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REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (DRAFT)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAFETERIA
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Cruz Vina, Jr. called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m., with a quorum of eight members present.
PRESENT: Stanley Ching Alfred Coleman, Kevin Furutani, David Howton, May Imamura-Uruu, Myrtle Nyuha, Davin Takahashi (arrived at 6:58 p.m.), Larry Veray and Cruz Vina, Jr.
ABSENT: Sol Ray Duncan, Albert Fukushima, and Amoreena Rabago.
VACANCIES: One At Large vacancy, due to the resignation of James Pickard, Sr.
GUESTS: Jim Propotnick (Deputy Director, State Department of Public Safety, Governor Linda Lingle’s representative); Senator Clarence Nishihara; Representative Roy Takumi, Representative K. Mark Takai, Kent Kitagawa (Department of Health), Isaac Hokama (Special Assistant to the Mayor, Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative); Robert Sato (Councilmember Okino's Office staff), Firefighter Paul Fukuda (Honolulu Fire Department), Sgt. Ken Miyazaki (Pearl City Station, District 3, Honolulu Police Department); Lan Yoneda (Board of Water Supply), Manny Cabral, Kathy Hill and Roy Kamida (Leeward Community College); Marlene Kurihara, Kathy Best and Rodney Funakoshi (Castle & Cooke Hawaii); Roger Olegario, Roy Wickramaratna, Georgia Howton, Dennis Callan (Honolulutraffic.com), Mary Jane and Nestor Andres, Kevin Cassel (Olelo Videographer); and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). Three firefighters and over fifteen members of the public did not sign in.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Imamura-Uruu led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES FOR USE OF HIGHLANDS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL CAMPUS AND CAFETERIA: Acting Chair Vina reminded everyone that smoking is not allowed on campus grounds and that the parking lot would be closed directly after the meeting.
REMINDER OF TIME LIMIT POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR INPUT, COMMENTS, RESPONSES AND PRESENTATION OF AGENDA ITEMS: Acting Chair Vina summarized the time limit policy – ONE minute for comments; THREE minutes for reports; FIVE minutes for presentations already given to the Committee, TEN minutes for new presentations; ONE minute for comments/questions/responses; recognition from the Chair is required to speak; microphones should be used; all cell phones should be turned off or put in "silent" mode. Acting Chair Vina asked government representatives to please limit their oral reports to one subject matter.
FILLING OF ONE (1) VACANT AT-LARGE BOARD SEAT: Acting Chair Vina asked for any volunteers to serve on the Board. There were none. This item will be deferred to the next meeting.
ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS:
Vice Chair - Acting Chair Vina deferred to Chair Pro Tem Larry Veray. The Executive Committee recommended Cruz Vina for Vice Chair. Coleman moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that Cruz Vina, Jr. be elected Vice Chair. Coleman moved; Furutani seconded that the nominations be closed. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously. Cruz Vina, Jr. was elected Vice Chair by unanimous consent.
Vice Chair Vina continued to preside over the meeting.
Secretary - The Executive Committee recommended Al Coleman for Secretary/Treasurer. Furutani moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that Al Coleman be elected Secretary/Treasurer. Furutani moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that the nominations be closed. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously. Al Coleman was elected Secretary/Treasurer by unanimous consent.
APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEEE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS:
The Executive Committee recommended Larry Veray be elected Chair of the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee. Coleman moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that Larry Veray be elected the Chair of the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee. Coleman moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that the nominations be closed. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously. Larry Veray was elected Chair of the Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) Committee by unanimous consent.
EMERGENCY AGENCY REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - As HFD left for a fire call, Nyuha reported: 1) 1 structure, 18 brush, 6 rubbish and 3 auto fires, totaling 28 fires; 92 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue and 24 miscellaneous service calls, totaling 117; and no major or unusual incidents. 2) Community Relations - The National Fire Protection Association has selected "Practice Your Escape Plan" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 7 - 13, 2007. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2007 Fire Fighter's Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools.
The written report continued - "In addition, HFD would like to remind the community that provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles do not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder. Please refer to the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Traffic Code, Section 15-4.4, located at http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/roh/15al_9.htm for further information."
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sgt. Ken Miyazaki (Pearl City) reported: 1) From May 2007 through July 2007 the calls for service in Pearl City averaged around 1710 calls per month, almost 24 percent of all calls for District 3 (Kunia to Halawa).
Comments followed. Veray commented that on Noelani Street there were many car break-ins, but after one suspect was arrested, there have been no break-ins.
PRESENTATIONS:
Awarding of Certificates of Recognition and Acknowledgement - Publicity and Refreshment Committee Chair Imamura-Uruu recognized and presented certificates of recognition to the 2007 Pearl City Junior Little League team: Manager Mitch Yamamoto; Coaches Keith Nakamura, Ron Nakamura, Chad Obara and Ronald Shim; and players Kainalu Chmolack, Brennan Doan-Alcos, Brycen Kometani, Shayne Kurihara, Kory Nakamura, Neal Kahana, Chevas Numata, Chace Numata, Christian Perkins, Kawika Pruett, Keanu Sato, Isaac Shim, Mikey Uehara and Juan Carlos Valeramos. Imamura-Uruu also recognized the players' parents.
Over 20 people left the meeting and 14 people remained.
Yard of the Month Award for September 2007 - Imamura-Uruu presented the "Yard of the Month" award to Mary Jane and Nestor Andres on Noelani Street in Manana.
Awards for Outstanding Educators - Imamura-Uruu presented awards and recognized Kyle Miyashiro from Pearl City High School (Outstanding Educator 2006 - 2007, awarded by Oceanic Cable and Pizza Hut); and Kathy Hill (Regent's Medal for Excellence in Teaching), Roy Kamida (Ching Foundation Award for Faculty Service to the Community), and Donna Matsumoto (Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching), all Leeward Community College (LCC) faculty.
(6:56 p.m.) Davin Takahashi arrived at the meeting, making nine members present.
Recognition of May Imamura-Uruu - Imamura-Uruu announced her resignation after 15 years on the Board, effective September 30, 2007. She will enjoy her retirement, spending time with her family and traveling. The Board presented her a recognition plaque.
Koa Ridge Makai Development - Rodney Funakoshi from Castle & Cooke Hawaii presented plans for the Koa Ridge Development, which is located between the northern edge of Waipio, the southern edge of Mililani Town, off the H-2 freeway and next to Costco Waipio and the new Central Oahu Regional Park. They plan to provide schools, 3,500 residential units and sewer lines and they will work with the Central Oahu Sustainable Communities Plan. Answers to community concerns: 1) They hope to tie into the proposed rail system and provide a "park and ride" lot. 2) They will provide sewers, parks and housing. 4) Regarding affordable housing in the Castle & Cooke Waiawa project, they plan to provide 30 percent or 450 units. No Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) yet, but traffic and the Waipio Interchange are major concerns. They want to return for the November meeting.
Comments followed: 1) Takahashi asked about high-tech homes and fiber optic cables. Funakoshi replied that they are looking at the town center, rather than at individual homes. They are planning a community with everything within walking distance, a self-sustaining community to limit driving. 2) Funakoshi added the adjacent Waiawa Ridge development would go in first. They plan to have schools, so public school districts are unclear.
Kamehameha Highway Improvements Project Task Force Update - Acting Chair Vina reported that Chair Albert Fukushima said it will be reported at the October meeting.
COMMUNITY REPORTS
Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lan Yoneda reported: 1) 3 main breaks on August 16 at 1846 Hoowae Street, on August 22 at 2283 Anapanapa Street and on August 24 at 57 Hoomalu Street. 2) GENERAL WATER ANNOUNCEMENTS: Summer Conservation Efforts Update - The BWS thanks the community for its summer conservation efforts. Due to this and some much-needed rain, BWS pumped less water, pumping an average of 159 million gallons of water a day between May 24 and August 15, compared to 164 million gallons of water a day last year. The BWS asks for continued vigilance in conservation efforts. "Use what you need, but do not waste it." 3) The BWS information session for Neighborhood Board members is set for Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1268 Iwaena Street. This session will cover topics such as the history of water on Oahu, watershed management and how construction projects are done. Plus, on a "first come, first served" basis, neighborhood board members will have an opportunity to tour the Halawa Shaft, one of Oahu’s underground aquifers. For more information or to RSVP, please call Moani Wright-Van Alst at 748-5319 or email her at mwright-vanalst@hbws.org. Yoneda had the RSVP/invitation forms.
Comments followed. Pickard reported the Department of Transportation (DOT) repaired the sprinkler system on the way to Hickam Air Force Base.
Leeward Community College (LCC) - Manny Cabral, Interim Chancellor at LCC, reported: 1) A 3.8 percent increase to 6,047 students and more full-time employment (FTE) positions. 2) LCC has a partnering nursing program with Kapiolani Community College (KCC). 3) LCC is also partnering with Kamehameha Schools on early college readiness for grades 9 through 12. 4) The President's budget has Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) initiatives and LCC Waianae has No. 2 priority and $10.7 million. 5) The Process Technology program has LCC, Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) and Tesoro working together.
Pearl City Library - No report.
Board of Education - No report.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Pearl City Area Parks and Recreation Projects - No report.
Pearl City Wal-Mart Store/Sam’s Club Gas Station/Roadway Construction Update - Kevin Furutani reported the gas station will open by the New Year of 2008.
Home Depot - A Home Depot representative was disappointed there was no enforcement effort by the HPD of the traffic at Home Depot. He was informed that a traffic study at Kamehameha Highway corridor may be reported at the next meeting.
Dennis Callan from Honolulutraffic.com requested to be placed on the agenda next month. His group is against rail, which would cost $6.4 billion, or $24,000 for a family of 4, but favors High-Occupancy and Toll (HOT) lanes. There is a DVD on TV.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Governor Linda Lingle's representative - Jim Propotnick was available for questions. There were no questions.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative - Isaac Hokama distributed the Mayor's August and September newsletters and reported: 1) The vehicle traffic along Komo Mai Drive is very heavy and the portion mauka of the intersection on Waimano Home Road tends to draw down fine silt from the unimproved roadway shoulder. The Division of Road Maintenance will try to minimize the dust by send a water truck to spray the roads in advance of the mechanical sweepers. Please note the mechanical sweepers also lay down a water spray when they are sweeping but in this instance the amount of fine dust and dirt on the road poses a problem that the mechanical sweepers can not overcome. 2) Regarding the bus stop, across from Trinity Union Church, at the intersection of Komo Mai Drive and Waimano Home Road, that someone painted all of the Plexiglas red, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reported that a work order has been issued to the city’s contractor for TheBus, Oahu Transit Services, to clean the bus shelter of graffiti. 3) Regarding the resurfacing Hoomalu Street from Komo Mai Drive to Hooiki Street, A Division of Road Maintenance crew patched potholes along Hoomalu Street on August 14. Hoomalu Street, from Hoohale Street to Komo Mai Drive, is programmed to be resurfaced by contract being administered by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The area of concern is located within these limits. Resurfacing will be part of a larger Rehabilitation of Streets Unit 55 project in the Pearl City area. DDC should be contacted for additional information regarding the project’s status and construction schedule.
Comments followed: 1) On Moanalua Road between Hoomalu Street and Hoolaulea Street, there are a lot of mango trees. The mauka side of the street needs sidewalk cleaning and street sweeping. 2) The Board is concerned about the Waiau resurfacing, especially on Noelani and Nola Streets, where allegedly resurfacing has not been done and 50 percent of the surface is lost. 3) On Kaahumanu Street, mauka of the H-1, there is dirt that was left on both sides of the street. It needs to be removed. 4) Also, on Kaahumanu Street the trees need trimming by the bus stop, seven light poles down from Road D. 5) The Board would like to acknowledge the good job of tree trimming along Waimano Home Road and to thank the City. 6) On Kaahumanu Street at the Tesoro service station the "No Left Turn into Driveway" sign is down and needs repair. 7) At the Kuahaka Street roundabout the sign is down and needs repair. 8) Concerning the City ferry, a suggestion was made to have a Pearl City/Waipahu stop to serve the area and Mililani, too
Councilmember Gary Okino - Robert Sato distributed Councilmember Okino's written report for June and July and reported: 1) For relief from the Real Property Taxes, there is a homeowner's exemption. The filing deadline is October 1 and the senior help line is phone 768-7700 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Fridays. 2) The City Council and Olelo have teamed up to provide Internet coverage. To view recorded meetings, visit www.honolulu.gov/legislativebranch and click on agenda item.
Comments followed: 1) Regarding Bill 48, which would increase emergency services vehicles access from 10 to 12 feet and eliminate about 35,000 parking spaces, the bill will be held in committee. Apparently, the emergency services vehicles can travel within the 10 feet lane.
Senator Clarence Nishihara - Senator Nishihara dropped off three pieces of information, including his newsletter and went to Waipahu for a presentation
Senator David Ige - Senator Ige was not present.
Representative Roy Takumi - Representative Takumi reported: 1) As Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Health Committee, he focused on early childhood education and universal pre-school. He hopes to have 80 percent of four-year olds in pre-school Studies indicate that in areas with pre-schools, there is a 25 percent increase in the high school graduation rate and a 33 percent decrease in juvenile arrests. At a Town meeting in West Oahu there was a presentation that announced $35 million for West Oahu.
Representative K. Mark Takai - Representative Takai is on military active duty, but dropped off his newsletter.
COMMUNITY INPUT:
Pearl City Community Association - No report.
Manana Community Association - No report.
Pacific Palisades Community Association - No report.
Pearl City Foundation - No report.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 23, FEBRUARY 27 MARCH 27, APRIL 24, MAY 22, JUNE 26 AND JULY 24, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The following corrections were made:
For the February 27 2007 regular meeting minutes -
· Page 6, at top, it should read, "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 Pacheko Park will be done at the end of March 2007."
For the May 22, 2007 regular meeting minutes -
- Page 1, at bottom regarding Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) questions, it should read, "Questions, comments and concerns followed: Takahashi inquired about a portable trash can fire at Highlands Intermediate School (HIS); Firefighter Hasuda replied that the incident is under investigation."
Takahashi moved; Coleman seconded that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 approves all minutes from January to July 2007 as corrected. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously.
ACCEPTANCE OF JULY AND AUGUST 2007 TREASURER’S REPORTS: Takahashi moved; Imamura-Uruu seconded that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 26 accepts the Treasurer's report. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously.
COMMITTEE REFERRALS:
EXECUTIVE (EXEC) - Acting Chair Vina, asked for approval to submit a letter to Executive Secretary Joan Manke of Neighborhood Commission to retain the assignment of service to Neighborhood Board No. 21 for Rachel Glanstein. As there were no objections, the approval was granted.
HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE (HEW) - Acting Chair Veray reported: 1) Regarding “A Night with the Finest” HPD Presentation/Discussion on August 21, 2007, he gave a positive evaluation. 2) Regarding "Action on Resolution Rescinding of EPA Variance for Secondary Treatment of Effluent for Sand Island and Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plants," there was no report.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION (TT) - Acting Chair Vina reported: 1) OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report - No report. 2) Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Update - No report. 3) Transit Oriented Development Conference Report - The Conference report is on a DVD. 4) H-1 Westbound (Waiau off-ramp) and Moanalua Road (Ewa-bound) Merging Traffic Lane Conflicts - He wrote a letter to the City & County of Honolulu and the State, but he has received no reply. 5) Home Depot: Traffic Concerns at Kamehameha Highway Entrance - This agenda item was already discussed. 6) Waiawa Road Jurisdiction Inquiry - This is a private road and should be dropped from the agenda. 7) Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 2 - Pearl City, Section 1 (Manana and Momilani): Re-striping of Existing Crosswalks - City will re-stripe lines. 8) No Left Turn Proposal for Westbound Traffic on Hoomalu Street into Puu Poni Street - He will draft a letter to Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reporting the back-up on Moanalua Road.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND ZONING (DPZ) - Chair Furutani reported: 1) Waimano Department of Health (DOH) Medical/Bio-Safety Laboratory - Ratification of August 28, 2007 Committee Action to Support Level 3 Adequacy Certification; Community Site Visit with Waimano Ridge Master Plan Task Force. Nyuha moved; Coleman seconded that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 26 write a letter informing Governor Linda Lingle that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board acknowledge that the State has complied with the 90-day notification per Act 7, Special Session Laws of 2005. And that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board supports the State Laboratories Certification to a BSL-3 Lab. And that the letter also is sent to Pearl City area Representatives. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously. 2) Hawaii Army National Guard Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan Draft EA – Waiawa Gulch Facilities, Waihona Street. No report. 3) U.S. Marine Corps Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan EA and Draft FONSI – Manana Housing Area, Pearl City Annex Warehouses. No report. 5) Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Summit - Joint with HEW and LCIP: Ratification of August 28, 2007 Committee Action to Request Approval of an Appropriation of not more than $82.00 from the Board’s Operating Account to Send Four (4) Members to the September 22, 2007 Forum. Furutani moved; Nyuha seconded that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 26 authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Operating Account for four members to attend the "Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Summit at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom and that the cost shall not exceed $82.00. The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously.
LEGISLATIVE AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS (LCIP) - Chair Myrtle Nyuha reported: 1) Regarding the response to the City Auditor’s report on the Neighborhood Board System Operation, at the September 18 Committee meeting, they agreed to keep this item in the LCIP committee for action after the Neighborhood Commission (NC) reviewed and send report to Neighborhood Board (NB). 2) Regarding the City Council Neighborhood Board Review Task Force update, Nyuha distributed printed minutes of the Neighborhood Board Review Task Force meetings. For a copy of the minutes, questions or concerns, please contact Nyuha at the next meeting. 3) Regarding the 2007 Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP), they will - A) propose a motion for the authorization of operational account expenditure to provide copies for Board members to review and provide input. B) present the details at the October 16, 2007 Committee Meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation at 7:00 p.m.). Please read this Draft RNP several times, so when Rachel Glanstein explains where it needs to be changed, you will be familiar with the text. 4) Regarding the Waimano Ridge Master Plan: Infrastructure Funding (SB#8l0), as discussed on September 18 with circulated letter, dated July 11, 2007, from Governor: Linda Lingle; monies are in the process of being spent. However, the last paragraph on page 1 reads that this bill is flawed. So, it is clear that public fund cannot be used to provide salaries or hourly compensation for task force members and they were not paid. 5) Regarding the Neighborhood Board Orientation comments and future training session schedule, there is no planned training as of September 24. Nyuha spoke to Neighborhood Commissioner Jeanette Nekota, who shared that there is no Commission meeting until October 22, 2007. Nyuha wants other Board members' input for training ideas. Chair Fukushima suggested an all-day training getting to meet and understand City & County Departments' functions and processes. This could be an agenda item. 6) At the September 24 Neighborhood Commission meeting, they discussed the need to start planning for the upcoming Legislative actions on the "Sunshine Law.” Nyuha feels there truly needs to be a “united effort” to get this going and worked on by all Neighborhood Board. Please let her know how you are able to help.
Nyuha moved; Coleman seconded that the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 26 authorizes the expenditure of funds from the Operating Account for the mailout of the 2007 Revised Neighborhood Plan (RNP). The motion was ADOPTED, unanimously.
PUBLICITY/REFRESHMENTS (P/R) - Because of her resignation, Chair Imamura-Uruu will let the new Chair report next month.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
· The next Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 7 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria
· The next regular Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 6:30 p.m., Highlands Intermediate School Cafeteria.
· Tour de Trash: Field Trip to Recycling and Waste Processing Facilities, Thursday, September 27, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Kapolei Hale; call 692-5410 to register.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Submitted by K. Russell Ho
Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by Vice Chair Cruz Vina, Jr.