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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006
AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY
CALL TO ORDER: First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, David Arakawa, Robyn Blanpied, Ryan Distajo, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, William Clark, Monica Texeira, Sam Heth, Ross Lee, Ron Mobley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Ruby Hargrave, Wilbert Ho, and George Passmore.
GUESTS: Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Lawrence Higa, Ariel Martinez (Representative Blake Oshiro's Office), Sgt. Clayton Chung, Lt. Guy Demello, and District Commander Debra Tandel (Honolulu Police Department, Pearl City Station), Carl Young (Nextel), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola's Office), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Wesley Sawamura, Captain Robert Main (Honolulu Fire Department, Engine 10-Aiea), Gary K. Omori (HHCTCP), Tracy Kubota (Councilmember Gary Okino's Office), Representative K. Mark Takai, Faye Chee (Senator Donna Kim's Office), Warren Munro, Marleen Lagadon, Anthony Bacani (Representative Lynn Finnegan's Office), T. Adres, Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Stan Shiraki (Governor's Office), David Tanoue (Mayor's Office), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Senator Norman Sakamoto, Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: Neighborhood Assistant Frank called the roll of Board members. There were nine members present.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tonight's guests introduced themselves.
PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Main gave the following report:
1) Statistics for March 2006 included fire responses – 2 structure and 2 vehicle; emergencies – 51 medical, 1 search/rescue, and 21 miscellaneous (includes hazardous conditions, activated alarms, and service calls). There was one major incident – a building fire at 99-010 Kauhale Street on April 1, with seven companies responding. The fire is still under investigation. There were five unusual incidents arising from flooding caused by the recent rains.
2) Fire Safety Tip: Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.
Questions, answers and comments followed: It is recommended that fire extinguishers are inspected annually. Once used a fire extinguisher must be serviced by a professional.
Captain Main was thanked for attending the meeting.
Lee arrived during the above portion of the meeting (10 members present).
Honolulu Police Department – Major Debra Tandel, new District Commander for District 3 (Pearl City) introduced herself and gave a brief background of her experiences.
Sgt. Chung reported the following:
1) Statistics for last month included auto theft 37, auto theft recovery 26, burglary 16, criminal property damage 23, sex assault 3, theft 31, U.E.M.V (unauthorized entry into motor vehicle) 40, and calls for service in the Aiea area 1, 930 (27.36%). Total response calls for District 3 were 7,054.
2) Incident highlights: a) April 3, 2006, 8:00 p.m. four juveniles arrested on Koauka Loop for entering a vehicle. b) March 29, 2006 – Nineteen year old arrested in Halawa on Ohialohi Place for burglary. c) Patrol officers continue to maintain speed and traffic enforcement.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Blanpied expressed concern for constituents regarding loud drum practicing. Calls made to 911 resulted with different responses relative to the same issue. Sgt. Chung replied residents should continue to call 911 about this annoyance, and an officer would be sent to speak with the resident.
2) To report suspected illegal activity in a neighborhood call the Narcotic Vice hotline (586-1328) with the address and location. The caller may remain anonymous. Calls can also be made to 911 and a beat officer will be sent out. The beat officer will inform the Crime Reduction Unit of the problem.
3) Officers will be sent to do parking enforcement on Pamoho Street where cars are illegally parked in the cul-de-sac where "no parking" signage is posted.
Sgt. Chung, Lt. Demello and Major Tandel were thanked for attending the meeting.
Board of Water Supply – Tracy Burgo reported the following:
1) There were no water main breaks for the month of March.
2) General Water Announcements:
q When it rains heavily, the pumpage drops because people don't water their lawns, wash their cars, or do other heavy water consumption outdoor activities. As of March 8, 2006 water usage was 127.28 million gallons per day, down from last year's 146.43 million gallons per day.
q While this can briefly cause water levels to rise, this does not indicate that there is more water in the aquifer, only that BWS are pumping less water from it. Usually, when the rain ends, the aquifer levels will go back to regular levels as pumpage rises to accommodate people resuming the activities they put off while inclement weather was occurring.
q During heavy rains there is always considerable runoff. Despite the runoff, rainy weather helps maximize the amount of rainfall available for aquifer recharge.
q Winter and spring rains help to balance out the dry months we experience in the summer.
q Consumers should continue to be mindful of water use even during periods like these as the effects from them will not be immediately evident.
3) Water Conservation Tip: a) The height at which you mow your lawn can have a direct effect on how much and how often you water it. Make sure you know what the correct height is for the type of grass you have on your lawn. b) Leaving grass cuttings on your lawn can help soil retain moisture naturally.
4) Follow up to a question raised last month – Installation of a water line on Halawa Drive is completed. Resurfacing to be done by the City.
There were no questions from Board or guests. Tracy Burgo was thanked for attending the meeting.
Board of Education – No representative was present.
APPROVAL of MINUTES, MARCH 2006 – The following corrections/additions were made:
- Page 4, Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi Update, 1st sentence should read, "...Jen Chahanovich and Mona Maehara presented the fiscal year 2005 review relative to quality improvement, patient care services, admissions, emergency room visits, total surgical cases, average daily census, average length of stay, staffing highlights, equipment and construction, and plans for fiscal year 2006..."
- Page 5, bottom should read, "...H-1/Waimalu Freeway Widening Update..."
- Page 6, Senator Donna Kim, "...delete duplicate the gas tax..."
- Page 7, Governor's Representative should read, "...Governor's Weekly Update..."
Without objections the March 2006 minutes were approved as amended.
TREASURER'S REPORT – Treasurer Thompson reported due to staff changes at the Neighborhood Commission, the March report would be given at a later date. She reported for January 2006, there were no expenses in the Operating Account balance was $1,237.95; having no expenditures in the Publicity Account the balance was $2,540; and no expenses incurred in the Refreshment Account leaving a balance of $120. The Treasurer's report will be filed subject to audit.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
v Aiea Community Association – Vice Chair Sugimura announced the next Aiea Community Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 24, 2006, Aiea Intergenerational Center, at 7:00 p.m. (across from Albero and Sakura Restaurants on Kauhale Street, Suite B3).
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation Update – Deferred.
H-1/Waimalu Freeway widening Update – Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation (DOT) gave the following update:
1) Due to the recent heavy rains, the project lost seven weekends of pouring concrete, thus the project completion should be in June.
2) Numerous noise complaints were called in to the DOT office. Per the request of Representative K. Mark Takai, State transportation officials attended a town meeting at Waimalu Elementary School on March 30, 2006 to discuss community concerns. The officials explained the noise was attributed to contractor Kiewit Pacific removing the top inch of the existing concrete road surface along the H-1 project area. As part of the test, the State plans to lay five different types of concrete over the next month to determine the best material for future concrete repaving projects along the H-1 Freeway.
To alleviate the noise, the contractor has since placed barriers along the mauka side of the machinery to block and deflect the noise at night.
3) A letter with this explanation was circulated for interested persons to review.
4) The Aiea Access Road Resurfacing Project (Moanalua Road to Kamehameha Highway) should commence in two weeks with electrical and lighting starting first. The ramp will be replaced with concrete and will take about three weekends to complete. The contractor was instructed to complete the project prior to the start of football season. Grace Pacific, contractor for this resurfacing project, will also patch surrounding streets, such as Honomanu Street in the area, since the machinery will be accessible for the job.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Blanpied will forward her letter requesting reflectors on Halawa Drive near Camp Smith.
2) The State pothole hotline number is 536-7852.
3) Due to the traffic zipper lane accident several years, work on the zipper lane will be done during the day.
Scott Ishikawa was thanked for attending the meeting.
Kam Drive-in Property Update – Deferred.
NEW BUSINESS:
Proposed Nextel Antenna Facility:
- Olivet Baptist Church, 99-611 Ulune Street – Consultant Carl Young distributed two handouts and presented the following update: A pole with antennae servicing T-Mobile and Sprint is already located on the church's property. Plans are to add Nextel antennae on that pole. A shelter compound would be built near the antenna. The purpose for this antenna is to service Nextel wireless users in the Stadium area.
There were no questions relative to the proposed site since the pole already exists.
Chair Clark arrived during the above portion of the meeting. Vice Chair Sugimura relinquished the gavel to Chair Clark who resumed the agenda (11 members present)
- 98-302 Kamehameha Highway TMK (1) 9-8-018:039 (Watumull Properties) – Due to opposition to the Farhni Realty site for the proposed antenna, a proposed alternate site is the Watumull properties located at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway. A shelter, generator, and a sixty-foot monopole are proposed for this site. The pole would be built to accommodate two additional carriers with Nextel at the top. A six-foot chain link fence would surround the area; dimensions for the shelter are twelve feet wide, eighteen feet long and twelve feet in height.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) A resident expressed opposition about the proposed antenna (Watumull's property) because only an existing picket fence would separate the pole and antennae from neighboring homes. She mentioned that new homes are also being constructed near the proposed site. It was suggested the car lot or another property across the street on the makai side of Kamehameha Highway be use instead. She noted her mom received a letter from Nextel last week, but other neighbors said they had not. Young replied certified letters were sent to property owners near the proposed site. Young reiterated the Farhni Realty property was the first selection, but Nextel met with opposition from the Board and the Aiea Community Association. The car lot, as well as the Audio shop were approached but declined.
2) A question was raised if residents living near the Forty Niner Cafe down to the Boston Pizza area were notified. Young responded that the county requires that the community be informed. Businesses were approached first, then letters were sent to surrounding property owners.
3) Representative K. Mark Takai appreciated the handout with a photo of the proposed antenna site from the roadway, but stated he would like to see photos of other angles and heights. He noted, why not re-locate the proposed antenna to the American Savings Bank Building at Pearlridge Shopping Center. Rep. Takai also asked if Nextel has considered asking HECO to install the antenna on one of the 138 KV poles? Young answered all had been considered and the suggestions are excellent. The first choice was the Pearl Ridge Center office building, which was refused by the owners (under new management); second choice was the American Savings Bank building, which having the same owner, thus the proposal was denied. HECO was approached. The issue is being negotiated, but they have reached no agreement relative to rent. HECO's indemnification requirement is not acceptable with Nextel..
4) Representative Takai offered to assist Young with approaching the owners of Pearlridge Centers and HECO to discuss the matter.
5) Young pointed out that landowners have rights, and the community has a say. Nextel is open to all Board and community recommendations and will take them under consideration.
6) Chair reconfirmed with Rep. Takai that he would speak with HECO and the owners of Pearlridge Centers to discuss the issue. Young noted per the request, if Rep. Takai could move quickly on the issue. Chair Clark noted this is the first time the issue is on the agenda relative to the two proposed sites presented. Young stated it takes two years for an antenna site to be built. Chair Clark asked Rep. Takai if a month would be enough time to discuss the issue with HECO and the owners of Pearlridge Centers. Rep. Takai will give an updated report at the May Board meeting
7) The proposed Watumull site has split zoning.
8) The proposed existing site on Ulune Street would need only to have antenna panels built.
Without objections, the issue was tabled until the May meeting to allow negotiations with Rep. Takai, Nextel, HECO, and the owners of Pearlridge Centers.
Carl Young was thanked for attending the meeting.
Chair Clark deferred the agenda to take Unfinished Business - Kam Drive-in Property Update at this time. There were no objections.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Kam Drive-in Property Update – Chair Clark reported he spoke with the manager of the drive-in who informed him the last mud spill is a new problem, which occurred on the Pearl Harbor side of the property. They are working with a landscaper to diminish and eliminate the problem.
The order of the agenda resumed.
REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
Governor's Representative – Stan Shiraki circulated Governor Lingle's Weekly Update, which contained information relative to the West Nile Virus and was available for questions.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) To stop mosquitoes from breeding in one's yard, add soap or dishwashing liquid to standing water.
2) Chair Clark reported he received a call from a constituent about an area on Kaimakani Street near Gus Webling Elementary School with grass as high as nine feet tall. The property, formerly owned by the State, was given to the City who refused to accept it. Neither side is taking responsibility for the maintenance.
3) Chair Clark relinquished the gavel to Vice Chair Sugimura.
4) Clark gave additional comments relative to the jurisdictional dispute between the City and the State. A report on this issue was requested for the May meeting. Volunteers from Camp Smith were asked by the school to assist with cutting of the grass.
5) Blanpied noted the Kaimakani easement now belongs to HECO.
6) It was reported that the area is infested with rodents; that burglars hide in the grass; and the overgrown grass hid a suspected drug house on Poko Street.
Further discussion: a) Distajo mentioned the vantage point is Allipoe Street where homes were broken into from the back. Mayor's representative Tanoue replied a meeting was recently held between the City and State to resolve the issue. It is not an uncommon situation and he will give an updated report at next month's meeting. Chair Clark asked what happens to the people in the mean-time? The question would be the fact is the State maintained the property for a period of time, but not since it was given to the City. c) Blanpied said the City posted signs, and in her opinion, this acknowledges their responsibility. d) Mobley asked if there could be a joint venture, and between the State and County to maintain this property. e) Burgo noted the Department of Land and Natural Resources have been maintaining the property.
Representative K. Mark Takai – Representative Takai reported the following:
1) The session's second crossover is slated for Thursday.
2) Transportation Update: H-1 Freeway Project – It has been difficult for residents living below the project. Waimalu Valley residents were added to the March 30 Town Meeting agenda to express their concerns about the noise at night. He reiterated information reported by Ishikawa that an inch of the road surface is being removed along being a four-foot trench, and five -hundred feet in length, from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. The residents have endured hammering and noise for a month for installation of test materials. Rep. Takai requested of State Department of Transportation Director Rod Haraga, that when the project is completed a celebration night should be held. Highlights of the Town Meeting will be displayed at Pearlridge Shopping Center soon.
2) A joint session will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 to honor military personnel with connections to Hawaii who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to present their survivors with a Signature Hawaii Medal of Honor, 10:00 a.m. in the House Chambers.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
The planting of trees along the Kamehameha Highway medians is a sensitive solution for the State. Proposed plans are to plant a canopy of trees on the sides and the medians.
The Rep's standpoint relative to the rail system is he anticipates the rail to go through Kamehameha Highway for this area, with a fixed guide way down the middle.
Relative to a question posed at the Town Meeting about a roundabout for Kahele Street and Komo Mai Drive, the first proposal was in 1999. After a traffic calming initiative was implemented, the money ran out. At that time only two of the nine Newton Estates Community Association board members supported the project. Rep. Takai, Newton Estates Community Association board and the City came up with a plan because in previous years no alternatives were given. Currently the Association does have alternatives, however other decisions for the area are held up. A letter dated March 2005 was sent suggesting a survey be mailed to area residents, but nothing has been done. A decision on this issue will be made next month.
Tamamoto commented that the issued is two-sided, and it depends on whom you talk to.
Lee commented a medium should be found. Engineers install obstacles on the roadway and someone always hits them.
Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the written report and was available for questions.
Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Faye Chee distributed the monthly report and said Senators Kim and Sakamoto are attending a Town Meeting this evening.
Faye Chee was thanked for attending the meeting.
Councilmember Gary Okino – Tracy Kubota circulated the Councimember's written report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Halewiliko Street – Lot 15 Remediation: The State Department of Health (DOH) and Alexander and Baldwin (former owners of the parcel) recently held a public meeting to provide information on the contamination, remedial investigation results and proposed remedies for the lot portion of the former Aiea Sugar Mill site. By law, all actions to remediate contamination from Lot 15 will require DOH approval.
2) Kanuku Street – Responding to a constituent's concern regarding pedestrian safety at the Diamond Head, mauka corner of Kanuku Street/Kamehameha Highway intersection, the Councilmember submitted a request to the City Administration to investigate. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) found a hollow-tile wall encroaching on the sidewalk area from abutting private property and a notice to have the wall removed was issued. Upon removal of the wall pedestrians will have more sidewalk space along Kanuku Street and will no longer have to walk along the roadway.
3) On Tuesday, April 11, 2006 the Budget Committee will be making recommendations on the proposed CD1 amendments to the Legislative, Operating, Capital budget bills. A special Budget Committee meeting will be held on April 13, 2006 to discuss revenue and real property tax bills that accompany the operating budget.
4) A public hearing relative to the Budget is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.
Tracy Kubota was thanked for attending the meeting.
Texeira left during the above portion of the meeting (10 members present).
Representative Lynn Finnegan – Anthony Bacani passed out the monthly report and was available for questions.
Tony Bacani was thanked for attending the meeting.
Mayor's Representative – David Tanoue gave the following report:
1) The contractor will remove the "steel plates ahead" signs on Kaonohi Street.
2) Regarding motor-cross bikers riding in the Newtown Recreation Center area, bikers are using undeveloped/unimproved City property for some time. The property is not approved for recreational use and the Department of Parks and Recreation does not recommend removal of the "No trespassing" signs.
3) The City will close Ala Moana Park at night for a month leading up to a three-day shut down, from April 25-27 comprehensive maintenance. The homeless were offered space at Sister Roberta Park on the grounds of HPD. The State, service providers and Hawaii's religious community were also called upon to assist with re-locating the homeless.
4) More than 60,000 people attended the recently held Centennial Family Festival at Ala Moana Park.
David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Norman Sakamoto – The Senator distributed his written report and highlighted/added the Senate continues to advocate for supporting of our schools and students by increasing the amount of funds to be allocated by the Weighted Student Formula (SB 3195 SD2 HD1).
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation – Blanpied reported she attended a Kamehameha Highway Beautification meeting, and the plans are looking good. A proposed rail stop for Leeward Community College is planned three-quarter miles away from the school and will be located or near the Pearl City Industrial Center. The Slemons car lot and Aloha Stadium locations were suggested bus terminal sites for Aiea.
Puhala Marsh Cleanup is scheduled for April 29, 2006. Volunteers are welcome.
There were no other committee reports.
ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Clark announced receipt of the following correspondence:
1) Board of Water Supply work on Kaamilo and Akaaka Streets – April 10, 2006.
2) Honolulu Jaycees 50th State Fair – May 25 through June 18 on weekends.
3) Board of Education meeting, Alvah Scott Elementary School, May 10, 2006, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss student achievement.
4) Pearl Kai establishment liquor application hearing, April 13, 2006, at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard, at 4:00 p.m.
5) Mobley announced the metal shed on Kamehameha Highway has been removed.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Submitted by Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair William Clark and Vice Chair Jane Sugimura