Printable version (copy and paste link into browser):

http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb21/06/21_2006_02Min.pdf 

PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2006

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m., with a quorum of 11 members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerilyn Anderton, Marin Bogema (late), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, David Howton, May Imamura-Uruu, David Lemon, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr., Davin Takahashi, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Sheila Fukuda.

GUESTS: Firefighter G. Atud, Keith Yasui (Honolulu Fire Department ¡V Waiau Station); Lt. B. Ballesteros, Sgt. M. Cobb, Maj. R. Macadangdang (Honolulu Police Department ¡V Pearl City Station); Jay Hara (Emergency Medical Services, Aiea ¡V Pearl City Area Supervisor); Councilmember Gary Okino; Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); John Higham, Patrice Liu (Waiawa Development Corporation); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation); Rick McComb (Hickam Air Force Base Civil Engineer); Claire Nakamura (Governor's representative ¡V Deputy Director, State Department of Public Safety); Isaac Hokama (Mayor's representative ¡V Special Assistant to the Mayor); Larry Takahashi, Bert Warashina (Senator Nishihara's Office staff); Representative Roy Takumi; Reid Seino (Representative Takumi's Office staff); Representative K. Mark Takai; Gary Omori (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser); Emily Viglielmo (Leeward Current); Kevin Cassel (Olelo); Tiani Alatini, Keoke Behic, Porky Behic, Kanani Ducosin, Lauren Fujisaki, Britanny Gusman-Brown, Marina Gusman-Brown, Noelle Hirahara, Tori Ikehara, Keahi Kapana, Pohai Kekaulike, Kristen Kimura, Kiana Mendiola, Nicole Moki, Kevin Nagamine, Corrie Nishikida, Homey Numata, Kanani Numata, Moku Opunui, Lary Sakamoto, Kellie Takamori, Janelle Tamura, Shanna Vierra, Allycia Watanabe (Pearl City High School Chargers); Kimberly Rivera, Vice Principal Mark Tanji (Pearl City High School); David Fray, Kent Kitagawa (State Department of Health); Ray Summerall (Waiau Gardens B Board member); Ed Javier, Ethan Javier (West Oahu Little League); Alan Arakaki, Jerry Fukida, Ken Harmeyer, Ann Kiyono, Lois Miyashiro, Myrna Sugiyama; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Imamura-Uruu led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

USE OF HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA; REMINDERS OF TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES ON INPUT, COMMENTS, RESPONSES AND PRESENTATION OF AGENDA ITEMS: Chair Fukushima reminded everyone that smoking is not allowed on the school campus grounds and the parking lot gates are scheduled to be closed at 10 p.m. He summarized the time limit policy as follows ¡V ONE minute for comments; THREE minutes for reports; FIVE minutes for presentations already given at the Committee Meeting, TEN minutes for new presentations; ONE minute for comments/questions/responses; recognition from the Chair is required to speak; all cell phones should be turned off or put in "silent" mode.

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) ¡V Firefighter G. Atud provided the following information:

1)   February statistics ¡V 8 structure, 4 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires; 54 medical, 0 search/rescue, and 15 miscellaneous emergencies. There were no major incidents in the area during the past month.

2)   Fire Safety Tip ¡V Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) ¡V Lt. B. Ballesteros distributed a report containing statistics from November to January and gave the following statistics for January: There were 22 auto thefts, 13 auto theft recoveries, 29 burglaries, 19 criminal property damage and 21 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 7,451 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,589 calls (21.33%) from the Pearl City area. Also included in the handout was one page highlighting dates, times, and locations of crimes in the area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)   Jerry Fukida thanked HPD for responding to the abandoned vehicle calls in Pacific Palisades. He stated that the process needs to be made more efficient and that current vehicle information should be required. Lemon added that when he calls, he gets an immediate response, and noted that HPD will ticket for expired safety/registration. Councilmember Okino contributed that Bill 11 is proposing to allow towing for a lack of current tags (expired registration/safety inspections or missing license plates); the final reading is tomorrow, March 1. Maj. R. Macadangdang conveyed that officers respond to calls regarding vehicles and they also drive around and make checks. Lemon specified that Lehua Avenue is a bastion for abandoned vehicles and indicated that there were 36 citations given out two weeks ago, and 16 cars were towed. Lt. Ballesteros responded that HPD has been working with the State on removing abandoned cars and will visit the Lehua Avenue regularly, and are planning another operation.

2)   Takahashi brought up a complaint that the police didn't stop to talk to him when he reported illegal fireworks. Lt. Ballesteros replied that if the caller gives the address of the violator, then the police will go right there. Takahashi gave only his own address, the officer drove by and didn't stop, he called three times, and finally complained to Internal Affairs.

3)   Chair Fukushima noted that the 1300 block of Noelani Street (where the monkey pod tree is) has many cars parking around the curve that poke into the roadway, which is dangerous for other drivers. Lt. Ballesteros suggested that residents call 911 to report and an officer will check for violations, and take whatever action possible. He encouraged residents to follow-up.

4)   Chair Fukushima requested follow-up information about the crosswalk on Komo Mai Drive when turning onto Waimano Home Road. Lt. Ballesteros responded that officers have been monitoring the area.

Maj. Macadangdang thanked the community and the Board for improving the quality of life in the area. He is being transferred to District 1 ¡V Central Honolulu. Maj. Macadangdang asked the community to support Major Debora Tandal, the new commander for District #3.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) ¡V Area Supervisor Jay Hara for Aiea-Pearl City provided the following information:

      1)   Statistics (February/January) ¡V EMS responded to 375/395 medical or trauma-related calls and transported 250/273 patients to various hospitals.

2)   Recently, EMS has responded to many accidents caused by speeding. Wear seatbelts and slow down.

The agenda was taken out of order to hear Councilmember Okino's report, since he had to leave early.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO (1) ¡V Robert Sato distributed the report and Councilmember Okino highlighted the following:

1)   Bill 1 (2005) originally sought to increase the standard home exemption for owner occupants from $40,000 to $80,000. The Budget Committee made some amendments which basically took away specific relief for those aged 60-64 years and 75 years and above. Councilmember Okino expressed his disappointment that Bill 1 (2005) was not approved in its original form, and may vote to reject it. He wanted to give back $60 million of the City's estimated surplus revenue, but now the bill proposes to give back only $10 million.

2)   Bill 80 (2005) proposes a real property tax cap for homeowners with combined yearly incomes of less than $50,000. The maximum tax would be limited to 4% of the titleholders' income.

3)       Councilmember Okino relayed that Bill 12 (2006), relating to limits on real property taxation, passed, but described it as complex and stated that it will do nothing except cause confusion.

Jerry Fukida asked what the total amount of property tax revenue is now; Councilmember Okino replied that the increase is about $125 million over last year's revenue. He imparted that the City could support itself with a 50% smaller increase, which is why he wanted to give back $60 million (about one-half of the surplus).

The agenda was then taken out of order to present certificates of recognition to the Pearl City High School (PCHS) Chargers softball team and the Pearl City players of the West Oahu Little League, who won the Little League World Series.

PRESENTATIONS:

PCHS CHARGERS CERTIFICATES ¡V Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented Certificates of Recognition to the PCHS Chargers softball team members: Marina Gusman-Brown, Senior Outfielder; Noelle Hirahara, Senior Catcher; Corrie Nishikida, Senior Pitcher; Kanani Numata, Senior Second Base; Nicole Oki, Senior; Moku Opunui, Senior Outfielder; (Shanna Vierra, Senior Outfielder; Kanani Ducosin, Junior; Kristen Kimura, Junior; Kiana Mendiola, Junior; Allycia Watanabe, Junior Third Base; Tiani Alatini, Junior; Sanoe Aina, Sophomore Shortstop; Lauren Fujisaki, Sophomore First Base; Britanny Gusman-Brown, Sophomore; Tori Ikehara, Sophomore; Kellie Takamori, Sophomore; Janelle Tamura, Sophomore; (Pohai Kekaulike, Freshman; Keoke Behic, Head Coach; Homey Numata, Assistant Coach; Lary Sakamoto, Assistant Coach; Keahi Kapana, Assistant Coach; Kevin Nagamine, Assistant Coach; and Porky Behic, Assistant Coach.

Marin Bogema arrived during the above presentations, at 7:04 p.m., making 12 members present.

WEST OAHU LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS ¡V P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu gave Certificates of Recognition to the following Pearl City members of the West Oahu Little League World Series Champions: (1) Ethan Javier, Highlands Intermediate School; (2) Shayne Baniaga, formerly of Highlands Intermediate School, but now attending St. Louis; (3) Myron "Kini" Enos, formerly of Our Lady of Good Counsel, now attending St. Louis; and (4) Layton Aliviado, Head Coach, now coaching at St. Louis.

The agenda was resumed.

FEBRUARY 2006 YARD OF THE MONTH ¡V P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented a Certificate of Recognition to Franklin and Barbara Pa of Komo Mai Drive in Pacific Palisades for being the February 2006 Yard of the Month Award recipient.

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION: P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu gave certificates to the following:

1)   PCHS Vice Principal Mark Tanji, for being selected Hawaii State Assistant Principal by the Hawaii Association of Secondary Administrators. He will represent Hawaii in the national contest.

2)   Kimberly Rivera, a PCHS Junior, for winning the Honolulu Association of Insurance Professionals Essay Contest. Her topic was "The Desire Just to Look Great", which related to eating disorders.

3)   David Lemon, Board member, in appreciation for all of his tireless efforts and committed dedication to the Pearl City community. He has resigned, effective March 1, to move to Florida. Lemon then expressed his thanks to the Board and the community.

GENTRY-WAIAWA DEVELOPMENT UPDATE BY WAIAWA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (WDC) ¡V Patrice Liu introduced John Higham, Chief Engineer, who posted a few maps, and provided the following background: As part of the Waiawa Land Use Master Plan Development, they are planning a new 10,000 home community in Waiawa, across the freeway (Waipio Interchange) from Costco in Waipio Gentry. Included in the development will be an employment center at the entrance, two golf courses, three school sites, public parks and a great deal of open space. The project will be completed in increments, and they are focusing on Increment 1 for now. They have State and City land use permits for 1,000 acres (approximately 5,000 homes). They hope to break ground later this year. They have already relocated a middle school site and park site to occur in Increment 1. They have added to the roadway network to provide greater accessibility to the area. They will be filing a zoning application to record some zoning changes; these changes will not increase the density, they will just adjust the boundaries (by approximately one-half acre).

John Higham presented some specific information roadway improvements: He acknowledged the traffic impact on the Pearl City area. The H-2 Freeway Ka Uka Boulevard exits comprise the main entry into Waiawa. During rush hour times, there is heavy traffic by Tony Honda and Costco, from the motorists both entering and leaving the freeway. Many improvements are planned for the Waipio Interchange. The southbound off-ramp will be adjusted to provide separate left-through and right-turn lanes. The bridge of Ka Uka Boulevard will be widened to accommodate seven lanes. An extra eastbound through lane will be added to Ka Uka Boulevard. Double left-turn lanes will be provided for eastbound movement from Ka Uka Boulevard to the northbound H-2 Freeway. The northbound off-ramp will be extended and widened, which will allow a free-flow double right-turn lane into future Waiawa Gentry. Within two to three years of development, a new southbound on-ramp will be created to eliminate traffic going across Ka Uka Boulevard to gain access to the freeway. In five years, the northbound on-ramp will be widened to two lanes. The current estimated cost is $35 million, but the price could be much higher when the development is actually built.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)   Chair Fukushima conveyed concern about a route to provide access to the makai part of the project; he indicated that Cane Haul Access Road could be extended and the stream could be bridged. He noted that traffic may come through Pearl City then to get to Waiawa Gentry. Higham responded that the initial access to the development will be only through Ka Uka Boulevard, and additional zoning will be required to make more ingress/egress. Eventually, they will provide additional access through Waihona Street and under the H-2 Freeway to Kamehameha Highway where the Waipahu Street intersection is. Chair Fukushima clarified that those issues will be addressed when the zoning applications come up.

2)   Nyuha requested that copies of the map be brought for the next presentation. Higham will email electronic copies of the maps to Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Glanstein for reference.

3)   Lemon commented that 10,000 new homes imply approximately 15,000 cars, which increases his concern about traffic overload. He suggested the WDC consider sponsoring mass transit improvements.

4)   Howton questioned the availability of water for 10,000 new residences there. Higham replied that there is more than enough water in the aquifer below the area, and they will install a separate water system.

5)   Duncan inquired how this new development would affect the environment and asked about any preservation plans. Higham noted that the project was planned over 20 years ago, with the majority of the zoning completed in the 1990's. Chair Fukushima tried to clarify, and asked if WDC will provide for plenty of open space. Higham confirmed that there is planned open space spread throughout the community.

6)   Chair Fukushima questioned when the next phase of zoning applications need to be submitted. Higham answered that the zoning for the aforementioned one-half acre will be done this summer. The zoning for the makai side of the project is years away. Chair Fukushima requested that they return when they begin the application process.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) ¡V Lan Yoneda circulated flyers for free home leak checks and leak detection tablets, and reported the following:

1)   There was one main break in January. An eight-inch cast iron main was 28 years old and ruptured on 2310 Auhuhu Street in Pacific Palisades on January 13, 2006. The main broke at 9 a.m. and the water was turned back on by 11:30 a.m.

2)   The 2006 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest's theme is "Each and Every Day I Save Water My Way". The deadline for entries is Thursday, March 9. Winners will receive a savings bond, will be included in the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar, and their entries will be displayed at City Hall to commemorate Water Conservation Week. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.

3)   March 5-11 is Detect-A-Leak Week. Promotional flyers and leak detection dye tablets for toilets will be available at BWS on Beretania Street, various hardware stores, and all satellite city halls.

4)   Water Savings Tip ¡V Turn off the water as you brush your teeth to save as much as four gallons of water.

Lemon remarked that the last presentation stated that there is enough water for the 10,000 new homes planned for Waiawa Gentry and asked if that was correct. He also inquired if WDC needs approval from the BWS as well. Yoneda will follow up on both questions.

A recess subject to the call of the Chair was taken from 7:47 to 8:02 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) ¡V Breene Harimoto provided the following information: One of the BOE's top priorities is the issue of bullying and violence in schools. They want to make everyone safe in school. Last year, they created a community advisory group to recommend solutions to Superintendant Pat Hamamoto.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)   Takahashi asked if a school may spend extra money given to it by the weighted student formula on air-conditioning. Harimoto replied that, in general, the School Community Council (SCC) decides how to spend the extra money, but there are restrictions (i.e., electric wiring), so many schools may not be able to do it. The BOE wanted to include $5 million in the budget for air-conditioning schools, but the Governor did not incorporate it into the budget.

2)   Nyuha questioned how the BOE plans to stop bullying and violence. Harimoto responded that they will look at what the problem is, and then figure out solutions. The first step is raise awareness of the situation. He's heard children say that teachers ignore the bullying. Harimoto indicated that the BOE plans to closely study schools that don't have much trouble with bullying. Nyuha emphasized the problems in high schools. Harimoto added that for the most part, the bullying behavior is learned early, and sometimes learned from the parents. Nyuha suggested counseling for the offending student. Harimoto countered that counseling may not be a harsh enough consequence to stop the behavior; he added that prevention is what's really needed.

No representatives were present to give the Leeward Community College (LCC) and Pearl City Library updates.

RESIDENTS¡¦ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS ¡V Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, imparted the following updates:

1)   Pacific Palisades Community Park (PPCP) improvements ¡V The widening of the access road, construction of the sidewalk and paving of the parking lot have been completed. However, since the entire project will not be accepted until the landscaping is finished (which may take at least six weeks for the grass to grow in), there is no definite date as to when the parking lot will be opened for use. Additionally, a work order to install a cattle gate at the beginning of the access road has been submitted to the Maintenance and Support Services Division of the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), but due to a shortage of manpower and a backlog of projects, it's unknown when the gate will be installed.

2)   Pearl City District Park Gym repairs ¡V The contractor did a "punch list" to see if everything is okay and then the gym will be turned over to DPR and hopefully reopened soon.

Chair Fukushima noted that the funding for the PPCP improvements was depleted handling unforeseen problems and asked if money to finish the improvements (especially the lighting of the park) could be included in a supplemental Fiscal Year (FY) '06 budget. Sato explained that the Mayor is the only one who can submit a supplemental budget, and it's usually for major emergency items. Sato added that Councilmember Okino put in two funding additions to the project, although he will bring it up to him. Chair Fukushima urged the Mayor to add more funding to complete the project for the health and safety of Pearl City residents. Pickard mentioned that he heard the park will officially open on March 22, and there won't be any lighting.

WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE ¡V No representatives were present. Chair Fukushima directed Development, Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Committee Chair Vina to remind Sam's Club and Wal-Mart of their commitment to attend the monthly Board meetings to give updates.

H-1 VIADUCT WIDENING AND HOMELESS PROBLEM ¡V Scott Ishikawa, spokesperson for the State Department of Transportation (DOT) distributed a press release and conveyed the following:

1)   The weather needs to cooperate in order to complete the gap left in the new Pearl City off-ramp. When work can resume, the right westbound lane will close for a few nights. Ishikawa will remind the project manager to put up adequate warning signs.

2)   He and Representative K. Mark Takai are co-chairing the Kamehameha Highway Task Force; there is a eeting tomorrow night, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Waimalu Elementary School.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)   Chair Fukushima requested an update on the homeless problem under the Pearl City viaduct. Ishikawa will follow up. Lemon commented that a group was set up to cover the graffiti there and clean up dumped garbage, but no action has yet been taken.

2)   Chair Fukushima again described the unmoving traffic on the H-1 at night (weekends and weekdays), because the lanes were narrowed to only two with no notice until Aiea. Ishikawa will follow up. Chair Fukushima also asked that contractors notify motorists of partial freeway closures as well.

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE (HAFB) FUEL LINE CLEAN-UP ¡V Rick McComb, a HAFB Civil Engineer, gave the following update: HAFB is working on the investigation of fuel line leaks. They have finished up 95% of the field work for the first site, ST18A (Public Storage, Home Depot, LCC area), to assess the extent of the leak in that area. They have just begun work on site ST18B (Lehua Avenue / Kamehameha Highway). The makai-bound lane of Lehua Avenue will be closed. They will be working up to the town-bound lanes on Kamehameha Highway. The rainy weather is making it difficult for them to give a firm estimate on the completion date. Notices were placed in the Honolulu Advertiser. They created a traffic management plan with DOT. There will be only one lane closure, during the day. The work will take three to four weeks to complete (it's somewhat dependent on the weather). McComb will keep the Board posted when it's planned to study other sites with historic leaks. He will also continue to make periodic reports, although he indicated that he won't have any new information for the next few months, since the data needs to be studied before conclusions may be made.

Chair Fukushima requested that McComb inform DPZ Committee Chair Vina when he is ready to give his next report. He then asked if this project falls under the Restoration Advisory Board's (RAB) jurisdiction. McComb explained that there are two RABs in the area ¡V Central Oahu and Hickam; he will ensure that the Board receives the minutes from the correct RAB meetings. McComb announced that the RAB handling this project will meet this month at LCC; call 449-1584 for more information.

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS OF SPORTSMEN LOUNGE ACTIVITIES, 829 LEHUA AVENUE ¡V Pickard gave a brief recap of the situation, and noted the presence of numerous emergency services reports, going back at least five years. The Board approved a letter being sent to the Honolulu Liquor Commission (LIQ) to encourage investigation and non-renewal of the Sportsmen Lounge liquor license. The owner of the bar has agreed to attend the March 21 Committee meeting, to explain and offer remedies. The committees will make recommendations to the Board. On March 28, at the next regular Board meeting, the LIQ will attend to finalize the Board's request for non-renewal.

ABANDONED VEHICLE PROBLEMS ¡V Lemon affirmed that if residents don't call to complain, then no action will be taken. He suggested that callers always follow up and request information on what action was taken.

MANANA COMMUNITY PARK ¡V CLEANLINESS OF FACILITIES ¡V Lemon filed a personal complaint about the filthy condition of the restrooms, which have been mopped and scrubbed only two times in the past four years. The cleaning supervisor has now been fired. Lemon urged the community to check up on the bathrooms and request that DPR maintain them. Pickard thanked Lemon for his efforts and noted that the restrooms are clean for all of Hawaii, but very dirty for brand new restrooms. There is already graffiti there.

WAIMANO HOME ROAD PAVEMENT AND ADA RAMP CONSTRUCTION ¡V Chair Fukushima stated that the repaving is phased, and only the top portion of Waimano Home Road is complete. He remarked that for the repaving there was inadequate notice to residents who live near the top when streets up there were closed, so that by the time they saw the sign, it was too late to go another way (example of Kuahaka Street was given). Also, some of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps now have traffic signs and utility poles in them; Lemon assures that the signs and poles will be relocated. The ADA ramps now do not meet the crosswalks; the City will repaint.

MANANA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARKING LOT (KOAHAKA AND KOMANO STREETS) ¡V Pickard relayed that there have been teenagers abusing drugs and alcohol near the parking lot of Manana Elementary School. Residents of the area have to park by Komano Street, and are worried about damage resulting from the law-breakers. He suggested that residents note license plate numbers. Pickard clarified that the miscreants are not in the park, they are on the curbside, so residents need to formally complain about it. Contact him with any specifics.

BURGLARIES OF LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT ¡V Nyuha brought up that there have been many recent cases of stolen lawn care equipment and gardening supplies. She alerted everyone to lock up their equipment.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE ¡V Claire Nakamura presented the following information:

1)   Regarding the clean-up of Waimano Ridge, Neal Sakamoto of the State Department of Public Safety (PSD) has taken the initiative to clear the areas surrounding PSD's Training and Staff Development program, as well as PSD's Sheriff Division Canine Unit. Two containers have been filled with trash, primarily from the garage area (which appeared in Lemon's photographs). The State Department of Health (DOH) helped to fund the rental of the containers. PSD has begun the process of seeking approval to dispose of the derelict Sheriff Division cars, which were temporarily stored there.

2)   Regarding Pickard's question about the criteria for the establishment of a mental health facility, such as the one in a Pearl City neighborhood, the facilities are licensed by DOH. A Licensed Crisis Residential Home is a residential setting for those in mental health crisis who need immediate assessment/intervention and stabilization before returning to their prior setting, or pending determination of alternative placement. If the patients are violent and/or dangerous to the public, then they'll instead be taken to the State Hospital in Kaneohe. To establish a mental health facility, a Certificate of Need must be obtained from the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) and a letter must be sent to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for determination of the need for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). If the facility is to be licensed and plans to house eight or fewer patients, no permit is needed. There is also no requirement for the Board to be notified of these applications.

 Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)   Chair Fukushima noted that the previous administration wouldn't let the public know the locations of these types of facilities because of privacy issues. Nakamura responded that DOH does hold public hearings. Chair Fukushima countered that only a notice is placed in the paper ¡V DOH should inform the community groups and Neighborhood Boards in the affected area. Nakamura replied that the Director of DOH is supportive of the Board's concerns. Pickard stated that members of the community with the mental health facility wonder how the patients were allowed to just walk out of the facility, and acknowledged the presence of police reports identifying this ongoing problem. Nakamura will convey this to DOH.

2)   Takahashi asked if the bottle bill's one-cent handling fee for recycling will go up because the program has been too successful. Nakamura will follow up.

3)   Lemon urged that the Board request monthly status reports of the Waimano Ridge clean-up until it's resolved. He noted that he is encouraged by their current progress.

4)   Furutani commented that the $6 million the State provides for homelessness solutions comes out to about $1,000 per person (since there are approximately 6,000 homeless persons). He asked if this money was a one-time allocation or if it will happen every year. Nakamura indicated that it's a one-time allocation. Furutani reflected that $1,000 per homeless person isn't very much. Pickard stressed that he circulated a handout from the town meeting on homelessness which explains much of the issues and encouraged everyone to read the handout.

MAYOR¡¦S REPRESENTATIVE ¡V Isaac Hokama distributed the February Mayor's Newsletter and provided the following updates:

1)   Reports of persons lying down in the senior citizen/disabled persons seating area of TheBus should first be brought to the attention of the bus operator. If the operator takes no action, then a report should be filed with Oahu Transit Services, Inc. (OTS) Customer Service at 848-4500 ¡V be very specific. Sitting in the designated area is allowed; however, non-senior/disabled must vacate the seats when requested to do so by the bus operator to allow qualified individuals to occupy the seats.

2)   Ala Moana Center (AMC) has embarked on a major construction project, which has severely impacted the space available for TheBus operation. Many changes are being made for the duration of the project, including altering the stop location, the staging area for buses, and some of the routing. Route 54 has currently been experiencing significant time delays. The temporary changes at AMC will only make this delay worse.  Route 54 will end at Alapai Street to reduce this time delay problem. OTS bus operators have distributed notices to the riders of Route 54. Riders continuing on to AMC can transfer at the bus stop on South King Street/Punchbowl Street, opposite the State Library. Should any permanent changes be contemplated toward the end of the construction project, all affected persons will be informed and given a means to express their opinions.

3)   The City¡¦s contractor cleaned the overgrowth from the sidewalks of Waimano Home Road on January 18, 2006.

4)   Regarding maintenance, the City crews are performing with old equipment prone to breakdowns and labor vacancies in excess of 30%. Years of neglecting to properly fund equipment replacements and to provide adequate labor resources will take time to correct. This administration is committed to correcting this. The City is aware of the need for maintenance and schedules the available resources as often as possible.

5)   The ¡§E Komo Mai Pearl City¡¨ sign was constructed under the former administration. The project was scaled back to only install the sign. Landscaping was purposely left out due to the City¡¦s lack of resources to maintain it. The Mayor thanks the community for taking ownership of their sign and ask for their continued support. When resources become available it's hoped the grass cutting will be on a regular schedule. The Mayor would like the names of the people maintaining the area so he can thank them personally. (Their names are Shigeo Ushiro, Kenji Uejo and Seichi Nagai).

6)   Regarding the apparent migration of the homeless from Blaisdell Park to the Pearl Harbor bike path, the ocean side of the bike path is federal property and comes under the jurisdiction of the military. On January 17, 2006, DPR, HPD and the military did a clean-up project of Blaisdell Park and the bike path area. Abandoned structures in the bushes were removed and people were warned of violations. These projects are done periodically by these agencies.

7)   The Mayor has formed a task force on drug abuse. Each county received $200,000 to work with, with a set $5,000 limit to give to each non-profit organization (must be a 501(c)(3) organization). Call 527-6090 for an application. The deadline for requests is March 24. The Mayor plans to begin "in-house" with the City to create a model of a drug program.

Questions, comments and concerns followed (Hokama will follow up):                   

1)   Pickard mentioned that the contractor who cuts the grass along Waimano Home Road is not picking up the grass leavings, which clog the drains and gutters when it rains.

2)   Pickard, Chair Fukushima and Imamura-Uruu expressed their belief that the City is supposed to cut the grass every two weeks along Moanalua Road (especially the mauka side, from Hoolaulea Street to Waimano Home Road) and Komo Mai Drive.

3)   Pickard asked if the Chair of the City's new drug program task force could attend the next Board meeting to inform the Board of what's happening. Hokama explained that the task force will first be focusing only on City workers.

4)   Takahashi related that the City's Road Division (DFM) told him that some of their workers were moved from there by the Mayor to help handle bulky item pickup, so they don't have enough to maintain all areas.

5)   Takahashi reported that the grass along the Pearl Harbor bike path is still not being cut making the area very dangerous for bikers and joggers.

6)   Anderton noted that people are dumping bulky trash all along Lehua Avenue ¡V it's become overloaded and is an eyesore.

7)   Chair Fukushima relayed that the City has extended scheduled bulky item pickup to include Pearl City. Pickup will occur in Pearl City ewa of Waimano Home Road and makai of Komo Mai Drive on the third Wednesday of the month, and in Pacific Palisades, Highlands, and Pearl City ewa of Kaahumanu Avenue on the fourth Monday of the month. Call 692-5656 for more information.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO (2) ¡V Robert Sato thanked the Board for coming to the Planning Committee to advocate for the government building symbol in Aiea. The bill is up for adoption tomorrow, March 1.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA ¡V Bert Warashina circulated the Senator's Legislative Update. Chair Fukushima directed anyone with questions to call Sen. Nishihara's office.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI ¡V Reid Seino distributed the newsletter and Representative Takumi reported the following: Florida has a "virtual" school that offers online classes. This is a great opportunity for advanced placement students to receive education that otherwise wouldn't be available to them (because of location). He thanked Seino for representing him at the Board meetings recently. Rep. Takumi continues to serve as the Chair of the House Education Committee ¡V right now they are looking at early childhood education and the possible expansion of preschool. He and Rep. Takai have begun visiting schools in the district, and noticed that: (a) the staff and faculty work very hard; and (b) schools in the same community have different character and different needs.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI ¡V Rep. Takai expressed his appreciation to Kendall Matsuyoshi for attending meetings while he was on active military duty and offered his best wishes to Lemon. He relayed the following:

1)   Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force ¡V The task force has been working over the past year, and will present their conclusions on Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at Waimalu Elementary School. One of the goals is to beautify the five and one-half mile stretch of Kamehameha Highway spanning the entire length of Aiea/Pearl City by utilizing a "canopy of trees". The task force also paid special attention to the gateways to the communities. The task force considered ideas to help traffic as well. In the short term, it's believed that the traffic at the Kaahumanu Street intersection could be reduced by 70% and the Hekaha intersection (by Cutter Ford) could be improved.

2)   Waimano Ridge ¡V The budget didn't include the $38 million to put in the infrastructure at Waimano Ridge, making it unlikely that the much-discussed bio-safety lab will be placed there; other sites for the lab will now be considered. Rep. Takai expressed that when they created the "master plan" process, they envisioned it as a truly collaborative approach with the community, but were disappointed with the actual results. He plans to meet with the director of project and relate that Waimano Ridge should not be limited to only State agencies that need somewhere to go ¡V it should have what the community wants/needs.

Lemon contended that Waimano Ridge is literally "falling down" and noted that the infrastructure needs to be repaired before the place can even be habitable. Rep. Takai indicated that it's possible for the bio-safety lab to be placed in an urban area, as long as it's at least four stories up from the ground. He added that neither DOH nor the University of Hawaii (UH) nor the Governor put the $38 million in the budget, so it wasn't put in. Rep. Takumi offered that the most prudent approach is to develop a master plan and then come up with a dollar amount ¡V the usage will depends on what will be up there. Rep. Takai noted that the proposed Pearl City Senior Center could not be built in the Lehua Avenue area, since that is federal property. The idea for the senior center was actively community-driven and Rep. Takai suggested that the center be placed at Waimano Ridge. He encouraged everyone to participate in the community surveys.

COMMUNITY INPUT:                

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PCCA) ¡V Breene Harimoto announced that they are planning many events, including a talent show, with awards, scholarships, etc.

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) ¡V Breene Harimoto imparted that the PCF led the charge on the Pearl City Senior Center idea, although they call it an Intergenerational Center (combining senior day care with preschool). They are currently considering the location at the Momilani Community Center. The design phase is almost finished. There has been some criminal activity at Momilani Community Center, so If residents see anything suspicious there, please call 911.

Nyuha asked if the Intergenerational Center is going to be funded by the State. Harimoto responded that the original plan was to have the City help with some of the funding. They have submitted a Grant-in-Aid application to request money and are looking at further funding from private sources.

PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PPCA) ¡V Howton invited interested residents to attend their meetings, held on the first Wednesday of the month, at 7 p.m., at the Pacific Palisades Community Center (at the intersection of Aumakua Street and Komo Mai Drive).

APPROVAL OF THE JULY 26, 2005 AND JANUARY 24, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Fukushima indicated that approval of the January 24, 2006 minutes will be deferred to next month.

The following corrections were made to the July 26, 2005 minutes:

ƒx      Page 2 ¡V HFD ¡V last paragraph, second sentence ¡V strike out "Unless" at the beginning and insert "When".

ƒx       

      Page 10 ¡V Traffic and Transportation Committee ¡V item no. 1 ¡V insert a space " " between "DTS" and "and"; and strike out   the extra period "." at the end of the sentence.

Howton moved and Pickard seconded, to approve the July 26, 2005 minutes as corrected, which was adopted unanimously, 12-0-0.

JANUARY 2006 TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Howton reported that the Board should have five-twelfths of its budgeted amounts left in each category, and it does. In January, the Operating Account incurred expenses of $97.79, leaving a balance of $818.23; the Publicity Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $1,159.38, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $110.64. Howton expressed his compliments to the new Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office, Joan Manke, for the timeliness of the report. The Treasurer's Report is filed.

Chair Fukushima added that the Board needs more timely receipt and reporting of refreshment and publicity expenses.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE ¡V The following information was given:

1)   Sunshine Law Training Workshop ¡V Chair Fukushima announced that there will be another workshop on March 16, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., at Mission Memorial Auditorium, 530 South King Street. Board members who need to attend are: Anderton, Bogema, Fukuda, Furutani, Howton, Imamura-Uruu and Nyuha.

2)   City Charter Amendments Relating to the Neighborhood Board System ¡V Lemon stated that there will be public hearings coming up at the end of March (dates aren't known yet).

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) ¡V Committee Chair Pickard circulated handouts earlier in the meeting and relayed the following updates:

1)   Hawaii Regional Biosafety Lab Task Force ¡V There won't be any task force meetings until the year-end report is complete.

2)   Homeless Problem ¡V He attended a town meeting on this issue on February 22, which was very informative. Call the Homeless Program Sections Administrator, Sandra Miyoshi at 832-5931, to complain about any homeless problems. It may take a few days for them to check out the situation. Also call her for emergencies relating to homeless people, such as pregnancy, sickness, etc., and they will send someone within an hour to help.

3)   Manana Community Park ¡V Request for More Parking ¡V He referred to the draft letter to the Mayor requested 15 more parking stalls at the park.

      Pickard moved, on behalf of the Committee, to send the letter to the Mayor, which was adopted unanimously, 12-0-0.

Chair Fukushima deferred the reports on the last two items of the Committee.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) ¡V Committee Chair Lemon distributed his report, two draft letters and provided the following updates:

1)   Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report ¡V The meeting on February 15 included the public presentation of Draft Financially Constrained 2030 Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP). The West Pearl City Freeway Access Request was not supported due to cost; he filed a formal recommendation to reconsider due to the many other H1/H2 interchange and Kamehameha/Farrington Highway projects in the plan that have common requirements/impacts.

2)   Curtailing of Bus Routes #53 and #54 Service Limits ¡V He referred to the draft letter to the Director of the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

      Lemon moved, on behalf of the TT Committee, to send the letter to the Director of DTS, which was adopted unanimously, 12-0-0.

3)   Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Community Shuttle Service ¡V He referred to the draft letter to the manager of the Manana Wal-Mart.

      Lemon moved, on behalf of the TT Committee, to send the letter to the manager of the Manana Wal-Mart, which was adopted 11-1-0 (Aye: Anderton, Bogema, Fukushima, Furutani, Howton, Imamura-Uruu, Lemon, Nyuha, Pickard, Takahashi, Vina; No: Duncan).

4)   Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force ¡V The task force will meet on March 1, 6:30 p.m., at the Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria.

5)    Waiau Gulch Guardrail Repair on Komo Mai Drive ¡V The guardrail has been repaired.

6)   Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project ¡V The deadline for comments is March 15. Gary Omori, part of the Public Involvement Team, added that they are still working on the Alternatives Analysis, doing technical studies. He remarked that it's a great time for the community to provide input, before preferred alternatives are determined. Omori will attend the March 21 Committee meeting to explain the process and give the alternatives currently being considered. He'll keep the Board updated. Input is especially important before the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is completed (it's due in 2007). Chair Fukushima mentioned that the Board sent a request to be a consultant party and received a generic response. Omori will follow up.

Lemon encouraged that everyone to be informed of new projects in the area.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING (DPZ) ¡V Committee Chair Vina submitted a status report and gave the following information:

1)   Waimano Ridge Master Plan (WRMP) ¡V He asked that this item be left in the committee, since there is currently no action.

2)   Koa Ridge, Environmental Impact Study (EIS) Preparation Notice, Consulted Party Request for Revised Draft EIS ¡V This has been pushed back until the summer of 2006.

PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) ¡V Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu reported the following:

1)   February/March 2006 Yards of the Month  

      Action for unanimous consent (12-0-0) was granted to ratify the February Yard of the Month Award to Franklin and Barbara Pa and to give the March Yard of the Month Award to Julie and Constante Ulep of Leomele Street in Palisades.

2)   Pearl City Graffiti Watch Program ¡V This item is still on hold.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)   Next Committee Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2006, 7 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School.

2)   Next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2006, 6:30 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m.

Submitted by:               

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant