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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2007

FILCOM CENTER                                   _

CALL TO ORDER – With a quorum established (11 Board members present), Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Chair Oshiro noted that the October meeting was the first time he can recall in the past 18 years that there was no meeting due to a lack of quorum.

MEMBERS PRESENT – Edmund Alfonso, Maureen Andrade, Marty Burke, Cory Chun, Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Romeo Garcia, Connie Herolaga, Thomas Maus, Kerry Nishimoto, Richard Oshiro, George Yakowenko.

MEMBERS ABSENT – Irene Elston, Joe Hunkin, Jr., Russell Roller, Rito Saniatan.

GUESTS – Danny Agsalod (Mayor’s Representative), Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino’s Office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Senator Will Espero, Representative Jon Riki Karamatsu, Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office), Leland Ribac (Representative Sharon Har’s Office), David Festerling (Governor’s Representative), Sergeant Kaneshiro and Officer Kimura (HPD), Sergeant Brant Pia (HPD/Waipahu Weed and Seed), Taeyong Kim (Environmental Communications), Rodney Funakoshi (Castle & Cooke Homes), Ann Kusao and Keith Kurahashi (Kusao and Kurahashi), Matt Miura (T-Mobile), Lance Yoshimura (Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Board No. 35), Liz Delfico (Waipahu Community Association),  William Maglinti, Jr., Chuck Wheatley, Bob Farrell (videographer), David Takahashi, and Jamal Siddiqui (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

CHAIR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Oshiro announced the following:

1. Citing the full agenda off tonight’s Board meeting including three presentations, Chair Oshiro urged anyone wishing to speak to adhere to the three minutes time limit per person.

2. Waipahu McDonalds will be having a Children’s Day Event on Friday, November 16, 2007. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Ronald McDonald House.

3. Board Member George Yakowenko read a letter from Board member Irene Elston stating that she will resign from the Board due to a fall she had where it was later learned that she had a stroke. She is now in the hospital undergoing treatment. In the letter, Elston is requesting that community resident Chuck Wheatley fill in the remainder of her term as a Board member. Resignation date originally planned for November 30, 2007 will be in effect now due to current medical condition. Yakowenko read a Certificate of Recognition from the Neighborhood Commission Office recognizing Elston’s years of Board service. Board member Connie Herologa read a City Council Certificate of Recognition recognizing Elston’s years of service signed by Councilmember Nestor Garcia. Yakowenko noted that Elston is the only original Waipahu Neighborhood Board member from the initial election in 1985 currently serving. He conveyed best wishes and a speedy recovery to Board member Elston.       

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD

FILLING OF VACANCIES IN SUBDISTRICTS 3, 7, 8, 9, AND 11 – Chair Oshiro asked if there were any candidates interested in filling any of the vacancies. Interested candidates should provide their addresses to Neighborhood Assistant Jamal Siddiqui for verification purposes.

Chuck Wheatley expressed interest in filling in a vacancy in Subdistrict 3 to succeed Board member Irene Elston. Wheatley stated that he is a member of the Waipahu Community Association and Neighborhood Watch where he has been involved in various community activities including removing graffiti. He is currently retired and is ready to serve the Waipahu Community as a Board Member. Burke moved and Yakowenko seconded that the nomination of Chuck Wheatley to fill a vacancy in Subdistrict 3. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0. Burke asked for clarification that since the letter from Board Member Elston stated resignation date effective November 30, 2007 that the vacancy should not be filled until after the November 30, 2007 date. Board Member Yakowenko interpreted that if Elston’s resignation is effective immediately, then the vacancy should be filled. Chair Oshiro ruled that Wheatley be seated and be administered the Oath of Office at the next Board Meeting due to the November 30^th date noted in Elston’s letter.

William Maglinti, Jr. expressed an interest in filling in a vacancy in Subdistrict 11. Maglinti expressed an interest in serving the community as a Board Member where has concerns regarding road conditions and area schools. Yakowenko moved and Burke seconded the nomination of William Maglinti, Jr. to fill a vacancy in Subdistrict 11. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

Without objection, there was a brief recess at 7:20 p.m. so that Neighborhood Assistant Siddiqui would verify Maglinti’s address. Maglinti brought his identification with his P.O. Box Address, not his physical address which he left at his house. Maglinti would bring in his identification to the next meeting stating his physical address to the Neighborhood Assistant for verification purposes.

Meeting resumed at 7:22 p.m.

APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The following corrections were made:

Page 2, paragraph 4, line 2, under Mayor’s Representative, delete “routes” and insert “stops”

Page 2, paragraph 9, line 1 under Residents Concerns: Eyesore in Neighborhood, delete “his” and insert “her”

Page 4, last paragraph, Board of Education Representative Breene Harimoto’s opening sentence is missing.

Yakowenko moved and Burke seconded that the Board approved the September 27, 2007 Regular Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

TREASURER’S REPORT – With no written report available, item was deferred.

OFFICIAL REPORTS

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD) – No report or no representative was available.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD) – Sergeant Kaneshiro reported the number of offenses that have occurred in the following:

August 2007 – 19, assaults, 24 auto thefts, 17 auto theft recoveries, 22 burglaries, 43 criminal property damages, 1 drug/narcotic, 181 motor vehicle collisions, 8 O.V.U.I.I., 5 robberies, 75 thefts, 37 U.E.M.V., 3,077 calls for services in Waipahu, 6,892 calls for service in District 3, 44.65% of calls for services and arrests: 136 adults and 28 juveniles.

September 2007 – 19 assaults, 27 auto thefts, 17 auto theft recoveries, 21 burglaries, 51 criminal property damages, 2 drugs/narcotics, 228 motor vehicle collisions, 16 O.V.U.I.I., 4 robberies, 52 thefts, 60 U.E.M.V., 2,947 calls for services in Waipahu, 6,712 calls for service in District 3, 43.91% of calls for services and arrests: 80 adults and 20 juveniles.

October 2007 – 19 assaults, 32 auto thefts, 16 auto theft recoveries, 39 burglaries, 40 criminal property damages, 3 drugs/narcotics, 209 motor vehicle collisions, 4 O.V.U.I.I., 4 robberies, 66 thefts, 62 U.E.M.V., 3,155 calls for services in Waipahu, 6,889 calls for service in District 3, 45.80% of calls for services and arrests: 71 adults and 32 juveniles.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Board Member Alfonso inquired further detailed information specifically the locations of police beat numbers 350, 351, 353, 360, 362 and 363 in the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 District.

2. Board Member Yakowenko inquired if HPD has been receiving complaints regarding illegal use of fireworks. Sergeant Kaneshiro replied that HPD will follow up on it. Sergeant Kaneshiro noted most of the illegal fireworks are set off by juveniles.

HPD WEED & SEED – Officer Brant Pia reported the following:

1. Annual Shop with a Cop program takes place on Saturday, December 8, 2007, 7:00 a.m., Waikele K-Mart (the event’s primary sponsor).

2. The Annual Waipahu Christmas Parade, presented by the Leeward Lions Club takes place on Saturday, December 8, 2007, start time is 3:00 p.m. Parade route starts from Waipahu District Park and end at Waipahu Town Center.

3. The Annual Christmas Song Carnival, presented by the Waipahu Community Association takes place on Saturday, December 8, 2007, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Waipahu Town Center. The event includes music entertainment, Keiki ID, Santa and his elves, game booths, food booths, Keiki carnival rides, petting zoo, pony rides and an appearance by crime fighting dogs McGruff and Scruff. 

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – Danny Agsalod reported the following:

1. Honolulu Fire Department Inspector had been in contact with resident Carmen Soria regarding a follow up to a complaint she filed regarding her neighbor’s yard at 94-866 Limuholoi Street that was filled with trash infested with fleas (attracted by dog feces) along with abandoned vehicles located on the sidewalk.

2. Regarding inquiries for residents to obtain a second trash bin, if the first trash bin is filled to the rim, residents may qualify for a second trash bin.

3. As for concerns raised by Board member Alfonso regarding notifying residents on bus stop relocations, Agsalod replied that notices have been placed on bus stops designated for elimination citing safety concerns.

4. Following up on a suggestion made by Board member Yakowenko to combine bus routes 43 and 43A at the previous Board meeting, the City is remains open to this proposal.

5. Regarding installing speed bumps for Pupumomi Street to curb speeding, it is on hold; during the interim the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will install speed limit signs. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Board member Alfonso commented that DTS should inform/get community input regarding their plans in closing bus stops as part of their proposed bus stops relocation.

2. Board member Alfonso inquired if there is a rule regarding a certain number of plastics to be recycled. Agsalod replied that the success rate in the City’s pilot curbside recycling project: Hawaii Kai is 70% while in Mililani is 30%. Agsalod pointed out that the curbside recycling project was mandated by City and County voters in the 2006 elections who overwhelmingly voted for the City to institute mandatory curbside recycling.

3. Board member Yakowenko reported that he sees bulk trash items such as furniture, mattresses, cooking ranges, being placed on sidewalks in an area defined as Leoloa Street to Kunia Road to Waipahu Street, to Leoku Street and Keolua Street where there are five apartment complexes (Leolua Regent, Leoula Vista, Kunia Palms and two others). These bulky items have stayed on the sidewalks for weeks at a time. Area bulky item pick up is the third Monday of each month. The resident managers need to be notified on those items that should not be placed on the sidewalk until the night before pick up. Yakowenko further mentioned that he has seen three mattresses completely blocking area sidewalks two weeks ago.

4. Resident David Takahashi inquired about the status to road construction on Waipahu Depot Road. Agsalod replied that he will follow up on it.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO ESTABLISH AN AM RADIO STATION TO REPORT TRAFFIC ADVISORIES – Board member Burke suggested that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) implement a system for AM radio station to provide traffic advisories during morning and evening rush hours. Burke pointed out that many mainland cities have such services. Traffic advisories from local radio stations are both inconsistent and untimely.

REQUEST ON JANUARY 2008 REGULAR BOARD MEETING AGENDA: PROPOSE CLOSING LEFT-TURN ENTRY INTO KUNIA SHOPPING CENTER – Board member Andrade is requesting that the Board place on their January 2008 regular meeting agenda: “Propose to close the left-turn entry into Kunia Shopping Center,” citing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. She noted that at a recent meeting of the Village Park Community Association, community residents voted by consensus to have the left-turn entry into Kunia Shopping Center closed.

CONCERN REGARDING LONG LINES AT FOR SENIORS CITIZENS – Board member Duhaylonsod raised a concern that there are only two cashiers at the Waipahu Satellite City Hall where demands for services such as ID’s for seniors are so busy that the lines are too long for senior citizens to stand and wait.

COMMUNITY REPORTS

CENTRAL OAHU REGONAL PARK/WAIPIO SOCCER COMPLEX – Board member Burke had no report. Board member Alfonso inquired about the lighting at the Central Oahu Regional Park that needs to be fixed. Burke pointed out that Kapiolani Park has the largest number of maintenance crew personnel working there that is more than the total maintenance crew personnel working at Central Oahu Regional Park, Waipio Soccer Complex and Hans L’Orange Park combined. Burke noted that Central Oahu Regional Park has been renamed the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park.

FILCOM CENTER: No report or representative was available.

HONOLULU HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR – Chair Oshiro read the following email from Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project Consultant Pat Lee who could not be present at tonight’s Board meeting:

1. The Second Annual Transit Symposium held earlier this month was a great success with over 300 people in attendance. The morning sessions included talks from officials from Los Angeles, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Salt Lake City, who shared their experiences regarding their successful fixed guideway projects.

2. The afternoon sessions included presentations from different Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) applications in San Francisco, Pasadena and Vancouver; and Adam Rosa gave a briefing on what is happening with the Waipahu TOD.

3. Honolulu’s fixed guideway project is moving forward and encouraged everyone to continue their involvement in this project. 

LEEWARD YMCA – No report or representative was available.

OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION’S CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OMPO CAC) – Chair Oshiro asked if any Board member would be willing to be the Board’s Representative in OMPO CAC meetings. Board member Herologa informed the Board that OMPO CAC is currently doing a survey among its members regarding the time and venue for OMPO CAC to hold their meetings. Once the OMPO CAC survey is completed, Herologa stated that Board member Andrade would represent the Board at OMPO CAC meetings.  

WAIPAHU COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (WCA) – Liz Delfico announced that the Grand Opening of the Festival Market Place is on Monday, November 19, 2007, 10:00 a.m. 

Questions, comments and concerns:

Board member Herolaga inquired who the new Office Manager of the Waipahu Community Association. Delfico replied Angie Bugarin.

WAIPAHU COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (WCF) – Board member Andrade announced that the deadline for submitting grant applications is Monday, December 31, 2007.

ANNOUNCEMENTS –

1. Board member Nishimoto announced that the Waipio Christmas Parade takes place Saturday, December 8, 2007, 10:00 a.m. The parade route begins at the Waipio Gentry Shopping Center.

2. Board Member Andrade made two announcements: (a) Honolulu City Lights Parade on Saturday, December 1, 2007; and (b) Kapolei Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Start times for both parades is 6:00 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS

CASTLE & COOKE KOA RIDGE UPDATE – Rodney Funakoshi reported Castle & Cooke Homes is proposing to construct 1,500 residential units on 191 acres of land located east of the intersection of the H2 Freeway and Ka Uka Boulevard called Koa Ridge Makai. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) includes a comprehensive traffic study and mitigation measures. The public comment period is from November 8, 2007 to December 24, 2007. Castle & Cooke Homes is working with the State Department of Education (DOE) to construct a school in the proposed area. Construction is expected to commence in 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by 2011. Funakoshi further mentioned that an additional 575 acres of land in Waiawa will be used to construct 3,500 residential units and the new home for Wahiawa General Hospital and a park & ride area. Funakoshi noted that the 575 acres in Waiawa is zoned as a mixed use area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Board member Alfonso inquired about the cost of these new residential units. Funakoshi replied that 30% of the 1,500 residential units will be affordable.

2. Resident David Takahashi inquired to why Koa Ridge Mauka was eliminated. Funakoshi replied that the proposed location is outside the City’s Urban Boundary.

3. Board member Nishimoto inquired about Koa Ridge Makai’s previous land use. Funakoshi replied pineapple farms.

KOHA FOODS’ REQUEST FOR REZONING (R-5 RESIDENTIAL USE TO B-1 BUSINESS ZONING – Taeyong Kim reported Koha Foods (dba Highway Market), located at 94-505 Waipahu Street, is requesting a zone change on two empty parcels of land currently zoned R-5: Residential Use to B-1: Business in order to expand their storage facility and expand their parking lot (need an additional 18 parking stalls for employees and customers). Nearby residents have been notified on this proposed zoning change where to date there has been no objections. The project timeline to construct the expanded storage facility and parking lots is six months.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Board member Herolaga inquired to what capacity is the storage facility. Kim replied storing frozen foods.

2. Board member Herolaga pointed out that the location of Highway Market is in a small street where there is a nearby doctor’s office. Was that doctor’s office notified on the proposed zoning change? Kim replied no. However, he pointed out that the container truck delivering goods to Highway Market will deliver two to three days a week.

3. Board member Yakowenko inquire to the height of proposed expanded storage facility and the size of the delivery trucks. Kim replied 25 feet and 40 feet respectively.

4. Board member Burke asked if the 40-foot trucks would block traffic access. Kim replied no.

5. Board member Herolaga noted that there is parking access for Highway Market users located across the street at a nearby service station.

Burke moved and Garcia seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 poses no objections to the proposed zoning change. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

T-MOBILE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, MINOR & HEIGHT WAIVER FOR PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA SITE AT 94-977 LUMIPOLU PLACE – Keith Kurahashi, consultant, reported fee owner Pupukea Beach Partners and Applicant T-Mobile West Corporation are proposing to install a digital voice and data wireless communication service consisting of an 80-foot monopole antenna structure with supporting electrical and equipment cabinets within the property located at 94-977 Lumipolu Place in Waipahu. The proposed 80-foot high monopole will allow for possibly two additional carriers on this structure. Co-locating is encouraged by the City and County of Honolulu in order to avoid multiple antenna sites throughout the community. In addition, due to high demand for wireless service along with increased use by existing customers overburdening the wireless network that would result in dropped calls and spotty coverage in Waipahu, T-Mobile is applying for a Conditional Use Permit, Minor and a Height Waiver for this proposed 80-foot monopole structure installation at 94-977 Lumipolu Street. 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Chair Oshiro stated his concern regarding the aesthetics of an 80-foot antenna being installed at the proposed location. Kurahashi replied that the antenna needs to stand out. Matt Miura, from T-Mobile responded by stating that it is difficult to camouflage an 80-foot antenna monopole.

2. Board member Nishimoto pointed out that there is an existing antenna located at the Waikele Golf Course.

3. Board member Burke noted that there is a 40-foot antenna disguised as a tree in Waikele.

4. Chair Oshiro suggested more creativity and better aesthetics (i.e. flag pole or tree) to disguise the proposed 80-foot antenna monopole. Kurahashi will follow up on it.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

SUNSHINE LAW: LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS FOR 2008 LEGISLATURE; OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES (OIP) OPINION REGARDING NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REQUIREMENT – Board member Yakowenko mentioned that due to a current interpretation of the Sunshine Law by the State Office of Information Practices (OIP) where lack of quorum means no meeting. Case in point was where due to lack of quorum, it resulted in the cancellation of the October 2007 regular Board meeting; therefore, a change in the Sunshine Law is needed. 

Yakowenko moved and Burke seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 supports amendments to the Sunshine Law that will remove current restrictions that inhibit efficient functioning of the Neighborhood Boards. The Neighborhood Boards are advisory in nature and comprised of citizen volunteers. Current interpretation of the Sunshine Law provisions have had the effect of reducing citizen participation in government, therefore, the Waipahu Neighborhood Board supports amendments that will remove those restrictions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Chair Oshiro spoke in support of this motion.

The motion was adopted by unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE UPDATE – Board member Yakowenko reported that the Board’s Redistricting Committee met at 6:00 p.m. tonight prior to the Board’s regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. where it was agreed that the Board continue to comprise of 19 members where the new arrangement would be 9 at-large seats and 10 sub-district seats to be divided into 3 sub-districts:

• Subdistrict 1 – Village Park, Royal Kunia             -           2 Seats Population – 11,521
• Subdistrict 2 – Waikele, Crestview, Seaview, Waipio -       3 Seats Population – 19, 401
• Subdistrict 3 – All of Waipahu below H-1              -           5 Seats Population – 33,108

Yakowenko moved for the Redistricting Committee that the Board support the proposed Redistricting changes as proposed by the committee. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Oshiro commended Board Member Yakowenko for taking the initiative as Redistricting Committee Chair.

NEW BUSINESS

ESTABLISHMENT OF PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUPS (PIGs): Chair Oshiro pointed out that membership in the PIGs is comprised of more than two Board members, but less than a quorum, where their primary purpose is to gather information and report to the Board on issues/items to be addressed at future Board meetings. Board member Burke suggested that the Board take a motion to establish the three PIGs being considered in tonight’s Board meeting.

Herolaga moved and Andrade seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 Board form the Waipahu Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) PIG Advisory Group comprised with the following Board Members: Chair Oshiro, Andrade, Garcia and Herolaga. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

Andrade moved and Yakowenko seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 form the Hoopii PIG Advisory group comprised with the following Board Members: Chair Oshiro, Andrade and Wheatley. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.  

Burke moved and Herologa seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 for the Koa Ridge PIG Advisory group to be comprised with the following Board Members: Burke, Chair Oshiro, Saniatan, Nishimoto and Maglinti. The motion was adopted by a unanimous vote of 11-0-0.

Burke left the meeting at 9:07 p.m. There are now 10 Board members present.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS

CITY COUNCILMEMBER NESTOR GARCIA – Board member Herolaga distributed Councilmember Garcia’s written monthly report.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Board member Alfonso inquired about the status of Waipahu City Hall. Herologa replied that the City is continuing its search to find a suitable venue to house Waipahu City Hall.

2. Board member Alfonso mentioned that he made numerous phone calls to Councilmember Garcia’s office and has not had any of his phone calls returned.  Herolaga replied that she retrieved phone messages and did not receive any phone calls from Board member Alfonso.

The Chair called for a brief recess at 9:11 p.m. and the meeting resumed at 9:15 p.m.

CITY COUNCILMEMBER GARY OKINO – Karen Scharfenstein distributed Councilmember Okino’s written monthly report.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE – David Festerling distributed the Governor’s written monthly report and highlighted the following: As a follow up to concerns regarding to why the county departments/agencies such as satellite city halls cannot issue State ID’s, Festerling replied that there is a shortage of staff and space along with a change of equipment (computer systems) are needed along with a change in State law needed to authorize the counties to issue State ID’s.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Board Member Herolaga pointed out that during the 1980’s, there housed a State Agency at the present Don Quijote Store that issued State ID’s.

2. Board Member Alfonso inquired to where the public could find out the State ID Outreach Program. Festerling replied www.stateid.hawaii.gov.

3. Chuck Wheatley suggested that the State ID office should be housed at the Waipahu Shopping Center.

BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) – No BOE representative was present. However, a written report was distributed earlier in the meeting.

STATE SENATORS

SENATOR WILL ESPERO – Senator Espero did not distribute his monthly written report but highlighted the following:

1. The State Legislature held a Special Session from October 24 to 31, 2007 where they passed legislation allowing the Hawaii Superferry to operate while the State conducts an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

2. The State Senate will hold a separate special session on November 19 and 20, 2007 to consider the nomination of Katherine G. Leonard as an Associate Justice on the Intermediate Court of Appeals.

3. As Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee, he along with committee members Senators Clarence Nishihara and Norman Sakamoto visited the Saguaro and Red Rock prison facilities in Arizona to inspect the prisons that house inmates from Hawaii.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Chair Oshiro asked if area Senators to work together on issues relating to the Waipahu community. Senator Espero replied yes.

2. Board member Alfonso inquired to why Hawaii prisoners are being charged with high phone bills.  

SENATOR CLARENCE NISHIHARA – Senator Nishihara distributed his monthly written report and highlighted the following:

1. Visited Hawaii prisoners at the Saguaro and Red Rock prison facilities in Arizona.

2. Attended a Western Legislative Conference in Colorado where it was a learning experience interacting and sharing ideas with legislators from the Western States.

3. Working on legislation that would amend the Sunshine Law concerning Neighborhood Boards.

Questions, comments and concerns:

Board Member Andrade stated that the current Sunshine Law’s interpretation relating to no quorum/no meeting rule should be lifted do so that the Neighborhood Boards can be a forum for residents to have their concerns addressed.  

SENATOR MIKE GABBARD – Rock Riggs distributed Senator Gabbard’s monthly written repot and highlighted that Senator Gabbard has been appointed as the Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation and International Affairs Committee. In addition, Senator Gabbard has a new committee assignment on the Agriculture & Hawaiian Affairs Committee and will continue to serve on the Education and Judiciary & Labor Committees.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Chair Oshiro asked Riggs if there is a way that the State would authorize the City to issue State ID’s. Riggs replied that Senator Gabbard supports legislation that would accomplish this objective.

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

REPRESENTATIVE JON RIKI KARAMATSU – Representative Karamatsu did not distribute his written report but highlighted the following:

1. He issued a personal apology to his constituents for getting involved in a DUI accident where he collided with another vehicle. He stated that he takes full responsibility and will accept the punishment to be determined by the courts.

2. Friday, September 21, 2007 was the First Annual Peace Day event, the first of its kind in the nation that included an art and essay contest dealing with peace. In addition, he planted a peace tree on the grounds of the Hawaii State Capitol on Tuesday, November 20, 2007. This event was a result of legislation he introduced and passed in the 2007 State legislative session.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Board Member Alfonso commended Representative Karamatsu for being upfront and taking personal responsibility for his DUI incident with his constituents at tonight’s Board meeting. Representative Karamatsu thanked Board member Alfonso for his remarks. Representative Karamatsu noted that the press took some of his statements out of context.

REPRESENTATIVE SHARON HAR – Leland Ribac distributed Representative Har’s monthly written report and highlighted the following:

1. Representative Har Attended the Royal Kunia Community Association meeting regarding the Royal Kunia Phase II Project presented by project developer Stanford Carr.

2. Representative Har will work on legislation to amend the State Sunshine Law in relation to Neighborhood Boards and having the State authorize the counties to issue State ID’s.

REPRESENTATIVE RIDA CABANILLA – No report or representative was available.

REPRESENTATIVE ALEX SONSON – No report or representative was available.

REPRESENTATIVE RYAN YAMANE – No report or representative was available.

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

Submitted by,

Jamal Siddiqui

Neighborhood Assistant