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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 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, Constante Domingo, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Irene Elston, Terry Healey, Connie Herolaga, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Charles Arnold, Thomas Maus, Robert Tokioka III.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Mayor’s Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Erika Moon (Senator Mike Gabbard’s office), Corie Arre (Senator Nishihara’s office), Representative Jon Karamatsu, Representative Ryan Yamane, Daniel de Gracia (Representative Rida Cabanilla’s office), Brandon Lee (Representative Karamatsu’s office), Acting Captain Craig Uchimura (HFD); Lt. Stacey Kapeliela and Sgt. Jett Kaneshiro (HPD), Officer Brant Pia (Weed & Seed); Pat Lee (HHCTCP), Bob Farrell (videographer), Chuck Wheatley (WNIA); Esther Kipapa, Kim Golis and Mel Nagayama (Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse); BC Cowling (ABCRI); Charles Freitas, Charles Freitas, Jr., Jamie Freitas, Kehau Freitas, Jeanette Grace, Ginger Moniz, Wilfred Moniz, Jessica Souza, Regina Souza and Mike Wilcox (SORT); Keoni Fox (Sprint PCS), Derrick Kiyabu (Hawai’i 2005 Sustainability Plan), 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) Please exit the premises the same way you entered, through the front gate. The back gate is locked. 2) The 2007-2009 Neighborhood Board Election process has begun. Ballots will be mailed out tomorrow. The deadline to return ballots is April 16. For uncontested races, ballots will not be mailed out, but voting will be available online. Results will be published May 1 and the new term will begin June 1. He encouraged everyone to vote.

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 FEBRUARY 22, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Guests, fourth line, it should read “Daniel de Gracia”.

            Page 2, under Mayor’s Representative, second paragraph, fifth line, delete “lead” and insert “believe”.

            Page 4, under Leeward YMCA, third paragraph, eight line, delete “upraised” and insert “appraised”.  

The motion carried unanimously.

(Roller arrived at 7:07 p.m.)

TREASURER’S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for February 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $230.73, leaving a balance of $5,078.35. 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) – Acting Captain Craig Uchimura reported: 1) For the month of February, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 24 fires, 139 medical emergencies, and 42 good intent/false alarms calls. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Brush fires cause great damage in our communities and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Now is the time to prepare for brush fire season. Be responsible and extinguish fires properly. Even small sources of fire, such as cigarettes and charcoal, can cause immense destruction. Formulate plans and communicate with family members and neighbors to create a safer community. Report and remove hazards. Maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding all structures. For further information on creating a safe space around your home, street, or community, contact 281-3479 or visit www.firewise.org. 

Yakowenko inquired the percentage of calls HFD was first on the scene. Uchimura will follow-up.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Jett Kaneshiro reported the statistics for the month of February.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Resident Chuch Wheatley asked if HPD patrols the Pupu area because there is a problem with illegal fireworks. Lt. Stacey Kapeliela stated they do have normal patrols in the Pupu area, along with officers writing their reports in the area. When HPD receive calls for service, the calls are prioritized. Officers will respond. He asked when calling to be specific – where in the Pupu area. Wheatley said he has had problems with the 911 dispatchers. Lt. Kapeliela stated if you occur any problems that you should ask to speak to his/her supervisor. All calls are recorded. 2) A resident had concerns about drift racing at Waipio Park. Lt. Kapeliela indicated that officers have gone to the area and spoke to those involved. It is private property and the owner is not pushing them out so they can’t be charged with trespassing. 3) A resident inquired about putting a speed trailer in the community. Lt. Kapeliela answered he would need clearance, space, etc.

(Saniatan departed at 7:30 p.m.)

HPD Weed & Seed – Officer Brant Pia reported: 1) Follow-up: a) Vehicles parked in “No Parking” zone  along Leoku Street fronting Waipahu Post Office – citations issued: 4 “No Parking” zone and 1 abandoned vehicle. b) Numerous vehicles parked in the Pupu Street areas as abandoned or with expired tags – citations issued: 10 expired tax., 4 no license plates, 9 expired/no safety tax., 3 along curbs and corners, and 3 driveway violations. A total of 13 vehicles were forwarded to the Abandoned Vehicles section for processing. Officers have been making daily checks. 2) The Pupu Area Spring Clean-Up will be held on March 24, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The event is sponsored by the Waipahu Neighborhood Improvement Association, The Lighthouse Outreach Center, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Waipahu Weed & Seed. He encouraged everyone to come out.  

Concerns and comments followed: 1) In response to Hunkin, Officer Pia clarified that in order for a vehicle to be towed it has to have all of the following: expired registration, expired safety check, and no license plate. Hunkin mentioned that there is an abandoned red pickup truck that is parked on the street. Officer Pia indicated that the owner of the vehicle buys vehicles at auctions, fixes them, then sells it for a profit. Officers will address the problem. 2) Yakowenko requested Officer Pia to bring the statistics to next month’s meeting relating to how many vehicles were issued citations and how many vehicles were towed. In addition, he said there is an abandoned Toyota Tercel in his neighborhood that hasn’t been moved for four months.

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) The Mayor sends his warm Aloha. 2) Follow-up: HPD is responsible for patrolling and traffic clearance on the H-1 Freeway. They have a contact list of State contracted tow firms to be dispatched when there is a need to remove a vehicle from the freeway. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) should be referred to for more details on this issue (Officer Pia helped explain the process). 3) Since last Tuesday, the City has been smoke testing sewer lines in Waipahu to locate broken sewer pipes, illegal connections, etc. The smoke is harmless, odorless, and non-toxic. 4) All wireless phones are now under the Enhanced 911 System. 5) Ala Moana Beach Park will be closed for two days for repairs. 6) The Honolulu Family Festival will be held on March 29-April 1, 2007, Ala Moana Beach Park. 7) The Neighborhood Commission Task Force meets every second Monday, Honolulu Hale, 4:00 p.m. 8) The Mayor’s State-of-the-City Address will be shown on Channel 54 on March 23 and March 28, 6:00 p.m.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Nishimoto, who attended last year’s Family Festival, had concerns about the high prices. 2) Chair Oshiro mentioned he spoke to Scott Ishikawa of DOT regarding the towing issue and he would

be following-up. Also, he asked why can’t the City produce State identification cards since they already have the equipment for Drivers’ licenses. It would make it easier for people who don’t drive and have to go all the way into Honolulu. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up. 3) Hufana-Ablan will follow-up on the proposed 311 System.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Waipahu Aloha Clubhouse – Kim Golis, Ester Kipapa and Mel Nagayama reiterated their long-standing concern regarding no sidewalks fronting their facility on Waipio Point Access Road. When it rains, their driveway gets flooded. Herolaga, Councilmember Garcia’s office, indicated Councilmember Garcia has submitted $4.9 million to construct roadway, bikeway and sidewalk improvements on Waipio Point Access Road. Senator Nishihara has said there is money for the driveway. Yakowenko noted that the Board can’t take any action since it’s not on the agenda. He asked that this item be placed on next month’s agenda. Chair Oshiro agreed.

Box Car Racing – BC Cowling said a lot of people would like to drive their radio controlled cars at the box car facility at Royal Kunia. He has already spoken to area residents, Councilmember Garcia and the Mayor’s Office. A pilot project is being planned.

Pupu Area Cleanup – Elston announced that there will be a Pupu Area Cleanup this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. She encouraged everyone to come out.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Central O'ahu Regional Park/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke circulated his monthly community report and highlighted the following: 1) There has been a rash of car break-ins at the parking lot adjacent to the tennis and aquatics complex. Park management is trying to get more people to patrol or be aware of people loitering in the parking areas and will ask HPD to check more often when possible. 2) The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will soon be installing bollards that will replace the broken fencing adjacent to the parking lot next to the soccer fields. The fencing that will be taken out will be used to replace broken fencing along the main roadway in the park. 3) In a February 27, 2007 letter to the Advisory Committee, the Mayor said, “We have prioritized future projects, such as an additional water tank to assist the irrigation system and to accommodate treated water from Wahiawa; replacement of the fence around the roadways, which are constantly in need of costly repairs; expansion of our maintenance facility; restrooms and storage facilities at the youth and adult baseball fields; more parking adjacent to the multipurpose fields at the lower end of the park; and parking below the adult baseball fields, which would connect to the parking area adjacent to the softball complex.” These projects, as well as the dog-training facility and future park development, will depend on funds being available.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Pat Lee gave a brief update on HHCTCP. On February 27, 2007, the City Council gave final approval on the mass transit Minimum Operable Segment (MOS), the first project that will be built. This is the initial phase of the fixed Guideway transit system, Honolulu’s locally preferred transit alternative. The next step is the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Written comments can be submitted to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

Leeward YMCA – Chair Oshiro said Manuel Ayala sends his regrets.

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

Waipahu Community Foundation – Roller announced the deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is June 12, 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) Derrick Kiyabu announced the Hawai’i 2050 Sustainability Plan will be holding a series of community input and informational meetings. For more information, visit www.hawaii2050.org or call 550-2661. 2) Roller said he received a notice from DPP that Victory Ohana was granted their permit.

PRESENTATIONS:

Save Our Race Tracks (SORT) – Mike Wilcox said Hawai’i Raceway Park has been closed since April 2006 and SORT has been trying to preserve the 67-acre facility. They are trying to get the City to put a park symbol on the public infrastructure map, which is the first step in preserving the park site as a racetrack. SORT has been going to the Neighborhood Boards for support. They want to follow the Mau’i model (i.e. county owned facility, but operated by a non-profit organization). SORT already has a non-profit organization ready to lease the facility.

There was brief discussion on this issue. Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support SORT’s efforts in requesting the City to put a park symbol on the public infrastructure map. Discussion ensued. The motion carried unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

EMS Funding Concerns for Waipahu – Hufana-Ablan indicated HB 582 would appropriate $1.5 million for and ambulance unit for Mililani and Mililani Mauka. Support is needed. Representative Yamane stated he introduced the bill the past two years, unfortunately the bill did not survive this session. He will try to convince the House and Senate to put it in the budget. Besides the Mililani area, the ambulance would service the surrounding areas. There are only 18 ambulance units for 800,000 people on O’ahu.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Roller clarified that his intent was EMS support for Waipahu. He wants to know how much of a demand we have on a day-to-day basis. He had concerns about response time. Representative Yamane said we need more ambulances to reduce response time.  He explained the “golden rule” – every minute counts. 2) A resident had concerns about the high number of care homes in Waipahu.  Waipahu may have a higher need than other communities. Representative Yamane said he has been working with EMS for the past two years. 3) Representative Yamane indicated that the State Department of Health (DOH) has testified in opposition for more ambulances the past two years. The City and Libby Char of Emergency Services have been very supportive. 4) Roller asked if it would help if the Board passed a resolution at next month’s meeting. Representative Yamane answered in the affirmative. Roller will work on a resolution.  

Sprint Cell Phone Antenna at Central O’ahu Regional Park – Burke noted that Sprint briefed the Board about this project at its November 2005 meeting (he provided the minutes to the Board). It was also presented to the park advisory committee at its December 2005 meeting. Keoni Fox, representing Sprint, explained that the project has taken longer than expected because they have been unsuccessful in acquiring a license agreement with the City. They needed to do an Environmental Assessment (EA). The final draft will be available in two weeks. Once the City approves the license agreement, he will meet with Corporation Counsel. He appreciates the Board’s support.

There was brief discussion on this issue. Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support Sprint’s plans to install a 90-foot replacement pole at Central O’ahu Regional Park for the understanding that the antenna would be mounted at the 70-foot level, and lights will be at the 90-foot level.  The Board further requests that all revenues from the installation will be used for park improvements. The motion carried unanimously.

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion regarding Neighborhood Board quorum requirement – Chair Oshiro indicated that SB 1512, relating to the Sunshine Law will not be heard this session.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko said the committee held a meeting prior to the Neighborhood Board meeting. The committee appointed a new member, Maureen Andrade. They reduced the subdistricts from 11 to 3 (total of 9 seats); increased the at-large seats to 10; and will keep the same Board seats (19). Hopefully, by the committee can make a recommendation by May’s meeting.

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. In addition, she stated: 1) Councilmember Garcia sends his regrets. 2) If anyone is interested in applying for the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG), please call 933-8312. Application must be received by May 29, 2007.

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) – Breene Harimoto circulated “BOE Highlights” and the “2006 Superintendent’s 17th Annual Repot”. In addition, he stated: 1) He apologized for missing the past few meetings. BOE had their meetings on the same night. 2) Included in the superintendent’s annual report is a report on special needs – 51% of students have special needs; and 51% of students in Waipahu are economically disadvantaged. We need to look at how the Department of Education (DOE) can do more for Waipahu and the Leeward side.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Burke had concerns regarding a newspaper article on discipline problems. Harimoto stated that the School Safety Advisory Committee is looking into it. They have already identified it as an issue. 2) Roller said we have to be cautious not to link poverty and education scores. Harimoto agreed.   

Burke moved and Herolaga seconded to extend the meeting for 15 minutes. There were no objections.

Senator Will Espero – Senator Espero’s monthly report was circulated.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Erika Moon circulated Senator Gabbard’s monthly report. In addition, she stated: 1) Senator Gabbard sends his regrets. 2) Senator Gabbard and Representative Har will be co-hosting a talk-story on April 14, 2007, Royal Kunia Community Association Board Room, 9:00 a.m.

Chair Oshiro asked that Senator Gabbard speak with Senator Hemmings to support the Sunshine Law bill.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Corie Arre circulated Senator Nishihara’s monthly report, while Senator Nishihara highlighted the following: 1) The EMS bill didn’t come before his committee. He suggested contacting DOH and ask to send a representative to address the Board. 2) He spoke to Senator Inouye, who refused to hear the Sunshine Law bill. Her concern was looking at it on a broad perspective. She could bring it up next session for discussion. It has a better chance of passing next year.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro said since the EMS bill is dead, it would be better to address to address the issue during the next session. 2) Chair Oshiro, Burke and Yakowenko all voiced their concerns that the Sunshine Law bill wasn’t heard. The Neighborhood Board is only an advisory board.

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 support full transparency in government (i.e. Sunshine Law). 3) Included in their report are resolutions from the representative.

Representative Sharon Har – Representative Karamatsu mentioned Representative Har sends her regrets. Also, Representative Har assisted in securing $31 million for UH West O’ahu.

Representative Jon Karamatsu – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Karamatsu’s monthly report, while Representative Karamatsu highlighted the following: 1) HB 345 establishes September 21 of each year as Peace Day to promote peace programs, improve international relations, and increase educational awareness of peace. 2) HB 337 authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to issue revenue bonds to purchase agricultural land in Kunia from Campbell Estate.

Chair Oshiro asked Representative Karamatsu, as Vice Speaker of the House, for his assistance with the Sunshine Law and EMS bills. Representative Karamatsu said he would talk with leadership. Representative Yamane has been doing a good job voicing our concerns. As leadership, he has to work with the entire State.

Representative Alex Sonson – No report or representative was available.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Brandon Lee circulated Representative Yamane’s monthly report, while Representative Yamane highlighted the following: 1) Money is appropriated for a campus-wide air conditioning and electrical system at Kanoelani Elementary School. 2) He supports SORT’s efforts. 3) The Hawai’i 2050 Sustainability Plan will help direct us the next 43 years.

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

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant