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WAIPAHU NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007

FILCOM CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Oshiro called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. A quorum was present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Lorraine Duhaylonsod, Joe Hunkin, Jr.

GUESTS: Baybee Hufana-Abalan (Mayor's Representative), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Karen Scharfenstein (Councilmember Gary Okino's office), David Festerling (Governor's Representative), Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard's office), Senator Clarence Nishihara, Representative Alex Sonson, Representative Ryan Yamane; Fire Fighters Aaron Abergas, Ben Bright, Chad Higashi, Craig Uchimura (HFD); Dina Wong (DPP), Breene Harimoto (BOE), Pat Lee (HHCTCP), Adam Rosa (Waipahu TOD), Keola Taniguchi (Leeward YMCA), Yvonne Cardenas and Bob Farrell (videographer), Ben Sanchez (Plantation Town Apartments), Karen Nakamura and Karen Iwamoto (BIA-Hawai'i); Tony Acfalle, Luther Flynn, Muira Maeda-Nakamine, Ilalo Parayno, Carmen Soria, Al & Helen Tivera, Harlow Urabe, Thomas Ventura, Chuck Wheatley; 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 welcomed everyone to the Neighborhood Board meeting. In addition, he asked everyone to observe a moment of silence for the passing of Lorraine Duhaylonsod's husband.

FILLING OF VACANCIES FOR SUB DISTRICTS 7, 8, 9, 11 – 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 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 JULY 26, 2007 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:

            Page 1, under Guests, insert "Senator Mike Gabbard".

Page 4, under New Business, fifth line, delete "September" and insert "November".

Page 4, under Senator Mike Gabbard, it should read "Senator Gabbard highlighted the following:".

TREASURER'S REPORT – Saniatan read the Financial Statement for August 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $340.76, leaving a balance of $3,628.77. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted for filing.

OFFICIAL REPORTS:  

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Fire Fighter Ben Bright reported: 1) For the month of August, the Waipahu and Waikele Fire Stations responded to 11 fires, 15 medical emergencies, and 15 miscellaneous calls. 2) The National Fire Protection Association has selected "Practice Your Escape Plan" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 7-13, 2007. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations will be conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2007 Fire Fighter's Safety Guide will also be distributed to all elementary schools.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – No report or representative was available.

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

Mayor's Representative – Baybee Hufana-Ablan reported: 1) On behalf of the Mayor, she welcomed everyone and wished all a warm Aloha. 2) She thanked everyone who attended Tuesday's Waipahu Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Workshop. 3) Follow-up items included: population figures as requested by Yakowenko; bus stop relocation as requested by Alfonso; bus shelter request; extra trash bin request; and proceeds from recycling. 4) Taste of Kailhi will be held this Saturday. 5) Sunset in the Park will be held this weekend, Hans L'Orange Park. The Mayor will be in attendance. 6) The Mayor can be heard on various radio stations and seen on Olelo. More detailed information is provided in "Honolulu News", the Mayor's monthly newsletter (Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated copies of the newsletter).

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Yakowenko requested the City shift TheBus Route 43 to Leoku Street and eliminate other routes. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up. 2) Alfonso asked that the City get input from residents before eliminating a bus stop. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up. 3) Garcia inquired if there is a fee for an extra container. Hufana-Ablan answered there is no charge, however, you must qualify to receive an extra bin. 4) Herolaga asked if after three months of monitoring your bins and it is determined that you don't have enough trash, will the City take away the extra bin. Herolaga will follow-up. 5) Wheatley echoed Yakowenko's comments. He suggested combining route 43 and 434 since routes A and 44 go in the same direction. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS:

Removal of Bus Stop in Front of Leeward YMCA and FilCom Center – Herolaga, Councilmember Garcia's office, said they received correspondence from James Burke of Department of Transportation Services (DTS) indicating that the bus stop was removed for safety reasons. It will not be put back.

Speed Bumps – Resident Thomas Ventura asked for speed bumps for Pupumomi Street. It's a safety issue for children in the neighborhood. Surrounding areas have speed bumps. Councilmember Garcia explained that DTS installed the speed bumps as a means for traffic calming. Since then, DTS has put a moratorium on traffic calming measures. He will follow-up with DTS. Wheatley, who lives in the same building, added that people race and burn rubber during the night hours. Councilmember Garcia said he will request a patrol car monitor the area.

Sunshine Law – In response to Alfonso, Chair Oshiro explained the reason why the Sunshine Law issue is kept on the agenda. The issue needs to be addressed. Yakowenko added that the City's website (www.honolulu.gov) has all the letters from the Office of Information Practice (OIP) regarding the Sunshine Law. He explained that no more than two Board members can attend a meeting where an item will be discussed at a future Board meeting. He encouraged the new members to visit the website.

Eyesore in Neighborhood – Resident Carmen Soria had concerns about his neighbor at 94-866 Lumiholoi Street. His yard is filled with trash, infested with fleas, and has a strong fecal odor (he breeds dogs). Soria said he has called a number of governmental agencies (i.e. DOH, HPD, Building Department, Vecot Control, Hawai'i Humane Society, etc). There are also abandoned vehicles on the sidewalk. This has been a problem for the past 10 years. Hufana-Ablan will follow-up.

Fire Hazard – A Waipahu Street resident had concerns regarding the tall grass in his neighbor's yard. It's a fire hazard. He called HFD and HPD, but was told they couldn't do anything since it's on private property. Herolaga, Councilmember Garcia's office, will follow-up.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

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Central O'ahu Regional Park (CORP)/Waipio Soccer Facility – Burke reported: 1) The Central O'ahu Regional Park Advisory Committee meets the second Monday of each month, at the park's aquatics complex, 7:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. 2) On August 30, a ceremony was held to dedicate the park to Patsy T. Mink. 3) The swimming pool has been closed for three weeks in September for warranty tile grout work. 4) The archery bales on loan to Koko Head have been returned. 5) Due to rusting, all 20 net posts are in the process of being replaced in house with park-standard steel posts beginning with the lighted tennis courts.

FilCom Center – Ilalo Parayno, a volunteer with the FilCom Center, circulated copies of "FilCom News". In addition, he stated: 1) He noticed there isn't a podium and will bring the concern back. 2) He's happy that the Board decided to hold its meetings at this facility.

Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project (HHCTCP) – Pat Lee circulated copies of "Honolulu on the Move". In addition, he stated: 1) The Transit Symposium 2007 will be held on November 13, 2007, Neal Blaisdell Center, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For pre-registration and questions, please contact 566-2299 or visit www.honolulutransit.org. 2) He encouraged everyone to stay informed and stay involved with the TOD.

Leeward YMCA – Keola Taniguchi stated: 1) He will be representing Leeward YMCA as Manuel Ayala has accepted a similar position in Philadelphia. A new executive director will be selected next week. 2) Their A-plus Program received a grant from the NFL for their flag football/cheerleading league. 3) Trick-or-Treat/Haunted House will be held on October 19. The event is open to members.

OMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – Chair Oshiro said he received a letter from OMPO indicating that the Board has lost its seat on the CAC due to non-attendance. The Board can regain its seat by sending a representative to three meetings within a one year period (it doesn't have to be a Board member).  A resident mentioned he attended the last CAC meeting, but will be unable in the future due to a change in his work schedule. Councilmember Garcia, who sits on OMPO, noted how important it is for Waipahu to have a representative on the CAC. Chair Oshiro asked if there any volunteers. Andrade will check her availability.

Waipahu Community Association – No report or representative was available.

Waipahu Community Foundation – Chair Oshiro said a representative is needed to replace Russ Roller, who resigned due to health reasons. Andrade, who sits on the committee, explained how each person was appointed from each district (i.e. Village Park, Waipio Gentry, etc.). Burke will be contacted if he's interested. The deadline to submit the next quarter grant applications is December 31, 2007. The grants are for non-profit youth organizations in the Waipahu area. Applications are available at the Waipahu High School administration office.

Hickam Environmental Restoration – Rick McCombe was not available. Burke indicated that soil sampling is being conducted along the fuel pipeline through Waipio, Crestview and Seaview. They are looking for leeching into the soil. So far, no problems have surfaced.

Plantation Town Apartments – Ben Sanchez gave a brief update on the Plantation Town Apartments. Construction began in February and is scheduled to be completed in June 2008. Hawaiian Dredging is the contractor. Applications for the units can be picked up at the site (on Paiwa Street).

Announcements – Andrade mentioned there has been a rash of car vandalism in Village Park. A gang of kids have smashed the windows of four to five vehicles. They also broke the windows at Kaleiopu'u Elementary School. The principal asked for more police presence. Andrade said she has notified Councilmember Garcia's office.

PRESENTATIONS:

Waipahu Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) – Adam Rosa, consultant, said about 180 people attended the September 25 TOD Workshop held at Waipahu Intermediate School. They received a lot of input from the community. This is the beginning of a 14-month planning process which began in June and will culminate in August 2008. They are working with the City's Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on this project. Honolulu's fixed guideway system has two stations planned along Farrington Highway.  TOD is different uses – residential and commercial – surrounding a transit station that takes advantage of the convenience of transit access. An advisory committee consisting of 25 members from various groups and organizations will be formed. He encouraged everyone to attend the next workshop, which will be held in November. If anyone has any questions, he can be reached at (415) 974-5352 ext. 222 or email at adam@vmwp.com.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Oshiro thanked Rosa for attending tonight's meeting. This project is a development for the community, as is this facility (the FilCom Center). Planning is one of the fruits of the labor. Hopefully, this project will have the same results. 2) Councilmember Garcia suggested two different locations for the

stations (i.e. near Waipahu High School and more west to Waipahu Depot Road. He wants residents to have more options. Rosa said he has heard those suggestions. A representative from DPP indicated the City's position is to keep the stations where it is proposed. They need to proceed to be on schedule. It will take 15-20 years to build out. 3) Wheatley asked why limit it to two stations and not three. An ideal location would be near the Festival Marketplace. Rosa said they will definitely keep an open mind, however, the stations will remain at two. 4) Dina Wong, project manager with DPP, stated they want to concentrate on Waipahu. Workshops will be held for all neighborhoods that will have a station. More detailed information is available at www.dpp.org.   

Building Industry Association (BIA) Training Center Update – Karen Nakamura, CEO for BIA-Hawai'i, gave an update on the proposed training center for the Mill Town Center. The project is in the preliminary design phase and is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2009. The program is a 12-week course with 160 hours of training. Scholarships are available through OHA and Haseko. Applicants are drug tested. Construction is the only industry that still needs people. If anyone is interested, she can be reached at 847-4666, extension 1.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Sunshine Law: OIP Opinion Regarding Neighborhood Board Quorum Requirement – No report.

Redistricting Committee Update – Yakowenko noted in April the Board approved restructuring its 19 seats to 10 at-large seats and the remaining 9 seats into three subdistricts. In May, the committee sent a letter to Joan Manke, Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office, asking for population figures. Three weeks ago, he received an email for figures for the 11 subdistricts (which he didn't need nor asked for). Another staff person is overseeing this issue. If we don't receive the population figures by November's Board meeting, the committee would have to meet again in order to meet the deadline for the next election.

NEW BUSINESS:

Waikele Road Improvements – Approval of Signage – Herolaga mentioned Waikele Road, near Waipahu Intermediate, was a special project for Russ Roller. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has the signage (No Parking from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) ready. She spoke to area residents and they all approve the signs. Herolaga moved and Nishimoto seconded that the Waipahu Neighborhood Board No. 22 support the installation of "No Parking from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m." signs on Waikele Road. The motion carried unanimously. Chair Oshiro thanked Herolaga, Roller and the residents for their efforts.

GOVERNMENT REPORTS:

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

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Councilmember Garcia circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He thanked all those who participated in the graffiti paint out. 2) The City Council will soon be mailing out free discount prescription cards. The details are still being worked out. It will not cost the taxpayers nor the City anything, unless it is mailed.

Councilmember Gary Okino – Karen Scharfenstein circulated Councilmember Okino's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) If you are 65 years or older, you do not need to apply for the tax credit. 2) The Department of Customer Services have implemented the Senior Hotline at 768-7700. The hours of operation is Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Governor's Representative – David Festerling reported: 1) He circulated information on State Identifications. 2) He highlighted school projects in this district.  

Chair Oshiro said his concern regarding the State ID's weren't answered. Festerling will follow-up.

Board of Education (BOE) – Breene Harimoto circulated "BOE Highlights" and highlighted the following: 1) BOE's Ad-hoc Committee on Facilities is discussing how to make better use of its facilities. They are looking at sprawling

lands to tradeoff with the City. 2) The State Librarian, Jo Ann Schindler, is retiring at the end of the year. An announcement for her replacement will be made next month.

Burke thanked Harimoto for coming before the Board each month and reporting on the state of education.

Senator Will Espero – Rock Riggs circulated Senator Espero's monthly report.

Senator Clarence Nishihara – Senator Nishihara circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) He echoed Burke's comments regarding Harimoto (who he also sees at the Pearl City Neighborhood Board meeting). 2) He also attended the TOD workshop. It was very productive. 3) The next Coffee Hour with he and Councilmember Garcia will be held on October 24, Waipahu McDonald's, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. 4) You are allowed to bring your oxygen tank through the airport checkpoint, however you first have to inform the airlines.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Herolaga clarified that the airlines will charge you $250 to tap into their oxygen and it's not covered by your insurance. Senator Nishihara will follow-up with the airline industry. 2) Yakowenko reiterated his concern regarding the Sunshine Law, specifically relating to the TOD workshop and more than two members in attendance. He questioned why the Senate didn't hear the bill. Senator Nishihara said he spoke to Senator Inouye and she indicated she would hear the bill next session. 

Senator Mike Gabbard – Rock Riggs circulated Senator Gabbard's monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Senator Gabbard sends his regrets. 2) The Sustainability 2050 meeting will be held on October 15, 2007, 3) Senator Gabbard's next Listen-Story will be held on October 20, 2007, Kamokila Community Park meeting room, 9:00 a.m. 4) Regarding the State ID's, they are looking into a mobile bus service. More funding is needed. Hopefully, the State and the City can work together on this issue.

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) Being a former Neighborhood Board member, he's also concerned about the Sunshine Law. The House is in strong support of this bill. He will be doing something different and including the bill in the Majority Package (so it can be fast-tracked). There will be a new judiciary chair. 2) Regarding the TOD workshop, he's glad the City administration is allowing input from the community. The community should be concerned with the plan because it will change Waipahu and create a lot of problems. More police and fire personnel will be needed. He will introduce a bill so that the State will have some part in it. 3) He hopes the Board will take the time, from now until January, and come up with legislation for next session. 4) A special session may be held regarding the Hawai'i Supperferry.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Representative Yamane circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Sustainability 2050 – he will request a meeting closer to Waipahu. 2) He met with BIA-Hawai'i officials over one year ago. He loved the idea because it would be in our backyard. He encouraged the Board to pass a resolution urging the Governor to release the funds for this project. 3) Highway Inn celebrated its 60th Anniversary this past Sunday.

Representative Rida Cabanilla – Ilalo Parayno circulated Representative Cabanilla's monthly report. In addition, he stated nursing students will not have to drive all the way to Honolulu Community College (HCC). Soon, they will be able to attend Leeward Community College (LCC).

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant