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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2006
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., with a quorum of eight (8) members present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerilyn Anderton (late) (left early),Sol Ray Duncan,
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Firefighter J. C. Beck (Honolulu Fire Department – Pearl City Station); Lt. G. Arakawa, Officer D. Barr, Sgt. K. Miyazaki, Major D. Tandal (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation – Spokesperson); Perry Small, Larissa Sato, Richard Dahilig (Parsons, Brinckehoff, Quade & Douglas, Inc.; Carl Young (Nextel Partners, Inc.); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Dawn Groves, Alan Leitner, Jackson Tsujimura, Dr. Michael Pecsok (Leeward Community College); Breene Harimoto (Board of Education); Gary K. Omori (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Claire Nakamura (Governor's Representative – Deputy Director, State Department of Public Safety); Isaac Hokama (Mayor's Representative – Special Assistant to the Mayor); Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Angela Kaiwi; Ray Summerall (Waiau Gardens Kai B, Board of Directors); Derek and Michelle Hayase-Fong, Georgia Howton, H. Ildefonso, George Otani, Kimberly Small, Gavyn Takamoto, Dwight Unno, Mike Wilcox, Lloyd Yasumoto, Ruby Yasumoto, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Pickard 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
EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:
1) September statistics – 7 structure, 4 brush, 4 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires; 102 medical, 2 search/rescue, and 36 miscellaneous emergencies.
2) Fire Safety Tip – Select Halloween costumes that are flame-resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible to motorists. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape and keep costumes short to prevent tripping. A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision. Carry flashlights to light the way.
3) HFD provides assistance to the City Department of Emergency Services (ESD) by responding cooperatively when the need for emergency care arises.
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Officer D. Barr gave the following statistics for September: There were 24 auto thefts, 17 auto theft recoveries, 15 burglaries, 37 criminal property damage and 35 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 6,757 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,560 calls (23.09%) from the
Major D. Tandal distributed flyers on the hazards of speeding and reported the following:
1) There was a gathering on Friday, October 20 with WalMart representatives and the Waiau Neighborhood Security Watches (NSWs) at the Pearl City Store, to discuss safety. Board members Vina and Nyuha attended the function and circulated safety brochures.
2) The amount of speeding in the
Lieutenant G. Arakawa provided the following responses to questions from last month:
1) HPD is still compiling its statistics on the Sportsmen’s Lounge.
2) A special anti-speeding project will be soon conducted in the area of
Officer Barr, who was recently instrumental in issuing many speeding tickets, offered the following information: HPD uses the laser speed detector LTI 2020, which gives both the distance and speed of the vehicle. Many citations and warnings were issued on
Jerilyn Anderton and Larry Veray arrived at 6:43 p.m., during the above report, making 10 members present.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Anderton thanked HPD for their work to cut down on speeding.
2) Mike Wilcox introduced himself as an owner of a small business, off
3) Nyuha invited everyone and distributed flyers to those interested in joining the NSWs in Pearl City at a meeting on Friday evening, October 27at the
PRESENTATIONS (1):
AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented certificates to the following:
1) The 2006 Leeward Junior Bowling League Doubles Champions, Bantam Division, Gavyn Takamoto and Ken Hayase- Fong, and their coaches/mentors,
Anderton left the meeting during the above presentation, at 6:50 p.m., leaving nine (9) members present.
2) The Pearl City Senior Little League Champions, Ryno Acosta, Bully Casarez, Jordan DeKneef, Jeffrey Domingo, Duane Kiyota, Jr., Bryson Nakamura, Rory Nakayama, Bryson Namba, Kurt Poentis, Jason Rasa, Cody Sugitaya, Nainoa Tampos, Carlton Tanabe, their coach/manager, Gary Nakamoto, and assistant coaches, Myron Tamura and Kyle Hirayama.
3)
4) Cheryl Yasumoto, the winner of a $2,000 HMSA 2006 Kaimana Award Scholarship.
5) Fae Unno, 2006 Outstanding Volunteer for Queen’s Hospital.
Takahashi arrived during the above presentation, at 7 p.m., making 10 members present.
6) Rick Malins, a 2006 Rhodes Scholar.
OCTOBER 2006 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented a Certificate of Recognition to Linda and Larry Yee of Hooli Cicle, Holiday City for being the October 2006 Yard of the Month Award recipient.
PROPOSED
Ishikawa issued an apology, since some people didn’t receive the letters regarding the May 2006 Informational Meeting for this facility; another meeting will be held this November to make sure that no one is left out of the process.
DOT Consultant Perry Smalls highlighted the following information: The plan is to use two small sections of the existing base yard beneath the viaduct to build the facility (approximately 200 feet long). The proposed facility has been moved further away from
Chair
1) George Otani noted that the facility can hold 350 cubic yards of material and asked if trucks would be constantly frequenting the site. Small replied that the trucks carry only a few cubic yards at a time and the current service contractor will take hauil than four cubic yards per day. It is intended to not fill the facility to capacity and that that the trucks would be coming into the facility via
Anderton returned at 7:25 p.m., making 11 members present.
Chair
2)
3) Ishikawa reported that the school’s concern was the impact on the kindergarten playground; so the proposed facility was moved 750 feet in an easterly direction. He added that the facility will occupy the area formerly utilized by the “chop shop” and will discourage any illegal activities. DOT will schedule a presentation meeting with the Hongwanji congregation to further discuss the proposed facility.
Fukushima moved for the Executive Committee that the State Department of Transportation, Highways Division, based on concerns expressed in previous meetings with Lehua Elementary School and due to further input to be provided at upcoming scheduled meetings with the community, not release the Environmental Assessment until the beginning of next year, which was ADOPTED unanimously, 11-0-0.
4) Ishikawa announced that the proposed dewatering facility issue will be discussed by the Board of Education (BOE) this month.
5) Chair
6) Takahashi asked if the DOH permit required would involve excessive costs. Small replied that if the company involved is “private” applicant, there would always be a cost involved; but the same isn’t always true for public government agencies.
INSTALLATION OF ANTENNA AT 944 “A” ROAD BY NEXTEL PARTNERS, INC. (1) – This item was temporarily deferred to allow Carl Young to set up his equipment.
COMMUNITY REPORTS (1):
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lan Yoneda circulated revised BWS rate schedules and presented the following information:
1) There were no main breaks in September.
2) Safety and Security at BWS Facilities – BWS has been proactive in their efforts to protect the safety of the island’s water supply; however, having the community assist by monitoring the various sites of BWS facilities, especially remote properties, is very important. BWS requests that if people see anything suspicious at a BWS facility, to call the police; after that, BWS may be called at 748-5000.
3) Water Conservation Tip – Use a broom to clean up the driveway. Eliminating a weekly five-minute “hose down” can save between 625 and 2500 gallons of water per year.
Furutani inquired about the BWS rate increases. Yoneda answered that the rate increase is effectuated on a graduated scale until 2010, each July. The October 2006 increase was initially postponed from July.
PRESENTATIONS (2):
INSTALLATION OF ANTENNA AT 944 “A” ROAD BY NEXTEL PARTNERS, INC. (2) – Carl Young gave a PowerPoint presentation about the proposed location and installation of the telecommunications antenna facility: “A” Road is a private road and is near the Pearl City Bike Path (former OR&L right-of-way). The equipment shelter would be 12 by 20 feet and include a generator. The monopole would be 100 feet tall with 9 to 12 six-foot panel mounted antennas. There are already electricity poles in the area, and the monopole may blend in. There will be positive benefits provided to the community, including better phone reception, better response time in emergencies, etc., for private and public service providers and individuals. E911-GPS capabilities would be added to the area. The new facility will increase public safety by adding a GPS locator and the ability to locate the cell phone user within three meters during an emergency; E911 is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and provides access to federal supplies in an emergency.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Furutani commented that there was almost no cellular service during the recent earthquake and resulting power outage. A resident indicated that his Nextel phone worked the whole time during the power outage. Furutani asked how long the Nextel tower’s standby would last during a power outage. Young estimated two hours, but noted that the goal would be to have trucks fill up generators with gasoline to keep the antenna operation running continuously.
2) Anderton stated that she’ll support whatever the community favors.
Chair
3)
Fukushima moved and Veray seconded, that the City defer action on Nextel’s application for the Conditional Use Permit until the Board receives more information about the project’s and height waiver impacts on the Special Management Area of Oahu, which was adopted unanimously, 11-0-0.
4) A letter will be submitted indicating the above Board action and let the City determine whether or not to process Nextel’s Conditional Use and Height Waiver Permits.
A recess for refreshments was taken from 8:01 p.m. to 8:16 p.m.
COMMUNITY REPORTS (2):
1) LCC is hosting a team from the Western Accredited Colleges, who will assess higher educational institutions for nationally accreditation, so students can qualify for federal aid. The accreditation process occurs every six years.
2) On Wednesday, October 25, LCC is hosting high school students at a “Get Acquainted with LCC Day”.
3) LCC Theater Productions: October 27, “The End of the Moon” by the first and only artist in residence for NASA; November 10, 11, and 12, the portrayal of “Arabian Nights”.
PEARL CITY LIBRARY – There was no report.
BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto reminded everyone to vote for BOE candidate seats: three
Unanimous consent, 11-0-0, was granted to allow Scott Ishikawa to report on the Kaamilo (
KAAMILO (
Veray questioned what DOT would do to evacuate the western part of the island in the case of a tsunami. Ishikawa responded that the real concern is where to send
Ishikawa also mentioned that DOT is looking at the timing of the traffic signals on
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
provided the following update for
OTHER CONCERNS – The following concerns/comments were expressed:
1) Chair
2) Georgia Howton explained that the
R. Sato will follow up. He noted that animals are generally not permitted in parks, even on leashes, unless otherwise specifically allowed. DPR has been updating its signs and will check on the status at this particular park.
Chair
WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Chair Fukushima announced that there is no new update, except that Phase 1A (Makolu Street Widening) is still awaiting approvals and construction bids for Phase 4 (Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road and Post Office Driveway Improvements) have just been opened.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1) Chair
2) Takahashi indicated that homes in Kapolei would be constructed and adaptable for “high-tech” employment and suggested that maybe people would not be commuting as much from that area.
3) Chair
INSTALLATION OF GUARDRAIL FRONTING THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE (
was indicated that guardrails installed fronting the property would greatly protect the health, safety and general welfare of the community, as there’s a very steep slope on the makai side of the property and the guardrail would stop cars from hurtling down the hill; there have already been three fatalities at that location on Komo Mai Drive in Waimano Gulch.
Chair
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – Claire Nakamura reported the following:
1) At the September 2006 Board meeting, she mentioned that Governor Lingle had released a $2.5 million grant to Wahiawa-based ORI Anuenue Hale, Inc. for a new Elderly Daycare and Wellness Center which is scheduled for completion in February 2007. The new adult daycare center will be located across the street from the current ORI complex at
2) DOH has completely disposed of the hazardous materials at Waimano Ridge, through the services of a private contractor.
3) On October 5, 2006, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) began construction on a rock fall mitigation project on the mauka side of
4) Gov. Lingle released $68,000 to fund consultant services for the design and construction of an air-conditioning equipment replacement project at the Pearl City Public Library. The total project cost is estimated to be $576,000. The design work is targeted for completion by April 2007, while construction is projected to begin in August 2007. There is no anticipated completion date yet for construction.
Pickard stated that Waimano Ridge is still not completely cleaned up and provided Nakamura with recent photographs of the affected areas.
MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama distributed the October Mayor's Newsletter and provided the following information and responses to concerns posed at previous meetings:
1) The response to a complaint that the ewa sidewalk and bike lane areas on Kuala Street mauka of Acacia Road need cleaning, the low hanging tree branches need trimming and roots from the trees are growing through the sidewalk will be made newxt month..
2) DTS is investigating the request that the makai-bound directional arrow pavement markings on
3) DPR requested specific locations for the trees needing trimming near the top of
4) DPR has submitted a request to resurface the tetherball court area at
Questions, comments and concerns followed (Hokama will follow up):
1) Anderton noted that many street lights along
2) Anderton conveyed her understanding that much of lower portion of
3) Furutani pointed out that, along
4) Chair
5) Imamura-Uruu noted that a dangerous situation exists as the median strip/lane markings are not visible on the mauka/ewa corner of the
6) Georgia Howton brought up the concern that one of the very tall poles which holds the traffic signal lights at the intersection of
COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato distributed the Councilmember’s Report, stated that he also reported the problems with the “E Komo Mai Pearl City” sign, and emphasized the following: In anticipation of DTS’s report on the mass transit alternatives, the Transportation and Planning Committee is requesting that DTS conduct a briefing on the alternatives analysis at its meeting on November 2, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. at Honolulu Hale. It will be televised on Olelo, Channel 54. He gave Councilmember Cachola credit for holding community meetings to gather as much information as possible and pointed out that the two meetings closest for Pearl City residents to attend are scheduled for November 21 at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria and on November 27 at the Radford High School Cafeteria.
There were no representatives present to make reports for Senators Clarence Nishihara and David Ige, and Representatives Roy Takumi and K. Mark Takai.
COMMUNITY INPUT:
MANANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA) – Chair
PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PPCA) – Howtown reported that Kevin Ancog, a member of the PPCA Board of Directors, was deployed to
PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – Harimoto indicated that the
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, AUGUST 22 AND SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Fukushima deferred approval of these items to next month's meeting, except action on the August 22 and September 26, 2006 minutes.
AUGUST 22, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The August 22, 2006 regular meeting minutes were approved as corrected by unanimous consent, 11-0-0, with the following corrections:
* Page 1 – Emergency Agency – HFD – item no. 2 – last sentence – strike out “safety” and insert safely.
* Page 2 – HPD – Questions – item no. 2 – second sentence – insert be after “establishment were to” and before “made”.
* Page 2 – Residents’ Concerns – Pearl City Area Parks – add Community before “Park”.
* Page 3 – Elected Officials – Mayor’s Representative – item no. 5 – first sentence – strike out “Manna” before “Neighborhood Park” and insert Manana.
* Page 5 – Committee Referrals – DPZ – Participation and Membership at Hickam…-- title – strike out “CETNRAL” and insert CENTRAL.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The September 26, 2006 regular meeting minutes were approved as corrected by unanimous consent, 11-0-0, with the following corrections:
* Page 1 – Guests – second to last line, near the end – strike out “Micha” before “Turell” and insert Micah.
* Page 1 – Rules, Regulations and Policies – second line of title, near the end – strike out “REPSONSES” and insert RESPONSES.
* Page 2 – Presentations – Yard of the Month – second paragraph – strike out “Highlands” and insert
* Page 3 – Presentations – Hale Mohalu II – fourth line from the bottom of the first paragraph, near the end – strike out “gubbing” after “grading and” and before “fees”, and insert grubbing.
* Page 3 – Presentations – Hale Mohalu II – Questions – item no. 1 – second sentence, at the beginning – strike out “incomer” and insert income, and strike out “approximately 90 percent of the total residents,”.
* Page 3 – Presentations – Adult Day Health – fourth sentence from bottom of first paragraph – strike out “to install” after “street trenching” and insert on Komo Mai Drive.
* Page 8 – Elected Officials – Senator Clarence Nishihara, Senator David Ige, and Representative Roy Takumi – Strike out all three sentences and insert in each place No representative was present.
OCTOBER 2006 TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Howton reported that the Board has met the requirement of spending at least two-thirds of the funds provided at the beginning of FY 2007. The Operating Account incurred expenses of $57.54, leaving a balance of $1,358.65, the Publicity Account incurred expenses of $382.00, leaving a balance of $2,118.00, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $100.46.
Chair
Vina announced that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) provided each Board a new allotment totaling $2,500 to their Publicity Account for to pay for Olelo videotaping and telecasts. Chair
Vina also mentioned that at the last Neighborhood Commission meeting, it was indicated that there is no historical data and files for the video taping of Board meetings. It was suggested to consolidate the videos together in DVD format. Further discussions with
Chair
Anderton and Howton left the meeting at 9:38 p.m., leaving nine (9) members present.
COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:
EXECUTIVE – No report.
HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) – Chair
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) – Committee Chair Vina circulated his report and highlighted the following:
1) Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – There was a recommendation to vote “yes” on City Charter Amendment No. 8, relating to making
2) WalMart/Sam’s Club Community Shuttle Service – He and Nyuha assisted the Waiau NSWs at Pearl City WalMart on October 20 and also handed out additional shuttle bus surveys. Pickard noted that the completed surveys could be dropped off at the Pearl City Library, as well.
3) Report of City Transit Symposiums – Everyone should attend an upcoming meeting and gather information, so that the Board may make an informed decision of the Preferred Alternative. Discussion ensued over the possibility of rescheduling the date of the Committee meetings, which was opposed. Vina will attend the November 15 meeting at Kapolei Hale and the November 27 meeting at
DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING (DPZ) – Committee Chair Furutani discussed the following:
1) Participation and Membership in
2) Sale of Remaining Manana Warehouse Properties by City and KBSE: Pearl City Gateway – Committee Vice Chair Vina, who has been assigned to monitor this matter, announced that there will be a presentation made by Robertson Properties Group consultants at the November Committee and Board meetings. So far, the conceptual design has five two-story buildings with 170 parking stalls provided. The Pearl City Gateway owner has offered to provide an easement within the project site to allow DPR recreational staff direct vehicular access to adjacent
3) Participation in the Organizational Meeting of Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force (joint with TT, HEW and LCIP) – There are three areas of concern which need be addressed: property management, project funding and adequate infrastructure. Nyuha noted that next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday evening, January 10, 2007 at the Pearl City Cultural Center Annex Meeting Room..
LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) – Committee Chair Nyuha reminded everyone to study the Charter Amendments for the November 7 General Election and provided the following updates:
1) City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation – An evaluation will be done before the next meeting. Vina indicated that the Auditor’s report has not yet been addressed, because the focus of the Neighborhood Commission has been on the Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP).
Chair
Unanimous consent, 9-0-0, was granted to start the November Committee Meetings with detailed discussion of input to the Revised Neighborhood Plan at 6:30 p.m., and then proceed with action on the remainder of the Agendas after 7:30 p.m.
2) Formulation of Procedures to Approve Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board – Vina explained that concern was raised because of the lack of formal action used to create the Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force, which should be officially formed as a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG). Chair
PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) – Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu reported the following:
1) November 2006 Yard of the Month – The nominees are Barbara and Dennis Fujioka of
P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved for the Committee to award the November Yard of the Month to Barbara and Dennis Fujioka, which was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0.
2) Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – Next month, Certificates are scheduled to be presented to winners of: Island Gem Pageants; Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) and State High School Bowling champions; OIA and State High School Air Rifle champions; Leeward Young Artists contest; and Rotary Club.
3) The awards for the Christmas Decorated Yards will be presented in January 2007.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1) The next Committee Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the
2) The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the
3) The Committee will finalize plans for the Board’s holiday gathering sometime in December. Veray has been assigned to formulate plans for discussion, concurrence and approval at the November Board meetings.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m., without any objections.
Submitted by:
Rachel M. Glanstein,
Neighborhood Assistant