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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m., with a quorum of eight (8) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Al Coleman (appointed at this meeting), Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, Tom Sylva (appointed at this meeting), Davin Takahashi, Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerilyn Anderton (seat declared vacant at this meeting), David Howton, James Pickard, Sr.

BOARD VACANCIES: One (1) – after the declaration of another vacancy, and the filling of two vacancies.

GUESTS: Firefighter K. Ishida (Honolulu Fire Department – Waiau Station); Sgt. K. Miyazaki (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Doug Lentz (USS Arizona Memorial Superintendent); Ricki Aoki, Warren Mitsuda, Rev. Sam Sherrard (Leeward Community Church); Alan Tarumoto (Genesys Design); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Dr. Michael Pecsok (Leeward Community College Dean of Academy Affairs); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); 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); Lisa Vargas (Representative K. Mark Takai’s Office staff); Dickson Lee, Mary Los Banos (Children’s House); Victoria Li, Sibyl Wong (Chinese Chamber of Commerce); Kent Kitagawa (State Department of Health – State Labs Division); Joe Beierly (Hawaii Self Storage); Gary Omori (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Public Involvement Team); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Mike Wilcox (Save Oahu’s Race Tracks); George C., Denise Castro, Hou-Wen Liang, Clarence Self, Charles Yang, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

ACTION TO DECLARE JERILYN ANDERTON’S BOARD SEAT VACANT: Chair Fukushima explained that he requested Jerilyn Anderton’s resignation since she hasn’t attended the past three meetings, but she didn’t respond.

Chair Fukushima moved, on behalf of the Executive Committee, to declare Jerilyn Anderton’s Board seat vacant, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0.

APPOINTMENT TO FILL THREE (3) VACANCIES (1): This item was deferred until later in the meeting.

ELECTION OF NEW BOARD TREASURER: This item was deferred.

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 K. Ishida reported the following information:

1)       January 2007 Statistics – There were 2 structure, 5 brush, 4 rubbish, and 3 vehicle fires (for a total of 14 fires); there were 99 medical emergencies, 11 search/rescues, and 8 miscellaneous calls.

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level. Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen or bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned four (4) to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) –

MONTHLY STATISTICS: Sgt. K. Miyazaki circulated the report and gave the following statistics for January: There were 32 auto thefts, 14 auto theft recoveries, 18 burglaries, 22 criminal property damage cases and 38 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 7,226 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,674 calls (23.17%) from the Pearl City area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Furutani mentioned that trucks often use the town-bound right-hand lane of Kamehameha Highway, near the Sears Distribution Center, even though signs there prohibit it. Sgt. Miyazaki suggested calling 911.

2)       Veray relayed that homeless have been breaking into residences in the Waiau Gardens area, especially those that are vacant. Sgt. Miyazaki replied that people should call 911 and report these occurrences and added that once the homeless see HPD respond, they usually avoid the area.

APPOINTMENT TO FILL THREE (3) VACANCIES (2): Al Coleman gave a brief introductory speech.

Furutani moved, and Duncan seconded, to appoint Al Coleman to the Board, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0.

Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Glanstein administered the oath of office to Coleman, making nine (9) Board members present.

PRESENTATIONS:

FEBRUARY 2007 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented the February 2007 Yard of the Month Award to Helen and John Santiago, of Noelani Street (Highlands???).

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

1)       The 2007 Student Engineer of the Year – Christy Kaneshiro.

2)       The 2007 Narcissus Frist Princess – Sibyl Wong.

3)       Dr. Peter Quigley, to congratulate Leeward Community College (LCC) on its accreditation.

4)       The 2006 Teacher of Promise – Kirstie Akana, a fourth-grade Waiau Elementary School teacher.

5)       The 2006 Self-Storage Manager of the Year – Shaun Salvador.

PEARL HARBOR HISTORIC SITES – Doug Lentz, the USS Arizona Memorial Superintendent, highlighted the following information: The shore-side of the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center is sinking into the water. The engineers estimate the life expectancy of the center to be from two to seven years. It’s possible to refurbish some, but not all, of the buildings onsite; some new buildings will have to be built. The original center was built to handle 750,000 visitors per year, but has currently been serving 1.5 million visitors per year. While under construction, basic services and amenities will still be provided to the public. Groundbreaking is planned for December 7, 2007. Fundraising has already garnered $20 million toward the $50+ million price tag. Six more acres will be acquired and the new buildings will be spread out more. The design will be more centralized – tickets will be sold in one area. The overall goal is to make a better visitor experience.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Furutani inquired about a tentative completion date. D. Lentz estimated the completion date to be December 7, 2009.

2)       A resident asked if the intended expansion of food services will be reflected in the cost to visit the USS Arizona Memorial. D. Lentz answered that the food services will not affect the pricing to see the memorial.

3)       Veray inquired if there were any plans to improve security in the parking areas, such as installing cameras. D. Lentz responded that, because of large amount of crime two years earlier, private security was instituted and the crime has decreased tremendously; he added that cameras have been there all along, with no effect on the crime rate.

4)       Imamura-Uruu asked how the USS Arizona differs from the USS Missouri. D. Lentz replied that the USS Missouri is run by a non-profit organization, not the Navy, but was unsure of further differences.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY CHURCH (1860 KOMO MAI DRIVE) – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) FOR EXPANSION OF FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION OF CABINS – Ricki Aoki introduced Warren Mitsuda and Rev. Sam Sherrard from Leeward Community Church, and Alan Tarumoto, from Genesys Design. A. Tarumoto distributed copies of the application for the permit and presented the following information:

1)       The expansion requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in order to construct four improvements –

a)       Expansion and Renovation of Existing Sanctuary Building: The church proposes to construct an approximately 8,200 square foot expansion and renovate the interior and exterior of the Sanctuary Building. The proposed timeline is six months.

b)       New Administration Building: The church also proposes to construct an approximately 7,747 square foot administration building, consisting of nursery and childcare spaces on the lower floor, and offices and a coffee bar on the upper floor. The existing one-story wooden Sunday School classroom building known as “Hale Kula” will be temporarily repositioned and then demolished once construction of the new administration building is done. The proposed timeline is 18 months.

c)       Parking Area and Landscape Improvements: The church also proposes to improve the existing asphalt paved parking area on the northeast portion of the site by stripping 80 marked stalls, including two loading spaces, installing canopy trees and an automatic irrigation system in accordance with the Land Use Ordinance requirements. The proposed timeline is six months.

d)       Outdoor Recreation Facility: Finally, the church proposes to develop the approximately six-acre are across Waimano Stream in the P-2 General Preservation District as an outdoor recreation facility or camp comprising of five vacation cabins (each 800 square feet), one comfort station (800 square feet), A 120-foot long by 18-foot wide one-lane vehicular bridge with a pedestrian walkway leading to a six stall parking lot, a natural platform amphitheater with terraced seating, a botanical garden, and about 2,000 feet of jogging and biking trails along the perimeter of the site. This camp will be used on a weekly basis with the cabins being used as lodging for overnight stays by church members and their guests (not as homeless shelters). The cabins are designed as slightly elevated open air pavilions. The proposed timeline is two years.

2)       Only properties on the Koko Head side of Komo Mai Drive will have affected view-planes. An engineer has been hired to do a flood boundary study on the property. The church doesn’t plan to change the traffic patterns – they want to keep the one-way in and one-way out pattern.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima inquired about any planned preventative measures to deal with potential rockslides. W. Mitsuda responded that they currently have a consultant looking at it, and they will work out a solution with the City. R. Aoki added that the church will consider any recommendations given to it by the Board.

2)       Chair Fukushima inquired about the building setback line. A. Tarumoto replied that one reason to do a flood boundary study is to check the boundaries for the building, and they are working with the City on it.

3)       Chair Fukushima indicated that open pavilion cabins could mean that a great deal of noise could travel to neighboring properties, especially if the noise is caused by after-hour activities. R. Aoki noted that the church is always sensitive to noise concerns, and aside from the natural 10 p.m. cutoff, the church proposes to keep a close eye on the areas. The church has held events in the parking lots for years and has never received any noise complaints; also, the slightly remote location of the cabins may prevent noise from traveling.

4)       Veray mentioned that last major flash flood of Waimano Stream that happened in December 1989. W. Mitsuda answered that the Ciuty has an easement road to access the stream if necessary.

5)       Coleman asked if it would be reasonable to assume that use of the cabins could be expanded to include weekend retreats, revivals, etc., which would involve a great deal more noise. W. Mitsuda responded that the church has no intention of holding revivals in the cabins, since that’s what the sanctuary is for; the cabins are intended for much smaller groups of people.

6)       Dickson Lee inquired if the rockslide survey will include the side of the property belonging to the Children’s House. R. Aoki replied that the City reported that the Children’s House side of the property doesn’t have the danger of imminent rockslides. D. Lee asked if the church would have an easement on the other property; R. Aoki answered that the church would not have an easement on the neighboring property. D. Lee stated that he intends to work out some of his concerns with A. Tarumoto and the church. Mary Los Banos, the President of the Children’s House, expressed her concern over the traffic and road fatalities that have already occurred, but added that she’s happy with the church’s stated intent to keep the traffic flowing in one way and out another, and has no other problems with their proposed expansion.

7)       Nyuha asked how high the fence is between the church and the Children’s House. R. Aoki responded that the fence is five to six feet high, but the church plans to improve the conditions of the fence.

A recess for refreshments was taken from 7:46 p.m. to 8:02 p.m. Chair Fukushima then turned the gavel over to Vina.

8)       Chair Fukushima offered that the Board recognizes the church’s need to expand, based on this and earlier presentations. He continued to say that the church’s proposal is good conceptually, but he’s worried about the other side of Waimano Stream.

Fukushima moved, and Furutani seconded, that the Leeward Community Church’s application for a Conditional Use Permit be approved while limiting development to only the Diamond Head side of Waimano Stream, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0. Chair Fukushima reclaimed the gavel. The Board’s recommendation will be submitted to the City.

9)       R. Aoki expressed his disappointment that the Board doesn’t support the entire plan, and assured everyone that the church is just as concerned as anyone about potential rockfall problems. The church and the designers will look at the other side of Waimano Stream and will consider suggestions heard at the meetings and resubmit an application for a CUP.

Updates on the Manana Warehouse Projects and the Hawaii Self-Storage/Goodyear Tire Center Development (Waiau) will be given at the next committee meeting. No representatives were present to give reports on the Komo Mai Drive (Waimano Gulch) Rockfall Protection Improvements or the Waimalu Sewer Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lan Yoneda circulated handouts on the water rate increase and reported the following:

1)       There were no main breaks in January 2007.

2)       Dean Nakano is the new Deputy Manager and Chief Engineer. He has been acting Deputy Director of the Commission of Water Resource Management (CWRM) with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for nearly two years. D. Nakano has had statewide responsibilities for the protection and management of the State’s water resources. He brings a wide range of knowledge in water resource issues and long-range planning, and has a proven track record of leadership and teambuilding.

3)       BWS 2007 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest – BWS announced the contest for all Oahu students in kindergarten through the sixth grade. The deadline for poster entries is Tuesday, March 13. This year’s theme is “Conserving Water Starts with Me”. Complete details can be found online at www.boardofwatersupply.com, or by calling 748-5041.

4)       Water Savings Tip – Replace dripping faucets by replacing washers. If the faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, 2,700 gallons of water will be wasted per year.

5)       Regarding the water rate increase, it went up in October 2006 from $1.77 to $2.00 per every 1,000 gallons of water (for the first 13,000 gallons). The next increase will raise the rate to $2.24 per every 1,000 gallons on July 1, 2007. The rate will increase every year until 2010.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima asked if the public can take tours of the water recycling plant in Ewa Beach. L. Yoneda replied that tours are available for the Honouliuli Treatment Plant.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (LCC) – Dr. Michael Pecsok highlighted the following:

1)       The two-year process of gaining accreditation involved a great deal of hard work and was successful, and LCC thanks the Board for its recognition.

2)       There are bills pending relating to: (a) support for the Waianae activities at the Center for Applied Science and Technology; (b) funding requests for teacher education and more social sciences; and (c) a second access road to LCC. Dr. Pecsok thanked Senator Nishihara for his efforts.

3)       Dr. Peter Quigley has accepted a position with the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), effective March 15, 2007.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto distributed the report and provided the following information: The State Department of Education (DOE) is the largest State agency, with over 20,000 employees. However, there is currently only one auditor for the whole department; the appointment of another auditor is pending. The first board audit on Charter Schools has just been completed. The DOE is trying to improve accountability and operations. To find out more information, call the BOE at 586-3334.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Takahashi inquired about getting federal funding to administer drug tests to teachers, given the four incidents that have happened. B. Harimoto responded that he doesn’t know, and they need to see what the legislature is going to do with the idea of drug-testing teacher; he will follow up.

2)       Chair Fukushima asked about the BOE’s position on locating dewatering facilities near schools and any possible measure to ban the facilities from around schools. B. Harimoto answered that the issue is on hold, pending an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

There was no representative or report present for the Pearl City Library.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, reported that the project to install light poles along the new park roadway at Pacific Palisades Park is progressing smoothly. The light poles have been installed and will be operational pending final inspection and approval. Additionally, the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has installed the cattle gate at the entrance to the park; the design is different and is now much quicker to build and install.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima noted that the Kaonohi Street / Moanalua Road intersection restriping still is not done. R. Sato will follow up.

WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Furutani conveyed that the Sam’s Club Gas Station needs to put in its application for the final permit. Chair Fukushima added that the improvements at Waimalu Community Park will be done at the end of March 2007.

OTHER RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS – The following concerns were expressed:

1)       Tom Sylva mentioned that at Hale Hau’oli (100 units of senior housing), behind the police station, every Tuesday, at 11 a.m., the clean-up crew that works there uses very loud equipment and strong-smelling chemicals that make the seniors feel dizzy. He has written letters, but has received no response. Jim Propotnik, the Governor’s representative, will follow up.

2)       Denise Castro, who lives on Ho’oli Circle, directly behind the new Lock-Up self-storage project, stated that the noise and vibrations from construction were intense on her duplex. She called the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and was told that the noise she described sounded like a grading machine, and the Lock-Up doesn’t have a grading permit, only a foundation permit. D. Castro is worried that her house foundation may have been permanently affected; she was told to contact her homeowner’s insurance company. Isaac Hokama, the Mayor’s representative, will follow up.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – Jim Propotnik circulated the Governor’s Update, the 2007 Initiatives, and briefly introduced himself. He reported that the dedication of Hookiekie Street from the State to the City hasn’t yet happened, and was available for questions.

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

1)       Chair Fukushima requested an update on the Waimano Ridge clean-up.

2)       Imamura-Uruu commented that Moanalua Road near the Waiau Interchange needs replacement of reflectors and restriping. She offered that it could be HPD’s method of placing emergency flares on the reflectors that causes their disrepair.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama had the following responses to last month’s concerns:

1)       At the intersection of Waimano Home Road and Komo Mai Drive heading Ewa, the property owner was issued a Notice of Violation 2007/NOV-02-144 to remove the obstructing tree branches.

2)       A work order was submitted to DPR to repaint the stalls in the Waiau District Park parking lot.

3)       Hoomaemae Street is programmed to be resurfaced by contract later this year as part of a larger Rehabilitation of Localized Streets project being administered by the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The project will include resurfacing of roadways in the Waipio, Crestview, Seaview, Pacific Palisades and Pearl City areas. The actual date Hoomaemae Street will be resurfaced has not yet been determined.

4)       Major roadways, which are roadways with bus routes, that have been identified as in need of resurfacing will be programmed for contract resurfacing as funds become available. The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) is coordinating with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) in programming the construction of concrete bus pads at heavily used and severely deteriorated bus stops island wide.  The concrete pavement is more suitable to support the heavy loads and frequent stopping and starting of the City buses at these locations.

5)       DTS conducted a field investigation at the Kaahele Street / Moanalua Road intersection and found that there is an existing “Do Not Block Intersection” sign posted for Diamond-Head bound Moanalua Road motorists. However, they observed that vehicles traveling Ewa-bound on Moanalua Road at Kaahele Street were blocking the intersection during the morning and afternoon hours. Therefore, DTS will install a “Do Not Block Intersection” sign at this location to assist Ewa-bound Moanalua Road motorists. HPD was also contacted and their assistance requested to monitor the area. DTS recommends that motorists continue to contact the HPD whenever vehicles are observed blocking the intersection. For more information, contact Tammy Nakajo at 768-8331.

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

1)       Imamura-Uruu pointed out that the trees along Waimano Home Road block the light from the street lamps at night which makes the road very dark. Also, the trees drop many flowers and the street cleaners don’t come often enough to keep the road clear. She requested the trees be trimmed, pruned or cut down.

2)       Vina reported that at the intersections of Kamahao and Koahaehae Streets, and Nola and Noelani Streets, there are vehicles actually parking on handicapped ramps. HPD has been called, but they say there’s no sign prohibiting it, so they cannot cite cars for it. He asked what ordinance covers this prohibition.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato distributed the report and commented that City Council Resolution 07-039, FD1, approves the Minimum Operable Segment (MOS) for the City’s Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP). This resolution was amended to an FD1 by replacing the Aolele Street (airport) segment with the Salt Lake Boulevard segment. The current proposed MOS alignment is: (1) Section I – North South Road, near the future UH-West Oahu campus; (2) Section II – Farrington Highway / Kamehameha Highway; (3) Section III – Salt Lake Boulevard (the MOS); (4) Section IV – Dillingham Boulevard; and (5) Section V – Nimitz Highway / Halekauwila Street / Kapiolani Boulevard to Ala Moana Center. Resolution 07-039, FD1, was approved at a Special Council Meeting held today, February 27, 2007.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Coleman inquired how bypassing Oahu’s airport, with its large numbers of people, will improve traffic problems; he stated that he thought that the HHCTCP’s goal was to get cars off the road. He continued to note that Pearl Harbor is a large employer and shouldn’t be bypassed on the transit route. R. Sato answered that although Councilmember Okino doesn’t necessarily agree that the MOS should go through Salt Lake, if he had voted against the measure, then there would be no transit system – the airport MOS also didn’t have as much support. The City administration preferred the airport MOS, but recognized Salt Lake as a viable alternative. Chair Fukshima reminded everyone that the Public Involvement Team for the HHCTCP gives monthly updates at Board and committee meetings, and that the project must still go through the EIS process.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Corie F. Arre circulated the Legislative Update, and Senator Clarence Nishihara highlighted the following:

1)       Senate Bill 676 (SB 676) – Crimes; Property Damage – SB 676 mandates certain penalties, including graffiti eradication, for persons convicted of aggravated criminal property damage. The bill also holds adults legally accountable for a minor liable for aggravated criminal property damage committed by the minor.

2)       Random Drug Testing for Teachers – Sen. Nishihara is in favor of drug testing for teachers, in light of the recent arrests.

3)       SB 34 – Scrap Dealers – To deter commission of theft of metals from public buildings and infrastructures as well as in private homes, SB 34 increases the reporting requirements for sales of scrap to scrap dealers. This bill also introduces a recordkeeping requirement for private scrap sales over 50 pounds. The criminal penalties are likewise increased to ensure compliance of scrap dealers.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Imamura-Uruu suggested taking away people’s drivers’ licenses as punishment for crimes.

2)       Veray would like harsher penalties for graffiti violations, besides just making the parents responsible. He suggested the use of public humiliation as a punishment, by posting pictures of graffiti offenders on television. Veray noted that education is needed as well. Sen. Nishihara mentioned that Sen. Sakamoto introduced a bill to have schools clean up graffiti from any areas surrounding the school. Veray indicated that maybe the military could create a graffiti rehabilitation “boot camp” to mentor kids away from graffiti.

3)       Nyuha asked about the status of SB 810, SD1, relating to Waimano Ridge. Sen. Nishihara responded that the bill has been heard in the Senate Ways and Means Committee, and passed through as amended.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI – Herbert Fujikawa distributed the report and invited residents to attend the next community meeting on Identity Theft and Fraud, to be held tomorrow, on February 28, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria.

There were no representatives or reports present for Senator David Ige or Representative K. Mark Takai.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PCCA) – Chair Fukushima relayed that on the Waimano Home Road side of Komo Mai Drive, the PCCA is operating a service project to paint out the graffiti there.

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – B. Harimoto reported that Momilani Community Center now offers free tai chi classes, and welcomes any suggestions for other classes; call 456-2072 with suggestions for classes.

There were no representatives or reports present for the Manana Community Association (MCA), Pacific Palisades Community Association (PPCA), Pearl City Lions Club (PCLC) or Pearl City Community Youth (PCCY).

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

JANUARY 2007 TREASURER'S REPORT: The January 2007 financial report was attached to the agenda. In January, the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $106.69, leaving a balance of $2,531.49, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $90.73.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – No report.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) –

Pearl City DOT Base Yard Dewatering Facility: Chair Fukushima conveyed that the Environmental Assessment (EA) will be released on March 8, 2007, and a consultant on the project will attend the March Board and committee meetings. The deadline to submit any comments on the EA is April 8, 2007.

Lehua Avenue Bars – Liquor License Renewals: Chair Fukushima indicated that the matter is in mediation, but will be discussed at the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s (LIQ) next meeting on March 18, 2007. Chair Fukushima will attend and update the Board at its March committee meeting.

Council Bill 89 (2006), CD1 – Mandatory Reporting of Dog-Bite Incidents to HPD: Veray reported that Bill 89 has passed second reading and suggesting taking this item off the agenda.

Council Bill 6 (2007) – Removal of Graffiti on Private Property: Veray stated that Bill 6 has also passed second reading and so should be taken off the agenda.

There were no updates on Bill 87 (2006), CD1, relating to park rules compliance, and Bill 88 (2006), relating to multi-year alarm user permits.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) –

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report: TT Committee Chair Vina provided that the biggest item discussed at the last meeting was the development of the North South Road in Kapolei. The next biggest item was resurfacing Ala Moana Boulevard from Aloha Tower to Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP): Gary K. Omori commended Councilmember Okino for his effort to keep the possibility of a transit system alive. Some preliminary engineering investigation has begun, and the project is moving toward the EIS. Chair Fukushima asked how people should prepare for the upcoming scoping meetings; he added that the administration needs to sell its transit plan to the community or people will continue to commute in their cars. If people don’t have an easy way of getting from their residence to a transit station, then they won’t use the transit system. G. Omori will work with Chair Fukushima on creating some guidelines for people intending to attend the scoping meetings.

Council Bill 91 (2006) – Parking Prohibition and Removal of “Dangerous Vehicles” Near Schools: TT Committee Chair Vina  noted that Bill 91 has passed third reading and suggested taking it off the agenda.

There was no update on the Wal-Mart / Sam’s Club Community Shuttle Service Surveys.

DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING (DPZ) –

Air Force Fuel Line Clean-Up – Kamehameha Highway / Waimano Home Road / Lehua Avenue Intersection: DPZ Committee Chair Furutani is monitoring the situation.

Waimano Ridge Master Plan (WRMP) Task Force Update (with TT, HEW & LCIP): DPZ Committee Chair Furutani reported that the next meeting is on April 10, 2007and Furutani will attend. Chair Fukushima added that there will be a presentation next month about the possible Level 3 Bio-lab.

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) – LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha gave the following updates:

Response to City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation – The Neighborhood Board System Task Force meeting discussed training for Board members on the Sunshine Law and parliamentary procedures. It was suggested that training be recorded on DVD and also broadcast on Olelo.

Assignment of Members to Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board – In progess.

Sunshine Law Legislation – Only HB 128 and HB 1512 are still moving along.

Waimano Ridge Master Plan (WRMP) Infrastructure Funding (HB 601 AND SB 810) – SB 810, SD1 is moving along, and it may get funded; a copy of the bill will be circulated by email to Board members.

PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) –

March 2007 Yard of the Month:

P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved, on behalf of the P/R Committee, to give the March Yard of the Month Award to Minnie and Desmond Dos Santos of Aupaka Street (Palisades), which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0.

Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu noted that seven Pearl City teachers were recognized as being outstanding; she will contact the teachers for more information. Chair Fukushima suggested that Imamura-Uruu find out when the 100th anniversary of Lehua Elementary School is. The Pearl City wrestling team may need a certificate.

APPOINTMENT TO FILL NOW TWO (2) VACANCIES (3): Tom Sylva gave a brief introductory speech.

Furutani moved, and Imamura-Uruu seconded, to appoint Tom Sylva to the Board, which was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0.

Neighborhood Assistant (NA) Glanstein administered the oath of office to Sylva, making 10 members present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1)       The next Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 7 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

2)       The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

David Howtown, Treasurer, and Albert Fukushima, Chair