AIEA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING                                          

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2007

AIEA PUBLIC LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM

CALL TO ORDER:  Vice Chair Jane Sugimura called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m., a quorum was present

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Sugimura, Tracy Arakaki, Ryan Distajo, Ruby Hargrave, Sandra Thompson, Martha Aldinger, Monica Texeira, Sam Heth, Ron Mobley.

MEMBERS ABSENT: William Clark (excused), Wilbert Ho (excused), George Passmore, David Arakawa, Ross Lee.  

GUESTS: Ken Best (Representative Blake Oshiro’s Office), Breene Harimoto (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office/Board of Education), Jen Chahanovich (Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi), Mike Wilcox, Lt. G. Arakawa and Motorman A. Chang (Honolulu Police Department District 3, Pearl City), Steven Antonio (Representative Lynn Finnegan’s Office), Lynn Kurashima (City Department of Design and Construction), Roy Abe (Hawaii Pacific Engineers), John L. Mariani, Barney Hanson Jr., Tracy Burgo (Board of Water Supply), L. Higa; Captain L. Muller and Firefighter R. Yoshida (Honolulu Fire Department – Aiea); Pat Lee and Gary Omori (HHCTCP); Kevin Tobin, Mary S. Booth, Warren Munro, Representative Blake Oshiro, Susan Sheldon, Suzette Adversalo, Representative K. Mark Takai, Claire Tamamoto (Aiea Community Association), Les Vallarano (SORT), Sharleen Oshiro (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s Office), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS: Eight Board members were present (Sugimura, Distajo, Hargrave, Thompson, Aldinger, Texeira, Heth and Mobley).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Chair Sugimura asked guests introduced themselves.

PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Captain Muller reported statistics for the month of February 2007 included two brush, two rubbish, two vehicle fires, sixty-seven medical and twenty-even miscellaneous response calls. One unusual incident occurred on February 23 when a baby girl was delivered by Firefighter Yoshida fronting Bobby’s Union Service Station at 5:01 in the morning. Mother and baby are doing fine. Fire Safety Tip: Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Now is the time to prepare for brushy fire season. Be responsible and extinguish fires properly. Even small sources of fire, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Formulate plans and communicate with family members and neighbors to create a safer community. Report and remove hazards. Maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding all structures. Captain Muller and Firefighter Yoshida were thanked for attending the meeting.

Honolulu Police Department – Lt. Arakawa reported February statistics included auto theft 31, auto theft recovery 19, burglary 32, criminal property damage 29, sex assault 1, theft 71, unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (theft from auto) 62, and calls for service 1, 764. Follow up regarding the Kam Drive-In Swap Meet traffic concerns – A meeting with HPD and the Swap Meet officials resulted with the officials opening an entrance to the Swap Meet located next to St. Timothy’s Church for Honolulu bound cars on Moanalua Road. Plans are to hire off-duty officers and station an officer at the intersection of Moanalua Road and Kaonohi Street to monitor the intersection. Swap Meet officials said they would like to be good neighbors.

Comments and concerns: 1) Relative to no parking (Ewa Bound) on Moanalua Road across from Kam Drive-In, an audience member asked if this also applies to commercial vehicles. He raised concern about a trash truck parked on Moanalua Road while picking up three to four dumpsters of trash from a condominium blocking the right lane. Lt. Arakawa replied yes if actively picking up trash the police will try to use their discretion. Technically the truck is in violation. The audience member added prior to the changes at the intersection there was an area the truck could pull up on as not to block the flow of traffic. No information on the truck company was available. It was suggested anyone seeing the violation to call 911, but the truck may be gone before officers get to the site. Officer Chang noted HPD will work with the condominium association to see if the rubbish bins could be moved to another location on the property. 2) Chair Sugimura commented that a woman was killed on Koauka Loop about three to four weeks ago fronting the Bougainville complex. She noted a safety issue for the elderly who use the sidewalk. Cars are illegally parked in a no parking zone and drivers from the Pearl 1 complex at the top of the road speed. She asked if HPD could monitor the area and give citations to cars illegally parked. Lt. Arakawa responded that since the incident the issue is being addressed by HPD and asked the community to call 911 to report violations. 3) A resident raised concern relative to the Swap Meet and the Moanalua/Kaonohi Street intersection where drivers are going up Kaonohi Street making a u-turn to come back down to go to the Swap Meet. Lt. Arakawa said the issue would be addressed. The resident added due to the changes at the intersection traffic is backed up on Saturdays and Sundays because cars turning left on to Kaonohi Street from Moanalua Road (for the Swap Meet) are still in the intersection when the light turns red. Lt. Arakawa noted hopefully the changes will by the Swap Meet officials will improve the traffic issue. Lt. G. Arakawa and Officer Chang were thanked for attending the meeting.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tracy Burgo reported three main breaks for the month of February: Oniaku Street (42-year old 8-inch cast iron main); Kaamilo Street (41-year old 8-inch cast iron main); Kaonohi Street (38-year old cast iron main. El Nino conditions prompt call for conservation – Weather forecasters are predicting that El Nino conditions are expected to last for the next 3 to 6 months. As a result, below-normal rainfall is anticipated throughout the islands. Until these conditions subside, the forecasters are recommending that voluntary water conservation measures be practiced. Water Saving Tips – If you walk across your lawn and leave footprints, it’s time to water; keeping your showers to 5 minutes or less can save up to 1000 gallons a month; If your dishwasher is new, you can cutback on rinsing dishes before putting them in (the new washers clean more thoroughly than the old ones); You can leave lower branches on trees and shrubs to allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps soil cooler and reduces evaporation. Tracy Burgo was thanked for attending the meeting.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated the BOE Highlights and said Eileen Clark was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. He was available for questions. Breene Harimoto was thanked for attending the meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2007: Chair Sugimura asked for corrections or additions to the FEBRUARY 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes:

• Page 4, line 5 should read, “…ballots to those…”
• Page 6 Line 2 should read, “…floods...”
• All areas pertaining to tow road should read, “…toll road…”

Without objections the Regular Meeting Minutes were accepted as amended.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Deferred.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Masonry work deteriorated on Upper Aiea Heights Drive – Resident Munro mentioned he had faxed the above mentioned concern to the neighborhood Assistant and has yet to receive a response. However, he did receive a call from the Department of Planning and Permitting today. Mayor’s representative Tanoue explained that the process for Mayor’s concerns is to fill out the sheet and give to the Neighborhood Assistant, who then turns in the concerns, which is sent out to the different departments. Responses would be reported at the next Board meeting. However, if the answer to the concern is needed prior to the next Board meeting he suggested calling the department directly. Tanoue said an answer would be given during his Mayor’s report.

Aiea Heights Drive and Halewiliko Street Intersection – Aldinger expressed concern of having to wait approximately three minutes at a red light to turn green when there are no other cars. She asked if the sensors could be checked. Tanoue will follow up.

COMMUNITY REPORT

Aiea Community Association (ACA) – Chair Sugimura announced the next meeting would be on Monday, March 26, 2007, Aiea Intergenerational Center, at 7:00 p.m.

Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi – J. Chahanovich gave the following update: 1) There is a higher consensus in continuing growth. If no beds are available patients are rerouted to another hospital. The facility will have another CI machine by May 1. Plans are to upgrade the Cardiac Cath Lab and a State certificate of need intervention is required. The feasibility study is almost complete intending to add ninety-nine additional beds. Pali Momi has partnered with the Pearlridge Shopping Center management leasing seventy-five parking stalls above Ross for employees.

Comments and concerns: 1) Heth shared he experienced the new CT Angiogram machine that takes sixty-four slides. Chahanovich noted a Doctor’s referral is needed for the CT Angiogram. Currently the facility is not charging for the testing due to physicians still in training. With the additional CT scanner there is no need for rerouting. J. Chahanovich was thanked for attending the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Selection of Representative for Board Vacancy, Sub-district 1 – Chair Sugimura asked for nominations to fill the Board vacancy in Sub district 1 (Halawa, Halawa Heights, Stadium, Halawa Valley and Ford Island) and explained the term would end on May 31, 2007. Mary Booth was interested in filling the vacancy.

Mobley moved, seconded by Thompson nominating Mary Booth to fill the vacancy in Sub district 1. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0 (Sugimura, Arakaki, Distajo, Hargrave, Thompson, Aldinger, Texeira, Heth, Mobley). The Neighborhood Assistant administered the oath of office.

Proposed Nextel Antenna Facility at 98-302 Kamehameha Highway (TMK (1) 9-8-018:039) also known as the Watamull Properties – Chair Sugimura asked Representative Takai if he had an update to report. He replied he deferred the issue to Representative Finnegan. Tanoue added he is unaware of any changes. Mobley stated he specifically asked for regulations relating to wireless antennas and noted the Telecommunications Act of 1996 consists of 129 pages. He received a seven page summary for local counties. Mobley read a segment from the Act stating the act allows informing a wireless company applying for a permit the selected place is not right and where to place the antenna. It was pointed out that the law specifically says local government has the authority to say no to a location and suggest another for the antenna. Tanoue noted it is significant justification. Tanoue mentioned that at the last meeting Chair Clark said the item was on the agenda because it requested by Nextel, but they did not attend the meeting. Chair Sugimura asked Board members if they would this item removed from the agenda. Representative Takai asked that his and Representative Finnegan’s name be removed from the item. A suggestion was made that the first question DPP should asked a wireless applicant is research has been done regarding co-locating. Representative Takai reiterated that his side is closed for all practical purposes. Chair Sugimura said she thought it has been worked out with the City that the Board would receive information on applications received from DPP. Tanoue added prior to an application being submitted, a presentation must be made to a Neighborhood Board. The department strives for co-location. Chair Sugimura questioned if the City would just accept the word of an applicant (example-have they spoken with HECO). Tanoue replied it is hopeful that people are telling the truth, and we must believe that people are being truthful. Thompson suggested asking for it in writing, such as from HECO if the applicant did speak with the company. Chair Sugimura mentioned the Board would write a letter to HECO making sure wireless applicant speaks with them regarding co-locating. Tanoue added part of the review process for applications is that it is signed off either by the applicant or their agent(s). Chair Clark will be asked if this item should be removed from the agenda or not.

Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation/Reconstruction Project Update – Roy Abe circulated a handout and noted: 1) The City had anticipated awarding the project to the low bid contractor in December 2006 and starting construction in April 2007. However, only one contractor bid on the project and his bid was approximately three times the available City funds, and the City cancelled the solicitation for bids. The project is very difficult due to poor soil, high water table conditions, underground and overhead utility obstructions, limited work space, and heavy traffic. To minimize construction problems and impacts, the contract documents included stringent contractor qualification requirements and design features to minimize such problems as ground settlement and damage to adjacent utilities and properties. The lack of other contractors bidding on the project may be attributed to the limited number of local contractors qualified to undertake complex sewer projects and the glut of construction projects statewide. The high price of the lone bidder is believed to be partly due to inclusion of extensive contingencies to cover the high risks associated with the project. The project will involve several different construction methods to either replace the existing sewer lines with completely new lines, or perform in-place rehabilitation of the existing lines. Most of the approximately 7,000 linear feet of new sewers will be constructed using conventional open-cut trenching methods. The depth of the lines will range from 4 to 13 feet. One major segment will include the construction of a 16-inch sewer line across Kamehameha Highway at Hekaha Street using “trenchless” technology called “microtunneling”. The project will be done in phases. The Environmental Assessment was issued in March of 2005. Prior to the start of actual construction, a public information meeting will be held to discuss the details of the project. At that time the City’s construction management consultant and contractor will be providing additional information on the project. Also, at that time a project website and 24 hours/day, 7 days/week complaint hotline will be available.

Comments and concerns: 1) Tamamoto asked if money was allocated for the project and mentioned that the fifteen and a half million of FY06 funding lapsed. FY07 funding is nine and a half million totaling about thirty million. The original cost for the project was twenty-five million. Abe replied FY07 funds would lapse in December. The City and consultant will work to rebudget the project. Nine and a half million has already been approved and they are asking for an additional twenty million. Phase 1 of the project should go out to bid mid-year. Chair Sugimura noted only one bidder and the bid was high. Abe answered they may wait and hopefully the bidding climate changes. He reiterated that the project is difficult. In response to Thompson, the bidding application was on the website and they did receive a bid from a mainland company with local ties. In response to question by Heth, flows in the area are approximately one half to a million gallons per day. Chair Sugimura asked if and when project is rescheduled could an update be reported at the Board meeting. Abe agreed. Roy Abe was thanked for attending the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Proposed Park Closure Hours, 10 PM TO 5 AM for the following parks: Malealapa Neighborhood Park, Newton Neighborhood Park, Waimalu Neighborhood Park, Kaahele Neighborhood Park, Nahele Neighborhood Park, and Kilinoe Neighborhood Park:

Mobley moved, seconded by Thompson in support of park closures from 10 pm to 5 am in uniformity for Malaelapa Neighborhood Park, Newton Neighborhood Park, Waimalu Neighborhood Park, Kaahele Neighborhood Park, Nahele Neighborhood Park and Kilinoe Neighborhood Park. The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0 (Sugimura, Arakaki, Distajo, Hargrave, Thompson, Aldinger, Texeira, Heth, Mobley).

Save O’ahu’s Race Track (S.O.R.T.) – Mike Wilcox said SORT was formed in 2006 because of the close down of Hawaii Raceway Park (HRP), the only racing facility on O’ahu saying that SORT wants to save the racetrack and to preserve HRP. SORT would like to use the outer island model with a county/state owned racetrack run by racers providing the operations and maintenance. The organization is asking the county, state and private entities to provide funding, with funding paid back by the non-profit organization that would run the racetrack. One solution would be to reopen HRP, because there is too much on-street racing occurring. SORT would promote programs such as teaching at-risk youth about racing on the track not on the street, partnership with HPD with positive programs, Race-A-Cop program, etc. Wilcox added there are 280 public parks and several municipal golf courses. With city/state involvement this would be a public racetrack run by a non-profit organization (racers).

Comments and concerns: 1) In response to Mobley, Hawaii Raceway Park (HRP) was closed because the former lessee sold his share to a private developer. SORT has been in contact with the new owner who is willing to swap the property if another one is found. HRP was run under private entity. SORT would like the racetrack to be county owned as the outer islands do. Since closing of HRP in 2006 there has been an increase in deaths from Illegal Street racing (2005 approximate deaths 70; 2006-90). Mobley asked percent wise did the statistics go down on all three tracks. Vallarano replied HPD has issued more citations and the law on speeding has changed. Anyone going over 30 miles per hour or more than 80 miles per hour goes to jail. SORT would like to have a legal venue. 2) Thompson wanted to know the statistics of track users. Vallarano answered HRP had about 160,000 users and visitors yearly. Approximately 10,000 of those were different types of racers. According to the former owner the track was used 317 days out of the year. 3) Heth asked the how much is the property worth. The reply was the current assess value is $5.8 million. SORT would like the City to purchase the property, run the race track and repay the City. 4) Munro asked if former airstrips were considered as an alternate in the State. In answer, the Barbers Point runway comes under State jurisdiction (part of the airport system) was approached and SORT was told no. There are not many land alternatives on O’ahu. 5) Aldinger asked if SORT has alternative sites in mind. Wilcox said SORT would like to use the current facility, have the counties purchase the property and keep it as a specialized park, and do a trade if they must to acquire HRP. A Board member’s comment was that it is too bad that Campbell Estate did not donate the racetrack to the county. 6) Matson asked how SORT would attract street racers to use the race track when they live on the other side of the island. She mentioned that street racing occurs on the freeway near Kahala and Waialae. The reply was to introduce youngsters to the race strip at an early age (about 4 years old), different programs, presentations at high school (educate). Distance from the race track should not be a problem for anyone. 7) Wilcox distributed a resolution for Board consideration, which was read by Chair Sugimura:

Resolution Requesting the City and County of Honolulu to Provide for a Motorsports Facility on Oahu:

Whereas Hawaii Raceway Park has been closed since April 2006 and the motorsports community of Oahu has had no racing venue since then; and

Whereas, the problem of speeding on local streets and highways has grown to the point where the Honolulu Police Department has set up a special speeding task force; and

Whereas, the City and County of Honolulu, the most populous county in Hawaii is the only County in the State to not have a motorsports facility; and

Whereas, there has been no progress to date toward private or public development of the new motorsports facility on Oahu; now

Be it resolved that the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii should work to expedite the process of getting an operational motorsports facility on the island of Oahu as quickly as possible, without waiting for the development of a new racing facility; and to this end

Be it further resolved that the City and County of Honolulu is requested to expedite the process of putting a park symbol on the public infrastructure map as a first step in preserving this Hawaii Raceway Park site as a racetrack; and

Be it finally resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, the Director of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, the Honolulu City Council, the Governor of the State of Hawaii, all neighborhood board chairs, and area legislators.

Mobley moved, seconded by Hargrave to support the resolution as read. Discussion followed: 1) Distajo amended the first be it resolved, line 3 to delete the “d” from and the resolution “an”. Wilcox agreed. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0 (Sugimura, Arakaki, Distajo, Hargrave, Thompson, Aldinger, Texeira, Heth, Mobley).

Fixed Guideway Options: Lawson Teshima and Michelle Matson were present to make alternative transportation for O’ahu. Materials were circulated, with Teshima saying the rail project proposed by the City is too expensive for the O’ahu population and would not ease traffic congestion. By the year 2030, the Pearlridge area will have an eighty percent congestion factor. An alternative would be managed elevated/reversible lanes that would be twenty percent less the cost for a rail. No tax funding would be needed if a private partnership is established. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be done. Per Councilmember Charles Djou tax increases are crushing O’ahu’s families. The City has a $1.6 billion deficit. Examples of the proposed elevated/reversible guideway system were explained. Matson of the Concerned Citizens Coalition relayed the group has concerns about the cost of the rail project, the lack of flexibility, and no time would be saved. On December 22, 2007 Bill 79 passes route alignment from Kapolei to Manoa, recommending rail stipulation. Bill 92 was introduced with determination of bus or rail technology. The rail proposed is not light rail, would be heavy and on tracks. The problem would be along the waterfront with historical sites from there to Manoa.

Comments and concerns: 1) Mobley stated he has seen no provable statistics. He added with the increase in costs, a toll way would be penalizing the working people. The response was it is popular because for a few dollars one can avoid stuck in traffic for hours. Mobley stated only people with money would pay to use the toll way. Traffic should be relieved on the regular highways. Matson other alternatives would have less stops than rail. Express series of buses would go point to point, infrastructure is needed. Alternate solutions are being sought. Mobley noted that only bus riders were surveyed. 2) Thompson mentioned that rail systems get federal funding and asked if the fixed guideways are able to receive federal funding. Teshima answered for rails 90% of the cost is paid by taxpayer the rest is federal funding. 3) Heth noted that at other meeting speakers give disclosures and asked Teshima if he has a financial motivation or investment; Teshima said the BRT proposed by the last Administration failed because of opposition from Waikiki residents and the gridlock it would have caused. Teshima said he in involved in the tourist industry and would like vehicles to move faster. 4) Tamamoto wanted to know how many stops is being proposed for the buses and mentioned that funding was allocated for the on/off ramps. Teshima replied hopefully there will be no stops along the way. Matson said six on/off ramps are being proposed. 5) Tamamoto asked if this system would qualify for the federal’s new start program. She added that at the MOA meeting alternatives were selected to meet the new star program criteria. 6) Pat Lee, City Transit Project consultant and Gary Omori noted misstatements were made relative to toll roads. Omori added that toll road cost fluctuates and are usually privately run. Lee asked where would the people park. Omori noted misstatements relative to the Nimitz Highway hot lane system. He explained that the project was introduced in 1992, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) completed in 1996, and start date 2016. The original cost to start the project was $150 million, but today the cost is $3 million for the 2.3 mile stretch of roadway. Lee said that toll roads and rail can complement each other. 7) Chair Sugimura explained that this item would be put on the April agenda for Board consideration; noting that a two-third Board vote would be needed to add this to the agenda for action. She asked Teshima and Matson if all concerns expressed this evening could be compiled, sent to the neighborhood assistant two weeks prior to the next Board meeting for distribution to Board members for their review prior to the April meeting. Teshima replied that all the information is on their website. Distajo reiterated to Teshima that he was telling the Board what they want, when the request is to collate the concerns/answers for Board members to review before the April Board meeting. 8) Matson added if there would be various perspectives at the next meeting and would everyone be given equal time to do their presentations. Mobley relayed that alternatives have different questions. No one has explained the phasing theory. 9) Chair Sugimura reiterated that the Board requests that concerns raised this evening be put together and given to Board members via the neighborhood assistant two weeks prior to the next meeting. Fixed Guideways and the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Project would be put on the April agenda to determine if there was support from the neighborhood board on the positions they were advocating. Lawson Teshima and Michelle Matson were thanked for attending the meeting.

REPORTS BY PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Representative K. Mark Takai – Follow up regarding crossing guards on Hekaha Street next to Waimalu Elementary School, HPD is working with the complex superintendent to elevate opening a crossing guard position (couple of hours per day). The Board Chair has received correspondence relative to the Halawa Bridge saying that work has halted because underground utility lines were found. On February 23, the lines were identified as military utility lines. Work will resume on completion of relocating the military line. The project on the bridge should be completed in January of next year. For more information on the project contact Lester Lau (State Engineer) at 486-2435. The next Kamehameha Highway Task Force meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Waimalu Elementary School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Poster boards relating to Kamehameha Highway will be displayed at Pearl Ridge Shopping Center outside of the Satellite City Hall on the second floor from March 24 to April 12. The next Aiea/Pearl City Town Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at Waimalu Elementary School from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Discussion will entail transportation issues and Kamehameha Highway improvements update. For additional information call 586-8485. Representative K. Mark Takai was thanked for attending the meeting.

Representative Blake Oshiro – Representative Oshiro circulated his written report, introduced his staff member Ken Best and noted four thousand bills were introduced in the legislature this session. There are approximately 800 bills left. This year’s legislation session ends on May 3. About $5 million for projects has been put in the initial budget.

Comments and concerns: 1) The death-with-dignity bill died in committee. 2) Chair Sugimura mentioned that a bill relating to condominiums was passed over by the Senate, noting that the Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC) chair was not hearing condominium bills, and asked for the assistance of Representatives Oshiro, Takai and Finnegan to have the bills heard. Regarding SB1704, Chair Sugimura added that most people would like the House version of this bill. Representative Blake Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – Steven Antonio circulated the representative’s written report and was available for questions. Steven Antonio was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro circulated the monthly report and was available for questions. Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo distributed the monthly report and was available for questions.  Ross Tsukenjo was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Breene Harimoto distributed Councilmember Okino’s written report and noted: At the suggestion of the community and their office, additional lane stripings were installed on Friday, March 9. These new lines will guide vehicles traveling in the left lanes in both directions on Moanalua Road more safely through the intersection as the lanes swerve to the right. The office continues to work with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to address the issues and concerns expressed by area residents. Councilmember Okino’s vision for the Moanalua Road/Kaonohi Street traffic improvements has always included the widening of Kaonohi Street fronting Kam Drive-In. Councilmember Okino introduced Council Resolution 07-026 in January, which is the first step in this process. The measure is necessary to facilitate either the dedication or acquisition of the property. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has 75 days to consult with other government agencies and community organizations, and make a recommendation to the Council. DPP has notified various community organizations requesting comments by March 19, 2007, so they can prepare their recommendations to the Council.

Senator Donna Kim – Ross Tsukenjo distributed the written report, which includes highlights of Senate bills. He announced that Senator Sakamoto’s written report was available for interested persons to review. Ross Tsukenjo was thanked for attending the meeting.

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Sharleen Oshiro distributed the written report and was available for question. A question was posed if Councilmember Cachola could assist with a status report on the Makalapa Neighborhood Park issue. Sharleen Oshiro was thanked for attending the meeting.

Governor’s Representative – No representative was present.

Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue noted: 1) the Mayor’s “Honolulu News” was circulated with the front page focusing on environmental issues. 2) The City plans to spend $351 million next fiscal year on wastewater projects. Budget meetings start this week. 3) The Department of Transportation Services is investigating the additional signage request prior to the crosswalk on Hekaha Street; a report will be given at the next meeting. 4) Regarding the house located on upper Aiea Heights Drive, an inspection was done on March 9, 2007 and revealed no wall work of any kind being done; only remnants remain form CMU blocks from a CMU wall that may have collapsed years ago. There are concerns that the property may have eroded and cause road failure. The property slope looks like it has been that way for years and does not indicate any recent erosion. The concerned resident was notified by phone on March 12, 2007. 5) Regarding the night closure of Halawa District Park, the facility staff also recommended to implement park closure hours pending concurrence by the Board of Parks and Recreation. Efforts will be made to have the swap meet operator hire a special duty officer to control traffic at the intersection (Moanalua Road/Kaonohi Street). If unsuccessful, the beat officer will monitor the intersection on days when the swap meet is in operation. HPD was thanked for speaking with the operators and finding solutions to the issues. 6) Regarding the report for the Makalapa Neighborhood Park drainage matter, the consultant submitted a preliminary draft of the report. The City reviewed the draft and has returned it to the consultant for comments. The consultant is revising the report and will be resubmitting a draft report in June. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) anticipates finalizing the report by the end of the year.

Comments and concerns: 1) Tanoue explained the concern process via the Neighborhood Board to Munro with the goal being to report the replies at the next Board meeting. If a quicker response is needed it was suggested to call the particular department directly. 2) Regarding Makalapa Neighborhood Park, Tanoue said he is hoping alternate solutions are found. Mariani asked about the technical preliminary review. Tanoue said it is not public information until it is accepted by the City, and is currently in the review process. Chair Sugimura asked if DDC could provide an interim report. Follow up will be done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: There were no Committee reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Submitted by Nola J Frank               Reviewed by Jane Sugimura

Neighborhood Assistant                   Vice-Chair