskovec stressed the need for public information and asked about press releases. Mike Freitas reported on past efforts, which included Chair Timson, former City Park Director Bill Balfour, and himself, to have the sites released to the City by Congress, and said the issue needed to be addressed to the federal level. Rocky Piewa reported, as a football field user, on the need for youth football programs to use the fields. Carolyn Golojuch noted that expected State Board of Education (BOE) cuts of $89 million would likely include youth sports programs and stressed the need to protect the general community's sports facilities, suggesting that the Navy permanently provide the land for recreation. Mary Ann Miyashiro stressed use by seniors, referring especially to the bowling center, in addition to the youth program support. Henry Eng explained that Mayor Hannemann and the City were committed to retaining the Kalaleloa playing fields and recreation assets for public use, with the City having been actively seeking to negotiate for the site use. Malama said the HCDA had earlier that day had a joint press release with Hunt/Ford Island Properties (FIP) where the commitment was for the sites of bowling, child development, commissary, gas station, Pointer and Pride Fields, swimming pool and fire station to remain open, with HCDA and FIP committed to work to keep the sites open, adding that the child development was calendared at six months. Souza moved and Dudley seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 send a letter to the Hawaii Congressional delegation asking for support for community retention and preservation of all Kalaeloa recreation activity sites. Chair Timson reported the past efforts of member Souza and herself as Kalaeloa HCDA commissioners, saying that there had been no Navy response, and expressed support for the letter. Chair Timson asked for the vote on a board letter to the Congressional delegation supporting continued Kalaeloa recreation sites use, with Yamamoto suggesting amending the letter to add a request that the Navy or FIP to present to the community as status on the use as a means to start communication with the Board for the community. Chair Timson asked agreement for Yamamoto's suggestion and for Malama and herself to write the board letter, with no objections offered. Dudley asked if sites would be closed, with Chair Timson saying the decisions to make any closures was not made so the future closures were not known. Chair Timson asked for the vote on the motion for a board letter to the Congressional delegation supporting continued Kalaeloa recreation sites use, and declared the motion passed unanimously 9-0-0.
Mayor's Representative – Eng represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann, reported no change in the current access to Kalaeloa recreation sites, invited the community to the City's Recycling Fair and reported the 3rd reading passage of the Council bills on rezoning for the Honokai Hale area projects (Kapolei West, Makaiwa Hills and Kapolei Harborside) with the Mayor having ten days to sign the bills. Eng also presented information on issues raised at prior meetings:
1. The Leeward Coast Community Benefits Advisory Committee had the previously reported open seats filled before the Board's suggested nominees were received.
2. The City's Department of Transportation Services provides an assessment of transportation needs as part of the evaluation of new housing projects.
Moses noted that a prior question had been raised about the stockpiling of materials at the proposed raceway site and a notice of violation. Eng reported that the correct permit had been applied for, and that although it had not yet been granted, it was on the way. Dudley asked about the Costco development, saying that he remembered Costco saying that the adjacent roadways were to be finished prior to Costco being built, asking that Eng check, and stressing that no cars should be added to Kamokila Boulevard; Chair Timson asked that Dudley check the Board's minutes for the statement. Michael Golojuch Jr. asked that the Board be notified of future openings on the Leeward Coast Community Benefits Advisory Committee, with Eng agreeing to past the request on. Celeste Lacuesta reported that she had also heard that the plans for Costco had included the completion of
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo was present and distributed background material on long-range water planning, reporting one area main break, and being available to respond to community questions. Barbara Martin reported that a recent break had resulted in a pebble becoming lodged in one of her faucets, with the resulting need for a plumber and a replacement faucet, and asked about the BWS reimbursement process; Kuo said he would follow-up. Martin also reported sight problems from her driveway, with Chair Timson saying should be brought up later in the meeting rather than to the BWS's representative. Chair Timson thanked Kuo for his report.
Chair's Report – Chair Timson deferred a Chair's Report.
PRESENTATIONS
H-Power – Bob Webster and Glen Kashiwabara were present from the Covanta Energy operated Honolulu waste-to-energy facility, explaining that H-Power is owned by the City, with Covanta contracted as the operator, and with the operation from 1990, having saved the community landfill property as the result of having burned trash rather than depositing it in landfills. Webster reported a recent National award for Environmental Performance and Federal OSHA safety recognitions, as well as the processing of an average 2000 tons of trash a day. He explained that the daily electrical productions were sufficient for 40,000 homes. He announced plans for a fifty percent expansion of the plant to allow for the processing of 3000 tons per day, with an environmental impact statement being written and a December 2011 operational goal. He explained the benefit of this type of renewable energy is that the base load comes in – rain or shine, with or without wind blowing – resulting in the savings of oil otherwise needed to produce electricity. He commented on the involvement of the plant with the community, thanking the community for its support and referring to over 100 plant tours being conducted on an annual basis. Yamamoto encouraged the use of the latest technology and asked about protected habitats, with Webster agreeing that the new unit will decrease down time and that the protected area was not part of the construction area. Souza asked about sludge byproducts, with Webster saying it was ash, which was wetted to aid in dust control, and was being deposited in a dedicated landfill cell; he reported that the ash was regularly tested and was in a neutralized inert product. Dudley asked about burned items, with Webster saying the items were monitored, with no medical or construction material permitted, including different types of sensors at the plant. Souza asked about e-waste (electronic, including television sets) with Webster saying it is separated and audited. Sesnita asked about the high cost of electrical power with Webster agreeing with concern but saying electrical cost issues are for the Hawaiian Electric Company. Polly Grace asked about ash reuse, with Webster saying that the current State permit requires that the ash go to the landfill but that they continue to study possible reuses. He reported that current landfill space savings was as much as one complete landfill area and invited questions to 682-0201. Chair Timson thanked Covanta for the presentation and congratulated them on the recent awards.
Palehua Hillside Parking – Joe Collins was present from the Palehua Hillside AOAO townhouse association to ask for Board support for their five entrance/exists to have no parking signs placed around the area to create a better sight-view for motorists going into and out of the parking lots. Collins explained that the City has reviewed the request and is asking for Board approval. Chair Timson asked about the size of the request, with Collins saying that 5 or 6 car spaces would be taken at each location, with Chair Timson saying that the total would be six car spaces for five driveways, and Collins saying it is now generally two spaces per driveway and that two spaces would be taken on Makakilo Drive and eight on Kikaha Street. Michael Golojuch reported that he and Puni Chee had previously discussed the issue with the City.
Announcements – There were no announcements.
Community Concerns – Chair Timson invited community concerns that were not listed on the published agenda:
1. Ron Schaedel proposed that planned street construction be finished before new home construction is allowed and reported that he has made several requests for Board agenda time for a Ewa Field presentation. Chair Timson said that there are more requests for Board agenda time than is available but that she has been in contact with the suggested presenter for the issue Schaedel is referring to.
2. An audience statement was made about the interchange being a positive project to address westward traffic congestion, that the zipper lane should be reversible and should be lengthened, that the new signals at Palailai should be removed and the old signs replaced, and a thank you to Chair Timson for her efforts to have the Navy continue public use of the Kalaeloa recreational sites, and ended with a plea to save the bowling center. Chair Timson noted the support of others in the Kalealoa effort, noting that others had already been mentioned but also citing Ron Boyer (State), Puni Chee (City) and Transportation issues including Michael Golojuch.
3. Sesnita reported concerns about several days of the westward traffic being congested and backed up to Kunia from the Makakilo off ramp and concern that the Disney development at Ko Olina was not required to make a hotel-plan presentation to the community.
4. Dudley suggested that the Chevron management be invited to discuss the high cost of gas, with Chair Timson saying that the Board has more requests for agenda time than currently exists, suggesting alternatives, including more than one meeting a month, may need to be considered, but that the Board doesn't have the funds for the additional meetings. She said his suggestion could be considered after the first of the year.
5. Lacuesta stressed the desire for the Board to review planned developments like Ko Olina. Chair Timson deferred to Yamamoto, who explained that the Ko Olina expansion zoning approval had been done a dozen years ago as part of the over-all master plan. Lacuesta said roadways are being used by the public, with Dudley saying the Board should review long-term un-built permit agreements.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for August 27, 2008 – Chair Timson asked for a motion to approve Board Minutes for August 27, 2008, with the notation that the minutes refer to "D.R. Horton" and Young moved and Moses seconded to accept the minutes with the correction "D.R." noted. Chair Timson asked for the vote on approval of the August 27, 2008 minutes and declared the motion passed 8-0-1. Aye: Arthur, Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain: Dudley.
Board Business and Committees – Chair Timson asked for Board Business, with Dudley suggesting that the Board consider use of its $120 refreshment funds with community issues like encouraging people to stand on the corners promoting voting at polling sites. Michelle Golojuch reported the first City Boat is filling up with the university students returning to school. Chair Timson offered that Dudley could be responsible for the evening's refreshments project, with Dudley saying he would think it over.
Board of Education – Board of Education (BOE) member Breene Harimoto introduced BOE member Jonathan Allen, a Kapolei High School student and student body president, thanking him for serving. Allen and Harimoto were welcomed to the meeting by Chair Timson, with Allen saying he appreciated seeing the process from a different perspective. Harimoto reported the Board was reviewing the announced need from Governor Lingle for a proposed budget cut, explaining the process for the plan to be to the Governor on October 9, 2008. Dudley asked about shop classes, with Harimoto saying that the concerns are across the board but that an additional problem is the expertise required to teach the subject. Moses reported concerns about the athletic department programs, the special olympics benefits and the general concerns about overcrowding. Chair Timson asked for a full report for the December agenda. Souza asked about perception that schools are top heavy with Harimoto saying he could discuss in December. Carolyn Golojuch commended Harimoto for being prepared at BOE meetings. Yamamoto asked about the Superintendent's report, with Harimoto saying the report was posted on Olelo. 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 concern about the fiscal crisis, with Hawaii being projected as being in better shape than some other states. He explained that the concern with education is that the department is generally 50% of the total state budget. He reported freeway lighting issue is not resolved, that the power saving for no electricity is generally $4,000, that the National Guard has a reintegration program for returning soldiers, that 65% of the National Guard is currently in Hawaii and that agreement exist for other state's units to assist in an emergency and that there are no plans for the zip lane to return to two people per car. Chair Timson stressed concern that zip changes were done without community input. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern about ballot design and no ventilation at his polling site. An audience question was about Governor Lingle having said she would come to community meetings in Kapolei and having failed to return. Carolyn Golojuch asked about the State's surplus in relationship to the now- discussed shortfall. Chair Timson thanked Boyer for his report.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported the passage of the Kapolei development projects and expressed disappointment about the voter turnout, encouraging the community to go and vote. Moses expressed concern about the Kamokila Extension at Ft. Barrett and said a right only on green was needed, with Apo saying there were plans for a four-way intersection but Moses stressing safety concerns now. Frank Genadio expressed concern that the ballot issue meant that those like himself who want transit and the mag-lift technology will not have a clear choice. Laquesta said she supported transit funds to be used for sewer fixes, with Apo saying that the funds are restricted and can not be used for other projects.
Kapolei Race Track Issue – Chair Timson opened a general discussion of the Proposed Kalaeloa Racetrack issue, with information from Mike Kitchens of SORT LLC. Letters and petitions were presented to the Board with signatures of some 3000 names in support for a community racetrack to replace the track closed in 2006. A short road and oval track are being proposed as a first step on a 49.1 acres total parcel identified as P24 site, with 20 foot tall grandstands, and weekend operation. The project is intended for a February 2009 first use with the intent for a permanent site to be developed by 2015. The initial presentation was to HCDA, with this presentation being a first look for the Board and for the plans to be returned as they are expanded.
Kanno left at 9:25 p.m.; eight members present.
Concerns expressed included water tank inadequateness and opposition from the Kapolei Hawaiian Civic Club. Micah Kane, Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), upon whose land the project would be developed, stressed the desire to protect the makai portion of the property, which was part of the concern from the Civic Club. Chair Timson asked about DHHL endorsement of the project, with Kane saying he had been working with Kitchens for a longtime and had been seeking the involvement of the many groups who were seeking a racetrack option. A rising expression of community support for the project was made, with generally a half dozen not being in support of the project versus 80 in favor. Chair Timson noted that the project was not in a form where permits were being proposed and that the Board was not ready to take a position, stressing that the Board had not made a position either for or against. An audience comment was that the part of the issue was Waianae Coast politics. Chair Timson noted the lateness of the hour and the need to immediately close the meeting room.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business before the Board, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by: Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff
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