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PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007

HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Albert Fukushima called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m., with a quorum of eleven (11) members present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Al Coleman, Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, Kevin Furutani, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, James Pickard, Sr., Amoreena Rabago, Thomas Sylva, Davin Takahashi, Larry Veray, Cruz Vina, Jr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: David Howton.

GUESTS: Sergeants Ken Miyazaki, Kyle Takahashi and Tim Azaki (Honolulu Police Department – Pearl City Station); Scott Ishikawa (State Department of Transportation – Spokesperson); Perry Smalls, (Parsons, Brinkerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Inc.; Carl Young (Nextel Partners, Inc.); Donovan Fujii (ATA Hawaii); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply); Roy Abe (Hawaii Pacific Engineers); Lynn Kurashima (Department of Design and Construction – Wastewater Division); Breene Harimoto (Board of Education); Gary K. Omori (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); James Propotnick (Governor's Representative – Deputy Director, State Department of Public Safety); Scott Ishikawa (Spokesperson, State Department of Transportation); Isaac Hokama (Mayor's Representative – Special Assistant to the Mayor); Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff); Senator Clarence Nishihara, Corie Arre (Office of Senator Clarence Nishihara), Representative K. Mark Takai; Herbert Fujikawa (Office of Representative Roy Takumi); Robert Sato (Office of Councilmember Gary Okino); Saline Mabello, Faith Tomoyasu, Christy Dumas and Sheri Solein (Parent Volunteers – Lehua Elementary School); Sheri Takimoto (Teacher – Lehua Elementary School); Fay Toyama (Principal – Lehua Elementary School); Jordan Komoda (Leeward Oahu District Spelling Bee Champion); Minnie and Desmond De Los Santos; Kathy Yoda; Lynn Kurashima, Shige and Elaine Ushii; Jon Nicholson (Joy of Christ Lutheran Church); Clarence Self; Doreen Higa (Principal, Momilani Elementary School), Lester Floyd, Brandon Mitchell; Kent Kitagawa; Camryn Bonifacio (UH Manoa School of Architecture), Fay Toyama (Principal, Lehua Elementary School); Larissa Rato; Faith Nishimura and Richard Tokuoka (Pearl City Hongwanji); Shige Oshiro (PCCA – Pearl City Community Association), Roger Olegario; Lester Floyd; Mike Wilcox (SORT – Save Oahu’s Race Tracks); Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

APPOINTMENT TO FILL ONE (1) VACANCY: Chair Fukushima reported that Ms. Amoreena Rabago has been attending Board Committee meetings for the past two months where she has helped greatly in terms of tracking legislation in the 2007 State Legislative Session. Therefore, he suggests that the Rabago be elected by the Board to serve for the duration of the 2005-2007 Board Term that expires in May 31, 2007. There being no other candidates present, Furutani moved to nominate Amoreena Rabago to fill the one remaining vacancy and Takahashi seconded the nomination. Rabago was elected to fill the one remaining vacancy by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0. Note: Rabago was present at the meeting during this time. Chair Fukushima noted that after a long time, all 13 at-large seats allotted to this Board have been filled.  

STANDING COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: Chair Fukushima announced the appointment of the following Board Members on their committee assignments:

• Thomas Sylva – Health, Education and Welfare (HEW)
• Al Coleman – Traffic and Transportation (TT)
• Amoreena Rabago – Legislative and Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP)

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) – There was no report.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sergeant Tim Azaki gave the total number of calls for service in HPD District 3 – Pearl City: December 2006 – 1,758, January 2007 – 1,624, and February 2007 – 1,566.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Sylva expressed concern regarding vehicles racing along Kaahumanu Street at approximately 12 midnight. Sgt. Azaki replied that HPS will continue to monitor speeding at Kaahumanu Street. (2) Nyuha inquired if HPD Chief is planning to continue the Citizens Police Academy. Sgt. Azaki replied yes. (3) Mike Wilcox introduced himself as an owner of a small business, off Kaahumanu Street on Kuahao Place in Waiau, informed the police as he has in previous Board meetings expressed his concerns regarding “kids” consuming alcohol and racing on the streets near his business establishment. He further mentioned that when he called 911 for police intervention, his 911 call went static. Sgt. Azaki replied that HPD will follow up on Mr. Wilcox’s concerns. (4) Chair Fukushima expressed concern that motorists not stopping on the yield sign at H-1 Westbound Waiau Off-Ramp. Sgt. Azaki replied that HPD is monitoring this situation.  

PRESENTATIONS:

AWARDING OF CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu presented certificates to the following: (1) The Parent Volunteers at Lehua Elementary School: Saline Mabello, Faith Tomoyasu, Christy Dumas and Sheri Solein. Also presented this Certificate is Lehua Elementary School Teacher Sheri Takimoto. (2) Jordan Komoda, Leeward District Spelling Bee Champion for 2007 and his teacher Ms. Shawna Medeiros who was not present at this meeting. (3) Momilani Elementary School Principal Doreen Higa whose school was awarded the 2006 Hawaii Distinguished Schools Award.                                                            

YARD OF THE MONTH AWARD FOR MARCH 2007 – Publicity/Refreshments (P/R) Committee Chair Iwamura-Uruu presented the Certificate of Appreciation to Minnie and Desmond De Los Santos of 2298 Aupaka Street, located in Pacific Palisades for being the March 2007 Yard of the Month Award recipient. 

Iwamura-Uruu announced that former Board of Water Supply Chief Engineer and Pearl City Resident Clifford Jamile recently passed away.

INSTALLATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA; CONDTIONAL USE PERMIT AT JOY OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 784 KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY

BY NEXTEL PARTNERS, INC. – Carl Young, representing Nextel Partners displayed photos from different vantage points superimposed with the proposed installation of the

80-foot tall telecommunications pole located 30 feet away from the Joy of Christ Lutheran Church Property located at 784 Kamehameha Highway, next to the existing monkey pod tree. The proposed location is situated between the following landmarks: Pearl City Business Plaza, Pearl City Shopping Center and Zippy’s. Young noted installation will improve wireless communication services for residents, area businesses and emergency services.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Coleman stated his concern where in the case of a natural disaster, the 80-foot tall pole could fall down on Kamehameha Highway thus creating a hazardous impact on area residents. Young replied that the 80-foot pole is attached to a cable which would prevent a potential fall even in the case of a worse natural disaster. (2) Chair Fukushima inquired why should there be a camouflage on the proposed telecommunications pole. Young replied to prevent visual blight. Chair Fukushima further inquired what the timeline for Nextel to get the permit, pole installation and commence services. Young replied four to five months.

Furutani moved for the Development Plan and Zoning Committee and Vina seconded that the Board approve the Conditional Use Permit for the proposed installation of the 80-foot telecommunications pole with the condition to give the Board update reports. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0-2. Ayes: Coleman, Fukushima, Furutani, Nyuha, Pickard, Sylva, Veray, Vina. Abstain: Duncan, Takahashi. Note: Iwamura-Uruu was not present during this vote.

GOODYEAR TIRE CENTER DEVELOPMENT AND KOMO MAI DRIVE (WAIMANO GULCH) ROCKFALL PROTECTION UPDATES: Chair Fukushima announced that representatives from Goodyear Tire Center and Earth Tech could not be present at tonight’s meeting.

PROPOSED PEARL CITY BASEYARD DEWATERING FACILITY – State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Scott Ishikawa informed the Board that as part of the Draft Environmental Assessment, there is a 30-day public comment period regarding the proposed dewatering facility that is being mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for cleaning storm drains, including street-sweeping every five weeks. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has provided an area located under the viaduct to provide space for residue items obtained from the State Highway drainage system to dry, since wet items can't be taken to a landfill. The base yard's location is ideal for this dewatering facility, since it's as far as possible from people and is in a covered area. The two main concerns are building an alternate access cross the stream which is very expensive and sidewalk improvements which would have to be done on the makai side of the proposed dewatering facility. DOT Consultant Perry Smalls added that there is a mole problem at the proposed facility.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Chair Fukushima inquired if the concerns raised at this meeting would be included in the Draft Environmental Assessment. Ishikawa replied yes. (2) Lester Floyd expressed concern with the noise coming from trucks and other equipment being used in both construction and operation of the proposed dewatering facility. (3) Fay Toyama, Principal of Lehua Elementary School expressed concern that the proposed facility would negatively impact Lehua Elementary School specifically the spread of odor that could reach towards the school. (4) Iwamura-Uruu stated that she favors building an alternate access route for heavy construction and debris collecting vehicles to go in and out of the dewatering facility rather build another sidewalk which take away land space.

Pickard moved for the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee and Veray seconded that the Board does not approve constructing the Dewatering Facility at the Pearl City Baseyard until State DOT addresses concerns regarding noise, traffic, safety, air quality, noise along with updating the Board with monthly reports including airborne quality sample tests, daily logs be included along with compliance with the Pearl Harbor Bike Trail are included in the proposed project. The motion passed with a vote of 9-1-1. Ayes: Coleman, Duncan, Fukushima, Imamura-Uruu, Nyuha, Pickard, Sylva, Takahashi, Veray. Nays: Vina. Abstain: Furutani.    

A recess for refreshments was taken from 7:52 p.m. to 8:13 p.m.

Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui administered the oath of office to Amoreena Rabago.

There are now twelve (12) members present.

WAIMALU SEWER REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT: PROGRESS REPORT OF PROPOSED TRAFFIC CONTROLS ON KAMEHAMEHA HIGHWAY AND MOANALUA ROAD – Roy Abe, from Hawaii Pacific Engineers reported that the proposed project includes removing 2 to 3 inches if sediments along the Waimalu Sewer Line which is about 7,000 feet long. This project will impact traffic on Kamehameha Highway and Moanalua Road. One method being used for this sewer rehabilitation project will be microtunneling, a method that greatly reduces the amount of excavation required for installation of the pipeline. However it would be substantial amount of construction work that would result in traffic and noise impacts. The hours of this construction project will be from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Abe mentioned that the City had anticipated awarding the project to the low bid contractor in December 206 and start construction in April 2007. Only one contractor bid on the project whose price tag was three times the available City funds, the City cancelled the project. The City intends to repackage the project and rebid it in two or three phases over the next several years. The first phase will include the more difficult work along Hekaha Street and across Kamehameha Highway (Sewer Line “A”), is expected to be rebid in the second half of 2007. Construction of the first phase may potentially begin in early 2008.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Chair Fukushima stated that when construction commences that Hawaii Pacific Engineers update the Board on the progress of the project. Abe replied yes. (2) Furutani inquired on the time frame of this project. Abe replied that it depends on the construction project itself. (3) Iwamura-Uruu inquired if age of the sewer line is a factor. Abe replied that it depends on soil conditions where there are some 100 year old sewer lines that are still in good condition.   

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION ADULT DAY HEALTH AND CHILD CARE FACILITY AT MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER; FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT – With a representative from Mitsunaga and Associates not present, Chair Fukushima deferred this item.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lan Yoneda circulated the BWS Monthly Report and highlighted the following: (1) There was one man break that occurred on February 2, 2007 at 1772 Kuhaka Street to an 8-inch cast iron main that is 37 years old. (2) Weather forecasters are predicting El Nino conditions are expected to last for the next 3 to 6 months. As a result, below-normal rainfall is anticipated throughout the islands. Until these conditions subside, BWS is recommending that voluntary water conservation measures be practiced. Most of the islands are expected to receive 60% to 70% of the rainfall normally anticipated during the first 6 months of 2007. However month-to-month variations in rainfall patterns may cause any island to experience less than half of normal rainfall during 1 or 2 months from now until the end of June 2007. This information helps to reinforce BWS; message of year-round conservation. (3)  Water Savings Tips: If you walk across your lawn and leave footprints, it’s time to water; Keeping your showers to 5 minutes or less can save up to 1,000 gallons a month; If your dishwasher is new, you can cut back on rinsing dishes before putting them in (the new washers clean more thoroughly than the old ones). (4) In response to an inquiry raised by Chair Fukushima regarding tours to the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility. Yoneda replied for tours to the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility, call Carolyn at 748-5083 who will arrange the facility tour.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (LCC) – There was no report.

PEARL CITY LIBRARY – There was no report.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – Leeward District BOE Representative Breene Harimoto distributed the BOE’s February 2007 Newsletter and highlighted the following: (1) The 2007 BOE Budget is $2 billion. (2) The BOE hired three new auditors to audit the BOE thanks in funding from the State Legislature.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Takahashi inquired if public monies are subsidizing private schools. Harimoto replied there is no evidence of public monies funding private schools.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:        

PEARL CITY AREA PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS – Robert Sato from Councilmember Okino's Office provided the following update for Pacific Palisades Community Park – The installation of security lighting along the new park roadway is nearly finished. The major elements of the project have been completed and the lights are operating at night. Final inspection and approval are expected after the contractor takes care of some outstanding items.

PEARL CITY WAL-MART STORE OFFSITE/SAM’S CLUB GAS STATION/ROADWAY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – Donovan Fujii, Project Consultant from ATA Hawaii gave the following update regarding the Pearl City Wal-Mart Store/Sam’s Club Gas Station Roadway Project: (1) The City’s Waimano Home Road/Kuala Street/Moanalua Road intersection improvements construction project remains a work in progress. Most of the roadway improvements have been completed. Remaining work is the installation of the traffic signal equipment and final signing and striping. Traffic signal equipment is in route to Oahu with tentative arrival date on May 11, 2007.If equipment arrives as expected project could be completed by the end of June 2007. (2) Phase 4 Off-Site Roadway Improvements – Widening of Kamehameha Highway and Kamehameha Highway/Acacia Road intersection and Pearl City United States Post Office driveway improvements. Roadway plans have been approved and are in the bid phase. Construction is targeted to begin in Summer 2007 and completion by the end of 2007 or early 2008. (3) Phase 1A Off-Site Roadway Improvements – Widening of Makolu Street. This work is tied to the development of Sam’s Club Gas Station. Roadway Plans have been approved and awaiting to be bid. Sam’s Club intends to bid the roadwork with the gas station work. Wal-Mart is working to post a bond for the roadway work so the City may finally approve the pending subdivision. Once the subdivision is approved, a building permit may be issued for the gas station. Upon receipt of the building permit, Sam’s Club bid will bid the work. Construction is targeted to begin in Summer 2007 and completion by the end of 2007 or early 2008.      

H-1 (WESTBOUND WAIAU OFF-RAMP) AND MOANALUA ROAD (EWA-BOUND) MERGING TRAFFIC LANE – Doreen Higa, Pearl City resident and Principal of Momilani Elementary School stated her concern that twice a week, day or night, young or old, speeding, unyielding drivers exiting the Ewa bound H-1 Freeway off-ramp to Pearl City cause havoc to unsuspecting Moanalua Road motorists. Higa cited two examples: (1) Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at approximately 6:30 a.m., while traveling to her work Ewa on Moanalua Road, she was broad sided by a car coming off the Pearl City off ramp (from Honolulu). This motorist was traveling in the middle lane which instructs motorists to YIELD. After impact, she pulled over on the side for safety and got out of her car to inspect the damage to her vehicle. While doing that, another motorist pulled up, got out of his car and yelled at her. Under the cover of darkness and given that person’s elderly state of mind, she figured that his field of vision was limited and he was traveling too fast to stop or failed to read the YIELD sign. Luckily, she sustained no injuries and there were no passengers with her. (2) Friday, February 23, 2007 at the same spot at 7:06 a.m., a female driver braked hard to avoid broad siding her. This female driver was speeding down off-ramp, again traveling in the middle lane where this female driver successfully screeched her vehicle to a dead halt. Nerves from this episode and the previous episode three days earlier caused her so much stress, that it was enough for her to even contemplate retirement. With recent improvement on this off-ramp, motorists exit driving at speeds exceeding posted signs, Higa suggested that signage could be improved like a forced Stop sign or something to slow down speeding motorists. Therefore she asked the Board for help before it is a matter of time that a fatality may occur. Chair Fukushima referred this matter to the Traffic and Transportation Committee.

OTHER CONCERNS – The following concern/comment was expressed:

SAVE OAHU RACE TRACKS (SORT) – Mike Wilcox, an auto racing enthusiast informed the Board that his SORT Organization is ready to work with the City to place a Public Symbol Map to build a Raceway Track facility on Oahu. Wilcox further requested that he and SORT would like this item be placed in a future Board Meeting Agenda. Chair Fukushima referred the matter to the Development Planning and Zoning (DPZ), Traffic and Transportation (TT) and Legislative Capital Improvement Programs (LCIP) Committees. Chair Fukushima encouraged Wilcox and his organization to bring supporting materials and present details of the proposed raceway track facility to the committee meetings.   

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVE – James Propotnick reported the following: In response to a concern mentioned at last month’s Board meeting regarding the use of a leaf blower by an operator which is creating dust and debris problems in a residential area. Chair Fukushima referred the matter to the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee.

Questions, comments and concerns: (1) Veray suggested that the Governor send a letter to the leaf blower operator. Propotnick replied that he would follow up on the matter. (2) Pickard expressed concern regarding hazardous materials at Waimano Ridge that needs to be disposed and has photos to confirm that there are still hazardous materials not being retrieved form pick up. He mentioned this same problem with the previous Governor’s representative Claire Nakamura. Propotnick replied that he will follow up with Nakamura (3) Furutani inquired to how much percentage does Hawaii resident pay in federal, state and local taxes. Propotnick replied that he will follow up with State Department of Taxation Director Kurt Kawafuchi. (4) Chair Fukushima inquired about the status of the dedication of Hookea Road which has been in a waiting status for the past 10 years. Propotnick suggested that Chair Fukushima communicate this item with him via email. Chair Fukushima expressed dissatisfaction with Propotnick’s response stating that he is tired of the same old excuses.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Isaac Hokama distributed the March 2007 Mayor's Newsletter and provided the following information and responses to concerns posed at previous meetings: (1) The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is investigating the matter regarding trees along Waimano Home Road blocking street lights located across Highlands Elementary School. (2) There are no signs that state NO PARKING at the intersection of Koaheahe and Makamua Streets. HPD is following up on this matter. (3) Concern regarding use of heavy equipment raised at last month’s Board meeting by Denise Castro, there is no official response at this time.

Questions, comments and concerns followed (Hokama will follow up): (1) Pickard mentioned his concern regarding no traffic signs at the intersections of Waimano Home Road and Maluawai Street & Kuahaka and Kaumoli Streets. (2) Furutani sees grass growing along Puu Kala Street where one cigarette butt dropping there would result in a major brushfire. (3) Mike Wilcox stated his concern regarding individuals dumping items fronting 978 and 981 Kauhihau Place.                   

COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Robert Sato distributed the Councilmember’s Report that includes a list of area Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s) and emphasized the following: Moanalua Road/Kaonohi Street Striping – As a response to suggestions by both the Pearl City Neighborhood Board and community organizations, the City has painted additional guidelines on Moanalua Road to direct motorists into their corresponding lanes as they cross Kaonohi Street. In order to facilitate traffic flow on this busy roadway, this intersection was reconfigured late last year. However concerns were raised that the lanes on Moanalua Road shift to motorists’ right hands side immediately after crossing Kaonohi Street, potentially creating a safety hazard. The new lines should resolve this issue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Pickard expressed concern that Manana Community Park remains inn the dark where there are no improvements to the parking lot along with the basketball court. Sato replied that funding is based on bulk funding where there are priorities 1 – 20 where existing funding would go to project priorities 1 – 5. Chair Fukushima referred this subject matter to the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) and Legislative Capital Improvements Program (LCIP) Committees. 

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Senator Nishihara distributed his written report that included features on the two newest Board Members Al Coleman and James Sylva. Senator Nishihara highlighted the following: (1) Attended a Drug Testing Conference where participants discussed legal issues pertaining to proposals to drug test students. There is a pilot project taking place in the Lahaina School Complex on Maui. There is no bill pending before the 2007 legislature addressing this matter where ongoing discussions would continue. (2) By a vote of 24-0, the Senate confirmed Barry Fukunaga as Director of the State Department of Transportation (SDOT).

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Takahashi inquired if there are federal funds involved in the proposed student drug testing program. Senator Nishihara replied that this items remains under discussion. (2) Coleman inquired if State Department of Education (DOE) employees who have been drug tested testified before the legislature. Senator Nishihara replied that based on news reports, there is support for student drug testing. (3) Iwamura-Uruu inquired if the State considered building a road on Kaena Point and Mokuleia so that local motorists and tourists can drive around Oahu’s coastline. Senator Nishihara replied that he would follow up on this suggestion with SDOT Director Barry Fukunaga. 

SENATOR DAVID IGE – No report.  

REPRESENTATIVE ROY TAKUMI – Herbert Fujikawa distributed the House Majority Report for the 2007 State Legislative Session and was ready to answer questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Takahashi inquired that when he sees Representative Alex Sonson’s reports it says he represents Waipahu/Pearl City. Fujikawa replied that Representative Sonson represent Crestview and Waipahu.

REPRESENTATIVE K. MARK TAKAI – Representative Takai reported the following: (1) There are ongoing discussions to sell Aloha Stadium in its present Halawa location where there are plans to demolish the stadium and build in its place affordable housing. $200 million should be allocated to construct a new stadium at Kapolei instead of maintenance of the existing stadium for the same price tag. (2) On April 5, 2007, the Honolulu Liquor Commission will be holding a hearing regarding a liquor license renewal to the Sports Lounge Establishment. He stated that he along with others in the community will recommend that the commission deny license reapplication due to the bar’s poor relations with the community in terms of complaints regarding noise. (3) There will be an Aiea/Pearl City Town Meeting sponsored by area legislators on Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria where the issue is Transportation Issues and Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Update – An update on the SDOT’s plans to make traffic and safety improvements along Kamehameha Highway from Center Drive to Waihona Street as well as other on-going and upcoming City and State projects in the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) As mentioned earlier to Senator Nishihara, Iwamura-Uruu inquired if the State considered building a road on Kaena Point and Mokuleia so that local motorists and tourists can drive around Oahu’s coastline. Representative Takai deferred comments to Senator Nishihara. Chair Fukushima pointed out that Kaena Point is a federally protected area. (2) Representative Takai mentioned that House Bills that passed including HB 168 – Relating to the Sunshine Law are being reviewed by the Senate while Senate Bills that passed are being reviewed by the House.   

COMMUNITY INPUT:

PEARL CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PCCA) – Shige Oshiro announced that the PCCA is holding a Family Fun Event on Sunday, April 8, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Momilani Community Center (715 Hoomoana Street). There will be fun, games, food, petting zoo, pony rides and distribution of free cotton candy. Oshiro encouraged residents to bring donated clothes to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Pearl City Foundation Executive Director Breene Harimoto mentioned that in 2006, PCCA sent a survey to residents asking what activities should take place at Momilani Community Center. The most popular activity requested was Tai Chi classes. Harimoto announced that on Wednesdays and Fridays are Tai Chi classes for residents age 55 or older from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., at the Momilani Community Center.

MANANA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (MCA) – Nyuha announced that there will be an Easter Egg Hunt taking place on Sunday, April 8, 2007. 

PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (PPCA) – There was no report.

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION (PCF) – There was no report.

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

FEBRUARY 2007 TREASURER'S REPORT: Chair Fukushima deferred approval of acceptance of February 2007 Treasurer’s Report.

COMMITTEE REFERRALS FOR ACTION/DEFERRAL:

EXECUTIVE – No report.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) – HEW Committee Chair Pickard highlighted the following:

1)       Lehua Avenue Bars (Lower Pearl City) Liquor License Renewal Application – Item deferred.

2)       Bill No. 5 (2007): Removal of Graffiti – HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved for the committee for Board Support. The motion was carried by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

3)       Supporting Continuance of Olelo Channel 49 Broadcasts for Community Meetings and Forums – HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved for the committee for Board Support. The motion was carried by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

4)       Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Training Session – April 10, 2007: Ratification of Action to Expend Operating Account Funds to send HEW Chair and Vice Chair to Meeting – HEW Committee Chair Pickard moved for the committee for Board Support. The motion was carried by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

5)       Announced that the Tour De Trash ’07 Series: Wastewater Treatment, Thursday, March 29, 2007: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Kapolei Hale.

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) – Committee Chair Vina circulated his report and highlighted the following:

      1)   Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – This will be a very busy year for OMPO’s CAC to discuss, evaluate and prioritize State and City Transportation Projects.

2)   WalMart/Sam’s Club Community Shuttle Service Survey – Item deferred.

3)       Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor (HHCTC) Project – Gary Omori, an HHCTC Project consultant announced that on February 27, 2007, the Honolulu City Council approved the proposed HHCTC project where the fixed

guide way transit system goes from East Kapolei (the planned University of Hawaii – West Oahu) to Ala Moana

Center, directly serving Leeward Community College, Pearlridge Center, Salt Lake, Downtown Honolulu and other                                                                                                 location in between. Mori further announced that there will be two public scoping meetings on this proposed project: Wednesday, March 28, 2007, Kapolei Hale, 1000 Uluohia Street, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Thursday, March 29, 2007, McKinley High School Cafeteria, 1039 South King Street, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: (1) Furutani inquired when groundbreaking would begin for the transit project. Mori replied 2009. (2) Iwamura-Uruu noted that Pearl City areas such as the Park and Ride Facility and Sam’s Club will be greatly impacted with this proposed transit project.

4)       1261-1271 Noelani Street: Vehicle Parking on Pavement Causing Adequacy of Travelway Width Concern.

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

1)   Air Force Fuel Line Petroleum Spill Clean Up: Update on Investigation and Reconnaissance Work at the Kamehameha Highway, Waimano Home Road and Lehua Avenue Intersection – The next RABCO meeting is scheduled to take place in April 2007.

2)   Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force Update: Schedule of Upcoming Meetings – Item deferred.

3)   Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Task Force: March 22, 207 Meeting Report – Nyuha stated that she attend the March 22, 2007 meeting where the proposed project is very extensive especially if the streets lights are out at Waimano Home Road where there would be a one direction east during daytime and one direction going wear at nighttime.

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

1)       Response to the City Auditor’s Report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation – Distributed copies of the Neighborhood Board Review Task Force Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2007 where recommendations were made including increased community participation, stabilize employment of Neighborhood Commission Office staff and moving oversight of Neighborhood Commission Office away from the Office of Managing Director to either the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) or Department of Customer Services (CSD).

2)       Expenditure to Provide Board Members with Copies of 2006 Draft Neighborhood Plan – LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha moved for the committee to approve expenditure to provide Board Members copies of the 2006 Draft Neighborhood Plan. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

3)       Assignment of Members to Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board – LCIP Committee Nyuha moved for the committee that the Board support the resolution of assigning Board Member to Permitted Interaction Groups of the Board. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

4)       Sunshine Law Legislation – LCIP Committee Chair Nyuha moved for the committee for the Board to support House Bill 128, House Draft 1 and House Bill 1512, House Draft 1, both relating to Sunshine Law Legislation. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

5)       Waimano Ridge Master Plan Infrastructure Funding (SB#810) – Veray moved and Furutani seconded that the Board support Senate Bill 810, Senate Draft 2 – Authorizing Capital Improvement Project Funds for capital improvements to Waimano Ridge facilities/lands. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

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

1)   April 2007 Yard of the Month Award – The nominees are Tom and Marie Sugita of 2267 Aumakua Street in Pacific Palisades. P/R Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu moved for the Committee to award the April 2007 Yard of the Month to Tom and Marie Sugita, which was adopted unanimously, 12-0-0.

2)   Awarding Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement – Next month, Certificates are scheduled to be presented to West Oahu College to becoming a 4-year accredited college, and makers of the Holo Pono School Calendar.   

3)       Ratification of Action to Approve Publicity Account Expenditure for Polaroid Film, Public Address System, Olelo Videographer Services – Veray moved and Vina seconded that the Board increased allocation of funds from $191.00 a month to $225.00 a month to pay Kevin Cassel, Olelo Videographer who videotapes Board Meetings for future Broadcasts on Olelo Channel 49, to be effective retroactively July 2006. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

Veray moved and Duncan seconded that the Board approve funds to purchase Polaroid Film to be used to film                                          Board meetings. The motion was adopted by unanimous vote of 12-0-0.

Veray stated that he has placed an official request to the Neighborhood Commission Office to use the public address system for Board meetings.   

PRESENTATIONS (2):

PEARL CITY FOUNDATION ADULT DAY HEALTH AND CHILD CARE FACILITY AT MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER; FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRESENTATION BY MITSUNAGA AND ASSOCIATES – Gerald Park, Mitsunaga and Associates, gave the following presentation: The Final Environmental Assessment for the proposed Adult Day Health and Child Care Facility at Momilani Community Center was submitted in August 2006. Just recently received a FONSI – Finding of No Significant Impact. Public comment period is from March 26, 2007 to April 26, 2007. The only modification was the driveway to and from Momilani Community Center. He further mentioned that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board will be apprised of information. The Applicant – Pearl City Foundation will submit a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for this proposed project.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1) The next Committee Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, April 17, 2007, 7:00 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria. (2) The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 6:30 p.m., at the Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m., without any objections.

Submitted by:

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant