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ALIAMANU/SALT LAKE/FOSTER VILLAGE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2006
ALIAMANU MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Grant Tanimoto called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. without a quorum (of five members) present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Grant Tanimoto, Len Pepper, Larry Baird, Minnie Brazell, David Yomes (7:04 p.m.) and Lorene Godfrey (7:05 p.m.).
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Larson and Mark Taylor (excused).
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GUESTS: Michelle R. Hill (Deputy Director, Department of Health, Governor Linda Lingle’s representative), Senator Norman Sakamoto, Representative Glenn Wakai, Antonio Bacami (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office staff), Dana Takahara-Dias (Deputy Director, Department of Parks and Recreation, Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative), Hiroko Nakamura (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office staff), Major Susan Ballard, Sgt. Roy Nakama and Sgt. Bryan Iwane (Honolulu Police Department- Kalihi); Sgt. Clayton Chung (Honolulu Police Department- Pearl City), Capt. David Harbottle (Honolulu Fire Department), Thomas J. Strout (Board of Water Supply), Howard Shima, Pat Lee (Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP)), Suzette Adversalo, Abe Pactero, Ann Russell, Melvyn Ho (Honolulu Country Club), Lynda Takamoto, Steven Y. Onone (MVCA), Les Young, and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
As there was no quorum present, Chair Tanimoto moved on in the agenda.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
Honolulu Police Department (HPD)- Sgt. Bryan Iwane, Kalihi Station, distributed a written report and highlighted the following:
The monthly statistics for January 2006 for Kalihi-District 5 were arguments- 71, assaults- 7, burglaries- 11, drugs/narcotics cases- 2, DUI- 3, family offenses- 7, harassments- 9, liquor law- 0, miscellaneous public cases- 25, miscellaneous service calls- 149, motor vehicle thefts- 41, motor vehicle collisions- 100, nuisance complaints- 36, parking violations- 93, property damage cases- 19, robberies- 2, sex offenses- 5, suspicious circumstances- 57, thefts- 48, unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV)- 30 and towed vehicles- 41 for a total of 756 offenses for district beats 550, 551, 552 and 554.
There are increased patrols monitoring parking on Likini Street, Wanaka Street and Ala Lehua.
Questions, answers and comments followed.
1. When Chair Tanimoto asked if there were any trends, Sgt. Iwane responded that there were none.
2. When Vice Chair Pepper asked about the home invasion from last October or November, where the homeowner was injured, Major Susan Ballard said they would follow up with Criminal Investigations Division (CID). She mentioned that there are measures in the Legislature that pertain to home invasions. Vice Chair Pepper encouraged the public to look up the bill number and support the bill’s passage. He also requested that HPD get back to the Board next month, even if only to report that it is an ongoing investigation.
3. Chair Tanimoto explained the background to this case. Last year a person, who used to come to the Board meetings was severely beaten during a home invasion. Resident Howard Shima, a 24-year former Board member, reported the details of case and that there were two other incidents in the same area. Major Ballard mentioned that they are still investigating the case.
4. Board member David Yomes mentioned that last meeting, he suggested to do away with the stats (unless they showed a trend) and just have reports of crimes in the news or in the community.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Major Ballard and Sgt. Iwane.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD)(continued)- Sgt. Clayton Chung, Pearl City Station, distributed his report and highlighted the following:
1. The monthly statistics for November 2005/December 2005/January 2006 for Beat 384 (Foster Village Neighborhood Security Watch) were: abuse- 3/1/2, alarm calls- 20/17/19, arguments- 22/34/40, assaults- 4/3/1, auto thefts- 9/4/10, auto theft recoveries- 11/7/3, burglaries- 4/7/4, criminal property damage cases- 7/5/3, dropped 9-1-1 calls- 54/54/37, miscellaneous public cases- 12/9/9, miscellaneous service calls- 55/56/49, noise complaints- 12/31/28, nuisances/disorderly calls- 17/32/16, parking violations- 31/26/47, robberies- 0/1/0, suspicious circumstances- 39/39/34, thefts- 9/11/13, and unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV)- 1/2/5. For November 2005/December 2005/January 2006 there were 421/480/454 calls for Beat 384 (Foster Village) of the 7,617/8,127/7,451 calls for District 3 (Kunia/Pearl City/Foster Village) or 5.53 percent/5.91 percent/6.09 percent.
For the highlighted offenses, the November 2005/December 2005/January 2006 statistics were: auto theft- 9/4/10, auto theft recovery- 11/7/3, burglaries- 4/7/4, criminal property damage cases- 7/5/3, unauthorized entries into motor vehicles- 1/2/5. On page three, there were listed the date, time and location of most of these highlighted offenses.
2. He reported on two burglaries, a motor vehicle theft and a large fight on Salt Lake Boulevard.
Questions, answers and comments followed.
A resident asked about an evacuation drill at Radford High School this morning. Vice Chair Pepper complimented the HPD for traffic control and the students on the drill at the high school and the elementary school.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Sgt. Chung.
Chair Tanimoto mentioned that Board member Yomes suggested to do away with the stats (and this would be discussed more later in the agenda) and asked for input from the HPD. Vice Chair Pepper mentioned that the Pearl City report format was useful, where they gave details of certain cases, similar to the information given to the Neighborhood Watch. He hoped that the Kalihi Station could follow Pearl City’s report format. Major Ballard responded that they have a bigger area to cover than just Foster Village, but they could pull out just the highlights and not every single case. Board member Yomes mentioned cases of “notoriety,” or in the news. Board member Larry Baird mentioned that he would like to read the stat sheet, but not have it reported. Major Ballard suggested three or four areas, like burglaries or assaults. Chair Tanimoto thanked Major Ballard for her input.
Because there was no quorum at the beginning of the meeting, Chair Tanimoto moved to the HPD report. When Vice Chair Pepper asked if this would a permanent change in the agenda, Board member Yomes mentioned that at the last meeting he suggested to move the HPD and HFD reports to the top of the agenda and have the presentations start at 8:00 p.m. The HPD and HFD would stay to hear the residents’ concerns and then return to duty.
Chair Tanimoto returned to the order of the agenda.
RESIGNATION OF BOARD MEMBER L. LEILANI MILLS; FILLING OF ONE (1) AT-LARGE VACANCY- Chair Tanimoto asked for volunteers to fill the At Large vacancy. As no one volunteered, Chair Tanimoto deferred this item to the next meeting.
APPROVAL OF ADDITION TO THE NOVEMBER 10, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES AND THE JANUARY 12, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES- Due to the late mailout, Chair Tanimoto deferred this item to the next meeting.
TREASURER’S REPORT- Chair Tanimoto deferred this item to the next meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS
1. Board member Minnie Brazell announced a “Community Alert.” From Department of Defense, there is a program for selected students in science, engineering and mathematical fields. Selection is based on student’s interest in these areas, scores on national standardized tests, teacher’s recommendations, personal statement of goals and interest and other criteria. For more information, visit their website or phone (212) 994-2254.
2. Chair Tanimoto mentioned that he and Board member Brazell have reviewed the mailing list and wanted to add schools and shopping centers to publicize the Neighborhood Board. Vice Chair Pepper commented about the expense for a mailout and asked to have a form in the next mailout requesting if the recipient would like to remain on the mailing list. Chair Tanimoto mentioned that when the Hannemann Administration came in, the Neighborhood Commission Office purged the list. When Board member Lorene Godfrey asked about bulk mail, Neighborhood Assistant Ho thought that it requires 200 pieces of mail to the same zip code. Chair Tanimoto also mentioned getting the Board’s agenda and minutes via e-mail.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Community Relations- Committee Chair Minnie Brazell mentioned that the deadline for the newsletter articles and materials was at the end of tonight’s meeting.
Social Services- Committee Chair Pepper reported that the Hawaii State Hospital is $5 million “in the red.” He asked for support to put the $5 million in the Supplemental Budget.
Planning and Zoning- No report.
Traffic and Transportation- Chair Tanimoto asked Committee Chair Larry Baird to report on flashing lights for schools along Salt Lake Boulevard. Chair Tanimoto also asked Hiroko Nakamura of Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office and would request Scott Ishikawa of the Department of Transportation to follow up.
Parks- Committee Chair Lorene Godfrey had no report.
Environment- No report.
Education- No report.
Public Safety- Committee Chair David Yomes had no report at this time.
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)- Capt. David Harbottle, Mokulele and Moanalua stations, had distributed the monthly statistics and left for a fire call.
Residents’ Concerns-
Resident Howard Shima gave an eyewitness account of the fire at Ala Lehua and Likini Streets. He was concerned about the unsightly debris and suggested that a committee look into the insurance aspect of the case and the State’s response. Chair Tanimoto mentioned that the HFD report had this fire on it. Board member Yomes mentioned that they have 90 days to settle the insurance claim, and then the Building Department would come in. Governor’s representative Michelle Hill added that the Department of Health would come in if the rodent population were a problem. Board member Yomes and resident Shima mentioned that over the years many complaints were filed. Vice Chair Pepper mentioned previous “abandoned” houses. Someone offered to find out more information about the homeowners and report back.
Chair Tanimoto read the HFD report:
1. Statistics for January 2006 included- Mokulele Station 8- fires- 3, Emergency Medical Service (EMS)/Rescue- 32 and miscellaneous- 21 for a total of 56. Moanalua Station 30- fires- 4, Emergency Medical Service (EMS)/Rescue - 54 and miscellaneous- 35 for a total of 93.
2. Major incident: Building fire at 983 Ala Lehua Street that occurred on January 30, 2006 at 6:12 a.m. At this time the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Five engine companies, two ladder companies, a rescue company and a battalion chief responded to this incident. Two occupants, a male and a female, were rescued from the building during the firefighting operations.
3. Fire Safety Tip: Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level. Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen and the bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned four to twelve inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.
Comments followed.
Vice Chair Pepper expressed his previously mentioned concern that the HFD usually arrives at an emergency before the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. He asked Governor’s representative Hill for any State help for the EMS.
PRESENTATIONS: DISCUSSION/ACTION- (7:37 p.m.)
Radio Control Association of Hawaii’s presentation regarding radio-controlled vehicles – Jessica Harris was not present.
Verizon Wireless’ proposal to place a microwave dish on the rooftop of one of the buildings of the Country Club Plaza condominium – Les Young, agent for Cellco Partnership, doing business as, Verizon Wireless reported that Verizon Wireless is proposing to install a microwave dish antenna on the rooftop of Country Club Plaza. The need arises due to a lack of adequate landline capacity from an existing site located at the Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR) housing area. As a result, a microwave connection is being planned to allow for additional capacity from the AMR site. They have met with the Country Club Plaza’s condominium board of directors and property management company on several occasions to discuss their proposal and a tentative lease agreement is currently being prepared for review and execution by all parties. The proposed facility will involve the installation of an eight-inch microwave dish along with an equipment shelter of approximately 150 square feet. The proposed shelter could barely be seen in the four photo simulations from various street-level angles.
Questions and answers followed.
1. When Board member Brazell asked about radiation, Young explained that unlike radio or cell phone transmissions, microwave transmissions are very narrow and in direct “line of sight.”
2. When Board member Brazell asked about using a higher building, Young mentioned the higher cost to use a helicopter than a crane. He also mentioned that he doesn’t release financial information but this proposal is less expensive than running wires underground.
- Vice Chair Pepper asked if they required any Board action. Young mentioned that there is a permit process, no zoning process, but this presentation was informational only.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Young.
Board of Water Supply (BWS)- Tom Strout distributed his monthly report and highlighted the following:
1. There were no main breaks for January 2006.
2. The Board of Water Supply (BWS) has announced the 2006 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest for all Oahu students in kindergarten through 6th grade. Deadline for poster entries is Thursday, March 9th. This year’s theme is: “Each and Every Day I Save Water My Way.”
Winners will receive a savings bond along with their inclusion in the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar. The winning poster entries will also be displayed at City Hall to commemorate Water Conservation Week. Complete details can be found on our website: www.boardofwatersupply.com or by calling our Communications Office at 748-5041.
3. 2006 Detect-A-Leak-Week- March 5-11 is Detect-A-Leak Week on the island of Oahu. BWS is asking everyone to check for leaks at home and work. Promotional flyers and Leak detection dye tablets for toilets will be available at the Board of Water Supply on Beretania Street, various hardware stores, and all satellite city halls. Also, fill out and mail in entry forms on the flyer to qualify for a free water audit.
4. Water Savings Tip- Not turning off the water as you brush your teeth can use as much as four gallons of water each time!
Chair Tanimoto thanked Strout for his report. On behalf of the Board of Water Supply, Strout wished everyone a “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative- (7:40 p.m.) Dana Takahara-Dias distributed the Mayor’s newsletter and reported the following:
- The Salt Lake District Park ball field renovation is running behind schedule. The opening will be delayed to the latter part of April and miss the first half of the Little League season, which starts on March 15.
- The recycling of “green waste,” using the blue bins, will start for Mililani, the North Shore and the Windward side in March. More information is forthcoming. It will be expanded island-wide shortly. Bulky item pick up will be expanding island-wide with regular monthly pick up.
3. From the November 2005 report- “The posted speed limit for Salt Lake Boulevard, between Puuloa Road and Ala Napunani is 25 mph. Between Ala Napunani and Arizona Road, the posted speed limit for Salt Lake Boulevard is 35 mph. The speed limit for Salt Lake Boulevard between Arizona Road and Kamehameha Highway is 25 mph. Should you have any questions, please contact Kelly Cruz at 523-4478.”
Vice Chair Pepper requested that the speed limit be changed to all 35 mph on Salt Lake Boulevard.
The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) responded- We have reviewed the request to increase the speed limit along the entire length of Salt Lake Boulevard to 35 miles per hour and found that the existing speed limits are appropriate for the area. According to the City’s Traffic Code, the speed limit along any roadway that borders a school is 25 miles per hour. This speed limit extends 1000 feet from the boundaries of the school. Between Arizona Road and Kamehameha Highway there are three schools: Makalapa Elementary School, Radford High School, and Aliamanu Elementary and Middle Schools. In addition, the area between Pakini Street and Likini Place is a residential zone where the lots abut Salt Lake Boulevard and the driveways directly access onto Salt Lake Boulevard. The speed limit between Puuloa Road and Ala Napuanani is also within a school zone and is posted accordingly. The portion of Salt Lake Boulevard between Ala Napuanani and Arizona Road is posted at 35 miles per hour since the geometrics of the roadway is favorable and there is no driveway access to disrupt the traffic flow on Salt Lake Boulevard. Therefore, we will retain the existing speed limits on Salt lake Boulevard. Should you have any questions, please call Richard Masuda at 527-5035.
4. Board member David Yomes mentioned that the removal of the two mid-block bus stops on Aliamanu Street was to be done in December. It hasn’t been done yet.
Posting of the notices for bus stops at 3603 and 3608 on Aliamanu was done on January 21, 2006. Effective date of removal of the stops was done February 8, 2006.
5. The Board received the instructional DVD on maneuvering in a roundabout. The Board was informed that the reproduction of the DVD was cheap and would like Foster Village residents to get the DVD, as many people do not have home computers to visit the website. Please list the designated sites that currently distribute the Roundabout DVDs in the Salt Lake/Foster Village area.
DTS distributed approximately 5,000 DVD’s via the Blockbuster store in Salt Lake. The cost to reproduce one (1) DVD along with the packaging and print design packet is $5.00. DTS is looking for funding to reproduce the DVD’s. The Blockbuster store in Salt Lake would be a designated distribution location. Should you have any questions, please contact Mike Oshiro at 527-5031.
6. The contractor has still not replaced the “Maluna Street” sign on Salt Lake Boulevard.
That is correct. A change order to replace the missing street signed is being processed with the contractor. We anticipate the sign to be fabricated and in place in a few weeks. We apologize for the inconvenience.
7. There are three large potholes on Wanaka Street near 3704 Likini Street. The potholes were patched on January 31, 2006. The Pothole Hotline phone number is 527-6006. The new Mayor's Administration has patched 45,000 potholes.
8. There is an abandoned vehicle with no license plates at Wanaka Street and Puuku Makai Drive. Nissan 2-door, primer colored car. It is parked in a red “tow away” zone for a bus stop. The vehicle has not moved for several months. Reportedly, the owner lives at 3656 Puuku Makai Drive.
On January 22, 2006 Officer J. Park cited the vehicle, a 1987 Nissan 300ZX, for abandoned vehicle, delinquent vehicle tax, and expired safety check. The vehicle was towed away for a tow zone violation.
9. Pat Lee represents the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project for the City. He will be visiting the various Neighborhood Boards to give updates on the “locally-preferred alternative.” He distributed a brochure that just came out, which updated the project. He mentioned the two, “scoping” meetings in December. He explained the process for getting federal funds and presenting the recommendations to the City Council, which has the final decision. The increase in the General Excise Tax would start on January 1, 2007.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Lee.
Questions, answers and comments followed.
1. Board member Yomes thanked Mayor's representative Takahara-Dias for getting all of the responses from the City. She acknowledged Neighborhood Assistant Ho for helping her get those responses.
2. Vice Chair Pepper had requested a “speed indicator” or a portable speed sign erected on Salt Lake Boulevard for a couple of months to show motorists their speed.
The District 5 (Kalihi) speed trailer is currently in the repair shop and is not available for use. On June 19, 2005, a vehicle collided into the speed trailer while it was set up on Ala Aolani Street in Moanalua Valley. Officers will monitor the areas for speed limit enforcement and take appropriate action when violations are observed.
3. Vice Chair Pepper asked Mayor's representative Takahara-Dias to follow up on how to distribute information on driving at a roundabout. Originally, the Board was told that it was very cheap to reproduce the DVDs. Hiroko Nakamura from Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office commented that the contractor did make the DVDs for the Salt Lake roundabout. Board member Yomes suggested printing up a one-page flyer for distribution at Safeway or put it in the newspaper, which would be less expensive than making a DVD. Board member Larry Baird suggested printing the instructions in the Foster Village Association’s newsletter. Board member Yomes mentioned that the first person entering the roundabout has the right of way. Board member Baird mentioned the Department of Transportation (DOT) and merging onto the freeway.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Takahara-Dias.
Board member Yomes asked if the DOT answered resident Howard Shima’s concern from last month, Chair Tanimoto answered that the DOT did.
Councilmember Romy Cachola- (8:06 p.m.) Hiroko Nakamura distributed Councilmember Cachola’s newsletter and was available for questions.
Question, answers and comments followed.
Vice Chair Pepper asked about the list of roads for repaving. Nakamura mentioned that it was forwarded to Councilmember Rod Tam for follow up.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Nakamura.
Chair Tanimoto mentioned that Scott Ishikawa, Department of Transportation, followed up on resident Howard Shima’s concern about the islands at the on-ramps to the H-1 freeway and sent an update on the Puuloa Road Improvements Project on February 7, 2006, as follows:
“Notice to Proceed” date was July 25, 2005. Estimated construction time was 455 working days from “Notice to Proceed” date. Estimated completion date is May 24, 2007.
The contractor is continuing work at the Salt Lake Boulevard/Puuloa Road intersection. Additional drainage is being installed along Puuloa Road along the Ewa-side to improve the area drainage. The contractor is also performing utility work (adjustment of existing gas and AT&T lines.)
Temporary traffic controls, lane closures and detours will continue throughout the project areas for public safety during the ongoing roadwork. Special duty officers will continue to assist with keeping traffic moving safely in the project work zones.
As for the Nimitz Highway repaving through Kalihi, work is completed except for some minor work. Repaving will now take place from Nimitz in downtown and along Ala Moana Boulevard into Waikiki later this summer.
Governor Linda Lingle’s representative- Michelle Hill, Deputy Director, Department of Health, distributed the Governor’s weekly update and reported the following.
1. If you have loved ones, who are serving our country in the defense of freedom and liberty, you can e-mail the photos to the Governor.
2. The tax season is underway. State Tax Director Kurt Kawafuchi encourages taxpayers to file electronically, which is the fastest way to get a refund within two to three weeks instead of four to six weeks for paper returns filed by mail. The tax department announced that they collected $260 million from delinquent taxpayers.
3. The newsletter had upcoming events and the Governor’s weekly radio programs on Oahu and on Kaua’i and for Maui/Kona and for Hilo.
- Governor’s representative Hill wanted to thank Vice Chair Pepper for mentioning the funding for the Hawaii State Hospital. She would follow up on Vice Chair Pepper’s request to help with the EMS funding.
- She wanted to thank the Honolulu Fire Department for putting out a big fire at the Department of Health on Beretania and Punchbowl Streets.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Governor’s representative Hill.
Resident Suzette Adversalo wanted to update two items. She mentioned the resident concern about a large tree. The owner was cited, but given the opportunity to correct the problem. Also, concerning two “abandoned vehicles” near the roundabout, the owners move them before they can be cited and towed. Board member Yomes suggested this should be a “no parking” area. Vice Chair Pepper suggested that Public Safety Committee Chair Yomes look at this issue again and report back.
Chair Tanimoto referred this to Public Safety Committee Chair Yomes Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair Baird to follow up with the Department of Transportation. Hiroko Nakamura mentioned that she doesn’t know why the “no parking” sign was removed after a month.
Senator Norman Sakamoto- Chair Tanimoto mentioned that last month while Senator Sakamoto was in the Philippines with the Governor, Cherry Torres from Senator Sakamoto’s Office did a good job. Senator Sakamoto distributed his newsletter and reported the following:
1. Senator Sakamoto mentioned that Representative Wakai would talk more about the anti-smoking project with the Moanalua High School students.
2. Concerning his Senate Committee on Education and Military Affairs, he mentioned that fixing the schools is on everyone’s mind. He wants to reduce the $525 million repairs and maintenance backlog to a more manageable $80 million a year for repairs in three years.
3. He wants to ensure fair distribution of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
4. For clarification, the Legislature doesn’t cut librarians. Each school with the principal and school/community councils decides the priorities. He wants to provide additional funds to aid the schools or the Superintendent.
5. Concerning Military Affairs, he mentioned a bill to build an aviation museum on Ford Island to help the Arizona and U.S.S. Missouri. The Arizona Memorial museum is sinking beyond repair. There is a nation-wide campaign to reconstruct the museum at a new site.
- The Oahu veterans have their facility in Foster Village and they are asking for funding for phase two. There is a bill to award the high school diplomas to World War II, Korean War and Vietnam veterans, who went off to war. He mentioned homecoming ceremonies for neighbor island National Guard units.
Comments followed.
- When Vice Chair Pepper thought that the construction going on now was phase two, Senator Sakamoto corrected that they are asking for funding for phase three.
2. Concerning the irradiation facility near the airport, Chair Tanimoto mentioned the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) would hold a public hearing, as requested by David Henkin’s group, Concerned Citizens of Honolulu. Senator Sakamoto received concerns from other Neighborhood Boards to have a public hearing with not only the NRC but with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and as an accident would affect the airport and disrupt Hawaii’s economy.
There were no questions.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Senator Sakamoto.
Representative Lynn Finnegan- Antonio “Tony” Bacami from Representative Finnegan’s office was available to take community concerns.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Bacami.
Representative Glenn Wakai- Representative Wakai distributed his newsletter and highlighted the following:
1. Forty-five Moanalua High School freshmen worked on House Bill H.B. 3017, which went to the Judiciary Committee. This bill would hopefully discourage underage smoking.
2. Although Moanalua High School has the best band and orchestra in the State, but they do not have a place to play in, Representative Wakai is working on CIP funds of $19 million to construct a facility similar to Pearl City High School, Castle High School, or Kamuki High School.
3. Representative Wakai gave an update on the Moanalua Gardens and Moanalua Valley. The Legacy Land Trust Fund has $3.9 million to purchase Moanalua Valley and Moanalua Gardens. By August 2006, The Trust for Public Lands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Moanalua Gardens Foundation would
work with public lawmakers to purchase the Moanalua Gardens. The Moanalua Gardens Foundation
would operate the Moanalua Gardens educational programs.
4. This Saturday, he will be out painting over graffiti with the Moanalua girls’ basketball team at the Chandelier apartments on Ala Ilima Street, the Moanalua Dog Park and in Moanalua Valley.
Comments followed.
1. When Vice Chair Pepper asked if the $3.9 million was just for the Moanalua Gardens, Representative Wakai responded that the breakdown was $5.5 million for the Valley and $5 million for the Gardens. They have $6.6 million secured and the Legacy Land Trust Fund, under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has the $3.9 million.
2. Steven Y. Onone of the Moanalua Valley Community Association (MVCA) mentioned that nothing has come out and he hasn’t heard anything.
Chair Tanimoto thanked Representative Wakai.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (8:36 p.m.)
Board vote to determine whether to “do away” with statistics during presentations from the HPD, HFD, BWS, and other agencies- Board member Yomes suggested that the stats should not be mandatory
Vice Chair Pepper favored stats that show six-month trends. He suggested that Board member Yomes’ committee look at five or six areas and get the stats on a six-month basis.
Board member Yomes liked the Pearl City District 3 format, listing auto thefts, auto theft recovery, burglaries, criminal property damage and unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV). Vice Chair Pepper suggested parking violations and enforcement. Board member Yomes will go back and make a list of areas and stats that the Board wants
Resident Shima suggested that the Neighborhood Board requests that the same person from HPD comes each month for continuity. Board member Yomes explained that under the 3 days/12 hour work schedule, the HPD has different people coming in on the night shift. Under the 5 days/8 hours work shift, starting in June, the HPD would have better community contact.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Chair Tanimoto suggested discussing park closing hours.
2. Chair Tanimoto mentioned the painting of parking spaces on Likini Street and Ala Ilima Street. Vice Chair Pepper commented that when they paint spaces, you lose parking spaces. He mentioned his experience at Leahi hospital. Board member Yomes suggested having a tow away before street cleaning to clear abandoned vehicles. Vice Chair Pepper mentioned a previous Board request that went unanswered to prevent runoff of trash into the Salt Lake waterway. Resident Shima mentioned that 90 percent of the people have to agree with an idea.
3. Vice Chair Pepper suggested putting the Board’s 2006-2007 priorities on the agenda for the next meeting.
4. Board member Baird mentioned the Department of Transportation (DOT) re-lining the lines at the intersection of Salt Lake Boulevard and Kahuapaani Street.
5. Board member Yomes mentioned that each month, he hears the elected officials, like Senator Sakamoto and Representative Wakai talk about the schools. He suggested that the Board meetings would be a good venue to have award ceremonies for academics or sports. The parents would come out and there would be more community involvement. Board member Brazell agreed. Vice Chair Pepper mentioned the annual reports from the high school principals in the area for April or May. Senator Sakamoto
suggested starting with recognition for community service. A resident suggested that the Boy Scouts help
elderly people with the upkeep of their yards. Board member Yomes suggested that meeting the elected
officials would be a real “treat” for the kids.
6. Salt Lake Boulevard Beautification project update- Mayor's representative Dana Takahara-Dias mentioned that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is responsible for the irrigation and maintenance of the project. There are about 14,000 square feet of dead vines. They estimate $2 a square foot to remove the vines and repaint the wall. To re-do the irrigation system would be very expensive and they don’t have the resources. They want to work with the community and discuss what to do. Resident Shima commented on the drip irrigation system. Takahara–Dias mentioned the original project was $1.5 million. Tom Strout mentioned what the Board of Water Supply does when it replaces valves. Takahara-Dias mentioned City inter-department co-operation with the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to solve the problem. Hiroko Nakamura mentioned that the City is more concerned with basic services and public safety. Several people suggested painting the vines on the wall.
7. Vice Chair Pepper again asked that Councilmember Romy Cachola support more funding for the Police as they received additional responsibility for the military housing areas that have been “privatized.” Although the Kalihi District may get more personnel, they may not get assigned to Aliamanu/Salt Lake. It is Hiroko Nakamura’s understanding that they would be assigned to the military housing “beat.”
8. In summary, Chair Tanimoto mentioned for next month’s agenda- 2006-2007 Board priorities, parking, statistics from government agencies and the roundabout.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2006, at the Aliamanu Middle School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Hearing no objections, Chair Tanimoto adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.
Submitted by K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair Grant Tanimoto