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Palolo Neighborhood Board

(Draft) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Rachel Orange called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. This 13-member Board requires seven (7) votes to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.    

Members Present: Traver Carroll, Tom Eisen, Randolph Hack, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Paul Holtrop, Jimmy Lagunero, Darlene Nakayama, Rachel Orange, Earl Shiraki.

Members Absent: Dawn Tanaka and Michael Weinstein.

Guests: Stephen Tschudi, Shinsuke J. Uehara, James Uekota, Greg Cuadra (Neighborhood Board No. 8), Captain Bryan Goo (Honolulu Fire Department), Ivan Hoe, Dave Dunaway, Sandi Yahiro (Office of Governor Linda Lingle), Lt. A. Kurosu, Sgt. A Rivas, Officer M. Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department, District 7), Julia Allen, Keefelynne Aipia (Mutual Housing Palolo Valley Homes), Alvina Ohia, Steven Major, Representative Calvin Say, Ben Park (Office of Councilmember Ann Kobayashi), Senator Less Ihara, Jr., Sharon Thom (Office of Mayor Mufi Hannemann), James Nekota, Ray Hirata, Tinkle Malama (Paradise Film); Marie Richardson Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Board Vacant Seats: Chair Orange informed the Board that she received a memorandum from the Neighborhood Commission Office giving the Neighborhood Boards the authority to fill vacancies has been solved and will take effect on September 14, 2009. Thus the Board is allowed to fill vacancies at the October meeting.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Bryan Goo reported the following:

• August 2009 Statistics – Statistics included 4 structure and 3 rubbish fires, 13 medical emergencies, and 3 miscellaneous calls.
• Fire Safety Tip:

• Fire Prevention Week (FPW) has its roots in the Great Chicago fire on October 8-10, 1871. On the 40th anniversary of that fire, the Fire Marshalls Association of North America decided the anniversary should be observed nationally to inform the public about the importance of fire prevention. Since 1992, FPW has been observed the week of October 9. “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned” is the theme for FPW on October 4-10, 2009. This year’s campaign will focus on burn awareness and prevention, and keeping homes safe from the leading causes of home fires. Testing a child’s bath water prior to placing them in the tub or wearing an outfit with short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking are simple actions that may prevent serious burns.
• 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 you family fire escape plan and have a designated safe meeting place outside of the home.
• In October, children attending elementary schools statewide will receive a Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide (FFSG)  Parents are encouraged to review the FFSG with their child, create or revisit the family fire escape plan, practice the plan, test smoke alarms, and consider the other safety tips in the guide.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Calming Devices on 10th Avenue –HFD responding to an emergency is able to maneuver this traffic calming device, however at a slower speed. All drivers are trained.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Rivas rep circulated his report and highlighted the following:

• Crime Statistics for August 2009 – 11 burglaries, 1 robbery, 22 thefts, and 16 thefts from vehicles.
• Home Security Tips – Home security tips were included in the handout.
• If Your Home is Broken Into – a) Do not enter, the perpetrator may still be inside. b) Use a neighbor’s phone to call police. c) Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. d) Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles. e) Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons. f) Do not apprehend anyone witnessed breaking into a neighbor’s home; call 911. g) Call police with a description of the suspect(s) and the direction they were last seen.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Crime Suspects – If an HPD officer apprehends a suspect the person is handcuffed and taken to jail. However, citizens should get a detailed description (height, weight, clothes, etc.) of the person and call 911. For safety reasons, it is advised to let HPD do the apprehending and the community be the eyes and ears and call 911.

2. Freeway Accident Near Punahou Street – Follow up will be done as to why there were six officers at the accident site and not directing traffic.

3. Officers at the corner of Kiwila and Paalea Street (mountain side) – Officer responded earlier to a residence for abuse of a household member.

4. Speeding Mopeds – Moped riders caught speeding are given a citation. If the moped has been illegally modified it is confiscated.  Loud mopeds usually have an illegal muffler and those mopeds caught speeding have been modified. Acceptable mopeds cannot go over 35 miles per hour. If speeding mopeds are witnessed, call 911.

5. Illegal Mopeds – If a person cannot prove ownership the moped is seized. However, if ownership is proven but the moped is modified a citation is issued.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Bryan Gallagher was unable to attend tonight’s meeting, but provided a written report. Chair Orange reported the following:

• Water Main Breaks – There were two water main breaks in the month of August – 1) August 8, 2009 an eight – inch hydrant main at 2459 19th Avenue; 2) August 14, 2009 a four – inch water main at 2541 Ipulei Way.
• Water Emergency Preparedness – Hurricane Felicia was the first major hurricane of the central pacific hurricane season. When it was approaching the islands as a category 4 storm, it served as an important reminder why we all need to be prepared. Prepare an emergency kit with at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least five to seven days, as well as others listed in the handout provided tonight. It is important that everyone stay tuned to media reports.  BWS will issue water information bulletins and appropriate actions to be taken through the media. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.org for more emergency preparedness information. The pacific hurricane season continues until the end of November.
• Water Saving Tips – 1) Leave the cuttings when mowing the lawn because added organic matter helps the soil retain moisture. 2) Use dinner leftovers to start a compost pile that will help retain moisture and nutrients, save water and fertilize the yard. Log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the office at 748-5041 for more information.

Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) – No representative was present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS:

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Sharon Thom reported the following:

• Traffic Signals at 10th and Waialae Avenues Update – Construction should start in March 2010.
• Traffic Calming Bulbouts at 10th  Avenue and Paalea Street – The bike path cuts are still under evaluation.

Questions, comment and concerns followed:

1. Palolo District Park Pool – Follow up will be done as to why the pool was drained. A comment was made that the permit for the swimming pool has expired and under re – evaluation.

2. Traffic Signal Timing at the Intersection of 10th and Waialae Avenues – Follow up with the consultant will be done regarding lengthening the time for cars turning left from 10th Avenue at this intersection.

3. Allotted Crossing Time at the Intersection of 7th and Waialae Avenues – Follow up will be done regarding the timing for crossing at the intersection of 7th and Waialae Avenues. Timing for crossing streets at an intersection or street is based off a national traffic code at minimum.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Ben Park distributed the written report and noted:

Overgrown Tree – The report of an overgrown tree on Waimao Street (possibly on private property) has been forwarded to the City Department of Urban Forestry. Chair Orange said that the tree is either on city or state property. A member of the audience relayed that the tree was trimmed two weeks ago.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – Sandi Yahiro distributed written copies of the Governor’s web address to all people of Hawaii, and reported the following:

• Emergency Shelters – There is a shortage of emergency shelters to accommodate all the people in Hawaii.  The State Civil Defense (SCE) recognizes the shortage and is working on the issue. For more information visit www.scd.hawaii.gov.
• Did You Know – The “did you know” highlight for the month was the State Archives. Brochures were provided for interested persons to review.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Public Assistance Roll Back Increases – Follow up will be done.

2. Arbitration – Yahiro had no update to report.

3. Archives – The archive is not a public library and can refuse service.

Representative Calvin Say – Rep. Say circulated his written report and highlighted:

• Hawaii Meth Project – The Hawaii Meth Project launched a statewide meth prevention campaign designed to reduce first – time methamphetamine use among teens through aggressive, saturation - level messaging campaigns and community outreach programs.
• Budget Shortfall – A list of conceptual ideas to address the budget shortfall was given to the chair.
• Kaimuki Clean – Up – The Kaimuki clean – up will be held on Saturday October 17, 2009, and is sponsored by the House, Senate and Council.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. House Bill 444, Relating to Civil Unions – Representative Say had no answer regarding Senator Gabbard and noted that the issues are between Senator Mike Gabbard and the Oahu Democratic Party. Chair Orange clarified that Senator Gabbard was reprimanded for active opposition to the civil rights plank of the party’s platform, not just for his vote.

2. Comment – It was stated that it is inappropriate to discuss politics at a Board meeting

3. Medical Benefit Cuts – For the past three weeks the Governor has been adamant on how to best restore funds to Palolo Housing. The Micronesian and Marshallese communities needing dialysis or chemo-therapy will still be allowed to get treatment, but there will be no reimbursement made to the health fund. The last few days have been spent getting the private sector to continue providing services.

4. General Excise Tax (GET) – Representative Say does not support the General Excise Tax because it is a business tax on every business transaction and affects everyone.
5. 2010 Legislative Session – Representative Say encouraged everyone to contact the legislators with ideas or legislation the community would like.

6. Medicare – Regarding South Pacific Islanders and Medicare benefits, Hawaii is a part of the Good Samaritan states that accept all people.

7. Mahalo – Representative Say was thanked for attending 12 Board meetings with informative information.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. – Senator Ihara reported the following:

• Special Session – A special legislative session was held in August to promote Judge Craig Nakamura to the Intermediate Court of Appeals. Leaving one judgeship vacancy, another special session may be held in the near future.
• Budget Issues – Senate hearings have been held relating to lay-offs. Thus far, no rational explanation has been found.
• Care Homes – More care homes are needed for seniors because they are less expensive. He is working with the care home associations to positively address the impact of care homes in neighborhoods. Commercial activity can be limited in neighbors. Interested Board members and constituents should call his office.
• MAAC Computer Center – The executive director of the MAAC computer center, which is  located above the Palolo Recreation Center has not been paid since February. Funding is used to train area youths. The mainland organization won the contract and threatened to shut the center down if no funding is provided. Grants have been applied for and the situation is critical.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Funding for the MAAC Center – Regarding how the Board and community can help to resolve the matter, funds are needed to pay the executive director.  Research is being done relative to contracts, questions raised, the scoring process on the winning bidder, etc. A grant application has been submitted to the Clarence Ching Foundation.

2. MAAC Center Bid Winner – Follow up will be done if money was sent to this bid winner for the MAC Center.

3. House Bill 444, Relating to Civil Unions – Senator Ihara did not know why the Oahu Democratic Committee and Senator Gabbard are having problems. With regard to his vote on this bill, he explained that when elected he took the oath noting equal access for marriage rights and agreed to support the principles of that organization.

RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1. Palolo Pride –

·         Concern was raised that the community was not informed and no community meetings with the organizers were held and the change in location. History provided was that the event started with tenants from the housing and other area residents. This event is specific to one area. Chair Orange explained that the Board is only a supporter and participant. Nakayama said that it is not too late for others to participate. She noted that it was difficult organizing this event because of lack of leaders, but did not want this year to go without the celebration. Nakayama added that was not the intent of the organizing group to keep anyone out.

·         The location was another issue relayed because many people from the community would like to attend but have no transportation to Aliiolani School. It was explained there is particular reason why. It is early enough to change the location and have the event wherever the community chooses.

2. Trolleys – The question about whether there will be trolleys or not will be taken back to the committee.

3. Rail System – Ray Horita circulated a map of his recommendations for a proposed alternative to a rail system, and park and ride system. He noted that it is a wasted effort for express buses to make multiple stops. His proposal includes the Windward side to town, Vineyard Boulevard and S. King Street to Ala Moana Boulevard and Nimitz Highway. It was added that the Palolo area is not included in the plans. Chair Orange mentioned that he should share his concerns with others who have the same concerns and contact Councilmember Ann Kobayashi for assistance.

OLD BUSINESS:

Permitted Interaction Groups:

1. Boulder Issues – No report.

2. Bulky Refuse Problems – Bulky item pick up days are reported monthly. For more information and phone numbers log on to www.opala.org.

3. Feral Pigs – Please contact rachelpualani@gmail.com to help this topic move forward.

4. Sewer Rehabilitation Project – No report.

5. Palolo Pride – The 15th Annual Palolo Pride Health & Wellness Fair for the Whole Family, Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., flyer was circulated. Nakayama reiterated that it is not to late to sign-up for this event. Palolo Pride is being sponsored by the Lions Club who will receive any profits.

6. Role of Neighborhood Board & its Members – Per the Neighborhood Commission Officer, the Neighborhood Plan has been amended and signed on September 14, 2009 allowing this Board to fill vacancies at its October.

NEW BUSINESS: None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. 2010 Census –The 2010 Census will do a presentation at a future Board meeting.
2. Olelo Broadcast Slots: Aired on Channel 49 every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. For schedule and information call 834-0007, ext. 133, or email olelo@olelo.org
3. Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out by the morning of September 16, 2009 (3rd Wednesday of every month).
4. Contact Rachel Orange at rachelpualani@gmail.com with agenda item requests.

APPROVAL OF AUGUST 12, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The August 12, 2009 regular meeting minutes were ACCEPTED as circulated by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Caroll, Hack, Gerlich-Hayes, Holtrop, Lagunero, Nakayama, Orange, Shiraki).

August 2009Treasurer’s Report – Chair Orange reported Operating Account expenditures were $32.34, leaving the balance at $1,454.81; the Publicity Account remains $2500 at this time. It was announced that effective immediately the Refreshment Account has been eliminated by the Neighborhood Commission Office.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by:

Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Rachel Orange, Chair