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http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/26/06/26_2006_03Min.pdf 
WAHIAWA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2006
WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ben Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Sheri Bentley, Burt Iwata, Robert Kent, Silvia Koch, Mary Jane Lee, Kathy Masunaga, Irwin Yamamoto, Jyun Yamamoto.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
GUESTS: Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative/DDC), Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz, Brandon Mitsuda (Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office), Zeny Muyot (Congressman Ed Case’s office), Laurence Lau (Governor’s Representative), Patty Dukes (EMS), Captain Richard Ochoa (HFD), Lt. Charles Wong (HPD), Duke Chung (BWS), Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), CDR Joe Spegele and CW Clifton Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Rev. Jack Smith (Church of Nazarene), Jack Kampfer (WCBA), Don Robbins (Ka Nupepa), Rod Ohira (Honolulu Advertiser), Teresa Bajo, Christina C., Cindy D. Sarina Fujiyama, Dayna Sanchez, Jennifer Spence, Pat Tupinio and Derek Tuzon (Wahiawa Bobby Sox), Norene Baker (ASA Softball), David Bremer (HBL, ORC&D), David Kinvig (USDA – NRCS), Ellen Hyer, Mrs. Lowery, Steve Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office).
APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 27 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Masunaga moved and Kent seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:
Page 1, under HPD, concerns and comments, no. 2, second line, delete “Kawaski” and insert “Kawasaki”.
Page 2, under HPD, no. 3, third line, delete “type” and insert “types”….under EMS, second paragraph, second line, insert a comma after transported, and insert a comma after hospital.
Page 3, under Resident Concerns’, first paragraph, second line, delete “its” and insert “it’s”….under Presentations, third paragraph, fourth line, delete “inc.” and insert “etc.”.
Page 4, under Presentations, no.7, it should read “Jyun Yamamoto asked if private contractors…”….under Council Chair Dela Cruz, first paragraph, third line, delete “do” and insert “to”….fourth line, delete “Ilahi” and insert “Iliahi”….fifth line, delete “fix” and insert “fixing”….under Mayor’s Representative, second paragraph, it should read “…to attend one of its meetings,”….under Governor’s Representative, first paragraph, third line, delete “building” and insert “buildings”.
Page 6, under New Business, sixth line, delete “Navy’s” and insert “Navy”.
The motion carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT: No report.
FIRST RESPONDERS – Reports and Concerns:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – A representative from HFD reported: 1) For the month of February, the Wahiawa Fire Station responded to 8 fires, 51 medical emergencies, and 2 search and rescues. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or visit www.firewise.org.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Charles Wong reported: 1) The statistics in the District for the months of January and February. There were 19/4 burglaries, 15/7 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), and 27/19 thefts. 2) Safety Tip: Due to the recent flooding, please be cognizant of what’s on land.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Koch inquired if HPD received any calls during the recent rainy weather regarding the homeless under the bridge. Lt. Wong stated they received no calls. Rev. Jack Smith said the homeless survived just fine. Chair Acohido asked Rev. Smith if he received a survey regarding the homeless from the University of Hawai’i. Rev. Smith answered no. Chair Acohido said he would forward the response.
2) Kent mentioned that an elderly man was recently killed in a crosswalk on Mango Street. He’s been trying to get Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to put up signs at crosswalks for the past six months. Lt. Wong said the incident occurred in the early morning hours and the victim was dressed in black. In addition to signs, stronger lighting is needed.
3) Lee said as a result of the rainy weather there has been a lot of runoff on California Avenue. If it weren’t for the Wahiawa Botanical Garden, there would be flooding.
4) A resident stated she has noticed a lot more graffiti in the community. Lt. Wong said officers have made 57 arrests for graffiti, more than any other district. Officers have to catch the culprits in the act to make an arrest.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – Patty Dukes, Chief for EMS, reported: 1) For the month of February, Wahiawa EMS received a total of 315 calls, transported 213 patients, responded to 4 out of area calls, had 0 MAST transfers, and did 85 co-response. 2) The Army will be deploying on March 30, included in the deployment will be their MAST operations. The State has a number of bills to address the absence of MAST. Coast Guard would be willing to transfer patients inter-island on a case-by-case basis.
Masunaga offered her condolences on the recent loss of EMS personnel with the Air Ambulance plane crash on Kaua’i.
U.S. Army – Schofield Barracks – No report or representative was available.
U.S. Navy – NCTAMS PAC – CDR Joe Spegele reported: 1) NCTAMS PAC is looking forward to presenting an informational briefing on its mission to the Board at its April meeting. The status of the HRSOC project would not be available for April’s meeting, but will be presented at the next earliest opportunity. 2) He thanked Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office in controlling dumping of debris along Whitmore Avenue. NCTAMS PAC will continue its regular Adopt-a-Highway cleanup of the Whitmore Avenue area, but any assistance in preventing dumping is appreciated.
Chair Acohido called a recess at 7:23 p.m. Orders resumed at 7:26 p.m.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:
Wahiawa Bobby Sox – Patricia Tupinio, President of Wahiawa Bobby Sox, asked for the Board’s support in grading Field A, and preserving the backstop from Field B at Wahiawa District Park. Grading is needed for safety reasons (i.e. broken glass, etc.) They have contacted the City and, Department of Parks and Recreation on January 1, but still haven’t received a response. The State is willing to provide a grader. The Wahiawa Bobby Sox would also like to adopt Fields A and B. Their season begins on April 1. Leilehua High School softball team also uses the field.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments included: 1) Tupino answered: a) Sunnyside owner is unhappy with the backstop; b) There is no scheduling conflict with Leilehua High School; c) Wahiawa Bobby Sox has its own insurance; d) Wahiawa did not have a Bobby Sox league last year; e) Games are 90 minutes long and would be played at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; f) Whitmore hosts Little League games; g) Ka’ala field is not a problem, but they just want Field A fixed; h) There would be a scheduling conflict with the use of Poamoho field; h) They could push back opening day to no later than April 8. 2) Norene Baker, ASA Softball,
noted this has been a major concern for a long time. Youngsters have to play in other leagues because of lack of fields. Leilehua High School softball field has no lights. 3) Chair Acohido mentioned he is a former president for Bobby Sox by default. 4) Brandon Mitsuda, Council Chair Dela Cruz’s office, said they forwarded Wahiawa Bobby Sox’s letter to the City administration. Usually it takes three to four weeks for a response. He will work with Eugene Lee, Mayor’s representative, along with Tupino and Baker. 5) Chair Acohido thanked Tupino, Baker and the rest of the supporters for attending tonight’s meeting. It’s a good example of democracy in action.
Homeless Update – Chair Acohido asked Rev. Smith to give an update on the homeless issue in Wahiawa. Rev. Smith stated eight people have moved out from under the bridge, but seven to eight people have come in. Some have left because of the rainy weather. There are now individuals under the bridge that they have not been able to communicate with them. Four individuals are employed. Showers on weekdays continue. They do communicate with HPD leaders regarding this issue. Rev. Smith indicated he is working with the homeless as a local minister and not as a HPD chaplain. A census is being undertaken to identify who these individual are, what are they needs, and to track them. An illegal structure under the bridge has been removed. State Department of Transportation (DOT) and private individuals have assisted in a major cleanup. He has been monitoring the community garden and has witnessed no thefts (a concern reported at a previous Board meeting). Homeless is a generic word. The longest tenure for the homeless is three years; it used to be five years. Progress is being made, but very slim.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments included: 1) Rev. Smith answered: a) There are 48 homeless people, including eight to ten under the bridge. Someone cut the chain and the gate in the vicinity of the bridge. There are no children, only married couples and single people; b) A church in Waikiki and a medical health center have provided food and services. He feeds them every Sunday and they have worship and bible studies; c) The homeless use the restrooms at McDonald’s or Taco Bell. He has not received any complaints from these establishments; d) Part of the problem is the economic situation. They are trying to find housing. What they are providing is not even a band-aid; d) He would like to be a part of the neighborhood watch; e) Most of the homeless are local people, but there are some from the mainland. Some of them have rotated around the island. 2) Chair Acohido reiterated that UH Public Administration students are conducting an island wide survey on the homeless, and that the Board should link up with them. There is a group that is unaccounted. He sees more than eight people under the bridge and they appear to be “malihini”. They also panhandle at the intersection near the bridge. After they panhandle, they go back into the woods. He commended Rev. Smith for providing a good service and thanked him for his efforts. 3) Masunaga said she has noticed more homeless women. Also, agricultural theft is on a rise island wide. 4) A resident mentioned the homeless are all over Wahiawa and are begging for money. Her granddaughter was approached in the daylight hours.
Kawela Bay – Koch, speaking as a resident, said she attended last Saturday’s public meeting regarding development of Kawela Bay. North Shore and Ko’olauloa Neighborhood Boards were also in attendance. Although it’s not in our district, it will affect Wahiawa. She concerned about traffic, air quality, and infrastructure. The development would provide 4,000 jobs.
Masunaga concurred with Koch, roads and water will be a problem. Chair Acohido referred this issue to the Human Resource and Transportation Committees.
At this time, Chair Acohido passed the gavel to Vice Chair Jyun Yamamoto.
PRESENTATIONS:
Kipapa Bikeway Proposal – David Bremer gave a brief presentation on the Kipapa Gulch Pathway project. The pathway located at old Farrington Highway is 1.4 miles long and would be lighted at night. It’s an alternate to driving. He asked for the Board’s support so that they could get sponsorship from the City. If they get sponsored, it would enable them to receive 80% in federal funding. The remaining 20% would be in private funding.
There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Concerns and comments included: 1) Bremer answered: a) He is a Mililani resident and a member of the Mililani Neighborhood Board. He is with the Hawai’i Bicycle League and is employed by ORC&D; b) A presentation was already made to the Waipahu, Mililani and Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Boards (all the Boards supported the project). It will be presented to the Pearl City Neighborhood Board; c) The land is mostly on State property, but DOT does not acknowledge bikeways; d) At times, the path is dangerous during the night hours; e) There would be no cost to the City except maintenance. It would take little
maintenance; f) Eventually, the bike path would link up to Castle & Cooke’s Koa Ridge development; g) Bicycle owners are charged a one-time $18 registration fee; h) The path would be 15 feet wide. They would encourage pedestrians to walk on the left side of the path; i) Trash dumping is a real concern. To prohibit vehicle access, they either install a post in the middle of the path or install a gate; j) They would like to ask the Board for a general support of the concept. 2) Lee had concerns about maintenance. 3) Chair Acohido said this item will be on next month’s agenda.
Chair Acohido resumed the gavel. He mentioned he just returned from Washington, D.C. Congressman Case was not in his office during his visit. Hawaii’s delegation did speak to the Hawai’i Veterans of Foreign Wars members.
CORRESPONDENCE: He circulated a memo regarding OMPO’s ORTP transportation plan. Lee announced the O’ahu Arts Center: a) held its 3rd Annual Mozart Festival in February; 4th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on May 12, Kapolei Golf Course. Deadline to enter is April 29; Night of the Arts will be held on August 26; the next Board meeting will be held on March 28.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES:
Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – Jack Kampfer stated: 1) He apologized for missing last month’s meeting. 2) Pineapple Festival and Parade will be held on May 20. The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. and the festival begins at 10:00 a.m. 3) WCBA submitted a permit application to the State Comptroller regarding the use of the Wahiawa Civic Center to host art festivals. A permit is needed because you are not allowed to sell anything on State land. Every art group they contacted wants to participate.
Masunaga mentioned the Friends of Wahiawa Library has held a number of book sales at the library (which is State property). Chair Acohido said if there are no objections, he will write a letter in support.
Mayor's Representative – Eugene Lee stated: 1) Department of Environmental Services (ENV) provided informational handouts on recycling for Board members. He displayed shoestrings, pencil, and a tote bag made of recycled materials. 2) There is $1 million in the budget for an ambulance facility in Wahiawa. 3) Honolulu Zoo unveiled its Keiki Zoo, which is interactive. 4) Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated the Mayor’s monthly newsletter “Honolulu News”. Included in the newsletter, is why the Mayor vetoed Bill 37 (related to taxes). 5) Follow-up items: a) a request must be submitted in writing to have the Mayor attend a neighborhood board meeting; b) Executive Secretary Joan Manke and her senior staff are currently looking into the possible Wahiawa Neighborhood Board name change; c) a study has been completed and a traffic signal is warranted at Nanea and Uuku Streets. DTS will start construction by December 2006; d) a work order from DTS has been received to install pedestrian crossing signs along California Avenue, from Kamehameha Avenue to Karsten Drive and Kilani Avenue, from Kamehameha Highway to Thomas Street. Work has started and signs installed at 12 locations. In the next week, work will be concentrated in the areas of concern and the remainder of the signs installed be mid-April. The request for international type crosswalks should be referred to DTS.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Chair Acohido noted that the Neighborhood Commission was supposed to address the Board request to change its name to the Wahiawa-Whitmore Neighborhood Board, but the March meeting was cancelled.
2) Iwata mentioned automated green waste pickup began last Saturday in Wahiawa. He noticed that since there is little participation by residents, City drivers speed through residential streets. He asked that drivers be reminded to slow down. Lee will follow-up.
3) Iwata inquired which bus stops in Wahiawa are being eliminated by DTS as part of their bus stop realignment project. Lee will follow-up.
4) Jyun Yamamoto had concerns about the lack of illumination of crosswalks in Wahiawa, especially in the light of the recent death of a pedestrian. Lee said the issue has come up previously. There are problems with mid-block crosswalks and the City is considering getting rid of them. Kent stated that’s why he suggested international crosswalks (since it’s markings are wider). Chair Acohido noted for the past three years he has been asking for international crosswalks. Lee said international crosswalks do use more paint, but agrees it is much safer.
5) Masunaga asked for a follow-up on the Wahiawa Bobby Sox concerns regarding Wahiawa District Park. She also asked whether the Mayor had a position on the Kipapa Bikeway project.
Council Chair Donovan Dela Cruz – Council Chair Dela Cruz circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) City Council received the Mayor’s budget a couple of weeks ago. The first public hearing on the budget was recently held. 2) He asked DPR to fill every vacant funded position. 3) There are concerns about the Rainy Day Fund. The Council wants to reduce the amount going into in the fund. 4) Resolution 06-086 would rename Wahiawa District Park Baseball Field the Howard Kazumi “Kan” Oda Baseball Park and appropriate placement of a memorial plaque. 5) Two City Council resolutions proposed to preserve plantation communities (i.e. Poamoho, Kunia, Waialua, Kahuku). 6) Some of the RISR’s (request for investigation and service report) include: a) bus stop removals; b) $2 million for Wahiawa Transit Center; c) improvements to the Wahiawa District Park baseball field; d) request Wahiawa District Pool be heated year-around; e) asked DTS to study speeding on Royal Palm Drive; f) abandoned vehicle requests; g) repair broken glass door at the Hale Kipa Room; h) request HPD monitor Wahiawa Community Garden. 7) Aloha Aina Earth Day is coming up. Last year, over $6.500 was raised. 8) He thanked Chair Acohido for addressing transportation issues affecting Wahiawa.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Kent asked if there is anything the City could do regarding the homeless. Council Chair Dela Cruz answered the City does not have a department that deals directly with the homeless. They give CDBG (Community Development Block Grants) funds to non-profit groups who deal with the homeless.
2) Council Chair Dela Cruz stated if the City Council does not submit a balanced budget, then the Mayor’s budget kicks in.
3) Masunaga inquired what is the proper name - Whitmore or Whitmore Village. Council Chair answered Whitmore Village.
Governor’s Representative – Laurence Lau circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) The Governor requested over $14.3 million in emergency funding for storm recovery and dam safety for the island of Kaua’i. 2) The U.S. Surgeon General lent his support to the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s efforts to reduce tobacco use in Hawai’i by assisting in the launch of a public education campaign about the dangers of second-hand smoke. 3) Follow-up items: a) the Albizzia saplings near the tree that was cut down above Kipapa Gulch will grow quickly to be trees large enough to topple over; b) there is no response yet regarding the gunnite on a slope that has been damaged by the recent heavy rains near Kamehameha Highway above Kipapa Gulch.
Concerns and comments followed:
1) Masunaga inquired about a news report indicating the bird flu being brought to Hawai’i. Lau stated the State Department of Health (DOH) is concerned about the Asian flu, but it is still considered a bird disease. Birds by themselves are not a threat to humans yet. He will keep the Board updated.
2) A resident had concerns that an individual receiving health benefits from the State is capped at $2,000 per year. Lau said the Department of Human Services (DHS) sets the cap.
3) A resident had concerns about the effects of second-hand smoke. Wahiawa General Hospital has a smoking area outside of its building, but when people walk outside of the building they get smoke blown in their face. Lau said the point is well taken. Some cities do regulate smoking outside of facilities.
4) A resident asked about inspection of dams in Hawai’i. Lau answered reservoirs have a long concern with DLNR. They have been continually monitoring the dams. Most are privately-owned.
Congressman Ed Case – Zeny Muyot circulated Congressman Case’s monthly newsletter and reported: 1) Congressman Case wants everyone to know that Congress has recently completed work on the first-ever comprehensive bill that attacks the nation’s growing “ice” epidemic and has sent the measure to the President for his signature. 2) Follow-up: from November 2004-November 2006 much of the Hawai’i National Guard soldiers were deployed, but most of the Air National Guard soldiers were still in Hawai’i.
Senate President Robert Bunda – No report or representative was available.
Representative Marcus Oshiro – No report or representative was available.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Duke Chung reported: 1) There were no main breaks in Wahiawa for the month of February. 2) Although Detect-a-Leak Week was earlier this month, BWS wants to make sure you know how to find hidden water wasters year-round. Check your house periodically for leaks – turn off all devices in your home that use water then check to see if your water meter is moving. If so, you have a leak. Check your toilet – because the toilet is one of the largest water using fixtures in your house, it can also be one of the largest water wasters too. 3) Project Update: a) Wahiawa/Whitmore Village Interconnection – 16-inch Water Main: project 74% complete. Work will commence when the water levels of Lake Wilson are down to approximately 834’ elevation; b) California Avenue Water System Improvements, Parts II & II: project 5.21% complete. The contractor is using two separate crews to install the waterline at different areas of the project to expedite the project. Due to inclement weather, the contractor has been able to work only two days during the last three weeks.
Masunaga asked if there are any private reservoirs on this side of the island. Chung answered most reservoirs are plantation reservoirs. The State does have some monitoring responsibilities.
Wahiawa Action Initiative (WAI) – Iwata had no report.
Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – Geri Tramontano mentioned there is a bill in the Legislature to amend the permit application process for fireworks. The bill would allow vendors to sell permits. New Fire Chief Ken Silva is in support of the bill. Firemen have helped issuing permits. Pearl Ridge Satellite City Hall has sold over 3,000 permits, while Wahiawa Satellite City Hall has sold over 1,000 permits.
Koch asked who would regulate and oversee the permits sold by vendors. Tramontano didn’t know the specifics, but thought HFD may oversee it. There are no limits for the amount of permits purchased.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Re-designation to “Wahiawa-Whitmore Neighborhood Board No. 26” – Deferred.
Special Meeting - Community Aloha Ceremony to guests from 25th Infantry Division – Chair Acohido said he’s been working with the Army Command Group for the Community Aloha Ceremony. The requested date for the ceremony would be in April, date to be determined.
NEW BUSINESS:
Special Meeting on March 29, 2006, Wahiawa Recreation Center regarding 2030 O’ahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) – Chair Acohido thanked Council Chair Dela Cruz for coordinating with Rod Haraga, Director of DOT, for the special meeting. At the meeting, transportation projects for Wahiawa that will be discussed include getting a second access road from Whitmore via Wahiawa to H-2 Freeway; getting a Wahiawa Transit Center and improved bus services; relocating the HRSOC from Whitmore Avenue to Highway 99; improving maintenance of rail lights and Wilson Bridge; re-striping of Kamehameha Highway into Wahiawa; protecting against a rockslide at Thot Bridge; increasing pedestrian (crosswalks) and vehicular safety (signs) and optimizing daily traffic flow with synchronized traffic lights; and posting “No Parking” signs on the segment of Kamehameha Highway between Avocado and California Avenues during morning and evening commuter rush hours. He asked the Board to do their homework. He will write a letter to WCBA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held on Monday, April 3, 2006, Wahiawa Recreation Center, Ceramics Room, 6:30 p.m. 2) The next Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, April 17, 2006, Helemano Elementary School, 7:00 p.m. 3) Homeless survey will be on May’s agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: 9:25 p.m.
Submitted:
Steve J. Rodrigues
Neighborhood Assistant