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Wahiawa Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2007

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, Jeanne Ishikawa, Burt Iwata, Robert Kent, Silvia Koch, Mary Jane Lee, Kathy Masunaga, Jyun Yamamoto.

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

GUESTS: Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Brandon Mitsuda and Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Edmund Aczon (U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye’s office), Lawrence Lau (Governor’s Representative), Patty Dukes (EMS), Captain Richard Ochoa and Fire Fighter Curtis Ortiz (HFD), Maj. Bart Huber and Lt. Charles Wong (HPD), Duke Chung (BWS), Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Aloha Coleman (Leilehua High School), Col. Howard Killian and Col. Timothy Ryan (U.S. Army), Capt. Jim Donovan and CWO Cliff Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Rev. Jack D. Smith (WCBA), Pam Mills-Packo (RMS), John Packo and Carolyn Unser (WPAA), Bob Lormand (Friends of Wahiawa Public Library), Tom Lenchanko (Aha Kukaniloko), Joanne Kealoha (ILWU), Mark Takemoto (Dole Plantation), Anita Acohido, Rose Baysa, Kate Butts, Leroy Chincio, Ivan Felix, Joe Francher, Ellen Hyer, Daniel Monroy, Daniel Neyer, Darryl Wong, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 20, 2006 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Kent moved and Lee seconded to defer the minutes until February’s meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Iwata read the Financial Statement for the month of December 2006. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $26.96, leaving a balance of $3,501.43. 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) – Fire Fighter Curtis Ortiz reported: 1) For the month of December, there were 23 fires, 55 medical emergencies, 1 search & rescue, and 1 miscellaneous call. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Fire, building, and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property. This will assist HFD and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency.”

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Charles Wong reported: 1) The statistics for the months of November/December 2006: 15/11 burglaries, 20/17 UEMV’s, and 34/23 thefts. 2) There was a request to use speed monitors near schools.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Acohido said a speed monitor is needed near Iliahi Elementary School. Lt. Wong noted that HPD has only two speed monitors for the entire island. Officers will put it out periodically. Chair Acohido said he would work with the principal and HPD. 2) Resident Darryl Wong stated motorists are racing on Rose Street on night weekends and is concerned about possible accidents. He asked if HPD could patrol the area. Lt. Wong indicated the Wahiawa Police Station doesn’t have a dedicated patrol car during the night shift. Officers do monitor speeding. When they do patrol the Rose Street and surrounding areas, officers haven’t witnessed any speeding. He encouraged residents to call 911. 3) Masunaga mentioned she witnessed an altercation at a local gas station and when she tried to call 911 she wasn’t able to get through. Luckily, it wasn’t anything serious. She asked when is the system going to improve. Lt. Wong answered HPD has been lobbying for funds for a 311 system. If at first you don’t get through 911, call the Wahiawa Police Station at 621-8442. 4) Maj. Bart Huber introduced himself. He plans to attend two to three Neighborhood Board meetings per year (the district covers four Neighborhood Boards). In addition, the State Department of Transportation

(DOT) is working on all schools regarding speed monitors. There are two speed monitors and one needs to be repaired. They do have to rotate it around. The delay with 911 has always been a problem. There is high turnover with the dispatchers and not enough staffing. You can call the station if 911 is unavailable. 5) Ishikawa had concerns about the number of pedestrian fatalities and inquired about the Wall Wise Kupuna Program, especially since Wahiawa has a high concentration of seniors. Maj. Huber said HPD will give training and hold meetings – ask for Sgt. Whitaker. Anita Acohido mentioned AARP is working with HPD on this issue. Brochures are available in nine languages. Call AARP to set-up an appointment. Kent stated that the crosswalks in Wahiawa are not properly marked. Maj. Huber said they are working to improve the markings.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – Patty Dukes reported: 1) For the month of December 2006, EMS responded to 188 calls in Wahiawa, 143 in Mililani, and 25 in Schofield/Wheeler. 2) Beginning February 1, 2007 EMS drivers will be driving with more Aloha. They will not be using their sirens as much (i.e. HPD). 3) She will update the Board for the groundbreaking for the new Wahiawa EMS facility.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Dukes answered: a) Since January 15, 2007, the Army helicopter unit based out of Alaska has taken over the MAST duties. MAST cost between $3.5 and $5.5 million per year to operate. b) Mobi is the only cellular phone company that allows emergency personnel know where you are calling from – Verizon will be the next company with that capability. c) Any vehicle going over 25 mph will cause damage to a pedestrian. d) There will be six new City ambulances. They ordered it in June 2006 and will arrive in March.

U.S. Army – Schofield Barracks – Col. Timothy Ryan reported: 1) To date, Schofield has suffered 17 fatalities in Iraq. During the past 30 days, there have been no fatalities. 2) Stryker Brigade – as of today, they don’t anticipate any impact on Hawaii based soldiers. 3) The Army did evaluate its contracts and services and the MAST unit was cost prohibitive. The unit from Alaska will deploy out of O’ahu. It’s a short-term fix. 4) There are about 29 construction projects associated with the Stryker Brigade (6 of those projects have been placed on-track). 5) A building dedicated to the memorial for Nainoa Ho will be held on February 9, 2007, Building 1503.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Col. Ryan answered: a) The Army is requesting a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stryker Brigade. The process will begin in June with five public meetings (three on O’ahu and two on the Neighbor Island). Three sites are being looked at: Colorado, Alaska, and Hawai’i. b) A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the C-Quads will be held in March. c) Lyman Gate will be closed from March to May. d) Money was appropriated last year for the Ku Tree Reservoir. They expect the project to begin this year. f) Throughout the war in Iraq, soldiers have the authority to have the rights of self-defense. 2) A resident had concerns about the noise from Army helicopters at night and also the sound of machine guns. 3) Chair Acohido asked if the Board could tour the Army’s facilities.

U.S. Navy – NCTAMS PAC – Captain Jim Donovan reported: 1) He offered condolences to the families of the Army soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq. 2) NCTAMS PAC continues to emphasize to our Sailors to be responsible members of the community. In fact, NCTAMS PAC recently celebrated 100 days without a DUI. We will continue to roll the days on our Command marquee to ensure that our personnel are constantly reminded of the dangers of drinking and driving. We are currently at 127 days. 3) NCTAMS PAC offers to host the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board for a tour of their facility. Please coordinate with CW04 Jenkins as soon as possible.

RECOGNITION – Chair Acohido acknowledged, Kim Ribellia, Chair of the Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Board.

CERTIFICATIONS OF APPRECIATION AND WELCOME LETTERS: Chair Acohido presented “Welcome Letters” to Aloha Coleman, the new principal of Leilehua High School and to Maj. Huber, the new HPD District Commander. (A round of applause was given at this time). Certificates of Appreciation were available for Norman Minehira (former principal of Leilehua High School) and Maj. Michael Thomas (former district commander), who were not in attendance. Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office also recognized these individuals.

Chair Acohido called for a recess at 8:00 p.m. (Refreshments were provided). Orders resumed at 8:20 p.m.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Beautification of Wahiawa – Resident Rose Baysa said she hasn’t seen any beautification improvements to Wahiawa. The Wahiawa seniors have adopted the parking lot near the bridge. A number of seniors participated in Make A Difference Day and as a result picked-up six garbage bags of green waste. She asked where do resident

go to get things done. There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Brandon Mitsuda of Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office, said he and Eugene Lee, Mayor’s representative, would follow-up.

Board of Water Supply Project – Resident Leroy Chincio had concerns regarding the BWS project on California Avenue. There is no traffic control, making it unsafe for residents, and the workers are still working at 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Chair Acohido asked Duke Chung of BWS to have the contractor call Chincio.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT:

Chair’s 2006 Annual Report – Chair Acohido circulated his “Chair’s Annual Report”. Copy is on file.

Status of Wahiawa Bus Transit Center – Chair Acohido said the State is transferring land to the City for the Wahiawa Bus Transit Center. He spoke to James Burke of the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) regarding this issue. The memorandum of understanding is waiting to be signed by the State. City engineers have to look at the site before the contract is signed. Unlike Mililani’s transit center, it’s a different land transaction.

Status of 25th ID Stryker Brigade Training – Discussed earlier in the meeting.

Inauguration of Newly Elected City Council Members – Chair Acohido mentioned he attended the inauguration. The newly elected Council members were Dela Cruz, Djou, Okino, and Tam. Councilmember Marshall is now the new Chair of the City Council. Councilmember Dela Cruz is now Chair of the Public Health, Safety and Welfare Committee. The community should express its gratitude to Dela Cruz for his service as Chair.

PRESENTATIONS:

Poamoho Community Clean-Up Day – No representative was available.

Federal Aid for Laid-Off Del Monte Workers – Edmund Aczon of Senator Inouye’s office and Joanne Kealoha of ILWU, gave a brief update on the former Del Monte workers who were laid-off. Senator Inouye and Akaka sent out two press releases last week. On January 11, 2007, the senators announced the laid-off workers are eligible for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance Programs that provide new job training and development, and support in finding new employment. On January 18, the senators announced the approval of a new federal grant to assist the 180 laid-off workers. The award of $569,230 is a National Emergency Grant approved under the Workforce Investment Act. Kealoha said a total of 550 people will be displaced.

There was lengthy discussion on this issue. Masunaga moved and Bentley seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 ask its elected officials to support the assistance to the laid-off Del Monte workers. The motion carried unanimously. Masunaga will draft the resolution that will include assistance for Kunia Camp residents, boycott of Fresh Del Monte products, and support of legislation to protect dislocated workers.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido circulated the Board’s correspondence. Masunaga offered to scan the correspondence and email a copy to the each Board member. Chair Acohido was in agreement. Masunaga commented that there were only eight regular meetings last year, one special meeting, and one meeting that had no quorum. Chair Acohido disagreed.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES:

Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – Rev. Jack D. Smith reported: 1) The Wahiawa Christmas Parade was very successful. 2) WCBA’s Annual Dinner was well attended. It was held at a new venue. The Governor was the guest of honor.

Mayor's Representative – Eugene Lee reported: 1) The City recently announced plans for the City and County of Honolulu’s Month in Chinatown Celebration of Chinese New Year. He distributed 32-page, full-color guidebooks for this event, along with ribbons for a 10% percent discount at certain businesses. 2) Follow-up items: a) The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will remove the Albizia trees on U’uku Street in March; b) DPR staff evaluated the lighting around the Whitmore Village Park comfort station and determined that there is

sufficient lighting. Burned out gym fluorescent lights were replaced in December, but additional bulbs have since burned out. A work order has been submitted to replace burned out bulbs; c) The Department of Facility and Maintenance (DFM) found no potholes on Rose Street when they checked on January 4, 2007. There are some asphalt peel offs, which will be repaired when the oil truck and roller are back from the repair shop; d) DFM field personnel checked out the crosswalk on N. Cane Street by Center Street and it appeared to be in fair condition. They will notify Signs and Markings about the Board’s request and let them make the decision as to if and when the crosswalk will be repainted; e) The Wahiawa Lions Club maintains the “Welcome to Wahiawa” sign. They have already painted out the graffiti on the south side of Wahiawa town. It is not known when they will paint out the graffiti on the north side sign; f) The request to permanently erect speed monitors adjacent to schools in the area of California Avenue and Dole Road should be addressed to State DOT and/or City DTS. 3) Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter.

There were concerns regarding the current development of the lot next to the YMCA: 1) No presentation was made to the Board – was one required? 3) There were three kamani trees that were removed by the contractor that appeared to have been on City property – why was that allowed and what will be done about it? Does the project call for sidewalks to be put in along the street? Lee will follow-up.

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Brandon Mitsuda circulated Council Chair Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Council Chair Dela Cruz sends his regrets. 2) He also circulated the 2007 Council Calendar. 3) DFM was able assist with 100 trash bags for the Poamoho Community Cleanup Day. 4) The slide at Iliahi Park has been fixed. 5) He reported on RISR’s (Request for Investigation and Service Report) in the community. 6) A copy of the Advance Budget Request was submitted to Chair Acohido. He asked the community to call the Mayor’s office to support the requests.

Governor’s Representative – Lawrence Lau circulated the “Governor’s Update”, his follow-up concerns report, and highlighted the following: 1) He thanked the Board for the refreshments. 2) The Governor’s State-of-the-State Address is available at www.hawaii.gov/gov. 3) He highlighted the follow-up items:

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Iwata asked about the activity occurring along the H-2 Freeway, between Ka Uka Boulevard and the Waianae exit. Lau will follow-up. 2) Masunaga asked about the “shack” that is still on the Civic Center premises. Lau said the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is aware of the problem. He has responded to this concern a few meetings ago. 3) A resident requested directional signs for the Wahiawa Public Library to be installed on Kamehameha Highway. Lau will follow-up.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono – No report or representative was available.

Senator 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 for the month of December. 2) BWS would like to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  This month they are distributing the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar to all the Neighborhood Boards. 2) Water Savings Tip: Your tap can release up to three gallons per minute depending on your fixture, don’t let it run! Low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush, as compared to the older ones that use 3.5 to 7 gallons. Switch your old toilets today and take advantage of the low flow toilet rebate from BWS.

Wahiawa Action Initiative (WAI) – Iwata had no report.

Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – Geri Tramantano said: 1) She wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked the Board for the refreshments. 2) The Wahiawa Satellite City Hall sold 400 less fireworks permit this year than last year. Sales were down at all satellite city halls. 3) They will get busier, especially since the Pearl Ridge Satellite City Hall closed for renovations  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Locating the Whitmore Village Sign at Kahi Kani Park – Chair Acohido mentioned Tom Lenchanko’s group was leading the charge on this issue.

Installing Restroom at Kahi Kani Park – Chair Acohido asked Eugene Lee, as a top priority, to install the restrooms near the bus stop and not near the residential area.

Collaborating with Wahiawa Community Association to: 1) Beautify Entrances to Wahiawa Town; 2) Improve Traffic Flow and Safety between the Bridges – Chair Acohido asked Rose Baysa to work with Ishikawa. Regarding improving the traffic flow and safety between the bridges, the Board will have to submit another request to the State Department of Transportation (DOT).

Seeking Board Name Change to be Effective at the New Term (2007-2008) for the Wahiawa-Whitmore Neighborhood Board No. 26 – Chair Acohido said he would follow-up on the name change. Masunaga noted that it should be changed to the Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board.

Requesting Visits to NCTAMS PAC and Schofield Barracks Battle Training Center – Chair Acohido mentioned he already made the request to Col. Ryan.

NEW BUSINESS:

Election of Wahiawa Neighborhood Board Members – Chair Acohido announced there are nine candidates running for the nine seats for the 2007-2009 Wahiawa Neighborhood Board. Joe Francher, one of the candidates, introduced himself at this time.

Corps of Engineer and State Inspection of Wahiawa Dam – Chair Acohido said the Wahiawa Dam is very old. It has four locks and only one works. Dole inspected the dam – they will gladly give it to the State.

COMMITTEE REPORTS – Deferred.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – Chair Acohido announced “Across the Ages” will be held on February 6, 2007, Diamond Head Theater, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: By a consensus of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Submitted:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant