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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m., with a quorum of eight (8) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Al Coleman (arrived at 6:53 p.m.), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr., Amoreena Rabago (arrived at 6:39 p.m.), Davin Takahashi, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: David Howton, Tom Sylva, Larry Veray.

GUESTS: Firefighter J. Bisch, Firefighter G. Cabanilla, Capt. S. Kohn (Honolulu Fire Department – Pearl City Station); Officer F. Degala, Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Laurence Lau (State Department of Health – Deputy Director); Capt. Davis (HFD – Hazardous Materials); Kent Kitagawa, Chris Wheler (State Department of Health – State Labs Division); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto, Jennifer Ono (State Board of Education); Peter Heiam (The Lockup Self Storage); Jim Propotnick (Governor's representative – Deputy Director of the State Department of Public Safety); Isaac Hokama (Mayor’s representative – Special Assistant to the Mayor); Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Corie F. Arre (Senator Nishihara’s Office staff); Herbert Fujikawa (Representative Takumi’s Office staff); Representative K. Mark Takai; Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Kiyoko Henley, Kyle Miyashiro, Roger Olegario, Carl Shigemura, Ray Summerall, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

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.

Amoreena Rabago arrived during the above speech, at 6:39 p.m., making nine (9) members present.

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS (1):

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (1) – Representatives arrived later in the meeting.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sgt. K. Miyazaki relayed that the March 2007 statistics were not ready and was available for questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Pickard expressed concern that there is too much speeding on Hookihi and Hoomoana Streets when the high school there releases its students. Many of the motorists don’t stop at the stop signs. Also, the school doesn’t lock the cattle gate after hours and young adults have parties up there.

2)       Breene Harimoto thanked HPD for their quick response to the Momilani Community Center break-ins.

PRESENTATIONS:

APRIL 2007 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented the April 2007 Yard of the Month Award to Tom and Marie Sugita, of Aumakua Street (Pacific Palisades).

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

1)       Education Grant ($100) Winners in Pearl City – Hisao Yamashita, Daphne Kajikawa, and their mentor, Jennifer Ono.

2)       State Department of Education (DOE) Outstanding Parent Volunteers – Carl Shigemura, Noreen Higa and Kiyoko Henley.

3)       2007 All-State Soccer 1st Team Selection – Meghan Fuller, Tracee Kono, and their mentor, Dr. Frank Baumholtz.

4)       ?????? – Kyle Miyashiro.

WAIMANO RIDGE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) LEVEL 3 BIO-LAB – Laurence Lau, DOH Deputy Director, introduced Capt. Davis, of the Hazardous Materials program (HAZMAT), and Kent Kitagawa, of the DOH – State Labs Division. L. Lau distributed handouts and highlighted the following:

1)       Background – The State Laboratories Division wants to operate at BioSafety Level 3 (BSL3) at Waimano Ridge. The lab is a “surveillance” lab, in that it tests for diseases and pollutants (diseases already here, coming here, or caused by recent events). The goal is to find, treat and control the problem early; it currently takes a great deal of time to package the disease/pollutant, ship it to the mainland, and receive a response. Right now, the lab is higher than a BioSafety Level 2 (BSL2), since it has stricter work practices, more protective gear and additional facility design features than a BSL2. The lab is actually ready to operate as a BSL3, but external certification is required before operations can commence. The lab has already been inspected by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State Department of Agriculture.

2)       BSL3 Certification – The advantages of BSL3 certification are: (a) external professional evaluation; (b) all components are reviewed; (c) better work practices and facilities; and (d) an opportunity for improvement. The disadvantage of a BSL3 is that it costs money.

3)       Power and Air Flow – The lab has maintenance contracts for proper operation of fans and air conditioners. There is an emergency generator in the case of a power outage. If the fans or air conditioners also lose power, there are safety cabinets on emergency power, and the materials are secured.

4)       Emergency Preparedness – At the Waimano lab, there have been no lab worker infections; there have never been any known infections from exposure outside any public health lab in the U.S. The lab is prepared for power outages, air conditioning failure, fire, natural disasters (hurricane, earthquake, tsunami), a pandemic and a terrorist attack. There is a building manager on site every workday. There are remote sensors and a paging system. Emergency plans and procedures, with the accompanying drills and exercises are in place – HFD, HPD, HAZMAT, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Guard are all prepared to respond if there is a problem. There is fire alarm monitoring and a sprinkler system, along with annual fire inspections and drills. The Waiau and Pearl City Fire Stations respond within seven and ten minutes, respectively, and the stations have keys to the lab. There are HAZMAT units in Kapolei and Kalihi, which can respond in less than 15 or 20 minutes.

5)       The Lab Building Strength – The building was made for a Zone 3 earthquake, which have the second most stringent requirements. The building is restricted to reinforced concrete and structural steel. The building was made to handle 80 mile per hour (mph) winds. However, the windows and doors are the main weakness, especially in the case of flying objects. The reinforced concrete structure can take a Category 3 hurricane (111 to 130 mph), but the roof, doors and windows could be damaged.

6)       Security – There is a 24/7 public safety gate guard on the site, along with a state-of-the-art security system, with camera, alarms, electronic locks, intrusion detection, and emergency power with battery backup. There are three electronic door locks to pass through before gaining entrance to the lab. All sensitive organisms are kept in locked containers.

7)       Location – The lab is 0.8 miles from houses and the school.

8)       Importing Organisms – The State Board of Agriculture controls imports of organisms, and provides strict conditions, even without a permit. Accreditation is necessary to make sure that test systems work and proficiency tests (“pop quizzes”) for lab technicians. Labs try to use dead or “weakened” strains when importing organisms, such as an anthrax strain used to vaccinate cattle, and a West Nile Virus hybrid that doesn’t cause disease.

9)       For more information, contact Dr. A. Christian Whelen, State Laboratories Administrator at 453-6652.

Al Coleman arrived during the above presentation, at 6:53 p.m., making 10 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima asked how the State would notify the community in case of an emergency. L. Lau replied that HFD and HAZMAT would respond and handle the communication with the community. Capt. Davis added that HAZMAT has procedures for these events, and would evacuate the area, if necessary.

L. Lau promised to return with any updates, and again invited the community to tour the lab.

Chair Fukushima requested that Furtani get an update on the Goodyear Tire Center development in Waiau for the next meeting. Chair Fukushima announced that the representatives of the Air Force are not yet ready to give an update on the Fuel Line Clean-Up (Kamehameha Highway / Waimano Home Road / Lehua Avenue intersection).

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS (2):

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) (2) – Capt. S. Kohn reported the following information:

1)       March 2007 Statistics (Pearl City / Waiau) – There were 4/2 structure, 2/0 brush, 0/2 rubbish, and 1/2 vehicle fires; there were 32/65 medical emergencies, 0/0 search/rescues, and 15/5 miscellaneous calls (including lockouts, false alarms and fluid spills).

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

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

1)       There were no main breaks in March 2007.

2)       BWS congratulates the Pearl City students who were four of the ten winners in the BWS 2007 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest – Bria Daniel, Brennan Lee, Nathan Nakasone, and Raelynn Ortiz. To see all of the winning entries, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com.

3)       Water Savings Tips – (a) Take advantage of the $100 rebate for replacing an old toilet with a new low-flow toilet; go to the website for more information; and (b) A screwdriver may be used as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If the screwdriver slides in easily, there’s no need to water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Takahashi asked if main breaks cause explosions, with water shooting up into the air. L. Yoneda answered that the type of reaction to a main break depends on the asphalt, pipe and the intensity of the pipe; main breaks can be dangerous. L. Yoneda stated that he would be unable to attend the meeting next month.

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

1)       There is a tentative contract settlement with the teachers which includes random drug testing.

2)       An ad hoc committee was commissioned to look into how DOE facilities are being used; the BOE would appreciate any recommendations on how to better use DOE facilities.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima confirmed that B. Harimoto is the Chair of the Committee on Public Libraries, and asked if it would be possible to improve the Pearl City library and satisfy American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance to allow ADA access to the meeting room, after library hours. B. Harimoto agreed that ADA access is a high priority and will work with Nyuha on this issue.

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

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

OTHER RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS – The following concerns were expressed:

The Lockup Self Storage – Peter Heiam presented the following: The Lockup hopes to open their Gentry-Waipio site by the end of 2007. The site is across from Wal-Mart. The building area is 120,000 square feet, with 86,000 square feet of rentable space. There are two porte-cocheres for the facility. The exterior of the building has 50 drive-up spaces, and the interior offers security and convenience. There will be two trucks on site for free use by customers. Digital cameras survey the entire property. The interior has an intercom system to contact staff. The building’s interior lights are motion-activiated to eliminate customers walking down dark hallways to their storage units. The hours of the Lockup will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The first lock is free.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima noted the concern of a resident brought up last night about the vibration caused by the construction of the Lockup. Isaac Hokama, Mayor’s representative, added that he put the resident in touch with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) but hasn’t heard an update on the situation. P. Heiam wasn’t aware of the complaint, but stated that now the construction is finished.

Palisades Community Park – Pickard mentioned that the cattle gate entry at the Palisades Community Park is inconsistently opened and closed. He inquired as to who opens and closes the park’s cattle gate. Robert Sato, of Councilmember Okino’s Office, will follow up.

Pearl City Shopping Center Jaywalkers – Furutani commented on the children jaywalking near the Pearl City Shopping Center, on the mauka side of Hoolaulea Street, and asked if more crosswalks could be installed in the area. Nyuha explained that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is more closely evaluating locations of crosswalks, due to the recent pedestrian safety problems and discussions. Chair Fukushima suggested that Furutani talk to the heads of the schools in the area about teaching proper crossing. I. Hokama will follow up.

There were no updates on Pearl City Area Park and Recreation projects or the Wal-Mart/Sam’s Club Gas Station construction.

ELECTED OFFICIALS (1):

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – Jim Propotnik distributed the Governor’s Update, pamphlets on emergency preparedness, and a handout on 2007 tax relief. He reported the following responses to last month’s questions:

1)       Hawaii residents who make between $32,000 and $73,000 per year end up paying approximately 42.2% in taxes, including income and general excise taxes, making Hawaii the fifth highest overall in State taxes.

2)       There are no more hazardous materials located at the State facilities at Waimano Home Ridge.

3)       The Hale O Hauoli complex is privately owned, so there’s no government oversight of their cleaning methods. However, the organization does receive a tax break from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to keep rents low. The Hale O Hauoli managers have cut down their use of leaf blowers to twice per week, on Tuesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and on Friday for 15 minutes to clear the walkways. There’s no other way to efficiently clean the parking lot at Hale O Hauoli. No health issues are involved with using leaf blowers – the effect is the same as a strong wind. Tom Sylva could write a letter to request to move to a unit further away from the parking lot of the complex.

Questions, comments and concerns followed (J. Propotnik will follow up):

1)       Takahashi indicated that under a benchmark agreement, the sex offender rehabilitation facility at Waimano Ridge was only supposed to be located there for one year, and it’s now been three years. J. Propotnik will follow up.

2)       Chair Fukushima requested a list of the Governor’s appointed department directors and deputy directors, when they are confirmed. J. Proptnik will get the list and include each department head’s specialty.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama circulated handouts on recycling and sewage facts, and had the following responses to last month’s concerns:

1)       DTS is investigating the lack of traffic signs at the intersections of Waimano Home Road and Malauwai Street, and Kuahaka and Kaumoli Streets and will report next month.

2)       Maintenance responsibility for the cutting of brush overgrowth rests with the abutting property owner. The Division of Road Maintenance of the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) notified DPP of the overgrowh along Puu Kala Street, and they will send an inspector to investigate and inform the property owner of their maintenance responsibilities.

3)       The Peal City Yard superintendent checked both 978 and 981 Kauhihau Place for illegal dumping, but both areas were free of refuse or bulky items. The two addresses have been added to a list of sites to be monitored for illegal dumping.

4)       The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is still investigating the termite-infested trees on Palamoi Street and will report back next month.

5)       The faded street signs at the intersections of Noelani Street and Waimano Home Road, and Moanalua Road and Kaahele Street will be replaced as resources and work load permit.

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

Coleman spoke of a morning talk show that claimed that Honolulu is the only county in the State that is not in compliance with the EPA (lacking the secondary treatment), and that all major East Coast metro cities are performing the secondary treatment, and asked if this was factual.

A recess for refreshments was taken from 7:52 p.m. to 8:10 p.m.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato distributed the report and offered the following information:

1)       The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is aware of the damaged utility pole on Komo Mai Drive, across from Leeward Community Church. A motorist damaged the pole a month ago, and though the damage looks extensive, investigation revealed that the pole is not in immediate danger of falling. Furthermore, the lines at this location do not supply power to the Pacific Palisades community. HECO is currently working with other utility companies and the City to coordinate the relocation of cables and street lighting equipment to a permanent pole located next to the damaged pole.

2)       City Council Bill 31 (the Fiscal Year 2008 City budget) was amended to a Council Draft 1 (CD 1), but none of the Pearl City projects were affected. There is a public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2008 budget bills and resolution setting the real property tax rates tomorrow, April 25, at 4:00 p.m. at Honolulu Hale.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Corie F. Arre circulated the Legislative Update, and Senator Clarence Nishihara reported that the Senate voted today against confirming Peter Young as the Director of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), eight votes to fifteen, with two senators absent. Attorney General Mark Bennett was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI (1) – A representative arrived later in the meeting.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Representative K. Mark Takai distributed a flyer advertising the next Aiea / Pearl City town meeting, and touched on the following:

1)       The next Aiea / Pearl City town meeting is tomorrow, on April 25, at Waimalu Elementary School, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The subjects of this town meeting are transportation issues and updates on the Kamehameha Highway Improvement projects.

2)       May is Military Appreciation Month, and another 66 medals will be awarded to the families of those who lost their lives in the “War on Terror”.

3)       The State budget should close tonight or tomorrow, April 25, and next week Thursday, May 2 will be the last day of the session, barring any exceptions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Duncan asked about the status of the bills to give Olelo more channels without charging them extra fees. Rep. Takai will follow up.

There was no representative or report present for Senator David Ige; Chair Fukushima indicated that Sen. Ige volunteered to attend a Board meeting if there’s something specific the Board wants him to address.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PCCA) – B. Harimoto announced that the Annual Keala Hoku Talent Show will be on Saturday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. Call B. Harimoto for more information.

MANANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA) – Chair Fukushima declared the Easter Egg Hunt a success, since 80 children participated and seemed happy with the event and the resulting “goody bag”.

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – B. Harimoto relayed the following:

1)       The intersession summer program will begin soon, so parents need to watch for registration deadlines.

2)       Momilani Community Center has been broken into at least four times in the past month. Residents who live nearby are asked to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity there.

There was no representative or report present for the Pacific Palisades Community Association (PPCA).

APPROVAL OF THE MAY 23, JUNE 27, JULY 25, AND NOVEMBER 28, 2006, JANUARY 23, FEBRUARY 27, AND MARCH 27, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Chair Fukushima deferred all of these items to next month's meeting.

FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2007 TREASURER'S REPORT: The February and March 2007 financial reports were attached to the agenda. In February, the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $245.32, leaving a balance of $2,286.17, and the Refreshment Account incurred expenses of $22.51, leaving a balance of $68.22. In March, the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $371.99, leaving a balance of $1,914.18, and the Refreshment Account incurred expenses of $10.30, leaving a balance of $57.92.

ELECTED OFFICIALS (2):

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI (2) – Herbert Fujikawa circulated the report, apologized for his tardiness and noted that Senate Bill 810 (relating to Waimano Ridge) is actually in Conference Committee right now.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – Chair Fukushima indicated that he will be unable to attend next month’s meeting.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) – HEW Committee Chair Pickard relayed the following updates (except for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design):

Lehua Avenue Bars – Liquor License Renewals – On December 21, 2007, the Sportsmen Lounge, now called Ahui Ohana, will close permanently for not following the requirements of the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s (LIQ). It’s possible that the Ahui Ohana may relocate to Pearl City Industrial Park.

Removal of Graffiti Legislation – Ratification of Submitted Testimony on City Council Bill 6 (2007) CD 1, Senate Bill 228 (SB 228) House Draft 1 (HD 1), and House Bill 451 (HB 451) HD 1 – HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved, on behalf of the committee, to ratify the testimony submitted in support of Council Bill 6 (2007) CD 1, SB 228 HD 1, and HB 451 HD1 (all related to graffiti legislation), which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

Rabago moved, and Furutani seconded, to submit further testimony in support of Council Bill 6 (2007) CD 1, SB 228 HD 1, and HB 451 HD1 (all related to graffiti legislation), which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0. Rabago noted that SB 228 HD 1 and HB 451 HD 1 haven’t yet been heard.

Motor Sports Facility on Oahu – There will be more investigation on this matter.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design – Vina reported that the training was informative and educational, and many police officers attended.

Mayor’s Community Meetings on Recycling – A pilot recycling program will begin in Mililani, Hawaii Kai and Kahuku; the results of this pilot program will be evaluated.

Hale O Hauoli (Luehu Street) Noise and Air Quality Nuisances – Follow-up was provided earlier, by the Governor’s representative, J. Propotnik.

Funding for 20 Extra Parking Stalls at Manana Community Park– A draft letter (attached) was distributed.

HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved, on behalf of the committee, to send the letter requesting funding for 20 extra parking stalls at Manana Community Park to Mayor Mufi Hannemann to include in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) 2008 budget, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

DPR Monthly Representation at Board Meetings – A draft letter (attached) was circulated.

HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved, on behalf of the committee, to send the letter requesting representation from the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) at Board meetings to Lester Chang, the DPR Director, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) – TT Committee Chair Vina provided the following information:

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – The CAC met last week Wednesday, on April 18, and a presentation was heard on the new 2030 amendments to the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP). The description and associated costs of Project 31 (transit from Kapolei to Manoa) was changed from “fixed transit” to “fixed guideway” to conform to City Council. The Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) of the transit system was added to match Council’s description. The final ORTP was amended to include over $1 billion in funding to keep the ORTP financially possible.

Vina moved, and Pickard seconded, to send in a recommendation to support the amendment to Project 31 of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP), which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) Update – Vina will attend the next OMPO meeting on May 4, 2007, where a vote will be taken to approve the Council’s Minimum Operating Segment (MOS) selection of Salt Lake. A more formal report will be provided next month.

1261-1271 Noelani Street Parking Problems – Motorists are parking their cars on pedestrian right-of-ways in the area of 1261 to 1271 Noelani Street. It was suggested to move the divider line more to the makai side, but pictures showed that this wouldn’t be fair to the people on the makai side of the street. Motorists are unable to park on the shoulder there because of a tree, two mailboxes, and a telephone pole.

H-1 Freeway Westbound (Waiau Off-Ramp) and Moanalua Road (Ewa-bound) Traffic Merging Conflict – Vina will bring up this issue at the Aiea / Pearl City town meeting tomorrow, on April 25, where both City and State representatives will be present.

DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING (DPZ) – DPZ Committee Chair Furutani gave the following reports:

Central Oahu Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) Meeting – April 26, 2007 – Furutani will attend the Central Oahu RAB meeting this Thursday, April 26, and provide a report next month.

Waimano Ridge Master Plan (WRMP) Task Force Update – Furutani referred to the earlier presentation by the DOH on the possible Level 3 Bio-Safety lab. Chair Fukushima indicated that there will be further reports on the progress of the certification. Pickard offered that the community has recommended putting a senior citizens’ facility up at Waimano Ridge. The next goal is to identify buildings there needing demolition. Nyuha brought up the Pearl City High School Sun Project, which provides vocational education for special education students.

Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force Update – The goal is to have Hawaii be self-sufficient in 2050.

Gentry-Waipio Lockup Self Storage Center Update – The site visit was on April 12, and displayed a brand new facility, with a great deal of storage space and parking. The location is on Ka Uka Boulevard next to Zippy’s restaurant and the Tesoro gas station.

There was no update on the Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Task Force.

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) – LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha gave the following updates (except for the report on funding for the Waimano Ridge Master Plan):

Response to City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation / City Council Neighborhood Board Review Task Force Update – Many ideas were suggested to help the Boards, and the one emphasized the most was the need for training for the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) and Board members. Neighborhood Assistants (NAs) need more training on minute-taking, and all NAs are now required to carry tape recorders to the meetings to create a record in case of a dispute or if the NA is unable to complete the minutes, for whatever reason. Some Board members complained that the minutes don’t reflect what happened. Nyuha questioned how much the NAs are paid, that maybe their salaries should be increased. There are vacancies in the NA positions at the NCO and she invited community members to go apply for the jobs. Many Boards are experiencing problems similar to this Board, in the lateness of the minutes, likely caused by the fact that NAs are required to do more work at the NCO than just work for the Boards. Nyuha stressed that every elected Board member must attend the June 2, 2007 Installation, Orientation and Training sessions for Board members.

LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha moved, on behalf of the committee, to ratify the April 2, 2007 letter sent to Kathleen Pahinui, Chair of the North Shore Neighborhood Board No. 27, relating to the Neighborhood Board survey responses, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

Status of 2006 Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP) – The City’s Corporation Counsel (COR) should be finished reviewing the 2006 draft RNP by mid-June, 2007. Vina added that when COR releases the 2006 draft RNP, the document will go out for public comments. Chair Fukushima requested copies for Board members, if the 2006 draft RNP is available before June 30, 2007, since the next Board budget (beginning July 1, 2007) will be leaner than in previous years.

Waimano Ridge Master Plan (WRMP) Funding (SB 810 HD 1) – Rabago suggested sending a letter of support. Duncan noted that the hearing on SB 810 HD 1 will be held tomorrow morning, April 25, at 9:00 a.m.

Rabago moved, and Vina seconded, to send testimony in support of SB 810 HD 1 to the Conference Committee, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

Council Bill 31 (City Budget Fiscal Year 2008) Input – A copy of Council Bill 31 was distributed. The letter requesting that the 20 extra parking stalls for Manana Community Park be added to the budget will be sent, as mentioned earlier. R. Sato suggested sending the letter as soon as possible.

Online Neighborhood Board Election Voting Problems – There were glitches with the new online voting system for the Neighborhood Board election, and the NCO Executive Secretary will evaluate the program. Chair Fukushima conveyed community complaints that: (a) there was no limit for candidate statements; (b) not every candidate had a statement or picture; and (c) voting online was difficult if people didn’t have the most updated software. He concluded that the online voting program was too restrictive to attract more voters.

Mandatory Neighborhood Board Installation, Orientation and Training Session on Saturday, June 2, 2007 – Board members were instructed to call Nyuha if they need a ride to the sessions. Vina requested Nyuha to ask the NCO if they will post training materials on their website, www.honolulu.gov/nco; Nyuha will follow up.

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

May 2007 Yard of the Month –

Imamura-Uruu moved, and Duncan seconded, to give the May Yard of the Month Award to Jane and Norman Uechi of Kalauipo Street (Manana), which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – Dayne Okamura won an award from the Lex Brodie’s, involving a donation of $1,000 to D. Okamura’s favorite non-profit organization and a $100 shopping spree. Chair Fukushima mentioned the Pearl City students that were winners in the 2007 BWS Water Conservation Poster Contest. Imamura-Uruu also briefly touched on the 2007 Olopona award, involving a $1,000 scholarship.

Imamura-Uruu moved, and Duncan seconded, to authorize the presentation of certificates at the May 22, 2007 Board meeting, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0.

The item relating to the Publicity Account expenditure for Olelo videographer services was taken off the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       Pearl City girls and women may donate their clothing to the Care Hawaii Shelter at 1668 Hoohulu Street.

2)       There will be a hearing on sewage treatment on May 15, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at the Kapolei Middle School.

3)       The new Acting Interim Chancellor for LCC is Manny Cabral, who will be invited to the next meeting.

4)       Congratulations were offered to Lehua Elementary School on its 100th anniversary (the school was originally called Pearl City Kai).

5)       The next Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 15, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

6)       The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

David Howtown, Treasurer, and Albert Fukushima, Chair