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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2007

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: Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Arnold, Constante Domingo, Terry Healey, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Robert Tokioka III.

GUESTS: Danny Agsalog (Mayor’s Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Corie Arre (Senator Nishihara’s office), Michelle Ching (Senator Will Espero’s office), Kendall Matsuyoshi (Representative Sharon Har’s office), Park Kaleiwahea (Representative Alex Sonson’s office), Daniel de Garcia (Representative Rida Cabanilla’s office), Brandon Lee (Representative Jon Karamatsu’s office), Captain Thomas Simon (HFD), Sgt. Kaneshiro and Officer Wyllie Lum (HPD), Officer Brant Pia (Weed & Seed); Manuel Ayala and Glenn Tsugawa (Leeward YMCA); Glenn Miura (architect); Steve Kothenbeutel and Collin Miyamoto (Avalon Development), Pat Lee (HHCTCP), Bob Farrell (videographers), Sparky Rodrigues (Olelo), Chuck Wheatley (WNIA), Toy Arre (FilCom Center), Darryl Macha (Century 21), Mike Wilcox (Save Oahu’s Race Tracks), Tom Berg (Ewa Neighborhood Board), William Maglinti, Joyce and Blaine Tsugawa, Sheldon Yano, 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: 1) Please exit the premises through the front gate (the same way you entered). The back gate is locked. 2) HPD requests that if anyone has a police-related concern to please ask your question after their report is given.

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 JANUARY 25, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Guests, third line, it should read “Senator Clarence Nishihara”.

Page 3, under Residents’ Concerns, first paragraph, second line, it should read “Since Thanksgiving, he has counted 15 different times illegal fireworks have woken him up.”

The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for January 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $232.49, leaving a balance of $5,309.08. 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 Simon reported: 1) For the month of January, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 29 fires, 129 medical emergencies, 14 hazardous calls and 73

miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Every home should have a working smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level. Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen or bathroom. Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.”

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Kaneshiro reported: 1) The statistics for the month of January. There were 6 assaults, 52 auto thefts, 39 auto theft recoveries, 47 burglaries, 60 criminal property damages, 5 drug/narcotics, 163 motor vehicle collisions, 15 OVUII, 4 robberies, 77 thefts, 75 UEMV, 3,256 calls for service in Waipahu, 7,226 calls for service in District 3, 154 adult arrests, and 50 juvenile arrests. 2) A couple of days ago, officers arrested two individuals for breaking into vehicles. 3) A couple of weeks ago, officers arrested an individual for burglary. Thanks to a neighbor calling 911 when he witnessed a burglary in progress and gave a description of the getaway car. Officers recovered the stolen goods and the suspect implicated others.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Yakowenko had concerns about illegally parked vehicles on Leoku Street, near the Waipahu Post Office. There is “No Parking” signage. Officer Wyllie Lum will follow-up. 2) Saniatan said the elderly Filipino gentleman is back selling bananas at Village Park, near Times. Officer Lum indicated they received a call earlier this evening and officers took care of it. 3) Herolaga mentioned last month she brought up a concern about a homeless individual cooking near the entrance to Waipahu Cultural Garden Park. Tonight, he yelled at a woman then attacked her. Herolaga said she called 911, no one responded within the next 10 minutes so she called 911 again. She requested that this individual be removed from the premises. Officer Lum said officers kicked him out in the past. After they leave the meeting, he will take care of it. 4) Elston had concerns about vehicles parking around the corners in the Pupu area. Residents are forced to walk on the street. Officer Lum said it’s a big problem. He will follow-up. 5) Herolaga raised a concern about the manapua truck. Officer Lum will follow-up. 6) A resident said there is lots of speeding on Anuinui Road, near the golf course. He’s concerned that someone might get run over and requested a speed monitor. Officer Lum said he will bring it up with the major. He suggested neighbors call 911 when this problem is occurring. 7) A resident had concerns about the large number of vehicles gathering on Moaniani Street and in the Costco parking lot. It occurs every weekend after midnight. He asked besides calling 911, what can residents do. Officer Lum said officers can’t do anything if they are not doing anything illegal and Costco is on private property.

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Brant Pia reported: 1) Yesterday, Waipahu Elementary held a safe and successful “Drug Free” walk. The event was featured by KHON 2 newscaster Kirk Matthews and was shown on its evening and morning news. 2) Tip of the Month: Just a friendly reminder to both pedestrians and motorists. Due to the recent increase of motor vehicle collisions involving pedestrians please be mindful as motorists to be aware of pedestrians crossing the street and as a pedestrian to obey the traffic signals and utilize proper crosswalks. 3) Regarding the illegal parking at Leoku Street, Weed & Seed officers will take care of it. 4) Weed & Seed officers have been doing bike patrol in the Pupu area two times per day. They will address the illegal parking. It’s an ongoing problem.

Mayor's Representative – Danny Agsalog, substituting for Baybee Hufana-Ablan, reported: 1) He submitted a copy of the Mayor’s State-of-the-City Address. The text of the speech can be found on the City’s website at www.honolulu.gov. 2) The Mayor has created a Department of Emergency Management today. 3) Follow-up: a) There are a total of 13 zones serviced by 6 towing contractors; b) The next meeting for the City Council appointed task force to look into the Neighborhood Commission Office will be held on February 28, 2007, Council Committee Room, 4:00 p.m. Agendas and minutes are posted at www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-876. For more information, call Councilmember Djou’s office at 527-5591; c) The City is requesting from the State vehicles, equipment, and funding for ambulances. There are bills moving through the Legislature relating to this issue. The City asks for your support to secure funding; d) The use of a temporary location for a satellite city hall within the former JCPenney was initially explored. However, added costs towards the construction of a temporary site and the anticipated difficulty in securing a three-month or short term lease elsewhere were not practical alternatives.

Chair Oshiro said his concern was the response time it took for vehicles to be towed from the freeway. Herolaga of Councilmember Garcia’s office, indicated their office contacted the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding this issue. The freeways are under the State’s jurisdiction and not the City. The City is responsible for City streets. Chair Oshiro asked Agsalog for clarification because the Board was led to lead otherwise.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

EMS Unit for Waipahu – Chair Oshiro apologized for not placing this issue on tonight’s agenda. It will be placed on next month’s agenda for action. Board members may submit testimony to the Legislature as individual citizens. Roller stated at the November 2006 meeting he mentioned a KGMB story titled “EMS Strained by Ambulance Shortage”. It talked about a lack of ambulance service for Waipio-Gentry. In 2005, EMS responded to over 73,000 911 calls with only 18 ambulances on O’ahu. Response time is between 10-15 minutes. According to the American Heart Association, the guidelines for cardio-pulmonary-arrest victims recommend a basic life support response in 4-6 minutes and an advance life support within 8 to 10 minutes. O’ahu has a population of more than 900,000 and need more than 18-20 ambulances to meet the needs of the community. Currently, EMS has a shortage of 20 paramedics. The Mayor’s representative has solicited the Board’s help in supporting budget increases.

Save Our Race Tracks – Mike Wilcox said with the closing of Hawai’i Raceway Park race enthusiasts were left no without a place to race. They are asking for the State to conduct a study and for the City to acquire Hawai’i Raceway Park. He asked that this item be placed on next month’s agenda. Chair Oshiro agreed.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Castle & Cooke – No report or representative was available. Chair Oshiro said he would contact Castle & Cooke if they would like to remain on the agenda.

Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report and highlighted the following: 1) Three maintenance carts were stolen from their locked compound in the park. There were apparently used for joyriding. Two of the carts were retrieved undamaged in Waipio Gentry and the third was located at Crestview Community Park. It was damaged beyond repair. 2) The “Inmates in the Park” work program is working well. Inmate labor has been helping with maintenance over the past several weeks.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Pat Lee gave a brief update on HHCTCP. As a follow-up to Bill 79, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) presented the first project for the minimum operable segment (MOS), a 20-mile route from East Kapolei through Waipahu through Downtown Honolulu to Ala Moana Shopping Center. The City Council amended the route yesterday and took out the airport and included Salt Lake. They will vote on it next Tuesday.

Leeward YMCA – Deferred until later in the meeting.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Chair Oshiro noted that the minutes of the last OMPO meeting is included in the Board’s correspondence packet.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Roller announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is March 2, 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 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) Andrade announced the Waipahu Community Association Festival Market Place is scheduled to open in June-July 2007. If there are any interested vendors, please call 676-8854 or 375-7672. 2) Andrade announced WCA is co-sponsoring a summer basketball league for ages 11-18 years of age. They are looking for volunteers. For more information, please call 677-6939. 3) Sparky Rodrigues of Olelo, circulated the “Evaluation Report – Waipahu Community Association; Olelo Video Production Project”. 4) Herolaga said effective January 1, 2007, Henry Aquino was named the new executive director of WCA.

PRESENTATIONS:

Leeward YMCA – Update on Opening; and Design Plans for Roadway Widening Project – Manuel Ayala reported: 1) After three weeks of operation, things are going well. In the past two months, they have hired 20 people. Employment opportunities are still available. 2) They have sold 1,800 individual memberships. Their goal is 3,000

units by the end of the year. 3) In today’s Honolulu Advertiser there is an insert for the YMCA. He thanked their sponsors. 4) He circulated a list of the schedules for group exercise and aquatics. 5) For more information, please call671-6495 or visit www.ymcahonolulu.org. He thanked the community for their support.

Glenn Miura, architect, gave a brief update on the Leeward YMCA roadway widening project. The City is requesting that the road be pushed back. They are working with the City to come up with a design. The existing wall is seven to eight feet high. The wall will be pushed back, but the curbs will remain the same. They are required to plant trees. The rock wall and a chain-link fence (green vinyl-coated) will surround the property. The bus stop by the entrance would be moved to the other end and the mid-block crosswalk by the church would also be moved.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Andrade had concerns that the trees might lift up the concrete. Miura will follow-up with the City. 2) Duhaylonsod said something needs to be done with the community bulletin board. 3) Miura said the chain-link fence will prevent corrosion; and for liability. 4) Chair Oshiro suggested contacting the other stakeholder (i.e. WBA, WCA, FilCom Center, elected officials, etc.) for input. 5) Chuck Wheatley of WNIA said he opposes removing the crosswalk. Miura will follow-up with the City. 6) Chair Oshiro said the community has had a problem with graffiti and had concerns about the rock wall as a possible target. Miura said they wanted to maintain the use of the rock wall since its very important to the history of Waipahu. Both Andrade and Duhaylonsod agreed. 7) Chair Oshiro said once the plans are finalized to keep the Board upraised. 

Chair Oshiro called for a recess at 8:24 p.m. Orders resumed at 8:29 p.m.

Avalon Development – Sugar Mill Center Update – Steve Kothenbeutel and Collin Miyamoto gave a brief update on the Sugar Mill Center project. They installed a sewer line extension and apologized for not informing the Board beforehand. Construction of Road Y is moving forward. They have already notified area residents. Their other project is retail development. They will break ground in mid-March and is expected to be completed December 2007.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Kothenbeutel said Road Y will exit on Waipahu Street. 2) Kothenbeutel stated there will be landscaping along Waipahu Street. Miyamoto added that those who will be purchasing the individual lots on Waipahu Street will be responsible for landscaping. 3) Kothenbeutel said there will be two driveways (ingress/egress). 4) Chair Oshiro thanked Avalon Development for the update.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waikele Road Improvements – Roller stated construction on the Waikele Road improvements is ongoing. The expected completion date is June 2007. This item can be taken off the agenda.

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Chair Oshiro said the Legislators may have an update later in the meeting.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko said the committee held a meeting prior to the Neighborhood Board meeting. The committee is looking at 3 subdistricts and 10 at-large seats. Currently, three of the subdistricts have had vacancies for over one year and there are no candidates running in the upcoming elections. He asked to keep this item on the agenda.

Victory Ohana Update – Roller mentioned he spoke to Gary Shields of Victory Ohana and he indicated that the Certificate of Need (CON) for both the male and female facilities has been approved. The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the female facility is completed and the permit for the male facility should be completed next week. ON February 9, 2007, he submitted testimony for the CUP permit. His testimony is on file with the Neighborhood Commission Office. This item can be taken off the agenda.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS: Chair Oshiro asked the elected officials or their representatives to keep their reports brief, especially since the Board has copies of your written 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. In addition, she stated: 1) Councilmember Garcia sends his regrets. 2) Their office received communication from the City Administration regarding the graffiti bill, Bill 6. The bill authorizes the City to eliminate graffiti on private property visible from a public place by requiring the applicable property owner to either remove the graffiti or authorize the city to remove the graffiti. There are concerns regarding cost and liability. 

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

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

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

Board of Education (BOE) – Scharfenstein circulated BOE’s newsletter. Breene Harimoto sends his regrets.

Senator Will Espero – Michelle Ching circulated Senator Espero’s monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Senator Espero sends his regrets. 2) Some of the bills that Senator Espero introduced include: a) SB 1231 – will help fund Weed & Seed in Kalihi, Waipahu and Ewa Beach; b) SB 152 – will expand bikeways along Ft. Weaver Road in Ewa Beach; c) SB 927 – will create a safe means of disposing of the environmental hazardous, chemical-containing CRTs.

Chair Oshiro asked Ching to keep the Board update on the senate bill regarding the Sunshine Law.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Erika Moon circulated Senator Gabbard’s monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Senator Gabbard sends his regrets. 2) Senator Gabbard introduced: a) SB 1891 – which would establish criminal penalties for driving ATVs and other vehicles on beaches; b) SB 699 – which allows veterans to get specialty license plates at no charge. 3) Senator Gabbard will hold “Talk Story” on February 24, 2007, Kunia Wal-Mart, 10:30 a.m.; March 10, Kunia Wal-Mart, 9:00 a.m.; and March 24, Kapolei Starbucks, 9:00 a.m.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Corie Arre circulated Senator Nishihara’s monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Senator Nishihara sends his regrets. 2) Senator Nishihara introduced: a) SB 30 – to appropriate funds as a grant-in-aid to the City to design and construct a sidewalk on the north side of Waipahu Street from Waipahu Depot Road to Awamoi Street and from Amokii Street to Waikele Road; b) SB 376 – mandates certain penalties, including graffiti eradication, for persons convicted of aggravated criminal property damage. The bills also holds adults legally accountable for a convicted minor.

Herolaga asked Arre to follow-up if Senator Nishihara is doing anything about the Aloha Clubhouse driveway issue.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Daniel de Garcia circulated Representative Cabanilla’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) Representative Cabanilla sends her regrets. 2) Representative Cabanilla is hard at work working for the people of Hawai’i and the Waipahu community. Her priorities are to provide transportation relief and making certain infrastructure is in place before adding more housing. 3) If anyone has any questions, please contact their office at 586-6080.

Representative Sharon Har – Kendall Misuyoshi circulated Representative Har’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) Representative Har sends her regrets. 2) Representative Har introduced SB 1919 – prohibits land use commission from approving district boundary amendments for residential or commercial developments in unspecified districts unless the proposed reclassification is planned in accordance with smart growth principals.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Karamatsu’s monthly report. In addition, he stated: 1) Representative Karamatsu sends his regrets. 2) Included in their report is a “District 41 Trouble Shooting Directory”. 3) There is a grant-in-aid request for Hawai’i Plantation Village.

Representative Alex Sonson – Park Kaleiwahea circulated Representative Sonson’s monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Representative Sonson sends his regrets. 2) There are four bills relating to the Sunshine Law. Two of

the bills are HB 128 and HB 849. HB 128 passed this Tuesday. Representative Sonson spoke to the House Judiciary Chair Tommy Waters regarding his bill.

Chair Oshiro thanked Kaleiwahea for updating the Board on the Sunshine Law bills.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Yamane’s monthly report In addition, he stated: 1) Representative Yamane sends his regrets. 2) Representative Yamane introduced HB 582 – which seeks the appropriation of $1.5 million for an EMS unit for the Mililani and Mililani Mauka areas.

Roller asked for more information on HB 582. Lee will convey the message.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant