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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2006

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m., with a quorum of 11 members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerilyn Anderton (departed at 9:30 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, David Howton (departed at 10:27 p.m.), May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr., Davin Takahashi, Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

BOARD VACANCIES: Two (2).

GUESTS: Firefighter 1 N. Melo (Honolulu Fire Department – Pearl City Station); Officer D. Barr, Lt. S. Kapeliela, Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Sergio Accatino, William Brizee (Architects Hawaii); Donahue Fujii (Austin, Tsutsumi & Associates, Inc.); Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation – Spokesperson); Clyde Shimizu (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Col. John Bates, Bill Bigelow (Pearl Harbor Visitors’ Center); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Claire Nakamura (Governor's representative – Deputy Director of the State Department of Public Safety); Isaac Hokama (Mayor's representative – Special Assistant to the Mayor); Councilmember Gary Okino; Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Lisa Vargas (Representative K. Mark Takai’s Office staff); Wesley Inouye (Decurion); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Chris Aguinaldo (Leeward People); Richard Chun, Roger Olegario, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). Approximately 25 people were present that didn’t sign in.

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

APPOINTMENT TO FILL TWO (2) VACANCIES: There were no interested parties to fill the vacancies.

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. 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; microphones should be used when speaking; 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) – Firefighter 1 N. Melo provided the following information:

1)       October statistics – 11 structure, 2 brush, 3 rubbish and 1 vehicle fire; 117 medical, 0 search/rescue, and 28 miscellaneous emergencies.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – The holidays mean more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires. After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes. Choose holiday decorations made with flame-resistant or non-combustible materials. Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload extension cords. Keep live trees as moist as possible by watering them daily. When purchasing an artificial tree, choose one made with fire-retardant materials.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Officer D. Barr circulated flyers requesting comments on the communication abilities of HPD, introduced Lt. S. Kapeliela and Sgt. K. Miyazaki, and gave the following statistics for October: There were 29 auto thefts, 18 auto theft recoveries, 12 burglaries, 16 criminal property damage and 35 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 6,947 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,560 calls (22.46%) from the Pearl City area.

Lt. Kapeliela reported that HPD has stepped up enforcement of speeding in Pearl City – the goal is to both educate (through distributed materials) and enforce. Officer Barr added that during the period of November 6 to 23, in Pearl City, HPD issued 22 speeding citations and 10 moving citations (e.g., running traffic lights, no license, no insurance, etc.), for a total of 32 citations. Most speeding citations were issued on or near Hookanike Street. Lt. Kapeliela reaffirmed that many motorists who speed are unaware of how fast they are going.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima inquired if HPD was still working on the Sportsmen Lounge issue; Lt. Kapeliela confirmed that HPD is still working on the situation.

2)       Takahashi asked if officers issue citations to those people who don’t clean up after their dogs. Lt. Kapeliela replied that they have in the past, but it depends on the situation. She noted that there could also be loose dogs in the area, and suggested Takahashi send this information to the Community Policing office.

The agenda was taken out of order to hear Councilmember Okino report on mass transit.

ELECTED OFFICIALS (1):

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO (1): Councilmember Gary Okino stated that a rail system is the only solution to address the traffic congestion on Oahu. He asserted that anyone opposed to rail has interests that are purely self-serving. Councilmember Okino maintained that the rail system is effective because it has a very large carrying capacity, whereas the current highways, even if HOT-lanes were added, can’t carry the same amount of people. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) states that 13 more lanes will be needed in 35 years to keep up with the traffic (not even improve it), so two HOT-lanes won’t solve the problem. He added that a rail system won’t eliminate traffic congestion, but it will prevent it from worsening. The Vancouver rail system carries 230,000 passengers per day. The city of Tampa Bay is paying $20 million just in interest to pay back the construction costs for the HOT-lanes they built. Councilmember Okino pointed out that the City will use the bus system to feed the rail system. He indicated that the rail system could be so effective that some parking lots could be closed, and requested that the Board adopt a resolution supporting the rail.

Takahashi opined that neither HOT-lanes nor a rail system can alone solve the traffic congestion.

The agenda was resumed.

PRESENTATIONS:

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES – Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented certificates to the following:

1)       Kamalani Manner, for being named the Mini Miss Island Princess, Kekoa Manner, for being named the Mister Island Gem, and Kaimionalani Manner, for being named Teen Miss Island Gem.

2)       Pearl City High School students and coaches for sweeping the Oahu Interscholastic Association Air Refinery – Lester Aranaydo (Head Coach), Shareen Aranaydo (Assistant Coach), Jolanna Gallero (Senior, won two first-place medals), Alex Cachero (Senior, won first-place medal), the Boy’s OIA Championship Team medal winners (AlexCachero, David Lebowipz, LeLan Aranaydo, Stan Fujishiro, Gavin Miyano, Warren Ramiscal, Pedring Soriano, and Andrew Yamada), the Girl’s OIA Championship Team medal winners (Jolana Gollero, Chanel Paek, Sheri-Lyn Hirota, Michelle Ota, Nikki Otsuka, Tracie Takaki, Kyrssa Isobe, Cecelia Markham, Norah Nguyen, Christina Tamane, and Shawna Watanabe.

3)       Dwayne Abuel, who won the Highlands Intermediate School 2006 Tech Teacher of the Year.

NOVEMBER 2006 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented a Certificate of Recognition to Barbara and Dennis Fujioka of Highlands for winning the November 2006 Yard of the Month Award.

PEARL CITY GATEWAY COMMERCIAL PROJECT – William Brizee introduced Sergio Accatino and Donahue Fujii (project civil consultant), and prefaced the presentation by stating that none of the plans are “set in stone” yet.

D. Fujii highlighted the following:

1)       The project property is about 13.5 acres and located on the west side of Kuala Street and north of Acacia Road. To the west is the Hale Ola housing development and to the north is Manana Kai Park. The property is owned and being developed by Robertson Properties Group, which is a real estate development company based in Los Angeles. This property, along with the Wal-Mart parcel was part of the Bishop Estate lawsuit settlement with the City.

2)       The project is currently in the conceptual design period. Demolition plans for the four warehouses are in progress. The preliminary project schedule is – Design period: Fall 2006 – Mid 2007; Construction period: Mid 2007 – End 2008; Grand opening: Early 2009.

3)       The proposal is for a community shopping center of approximately 152,000 total square feet. The preliminary site plan shows two main store buildings and four out-lot pads. The tenants are small to mid-size retail tenants; potential tenants are Longs Drugs, Babies R Us, and Petco. One out-lot pad will be a restaurant, two will be retail stores, and the fourth is to be a fast-food restaurant. The parking lot will have approximately 550 stalls. The truck dock loading areas on the main buildings will be on the west side.

4)       Kuala Street will provide access to the center, which will be similar to the Wal-Mart parcel. There will be pedestrian access paths between Kuala Street and the main buildings to promote customers walking between the main building and the out-lot pads.

5)       The project will provide vehicular access to the Manana Kai Park for City maintenance vehicles. Manana Kai is a neighborhood park and intended for neighborhood residents to walk to the park.

6)       Landscape buffers will be provided along Kuala Street and along the Hale Ola boundary. The landscaping will look similar to the Wal-Mart development. It’s planned to have shower trees within the parking area and along the west boundary. Landscaped corner features will be provided at the main intersections and the Acacia Road / Kuala Street corner.

7)       Preparation of a traffic study is underway; modifications are expected to the Kuala Street median, traffic signals and left-turn pockets. As part of the regional traffic improvements, it is encouraging to note that design of the Cane Haul Road Phase 1 is underway by the City and funding for its construction has been appropriated. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.

W. Brizee noted that the designs are in progress and they are seeking input, and provided the following information:

1)       Robertson Properties is the “asset manager” for Consolidated Theaters. They purchased the property across from Wal-Mart in Manana after Sam’s Club declined the offer.

2)       The site is planned to utilize existing traffic lights for major ingress/egress, with a drive-in drug store and another Starbucks. The center will be “walkable” and will make walking to Wal-Mart easy. The parking lot will follow the Waikele parking lot concept, with trees and shade to add to the “walkable” center. There will be a landscape buffer to the street and to the residential areas. The building heights will be 30 to 34 feet high for the major buildings and 20 to 26 feet for the shops. Shops are speculative buildings to be leased to retail or office use, and pads will be ground-leased to users who will design and build their building.

3)       The architectural style of the whole site is intended to be a contemporary interpretation of the military/industrial buildings that are or have been on the site. One of the goals is to continue the “Manana architectural brand” of the Wal-Mart design. It’s planned to use high parapets to hide mechanical equipment. Design changes will be considered if the owner thinks it is a good change and will help the design of the community. The center is planned to be something that the neighborhood feels good about, since the local residents make up the target market.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Pickard requested copies of the plans. D. Fujii answered that 10 copies will be provided to the Board.

2)       Chair Fukushima thanked the presenters and noted that he looks forward to more updates. He added that the neighborhood prefers commercial development that is somewhat residential in character.

Scott Ishikawa, of the State Department of Transportation (DOT), was allowed to report an update on the Aiea pedestrian overpass repair work.

AIEA PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS REPAIR WORK – S. Ishikawa distributed news releases, and reported the following: The repair work on the Aiea pedestrian overpass began on Monday, November 27, during the late evening hours. Contractor Hawaiian Dredging Construction is making preliminary repairs to the overpass, which was damaged and demolished on September 6, after an oversized load atop a U.S. Army flatbed truck hit the structure. Crews closed the two left lanes of the H-1 Freeway near Aiea, ewa-bound, last night, November 27, and they will be closed again tonight, November 28, from 9 p.m. to 3:15 a.m. The two right lanes near Aiea, ewa-bound, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday nights, November 29 and 30, from 9 p.m. to 3:15 a.m. Drivers who plan to use the H-1 during those times are asked to add extra time to their commute. An overnight closure of the freeway in the ewa-bound direction from the Halawa Interchange to the Waiau (Pearl City) Interchange will be scheduled for Sunday, December 3, from 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. (to leave time for the University of Hawaii (UH) game to let out). The contractor early Sunday morning will install a pre-cast section of the new overpass to connect the walkway together. The construction will be completed before December 15, 2006. Although not many people use the walkway, it still needs to exist in case of emergencies (e.g. evacuating the school).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Pickard inquired as to what entity would be paying for the pedestrian overpass repair. S. Ishikawa replied that the preliminary cost estimate of $500,000 (to demolish and rebuild) would most likely be paid for by the U.S. Army.

PEARL CITY DOT BASEYARD DEWATERING FACILITY – S. Ishikawa relayed that another meeting requesting input on the proposed dewatering facility was held last night, November 27, at Manana Community Park, which 10 people attended. The Environmental Assessment (EA) will be released in January of 2007.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       A resident thanked DOT for setting up the second meeting, but again expressed the concern of extra traffic noise, since the proposed location is only 1,700 feet away from the temple there. He suggested looking at the area west of Lehua Avenue for the facility and reiterated his opposition to the current site.

2)       Chair Fukushima stated that people can still offer comments when the EA is released in January, for 30 days, and the Board can take whatever action on it that the community wants. He added that people may submit comments to both DOT and the Board. Chair Fukushima conveyed his appreciation that DOT delayed the release of the EA to allow more input from the community and the Board.

HONOLULU HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT (HHCTCP) – Clyde Shimizu indicated that the City Council will select one of the mass transit alternatives before the end of 2006. Visit www.honolulutransit.org to see the Alternatives Analysis. He briefly described the alternatives:

1)       No Build – This includes expanding existing bus and highway facilities and other committed transportation projects anticipated to be operational by 2030 (the Oahu 2030 Regional Transportation Plan). Highway elements of the No Build Alternative will also be included in the build alternatives. This alternative would encompass the whole corridor, and the estimated cost is $800 million.

2)       Transportation System Management Alternative – This would provide an enhanced bus system based on a hub-and-spoke route network, community bus circulators, conversion of the present morning peak-hour-only zipper lane to both a morning and afternoon peak-hour zipper lane operation, and relatively low-cost capital improvement on selected roadway facilities to give priority to buses. Highway components would be the same as the No Build Alternative. This alternative would encompass the whole corridor, and the estimated cost is $300 million plus the cost of the No Build Alternative. The expansion of the bus system isn’t expected to increase ridership.

3)       Managed Lanes Alternative – This would include construction of a two-lane reversible grade-separated facility, where riders get on and off at the H-1 / H-2 Interchange, Aloha Stadium, and Iwilei, for use by buses, para-transit vehicles and vanpool vehicles. The lanes would be managed to maintain free-flow speeds for buses, while simultaneously allowing High-Occupancy-Vehicles (HOVs) and variable pricing for toll-paying single-occupant vehicles. This alternative would at first only cover the area between Iwilei and Waipahu, and the estimated cost is over $2 billion plus the cost of the No Build Alternative.

4)       Fixed Guideway Alternative (Rail) – This would include the construction and operation of a rail transit system between Kapolei and UH. The route would start in Kapolei, follow the North South Road onto Farrington Highway, then to Kamehameha Highway (with four stations in the Aiea / Pearl City area – Leeward Community College, Sam’s Club, Pearlridge, and the Aloha Stadium), to the airport (with a station there), into downtown along Dillingham Boulevard, then to Nimitz Highway (with two stations), to Kapiolani Boulevard, and then following University Avenue into Manoa. The 28-mile corridor, from Kapolei to Manoa, would cost $4.6 billion. The 20-mile corridor from UH West Oahu to Ala Moana would cost $3.6 billion.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima inquired about the Pearl Highlands station, and if it was planned to be a park and ride. C. Shimizu explained that across from the Sam’s Club would be a park and ride lot and that bus routes would be reconfigured to allow easy access to transit stations. Chair Fukushima asked if there would be security in the parking lots. C. Shimizu answered that they have ideas, but are not in that phase of the planning yet.

2)       Veray suggested promoting ridership by decreasing the number of park and rides and encouraging the use of shuttle buses to the transit system, maybe by providing one card that covers the price of both systems.

3)       Takahashi asked if any underground tunnels were planned. C. Shimizu replied that they are too expensive.

PEARL HARBOR VISITORS’ CENTER – Bill Bigelow introduced Col. John Bates and invited everyone to come down and see the new Pearl Harbor Visitors’ Center. He gave the following background: The area of the center used to be overgrown and had criminal elements. It was decided that the property should be developed into a commercial center to serve the over one million visitors it receives. The current tent covers 5,000 square feet and became of the home of 19 small businesses, with 150 employees. In the past, visitors had to wait one hour for a ticket and two hours for an event with nothing to do. The businesses in the tent offered refreshment, leisure and entertainment. The center received criticism when it opened in 2005, but the visitors love it. The Arizona store earned $6.5 million in the year, which was an increase in 14%. The Missouri store increased its earnings by 5%.

Col. John Bates reiterated the invitation to see the new Pearl Harbor Visitors’ Center.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Pickard inquired about the percentage of the profit that goes back into the memorial. Col. Bates suggested visiting www.guidestar.com which lists the contributions. B. Bigelow added that it’s the private businesses that donate to the memorial; he’ll follow up.

A recess for refreshments was taken from 8:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

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

1)       There was one main break in October, on October 5, 2006 at 2312 Anapanapa Street, to an 8-inch cast iron pipe that is 46 years old. There was a main break at 3:15 a.m. today, November 28, 2006, on Komo Mai Drive, to an 8-inch main; the road should be open again later this evening.

2)       BWS Emergency Preparedness – BWS would like to thank its customers for conserving water during last month’s earthquake and the ensuing blackout; this helped to insure that the community continued to have access to water throughout the day. BWS reservoirs have about a 24-hour average capacity. There are permanent backup generators at key strategic facilities as well as mobile generators that allow for maximum flexibility. BWS has also made arrangements with other city, state and federal agencies to pool resources in the event of any prolonged power outage, although these networks were not needed during or after the earthquake. BWS will issue water advisories during an emergency, but most importantly, BWS asks that when there is a power outage that people immediately begin conserving water.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Furutani asked if the four new wells in the Waiawa area would provide enough water to supply the new housing development (Koa Ridge). L. Yoneda replied that he researched the item in February, and that the wells should serve the 10,000 proposed homes; he added that the developer had to go to a Water Resource Manager in order to get a building permit. Chair Fukushima indicated that the Environmental Impact Statement of Koa Ridge has yet to be released; he commented that the development has already taken a long time to get started. Howton noted that when representatives of the Koa Ridge development attended Board meetings a few months ago, they said they would build their own aquifer. L. Yoneda responded that State approval is needed to drill, since the State controls the water, and that State permits limit how much water may be drawn from each well.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated the report and highlighted the following:

1)       Dr. Richard Sim’s “Education as Related to the Economy”: Hawaii does not adequately fund the public education system and is in fact last in the nation in funding. A well-educated workforce is needed to grow the economy, therefore education must be invested in. Required are small class sizes, greater pay for teachers, and better accommodations. The BOE is trying to be more aggressive in requesting funding.

2)       Four new BOE members will be sworn in next week.

3)       On December 6, 2006, at 6:30 p.m., at Waiau Elementary School, there will be a community forum to discuss educational concerns of the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Takahashi asked if the BOE had any resolutions opposing the dewatering facility. B. Harimoto clarified that the BOE would like to adopt a policy opposing those types of facilities too near to schools, but the final decision is really up to DOT.

There were no representatives or reports present for Leeward Community College (LCC) or the Pearl City Library.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, had no new updates.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Pickard stated that, at the Pacific Palisades Community Park, the sign denoting that the courts are closed is old and needs to be removed. He inquired about a law that all parks require that animals must be leashed while in the park. Howton relayed that, at the same park, between the parking lots and the basketball court, there is an inlet drainage pipe sticking up out of the ground, which is very dangerous. R. Sato will follow up on both items.

OTHER CONCERNS –

WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Furutani reported the following updates –

1)       Wal-Mart Outlot No. 1: Wendy’s is under construction and expected to be completed in December 2006. Central Pacific Bank is also under construction; they have a supplemental building permit and have begun the construction of the building structure.

2)       Wal-Mart Outlot No. 2: Pearl City Shops is under construction.

3)       Wal-Mart Outlot Nos. 3 and 4: The building plans for Sam’s Club Fueling Station are in the final round of comments with the Planning Division of the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Building permit approval is expected in December 2006. Construction plans for the widening of Makolu Street (Phase 1A), which is part of the gas station project, are progressing through DPP. The start of construction is targeted for February 2007.

4)       Phase 2 project (Moanalua Road / Waimano Home Road / Kuala Street): Phase 2 is now a City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) project and is under construction. Okada Trucking is the contractor and has a contract completion date of May 8, 2007. Based on the current project schedule, the majority of the roadway work should be completed by the end of 2006.

5)       Phase 4 (Kamehameha Highway / Acacia Road / right turn lane along post office frontage): DOT and DPP have approved the construction drawings, which are now in the bid phase.

Chair Fukushima added that the Sam’s Club gas station may not be operational until at least mid-2007, since the largest amount of work is the installation of the fuel tanks in the ground.

INSTALLATION OF GUARDRAIL IN FRONT OF THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE (1840 KOMO MAI DRIVE): Vina conveyed that he had been called by Robert Sato from Councilmember Okino’s Office on the issue, since his office received a letter from the Mayor. Chair Fukushima noted that DTS did deny the request for a guardrail in front of 1840 Komo Mai Drive; he indicated that since Mrs. Losbanos, the head of the Children’s House, didn’t attend any of the meetings, then the issue should be dropped. There was general agreement to take this item off the agenda.

There was no representative or report present for the Air Force Fuel Line Clean-Up.

ELECTED OFFICIALS (2):         

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – Claire Nakamura distributed the report and highlighted the following:

1)       Waimano Ridge is now in the second phase of hazardous waste removal. The State Department of Health (DOH) is currently soliciting bid to finish the clean-up job. C. Nakamura will keep the Board updated.

2)       Governor Lingle toured the site of the new transitional emergency shelter on the Leeward coast. When completed, the shelter will house 300 residents and provide structured programs and services on site or in near proximity. Last month, the State opened Onelau ‘ena emergency transitional shelter in Kalaeloa for approximately 200 homeless residents. The aim is the increase people’s skills to eliminate or at least decrease the need for government assistance.

3)       Gov. Lingle welcomed more than 500 swimmers from around the state to the 27^th Annual Pearl City Invitational Swim Meet. She swims four days per week. The Governor congratulated the students for participation and encouraged them to remain committed to aquatic sports. This year, the meet was renamed as the “Ken Suenaga Pearl City Aquatics Invitational”, in honor of Suenaga’s 40 years as a coach and efforts to establish pool facilities at Central Oahu Regional Park.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Pickard complimented Gov. Lingle on her work for the homeless, but expressed his disappointment in the ungrateful homeless appearing on television and refusing any assistance. He noted that some homeless reside at the proposed location of the dewatering facility and wondered if they could be relocated. C. Nakamura will follow up.

2)       Furutani asked that if people are no longer allowed to smoke less than 20 feet from entrances, then why cars may idle near these entrances, emitting carbon monoxide as well. C. Nakamura explained that the law only refers to smoking cigarettes, but agreed that DOH should undertake studies of car exhaust.

3)       Anderton suggested making a requirement in any structured program for the homeless be to participate in any skill programs. C. Nakamura will pass along her comments.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama rallied for support of a rail system, circulated the October Mayor's Newsletter and provided the following information and responses from previous questions:

1)       There was a complaint that the bikeway near Kuala Street needs cleaning, the tree branches need trimming, and roots from the trees are coming up through the path. These items are being investigated by the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

2)       DTS investigated the request that the street markings at Kuala Street and Acacia Road be returned to their original configuration. Their response is that the lane usage and traffic controls installed at that intersection were done in conjunction with the Wal-Mart project to improve traffic operations, based on their consultant’s traffic study. The existing traffic controls will remain at this time.

3)       A DPR supervisor inspected City trees near the top of Komo Mai Drive, but found no trees with branches that pose an immediate public safety concern. Komo Mai Drive is included in an active tree maintenance contract and work at this location is anticipated to be performed in December 2006.

4)       The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) investigated the flickering/out lights on Lehua Avenue and will schedule maintenance.

5)       HPD beat officers will monitor 1^st Street for speeding violations. Presently, the traffic calming program has been suspended, and the installation of measures such as speed humps is precluded at this time. DTS recommends that residents continue to contact HPD for enforcement whenever violations are observed.

6)       DFM is investigating the great deal of dry overgrown grass near the sidewalk on an undeveloped property.

7)       An Oahu Transit Services (OTS) crew cleaned up the broken glass and replaced the panel at the bus stop on Komo Mai Drive, just ewa of Waimano Home Road, on November 21, 2006.

8)       DTS will conduct an investigation of the Kaahumanu Street / Moanalua Road intersection, since the median strip lane markings are faded. Painting maintenance and loose gravel removal will also be scheduled.

9)       DTS inspected the traffic signal pole at the intersection of Moanalua Road and Waimano Home road, and found it structurally sound with the anchor bolts secured. They did not observe the pole swinging as reported, but will monitor the situation and take corrective action if necessary.

10)   The annual City Lights Parade will occur on December 2, 2006. It will go through Kapolei on December 9.

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

1)       Imamura-Uruu reported that near Highlands Intermediate School, by the overpass, there is a truck selling noodles after school. This is a congested area, and this could cause accidents. Care should be taken, especially since children go to the truck after school. HPD was supposed to talk with the vendor, since the truck is off of school grounds, about the great deal of trash left in the area. Chair Fukushima added that this issue was brought up previously. I. Hokama noted that these sorts of vendors usually are not allowed to stay at one location for more than 30 minutes.

2)       Furutani offered that the Waiau Neighborhood Park parking lot, on Hookawike Street, needs restriping.

3)       Imamura-Uruu stated striping is needed on Moanalua Road, Kaahumanu to Hoomalu Streets. The street ends belong to City and the middle belongs to State. C. Nakamura will follow up for the State.

4)       Chair Fukushima noted that the “P” in the “E Komo Mai Pearl City” sign is missing again.

5)       Furutani indicated that on Lehua Avenue, just before the overpass, by 2^nd and 1^st Streets, the poor lighting encourages illegal activities, so more lighting there is requested.

Chair Fukushima stated that people may also call the Mayor’s Office of Information and Complaint if they are not getting timely or adequate responses to City-related concerns.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO (2) – Robert Sato distributed the report and was available for questions.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Senator Clarence Nishihara passed out a handout detailing the new Senate committee assignments and announced the deadline to introduce bills (the third week in January).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Nyuha inquired about any appropriations for the Pearl City Cultural Center parking lot, since there are currently less than 17 parking stalls. Sen. Nishihara responded that various schools were asked to submit Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget items through the State Department of Education (DOE) and then to the legislature. He added that the community may also request these sorts of items.

2)       Nyuha asked if it was possible to create a dog park in Pearl City. Sen. Nishihara answered that dog parks are a City function. Chair Fukushima indicated that the Board should compile a list of State and City CIPs for this community and relay it to the legislature and the City Council before the budgets are completed.

Anderton departed during the above comments, at 9:30 p.m., leaving 10 members present.

3)       Vina requested follow-up on the extra General Excise tax revenue that the State is allowed to keep for administrative costs, which amounts to approximately $15 million per year. Sen. Nishihara will follow up.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Lisa Vargas placed the reports on the back table, but had to leave earlier.

There were no representatives or reports present for Senator David Ige or Representative Roy Takumi.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PCCA) – B. Harimoto thanked the community for making the Halloween Bash on October 31 very successful, with over 1,000 attendees; he also thanked the cosponsors and invited everyone to attend next year.

MANANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA) – Chair Fukushima relayed that the MCA Annual Christmas Craft Night on November 15 was well-attended and enjoyable.

PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PPCA) – Howton reported that the board of PPCA has continued with the same slate of officers led by Chris Prendergast, President. The PPCA board meets on the first Wednesdays of every month, at 7 p.m., at the center on the corner of Komo Mai Drive and Aumakua Street.

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – B. Harimoto noted that whenever public school is on vacation, PCF offers intersession classes. Call 456-2073 for more information.

There were no representatives present for the Pearl City Lions Club or the Pearl City Community Youth (PCCY).

APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 28, MARCH 28, MAY 23, JUNE 27, JULY 25, AND OCTOBER 24, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Fukushima deferred all of these items to next month's meeting except the February 28 and March 28, 2006 minutes.

FEBRUARY 28, 2006 AND MARCH 28, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The February 28, 2006 and March 28, 2006 regular meeting minutes were approved as circulated by unanimous consent (10-0-0).

OCTOBER 2006 TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Howton reported that the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $124.27 and $191.00, leaving a balance of $3,037.11, and the Refreshment Account incurred expenses of $9.73, leaving a balance of $93.73. Last month, extra funding ($2,500) was given to all Neighborhood Boards to allow for videotaping and broadcast on Olelo.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – No report.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) –

Pearl City DOT Base Yard Dewatering Facility: S. Ishikawa gave a presentation earlier in the meeting.

Lehua Avenue Bars – Liquor License Renewals: No update.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) –

TT Committee Chair Vina moved, on behalf of the TT committee (related to the HHCTCP item earlier in the agenda), to adopt the resolution (attached) supporting a rail system. After discussion, Veray moved, and Duncan seconded, to amend the resolution to specifically include support of the full 28-mile corridor from Kapolei to UH, which was adopted 9-1-0 (Aye: Duncan, Fukushima, Furutani, Howton, Imamura-Uruu, Nyuha, Takahashi, Veray, Vina; No: Pickard).

The resolution supporting a rail system for the 28-mile corridor from Kapolei to UH, as amended (attached), was ADOPTED, 8-0-2 (Aye: Duncan, Fukushima, Furutani, Imamura-Uruu, Nyuha, Takahashi, Veray, Vina; No: Howton, Pickard).

Wal-Mart / Sam’s Club Community Shuttle Service: Committee Chair Vina reported that surveys are still being conducted and the results will be reported in January.

DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING (DPZ) –

U.S. Air Force Base Central Oahu Restoration Advisory Board Meetings: Committee Chair Furutani stated that fuel line restoration is still concentrated at the Lehua Avenue / Waimano Home Road intersection.

Participation in Organizational Meeting of Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force (with TT, HEW & LCIP):

DPZ Committee Chair Furutani moved, on behalf of the DPZ committee, to ratify the Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force participation group of Furutani, Nyuha, Pickard, and Vina, which was ADOPTED 9-0-1 (Aye: Duncan, Fukushima, Furutani, Imamura-Uruu, Nyuha, Pickard, Takahashi, Veray, Vina; No: Howton).

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) –

City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation: Veray noted that there will be a City Council Task Force meeting on December 4 to discuss the audit, and at least one Board member should attend.

Formulation of Procedures to Approve Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board: Committee Chair Nyuha reported that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) is trying to set up procedures for permitted interaction groups (PIG), since without a formed PIG, only two people from a Board can attend any one community meeting (not Board meetings) or else Sunshine Law requirements would have to be strictly adhered to. She recommended that, for now, unless a Board member is assigned to attend a community meeting, that member shouldn’t attend. Veray added that as long as Chair Fukushima is kept informed, there shouldn’t be any problems. He continued to mention the Sunshine Law training that will be held on December 11, 2006.

Veray announced that there will be Charter Commission meeting held tomorrow, November 29, at Honolulu Hale.

Chair Fukushima turned the gavel over to Vice-Chair Pickard, so that he could discuss the issue of PIGs. He recommended that Nyuha declare which PIGs the Board needs to create in order to serve the community better. Fukushima will attend the meeting on November 29 and will bring back information. Chair Fukushima reclaimed the gavel and continued to chair the meeting.

Nyuha will also attend the meeting on November 29 to get clarification of the PIG procedures. Chair Fukushima explained that there is criminal liability for willful violations of the Sunshine Law, if convicted; the State Office of the Attorney General has discretion on the prosecution of Sunshine Law violations.

Howton departed during the above discussion at 10:27 p.m., leaving nine (9) members present.

PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) –

Christmas Decorated Yard Awards:

P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved, on behalf of the P/R Committee, to give the Christmas Decorated Yard Awards to Roy and Vivian Inoue of Auhuhu Street (Pacific Palisades), Felicitas and Larry Manuel of Kaweloka Street (Manana), and Helen, John, and Glenn Santiago of Noelani Street (Momilani), which was ADOPTED unanimously, 9-0-0.

January 2007 Yard of the Month:

P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved, on behalf of the P/R Committee, to give the January Yard of the Month Award to Kazuo and Nora Yamamoto of Hooheke Street (Momilani), which was ADOPTED unanimously, 9-0-0.

Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu noted that next month, awards need to be given to some bowlers, artists, scholars and athletes.

Imamura-Uruu thanked Veray and Nyuha for their food donations to the meeting, and mentioned that she has postage stamps for Board members for Board business.

Board Holiday Gathering – Veray made reservations for Wednesday, December 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and for Friday, December 22, at 6:30 p.m., at the Sea Breeze Restaurant at Hickam. The earlier date and time could be chosen to cut costs. The lunch is $12 per person for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Veray suggested that anyone needing a ride or directions call him at least three days for the gathering. Imamura-Uruu added that everyone should bring a grab bag gift not to exceed $5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       The next Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 7 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

2)       The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2007, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: David Howtown, Treasurer, and Albert Fukushima, Chair