Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

 http://wwww.honolulu.gov/nco/nb22/06/22_2006_07Min.PDF

WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 27, 2006

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Andrade, Charles Arnold, Marty Burke, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Irene Elston, Terry Healey, Thomas Maus, Robert Tokioka III.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, James Nakatani (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), Senator Clarence Nishimoto, Jan Lehner (Senator Brian Kanno’s office), R. Scott Belford (Senator Wil Espero’s office), Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa, Representative Jon Karamatsu, Representative Mark Moses, Representative Ryan Yamane, Sgt. Lui Pestana and Lt. Guy DeMello (HPD), Officer Matthew Fong and Officer Brant Pia (HPD Weed & Seed), Sgt. Deborah Wilson (HPD Equestrian Unit), Pat Lee (HHCCTP), Steven K. and Colin Miyamoto (Avalon Development), Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographers), Sparky Rodrigues (Olelo), Lei Furukawa (University of Phoenix), Richard Costa, Noelle Santos Costa, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND BOARD MEMBERS – At the request of Chair Oshiro, everyone introduced themselves.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro announced to everyone that they would have to exit Waipahu Cultural Garden Park the same way they entered (through the front gate).

FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUBDISTRICTS 7, 8, 9 – Chair Oshiro asked if there were any candidates to fill any of the vacancies. If so, please come before the Board and provide your address to Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues. There were no candidates present. Chair Oshiro said if you know of anyone who lives in the aforementioned subdistricts and are willing to serve on the Board to please ask them to attend the next meeting.

APPROVAL OF JUNE 22, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Yakowenko moved and Duhaylonsod seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for the months of May and June 2006. For the month of May, the Operating Account expenses were $56 57, leaving a balance of $1,122.71. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving a balance of $605 78. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. For the month of June, the Operating Account expenses were $35.64, leaving a balance of $1,087.07. The Publicity Account expenses were $473.93, leaving a balance of $131.85. 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) – No report or representative was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Lui Pestana reported the statistics for the month of June in the Waipahu area: 10 assaults; 46 auto thefts; 56 auto theft recoveries; 30 burglaries; 54 criminal property damages; 9 drug/narcotics; 146 motor vehicle collisions; 1 O.V.U.I.I; 2 robberies; 3 thefts; 30 UEMV’s; and 3,066 calls for service in Waipahu (43.55% of the calls were for service). Arrests: adults – 72, juveniles – 22 (see attachment).

Herolaga requested HPD’s report be included in the Board mailout. The Neighborhood Assistant will follow-up.

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Matthew Fong reported: 1) He introduced himself and Officer Brant Pia, who is new to Weed & Seed. 2) Weed & Seed participated in the July 22, 2006 Pupu area cleanup. They worked with the Waipahu Improvement Association and the Lighthouse Church. Officers had 17 vehicles towed and tagged 21 vehicles for various infractions. 3) They will be attending the National Weed & Seed Convention on August 14-17, 2006 in Arizona.

Chair Oshiro asked if Weed & Seed is associated with HPD’s Equestrian Division. Officer Fong answered Weed & Seed has a bike detail unit. He will speak with Maj. Tandal and follow-up at the next Board meeting.

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) The street lights on Akii Street (new connector road in Village Park) belongs to the City but there is a one-year warranty in effect, so the contractor is responsible for fixing the lights. Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Civil Division is the construction manager and will contact the contractor to fix the lights. 2) The Plantation Town Apartments was approved by the City Council last week. She commended Chair Oshiro, Domingo and Saniatan for testifying. 3) This morning the Honolulu Municipal Building and the Honolulu Civic Grounds were renamed after former Mayor Frank F. Fasi. 4) She encouraged everyone to watch the Mayor every Thursday on Olelo Channel 54, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Mayor is also on the radio: every Thursday on KINE 105.1 FM, 7:20 a.m.; and every Friday on KUMU 1500 AM, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. If anyone has questions, feel free to call-in. 5) Waianae Sunset on the Beach will be held on August 12-13, 2006, Maile Beach Park, 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Yakowenko asked when the audit of the Neighborhood Commission would be completed. Hufana-Ablan answered no information has been made available.

2)       In response to a concern that apartments not having their address displayed on their buildings, Hufana-Ablan stated there is no ordinance requiring it to be displayed.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Alleged Illegal Business in Neighborhood – Resident Noelle Santos Costa is concerned that 94-325 Paiwa Street is being used to run a maid service business. She questioned if it was legal. Also, employees are using all the street parking. She called HPD and DCAA, but has got no results. Chair Oshiro referred this issue to Hufana-Ablan.

Animal Control – Santos Costa stated animal control laws needs to be stronger. There is a dog in her neighborhood that bites other dogs. Chair Oshiro suggested contacting her state legislators. Senator Nishihara will speak with Santos Costa after the meeting.

Line-of-Site Problems – Burke said Waipio residents are concerned about vehicles parked too close to intersections causing line-of-site problems. This is especially dangerous for residents of streets connecting with Waipio Uka Street (he gave a list of the streets to Hufana-Ablan). Even though it has a posted 25 mph speed limit, most motorists drive 35 mph and over. The community association has corresponded with DTS who seem to believe that signs were posted. In fact, only one side of the street on one corner actually has a “No Parking from Here to Intersection” sign posted.

Condolences – Herolaga offered condolences, on behalf of the Board, to the Kajiwara family for the tragic loss of Mr. Susumu Kajiwara. Chair Oshiro echoed the same sentiments.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Castle & Cooke – No report or representative was available.

Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report and highlighted the following: 1) The Central O’ahu Regional Park Advisory Committee has agreed to send a letter to the

Mayor urging him to locate HPD’s Mounted Unit to Central O’ahu Regional Park. The committee is also asking the Waipahu and Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Boards to pass a resolution supporting the proposal. The Mililani and Pearl City Neighborhood Boards have already passed similar resolutions. 2) Waipio Soccer Facility - The City and the Navy are making substantial progress to allow more restrooms to be installed nearer the fields. The Mayor has included $1.55 million in the fiscal year 2007 budget for design, construction and inspection of two restroom facilities. 3) The 2008 AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) National Championships and HYSA (Hawai’i Youth Soccer Association) Snickers Far West Regional Championship Tournament are both scheduled for Waipio Point. 4) The UH Wahine soccer schedule begins at the Waipio Point soccer stadium in September.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor (HHCTC) Project – Pat Lee said HHCTC is a 23-mile corridor, from UH Manoa to Kapolei The second round of meetings were held last month. He thanked those who attended the meetings. For those who were unable to attend, please visit www.honolulutransit.org or call 566-2299. He requested to be placed on September’s agenda.

Leeward YMCA – Jan Lehner reported: 1) Pau Hana Night will be held on August 15, 2006, 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 671-6495. 2) Fundraising efforts are ongoing for the new Leeward YMCA. The cost of the project is $13.5 million. 3) A retirement party for Senator Kanno is being planned. The cost is $25 per person and all proceeds will go to the building of the new Leeward YMCA.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – No report.

Waipahu Community Association (WCA) – No report or representative was available.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Roller announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is September 1, 2006. Approximately $16,000 is awarded each quarter. 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.

Announcements – 1) Chair Oshiro announced: a) The Waipahu Neighborhood Board will recess in August and instead sponsor a Candidates Forum on August 24, 2006, August Ahrens School, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; b) The dedication of the C.O. “Andy” Anderson Reading Room at the Waipahu Public Library will be held on August 2, 2006, 6:30 p.m. 2) Lei Furukawa announced University of Phoenix will hold an Open House on September 6, 2006, Kapolei Campus, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 536-2686 or http://graduate.phoenix.edu. 3) Burke announced that the Gentry Waipio Community Association has a new website www.certifiedhawaii.com.

PRESENTATIONS:

Sugar Mill Center – Mill Town Update – Collin Miyamoto of Avalon Development, gave a brief update on the Sugar Mill Center project. The project encompasses almost 15 acres, which is zoned commercial and I-2 (industrial). Approximately 13 acres are zoned I-2 and 1.67 acres are zoned commercial. They will still pursue the road to connect Mokuola and Waipahu Streets

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Chair Oshiro, Miyamoto stated the project will be similar to the Mill Town project (i.e. distribution, warehouse.)

2)       Yakowenko mentioned another developer has named their project Sugar Mill Center. Miyamoto thanked Yakowenko for the information. He will follow-up.

3)       Burke asked how does this project compare to the Waipahu Festival Market Place. Miyamoto answered the two projects will offer different segments of retail. Their project will compliment the festival market place.

4)       Andrade inquired if Avalon Development will be cleaning-up the hillside along Waipahu Street. Miyamoto said once the lots are sold to individual owners, the owners will be responsible for cleaning-up the area.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Redistricting Waipahu Neighborhood Board Seats – Herolaga, Chair of the Redistricting Committee, requested to defer this item to the next Board meeting since she was waiting for a large boundary map from the Neighborhood Commission Office.

NEW BUSINESS:

Motion Needed to Expend Funds from Operating Account for Candidates Forum – Sparky Rodrigues said the estimated cost of producing the Waipahu Neighborhood Board Candidates Forum is approximately $100 (dinner for the student production crew and the cost of the videotape). Yakowenko moved and Nishimoto seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 authorize not more than $300.00 from its Operating Account to use for its Candidates Forum (including rental of August Ahrens School Cafeteria). Discussion ensued. Burke mentioned he still hasn’t received approval from August Ahrens School to use their facilities. The motion carried unanimously. Chair Oshiro thanked Rodrigues for his efforts.

Resolution in Support of Locating HPD’s Equestrian Division (Mounted Unit) at Central O’ahu Regional Park – Burke circulated a proposed resolution asking the Board to support locating HPD’s Equestrian Division to Central O’ahu Regional Park. Sgt. Deborah Wilson of HPD Equestrian Division, stated the program was created by former Chief Lee Donohue in 2002 with nine horses and six riders. The unit provides great service to the citizens of O’ahu through safety and educational awareness programs, crowd control, searches, and patrol of high crime areas. The Central O’ahu Regional Park is a perfect fit for the mounted unit because of its vast size. She patrolled the park today. Parks have become a place for unsavory elements (i.e. drinking, drugs, etc.). Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support a resolution locating HPD’s Equestrian Division (Mounted Unit) to Central O’ahu Regional Park (see attachment). The motion carried unanimously. (A round of applause was given at this time).

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Chair Oshiro said Jane and Rodney Nishihara sent their regrets, along with their report. In addition, Rodney Nishihara may be retiring and BWS is looking for a replacement to the Board.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia’s monthly report. In addition, Councilmember Garcia reported: 1) He thanked Chair Oshiro, Board members Burke, Domingo, Saniatan, and residents Mr. Kajiwara and Mr. Uyeno for testifying on the Plantation Town Apartments Affordable Housing Project. 2) As a result of a concern from a resident, he will ask the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to revisit requiring numbers on buildings, apartments, houses, etc. There are a number of buildings in the Pupu area that does not have numbers. It’s a public safety issue (if HFD, EMS or HPD have to respond to an emergency and can’t locate the address). 3) As Chair of the Parks Committee, he supports HPD’s Mounted Unit at Central O’ahu Regional Park.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Chair Oshiro said Karen Scharfenstein of Councilmember Okino’s office sent her regrets.

Congressman Ed Case – James Nakatani circulated Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter. In addition, he stated he conducted a site visit to Mr. Costa’s residence and confirmed that there is standing water on his property. He called BWS, but it doesn’t fall under their jurisdiction. Nakatani suggested Mr. Costa write a letter to the State Legislature for assistance. It’s a bizarre situation.

Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update”. In addition, he stated the Governor is still committed to have the Super Ferry come to fruition. More information will be provided in the near future.

Department of Transportation (DOT) – Scott Ishikawa was unavailable.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto was unavailable.

Senator Wil Espero – R. Scott Belford circulated Senator Espero’s monthly report and was available for questions. Belford announced that this will be his last meeting representing Senator Espero, as he will be following his dream to become an elected official. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Senator Brian Kanno – Jan Lehner circulated Senator Kanno’s monthly report and was available for questions.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara circulated his monthly report and was available for questions.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Yakowenko questioned why Representative Moses has never been included in the Waipahu Legislative Town Meetings. Senator Nishihara stated if the announcement is printed in the newspaper all the participating Legislators will split the costs.

2)       Roller discussed the effects of the proposal by the Department of Education (DOE) Committee on Weights II to set a foundation for weighted student formula implementation. In the near term, this approach could cost Waipahu district schools significant funding. The issue is student learning and achievement. We need to ensure Waipahu schools receive equitable resources considering any specific weighted factors, highly qualified teachers, and evidence-based classroom instruction. One way the community can become involved is to provide testimony to the Committee on Weights II and the Board of Education (BOE) and its committees concerning this issue.

Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa – Representative Cabanilla circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She’s looking forward to the Candidates Forum. 2) She sent a letter to the Governor regarding the Plantation Town Apartments project and the concerns from the community. 3) Her monthly show is aired on Olelo Channel 54, Sundays at 7:00 p.m. This month’s show will address community association living. Next month’s show will focus on ballroom dancing. 4) The deadline to submit comments for the UH West O’ahu Draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS) is August 22, 2006. 5) Regarding why Representative Moses was not invited to the town meeting, because he did not want to contribute to the costs.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Representative Karamatsu circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) His relationship with the Governor has improved. She has released funding for two of his Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): a) Air-condition for Honowai Elementary School Library; b) Additional lighting on the lower campus of Waikele Elementary School. 2) He chaired the first collection drive of clothing, stuffed animals, reading materials and coffee mugs for the Sex Abuse Treatment Center. For more information on the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, call 535-7600.

Herolaga asked if Waikele Elementary is at capacity. Representative Karamatsu answered it’s full but it’s not over capacity. He will follow-up.

Representative Mark Moses – Representative Moses circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) As a ranking member of the Public Safety Committee, he is very pleased the committee passed several badly needed anti-crime laws: a) Electronic enticement of a child; b) DNA testing; c) Identity theft; d) Electronic surveillance; e) Habitual violent offenders (Hawaii 3 Strikes); f) Fighting the war on ice. 2) On June 20, he participated in a White House Conference Call to discuss the efforts to enact a Presidential Line Item Veto act similar to the line-item veto powers that Hawai’i Governors have. 3) On June 19, the Lt. Governor signed three bills designed to reduce drunk driving and underage drinking and stem problem of alcohol-related vehicle accidents.

Yakowenko reiterated his concern why Representative Moses has not been invited to the Waipahu Legislative Town Meetings. (There was lengthy discussion on this issue). Representative Moses indicated he attended one of the town meetings only because he was informed by Yakowenko. He was approached to contribute to put an ad in a community newspaper, but he declined because the majority of his constituents do not receive the publication. Chair Oshiro said he didn’t want to get in the middle of this issue since it’s not a Neighborhood Board sponsored event, but a Legislative sponsored event. On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro wished Representative Moses a “Happy Birthday”.

Representative Alex Sonson – No report or representative was available.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Representative Yamane circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He apologized for missing the past Board meetings. 2) He did a ride-along with EMS. It was an eye opening experience. In the six-hour time period, they responded to four calls. There are only 18 stations on O’ahu and he’s trying to get funding for more. 3) His CIP item include $176,000 to install air-conditioning in seven classrooms and administration building at Kanoelani Elementary School. 4) As a former Waipahu Neighborhood Board member, he welcomed the new members. He also thanked the Board for a doing a good job.

Herolaga inquired if during the ride-along were patients taken to Pali Momi or St. Francis West. Representative Yamane answered it was equal, the patients from Pearl City was taken to Pali Momi while the patients from Waipahu were taken to St. Francis West. Herolaga asked how do patients request what hospital they want to be transferred. Hufana-Ablan, Senior Advisor with Emergency Services, said if the nearest hospital is full they are rerouted to the next nearest hospital. It’s the paramedics’ call. Representative Yamane said if the ambulance is taking you to St. Francis West and you want to go to Pali Momi, let the paramedics know.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:11 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant