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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

SEPTEMBER 26, 2006

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by Chair Fukushima at 6:36 p.m.  A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, David Howton, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Davin Takahashi, Cruz Vina, Jr., Larry Veray.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerilyn Anderton.

GUESTS:  Lisa Myers (DOE), Jane Nakahara (DOE), Edith Saki (DOE), JoAnne Seo (DOE), Walter and Sumiko Maneiki, Fay Toyama (DOE), Nicole Campbell (DOE), Ronald and Kaye Van Arsdale, Mike Pecsok (LCC), Henry Alambatin (DOE), Suzanne Yamada (DOE), Bryan Loo (Manana Elementary School), Isaac Hokama (Mayor’s Office), Casey Say, Lehua Kanae, Cher Numata, Yolanda Shim, Scott Sato, Lorene Nakata, Lori Sato, Wayne Kakazu, Donna Brown, Michael Brown, Gail Izumigawa, Representative K. Mark Takai, Claire Nakamura (Governor’s Office), Capt. Carl Chagami (HFD), Richard Chun, Robert Sato (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Lea Hong (Trust for Public Land), Stacy Sumile, Charlene Kiakona-Cabal, Kyle Nishioka, Warren Nakamura and Rodney Lee (Mitsunaga and Associates), Mary Helen Auyong, Angela Kaiwi, Jean Okada, Elayne Funakoshi,Cora Young, Keith Kurahashi (Kusao and Kurahashi), Sheila Fukuda, Leilani Rasa, Kaimi Manner, Carswell Ross, Rosanna Evers (WCCHC), Seichi Nagai, George and Elmira Leong, Dietra Myers-Trombley, Lt. K. Lima and Sgt. Pestana (HPD-Pearl City Station), Gary Omori and Wayne Yoshioka (Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project), Wally Inglis, Keahi Kapana (Assistant Coach, Pearl City Junior Little League), Ron Nomura (Assistant Coach, Pearl City Junior Little League), Reid Numata (Assistant Coach, Pearl City Junior Little League), Chad Obara (Assistant Coach, Pearl City Junior Little League), Mitchell Yamato (Head Coach, Pearl City Junior Little League), Pearl City Junior Little League players: Robert Brown, Kainalu Chmolack, Edwin Izumigawa, Arlie Johnson, Mikey Kakazu, Kala Neal, Shayne Nakata, Kahana Neal, Chase Numata, Tyvon Price, Justin Protacio, Keanu Sato, Isaac Shim, Micha Turell; Jeff Mikulina (City Charter Commission), Dean Chu (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Veray led the pledge of allegiance.

APPOINTMENT TO FILL TWO AT-LARGE BOARD SEATS:  Chair Fukushima reported that three residents have expressed interest in filling the two vacancies.  However, there were no interested candidates willing to be appointed at this time.  

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

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Capt. Chagami, from the Pearl City Station, reported the following:

1. Last month there were 4 structure, 2 rubbish, and 1 vehicle fire, 86 medical emergencies, and 19 miscellaneous calls.  There was one major incident, a warehouse fire at the Highlands Center where a sprinkler system contained the fire, but there was water damage.

2. The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Prevent Home Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 8 – 14, 2006.  Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island.  The 2006 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools.

3. Provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp.  These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder.

There were no questions from the Board or audience.  Capt. Chagami was thanked for attending the meeting.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Sgt. Pestana reported statistics for last month included 1624 total calls for the Board area and 6947 for all of the Pearl City District.  In the Board area there were 21 auto thefts, 12 stolen vehicles recovered, 11 burglaries, 27 criminal property damage, 22 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Regarding speeding problems reported on Komo Mai Drive, citations are issued daily here as well as on other major thoroughfares to Moanalua Road.

2. In response to a resident about police response to a recurring problem with fights; police can only issue citations, etc., if they witness the fight, illegal drinking, etc.  Follow up will be done with the resident about establishing a neighborhood security watch program.

3. Concern was expressed about speeding on Komo Mai Drive near The Children’s House.  Follow up will be done.

4. Concern was expressed about drivers not signaling when making turns, creating a hazard for others.

PRESENTATIONS:

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Imamura-Uruu recognized and presented certificates of recognition to Keahi Kapana, assistant coach, Pearl City Junior Little League Champions; Ron Nomura, assistant coach, Pearl City Junior Little League champions; Reid Numata, assistant coach, Pearl City Junior Little League champions; Chad Obara, assistant coach, Pearl City Junior Little League champions; Mitchell Yamato, head coach, Pearl City Junior Little League champions; Pearl City Junior Little League players: Robert Brown, Kainalu Chmolack, Edwin Izumigawa, Arlie Johnson, Mikey Kakazu, Kala Neal, Shayne Nakata, Kahana Neal, Chase Numata, Tyvon Price, Justin Protacio, Keanu Sato, Isaac Shim, Micha Turell.

Imamura also recognized and presented certificates of recognition to Kay Bicoy, Teacher of the Year; Henry Alambatin, Palisades Elementary School custodian, for sustained school superior performance; Kaimionalani Manner, recipient of the USA President’s Volunteer Service Award; Denise Muramoto, Pearl City High School graduate and Burger King scholarship award winner; Leilani Rasa, International Library of Poetry Medalist; and Regina Souza, State Farm Insurance Company’s National Volunteer of the Year winner.

YARD OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR SEPTEMBER 2006 – Imamura-Uruu recognized Elmira and George Leong, of Pacific Palisades, and presented them with a certificate of recognition.

Imamura-Uruu named Linda and Larry Yee of Highlands to be recognized as winners of the yard of the month for the month of October.

HALE MOHALU II AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT BY COALITION FOR SPECIALIZED HOUSING – Consultant Keith Kurahashi of Kusao and Kurahashi provided an update on the project on the site for the former Hale Mohalu Hospital, to develop affordable units for families and seniors.  The 4.7 acre site is currently zoned preservation, was formerly zoned residential.  The site is surrounded by existing commercial and residential uses.  Plans are to develop 168 family units with 212 parking spaces, and 168 senior units with 74 parking spaces, in four, seven-story buildings, each about 60 feet high which reflects a reduction in height from a previous proposal accomplished by eliminating the building’s first floor parking level and providing parking in regular lots.  The height excludes the elevator utility structure on the roof and the buildings’ heights will place them from two to six feet above the freeway.  The area’s height limit is 25 feet.  Exemptions are being sought to allow multi-family dwellings in a preservation district, allow the building height of 60 feet in a 25 foot height limit district, allow the building to encroach 18 feet into the setback, park dedication permit process; building, plan review, grading and gubbing fees, and deferral of payment of wastewater system facility charges and Board of Water Supply system facilities charges.  Water service is adequate, sewer service is being addressed.  No significant traffic impact to the surrounding area is expected, plans are for right-turn out only and to allow left turns at the Kamehameha Highway access.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Rents will vary depending on income qualifications, with the lowest income persons paying approximately $481 a month for a two-bedroom unit, $556 for a three-bedroom unit, and $401 for a one-bedroom senior’s unit.  For higher incomer persons, approximately 90 percent of the total residents, a unit’s rent would be approximately $963 for a two-bedroom, $1112 for a three-bedroom, and $801 for a senior’s.

2. The Environmental Assessment (EA) is in progress and should be completed in one or two months.  The exemptions will take approximately four months to process.  The City Council must approve the rezoning from preservation to residential.

3. Having only one access point was questioned from a safety and convenience point.

4. The Board will be updated on the project as the EA and other permits are approved.

5. It was noted the Board has expressed concern about development that exceeds 40 feet in height and traffic impacts.

Chair Fukushima referred this matter to the Health, Education and Welfare Committee for further review.

ADULT DAY HEALTH AND CHILD CARE FACILITY, MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER – Architect Warren Nakamoto, from Mitsunaga and Associates, reported that this project is intended to help expand the center’s community programs, senior adult wellness, and early education.  The project includes two one-story buildings separated by a breezeway, a tot lot, and covered walkways.  A Conditional Use Permit and Environmental Assessment are required for this project.  The site has 30 parking spaces in the main lot.  Some trees will be removed for the project and new trees will be planted on the perimeter of the property.  Sewer and water service are adequate, new electrical service is needed and will require street trenching to install.  The Environmental Assessment will be completed in October, design work has been completed, the Conditional Use Permit Application will be completed in November, and the building permit should be completed in December.  The electrical work could begin in March 2007, and construction to begin in June 2007 in two phases, depending on funding.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Parking in the main lot and smaller lot closer to the swimming pool are not assigned, such as for swimming pool use only, no changes are planned.

2. Notice about this project was mailed to a list of neighbors on Komo Mai Drive provided by the City Department of Planning and Permitting.

3. The center was once owned by the Momilani Community Association which turned it over to the Pearl City Foundation.  Facilities are open to the public, such as open public swimming Sundays, noon to 3:00 p.m., and the rec center is available for rent.

Furutani moved for the Development Plan and Zoning Committee, to support the Conditional Use Permit.  The motion carried unanimously, 10-0-0.

PROPOSED CITY CHARTER AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT NOVEMBER 7, 2006 GENERAL ELECTION – Jeff Mikulina, City Charter Commission Vice Chair, reported a 13-member commission appointed by the Mayor and City Council is convened about every 12 years to review the City Charter, Honolulu’s constitution, and review proposed revisions. The current commission is the fourth since 1973.  Over 100 proposed amendments were submitted, and narrowed down to 12 that will be up for voters’ ratification on the General Election ballot.  They include: 1) two proposals on changing the term limits and staggering of terms for City Council members,  2) funding land conservation and affordable housing from property taxes, 3) adding curbside recycling to the responsibilities of the Department of Environmental Services, 4) authorizing the Ethics Commission to impose civil fines for ethics violations, 5) races with two candidates in General Election, to move the election from the Primary to General Election, 6) eliminating Council authority to reject Salary Commission recommendations, 7) adding making Honolulu more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly to the duties of the Department of Transportation Services, 8) exempting Liquor Commission administrator from civil service, 9) Adding the services being provided by the Department of Emergency Services, and the Fire Department, 10) Extend time for use of capital funds to lapse 12, instead of six months after the end of the fiscal year, 11) provide public notice by electronic medium and for housekeeping amendments.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. There will be an educational campaign, including information mailed to registered voters next month, as well as television and radio spots.

2. Lea Hong, from Trust for Public Land, expressed support for the amendment to fund land conservation, noting this is already done on Maui and Kauai, and there is wide spread support for this proposal.

Mikulina was thanked for attending the meeting.

A recess was called at this time, 7:52 p.m.  The meeting was recovened at 8:06 p.m.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

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

1.                   Last month there were two water main breaks, one on August 3 at 1730 Hoolehua Street, the other on August 30 at 726 Hoomaemae Street.  Both were eight-inch cast- iron pipes.

2.                   Information of BWS projects is now available on-line at www.boardofwatersupply.com, click on ‘Community’, then ‘Construction Projects’, then the Neighborhood Board number.

3.                   When cleaning your fish tank, use the water for your plants, it contains nitrogen and phosphorus, a free fertilizer.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1.                   The new rates take effect October 1, details provided at a previous meeting will be provided again at the next meeting.

2.                   Water damage from a broken water line on a private property, such as a condominium, should be handled via the condominium association.

3.                   BWS is responsible for maintenance of fire hydrants.  Follow up will be done on hydrants on Kuala Street that are not working and are believed to have been disconnected during construction of Walmart.

Yoneda was thanked for attending the meeting.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – Mike Pecsok from Leeward Community College reported the following:

1.                   The Fall semester is underway with 5,800 students.

2.                   The Culinary Arts Department’s on-campus restaurant is open to the public Monday, Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  Call 455-0475 or 455-0298 for more information.

3.                   A new computer system connecting smaller computers to function like a single super computer is now in operation.

4.                   Development of new classrooms for the Social Science and other departments is being planned.

5.                   The Environmental Impact Statement for the second access road is in progress.  The road is needed as having only a single access causes on campus traffic congestion and is a safety issue.  Funds are being sought.

Pecsok was thanked for attending the meeting.

PEARL CITY LIBRARY – A flyer was distributed regarding an upcoming free program at the library, “What You Need to Know about Aging of Your Eyes”, October 23, 6:00 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – Harimoto reported the following:

1. One of their priorities is school safety and they have established an ad hoc committee, and Department of Education Superintendent Pat Hamamoto has established a citizens’ advisory committee; both to work on concerns about bullying, harassment, drugs, etc.

2. They are also working on concerns about the State Department of Transportation (DOT) placing dewatering facilities to store material dredged from storm drains close to schools.

Harimoto was thanked for his report.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – No report.

PEARL CITY WALMART STORE/SAM’S CLUB GAS STATION/ ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Furutani reported the following:

1.       Walmart Outlot 1 – Wendy’s is under construction and expected to be completed in December.  Central Pacific Bank has a foundation permit and is working to obtain their building permit.

2.       Walmart Outlot 2 – the list of tenants includes: Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Kozo Sushi, Nextel, Quiznos Subs, Bellagio Nails and Skin Care, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Pacific Endoscopy Center, Panda Express.

3.       Walmart Outlots 3 and 4 – Sam’s Club fueling station building plans (24 pumps) are in the final round of comments with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) with permit approval expected this October.  Construction plans for the widening of Mololu Street, which is part of the fueling station project, are progressing through DPP.

4.       Moanalua Road/Waimano Home Road/Kuala Street roadway improvements are now a City Department of Transportation Services project, notice to proceed was issued September 11, contract completion date is May 8, 2007.

5.       Off-site roadway improvement, Kamehameha Highway/Acacia Road/right-turn lane along Post Office project construction drawings have been approved by DOT.  Construction is expected to begin within the next two months.

6.       According to DOT, the approval of traffic signal modifications at Waimano Home Road and Kamehameha Highway will be deferred until after completion of the Moanalua Road/Waimano Home Road/Kuala Street roadway project.

HONOLULU HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT UPDATE – Consultants Gary Omori and Wayne Yoshioka were present.  A handout comparing the different alternatives’ trips, boardings, vehicle miles traveled, vehicle hour delays, and noise levels of rail systems compared to buses, cars, and trucks was reviewed.

The latest information is available at community update meetings scheduled for September and October, and on the website: www.honolulutransit.org.

Also reviewed were estimated travel times along various sections of the rail route, the different alternatives being considered – no-build, transportation system management, managed lanes, and fixed guideway, and their costs varying from $800 million to $3 billion, lower noise levels of rail systems compared to buses, cars and trucks, frequency of trains that would run between 4:00 a.m. – midnight would vary from every three minutes at peak hours up to 10 minutes at off peak hours, fare costs being the same as to ride TheBus.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1.                   The City Council will select the locally preferred alternative by the end of this year.  The public is encouraged to provide input.

2.                   The City, State and Federal governments have bikeway programs.

3.                   The Mayor has proposed cutting the initial length of the rail route to stay within a $3 billion budget.  The City Council could try to fund the full length of the project.

4.                   The City Council will hold meetings on the alternative analysis.

5.                   An Environmental Impact Statement would be prepared after the preferred alternative is selected.

Omori and Oshiro were thanked for attending the meeting.

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS OF SPORTSMEN LOUNGE ACTIVITIES – Chair Fukushima and Representative Takai reported the Liquor Commission addressed the Sportsmen Lounge, now known as Hui Ohana Lounge, regarding its application to restore the original operating hours which were reduced by the Liquor Commission in an effort to mitigate ongoing problems.  These problems still persist and investigators have found a number of violations.  The Liquor Commission made no changes to the restriction in hours and required the owners to make another appearance in January 2007, and enter into mediation between the owners and complaining parties.  It was noted that the owner has died, and the license held by him and his wife is in the process of being transferred.

Fay Toyama, principal of Lehua Elementary School, called attention to another nearby bar that is being investigated.

If problems continue, police should be called.

Representative Takai thanked the Board for its work on this matter.

STREET NUISANCE AND OTHER PROBLEMS, KUMANO STREET – Chair Fukushima reported the problem tree has been removed.  A resident provided some background information on the safety problems the tree had been creating.  Attention was also called to a problem with a storm drain adjoining Manana Elementary School,  Bryan Loo, principal, Manana Elementary School, reported an inspection of the storm drain has been done, no blockages have been found, but the catch basin needs to be improved to correct an erosion problem.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) DEWATERING FACILITY – Chair Fukushima reported a representative from DOT was unable to attend this meeting to address concerns about the facility planned on State-owned land on Second Street, next to Lehua Elementary School, which would store material removed from storm drains to allow it to dry before being taken to a landfill.  The Board’s Traffic and Transportation, and Development Plan and Zoning committees are reviewing this matter and will follow up with DOT to secure a speaker at the next committee and Board meetings in October.

Residents and school officials expressed concern about this facility’s adverse impacts to the surrounding area’s residents, businesses, adult day care center, and school; including noise, odor, mold, mildew, truck traffic on a narrow access road which lacks sidewalks, hazardous materials, health hazards, adverse impact on property values, and lack of notice to residents and others about the project.

ELECTED OFFICALS AND/OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:

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

1.       Last month’s International Women’s Leadership Conference was a success.

2.       The Governor has released $2.5 million to complete construction of ORI’s Anuenue Hale, Inc.’s elder daycare and wellness center.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1.       The one-half percent increase in the General Excise Tax is to fund Honolulu’s transit system.  The one-cent increase in the bottle bill tax would help fund the recycling program.  There was no overall one percent increase in the General Excise Tax.

2.       Follow up will be done with the Governor and DOT about community concerns about the dewatering facility.

Nakamura was thanked for attending the meeting.

MAYOR’S OFFICE – Isaac Hokama, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported on concerns from last month’s meeting as follows:

1. Funds have been appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2007 capital improvement projects budget to resurface the basketball courts at Manana Neighborhood Park.

2. The City uses mechanical street sweepers on improved roadways having curbs and gutters throughout the island of Oahu.  The frequency of use is determined by equipment and resource availability.  Some Board members noted not seeing the street sweepers in use.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The bikeway needs to be cleaned of trash in the Kuala Street area, a low hanging tree branch and shoots in the sidewalk also need attention.

2. It was suggested traffic lane markings at Kuala Street and Acacia Road be restored to the original two, left turn lanes and two straight lanes configuration.

3. Brush by Manana Elementary School is scheduled to be trimmed this month.

4. Tree near the top of Komo Mai Drive needs to be trimmed.

5. Request for resurfacing of tetherball court at Manana Neighborhood Park in addition to the basketball courts and repairs to the restroom roof.

Hokama was thanked for attending the meeting.

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

1. The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is October 9.

2. Work is being done to address community concerns about the DOT dewatering facility project.

3. The Council has established a transit advisory task force to study the alternative analysis report on the transit system and report back to the Council.

4. There will be a transit symposium, October 5, Hawaii Convention Center, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

5. The Department of Parks and Recreation is to install the cattle gate at Palisades Park. No date was available at this time. It was noted the police department has been responsible for locking and unlocking such gates at other parks.

6. Follow up will be done on the status of the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Park’s Board meetings.

Sato was thanked for attending the meeting.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Neither Senator Nishihara or a representative was present.

SENATOR DAVID IGE – Neither Senator Ige or a representative was present.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI – Neither Representative Takumi or a representative was present.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Representative Takai distributed his newsletter and provided the following information:

1. The Kamehameha Highway improvement project, between Aiea and Pearl City, is progressing.  A task force has been established and $ 9 million in funding is available.

2. Contraflowing H-1, such as to provide an alternative route in the case of the accident that closed the H-1, west-bound earlier this month, has challenges, such as dealing with on and off ramps and the zipper lane.

DOT is working on an afternoon zipper lane plan.

3. He does not support a managed lane alternative on Kamehameha Highway.

4. He does support the placing of overhead utility lines into a rail line viaduct and that the design consider aesthetics.

5. DOT may modify highway signs to better indicate routes to the Arizona Memorial, so visitors don’t go there instead of the Pearl Harbor Naval Base.

6. The next Legislative Town Meeting will be held tomorrow at Waimalu Elementary School, where the weighted student formula will be discussed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

The Kamehameha Highway beautification project is on hold until a decision is made on the transit system.  Concern was expressed that this project could be initiated only to be removed to build the rail system.

Howton left the meeting during the above portion of the meeting (9 members present).

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION – Harimoto reported the Halloween Bash will be held Halloween night, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Momilani Community Center.  A fun house has been added to this year’s activities.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 28, MARCH 28, MAY 23, JUNE 27, JULY, 25, AND AUGUST 22, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Chair Fukushima reported Howton is reviewing draft minutes of the meetings.

ACCEPTANCE OF JULY AND AUGUST 2006 TREASURER’S REPORTS:  Chair Fukushima reported the reports have been made available to members for review.  The reports were filed.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE  - Chair Fukushima reported the following:

RATIFICATION OF A $75 EXPENDITURE FROM THE OPERATING ACCOUNT OF THE TREASURY FOR CRUZ VINA, JR., TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE CHAIR, TO ATTEND THE OCTOBER 5, 2006 CITY TRANSIT SYMPOSIUM AT THE HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER – Board approval of the expenditure is required, the Neighborhood Commission Office will process the application.  The approval of the expenditure was carried by unanimous consent, 9-0-0.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE – No report.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION – Committee Chair Vina reported the following:

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT - The Transportation Improvement Project list with 15 items was approved and referred to the Policy Committee.

WAL-MART/SAM’S CLUB COMMUNITY SHUTTLE SERVICE – A survey will be distributed at WalMart/Sam’s Club, so customers can return the survey in a drop-box, mail it to the Board or bring it to the Committee or Board meetings.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING:

PARTICIPATION AND MEMBERSHIP AT HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE CENTRAL OAHU RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD QUARTERLY MEETINGS – Chair Fukushima reported the last meeting was held in July; the next meeting is scheduled for sometime in October.  Vina and Furutani will attend the meeting.

REPORT OF “HAWAII 2050 SUSTAINABILITY TASK FORCE” MEETING ON AUGUST 26, 2006 – Committee Chair Furutani reported one of the points made was the need for Hawaii to become more energy independent by developing alternative energy sources.

SALE OF REMAINING MANANA WAREHOUSE PROPERTIES BY CITY AND KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS/BISHOP ESTATE - No report.

NEXTEL ANTENNA SITE – Chair Fukushima reported Nextel now plans to install an antenna site on Hugh Street in Lower Pearl City.  Vina and Furutani will follow up.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY CHURCH CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR EXPANSION PROJECT – Chair Fukushima noted receipt of material on expansion plans for administration and classroom buildings, and retreat cabins.  This matter will be discussed at the Committee’s November meeting.

FORMATION OF WAIMANO RIDGE LAND USE TASK FORCE/MASTER PLAN UPDATE – Nyuha reported the meeting will be held October 10, 7:00 p.m., Pearl City Cultural Center.  Follow up will be done with Senator Ige of the Board’s participation in this planning effort.

LEGISLATIVE AND CIP:

SUNSHINE LAW TRAINNING – Chair Fukushima reported there will be a sunshine law training session for Board members tentatively scheduled for sometime in October.

CITY AUDITOR’S REPORT ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD SYSTEM OPERATION – Committee Chair Nyuha reported the City Council has passed a resolution creating a task force to study the effectiveness and efficiency of the Neighborhood Board system.  It was suggested the Board prepare a document on its accomplishments over the past years for its response to the task force.

APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIR – Chair Fukushima appointed Veray as committee Vice-Chair.

NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION EXECUTIVE SECRETARY LETTER ON USE OF PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUPS – Chair Fukushima noted receipt of the letter on this matter which was distributed to members for their review.

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

YARD OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR OCTOBER 2006 – Linda and Larry Yee have been selected as winners and will be recognized at the October meeting.  There was no objection of the Committee’s recommendation.

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION – Certificates to be awarded at next month’s meeting include the Senior Pearl City Little League team and a Leeward Community College student who designed the cover for the new Hawaiian Tel Com phone book.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. It was requested a presentation be made on an upcoming Waimalu sewer project that will include construction affecting Kamehameha Highway and Moanalua Road.

2. At a hurricane preparedness meeting last week at the Japanese Cultural Center, the lack of emergency shelters was noted, and information was provided on tax incentives for homeowners who make improvements to their homes to make them more hurricane resistant.

3. The next Committee Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2006, 7 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

4. The next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2006, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 10:34 p.m.

Submitted by,

Dean Chu

Neighborhood Assistant