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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2007

FILCOM CENTER

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

MEMBERS PRESENT: Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Cory Chun, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Abalan (Mayor's Representative), Darryl Young (Councilmember Nestor Garcia's office), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino's office), Senator Will Espero, Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard's office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Representative Alex Sonson, Captain Kalani Wilmington (HFD); Lt. G. Arakawa, Sgt. R. Itomura, Sgt. Emilio Laganse Officer J. Bardon and Officer Benjamin Lloyd (HPD); David Tanoue (DPP), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Keola Taniguchi (Leeward YMCA), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographer), Luther Flynn (WNIA), Stephen Kothenbeutel (Avalon Development); Ken Ancheta, Edward Aspree, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Daguman, David Pagan, Ilalo Parayno, Thomas Ventura, Chuck Wheatley; Leland Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro welcomed everyone to the Neighborhood Board meeting. The meeting is being held at the FilCom Center due to issues with the air-condition at Hawai'i Plantation Village. Also, he thanked the Board for the vote of confidence for reelecting him Chair for 2007-2008.

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. 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 JUNE 28, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Members Present, delete "Richard Oshiro" and insert under Members Absent.

Page 4, under Organizing of the Board, first paragraph, it should read "Alfonso suggested the Board form a committee to check other possible locations. Healey asked senior Board members if changing the location would increase community participation. Consensus is that participation depends on issues involved. Yakowenko indicated that a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) could be formed and not come under the Sunshine Law. Alfonso, Maus and Garcia volunteered to form the PIG with Alfonso appointed the lead. Their mission is to check other sites and report to the Board at next month's meeting."

Page 6, under Presentation, questions … no. 2, it should read "Yakowenko asked about thhe status of Synagro, the company that processes sludge into fertilizer pellets. Response was the company is operational at the Sand Island Treatment Facility. Andrade noted her husband works at their lab doing the testing and feels the water does not need a second treatment."

Page 7, under Mayor's Representative, questions … no. 4, it should read "Yakowenko asked if the new Board members had received a copy of the Neighborhood Plan. (Previous members already have the plan).

TREASURER'S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for June 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $925.95, leaving a balance of $4,062.18. 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 June, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 20 fires, 136 medical emergencies, and 70 miscellaneous calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: Take time to childproof your home.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. R. Itomura reported: 1) The statistics for the month of June in Waipahu include: 19 assaults, 33 auto thefts, 26 auto theft recoveries, 14 burglaries, 48 criminal property damage, 6 drugs/narcotics, 664 motor vehicle collisions, 16 OVUII, 3 robberies, 73 thefts, 67 UEMV, and 3,024 calls for service. Arrests: 116 adults and 38 juveniles. 2) HPD's 75th Diamond Jubilee Community Fair will be held on August 11, 2007, Frank Fasi Civic Grounds, 10 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Resident Chuck Wheatley thanked HPD for their hard work. Also, there is an elderly Samoan individual living in the street (Pupukahi Street). Sgt. Itomura will follow-up. 2) Resident Thomas Ventura said there is illegally parked cars and jaywalkers on Pupukahi Street. Sgt. Itomura will follow-up. 3) Duhaylonsod had concerns regarding vehicles parking on the sidewalk forcing pedestrians to walk on the street. Vehicles are parking too close to the end of the post office parking lot. Sgt. Itomura will follow-up.

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

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:

Na Pa'ani Softball Team – Usage of Waipahu District Park Restroom – Andrade said the restroom issue at Waipahu District Park has been cleared up with Brad Mira of the Na Pa'ani Softball Team. Parks staff will open the restrooms by 7:00 a.m. Mira sends his thanks to the Mayor and Parks Director Lester Chang.

Trash Receptacle – Edward Aspree requested another trash bin. Although he lives in a single family dwelling, there are two separate families in the home. One trash bin cannot accommodate the two families. Baybee Hufana-Ablan, Mayor's representative, will follow-up.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Central O'ahu Regional Park (CORP)/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke had no written report, however, he stated there are concerns regarding dirt bikes riding in CORP.

FilCom Center – A volunteer with the FilCom Center circulated "FilCom Smart Seniors Program – Schedule of Classes". For more information, contact 680-0451.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Pat Lee sent his regrets. He wanted to report that everything is moving along with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Leeward YMCA – Keola Taniguchi stated: 1) Manuel Ayala sends his regrets. 2) The new YMCA continues to prosper. They currently have 4,200 members (from six months to 89 years old). 3) Their swimming program is very popular, especially Family Night.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Duhaylonsod expressed her appreciation to the YMCA staff for making her feel welcomed. 2) Andrade said there is a problem with homeless in the area. Taniguchi indicated they will have security during the night. 3) Wheatley, who is disabled, reiterated his concerns regarding the elimination of a bus stop he frequently used. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.    

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Maus had no report. Chair Oshiro asked if there is any individual on the Board or from the community willing to serve on the CAC, please let him know.

Waipahu Community Association – No report or representative was available.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Russell Roller announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is August 31, 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) The City is considering reopening the Waipahu Satellite City Hall. Site to be determined. Voice your support to the Mayor or Hufana-Ablan. 2) The Board meeting is aired on Olelo, Fridays, 9:00 p.m. 3) The Board will recess in August. The next Regular Meeting will be held on September 27, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS:

HPD Volunteer Special Enforcement Officer – Sgt. Emilio Laganse explained HPD's Volunteer Special Enforcement Officer Program. The volunteers are trained and their duties include issuing citations for no license plate, expired/no safety sticker, and expired/no registration. If a vehicle is suspected to be abandoned, they will mark the vehicle then return in 24 hours. If the vehicle hasn't moved, it will be towed. They are trying to educate the public. For more information, call 529-3136 or visit www.hpdVSEO@yahoo.com.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Duhaylonsod noted that she has already submitted an application for the program. In addition, she volunteers for the Police Academy. 2) Yakowenko, who has been in the program for the past two years, said he volunteered because it was a problem. He thanked Senator Gabbard for his support. In the Pupu area, they cited a number of vehicles. He encouraged the community to join. There are only nine volunteers.  3) Senator Gabbard acknowledged Yakowenko for his efforts.

Sugar Mill Center Update: Waipahu Street Closure and Traffic Control Plans – Stephen Kothenbeutel, Avalon Development, gave a brief update on the Sugar Mill Center project. In two to three weeks, they will close Waipahu Street for three weeks, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Only local traffic will be allowed access. Flyers will be distributed shortly. They will be installing a drainage line and constructing a connecting walkway to Leeward YMCA. Road X will alleviate a lot of traffic.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Kothenbeutel responded that the street closure will affect Waipahu Cultural Garden Park. 2) Saniatan had concerns that there wasn't any dust barriers erected.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – No report.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko said the committee sent a letter more than two months ago to Joan Manke, Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office, asking for population figures. Attached to the letter was the proposed boundary lines. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

Resolution in Support of Indefinitely Extending the City's Honolulu Waiver of Section 301(H) of the Clean Water Act Regarding Secondary Wastewater Treatment – Burke proposed a resolution asking the Board to support indefinitely extending the City's Honolulu Waiver of Section 301(H) of the Clean Water Act regarding secondary wastewater treatment. Burke moved and Andrade seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support the aforementioned resolution. Alfonso voiced some concerns. The motion carried, 11-1-0. Nay: Alfonso.

Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) – Search for a New Location for Holding Neighborhood Board Meetings – Both Alfonso and Garcia spoke with Toy Arre of the FilCom Center regarding holding its meeting at their facility. An agreement was reached to charge a reduced rate of $100 per meeting for one year. Yakowenko said although the Board would now have pay for its meeting facilities, the FilCom Center has more room, people won't have to stand outside the meeting room, and there is no need for setting up/breaking down. Alfonso moved and Garcia

seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 hold its Regular Meeting at the FilCom Center, for a one-year period. The motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

Neighborhood Board Meetings: Should the Board Have an August and December Recess – Yakowenko noted the Board usually recess in August (if there are no issues) and December. Chair Oshiro confirmed that there are no pressing issues. Yakowenko moved and Saniatan seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 recess in August and December. The motion carried unanimously. Yakowenko mentioned that due to the Thanksgiving holiday the Board will need to move its meeting to the third Thursday (September 15, 2007).

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

Board of Water Supply – BWS' monthly report was circulated.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Darryl Young circulated Councilmember Garcia's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He congratulated the new Board and its officers 2) As for OMPO's CAC, he strongly encouraged the Board to appoint a representative as soon as possible. 3) He may have candidates willing to fill the Board's vacancies. 4) Bill 55 – Waipio Zone Change, rezoning I-2 (Intensive Industrial District) to IMX-1 (Industrial-Commercial Mixed Use District) with a 40-foot height limit, passed first reading.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Burke noted that he briefed the Board on the Waipio Zone Change and the Board supported the change. 2) Yakowenko suggested the former Kaiser clinic as a possible satellite city hall.

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

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan circulated "Honolulu News", the Mayor's monthly newsletter. In addition, she reported: 1) She congratulated the new Board. 2) Follow-up: the City is looking into the concern regarding the uplifted sidewalk at Hoaeae Community Park caused by the roots of a large tree. 3) Property tax bills have been mailed out. The deadline is August 20. For more information, call 923-4856.

Alfonso had concerns that the bus stop in front of Honowai Elementary was relocated. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

Governor's Representative – A representative from the Governor's Office circulated the "Governor's Update" and highlighted the following: 1) The Governor, Lt. Governor and members of their cabinet toured the Hawai'i Supperferry Alakai. 2) After the Governor met with Japan officials and U.S. Agricultural officials, Japan approved the importation of potted anthuriums from Hawai'i. 3) The Governor also toured Indonesia.

Chair Oshiro reiterated his concerns regarding State ID's.

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

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated "BOE Highlights" and "Superintendent's Update" and highlighted the following: 1) Student proficiency levels improved dramatically in the spring 2007 Hawai'i State Assessment. The tests were given to grades 3-8 and 10. 2) Hawai'i schools made spectacular gains in reaching Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP); 170 schools achieved preliminary AYP, compared to 100 the previous year. The 170 schools represent 60.3 percent of all schools.

Senator Will Espero – Senator Espero circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He is sponsoring a community meeting to discuss UH West O'ahu and the Kapolei Courthouse on July 30, 2007, Keoneula Elementary, 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. 2) He took a business trip to China. 3) SB 932, which reduces recidivism by establishing a comprehensive reentry system and a one-year pilot day reporting center, became law.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Rock Riggs circulated Senator Gabbard's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He thanked the Board for serving the community. 2) Senator Gabbard and former Icon Sports World Middleweight

Champion Niko Vitale toured Kalaeloa looking for a mixed-martial arts training center. 3) Senator Gabbard and Representative Har will be hosting a Listen-Story meeting this Saturday, Royal Kunia Community Association Board Room, 9:00 a.m.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He and Councilmember Garcia will be hosting a coffee hour on August 22, Waipahu McDonald's, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m. It will be held every fourth Wednesday of the month. 2) The Governor puts grant-in-aid funding in limbo. Some of the programs that would be affected are FilCom Center, YMCA of Honolulu, Friends of Waipahu Cultural Garden Park, Waipahu United Church of Christ, and HBIF's Construction Industry Training & Educational Center. 3) "The Books for a Peaceful World" project is very successful. Used text books are sent to the Philippines, Samoa and Tonga.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Representative Cabanilla's monthly report was circulated.

Representative Sharon Har – No report or representative was available.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – No report or representative was available.

Representative Alex Sonson – Representative Sonson stated: 1) He voted no on the Safe Haven bill, as he doesn't support the concept. 2) The Senate has a new chair for Labor. He will work together with his counterpart. 3) SB 1060 did not make it to override.

Duhaylonsod thanked Representative Sonson for his efforts with the construction of sidewalks near August Ahrens School.

Representative Ryan Yamane – No report or representative was available.

RESIGNATION: Roller announced he will be submitting his letter of resignation due to health reasons. He has been representing subdistrict 11 for the past seven years and thanked his constituents for the vote of confidence. The Board has been productive and have many accomplishments. He acknowledged long-time Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues for his outstanding service throughout the years. On behalf of the Board, Chair Oshiro thanked Roller for his service and wished him well.

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant

             WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PLAN COMMUNITY 

                                                                              WORKSHOP 1