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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Irene Elston, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Thomas Maus, Richard Oshiro, Robert Tokioka III, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Arnold, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Kerry Nishimoto, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Michelle Ching (Senator Will Espero’s office), Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard’s office), Corie Arre (Senator Clarence Nishihara’s office), Danielle Bass (Representative Ryan Yamane’s office), Daniel de Gracia (Representative Rida Cabanilla’s office), Kendall Matsuyoshi (Representative Sharon Har’s office), Brandon Lee (Representative Jon Karamatsu’s office), Captain Thomas Hearty (HFD), Sgt. Jett Kaneshiro (HPD), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Pat Lee (HHCTCP), Manuel Ayala (Leeward YMCA), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographer), Chuck Wheatley (WNIA), Toy Arre (FilCom Center), Jeff Higa (Waipahu Cultural Garden Park), Myrna Feliciano (WCA), Esther Kipapa and Kim Golis (Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse), Ethel Yamaguchi (Waipahu United Church of Christ), Jolie M. (WFI/Nextel); Gordon Pang (Honolulu Advertiser); Edmund Alfonso, Romeo Garcia, Darryl Macha, Ilalo Parayano; Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND BOARD MEMBERS – At the request of Chair Oshiro, everyone introduced themselves.

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro announced: 1) He apologized for not beginning the meeting on time, as the meeting could not be called to order until there was a quorum. 2) Please exit the premises the same way you entered, through the front gate. The back gate is locked. 3) If anyone has any questions for HPD, please address it while they are present.

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 MARCH 22, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Tokioka moved and Andrade seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes, delete “appraised” and insert “apprised”.

            Page 5, under Representative Rida Cabanilla, first line, it should read “Daniel de Gracia”.  

The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Yakowenko read the Financial Statement for March 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $31.55, leaving a balance of $5,078.80. 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 Thomas Hearty reported: 1) For the month of March, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 13 fires, 156 medical emergencies, and 65 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire

Safety Tip: “Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.” 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Jett Kaneshiro stated the crime statistics for last month were not available. He will provide the statistics at next month’s meeting.

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

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) The Mayor sends his warm Aloha. He is attending the Kalihi Summit tonight. 2) The Mayor will be holding a public informational meeting regarding the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant on May 15, 2007, Kapolei Middle School, 7:00 p.m. She encouraged everyone to attend. 3) Follow-up: a) Current state law requires that the State Department of Attorney General issue State Identification Cards and the counties issue driver licenses. State law must be amended, county ordinances enacted, and consultation with the union regarding employees affected with the transfer of function from the State to the counties will be required. Currently, there is no action being taken to transfer this function; b) Appropriation bills for the development of a non-emergency reporting system (3-1-1) were not heard during this legislative session; c) Most of the prices at last year’s Honolulu Family Festival were comparable to prices at similar carnivals/festivals. This year, families were offered ride discounts on the Thursday and Sunday of the festival. There will be an effort to secure additional discounts at next year’s festival

There was lengthy discussion on the State Identification Card issue. Comments included: making amendments to the law; having the State put a desk at the satellite city hall; it would save the public money if the City could administer State Identification Cards; Yakowenko said he would ask the State Legislators to address this issue.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Waipahu Cultural Garden Park – Jeff Higa, Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, said the facility has been broken into and vandalized. He asked that the Board support installing a park closure sign between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) requires a motion from the Neighborhood Board in order to install the signage. Chair Oshiro noted that this item will be placed on next month’s agenda.

Elected Officials Reports – Resident Edmund Alfonso thanked the elected officials for their report, but he suggested that they include their website address on their reports.

Illegal Parking – Burke mentioned vehicles are parked too close to the corner at Lumiaina Street and Kamehameha Highway. He asked residents when they observe the violation to call 911.

Road Restriping – Chair Oshiro stated the lanes on Kupuna Loop in Village Park is faded and needs restriping. Andrade indicated this issue was discussed at last month’s meeting. The problem is people are overtaking the cars on the left side of the road. She did contact Councilmember Garcia’s office to redo the area.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Pat Lee gave a brief update on HHCTCP. The scoping process has been approved. Once it is approved by the federal government, the document will be available on the HHCTCP website (www.honolulutransit.org). He thanked those who participated in the public meetings. The next step is the Draft Environment Impact Statement (DEIS).

Leeward YMCA – Manuel Ayala reported: 1) Since their grand opening, they have sold 3,000 memberships. (A round of applause was given at this time). Daily usage exceeds 300 people. 2) In June, dive-in movies will be provided to families. More than 74% of members are families. 3) Swim lessons for youths will be held this summer, June 11 – August 5. The cost is $96. 4) He extended an invitation to everyone to tour the facilities. 

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Tokioka said at the last CAC meeting the committee discussed the pedestrian master plan. He gave an overview of the master plan.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Chair Oshiro announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is June 1, 2007. Approximately $16,000 is awarded each quarter. He encouraged non-profit youth organizations in the Waipahu area (96797) to apply. Applications are available through Russell Roller 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 Roller at 671-6636.

Announcements – 1) Andrade provided brochures for the Lantern Floating Ceremony to be held on Memorial Day at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, 6:30 p.m. She encouraged everyone to attend.

PRESENTATIONS:

Sprint – Nextel Telecommunications Facility at Royal Kunia Island Club – Jolie M., WFI/Nextel, stated they are proposing to install 70-foot monopole with a three sector antenna array, equipment cabinets, and an emergency generator system inside an equipment shelter within a new fenced and locked compound. The area would encompass 1,200 square feet. The monopole will be co-locatable, as required by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). This project is needed to better serve the Royal Kunia community and surrounding areas.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro said he spoke with Albi Mateo of the Royal Kunia Community Association (RKCA) and she indicated that residents overwhelmingly opposed the project. 2) Jolie stated they looked at other sites, but this was the best and only option. 3) Andrade mentioned that the Kunia Park-and-Ride also opposed the project. 4) Resident Chuck Wheatley, a Nextel customer, supports the project due to a lot of drop calls. There are no poles from Pearl City to Makakilo. 5) Burke asked that the Board defer making a decision until hearing from the community association. Chair Oshiro noted that Nextel is only required to make a presentation to the Board. However, he will invite a representative from RKCA to next month’s meeting.

Proposal for a Speed Table and Crosswalk at Mokuola and Kauola Place – Ethel Yamaguchi, Waipahu United Church of Christ, said a speed table and crosswalk are needed for these reasons: motorists speed because Mokuola is a straight street and they often are trying to make the green light at the end of the block and it is the side of frequent jay walking; pedestrians and traffic use Mokuola Street to go and from various businesses, bus stops, church, etc.; will allow handicapped wheelchairs to go and from the sidewalk on one side of Mokuola to the other; and there have been many traffic accidents and deaths recently throughout the island. She asked for the Board’s support before an accident or traffic occurs in this neighborhood.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Yamaguchi stated she wasn’t aware of any traffic accidents on Mokuola Street. Crosswalks are needed, but she’s not sure about speed humps. 2) Herolaga indicated that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has put a moratorium on traffic calming devices. Councilmember Garcia is looking at several options. He is aware of what is occurring and is very concerned. DTS won’t install a crosswalk where there is no traffic signal. It would be too dangerous. Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support the proposal as presented by Ms. Yamaguchi. The motion carried unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

EMS Support for Waipahu – Deferred.

Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse – Sidewalks Needed – Herolaga stated their office (Councilmember Garcia) was informed that sidewalks will be constructed on Waipio Point Access Road, but it won’t cover Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse. Councilmember Garcia will put in additional money to do that portion (from Waipahu High School to Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse).

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Deferred.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko, Chair of the committee, said they held a meeting prior to this meeting. The committee was formed about 10 months ago. For the past two years, there has been three vacancies on the Board that has not been filled. Yakowenko moved that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board reduce the subdistricts from 11 to 3 (total of 9 seats); increase the at-large seats from 2 to 10; and keep the Board seats at 19 (note – a committee recommendation does not require a second). The motion carried unanimously. Yakowenko thanked the Board members who served on the committee. Chair Oshiro thanked Yakowenko for his leadership and his efforts. He write a letter to the Neighborhood Commission Office.

NEW BUSINESS:

Waipahu Community Association – Herolaga requested that WCA be placed on the monthly agenda under Community Reports. Chair Oshiro agreed.

Chair Oshiro called for a recess at 8:50 p.m. Orders resumed at 8:55 p.m.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated BWS’ monthly report.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia’s monthly report and was available for questions.

Chair Oshiro thanked Herolaga for Councilmember Garcia’s report and for all that you do for the community.

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

Governor's Representative – The Neighborhood Assistant circulated various reports, brochures, and information from the Governor’s Office.

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

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated “BOE Highlights”. In addition, he stated: 1) There is controversial over the teachers contract because of the mandatory drug testing. 2) BOE formed an ad-hoc committee on facilities. The committee is seeking input from the public.

Senator Will Espero – Michelle Ching reported: 1) In addition to the $90 million appropriated for the Kapolei Court complex, there is also $22.5 million. It’s scheduled to open in 2010. 2) Approximately $35 million was appropriated for the new UH West O’ahu campus. 3) She will speak to Senator Espero regarding the State ID Cards.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro asked if any Legislator would be willing to amend the law so that the City could produce State ID Cards and report back at next month’s meeting. 2) Yakowenko asked if any Legislator would vote to change the Sunshine Law.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Rock Riggs circulated Senator Gabbard’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) Senator Gabbard sends his regrets. 2) Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for schools in this area include August Ahrens Elementary, Kaleiopu’u Elementary, and Waikele Elementary. 3) Senator Gabbard will hold a “Talk Story” on Saturday, June 2, 2007, Waikele Elementary School, 9:00 a.m.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Riggs stated that Senator Gabbard is opposed to SB 1642. 2) Herolaga inquired about boxcar funding. Riggs answered there is a $75,000 grant-in-aid. He will follow-up.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Corie Arre circulated Senator Nishihara’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She will take back the concerns regarding the Sunshine Law and State ID Cards. 2) She spoke to the Neighborhood Assistant to get the Board members email addresses to send the senator’s monthly newsletter.

Chair Oshiro asked what is Senator Nishihara’s position on SB 1642. She will follow-up.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Daniel de Gracia circulated Representative Cabanilla’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) Representative Cabanilla sends her regrets. 2) Representative Cabanilla support full transparency in government (i.e. Sunshine Law). 3) Representative Cabanilla is working on transportation relief measures. 4) He will follow-up on the State ID Cards.

Representative Alex Sonson – de Gracia stated as Chair of the Labor and Public Employment Committee, Representative Sonson is working hard to pass labor laws.

Chair Oshiro asked de Gracia to covey to Representative Sonson his position on SB 1642.

Representative Sharon Har – Kendall Mitsuyoshi circulated Representative Har’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Har was successful in securing $35 million for UH West O’ahu. 2) The box car facility received a grant-in-aid. It was not fully funded.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Karamatsu’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) EMS – will defer to Representative Yamene. 2) Sunshine Law – HB 128 was heard in the House, but not in the Senate. 3) State ID Cards and SB 1642 - he doesn’t know Representative Karamatsu’s position on these two issues. 4) HB 345, Peace Day Bill, which Representative Karamatsu introduced, was signed into law as Act 023 by the Governor. 5) He highlighted CIP items and bills that were passed.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Danielle Bass circulated Representative Yamane’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Yamane sends his regrets. 2) HB 567 – relating to Motor Sports Facility, which Representative Yamane introduced, is currently under review in conference hearings. 3) CIP items include air conditioning for Kanoelani Elementary and Kamehameha Highway improvements. 4) EMS unit for Milillani/Mililani Mauka - $1.5 million was appropriated. They are waiting for the final ruling.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Continued – Chair Oshiro thanked Councilmember Garcia for attending tonight’s meeting. He noted that Herolaga answered all the questions posed to the councilmember.

Wheatley asked for support in getting the Waipahu City Hall Annex open. Councilmember Garcia mentioned there will be an announcement within the next couple of weeks. (A round of applause was given at this time).

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant