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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2006

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Arnold, Marty Burke, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Maureen Andrade, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto.

GUESTS: Councilmember Gary Okino, Frank Lopez (Governor’s Representative), Senator Clarence Nishimoto, Michelle Ching (Senator Wil Espero’s office), Representative Rida Cabanilla, Representative Jon Karamatsu, Representative Alex Sonson, Representative Ryan Yamane, Captain Robert Moss (HFD), Officer Jeff Bardon (HPD), Scott Ishikawa (DOT), Pat Lee (HHCCTP), Kevin Funasaki (Castle & Cooke), Manuel Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Siloma Bridges, Gary Shields and Jeff Yamashita (Victory Ohana), Priscilla Zampaga (Mandalay by the Park), Roxanne Harris (Independent Living Waipahu), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographers), Karene Garma and Didith Gouveia (Waipahu Little League), Moira Maeda-Nakamine, George Yakowenko, Jr., 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: 1) The Board had a successful Candidates Forum last month. 2) Please exit Waipahu Cultural Garden Park the same way you 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 JULY 27, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded to approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for August 2006. The new fiscal year began July 1, 2006 and ends June 30, 2007. The Operating Account expenses were $75.19, leaving a balance of $1,412.15. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving a balance of $2,994.67. 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 Moss reported: 1) For the month of August, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 21 fires, 139 medical emergencies, and 85 miscellaneous calls. 2) The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be held on October 8 – 14, 2006. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. 3) The 2006 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools. 4) HFD would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that the provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies providing the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Jeff Bardon reported the statistics for the month of August in the Waipahu area: 22 assaults; 41 auto thefts; 16 auto theft recoveries; 29 burglaries; 53 criminal property damages; 1 drug/narcotics; 186 motor vehicle collisions; 12 O.V.U.I.I; 5 robberies; 68 thefts; 69 UEMV’s; and 2,992 calls for service in Waipahu (43.07% of the calls were for service). Arrests: adults – 108, juveniles – 80 (see attachment). This is one of the busiest district, if not the busiest (the district includes Aiea, Pearl City and Waipahu). Officers have made arrests for graffiti. (A round of applause was given at this time). And, they are getting closer to solving the burglaries. 

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Yakowenko thanked the four Weed & Seed officers and Maj. Tandal who attended the September 16 community graffiti paint-out. He asked Officer Bardon to convey his message.

2)       Healey inquired how many crimes involved weapons. Officer Bardon answered none involved firearms.

3)       A number of the residents in attendance commended HPD and said to keep up the good work.

HPD Weed & Seed – No report or representative was available.

Mayor's Representative – Chair Oshiro indicated Baybee Hufana-Ablan sends her regrets. Her follow-up report includes: 1) The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) conducted an inspection at 94-325 Paiwa Street on August 9, 2006 and revealed the owners have a cleaning business. No employees come to the property. The owners call the employees on the phone and tell them what house to go to. 2) The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will conduct an investigation regarding the traffic concerns on Waipio Uka Street and various streets connecting to Waipio Uka Streets. They will inform the Board or their findings by the end of the year. Should you have any questions, please contact Alton Mitsuyuki at 523-4721. 3) If anyone has any concerns, Hufana-Ablan will be at next month’s meeting.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

 Illegal Vehicles – Hunkin had concerns about the number of abandoned vehicles on Pupuole Street. Although Weed & Seed officers recently cited a number of vehicles, the problem still exists. A new City ordinance allows tow companies to tow vehicles that have expired safety check sticker, expired registration or no license plate that are parked on any public street. Officer Bardon stated HPD is aware of the situation. Officers do issue citations if the above mentioned infractions are present, but there is a backlog of abandoned vehicles to be towed. He understands the frustration. It involves more than HPD, it also involves the City and the tow company.

Alleged Drug House – Burke said the Gentry Waipio Community Association is concerned about an alleged drug house on Pokeo Street. There is traffic all hours of the night. Residents are afraid to come forward. Officer Bardon stated residents can call NARCO Vice at 529-3115 and remain anonymous. Drug cases are not solved overnight. Undercover officers need to conduct surveillance and make buys before they turn the case over the federal government, especially if it’s a Weed & Seed area (for harsher penalties).  

Drug Use – A resident had concerns about individuals smoking “ice” and crack in her neighborhood. By the time residents call police; the drug users have dispersed. Officer Bardon indicated whenever you witness the illegal activity to call 911. The community is the eyes and ears for police.

Timing of Traffic Lights – Yakowenko had concerns about traffic on Farrington Highway. Since there is construction on the highway, HPD controls the traffic signals. His wife had to wait three green lights at Farrington Highway and Leoku Street before she could proceed through the intersection. At Waipahu Depot Road and Farrington Highway, only three to four vehicles were able to make the green light. Someone needs to look into it and reset the timing of the traffic signals. Officer Bardon indicated the traffic signals on Farrington Highway are controlled by the State Department of Transportation (DOT). If you feel the timing of the signals have changed make a complaint and HPD will see if DOT can retime the traffic signals. Major intersections have longer green lights. Some of the traffic signals are triggered by underground sensors. If motorists would pay more attention to the traffic signals, more vehicles would be able to make the green light.

Candidates Forum – Burke acknowledged Edgar Ugale from Waipahu Intermediate School and his students (WISKID’s Productions) for videotaping last month’s Candidates Forum. Members of the production crew include: Karen Grace Dumlao, Jenny Cayme, Geneva Balladares, Clarisen Tuliao, Jeremy Cabuloy, Von Refuerzo, Kevin Catalan and Romnick Marquez. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Transportation Issues – Burke submitted a letter from resident Young Kim who had three concerns. The first concern has already been addressed; the second concern is a City issue; and the third concern is a State issue. Regarding the City issue, the Neighborhood Assistant will relay the concern to the City Administration for follow-up. Kim’s concern is that Bus Route No. 433 currently goes from Paiwa Street to Lumiaina Street. He asked that the City reroute the bus through Managers Drive to Hiapo Street to Hiapo Street. There are no bus stops between Lumiaina and Hiapo Streets along Paiwa Street, and there are many bus riders along Lumiaina Street to Managers Drive between Paiwa and Hiapo Streets.

Waikele Road Improvements – A concerned resident of Waikele Street presented a Letter of Complaint – Waikele Project – Objection of Waikele Project’s Blue Print to the Board. The letter expressed the desire to have the project blue prints redone. Five years ago, the residents signed a petition to have a sidewalk installed on the makai side of Waikele Street fronting Waipahu Intermediate School. As the project progressed, the residents were not informed about the conceptual plans for the project. About one week ago, the residents found out about the project design, which includes a sidewalk, parking stalls, and widening of the road. The neighbors object to the parking stalls and want safety measures taken if the road is widened. If no safety measures are provided, then they are against the widening of Waikele Road. The main resident issues included: parking stalls, widening of the road without any safety precautions, blue print changes, and traffic congestion, flow, and speeding. The residents support the sidewalk to improve the safety of the student pedestrians along Waikele Road. However due to this problem and past concerns, the residents feel that no one cares about their concerns.

Roller advised the neighbors that they were to be included in the project design coordination. He personally provided the drawings to a Board representative who was to show the plans to the residents. Apparently, the coordination was never accomplished. Roller apologized for that error and assured the residents that the Board values their input and feelings. Roller and Herolaga will meet with the residents, school officials, and city design and construction planners to address all the resident concerns and try to resolve the problems. Roller asked that the Waikele Road Improvement issues be added to next month’s agenda. He will report back to the Board with findings. A Board member asked if the residents concerns should not be elevated to City Officials. Since Roller had just received their Letter of Complaint, he requested that he proceed with the fact-finding phase first.

Mayor’s Representative – Burke was very disappointed that there was no Mayor’s representative (or alternative) present to address any City-related issues. The City administration owes it to the Neighborhood Board to have a representative present. The Neighborhood Assistant will relay the concern to the City Administration for follow-up.

Waipahu Little League Baseball – Didth Gouveia announced that registration for Waipahu Little League Baseball will be held shortly at Honowai Elementary. Signs will be posted in the next two weeks.

Waikele Elementary School – Arnold was shocked, disturbed, appalled and flabbergasted at the learning conditions at Waikele Elementary School. The school is only three years old. His grandson is in the fifth grade and they have no social studies books; no reading program; the math book has “discard” stamped on it (the date is stamped more than 10 years ago); only 8 science books for 22 students; and the teacher has to go online to get class assignments. Breene Harimoto, Board of Education, said each school purchases their own textbooks and has their own budget. He will follow-up.

Recycling – Arnold had concerns about the State’s recycling program. When he recycled his empty beverage containers at the redemption center, his containers were weighed and not counted. He was shortchanged and not given the five cents per beverage container he returned. Some containers are different sizes. Senator Nishihara said the Legislature is working on a bill to correct the problem. He agreed that if consumers pay a nickel tax per beverage container, they should expect to get a nickel back. Something is not right when you see the finances. When the Department of Health (DOH) contracted it out, they left it up to the recyclers. The bill is in Representative Sonson’s committee. Representative Sonson indicated he would have a concrete answer at next month’s meeting.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Castle & Cooke – Kevin Funasaki gave a brief update on the Waipio Point project. Yesterday was the first “key release” (the first homeowner moved in). The project is moving steadily. They have sales releases through phase 6 (of 7). Phase 7 release is expected early November. The entire project will be completed second quarter 2007.

Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report and reported that HPD will not relocate its Mounted Unit to Central O’ahu Regional Park. The unit will remain based in Waimanalo.

Leeward YMCA – Manuel Ayala reported: 1) The new Leeward YMCA facility is 72 percent complete. Fundraising efforts have raised all but $2.5 million of the $13 million cost. 2) He thanked Senator Kanno for having his retirement party at the YMCA and donating all the proceeds. They raised just under $30,000. 3) Another school was added to their A-Plus Program. Now, they serve a total of 14 schools or 2,100 students. 4) Pau Hana Night will be held on October 17, 2006. 5) He circulated a list with membership fees. If anyone has any questions, please call 671-6495.

In response to Chair Oshiro, Ayala stated the expected grand opening of the new Leeward YMCA is January 18, 2007 (sneak peak) and January 25, 2007 (public). Chair Oshiro mentioned when the facility opens it will be another anchor for Waipahu. The other anchor is the FilCom Center.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Tokioka read his committee report. Copies of his report can be obtained by contacting Tokioka.

Waipahu Community Association – Herolaga said Darrlyn Bunda is no longer the executive director of Waipahu Community Association, effective September 4, 2006. A replacement has yet to be named. Until a replacement is named, there won’t be a representative. Chair Oshiro said this item will be removed from the agenda until further notice.

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. The foundation will be awarding four grants next month. 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 – Herolaga announced the Waipahu Cultural Garden Park will be celebrating Keiki Day on October 7-8, 2006.

PRESENTATIONS:

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Pat Lee said the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor project is a 23-mile corridor, 3-4 miles wide, from UH Manoa to Kapolei. It’s the fastest growing corridor on O’ahu. Approximately 93% of the population growth and 95% of job growth will occur in this corridor. The four alternatives that will be considered in the Alternatives Analysis are: 1) No Build Alternative - $800 million; 2) Transportation System Management Alternative - $300 million; 3) Managed Lane Alternative - $2 billion; 4) Fixed Guideway Alternative (rail) - $3 billion. The stops in Waipahu will be at Leoku Street and Farrington Highway, and Mokuola Street and Farrington Highway. It will be in operational from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. The project is needed to improve reliability (i.e. “Black Tuesday” – when the H-1 Freeway was shut down because the Aiea pedestrian bridge was damaged). The City Council will vote on an alternative by the end of the year. The half percent General Excise Tax (GET) will take effect January 1, 2007. For more information, visit www.honolulutransit.org or call 566-2299.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments included: 1) Lee answered the following: a) The City County would certainly like to hear input from the community. In the past, the Board has supported fixed Guideway. Burke said he didn’t recall the Board being a strong supporter of any of the alternatives. He asked if more realistic alternatives were looked into (i.e. restricting drivers, etc.); b) We have nothing for the past 30 years to address transportation concerns. Approximately 60,000 homes are planned for O’ahu; c) The park-and-ride would be located near Pearl Highlands Shopping Center. There would be circular buses.

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. Discussion ensued.

Discussion included: 1) Yakowenko said he knows something needs to be done. No Build shouldn’t be an option. There are still a lot of questions regarding rail (i.e. costs, ridership, etc.). He does not support rail. 2) Burke said although there has been a number of public meetings on this issue, he doesn’t think everyone has all the details. 3) Lee stated Salt Lake City, Utah has the similar population as O’ahu and their rail transit is a success. 4) Councilmember Okino stated he’s a long-time supporter of rail. He has worked with rapid transit since Mayor Fasi’s administration. The only option that would succeed is rail. In 20 years, there will be 90,000 homes in Ewa and a projected three hours of commute time. Rail would keep the commute to under 30 minutes and it has tremendous capacity. The elevated proposal would only two more lanes. You could add 40 lanes, but you would still have 40 lanes of traffic. We need to address “quality of life” issues. He will push very hard for rail. 5) Lee stated the rail yard would be located at the end part of the yard (i.e. Leeward area). The City has been in discussion with Campbell Estate. The further into town the rail yard is located the more expensive it would costs.

The motion failed, 8-1-4. Aye: Domingo, Duhaylonsod, Elston, Herolaga, Hunkin, Oshiro, Roller, Tokioka. Nay: Arnold. Abstain: Burke, Healey, Saniatan, Yakowenko.

Mandalay by the Park – Proposed Nursing Home at 94-955 Kahuamoku Place – Rida Cabanilla, speaking as a future employee of Priscila Zampaga of Mandalay by the Park, and not as a state legislator, stated the project will include a 42-bed nursing home. The four-story building stays within the 60-feet height limit with parking space for staff, guests and emergency vehicle on the ground floor; living space on the second and third floors; and office space on the fourth floor. There will be a total of 14 parking spaces. Mandalay by the Park will be staffed by nurses and trained aides under the guidance of a medical director and an administrator. There will be 12 full-time employees during the day and 5 during the night. Currently, there are no nursing homes in Waipahu. As part of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process, they have to make a presentation to the Neighborhood Board. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will determine which applicant will be granted the CUP (either Mandalay by the Park or Victory Ohana).

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Herolaga questioned how would graffiti, drugs and homeless in the area affect Mandalay by the Park. Zampaga stated since she acquired the two buildings she has evicted the problem tenants. Herolaga said that’s not the question she asked.

2)       Yakowenko asked if DPP approves Mandalay by the Park, does Victory Ohana have to leave their site. Cabanilla answered Victory Ohana has been operating without a permit the past few years and need to become legal.

3)       Hunkin mentioned there is a drug problem in the area, but Victory Ohana is helping to cleanup the area. They are doing a good job.

4)       Arnold said he had a problem with Cabanilla endorsing Mandalay by the Park. It’s a conflict of interest, especially with the position she holds in the community as a state legislator. Burke agreed with Arnold. Cabanilla supposed to represent the entire community. It’s inappropriate. He’s appalled. 

Victory Ohana Prison Fellowship – Gary Shields said Victory Ohana Prison Fellowship founded in May 1992 is a non-profit faith based living program. They have 14 years of experience in helping ex-offenders reintegrate themselves back into society. With a balance of faith, vocational training and out-patient treatment services they have been very successful in taking part in the continued growth and success of our men and women here at Victory Ohana. They have a total of 180 beds at two facilities (space for 156 men and 24 women). Senator Kanno has written a letter of support for their program. Shield requested that the Board reaffirm its position it made two years ago to support Victory Ohana’s CUP application.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Jeff Yamashita, a pastor and retired HPD officer, spoke in support of Shields and Victory Ohana. Yamashita said he has known Shields for years and knows first hand what the project does. This is the best program to help the people in Waipahu. This community has the highest crime rates for burglaries, thefts, gangs, etc.

2)       Burke inquired why doesn’t Victory Ohana have a CUP after all these years. Shields answered they ran into a number of obstacles. As soon as the Board reaffirms its position, he will submit another application. 

3)       Councilmember Okino spoke in support of Victory Ohana. He has known Shields for a number of years and is very close to him.

4)       Representative Sonson said when the Board first discussed this issue he was a member of the Board. Victory Ohana has been in violation with the City and State these past years. He wants Victory Ohana to come clean that they are operating in the clear. The only was to get out of violation is to stop the program. The program does not exist, all they have is an apartment complex until such time the CUP is approved. The Neighborhood Board must be clear on what role you have.

5)       Hunkin, who is also a pastor, stated Victory Ohana is needed in Waipahu. As with his church, Victory Ohana is also faith-based.

6)       Burke said the question is did the Board support Victory Ohana previously. Chair Oshiro answered in the affirmative.

Burke moved and Saniatan seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 reaffirm its support for Victory Ohana and urge the City and County to grant its requested Conditional Use Permit as soon as the organization has satisfied the requirements for issuance of such a permit. Chair Oshiro noted that the Board is only advisory. The decision will be made by DPP.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Redistricting Waipahu Neighborhood Board Seats – Herolaga stated the Redistricting Committee held its meeting earlier this evening at 6:00 p.m. It was a very short meeting. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved. George Yakowenko is now the Chair of the Committee and she is the secretary.

In response to Chair Oshiro, Yakowenko said this item could be taken off the agenda for now. The committee won’t have anything to report at least until January 2007. He will inform Chair Oshiro when he would like to be added back on the agenda.

NEW BUSINESS:

Reschedule November’s Meeting Due to Thanksgiving Day Holiday – Chair Oshiro noted November’s meeting falls on Thanksgiving. Burke moved and Saniatan seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 reschedule its Regular Meeting to November 16, 2006. Yakowenko mentioned the Board already voted to recess in December. The motion carried unanimously.

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Chair Oshiro noted that included in the Board members minutes/agenda was a letter from Joan Manke, Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office, regarding quorum. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) released an opinion that if a Neighborhood Board does not have a quorum that the meeting can’t be called to order. And, if during a meeting the Board falls below quorum the meeting must be adjourned immediately. The Board needs to take a look at this issue. It’s contrary to the intent of the Neighborhood Boards. Yakowenko mentioned the Board (in a previous meeting) voted to keep this Board under the Sunshine Law. We should keep this issue in the limelight. Chair Oshiro indicated this issue will remain under unfinished business.

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, she announced: 1) Councilmember Garcia sends his regrets. 2) The Hawai’i Winter League Baseball opens this Sunday, October 1, 2006, Hans L’Orange Park, 3:00 p.m. North Shore Honu plays West O’ahu Cane Fire.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Councilmember Okino circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He was re-elected in the Primary Election with 83% of the votes. He thanked everyone for their support throughout all these years. 2) The City Council has established two task forces: a) A task force to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the Neighborhood Board system; b) A transit advisory task force to assist the Council in selecting a Locally Preferred Alternative for the City’s mass transit system. 3) If anyone has any concerns, please give him a call at 547-7008.

Congressman Ed Case – No report or representative was available.

Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) He congratulated Councilmember Okino for bring re-elected. 2) Advancing Hawaii’s Role in the Asia-Pacific Region – a) Hawai’i Welcomes Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; b) Governor Hosts Luncheon in Honor of China National Tourism Association Chairman; c) Governor Welcomes Korea’s Dongbu Insurance Company to Hawai’i Market.

Chair Oshiro asked if the Governor supports rail transit. Lopez answered in the affirmative.

State Department of Transportation (DOT) – Scott Ishikawa, spokesperson for DOT, stated repaving of Farrington Highway is one-third completed. They are two weeks behind schedule due to the asphalt shortage.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Oshiro inquired about last month’s H-1 Freeway closure in Aiea. Ishikawa stated they could have contra-flowed Kamehameha Highway. DOT Director Rod Haraga had discussions with General Lee regarding this issue. They could have got the word out better. DOT still received calls after the accident that they shouldn’t have shut down the freeway. They had to shut it down because of safety issues; there were cracks in the pedestrian bridge and were concerned that pieces of concrete would come falling down. Haraga made the call to shut it down. The longer they waited to make a decision, the more it would have affected morning rush hour traffic.

2)       Yakowenko had concerns about loss of parking on Honowai Street, near the Kunia Palm Apartments project. Currently, there are 15 vehicles that park in the area. He asked if parking will be reduced. Ishikawa will follow-up.

3)       In response to Healey, Ishikawa stated the reason why there was a shortage of asphalt is that Tesoro is the only local producer of asphalt.

Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded to extend the meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated copies of the “BOE Highlights”. In addition, he reported that there are a lot of issues before the Board of Education. One of the top concerns is school safety. He sits on the Board Ad Hoc Committee on School Safety. Concerns include bullying, harassment, drugs, etc. There is no easy solution. And, it’s not a solution you will find in the classroom, but in the whole community.

Senator Wil Espero – Michelle Ching made available Senator Espero’s monthly report. In addition, she announced Children and Youth Day will be held this Sunday, October 1, 2006, State Capitol, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Senator Brian Kanno – No report or representative was available.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara reported: 1) He has been corresponding with Ishikawa regarding insufficient crosswalks in front of Waipahu Intermediate School. Sidewalks have been built. 2) Bus stops on Honowai Street have been moved further down Hoaeae Street. He asked Herolaga, Councilmember Garcia’s office, to follow-up. 3) If anyone has any concerns, please call his office at 586-6970.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Representative Cabanilla circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The proposed Mandalay by the Park Nursing Home project is not in her district. 2) She thanked Yakowenko for attending the traffic solutions meeting on September 6. 3) Her show airs weekly on Olelo Channel 54 on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. This month’s topic will be the traffic solutions meeting. 4) The bottleneck bill she introduced last session would have help “Black Tuesday”.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Representative Karamatsu circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The Speaker of the House recently appointed him to serve on the Identity Theft Task Force. 2) Over $2 million in bids awarded to re-roof Building A and to renovate and paint various buildings at Honowai Elementary School.

Herolaga asked Representative Karamatsu to follow-up on Arnold’s concern about the lack of text books, etc. at Waikele Elementary School. Karamatsu will follow-up.

Representative Mark Moses – No report or representative was available.

Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson stated he’s been busy during the interim as Chair of the Human Services Committee. The Committee is working on a task force relating to care givers for seniors 65 years and over. More meetings will be held.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Representative Yamane reported: 1) He thanked HPD, especially the Pearl City Police Station, for responding immediately to his call regarding a derelict vehicle. 2) Concerns in the community include: a) “No Parking” signage – he’s been in contact with the Gentry Waipio Association; b) An abandoned home was being used by neighborhood kids as a hangout. Councilmember Okino is aware of these two concerns.

Chair Oshiro announced a Waipahu Legislative Town Meeting will be held on October 17, 2006, Waipahu Intermediate School Cafeteria, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. DOT Director Rod Haraga will be the guest speaker and the topic will be “Mass Transit and Transportation Plans”.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant