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Nuuanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2006

PAUOA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Canopin called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.  The packets for each Board member containing reports of the emergency service agencies and legislators, and other items necessary to complete the evening’s agenda were distributed prior to beginning of the meeting.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mason Aiona, Dean Asahina, Jim Bannan, Al Canopin Jr., Richard Carreira, Audrey Hidano, Paula Kurashige, Philip Nerney, Wendy Ogawa, Sylvia Young, Jay Fidell.  11 of 15 members were present.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Remy Luria, Heather Mullins Crislip (excused), Patt Spencer.

GUESTS: Janel Haberman, Tanya Badayos, Celeste Sawinski, Alan Nguyen, J. Marn, James Kentsuzaki, Jordon Furtado, Robert Landgraf, Dana Viola (Governor’s Office), Gail Haraguchi (Mayor’s Representative), Justin Menolascino, Tyra Menolascino, Susie Chun Oakland, Ann Kusao (Kusao & Kurahashi), Pat Lee (HHTCP), Katie Churchey, Corinne Ching, Phuong Do, Nicole Sato, Vanessa Matautia (Neighborhood Commission Office).

VACANCIES:

Subdistrict 1- one seat – Chair Canopin asked if there were any possible candidates for the seat in Subdistrict 1: James Marn stepped forward and spoke on his behalf.  He is a resident of Subdistrict 1 for many years.  Richard Carreira requested that he serve on the Board.  After several questions asked by the Board to Mr. Marn regarding his employment and living situation, the Board without objection elected Marn to the Nuuanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board.  NCO Staff Matautia swore in Board member Marn.  Chair Canopin stated that the Board now has a full Board of 15 Board members.

STATE OF HAWAII EXECUTIVE BRANCH: No representative was available but a written report was submitted with the following reminders.  A motion by Kurashige and seconded by Hidano to add the following reminders was passed:

1. Hawaii Smoke-Free Law takes effect – Hawaii becomes the 14^th state in the nation to implement a Smoke-Free Law, prohibiting smoking inside all bars and restaurants, including outdoor areas and within 20 feet of entrances, windows and ventilation intakes.

2. Governor Lingle attended the Hawaii Homeless Forum outlining the current and future projects by the State to fight the homeless epidemic.

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU EXECUTIVE BRANCH: Gail Haraguchi, Deputy Director of Enterprise Services, gave the following report:

1. The Mayor’s Honolulu November Newsletter is devoted to the upcoming transit plans and information on the Alternative Analysis which was recently released to the City Council.  Also provided was a Pro Rail leaflet containing several articles outlining the Mayor’s support of a fixed guideway with rail technology.

2. Town hall meeting update:  At this time, Haraguchi reported the Mayor’s Office is aware of the request and will plan accordingly.  Haraguchi stated that the Mayor is in the process of granting meeting with several neighborhoods in which have had long standing requests for meetings.  

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Fidell questioned how long they should expect it to take for the Board to have a meeting with the Mayor.  Haraguchi could not put a definite date on when an answer would be given but advised the Board that the Mayor had obligations to other areas.

2. Nerney commented that the Mayor would never come to the area for a meeting.  He also stated that the Mayor is afraid of the area and its issues and would like to steer clear of the situation.

Chair Canopin recessed the meeting at 7:29 p.m. in order to celebrate the birthdays of Board members Mason Aiona and for the month of November.

Chair Canopin reconvened the meeting at 7:53 p.m.

T-MOBILE at 625 AUWAIOLIMU STREET: Chair Canopin introduced Ann Kusao from Kusao and Kurahashi who spoke on behalf on T-Mobile telecommunications support.  Kusao introduced a key engineer Troy.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Young questioned why the current location was referred to Pacific Heights although it is not physically in the Pacific Heights area.  It was reported that the name is a generic name until a specific site has been confirmed and in place before a final, more exact name, is provided.

2. Fidell questioned whether the lease was signed but Troy answered that the lease, made with the Gonzalez family, would require a 5 year lease with possible additions.

A motion by Hidano and seconded by Bannan to support the T-mobile telecommunications setup at 625 Auwaiolimu Street was voted on by the Board.  The Board passed the motion with a vote of 11-0-1.

CRAIGSIDE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY PROJECT- Robin Foster & Emmet White gave the following report:

“15 Craigside” (15 Craigside Place, Honolulu 96817) A proposed development for a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering seniors lifetime residency with a range of care that begins with independent living, and if needed, assisted living, and includes skilled long term-care and special care for those who develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.  Applicants must be 72 or older.

The proposed 11-story structure would house 171 independents living units, 50 skilled nursing/intermediate care beds, congregate dining, wellness center, accessory functions, and parking.  The land is currently owned by Hawaii Conference Foundation, United Church of Christ and is a total of 1.57 acres.  Craigside Retirement Residence is a Hawaii non-profit corporation and is in need of a conditional use permit-major, special needs elderly housing allowance.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Young questioned the age requirement if it was correct at 72 years of age or older.  Foster corrected his earlier comment to 62 years or older.  Young also questioned if the apartments were for sale or lease and Foster reported that the project is actually run on a “Lifecare agreement”, which allows for continuing care for the remaining years of one’s life.  Young also questioned how many parking stalls would be available on site.  At least 120-130 parking spaces would be created and with 47 staff members at peak hours, Foster explained it would adequate parking for both residents and guests.  From previous experiences with the Acadia development, many residents do not own cars and rely on mass transit.  15 Craigside will also include the use of vans in which to transport residents to and from most destinations and most of the visitor parking is done during the weekend and evenings, when staff levels are not at peak time.

2. Fidell questioned whether the proposed development would be leasing or purchasing the land in question.  Foster commented that when necessary permits were made, acquisition would be made through several modes of attaining financing.

A motion made by Fidell and seconded by Nerney to support the proposed development at 15 Craigside. Discussion followed.

3. Bannan questioned how many units would be available.  Lee reported that 171 individual units would be available with 50 special care spaces within 25 rooms.  Bannan also questioned what the ratio of parking stalls to units and Foster explained that the ratio is one stall per four units which is required by City permitting guidelines. 

4. Young questioned if the developer was at the point to begin applying for all of the necessary permits.  Foster explained that all the required actions have been taken such as contacting neighbors in the surrounding area and are working to create a good relationship.  Young also questioned what plans do the Church have for the structures that are currently on the property and Foster reported that they would be demolished. 

5. Hidano questioned if the development was similar to the Kahala Nui development but Foster stated that the development was modeled more with the Acadia development but on a more affordable level.  The average size of a single residence would be 640 square feet.  Hidano questioned the financing and if the developers would be going to the State Legislature and Foster reported that they would be testifying in front of the legislature in order to receive Bond financing.

6. Kurashige questioned if there would be rehabilitation services provided for the residents on site and Foster explained that an on-site team of medical professionals providing around the clock care including physical therapy. 

A call for the vote was made and the Nuuanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board voted 10-0-2 in favor of supporting the 15 Craigside Development.

HONOLULU MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM – Pat Lee gave the following report:

Pat Lee with the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project spoke on the updates to the project.  The Alternative Analysis was completed and presented to City Council who then decides on the locally preferred alternative before January 2007.  At this time, Lee presented the Board with the Alternative Analysis DVD presentation which included information on the several different routes for the fixed guideway alternative, the overall costs, and which alternative was selected as the best solution for Honolulu traffic.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Carreira questioned where stations and stops would be included in the 28-mile fixed guideway plan.  Lee stated that approximately there would be 28-30 stations planned.  Several sites are planned as a Park and Rides with bus terminals and walking/drop off sites available.  There were questions regarding the supports and columns and where they would be located at and Lee commented that there would possibly be acquisition for stations in the future.

2. Nerney was concerned about corruption and profiteering of monies allocated to the Transit plan and asked Lee what safeguards were being put in place in order to deter and catch those who would act in such a manner.  Lee reported that due to possible federal funding, it requires the City to prepare a Program Management Plan.  This plan will include detailed steps for which monies are released as required by the Federal funding unit.

3. Fidell reported that in the Pacific Business News web poll showed that people were against the transit plan and questioned why these tracks were not being investigated or taken into account.  Lee reported although they do take information like the PBN web poll into consideration, they have also looked at polls from the Leeward side of the island, which transit plans would help to alleviate the growing problem.

4. Bannan questioned whether park and rides and an integrated bus system would be included in the transit plans.  Lee stated that the 28 mile plan has 6 park and rides planned along the way that would include 1,000 parking stalls.  The integrated bus system would be used as feeders into the community and bring them to the transit stations.  Lee also reported that the video presented to the Board tonight can be downloaded from the website at www.honolulutransit.org.

5. Marn asked about the current City Council bills regarding the transit plans and questioned if an alternative was picked.  Lee reported that alignment was voted on with Bill 78 but the locally preferred alternative had been yet designated by City Council.  December 13 was the reported City Council meeting in which would be the ‘big’ vote and Lee

6. Kurashige asked if elevators and people movers would be included in the transit station plans.  Lee stated that with any federal funds that would be allocated to the transit plans, an American Disabilities Act requirement (ADA) would call for the use of elevators and people movers to be included.  Stairs would also be provided as well when possible.

7. Fidell questioned what group the consultants were apart of and Lee reported that Parsons Brinkerhoff was the main consulting firm.

APPOINTMENT FOR AN OMPO (Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization) REPRESENTATIVE TO THE “CITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE” -

Nerney nominated Fidell and without further objections he was made OMPO representative.  Mullins-Crislip was made alternate.

Approval of the Regular meeting minutes for the Month of:

September 19, 2006 and October 17, 2006:

September 19, 2006 Regular meeting minutes:

On page 4, under Mayor’s Representative Gail Haraguchi; questions, comments, and concerns #2: remove “because he has not met them on several occasions after the initial meeting” from the first sentence.  Also replace “Pacific Heights” with “Dowsett Heights” in the third sentence.

A motion made by Bannan and seconded by Nerney to approve the September 19, 2006 minutes was approved without objections.

Adjournment

Chair Canopin deferred all other Board action and adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Submitted by:

Vanessa Matautia

Neighborhood Assistant

NUUANU/PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD DIRECTORY

SUBDISTRICT 1:                                                     SUBDISTRICT 3:

Chair Al Canopin Jr. – 688-7337 (E) 527-5569                  Vice Chair Paula Kurashige – 595-7094

James Bannan – 521-5465                                              Dean Asahina – 595-6452 (B) 845-3986

Richard Carreira – 537-4106                                            Audrey Hidano – 595-6262 (B) 847-5555

Remy Luria – (B) 538-8300                                             Philip Nerney – 537-1777

                                                                                    Jay Fidel – W) 566-2105 C) 780-9254

SUBDISTRICT 2:

Secretary/Treasurer Patt Spencer – 521-2761

Vice Secretary/Treasurer Wendy Ogawa – 474-3418 x216

Mason Aiona – 538-6173

Sylvia Young – 845-9022

Heather Mullins Crislip - 523-6186