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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

AUGUST 22, 2006

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by Chair Fukushima at 6:34 p.m.  A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jerilyn Anderton, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, Davin Takahashi, Cruz Vina, Jr., Larry Veray (appointed at this meeting).

MEMBERS ABSENT:  David Howton, James Pickard.

GUESTS:  Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Don Robbins (Leeward Current), Lt. Kevin Lima (HPD), Fire Fighter Larry Ishida (HFD), Representative K. Mark Takai, Senator Clarence Nishihara, Isaac Hokama (Mayor’s Representative), Claire Nakamura (Governor’s Representative), Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply), Lorito and Isabella Acosta, Jessica Fabrigas, Daniel Fujii, Leslie Fujii, Jennelle Daite, Myra Borges, Rose and Mike Talon, Kent Kitagawa, Dean Chu (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:  Anderton led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPOINTMENT TO FILL THREE VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS:  Larry Veray expressed interest in filling one of the vacant seats.  He distributed a written memo and provided a brief background on himself.  There were no other interested candidates present.  Vina moved and Duncan seconded that the Board appoint Veray to fill one of the vacant seats.  Discussion and comments followed.  The motion carried unanimously, 8-0-0.  Neighborhood Assistant Chu administered the oath-of-office to Veray.

RULES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES FOR THE USE OF HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA, REMINDERS OF TIME LIMIT AND PROCEDURES OF INPUT, COMMENTS, RESPONSES AND PRESENTATION OF AGENDA ITEMS, DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION FOR ACTION AT REGULAR MEETINGS SHALL BE MADE AT A PRIOR COMMITTEE MEETING:  Chair Fukushima reviewed the policy on no smoking on the school’s campus, being recognized by the Chair before speaking, time limit requirements on presentations and speakers’ input and turning off pagers and cell phones.

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Fire Fighter Ishida reported the following for the Pearl City and Waiau Stations:

1.       The stations responded to 15 structure, 8 brush, 5 rubbish and 7 vehicle fires; 112 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 22 miscellaneous calls.

2.       Fire Safety Tip:  August is the start of a new school year.  Be careful while driving near schools and be aware of students crossing the street.  Take the time to teach your children how to cross the street safety and remind them to call 911 for emergencies.

There were no questions from the Board members or guests.  Fire Fighter Ishida was thanked for his report.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Lima reported statistics for July included: 24 auto thefts, 11 auto theft recovery, 17 burglaries, 22 criminal property damage, 28 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, 74 calls for service.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1.       An abandoned VW van at 809 Lehua Avenue has been reported four times over the past two weeks by a Board member, but it has still not been removed and is being used by persons as a gambling and drinking hangout.  Follow up will be done.

2.       Statistics on calls to the Sportsmen Lounge were requested.  Chair Fukushima reported that changes in the function of the establishment were to made, including a change of name and theme of operation, and closing earlier; but past problems persist.  The information was previously provided to Board member Pickard for presentation at a Liquor Commission meeting later this month.

3.       A speeding problem persists on Komo Mai Drive, between Hoolaulea and Hoomalu Streets, despite the installation of delineators, especially during the evening hours.

4.       The parking lot at Waiau District Park, which is designated as being closed at night, is not consistently being chained at night by HPD, although officers do monitor the park.  A cattle gate was suggested as an alternative to the chain.  Chair Fukushima noted that the Department of Parks and Recreation would have to approve a gate.  Lt. Lima will follow up on this concern.

5.       HPD has changed from a two-shift to three-shift operation with watch hours from 2:00 – 11:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., and 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

6.       A noise problem was reported in the area of the Board of Water Supply’s Manana Base Yard Facility, off  Waimano Home Road.  Follow up will be done.

Lt. Lima was thanked for attending the meeting.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS:  Imamura-Uruu reported the following:

YARD OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST 2006 – Rose and Mike Talon were named as recipients for the award at last month’s meeting and presented with a Certificate of Recognition at this time.

OTHER AWARDS – Certificates of Recognition were also awarded to: a) Jessica Fabrigas, a Foodland scholarship recipient, b) Leslie Fujii, a Fun Factory scholarship recipient, c) Representative K. Mark Takai, for his work on the Joint Education Task Force, d) Jennele Daite, a Longs Drugs scholarship recipient, Myra Borges for being named an outstanding teacher at Pearl City High School, and Lorito and Isabella Acosta, Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association Life Member instructors.

She is working on getting names of coaches and players of the Pearl City Junior and Senior Little League teams who participated in Mainland tournaments to receive awards in September and October.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:  None.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – MONTHLY NOTIFICATION REPORT – Robert Sato of Councilmember Okino’s Office reported trees were removed at Pacific Palisades Park because of diseased roots.

PEARL CITY WAL-MART STORE/SAM’S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Chair Fukushima reported the project has been delayed due to the discovery of large boulders under the construction site.  The gas station is scheduled for completion by the end of the year and road improvements need to be completed before the gas station opening.

HONOLULU HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT UPDATE – No report.

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT SPORTSMEN LOUNGE ACTIVITIES, 829 LEHUA AVENUE – Anderton moved for the Health, Education and Welfare Committee to recommend that the liquor license application request to restore the hours of operation be denied.  Anderton and Chair Fukushima reported that complaints about noise, fights, etc. continue to be received from neighbors and that a change in earlier closing hours at 2:00 a.m., and name and operational changes have not resolved the problems. 

Representative Takai commended the community for the action it has taken.

Anderton reported that area residents will attend the upcoming Liquor Commission meeting in person or write letters on their concerns about the problems.

The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Claire Nakamura, representing the Governor’s Office, reported the following:

1.                   The principal of Manana Elementary School has addressed neighbors’ concerns about debris from trees on school property creating a litter problem by having the trees trimmed.

2.                   The Governor is presenting the Third Annual International Women’s Leadership Conference on August 29 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.  Interested persons are invited to attend.

There were no questions from the Board members or guests.  Nakamura was thanked for attending the meeting.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported the following in response to questions from last month’s meeting:

1. Repairs have been made to a pedestrian-activated crosswalk button at Kamehameha Highway and Waimano Home Road.

2. New street lights will be installed on existing wooden poles on Lehua Avenue, makai of Kamehameha Highway by the Department of Facility Maintenance.

3. According to the Department of Transportation Services, the portion of Lehua Avenue near Lehua Elementary School falls under the jurisdiction of the Navy, which has been notified of a request for a crosswalk.  It was suggested that the crosswalk be placed near 1st Street, if that area is City property.

4. Removal of parking spaces on Lehua Avenue near the Sportsmen Lounge, now known as the Hui Ohana Lounge, is not justified at this time, but would be considered if the establishment supports the proposal.

5. Trees lining Kumano Street within the Manna Neighborhood Park were inspected by the Department of Parks and Recreation following a complaint about the trees creating a litter problem and found to be healthy with their canopies meeting roadway and sidewalk clearance requirements.  Trimming is scheduled for next month, but is not specifically to reduce tree rubbish.  Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks adjoining their property clean.

6. There are no plans by the Department of Parks and Recreation to restore individual Parks Advisory Boards, as its functions are currently handled by the Board of Parks and Recreation.

7. There are plans by the Department of Transportation Services to install a new traffic signal light at the intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Hoomalu Street in fiscal year 2006-2007, pending availability of funds.

8. A damaged bus stop bench on Waimano Home Road, mauka of Komo Mai Drive, has been replaced and a litter container has been requested.

9.   The City currently has two dewatering facilities for material removed from storm drains; one on Sand             Island and the other in Ahuimanu.

10. Installation of ADA ramps at Waimano Home Road and Komo Mai Drive intersections, has been completed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Follow up will be done on a request for the use of street sweeping machines in various areas.

2. Follow up will be done on the status of Capital Improvement Projects at Manana Neighborhood Park and a request for asphalt resurfacing of the play courts.

A recess was called at this time, 7:43 p.m. for refreshments.  The meeting was reconvened at 8:01 p.m.

COMMUNITY REPORTS, CONTINUED:

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY – Lan Yoneda, from the Board of Water Supply, reported the following:

1.                   There were no water main breaks in this area last month.

2.                   Copies of Emergency Procedures for Residents in Case of Natural Disasters were distributed.

3.                   Water bills will include material explaining the new water rates.

4.                   The Information Session for Neighborhood Board members is scheduled for September 30, Mission Memorial Auditorium, 9:00 a.m.  Board members will be receiving more details.

5.                   Water Conservation Tip:  While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption.  Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

New water meters have been installed that allow electronic reading of water usage.  Meters require maintenance and are sometimes replaced rather than repaired on site.

Yoneda was thanked for attending the meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS, CONTINUED:

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino’s Office, distributed the monthly report and highlighted the following items:

1. Resolution No. 06-291, relating to the establishment of a task force to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the Neighborhood Board system has been introduced.  This follows the release of the City Auditor’s report on the Neighborhood Commission Office.  The resolution will be heard at the Council’s next Executive Matters Committee on August 24.

2. The deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election is August 24.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

Councilmember Okino will submit additional testimony to the Liquor Commission, regarding the Sportsmen Lounge.  Anderton will follow up with the principal of Lehua Elementary School about submitting testimony.

Sato was thanked for attending the meeting.

.REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Representative Takai reported the following:

1. Traffic improvements at Nahele Street and Komo Mai Drive, to include re-striping to add acceleration and left-turn lanes, will commence by the end of the year. The project is estimated to cost $25,000 while a previously planned traffic calming project on near-by Kaahele Street was estimated to cost $1 million.

2. A national survey of state legislators has determined that 57 of them currently serve in the U.S. Military.  Additional material on Hawaii’s honoring its Military heroes and the legislature’s efforts on military benefits was provided.  It was noted Representative Takai has been on military duty.

3. Regarding the Sportsmen Lounge, the reduction in hours was an action taken by the Liquor Commission as an alternative to closing of the establishment.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

The next Legislative Town Meeting is scheduled for September 27, with education as the topic for discussion.  Details will be published in the Leeward Current.

Representative Takai was thanked for attending the meeting.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – Chair Fukushima reported the Pearl City Community Association and Pearl City Foundation Fun Day is to be held on August 26 at the Momilani Community Center.

There were no other reports.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 28,  MARCH 23, JUNE 27, AND JULY 25, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Deferred.

ACCEPTANCE OF JULY 2006 TREASURER’S REPORT:  Deferred.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE:

STREET TREE NUISANCE PROBLEM, KUMANO STREET – Previously updated during the Mayor’s report.

WAIMANO RIDGE MASTER PLAN UPDATE BY CDS INTERNATIONAL – Representative Takai reported a master plan has not been prepared, only an infrastructure study.  The Department of Health is working on preparation of a master plan, but with the Pacific Regional Bio-safety Laboratory not being developed in this area, preparation of the master plan is not the priority as it previously was.  A Task Force is being formed to work on the master plan. 

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION – Committee Chair Vina reported the following:

1. At the July 19 Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee meeting, the committee viewed a presentation on Pedestrian Safety Study by the University of Hawaii.  The committee discussed the new pedestrian safety law and ways to reduce pedestrian fatalities.

2. The next presentation on the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project is August 28, Farrington High School.  The City Council has not yet selected the preferred alternative.

3. With the assistance of Ms. Amanda Avilla, a survey for Pearl City residents regarding shuttle bus service to Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club has been completed.  Chair Fukushima requested additional details on the survey questions and how the data will be used.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING – Committee Vice Chair Vina reported the following:

HALE MOHALU II AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT –Committee members have met with the developer, who is planning to build four buildings, with two eight-story towers for families and two low-rise buildings for seniors.  A request to provide architectural renderings was made.

PARTICIPATION AND MEMBERSHIP AT HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE CETNRAL OAHU RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD QUARTERLY MEETINGS – Chair Fukushima reported that Committee Chair Furutani will attend future meetings to represent the Board and report on items affecting Pearl City.

APPROPRIATION OF OPERATIONAL ACCOUNT FUNDS FOR REGISTRATION FEE TO ATTEND “HAWAII 2050 SUSTAINABILITY TASK FORCE’ MEETING ON AUGUST 26 BY COMMITTEE CHAIR FURUTANI – Chair Fukushima reported that Furutani and Duncan will attend the meeting and make a report at the next Board meeting.  Fukushima moved for the Committee that the Board allot $41.00 from the Operational Account to pay for the registration fees for Furutani and Duncan.  The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0.

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS –The following was addressed:

CITY CHARTER AMENDMENT UPDATE – Chair Fukushima requested Nyuha contact the City Charter Commission Office to arrange for a presentation of the proposed amendments at a future Board meeting.

CITY AUDITOR’S REPORT ON NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD SYSTEM – Chair Fukushima reported the City Council’s Executive Matters Committee, at its August 24 meeting, will be addressing a resolution to form a task force to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the Neighborhood Board system. Board members are encouraged to attend the meeting. Some Board members are also reviewing the City Auditor’s report and will make an update at the next meeting.

PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS – Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu reported the following:

YARD OF THE MONTH – Imamura moved for the Committee that Elmira and George Leong of Pacific Palisades receive the Yard of the Month Award for September2006.  The motion carried unanimously, 9-0-0.

AWARDING OF CERTFICIATES OF RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – She is working on honoring the two Pearl City Little League teams for recognition at the September and October meetings and also other individuals at upcoming meetings.

PEARL CITY GRAFFITI WATCH PROGRAM – Members should be on the lookout for graffiti.

OLELO TELECAST OF FISCAL YEAR 2007 REGULAR BOARD MEETINGS – Board meetings can be viewed every Thursday from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 midnight on Channel 54.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Next Committee Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 7:00 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

2. Next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by,

Dean Chu

Neighborhood Assistant