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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JULY 10, 2006

AIEA LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, David Arakawa, Ryan Distajo, Ruby Hargrave, Wilbert Ho, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, George Passmore, Monica Texeira, Ron Mobley.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, William Clark (excused), Sam Heth (excused), Ross Lee.

GUESTS: Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Joyce Van Belkum, Cherry Torres (Senator Norman Sakamoto’s Office), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Wesley Sawamura, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), Ka’ala Pat Jay, Representative K. Mark Takai, Warren Munro, Tracy Kubota (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Reena Ragago (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office), Lt. Grant Arakawa and Lt. Keith Lima (Honolulu Police Department, District 3), Captain Enos (Honolulu Fire Department), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office/Deputy Director Department of Planning and Permitting), Bob Masuda (Governor’s Office/Department of Land and Natural Resources), Shirley Robinson (Board of Education), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: Nine Board members answered the roll call (Distajo, Hargrave, Ho, Thompson, Aldinger, Passmore, Texeira, Mobley, Sugimura).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tonight’s guests introduced themselves.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT: Deferred until later in the meeting.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT - Lt. Keith Lima gave the following report:

Statistics for the month of June included auto theft 29, auto theft recovery 13, burglary 19, criminal property damage 30, sex assault 0, theft 56, U.E.M.V. (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle) 41, and calls for service 1, 872 (26.94% of the 6,948 calls to the District).

Questions, answers and comments:

A resident asked what is the procedure and route for a call made to 911. Lt. Lima replied all 911 calls are received at the Alapai Street HPD Headquarters, with the exception of the military. When a 911 call is received the caller will be asked police, fire or ambulance and directed to the appropriate dispatcher.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY: Tracy Burgo reported the following:

1)     There were two water main breaks for the month of June: a) June 3, 2006 on Akaaka Street involving an eight-inch cast iron main that is 40 years old; b) June 29, 2006 on Hulumanu Street involving a 44 year old eight-inch cast iron main.

2)     General Water Announcements:

§         August 5, 2006 - Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Gardens and the Board of Water Supply will be sponsoring the 18^th Annual “Unthirsty Plant” sale at the Halawa Xeriscape gardens. The Halawa garden gates will be open from 9 a.m., with flyers available to help visitors get around. Garden tours will be every 20 minutes, and outside vendors will be selling their xeriscape plants as well. For safety reasons, no parking will be allowed at the garden itself. Shuttles will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along Iwaena Street.

§         The Board of Water Supply has finished mailing the Annual Water Quality Report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report, and are mailed out separately from the water bill. The report is required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

3)     In response to a question at last month’s meeting Burgo said that the Board of Water Supply (BWS) was responsible for the project that had shut down Halawa Heights Drive before 7:00 a.m. causing problems for Camp Smith personnel during morning rush hour commute. Board of Water Supply has an on-going control valve installation project at 99-962 Kealaluina Drive, being done by their field crews that require some excavation of the land there. She apologized for thinking it was a BWS project that had shut down the road. She has learned that the BWS project required blocking of only the shoulder lane. The people doing the work said that they don’t normally start their jobs until after 8:30 a.m. unless there is a compelling reason to get out there earlier, which there wasn’t for this job. Board member Blanpied was contacted and given the reply that it was not BWS. A message was also left for Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation.

Tracy Burgo was thanked for attending the meeting.

7:40 p.m. Arakawa arrived (10 members present).

BOARD OF EDUCATION: Shirley Robinson distributed the Board of Education Highlights and reported the following:

1)     Half of the $6 million Capital Improvement Funds have been utilized.

2)     Board of Education meetings are held monthly.

Shirley Robinson was thanked for attending the meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES – JUNE 2006 - The following corrections/additions were made:

• Page 1, members absent, “... Wilbert Ho (excused)...”

• Page 3, second to last paragraph, “...Lt. Lima and Lt. Arakawa...”

• Page 5, Questions, answers and comments should read, “...2) Sugimura inquired if the facility has a homecare program...”

• Page 5, Unfinished Business should read, “...2) Aiea Access Road – due to the asphalt shortage, transition from concrete to asphalt would be done later this summer...”

• Page 6, Proposed Nextel Facility at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway (TMK (1) 9-8-018:39) also known as Watamull Properties...”

• Page 8, Questions, answers and comments, “...2) delete is...”

• Page 8, Councilmember Gary Okino, “...3) delete tin should read in...”

• Page 8, Questions, answers and comments, “...1) delete it ,,,”

• Page 8, Questions, answers and comments, 2) last sentence should read, “...The project should start after summer and completed before the holidays...”

• Page 8, should read, “...Tracy Kubota was thanked for attending the meeting...”

• Page 9, Mayor’s Representative should read, “...2) Three Transit Community Meetings are scheduled for June 24, 2006 at Kapolei Hale from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.; June 24, 2006, Honolulu from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., at the Mission Memorial Auditorium; and June 27, 2006, Aliamanu Middle School, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

• Page 9, Mayor’s Representative 4) should read, “...Follow up regarding a concern raised last month relative to Kaimakani Street. The City is of the position that the unimproved portions of Kaimakani Street remains under the State jurisdiction, thus the State should continue to maintain those portions which they have been up until October 2005. The issue is still under dispute. The City is working to get volunteers to maintain the area...”

• Page 9, Mayor’s Representative, Questions, answers and comments should read,”...1) Blanpied asked if the State is doing something relative to the encroaching on Kaimakani Street, Tanoue replied per advice from their attorneys, it seems as though the State is not exercising any jurisdiction regarding Kaimakani Street...”; “...3) Dedication and acceptance of the new roadways at the old Aiea Sugar Mill site should take place at the next Council hearings in July (we hope)...”

Without objections the June 2006 regular meeting minutes were accepted as amended.

The agenda was taken out of order for the Honolulu Fire Department.

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Enos reported the following:

1)     Statistics for the month of June included 2 structure, 0 brush, 4 rubbish and 2 vehicle fire responses; 55 medical, 3 search/rescue, and 14 miscellaneous calls.

2)     Fire Safety Tip: Take the time to childproof your home, especially since keiki are on summer vacation. Check for potentially dangerous situations, i.e., electrical shock, accidental falls, or poisoning from medications, cleaning fluids, and houseplants. Keep matches and lighters in a safe place and out of the reach of small children.

Questions, answers and comments:

Houseplants could be dangerous because a child may have an allergic reaction to the plant or the plant may be poisonous.

Captain Enos was thanked for attending the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Thompson reported she received revised copies of the March, April and May 2006 statements. She explained the problem started with the March expenses that were reflected on the April statement, which she did not previously see.

• March 2006 – Operating Account balance was $1, 151.60; expenditures were $115.31, leaving a balance of $1,036.29; no expenditures in the Publicity Account ($2,540) or the Refreshment Account ($120).

• April 2006 – Operating Account balance was $1,036.29; expenditures were$84.50, leaving a balance of $951.79. The Publicity and Refreshment Accounts remains the same ($2,540 and $120).

• May 2006 – Operating Account balance was $951.79; expenditures were $87.06, leaving a balance of $864.73

• June 2006 – Although completed, the June 2006 statement was not available at tonight’s meeting. Treasurer Thompson spoke with Michelle Kidani, of the Neighborhood Commission Officer who relayed that the Board’s newsletter is yet to be mailed. She explained that the budget is on a fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2006. The cost of mailing the newsletter would be taken out from the FY2007 Board budget. Thompson announced that the Board saved the City $2,660 last fiscal year.

Discussion followed: a) Thompson said she doubted there would be any funding left in the Publicity Account for another mail out. b) Mobley said he was not aware that the cut-off date for expenditures was in May and no spending could occur in June. Thompson noted operating expenses are taken out in June.

The Treasurer’s report will be filed subject to audit.

Sandra Thompson was thanked for her report.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:         

Crosswalk and Signage Request on the corner of Koauka and Koauka Loop: Resident Joyce Van Belkum circulated a letter to Chair Clark attached with a topography photo of the area, expressed her concern of an existing potentially dangerous situation. She explained there are no crosswalks in the area to serve the approximately 600 students who walk to school. Van Belkum requested that a crosswalk and signage be installed at corner of Koauka and Koauka Loop.  Van Belkum's request was given to the Mayor's representative David Tanoue for referral to the City's Dept. of Transportation Services.

Joyce Van Belkum was thanked for attending the meeting.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

AIEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – Claire Tamamoto reported the following: a) the Aiea Community Association meets on the fourth Monday of each month. The Association has six computers up and running for public use. b) For reasons she does not know, there is a push to have the Aiea High graduation ceremony back at the school. c) The Aiea High School Council has staggered the terms of volunteers and Tamamoto got a two-year extension on her term. d) Aiea Elementary School principal Art Kaneshiro has retired. e) Mr. Tokioka of Aiea High School is on sabbatical leave. f) The Pony 13 Aiea/Pearl City baseball boys won the State Championship. g) The Under 19 age group soccer girls thank everyone for their generous donations. h) The Aiea and Pearl City Community Associations will be having a Candidate Forum, Friday, September 8, 2006, at the Momilani Recreation Center, 6:00 p.m. Both associations will invite candidates from their respective areas. The deadline for filing candidacy is July 25, 2006.

Claire Tamamoto was thanked for her report.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

PROPOSED NEXTEL ANTENNA FACILITY AT 98-302 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY (TMK (1) 9-8-018:039 ALSO KNOWN AS THE WATAMULL PROPERTIES: Representative Takai gave the following update: Nextel and the Pearl Ridge Shopping Center Management are still under negotiations. It was determined that the Bank of Hawaii building could not withstand the weight of the antenna. According to Kanilau of American Savings Bank, the antenna may work on that building. Nextel is moving forward with the Watamull site.

Questions, answers and comments:

1)     Tamamoto asked when would the papers for the antenna site on the Watamull properties be filed. Representative Takai replied since he had to go off island, all the information was given to Representative Finnegan.

2)     Representative Takai recommended that the Board keep abreast of the issue because things relative to the proposed antenna would move along quickly.

3)     A question was posed if a public hearing would be held. David Tanoue, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) explained that Nextel has attended several Board meetings and no public hearing is required. Information that was presented to the Board would be submitted with the permit application.

4)     The Department of Planning and Permitting would process the Conditional Use Permit application based on the planners reports.

5)     Arakawa commented the problem with antennas is the Federal Communication Act policy, which expands networks. The City is limited with what it can restrict. Aesthetics cannot be protested because they are not harmful, however, difficult locations, etc. can be regulated.

6)     This past March Nextel was getting nowhere with the Pearlridge management and is working with Representative Finnegan. Representative Takai noted he thinks the City could hold off a while longer before issuing the permits because of other options and another possible solution.

7)     Representative Takai mentioned it would take a few weeks before it is known if the American Savings building would work.

8)     Mobley commented the minutes of the meeting have two different sites the Board voted against. The minutes reflect that the Board and community do not support what Nextel is doing. It bothered him that it did not stop Nextel from going to the City, and that he is hearing from different people. When a Board speaking for the community says they are against something, it should have some kind of weight with DPP, and it doesn’t sound like it does. In addition to voting against it and having it in the meetings, and they also have to send special letters. He felt that it is wasting the Board’s time, though advisory on government issues, if none of the recommendations are considered. Tanoue responded one of the problems the City has with antennas is the Federal Communications Act, which limits what the City can do.

9)     Sugimura asked Tanoue if there was any possibility to delay the issuing of the permits to Nextel. Tanoue replied delays are usually due to workload. DPP cannot intentionally commit to delay the issuing of permits.

10) Thompson relayed to Tanoue, as the Mayor’s representative to the Aiea Neighborhood Board for the City and County, he hears that the Board is in opposition to the project. She asked him if he could represent the Board and speak with DPP. Tanoue responded it would not be fair due his position as Deputy Director for DPP. We must look for a balance.

11) Thompson believes that the City and State should limit the amount of permits issued; the process allows for too many permits to be issued without support from the community. A comment was made that new laws are needed.

12) Sugimura asked Tanoue if it would help if the Board sent a letter to DPP with the community’s concerns. Tanoue replied that the concerns were noted.

13) Being that Representative Takai gave the information pertaining to this issue to Representative Finnegan, he said the issue must be watch, and he did not know when the Nextel’s application would be filed with DPP.

14) Arakawa reiterated could the Board send a letter to DPP saying that work is being done with Nextel to find alternate sites.

15) In response to what are the chances of the department (DPP) or the City Council initiating guidelines relative to the installation and locations of antennas, the issue has been brought up many times. There is a demand for more telecommunications. The City stresses co-location for antennas (up to three different providers using one antenna pole). The effort is to try to reduce the number of single antennas by co-locating. The City Department of Informational Technology investigates the inventory for antenna locations on City property.

16) Arakawa once again stated a letter should be sent to DPP, with copies sent to each Neighborhood Board.

17) Passmore relayed, being that co-location is a factor, would Nextel qualify using the Pearlridge site. Mobley mentioned the base of the antenna transmission has all the weight and must be housed in a secure box.

Arakawa moved and seconded by Mobley that First Vice Chair Sugimura draft a letter to the City Department of Planning and Permitting asking that guidelines be developed relative to the issuing of permits.

Discussion followed: It was suggested that the motion be amended to have copies sent to Mayor Hannemann, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Director of the Department of Information and Technology (DIT), Councilmember Gary Okino and Councilmember Romy Cachola.

Arakawa and Mobley agreed to the amendment. The motion, as amended, carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF HONOLULU.1990, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE MAPS: First Vice Chair Sugimura explained the process the City is using to add a symbol for transit to the public infrastructure maps.

Discussion followed: a) Tanoue related that the Aiea area it is due to the transit center that the public infrastructure map goes through the City Council process, and is a planning and notice tool. The first step is to amend the map, adding an alphabet letter to that particular area. b) Sugimura mentioned this year there is $1,000 placeholder.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT DPP PROJECT REFERENCE NUMBER 2006/ED-8, WALGREEN’S PEARL KAI SHOPPING CENTER – First Vice Chair Sugimura reported the proposed Walgreen’s at the Pearl Kai Shopping Center would be built at the location of the former convenience store.  The report concluded that there is no significant impact to the area. The report was available for interested persons to review. She noted that the report is dated April 2006, and she received her copy from Chair Clark last Saturday.

Tanoue added that the circulation of Environmental Impact Statement are set by federal rules and regulations and that the rules are strictly enforced.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BOARD VACANCY, SUBDISTRICT 1 (HALAWA HEIGHTS, STADIUM, HALAWA VALLEY AND FORD ISLAND) – It was announced that Board member Robyn Blanpied has resigned and moved to New Orleans. Filling of the vacancy would be taken up at the September Board meeting. It was suggested that those interested in filling the vacancy submit a short resume and inform Chair Clark if they would be attending the September meeting.

APPROVAL OF NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 20 RECESS IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST:

Mobley moved and seconded by Thompson that the Board recess in the month of August. The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

Aldinger left the meeting at this time (9 members present).

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Representative T. Mark Takai – Representative Takai reported the following:

1)     A discussion regarding the Kamehameha Highway Task Force was held with the Navy. The next Kamehameha Highway Task Force meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, July 13, 2006, Waimalu Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.

2)     A meeting relative to the possibilities of a contra-flow on Kamehameha Highway from Center Drive to Salt Lake Boulevard.

3)     Regarding Kaahele Street, the Representative is awaiting input from a couple of associations. With regard to Kilinoe Street, a left turn pocket lane (acceleration lane) may be installed in October.

4)     Rod Ohira, of the Honolulu Advertiser, has written an article about the Pearl City community involvement about complaints of loud noise and people hanging out in the parking lot at the Sportsman Lounge on Lehua Avenue and surrounding area. The Liquor Commission did what they could within the law and put the lounge on notice with conditions relative to the bar.

5)     An Aiea/Pearl City candidate forum is planned for Saturday, September 9, 2006. Time and location is forthcoming.

Representative K. Mark Takai was thanked for attending the meeting.

Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue reported the following:

1)     Copies of Mayor’s Honolulu News were circulated, and Tanoue highlighted the largest birthday cake marked the yearlong centennial of the City and County of Honolulu and the 150^th anniversary of Honolulu Advertiser.

2)     The City and State are still in dispute relative to ownership of the Kaimakani Street unimproved area. Governor Lingle sent prisoners to assist with cleanup of the area.

3)     Dedication documents were approved by City Council for acceptance of the Aiea Sugar Mill including all the roads. The next community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2006. A new inspection was done because once the property is taken over by the City it becomes the City’s responsibility.

4)     Tanoue announced that his alternate Melvin Kaku would be replacing him for the September Board meeting.

Questions, answers and comments:

1)     Tamamoto asked if a dedication ceremony for the new road could be held. Follow up will be done.

2)     A concern was raised that the Korean Church property is overgrown. Follow up will be done.

David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.

Governor’s Representative – Bob Masuda of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and representing the Governor gave the following report:

1)     Distributed copies of the Governor’s Update.

2)     The State’s Land Division utilized two prison groups to assist with the unimproved area on Kaimakani Street. Another prison crew was added and work was completed before July 4, 2006.

3)     The State has not laid claim to Kaimakani Street, which is complicated due to unimproved streets not turned over.

Questions, answers and comments:

Ho requested mangrove removal at Rainbow Park because the overgrowth affected safety and security for people using the park. In response, last year Representative Takai together with the Navy did clean up of the park. Follow up will be done relative to jurisdiction. Ho explained the Ewa side of the river belongs to the State and the other side is under federal jurisdiction. Masuda replied the waterline belongs to the Navy.ob Masuda was thanked for attending the meeting.

Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Ross Tsukenjo circulated the monthly written report and relayed that the Senator is looking forward to going out into the community. The Senator also attended several area graduations.

Ross Tsukenjo was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro handed out the written monthly report and was available for questions.

Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Tracy Kubota circulated the monthly written report and highlighted/added the following:

1)     Aiea Passive Park – The parcel of the former Aiea Sugar Mill site that was purchased by the City has been grassed, irrigated and is maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Aiea District Park. Although open to the public, access is only open to foot traffic until privately owned Halewiliko Street is dedicated to the City. Thus far there is no comfort station at this passive park.

2)     Kaimakani Street – Gus Webling School successfully coordinated volunteer efforts to have the overgrowth cut back on this street’s trail. On June 30, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), using the Department of Public Safety’s Corrections Division Chief of Staff workline, cleared and disposed of the cuttings. In a letter from Chief of Staff Bob Awana to Governor Lingle, DLNR will continue to maintain Kaimakani Street until the State-City jurisdiction dispute is resolved.

3)     Halawa District Park – Following the completion of the flooring contract, the gymnasium was re-opened in early June – prior to the start of the summer programs. The opening of the new play courts have been delayed due to lighting certification issues. The contractor is currently working on having the lighting fixtures redone to meet City standards. Although the lighting is used at night, the Department of Parks and Recreation cannot authorize day use until all standards are met and the project is certified by the proper City agencies.

4)     Council Actions: a) Bill 57 (06), relating to executive Operating Budget Amendment No. 1 for Fiscal Year 2006-07 to provide a $5,000,000 guarantee of payment for services rendered by the vendor contracted by the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation for assessment collection, and administration of the county surcharge on state tax commencing January 1, 2007, passed first reading and public hearing during a Special Council Meeting called by the Mayor on July 7, 2006. b) Adopted during the Special Council Meeting held on July 7, 2006 was resolution 06-247 approves the waiver of certain Charter provisions jeopardizing the City’s receipt of federal funds.

5)     Next regularly scheduled Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at Honolulu Hale. All Council Meetings are telecast live on Olelo, Channel 54 (9:00 a.m. – Honorary Certificate presentations, 10:00 a.m. – Council meeting).

Questions, answers and comments:

1)     Follow up would be done regarding the completion date for the Aiea Recreation Center. The complex is under renovations for ADA improvements, bleachers, and the comfort station. There are safety concerns relative to two of the lower bleachers.

2)     Regarding Bill 57, it is a flat $5 million, which the City would be repaid by the State.

Tracy Kubota was thanked for attending the meeting.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Reena Rabago distributed the monthly written report and announced that the Representative was in Kentucky.

1)     She thanked the volunteers for helping with the Kaimakani Street (unimproved parcel) cleanup. It was mentioned a letter signed by Governor Lingle was sent out.

2)     Relayed that the City Department of Facility Maintenance, Halawa Yard may be contacted to supply paint to paint over graffiti.

Questions, answers and comments:

Tamamoto asked if it is possible to have part of a graffiti offender’s sentencing to paint over graffiti. Rabago replied two bills were introduced at the last legislative session, and more would be introduced next session. Graffiti is considered part of property criminal damage.

Reena Rabago was thanked for attending the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ho asked Tanoue if Kauhale Street near the Post Office could be repaved up to Mikalemi and all of Nalopaka Street. Tanoue will request a possible patch.

Committees with report were given earlier in the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: There were no announcements.

ADJOURNMENT – Thompson moved and seconded by Ho to adjourn the meeting. There were no objections. The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by,

Nola Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura and First Vice Chair Ron Mobley