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AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2007

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER – Pro tem Chairperson Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m., a quorum was present

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Wilbert Ho, Silvia Sugihara, Danielle Lum, Monica Texeira, George Passmore, Carl Jacobs, Ron Mobley.

MEMBERS ABSENT: William Clark (excused), Tracy Arakaki, Tuika Faumuina, Ruby Hargrave, Ross Lee. There are two vacancies in Sub district 1 (Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley and Ford Island).

GUESTS: Arlene Ching (Aiea Public Library), Ken Best (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office), Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office/Board of Education), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Randy C., Sgt. K. Miyazaki and Officer N. Murakami (Honolulu Police Department, District 5 – Pearl City), Captain Jeremy Kam (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea), Malia Gray (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office, Ross Tsukenjo (Senator Donna Kim’s Office), David Tanoue (Mayor’s Office/Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Nola Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE FOR 2007-2009 TERM: The Neighborhood Assistant Frank administered the oath of office for those members not present at the June 2, 2007 Installation Ceremony.

INITIAL CONVENING OF BOARD:

Election of Chairperson (2007-2008) – Mobley moved, seconded by Jacobs nominated William Clark for Chairperson. Lum moved, seconded by Mobley closing nominations. By unanimous consent William Clark was elected Chairperson, 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley). In the absence of Chairperson Clark, Sugimura continued to preside over the meeting.

FILLING OF TWO VACANCIES, SUB-DISTRICT 1 (Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley, and Ford Island) – There were no interested persons present to fill the vacancies.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OTHER OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008:

First Vice Chair – Ho moved, seconded by Jacobs nominating Jane Sugimura as First Vice Chair. There were no other nominations. By unanimous consent Jane Sugimura was elected First Vice Chair, 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley). In the absence of Chairperson Clark First vice Chair Sugimura continued presiding over the meeting.

Second Vice Chair – Mobley moved, seconded by Passmore nominating Wilbert Ho as the Second vice Chair. Lum moved, seconded by Texeira closing nominations. By unanimous consent Wilber Ho was elected Second Vice Chair, 8-0-0(Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

Third Vice Chair – Jacobs moved, seconded by Texeira nominating Ron Mobley for third Vice Chair. There were no other nominations. By unanimous consent Ron Mobley was elected Third Vice Chair, 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

Secretary – Mobley moved, seconded by Lum nominating Monica Texeira for Secretary. There were no other nominations. By unanimous consent Monica Texeira was elected Secretary, 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

Treasurer – Mobley moved, seconded by Passmore nominating Carl Jacobs for Treasurer. There were no other nominations. By unanimous consent Carl Jacobs was elected Treasurer 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS – The roll call of Board members was administered with a quorum of eight members present (Sugimura, Mobley, Jacobs, Ho, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Sugihara).

APPROVAL OF BOARD EXPENDITURES:

Determination of Pre-established Day of the Month to Hold Regular Meetings of the Board – Jacobs moved, seconded by Passmore to have board meetings on the second Monday of each month, 7:30 p.m. The motion carried unanimously 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

Facility Rental (Aiea Public Library) – Ho moved, seconded by Lum to hold board meetings at the Aiea Public Library Conference Room to include the monthly facility rental fee. The motion carried unanimously 8-0-0 (Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

Newsletters, Flyers, Videotaping, etc. – Mobley explained the board may do a newsletter, four pages long, once a year and that it would be mailed to each household in the board’s district.

Regarding videotaping, Jacobs added one of the focal points would be upcoming transportation issues. Jacobs moved, seconded by Mobley to have the board’s publicity funds available for videotaping.

Discussion followed: 1) Jacobs added it would benefit the community at large. Videotaping could be done on forthcoming transit issues at the appropriate time. 2) Lum noted other boards’ video and asked if statistics were available as to how many viewers watch neighborhood board meetings on Olelo. 3) Passmore opposed the motion saying the board has heavy discussion at times.

The motion failed by a vote of 1-6-1. Aye: Jacobs; Nay: Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Sugimura). Abstention: Mobley.

Further Discussion - Lum noted there are other ways to inform the community besides videotaping. Sugimura added that funding could be approved for a newsletter. Lum suggested another direction rather than videotaping.  It was mentioned that the board has a website. Jacobs added there are problems with blogs are editorial bias.  A comment was made that a newsletter was published and passed with comment for board approval.  Mobley moved to appoint a committee to study ways for the board to provide information to the community and report back to the board. The motion was tabled until the board’s committees are formed. Mobley said that the Community Relations and Publicity Committee will study ways for the Board to provide information to the community and report back to the Board.

Determination of Which Months for Board Recesses: Lum moved, seconded by Texeira for the board to recess in August and December. The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0

(Sugimura, Ho, Sugihara, Lum, Texeira, Passmore, Jacobs, Mobley).

FORMATION OF BOARD COMMITTEES - The following committees and chairpersons were formed:

      Executive – William Clark

      Transportation – Carl Jacobs

      Human Services – Ruby Hargrave

      Community Relations and Publicity – Danielle Lum and Silvia Sugihara

      Parks and Recreation – Wilbert Ho

      Planning and Zoning – Jane Sugimura and Carl Jacobs

      Restoration Advisory Board – Ron Mobley

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS – Chair Sugimura asked guests to introduce themselves.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Kam reported statistics for the month of May 2007 included 2 structures, 7 rubbish, 5 vehicle fires, 68 medical, 1 search/rescue, and 20 miscellaneous response calls.

Fire Safety Tip:

v     With brush fire season upon us, remember to maintain a 30-foot wide clearing in between any structure and vegetation. Recent rains may have caused overgrown vegetation in some breaks.

v     Independence Day is just around the corner, so consider leaving fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the many fireworks displays around town. If you use fireworks, follow warnings and instructions. Young children should never be given fireworks. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult. Have a happy and safe Independence Day celebration.

Chair Sugimura thanked Captain Kam for his report.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt, Miyazaki circulated the month statistics and reported total calls for the Aiea area were 1,970, averaging 26.70 percent of all of  District 3, which covers the district areas from Halawa to Kunia.

Questions, concerns and comments:

1. Follow up will done regarding specific occurrences at the Aiea Post Office and reported next month.

2. Regarding the shooting in the Aiea Public Library parking lot, it is considered an accidental shooting. Teenage boys were drinking alcohol in the parking lot of the nearby shopping area and were kicked out by a security guard. The boys’ then went to the library’s parking lot. While playing with the gun one of the teenagers was shot in the chest. A witness claimed that it was a drive by shooting, which was a lie. Detectives found out later while speaking with the witness’s one of the boys had the weapon on him. The weapon was recovered two weekends ago.

3. Mobley commented that it bothers him to hear that it was an accident.

4. The teenagers were 16-17 year old Aiea High School students.

5. Jacobs questioned if the name of the retailer who sold the alcohol to the minors is known.  In answer, the Juvenile Division does sweeps on different establishment (sending someone undercover) to check if alcohol is being sold to minors; if so, action is taken. Jacobs then asked if there is a direct link to a nearby retailer and this shooting. The response was the detectives would have the answer.

6. In response to Lum regarding the statistics UEMV is unauthorized entry into motor vehicle. Sgt. Miyazaki explained new laws make it a felony by just entering a car illegally. He emphasized not to leave personal items and valuables in cars. Sgt. Miyazaki was thanked for his report.

Follow up on Post Office thefts and lighting – Follow up on the thefts – HPD initiated the reports and forwarded them to postal officials. An update will be reported next month.

Allipoe Street – Deferred until the next meeting.

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

1)     No water main breaks for the month of May.

2)     General Water Announcements: BWS has been investing millions of dollars annually on proactive, preventative infrastructure projects to help ensure reliable water service and to effectively minimize water loss and service disruptions. One of the newest ways BWS is doing that is by using GPS, or Global Positioning System technology. BWS has just wrapped up phase one of this project in which workers from Wolper incorporated went out to Mililani, Waikele, Waipahu, Pearl City, and Aiea with state-of-the-art equipment to map the exact location of our water meters, valves, and hydrants using satellite data. Having these updated locations increases the accuracy of records and BWS can now tell where facilities are within a few feet of where they are on the maps. Plans are currently underway to expand the project to the rest of the island.

3)     Water Saving Tips: 1) When installing a drip irrigation system, don’t exceed 20 feet of poly tubing from valve to end cap. Don’t exceed a total flow of 200 gallons per hour per valve. 2) We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.

Questions, comments, concerns:

1. a call received from resident Munro informed BWS that a strange person with a backpack was walking through his property to read his water meter. BWS informed Munro that the person was a BWS GIS meter reader, and thanked Munro for his concern. Burgo reminded all to report any suspicions near regarding BWS water facilities to HPD and BWS.

2. In response to Jacobs, the GIS program is a pilot project and not available online. Chair Sugimura thanked Tracy Burgo for her report.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto distributed the BOE Highlights and was available to answer questions. Chair Sugimura thanked Breene Harimoto for the report.

APPROVAL OF THE MAY 14, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES - Chair Sugimura asked if there were any correction/additions to the minutes.

• Page 2, Board of Education (BOE) should read, “…Eileen Clarke reported …”

Without objections the regular meeting minutes of May 14, 2007 were accepted as amended.

TREASURER’S REPORT – The Treasurer’s report was not available and will be reported at the July meeting.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Aiea Community Association – Chair Sugimura announced that Claire Tamamoto was not in attendance this evening. The next Aiea Community Association meeting will be held on Monday, June 25, 2007, Aiea Intergenerational Center (Across from Albero and Sakura Restaurants on Kauhale Street, Suite B), at 7:00 p.m. Log on to http://www.aiea-community-association.org for more information.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Draft FYS 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement – First Vice Chair Sugimura announced that a copy of the Draft FYS 2008-2011 is available at the library for interested persons to review. All input should be sent to the City.

Jacobs announced an Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation meeting, Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. State Capitol, room 229.

Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan Briefing – Deferred.

NEW BUSINESS:

Pre consultant for the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) Kroc Community Center Land exchange draft environmental assessment – First Vice Chair Sugimura reported a proposed land swap between DHHL and the Salvation Army for the East Kapolei Kroc Center, for a one acre lot on Moanalua Loop, Aiea. The lot is currently used by the Salvation Army for a pre-school and other activity.  Mobley suggested that representative be invited to brief the board at the July meeting and requested this item be placed on the July agenda.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – The Governor’s representative was unable to be in attendance this evening.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo distributed Senators Kim’s and Sakamoto’s reports and was available to answer questions. Chair Sugimura thanked Ross Tsukenjo for the reports.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Malia Gray distributed the written update which includes a list of bills passing or failing along with a veto or a veto override. There is a possibility that a legislative special session would be held in July. Follow up: According to the State Department of Transportation (DOT) the problem has been solved relative to the Halawa Bridge area. A time start date for sometime in July is currently being negotiated with the contractor. Project should be completed in one year. 2) Drift racing is happening in different areas of the island, including the old Costco parking lot. The property owner is seeking to have the parking lot chained.

Questions, comments, concerns: 1) Regarding construction on the Halawa Bridge at Kamehameha Highway, problems previously happened due to conflict with the sub-contractor.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Ken Best circulated informational copies of the 14^th Legislature accomplishments and was available to answer questions. Chair Sugimura thanked Ken Best for the report.

Representative K. Mark Takai – Unable to be in attendance due to Military service at this time.

Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue reported:

1)     The Mayor’s monthly newsletter was available for interested persons to review. A copy of Mayor’s Midterm report were available with the daily newspapers and contains information relating to helpful city Websites, hurricane emergency information and frequently called numbers.

2)     Extreme Makeover Project – Tanoue explained the City expedited the permits for the

Extreme Makeover television show project.

3)     Abandoned gray vehicle on Koauka Street and Koauka Loop – A motor vehicle inspector could not locate the vehicle. Board members and the public were reminded that they report a suspected abandoned vehicle or derelict vehicle on the internet at http://www3.honolulu.gov/csdvcomplaints or call 733-2530.

4)     Kilinoe Park belongs to Newtown Estates and is not a City Park.

5)     Enforcement of parking violation Kaonohi Street and Uao Place – On May 31, 2007 Sgt. Chung spoke with the concerned resident who asked for traffic enforcement of the No Parking areas on Uao Place, especially on the mauka side near the crosswalk during the evening and early morning hours. The resident also reported officers not leaving the envelope with the citation. His other concern was his car being marked for abandoned vehicle on Kaonohi Street, but has since donated the car.

Questions, comments, concerns: Jacobs asked if City plans to have community meetings relative to hurricane preparedness.  Tanoue answered he is pretty sure meetings would be scheduled and would follow up. Tsukenjo announced that the area legislators usually have a meeting in August, which includes disaster preparedness. He will follow up and report the date at the board’s July meeting. Chair Sugimura thanked David Tanoue for his report.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto distributed Councilmember Okino’s written reported the Council approved the Legislative Operating Budget (Bill 29), the Executive Operating Budget (Bill 30), the Executive Capital Budget (Bill 31), and other budget-related measures on June 6, 2007. Some of the other budget-related measures approved by the Council include a one-time $200 tax credit for owner-occupants against real property taxes owed (Bill 16, CD1; clarified and refined the requirements regarding the real property tax credit (circuit breaker) for low income homeowners (Bill 38, CD1); improved the effectiveness of the county tax credit (circuit breaker) to further to assist low-income elderly persons (Bill 15 CD2); and updated sewer service charge schedules (Bill 37). Attached with the written report was information about the City’s proposed four-year area plan on aging draft, with schedules of upcoming meetings. Chair Sugimura thanked Breene Harimoto for his report.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the written report and congratulated the newly elected board members, and was available to answer questions.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parks and Recreation – Ho reported the mangrove near Peal Harbor has been removed. Jacobs added 500,000 tons of trash was removed and will check with the Navy what else will be done to the area. Jacobs noted much of the work was done under Homeland Security at a cost of $3.5 million from taxpayers. Ho was thanked for his report.

Restoration Advisory Board – Mobley reported the next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2007, 7-9 p.m., Radford High School in room 117. Mobley was thanked for the announcement.

There were no committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mobley commented Neighborhood Commission Training Committee training sessions are targeted different this time and trying to cut down on session times. Also, there was interest in online State Office of Information Practices training (education.)

ADJOURNMENT – Without objections, Chair Sugimura adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m.

Submitted by,                                                               Reviewed by,

Nola Frank, Neighborhood Assistant                           Jane Sugimura, 1^st vice Chair