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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2006

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Andrade, Charles Arnold, Marty Burke, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Thomas Maus, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Kerry Nishimoto, Rito Saniatan.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor's Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino's office), Frank Lopez (Governor's Representative), Senator Mike Gabbard, Senator Clarence Nishimoto, Michelle Ching (Senator Wil Espero's office), Representative Alex Sonson, Representative Ryan Yamane, Captain Robert Lee (HFD), Sgt. Kaneshiro and Officer W. Lum (HPD), Officer Brant Pia (Weed & Seed), Manuel Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Tom Fee (Helber Hastert & Fee), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographers), Moira Maeda-Nakamine, 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 welcomed everyone to the last Neighborhood Board meeting of the year. The Board will recess in December.

FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUB DISTRICTS 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 sub districts and are willing to serve on the Board to please ask them to attend the next meeting.

APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 26, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Tokioka moved and Burke seconded to approve the minutes as circulated.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Yakowenko read the Financial Statement for October 2006. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $35.30, leaving a balance of $6,021.66. 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 Robert Lee reported: 1) For the month of October, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 22 fires, 135 medical emergencies, 16 hazardous calls and 58 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: "The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States; After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes; Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or noncombustible materials; Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacture's instructions for installation and maintenance; Do not overload extension cords; Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by watering them daily; When purchasing an artificial tree, ensure it is made with fire-retardant materials.

Herolaga thanks HFD Engine 42 for their professionalism while rushing her father to the hospital.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer W. Lum read the statistics for the month of October. There were 9 assaults, 69 auto thefts, 26 auto theft recoveries, 62 burglaries, 47 criminal property damages, 4 drug/narcotics, 220 motor vehicle collisions, 13 OVUII, 4 robberies, 78 thefts, 92 UEMV, 3,234 calls for service in Waipahu, 7,203 calls for service in District 3, 51 adult arrests, and 34 juvenile arrests.

Sgt. Kaneshiro reported: 1) HPD is scheduled for an on-site assessment from December 10-13, as part of a program to achieve reaccredidation by verifying it meets professional standards. The public is invited to offer comments by calling 479-6307 on December 11, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Written comments may be sent to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030-2215. 2) Regarding the squatters and illegal activities at Hiapo Street, Weed & Seed officers made a couple of arrests two weeks ago. Officers will continue to monitor the area and remain visible. 3) It's difficult to place a speed monitor board on Moaniani Street because the road is narrow. Officers will patrol the area. 4) Regarding the concern that the City contracted towing company was slow to respond to an accident, the Managing Director's Office and Corporation Counsel are working on a solution.

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Brant Pia reported: 1) The State worked hard in clearing the brush and collection of objects underneath Farrington Highway, just across Iglesia Ni Cristo Church. 2) Weed & Seed officers on bike detail handled concerns of numerous abandoned vehicles in the Waipahu Industrial and Pupuole Street area. Since the last Neighborhood Board meeting, officers have issued approximately 20 citations and towed two vehicles. 3) On November 13, officers assisted the District 5 Kalihi Weed & Seed Unit with a "Truancy Sweep" around the Farrington Highway area. They apprehended approximately 50 high schools students for truancy, one of the students was from Waipahu High School. 4) This month's event – Thanksgiving event at Lighthouse Outreach Center on November 18. 5) Tip of the Month: Graffiti is a problem across the entire island. You can help deter graffiti from occurring by notifying police when you observe persons who may be about to graffiti. Things to look for: 1) Travel with two or more; 2) Seen carrying backpacks nest to areas most susceptible to graffiti such as freeways, underpasses, bridges, schools, parks and walls (structures that may be hidden by brush or hillsides; 3) Wear dark clothing to blend in with surroundings.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Arnold's inquiry about Weed & Seed, Chair Oshiro stated when the City applied for Weed & Seed they had to identify the boundaries at that time. Yakowenko added once the boundaries are established, you can't adjust it. Weed & Seed was approved for five years – the funding ended December 2005.

2)       Herolaga asked about the Shop with a Cop program. Officer Pia answered officers will continue to participate in the program. It will be held on December 2, 2006, K-Mart Waikele.

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) The Mayor sends his Aloha. 2) The Mayor says a recent O'ahu survey shows strong, island-wide community support for a fixed Guideway mass transit system. Traffic is a clear problem among O'ahu residents: 84% describe roads as seriously congested; 82% feels things will only get worse; 45% preferred rail; and 49% indicated they would use rail, the number increases to 56% when asked if anyone in their household would use rail. 3) Follow-up: more information (time, day, location) is required to determine which tow company is responsible. Different companies are contracted for different parts of H-1 Freeway. Factors such as time of day (rush hour) and location can delay the pick up of the vehicle. A complaint should be registered with Customer Service. There is a process for towing company. 4) The lighting of Honolulu City Lights will be held on December 2, 2006, Honolulu Hale, 6:00 p.m. Kapolei City Lights will be held on December 9, Kapolei Hale. Everyone is invited to both events. 5) She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Chair Oshiro regarding the towing issue, Hufana-Ablan stated as soon as she gets more information, she will report back. If there was mass transit, there would be less accidents. Chair Oshiro said since rail would not be ready until 2020, what is the City going to do in the meantime. Hufana-Ablan indicated Jeff Coelho, Director of Customer Service, is following-up on the issue. 

2)       Chair Oshiro had concerns about the interpretation of the Sunshine Law. If Board member Maus didn't show

up tonight, the meeting would have to be cancelled because of a lack of qourum. He urged that the Neighborhood Commission Office look into this issue. In the past, if there was no quorum the Board could still hold a meeting and list to official reports but take no action. The interpretation is contrary to the Neighborhood Plan (i.e. to increase and assure citizen participation in the decisions of government). He asked if this issue could be included in the City's 2007 Legislative Package. Hufana-Ablan said, when she was the Executive Secretary of NCO, she had two meeting with Les Kondo of Office of Information Practices (OIP) regarding this issue. She will bring the letters from OIP. The interpretation has not other Neighborhood Boards. She will work with Joan Manke, NCO, to have the Neighborhood Boards exempt.

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:

Waipio Gentry – Burke had three concerns: 1) Complaints about late night (between 11:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.) gatherings at Waipio Uka Street. 2) Residents asks for more police presence in the area. 3) The Waipio Gentry Association hires a special duty police officer to patrol the community. He asked if the officer is empowered to make arrests. Officer Lum answered the officer can make arrests, but he would have to take the suspect to the police station and it would take him away from patrolling the community. Regarding the other two concerns, he will have officers make checks.

Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse – A representative from Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse requested sidewalks near their facility. It's a safety issue for the 180 mentally challenged clients they serve. When it rains, they have to walk on the road. Senator Nishihara and Representative Sonson have been very helpful. This issue was last brought before the Board at the March 2005 meeting. Chair Oshiro said contacting your State legislators is a good start.

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 reported that things are going fine at Central O'ahu Regional Park. The only problem is parking is at a premium since the park is heavily used.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – No report or representative was available.

Leeward YMCA – Manuel Ayala distributed YMCA membership applications. In addition, he stated: 1) The new Leeward YMCA is approximately 90% complete. 2) A lot of people have already purchased their membership. 3) They have partnered with various businesses (i.e. Times, Safeway, K-Mart, etc.) to promote the YMCA. 4) The Leeward YMCA will hold a job fair on November 29, 1:00 p.m. 5) Grand opening of the facility is scheduled for January 20, 2007. Invitations will be sent to the Board.

Chair Oshiro informed Ayala if he wants to do a presentation at the next Board meeting (January 25, 2007) to let him know in advance. The Board is looking forward to the grand opening. Ayala thanked the Board and the community for their support.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Maus deferred to Tokioka. Tokioka read his monthly committee report.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Roller announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is December 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 the deadline to submit an application for the 2007 Neighborhood Board Elections is in January (prior to the next Board meeting). 2) Herolaga reminded everyone to exit the same way you entered the premises. 3) Bob Farrell announced the telecast of the Board meeting is held on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. on Olelo Channel 49. It is also shown two other times at random.

PRESENTATIONS:

Waipio Gentry Business Park Proposed Rezoning from I-2 (Intensive Industrial) to IMX-1 (Industrial Commercial Mixed Use) 31,000 sq. ft. parcel – Ukee St. and Ka Uka Blvd – Tom Fee, Helber Hastert & Fee, stated they are proposing to construct high level retail and offices at Waipio Gentry Business Park. There will be between 10-15 tenants. It takes one year to get this proposal through the Planning Commission and the City Council. Construction would occur within the next two years. They have sent letters to area residents and have already made a presentation to the Waipio Gentry Association. He asked for the Board's support.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Yakwenko asked the percentage of retail versus office space. Fee answered half of the 31,000 square feet would be used for office and the other half for retail.

2)       Roller inquired about parking. Fee stated there would be 45 parking stalls.

3)       Representative Yamane had concerns that the area is already congested with other employees trying to find street parking. The proposed 45 parking stalls would not be adequate. Fee said he understands the concern regarding street parking. The 45 parking stalls do meet City standards.

Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support the concept as proposed by Helber Haster & Fee. The motion carried unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waikele Road Improvements – Roller circulated his updated report (see attachment).

 Roller's report on Waikele Road

Yakowenko noted that at the Waikele Road improvement meeting Roller clarified that it was a community meeting and not a Neighborhood Board meeting. He commended Roller for running a good meeting. Chair Oshiro agreed. In addition, he acknowledged Herolaga.

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Discussed earlier in the meeting.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko, new Chair of the Redistricting Committee, said the Board voted six months ago to form a Redistricting Committee. Three meetings have been held, the last being in July. The committee is looking at reducing the subdistricts from 11 to 4, and other options. If anyone has any suggestions, please contact any of the committee members (Burke, Herolaga, Saniatan, Tokioka, Yakowenko).

NEW BUSINESS:

EMS Support for Waipahu – Roller circulated his report. In addition, he read his report. Yakowenko made a Point-of-Order. He said since this item is not on the agenda it cannot be discussed, per Sunshine Law. It can be added to the agenda with a two-thirds vote of the entire Board (i.e. 12 members), but there is only 10 members present. The Board could ask the EMS Chief to come to the next meeting. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up. Representative Yamane recommended that the Board not wait until January's meeting and to call you legislators by the end of December.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – No report or representative was available.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Garcia sends his regrets. 2) Victory Ohana has graciously offered to adopt the Waipahu Transit Center to prevent vandalism. 3) The City Council recognized the Lighthouse Outreach Center Assembly of God for their dedicated service to the community.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Karen Scharfenstein circulated Councilmember Okino's monthly report and was available for questions.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro acknowledged James Nakatani, Congressman Case's office, for his service.

Governor's Representative – No report or representative was available.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) – No report or representative was available.

Board of Education (BOE) – No report or representative was available.

Chair Oshiro mentioned that the Board asked Breene Harimoto to share the report from Waikele Elementary. He was supposed to forward it to Neighborhood Assistant Steve Rodrigues.

Senator Wil Espero – Michelle Ching made available Senator Espero's monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Their office has been busy dealing with the new no smoking law. 2) She thanked Roller for putting together the meeting for Waikele Road.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara stated: 1) He is the Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee. 2) Regarding the Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse concern, he already spoke to Dr. Fukino of the State Department of Health (DOH).

On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro acknowledged former Senator Brian Kanno for all his years as a legislator.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Senator Gabbard introduced himself and said he's looking forward to working with the Board and the community.

Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa – No report or representative was available.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – No report or representative was available.

Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson stated: 1) He thanked the community for their support. 2) The Legislature is open for business. He encouraged everyone to call, mail, email, fax them with any concerns.

Chair Oshiro mentioned the Board expressed its condolences for the passing of Representative Sonson's father at last month's meeting.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Representative Yamane stated: 1) He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. 2) He encouraged everyone to call your legislators with requests and not wait until January.

On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro acknowledged former Representative Moses. In addition, he wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. The next Neighborhood Board meeting will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2007, Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant