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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m., with a quorum of nine (9) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr. (left at 9:09 p.m.), Davin Takahashi, Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerilyn Anderton, David Howton.

BOARD VACANCIES: Two (2).

GUESTS: Lt. G. Arakawa, Sgt. R. Nitta, Officer W. Pong (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Ian C. Lange, J. R. Sudaria (Forest City); Gary Omori (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Breene Harimoto (State Board of Education); Rick McComb (U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer); Claire Nakamura (Governor's representative – Deputy Director of the State Department of Public Safety); Councilmember Gary Okino; 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; Kent Kitagawa (State Department of Health – State Labs Division); Lori Hoo (Hawaiian Electric Company); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); Larry Rodrigues (Pearl City High School Coach); Ray Summerall (Waiau Gardens Kai B board member); L. Chima, Elaine Funakoshi, Lois Miyashiro, Clarence Self, Myrna Sugiyama, Kathy Yoda; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). Approximately 10 other people were present who didn’t sign in.

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

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

REMINDERS OF TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES ON INPUT, COMMENTS, RESPONSES AND PRESENTATION OF AGENDA ITEMS: Chair Fukushima reminded everyone that smoking is not allowed on the school campus grounds. He summarized the time limit policy as follows – ONE minute for comments; THREE minutes for reports; FIVE minutes for presentations already given at the Committee Meeting, TEN minutes for new presentations; ONE minute for comments/questions/responses; recognition from the Chair is required to speak; microphones should be used when speaking; all cell phones should be turned off or put in "silent" mode. Chair Fukushima asked government representatives to please limit their oral reports to one subject matter.

EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – No representative or report present.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) –

MONTHLY STATISTICS: Sgt. R. Nitta gave the following statistics for December: There were 21 auto thefts, 18 auto theft recoveries, 20 burglaries, 30 criminal property damage and 31 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were a total of 7,915 calls for service in District 3, with some 1,758 calls (22.21%) from the Pearl City area.

Furutani commented on the speeding vehicles that don’t signal and take turns around pedestrians in crosswalks. Chair Fukushima summarized by saying that motorists are supposed to yield to pedestrians, and yet the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths is increasing. Sgt. Nitta responded that HPD is aware and is trying to step up the patrols and pay close attention to pedestrian-related violations. HPD and the State Department of Transportation (DOT) have put out Public Service Announcements (PSAs) as well.

CITY COUNCIL BILL NO. 89 RELATING TO DOG BITES: Discussion followed –

1)       Pickard asked what type of enforcement the bill requires, if any complaints had been filed yet, and if Sgt. Nitta had any more information. Sgt. Nitta replied that he hasn’t heard anything on it yet.

2)       Chair Fukushima asked about the process when someone is bit by a loose dog. Sgt. Nitta answered that if someone gets a dog bite, they should call 911, for both HPD and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If the dog owner can be identified then HPD can cite them; cases are also referred to the Humane Society.

3)       Pickard questioned the procedure if someone sees one loose dog attacking/killing another dog. Sgt. Nitta responded that the witness should call HPD and have it documented, and then call the Humane Society.

4)       Chair Fukushima referred to loose dogs in parks and roadways, and inquired if the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) personnel can enforce park rules, or if HPD must be contacted. Sgt. Nitta replied that HPD enforces certain park ordinances, including the ordinances related to dogs.

5)       Takahashi commented on a neighbor being naked on his property. Sgt. Nitta responded that, when it comes to private property, there is a right to privacy; however, the action taken depends on the situation. He suggested calling or HPD or that sometimes speaking to the neighbor can resolve the situation.

6)       Furutani inquired about what HPD needs to enforce dog-bite regulations better. Sgt. Nitta answered that most HPD officers wish that the laws related to dog bites were harsher.

PRESENTATIONS:

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

1)       Pearl City students who placed in the 13^th Leeward Young Artists Competition – Jady Ojiri (2^nd Grader), Jouvet Apostol (7^th Grader), Rachel Ellis (8^th Grader), Apelina Hokoana (8^th Grader), Janet Morales (4^th Grader), Alisha Maeda (6^th Grader), Gavin Shin (Senior), and Academy of Arts Scholarship Winner, Jenna Cortez (6^th Grader).

2)       Pearl City High School students who placed in the State Bowling Tournament – Larry Rodrigues (Girl’s Coach), Seiko Santos (Junior who placed 2^nd), and all of the members of the team, Teal Thornburg (Sophomore), Jordeen Koizumi (Junior), Seiko Santos (Junior), Brittany Bungcayao-Rosario (Junior), Kristyn Kuroda (Junior), Shari Iha (Senior), and the Boy’s 2^nd place winner, James Pirtle (Junior) with his Coach James Hayashi.

3)       Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Waiau Power Plant, for winning the Christmas Decorated and Landscaped Business Award, presented to Lori Hoo (Public Relations) and Richard Yokoi (Landscaper).

4)       Jessica Fabrigass, Pearl City High School graduate, for winning a $1,000 Hawaii Self Storage scholarship.

JANUARY 2007 YARD OF THE MONTH – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented the January 2007 Yard of the Month Award to Kazuo and Nora Yamamoto of Hooheke Street (Momilani).

CHRISTMAS DECORATED YARDS – P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented Christmas Decorated Yard awards to: Roy and Vivian Inoue of Auhuhu Street (Pacific Palisades), Felicitas and Larry Manuel of Kaweloka Street (Manana), and Helen and John Santiago (and son Glenn) of Noelani Street (Momilani).

MANANA MARINE HOUSING RENOVATIONS (ACACIA ROAD) – Chair Fukushima gave a brief summary of the U. S. Navy’s plans to renovate the homes at the ewa end of Acacia Road. Ian C. Lange, Forest City Senior Project Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation and highlighted the following points:

1)       The Military Housing Privatization Initiative of 1996: (a) provides a tool for military services to improve housing conditions; (b) attracts private sector financing, expertise, and innovation; (c) enables housing to be constructed faster and more efficiently than traditional military construction process; and (d) allows private developers to own, maintain, and operate family housing. The Manana Renovation project is a Public Private Venture (PPV) between the U.S. Department of Defense and a developer, with a duration of 50 years, subject to federal and state laws. PPVs address two significant problems: (a) the deteriorated condition of many existing family housing units; and (b) the shortage of quality affordable private housing.

2)       Forest City, the developer, was established in 1921 as a family-owned lumberyard company, and grew to become a nationally recognized master developer and property owner, with over $8 billion in diversified real estate.

3)       The scope of the project is to demolish the existing 168 homes and build 168 new homes, and add other amenities, including a community center, parks, central mailboxes, wider sidewalks where possible, street parking, green space, and all new site utilities. The construction timeline is from January 2007 through January 2009, to complete all the work in one phase. The homes are currently being vacated. The working hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no “noise activities” done earlier than 7:00 a.m. The general contractor for the project is Hunt Building Company.

4)       The number one priority of the project is safety, and will be regulated. The project will also be regulated by the State Department of Health (DOH) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Regarding dust control, a perimeter fence with screening fabric will be constructed around the site, and there will be water trucks on site to maintain dust control. Best management practices will be in place to minimize the tracking of mud onto streets and outfalls. Cultural and archaeological aspects will also be regulated. The expectation is that there will be no significant archaeological issues.

5)       The construction’s impact on traffic is expected to be negligible; it will be offset by the 168 families vacating the area. Construction vehicles will be able to enter and park within the construction site. There are no expected public road closures or traffic restrictions. Access to the construction site will be restricted. Normal traffic flow will continue into the Manana housing area via Acacia Road. A U. S. Marine sentry will remain posted at the existing Manana gate. Since the same number of homes will be built as there were before, the traffic shouldn’t increase after the completion of construction.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima inquired if equipment will be brought to the site all at once, or if the arrivals would be staggered. I. Lange replied that there is no significant equipment there yet, and they are planning to sequence the arrival of equipment.

2)       Takahashi asked what the plot plans of the homes are. I. Lange answered that there are several different floor plans, from three to five bedrooms, from 1400 to 2300 square feet, but that he didn’t have the details. Takahashi inquired if the military residents of the new homes would be allowed to use them as vacation rentals. I. Lange responded that they are not allowed to use the homes as vacation rentals – it’s against the lease and military bases don’t allow it either.

Chair Fukushima suggested that Furutani coordinate efforts with I. Lange to get progress reports. I. Lange stated that there won’t be much to report for the next five to six months.

HONOLULU HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR PROJECT (HHCTCP) UPDATE – Gary Omori, of the Public Involvement Team, gave the following updates:

1)       The first community meeting on the Pearl Highlands Park and Ride (PHPR) will be held in the early part of March 2007; the team is putting together a presentation to show at the meeting. More details will follow.

2)       Bill 80, selecting the technology of the locally preferred alternative, passed first reading. Bill 81, choosing the transit line also passed first reading. Bill 82, selecting transit stations, was vetoed by the Mayor but the veto was overridden by the City Council. Bill 83, delaying the collection of the extra general excise tax for the transit system, passed first reading. Bill 92, another bill to select the technology for the transit system, also passed first reading.

3)       The PHPR will involve commuter buses during peak hours to transport people to and from the park and ride facility. The plan is to also provide 1,500 parking stalls. There will be ramps to access the facility from Ka Uka Boulevard, off the H-2 Freeway, and for those from the Waikele/Waipahu areas. The final look of the PHPR isn’t yet known.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima inquired about the timetable on the release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). G. Omori replied that the EIS will be complete after the scoping meetings, to begin in early March 2007; the team will concentrate their efforts on publicizing the scoping meetings using the media, the website, etc.

2)       L. Chima stated that he represents people against the rail system, and expressed his surprise that the Board favored the rail. He continued to say that the collection of the general excise tax still leaves a bill of $150 million. L. Chima commented that the rail will cost the City too much, which will cause the City to raise its fees and/or sell bonds. G. Omori responded that the $150 million will come from the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA), and will get back to him on the cost of any possible bonds.

3)       Clarence Self mentioned that the goal of a transit system is to remove cars from the roads. He then questioned the security for the PHPR and suggested that people need to ride local buses, only more stops are needed. C. Self asked why the City doesn’t have a request for proposals on this project to see how much it will cost. Chair Fukushima indicated that the PHPR is mainly for those from other areas, not Pearl City residents.

A recess for refreshments was taken from 7:46 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

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

1)       There were two main breaks in December, both on December 24, 2006. One was a 36-year old 12-inch cast iron main at 2167 Hoolaulea Street, and the other was a 47-year old eight-inch main at 798 Hoomaemae Street.

2)       BWS Water Conservation Calendar – This month the BWS has distributed the calendar to all neighborhood boards. It has great suggestions about how to help conserve one of Oahu’s most precious resources, illustrated by the talented student artists whose art was chosen during last year’s annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. The calendar’s theme this year is Xeriscaping, a method of using certain plants and design to minimize the amount of water the garden will require to stay looking fresh and green. The calendars are available to the public at the Beretania Street location, or on the BWS’s website, www.boardofwatersupply.com/cssweb/display.cfm?sid=1430.

3)       Water Savings Tip – The tap can release up to three gallons per minute depending on the fixture, so don’t let it run. Low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush, as compared to the older ones that use 3.5 to 7 gallons. Switch your old toilet out today and take advantage of the low flow toilet rebate. For more information go to www.boardofwatersupply.com and use the conservation pull down menu to find the special programs and rebates section.

4)       The four new wells in the Waiawa area should provide enough water to supply the new housing development (10,000 homes), Koa Ridge. Water is available from released sugar plantation sources, although the number of homes seems high. The projected water needs in the State Land Use Commission (LUC) submittal was about 2-3 mgd. BWS does have approval over the plan along with other State and City agencies. Only Koa Ridge Makai was approved for urban at the LUC; Koa Ridge Mauka was not approved. Castle & Cooke has not submitted a water master plan for BWS review and approval yet; they will need BWS approval of the water master plan, subdivision actions, construction plans for dedicated water facilities and building permits.

5)       Regarding Gentry-Waiawa’s development, the developer doesn’t own the aquifer. They must apply for water use permits from the State Commission on Water Resource Management. To date, Gentry has a water use permit for about 1 mgd for the Waiawa golf course. Water use permits are still required for the residential homes.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Furutani inquired about the recent BWS rate increase. L. Yoneda replied that the rate increase happened in October 2006, and he’ll follow up on the exact amount of the increase.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated the report and was available for questions.

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

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – Robert Sato, from Councilmember Okino's Office, reported that the project to install light poles along the new roadway and sidewalk leading into Pacific Palisades Park began on January 22, 2007. The City’s contractor is currently working on preparing the footings for the nine light poles. The parking lot and roadway will be open during the early part of the project but access will be limited when the poles are actually put into place. The contractor has three months to complete the project.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Fukushima asked about the status of a cattle gate for the Pacific Palisades Park; R. Sato will follow up.

OTHER CONCERNS –

WAL-MART/SAM'S CLUB GAS STATION CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Chair Fukushima relayed that Sam’s Club has applied for building permits. Furutani conveyed the following information:

1)       Phase 1A (Makolu Street widening) – Drawings have been done, and full City approval was received. The work will soon be in the bid phase.

2)       Phase 2 (Moanalua Road / Waimano Home Road / Kuala Street) – The project should be done by March.

3)       Phase 3 (re-striping and re-phasing of traffic signals at the Kamehameha Highway/Waimano Home Road/Lehua Avenue intersection) – Permits have been approved.

4)       Phase 4 (Kamehameha Highway widening) – The project is currently in the bid phase, and the contractor will be selected in four to six weeks.

5)       Gas Station – The building permit is expected in two to four weeks, and then the work will be in bid phase. Contractor selection could occur in two to three months and construction will begin shortly thereafter.

Chair Fukushima added that the outlots mauka of Wal-Mart are being constructed now and the Board needs a presentation of what the actual plans are.

LOCK-UP SELF STORAGE CENTER PROJECT PLANS (KUALA STREET): Furutani reported that the 30,000 square foot storage building is in escrow.

AIR FORCE FUEL LINE PETROLEUM SPILL CLEAN-UP UPDATE: Rick McComb, a civil engineer at Hickam Air Force Base, provided the following updates:

1)       ST18A (the area near Public Storage and Home Depot) – They need to return and do more soil research in this location and possibly install underground water-monitoring equipment. If confirmed, the installation of the equipment will affect traffic in the area.

2)       ST18B (Kamehameha Highway and Lehua Ave intersection) – They are currently working on this location, and began on January 22, 2007. The area under the road is very congested with utilities, so they need to tread carefully and excavate cautiously, especially since not all of the utilities are in the locations indicated on the maps. Work in this week, from January 23 to January 26, will involve a closure of the right-turn lane from Kamehameha Highway onto Lehua Avenue; notices were released to motorists. Any future traffic impacts will be conveyed to the Board.

3)       There is an upcoming project on the entire pipeline, with this same level of work. The historical leaks have been identified. The project is expected to take six to eight months, but sometimes rights-of-entry can involve a long process.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Furutani asked if the pipeline was inherited from the World War II era. R. McComb answered that the pipeline was built in the World War II era, but that leaks occurred from them until 1993, when use of the pipeline was discontinued.

2)       Veray inquired if there was any risk to people in the work areas of toxic fumes or explosions. R. McComb explained that they call the methods of delivery pathways; they have studied the vapors and the groundwater, and haven’t seen any indication of danger. There are no wells close to the sites, which helps to limit any possible exposure. Veray suggested identifying dangerous areas to people, especially by the school, and asked about the effect on fruit trees and gardens. R. McComb invited Veray to attend the meetings of the Restoration Advisory Board.

3)       Furutani inquired if they had tested water samples. R. McComb replied that they installed a well at ST18A to test the water, and there is some contamination there, requiring the completion of a risk assessment.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – Claire Nakamura distributed the Governor’s Update, the 2007 State of the State address, and the 2007 Initiatives, and highlighted the following:

1)       There is a delay in the Waimano Ridge clean-up. C. Nakamura will keep the Board updated.

2)       One of Governor Lingle 2007’s goals is tax relief through these proposals –

a)       Taxpayer Protection Act of 2007: to allow and empower the Director of the State Department of Taxation to adjust the standard deduction, personal exemption and tax brackets every year in response to inflation;

b)       Standard Deduction Increase: to raise the standard deduction to 75% of the 2005 Federal standard deduction so that a married couple’s deduction would rise from $4,000 to $7,500, which would help over 80% of the taxpayers and keep $30 million per year in their pockets;

c)       Eliminate the General Excise (GE) Tax on Essential Foods: to eliminate the GE tax on essential foods such as milk and dairy products, canned fish and juices, which will eliminate $40 million per year in taxes paid on foods and will benefit all who buy groceries;

d)       Constitutional Rebate: to provide a one-time cash refund of $100 for families with incomes less than $100,000 and $25 for those with incomes of more, and to increase the allowable dependent care expenses from $2,400 to $5,500 per dependent so that families get tax relief for taking care of their loved ones; and

e)       Biofuels Tax Exemption: to reinstate the tax exemption on alcohol fuels, such as ethanol, and indefinitely extend the exemption to all biofuels, including biodiesel, which will reverse the 11-cent per gallon increase that occurred on January 1, 2007, when the exemption expired.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Nyuha commented that people are concerned about health care in Hawaii, and stated that many people are leaving the state because of the high medical costs, especially on neighbor islands. C. Nakamura replied that Gov. Lingle is aware of the health care problems. DOH declared that another hospital on Maui was unnecessary, so they refused to issue a Certificate of Need for a new hospital there. Gov. Lingle plans to introduce legislation to change the requirements for a Certificate of Need. C. Nakamura stressed that hospitals need modern equipment.

2)       Elaine Funakoshi requested that Kamehameha Highway be improved from Waimano Home Road to Leeward Community College – it has become a quality-of-life issue.

3)       Imamura-Uruu mentioned that Moanalua Road in front of Waimalu Elementary School needs restriping of the lane lines.

C. Nakamura thanked the Board for having her at their meetings, and announced that she would be moving to another department within the State, and so would no longer serve as Governor’s representative to the Board.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Chair Fukushima read the following information and responses:

1)       City shower trees along Kuala Street are included in an active tree maintenance contract. Tree work at this location began on January 16, 2007, and pruning is anticipated to be completed by the end of the month.

2)       The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) investigated and found that the property with a great deal of dry overgrown grass near the sidewalk on an undeveloped property on Kuala Street is for sale or may have recently been sold.

3)       DTS will conduct an investigation of the Kaahumanu Street / Moanalua Road intersection, since the median strip lane markings are faded. Re-striping has been scheduled.

4)       No signs denoting that the courts are closed were found at the Pacific Palisades Community Park. The water pipe sticking up out of the ground between the parking lots and the basketball court was part of the driveway widening project. DPR is checking with the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to have the pipes removed. In the meantime, DPR will place caution tape around the drainage pipe to alert park users to the potential danger.

5)       The area near Highlands Intermediate School, by the overpass, is not congested. The truck selling noodles after school is not parked on the roadway (Nanakai Street); it is situated on a dirt-covered area at the base of the pedestrian overpass off of Nanakai Street, west of Hoolaulea Street. The truck has been there for many years, and no accidents in the area have been reported. There was no trash littering the area and there is trash can at the base of the pedestrian overpass near the truck.

6)       The Waiau Neighborhood Park does not have a parking lot. The lot needing re-striping on Hookawike Street belongs to the school.

7)       DFM will schedule the re-striping on the City portion of Kaahumanu Street.

8)       The original “P” in the “E Komo Mai Pearl City” sign was stolen in November 2006, was replaced, and then was stolen again. Another “P” is scheduled to be installed in two weeks.

9)       On August 7, 2006, DFM installed six new street lights on Lehua Avenue, between 1st and 4th Streets; four of the lights are awaiting a Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) request for energization.

10)   The City recently announced plans for the Month In Chinatown Celebration of Chinese New Year, to happen during the month of February. There is a full slate of free public events, including lion dances, fireworks, displays and exhibits, Chinese singing and dancing, martial arts demonstrations, feng shui demonstrations, fortune-telling, and a wide variety of food. For more information, call 948-2007 or go to www.chinatownhi.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Chair Fukushima noted that the intersection of Kaonohi Street and Moanalua Road seems like a maze and requested that the lane striping be continued through the intersection to prevent head-on collisions.

2)       Chair Fukushima stated that at the intersection of Waimano Home Road and Komo Mai Drive heading ewa, the property owner is not taking care of the trees and pedestrians have to walk in the street to pass by.

3)       Furutani mentioned that at Waiau District Park, above the fire station, the parking stalls need repainting, that Hoomaemae Street, bordering Highlands Intermediate School, needs repaving, and that all of the streets that buses travel upon need road work because of the numerous ruts.

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato circulated the report and provided the following information:

1)       There are more “P”s for the “E Komo Mai Pearl City” sign, but they need to figure out a way to permanently attach the letters to prevent future theft.

2)       Regarding the Kaonohi Street / Moanalua Road intersection, the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) issued a work order to paint guidelines on the left side to direct motorists.

3)       The Pearlridge Satellite City Hall will be temporarily closed beginning today, January 23, for a three-month renovation project, consisting of upgrading the air-conditioning system and improvements to the public are and employees’ workstations. During the renovations, the public can conduct transactions at any of the other nine Satellite City Halls around the island; those closest to the Pearlridge location are Wahiawa (330 North Cane Street), Kapolei (1000 Uluohia Street), and Kalihi/Kapalama (1199) Dillingham Boulevard. For more information, call the 24-hour Satellite City Hall information hotline at 527-6695.

4)       The new Council Chairperson is Barbara Marshall, with Todd Apo serving as Vice Chairperson and Nestor Garcia as Floor Leader. Councilmember Okino now serves as the Chairperson of the Public Works and Energy Committee and Vice Chairperson of the Budget Committee.

5)       Bill 79, selecting the locally preferred alternative, is attached to Councilmember Okino’s report.

Chair Fukushima conveyed that at the Kaahele Street / Moanalua Road intersection, during peak traffic hours, motorists continuously block the intersection; he requested the installation of “Do Not Block Intersection” sign.

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Senator Clarence Nishihara introduced his new Community Relations aide, Corie F. Arre, distributed his Legislative Update, and reported that the Senate’s focus is on education, to maximize the use of public and private facilities to assist in early childhood education, and to revisit the No Child Left Behind Act. Sen. Nishihara was available for questions.

Imamura-Uruu inquired about the status of the second access road to LCC and University of Hawaii (UH) West Oahu. Sen. Nishihara responded that he doesn’t know if the City or the State will fund the project, and offered that the key to getting the access road is to use the rail system to provide support for it. Imamura-Uruu asked when the UH West Oahu campus would open; Sen. Nishiara estimated in 2009.

Pickard departed during the above comments, at 9:09 p.m., leaving eight (8) members present.

SENATOR DAVID IGE – No representative or report present.

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI – Herbert Fujikawa circulated the report and invited residents to call 586-6170 with questions or concerns.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Rep. K. Mark Takai gave the following updates:

1)       Sportsmen Lounge – The Honolulu Liquor Commission (LIQ) denied the request of Sportsmen Lounge to make changes; there was a mediation session and some progress was made. The owner of the lounge is considering moving it. The owners of the property are well-aware of the situation, but also concerned about the loss of income if the bar is to close. A possibility is to rent the location as office space. The next meeting of the LIQ on this issue is on Thursday, March 1, 2007, at 4:00 p.m., at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard. The situation is moving forward, and Rep. K. Mark Takai hopes that it can be resolved favorably.

2)       Kamehameha Highway Improvements – The rehabilitation of the road is a long-term project. The State will request federal funds for the project, since roughly $30 million will be needed. The Task Force’s next meeting is in March.

3)       There will be a town meeting on Wednesday, February 28, covering crime and identity theft.

Nyuha asked if the bar Melrose Place was included in the rulings from LIQ. Rep. Takai replied that the community request focused on the Sportsmen Lounge (now called the Hui Aloha Lounge), because that bar had a cabaret license (allowing it to operate until 4:00 a.m.). The ultimate goal is to revitalize the area and remove both bars.

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – B. Harimoto reported that Momilani Community Center now offers free tai chi classes, on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. They also offer hula, line dancing and boxing classes, and there are community swim times too. PCF is open to any suggestions for other classes; call 456-2072 with suggestions.

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

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

OCTOBER 24, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The October 24, 2006 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED as circulated by unanimous consent (8-0-0).

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2006 TREASURER'S REPORTS: The November and December 2006 financial reports were attached to the agenda. In November, the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $107.84 and $191.00, leaving a balance of $2,862.54, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $90.73. In December, the Operating / Publicity Account incurred expenses of $33.36 and $191.00, leaving a balance of $2,638.18, and the Refreshment Account incurred no expenses, leaving a balance of $90.73.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – Chair Fukushima provided reports on these items:

2007 Neighborhood Board Elections – The deadline to file for candidacy has closed, and only 12 people are running for the 13 available Board seats. The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) has extended the deadline to email candidate statements.

Standing Committee Reassignments – Veray is now Vice-Chair of the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) committee, since Howton’s illness may keep him inactive for a while, although he will still proofread the minutes. Pickard is now the Vice-Chair of the Traffic and Transportation (TT) committee.

Chair Fukushima referred the study of Bills 87 and 89 to the HEW committee, and Bill 91 to the TT committee.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) –

Pearl City DOT Base Yard Dewatering Facility: Chair Fukushima reported that there will be a meeting about the facility on February 23, 2007.

Lehua Avenue Bars – Liquor License Renewals: An update was already given by Rep. K. Mark Takai.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) – TT Committee Chair Vina gave the following updates:

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – At the last meeting, there was a presentation on the Super Ferry, which will start in late May or June of 2007. The first two sites will be Maui and Kauai; a route to the Big Island is planned for 2009, because of the dock damage from the October 2006 earthquake.

Wal-Mart / Sam’s Club Community Shuttle Service – Some surveys were handed out to different retirement homes and will be collected on Friday; Vina will report the full results at the next committee meeting.

DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND ZONING (DPZ) –

Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force Update (with TT, HEW & LCIP): DPZ Committee Chair Furutani noted that there are quarterly meetings of the task force, and he will follow up.

Hawaii Self-Storage Center (Kamehameha Highway, Waiau) Expansion: Vina indicated that the expansion site is Waimalu Shopping Center, next to the Burger King; he will have more information at the next committee meeting. Chair Fukushima added that there will be a presentation to the Board at the next two February meetings.

LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) – LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha circulated draft resolutions and reported the following:

City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation – The survey results about training for neighborhood board members were written, and a resolution with the results was provided.

LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha moved to adopt and send out the resolution (attached) related to training survey results, which was ADOPTED by unanimous consent (8-0-0).

Formulation of Procedures to Approve Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board – A resolution was written proposing ratification for the creation of several Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs).

LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha moved to adopt and send out the resolution (attached) related to the creation of Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs), which was ADOPTED by unanimous consent (8-0-0).

PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) –

February 2007 Yard of the Month:

P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved, on behalf of the P/R committee, to give the February Yard of the Month Award to Helen and John Santiago of Noelani Street (________________), which was ADOPTED by unanimous consent (8-0-0).

Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement: P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu doesn’t have any proposed certificates yet; she will have an update at the next committee meeting. Chair Fukushima reminded her get the wording for the certificates to the NCO early.

Allocation of Expenses for Additional Board Publicity Funds: Neighborhood Assistant Glanstein will check with the NCO to see if a raise for videographer Kevin Cassel can be applied retroactively.

Veray moved, and Vina seconded, to increase the payment to videographer Kevin Cassel to $240 (an increase of $49) per month as of the month that the additional funding was provided to the Board, which was ADOPTED by unanimous consent (8-0-0).

Veray reported that he spoke with the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and the funding for the new Olelo channel 49 will continue for another 180 days. There is a meeting of the DCCA board on January 24, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mapunpuna Olelo facility. Chair Fukushima deferred this item to the next committee meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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

2)       The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 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