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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2006
WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK
CALL TO ORDER: Chair George Yakowenko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was not present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marty Burke (excused), Constante Domingo (excused), Connie Herolaga (excused), Irene Elston (excused), Reggie Garcia, Craig Richter.
GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), R. Scott Belford (Senator Wil Espero’s office), Captain Kevin Browne (HFD), Sgt. Ken Miyazaki, Lt. Ben Ballesteros and Maj. Debora Tandal (HPD), Jane and Rodney Nishihara (BWS), Scott Ishikawa (DOT), Jon Peard (DOH), Rick McComb (U.S. Air Force), Manual Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Pat Lee (Honolulu High-Capacity Corridor Transit Project), Don Robbins (West O’ahu Current), Kevin Funasaki (Castle & Cooke), David Johnson (Weston), Ron Lee (St. Francis), Vicky Gaynor (Community Planning), Ray Rodriguez (Ewa Neighborhood Board), James and Elvia Aragon, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND BOARD MEMBERS – At the request of Chair Yakowenko, everyone introduced themselves at this time.
CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Yakowenko stated: 1) Since the Board has no quorum, this will be an informational meeting only. 2) He asked guests to sign-in on the guests list before leaving the meeting. 3) Anyone wishing to speak, must first be recognized by the chair. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. 4) The exit gate will be closed, please leave the same way you came in. 5) After the meeting, Board members will take a photograph for the Neighborhood Board website. 6) Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues is back with the Board. After numerous telephone calls to the Neighborhood Commission Office, Executive Secretary Joan Manke, decided to have Rodrigues continue to service the Board. Rodrigues is like family. 7) Last month’s meeting was videotaped and will be shown four times on Olelo. The times are April 30 – 9:00 a.m.; May 5 – 2:00 p.m.; May 6 – 3:00 p.m.; and May 8 – 3:00 p.m. The Board will vote at next month’s meeting whether to air its meetings on Olelo or continue to publish in Midweek. He asked for feedback, comments can be sent to either him or Richard Oshiro. 8) At June’s meeting, elections of officers will be held. He has been Chair since January, when former Chair C.O. “Andy” Anderson passed away. He has no interest in serving as Chair and would rather serve as Vice Chair.
FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUBDISTRICTS 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.
APPROVAL OF MARCH 23, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Maus read the Financial Statement for the month of March 2006. The Operating Account expenses were $37.48, leaving a balance of $1,214.50. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $380.77. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.
OFFICIAL REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Kevin Browne reported: 1) For the month of March, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 15 fires and 150 medical emergencies. Major incidents: fire on Leihaku Street and tragic traffic accident on Kunia Road. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen,
even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.”
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Ben Ballesteros reported the statistics for the month of March in the Waipahu area: 16 assaults; 72 auto thefts; 22 auto theft recoveries; 42 burglaries; 40 criminal property damages; 3 drug/narcotics; 208 motor vehicle collisions; 10 O.V.U.I.I; 5 robberies; 60 thefts; 55 UEMV’s; and 3,028 calls for service in Waipahu (42% of the calls were for service). Arrests: adults – 75, juveniles – 36.
Maj. Debora Tandal introduced herself, she is the new commander for this district (Aiea, Pearl City and Waipahu). She used to work in this area when she was a sergeant. If anyone has any concerns, feel free to call or visit her office.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Oshiro congratulated Maj. Tandal. Chair Yakowenko also congratulated her. In addition, he welcomed Maj. Tandal and invited her to attend future Board meetings.
2) Tokioka mentioned there was a domestic violence/trespassing case in his neighborhood. Lt. Ballesteros suggested the next time an incident of this nature occurs to call 911 immediately and the responding officer will determine if the person is trespassing.
3) Saniatan asked how do we make Kunia Road safer. Lt. Ballersteros answered it’s up to the traffic engineers to determine. Sgt. Ken Miyazaki said HPD tries to take a pro-active approach. Occasionally, they will put one to two officers on special assignment to enforce speeding. Duhaylonsod inquired if there are any leads to the recent tragic traffic accident. Maj. Tandal stated they do have the suspect’s license plate number; they just need eyewitnesses to come forward. Oshiro said it’s not an enforcement problem, but a problem with the design of the road. The only way to fix the problem is to either widen the road or put rubber delineators in the middle of the road to separate traffic. Maj. Tandal indicated HPD would support anything that would prevent accidents. It’s better if the engineers look at different solutions since HPD does not have the knowledge or expertise. Both Chair Yakowenko and Duhaylonsod had concerns about reckless drivers. Maj. Tandal suggested calling 911 when you witness a motorist driving erratically.
4) Chair Yakowenko questioned what happened to the judicial-side of addressing graffiti. He would like to see jail time for those convicted of graffiti. Hawai’i is a tourist designation and we need to preserve the beauty of the islands. He does his part by participating in graffiti cleanup. Although graffiti is a growing problem, he appreciates HPD’s efforts. Maj. Tandal said she would notify the Board the next time the issue comes before the Legislature.
5) A resident had concerns about the homeless occupying the abandoned property near Dr. Maffei’s office on Kahuailani Street. Maj. Tandal said she would find out who is the owner of the building. Duhaylonsod noted she is the legal agent for the property, therefore, any action involving the property she has to be present. Sgt. Aaron Farias of Weed and Seed is aware of the issue. Lt. Ballersteros said Councilmember Garcia has been very supportive.
Chair Yakowenko thanked Maj. Tandal for coming.
HPD Weed & Seed – No report or representative was available.
Chair Yakowenko said Joan Manke, Executive Secretary (ES) of the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO), asked all Neighborhood Board Chairs to move the Mayor’s representative to the beginning of their agenda.
Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) Chair Yakowenko was recognized as the 2006 Outstanding Community Senior by the City. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) She asked the Board to give Manke some time as the new ES. Manke heard the Board’s concerns, reviewed the Neighborhood Assistants’ assignments and reassigned Rodrigues to the Waipahu Neighborhood Board. 3) In checking with NCO staff, a telephone message could not be located from Russell Roller. 4) Manke acknowledged that the treasurers report was not made available to the Board in a timely manner. As of today, it is up to date. 5) The Board’s resolution in support of Kipapa Bike Path project was submitted to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), but the jurisdiction falls under the State Department of Transportation (DOT). She is still waiting for the Mayor’s position on this issue. He has been busy dealing with the sewer concerns. 6) Recycled products displayed at last month’s meeting can be purchased by calling the City’s Recycling Office at 692-5410. 7) “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter, was circulated to the Board. Copies are available on the City’s website at www.honolulu.gov.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Roller mentioned he had a good conversation with Manke regarding retaining Rodrigues. Nishimoto said he also spoke with Manke. He wanted to thank Manke on her decision.
2) Chair Yakowenko said for the past 40 years there has been a Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program. Anyone can submit a nomination. He was one of 96 seniors recognized. One of the individual was 100 years old. He encouraged everyone to nominate a senior and not wait until the person passes away.
3) Nishimoto offered his appreciation to the Mayor for the Honolulu Festival. He did have a concern regarding the cost of the rides, games and food. More people would’ve attended the event if everything weren’t so costly. He suggested that the next time an event of this nature is planned that they look into the prices.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: There were no residents’ concerns.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Castle & Cooke – Kevin Funasaki gave a brief update on the Waipio Point project. House construction will begin mid-May with the first delivery in the third quarter of 2006. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2007. Phase I sales were held in February, phase II sales began this month and phase III sales will commence May 15, 2006. Houses are priced in the mid $500,000 range. They did receive one complaint regarding speeding and dust control. A monthly meeting with their contractor is held to discuss concerns. If anyone has any concerns, please call their field office at 678-2261 or their 24-hour hotline at 479-4208.
Funasaki answered the following: 1) Phase II sales have started out very strong. A lot of people want to stay in Waipahu. 2) This is the only Castle & Cooke project scheduled for Waipahu. 3) There have been concerns regarding traffic, parking, etc. Castle & Cooke has been working with the community since day one. 4) The site experienced some flooding from the recent rains. Since the property is raised and drainage is already installed, they damage was minimum. 5) They did monitor the water quality basin.
Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – The Neighborhood Assistant circulated Burke’s monthly community report. Burke sent his regrets.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – Scott Ishikawa stated: 1) Farrington Highway Rehabilitation project began April 9, 2006. 2) Kunia Road Improvement project is basically done. 3) H-1 Freeway widening, Ewa bound, in Pearl City – they finally had good weather on the weekend to pour concrete. 4) This is the first time he can remember that there was an accident on the lower part of Kunia Road. He spoke to DOT Director Rod Haraga to install delineators to separate two-way traffic. Their concern is whether they can put something in that won’t cause an accident. 5) Click-it-or-Ticket seatbelt enforcement is coming up. Buckling up increases your chances of surviving an accident.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) In response to Nishimoto regarding potholes on Farrington Highway, Ishikawa acknowledged there was a problem. DOT will repave the entire stretch of the highway in Waipahu.
2) Oshiro mentioned he asked Maj. Tandal whether HPD would support installing delineators or widening Kunia Road and her response was that a study would first need to be done. Ishikawa stated they did take look at the costs. There is a project in OMPO to widen Kunia Road (long-term plan). Once you widen the road, motorists tend to drive faster. He will take back the suggestions.
3) Roller indicated Kunia Road has the same safety problems as Farrington Highway in Wai’anae. He suggested installing barriers in the middle of the road.
Leeward YMCA – Manual Ayala reported: 1) He circulated copies of newspaper articles relating to the YMCA. Cost of the new Leeward YMCA is $14.3 million. Grants and fundraising efforts have left them $3 million short of that goal. He encouraged the community to step-up their efforts to reach the goal. 2) An open invitation to the community was made to tour the facility. For more information, please call 671-6495. 3) He also circulated a booklet detailing YMCA’s summer programs.
OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Maus had no report.
Waipahu Community Association (WCA) – No report or representative was available.
Waipahu Community Foundation – Roller announced the deadline to submit an application for the next quarterly grant is Friday, June 2. He encouraged non-profit youth organizations in the Waipahu area to apply. Applications are available through him or at the Waipahu High School administration office. If anyone needs assistance in filling out the application or wants an electronic copy of the application, please contact him at 671-6636.
Hickam AFB – Air Force Pipeline Cleaning through Crestview and Waipio – Rick McComb, U.S. Air Force, stated the project includes cleaning a single 10-inch steel fuel line. They will “jet” the line. In the Waipahu area, the line will be installed from Kauku to Lumiuku. A total of 40 miles of pipeline will be cleaned. After the project is completed, they will go back and fix the leaks. He will be back in the future to give updates. David Johnson, Weston, added a lot of work will be done on the bike path. It will take one week to work in each execution. The entire project should be completed in three months.
McComb and Johnson answered the following: 1) They know where the sewer lines are located. 2) This project goes beyond the Environmental Assessment (EA) review. 3) The Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meets monthly.
PRESENTATIONS:
Franciscan Vistas Ewa – Development by St. Francis Residential Care Community – Ron Lee said their mission is to serve the aging population of Hawai’i through a complete spectrum of pre and post-hospital care services ranging from independent senior living and nursing home care to home care and hospice services. Their “Live at Home” program provides adults over 55 with the comprehensive services they need and want at the right time, in the right amounts and in the right setting. At all stages of life, at all levels of care, Live at Home offers important features that create value, security and peace of mind. The Franciscan Vistas Ewa project includes senior housing rentals (Hawaiian plantation style townhouses); Workforce housing – for sale (National/Mill Character style townhouses); Garden Courts (Hawaiian plantation style townhouses); and a senior community center. There will be a total of 327 residential units. Landscaping will include plants with healing remedies. The project is in the conceptual stage.
In response to a resident, Lee stated they don’t have a price yet. They are doing a feasibility study.
Chair Yakowenko noted the Board will not be taking any action on this matter since there isn’t a quorum.
Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor (HHCTC) Project – Pat Lee and Vicky Gaynor circulated information on the HHCTC project. HHCTC will run from UH Manoa and end at the City center in Kapolei. It’s the fastest growing corridor on O’ahu. Approximately 93% of the population growth will occur in this 23-mile corridor. Federal funds will be sought for this project. The four alternatives that will be considered in the Alternatives Analysis are: 1) No Build Alternative – identifying all planned projects and describing how our transportation system will look in 2030; 2) Transportation System Management Alternative – new transit locations were identified and an enhanced bus route network with increased bus service; 3) Managed Lane Alternative – includes a second option that provides a reversible feature allowing two lanes of east-bound (town-bound) traffic during the morning peak period and west-bound (Ewa-bound) traffic during the afternoon peak period. This means there are now two options: one with traffic flowing in both directions all day and the other with both lanes reversible depending on the time of the day; 4) Fixed Guideway Alternative – in order to facilitate a mix-and-match of fixed Guideway alignments along the length of the
project, the corridor was divided into five regional sections: a) Kapolei/Ewa; b) Waipahu/Pearl City/Aiea; c) Aloha Stadium/Pearl Harbor/Airport/Salt Lake; d) Kalihi/HCC/Iwilei/Liliha; e) Chinatown/Downtown/Kakaako/Ala Moana/UH Manoa/Waikiki. The City Council has to select an alternative by the end of the year. Lee will keep the Board updated on a monthly basis. For more information, visit www.honolulutransit.org.
Oshiro asked who comes up with the alternatives. Gaynor answered City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is the lead on the project. DTS is working closely with the consultant Parsons Brinkerhoff. Lee added that the No Build alternative was required by the federal government.
Proposed Groundwater Remediation Plan at the Former Waipahu Sugar Mill – John Peard, State Department of Health (DOH), stated the DOH Voluntary Response Program (VRP) was created in 1997 to facilitate the reuse of contaminated property in a manner that protects human health and the environment. In some cases, the VRP law provides relief from liability for eligible parties who have not contributed to existing conditions on a specific site and who participate in a DOH-approved VRP project. Prior to granting final approval to a remedy for contamination at a site, DOH is required to inform the public and consider all comments and concerns received during the public comment period. After satisfactory completion of a VRP project, the DOH director will issue a letter of completion. Sugar Mill Glen, LLC is the owner of the former Waipahu Sugar Mill property. The property consists of one parcel totaling 15.3 acres and is commercially and industrially zoned. Sugar Mill Glen is proposing to construct industrial condominiums and commercial building at the site (Collin Miyamoto made a presentation at February’s Board meeting). The onsite buildings were demolished 12 years ago and the site has since remained vacant and vegetated. Two areas of contamination on the site are being addressed under the VRP. The first area has low concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds in ground water at the southern portion of the property. The second area contains diesel fuel and associated chemical constituents in the soil and groundwater, as well as phase-separated product (free product) on groundwater near the former Mill Fueling Area at the northern portion of the property. A number of remedial options were considered to address the contamination remaining on site. The preferred remedial action selected was Institutional controls to eliminate the potential for exposure. DOH encourages the public to review and comment on the Draft Remedial Action Memorandum (RAM) and proposed remedy for this project during the comment period through May 5.
Nishimoto had concerns about the containments affecting the ground water. Peard stated most water for Waipahu comes from deep wells. Across Waipahu Street is non-potable water.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Board Consensus on how to expend Board’s FY06 Publicity Account Funds (Olelo versus Midweek) – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.
Redistricting Waipahu Neighborhood Board Seats – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.
NEW BUSINESS:
City Council Resolution 06-147 to name the road leading into and exiting Waipahu Cultural Garden Park after the late C.O. “Andy” Anderson – Deferred due to a lack of quorum.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Jane and Rodney Nishihara circulated BWS’ monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) There were two main breaks in the month of March in Waipahu. Both were 6” mains and 47 years old. Both were fire hydrant laterals; one was a result of a vehicle damaging the fire hydrant 2) Information was provided on how the recent rains have affected the water supply. 3) Water conservation tip: “The height at which you mow your lawn can have a direct effect on how much and how often you water it. Make sure you know what the correct height is for the type of grass you have on your lawn. Leaving grass cuttings on your lawn can help soil retain moisture naturally.” 4) A public hearing on water rates will be held on May 15, BWS Board Room at 2:00 p.m. BWS is recommending a 13% increase from $1.77 per thousand gallons to $2.00 per thousand gallons. It would represent a $3.23 increase in the typical residential customer’s monthly charge. The last increase was on July 1, 1995.
In response to Roller, Jane Nishihara stated once the BWS Board approves the rate increase it will go into effect. They do not need City Council approval. BWS do not operate the sewer system. Although they collect the fees, the revenues go to the City. You will also see an increase in your sewer fees.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Councilmember Garcia circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Attached to his report is a letter he sent to the Mayor expressing the concerns of the community regarding the proposed affordable housing project between Mokuola and Paiwa Streets. A petition, signed by area residents, was also included with the letter. 2) Baring any unforeseen complications, the connector road – between Waipahu and Village Park will hopefully be opened next month. The road will be called Aiki Street. He, his staff, City administration and the construction team conducted a final walk through. 3) Two City buildings have changed to energy conversion: Honolulu Municipal Building and the new HFD headquarters building on South Street.
Councilmember Gary Okino – Karen Scharfenstein circulated Councilmember Okino’s monthly report was available for questions.
Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.
Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto sent his regrets.
Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update” and reported Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai’i (HCDCH) does not have any other non-ceded land available for meaningful development of affordable housing (Oshiro’s concern).
A resident had concerns that the new schools are being built with air-conditioning. She asked if there is any other alternative to air-conditioning. Lopez answered it makes it difficult for children to learn when the temperature inside of the classroom is hot, especially on the Leeward side.
Senator Will Espero – R. Scott Belford circulated Senator Espero’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Senator Esepro sends his regrets. 2) The Legislature appropriated funding for Pohala Marsh. 3) UH West O’ahu did not receive any funding this session. 4) Their end of session report will be available in a few weeks.
Senator Brian Kanno – No report or representative was available.
Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara’s monthly report was circulated.
Representative Rida Cabanilla – Belford circulated Representative Cabanilla’s monthly report.
Representative Jon Karamatsu – No report or representative was available.
Representative Mark Moses – Representative Moses circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1)
Representative Alex Sonson – Belford circulated Representative Sonson’s monthly report.
Representative Ryan Yamane – Councilmember Garcia circulated Representative Yamane’s monthly report.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant