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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2006

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m., with a quorum of nine (9) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerilyn Anderton, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr., Davin Takahashi, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Marin Bogema, Sheila Fukuda, David Howton.

GUESTS: Capt. C. Chagami (Honolulu Fire Department – Waiau Station); Lt. G. DeMello, Capt. L. Go, Sgt. S. Mahi, Maj. D. Tandal (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Jay Hara (Emergency Medical Services, Aiea – Pearl City Area Supervisor); Charles Fortner (Clearwire); David Bremer (Hawaii Bicycling League); Kevin Kinvig (National Resources Conservation Services); John Carroll, Acting Administrator Anna Hirai (Honolulu Liquor Commission); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation – Spokesperson); Isaac Hokama (Mayor's representative – Special Assistant to the Mayor); Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Reid Seino (Representative Takumi's Office staff); Kendall Matsuyoshi (Representative K. Mark Takai's Office staff); Gary Omori (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Fay Toyama (Lehua Elementary School – Principal); Richard Braunskill (Olelo); Ray Summerall (Waiau Gardens B Board member); Jason Anderton, Lois Miyashiro, Warren Satsuma, Myrna Sugiyama, Aldric Ulep, Julie Ulep; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE (1) VACANCY: Chair Fukushima explained that Board member David Lemon resigned because he's moving to the mainland. There were no interested parties to fill the vacancy.

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 – 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. Chair Fukushima asked government representatives to please limit their oral reports to one subject matter.

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – Capt. C. Chagami provided the following information:

      Statistics – 2 structure, 1 rubbish and 13 vehicle fires; 86 medical, 3 search/rescue, 11 miscellaneous, 4 public assistance and 3 water evacuation emergencies.

Takahashi asked about what penalty a Waiau woman who poured chemicals down her driveway received because children at the school nearby got sick. Capt. Chagami will follow up, but indicates that HPD handles the penalty.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sgt. S. Mahi distributed a report containing statistics from December to February, introduced Lt. G. DeMello, Capt. L. Go, and Maj. D. Tandal, and gave the following statistics for February: There were 25 auto thefts, 12 auto theft recoveries, 15 burglaries, 32 criminal property damage and 13 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 6,684 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,523 calls (22.79%) 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)     Anderton related that a neighbor called to complain about Sportsmen Lounge on Friday night and received no response from HPD. She asked what residents should do when they call 911. Lt. DeMello detailed that there could be reasons for the delay, but urged residents to call 911 back and give the time of their earlier call and say that no officer has arrived yet. The dispatcher may have an explanation. Lt. DeMello noted that if their answer isn't adequate, then callers should ask to speak to supervisor. He explained that it's also up to the responding officer as to what to do in a given situation; fights don't necessarily mean arrests. Maj. Tandal mentioned that she met with the Honolulu Liquor Commission (LIQ) today and understands that there is a problem there at Sportsmen Lounge.

2)    Takahashi asked about what penalty a Waiau woman who poured chemicals down her driveway received because children at the school nearby got sick. Lt. DeMello replied that the matter is covered by the environmental crimes section; he'll follow up. Takahashi inquired what the woman was doing. Lt. DeMello shared that the chemical was a common pesticide – if not disposed of correctly, pesticides may be harmful.

3)     Chair Fukushima asked about the rotation of new officers into Pearl City and questioned how the beats will be filled. He added that Pearl City has one of the higher crime rates on the island. Maj. Tandal respondedt that six new officers came with her to Pearl City and filled six out of 11 vacancies. Other officers are still in training and will fill the remaining vacancies when they are done. Chair Fukushima inquired if there are funds to pay for the additional positions. She'll follow up and expressed her appreciation for Pearl City's support of the police stations.

Chair Pickard moved, on behalf of the HEW Committee, to send a letter to the Mayor requesting the increase of "Beat Officer" staffing for the Pearl City District No. 3; which was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0.

4)     Pickard relayed the concern that there are many homeless tents up at Blaisdell and Manana parks, the bike path, and on Lehua Avenue. Some residents have received no response from their calls to HPD. Lt. DeMello offered that the makai side of the bike path is under the U.S. Navy's jurisdiction; HPD has spoken with the Navy, but the process is still ongoing. Contact Councilmember Okino or Lt. Weisskopf for more information. Lt. DeMello mentioned that if the Board can push the issue, then there may be progress. On February 7, there was a joint operation between HPD and the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to clean up and cite people at Blaisdell Park. Pickard asked if a letter of support would help. Maj. Tandal replied that she just arrived here, but that she will consider a bike patrol, as long as the community realizes that it will take away from emergency response capability. Lt. DeMello added that they have four officers trained in "bike school" and six bikes, so a bike patrol is possible.

Chair Pickard moved, on behalf of the HEW Committee, to send a letter to Maj. Tandal to request that HPD monitor the homeless situation at Blaisdell and Manana parks, the bike path and report back to the Board, which was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0.

5)     Anderton emphasized the great amount of speeding vehicles on Lehua Avenue and noted that there is an elementary school nearby. Lt. DeMello answered that their speed trailer is there a great deal, but the rain recently caused it to short, so its presence is dependent on the weather.

Maj. Tandal announced that everyone should feel free to call her with any concerns before the next Board meeting.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) – Area Supervisor Jay Hara for Aiea-Pearl City reported the following:

1)     Statistics (March to date/February) – EMS responded to 381/390 medical or trauma-related calls and transported 275/279 patients to various hospitals.

2)     Bryan Cheplic is the newly appointed Public Information Officer is scheduled to attend the next Board meeting. He represents the City Emergency Services Department (ESD), which consists of EMS and Ocean Safety.

Takahashi again inquired about the Waiau woman who poured chemicals down her driveway making children sick at the school nearby. Hara responded that he transported 12-14 people from Waiau Elementary School, but he didn’t think that the woman did it deliberately – she just poured one-half bottle of pesticide down the drain. Hara suggested that the children may have panicked at the smell, but EMS will check everyone out no matter what the situation is. Furutani indicated that people should read the instructions and warnings on bottles of chemicals.

PRESENTATIONS:

MARCH 2006 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented a Certificate of Recognition to Constante and Julie Ulep of Leomele Street in Manana for being the March 2006 Yard of the Month Award recipient.

CLEARWIRE (1) – INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS BROADBAND ANTENNA FACILITY ON PEARL CITY CULTURAL CENTER (PCCC) AUDITORIUM – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – Charles Fortner circulated handouts and gave the following background: Clearwire wants to install a broadband antenna facility at the PCCC. Clearwire plans to offer alternative broadband internet access in Hawaii (alternatives to Oceanic and DSL). The PCCC has a good height for the antennas. The antennas will be painted with non-reflective colors and will blend with the surroundings; the antennas are three feet long and five inches wide. They want to put the cabinet facility behind the building by the loading docks. The ground space required for the cabinet facility is about 49 square feet. Clearwire is currently negotiating the price with the State Department of Education (DOE).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)     Chair Fukushima inquired how high up the antennas are and how they connect to the cabinet facility on the ground. Fortner explained that the antennas won't protrude above the top of the building and the wires will run down the sides of the building and will be painted to match the building.

2)     Furutani asked what frequency the antennas use. Fortner answered that they are in the 2500 Mhz range, which is the same range as cellular antennas. Myrna Sugiyama questioned if the antennas will cause any interference or radioactivity. Fortner replied again that the antennas are similar to cellular, but use only one-half the power. Clearwire will still take the same precautions as cellular companies. The antennas should not cause any interference.

3)     Chair Fukushima inquired about the timetable on the completion of the facility. Fortner responded that they are scheduled to build in August and begin operations in September. Chair Fukushima requested a copy of the application and that Clearwire inform the Board by letter when operations are expected to commence. He mentioned that it will take Clearwire 45 to 60 days to get the permit.

Chair Fukushima referred the matter back to the Development, Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Committee.

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS OF SPORTSMEN LOUNGE ACTIVITIES – HONOLULU LIQUOR COMMISSION (LIQ) REPORT (1) – Chair Fukushima deferred this item until LIQ representatives arrived at the meeting.

STATE PANDEMIC FLU PLAN – Chair Fukushima noted that there were no representatives from the State Department of Health (DOH) and deferred this item.

KIPAPA GULCH BICYCLING PATHWAY – David Bremer, who is also with the Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council, introduced Kevin Kinvig and distributed brochures. Bremer stated that the purpose of creating this Kipapa Gulch bicycling pathway is to provide a way to get from Mililani to Waipio Gentry without using Kamehameha Highway, which is unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians. Kinvig stated that the State Department of Transportation (DOT) isn't interesting in working on this bike path, but there are federal funds available. These funds are called transportation enhancement funds, and can cover up to 80% of the cost to convert abandoned roads, tracks, etc. into a means of alternative transportation. The initial cost of the project will be less than $750,000, most of which could be covered by the federal funds. Bremer specified that the roadway, which is approximately 20 feet wide, already exists, and just needs to be paved. The road is the old Kamehameha Highway. Bremer and Kinvig requested the Board's support to get a government agency, like DPR, to champion their cause.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)     Chair Fukushima conveyed that the Board still has questions from committee about the safety of the bike path, etc., but still wanted the community to hear the proposal. He requested that Bremer and Kinvig attend the April 18 committee meeting. Bremer acknowledged that their real concern is also safety. There will be separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians. Currently a chain link fence blocks off the pathway, but they would like to install a cattle gate fence to discourage motorized vehicles from traveling on the path.

2)      Furutani asked who would police the path. Bremer responded that the lands in the gulch itself are owned by the military, and they may ask them to improve the fencing. Police officers from Pearl City and Wahiawa would police the path.

Chair Fukushima referred the matter back to the Traffic and Transportation (TT) Committee.

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS OF SPORTSMEN LOUNGE ACTIVITIES – HONOLULU LIQUOR COMMISSION (LIQ) REPORT (2) – Acting Administrator Anna Hirai introduced John Carroll, an investigator, and reported the following: They attended the March committee meeting to hear comments on the issue. Hirai has been advised that the LIQ is ready to receive evidence collected from the community to support revocation/non-renewal of Sportsmen Lounge's liquor license. Examples of evidence are letters, pictures, videos, and names and addresses of those willing to testify. They are working with HPD on this and hope to have the petition filed in late April for a hearing in May. She requested information from the community as soon as possible. The LIQ will soon have a new administrator, but she will return to her previous position of personal assistant to the administrator; Hirai promised to oversee the conclusion of this issue personally.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)     Pickard remarked that many notes were taken from the community at the committee meeting and asked if that wasn't enough. Hirai replied that it's good, since this community is unusually organized, but that they want as much information as possible, and don't mind duplication. The LIQ wants specific reasons why the liquor license shouldn't be renewed, and having people testify at the hearing is particularly important. She will organize all of the information, forward it to the City Department of the Corporation Counsel (COR) to create a petition for non-renewal. Pickard inquired if a petition from residents within the community be sufficient documentation. Hirai assented, but doesn't want to limit any evidence offered.

2)     Pickard noted the Sportsmen Lounge location less than 500 feet from a school and questioned how this could have been grandfathered in. Hirai explained that the law didn't take effect until 1998, so existing businesses were allowed to continue, regardless of location. Imamura-Uruu commented that grandfathering in these establishments has not worked and asked if the businesses could just fold if enough people complain. Hirai responded that LIQ will listen to all testimony and make an informed decision. Furutani inquired if "grandfathered in" means beyond the law. Hirai answered that they are only permitted to continue business as long as they are good corporate citizens. Fay Toyama mentioned that nothing is grandfathered in concerning land use laws, and questioned why the same isn't true with liquor. Hirai contributed that if the Sportsmen Lounge lose their license, then a new applicant would have a very difficult time getting the same situation. Anderton offered that sometimes businesses change their name to re-open; Hirai replied that investigators look for that. Anderton inquired why LIQ issues liquor licenses to a company if they've been turned down before. Hirai responded that nothing can prevent any applicant from applying for a liquor license. Chair Fukushima contended that the Board will monitor this and any future liquor issues.

3)     Chair Fukushima asked when LIQ will have meetings on this issue. Hirai answered that LIQ meets every Thursday at 4 p.m. at their offices at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard. Once the petition has been filed, LIQ will send a letter to the Board informing them. She added that they may also be contacted by COR when the prosecution begins. Chair Fukushima encouraged everyone to testify or submit written testimony. Hirai specified that it's important to indicate in testimony the proximity to the Sportsmen Lounge to illustrate the impact on the community.

4)     Anderton related that when a neighbor called to complain about Sportsmen Lounge on Friday night, they received no response from HPD. She continued to state that Sportsmen Lounge is a large problem, but that if it's closed, then Melrose Place, another bar too close to the school, will just worsen in its place. Melrose Place opens at 12 p.m., when children are still in school. Anderton inquired if LIQ will take complaints about Melrose Place at the same time as Sportsmen Lounge. Hirai responded that it's difficult to carry out a preemptive strike against an establishment, but it may be brought up; she instructed Anderton to see if Melrose Place pays attention if the Sportsmen Lounge's license is revoked and not renewed.

5)     Pickard indicated that if the Sportsmen Lounge is closed down, then a new place can't be opened there. Hirai verified that a cabaret, strip or hostess bar may not be opened there, because the location is within 500 feet of a school.

6)     Nyuha recalled that the owner is planning to put in $40,000 to $60,000 to renovate the place and he will want to open a new establishment. Hirai confirmed that LIQ will still go forward with the petition – maybe the company/owner can be put on probation.

7)     Anderton reiterated that the Sportsmen Lounge has been an ongoing, escalating problem for the last five years; she noted that HPD must be tired of constant complaints from the community. In fact, she contended that HPD is now the bar's security, since they almost always are called at 4 a.m. to shut down the bar.

Chair Fukushima referred the item back to the HEW Committee.

A recess subject to the call of the Chair was taken from 8:18 to 8:33 p.m.

CLEARWIRE (2) – INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS BROADBAND ANTENNA FACILITY ON PEARL CITY CULTURAL CENTER (PCCC) AUDITORIUM – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – Charles Fortner requested that the Board approve Clearwire's permit at this meeting.

Vina moved and Pickard seconded, to send a letter to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) recommending approval of Clearwire's Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to install a wireless broadband antenna facility on the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium, which was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lan Yoneda reported the following:

1)     There was one main break in February. The eight-inch cast iron main break occurred at 1344 Komo Mai Drive on Friday, February 24. The main broke at 1 p.m. and the water was turned back on at 9:15 p.m.

2)     Check your house for leaks. Toilets are the most common source of leaks.

3)    The Waiawa Development Corporation (WDC), which is developing Gentry-Waiawa, requested and received approval of water use permits from the State Commission for Water Resource Management and the BWS for development of two new wells for Waiawa's two new golf courses. The WDC has also received approval of urban zoning from DPP for Phase 1 of their development. The WDC has yet to submit water use permit applications for the potable wells for their zoned parcels; there will be 12 potable wells eventually.

4)      According to the Water Resources division, there is an adequate supply of water to support the Gentry Waiawa developments using groundwater released from agriculture plantations. However, as part of the water conservation program, the BWS has required the WDC to plan for the golf courses to use recycled water coming from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will free up potable drinking water temporarily used for the golf courses.

Nyuha mentioned that a main broke on Hoomailani Street two years ago and the road still has not been fixed and it's in very bad condition. Yoneda will follow up.

PEARL CITY LIBRARY – Pickard relayed the following announcements:

1)       Starting in June, the library will be open for six days per week, from Sunday to Friday.

2)     On Sunday, April 2, from 2 to 3 p.m., there will be Japanese dances performed by the students of the Hanayagi Mitsusumi Dance Studio. This one-hour program is free and suitable for all ages.

3)     On Tuesday, April 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., come and celebrate the work of Newbery Award-winning author Karen Hesse. Everyone attending will receive a free copy of Out of the Dust, her book, and children will receive free t-shirts.

4)     On Wednesday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m., the library celebrates National Library Week with author Laurie Ide and illustrator Jeff Langcaon of Super Puffy.

5)    On Wednesday, April 26, at 3 p.m., there will be a puppet show about Ku'ula, the god of fishing. Kupuna will be narrating the story and there will be Hawaiian craft-making.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated handouts and imparted that the DOE is continuing the series of community meetings on education. There was a meeting held in Pearl City earlier and one in Waipahu last month. The next meetings are on April 5, at Kapolei High School, and on May 10, at the Alvah A. Scott Elementary School; the meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.

Takahashi revealed that when the Manana Wal-Mart opened, they donated money to public schools in Pearl City and Aiea. He asked why they didn't just donate to Pearl City, since they mainly affect this area. Harimoto directed him to inquire of Wal-Mart, but added that the Wal-Mart does affect Aiea as well. Chair Fukushima explained that the DOE isn't involved with the money, but the Board maybe could recommend certain schools if they need more money, if Wal-Mart has a committee that makes the decision.

No representative was present to give the Leeward Community College (LCC) update.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, announced that Councilmember Okino is attending the Charter Commission meeting tonight and relayed the following updates:

1)     Pacific Palisades Community Park (PPCP) improvements – As reported last month, the major components have been completed. However, since the entire project will not be accepted until an inlet drainage pipe and 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. The security lighting component, deleted from the project due to unforeseen site conditions, was not included in the Mayor's FY 2006 budget submittal to the Council. Councilmember Okino is investigating the possibility of submitting a budget amendment.

2)     Pearl City District Park Gym – The long-anticipated re-opening of the gym, closed for repairs to the roof, has been delayed again. Unfortunately, the recent heavy rains revealed leaks in the roof that the contractor must repair before the City accepts the project.

WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – No representative was present.

H-1 VIADUCT WIDENING AND HOMELESS PROBLEM – Scott Ishikawa conveyed the following information:

1)     He doesn't have an update on the Wal-Mart construction – he will bring information to the next meeting.

2)     DOT will not be able to finish the H-1 viaduct widening by April, since they lost five weekends in a row to the weather. Weekends are needed for full closures. The new completion date is the end of June.

3)     DOT plans to work on the airport viaduct later this year. They will be grinding part of the viaduct to try different types of concrete to determine greatest longevity. Next year, they will be working on the eastbound freeway near Aiea.

4)     Overhead signs on the freeway confuse motorists when there is only one lane closed, but it does help when two lanes need to be closed. Ishikawa thanked Chair Fukushima for the suggestion.

5)    There will be a meeting of the Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force on Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m., at Waimalu Elementary School.

Pickard asked what DOT is planning to do about the homeless in the DOT baseyard. Ishikawa will follow up, but his department has been stretched thin recently.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:             

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama distributed the March Mayor's Newsletter and provided the following responses to last month's questions:

1)     The project to repave Waimano Home Road is now complete. As required by contract, the contractor di publish a Notice to Motorists in the Star-Bulletin from October 11 to 13. Chair Fukushima indicated that the problem was the lack of signs actually placed on the road during construction.

2)     DPR is not responsible for maintaining Waimano Home Road. DPR's contractor is only responsible for the grass areas on both sides of the overpass on Waimano Home, Moanalua, and Hoolaulea Roads. The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) noted that the Pearl City Superintendent spoke to the City's roadside cleaning contractor and they will make sure their workers pick up the grass cuttings. The City cuts and herbicides roadside vegetation on an as-needed basis, not every two weeks.

3)    One Road Division (DFM) worker transferred to the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) in Pearl City and five Road Division workers took promotions to ENV in Honolulu. The Road Division will continue to perform their duties with the remaining employees available.

4)    The bike path cleaning work is now in progress and will continue until completed in about a week and half, weather permitting.

5)    Bulky items left curbside on Lehua Avenue will be picked up and removed every third Wednesday through Friday. Items should be left before 6 a.m.

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

1)    Anderton noted that there is a great deal of bulky trash on Lehua Avenue. Hokama will put in a special request to ENV. Pickard added that bulky trash is not being picked up from Komo Mai Drive. Some items have been there for more than a month.

2)    Regarding the Pearl City Gym roof leaking problem, Vina suggested that the roof needs more of a slope – it needs to be redesigned.

3)    Chair Fukushima related that at 913 Hoomoana Street (the makai/ewa corner), the resident there put up a canopy that goes to the sidewalk area, blocking a City right-of-way, and the man is parking his cars underneath the canopy.

4)      Pickard asked if Bill 11 on abandoned vehicles was approved. Hokama answered that the Mayor signed it.

5)     Furutani suggested that the Mayor attend the Board meetings once in a while.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato circulated the report and emphasized the following:

1)    Waimano Home Road / Moanalua Road / Kuala Street intersection – The City's project to improve this intersection is ongoing. The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is currently working with the contractor to select a construction start date. It is anticipated that the construction should take no more than eight months. More details will be released when available. Major components of this project include:

a)     Adding an additional ewabound lane to Moanalua Road. Additionally, the lanes will be reconfigured to include a dedicated left turn lane, a straight through lane, a combined straight/right turn lane, and a dedicated right turn lane. The existing configuration includes a left turn/straight lane, a straight/right turn lane, and a dedicated right turn lane.

b)     Reconfiguring townbound lanes of Kualua Street, as they approach Waimano Home Road, to a dedicated left turn lane, a straight through lane, and a combined straight/right turn lane. The existing configuration includes a left turn/straight lane, a straight through lane, and a dedicated right turn lane.

2)    The Council Budget Committee is currently reviewing the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and Operating Budget bills. One of the projects is Manana Infrastructure Improvements – $4,420,000 – acquire land, design, construct and inspect connector (Cane Haul) road from Kuala Street to Kuahaka Street.

3)     Real Property Tax Assessments – Although the actual methodology that the City's appraisers use in the assessment process is complicated, it all boils down to the sales data of similar homes sold in a homeowner's neighborhood that determines the property value. Upon request, the Real Property Assessment Division will provide a Comparables Sheet (commonly referred to as a "Comp Sheet") that lists the homes and corresponding sale prices used in the valuation process for a specific property. This information can be obtained by calling the division's downtown office at 527-5511 or 527-5539 or the Kapolei office at 692-5541. A website with other useful information is www.honolulu.gov/rpa/index.htm.

Pickard asked for more information about Bill 11, relating to abandoned vehicles. Sato explained that it establishes a different process to deal with vehicles without valid safety checks, registration or license plates. Currently the City may not tow vehicles without valid tags – HPD must cite the vehicles. Most cars called in as abandoned don't have up-to-date tags, so this bill would allow towing of these vehicles. Pickard inquired about abandoned cars in driveways. Sato responded that it's private property, but that it is possible to rule it a violation of the littering law.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Sen. Nishihara distributed his Legislative Update and highlighted the following items:

1)    He received a letter from the DOE regarding the proposed $42,000 American with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvement for Manana Elementary School and the library improvement for Pearl City Elementary School. These projects are being prioritized and should be progressing. Lehua Elementary School will not be able to proceed with the electrical upgrade because the funds lapse in June 2006. Sen. Nishihara will submit another request for funding in the F.Y. 2008 budget.

2)    Regarding the Hale Mohalu project and the vacant mauka parcel that senior residents from the Hale were crossing over Waimano Stream Channel, he's been working with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) on the issue. The non-profit organization that runs the housing project may purchase the lot to build more senior housing. He will notify the Board when there is another meeting on the development plans.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)    Pickard expressed the need for the Pearl City Library parking lot to be extended by at least 10 stalls; the project has been approved, but there's no funding. Sen. Nishihara responded that no one from the library approached him, but the idea is a good one, and he will follow up to see if the funds have lapsed.

2)     Furutani asked about the $500,000 released for a Leeward Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Sen. Nishihara replied that it will be located at the end of Depot Road, between Pearl City and Waipahu. The project will cost about $13 million; the YMCA will raise one-half and the State will fund the other half.

3)     Vina inquired about the status of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the second access road for LCC. Sen. Nishihara answered that it's not ready yet, but maybe it will be complete later this year. Sen. Nishihara feels that Rod Haraga, the Director of DOT, is not very supportive of the project and hasn't met the federal requirement for monies.

4)     Anderton thanked Sen. Nishihara for his assistance with the Sportsmen Lounge issue.

5)    Takahashi requested the status of creating a Level 3 Biosafety Lab. Sen. Nishihara has discussed the matter with Sen. Ige, Rep. Takai, Rep. Takumi, and representatives from DOH and the University of Hawaii (UH), and UH has no problem with moving the lab to Kakaako, where their medical center is. There is general agreement that Kakaako is a better location for the lab than Waimano Ridge. Furutani asked if the tenants were then evicted from Waimano Ridge for no reason. Sen. Nishihara dissented and noted that the agencies want the land on the ridge back anyway (since they rented it out).

Anderton left the meeting at 9:30 p.m., making eight (8) members present.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI – Reid Seino circulated a report and a flyer for the Aiea/Pearl City Town Hall meeting about the junior kindergarten program on Monday, April 10, at 7 p.m., at Pearl Ridge Elementary School. Visit the capitol's website, www.capitol.hawaii.gov to access bill status and text; call or email Rep. Takumi's office at 586-6170 or reptakumi@capitol.hawaii.gov with any questions or concerns.

Takahashi asked how the community questionnaire responses are being handled. Seino answered that many people had questions, but if they didn't put a return address, then there's no way to answer their specific questions. Responses to the questionnaire will be sent out in about a week.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Kendall Matsuyoshi announced the two meetings coming up: the Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force meeting on March 30 at 7 p.m., at Waimalu Elementary School and the town meeting on April 10.

There were no representatives present for the Governor or Senator David Ige.

COMMUNITY INPUT:                

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – Breene Harimoto reported the following:

1)    The PCF has a contract with Leahi Swim to provide a swimming program, beginning on June 5. There will be free swimming for the community at certain times; Harimoto will relay the information when it's known.

2)    The design phase of the Pearl City Intergenerational Center is being finalized.

MANANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA) – Chair Fukushima announced that there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m., on April 16, at the Upper Field of the Manana Neighborhood Park.

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 24, 2006  AND FEBRUARY 28, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Fukushima indicated that he didn't finish reviewing the February 28, 2006 minutes, so their approval will be deferred to next month.

The following corrections were made to the January 24, 2006 minutes:

*       Page 1 – Guests – eighth line – insert "Transit" between "Honolulu High Capacity" and "Corridor Project".

*       Page 3 – Presentations – Christmas Decorated Yard Awards – item no. 8 – strike out "Malama" and insert "Alama".

Pickard moved and Vina seconded, to approve the January 24, 2006 minutes as corrected, which was adopted unanimously, 8-0-0.

FEBRUARY 2006 TREASURER'S REPORT: Chair Fukushima reported that the Operating Account incurred expenses of $62.38, leaving a balance of $755.85, the Publicity Account incurred expenses of $382, leaving a balance of $777.38, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $110.64. The Treasurer's Report is filed.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – Chair Fukushima related the following information:

1)    Sunshine Law Training Workshop – Anderton, Bogema, Furutani, Imamura-Uruu and Nyuha attended the workshop on March 16. The Board members who still need to attend are Fukuda and Howton.

2)    Ratification/Approval of Board Expenditures over $15 Limit – Approval of the Board is required to spend over $15. At the last meeting, $7.73 was spent on a lei and $19.63 was spent on a cake and refreshments for David Lemon's last meeting; the total spent was $27.36.

Imamura-Uruu moved and Vina seconded, that the Board approve the expenditures of last month, which was adopted unanimously, 8-0-0.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) – Committee Chair Pickard distributed handouts and provided the following updates:

1)    Hawaii Regional Biosafety Lab Task Force – No one went to the legislature to request the $38 million to repair the infrastructure, so there is no money to improve the infrastructure. The Kakaako location doesn't need any funding to repair the infrastructure. The Task Force is currently on hold.

2)     Homeless Problem – He is working with HPD to address the problems.

3)    Pacific Palisades Community Park Additional Improvements – DPR will install the cattle gate; the delay was caused by necessary modification of the drainage system.

4)     Increasing "Beat Officer" Staffing in Pearl City District 3 – A letter was approved earlier in the meeting.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) – Committee Vice-Chair Vina circulated his report and gave the following updates:

1)    Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – At the March 15 meeting, he gave comments to the Policy Committee. All of the comments will be published around April 4 for citizen review.

Vina moved, on behalf of the TT Committee, to recommend that the CAC restore the LCC Second Access Road project to the OMPO 2030 Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP), which was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0.

2)     Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Community Shuttle Service – No response has been received.

3)   Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Gary Omori, with the Public Involvement Team, distributed a handout with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and thanked the Board for the invitation to their committee meeting. He remarked on how helpful it was to be able to fully discuss the issue at the Committee level. The list of FAQs has grown significantly since the printing of the handout, but it will be updated soon. Omori expressed his encouragement with the level of questions they've received. He lives in Newtown and understands traffic frustration. They are still working on the locally preferred alternative. Since any route through Pearl City is mainly fixed along Kamehameha Highway, the two transit stations will be located at LCC (to help with school commuting) and in the Pearlridge area. Omori looks forward to attending the next committee meeting and reiterated how productive it was and his appreciation. He will let the Board know if new information becomes available before the April committee meeting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

a)     Nyuha asked if the transit stations would include an area for commuters to leave their vehicles. Omori replied that, to the extent possible, they want to provide a parking area, since stations need to be destination points. She asked if stations could have concessions. He affirmed this.

b)    Chair Fukushima postulated that City Council needs to select a locally preferred alternative. Omori confirmed this and added that the route and particular system need to be decided.

c)     Furutani inquired about the price of riding when the system is built. Omori responded that there are too many variables for him to estimate a price.

Anderton returned at 10 p.m., making nine (9) members present.

4)     Schedule Changes for Bus Routes Nos. 53 and 54 – Changes to the bus schedule are planned for Route No. 53, due to pending construction to relocate the Ala Moana Center terminus. Changes to Route No. 54 were adopted due to the need to temporarily designate the Alapai Transit Facility to improve turn-around times and avoid reducing the frequency of trips. Both changes appear to be necessary. Courtesy notifications to the Board prior to route changes were requested.

5)    Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force Report – The final improvements will be presented to the public on March 30 at Waimalu Elementary School.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING (DPZ) – Committee Chair Vina submitted a written status report.

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) – Chair Fukushima highlighted the following:

Audit of the Neighborhood Board System – Surveys from the auditors are due to be returned by the end of the month.

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

1)    March 2006 Yard of the Month – Unanimous consent (9-0-0) was granted to present the March Yard of the Month Award to Betty and Kenji Uejo of Hoomoana Place in Momilani.

2)    Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – Awards are scheduled to be presented next month to the winners of the State Spelling Bee and the State Girls High School Softball Player and Coach of the Year.

3)    Pearl City Graffiti Watch Program – These locations have occurrences of major graffiti abuse: (a)  Ewa District Court House on Kamehameha Highway, near the bus stop; (b) the mauka side of Waimalu Stream (in Aiea); (c) along the H-1 Freeway in Waimalu (in Aiea); and (d) near Pearl City High School. She suggested utilizing students to be involved in community service projects. Home Depot will often provide groups with free paint and brushes.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)    The next committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, April 18, 2006, 7 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

2)    The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

3)    The next meeting for the Kamehameha Highway Improvements Task Force  is scheduled for Thursday, March 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria.

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

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant