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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2009
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note This nine-member Board requires five (5) members for a quorum and to take official Board action. Chair Timson explained that attendees were expected to behave with proper order, decorum, and respect, speak relative to the subject matter, and noted the one-minute time limit to speak to agenda items.
Members Present Kioni Dudley (arrived at 8:05 p.m.), Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.
Members Absent James Arthur.
Vacancies There are no vacancies on this Board.
Guests Watch Commander M. Johnson (Honolulu Police Department); Captain M. Kaneshiro (Honolulu Fire Department); Manny Lanuevo (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office City Department of Environmental Services, Deputy Director); George Kuo (Board of Water Supply); Council Chair Todd Apo; Tracy Omori (Council Chair Todd Apo's Office); Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia's Office); Gary K. Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit); John Howell (Easter Seals, President and Chief Executive Officer); Ron Ho (State Department of Health Clean Air Branch); Mary Emerson (James Campbell Company Campbell Local Emergency Action Network); Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard's Office); Representative Sharon Har; Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle's Office State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Deputy Director); Carina Tagupa, Marshall McCormick (Chevron); Mel Kahele (Ironworkers' Union); Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development); Bob Farrell (Olelo videographer Makakilo.com); Deelilah Bile, Sonya Pierce (Waianae Coast Outreach); Bill Balfour,
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Watch Commander M. Johnson distributed the report, which included the monthly statistics, and highlighted the following:
Crime Prevention Tip It's the time of year for high school graduation and summer breaks. Parents have an obligation to educate their children on the importance of driving safely and not drinking alcohol while under age 21. With graduation parties coming up in the next few months, HPD will continue traffic enforcement and implement roadblocks and sign-waving campaigns.
1) May 2009 Statistics There were 0 structure, 7 wildland, 3 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires, 70 medical emergencies, 0 search/rescues, and 53 miscellaneous calls for service.
2) Fire Safety Tip The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Use caution with flame-producing devices (fireworks, etc.). Children under 18 are prohibited from access to flame-producing devices, unless under adult supervision. Consider leaving fireworks displays to the professionals.
Mayor's Representative Manny Lanuevo, the Deputy Director of the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV), circulated Mayor Mufi Hannemann's newsletter, and relayed the following information:
1)
2) Waipio Soccer Complex New Rules The new restrictions at the Waipio Soccer Complex that began June 1 exclude portable tents from the area because military blast zone restrictions treat portable tents as structures. The City Managing Director will discuss the issues with soccer community representatives.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1)
2) Sidewalk Repair The sidewalks along
3) Curb Cuts for Access Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (
4)
5) Landfills The Board previously took positions against extension or expansion of the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill (WGL), or any other landfills on the west side. Hearings were held this afternoon regarding the application to extend WGL; residents were urged to contact the City Council and the State Land Use Commission (LUC) with their comments. The surrounding communities want both WGL and the private landfill in Nanakuli (PVT) closed. PVT is located next to a residential area. Assurance was requested that if WGL is closed, there won't be more waste coming to PVT. A presentation is planned for next month by a private company that wants to take over PVT.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) George Kuo, from the BWS, distributed a handout about water quality, and imparted the following information:
1) May 2009
2) Water Quality Tests Water quality test results are published in the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), as required by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CCR identifies the water source, any regulated contaminants found, how those levels compare to standards for safe drinking water, and describes treatment processes used. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information.
3) Water Conservation Demand for water increases during the summer, so everyone was encouraged to conserve water. Some conservation tips are: (a) turn off the water when brushing teeth or soaping up; (b) check for leaks; and (c) install a nozzle on the garden hose.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Water Conservation and Pools A moratorium on the building of swimming pools should be considered, since pools are required to be back-flushed, which uses a great deal of water (tons). Mr. Kuo will follow up to see how much water per week or month is used for a 45,000 gallon pool.
Council Chair Todd
1) City Budget The Council passed the City budget, and appreciation was expressed to Budget Chair Nestor Garcia and his staff for their hard work on the budget in these tough economic times.
2) Rail Transit Symposium The rail transit symposium was held on June 23, 2009, and provided updated information on the project. The project needs to be kept on schedule to help the economy with job creation, development, etc.
3) Cell Phone Ban While Driving The ban on using cell phones while driving (without a hands-free kit) will take effect on July 1, 2009.
4) Board Thanked The Board was thanked for its hard work over the past two years.
5) Landfills and Waste Council Chair Apo expressed his discontent with the administration's unwillingness to consider other solutions to landfills on the west side; the City requested a 15-year extension and more acreage. He gave his assurance that municipal solid waste will not be sent to PVT if WGL loses its permits, since PVT is not permitted for it. Council Chair Apo is opposed to landfills, especially located in residential areas, as PVT is, and he supports closures of all west side landfills. However, control over the landfills lies with the City Planning Commission and the LUC. There is a project to ship the waste off-island, but the contracts have not yet been awarded, even though bids were all in one year ago.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1)
2) Landfills and Waste It's possible that closing the landfill could speed up the procurement process for shipping waste off-island; originally the shipping of waste off-island was to begin on July 1, 2009. Closing landfills may be more expensive at first, but the closures are needed.
3) Community Benefits Package (CBP) The communities impacted by WGL are set to receive money from the CBP; half of the funds are included in the Capital Improvement Projects budget, and half are included in the Operating budget. The CBP is budgeted for four years. It was pointed out that the best benefit may be the closures of the landfills. Ko Olina and Honokai Hale are most affected by WGL, and deserve more funds from the CBP. In fact, air-conditioning was promised to residents of Honokai Hale as part of the CBP, but they still haven't received it, even though they chose energy- and cost-efficient units; Council Chair Apo will follow up on the issue. The installation of a plywood scoreboard at the
4) Curbside Recycling Funds Returned Council Chair Apo was thanked for helping to return the $6 million needed to continue the expansion of curbside recycling to other areas of the island.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia Puni Chee, from Councilmember Garcia's Office, distributed the report and thanked Council Chair Apo for his support and leadership through the tough budget times and landfill issues.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Curb Cuts for Access Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (
2) Property Tax Rate The Council voted to increase the property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year, and they vote every year on the rates. Additional discounts for seniors on fixed incomes were requested.
1) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) The administration draft of the final EIS will be submitted to the Federal Transit Authority (FTA) at the end of June 2009, and will be made public in August 2009. A Record of Decision (ROD) from the FTA is anticipated after October 1, 2009.
2) Project Start The procurement process has already begun, so that once the ROD is received, the project can begin. Groundbreaking for the rail project is set for the end of December 2009. Proposals for the maintenance and base yards are currently being reviewed.
3) Kapolei Rail Station Workshop On June 29, 2009, at 6:30 p.m., at
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Possible Obstacle to Rail Project Concern was expressed that the rail project could experience more obstacles with Mayor Hannemann looking toward the race for governor. In Mr. Omori's opinion, the rail project is moving forward, regardless of Mayor Hannemann's intention to run for governor.
COMMUNITY/BOARD CONCERNS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
New Board Term The new Neighborhood Board (NB) terms begin on July 1, 2009, and run to June 30, 2011. A suggestion was made that the Board elect new leadership in the new term. Chair Timson was praised for her leadership and commitment to Kapolei.
Appreciation for Outgoing Board Members Two outgoing Board members, Moses and Golojuch, were recognized for their contributions; Moses's focus was on education, and Golojuch's focus was on transportation (in addition to him serving as Vice Chair). Both members were invited to continue to participate at Board meetings. Moses thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve the community, and noted her observation that personal business must be put aside in order help the community. Golojuch expressed his appreciation for serving on the Board for the past 10 years, and stated that he will continue to be involved in transportation issues affecting the community.
Dragon Boat Races The annual dragon boat races will be held on June 27 and 28, 2009, at the
National Association for Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP) 100th Anniversary On June 27, 2009, the NAACP celebrates its 100th anniversary as the oldest, largest and most widely recognized grassroots-based civil rights organization.
Kailua July 4 Parade The annual July 4 parade will be held in Kailua, on July 4, 2009, beginning at 10 a.m.
Kapolei Summer Carnival From July 3 to 5, 2009, a summer carnival will be held on the Kapolei fairgrounds. Chair Timson, among others, will be parking cars to fundraise.
Mayor Hannemann's Support of Civil Rights Mayor Hannemann was thanked for supporting the Civil Rights Council and equal rights in general.
Lack of State Representation Concern was expressed over the lack of State representation (from the State Legislature and Governor Linda Lingle's Office). It was pointed out that Senator Mike Gabbard attended only one Board meeting in the past two years.
Kaupea Subdivision Mailboxes The gang (or multiplex) mailboxes installed for the Kaupea Subdivision make it difficult for many seniors to pick up their mail, because they have to travel further to get it. The concern will be forwarded to Patrick Kubota of the State Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), and it was noted that DHHL and the U.S. Postal Service did meet to discuss the mailboxes.
Searching Public School Students The State Board of Education approved an amendment to allow searches of public school students in school common areas to help the school to ensure the safety of grounds.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Fourth Amendment Rights It was expressed that everyone has a right to the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which prohibits illegal search and seizure, regardless of age. Anyone searched was requested to contact the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of March 25, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes The March 25, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED 7-1-0 (AYE: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; NO: Dudley), with the following correction:
* Page 4
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) Patrick Kubota reported the following:
· March 26 is a state holiday honoring Prince Kuhio. This is an important date to DHHL for it was Prince Kuhio who was responsible for the U.S. Congress passing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 that established DHHL. Part of the Prince Kuhio Day celebrations includes a parade through
· DHHL and the U.S. Postal Service have come to an agreement on where the gang mail boxes will be located for the Kaupea subdivision and the Postal Service will be proceeding with the installation, hopefully soon.
· Construction continues on DHHLs Kanehili project located behind DHHLs office building. In response to a question, he reported that the house prices for the Kanehili project ranged from $220,000 to $290,000, approximately the same as DHHLs Kaupea subdivision.
· In response to a question, he reported that DHHL is completing construction of a 4 million gallon water tank that will serve the area and is located above the future
· In response to a question, he reported that DHHL will not be building apartments, condominiums or multi-family residences for its beneficiaries at this time. DHHLs priority is to build single family residences.
Approval of April 22, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes The April 22, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED 7-1-0 (AYE: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; NO: Dudley), with the following correction:
* Page 9
State Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) Patrick Kubota from DHHL, provided the following updates:
1) Earth Day To mark the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 56 communities in 34 states have been selected to receive $144.3 million in loans and grants for improvements to water availability and quality. DHHL was fortunate to be awarded $5.8 million in loans and grants for two homestead communities. No other projects in the state received such funding.
2) Kanehili Project Construction on the first increment of 111 homes continues. On April 25, DHHL will hold another homestead community meeting to review house plans for the second increment of 90 homes to be built.
Approval of May 27, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes The May 27, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED 7-1-0 (AYE: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; NO:
* Page 6 Board Business State Board of Education item no. 1 strike out last sentence: The capacity calculation is based on a traditional school design and is not applicable to Kapolei high school (a three-track system).
BOARD BUSINESS:
Easter Seals Comes to Kapolei John Howell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals, distributed handouts, and conveyed the following information:
1) Building Opening The new Napuakea building has 20,000 square feet of space and will be providing services starting at the end of July or beginning of August 2009. The facility was paid for by donations, and there will be a blessing on August 27, 2009, and Board members were invited.
2) Services Napuakea will serve about 500 families, providing both youth programs and adult programs for adults with disabilities.
3) Traffic Mitigation A previous question raised about a possible increase in traffic congestion on
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Economic Benefit to Area Easter Seals was commended for its service to the community. The new Napuakea facility will create jobs for area residents in addition to a nearby environment of service for residents who need the programs.
1) Hotline Number There is a CIP hotline number, 674-3388, which Mr. Ho monitors, answers, and updates. Calls are normally returned in 10 to 15 minutes, regardless of time of day/night. The hotline was established after a facility malfunction at Tesoro in the 1990's caused concern about the lack of communication. The purpose of the hotline is to enhance communications, and is not just for emergencies. Anyone calling can listen to the current message and/or leave a message.
2) Response to Incidents When an incident occurs, HPD, HFD, and the State Civil Defense evaluate the incident onsite, and they are tasked with remedying the situation and determining what information to provide to the public. The organization Campbell Local Emergency Action Network (CLEAN) was formed out of representatives from the CIP businesses and the James Campbell Company (JCC).
3) Recent Incidents There were three major incidents in the past three months, which sparked the request for this presentation: (a) a chlorine leak; (b) the failure of a chiller; and (c) an improperly disposed of chemical compound was detected at HPower.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Recent Incidents In the last week, the lights went out at the CIP, and previously there were flames shooting up from Chevron. Some new residents thought that the CIP was burning. The arson incidents at Schnitzer Steel were also referenced, and inquiries were made asking if the company is minimizing the risk (greater security, etc.).
2) Evacuation/Remediation On the Ewa side of
3) Notification/Education The surrounding communities need to be both notified of any incidents, and faster, and educated as to the affect and danger (if any) of the incidents. Often the incident was known only because some residents were in the area and reported it. Mr. Ho acknowledged that much was learned about the process during the last few incidents, and he would like to improve the notification to the community. One proposal was to network with area stores to use their public address systems to provide more notice. Notice was specifically requested for any incident involving medical/nuclear waste, regardless of the severity. Reports of CIP incidents from DOH were requested. In a large-scale emergency, sirens would sound and reports would be played on the KSSK radio station.
4) Safety Concern was expressed about the safety of employees of CIP, and questions were raised about who or what agency is looking out for them. Emergency sirens havent been heard in the Board area. Assurance that the park is safe was requested; Mr. Ho stated that the CIP is safe and the companies there are mainly conscientious and don't want to harm the community. In addition, it was requested that the companies that operate with self-inspections be monitored; the majority of facilities in CIP are inspected, and if a complaint is made about a specific company, then someone from DOH will follow up on the complaint.
5) Changing Community In the past, there was no community right next to CIP, but now with the addition of Costco and Target, the community is much closer and needs to be kept informed.
6)
REPORTS:
Chair's Report Chair Timson recounted the following information:
1) Board Accomplishments from July 2008 Through May 2009, Usually Unanimous (a) July 2008 Motion to Support the Zone Change Application by Mutual Housing Association from Agriculture (Ag-1) to Apartment (A-2) on State Land next to the State Department of of Hawaiian Homelands in Kapolei Adopted 9-0-0; (b) July 2008 Motion to Support the Ke Kama Pono Safe House in Kalaeloa Adopted 9-0-0; (c) September 2008 Motion to Send Support to the Hawaii Congressional Delegation Seeking Retention and Preservation of All Kalaeloa Community Activity Sites Adopted 9-0-0; (d) October 2008 Motion to Support the Kapolei Pacific Center BMX 120-Foot Height in Compliance with the Urban Design Plan Adopted 8-0-0 (Yamamoto was absent); (e) December 2008 Motion to Support the Liquor License Application for the Beach Villa in Ko Olina Adopted 8-0-0 (Arthur was absent); and (f) January 2009 Motion to Support the Liquor License Applications for the Target Store Kapolei and Costco Warehouse Kapolei Adopted 6-1-1 (Dudley opposed, Yamamoto abstained, and Young was absent).
2) Appreciation for Board Members She concluded by thanking the Board members for their hard work in often thankless positions.
May 2009 Treasurer's Report Treasurer Kanno indicated that: (a) the Operating Account expended $82.56 for printing and mailing the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $870.34; (b) the Publicity Account expended $250 for videotaping, leaving a balance of $249.99; and (c) the Refreshment Account had no expenses, leaving the balance at $120.
Committees
Transportation: Transportation Committee Chair Golojuch communicated the following information
1) Transportation Actions Taken from July 2008 to May 2009: (a) Motion to Support the Inclusion of City Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Funds for the Construction of Makakilo Drive Extension from the Waikaloi Development to the North/South Road H-1 Interchange in FY2010 Budget and, if Necessary, FY2011 Budget Adopted 8-0-0 (Young was absent); (b) Motion to Support the Inclusion of City Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Funds in the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget for the Repaving of Palailai Street Adopted 8-0-0 (Young was absent); (c) Motion to Request that the City Department of Transportation Services Update Their Study of the School Zone Area Between Palahia Street and Panana Street and that One or More of the Following Measures Be Implemented: (1) Reduce school zone speeds to 15; (2) Put in the flashing yellow lights so they at least operate during school hours; (3) Reconsider putting in a crosswalk near Kanehoa Loop with flashing yellow lights and lights embedded in the crosswalk which activate when a person pushes the button to use the crosswalk; (4) Install automated speed indicator signs to help remind drivers to slow down Adopted 7-1-0 (Dudley opposed, and Young was absent); and (d) Motion to Support DTS in Their Action to Reevaluate Their Traffic Signal Warrant Study at the Intersection of Makakilo Drive and Nohohale Street, and Makakilo Drive and Palailai Street; This Includes an Update of the DTS 2005 and 2007 Traffic Volume Data for This Area and that the Updated Status Be Provided by the April 2009 Neighborhood Board Meeting 8-0-0 (Young was absent).
2) Makakilo Drive Corridor Study: At the last Transportation Committee meeting, the results of the Makakilo Drive Corridor Study were shared with the community: (a) a majority of the crashes involve single vehicles; (b) there's speeding in the makai direction, and some in the mauka direction; (c) there were minimal angle crashes at intersections; and (d) there was one pedestrian accident during the survey. The following improvements were recommended for Board approval by both DTS and the committee: (a) extend the shoulder/parking lane along
3)
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
Impact of Transportation Issues Transportation issues greatly affect the community, and Golojuch was thanked for his work on the issues and his committee recommendations.
Committee of the Whole (CW): CW Chair Souza mentioned the CW meeting held on June 1, 2009, to discuss the park night closure issues brought up at the last Board meeting. Several entities were represented at the meeting, and it was made clear that there are places available for the homeless willing to follow the rules. In fact, some of the agencies do nighttime walkthroughs to invite the homeless to come to the shelters, and the homeless choose not to take advantage of the services offered. The committee will introduce the motions next month.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1) Board Action Souza was thanked for her work to organize the CW meeting, and she will introduce the committee recommendations at the next meeting.
2) Reasons for Closure Hours It's difficult to make the homeless leave if there are no park closure hours; setting nighttime closure hours allows HPD to take action to ask them to leave the park if necessary. The police will usually ask homeless to leave first before any citations are issued or arrests made. Closing parks at night may increase the number of people living in their cars. However, the parks now are not safe at night, and children are often made to feel uncomfortable by the homeless living in the parks.
3) Action by Other NBs Both the Waianae Coast NB No. 24 and the Nanakuli-Maili NB No. 36 voted to close their parks at night for similar reasons.
Planning and Zoning: No updates were given.
Community Reports No community reports were provided.
State Elected Officials
Senator Mike Gabbard: Erika Moon, from Sen. Gabbard's Office, circulated the report and called attention to
1) Senator Gabbard's Attendance: Sen. Gabbard extended his apologies for missing the meeting tonight; he had to give a speech about energy at the
2) Next Listen-Story Community Meeting: The next Listen-Story meeting will be on July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron gas station).
3) Construction Funding for the Area: Over $120 million from the State Legislature for construction funding for schools, roads, non-profits, and many other projects, which is about one-eighth of the total $864 million Capital Improvement Projects budget for the biennium. Sen. Gabbard's thanks were expressed to his colleagues. Over $3.5 million was appropriated for the design for a new elementary school in Kapolei. The project to build the
Representative Karen Awana: No representative or report present.
Representative Sharon Har: Rep. Har distributed her report, and touched on the following items
1) Representative Har's Attendance: She apologized for not attending the last Board meeting, due to her vacation. The month before she was in budget hearings.
2) State Budget: The State Council on Revenues (CR) kept lowering its revenue projections for the State, creating a $1.8 billion shortfall for the upcoming biennium. The State Legislature cut $800 million over the next three years, eliminating many vacant positions, cutting duplicate programs and programs not deemed to be core government services. Gov. Lingle's vetoes of four bills related to taxes, which mainly only affected 2.4% of the resident population (the wealthiest) and tourists, were overridden. The State Legislature did not choose to raise the General Excise Tax (GET), and felt that raising the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) on hotel had a less far-reaching effect than raising the GET. The State Legislature is mandated by the State Constitution to submit a balanced budget. In May, CR lowered its projections again, creating another $700 million shortfall, mainly balanced out by the four vetoes, leaving a $105 million deficit. The State Legislature was asked to hold a special session to consider raiding the rainy day fund, the hurricane fund, and to possible increase GET, to balance the budget.
3) Bills Introduced by or on Behalf of Representative Har: Bills introduced by Rep. Har, or companion bills introduced on her behalf, included (a) House Bill 981 (HB 981 Act 088), to implement mandatory (instead of discretionary) installation for first-time offenders convicted of driving under the influence; (b) Senate Bill 714 (SB 714 Act 082), to allow all motor vehicles to use the freeway zipper-lanes when one or more lanes have been shut down due to accidents; (c) SB 715 (Act 027), to ensure balanced transportation planning between the State and the Counties, to provide concurrency in infrastructure; (d) HB 863 (died in Conference Committee), to create a County Infrastructure Development Revolving Loan Fund within the State Department of Budget and Finance to provide no-interest loans to the Counties for the development, pre-development, or construction of infrastructure projects to expedite the building of transit-oriented development (TOD), especially those involving affordable housing; and (e) HB 864 (deferred in Transportation Committee), to authorize the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation to guarantee loans made by commercial lenders to developers for TOD.
4) Next Talk-Story Community Meeting: The next Talk-Story will be on August 15, 2009, at the Royal Kunia Community Association, at 9:00 a.m.
Governor's Representative: Ron Boyer, the Deputy Director of the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), specified the following information:
Status of Bills A total of 150 of the 251 bills submitted to Gov. Lingle became law; she has until June 30, 2009 to notify the Legislature of bills she intends to veto. If a bill is not on the possible veto list, it will become law with or without her signature. Gov. Lingle has until July 15, 2009, to veto any bills.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1)
2) State Highways Modernization Plan There was a $1 billion highway modernization plan in the Legislature introduced by the administration, but it died in Conference Committee. The bill included many proposed tax increases that the Legislature felt would be too harsh on consumers: (a) the price of gasoline would increase by 10 cents per gallon; (b) the vehicle weight tax would increase; (c) vehicle registration fees would increase from $25 to $45; and (d) the $3 car rental surcharge would have been made permanent. Although the plan would have raised revenue, there was trouble with the effective date and it required two years of growth in order to implement the increases. Rep. Har was bothered that the administration stated they were focused on safety issues, but the 87-page bill had no projects regarding the freeway lights, which have been out for a long time, creating a dangerous situation.
3) Tax Increases Gov. Lingle doesn't support tax increases unless growth is achieved before implementation. As of July 1, 2009, the gasoline price will increase regardless 10 cents per gallon because that's the expiration date of the ethanol exemption.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were no announcements.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein
Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Maeda Timson
Chair