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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2009

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFÉ

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Timson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present.  The nine-member Board requires five members for a quorum and for official action to be taken.

PRESENT:  James Arthur, Kioni Dudley, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, Linda Young, Brian Kanno,

ABSENT:  George Yamamoto, Michael Golojuch.

GUESTS:  Michele Golojuch, Michael Golojuch, Jr., Ralph and Judy Riley, Jr., Ross Rolirad, Dan Plaski, Richard West, Blaine Quintana, Frank Genadio, Karen and Gary Hockett, Carina Tagupa (Chevron), W. D. Balford, C. Zahn, Tracy Omori (Council Chair Apo’s Office), Ron Boyer (Governor’s Representative), Dena Coulter, Mike Freitas, George and Jeanette Grace, Jeanette Kaipo (Kaipo-Koa & Association), Mark Sonilla, Shirley Santana (Waianae Outreach), Tanya Tehotu, Sashe Hernandez, Puni Choe, Manny Lanuevo (Mayor’s Representative), Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office), Michael and Jeanine Wong, Debbie and Ruedi Tobler, Daniel Chang, Carolyn Ancheta, Cyril Ontui, Tom and Becky Black, Bert and Tracy Takahashi, Bobby Newman and  Kyle Whitaker (Narconon), Gary Omori, Judie Benito, Sammy Aramaki, Ama Tzg, Marie and Dan Fullenwider, Dave Bautista, Chris Pierce, John Honold, Arthur Takamiya, Kyle Kihara, Al Bright, Ron Schaedel, Lee Tukuhara, Teri Espinosa, Elwin Spray (Representative Karen Awana’s Office), Capt. R. Adams (Honolulu Fire Department), Lt. Jeff Bruchal (Honolulu Police Department), Dean Harvest (Neighborhood Commission Office).

MONTHLY CITY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD):   Capt. R. Adams reported the following:

• February 2009 Statistics – FIRES 3 wildland, 4 rubbish, 2 vehicles, 75 medical, and 39 miscellaneous for a total of 123 calls.
• FIRE SAFETY TIP: Smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan.  Since the late 1970s, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms have contributed to an almost 50% decrease in fire deaths.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 65% of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes that had no or inoperable smoke alarms.  An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes contained working smoke alarms. 

Questions and Concerns:

• Honolulu International Airport’s Crash Rescue responded to the scene to assist if the area needed to be foamed. 
• A private contractor was hired to remove the contaminated dirt.
• The Honolulu Fire Department’s spokesperson can only relay the information to the media. It is up to the media how often they broadcast this information to the public.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD):  Lt. J. Bruchal reported the crime statistics, highlighting a total of 6,160 emergency calls registered in the district, and a total of 458 arrests.

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE OF THE MONTH:  To all community members, please drive safely and observe the posted speed limit.  In all community areas please be-aware of the posted speed signs.  Nothing good can come from speeding or driving recklessly.  Remember, Police Officers are enforcing the speeding laws because it is their job.

Questions and Concerns:

• The On-ramp from Makakilo Drive onto H-1 eastbound is still very dangerous and seems to be causing a lot of accidents.  Can HPD inform the board as to how many accidents have occurred at this on-ramp.
• Like the HFD, the Communications’ Division notifies the media when there is a road closure due to an incident.  The Communication Division requests the media to broadcast this information to the public and will sent updates as the situation changes.
• While the City Civil Defense and other first responders were on scene, HPD deals directly with the media (T.V., Radio stations, and the Internet) to broadcast information of any situation that may affect the public as a whole.
• The electronic message board on the highway for traffic notification could be used, but someone would still have to go out to the message board and program the message advising motorists of the accident.
• No Emergencies Services responded when the tornado struck.
• The City’s Department of Emergency Management should have been activated to assist with the media notification.
• Mahalo to HPD for their quick response to burglaries and thefts in the area

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MAYOR MUFI HANNEMANN’S REPORT:  Manny Lanuevo reported the following:

• Kamokila Boulevard (Blvd.) from Safeway to the park is in very poor condition. It's understood that a part of it may be under the jurisdiction of Kapolei Property Development (KPD), but KPD is awaiting approval from Department of Transportation Services (DTS). DTS should expedited to assist in getting the road fixed.                                                     

KPD is scheduled to begin pavement resurfacing of Kamokila Blvd. in late April or early May.  In anticipation of expected high traffic volumes on the roadway due to the opening of numerous new stores in the area (such as Costco and Target), the start date was pushed back to allow traffic to “settle down” before closing lanes to resurface the road. 

• There was a complaint that Joan Manke doesn't respond to calls or email and that her email box is often full.

Joan Manke and the NCO strive to respond to all constituents promptly and apologizes for any oversights. People wishing to email the Executive Secretary are encouraged to send it to nco@honolulu.gov as this inbox has a much larger capacity.

• The more common rules and laws should be posted for a quick reference regarding unmarked crosswalks and someone putting a "for sale" sign in the window of their car parked on the street.

HPD:  The Statewide Traffic Code, HRS, Section 291C-71 and the Traffic Code of the City and County of Honolulu, Revised Ordinances’ of Honolulu, Section 15-17.1 set forth pedestrian rights and duties. City Traffic Code, ROH Chapter 15, Section 15-14.7(a) prohibits parking vehicles on roadways with the purpose of displaying the vehicle for sale.  All licensed drivers should be aware of these statutes and, if requested, the HPD is available to answer questions or provide more information. 

• Moses felt that Mayor Hannemann is not living up to his promises to the west coast that the landfill would be closed. She asked why not Kaneohe. Councilmember Apo said that in the Mayor's address, he said that expansion of H-power and exportation of other waste could cover all of the trash currently going into the landfill, so Apo asked why the landfill extension is still necessary.

Mayor Hannemann never promised to close the landfill.  He did agree to expand recycling, expand H-Power, ship some trash so that less trash goes to the landfill.  Experts say a landfill will still be needed to dispose of ash and other material that can’t be accommodated in other ways.

• Schnitzer Steel Hawaii (SSH) was working with the City to take metal out of the landfill using metal detectors, and to divert metal even before it hits the landfill – this project was very successful and SSH would like to continue it.

The pilot project was successful in demonstrating that metals could be extracted out of waste loads delivered to the landfill.  Loads containing metal were unloaded in a separate area and the metal was extracted by the use of a mobile magnet.  The amount of metal extracted, however, was not of an adequate volume to offset the cost of labor and equipment required to accomplish the work.  Further discussions between the City, Waste Management, Schnitzer Steel and other interested parties are necessary to understand what terms would be possible in order to make metal recycling feasible at the landfill.  If such discussions prove fruitful, the City would take measures to have the metals recycling operation restarted. 

Question and concerns:

• Please have the Honolulu Liquor Commission investigate an assault from February 6, 2009.  No one from the bar came out to stop their patrons from assaulting a non-patron.
• Kamokila Blvd. will be repaved the entire length.
• May the Board get an updated status on the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill.

HONOLULU RAIL TRANSIT:  Gary Omori reported the following:

·         The study indicates with West Oahu-University of Hawaii (U.H), that the direct and indirect induced economy impact in 2009 is $307.2 million, for 2010 $1.2 million and for 2011 $1.2 million, with the creation of 10,000 jobs.

·         The airport route selected will have stops at Makalapa Gate, airport and Lagoon Drive. 

·         $500 to $600 million will be set aside for vendors.

·         Six month duration will be allotted for the RFP (Request For Proposal) to be issued at each station.

·         The public comments for the EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) ended in February, and the Honolulu Rail Transit received hundreds of comments which will be in the final draft report.

Questions and concerns:

• The stimulus monies will be available for the Rail Transit.
• Can the board get an update on the bill to tap into the monies for Rail Transit.

COUNCIL CHAIR TODD APO:  Tracy Omori, staff member, reported that the Council Chair’s report was circulated and highlighted the following:

·         A Special Election will be held to fill the vacant seat of Barbara Marshal. Deadline to file is April 23, 2009.

·         Bill 67 regarding Texting on an Electronic Device was still at council.

·         Bill 4 regarding the use of All Electronic Devices While Operating a Motor Vehicle passed first reading.

Questions and concerns:

• Kamokila Blvd. is expected to open on what date?
• Fort Barrette Road and Renton Road please coordinate the construction and the installation of the new traffic light.
• Should the City’s DPP hold a Town-Hall meeting or should the Board place DPP on the agenda, this matter will be determined at a later time.

• Please ask the Chair to speak with Councilmember Okino about the separation of Church and State.  This is regarding Councilmember Okino’s remarks on House Bill 444; Relating to Civil Unions.
• Mr. Riley related to the chair that he felt the last speaker was out of order.

Point of Information:  Chair Timson stopped the meeting and stated that the last speaker was asking Council Chair to speak to Councilmember Okino and remind him of the separation of Church vs State, in regards to the comments made by Councilmember Okino on House Bill 444.   Meeting resumed.

COUNCILMEMBER NESTOR GARCIA:   Councilmember Garcia reported that his report was circulated and the Councilmember highlighted the following:

• Will meet with the State’s and City emergency responding agencies to try and to work on a better system of notifying the public on a emergency road closure.

·         Ewa Development Plan:  a proposed draft revised Ewa Development Plan has been released for public review.

·         Neighborhood Board Request for Presentation:  On behalf of this board, Council Chair Apo and Councilmember Garcia have initiated contact with the DPP and the Planning Commission requesting a presentation.

·         Transit Request for Proposal:  RFP for the construction of the first segment of the elevated guide-way for Honolulu’s rail transit system.

Question and concerns:

• Council sustained the Mayor’s veto on Bill 67 relating to Texting on an Electronic Device.
• The State and the City’s Emergency Management Offices should try to work together.
• Would like to have Oahu Transit Services (OTS)-The Bus extend the hours of operations for route C Country Express.
• Joan Manke still has to budget monies for the Kapolei City Lights.  Kapolei allegedly receive no funds this year.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported that the BWS report was circulated and Chair Timson highlighted the following:

• No main breaks for January 2009 in the Neighborhood Board No. 34 area.
• Wayne Hashiro has been named new manager and Chief Engineer.
• Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop February 28, March 21, and on May 9, 2009, all starting at 10:00 a.m.

PRESENTATIONS:

SENATOR MIKE GABBARD:  Erika Moon, staff member, reported that the Senator’s report was circulated and highlighted the following:

• Senate Bill (SB) 584 Plastic Bag ban.
• SB 701 Landfill ban.
• SB 1338 Clotheslines Use for Energy Efficiency.
• SB 295 Hybrid Vehicle Incentive.

Questions and concerns:

• Please remind Senator Gabbard that the taxes collected for The Transit Rail is for Transit Rail.

REPRESENATIVE KAREN AWANA:  Elwin Spray, staff member, reported that the Representative’s report was circulated and highlighted the following:

• House Bill (HB) 1461 Relating To The Cip For The Benefit Of The Forty-Fourth District.
• Nanakuli High School Multi-Media building.
• Beautification/landscaping and upgrading projects.
• Lualualei Roadway, Farrington Highway crosswalks with signage.
• Road alignment improvement.
• Equipment for traffic cameras for management center.

Questions and concerns:

• Thank you for deferring the pay raises that the legislators were expecting.
• HB 539 Limiting the donation of $1,000 for a PAC (Political Action Committee) to make to any one candidate.  And $25,000 dollars per cycle.
• SB 165 Foster Care Program.  Foster Care parents have not received an increase in the past 18 years.  Please pass this bill. 

REPRESENTATIVE SHARON HAR:  Representative Har related that her report was circulated and highlighted the following:

• Kapolei High School Girls Varsity Volleyball was recognized as the 2008 Oahu Interscholastic Association A Division II Girls Volleyball Championship.
• HB 866 High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) Lanes.
• HB 981 Ignition Interlock.
• HB 863 & HB 864 Transit Oriented Development.
• HB 397 Fireworks Ban.
• Talk Story with Representative Har on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Kapolei High School Café at 9:00 a.m.

Questions and concerns:

• The State should begin to look at downsizing certain venues like the stadium, prisons, the U.H. and the Convention Center.
• The current legislature is looking at not taking future pay raises.

• Makakilo Drive is not a shovel ready project.
• Where is the bill to protect the monies for The Rail Transit.

Rep. Har:

• Bills were introduced at the House and Senate and are still being reviewed.
• Chair Timson stated that the other counties had the option to also increase their General Exercise Tax (GET) and they chose not to increase their GET. 
• The schools/Board of Education/Department of Education can expect shortfalls and the Legislation is looking to create partnerships with our developers.
• Future building permits should not be issued unless the infrastructure is built first.
• Schools should be built for the purpose of teaching and being used as multi purpose buildings.

CHAIR’S REPORT:  No Parking signs will be installed.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Stop Hoopili Development.
• Concern about the literature that was left on the table.
• Narconon Hawaii Bobby Newman.
• Please support our local stores and businesses. 

BOARD BUSINESS:

Approval of October 22, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes – The October 22, 2008 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED 6-1-0 (Aye: Arthur, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Young; No: Dudley).

Souza related that minutes lacked the names of those who had addressed the board.  Young stated that the minutes are a summary and should not be confused with transcripts. All other minutes were deferred per chair.

MONTHLY STATE REPORTS: 

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE:  Ron Boyer related the Governor’s report was circulated and highlighted the following:

• Governor is focusing on the economy, energy and infrastructure.
• The State Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a six year Highways Modernization Plan.
• Governor Lingle has nominated Chief Intermediate of Appeals Judge Mark Recktenwald to serve as an Associate Justice.
• New airport parking garage nears completion.  The parking facilities will now be able to accommodate up to 6,300 cars.

Questions and concerns:

• Please have DOT re-evaluate the on-ramp from Makakilo Drive to the H-1 eastbound.  There are still a lot of accidents happening there.
• Cars with one person should be allowed to use the Zipperlane if there is an accident that is holding up morning rush hour traffic.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Submitted by:

Dean Harvest

Neighborhood Commission Office Staff

Reviewed by:

Maeda Timson

Chair