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http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb20/06/20_2006_03Min.pdf 
AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006
AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY
CALL TO ORDER: First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. A quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Tracy Arakaki, Dave Arakawa, Robyn Blanpied, Ruby Hargrave, Wilbert Ho, Sandra Thompson, William Clark, George Passmore, Monica Texeira, Sam Heth, Ross Lee, Ron Mobley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ryan Distajo and Martha[WU1] Aldinger.
GUESTS: Lisa Chung, Jen Chahanovich and Mona Maehara (Pali Momi Medical Center); Davin Takahashi (Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21), Mary Booth, Michael Yuan, Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Myrtle Nyuha (Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21), Faye Chee (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), Sharleen Oshiro (Council member Romy Cachola’s Office), Gary K. Omori (GKOLLC), Ken Harmeyer, Lynn Ikeda (Kaiser), Emily Viglielmo (Leeward Current), Major Randy Macadangdang and Lt. Ballesteros (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station), Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Captain Tay Enos (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea Station), Shanna Zarbo, Antonio Bacani (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office), Ariel Martinez (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office), Leatrice Nozaki, Blake Vance, Tracy Kubota (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Stan Shiraki (Governor’s Office), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office), Councilmember Gary Okino, Representative Blake Oshiro, Alice Takehara, 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.
Arakawa arrived during the above portion of the meeting (11 members present)
PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Tay Enos reported the following: Statistics for last month included fires – 1 structure, 0 brush, 2 rubbish, 2 vehicle; emergencies – 51 medical, 2 search/rescue, 14 miscellaneous.
Fire Safety Tip: Fire Safety Tip - Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation-surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org.
Acting Captain Tay Enos was thanked for attending the meeting.
Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Ballesteros reported statistics for February included auto theft 43, auto theft recovery 15, burglary 10, criminal property damage 20, sex assault 1, theft 60, UEMV (unauthorized entry into motor vehicle) 59, and calls for service 1,753. Out of the total calls for service 26.23% was for the Aiea area.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
District 5 starts from near the old Costco including the Arizona Memorial area. However, no statistics are received from the Military Police.
Major Randy Macadangdang, of the Pearl City Police Station, was introduced and shared the following: Thanked the Board members and the community for all their support. Police Chief Correa is doing major changes in the change of command he will soon be transferred to District 1 in Honolulu. The new District Commander will be Major Debra Tandel. In the last few years Puuwai Momi Complex hired private security, resulting in decreased caseloads in the area for the past six months.
Lt. Ballesteros and Major Macadangdang were thanked for attending the meeting.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. First Vice Chair Sugimura reported the following:
1) There was one main break for the month of February. The six-inch ductile iron main pipe is 20 years old. Although BWS continues to proactively repair and replace the water mains, many of the pipelines are nearing its useful life and must be replaced. Millions of dollars are spent each year to improve the aging infrastructure to insure the customers have access to safe and dependable water supplies.
2) Upcoming Construction Project – Notice to Proceed issued to Ideal Construction, Inc. for Aiea Heights Water System Improvements, Part 3, involves installing 12- and 8-inch mains to all of Alolua Street, Kalamoho and Kalawina Places; Akaaka Street, from Kulawai Street, and Kaamilo Street, from Iliee Street to Aiea Heights Drive. Work is scheduled to commence next month and end in early November 2006.
3) General Water Announcements: a) The BWS annual Detect-A-Leak Week was observed last week. This is BWS way of reminding consumers about the importance of leak detection and repair but all year round. b) Check your house periodically for leaks. c) Check your toilet, because the toilet is one of the largest water using fixtures in one’s house, and can be the largest water waster too.
Board of Education – Shirley Robinson circulated two handouts and was available for questions.
Questions, answers and comments followed: a) Davin Takahashi commented per a newspaper article, when the Pearl City Wal-Mart opened money was donated to five Aiea Schools and only two in the Pearl City area. Tamamoto explained when Wal-Mart opened they solicited from non-profits in Aiea and Pearl City. A request had to be submitted to Wal-Mart. Robinson replied this[WU2] DOE was not involved. b) Tamamoto questioned the standardized testing mandated by the federal government. She stated Aiea High School as well as several others failed because the testing covered subjects not yet taught. She noted, the curriculum did not reflect the test, and asked what is the logic. Robinson will follow up.
Shirley Robinson was thanked for attending the meeting.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 2006 MINUTES – The following corrections/additions were made:
- Page 3, Questions, answers and comments item 2 second sentence should read, “...Burgo replied depending on location, the engineers make the decision as to what types of materials would be used depending on the composition of the soil and other factors...”
- Page 3, Approval of Minutes – January 2006, page 7, item 2 should read, “...Blanpied pointed out that the Army Corps of Engineers is revising stream channeling. In response, A&B said that the matter had not been addressed...”
- Page 8, Further discussion followed item 4 should read, “...Mobley commented that Nextel made adjustments because of last month’s motion...”
- Page 12, Mayor’s Representative item 2, sentence 2 should read, “...Honolulu produces about 200,000 tons of green waste, of which 70,000 tons are recycled.
- Page 12, Questions, answers and comments followed, item 2, sentence 1 delete for.
Without objections, the minutes were approved as amended.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Thompson reported the January report was not available at this time. For the month of February prior Operating Account balance was $1,237.95 with current monthly expenses at $86.35, leaving a balance of $1,151.60; the Publicity and Refreshment Accounts showed no expense, leaving the balances at $2,540 and $120.00 respectively. The Treasurer’s report will be filed subject to audit.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS:
Davin Takahashi expressed concern regarding extreme motor-cross bike riding back of the Newtown Recreation Center/Aiea Community Park across of Kaahele Street. He mentioned seeing six to eight humps of dirt used as ramps. He asked if the area could be made public rather than private. Mayor’s representative Tanoue replied that given the information, the City might have to shut this down for liability reasons. Follow up will be done.
Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – The project schedule was available for interested persons to review.
Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi Update: Jen Chahanovich and Mona Maehara presented the f[WU3] 2005-year 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.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
1) Being referred to a neighboring medical clinic was a good suggestion due to the waiting time for assistance.
2) Pali Momi has only a CAT lab. A cardiac services line is available but no interventional cardiology for putting in pacemakers and no open-heart surgery is done at this facility. Everyone was reminded when signs of a heart attack occur, proceed to the nearest emergency room.
3) The facility does have portable EKG machines for the stroke program.
4) There are also three female neurologists on staff.
Jen Chahanovich and Mona Maehara were thanked for attending the meeting.
Arakaki and Clark arrived during the above portion of the meeting (13 members present).
First Vice Chair Sugimura relinquished the gavel to Chair Clark.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Claire Tamamoto reported the following:
1) The next ACA meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 27, 2006, Aiea Intergenerational Center, at 7:00 p.m. (across from Albero and Sakura Restaurants on Kauhale Street, Suite B3). Agenda item to include consultants with the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project. Due to the expectancy of a large group, relocation of the meeting is in progress for either Aiea Elementary School or Alvah Scott Elementary School. Notices will sent out relative to the location of the meeting.
2) Proposed plans to incorporate a chain link barrier on Kaonohi Street between the Kam Swap Meet and Macy’s upper level parking lot are not in the Aiea/Pearl City Sustainable Communities Plan.
3) A volunteer is still needed to fill a two-year position on the Aiea High School Community Council.
Claire Tamamoto was thanked for her report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Proposed Nextel Partners antenna facility at 98-227A Kamehameha Highway – aka Farhni Realty:
Discussion followed if the item could be put for Board action again. Chair Clark explained this item is still on the agenda. Per the advice of a Neighborhood Commission Office parliamentarian, it is permissible to bring forth the item again and Board action could be taken on the matter.
Blanpied moved and seconded by Sugimura the Aiea Neighborhood Board No 20 does not support the Nextel placement of the blockhouse because it does not fit with the Primary Urban Center Development Plan, Aiea/Pearl City Sustainable Living Plan and the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail Plan.
Discussion followed: a) Blanpied explained green space must be preserved and she supports commercial activities, but build for economic growth on the trail. She stated that the building would take too much space. b) Thompson mentioned per last month’s minutes, a motion on the issue failed. c) A comment was made if the Board and the City agreed with the Master Plan, it is the duty of Nextel to follow it or fail. d) Tamamoto supports the motion.
The motion carried 10-1-2; Aye – Sugimura, Blanpied, Arakawa, Hargrave, Ho, Thompson, Texeira, Heth, Clark, Mobley; Nay – Passmore; Abstention – Arakaki and Lee.
Air Force Environment Restoration Project – No representative was present.
Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation Update – No representative was present.
H-1/Waimalu Free Widening Update – Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation gave the following update:
1) The Halawa Heights Road work is near completion.
2) Regarding the request for reflectors near the Camp Smith Gate to keep drivers from crossing over the divider lines, Ishikawa suggested a letter from the Board or a constituent might get a quicker response.
3) The Aiea Access Road Project contractor[WU4] is getting the permits, with work to start next month. Electrical and lighting will be done for the first two months.
4) Grace Pacific contractor to repave Honomua Street will[WU5] also repave the access road since the equipment will be in the same area.
5) Relative to the H-1 Waimalu widening, a few more concrete pours are needed to complete the work. However, recent rains have caused a delay with the project. If weather permits, completion date should be June of this year. Future updates will be reported to the Board.
6) Representative Takai[WU6] announced a town meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 7 pm at Waiau Elementary School will include area legislators, members of the Kamehameha Highway Task Force, and DOT Director Rod Haraga and Scott Ishikawa.
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
Councilmember Gary Okino – Councilmember Okino distributed his written report and highlighted/added the following:
1) Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Budget is included with his report.
2) The Councilmember introduced Bill 1, a bill for an ordinance relating to the homeowner’s exemption for real property taxation in 2005. Since then, his bill has been changed. The concern is no additional tax relief is given to persons 70 years of age or older.
Councilmember Gary Okino was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Blake Oshiro – Representative Oshiro circulated his written report and introduced his office aide Ariel Martinez. He reported the following:
The Budget was vote on today and the financial plan is still open.
Representative Blake Oshiro was thanked.
Senator Donna Kim – Faye Chee circulated the Senator’s written report and mentioned copies of the community survey regarding the gas tax the gas tax for interested persons to complete.
Faye Chee was thanked for attending the meeting.
Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the written report, and reported in an effort to provide real property tax relief for taxpayers. City Council passed three bills on February 23, 2006 at its Special Council Meeting. Details relative to the bills are in the handout.
Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Lynn Finnegan – Anthony Bacani circulated the written report and mentioned it includes gas money saving tips.
Anthony Bacani was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Norman Sakamoto – A written report was received.
9:02 p.m. Arakaki left the meeting.
Governor’s Representative – Stan Shiraki distributed the Governor’s Weekly and highlighted/added the following: The Governor feels the surplus money should be returned to the taxpayers.
Stan Shiraki was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative K. Mark Takai – No representative was present. Resident Leatrice Nozaki mentioned she attended the task force meeting relative to Kamehameha Highway. She questioned why plans are to plant trees along the Kamehameha Highway median. Nozaki noted maintenance concerns were brought up. She urged Board members to attend the next Task Force Meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 2006. Chair Clark informed her that the Board’s Transportation Committee Chair would attend and represent the Board.
Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue reported the following:
1) The Mayor’s monthly “Honolulu News” was distributed and includes information on the Mayor’s State of the City Address, Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, as well as other interesting information.
2) The “Greencycling” program has started. Out of 200,000 tons of green waste generated, only a small percentage is recycled. The rest is taken to the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill. For more information regarding greencycling or bulky item pickup log on to www.opala.org.
3) Follow up: Condominiums and apartment complexes must find their own storage area to store bulky item. Once stored, call the bulky item division for removal.
4) “Opala Nui” (bulky item pickup) is going west. Its no-call, regularly scheduled bulky items services have been extended from Halawa to Makakilo and Kapolei this month. All of O’ahu will be covered by July 2006.
5) Follow up: Regarding longer left-turn green arrow onto Kauhale Street from Moanalua Road headed in the Pearl Ridge direction: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has checked the intersection and adjusted the signal timing for the left turn signal. Illegal left turning vehicles should be referred to HPD.
6) HPD has been notified regarding Kaonohi[WU7] Street and Aliipoe Drive.
Questions, answers and comments followed: Chair Clark reported metal signage “steel plates ahead” going mauka on Kaonohi Street by a contractor has not been removed. Follow up will be done.
David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation – Blanpied reported the following:
1) She participated in a cleanup at Mid Loch Park, back of Waipahu High School on the Pearl Harbor Historic Trail. She commended City workers from the Pearl City yard for their hard work and assistance.
2) Kamehameha Highway Task Force Meeting, Thursday, March 30, 2006, Waimalu Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
Robyn Blanpied was thanked for her report.
There were no other committee reports
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) Correspondence received form Alexander & Baldwin announcing a public meeting on the Sugar Mill, Lot 15 contamination on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at the Aiea Public Library, 6:30 p.m.
2) Waste Management, operator of the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill, is offering the Board a tour. Call 668-2985 ext 21 for more information. Councilmember commented due its capacity, Mayor Hannemann has selected using the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill for the next 15 years. However, the external impacts must be addressed. One major concern is the Ko Olina community, and a commitment from Waste Management, Inc. for significant improvements.
3) HECO will be installing protective line covering on lines due to foliage on Halawa Heights Drive and Halawa Heights Road on Thursday, March 16, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lane closures may occur.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 p.m.
Submitted by Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Chair William Clark & First Vice Chair Jane Sugimura