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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2009

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) 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.

Board Members Present – Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.

Board Members Absent – James Arthur.

Vacancies – None.

Guests – Firefighter 3 F. Motas, Battalion Chief D. Takehara (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant J. Bruchal (Honolulu Police Department); Manny Lanuevo (Mayor Mufi Hannemann's Office – City Department of Environmental Services, Deputy Director); George Kuo (Board of Water Supply); Tracy Omori (Council Chair Todd Apo's Office); Councilmember Nestor Garcia; Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia's Office); Craig McGinnis (Hunt Development Corporation, Vice President); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Randy Moore (State Department of Education); Director Brennon Morioka, Highways Division Deputy Director Jiro Sumada, Spokesperson Tammy Mori, Albert Chung, Bryan Kimura, Art Sickel, U. Kuong Ung (State Department of Transportation); Tesha Malama (State of Hawaii Community Development Authority – Kalaeloa); Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard's Office); Alika Malabey, Elwin Spray (Representative Karen Awana's Office); Lynette Marushige (Representative Sharon Har's Office); Ron Boyer (Governor Linda Lingle's Office – State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Deputy Director); Bev Brennan, Carina Tagupa (Chevron); Gary K. Omori (Honolulu Rail Transit); Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development); Jack Legal (Legal Realty); Bob Farrell (Olelo videographer – Makakilo.com); Damon J. Duhaylonsod (Voice of Kapolei); Delilah Bile, Sonya Pierce, T. Windsor (Waianae Coast Outreach); Rose Alaivanu, Jacqueline Alcantra, Senerita Auelua, Bill Balfour, Mike Freitas, Frank Genadio, Michael Golojuch, Jr., Mel Kahele, Mildred Medlin, Peter Ridele, John Ridings, Jeff Sampson, Ron Schaedel, Mataiva Taetuna, Keith Timson, Lee Tokuhara, Jackie Zahn; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Captain R. Fernandez reported the following information:

1)       April 2009 Statistics – There were 3 structure, 13 wildland, 17 rubbish and 14 vehicle fires, 75 medical emergencies, and 37 miscellaneous calls for service. There were two major incidents: (a) a chemical spill on Kaomi Loop; and (b) a metal recycling fire on Hanua Street.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches. Use caution when using flame-producing devices (fireworks, etc.). Consider leaving fireworks displays to the professionals.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Fire at Schnitzer Steel – An arson case has been opened in the case of the fire at Schnitzer Steel.

2)       Chemical Leaks – Chemical leaks have happened before in this community. In the recent case, a chlorine cylinder had a corroded valve. Chlorine cylinders are rated for pressure and contents. The area was isolated and people were evacuated, involving two HFD hazardous material units, the police, the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM), and chemical experts, and a mitigation plan was devised. The State chose not to evacuate schools, and instead put them on alert; however, the lack of public notification caused some parents to panic. SCD has contingency plans and call centers, and they evaluate the risks (weather, wind direction, etc.) and decide on a course of action. In the worst case chemical leak scenario the affected area would be about 2.7 miles. Chlorine gas causes skin irritation. The quick action to isolated the situation was commended, but more notification to the community was requested. The State Civil Defense (SCD) has alarms and can put out public service announcements; HFD is open to more suggestions on notification and will take concerns back. Voice warnings, like those on the North Shore, were recommended. The absence of Brewer Chemical Company at the meeting was noted, and appreciation was expressed for HFD's presence.

3)       Campbell Industrial Park – The proximity of the community to the industrial park may endanger community members when chemical leaks or other disasters happen. In addition to the Brewer chemical spill, Hawaiian Cement Properties had an implosion that backfired and killed an employee trapped inside.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant J. Bruchal distributed the report and highlighted the following:

1)       April 2009 Statistics – In April 2009, burglaries and unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) decreased, auto thefts and thefts increased, property damage cases decreased, and motor vehicle collisions (MVC) increased, for a total of 6,552 calls.

2)       Crime Prevention Tip – Parents have an obligation to education 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.

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)       Manawai Street / Haumea Street Intersection – Kapolei Property Development (KPD) will install traffic signals at the intersection of Manawai and Haumea Streets; plans are currently in the approval process.

2)       Haumea Street Post Office – The question about a possible move of the Post Office should be referred to Congresswoman Mazie Hirono's Office.

3)       Kamokila Boulevard Condition – KPD was scheduled to begin pavement resurfacing of Kamokila Boulevard 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.

4)       Makakilo Drive Corridor Study – Representatives from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) are tentatively scheduled to meet with the Board's Transportation Committee to discuss a study of the Makakilo Drive corridor on June 22, 2009.

5)       Staff Representation from the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) – DPR had no record of the Board requesting a staff member to attend the April 2009 meeting. Generally, staff members do not attend Board meetings unless there is an unusual circumstance or a request by the director. DPR is responsive to any inquiries raised by the Board. Mr. Lanuevo will follow up with the deputy director.

6)       Illegal Signs – The State Department of Transportation (DOT) was contacted about the signs located by the H-1 Freeway off-ramps. The signs on the median were removed. The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspects signs on private property and takes corrective action.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Kamokila Boulevard Resurfacing – KPD has the permits, and the resurfacing should begin soon.

2)       Signs – Questions were raised about the legality of posting signs, commercial or not, on both private and public property, and if there are special rules relating to political signs. Some like the signs along Makakilo Drive, but it was noted that the ordinances related to sign posting must be enforced. The City was thanked for removing the signs on public property along Makakilo Drive, and reminders were requested to be sent to the churches in the area about their signs on public property. Allusions were made to who brought up the original sign concern, and Chair Timson advised everyone to keep debate impersonal. Dudley raised a point of order that he deserved an apology; Chair Timson ruled the point of order not well-taken and reminded everyone to address the chair and to keep debate relevant to the issue, not to individuals who may have raised the issue.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo, from the BWS, distributed a handout describing where Kapolei gets its water, and imparted the following information:

1)       April 2009 Main Breaks – There were two main breaks on April 16, involving: (a) an eight-inch main on Kumulipo Street; and (b) a 30-inch main on Farrington Highway.

2)       BWS Contests – Billie-Sade Mason, a fourth-grader at Makakilo Elementary School (MES), earned an honorable mention in the poster contest. See www.boardofwatersupply.com for more on the contests.

3)       Detect-A-Leak Week – The 2009 Detect-a-Leak week runs from June 7 to June 13; toilet tank detection dye tablets were available.

4)       Water for Kapolei – The 2008 Consumer Confidence report was attached to water bills, which denotes water quality and source. The water sources serving Kapolei are: (a) Hoaeae Wells; (b) Honouliuli Wells I and II; (c) Kunio Wells I and II; and (d) Waipahu Wells IV. The current and future water demands for the Ewa District were detailed in the handout; the current 2008 demand was 15 million gallons per day (mgd), and the 2030 projected demand is 42 mgd. Excerpts of the Oahu Water Management Plan were included. Contact Mr. Kuo with any questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Desalinization Plants – Minerals would be added into the water from desalinization plants to make the taste match that of the local groundwater. Water conservation can prevent the need for desalinization plants. Despite all of the growth in the past years in the area, there hasn't been much more demand for water, because people are employing more water conservation techniques, such as low flow toilets, less yards, and smarter and better building. Some felt the community should weigh in on the decision to use desalinization, if it's necessary in the future. Community-based watershed management plans are being created for the areas of Oahu. The item may need further discussion due to approval of more homes. Everyone was requested to study the materials that Mr. Kuo distributed.

Council Chair Todd Apo – Tracy Omori, from Council Chair Apo's Office, circulated the report, noted the winding down of the budget process, and requested testimony regarding the budget.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee, from Councilmember Garcia's Office, distributed the report and Councilmember Garcia summarized the following information:

1)       Budget – The City Council hopes to finish the budget by June 10; the City Charter requires the budget to be complete by June 15.

2)       TheBoat Cut – Cutting TheBoat from the budget saved $5 million, of which $1 million will be set aside to expand TheBus service for those displaced by TheBoat.

3)       BIll 42 Related to Neighborhood Board (NB) Agendas – Councilmember Charles Djou introduced Bill 42, which would charge $250 to non-City entities for repeated requests to be placed on the agenda, passed first reading today. His intent was to defray some costs to the City from certain entities. However, given the testimony received so far, including concerns from NB Chairs and the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) that public access could be limited, the bill probably won't be adopted.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Budget Shortfall – The City Operating Budget had a $50 million shortfall originally, but the budget is still being discussed. Some felt that increasing taxes hurts individuals and families more, and that more spending should be cut or trimmed to make up the shortfall. Fees may also increase, such as those for the municipal golf course, or for parking at the Honolulu Zoo (the proposal is $0.75 to $1.50).

2)       Haumea Street Parking – It was suggested to install parking meters on Haumea Street by the Post Office, because employees of the area have been parking there to avoid paying for the parking garage, and customers of the Post Office, library, and other establishments are unable to find parking.

3)       Property Tax – The property tax rate is tied to the budget, and action will most likely be taken on June 10. The current proposal is to raise the residential rate from $3.29 to $3.59 per every $1,000, although there has been talk of lowering the rate, and to provide a $75 tax credit for homeowner-occupants; Councilmember Garcia would prefer the credit to be $175.

4)       Waipio Soccer Complex New Rules – The new restrictions at the Waipio Soccer Complex that began June 1 exclude portable tents from the area. However, it's very hot in the summer, and this eliminates shade for both parents and kids (during their rest breaks). The explanation given indicated that military blast zone restrictions treat portable tents as permanent structures. It was requested that these restrictions be lifted.

5)       Curbside Recycling – Councilmember Garcia introduced a controversial proposal to restore $6 million to continue spreading the curbside recycling to the island and asked if the community supported this restoration of funding. Recycling limits the amount of waste going into landfills.

BOARD/COMMUNITY CONCERNS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Koa Awards 2009 – The 20th Annual Koa Awards, sponsored by KPD, Grace Pacific, D.R. Horton, and Wal-Mart, was held on May 13, and awards were given to: (a) Ahahui Siwila Hawaii O Kapolei (community service – organization); (b) Kurt Fevella (community service – individual); (c) Gentry Homes, Ltd. (environment); (d) Annette Nishikawa (education); (e) Kerry Pitcher (business leader); and (f) Jonathan Allen (young leader – under age 35).

Gay and Lesbian Pride Parade – The parade will held on May 30, 2009, at 9:00 a.m., and will travel from Magic Island Beach Park to Kapiolani Park; a no-host picnic will follow the parade.

Kalaeloa Bus Service – Mildred Medlin, from Building 50, Hope for a New Beginning, requested that bus service be restored from Kalaeloa to Kapolei to transport the people placed in Kalaeloa to their schools, work, and appointments. A petition was presented. The Board has always strongly supported this.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Supporters – The Board has always strongly supported bus service to Kalaeloa. The State in general and the State of Hawaii Community Development Authority support bus service to State shelters. Hawaii Helping the Hungry Have Hope (H5) donated buses, and tried to partner with the City to run the bus service, but depleted the remaining funds last month. At this point, some funding for a shuttle service still exists in the City budget.

2)       Application of Community Benefits Package – The community benefits package may be applicable to a Kalaeloa bus service; Councilmember Garcia will follow up. H5 did apply for package benefits.

3)       TheBoat Displacement Funds – The $1 million set aside for those displaced by the discontinuation of TheBoat service may be able to be used for a bus service.

4)       Board Action – A motion was suggested to support the bus service; however, the item wasn't noticed on the agenda, and the Board did take action previously to support this position. The item may be placed on next month's agenda if Councilmember Garcia's Office is unable to find a solution.

Landfills – Mel Kahele expressed the desire to shut down the landfills, especially the private landfill (PVT), which is located by homes in Nanakuli. The position of the Board has been to shut down Waimanalo Gulch and the other landfills on this coast.

Neighborhood Board (NB) Election – Dudley thanked those that participated in the election for their votes, and noted that the new Board members would be Troy Cullen, Jack Legal, and Charlie Zahn. He felt that the election results showed that the community wanted new leadersip.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Approval of February 25, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes – The February 25, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED 7-1-0 (AYE: Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young; NO: Dudley).

Approval of March 25 and April 22, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes – These items were deferred.

BOARD BUSINESS:

Possible Declaration of Board Vacancies – Chair Timson explained that, upon accumulating three absences, a Board member must be sent a certified letter informing them of their absences and stating that the item of their possible removal will be on the next agenda. The two members who accumulated three absences after the last meeting were Arthur and Yamamoto. The Board will only meet once more before the new term begins, and it was hoped that the new Board and its members will try to attend all meetings.

Possible Filling of Board Vacancies – No vacancies were declared, so there were no vacancies to fill.

Kalaeloa Update of Activities – Craig McGinnis, Vice President of Hunt Development Corporation (HDC), highlighted the following information from his PowerPoint presentation:

1)       Area – HDC owns 19 separate parcels of land into the Kalaeloa area. The area is rich in history, and many HDC communities are populated with veterans (Mr. McGinnis is also a veteran).

2)       Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Headquarters Building – There are plans for a new FBI building, which will create many construction jobs and 230 employee positions when the building is finished.

3)       Property Revitalization – Part of the plan is to revitalize the property and improve the area around buildings. There will soon be retail, commercial, and office space available for rent.

4)       Amenities – Community amenities include a child center and bowling alley, and more amenities are desired. Use of the athletic fields will continue, through an agreement with the City, and HDC wants to improve the field service. The child center will become a public preschool for kids from Ewa to Kapolei.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Bowling Alley – The alley is still in lease negotiations, but will hopefully be reopened soon.

2)       Kalaeloa Bus Service – Mr. McGinnis wrote letters to support bus service for Kalaeloa, and stated that they want to pay County taxes on the land so that they receive City services.

3)       Master Plan – HDC did not create a master plan for the 495 acres they control in 19 separate parcels, although they are developing a vision for the area, and are working with HCDA and their land use master plan. It was suggested to include space for churches in the plans.

4)       Interest in Kalaeloa – There is an "interested party" list for those who are interested in participating in the revitalization, and was turned over to the local broker, Collier's, now that the discussion with the military has concluded. HDC wants the property fully used.

5)       Utilities – Some of the existing buildings have electricity and water, and part of the agreement is that it will be provided for the buildings that don't yet have the utilities.

6)       Trees – Concern was expressed about the mature trees located from Barber's Point Elementary School down to Roosevelt Avenue, and it was requested that the trees be protected.

Chair Timson stated that due to the late time, the Board may not be able to make it to the Reports portion of the agenda, and indicated that each presentation left on the agenda will get one-half hour to use the rest of the time.

State Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto, from the State Board of Education (BOE), circulated handouts and introduced Randy Moore from the State Department of Education (DOE), who stated the following:

1)       Handout Contents – The handout contained enrollment history and projections for Kapolei complex schools. The numbers of students from the 2004/2005 school year to 2014/2015 were displayed, in addition to the schools' capacity. The capacity calculation is based on a traditional school design and is not applicable to Kapolei high school (a three-track system).

2)       Changes in Enrollment – The kindergarten through fifth grade subtotal is projected to have experienced its last decrease in enrollment for the next six years in 2008/2009. In general, if there's no change in housing stock, school enrollment decreases. However, these projections were based on earlier data, before the economic slump, and so increases may be pushed back for one or two years. Middle schools bottom out a few years after elementary schools, and high schools are last.

3)       Next School in Kapolei – A total of $3 million was given to plan for the next elementary school in Kapolei.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1)       Student Numbers – The student numbers were questioned, and it was reported that many parents are pulling their children from private school and placing them in public school because of economic issues. The calculation said to be used in the last presentation of one and one-half children per household was questioned and Mr. Harimoto will follow up on this number. The student numbers vary over time regardless of housing stock. It's possible that with more people at home without jobs, that there could be a baby boom. If Mililani was used as a comparison, then the projects will not be accurate, since Mililani has finished growing and Kapolei is still in the growth process.

2)       Next School for Kapolei – Kapolei only has one high school, and it was strongly recommended that a second high school be built before another elementary school. Two more high schools are planned for the Ewa/Kapolei areas in the future; and it's unsure how locations are selected.

3)       School Tracks – Currently, elementary and middle schools have three tracks of students, and high school has one track; the multi-track system seemed financially attractive at first, but no more multi-track schools will be created.

4)       Portable Buildings – Every school has plans for portable buildings, and they won't be made permanent.

5)       Drugs and Contraband in Schools – It was suggested that if students were subject to search, then they wouldn't bring drugs or contraband to school. A pilot project involving drug-sniffing dogs was implemented on Maui for three months, and is planned for two high schools on Oahu. The dogs are only allowed in common areas, and are prohibited from searching persons or belongings. Although the dogs rarely find drugs or contraband in the common areas, it's felt that they are a deterrent. The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution guards against unreasonable searches and seizures and should apply to everyone, regardless of their age.

Regional Projects Update from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) – DOT Director Brennon Morioka distributed handouts and covered the following points from his PowerPoint presentation:

1)       H-1 Freeway P.M. Contraflow Lane – The project will add a westbound contraflow lane to service afternoon/evening commute traffic and a fourth lane through the Waiawa Interchange on H-1 Westbound, done in two phases. Phase 1 costs $15 million and Phase 2 costs $40 million. Design for Phase 1 will be complete in Fall 2010, and the construction will begin in 2011. Phase 2 will be advertised in July 2009, and construction will begin in early 2010.

2)       H-1 Freeway Eastbound Middle Street Merge – The Middle Street merge has been a traffic bottleneck since the 1970's. The project is to add a fourth through-lane from the Middle Street merge (Ola Lane) to Vineyard Boulevard. The cost for design and construction is $100 million. In Summer 2010, the Environmental Assessment (EA) should be complete. The project will be advertised in Fall 2010. Construction will run from early 2011 to late 2013.

3)       Kapolei Interchange – The project includes two phases: (a) Phase 1 to add a new H-1 Westbound on-ramp from Makakilo Drive and construction portion of new Kapolei Interchange; and (b) Phase 2 to complete the Kapolei Interchange. Phase 1 construction costs $16 million, and will begin in July 2009. Phase 2 could start in 2010 if the federal funds are secured.

4)       Fort Weaver Road Widening – The project is to widen Fort Weaver Road from four to six lanes from Aawa Drive to Geiger Road. The cost for design and construction is $60 million. The construction is expected to be finished in August or September of 2009.

5)       Kunia Interchange – The project is to restripe the H-1 Eastbound lanes over the Kunia Interchange from two to three through-lanes, and will begin upon the early opening of the North/South Road Interchange.

6)       North/South Road – The project will construct a new multi-lane roadway from Kapolei Parkway to the H-1 Freeway. Phase 1A will cost $17 million, and is complete, but is not yet accessible to the public. Phase 1B costs $66 million, and will be finished in early 2010. Phase 1C costs $60 million, and will be complete in September 2009. The previous DOT director promised the Board that the North/South Road would not be opened until the entire project is complete; however, Phase 1C could significantly relieve traffic congestion for Kapolei while the Kapolei Interchange is being constructed. The Board's support was requested to open up North/South Road to Kapolei Parkway prior to completion of Phase 1B.

Golojuch moved that the Board support opening Phase 1C (North/South Road on-ramp) as soon as it's available. Discussion ensued:

1)       Public Benefit – The general public would benefit from opening Phase 1C as soon as possible because it would provide another alternative for those driving.

2)       Farrington Highway Widening – The portion of Farrington Highway by Grace Pacific, fronting Kapolei Knolls, is under City jurisdiction, and so the widening request will be forwarded to the City.

3)       Overpass – The intersection that will be created would cost an extra $40 million to make into an overpass, and the distance involved is not favorable for safety. However, although there is no need for an overpass at this time, the idea is not being ruled out completely.

4)       Middle Street Merge Improvement – During construction to improve the Middle Street merge, traffic congestion will be terrible.

The motion that the Board support opening Phase 1C (North/South Road on-ramp) as soon as it's available was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYE: Dudley, Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).

Questions, comments, and concerns on the presentation followed:

1)       Transportation Committee Meeting – On June 22, 2009, there will be a Transportation Committee meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Kapolei High School Teachers' Lounge, to discuss issues with City and State transportation representatives.

2)       Freeway Lighting – It will cost an estimated $3 to $4 million to replace the stolen copper to reestablish the freeway lighting, and there are no resources to fund this replacement. The highway modernization bill died this session and the highway maintenance funds were cut by $20 million. DOT will return to the legislature next session to request restoration of funds.

3)       East/West Road – The East/West Road project near the Kroc Center involves both the City and the State; the road is being built by the State, but will be turned over to the City when completed. The State, assisted by the State Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), saw value in the road for affordable and workforce housing, in addition to providing access to a future school in east Kapolei.

4)       Fort Barrette Road – The Fort Barrette Road project has been pushed back in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) with construction now scheduled for 2014. The design should be done by Summer or Fall 2010, and federal money will become available in October 2010. The State is working with a developer to install a roundabout at the intersection of Fort Barrette Road and Roosevelt Avenue.

5)       Kalaeloa Roadways – There are no short-term plans to improve the Kalaeloa roadways, due to lack of funding. The City and the State are each responsible for half of the roads in Kalaeloa. A modernization plan is in the works.

6)       North/South Road Spur – The State is working with a lessee to finance (and maintain) the spur of the North/South Road from Kapolei Parkway and Roosevelt Avenue. An EA is required for the project.

7)       Signs – There are four to six signs posted on the H-1 Freeway on-ramp fence across from Chili's restaurant; DOT will follow up on the legality of the signs.

8)       Makakilo Drive Extension – The City is finishing the EA and will be starting the design phase. The interchange is being built to accommodate the extension.

9)       Fort Barrette Road Name Change – Chair Timson never received a copy of House Resolution 87 (HR 87), relating to changing the name of Fort Barrette Road to Kualakai Road, as indicated on the resolution; HCDA also failed to receive a copy. DOT is willing to change the name of a State road if the legislature adopts a resolution and the community shows support. The Kapolei community does not support the name change, and it was pointed out that Kualakai Road already exists in the Kapolei area; these concerns were taken back to Representative Karen Awana's Office last month.

10)   North/South Road Opening – There shouldn't be a backup at the Kunia Interchange of the H-1 once North/South Road is opened, since the same number of people and cars will be traveling as before. The cuing of traffic will be more efficient than it is now, but there will still be traffic after the improvements, because the same number of cars will be traveling on the H-1. Some felt the traffic will still be worse once the new road is opened.

11)   Notice of Road Work – Many were trapped in gridlock traffic when DOT closed most of the H-1 Freeway. The electronic signs warning of road work are placed to late to be of use to motorists, since by the time they read the signs, it's too late to exit the freeway. Sign location needs to be improved. The work was advertised on the news, in the newspaper, in press releases, and posted on the internet.

12)   Palailai Street Off-Ramp – Some concrete panels on the off-ramp have deteriorated and will be replaced.

 (The remainder of the agenda items were deferred, due to the late time, and Neighborhood Assistant Rachel M. Glanstein was requested to highlight in the minutes the reports received – so only those items are noted below.)

REPORTS:

Committees –

Committee of the Whole (CW): There will be a CW meeting on June 1, 2009, at Kapolei High School at 7:00 p.m. to discuss and possibly take action on the park closure issues.

Community Reports –

State of Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA): The HCDA report included information on:

1)       Kalaeloa Roadway Conditions – DOT removed, relocated, and installed appropriate signage on Roosevelt Avenue between Fort Barrette Road and the Kamokila Boulevard extension. The DOT contract of $333,000 for landscaping maintenance was awarded and Imua began maintenance work on May 1.

2)       Kalaeloa Shuttle Program – H5 is now partnering with DTS to provide para-transit services in Kalaeloa, Campbell Industrial Park and Kapolei City. HCDA approved $20,000 for the Kalaeloa Shuttle on April 1. Council Chair Apo requested additional bus service to Kalaeloa.

3)       Kalaeloa Stakeholder Groups – The Kalaeloa Community Network continues to meet monthly on the 2nd Thursday to address community issues. Membership has doubled in the past year and the meetings are currently attended by over two dozen businesses, landowners, stakeholders and elected officials. The Kalaeloa Public Safety continues to meet on the 3rd Thursday to address safety issues. The Kalaeloa Advisory Team will reconvene this quarter to review the administrative rules draft and all surrounding NBs will be given a draft as part of a comprehensive outreach plan to solicit feedback.

4)       Next HCDA Meeting – The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2009.

State Elected Officials –

Senator Mike Gabbard: The report contained legislative information about:

1)       Senate Bill 464 (SB 464) Related to Energy Credits – SB 464 would help more homeowners and business take advantage of the federal incentives for solar energy use, and in the process may increase the State's energy security and reduce carbon emissions.

2)       SB 1259 Related to Environmental Contamination – SB 1259 would protect unaware property owners or purchasers from being held liable for environmental contamination they didn't cause.

3)       SB 1260 Related to Pollution – SB 1260 would remove the fee exemption for polluters who produce more than 4,000 tons of air pollution emissions per year. Governor Linda Lingle allowed SB 1260 to become law without her signature on May 5, 2009.

Representative Karen Awana: The report included mini-highlights of the 2009 legislative session, in addition to contact information for Rep. Awana (email: repawana@capitol.hawaii.gov, phone: 586-8465, and fax: 586-8469).

Representative Sharon Har: The report contained information about the budget, how it was balanced, and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).

Governor's Representative – The report included information about: (a) legislation; (b) swine flu; (c) Middle Street merge widening; (d) the unemployment rate of 6.9%; and (e) filing unemployment claims online.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Easter Seals Opening – Easter Seals will open its new facility on August 27, 2009.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Maeda Timson, Chair