Printable version (copy and paste link into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb20/06/20_2006_02Min.pdf 
AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2006
AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY
Call to Order – First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Robyn Blanpied, Ryan Distajo, Wilbert Ho, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, William Clark, George Passmore, Sam Heth, Ross Lee, Ron Mobley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Dave Arakawa, Ruby Hargrave, and Monica Texeira.
GUESTS: Polly Yoder, Nancy Hsu, Ken Harmeyer, Faye Chee (Senator Donna Mercado Kim’s Office), Warren Munroe, Christine Gamboa (Hale Kipa), Amy Buck, Sgt. Clayton Chung and Lt. Keith Lima (HPD – District 3, Pearl City), David Lemon (Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21), Dayna Tamashiro, Raine Nitta, Captain Lee Mueller (Honolulu Fire Department), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Antonio Bacani (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office), Blake Vance, David Tanoue (Mayor’s Representative – Deputy Director of the City Department of Planning and Permitting), Tracy Kubota (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Jon Nouchi and Tracy Tamanaha (Office of O’ahuTransport Services), James Burke (Department of Transportation Services), Mary Booth, Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Rick McComb (Hickam Air Force Base), Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Gary Omori, Senator Norman Sakamoto, Stan Shiraki (Governor’s Office/State Budget & Finance), Lisa Vargas (Representative Mark Takai’s Office), Ilaisanne Tififita, Carl Young (Nextel), Nola Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
Roll Call of Board Members – Neighborhood Assistant Frank called the roll of Board members. A quorum was present with 10 members.
Introduction of Guests – Tonight’s guests introduced themselves.
Public Service Reports:
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Lee Mueller reported the following:
1. Statistics for January – 6 rubbish and 5 vehicle fires; 49 medical and 28 miscellaneous calls.
2. 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 or bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from the air vents.
3. If smoke detectors are beeping it is a signal that the batteries need changing.
Captain Lee Mueller was thanked for attending the meeting.
Honolulu Police Department – Lt Keith Lima provided the following
1. Statistics for January: auto theft 30, auto theft recovery 25, burglary 18, criminal property damage 32, sex assault 1, theft 65, UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle) 45, totaling 2,000 calls in the Aiea/Halawa area, out of 7,451 total calls for service, which is 26.84% of the total calls in District 3.
2. Lt. Lima highlighted the following:
v HPD received a tip that a wanted individual was hole up in a condominium located at 98-1038 Moanalua Road. District 3’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), along with the assistance of the Kalihi CRU, and Specialized Services (SWAT) responded. Information called in was that the suspect was armed, resulting with area residents being evacuated. The incident lasted from 7 to about 9 p.m. when the individual surrendered.
v A purse snatching robbery happened outside of the Stadium Swap Meet. A male suspect approached two women visitors from Japan attempted to steal their handbags. The suspect is a local male, 43 years of age with 21 prior arrests, stole the purses and took off running down the street. Two individuals chased him down, turned him over to a military police officer that detained him until HPD arrived for the arrest, which was a felony. The two victims received minimal injuries and have since returned to Japan. The suspect was released until his preliminary hearing date. It is unlikely that the two victims will return to Hawaii to testify.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
Aldinger questioned the purse-snatcher’s 21 prior arrests, and asked why he was not incarcerated. Lt. Lima replied there is legislation currently proposed to the legislators for the three strikes offenses. However, the suspect mentioned above would not qualify because the majority of his arrests were misdemeanors, some of which were forgeries. This individual has had six convictions and there are seven pending trial. In some instances Deferred Acceptance of Guilt (DAGP) Plea are made, where if the criminal keeps out of trouble for a period of time designated by the court, the record is wiped clean.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) –Tracy Burgo reported the following:
1. There was one water main break in the month of January. The pipe is an 8-inch cast iron, and is 49 years old. As the useful lifespan of our current water mains ends, BWS is spending millions of dollars to replace them to insure reliable water service and help prevent main breaks.
2. The Board of Water Supply has announced the 2006 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest for all O’ahu 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 www.boardofwatersupply.com or by calling the Communications Office at 748-5041.
3. March 5-11 is Detect-A-Leak Week on the island of O’ahu. BWS is asking everyone to check for leaks at home and work. Promotional flyers and Leak detection tablets for toilets will be available at the BWS 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 Saving Tip: Not turning off the water as you brush your teeth can use as much as four gallons of water each time.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Relative to the BWS installation of a new water line on Halawa Heights Drive, Blanpied asked if only the loop would be resurfaced, not Halawa Heights Drive. Burgo responded that she did not know what the project encompasses, but will follow up.
2. Martha Aldinger asked as pipes are being replaced, what materials are being used for the new pipes and the lifespan. Burgo replied depending on location, the engineers make the decision as to what types of materials would be used depending on the soil content. BWS is trying to get it to where the pipes have a lifespan of 50 years. Cast iron pipes are still installed in certain areas. However, plastic pipes are less susceptible to corrosion.
Tracy Burgo was thanked for attending the meeting.
Board of Education – Shirley Robinson distributed a Board of Education (BOE) newsletter prior to the meeting, but was unable to stay for the meeting.
Approval of Minutes –January 2006: The following corrections/additions were made:
§ Page 1, Members present add, “...George Passmore...”
§ Page 1. Roll Call of Board Members should read, “...12 members present...”
§ Page 3, Best Buy Store, line sentence 3 should read, “...He explained that Best Buy opened without a certificate of occupancy on November 18, 2006...”
§ Page 7, item 2 should read, “...Blanpied pointed out that the Army Corps of Engineers is revising prior stream cleaning. In response, A&B said tht the matter had not been addressed...”
§ Page 9, Representative Mark Takai 2 should read, “...Kaahele Street...”
§ Page 10, Governor’s Representative, Questions, answers and comments followed sentence 3 should read, “...structure...”
- Page 11, Council member Romy Cachola add, “...Sharleen Oshiro reported the following: (a) Happy New Year to everyone on behalf of Councilmember Romy Cachola. In response to complaints received from residents in the area, the following actions are being taken by the Honolulu Police Department. (b) In response to illegally parked vehicles at school bus stops, Police are ticketing such vehicles. These vehicles block visibility of both drivers and pedestrians, creating a safety hazard. (c) In response to late night drinking and drugs at Makalapa Neighborhood Park, the Crime Reduction Unit of the Honolulu Police Department has added Makalapa Neighborhood Park to their list of hotspots. They will keep this area under surveillance in addition to regular patrols...”
Without objections, the Board accepted the January 2006 minutes as amended.
TREASURERS REPORT - Treasurer Thompson reported that the January report was not available. Statistics for the month of December 2005 are Operating Account expenditures were $63.36, leaving a balance to-date of $1,237.95. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts showed no expense, leaving the balances at $2,540 and $120, respectively. By unanimous consent, the December Treasurer’s report was accepted, subject to audit.
Sandra Thompson was thanked for her report.
7:50 p.m. Chair Clark arrived and resumed the order of the agenda.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
v Martha Aldinger inquired what can be done to a residence that has abandoned vehicles, and rubbish on the property that may be a fire hazard? David Tanoue suggested calling Mr. Challacombe of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), as the issue may be a permitting problem. Dave Lemon stated that the Hawaii Revised Statues Section 29.4 relates to a Littering Law from the City.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Claire Tamamoto, of the Aiea Community Association reported the following:
1. The Aiea Community Association’s website is back up and running.
2. The Aiea High School Community Council will be having a meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at the Aiea High School Library from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Topic for discussion is “Supporting Style of Home with Format.” Also, to be shared at the meeting will be the Aiea High School’s academic and financial plan. Tamamoto mentioned that the school’s Business Department is staffed with only one half-time position.
3. On Saturday, February 18, 2006, the Community Strengthening Program Orientation is scheduled at the Fil Com Center Conference Room from 8:30 a.m. to 12.
4. Aiea High School is in dire need for volunteers who can commit to a two-year involvement with the school.
5. It was announced that when the new Pearl City Wal-Mart opened, the Aiea Community Association received $3,000 from the store. In total Wal-Mart gave a total of approximately $16,000.00 to various groups in the Aiea/Pearl City area.
Claire Tamamoto was thanked for her report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Without objections, the Proposed Nextel Partners antenna facility at 98-277 Kamehameha Highway – aka Fahrni Realty was deferred until later in the meeting.
Air Force Environmental Restoration Project – Rick McComb gave the following update:
The Air Force is doing work for the Environmental Restoration program on the old World War II abandoned fuel lines that essentially run from Hickam to Wheeler. These fuel lines have been inactive since 1993. The Air Force is clearing out and cleaning up spill sites along Kamehameha Highway.
Work continues at the Public Storage (Home Depot) site, which is soon to be completed.
Work is scheduled to be done in the near future at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Lehua Avenue, which is the main junction point for fuel lines going down Lehua Avenue.
Anticipation of work with lane closures and rotations around this intersection should commence on February 27, 2006. Newspaper ads announcing the lane closures will run from February 16 to 26, 2006. Although the fuel lines have been cleaned, these sites must be revisited to collect water samples for testing to comply with the Department of Health to check that they pose no risks to the community. The goal of the project is to eventually close the sites.
Other leak sites (seven historical) to be attended to in the future are along Kamehameha Highway across from Makalapa Gate. The pipeline in this area runs through the median along Kamehameha Highway. Work plans for this project is being completed. Anticipated start date six months.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Ron Mobley congratulated Rick McComb who was named civilian “Employee for the Quarter” for the last quarter last year by the 15th Airlift Wing at Hickam Air Force Base.
2. Mr. Monroe inquired if the Air Force was working on a project near Leeward Community College. McComb answered that the Navy is working on a valve pit. Monroe noted that the site was once proposed for mass transit.
3. In response to Chair Clark’s question regarding the work schedule, work at the intersection of Lehua Avenue, Kamehameha Highway and Waimanu Home Road would be and Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. There will be lane closures with certain lanes closed at various times of the project, which consists of checking for fuel contamination. Two lanes will be open in one direction.
4. Claire Tamamoto asked if any thought was given to re-routing the traffic to Moanalua Road via Kuala Loop. The response was that the intersection would be worked with the same approach as in the past.
Proposed Nextel Partners antenna facility at 98-277A Kamehameha Highway (aka Fahrni)- Carl Young distributed four handouts (photos of the proposed Nextel antenna site in Pearlridge aka Fahrni Realty, a map of the proposed site location, a zoning map from Aiea/Pearl City to Waipahu historic report, and a photo with trail obstruction setbacks), and gave the following update:
Per the recommendations from the Board at his last presentation, recommendations have made to the original proposed plans which include: lowering the height of the tower to 70 feet; review of the Plan Urban Development Plan, Aiea/Pearl City Sustainable Living Plan, and the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail Plan.
Current requests from the Board and community are: a) the landlord is asking that the antenna site plans be revised; b) moving the proposed site to the other end of the parking lot – there is no additional space to accommodate the antenna and the storage compartment; c) cutting down the blueberry trees and replacing them with Italian cypress trees to create a barrier; d) the proposed plan will conform to all plan urban core standards; e) the fence would be painted green to blend in with the surrounding landscape; f) relative to liveable communities, cell phones would help with the plan; g) the antenna would assist with improved transit – more people use mobile phones for safety reasons.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Leatrice Nozaki opposed to the installation of this antenna, and suggested that it be put in a park where there is open space. Young responded that Nextel would like to a park, but the process is difficult and has been denied several times. The process is also extremely long because park maintenance workers do not want to be responsible maintaining the area around the antenna.
2. Leatrice Nozaki asked what is the purpose of bringing in new trees. Young gave an example of an antenna installed in Niu Valley.
3. EMF transmission emissions from antennas drops off at six-feet.
4. Claire Tamamoto said that it was previously proposed that the antenna would have to be 100 feet in height in order to co-locate. However, the photo shows footage of 70 feet and asked if that height is just for Nextel. Young answered that a taller tower would accommodate more companies, but the 70-foot pole would allow only one additional co-locator, and it also depends on what the cell company wants to do with the tower.
5. Mr. Monroe expressed disappointment because he thinks that the tower should be relocated to the opposite side of the parcel, which would be better for the surrounding neighbors. He stated that he is in favor of the proposed tower, but not as submitted.
6. Chair Clark said that the revised proposal indicated the pole at 70 feet. He asked is there consideration to moving the pole to 100 feet in the future. Young replied no because the poles are engineered a certain way.
7. George Passmore wanted to know the size of the area for the cypress trees, and asked what the height of the trees would be when they mature. Young responded that a mature cypress trees reached 40 to 50 feet in height. The trees are meant to create a wall barrier for people walking the trail.
8. Ken Harmeyer recommended camouflaging the pole as required on the mainland. Young answered that some states do require camouflaging, but not all. He explained that camouflage installation would increase the cost seven times. Cell sites are based on community requests and complaints of dead transmission areas. There is no budget to do a stealth site.
9. The site was chosen because other sites visited such as the 49ER Restaurant (got no response from owner); due to a slight hill on the Dixie Grill property made it not feasible for a tower; and the shopping center was also approached, but declined.
10. Claire Tamamoto said as an enhancement to the trail for communication, would Nextel be willing to install call boxes along the trail. Also, in consideration for the residents could Nextel relocate the pole. Young replied the requested re-location site of the property is too narrow to accommodate the pole. The Department of Planning and Permitting makes the final decision.
11. In response to Wilbert Ho as to how much rent the property owner would receive from Nextel, the price is confidential.
12. Relative to the handout on trail obstruction setbacks and the design, Blanpied commented that she is not sure that the pole could be tied that closely into the trail.
13. Chair Clark emphasized the proposal still does not fall with in the Liveable Sustainable Community Plan.
14. Blanpied commented that for the past five to seven years’ work has been done on the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail Master Plan. Unfortunately, not everyone can have what he or she wants. Perception by the community is that encroachment on the trail benefit private interests. Her personal feeling is a blockhouse building would close in the trail. In response to her question if the Navy has been contacted, efforts were made to contact the Navy, with no responses.
Blanpied moved, and seconded by Heth that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No, 20 continues to object the cell phone tower on the present proposed location (Farhni property).
Discussion followed: (1) Passmore commented that he thinks cell towers are inevitable and asked that considerable changes be made to the plan. (2) Blanpied objected to a blockhouse being positioned directly on the trail, which is not in keeping with the plan. (3) Resident Monroe suggested a Board motion select a subcommittee for a site visit. (4) Thompson agreed with Passmore that it is inevitable for Nextel subscribers. She noted that complaints are received due to dead spots. (5) Distajo asked if this is the best location for a cell phone tower, and how much money is Nextel willing to spend to do things right. (6) Chair Clark asked that the motion be tabled reasoning that motion made at the January meeting is in effect.
Further discussion followed: (1) Passmore commented that last month the Board made a motion not to support the Nextel tower. (2) Chair Clark stated that he believes both motions are the same and asked that this motion be tabled. (3) David Lemon mentioned that a letter from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) failed. (4) Mobley commented that Nextel did not comply with last month’s motion. (5) Young said he forgot to mention that at the Board’s request he has been waiting if they are in support or not, and has not submitted the application to DPP.
The motion failed to be adopted, 7-1-3. Aye: Sugimura, Blanpied, Distajo, Thompson, Aldinger, Heth, Clark; Nay: Passmore; Abstention: Ho, Lee, Mobley. A vote 8 ayes are needed for a motion to be adopted.
Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation update – No representative was present.
H-1/Waimalu freeway widening update – No representative was present
Kam Drive-in property update-Consolidated Amusement, Bishop Estate/Kamehameha Schools, Dept of Environmental Services – Chair Clark reported that Jay Swerdlow, attorney for Bishop Estate in California, and Henry Murillo will send him updates on this matter via email.
Discussion followed: Tamamoto inquired if all the tiles have been removed from the theater marquee sign. She also wanted to know how was the covering removed. Chair Clark replied that the marquee frame is still structurally sound.
Former Shell Service Station property update – Chair Clark reported that a strip mall would be built on this property. Mobley suggested removing this item from the agenda. Chair Clark agreed.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bus Route 54 Route Change – James Burke, of the City Department of Transportation Services, reported that Ala Moana Shopping Center has started major construction with Nordstrom, which impacts the bus routes. For the duration of the construction of the parking structure, bus services have been compacted to the Kona Street area near Sears. This change has affected Route 54 causing time delays. Decisions have been made to have Route 54 turn back at the Alapai Transit Center, with passengers transferring to another bus going into the shopping center. Three weeks ago O’ahu Transportation Services (OTS) started passing out fliers with information of the changes to riders. Workers at Ala Moana Center are informing bus commuters.
Tracy Tanahara and Jon Nouchi of OTS, provided the following information:
OTS has received complaints regarding the on-time schedule performance of Route 54. The former schedule was one per hour from Ala Moana Center to upper/lower Pearl City.
There are currently 20 bus routes to Ala Moana Center. Due to the construction, the bus parking area has been relocated, and bus stops are limited and difficult to move. Due to the construction on the mauka side Kona Street adjustments have been made to route 54 as well as four other routes affected. Being that the construction will cause increase delays to Route 54, the decision to turnaround at the Alapai Transit Center is in the best interest of the public.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Blanpied asked how does a person riding bus 54 get from Downtown to Ala Moana Center. The response was they could transfer at any bus going to the center along Hotel Street, or transfer at Punchbowl Street. Although the transfers are inconvenient, other buses come frequently enough limiting the waiting time.
2. Blanpied questioned if this is a permanent change to the schedule. The reply was that schedule adherence is a big priority. The turnaround at the Alapai Transit Center would stretch the route longer.
3. Lemon commented that the bus shelter at the Punchbowl Street stop is insufficient to accommodate people transferring to another bus. He noted that there is a lack of community input. He also wanted to know if alternatives were considered. Lemon mentioned as Chair of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board’s Hub & Spoke Committee, he received survey results of how many people ride the bus. He requested the statistics for bus Route 54 and 53 be provided. Lemon asked in matters such as this, that the Neighborhood Boards be informed ahead of time to inform the community. Burke replied that information with the survey results would be provided when he receives the final from the consultant.
4. Regarding the advance notice, this matter with bus Route 54 is a unique situation. The area surrounding Ala Moana Center has many streets that are privately owned. No prior notice was given to OTS.
5. Claire Tamamoto said that she is a member of the Transportation Commission, and did not hear of the changes, which concerns her. She questioned that if the bus route starts in Pearl City what is the current travel time to Ala Moana Center. Concern was expressed for persons with special needs when they need to transfer, which might put a strain on persons with special needs. Burke replied that instead of altering the entire schedule, OTS would like to keep the constant service to Aiea/Pearl City area. This change will lesson the impact to preserve time of the trip. Tamamoto reiterated that information should be passed on to the Neighborhood Boards, so they can get the information to the public. She noted that more bus shelters are needed. Follow up will be done.
6. Mobley commented that his constituents prefer to transfer at the Punchbowl Street stop rather than along the Hotel Street route for personal safety.
REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
Senator Norman Sakamoto – Senator Sakamoto circulated his monthly report and highlighted/added the following:
1. As Chair of the Education and Military Affairs committee many bills are heard. As part of the Education Initiatives a proposed plan for reducing the $525 million Repairs and Maintenance (R&M) Budget backlog to a more manageable level of $250 million in three years. Eliminating this backlog is crucial to improving education in Hawaii.
- Other areas that are being work on to bring about a positive change includes: ensuring fair distribution of Capital improvement Project (CIP); Increasing the support for students by providing more teachers and support for teachers at the elementary school level. Supportive resource teachers in special motivation, vocational, technology, and non-core classes are needed to reach all the children’s abilities at the secondary level; providing additional funds to the Department of Education to aid schools adversely affected by the current weighted student formula; and continue to support efforts to attract and retain highly qualified teachers.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
Ho asked why not a lottery for schools. The Senator replied no gambling of any form.
Senator Norman Sakamoto was thanked for attending the meeting.
Councilmember Gary Okino – Tracy Kubota distributed the Councilmember’s report and highlighted/added the following:
- Halewiliko Street/Aiea Heights Drive Intersection (Aiea Sugar Mill – Due to safety concerns raised by the community regarding this intersection, Councilmember Okino put in a request to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Residents reported that conflicts were occurring on Aiea Heights Drive when mauka-bound traffic was being “cut off” by makai-bound entering the closed Halewiliko Street. Since the current roadblocks and signage were found to be ineffective, DTS painted double-striped, yellow centerlines at the intersection and will be installing plastic delineators on Friday to prevent makai-bound vehicles from turning left and entering Halwiliko Street until its opening.
- Upper Kaamilo Street Road Resurfacing – Residents raised concerns regarding the poor condition of upper Kaamilo Street. The Councilmember contacted the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) who explained that this stretch of roadway has not been resurfaced since the Board of Water Supply (BWS) is currently working on the Aiea Heights Drive Water System Improvements Project. Barring any conflict with some other underground utility work, and pending completion of the BWS PROJECT, the City will be looking to program Kaamilo Street resurfacing work for late 2007 at the earliest.
- Real Property Tax Proposals – Councilmember Okino’s Bill 1 (05) and Bill 1 (06), increasing the real property tax homeowners exemption and providing for a tax credit, are still being considered by the Budget Committee. Various property tax relief proposals are scheduled for Second Reading/Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 2:00 p.m.
- Bill 74 (2005), Motor Vehicles Parked on Public Streets, makes it unlawful for anyone, other than the legal owner or someone authorized by the legal owner, to remove or tamper with parts from a motor vehicle parked on a public street or highway. This bill passed second reading at the January 25, 2006 Council Meeting and is scheduled to pass Third Reading at the February 15th Council Meeting.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Sugimura expressed concern regarding illegal and abandoned/derelict vehicles parked on Koauka Loop. She stated that when vehicles are marked for removal the owner’s remove the notice, but do not move the car. It was recommended that the City’s Department of Abandoned Vehicles be called at 723-2530 with a description of the car (color. Make, and license plate number if available) to report the vehicle. Also, call 911 and an officer will respond and mark the vehicle. The vehicle will then be monitored, and if not moved could be issue a citation.
2. Delineation work along Aiea Heights Drive by the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is for the protection of the motorists.
3. Blanpied asked if the side streets along Halawa Heights Drive would be resurfaced or not. Follow up will be done.
Tracy Kubota was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Mark Takai – Lisa Vargas announced that the Representative was unable to attend tonight’s meeting because he is on active military duty until Thursday.
The Aiea/Pearl City Community Town Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2006, Pearl Ridge Elementary School, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Topic for discussion will be Housing Issues.
Lisa Vargas was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Faye Chee circulated the Senator’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Faye Chee was thanked for attending the meeting.
Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the Councilmember’s monthly report. She mentioned that the City Council Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget Committee meeting schedule is included in report.
Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.
Governor’s Representative – Stan Shiraki circulated the Governor’s Weekly Update and highlighted/added the following:
1. Copies of the 2006 Initiatives by Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor Aiona were given to the chair.
2. Regarding the abandoned structure on Kamehameha Highway across from the cemetery, Shiraki reported that the building belongs to the Department of Defense, and will be demolished by the Army thanks to General Lee.
Stan Shiraki was thanked for attending the meeting.
Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue reported the following:
1. Waimea Falls – The City Administration settled a lawsuit over Waimea Valley by spearheading its purchase for $14 million by a hui of government and public interest groups. The complicated process includes approval by City Council at the next meeting. The biggest contributor to resolve this issue is the City.
2. The Mayor’s green waste collection program will commence in March 2006, utilizing the blue carts. Honolulu produces about 200,000 tones of green waste, of which 70,000 tons are recycled. Free mulch will be available to the public. Log on to www.opala.com for more information.
3. Bulky item pickup will be put on a regular island wide schedule for each community. Items should be put out the day before an area’s schedule week.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1. Sugimura asked if arrangements would be made with condominium managers for bulky item pickup. She stated that there are many high rises on Koauka Loop and if everyone put out items for bulky pickup on the same day there would be no room for all the items. Tanoue responded that it is up to the condominium associations to take responsibility and work with the City. Follow up will be done.
2. Thompson questioned why two dumpsters were left on a road after for construction work at the top of Kaamilo Street in the Enchanted Hills area, and another one on “Hamburger Hill”. She noted that residents were using the dumpsters to deposit their own trash. Tamamoto replied one dumpster has been removed and the one would be removed soon.
David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.
Committee Reports:
Transportation - Committee Chair Blanpied reported the following:
Help Shape O’ahu’s Tansportation Future meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15, 2006, Hawaii Convention Center, in Rooms 319 A/B, located at 1801 Kalakaua Avenue, pertaining to the O’ahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) 2030. Parking will be validated.
There were no other committee reports.
Representative Lynn Finnigan – Antonio Bacani of Representative Finnigan’s office was available for questions.
Antonio Bacani was thanked for attending the meeting.
Announcements:
1. The following correspondence was received: (a) Board of Education Community Meeting, February 22, 2006, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Waipahu Intermediate School. (b) The Department of Planning and Permitting Amendment of Rules meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28 in the Human Resources Conference Room starting at noon until 2:00 p.m. (c) Public Hearing regarding Carnivals in Public Parks. (d) Deadline for submitting names of applicants for the 40th Senior Recognition Program is February 24. For more information call 523-4361.
2. Martha Aldinger announced a Three Bell Concert this Friday, 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Cathedral.
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Submitted by Nola J Frank, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair Bill Clark & First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura