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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2006
WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK
CALL TO ORDER: Chair George Yakowenko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marty Burke, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Reggie Garcia, Connie Herolaga, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko, Maureen Andrade (appointed at this meeting), Charles Arnold (appointed at this meeting).
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Maureen Andrade (Mayor’s Representative), Connie Herolaga (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s office), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), Senator Brian Kanno, Representative Alex Sonson, Tom Berg (Representative Rita Cabanilla’s office), Captain Scot Suiso (HFD), Lt. Grant Arakawa and Lt. Keith Lima (HPD), Jane and Rodney Nishihara (BWS), Manual Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Pat Lee and Gary Omori (Honolulu High-Capacity Corridor Transit Project), Mark Bullard, Kirk Hendricks and Kelly Rodriguez (WFI), Bobbie Arnold, Doreen Soares and Priscilla Soares (citizen patrol), Malo Sua (Good Samaritan Church), BC Cowling (American Box Car Racing), Bob and Yvonne Farrell (videographers), Rudy Costalo, Robert Ikeda, Glen and MaryJeanne Onata, David Pagan, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND BOARD MEMBERS – At the request of Chair Yakowenko, everyone introduced themselves.
CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Yakowenko stated: 1) He welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. 2) He asked guests to sign-in on the sign-in sheet, located just outside the door. 3) Anyone wishing to speak, must first be recognized by the chair. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes. 4) The exit gate is 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) At June’s meeting, elections of officers will be held. He has no interest in serving as Chair and would rather serve as Vice Chair. 7) Craig Richter has submitted a letter of resignation.
FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUBDISTRICTS 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 – Chair Yakowenko asked if there were any candidates to fill any of the vacancies. If so, please come before the Board and provide your address to the Neighborhood Assistant. Maureen Andrade, a candidate Subdistrict 1, and Charles Arnold, a candidate for Subdistrict 10, came forward. In addition, Chair Yakowenko said John Millen (a resident of Subdistrict 1) has expressed his desire to fill the vacancy, but is unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
Chair Yakowenko called for a recess at 7:08 p.m. At this time, Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues verified the addresses of the candidates. Orders resumed at 7:12 p.m. Andrade introduced herself. Maus nominated Andrade note – a nomination does not require a second). Yakowenko nominated Millen. By a unanimous vote, Andrade was appointed to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 1. Arnold introduced himself. Tokioka nominated Arnold. There being no other nominations, Arnold was appointed by acclamation to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 10.
APPROVAL OF APRIL 27, 2006 MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD – Duhaylonsod moved and Saniatan seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 1, under Filling of Vacancies, delete “Subdistrict 6”….under Treasurer’s Report, fourth line, delete “The report was accepted subject to audit.”
APPROVAL OF MARCH 23, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Tokioka moved and Duhaylonsod seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 2, under Residents’ Concerns – (Roller arrived at 7:20 p.m.), insert “Roller arrived late due to the fact that he just came from the Waipahu Community Foundation Meeting.”
Page 4, under Plantation Town Apartments, second line, delete “230” and insert “330”, third line, delete “80%” and insert “140%”, fourth line, delete “$67,000” and insert “$67,750”, seventh line, it should read “Parking includes 386 master stalls, 33 visitor stalls, and 10 ADA stalls that are included in these numbers.” Page 5, first line, delete “He disagreed that it’s in a flood plain” and insert “The land under the building is in flood zone X and part of the parking lot is in flood zone AE.”
TREASURER’S REPORT – Maus read the Financial Statement for the month of April 2006. The Operating Account expenses were $34.45, leaving a balance of $1,179.28. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $605.78. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. Saniatan moved and Duhaylonsod seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report subject to audit. The motion carried unanimously.
OFFICIAL REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Scot Suiso reported: 1) For the month of April, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 9 fires, 126 medical emergencies, 11 service calls, and 52 good intent calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is and call 911.”
Chair Yakowenko inquired about a car fire near his residence on Kipou Street about two weeks ago. He wanted to know if it was deliberately set. Captain Suiso said he had no information.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Grant Arakawa reported the statistics for the month of April in the Waipahu area: 15 assaults; 45 auto thefts; 12 auto theft recoveries; 30 burglaries; 67 criminal property damages; 4 drug/narcotics; 165 motor vehicle collisions; 6 O.V.U.I.I; 5 robberies; 60 thefts; 44 UEMV’s; and 2,942 calls for service in Waipahu (43% of the calls were for service). Arrests: adults – 66, juveniles – 49.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Saniatan inquired about the handicap parking enforcement program. Chair Yakowenko, a volunteer with the program, stated more volunteers are needed. There are only 12 volunteers for the entire island. A total of 2,400 citations were issued for a one-year period.
2) Burke mentioned HPD used to report on drug activity in the community. Lt. Arakawa said NARCO Vice addresses drug cases. Usually when a patrol car responds to a call, the suspects see the vehicle and disperse.
3) A resident said there are 10 abandoned vehicles on Hiapo Street. Lt. Arakawa will follow-up.
4) A resident had concerns about the constant vehicle traffic at 94-931 Kahuailani Street and alleged drug activity. She raised this same concern one year ago. Lt. Arakawa will pass the information to plain clothes officers. They may already know about it. If anyone suspects drug activity in their neighborhood, call 911. HPD tries their best; they have to prioritize the calls.
5) Garcia asked about recent television reports about students using their cellular telephones to videotape other students fighting. Lt. Arakawa said other then what was reported on the news, he has no further information.
6) A resident said there is a vehicle with four flat tires and no license plates on Laenui Street. Lt. Arakawa will follow-up.
HPD Weed & Seed – No report or representative was available.
Mayor's Representative – Maureen Andrade reported: 1) She will follow-up on the request by Waipahu Jack Rabbits football team to use an area of Waipahu District Park. 2) There is $1.4 million in the budget for the Waipahu District Park swimming pool.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Herolaga said the City will not be able to fix the Waipahu District Park swimming pool; they would have to build a new one. Councilmember Garcia has put in $150,000 in the budget for planning and design.
2) Chair Yakowenko had concerns that the Neighborhood Commission has appropriated $120 for each of the 32 Neighborhood Boards to use in its Refreshment Account. He asked that the Refreshment Account be eliminated, especially since his property taxes went up 35%.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Waipahu Plantation Town Apartments – A group of residents had a number of concerns regarding the proposed Waipahu Plantation Town Apartments. They asked that the developers lower the height of the building and move it further away from existing residents. Additional concerns include parking, traffic, line-of-sight, etc. Approximately 98% of area residents (700 residents) have signed a petition opposing the project. Chair Yakowenko mentioned the Board did support installing a “No Parking” sign on Mokuola Street. Due to the Sunshine Law, the Board is not able to take action on this issue. Oshiro said the project has to go before the City Council and Councilmember Garcia has said he wouldn’t support it. Residents have to express their concerns before the Council. Representative Sonson said this issue will be before the full Council on July 15. The Environmental Assessment (EA) has been completed and was passed (affordable housing). The Mokuola Vista project did not qualify as an affordable housing project. Oshiro requested the Waipahu Plantation Town Apartments be placed on next month’s agenda.
COMMUNITY REPORTS:
Castle & Cooke – Kevin Funasaki sent his monthly report via the Neighborhood Commission Office. Funasaki sent his regrets.
Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report and highlighted notes from the Central O’ahu Regional Park Advisory Committee meeting: 1) Illegal dumping is occurring at the end of Paiwa Street in Waikele. Anyone observing such dumping should call 911 immediately; 2) Noise complaints are being received that an organization of Tahitian drummers is practicing late at night. The park security staff will notify HPD if the group returns; 3) Due to a dispute with the City, the Hawai’i Pacific Tennis Foundation will terminate operations at the facility and vacate it by midnight July 2; 4) USA Swimming has begun developing a program to work with schools. The program is expected to be in place be April 2007; 5) Councilmember Garcia hoped to add funds to the budget for a dog obedience facility, but could not predict the outcome with any certainty; 6) Sprint PCS has advised Parks Department that it doesn’t have the expertise to design and build a restroom to service the youth baseball quadraplex in return for being allowed to place its cell phone antenna at the softball quadraplex. Parks is exploring ways to see that the funds from Sprint are returned to the park. The Board support for the antenna installation was contingent upon funds being used for the park rather than going to the General Fund.
Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor (HHCTC) Project – Pat Lee introduced Gary Omori, also part of the public outreach team. HHCTC is a 23-mile corridor, from UH Manoa to Kapolei. By 2030, 95% of the employment growth will be in this corridor. Also, 93% of the population will reside in this corridor. Moving people along the corridor will address the quality of life issue. The proposed stops in Waipahu will be at Leoku Street and Farrington Highway, and Mokuola Street and Farrington Highway. Another round of meetings will occur – June 24 at Kapolei Hale; June 26 at Honolulu Hale; and June 28 at Aliamanu Middle School. For more information, visit www.honolulutransit.org of call 566-2299.
Leeward YMCA – Manual Ayala reported: 1) Construction of the new Leeward YMCA will be completed by December 2006. Grand opening is scheduled for March 2007 (contingent upon construction completion). They will have a heated swimming pool. 2) He thanked the Legislature for appropriating $2 million for the new facility. They now have $10 million and are $3.3 million away from their goal. Support the building of the new Leeward YMCA, and
your name(s) will be placed on our permanent donor wall in the lobby. Henry B. Clark, Jr., a long-time YMCA supporter, has posed a challenge match to the members and friends of the Leeward community. For more information, call 671-6495. 3) Approximately 400 children participated in the recently completed flag football/cheerleading program. 4) Applications are still being accepted for Summer program. 5) Leeward YMCA Fitness Memberships will be available for the new facility. For more information, visit. www.ymcahonolulu.org.
OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Maus circulated his OMPO CAC monthly report. There is over $13.5 billion in transportation projects scheduled through 2030.
Tokioka volunteered to be the Board’s second alternate on the CAC. Chair Yakowenko thanked Tokioka for volunteering. In addition, Wilson Okimoto & Associates is asking for written comments for a second access road for Leeward Community College (LCC) by June 19. Anyone wanting to submit comments, please see Maus.
Waipahu Community Association (WCA) – Herolaga announced that the graffiti paint-out in the community has been postponed until August.
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.
PRESENTATIONS:
Proposed Telecommunications Facility at Kunia Park & Ride by Nextel – Kelly Rodriguez of WFI stated Nextel is proposing to install nine six-foot panel antennas mounted at the 75-foot level of the new 80-foot monopole at the Kunia Park & Ride. The monopole will look like an artificial pine tree. A 12-foot by 18-foot prefabricated equipment shelter will be placed at the location to house the equipment. An emergency back-up generator will be located next to the equipment shelter. After this presentation, they will present it to the Royal Kunia Community Association, then the Village Park Community Association, and then back to the Neighborhood Board.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Rodriguez stated a pine tree was chosen because it looks better than a palm tree. Once the project is completed, they will maintain it.
2) Mark Bullard, WFI, stated Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has already approved installation of the antennas. The project still has to go before the City Council.
3) Oshiro noted that the Park & Ride was originally built to help commuters.
4) Saniatan, who lives and works in the area, inquired if any recent studies have been done to prove the antennas are safe. Bullard answered no new studies have been done, but wireless companies are regulated by the federal government.
5) BC Cowlings, American Box Car Racing, had concerns regarding the electro magnetic emissions from the antennas, especially since there are lots of children in the area. Also, there is already an antenna in the area. He asked that Nextel reconsider the location and put it somewhere else.
6) Andrade said she spoke to Rodriguez previously regarding this project. She asked that the Board defer action on this issue until a presentation is made to the Village Park Community Association (VPCA). Andrade indicated she discussed this project with Henry Eng of Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and Dana Takahara-Dias of Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Bullard explained that he was invited to VPCA’s February 7 meeting on February 6. He apologized to Councilmember Garcia’s office that he couldn’t attend the meeting. At that time, the project was only in the conceptual stage. Chair Yakowenko noted that the Board will not take any action until they meet with the community association.
7) Bullard stated they could not hop onto T-Mobile’s pole because it’s only a 25-foot pole and it would not meet their needs.
8) Roller inquired about the transmission power. Bullard will follow-up.
9) Bullard said they will be happy to come back. They need to get the project done with an acceptable time limit. Their only requirement from the City is to come before the Neighborhood Board.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Board Consensus on how to expend Board’s FY06 Publicity Account Funds (Olelo versus Midweek) – Chair Yakowenko said its March meeting was videotaped for free by Bob Farrell and it was aired on Olelo. He hoped the Board had an opportunity to watch the airings because action is needed on this issue tonight. This issue has been on the agenda since last year.
Chair Yakwenko had concerns that there were lots of technical glitches with the telecast. Yvonne Farrell indicated that at the beginning of the telecast there was little distortion. It’s something that they can fix. Bob Farrell added that people who speak need to use the microphone.
Chair Yakowenko passed the gavel to Vice Chair Oshiro. Yakowenko moved and Nishimoto seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 authorize use of its Publicity Account funds to pay Bob Farrell to videotape its meetings to air on Olelo for a one year period beginning July 2006 and ending June 2007. Discussion ensued.
Discussion included:
1) Maus said he doesn’t have cable. A lot of residents in Waipahu don’t have it either. Chair Yakowenko stated he would give Maus a copy of the tape.
2) Yakowenko indicated Farrell charges $200 per meeting plus tax. The meetings are aired four times per month on Olelo. Midweek charges over $400 per month for an article.
3) Duhaylonsod voiced her opposition to videotaping. Andrade said she would support it if no one played up to the camera. Burke stated videotaping would mean less work for him writing the articles. Duhaylonsod said she likes the articles. Yakowenko was not sure if everyone in Waipahu receives Midweek.
4) Herolaga asked if there is a problem filming in this meeting facility. We are not allowed to move the tables and chairs. Farrell answered he didn’t think it was a problem. With experience, he’ll get better at it. He’s thinking of using two cameras. He’ll try not to be too intrusive.
The motion carried, 12-1-2.
Redistricting Waipahu Neighborhood Board Seats – Herolaga, Chair of the Redistricting Committee, stated the committee held its first meeting on May 11. Election of officers was held – Saniatan is the Vice Chair and Yakowenko is the secretary. The committee discussed reducing the amount of Subdistricts from the current 11 to either 3 or 4. They are waiting for a large map from the Neighborhood Commission Office so the committee can determine redistricting. The next meeting will be held in June, date to be determined. Chair Yakowenko said everyone is invited to the meeting. Elston was the only guest in attendance.
Fraciscan Vistas Ewa – St. Francis Residential Care Community – Chair Yakowenko mentioned the Board was given a presentation at last month’s meeting, but they could not take any action since a quorum was not present.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Yakowenko asked Tom Berg, member of the Ewa Neighborhood Board, if their Board took a position
on this issue. Berg answered the Ewa Neighborhood Board voted unanimously to support the project. However, there is still an inquiry with Representative Cabanilla.
2) Chair Yakowekno recommended that the Board take no action. Burke suggested the Board support the concept of the project.
Burke moved and Oshiro seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support the develoment of the proposed Franciscan Vistas Ewa Residential Care Community, contingent upon satisfactory resolution of outstanding historical preservation. Discussion ensued. The motion carried unanimously.
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 – Herolaga informed the Board that the City Council already passed Resolution 06-147 on May 17. Duhaylonsod moved and Nishimoto seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support City Council Resolution 06-147. The motion carried unanimously.
GOVERNMENT REPORTS:
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Jane and Rodney Nishihara circulated BWS’ monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) There were one main break in the month of April in Waipahu (Pupumomi Street) and 32 island-wide. 2) On May 15, BWS approved a revised rate schedule which will go into effect October 1, 2006. The average single-family customer will see an additional $3.23 in their water bill every month. BWS is distributing the needed rate increase over a five-year schedule to further mitigate impact on its ratepayers.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia’s monthly report and was available for questions.
Councilmember Gary Okino – Karen Scharfenstein circulated Councilmember Okino’s monthly report was available for questions.
Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.
Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update”, which includes the Governor’s press releases and list of bills the Governor has signed into law.
Chair Yakowenko had concerns about the bottle bill. He questioned how does the State verify the figures from the vendors. Lopez will follow-up.
Department of Transportation (DOT) – Scott Ishikawa sent his regrets.
Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto sent his regrets.
Senator Will Espero – Chair Yakowenko said Senator Espero was present earlier in the meeting. His report was circulated.
Senator Brian Kanno – Senator Kanno circulated his monthly report. In addition, he thanked everyone for their support for the past 14 years, including his family and his office manager Jan Lehner. He has chosen not seek re-election. His term will expire November 7, 2006.
Oshiro thanked Senator Kanno for his diligence in supporting the Neighborhood Board and the community in all his years in office. Chair Yakowenko echoed Oshiro’s comments. He added that Senator Kanno has been one of the mainstays at the Neighborhood Board meetings. Senator Kanno mentioned he grew up in Waipahu and attended Waipahu High School. (A round of applause was given at this time).
Senator Clarence Nishihara – See Representative Sonson’s report.
Representative Rida Cabanilla – Tom Berg circulated Representative Cabanilla’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Cabanilla sends her regrets. 2) The late C.O. “Andy” Anderson worked very hard on the Pouhala Marsh for years. Area Legislators made sure appropriations went through the budget. The $200,000 in appropriations will be matched with $600,000 in federal grants.
Chair Yakowenko mentioned volunteers recently cleaned up Pouhala Marsh. He was one of the individuals who participated in the cleanup; it’s one of the unofficial duties of being a chair.
Representative Jon Karamatsu – See Representative Sonson’s report.
Representative Mark Moses – Burke circulated Representative Moses’ monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Moses sends his regrets. 2) The Governor released $38 million for school repairs statewide. Waipahu High, Waipahu Intermediate, and Waipahu Elementary will receive a total of $323,000. 3) The Governor has released $1.3 million for planning and design of a new Social Sciences facility at Leeward Community College (LCC). 4) To protect Hawai’i residents in the event of a natural disaster, the Legislature created a Major Disaster Fund to allow speedy and efficient relief of the conditions created by the disasters, and for matching federal disaster relief funds when these funds become available following a presidential disaster declaration.
Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representatives Karamatsu and Yamane are on a business trip. 2) He circulated Senator Nishihara’s monthly report. 3) The State will finally address the flooding concerns at August Ahrens School; $330,000 was appropriated for this project. He tried to contact the residents in the area to inform them of the good news.
Burke said he was surprised to learn that when recycling reaches a certain level, deposit fees go up. He questioned the rationale of the policy. Logic would think otherwise. Representative Sonson will follow-up. Senator Kanno explained that the more bottles turned in, the more money is needed to run the program.
Representative Ryan Yamane – See Representative Sonson’s report.
ANNOUNCEMENT: Garcia announced he will be moving to Ewa within the next month. Chair Yakowenko thanked Garcia for his service. (A round of applause was given at this time).
ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Submitted by:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant