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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006
WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK
CALL TO ORDER: Chair George Yakowenko called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marty Burke, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Reggie Garcia, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Craig Richter, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko, Connie Herolaga (appointed at this meeting).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), R. Scott Belford (Senator Wil Espero’s office), T. Ishii (Senator Brian Kanno’s office), Larry Takahashi (Senator Clarence Nishihara’s office), Representative Rida Cabanilla, Tom Berg (Representative Cabanilla’s office), Brandon Lee (Representative Ryan Yamane’s office), Captain Robert Moss (HFD), Officer Ken Miyazaki, Lt. Guy DeMello and Lt. William Weisskopf (HPD), Jane and Rodney Nishihara (BWS), Mike Tokujo, Stuart Ujimori, Dodge Watson and Jon Yamane (DDC), Scott Ishikawa (DOT), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Stan Fujimoto (HCDCH), Manual Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Darrlyn Bunda (Waipahu Community Association), Pat Lee (Honolulu High-Capacity Corridor Transit Project), Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Don Robbins (West O’ahu Current), Jennie Freeman and Lance and Stephanie Widner (Royal Kunia Community Association), Mike Kimura and Lloyd Sueda (Plantation Town Apartments), Tom Schnell (PBR Hawai’i), Kyle Hirano (James W. Glover), Kirt Pruyn (Hawaiian Dredging), Joseph O’Donnell (Hawai’i Ironworkers Union), Rona Lowthiy and Erlinda S. (FCCH), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (video producers), Joey A., Roldolfo Alfonso, Noelle Costa, Eralyn Cruz, Abraham De Jesus, Loretta Domingo, Mr. and Mrs. Galicinao, Leonora Gantala, Chae Hill, Mary Ann Kobayashi, Elvie Mamuad, John Millen, Don Molina, Jeffery Mooney, Gerardo P., Judy Parker, Maria Raquindin, Ben Sanchez, Jesus Santos, Orlando Soriano, Ken T., Barbara Thelin, Kimo Tuyah, Masu and Yuki Uyeda, 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.
(Maus arrived at 7:05 p.m.)
CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Yakowenko stated: 1) He asked guests’ to sign-in on the guests list before leaving the meeting. 2) Anyone wishing to speak, must first be recognized by the chair. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. 3) He thanked Connie Herolaga for opening the meeting facility and setting it up. 4) Bob Farrell will be videotaping one free meeting for the Board. After viewing the meeting on Olelo, the Board will make a decision whether to use its Publicity Account funds to air on Olelo or continue publishing in Midweek.
FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUBDISTRICTS 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 – Chair Yakowenko asked if there were any candidates willing to fill the vacancies in Subdistricts 6 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Connie Herolaga (a former Board member) introduced herself as a candidate for Subdistrict 6. Burke moved and Duhaylonsod seconded to appoint Connie Herolaga to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 6. The motion carried unanimously. Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues administered the Oath-of-Office to Herolaga at this time.
APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 23, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Duhaylonsod moved and Burke seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.
OFFICIAL REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative was present at this time, but arrived later in the meeting to make a report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. William Weisskopf reported the statistics for the month of February in the Waipahu area: 16 assaults; 75 auto thefts; 25 auto theft recoveries; 43 burglaries; 67 criminal property damages; 10 drug/narcotics; 192 motor vehicle collisions; 7 O.V.U.I.I; 2 robberies; 62 thefts; 57 UEMV’s; and 3,012 calls for service in Waipahu (45% of the calls were for service). Arrests: adults – 119, juveniles – 66.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Burke inquired about juvenile arrests. Lt. Weisskopf stated arrests included fights at school and an auto theft today at Waipahu District Park. Lt. Guy DeMello added there were truancy and runaway arrests.
2) Chair Yakowenko extended an invitation to the new major to attend the Board meetings. Lt. Weisskopf said he would have her attend.
HPD Weed & Seed – No report or representative was available.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Pat Lee circulated information on the transit corridor project. For more information, contact 566-2299 or visit www.honolulutransit.org. He asked to give regular updates.
(Roller arrived at 7:20 p.m.)
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) A golf cart, used for maintenance, was stolen from the park. A 17-year old was caught and now faces prosecution. 2) The aquatics facility is well used. Public lap swimming is a major and growing attraction, especially with the heated water. The natural gas-powered heating system is proving highly efficient. Weekday lap swimming is from 7 a.m.-10 a.m., 3 p.m.- 5 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; and weekends from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. 3) The operating concessionaire for the tennis facility continues to await a decision by the City about relocating its office from the starter shack to the new Tennis-Aquatics clubhouse. 4) The Waipahu Vision Team-funded playground apparatus is being enjoyed by keiki. 5) BWS rehab project – the project has been delayed due to the weather. 6) Waipio Soccer Facility – the City and the Navy continue to seek ways to allow more restrooms to be installed nearer the fields. 7) Newspaper article – there was no March (February highlights) article. Beginning in April, MidWeek will publish a community news section: the Board’s column, if publishing resumes, would appear there, rather than in the GO West ad supplement.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – Deferred until later in the meeting.
Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated copies of “BOE Highlights”. In addition, he stated: 1) He has been on BOE for the past two years, and during that time he has been making the rounds of the Neighborhood Boards in the Leeward district. He hasn’t been able to make the Waipahu Neighborhood Board meetings in the past because BOE held their meetings on the same night. On some occasions, he will be unable to attend the Neighborhood Board meetings because he covers the entire state. 2) The next BOE Community Meeting in this area will be held on April 5, Kapolei Middle School, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Herolaga thanked Harimoto and BOE for approving the request to name the Waipahu Public Library Young Adult Room after the late C.O. “Andy” Anderson. Harimoto said the Board was glad to do it.
2) Tokioka inquired about the new report card format. Harimoto stated the change was made to align it closer to state standards. They realize it’s been a difficult transition. There have been a lot of problems with consistency.
3) Burke, a member of Kanoelani School Community Based Management (SCBM) Council, said the word need to get out that concerns from a school needs be brought to the council. Also, he thinks the new report cards are a cop-out. It is too broad and badly defined.
The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.
OFFICIALS REPORTS, Continued:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Robert Moss reported: 1) He apologized for being late. They had to respond to an emergency. 2) For the month of February, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 15 fires, 130 medical emergencies, 16 hazardous calls and 51 miscellaneous calls. 3) Safety Tip: “Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation-surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497.
The agenda resumed regular order.
James W. Glover Inc. – Waipahu Street/Plantation Village Sewer Reconstruction – Kyle Hirano stated the sewer reconstruction project includes 2,100 feet of sewer line placement; 12 new sewer manholes along the sewer line; and it begins behind Saiki Motors through Hawai’i Plantation Village (behind administration building) to Awamoi Street. Construction begins May 15, 2006 and is expected to take one year to complete. Day work hours off roadway – 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., May 2006 – September 2006; Night work hours - 6 p.m. – 6 a.m., August 2006 – December 2006; Work hours on roadway – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., November 2006 – April 2007. During night work, noise will be kept to a minimum. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at 591-8977.
Leeward YMCA – Manual Ayala circulated a newsletter with Leeward YMCA construction update. In addition, he stated they are still on schedule for a grand opening in the first quarter of 2007. The total cost of the project is $13.5 million. He hopes the community will embrace the project. More information will be provided as it gets closer to the grand opening. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at 671-6495. He thanked everyone for their support.
OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Maus circulated his OMPO CAC report.
Richter said he expressed his disappointment at last week’s CAC meeting. OMPO has decided to delete the second access road for Leeward Community College. The community has fought long and hard for the road. A petition was signed by LCC students and the administration in support of the project. At one time, there was $10 million for the project. If there were ever an emergency, people wouldn’t be able to get out since there is only one egress/ingress. The Governor was at the school this week and got caught in the traffic. He asked the Board to write a letter to the Governor, OMPO and CAC and ask that the second access road be placed back on the agenda. Representative Moses, who sits on OMPO’s Policy Committee, indicated that if it’s not a regional project it will not receive federal funds. The City will now pursue the project.
Waipahu Community Association (WCA) – Darrlyn Bunda reported: 1) WCA should receive its building permit within three days for its Festival Market Place. Grand opening is scheduled for first quarter 2007. 2) For Earth Day, volunteers will be cleaning-up the stream along Waipahu Depot Road and Pohala Marsh. 3) Next week Tuesday’s Town Hall Meeting at August Ahrens School, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., will focus on preventing underage drinking. Guest speakers will be the Lt. Governor and MADD. A light supper will be served.
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. Last quarter, they awarded $18,000 in grants.
PRESENTATIONS:
Farrington Highway Rehabilitation Project – Scott Ishikawa, State Department of Transportation (DOT), stated they will repave Farrington Highway, in the vicinity of Old Fort Weaver Road to Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City. The project is 3.37 miles long. Work (prep) will begin on April 3 and is scheduled to be completed in October or November, weather permitting. Hours of work will be from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be no night work because of the close proximity of apartment buildings. The first portion of the project, landscaping, has already been completed. Repaving will begin on the Ewa side of Farrington Highway. Area businesses have been notified since it will affect their driveways. Grace Pacific is the contractor, the same company who did Moanalua Freeway. Regarding the widening of the H-1 Freeway in Waimalu, they lost four weekends of work because of the weather. They will try again this weekend. Four lanes will need to be closed to pour concrete.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) A resident said there is a lack of street signs on Old Fort Weaver Road.
2) Burke commended DOT for the landscaping on Farrington Highway. It seems people are responding and not littering as much. He also commended former legislator Cal Kawamoto and the late C.O. “Andy” Anderson for their efforts and hard work in making this project a reality.
3) Ishikawa said he agrees that a second access road is needed for LCC.
4) Richter thanked Ishikawa for being very supportive of the Waipahu community.
5) Chair Yakowenko asked Ishikawa if he would like to be on the monthly agenda. Ishikawa answered he would call before the next agenda is set.
6) Ishikawa stated they are done with the Kunia section with only striping and final grading to be completed. It will take another three to four weeks for Fort Weaver Road to be completed, weather permitting.
Plantation Town Apartments – Affordable Housing Project on Kau’olu Place – Lloyd Sueda, architect, said they plan to build two towers with 230 fee simple apartment units on a six-acre site on Kau’olu Place. The floor plan includes one, two and three bedroom units. Affordable housing is for people who make 80% below the median income (i.e. family of four would be $67,000). The current price for a single-family house on O’ahu is $614,000. The need for affordable housing has led to this project. The purpose of this project is to provide the maximum amount of affordable housing with the least amount of State resources. There will be no cost to the State. This project is not low-income, but affordable housing. Parking includes 386 master stalls, 33 visitors stalls and 10 ADA stalls. The building will be set back 50 feet from the closest neighbor. A gated fence will surround the property. There will also be a security parking area and a security entrance. Amenities include recreational facilities, picnic area, garden, children’s area, air-conditioned units, washer and dryer, etc. The color of the building will be neutral. Construction is scheduled to begin fall 2006. Wilson Okamoto Corporation has already completed a traffic study.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments included: 1) A resident supported the project. It will be a landmark for the community. 2) Kirt Pruyn of Hawaiian Dredging, said if the project is built, their company would build it. Hawaiian Dredging has been in Hawai’i for more than 100 years. They have previously built two projects for Mike Kimura. He asked the Board to support the project. 3) Joseph O’Donnell of Hawai’i Iron Workers Union, said they are in strong support of the project. This project will give families an opportunity to fulfill their dreams of owning their own home. 4) A resident said he’s been renting for the past 10 years. He has been trying to buy a house, but can’t afford the high asking prices. He’s in support of the project because it gives him an opportunity to purchase a home. 5) Oshiro had concerns about the project. It would be located in an already dense neighborhood. He asked if there is any other location with a lot more space (i.e. Kapolei). Kimura stated the land became available when Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawai’i (HCDCH) said they had six acres available, that’s when he became interested. 6) Burke inquired what plans are there to keep if affordable. Kimura answered the State would monitor. There will be a 10-year buyback and equity sharing. Burke had concerns about the soil conditions as the project is located in a flood plain. Kimura stated the State has been loading up the
soil for the past 25 years. He disagreed that it’s in a flood plain. 7) Kimura said the towers will be 105 feet high. Burke had concerns about the building blocking the sunlight for area residents. 8) In response to Saniatain, Kimura stated the State will require them to do a lottery for the units. Saniatan asked if it’s a for-profit project. Kimura answered yes. 9) Richter asked about a public report and association fees. Kimura answered they haven’t filed a public report yet. Association fees include $190 – one bedroom, $238 – two bedroom, and $276 – three bedroom. The fees are subject to increase, as determined by the board of directors. 10) Herolaga inquired about the traffic study. Kimura answered it did include the other proposed project for the area. Herolaga noted that Mokuola Street gets congested when there is an accident. She asked if resident of Nalii and Paiwa Streets were notified. Kimura answered yes. 11) Domingo commended Kimura for giving first time buyers an opportunity to purchase their own home. The prices are affordable. 12) A resident of Nalii Street said the traffic is really congested now and it will only get worse with this project. He had concerns that the project will be built next to his backyard. 13) A resident stated he’s not looking forward to the project. There is already traffic and parking problems, and the project will be built next to his house. The 105-feet towers will block the sunlight. 14) A resident, who lives and work in the area, said the project is needed to keep the people in the community. He hears all the concerns, which should be addressed. Traffic is going to be a problem wherever you go. 15) Chair Yakowenko asked Kimura what he needs from the Board. Kimura said he just wanted to come before the Board and inform the community about the project.
Proposed Rezoning of P-2 Land in Royal Kunia – Lance Widner, Royal Kunia Community Association (RCKA), stated there are two proposals for the 172-acre Royal Kunia Golf Course property. One is for residential development and the other is for a cemetery. A survey was sent to area residents and 58% responded. Results indicated that 11% in favor of residential development; 4% in favor of cemetery; 84% in favor of neither option; and 1% had no response. Senator Kanno introduced a resolution requesting the City to maintain the current zoning for the establishment of a park, golf course, or continued use of open space. Letters of support were provided.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Burke asked if RKCA has taken a position. Widner answered he was asked to first come to the Neighborhood Board. Burke noted that the Board will not take a position until RKCA takes a position.
2) Chair Yakowenko mentioned he and Oshiro attended January’s RCKA’s meeting and a lot of homeowners were opposed to rezoning. Oshiro echoed Chair Yakowenko’s comment.
3) Saniatan, who is a former member of RCKA, asked about impact fees ($20 million). Councilmember Garcia answered he’s not sure if impact fees still apply to this property. Also, RCKA can’t take an official position because the property is not in their area so it’s up to the elected officials. The owners have to go to the agency or the City Council. He will assist RCKA if they have a position. It’s a matter before the government (City) and the owner, not the association. Oshiro questioned if RCKA does not have jurisdiction, what other community association would have jurisdiction.
4) Burke disagreed with Councilmember Garcia. The Hawai’i Revised Statutes (HRS) gives RCKA bylaws, corporation charters, etc. Richter, who was a member of the Waikele Community Association, agreed with Burke. He said the answers can be found in the declaration. We can have comments, but the decision rests with the landowner.
5) Chair Yakowenko asked Widner to keep the Board updated.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Board Consensus on how to expend Board’s FY06 Publicity Account Funds (Olelo versus Midweek) – Chair Yakowenko mentioned this issue has been on the Board’s agenda for the past five to six months. After viewing tonight’s meeting on Olelo, the Board will have a better idea whether to stay with Midweek or go with Olelo. This item will be on next month’s agenda.
Redistricting Waipahu Neighborhood Board Seats – Chair Yakowenko noted this issue was thoroughly discussed at last month’s meeting. Since then, he has met with Executive Secretary Joan Manke and Elwin Spray of
the Neighborhood Commission Office. He described the steps needed in order to redistrict the Board seats. The change would not take effect until the 2009 elections. At this time, Chair Yakowenko asked for volunteers to sit on the Redistricting Committee. To comply with the Sunshine Law, an agenda must be filed six days prior to the meeting. After a brief discussion, Burke, Herolaga, Saniatan, Tokioka and Yakowenko will sit on the committee. Herolaga agreed to chair the committee. Chair Yakowenko suggested Waipahu District Park as a meeting site. Burke suggested Central O’ahu Regional Park.
Status of Retaining Neighborhood Assistance Steve Rodrigues to the Waipahu Neighborhood Board – Roller asked the status of retaining Rodrigues as the Board’s Neighborhood Assistant. Chair Yakowenko answered according to Joan Manke the decision is final. He has spoke with Manke about three to four times on this issue. Roller mentioned he called Manke regarding this issue, but she never returned his call.
NEW BUSINESS:
Transfer Funds from Operating and Refreshment Accounts to Publicity Account – Chair Yakowenko said the Board needs to transfer funds from its Operating and Refreshment Accounts to its Publicity Account to cover costs for Midweek until the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2006). Since the Board does not have a treasurer’s report to know how much needs to be transferred, this item will be deferred until next month’s meeting.
Burke had concerns that the Neighborhood Commission Office hasn’t provided a treasurer’s report since November. He said it’s not Maus’ (treasurer) fault that there is no treasurer’s report.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) Beginning this summer, a ferry system from Barbers Point to Aloha Tower will begin. 2) At the Mayor’s State of the City Address, the Mayor reaffirmed the City will stay focused on its core priorities of public safety, road and park maintenance, sewer repairs, traffic and transportation, and solid waste. 3) The City will continue to wage a war on potholes. 4) Honolulu Zoo recently unveiled its Keiki Zoo. 4) She circulated information on curbside recycling, green waste pickup, and bulky item pickup. Items made from recycled materials were displayed (i.e. shoe laces, pencil, tote bag). 5) Follow-up items: a) police will meet with the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the car alarm concern (Chair Yakowenko’s concern); b) the request to have the Mayor support the Kipapa Gulch Bikeway project will be submitted to both the MD’s and the Mayor’s office; c) DPR staff is aware of the structural problems at Waipahu District Park. DDC is conducting investigation work. 6) The Neighborhood Assistant circulated “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Yakowenko mentioned he received a call from a HPD sergeant indicating that officers couldn’t find the vehicle in question (regarding the car alarm). The owner of the vehicle now parks his vehicle in the apartment complex parking lot.
2) Burke said the request for the Mayor’s position on the Kipapa Bikeway project was made at last month’s meeting. The Board also passed a resolution, which is attached to the minutes/agenda. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.
3) Bob Farrell inquired where could the recycled products be purchased. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.
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 February in Waipahu (the pipe is a six-inch cast iron main on Awamoku Place that broke twice. The main is 50 years old.). Although BWS continues to proactively repair and replace water mains, many of the pipelines are nearing its useful life and must be replaced. BWS spends millions of dollars every year to improve the aging infrastructure. 2) Although Detect-a-leak Week was earlier this month, BWS wants to make sure you know how to find hidden water wasters year-round: a) check your house periodically for leaks; b) check your toilet.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Councilmember Garcia circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Included in his report is Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for Waipahu. 2) He spoke with Parks Director Lester Chang regarding the structural problems at Waipahu District Park swimming pool. 3) He has some concerns regarding the two 12-story affordable housing project on Kau’ola Place. Dialogue was held with the developer where he informed him that the site was a former duck pond. Councilmember Garcia said he wrote a letter to HCDCH before the project was awarded. He wanted the building to have a lower height limit. The developer did not need Neighborhood Board approval; they were only required to make a presentation. City Council has to either vote up or down.
Burke agreed with Councilmember Garcia regarding the affordable housing project. The long-term implications have to be looked into. Insurance companies are shying away from flood plain areas. Hopefully, the City Council will ask the Neighborhood Board for an official position. The tough questions need to be asked. Councilmember Garcia said he has not said no to the project, but suggested that changes be made to the proposal.
Councilmember Gary Okino – No report or representative was available.
Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.
Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) The U.S. Surgeon General lent his support to the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s effort to reduce tobacco use in Hawai’i by assisting in the launch of a public education campaign about the dangers of second-hand smoke. 2) The Department of Public Safety will coordinate to use prisoners for maintenance.
Oshiro asked Lopez to find out what State lands, outside of Waipahu, are available for development. Lopez will follow-up.
Senator Will Espero – R. Scott Belford circulated Senator Espero’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Senator Brian Kanno – T. Ishii circulated Senator Kanno’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Senator Clarence Nishihara – Larry Takahashi circulated Senator Nishihara’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Representative Rida Cabanilla – Representative Cabanilla circulated her monthly report and reported that she introduced HB 2655 that will bring the latest technology directly to the traffic accident scene for the purpose of documenting and recording circumstances surrounding the accident. The equipment will open up the roads quicker without compromising the investigation process.
Burke was concerned that each time he sends Representative Cabanilla an email it gets returned because her mailbox is full. Representative Cabanilla will follow-up.
Representative Jon Karamatsu – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Karamatsu’s monthly report.
Representative Mark Moses – Representative Moses circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) EPA is accepting public comments until April regarding the proposed remedy for contaminants at the former site of Chem- Wood Treatment Company at Campbell Industrial Park. 2) Ground breaking was held on the new Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor. 3) A public meeting was held where Army officials provided an analysis of the effects of ocean environments on the chemical munitions dumped off the Waianae coast and called for more analysis, testing and monitoring. 4) Kapolei State Building was awarded the prestigious Energy Star award from EPA for energy performance, etc. 5) DLNR is proposing to establish an artificial reef site on the seafloor offshore from Kalaeloa. 6) Kapolei Property Development has filed a petition with the State Land Use Commission to urbanize 332 acres of land located between Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor and the Kapolei Business Park. 7) Tina Kobuke, a Leeward resident, received the 2006 Hawai’i Spirit of Youth Award.
Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Caregivers Day was a huge success. The Legislature paid special tribute to those who serve as caregivers by dedicating a day of entertainment, information and fun for them. 2) There is a move to have “no smoking” at every workplace if it is enclosed or partially enclosed. He is trying to strengthen the bill to include open-air areas. 3) The three strikes bill is not moving and stuck in Judiciary Committee. The focus is on very violent crimes. 4) A derelict vehicle bill, introduced by a representative from Kaua’i, is moving along. 5) Welfare reform is being discussed.
Representative Ryan Yamane – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Yamane’s monthly report and was available for questions.
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant