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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2007

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.; a quorum was present

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Dave Arakawa, Ruby Hargrave, Wibert Ho, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, William Clark, Monica Texeira, Sam Heth, Ron Mobley, Ross Lee.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tracy Arakaki, Ryan Distajo, George Passmore (excused). One vacancy in Subdistrict 1 serving Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley and Ford Island.

GUESTS: Steven Antonio (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s office), Jerry Hofwolt (USS Bowfin SVB Museum), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s office), Robert Piper (Governor’s Representative/Department of Budget & Finance), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Douglas Lentz (National Park Service, USS Arizona Memorial Museum), Connor Lentz, Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Captain Lee Muller, Firefighter Reid Yoshida, and Firefighter 1 Ross Takata (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea), J. Mariani, B. Hanson, Jr., Warren Munro, Representative K. Mark Takai, Laurence Higa, Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Lt. Grant Arakawa and Sgt. Roger Nitta (Honolulu Police Department, District 3, Pearl City), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office/Department of Planning and Permitting) Representative Lynn Finnegan, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s office), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission office staff).

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

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Tonight’s guests introduced themselves at this time.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Firefighter 1, Ross Takata reported a total of 90 response alarms that included 1 structure, 1 brush, 3 rubbish, 2 vehicle fires, 47 medical, and 36 miscellaneous calls. One major incident occurred at 98-780 Oihana Place with 9 companies and 2 chiefs responding. Fire Safety Tip – Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency. Captain Mueller, Firefighter Yoshida and Firefighter 1Takata were thanked for attending the meeting.

Honolulu Police Department – Sgt. Nitta reported statistics for the month of December included auto theft 33, auto theft recovery 25, burglary 28, criminal property damage 23, sex assault 2, theft 93, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle 61; total calls for the Aiea area 2,137. Lt. Arakawa and Sgt. Nitta were thanked for attending the meeting.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported there were three main breaks for the month of December: a) 12/1, six-inch cast iron main hydrant lateral, 33 years old on Kilinoe Street; b) 12/4, 12-inch cast iron main, 38 years old at 98-630 Kaonohi Street; and 12/9, 12-inch cast iron main, 38 years old at 98-775 Kaonohi Street. BWS 2007 Water Conservation Calendars were distributed and will be given to all Neighborhood Boards. This year’s calendar theme is Xeriscaping, a method of using certain plants and designs to minimize the amount of water the garden will require to stay look fresh and green. Calendars are available to the public at the Beretania location, and can also be found on the website at www.boardofwatersupply.com/cssweb/display/cfm?sid=1430. Water Saving Tip: Your tap can release up to three gallons per minute depending on your fixture, don’t let it run! Low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush, as compared to the older ones that use 3.5 to 7 gallons. Switch your old toilet out today, and take advantage of the low flow toilet rebate from BWS. For more information, check out the website at www.boardofwatersupply.com and use the conservation pull down menu to get to the special programs and rebates section.

Questions, answers and comments: Follow up to a resident’s concern relating to backup generators – BWS will not be placing backup generators at every pump station because it is not cost-effective. The cost of purchasing the generators and maintaining them is extremely prohibitive and they would have to raise the rates to exorbitant levels to have them. In addition, BWS wouldn’t be able to concentrate on maintaining the regular water pumping system equipment if they had to maintain these backup generators for those rare emergencies. In case of disaster, federal, state, and city agencies would create a pool of resources, such as available generators, that could be tapped into. BWS would have priority regarding generators. Bottom line is BWS is prepared as much as they need to be. Tracy Burgo was thanked for her report.

7:45 p.m. Lee arrived (11 members present).

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated the BOE Highlights for Eileen Clarke who was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – November 2006: The following corrections/additions were made:

• Page 2, Questions, answers, comments should read, “...1. Lt. Lima explained that there are several factors to consider...”
• Page 3, Questions, answers, comments should read, “...3. The response was that hurricane emergency kits should include water for three days..”; “...4. In response to an audience member, BWS adds small amounts of chlorine to the water for disinfections; all the water is purified...”; “...5.,3^rd sentence – However, in cases where a pipe goes dry and dirty water comes out the customer should run the faucet until the high pressure in the pipe clears the water...”

• Page 5, Questions and comments should read, “..., Doug Lentz to a board meeting to hear concerns from their side. 2. Representative Takai asked the board to invite the superintendent of the USS Arizona Memorial
• Page 8, Questions, answers and comments should read, “...1. A Makalapa resident raised concern regarding drainage/flowage easement over his property in favor of the City. Claims that the Makalapa Neighborhood Park drains onto his property. He maintains his portion of the ditch, but still floods when there is a big rain. Resident asked the status and completion date of the drainage study being conducted by the Department of Design and Construction is doing a drainage study and asked for the status. Sandbags were requested to protect the property and indicated that sandbags were previously put there by the City...”

Without objections the November 2006 Regular Meeting Minutes were accepted as corrected.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Thompson reported errors in the Operating and Publicity Accounts were corrected. September –Operating/Publicity Account balance was $1,732.63, expenditures were $70.79, leaving a balance of $1,661.84; no expenditures in the Refreshment Account leaving the balance at $120.00. November – Operating/Publicity Account balance was $1,661.84, with expenditures of $66.77 leaving a balance of $1,595.07; the Refreshment Account remains at $120.00. December – Operating/Publicity Account balance was $1,595.07, with expenditures of $55.05, leaving a balance of $1,540.02; no expenditures in the Refreshment Account leaving the balance at $120.00. The Treasurer’s reports were accepted subject to audit.

Questions and comments: A questions arose as to why the Refreshment Account is never utilized. Chair replied that is what boards are allotted and whether the board chooses to use it or not is another question. He said a volunteer would have to purchase the refreshments, make the coffee, set up, etc. and asked if anyone wanted to volunteer. Thompson added that some other boards had requested it and that it why it was put in; some meeting facilities do not allow food.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Moanalua Road/Kaonohi Street Intersection – A resident raised concern about the moved bus stop.  The buses driving by are hitting the hanging tree branches. Tanoue noted the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will conduct an investigation and the board would be informed of the finding the end of February (2007). Harimoto reported a meeting held last Friday with DTS to discuss concerns relating to this intersection. DTS will be putting in new strips on Moanalua Road (currently there only one dotted line between the two lanes), and guidelines on the left side and address all other concerns.

Pamoho Place – Resident Higa reported the City’s “no parking” sign located before the stop sign is missing. Tanoue said that the “no parking signs have been installed and will follow up.

Halewiko Road – Tamamoto reported concerns regarding parking on this street were given to DTS. A study showed the road is too narrow for on street parking. A “no parking” sign was requested.

Moanalua Road and Nalopaka Street – Concern was raised relative to on street parking on the makai side of Moanalua Road fronting the Seventh Day Adventist Church, resulting in a one-lane road in that area. A question was posed if the lane is too narrow for on street parking. Chair noted a few years ago the pastor of the church approached the board relative to a zoning variance for a church parking lot. Chair specifically asked whether the parking would be allowed on the street or not. Munro added, per the church, when Moanalua Road was widened property fronting the church was taken away. The area fronting the church was given back to use as parking after the road widening. Heth stated a warning sign should be posted that the two-lane road becomes one in that area. This concern was referred to Governor’s representative Piper. Mobley stated parking was to be allowed on Saturdays only because being a weekend it would cause no problems, which is when church services are held.

Questions and comment: Tamamoto asked if it is a safety issue could the zoning variance be revoked? Chair noted that the board was approached in either 2003 or 2004, and research would be done this evening to find the minutes of that meeting. The issue regarding the Seventh Day Adventist Church on street parking was referred to Mayor’s representative Tanoue and Councilmember Okino’s aide, Harimoto.

COMMUNITY REPORT

Aiea Community Association – Claire Tamamoto reported the next meeting would be on Monday, January 22, 2007, Aiea Intergenerational Center, at 7:00 p.m. Residents raised concerns about noise from the stadium’s parking lot and asked if a noise barrier along the freeway could be installed. Representative Finnegan is researching the matter. Requests have been made for a Christmas Parade. Brandon Kono of Halawa District Park is requesting park closure signage (10 pm to 5 am) so HPD can do enforcement because of the homeless situation at the park. Tamamoto invited everyone to the Empower O’ahu Tools for Change Workshop with David Korten on Saturday, January 27, 2007, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Waianae Hongwanji Mission (85-762 Old Government Road).

Discussion followed: Comments were made that Aiea District Park and Napuanani Park (different park complex) both have park closure signs, but not all area parks have signage. Officially, only Kaonohi and Pearlridge parks close at 10 p.m. There are issues occurring at Kaahele Park. A question was posed if this could possibly be a future agenda item? Tamamoto relayed to Harimoto that at one time Councilmember Okino assisted with seeking a law or an ordinance allowing park directors to close the parks. Harimoto replied recommendations for park closures must come from the neighborhood boards. Follow up will be done. Tamamoto asked if it would be feasible to put item on the agenda to include all area parks. Chair said it would also be good to have members of the public attend the meeting to give testimonies. Tamamoto was thanked for her report.

Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi – Deferred to the February meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Selection of Representative for Board Vacancy, Sub-district 1 – There were no interested persons present to fill the vacancy. Chair announced that Board elections are upon us and interested persons may pick up a candidate forum on the table at the back of the room. Deadline for filing neighborhood board candidacy is Tuesday, January 16, by 4:30 p.m. Candidate forms are also available online.

Proposed Nextel Antenna Facility at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway (TMK (1) 9-8-018:039) Update – Harimoto reported representative of the Aiea and Pearl City Neighborhood Board, Aiea Community Association and area legislators met with the Department of Planning and Permitting to discuss the permitting process for cellular antennas. A better understanding of the process and requirements was gained at this meeting. Several improvements were identified to keep the community better informed, including notification of a when an application is filed. First in the process is do board presentation, then DPP addresses concerns from the boards, and submit the application. He stressed the importance of all concerns being put in the board’s minutes for review by DPP. Mobley objected to the comment because all this board’s concerns were incorporated in the minutes. Harimoto reiterated he is reporting general information not pertaining to a particular board. Chair noted that Councilmember Okino’s report circulated this evening implied that this board did not keep proper minutes that should be rectified. Harimoto replied that he is addressing the process in general and all board minutes.

Discussion followed: 1) Mobley mentioned that the Board had been told at previous meetings that DPP cannot turn down an antenna application due to federal regulations. He asked which specific regulations pertain to this issue. To his understanding an antenna applicant cannot be denied the permit, but can be told where or where not to install the device. 2) Sugimura reiterated per Tanoue that the board would be provided a copy of the application. According to Harimoto’s report a board presentation takes place before the application is submitted, and asked if that means the applicant must first approach the neighborhood board. Tanoue responded that is the first step to the process. He explained when DPP receives the application they review how to resolve the concerns which are listed on the application. 3) Chair noted the reason Nextel is on tonight’s agenda is because consultant Carl Young made the request. 4) Thompson mentioned that Young may not be in attendance tonight because the board keeps asking them to move the proposed sites and Mr. Young may feel that his job on the project is complete. 5) Chair said he believes the talks were geared towards installing the antenna at the Boston Pizza site, when in fact the representative and Nextel was still talking about a Pearlridge or Pearl Harbor location. As far as he is concerned that is not good bargaining. 6) Representative Finnegan discovered at the meeting that boards have to anticipate where the antennas may go and be more specific of where or where not the community wants the an antenna to be installed.

NEW BUSINESS:

Pearl Harbor Historic Sites Briefing – Douglas Lentz, of the National Park Service, USS Arizona Memorial gave the following update: As a superintendent for four years, he was aware plans were to do a Visitor Center expansion. However, it was learned that the life expectancy for the expansion was only five to ten years, so the addition made no sense. The suggestion went from an expansion to a replacement Visitors Center. At the same time, the National Park Services was trying to acquire the property between the USS Arizona and the USS Bowfin. A couple years ago the Pearl Harbor Partners was established, which includes the USS Arizona Memorial Museum, USS Arizona, USS Bowfin, USS Mission, and the Air Museum, to work as a team. Plans are to have a gateway to include all the visitor sites in one orientation area. The biggest complaint received daily is how to get to one site or another. Having everything in one area would inform visitors what is available. Working with the Navy, the National Parks will acquire the property on May 1 (located where the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center currently is). The land must be unencumbered for planning and construction purposes. The Navy had allowed a 65-year lease on the property where the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center operates selling food and merchandise. The new interim plan includes food, merchandise, and better visitor orientation. Cost for the project is approximately 50 million due to piles having to be installed. The USS Arizona Book Store to date has raised $19 million for the project. Groundbreaking for the project is December 2007, with completion in 18 to 24 months.

Jerry Hofwolt of the USS Bowfin added the gateway center would include one passport to all sites in a secured area having multiple activities. The result is a positive visitor experience. Representatives Takai and Finnegan were thanked for their assistance.

Questions and comments: 1) Mobley – At the last meeting the (Ret) Col. Bates raised concern regarding the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center’s lease. Holfwolt replied the land must be returned to the Navy on April 30, 2007 with no buildings. 2) In response to Tamamoto, Hofwolt said Col. Bates subleases. He was seeking board support to force the issue to extend his lease. It was reiterated that the Hunt Corporation must turn the property over to the Navy on April 30, 2007 with no structures on it. Lentz added the National Parks Service is currently doing a commercial service plan that should be done in about nine months. 3) Heth commented he heard that people would be losing their jobs. The response was that all vendors would have an opportunity to bid on whatever would be on the site. 4) Chair asked if employees would have to been from the parks services. Lentz answered some would be government jobs. 5) Regarding the secured area, Heth asked how would the visitors get from the memorial to Ford Island. In answer, buses and a ticket would be provided. Lentz added groundbreaking for the USS Oklahoma Memorial is set for December 7, 2007. 6) Representative Takai noted tonight’s report was to update the community. Representative Finnegan, himself, and the Pearl Harbor Historic Partners have been working on the project for several years. In reference to Col. Bates, it was noted the property is sacred ground and plans to place the USS Arizona Memorial Center next to the USS Bowfin Memorial, and other partners would make the area more presentable. Heads up given is that changes to the street and freeway signs will be made showing the Pearl Harbor Historic sites. In response to the Chair, Representative Takai said it is important for boards to hear both sides and board action is not important at this time.

Doug Lentz and Jerry Hofwolt were thanked for attending the meeting.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Representative Finnegan circulated her monthly report and noted that efforts would be made by the Navy to remove the mangrove at Rainbow Park. As previously done, she will coordinate with the community to assist with the mangrove removal. She participated in an on-site walk around assessment at Aiea Elementary School. New aide to her staff Steven Antonio was introduced. Constituents from Halawa Valley estates and Puu Wai Momi raised concerns regarding noise from drifting at the stadium parking lot. They are hoping sound barriers could be installed. Chair relayed he attended one meeting with stadium authorities, but assumed an agenda would be posted six days prior to the meeting. No one he knows receives a copy of the agenda regarding meetings. Upon request he did receive an agenda. Chair said follow up on the noise concerns will be done. Representative Finnegan added that area residents do not mind tolerating the noise once in a while.

Questions and concerns: Heth asked why nothing is being done on the Halawa Bridge landing. The response was that Representative Takai is just starting on the matter.

Representative Finnegan was thanked for attending the meeting.

9:08 p.m. Arakawa left (10 members present).

Representative K. Mark Takai – Representative Takai reported the following: Pipes and lines were uncovered at the Halawa Bridge landing that were not on the map and that the project is just starting. In the last couple of years the Kamehameha Highway Task Force held several meetings relative to the transit route. The results of the February meeting was taken to the community regarding Kamehameha Highway in March/April; and approved the transit project. In March of this year plans are to have a video and display at Pearlridge Shopping Center. The board will be notified of dates and times. Kaahele update is that the City approved the changes for a left turn pocket into Kaahele (from the acceleration lanes). It is expected to find a design soon for the restriping in the next couple of months. The start of the next legislative session commences next Wednesday, January 17, 2007 and everyone was invited to participate. Suggestions for a legislation package were welcomed.

Questions and concerns: Relative to the opening of the legislative session, Aldinger asked about parking. Representative Takai replied that parking is horrible and suggested catching a bus to the Capitol.

Representative Takai was thanked for attending the meeting.

Governor’s Representative – Robert Piper introduced himself as the new governor’s representative and the Director of the State Department of Budget and Finance. Governor Lingle’s Weekly News was circulated. Piper offered to work with Tanoue and Harimoto with the church parking issue. Robert Piper was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto distributed Councilmember Okino’s monthly report and noted that Bill 79, relating to transit was attached for interested persons to review. Breene Harimoto was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the monthly report and noted that Councilmember Cachola is chair of the Council’s Transportation committee.

Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo distributed the monthly report and was available for questions. He urged everyone with proposed legislation to contact the office.

Ross Tsukenjo was thanked for attending the meeting.

Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue reported Bill 79, relating to Transit passed. The next step (phase1) for the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is choosing an operating system. There will be more community interaction when the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is done. The Mayors “Honolulu New” was not available for tonight’s meeting. Follow up: a) the no parking signs on Pamoho Place have been installed. Follow up will be done regarding the missing sign; b) Regarding new lane alignment at the intersection of Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street, DTS will conduct an investigation and inform the Board of the findings at the end of February 2007; c) Regarding concern raised about drainage/flowage easement over a resident’s Makalapa property, DDC has a drainage study to investigate the drainage situation in the Makalapa Park. A draft report is being circulated internally for comments. It is anticipated that the report will be finalized in the near future, at which time a copy will be provided to the councilmember of the district and made available to the public. In the interim it is recommended that all property owners situated below the park maintain their section of the drainage ditch at the back of their properties. It is our understanding that the ditch was intended to capture and convey runoff from the park and the privately owned slope to the City storm drain system. Blockages by any of the individual property owners could exacerbate any flooding being experienced. DDC has no comment regarding the sand bags.

Questions and concerns: 1) Relative to the transit report, planning for design and implementation will be Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding. 2) Lee asked if a report was available regarding cost of maintenance. Follow up will be done. David Tanoue was thanked for attending the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Executive – No report.

Transportation – Sugimura offered to chair this committed.

Human Services – No report.

Community Relations and Publicity – Mobley circulated copies of the Commission Training Committee’s board survey tabulations. He noted tabulations distributed at the committee meeting were incomplete.

Parks and Recreation – Ho reported graffiti on the walls at Pearl Harbor Park and it was painted over by the Aiea Lyons Club. Tanoue added per the Cabinet meeting, HPD is enforcing the criminal aspect of graffiti taggers. If on City property a complaint needs to be filed to resolve the issue. The Department of Facility Maintenance is responsible for the paint over on City property.

Planning and Zoning – No report.

Restoration Advisory Board – No report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Ho announced that he would be out of town and would miss the February 12, 2007 Board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: William Clark, Chair