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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 8, 2006
AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: Neighborhood Assistant Frank called the roll of Board members. There were eleven members and a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Robyn Blanpied, Ruby Hargrave, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, William Clark, George Passmore, Monica Texeira, Ross Lee, Ron Mobley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Dave Arakawa, William Ho, Sam Heth.
GUESTS: Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Lt. Guy Demello, Sgt. Roland Ohata, and Lt. W. Weisskopf (Honolulu Police Department, Pearl City Station), Ken Harmeyer, Keith Sugihara (Department of Design & Construction), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Gary Omori (HHCATCP), Wesley Sawamura, Warren Munro, Representative K. Mark Takai, Captain Vern Enriques and Firefighter Tay Enos (Honolulu Fire Department, Aiea Station), Tracy Kubota (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office),Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Carl Young (Nextel), Susan Sheldon, Suzette (Adversalo), Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Stan Shiraki (Governor’s Office), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office), Representative Lynn Finnegan, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), Scott Ishikawa (Department of Transportation), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS – Tonight’s guests introduced themselves.
PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter Enos gave the following report:
1) In regards to the “fire extinguisher” question from a Board member, relating to the length of storage that a fire extinguisher can be held for without service. Businesses are required to have an annual service check to make sure that the extinguisher is in good service and working condition. The service personnel will, after checking, stamp and sign off on the provided label accompanying the extinguisher. Brochures with information about fire extinguishers and hazardous materials in the home were circulated for interested persons to review.
Relative to homeowner, HFD recommends (cannot enforce) the homeowner change or have the unit serviced annually. It is also recommended that the directions on the label for installation and maintenance of the manufacturer of the extinguisher be followed. During storage time, the extinguisher should be checked to make certain that the gauge reads in the green (good operating condition), and the unit turned over and shaken to prevent the contents from packing. The contents should be loose inside and not packed, so the contents can be dispelled with no clogging when needed.
2) Statistics for April 2006 were a total of 70 alarms including 2 structure, 1 brush, 2 rubbish, 3 vehicle, 18 medical, 15 search/rescue, and 29 miscellaneous response calls. There were no major or unusual incidents.
3) Fire Safety Tip: Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911.
Questions, answers and comments: A resident asked if the brush fire report with the statistics occurred on Kauhale Street. Follow up will be done and the resident will be contacted with the response.
Captain Enriques and Firefighter Enos were thanked for attending the meeting.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Ohata reported the following:
Statistics for the month of April included auto theft 42, auto theft recovery 12, burglary 20, criminal property damage 11, sex assault 1, theft 30, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle 45, and calls for service were 1, 810.
It was noted that burglaries are on an increase. Sgt. Ohata recommended calling 911 if you witness suspicious persons in your neighborhood.
Due to ongoing parking violations, patrols have increased in the Kauhale Street area.
Questions, answers and comments: It is unsure if the increase in burglaries was due to school students out on spring break.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo gave the following report:
1) There was one water main break last month located near 99-741 Kealaluina Drive, due to a 6- inch case iron main that is approximately 56 years old. As the useful lifespan of the current water mains ends, BWS is spending millions of dollars to replace them to insure reliable water service and help prevent main breaks.
2) General Water Announcements:
o Congratulations to winners of the BWS water conservation week poster contest. Courtney Choy of St. Elizabeth School received an honorable mention in the grade 3-4 categories. The winning entries will be displayed at Pearlridge Uptown May 8 to 18.
o Proposed Water Rate Increase – A study done over the past year revealed rates must be raised to continue servicing the customers. Rates have not been raised in 11 years, while the cost of electrical power, construction materials, fuel and labor costs continue to rise. The aging system is approximately 30 to 50 years old, and many are near the end of their expected life service. The system needs continued investment to keep it in operation. The mulit-year proposed rate schedule for residential customer’s wound increase 13 % the first year, would be approximately an increase from $1.77 to $2.00 for 1,000 gallons of water. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, May 15, 2006, in the BWS Board Room, Public Service Building, 630. S. Beretania Street, at 2:00 p.m. For more information contact Lorraine Lee at 748-5064 Chief Communication Officer at 748-5311 or email: www.honoluluboardofwatersupply.com.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Thompson asked if BWS has considered giving credit to those who uses less water. Burgo answered this has been considered in the past. Water rates are based on increments, thus the less we use the less we pay. Conservation was encouraged.
2) Chair mentioned if someone were unable to attend the hearing, would written testimony be accepted. Burgo replied yes, but the testimony must have a filing date prior to the hearing. Testimonies can be faxed attention Lorraine Lee at 550-5506. If anyone wishes to speak, registration is required with the person’s name and phone number. Oral testimony is limited to three minutes.
3) The proposals can be reviewed at www.boardofwatersupply.com.
4) A resident commented when would a public hearing be scheduled to accommodate working people who would like to attend.
Tracy Burgo was thanked for attending the meeting.
Board of Education – Copies of the Board of Education Highlights and Na Lono Kula were available for interested persons to review.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES, APRIL 2006: The following corrections were made:
- Page 2, agenda bottom should read, “...disabled”
- Page 7, Further discussion, lettering sequence should read, “...a), b) c) delete e) and add b)...”
- Page 7, Further discussion, last sentence should read, “...Burgo noted the Department of Land and Natural Resources has been maintaining the property...”
- Page 8, 2) line four delete, “...being...”
- Page 8, Second Paragraph should read, “ 3) not 2)...”
- Page 8 add, “...Representative K. Mark Takai was thanked for attending the meeting...”
- Page 9, Mayor’s Representative, 3) first sentence should read, “... The City will close Ala Moana Park at night for a month leading up to a three-day shut down from April 25-27 for comprehensive maintenance...”
- Page 10, add, “ Senator Norman Sakamoto was thanked for attending the meeting...”
- Page 10, Transportation, add, “...Robyn Blanpied was thanked for her report...”
Without objections, the April 2006 regular meeting minutes were approved as amended.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Thompson reported the following:
March 2006 – Operating Account balance was $1,151.60; the Publicity Account balance is $2,540; and $120.00 remains in the Refreshment Account. The March 2006 treasurer’s report was submitted subject to audit.
April 2006 – The report was tabled until a few discrepancies are corrected.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Aiea Community Association – Claire Tamamoto reported the following:
1) The Aiea Community Association meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month at the Aiea Intergenerational Center (across from Albero and Sakura Restaurants on Kauhale Street, Suite B3), at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2006.
2) The Aiea Community Association is looking for a computer expert to assist with upgrading four donated computers. These computers will assist with the overflow of community members using the Aiea Library computers.
3) A letter from the association was submitted to Chair Clark relative to an issue to be discussed later on the agenda.
Claire Tamamoto was thanked for her report.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation Update:
1) Representative Takai mentioned that he heard the Waimalu sewer rehabilitation project would be completed after the H-1Freeway project.
2) Tracy Kubota, of Councilmember Okino’s office, explained that a prior report stated the project has been delayed due to funding and has been postponed for a year. Roy Abe, City engineer for the project is doing the design work.
H-1/Waimalu Freeway Widening Update: Scott Ishikawa, of the State Department of Transportation gave the following update: Aiea Access Road Resurfacing –
1) O’ahu motorists are advised that the right southbound lane along Aiea Access Road from Moanalua Road to Kamehameha Highway will be closed Monday May 8, to Friday May 12, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. for barrier and electrical work. Shoulder lane closures may occur along the southeast on-ramp (Honolulu bound) from Kamehameha Highway to the Moanalua Freeway. In addition to the right lane closures, the right lane and loop ramp along Aiea Access Road from Moanalua Road to Moanalua Freeway (eastbound) will be closed from 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 12, to 4:30 a.m. Monday May 15 for concrete resurfacing work. (The ramp needs to be closed for three consecutive days to allow the concrete to harden. In response to Blanpied’s prior request, Ishikawa said reflectors would be installed inside of the white line on the roadway from the Camp Smith Gate to Fern Ridge. Blanpied replied she thinks the reflectors were already installed.
2) The Click It or Ticket campaign will commence again from May 15 to June 3, 2006. Anyone caught without wearing a seat belt could risk a fine of $92.00. Flyers were circulated to everyone present.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) In response to Passmore, five different types of concrete are being tested for durability before the final decision is made for the widening project.
2) Follow up will be done regarding Aldinger’s concern about repaving needed from the Aiea Access Road, Diamond Head bound onto the Moanalua Freeway, past the overpass.
3) Tamamoto asked if HPD would be involved for traffic mitigation, when the access road is shut down. Ishikawa replied this weekend and next the access road will be shut down to allow the concrete to dry. This would complete the work prior to graduation. Follow up will be done with HPD.
4) Aldinger mentioned where the concrete breaks on Kamehameha Highway on the overpass, large mounds of asphalt were put down for patching.
Kam Drive-In Property Update: No report. Chair Clark said that the owner of Kam Drive-In couldn’t be forced to remove the marquee. He will request for the plans from the owners.
Proposed Nextel Antenna Facility at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway-TMK (1) 9-8-018:039 (Watamull Properties): Carl Young reported with the help from Representative Takai, negotiations have been opened between Nextel and the owners of Pearlridge Shopping Center. An agreement with the Pearlridge Shopping Center owners should be coming soon. To start the process the application for the Watamull location has been submitted. If either proposed Pearlridge buildings is selected (American Savings Bank Building or Pearlridge Office Building) the permitting process for a Conditional User Permit (CUP) would have to be repeated.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) Mobley thanked Representative Takai and Young for assisting with the negotiations.
2) Chair Clark reported receipt of a letter from the Aiea Community Association in opposition to the Watamull property as an antenna site.
3) A new application process would have to be started if the Pearlridge Shopping Center site is approved for the antenna.
4) Thompson commented on last month’s two different properties proposed, the Watamull property and Olivet Baptist Church. She asked what is the sense of speaking with Pearlridge. Chair Clark responded Young has an obligation to Nextel to move the process forward. The Board still needs to take a position for either property relative to the permitting process for a CUP. Representative Takai and Carl Young were once again commended for negotiating with Pearlridge.
5) Blanpied asked if the antenna design to the architect is for the proposed Pearlridge building or the proposed Watamull property. Young replied the Watamull property application has been amended.
6) Representative Takai mentioned that Representative Finnegan also attended the negotiations meeting. He noted Fred Paine is the general manager for Pearlridge. It was suggested to the Board that they encourage Nextel and Pearlridge to continue with negotiations. Chair Clark agreed that the Board is yet to take a position on the matter.
7) Mobley commented at last month’s meeting the issue was tabled, and a Board position should be take at tonight’s meeting relative to a proposed antenna site selection and the application for a CUP.
Mobley moved seconded by Blanpied that Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 opposes the installation of the Nextel antenna on the proposed Watamull properties and support negotiations with Pearlridge Shopping Center for either building (Pearlridge Office building or the American Savings Bank building). The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0. The Chair will draft a letter.
Additional discussion followed:
1) Chair Clark suggested a Board committee be formed to work with the Aiea Community Association. Blanpied suggested the possibility of the assistance from the area Councilmembers. Chair to follow up.
2) Resident Munro commented that a monopole would not be needed if the antenna were to be installed on the top of a building. Mobley added modifications might be needed due to the weight of the equipment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Waimalu Stream Dredging Project – Public Infrastructure Map Revision for the Primary Urban Center: Keith Sugihara, of the City Department of Design and Construction, gave the following presentation: The maintenance project plans location would be from Moanalua Road to the bike lane at Blaisdell Park. Thirty-five thousand cubic yards of material from the Waimalu Stream will be dredged. Previously in 1988-89, sediment dredged yielded fifty-five thousand cubic yards Cost for the project is $3 million. An Environmental Assessment was submitted in July 2003.
Questions, answers and comments:
1) If the levels of contaminants in the sediment are lower than federal limits, the contractor is awaiting permission to deposit it into the ocean at an approved dump site.
2) The project is currently in the planning phase, and if approved the project should start in 2007.
3) The project is a line item in this year’s budget.
4) No alterations would be done to the drainage way, which is an open channel.
5) In response to Tamamoto if any filtering is planned to avoid the sediment flowing into Pearl Harbor, David Tanoue of the Mayor’s Office replied the style of the older built channels are easier to maintain and getting rid of the water from the site. The water would drain directly into the ocean.
6) Chair Clark summarized anyone wishing to submit written comments to DDC relative to this matter may do so.
Keith Sugihara was thanked for attending the meeting.
Board Approval/Action of Rental Facility (Aiea Public Library Meeting Room) – Thompson moved and seconded by Hargarave that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 continue to pay the rental use fee to use the Aiea Public Library Conference Room for Board meetings. The motion carried unanimously, 11-0-0.
REPORTS OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS: Tracy Kubota distributed the Councilmember’s written report and highlighted/added the following:
1) The Kaonohi Street improvements should start this summer. The contractor is awaiting a part for the traffic light. The median and fence along Kam Drive In will start the project after school is out and before the holidays.
2) The Halawa District Park Gymnasium floor is currently in the process of being refinished and is expected to be completed by June.
3) In response to community requests, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) recently addressed the malfunctioning streetlight at the intersection of Kulawea and Ulune Streets.
4) Relative to Charter Amendments, of the 100+ initial proposal submitted for consideration, the Charter Commission is in the final process to determine which measures will be placed on the ballot for the General Election in November.
5) The next Council regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Laie, BYU Campus Aloha Ballroom. Honorary Certificates will be presented at 9 a.m. and the Council meeting will start at 10 a.m.
Tracy Kubota was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative K. Mark Takai – Representative Takai reported the following:
1) The legislative session ended last Thursday and did a good job appropriating $300 million to schools fueling school renovations $160 million. The Aiea/Pearl City received large Capital Improvement Project appropriation more than $30 million for schools, traffic, and transportation projects.
2) It was reported in an Advertiser article last Friday that the Hekaha Street/Kamehameha Highway project would be complete by the end of the year. Traffic signals from Center Drive to the stadium on Kamehameha Highway will be synchronized.
Representative K. Mark Takai was thanked for attending the meeting.
Representative Lynn Finnegan – Representative Finnegan thanked her aides for attending the Board meetings in her absences. She reported the following:
1) The legislative wrap up report would be distributed when completed.
2) Some of the bills sent to the Governor for her signature are: a) three-strikes law, will have a mandatory sentence of 30 years to life; b) Crime and drug link – wire taping has not yet be signed, but the Governor intends to sign.
3) Relative to the $305 million budget surplus, she voted with reservations when the item was block funded.
4) It was announced that Art Kaneshiro, long time principal of Aiea Elementary School would be retiring.
5) Attended a workshop entitled “Empowering O’ahu”, which also had a volunteer group from Puuwai Momi. A complete report will be provided at a later date.
Questions, answers and comments:
Chair Clark asked what happened to the health bill cap (rate regulation bill)? Rep. Takai responded the bill was passed four years ago and sunset for June 30, 2006. So, the legislature was unable to extend the bill, which also was a low point of this session. He noted competition is good.
Representative Finnegan was thanked for attending the meeting.
Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed Councilmember Cachola’s written report and was available for questions.
Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.
Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Ross Tsukenjo circulated the Senator’s written report and was available for questions.
Ross Tsukenjo was thanked for attending the meeting.
Governor’s Representative – Stan Shiraki circulated the Governor’s Update and highlighted that Lingle – Aiona Administration opened doors of a temporary emergency housing facility in Kaka’ako named the “Next Step Project”, to assist the homeless.
Questions, answers and comments:
Chair Clark commented about six or seven years ago there was a similar plan for the homeless. Shiraki explained what is being done that is different is it is only a temporary shelter. The homeless are encouraged to apply for jobs and be assisted with getting their lives back together.
Stan Shiraki was thanked for attending the meeting.
Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue announced that copies of the Mayor’s Newsletter “Honolulu News” were distributed and available for interested persons to review. He apologized for not having the concern report. Due to the computers crashing at work today, the report was unavailable.
Questions, answers and comments followed:
Blanpied reported road maintenance workers did come out to Fernridge Place and did some patching. However, the water is now flowing in front of her home. She noted more work needs to be done, and the work is progressing.
David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation – Blanpied reported the Honolulu Bicycle Meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2006. The pace is continuing with the Kamehameha Highway Beautification.
There were no other community reports.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Due June 12, 2006 being a State holiday, the next Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 19, 2006, Aiea Public Library Conference Room, at7: 30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by,
Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant