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Wahiawa Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ben Acohido called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Sheri Bentley, Jeanne Ishikawa, Burt Iwata, Robert Kent, Silvia Koch, Mary Jane Lee, Kathy Masunaga, Jyun Yamamoto.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kathy Masunaga.

GUESTS: Jeanette Nekota (Neighborhood Commission), Michelle Kidani (Neighborhood Commission Office), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Brandon Mitsuda, Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Laurence Lau (Governor’s Representative), Senator Robert Bunda, Patty Dukes (EMS), Duke Chung (BWS), Mike Oshiro (DTS), Captain Jim Donovan, CWO Cliff Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Col. Tim Ryan (U.S. Army), Les Vallarano, Mike Wilcox (SORT), Mark Takemoto (Castle & Cooke), Edmund Whang (WHA); Chris & Shelley Boling, Paula D’Antonio, Gail Dias, William McKenzie, Michelle Ogata, Kathy Patrick, Theresa Wee, Zeny Yasuda (WGH), Rev. Jack D. Smith (WCBA/Church of Nazarene); Anita Acohido, Rose Baysa, Annabelle Carter, Faye Chambers, Clifton Choy, Vee Chuensanguansat, Mr. & Mrs. Allen Cullen, Mae Fernandez, Leinaala Foster, Joe Francher, Harold Hayashi, Aaron & Lori Hess, Ellen Hyer, Susie Kuhn, Angel Ladao, Barbara Ladao, Bob Lormand, Hugh Lowery, Ned Murphy, Mr. & Mrs. Nakamoto, Daniel Neyer, Curtis & Ihi Ortiz, Alan & Martha Peterson, Benny & Linda Quiseng, David Scott, Vincent Souki, Geo Yamaguchi; Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MARCH 19, 2007:  The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 4, under New Business, first paragraph, delete “Dole” and insert “Del”.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Chair Acohido read the Financial Statement for the month of March 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $61.97, leaving a balance of $3,294.47. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.

FIRST RESPONDERS – Reports and Concerns:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – A representative from the Wahiawa Fire Station reported: 1) For the month of March, they responded to 3 fires and 30 medical emergencies.

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

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – Patty Dukes reported: 1) For the month of March, the Wahiawa EMS responded to a total of 441 calls (254 – Wahiawa; 10 – Waipio Acres; 153 – Mililani; 24 – military). 2) EMS cordially invites you to attend EMS Week 2007 Mayoral Proclamation and Vehicle Blessing Ceremony at Honolulu Hale on May 18, 10:30 a.m. Light refreshments to follow.

U.S. Army – Schofield Barracks – Col. Tim Ryan reported about 7,000 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade is in its eighth month of deployment in Iraq. Approximately 4,000 solders from the 2nd Brigade remain at Schofield.

U.S. Navy – NCTAMS PAC – Captain Jim Donovan reported: 1) NCTAMS PAC celebrated its 200th day without a DUI by giving the sailors a day off. 3) NCTAMS PAC will be hosing the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board tomorrow for a site visit. 4) He announced his retirement and Change of Command scheduled for August 9, 2007. His relief has been identified as Captain Janet Stewart.

Chair Acohido called a recess at this time in order for the Neighborhood Commission to hold a public hearing on the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village name change request.

The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.

PRESENTATIONS:

Closure of Wahiawa Hospital Birthing Center – Michelle Ogata, OB nurse at Wahiawa General Hospital, said there is a proposal to suspend the Birthing Center at Wahiawa General Hospital by May 12, 2007. The Birthing Center is not only as asset to the community, but the entire Central O’ahu area.  They allow patients to choose what type of birth they want. There was a news article on this issue and the bottom line for closing the Birthing Center was due to financial reasons. They haven’t had enough patients and reimbursements. If the center would close, patients would have to drive to town which would take an extra one to two hours. We do have a crisis on our hands. Nurses would be transferring if the Birthing Center closed. The hospital would be losing a lot of knowledge and expertise.

Dr. William McKenzie, speaking as an individual, stated money is the real problem and it only will get worse. In fact, only one hospital in Hawai’i made money. Reimbursement is a problem. OB does high-tech, but they really don’t need high tech. The Birthing Center gives excellent personal care. Wahiawa General Hospital was the first hospital to administer epidural. They wanted to do whatever the patients choose. At the Birthing Center, they have one-on-one care as compared to Kapiolani where they have one nurse to four patients. If the OB is closed then the rest of the hospital will eventually close. Patients from all over the nation and the world come to the Birthing Center to have their children. After the announcement of the closure, two women said they would have home delivery. The hospital needs money from the Legislature, HMSA, etc. They may have to partner with a hospital downtown. It will take a lot of effort from the community to get support. Pali Momi and St Francis West will be not doing OB. WGH will lose nurse; OB care is hard to find. In the future, the hospital will become a skilled nursing facility. (A round of applause was given at this time).

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Everyone who spoke on this issue was in support of keeping the Birthing Center open. Women who gave birth at the center shared their experiences and expected mothers voiced their support. Applause was given after a number of women spoke. After a very through discussion, Chair Acohido announced the Board will hold a special meeting on this subject on May 2, 2007, 7:00 p.m., place to be determined. He thanked everyone for coming and participating in the meeting.

The agenda resumed regular order.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS: There were no residents concerns.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Chair Acohido circulated his Chairperson’s Report.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido circulated the Board’s correspondence.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES:

Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – No report or representative was available.

Mayor's Representative – Eugene Lee made reference to the full page ad in Sunday’s newspapers regarding “Sewage Facts and Fiction”. In addition, he stated this is an issue that has dire consequences to all of the island’s homeowners and renters. The USEPA is threatening to pull the 30th waiver permit for the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant; the permit allows the City to discharge treated sewage below the secondary treatment level required by current federal regulations. If this were to happen, and the similar permit for the Sand Island WWTP is also not re-issued, plant upgrades would total $1.2 billion resulting in a $300/month sewer service charge for users. Based on scientific studies and expert opinions, the upgrades are unnecessary as the deep ocean discharges do not adversely affect the marine ecosystem. The City treats all of its sewage and does not discharge untreated sewage as stated by the Governor; the exception would be accidental spills. The Mayor has decided to focus the City’s efforts on fixing the long neglected collection system rather than upgrades to the treatment plants that will not result in any benefit to the ecosystem. The Mayor has previously raised sewer fees and is proposing another increase to fix the problem he inherited from the previous administration. A public hearing will be held on May 15, 2007, Kapolei Middle School, 7:00 p.m.

A resident requested the City install concrete bus pads with curbs at the unimproved bus stops along California Avenue. Lee will follow-up.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Brandon Mitsuda circulated Council Chair Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Dela Cruz sends his regrets. 2) He read a list of RISR’s (Request for Investigation and Service Report) in the community. 3) The 3rd Annual Wahiawa Clean-Up was a success. The recycling event was a fundraiser for Leilehua High School. 4) If anyone wants to submit testimony on CIP projects, please call Budget Committee Clerk Laurie Tam at 527-5265. 5) This is his final Neighborhood Board meeting representing Councilmember Dela Cruz. He will be employed by Lanakila Rehabilitation Center.

Chair Acohido said, on behalf of the Board, we would like to thank you for your service the past four-and-one-half years. He requested Mitsuda attend the next meeting. Resident Ellen Hyer extended her appreciation to Mitsuda for his efforts. (A round of applause was given at this time).

Governor’s Representative – Lawrence Lau circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) Included in the Governor’s Report: a) Mau’i welcomes Governor Lingle legislation signed to help nonprofits; b) State’s first Hawaiian Homes project dedicated in West Mau’I; c) Governor promotes innovation through robotics. 2) He also circulated “Hawai’i Innovation Initiative” and “Plan to Be Ready: The Hawai’i Family Guide to Health Emergencies”. 3) The State Department of Transportation has been pushing pedestrian safety. 4) His department ,State Department of Health (DOH), is planning for pandemic flu. For more information, visit www.hawaii.gov/health. 5) Regarding the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant, DOH gives out loans, issues permits, and if necessary takes enforcement action. Whether they have any influence on EPA, is a legal question. The EPA document is over 100 pages.

Senator Robert Bunda – Senator Bunda mentioned there are only three weeks remaining for the 2007 Legislative session. If anyone has any concerns, please call his office.

Representative Marcus Oshiro – Representative Oshiro’s monthly report was made available on the sign-in table.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Duke Chung reported: 1) There was one main breaks for the month of March (March 19 at 319 Nichols Street).  2) BWS will be mailing out the annual Consumer Confidence Reports to service holders. As mandated under Federal and State law, the State Department of Health and BWS regularly test Oahu’s drinking water. 3) Water Safety Tips: Take advantage of the $100 rebate for replacing your old toilet with a new low-flow one. Check out www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information. 4) Update on California Avenue WSI project: the project is about 75% completed. The contractor has not submitted a completion schedule. Completion by July 2007 is very unlikely.

Wahiawa Action Initiative (WAI) – No report.

Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – Chair Acohido said Geri Tramontano sends her regrets.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Traffic Calming Devices on Royal Palm Drive – Mike Oshiro, Department of Transportation Services, stated the traffic calming devices on Royal Palm Drive was requested by the Neighborhood Board. Two options were provided to the Board. Both the Board and the community voted for the current option. As reported at that time, traffic would increase on Royal Palm Drive. There have been reports of speeding. Royal Palm Drive is experiencing more traffic than Glen Avenue and Nichols Street. Speed data indicates motorists are averaging 25 mph on Glen Avenue and 32 mph on Royal Palm Drive. Approximately 75% are driving below 35 mph. There has been a request for speed humps, but they will not be installing it. The concern is the noise factor after vehicles go over the humps and create a “spiking effect”. Some of the suggestion to increase pedestrian safety include: reducing the posted speed to 20 mph; narrowing the travel line; creating a bike path behind the trees (very expensive - $500,000); and creating a one-way couplet (less expensive).

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Oshiro stated traffic increase 58% uphill and 22% downhill on Royal Palm Drive. 2) A resident suggested installing a passive system – using two signs and a flashing speed sign. 3) Oshiro said DTS faced resistance when they installed the roundabouts in Salt Lake and Foster Village. 4) Senator Bunda

mentioned DTS has been very open to look at various options. He asked to install speed humps, but the City disagreed. The idea is to slow down motorists; he hears people racing every night. He implored the Board to write a letter to DTS to recommend installing something similar to the speed humps on Wilikina Avenue. Chair Acohido noted that it took three years to install speed humps on Wilikina Avenue. The speed humps work; the noise level has decreased. 5) Rev. Jack Smith said for three years he has been trying to get speed bumps installed near his church (Church of Nazarene).

Kent moved and Lee seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 support installing speed bumps, similar to Wilikina Avenue, on Royal Palm Drive. Discussion ensued. The motion carried unanimously. (A round of applause was given at this time).

The remainder of the meeting was deferred.

ADJOURNMENT: By a consensus of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.

Submitted:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant