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WAHIAWA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDREGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2004 WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kathy Masunaga called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present. Chair Masunaga said due to unfortunate circumstances, the Ilahi Elementary Ukelele Club cancelled their performance tonight. She read a letter that will be sent to the club expressing the Board’s deepest regret. Chair Masunaga stated the intent of the Board is to invite community groups and organizations to perform before the Board and the community. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Robert Kent, Silvia Koch, Edith Kubo, Mary Jane Lee, Kathy Masunaga, Yoshiro Nakamura, Jyun Yamamoto. MEMBERS ABSENT: Randall Kamisato. GUESTS: Cheryl Okuma-Sepe (Mayor’s Representative), Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Kim Ribellia and Brandon Mitsuda (Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office), Zeny Muyot (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Laurence Lau (Governor’s Representative), Senate President Robert Bunda, Representative Marcus Oshiro, Fire Fighter I Soares (HFD), Assistant Chief Michael Tucker and Lt. Brian Chang (HPD), Duke Chung, Jr. (BWS), Suzanne Jones (City Recycling), Lt. Col. Jim Fly and Capt. Robert Hoover (U.S. Army), Captain Mary McClendon and Stan Kato (NCTAMS PAC), Rev. Jack D. Smith (WCBA), Emily Viglielmo (Ka Nupepa), Lee Carson (Hale Kipa), Alveena Antonio, David Babino, Lyn Basebase, Michael Cieslak, Diane Correia, Rayen Germano, Don and Elaine Glover, Ken and Elena Gongob, Donna Hamilton, Larry Hawkins, Ellen Hyer, Bradley Hynds, Eric Ige, Edwin Imamura, Dennis Ing, Jeanne Ishikawa, Burt Iwata, Michelle and Zac Izon, Tracy Janowicz, Alana Kamikawa, Richard Kawamoto, Lillian Kim, Kelvin Kurisu, Barbara Ladao, Anthony Lapenia, Marcella Lee, Lisa Lefebvre, Francis and Stephanie Lopez, Jason Loughlin, Jody Lovins, Monica Magalion, Doris Matsuoka, Gail Miyamoto, Sean Mokuau, Eleann Montalbo, Kate Moore, Nestor Muyot, Leighton Nakamoto, Jim Neuman, Daniel Neyer, Gail Nishimura, Hugh Noguchi, Linda Okamura, Jesus Ortiz, Cecily Paahana, Marlena Paracuelles, Sylvia Plemer, Benny and Linda Quiseng, Fred Rames, Greg Reyes, Nila and Mingo Rilveria, Moku Sanborn, Randy Sanborn, Ray Santana, Daniel and Frances Saragosa, Pauline Saranillio, Mark Segawa, Lois and Wallace Sekigawa, Roberta and Roy Serai, Ross Shigeoka, Stanley Suzuki, Phyllis Teijerio, Clint Torres, Desiree Treu, Henry Tsue, Robbie Tsue, Nobuko Tsumoto, Pat Tupino, Kathleen Ventura, Carol and Douglas Vierra, Rob Vierra, Heide and Jerry Vriesenga, Sharene Wagatsuma, Vicki and Art Wagatsuma, Christine Wescott, Norman Wong, Lea Yoneda, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff). CHAIR’S REPORT: Community Recognition – Chair Masunaga mentioned that the Board was planning to honor Jane Serikaku, principal of Ilahi Elementary, who will be retiring at the end of the year, with a Certificate of Appreciation. Since Serikaku was not present, the certificate will be sent to her. APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 18, 2004 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Lee moved and Yamamoto seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 approve the minutes as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. TREASURER'S REPORT: Yamamoto read the Financial Statement for October 2004. The Operating Account expenses were $128.13, leaving a balance of $1,230.81. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $2,110.00. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.
REPORTS AND CONCERNS: Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Fire Fighter I Soares reported: 1) For the month of October, there were 9 fires and 51 medical emergency calls. The Ladder Unit continues to be one of the busiest in the State. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop, and roll. Stop where you are and drop to the floor or ground. Cover your face with your hands and roll your body back and forth to smother the flames. Do not run! It will fuel the flames. 3) Christmas Safety Tips: a) a fresh Christmas tree that is watered daily will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree; b) locate the tree out of the way of traffic; do not block doorways; and do not place under stairwells; c) only use lights that have been tested for safety; i.e., Underwriters Laboratory (UL) of Factory Mutual (FM). Do not use more than three standard-size sets per single extension cord; d) never use lighted candles on or near a tree; e) practice an emergency escape plan with your Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Brian Chang reported: 1) For the month of October, there were 18 burglaries, 9 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), and 25 thefts. 2) Regarding the concerns about parking that was brought up the past few months, if anyone sees a parking violation call 911. 3) The abandoned vehicle that Acohido mentioned has been removed. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Lee inquired if there is any law against using those blue tarps as a permanent structure. The concern is it being a fire hazard. Lt. Chang said he’s not sure; it could be a building code violation. For more information, call the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) at 523-4131. 2) Resident Alena Pule asked how long does it take police to respond to alleged illegal drug activity in the neighborhood. Lt. Chang answered he can’t give a timeline because he doesn’t know how long the investigation will take. He encouraged residents to work with NARCO Vice. Koch mentioned investigations can take up to 18 months, as the case with her concern. She said the police department’s hands are tied. For more information, call the NARCO Vice hotline number is 529-3101. CORRESPONDENCE – Chair Masunaga circulated the correspondence the Board received since its last meeting to those members who are without email. The members who have access to email are sent the correspondence regularly.
PRESENTATION: City’s Curbside Recycling Program – Suzanne Jones said the City is unveiling its islandwide curbside recycling program. The program will be divided into six phases and the first phase includes Mililani, Wahiawa, Whitmore, La’ie, Hau’ula, Kahuku, Ka’a’awa, Kahalu’u, Waia’lua, Haleiwa and Sunset. Sixty-gallon blue carts will be delivered to each household. The program was scheduled to begin this week, but it has been put on hold due to a dispute with UPW. Once the program starts, you will be required to separate recyclables from the rest of your refuse. You can use the blue cart or may choose other recycling options: community recycling bins, buyback or redemption centers. Twice a week regular trash pick-up will remain as is; recycling carts will be picked up weekly; and green waste will remain manually. For more information, visit www.opala.org. (Chair Masunaga called for a recess at 7:28 p.m. Orders resumed at 7:31 p.m.) GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES: (This item of business will be taken up at 8:00 p.m.) Elected Officials: Malama O Wahiawa – No report or representative was available. Mayor's Representative – Cheryl Okuma-Sepe stated: 1) She reminded the Board get a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list together as soon as possible and send it to Tim Steinberger of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). 2) This will be her last meeting as the Mayor’s representative (since the Mayor’s term ends January 2, 2005). She said it’s been a pleasure to work with the Wahiawa community (on the Neighborhood Board and the Vision Team) for the past seven years. Okume-Sepe thanked everyone on behalf of the Mayor. Congressman Ed Case – Zeny Muyot circulated Congressman Case’s newsletter and highlighted the following: 1) She introduced herself. This is her first Neighborhood Board meeting. If anyone needs any assistance, she can be reached at 541-1986 or zeny.muyot@mail.house.gov. 2) Congressman Case is proud and humbled to have been re-elected to serve Hawaii’s Second Congressional District. 3) Congressman Case is a believer in the Neighborhood Board System, as he began his political career on the Manoa Neighborhood Board. 4) Congressman Case will be returning to Washington, D.C. for a lame-duck session. 5) Special Presidential Messages are available, with a 30-day notice, to those celebrating their 80th birthday and those celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. 5) If anyone is planning to visit Washington, D.C., give their office a call and they will arrange for a personal tour of the U.S. Capitol. Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Council Chair Dela Cruz circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The City Council passed Bill 6, which increases the home exemption for low-income owners 75 years and older. 2) The Council also passed Bill 56, which reduces cesspool pumping charges for eligible low-income households. 3) He introduced Bill 81, which offers a one-time credit against property tax liability for installation of septic tank system. 4) RISR’s (Request for Investigation and Service Report) were submitted to the City administration for: a) Installing “School Zone” signs fronting Iliahi Elementary and installing reduced speed limit signs fronting the school; b) Filling potholes on Wilikina Drive; c) Sidewalk installation between the intersection of Walker Avenue and Avocado Street and the State Freshwater Park; d) Repairing the damage to the Arts and Crafts Room in the Halekoa building at Wahiawa District Park; e) Enforcing the speed limit on Whitmore Avenue near Whitmore Gym and area fronting Helemano Elementary; 5) He introduced Resolution 04-319, which urges the Department of Environmental Services to name a potential site or sites for a wastewater treatment plant in the North Shore area. 6) He thanked all those who attended last Tuesday’s community meeting at City Hall. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Resident Ray Santana said he called Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office a number of times regarding the homeless under the Wahiawa bridge. He concerned about the safety of residents. Council Chair Dela Cruz stated that his office has been in contact with the State Department of Transportation (DOT). Chair Masunaga mentioned this issue has been brought up every month. Letters have been set to Rod Haraga, Director of DOT and Peter Young, Director of Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Also, at last month’s meeting the Board concerns were relayed to Laurence Lau, Governor’s representative. She also spoke to the representative of HCDCH. Acohido stated the homeless issue was discussed at the Transportation Committee meeting with DOT. He said DOT has jurisdiction under the bridge. It’s a police matter. DOT officials have been threatened with knives and guns. The solution has to be community action (i.e. churches, etc.). Representative Oshiro said he would conduct a site visit. He also spoke to DOT. Representative Oshiro stated he doesn’t encourage anyone to confront the homeless, some of whom have health issues. 2) A resident inquired about sidewalks for Whitmore. She was cited for parking on an unimproved sidewalk and it’s a safety hazard for children. Council Chair Dela Cruz stated a meeting was held with Ed Ramos (Whitmore resident) and the City administration. The Council can put an item in the budget, but it’s up to the administration to allocate the funds. It’s a system of checks and balances. The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections. West Nile Virus – Laurence Lau, State Department of Health (DOH), stated the West Nile Virus is a disease that is found in many parts of the world, and usually cycles between mosquitoes and birds. Sometimes, mosquitoes involved in this cycle bite humans and animals, and infect them. The virus can’t be passed from person to person. To date, there has been no evidence of the virus in Hawai’i. DOH is working with a variety of federal, state and local agencies to prevent the introduction of the virus to Hawai’i. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/health or call 211. The agenda resumed regular order. Governor’s Representative – Lau circulated his follow-up report and highlighted the following: 1) Regarding highway lighting on Kamehameha Highway towards Haleiwa, in 1997 North Shore residents objected to a project of installing lights along Kamehameha Highway because they felt it would mar the view plane. 2) The Department of Transportation (DOT) did remove homeless people under the Wahiawa Bridge about one year ago. Soon afterwards the homeless stated moving back in again. Unfortunately, DOT does not have the resources to remove the homeless on a constant basis. DOT has also spoken with HPD. 3) The Department of Health and the Department of Land and Natural Resources met to develop a plan to mitigate the odors from the Wahiawa Reservoir. 4) DOT cannot locate the alleged dead trees by the Pearl Harbor gate. 5) Scott Ishikawa of DOT met with Board member Acohido on November 11, but was not able to attend tonight’s meeting. Chair Masunaga said a request was made to the Board to support the release of funding for O’ahu Arts Center by Governor Lingle. (See New Business.) Senate President Robert Bunda – Senate President Bunda stated: 1) At the next meeting, he will get an update on committee assignments. 2) He was responsible for getting the squatters out of Mokuleia Beach. It was a health hazard. He agrees that you shouldn’t confront the homeless and that something should be done about problem. 3) He is trying to get a joint letter together with Representative Oshiro and the Neighborhood Board to resolve the large amount of potholes from Kilani Avenue to the bridge. It’s a hazard to motorists. Pule inquired about funding for drug programs (i.e. rehabilitation, etc.). Senate President Bunda stated there is money available. Representative Oshiro said $10 million have been appropriated, but it needs to be released by the Governor. Lau, Governor’s representative, will take back the concerns. Representative Marcus Oshiro – Representative Oshiro announced that the Drug Nuisance Abatement hotline number is 586-1328. Board of Water Supply – Duke Chung submitted his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) There were no main breaks in the Wahiawa area for the month of October. 2) Water projects in this area include: a) Wahiawa Wells II Addition – Phase II is 90% complete; b) Cypress Avenue 8-inch and 4-inch mains is 56% complete; c) Wahiawa-Whitmore Village 16-inch main is 60% complete; d) California Avenue Water System Improvements, Parts II & III is pending. 3) Lawn experts say that a deep watering of about 15 minutes, three times a week is enough to keep your turf green and healthy. During rainy periods, you may not have to irrigate your lawn at all. If you have a sprinkler system, check it for leaks and broken sprinkler heads. And if you have an automatic sprinkler system, you may want to invest in a moisture sensor that will prevent watering when your soil is sufficiently wet. 4) He distributed BWS 2004-2005 Water Conservation Poster Contest Calendars. Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – No report or representative was available. Wahiawa Vision Team – Lee stated one of the Vision Team projects is the current construction of three new buildings at the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. She invited everyone to visit the facility. On Tuesdays, she volunteers at the garden and would be more than happy to answer any questions. U.S. Army – Lt. Col. James Fly reported: 1) Approximately 110 soldiers participated in Make A Difference Day at the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. The Army is always looking for projects. 2) About 61 soldiers marched in the Wahiawa Veterans Day Parade. 3) The 5,200 soldiers in Iraq are scheduled to return in January, while the 5,600 soldiers in Afghanistan are projected to return from February to April. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Masunaga thanked the Army for participating in Make A Difference Day. 2) Acohido said a Sunset in the Park is planned for May 2005 to welcome back our troops. With the change of the City administration, the plans may be on hold. Lt. Fly said will make sure that the Public Affairs Office (PAO) gets involved. NCTAMS PAC – Captain Mary McLendon reported: 1) Approximately 60 sailors participated in the Wahiawa Veterans Day Parade. NCTAMS PAC thanks the community and appreciates your continuous support and the recognition and respect you show for all military personnel. 2) NCTAMS PAC recently welcomed aboard Joint Mobile Ashore Support Terminal, Pacific (JMAST PAC). A contingency of 16 personnel, their mission is to provide mobile command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C41) support to deployed commanders. The unit is kept on a 48-hour alert status at all times, meaning they are prepared to deploy to anywhere in the world with only 48-hours notice. 3) For the past 15 years, NCTAMS PAC has participated in Operation Ohana, an outreach program that provides Thanksgiving meals to the North Shore community. The event will be held on Thanksgiving, Waialua Community Center, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. For more information, contact LT Rick Hall at 653-0076. Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – Rev. Jack Smith stated: 1) The annual Wahiawa Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, December 3, 2004. He invited everyone to participate. 2) The Wahiawa ministers will be holding a traditional Thanksgiving ceremony on Wednesday, November 24, Wahiawa Church of Christ. Concerns and comments followed: 1) Koch asked about the homeless problem. Rev. Smith stated members of the church have visited the homeless people at their own risk. It’s something they need to look into. He said the church could be part of the solution, but not the whole solution. 2) A resident inquired if Hale Kipa made a presentation to WCBA. Rev. Smith answered Hale Kipa made an impromptu presentation. Chair Masunaga mentioned that WCBA meets the second Monday of the month at the Wahiawa Police Station conference room and is open to the public. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There were no unfinished business items. RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Chair Masunaga explained that the Sunshine Law requires the Neighborhood Board agenda be filed seven days before the meeting. This month’s agenda was set in October. Any item that is not on the agenda can be brought up under Residents’ Concerns. Each speaker is allowed three minutes. Residents have contacted her to put Hale Kipa on the agenda, but said Hale Kipa has not yet decided to purchase the Komori property. The program would house children ages 7-12 for a residential facility with a private school on site with appropriate adult supervision. Another residents’ concern is the proposed Whitmore Village Pre-Treatment Facility Pilot Study. The next Ad-hoc committee meeting will be held on November 29, Wahiawa Recreation Center. Members on the committee include herself, Mary Jane Lee, Ben Acohido, and Tim Houghton of the Department of Environmental Services. Everyone is invited to join and/or attend the meeting. Possible Land Purchase by Hale Kipa - Concerns and comments followed:1) Resident Carol Vierra initiated a petition opposing the presence of Hale Kipa near her house. 2) Residents brought up the following issues: a) removal of the Chair from her position because of their perception that this issue could not be discussed at this meeting without specific placement on the agenda; b) Don’t re-elect the Board members; d) It’s the third time that a half-way house is proposed for Wahiawa; e) Their children’s safety; f) Property values decreasing. 3) Resident Ellen Hyer said that being a Chair is not easy. Chair Masunaga has to have order and asked the audience to stop the personal attacks on the Chair and the Board. Focus on the issue. 4) Lee Carson, Hale Kipa, clarified that the youths are not sex addicts, but have emotional problems. The youths are in the program because they haven’t kept up with school. She said the program’s success rate is very good. Carson announced that they have decided not to buy the Komori property because of environment concerns. They were planning to come to the community first. Resident Daniel Saragosa suggested that they should have first approached the community because it would have not created all this animosity. Chair Masunaga said that if Hale Kipa purchased the property and needed to obtain a building permit or a change in zoning, they would been required to notify residents in writing living 300-feet within the property and make a formal presentation to the Board. 5) A resident said she’s glad that Hale Kipa will not be coming into the community. She stated that the community just wants its voice to be heard. Proposed Whitmore Village Pre-Treatment Facility Pilot Study - Concerns and comments followed:
1) In response to Lee, Chair Masunaga stated at this time there is no pilot study. No decision has been made yet. The only decision made was to form an ad-hoc committee. 2) Kubo said the Whitmore community was not told the truth about the sewage. She said the City is going to dump the sewage in Whitmore. 3) Resident Dennis Ing mentioned that he spoke to Brandon Mitsuda of Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office about the sewage and he didn’t get any straight answers. He said the community should have answers, honest answers. Whitmore Village Gateway Sign – Alena Pule inquired about the gateway sign for Whitmore Village. Ellen Hyer, Vision Team project champion, answered that the project was not funded. Council Chair Dela Cruz said they had monies available, but they needed a State permit since the sign would have been located on State land.
Poisonous Plant – Pule had concerns about African Tulips growing on the Dole Foods-side of Whitmore Avenue. The plant is poisonous and a child has already choked on the seeds. She asked that a letter be written to Dole to trim the trees. Chair Masunaga asked Rev. Smith, WCBA, to write a joint letter to Dole. Rev. Smith, instead, took the photos and will personally deliver this request to Dole Food. NEW BUSINESS: Letter of Support for the O’ahu Arts Center – Acohido moved and Kent seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 send a letter to the Governor to release the funds for the O’ahu Arts Center that was included in the budget passed by the 2004 State Legislature. The motion carried unanimously. This resolution will be signed by the Vice Chair because of the involvement of the Chair with the OAC. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Committee of the Whole – No report. Environment & Conservation – Lee stated: 1) The environment and conservation can blend together in our community. Wahiawa Botanical Garden is the community’s garden. The Garden is an illustration how nature and man can blend together. 2) There is a concern from parents in the community about Halloween. A suggestion was made to have a party at Wahiawa Recreation Center on Halloween so children wouldn’t go house to house a trick-or-treat for candy. Military Civilian Affairs – No report. Transportation & Traffic Safety – Acohido reported the following actions came out of the November 10 Committee meeting with DOT: Short-Term Actions: a) DOT hopes to begin design work for Wahiawa on-ramp lighting in Spring 2005 and completed in the summer, with construction starting in the fall and completed by the end of 2005. b) Highway crews sweep Wahiawa town, including the bridge, every five weeks. The last cleaning was on October 14. The next cleaning is scheduled for November 18. As for repainting the bridge, there may be some environmental problems since the EPA rules strictly say that no drops or chipping of paint may enter the water. Mid-Term Actions: a) The Traffic Branch will work with the City on the possible adjustment or retiming of traffic signals on Kamehameha Highway from Leilehua Golf Course Road to Kilani Avenue for the morning and afternoon peak periods. Long-Term Actions: a) Second entry road in to Whitmore Village (in conjunction with road to be built by Department of Navy to NCTAMS base). b) Second entry road into Wahiawa (to initiate OMPO/CAC planning). Regarding the Navy road, we will assist with the review of intersection plans and issue permits, as necessary. Acohido said he will schedule DOT officials to meet with the Board. ADJOURNMENT – By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Submitted by: Steve J. Rodrigues, Neighborhood Assistant |
| Friday, January 14, 2005 |