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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2007

WAIPAHU CULTURAL GARDEN PARK

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Thomas Maus.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor's Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino's office), Frank Lopez (Governor's Representative), Senator Mike Gabbard, Erika Moon (Senator Gabbard's office), Senator Clarence Nishimoto, Corie Arre (Senator Nishihara's office), Senator Will Espero, Michelle Ching (Senator Espero's office); Representative Sharon Har, John Henderson and Jeme Schaedel (Representative Har's office); Representative Alex Sonson, Daniel de Garcia (Representative Rida Cabanilla's office), Brandon Lee (Representative Jon Karamatsu's office), Danielle Bass (Representative Ryan Yamane's office), Captain Kalani Wilmington (HFD), Officer Wyllie Lum (HPD), Officer Brant Pia (Weed & Seed); Manuel Ayala, Barbara Fox and Jenny Reeves (Leeward YMCA); Pat Lee (HHCTCP), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographers), Caryn Kunz and James Gonser (Honolulu Advertiser), Vincent Shigekuni (PBR Hawai'i), Chuck Wheatley (WNIA); Bob Bruhl, Mike Jones and Lee Tokuhara (D.R. Horton/Schuler Homes); Edmund Alfonso, Darryl Macha, Keith Nobriga, George Yakowenko, Jr., Gary 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 wished everyone a Happy New Year and welcomed everyone to the first Neighborhood Board meeting of the year. In addition, he reminded everyone to sign-in on the attendance sheet and to exit the premises through the front gate. Also, the Neighborhood Board elections is coming up. The list of candidates are on the City's website at www.honolulu.gov. He congratulated those Board members who have filed their applications. There will be some changes on the Board.

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 NOVEMBER 16, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Burke moved and Tokioka seconded to approve the minutes as circulated.

TREASURER'S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for December 2006. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $224.15, leaving a balance of $5,541.57. 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 Kalani Wilmington reported: 1) For the month of December, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 34 fires, 140 medical emergencies, 13 hazardous calls and 71 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: "Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property. This will assist HFD and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency"

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Yakowenko thanked HFD for providing the statistics on fireworks-related calls. He forwarded information on fireworks violations for 2006 to the Board members. He asked if the new chief is in support of a ban on fireworks. Captain Wilmington answered in the affirmative. A bill will be submitted to the Legislature for a consumer ban. 2) A resident noted that some of the residents on Pupukahi Street have removed their house address because there are in involved in drug activity. He asked who is responsible for enforcement. Captain Wilmington answered it is part of the building code (Department of Planning and Permitting) and not HFD.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Wyllie Lum read the statistics for the month of December. There were 18 assaults, 66 auto thefts, 21 auto theft recoveries, 67 burglaries, 62 criminal property damages, 6 drug/narcotics, 196 motor vehicle collisions, 36 OVUII, 6 robberies, 80 thefts, 72 UEMV, 3,518 calls for service in Waipahu, 7,203 calls for service in District 3, 61 adult arrests, and 33 juvenile arrests.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Officer Lum stated the increase in DUI's is due to a number of factors: roadblocks, stepped-up enforcement and more drunk people on the road because of the holiday season. Regarding roadblocks, HPD always had guidelines where motorists have an opportunity to turn around before the roadblock. He has not witnessed any officer pursuing any vehicle that has evaded the roadblock. The department will be coming out with a policy. 2) OVUII stands for operating a vehicle while under the influence. 3) A resident had concerns about truancy, graffiti and cussing in his neighborhood. He called 911 twice, but only once police responded. Officer Lum said he's not sure why officers didn't respond. Calls are prioritized. He will pass on the information to day watch. 4) Yakowenko asked if HPD is in support of banning fireworks. Officer Lum answered in the affirmative. The department's position has not changed.

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Brant Pia reported: 1) Weed & Seed/Crime Reduction Unit has been making checks regarding the concern about public drinking in the Waipahu Industrial Area during the night hours. Officers did not find any illegal public drinking. 2) Our District 3 Pearl City "Explorers Program" is a new edition to our Weed & Seed unit, under the supervision of Officer Matthew Fong. The area they will be covering is from Halawa/Aiea thru Waipahu. You'll be seeing them a lot at the many Waipahu/Weed & Seed events. The Explorers are excited and looking forward to serving the community. 3) Tip of the Month: Beginning January 1, 2007, children between the ages of 4-7 are required to be in a booster seat, unless at least 4'9" tall (or 80 lbs.)

Arnold commended the City for closing down the drug-infested residences at 1372-1376 Hiapo Street. Now, these undesirable characters are back and they are gambling. Officer Pia said the Criminal Reduction Unit visited the site last week and made several arrests for drugs. Officers will continue to monitor the area.

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan circulated "Honolulu News", the Mayor's monthly newsletter. In addition, she reported: 1) The Mayor sends his warm wishes and a Happy New Year. He is in Washington, D.C. lobbying for federal funds for mass transit. 2) The Mayor's State of the City Address will be held on February 22, 2007, Honolulu Hale Courtyard, 10:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. 3) Follow-up items: a) Different towing companies are contracted for different parts of the H-1 Freeway. Factors such as time of day (rush hour) and location can delay the pick up of a vehicle. The vendor is contractually required to pick up a stalled or accident vehicle within 20 minutes of notification, unless an investigation is required by HPD of a major traffic incident (fatality, serious injury, etc.). If you feel there is too long of a delay, call the City's Customer Service Department at 523-4381. b) In an opinion letter dated August 31, 2006, the Office of Information Practices opined as follows: When there is an insufficient number of members present at a meeting to constitute a quorum, a board may not hold a meeting; and when a board loses a quorum during a meeting, the meeting effectively ends. When there is no quorum to call a meeting to order, it is important to note that reports made by HPD and HFD cannot be heard. There is legislation being introduced being introduced this session that address some of the concerns regarding the Sunshine Law. 4) EMS is having problems with its budget. She asked for the Board's support. 5) She distributed packets for the City's Month in Chinatown celebration. Included are ribbons which can be used for a 10% discount at various businesses.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro thanked Hufana-Ablan for her report – addressing the towing and Sunshine Law issues. He did attend the signing of Bill 79, which the Board supported. Chair Oshiro asked Hufana-Ablan to keep the Board informed. He appreciates the efforts of the Mayor and the City administration. 2) Yakowenko inquired about the task force formed by the City Council to look into the Neighborhood Commission. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up. 3) Hufana-Ablan said the Board could send testimony to the Legislature for more funding for EMS. This is the third request for an ambulance unit for Mililani/Waipio. 4) Hufana-Ablan will follow-up how many sections the towing companies are divided into. 5) Hufana-Ablan said Representatives Manahan and

Mizuno have introduced bills relating to the Sunshine Law. Hopefully, the Neighborhood Boards will be exempt. Chair Oshiro said the Neighborhood Commission is taking a proactive approach. Representative Sonson indicated he introduced HB 849 addressing the Sunshine Law. There are three bills relating to this issue that have been referred to the Judiciary Committee. He sits on the committee. The chair of the Judiciary Committee informed him that one of the bills would be heard. 6) Burke had concerns that the Pearl Ridge Satellite City would be closing for three months. It's one of the busiest facilities and the most centrally located to Waipahu residents. He asked why couldn't the City open a temporary facility nearby. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:

Fireworks – Yakowenko had concerns about fireworks. This past New Years, the noise and the smoke was so bad that he had to lock himself in his home. Since New Years, he has counted 15 different times fireworks have been illegally set-off. People have no respect for others. He questioned the tradition of fireworks. There need to be a complete ban of fireworks. The State recently passed a ban on smoking in front of business, but the smoke from fireworks is much worse. He asked the legislators present tonight to state their position on a complete ban. We can't rely on HPD to solve the problem. He encouraged everyone to call your legislator.

Homeless – Herolaga voiced concerns regarding a homeless man setting a fire to cook at the entrance to Waipahu Cultural Garden Park. The incident occurred today at 5:00 p.m. She asked HPD to send a patrol officer to do checks. Officer Lum said there are number of individuals they recognize to be homeless. Various crisis teams come out and work with the homeless. If you witness anyone starting a fire, call 911.

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: 1) Softball is booming. 2) The three sets of playground equipment, which the Waipahu Vision Team funded, are being heavily used. 3) The Board did a yeoman's job by supporting Central O'ahu Regional Park.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Pat Lee thanked the Board for supporting HHCTCP. Bill 79, relating to mass transit, was passed by the City Council in December and signed by the Mayor in January. The Council will now select the minimum operable segment (MOS). There will be more opportunity for public input. He encouraged the Board to continue to support the project.

Leeward YMCA – Manuel Ayala stated: 1) The new Leeward YMCA held its blessing this morning. There were 300-400 guests in attendance. 2) On January 13, 2007, they held an open house. About 1,000 people attended. 3) An Open Family Community Day will be held on February 10. The event is open to the public. 4) He introduced two new staff members: Barbara Fox and Jenny Reeves. (A round of applause was given at this time). 5) He thanked the Board for their continued support (Another round of applause was given).

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Yakowenko mentioned he attended the blessing, along with other Board members, and it was a truly amazing experience. He congratulated Ayala and his staff. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) Tokioka, who also attended the blessing, complemented Ayala on the breakfast and the aquatics facility. 3) Herolaga thanked Ayala for sticking with the Waipahu community and making our dreams come true. She also thanked Ayala for assisting with graffiti paintout in the community. 4) Chair Oshiro noted that the Leeward YMCA will be doing a presentation at next month's meeting. Also, he encouraged the Board and the community to get a membership card, he did.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee – Tokioka read his monthly committee report. Highlights include: 1) They are working on the pedestrian master plan. 2) Discussions have been held with Scott Ishikawa of the State Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Farrington Highway off-ramp.

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 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) Yakowenko mentioned the Waipahu Community Association (WCA) used to be on the monthly agenda and have a representative present. He, Herolaga and Pastor Hunkin have been working on graffiti paintout in the community. Pastor Hunkin and his congregation go out every Saturday to wipeout graffiti. They are in the process of "Adopting a Block". He asked for the community's help. 2) Roller announced there will be two public hearing relating to Victory Ohana: a) Certificate of Need (CON) application will be held on February 1, 2007. 10:00 a.m. b) Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application will be held on February 9, 10:00 a.m.

PRESENTATIONS:

Honolulu Advertiser Community Website for Waipahu – James Gonser, editor for the Honolulu Advertiser, gave a brief presentation on the new Honolulu Advertiser Community Website for Waipahu. The site is free and can be accessed by visiting www.advertiser.com/waipahu More people read the Honolulu Advertiser online then the newspaper. He asked everyone to participate by registering and submitting news stories. They will accept all kinds of information. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at 535-2431. He introduced Caryn Kunz, a reporter.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Gonser answered: a) There is a link to the City's website where the Neighborhood Board minutes can be found. On the community website it does list the time and date of the Board meeting. b) There are seven community sites up and running now. By next year, all of the 21 community sites will be up. c) They are improving their calendar. In February, they will be implementing a new calendar. d) The website would be able to accommodate videos. 2) In response to Gonser, Chair Oshiro described the boundaries for Waipahu. 3) Elston inquired why there is no newspaper delivery in the Pupu area. Gonser will follow-up.

D.B. Horton/Schuler Homes Plans for the Hoopili Project in East Kapolei – Bob Bruhl and Mike Jones briefed the Board on the Hoopili Project planned for Kapolei. This presentation is for informational purposes only. The entire project encompasses a total of 1,600 acres. Development includes 11,700 homes, as many as five schools, a regional park, retail units and other commercial space. Construction would last from 5 to 25 years. The first homes would be competed in 2012. They will be back before the Board to give updates.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Chair Oshiro noted that he and other members of the Board have been participating in the planning of this project.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Waikele Road Improvements – Roller indicated the Notice to Motorists for the Waikele Road Improvements was published in the December 11, 2006 Star-Bulletin edition More information is provided in Councilmember Garcia's monthly report. He acknowledged Councilmember Garcia's office for their support for this project.

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

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko circulated the minutes from the November 16, 2006 Redistricting Committee Meeting. The Board has had vacancies for the past two to three years. The committee has voted to reduces the subdistricts from 11 to 4. There are three vacancies in subdistricts 7, 8 and 9 and there are no candidates running for those seats in the next Neighborhood Board election. The committee will try to make a recommendation by May's meeting. By June's meeting, there should be three to four new Board members.   

Chair Oshiro thanked Yakowenko for his efforts.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated BWS' monthly report along with BWS' Coloring Contest Calendars.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Herolaga circulated Councilmember Garcia's monthly report. Councilmember Garcia reported: 1) He wished everyone a Happy New Year. 2) Since the last Board meeting, there have been changes on City Council. Councilmember Marshall is the Chair and he is the Floor Leader/Chair of the Transportation Committee and sits on six other committees. 3) He encouraged the Board to submit Capital Improvement Project (CIP) request for Fiscal Year 2008. Burke has already submitted his request for Central O'ahu Regional Park. At last night's Mililani Neighborhood Board meeting, the Board requested more police officers.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro inquired about adequate funding for towing companies. Councilmember Garcia will work with the State Legislators. 2) Andrade thanked Councilmember Garcia and his staff for addressing the illegal left turn into Kunia Shopping Center from Kupuna Loop. 3) A resident requested more police officers for the Waipahu area, especially since the community is so vast. Councilmember Garcia will follow-up. 4) Pastor Hunkin thanked Councilmember Garcia for his donations to the homeless shelter (i.e. clothes, etc.). 5) In response to Roller, Councilmember Garcia stated Representative Yamane was leading the charge for an EMS unit for Waipio. He will be working with the representative. The Board could ask Hufana-Ablan to have EMS personnel make a presentation at one of its meetings.

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

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No report or representative was available.

Governor's Representative – Frank Lopez circulated "The Lingle-Aiona Administration 2007 Initiatives – The Future Begins Today" and was available for questions.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Burke commended the State for doing a good job on the Farrington Highway resurfacing project. Kudos also goes out to former Senator Kawamoto, who spearheaded the project. Lopez recognized DOT for their efforts. 2) Chair Oshiro had concerns about the State closing the zipper lane on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday for maintenance. Traffic was backed up for hours. Lopez said he spoke to the Deputy Director of DOT and was informed that it caught them off guard. They did learn from it and will make the necessary adjustments. There was an issue with waiting for the paint to dry. Arnold indicated that it only takes 45 seconds for paint to dry and not three hours as the newspaper reported. He said it's "shibai".

Herolaga moved and Nishihara seconded to extend the meeting. There being no objections, the motion carried unanimously.

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

Board of Education (BOE) – Scharfenstein circulated BOE's newsletter, along with a response regarding Waikele Elementary.

Senator Will Espero – Senator Espero circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He introduced a bill to ban fireworks on the Fourth of July. Bills to ban fireworks on New Years have been on the books for many, many years. 2) There are CIP requests for $35 million of UH West O'ahu and $15 million for a Kapolei courthouse. It will be an uphill battle. 3) The 2007 State Legislature has 7 elected officials from Waipahu out of a total of 76. Waipahu is well represented. 4) He is Chair of the Public Safety Committee. There have been four to five interim directors during the past four to five years.

Yakowenko thanked Senator Espero for introducing legislation regarding fireworks. If the bill is unsuccessful, he asked Senator Espero if he would consider home rule (i.e. letting the counties set their own rule). Senator Espero said that tactic has also been on the books.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Senator Gabbard circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He is the Minority Policy Leader and is a member of the Education, Judiciary and Labor, Transportation and International Affairs Committees. 2) Yesterday, was the last day for bill introduction. 3) A few of the bills he introduced include: a bill to establish a one year pilot workforce flexibility project to allow State employees to choose one of three flexible

work options (i.e. telework – work from home, compressed work weeks – 4-10 hour days, or flextime). 4) He introduced one of his staff members, Erika Moon. 5) He is looking forward to work with the Board and the community for the next four years.  

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He introduced one of his staff members, Corie Arre. 2) He will be following the bill relating to the Sunshine Law and keep the Board informed. 3) A Weed & Seed bill has been introduced. 4) He is the Chair of the Tourism and Government Operations Committee; serves as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee; and sits on the Education and Judiciary and Labor Committees. 5) If anyone has any questions, please call his office at 586-6970.

Arnold asked for a status on bills to address recycling. Senator Nishihara answered there are a number of bills on this issue. He will keep the Board informed.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Daniel de Garcia circulated Representative Cabanilla's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Cabanilla sends her regrets. 2) Representative Cabanilla is Chair of the International Affairs Committee and member of the Education, Higher Education, Health, Human Services Committees. She is also a Majority Policy member. 3) Representative Cabanilla was recently promoted to Lt. Col in the U.S. Army. 4) Representative Cabanilla was also awarded the Hawai'i Dental Association's Legislator of the Year Award.

Representative Sharon Har – Representative Har circulated her monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She introduced herself – she represents District 40. She wished everyone a Happy New Year and apologized for missing the last Board meeting. 2) Her committee assignments include: Chair of the Public Safety & Military Affairs Committee, and a member of the Transportation and Labor Committees.3) She introduced two of her staff members, Jeme Schaedel and John Henderson. 4) To help keep the community informed, she and Senator Gabbard are planning to hold several town hall meetings throughout the year.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Karamatsu's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Karamatsu sends his regrets. 2) Representative Karamatsu was appointed Vice Speaker of the House. 3) If anyone has any questions, please call their office at 586-8490.

Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson stated: 1) He circulated a copy of the bill he introduced relating to the Sunshine Law. The House bill has already been sent to the Judiciary Committee. 2) He introduced two bills regarding transit. 3) He is the Chair of the Labor and Public Employment Committee. The big issue is workman's compensation.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Danielle Bass circulated Representative Yamane's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Representative Yamane sends his regrets. 2) Representative Yamane is the Chair of the Tourism Committee, and sits on the Agricultural, Consumer Protection and Commerce, Economic Development and Business Concerns, and Judiciary Committees. 3) There is a bill for $1.9 million for EMS. 4) If anyone has any questions, please call their office at 586-6150.

Condolences – On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro offered condolences to Herolaga on the passing of her father.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant