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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2006

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with a quorum present.  Chair Clark asked for a moment of silence for those who died five years ago at the World Trade Center, in Pennsylvania and in Arlington.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Tracy Arakaki, David Arakawa, Ryan Distajo, Ruby Hargrave, Wilbert Ho, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, William Clark, Monica Texeira, Sam Heth, Ron Mobley.

MEMBERS ABSENT: George Passmore (excused), Ross Lee.

GUESTS:  Senator Norman Sakamoto, Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Ronald Awa, Glenn Sato, Councilmember Gary Okino, Polly Yoder, Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Cachola's Office staff), Myrtle Nyuha (Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21), Lloyd Itagaki, Jen Chahanovich (Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi), Karen Uyenten, Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Okino's Office staff), Edmund and Judy Takamoto), Roy Abe (Hawaii Pacific Engineers), Mary Booth, Wesley Sawamura, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Kim's Office staff), R. Marshall, Representative Lynn Finnegan, Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), W. Kawamoto, Representative K. Mark Takai, Lacey Shimabukuro, Joyce Van Bellkum, Lynn Kurashima (City Department of Design and Construction), Mr. and Mrs. Shigeo Asato, Brian Kang, Richard Viera (Scouts), Anthony Pinochi, Charley Ice, Jan Grayson, Robert Grayson, Tracy Kubota, Captain Tay Enos and Firefighter 3 T. Evans (Honolulu Fire Department, Aiea Station), Warren Munro, Claire Tanimoto (Aiea Community Association), Susan Adversalo, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: Eleven members were present (Aldinger, Arakawa, Clark, Distajo, Hargrave, Heth, Ho, Mobley, Sugimura, Texeira, Thompson).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Chair Clark asked for members of the audience to introduce themselves, recognizing former Aiea Neighborhood Board Chair Mike Miura and, from Councilmember Okino, an introduction of new staff member Breene Harimoto and an announcement that Tracy Kubota is leaving his office.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)– Firefighter 3 T. Evans reported the following emergency response statistics for the month of August 2006: two structure fires, one brush fire, two rubbish fires, fifty-seven medical responses, three search/rescue incidents, and seventeen miscellaneous calls; he reported no major or unusual incidents.

Evans reported a monthly Fire Safety Tip:

The National Fire Protection Association has selected "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 8-18, 2006. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2006 Fire Fighter Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools.

In addition, the Honolulu Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder. Please refer to the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Traffic Code, Section 15-4-47 located at http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/roh/15al_9.htm.

Firefighter 3 Evans was thanked for his report.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD)– Lt. Arakawa reported the activity statistics for the month of August 2006 included 22 auto thefts, 14 auto theft recoveries, 12 burglaries, 27 criminal property damage, 74 thefts, and 41 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle). There were 1,953 service calls for this area, which is approximately 20% for the entire Pearl City-area district.

Major Tandal, the new District 3 (Pearl City) Commander was introduced.

Questions, answers and comments:

1)     A resident commented on witnessing a possible drug location, with Arakawa reporting that, although this location was known, the community is encouraged to call in locations, stressing that the community is the eyes of the police.

2)     A concern of excessive speeders on Kaonohi Street was reported, with Arakawa reporting that other reports of drag racing have led to identifying a need for HPD monitoring and citing.

3)     The community was encouraged to call 911 if witnessing suspicious persons, such as someone who might be loitering in, checking out, or casing a neighborhood, including bicyclists.

4)     A resident expressed concern relative to items being hurled from the upper floors of the Pearl 1 condominium to the Pearl 2 and Pearl Regency parking lots, causing property damage to vehicles. Lt. Arakawa and the resident met outside the meeting room to discuss further details. HPD was aware of items being occasionally tossed from an area building, but was not aware of a regular pattern of vandalism.

5)     Concern was expressed regarding illegal corner parking on Pamolo Place, obstructing the view sight of oncoming cars. If the issue is not addressed when calling 911, call back and ask to speak with the supervisor on duty. Crosswalk violations will also be addressed.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported:

Two main breaks occurred in August 2006: a) August 6 -  Kahapili Street to a 12" P.V.C. main; b) August 13 – Aiea Kai Place to an 8" thirty year old cast iron main.

For online BWS construction information, log on at www.BoardofWaterSupply.com in the "Community" pull down menu under Construction Projects. For specific questions construction relative to a project, contact your neighborhood board representative or log on to Us@hbws.org.

The BWS information session for Neighborhood Board members is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2006, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the BWS' Fredrick Ohrt Museum, 1381 N. King Street. Topics of discussion include Honolulu's history of water, how construction projects are done, and water quality. Parking will be available at the King & Houghtailing parking lot on the Farrington High school campus, and shuttle provided to the museum Limited handicap parking will be provided at the Ohrt museum. For more information or to RSVP, contact Devon Nekoba at 748-5369, or email him at dnekoba@hbws.org.

Water Conservation Tip – When cleaning your fish tank, use the tank water to water your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with an excellent free fertilizer.

A question was asked about repairing of roadways following main and other BWS work; Burgo reported the BWS no longer repairs the surface curb-to-curb but only the trench plus one foot on each side.  Arakawa reported the policy of curb-to-curb was a temporary policy implemented by the former mayor's administration but it has reverted to the standard of trench plus.  Okino noted the cost savings in the current policy applies across the board to all utilities who do any sort of roadwork.

(Arakaki in at 7:55 p.m., twelve members present.)

Board of Education (BOE) – Thompson reported that BOE handouts were available at a rear table for anyone interested.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES, JULY 2006 – The following correction/additions were made:

Page 7, 13) should read, "...Takai said the issue must be watched, and he did not know when the Nextel's application would be filed with DPP..."

Page 7, 14) should read, "...Arakawa reiterated the Board could send a letter to DPP saying that work is being done with Nextel to find alternate sites..."

Page 7, Discussion followed should read, "...a) Tanoue related that the Aiea area is due for a transit center, but it must be placed on the public infrastructure map first before it goes through the City Council process.

Page 8, Representative K. Mark Takai, 2) should read, "...A meeting with the Navy focused on the possibilities of a contra-flow on Kamehameha Highway from Center Drive to Salt Lake Boulevard..." 3) Should read, "...Regarding the proposal for acceleration lanes and left hand pockets on Kaahele Street, the representative is awaiting input a couple of associations..." 5) Should read, "...Friday, September 8, 2006..."

Page 9, last questions, answers and comments, sentence two should read, "... In response last year Representative Takai together with the Navy did cleanup the park..."

Page 9 should read Bob Masuda.

Without objections, the July 2006 regular meeting minutes were accepted as corrected.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Thompson reported and filed:

JUNE 2006 (end of fiscal year) –Operating Account balance 811.17; Publicity Account expenditures were $439.78, leaving a balance of $2,100.22; and $120.00 remained in the Refreshment Account.

JULY 2006 (start of fiscal year) – Operating Account $1,520, expenditures were $85.02, leaving a balance of $1,434.98; Publicity Account $2,540 expenditures were $2,662.90 for the Board's newsletter, leaving a minus of $122.90; and Refreshment Account $120.00, no expenditures remains at $120.00.

AUGUST 2006 – Operating Account expenditures was $34.02, leaving a balance of $1,400.96; the Publicity Account had no expenditures, the balance remains at minus $122.90; and no expenditures in the Refreshment Account leaving the balance of $120.00.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Construction at the intersection of Kaonohi Street and Moanalua Road – A resident expressed concern about the traffic congestion caused by swap meet patrons at this intersection. Chair Clark replied that the issue has been discussed several times. He said that in the future two left turn lanes would be installed going mauka and one wider lane going makai. The resident reiterated that on the weekends, swap meet traffic blocks the ewa lane on Moanalua Road by those wanting to make a left turn onto Kaonohi Street. Chair Clark mentioned he thinks it is required to have an off-duty police office there, which should be stopping drivers. It was stated that the swap meet operators were approached and asked if the entrances could be switched to the lower entrance for the safety of the community.  Board support was requested on this matter. Chair Clark said that would not be a problem because he knows whom to contact. He did speak with the new swap manager, but will contact the owner's attorney in California with the concern.

A question was posed if the areas is a danger could the City Department of Transportation Services review the area and ask the swap meet management to switch the entrances. In the meantime, Chair Clark noted the Board could write letters to the appropriate people.

Arakawa asked if there are any discretionary permits pertaining to that property relative to safety and public welfare. Councilmember Gary Okino will follow up.

Noise Concerns from Harbor Pointe Resident – Harbor Pointe resident manager, Anthony Pinochi, expressed concern regarding excessive noise from some patrons of Chez Monique Club and others who congregate in their raised parking lot at the 4 a.m. closing time. A draft letter and proposed draft resolution has been sent to Chair Clark for Board review, which could be then sent to the Pearl Kai Westridge Shopping Center management. Loud music is played and police have been called several times due to the area at about 4 or 4:15 a.m. The club closes at 3:45 a.m., and the noise concern has been a long-standing issue for the community. Chair Clark responded that correspondence has been sent to the police and he has spoken with Major Tandal of the Pearl City Police Department, the Liquor Commission and he is awaiting a response from them. Pinochi requested adding the Westridge Shopping Center manager on the correspondence list. This item will be placed on the October agenda for further discussion.

Noise from tree cutting at the Pearl Regency on Koauka Loop – A resident expressed frustration relative to a tree cutting company chipping branches on private property at her Pearl Regency condominium site, which is very disruptive. A call to the management agency and speaking with security resulted with no action being taken. She was previously told to call the police regarding the noise. Sugimura shared that the State Department of Health has rules regarding noise and hours of operation. Mobley suggested attending her next Pearl Regency Board of Directors meeting with her concerns as a homeowner and asking them to intercede on her behalf.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association – Claire Tanimoto reported the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Aiea Intergenerational Center at 7:00 p.m. The center is operational, but had sustained water damage. Board member Mobley and resident Munro were commended for their support of the center. Tanimoto noted that the Aiea State Library staff had heard rumors of possible relocation of the library to the sugar mill area.  She also warned of a recent rash of e-mails attempting to collect personal information by impersonating e-mails from your own credit union; the gathering of information is known as "phsishing" and the information collected could result in costly "identity theft" charges to your own name.

Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi – Jen Chahanovich, Chief Operating Director for Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi invited the community to visit the center, especially on October 14, 2006 when the facility will be hosting a Health Fair.

Pali Momi is becoming known as a center of excellence and was honored in being listed in the U.S. News & World Report in the July 15, 2006 issue as one of the 173 important nation-wide health facilities.

Jen Chahanovich was thanked for attending the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Proposed Nextel Antenna Facility at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway TMK (1) 9-8-018:039 (also known as the Watamull Properties) – Chair Clark noted that Representatives Takai and Finnegan had worked on this continuing project.  Finnegan referred to a distributed conditional use permit application and waiver letter from the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) which had given a variance with some items having approval and some items being denied to the requested antenna facility.  The antennae is permitted on the property but must be moved to a different site and the applicant must return for a reevaluation after the applicant has received the building permit.  Pictures were included in the application, to construct a triangular tower up to 68 feet tall. Nextel is in the process of obtaining a building application and a loan for the construction and is anticipating returning to DPP in several weeks. 

Chair Clark reported that Mr. Warren Monroe had visited the site; Mr. Monroe said the location was inappropriate and too near to housing.  Chair Clark discussed the history of the project:  the original proposed site was at the historical trail (next to the proposed Boston Pizza parking lot) – which was vigorously opposed, that Nextel then was pursuing locating at the mall where several building were actively considered and rejected, culminating in this proposal.  Finnegan said Netxel wants a higher antennae and a fence, which is being denied; landscaping is part of the requirement. 

Mayor Hannemann's representative Sumida was asked by Chair Clark about neighbor notification of projects, with the Sumida and Arakawa advising that City applications have some notification requirements but not by City agencies but by the applicant.  Sugimura, Arakawa, Finnegan, Monroe and Chair Clark discussed that the project has been generally agreed to but that the Board is still in opposition and will continue to seek improvements -- especially in the landscaping – but that the project requirements and conditions will need to be monitored.  Mobley noted that the Board had opposed and yet the project was being approved.  Tanimoto reported that Mayor's representative David Tanouye (Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Permitting) – who is regularly at the Aiea Board meetings -- had discussed with the Board that this type of antennae project legally requires little review by the City – conditional use permits are generally processed with conditions -- and that conditional use applications require the applicant to notify neighbors.  Tanimoto further reported that Arakawa had proposed the City should be developing a policy on how to deal with proposed antennae projects.  Nyuha reported that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board has also struggled with antennae sites.  Takai noted that Nextel has suggested several alternates and he feels that the original one might be weighed against these new ones. 

Chair Clark, Takai and Arakawa discussed possible letters, including one to the Public Utilities Commission to allow for joint use of power lines.  Chair Clark suggested the following:  1) letter to DPP – propose a policy of notification to the adjacent community (both in the future and for this project), 2) letter to Nextel, copy to DPP – serious concern as to this last location, and 3) discussion on possible original location vs. the current site.  Sugimura noted that federal law allows the projects to go forward and only permits municipalities to adjust locations.  Sugimura moved and Mobley seconded that the Aiea Neighborhood Board No. 20 send a letter to DPP asking for a policy of notification of affected neighbors.  With no objections, Chair Clark declared the motion passed unanimously 12-0-0.  Aye:  Aldinger, Arakaki, Arakawa, Clark, Distajo, Hargrave, Heth, Ho, Mobley, Sugimura, Texeira, Thompson.  Chair Clark request Arakawa to draft the letter.  Sugimura suggested the concerns and opposition to the current location could be included in the DPP letter; Ho stated that Sugimura had made a motion and that he seconded her motion.  With no objections, Chair Clark declared the motion passed unanimously 12-0-0.  Aye:  Aldinger, Arakaki, Arakawa, Clark, Distajo, Hargrave, Heth, Ho, Mobley, Sugimura, Texeira, Thompson.

Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Update – Roy Abe, of Hawaii Pacific Engineers and Lynn Kurashima, of the City's Department of Design and Construction, were present.  Abe distributed a project briefing sheet and announced a public information meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 at the Waimanalo Elementary School, with Chair Clark suggesting that those interested should be planning to be present at the Waimalu Elementary School.  Abe reported that a noise variance had been given for typical day-time only construction (which will move with the project rather than stationary as the freeway project), that night-time pumps would be in operation, that an emergency allowance was set up for 24-hour tunneling (occasionally expected but not regularly being planned) and that in an emergency, additional operations were allowed.  He reported that the construction company would be working with the community because, if there were community complaints, the State Department of Health could revoke nighttime permits. He reported a hotline phone number would be established when the project is started, with a community comment that the State Highways had established a hotline number for the recent freeway construction but that no one would answer it.  Takai reported that several projects were delayed and consolidated in order that City and State road repaving could be accomplished after the completion of the projects; Takai thanked Abe for facilitating the delay to accommodate the community.  Abe discussed with Sakamoto that the trench was to be filled with lightweight concrete slurry to avoid settlement or dips in the roadway.  

Chair Clark asked about scheduling; Abe said the start date will be in April 2007, with Chair Clark saying he will take the item off future agendas but that Abe should advise him of any updates if warranted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Selection of Representative for Board Vacancy, Subdistrict 1, Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley and Ford Island – Chair Clark asked for nominations or volunteers, there were none.

Residential Care Center at 99-240 Ohenana Loop (Halawa Valley Estates) – Glen Sato reviewed plans for a five-person adult residential care home, known as an ARCH.  He reported that the clients would be ambulatory, meaning that they would not be assisted-living, which would further reduce the number of people at the site.  He is applying for a State Department of Health Type 1 ARCH permit, to serve less than 5 people (24/7) and reported meeting with the City DPP who said that additional City permits are not needed because they are less than 8 people and will have a State license.  Ron Awa, the architect for the project, was present to confirm details of the project and was available to answer questions.  Chair Clark thanked them for coming.   

Aiea Medical Center Proposed Parking Lot Adjacent to Lilia Place – Wallace Kazama, one of the landowners, was present to explain the preliminary planning for the expansion of the parking lot.  He noted plans and permits to cut trees and demolish the current home, the architect is working on the final application, and he would like to accomplish as soon as possible but has no definite timetable.  He noted that the site is zoned for a parking lot so the permits are generally what are allowed. He said that if the neighbors would like to discuss his plans he could talk to them.

Kazama reviewed several audience questions, including the following:

1.                  Traffic concerns are part of the plan the architect is working on

2.                  A parking lot is allowable at the site, even though it is near a residential area

3.                  The cutting of trees was shorter than Kazama had planned

Additional audience concerns were mentioned:  air conditioning noise, black dust from exhaust, speeding from traffic, road is too narrow, car fumes, openness releases more noise from freeway, too many area children, speeding signs and drainage issue.

Chair Clark suggested, and Kazama agreed, that the issues should be discussed between Kazama and the immediate neighbors, with Kazama to plan a future meeting amongst his neighbors.

Application for Liquor License, Bobo's Mini Mart, LLC, 98-064 Kamehameha Highway, (formerly site of Angela's Mini-Mart):  Chair Clark noted that no representative was present and explained that the previous location had problems with customers who would fight in the vicinity of the store.  He reported a Liquor Commission hearing would be held on September 21, 2006 for those who might be interested in testifying.  Arakawa noted that disturbances in the neighborhood might be cause for revocation of a license.  Chair Clark added that the prior licensee had three instances of liquor sales to minors.  Chair Clark reported there would be no action on this item.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Gary Okino – Councilmember Okino reported on the morning's road dedication at the Sugar Mill, noting that the community was opposed to the original concept of industrialization of the property and it has now successfully been opened as a community center. 

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Representative Finnegan announced copies of her monthly report were available in the back, a "revitalization plan" is being developed as a graffiti eradication project and Aiea Intermediate School has made annual "no child left behind" goals.

Representative Mark Takai – Representative Takai distributed a monthly community report and highlighted "thanks" to Hawaii's military (and their families) for their continuing service, including the success of the new "Honolulu Remembers Walk" and that there is transit task force which addresses issues such as the State Department of Transportation's closure of the freeway.  Takai suggested he would be taking alternatives such as possible contra flowing to the task force. 

Senator Norman Sakamoto – Senator Sakamoto continued Takai's comments and suggested that another possibility currently in use on other freeways include cuts in the medians.  He welcomed community input on transit issues and on other subjects such as school issues.  He suggested that issues be e-mailed to his capitol office.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro represented Councilmember Cachola, distributed a monthly report, and highlighted that the recent Halawa Valley Estates sewer spill was due to kitchen grease being put down the drain, cautioning that the practice needs to be changed otherwise there will be another spill.  Chair Clark discussed grease-recycling practices during World War II to the amusement of many present.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo represented Senator Kim, distributed and monthly report and was available to respond to questions.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann – Randy Sumida (Office of the Mayor) represented regular-attendee on behalf of David Tanoue (Deputy Director of Department of Planning and Permitting) and Mayor Hannemann, distributed a community report from the Mayor, and thanked the Board and Chair Clark for the moment of silence for the 9-11 victims, especially since it was and continues to be many municipal employees who were first responders, some of whom lost their own lives.  Sumida also noted that 400 to 500 participated in the Honolulu Remembers Walk, which coordinated with the help of Representative Takai, was led by Mayor Hannemann.  He also noted the Mayor's thanks for the road dedication today, and thanks to Claire Tanimoto, Councilmember Okino, and Senator Sakamoto, adding that as an Aiea resident, the Mayor is also very happy for the community center. Sumida responded to concerns from the prior meeting: 1) The concern of sidewalk signage near the shopping center is needed because school children are jay-walking in the area was answered that the City is concerned, will monitor, but feels mid-block crosswalks need traffic lights, 2) Thanked those who worked on the Sugar Mill road opening, and 3) Reported that three males had been arrested regarding graffiti at the Halawa triangle and that HPD conducted a paint-out to cover the graffiti.

Governor Linda Lingle – No representative was present for Governor Lingle.

Announcements – The following announcements were made:

            1.         Children and Youth Day will be at the State Capitol on Sunday, October 1^st

2.                  Honolulu Traffic Corridor Transit Project update, October 20, Alvah Scott Elementary School

Committee Reports – Chair Clark deferred committee reports except for Parks Committee.

Parks Committee – Ho reported concern that the baseball park repairs, including ramp and paving items, at the Aiea District Park seem to be delayed and asked for an update.  He also noted that the Rainbow Bay Park's bull rushes had not been cut back sufficiently, which is state property.

Announcements – Ho noted that the PearlRidge Chapter of AARP #4734 will hold a Candidate Forum at the conclusion of the meeting and asked all interested residents and candidates to be present.

Chair Clark reminded everyone to go and vote, either at the September 23 primary or at early voting.

Adjournment -- With no objections, Chair Clark declared the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. 12-0-0.  Aye:  Aldinger, Arakaki, Arakawa, Clark, Distajo, Hargrave, Heth, Ho, Mobley, Sugimura, Texeira, Thompson.

Submitted by, Elwin Spray

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by Chair William Clark