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EWA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

MAY 11, 2006

EWA BEACH COMMUNITY SCHOOL LIBRARY

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by Chair Bautista at 7:00 p.m.  A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jeff Alexander, Alisa Bender, Kurt Fevella, Richard Hargrave, Tom Berg, Gary Bautista, James Moylan, Michael O’Neill, Normand Robert, Rey Rodriguez, Sal Tagovailoa-Amosa.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

GUESTS:  Fire Fighter 1 K. Ho (HFD-Ewa Beach Station), Lt. Sevilla, Sgt. Namoka, Major Mike Tamashiro (HPD), Glen Oamilda, G. Wong, Cal Sueoka (Board of Water Supply), Cmdr. M. Sevilla (Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor), Joyce Oliveria (Mayor’s Office), Councilmember Todd Apo, Senator Will Espero, Tish (Representative Kymberl;y Pine’s Office), Governor’s Office representative, Kelley Santiago (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS:  The Board members introduced themselves.

REMINDER ON ORDER AND DECORUM:  Chair Bautista reviewed the Board’s rules on order and decorum.

REPORTS:

PUBLIC SERVICES:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Fire Fighter Ho from the Ewa Beach Station reported the following:

1. Last month the station responded to 10 structure, 4 rubbish, and 3 vehicle fires, 1 search and rescue, and 7 miscellaneous calls.

2. The Safety Tip of the Month is “Make a fire escape plan for yourself and your family.  Know where the nearest phone is, at a neighbors’ house or near your apartment building, so that you can call 911.”

Questions, answers and comments followed:

It was suggested the community recycling bins at schools and other locations be removed as the bins are often set on fire creating a possible hazard to nearby buildings, etc.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Sevilla, from the Kapolei Station, reported the following:

1. In February there were 8 robberies and 1 ID theft, in March there were 5 robberies, no ID thefts, 18 burglaries, 38 auto thefts, 30 criminal property damage cases, 335 adult arrests and 115 juvenile arrests, in April there were 16 burglaries, 22 auto thefts, 24 criminal property damage cases, 236 adult arrests and 121 juveniles’ arrests.

2. The host liability law makes it illegal for anyone over age 21 to provide alcohol to anyone under age 21 and holds the host liable for damages done by any intoxicated person under age 21.

3. The combined robbery and theft cases remain about the same from month to month.  Concern was expressed that the total seems to be high.

Sgt. Namoka, Ewa Weed and Seed, reported the following for March compared to April:  1/1 abuse of a household member, 2/1 assault, 8/2 property damage, 1/1 DUI, no/3 probation revocation warrants, 1/4 sex

assaults, 1/2 trespassing, 1/2 auto thefts, 27/21 warrants, 46/48 total adult arrests.  Juvenile arrests for March included 1 beyond parental control, 3 property damage, 1 harassment, 17 runaways, 2 threatening, 1 truancy, and April statistics included 1 beyond parental control, 2 property damage, 2 drugs/paraphernalia, 2 harassment, 1 curfew violation, 1 obtaining stolen property, 12 runaways, 3 threatening, and 2 truancy.  Total arrests in March were 42 and 27 in April.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The Weed and Seed enforcement does not focus only on drug-related matters, but on all crimes within the Weed and Seed area.

2. The Boys and Girls Club has a number of drug prevention programs available.

3. Some positive results from the Weed and Seed Program have been seen, and it was noted that it takes time to see results, changes do not happen overnight.

Major Tamashiro reported this district has requested 12 additional positions in the upcoming budget cycle.  The process is involved, and takes time, approximately one year to take effect, involving himself, assistant chiefs, the chief of police, Mayor, and City Council.  Recruitment of new officers continues to be a challenge with competition from other cities which can offer higher pay and have lower costs of living.  The department has 2160 authorized positions, 243 vacancies, and 157 recruits in training. The last recruitment cycle there were 4560 who applied to take the test, 2140 took the test, 1108 passed the test, 190 entered the recruit classes, and 113 graduated.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Recruiting against Mainland cities which offer $20,000 - $30,000 a year higher pay than Honolulu is difficult.  Honolulu does recruit on the Mainland, including in Portland and San Diego which serve as hubs for recruiting.  Honolulu does get Mainland recruits.

2. Chief of Police Correa recently testified before the City Council requesting an additional 300 officers’ positions, with 260 of them for the Patrol Division.

3. The graduation rate for recruits is about 63 percent.  Recruits receive a salary and are required to attend class. 

4. Use of private funds to supplement officers’ pay would have to be addressed by elected officials.

5. Officers who leave for Mainland cities have a three year right of return.  He was not aware of any instances of officers with Mainland departments wanting to join the Honolulu Police Department.

6. A number of factors are used to determine the number of officers assigned to a particular district, not just population.

7. Thanks were extended for this report.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY – Cal Sueoka, from the Board of Water Supply, reported the following:

1. Last month there were three water main breaks in this area and one ongoing project on Palani Street.

2. The Board of Water Supply members will be voting on a rate increase on May 15, Board of Water Supply building, 630 S. Beretania Street, 2:00 p.m.  Persons interested in testifying should sign up by 1:00 p.m.

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION – No representative was present.

MILITARY:  Cmdr. Sevilla reported the following:

1. Normal operations are ongoing.

2. Community projects include: adopt-a-block clean up projects with Campbell High School, Ewa Beach Elementary School track and field event, and career day, providing books for the Read Aloud Program; and plans to establish a partnership with Ocean Pointe Elementary School when it opens.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Iroquis Point Naval Housing is no longer Navy property, but since June 2003 has been a gated, private residential community.  They are responsible for controlling access to the area’s beaches and recreational facilities which were formerly accessible to the general public.  Chair Bautista referred the community access matter to the Board’s planning and zoning committee for further review.

2. It was suggested the Navy adopt a senior citizens group.  Follow up will be done, and Cmdr. Sevilla noted his command is small compared to others and focuses on assisting some schools.  Other commands assist other schools.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

MAYOR’S OFFICE – Joyce Oliveria, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported on previously submitted questions as follows:

1. The Ft. Weaver Road sewer improvement project has been completed, road resurfacing was to begin yesterday.

2. A private contractor has been hired to examine trees on Ft. Weaver Road and submit a report to the City by May 23.

3. There are planning and development funds in the 2009 budget for the gym and pool at Mahiko District Park.

4. The City has no plans for commercial development on the Ewa Mill site.  The City is restoring some buildings it is using for storage.

5. The West Loch Villages development is not up for sale to a private party and there are no plans for a name change.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The refuse convenience center is being illegally used on weekends by contractors who are using private rather than company vehicles, to illegally dump materials and filling dumpsters, resulting in residents not being able to dump their materials unless they go to the Waimanalo Gulch landfill.

2. It was suggested the contractor hired to maintain the median strip landscaping on Ft. Weaver Road be bonded as past contractors have not done a good job.  It was noted this matter is under State jurisdiction.

3. It was suggested the Ewa Mill not be used for storage as it is a historical site.

4. Alexander offered to work with Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to show them the traffic signal lights on Ft. Weaver Road are not synchronized, though DTS has reported that the lights are synchronized.

5. Residents requested the Mayor and his cabinet come to this area to listen to, and address the community’s concerns. Oliveria noted that this is being done.

6. Follow will be done on past commitments for the Ewa Mill manager’s mansion be made available for public use.

7. It was suggested TheBus stop on North Road, across the street from the Ewa Beach Community School Library be removed as persons waiting there are creating problems for adjoining residents.  This matter was referred to committee for further review.
8. More affordable housing units need to be developed.

A recess was called at 8:00 p.m. to restore order.  The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.

COUNCILMEMBER TODD APO – Councilmember Apo reported the following:

1. Work is being done on the budget, including holding community informational meetings around the island.  The full Council will vote on the budget on June 7.

2. The Council put 16 new officers’ position for the Honolulu Police Department in the upcoming budget.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The Kamakila Boulevard Extension project is progressing, Campbell Estate will break ground on its portion in October 2006. The City section is a separate project.  It was acknowledged that improvements are also needed on Roosevelt Road for this project.

2. There will be approximately $40 - $50 million surplus in the City budget which will be returned to residents via changes to exemptions in real property taxes, including increased homeowners’ deductions and decreases in residential rates.

3. There are capital improvement project funds for planning and design of the Papipi Road and Drive storm drain improvements.  This project is being coordinated with Haseko which is doing a drainage project on one side of Papipi Road.

4. Developers are not installing dust screens for their project on Papipi Place.

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE – A representative from the Governor’s Office, reported the following:

1. Medivac flights are reduced due to a shortage of pilots, some are on military deployments, not all pilots are certified for these types of flights, others are involved in training of other pilots.

2. Follow up will be done with Alexander on a site visit to check the synchronization of traffic signal lights on Ft. Weaver Road.

3. The recently completed session of the legislature was successful with some 300 bills passed.  The Governor has until July 11 to sign a bill into law, let it become law without being signed, or veto it.

4. The State has opened the Next Step shelter in Kakaako for homeless persons, including those who had been living in Ala Moana Park.  This shelter is only a temporary refuge; it is not intended to serve as permanent housing.  Social service agencies are working the shelter residents.

5. The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center is being developed on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property in Kapolei.

6. Hawaii was formerly ranked last, and is now 15th in the nation in the quality of mental health care.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. It was requested the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, provide an update to the Board on what will happen to historic sites in this area, such as the mill site and the manager’s mansion.

2. It was requested the State Department of Transportation follow up on the Hawaii Railroad Society’s need for new railroad ties and updating the use and occupancy agreement.

3. The traffic signal light on Ft. Weaver Road by the Child and Family Services facility malfunctioned earlier today, causing traffic backups.

4. The legislature was faulted for not addressing the need to fund development of court facilities for the judiciary and the University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus.

5. The Governor released funding for development of a traffic signal light modification for left turns from Honowai Street to Kunio Road and into Ewa Beach.  The project is progressing.  It was noted residents opposed the light due to safety concerns that it would cause accidents.

6. Area elected officials did get funding for the North South Road project.

7. It was suggested the Ewa Mill site be tested for soil contamination, as a resident noted the Waipahu Mill site was checked and soil contamination found.

8. Thanks were extended for the installation of traffic lane delineators at Ft. Weaver and Renton roads.

9. An update on the Ewa Development Plan was requested.  It was noted this is under the jurisdiction of the City.

SENATOR WILL ESPERO – Senator Espero distributed his monthly report which included a list of bills and resolutions that passed this session and highlighted/added the following:

1. Some $85 million was put into the budget this year for the North South Road project, this is in addition to $60 million in the budget from last year.  The road should open in 2008.

2. Negotiations are in progress between the University of Hawaii and a private developer to fund the infrastructure, construction could begin in 2007.

3. Other items of interest include: $7 million for classrooms at Campbell High School, $4 million for Ewa Middle School, $6 million for purchase of additional land for the courthouse in Kapolei, unemployment insurance reform that will save employers $10 million a year, a universal health care program for youths, repealing a law that made persons purchasing a used car responsible for tickets and fines in order to register the car, $1 million for an afternoon zipper lane, $200,000 for a Kuhala Marsh education center, creating a three strikes law for repeat offenders, a new wiretap law like federal laws, increased penalties for ID theft, no smoking in public places, ban in picking limu – except for replanting or native gathering for three years, repeal of the gas cap law and adding Singapore to the formula – prices will continue to be calculated as if the law were still in effect.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Thanks were extended for his work on behalf of the community.

2. Follow up will be done on whether or not the company that owns the Iroquis Point housing is the same company that may develop infrastructure for the University of Hawaii West Oahu campus.

3. Follow up will be done whether or not there is a law that does not require a condominium with units selling for $1 million or more, and owned entirely by out of state residents, to be registered with the State.

4. There are thousands of bills introduced each session, many of them enforceable and have funding.  The legislative process brings them down to a few hundred that pass.

REPRESENTATIVE KYMBERLY PINE – Representative Pine’s office manager distributed the monthly newsletter and thanked the community for their support during the recent session which helped get bills passed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Follow up will be done on which of the bills Representative Pine introduced, passed.

2. It was noted the newsletter erroneously claims Representative Pine working with the Weed and Seed project longer that she really did.

3. Representative is aware of violations committed by Haseko.

4. Concern was expressed that the discharge Honouliuli Sewage Treament Plant comes back to shore during storms and causes damage.  Follow up will be done.  It was noted this matter is under the jurisdiction of the City.

REPRESENTATIVE RIDA CABANILLA – Berg distributed the monthly report and noted it includes Representative Pine’s response to an article in the West Oahu Current, including information that the Ft. Weaver Road widening project is progressing as fast as possible, and the proposed tunnel would be privately developed and paid for by tolls.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Opposition to the tunnel was expressed.

2. There should a greater emphasis on development in this area that will make it unnecessary for residents to have to drive into Honolulu.

3. The Ft. Weaver Road and North South Road projects are progressing as fast as possible.

4. Representative Cabinilla was not in office when the Honowai Street traffic light project was approved.  The light is not in her district and to try and stop it would require opposing the budget.  Only the Governor could eliminate a particular project.

5. A resident reported there is law that allows development of condominiums that sell for $1 million or more and are sold only to out of state residents, not have to be registered with the State.  Berg noted there is no such exemption.

6. Representative Pine was thanked for her work.

BOARD OF EDUCATION – No representative was present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS – Fevela reported the following:

1. The Bash at the Bush and Easter Bash event was a success with free entertainment and food.  The event will be held again next year.

2. Plans are to hold a basketball tournament at Pualoa Playground in June.  The community and Weed and Seed have reclaimed the playground, removing all the undesirable activities – drugs, drinking, gambling, and the homeless.

It was suggested lights be installed.  Fevela noted that the restroom lights are on 24-hours a day and work has been done to get them on a timer, and that area residents to not want lights as the park is too close to homes.

PLANNING, PERMITTING AND ZONING – No report, follow up will be done on community access into Iroquis Point.

LEGISLATIVE – Berg reported that Senate Bill 2193, relating to planned community associations, provides for residents to have greater access to the governing documents; and Senate Bill 2545, relating to condominiums’ education funds used for residents’ education and a rapid dispute resolution process.

TRAFFIC – Chair Bautista reported the last committee meeting on the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor project included discussion on the proposed routes.  He also reported attending the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee meetings and is the Board’s primary representative, all members are designated as alternate representatives.  He requested that an alternate attend the next meeting.

HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE - Tagovailoa-Amosa had no report, but encouraged the community to attend the meetings.

EXECUTIVE – Chair Bautista distributed copies of his report to members.  The report includes a list of subjects that the Board is monitoring and items for future meetings, including: a) presentation on a new shopping center, b) presentation by the Coastal Society of Hawaii on public access to the coast, beach erosion, development along the coast, and global warming, c) the next Board meeting will include election of officers.

BUDGET AND FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY – Moylan noted that the Publicity Account has been depleted and the Board needs to transfer funds from the Operating Account to provide funding for the video taping of its May and June meetings.  The transfer of funds will not affect the Board sending out its minutes and agendas or other items funded from the Operating Account. Moylan moved and Fevela seconded that the Board transfer $500 from the Operating Account to the Publicity Account.  Discussion followed where it was noted this item was not listed on the agenda.  Alexander moved and Fevela seconded to add to the agenda, “Transfer of funds from Operating Account to Publicity Account.”  The motion carried unanimously.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM OPERATING ACCOUNT TO PUBLICITY ACCOUNT – Moylan moved and Fevela seconded that the Board transfer $500 from the Operating Account to the Publicity Account.  The motion carried unanimously.

Moylan moved and Fevela seconded that the Board add to the agenda “Continue the contract to video tape the Board’s meetings at the same cost and location.  The motion carried unanimously.

CONTINUE THE CONTRACT TO VIDEO TAPE THE BOARD’S MEETINGS AT THE SAME COST AND LOCATION – Moylan moved and it was seconded that the Board continue the contract to video tape the Board’s meetings at the same cost and location.  The motion carried unanimously.

Chair Bautista noted that he is negotiating the cost of the video taping.

PARLIAMENTARIAN/SGT.-AT-ARMS - No report.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

PROGRESS REPORT: PAILANI STREET WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - Tagovailoa-Amosa read a letter from Einar Frimondt, Parsons Company, apologizing for the inconveniences to the community the delays, such as the weather has had in completing the project, have caused.  Phase I has been completed; the line has been certified to be put into service.  Repaving will be done in the next two weeks.

DUST SCREENS ON PAPIPI DRIVE AND ROAD – Chair Bautista reported the dust screens have been removed and grass is to be planted.   He will continue to monitor this area for ongoing problems.

DUST PROBLEM – A resident reported ongoing problems with dust from an adjoining drainage improvement project and that she was unable to resolve the problem with the contractor.  No dust screen has been installed, but the area has been hydro-mulched.  Fevela will follow up with the resident and noted the hydro-mulch is made from recycled materials such as newspapers, includes a bio-degradable dye, and grass seed; and is sprayed on the ground to control erosion and dust.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None.

NEW BUSINESS:  None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Submitted by,

Dean Chu

Neighborhood Assistant