Printable version (copy and paste into browser):

 http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb22/06/22_2006_10Min.PDF

WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2006

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Arnold, Irene Elston, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Karen S. (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), Senator Clarence Nishimoto, Michelle Ching (Senator Wil Espero’s office), Tom Berg (Representative Rida Cabanilla’s office), Park Kaleiwahea (Representative Alex Sonson’s office), Representative Ryan Yamane, Captain Kevin Browne (HFD), Officer Jeff Bardon, Sgt. Kaneshiro, Lt. Grant Arakawa and Captain Ron Bode (HPD), Officer Jonathan Ching and Officer Brant Pia (Weed & Seed), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Pat Lee, Jim Lyon and Gary Omori (HHCCTP), Karen Iwamoto, Karen Nakamura, Wendy Nakano, Tjet Sun and Clarice Watanabe (BIA Hawai’i), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographers), Domingo B., Moira Maeda-Nakamine, George Yamamoto, 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 asked everyone to please exit Waipahu Cultural Garden Park the same way you entered (through the front gate).

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 SEPTEMBER 28, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Burke moved and Maus seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 5, under Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project, second paragraph, No. 4, beginning with the third sentence, it should read “…The only option that would be able to deal with future congestion is rail…Rail would keep the commute times from ever reaching three hours as many commuters would choose to get on rail long before it ever reaches that. There will always be congestion but with rail I would say that it would be unlikely for commute times to exceed an hour and thirty minutes because of the tremendous capacity it provides…The elevated HOT lane proposed would only add two more lanes.” Also, delete the last three sentences.

Page 6, under Victory Ohana Prison Fellowship, No. 3, beginning with the second sentence, it should read “He has known Shields and his program for a number of years. He deals effectively with people addicted to drugs by bringing God into their lives and he houses people who would otherwise be homeless and living in the streets of Waipahu.”

The motion carried unanimously.

(Duhaylonsod arrived at 7:10 p.m. – 12 members present)

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for September 2006. The Operating Account expenses were $78.19, leaving a balance of $1,333.96. The Publicity Account expenses were $208.33, leaving a balance of $2706.34. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:  

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Kevin Browne reported: 1) For the month of September, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 25 fires, 169 medical emergencies, and 49 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Halloween costumes - ensure they are flame-resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, clearly visible to motorists; decorate with reflective tape; keep costumes lengths short; use natural cosmetics versus mask; carry flashlights.” 3) Emergency medical assistance is provided by HFD to Honolulu Emergency Services Department, both respond in emergency. HFD’s 42 fire stations and HESD’s 17 ambulance units allow rapid response.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Jeff Bardon reported the statistics for the month of August (for more information, please call the Pearl Police Station). District 3 is one of the busiest police districts (Aiea, Pearl City and Waipahu), if not the busiest.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Oshiro mentioned about one week ago there was a four car accident on the H-1 Freeway near Leeward Community College in the early morning hours. He had concerns that it took two hours for a City-contracted tow truck to remove a vehicle from the side of the road. There was another tow truck company just sitting by on the side of the road. Capt. Ron Bode explained that the tow wagon sitting along the highway is contracted by the State Department of Transportation (DOT) to remove stalled vehicles. The City has a contract with a towing company and when police calls for a tow they have to respond within 30 minutes. There are having problems with the towing company. He will follow-up. Chair Oshiro also asked Baybee Hufana-Ablan, Mayor’s representative, to follow-up.

2)       A resident had concerns about people loitering, making loud noises, and illegal vehicles at a residence at Hiapo Street. Capt. Bode said officers will cite the vehicles and he will notify the property owner. He encouraged the resident to call 911. If you find the results are not satisfactory, please call him. Officer Brant Pia of Weed & Seed stated officers have been making checks at the aforementioned property. It’s a possible drug house. Weed & Seed and CRU (Crime Reduction Unit) have made two arrests for outstanding warrants, and escorted two individuals off the property. He also encouraged the resident to call 911.

3)       Hunkin reiterated his concern about abandoned vehicles on Pupuole Street. Officer Pia said Weed & Seed officers are aware of the problem. They have cited 12 vehicles for expired vehicle/safety taxes, no license plates; cited 3 driveway and sidewalk violations; and towed 3 vehicles.

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Pia reported: 1) District 3 Weed & Seed Unit participated in the Waipahu Community Coalition’s Waipahu Ohana Day Health Fair on October 21. 2) National Nite Out will be held tomorrow at the Boys & Girls Club in Ewa Beach from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 3) Tip of the Month – Halloween Safety Tips: a) have a pre-planned, well-lighted trick-or-treat route; b) escort your children or designate a responsible older child to accompany the trick-or-treaters; c) have a flashlight available; d) drive safely, turn on headlights early, drive below the speed limit; e) remind children to use the crosswalks, look both ways when crossing the street, watch out for cars leaving or entering driveways, don’t walk into the roadway between cars, stay on sidewalk whenever possible; f) never enter vehicles or homes when invited by a stranger; g) items tampered with should be reported to the police and kept for evidence. 

Duhaylonsod, who services the Pupu area, said six families in the Pupu area want to express their gratitude and thanks to Weed & Seed.

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) The Mayor sends his Aloha. 2) She apologized for missing last month’s meeting as she had another engagement on behalf of the Mayor. She thanked Chair Oshiro for

reading her report and for Neighborhood Assistant Steve Rodrigues for noting the concerns. 3) If there are any concerns regarding abandoned vehicles, please call the Motor Vehicle Control Section at 733-2530. 4) Follow-up concern: The Bus Service Improvement Plan proposes a route serving Managers Drive. Details will be made public within approximately six months. The Neighborhood Board will be fully informed of planned service improvements.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Burke thanked Hufana-Ablan for following-up on his concerns.

2)   Oshiro reiterated his concern regarding the tow truck issue. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Speed Board – Burke mentioned residents of Waipio Gentry are asking the possibility of positioning the speed board on Moaniani Street on a more routine basis in lieu of an officer to attempt to negate vehicle violations. The speeding continues and at times seem to escalate. This is in addition to the normal parking violations. Captain Bode will follow-up.

Unauthorized Meeting & Exhibition Area – Burke said residents of Waipio Gentry are concerned regarding the use of Moaniani Street and Costco parking as an unauthorized meeting and exhibition area for car clubs. The late night/early morning congregation ranges from a couple of dozen to hundreds and has persisted for weeks. A resident has spoken to Costco management about restraint measures (gates) and was told that the issue is with the general manager, who is meeting this week on the mainland. Captain Bode will follow-up.

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 the facilities (i.e. tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and swimming pool) at Central O’ahu Regional Park are heavily used. Parking remains a persistent problem in the park. This park is the greatest thing the City ever did and the best thing the Board supported. He acknowledged Glenn Kajiwara and his staff.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Deferred until later in the meeting.

Leeward YMCA – Chair Oshiro said Manuel Ayala sent his regrets. The Leeward YMCA is selling memberships for the new facility, which will open in three to four months.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Maus circulated his committee report and was available for questions.

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) Sparky Rodrigues of Olelo said he has partnered with Waipahu Intermediate to open up a media center. He’s also trying to open up a mini studio. Also, he has accepted a CEO position with Olelo on Mau’i. He gave a copy of the Candidates Forum to Chair Oshiro. Chair Oshiro gave the copy to Burke, who will make copies for the Board members. 2) Hunkin mentioned he has opened a homeless shelter on October 1. There is currently 91 people in his shelter, which can house up to 120 people. His church partners with River of Life. For more information, he can be reached at 225-4589 or 94-230 Leokani Street. (A round of applause was given at this time).

PRESENTATIONS:

Plans for a Construction Industry Training Center – Karen Nakamura and Tjet Sun said the Building Industry Association (BIA- Hawai’i) is proposing to build The Construction Training Center of the Pacific at the Mill Town Center, above the FilCom Center. It will be located on a 32,000 sq. ft. parcel. The total cost of the project (land purchase and construction is estimated to be $7.75 million. The center will provide construction training in the areas of pre-apprenticeship, continuing education, entrepreneurial, certifications and safety training to workers who seek employment in the construction industry and to sustain career building through continued education certification programs. The contract is currently in escrow. They estimate to break ground April 2007.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Chair Oshiro said the Board wants to support and encourage you. The center will be an asset to the community.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waikele Road Improvements – Roller stated based on residents’ concern about the Waikele Road Improvements project presented at the September 28, 2006 Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting, he and Herolaga attended meetings with State Senate, City Council, Department of Design and Construction, and Waipahu Intermediate School officials to address the issues and develop a possible solution. A public meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2006, Waipahu Intermediate School Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m. for parents and community members to discuss the project scope, issues and a new approach, which should provide safety for the student pedestrians and support community concerns. The findings from that meeting will be reported back to the November 16, 2006 Waipahu Neighborhood Board meeting. Roller expressed appreciation for Councilmember Garcia’s and Senator Nishihara’s hard work to resolve this issues.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Pat Lee, who made a presentation at last month’s meeting, was open to any questions. He introduced Gary Omori and Jim Lyon, who are also working on the project.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Most of the Board members, including Councilmember Garcia supported the project.

Roller moved and Tokioka seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 strongly support Alternative #4 – the fixed Guideway rail project from Kapolei to UH Manoa and Waikiki. The motion carried, 10-0-2. Abstain: Healey, Saniatan.

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Chair Oshiro noted that the Board needs a quorum at every meeting in order to call the meeting to order. Once a meeting loses a quorum, the meeting has to be adjourned. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please notify him or Neighborhood Assistant Steve Rodrigues. He acknowledged Duhaylonsod for attending even though she is feeling ill.

(Duhaylonsod departed at 8:57 p.m.).

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia’s monthly report. In addition, Councilmember Garcia stated as a result of the Neighborhood Commission audit, the City Council passed a resolution to form a task force to look into the Neighborhood Commission Office/Neighborhood Boards. The task force will look into eliminating the Boards, which he is in totally opposition.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Karen S. circulated Councilmember Okino’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Okino sends his regrets. 2) On November 1, 2006, the City plans to release the Alternative Analysis Report on the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Project. This report will identify the City Administration’s preferred alternative for a mass transit system for O’ahu.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update”. In addition, he stated the Governor’s position on rail is that she has left it up to the County.

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

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated copies of the “BOE Highlights”. In addition, he stated the voters in the General Election will be voting in three categories for BOE: 1) At-Large; 2) Central; 3) Leeward.

There was lengthy discussion on BOE issues. One of the issues included Harimoto responding to Ms. Arnold regarding Board member Arnold’s concern about the education conditions at Waikele Elementary.

Senator Wil Espero – Michelle Ching made available Senator Espero’s monthly report and was available for questions.

Senator Brian Kanno – No report or representative was available.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara thanked Karen Nakamura and Karen Iwamoto for bringing the Construction Training Center to Waipahu. The center will not only benefit Waipahu, but the entire industry.

A resident asked the status of the HI 5 bill. Senator Nishihara answered the State Department of Health (DOH) allows recycle contractors to weigh the beverage containers, but you can ask them to count the containers (up to a 200 limit). He is working on a bill that would require that all beverage containers be hand counted.

Representative Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa – Tom Berg circulated Representative Cabanilla-Arakawa’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Cabanilla-Arakawa sends her regrets. 2) Representative Cabanilla-Arakawa supports the Three Strikes Bill. She also supports more prison space, which the Governor opposes.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Park Kaleiwahea circulated Representative Karamatsu’s monthly report. Representative Karamatsu sends his regrets.

Representative Mark Moses – No report or representative was available.

Chair Oshiro mentioned Representative Moses did attend the recent Legislative Town Meeting.

Representative Alex Sonson – Kaleiwahea circulated Representative Sonson’s monthly report and reported: 1) Representative Sonson is currently in the Philippines attending his father’s funeral. 2) Representative Sonson’s Committee on Human Service is holding public meetings for the SCR 52 Task Force regarding Family Court. If anyone is interested in receiving information, please contact his office at 586-6520.

Chair Oshiro asked Kaleiwahea to extend the Board’s condolences to Representative Sonson.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Representative Yamane reported: 1) He wished everyone a Happy Halloween. 2) He’s been working with Councilmembers Okino and Garcia regarding issues from residents of Waipio Gentry. He’s also been working to clear abandoned vehicles, boats, etc. in the community. 3) He has made HPD aware of property crimes and graffiti. 4) Lastly, he will be working with Councilmember Okino regarding the incident at Costco.

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

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant