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Wahiawa Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY JUNE 18, 2007

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Pro Tem Kathleen Masunaga called the meeting to order at 6:59pm. A quorum was present.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Kathleen Masunaga, Silvia Manley Koch, Vee Chuensanguansat, Joe Francher, Mary Jane Lee, Jyun Yamamoto, and Jeanne Ishikawa.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Ben Acohido and Sheri Bentley.

GUESTS:  Ellen Hyre, Laurence Lau (DOH), Bob Lormand, Bob Goodwin (NCTAMS), Joshua Perallta, Keanu Young (Council Member Dela Cruz Office), Clifton Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Dawn Burlen (Lanakila Rehab), Catherine Ballie, Carolyn Steyer, duke Chung (BWS), Bob Keath, Pam Pado, Walter Benavitz, Captain Ed Nishi (HPD), Lt C. Wong (HPD), Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Rep), Leroy Chincio, Jeff Lein, Ned Murphy.

SWEARING IN OF BOARD MEMBERS:  Chair Pro Tem Masunaga was sworn in at 6:50pm, prior to starting the meeting. Koch, Lee, Yamamoto were sworn in 7:01pm by NCO staff Ribac.

Yamamoto moved that the agenda be taken out of order to allow item VI First Responders-Reports and Concerns, to be visited first. Lee seconded and with no objections the agenda was taken out of order.

Incoming Board Member Vee Chuensanguansat arrived at approximately 7:12pm. Chuensanguansat was sworn in by Ribac and joined the board.

INTRODUCTIONS AND PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES: Chair Pro Tem asked each board member to state their name and gives a brief summary of them. Without objection each board member did so.  Chair Pro Tem announced that certificates were to be given to outgoing board members Burt Iwata and Bob Kent. The Chair Pro Tem noted that the certificates were with an absent board member so to please expect a certificate through the mail. Keanu Young of Council Member Dela Cruz’s office also presented the two men with certificates of appreciation on behalf of the Council Member himself.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD):  Lt. Charles Wong reported the following information:

• Statistics through the month of May: 9 burglaries, 9 thefts from automobiles; 28 total thefts.
• Although the click and ticket campaign is over, all officers are aware and more keen to catch violators. Remember it is a $92.00 fine.
• Officers are also performing a new program called “Cite on Sight” where citations for motorist will be given on sight for vehicle violations.

Captain Ed Nishi reported the following information:

• The public may notice an increase in traffic and park enforcement.
• Signs that are posted on roadways and medians are a violation of the law. Police have gone out to warn violators.
• Please call 911 when witnessing speeding, illegal parked, and/or abandoned vehicles.
• Graffiti is on the rise along with thefts now that schools have gone on summer break. Police need the help of the public in an upcoming paint out event.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Koch questioned of certain signs that are posted, for example in the library. Captain Nishi mentioned that they were sanctioned by the state, but signs posted on the roads, median, light posts, etc. are not allowed.
• Lee asked Nishi if they can publicize this in the paper, so the public would be informed. Nishi explained that people are being notified and they know.

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT (HFD):  No HFD representative was present.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS): No EMS representative was present.

U.S ARMY SCHOFIELD:  Chief Lee reported the following information:

• At the current status the 3^rd Brigade is due back with 7,000 soldiers headed home in October.
• There is another brigade that is scheduled to deploy before Christmas. Expect the same number of soldiers that are arriving to be deployed.
• The Army received a response to Makua Valley in late June. They are still not permitted to do live testing in the area, until the study is complete. The NOAA is leading this project.
• The Army has funds ($4,000) for schools that are involved with the Army. The 25^th Infantry is to help donate new equipment to participating schools.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• A resident questioned if the schools could use the money for what they want. Chief Lee mentioned that it first has to be approved by the supporting group, and only then can the school purchase the approved items.
• A resident questioned if the Army was assisting with the clean up of Waianae Coast and munitions found in the ocean. Chief Lee confirmed that the army is assisting but the Army EOD is heading the efforts, and as it is an ongoing project, not much detail can be released at the moment.

Board Member Jeanne Ishikawa arrived at approximately 7:34pm. Ishikawa was previously sworn in at the July 2, 2007 inauguration.

U.S. NAVY NCTAMSPAC: Commander Goodman reported the following information:

• Regular speaker captain Donovan will be leaving and next month will be his last visit to the Wahiawa Whitmore-Village Neighborhood Board.
• On the 20^th of May the Navy assisted in coordinating this year Pineapple Festival.
• On the 22^nd of May, 14 soldiers supported an anti-drug program.

No questions were asked.

With the presence of 7 board members, Masunaga moved that the agenda resume order at item III Initial Convening of the Board. Yamamoto seconded and without objections the agenda resumed order.

INITIAL CONVENING OF THE BOARD

ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS: Chair Pro tem Masunaga opened the floor to nominations for Chair. Lee nominated Yamamoto, Koch nominated Acohido. With no other nominations Lee moved to close the nominations with Francher seconding the motion. Chair Pro tem called for a vote by show of hands. Yamamoto received two votes (Lee and Masunaga). Acohido received five votes (Ishikawa, Koch, Chuensanguansat, Francher and Yamamoto). Acohido was pronounced Chair by majority of votes.

With the absence of the Chair, the board decided to continue elections and let the Vice Chair run the remaining of the board meeting.

Chair Pro Tem Masunaga opened the floor to nominations for Vice Chair. Lee nominated Yamamoto, Yamamoto nominated Masunaga. With no other nominations Francher moved that the nominations be closed with Ishikawa seconding.  Chair Pro Tem called for a vote by show of hands. Yamamoto received six votes (Ishikawa, Lee, Koch, Masunaga, Chuensanguansat and Francher). Masunaga received one vote from Yamamoto.

Newly elected Vice Chair Yamamoto was passed the gavel and resumed the election.

Vice Chair Yamamoto opened the floor to nominations for Secretary. Masunaga nominated Ishikawa with Koch seconding. With no other nominations Lee moved that nominations be closed with Francher seconding. Running uncontested Ishikawa was elected as Secretary by a unanimous vote of 7-0.

Vice Chair Yamamoto opened the floor to nominations for Treasurer. Masunaga was nominated by Francher with Chuensanguansat seconding. With no other nominations Lee moved that nominations be closed with Koch seconding. Running uncontested Masunaga was elected as Treasurer by a unanimous vote of 7-0.

 DETERMINATION OF DAY/TIME/PLACE AND RECESS:  Masunaga moved that the board keep its regularly scheduled meeting day, time, and location; 3^rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm at the Wahiawa Recreation center. Koch seconded the motion and by a unanimous vote of 7-0 the motion carried.

Masunaga questioned if it was timely to recess in July. Vice Chair Yamamoto noted it was not timely due to government officials that are scheduled to present and testify at the next board meeting.  Lee then moved that the board recess in October and February. With Francher seconding, three said aye (Francher, Masunaga, and Lee).

Masunaga then moved that the board recess in December and February, with Francher seconding the motion. Ishikawa expressed that this is not a good idea, as the legislature would be in session and officials would be unable to notify the public of important news. The motion did not receive the appropriate number of votes and was not carried.

Ishikawa then moved that the board recess in August and December. Ishikawa pressed how bust December could possibly get, and reiterated how the Legislature is in session from January through May. Both August and December would alleviate possible issues. With Yamamoto to second the motion all members except Masunaga voted aye, and the motion carried.

ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES AND MISSIONS: Vice Chair Yamamoto moved to defer this item until Chair Acohido was present. Without objections the item was deferred until further notice.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY:  The board approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting May 21, 2007, with the following corrections.

·         1^st Page -Under Guests: Keanu Yang, change to correct spelling of Keanu Young

·         3^rd Page -Under Board of Water Supply: after each word “Perfecto” include “Engineering and Construction services” as that is the entire name of the company.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Newly elected Treasurer Masunaga gave the following report:

• The previous operating balance was $3230.83, and with and accrual of $93.35 expense for mailing through the month of May, the current balance is $3137.48.
• The refreshment account had a previous balance of $103.95, and was untouched in the month of May.

CORRESPONDANCE: Vice Chair Yamamoto notified the board members and constituents that there were no other letters or important documents. Board members were asked to sign a card for previous neighborhood assistant Steve Rodrigues.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: SUPSENSION OF BIRTHING CENTER: Although the birthing center of Wahiawa General Hospital has already been suspended, Francher proposed that a letter be written on behalf of the neighborhood board noting various concerns. Lee enlightened the board with information she had gathered. Masunaga moved that the board write a letter expressing that as an advisory role, it is with great regret that the Wahiawa General Hospital suspended the birthing center, and that hopefully in the future it can be reinstituted. The motion was seconded by Koch; Lee asked that it be added, that the hospital is a vital role in the community, and that public relations between the hospital and constituents needed to be addressed. Masunaga volunteered to draft the letter, and with none opposing the motion was carried.

At approximately 8:07pm Masunaga pointed out that Government and Community organizations should speak next as noted on the agenda. Masunaga moved that the agenda be taken out of order once more, and with no objections the agenda was taken out of order.

GOVERNMENT & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: WCBA: Walter Benavitz reported the following information:

• The pineapple festival was a tremendous success. WCBA was glad with the outcome and community effort.
• WCBA has also found out that two realty firms have marketed the Gail birth Lands. WCBA has also made it known that they are against anything non-agricultural.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Francher questioned whether or not WCBA has presented these questions anywhere else. Benavitz noted that WCBA has written and sent a letter to the two realty groups, but WCBA still does not know the intent of both realty groups.
• Lee congratulated and thanked Benavitz and the WCBA for the Pineapple Festival. She has been in receipt of nothing but good comments about this year’s festival.
• Ishikawa questioned what was the percentage or breakdown of the land going up for sale. Majority of the board members noted that the parcels of land were 100% agricultural. Benavitz noted that the 2100 acres is part of Del Monte’s land.
• Masunaga cautioned the board that there are loopholes for building on agricultural lands without needing a zone change.

WAHIAWA ACTION INITITATIVE: No representative was present.

MAYOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: Eugene Lee reported the following information:

• The Mayor’s 58^th annual Memorial Services at Punchbowl was a success.
• Flavors of Honolulu is the weekend of the 29^th of June. This replaces the annual Taste of Honolulu.
• In regards to whether or not the development and developers at Kilani needed to make a presentation before the neighborhood board, the developers would only be required if a zone change was necessary.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Koch mentioned that the board only asked for the presentation as a courtesy from the developers.
• Masunaga questioned how the Kilani developers plan to replace trees that were improperly removed from the site. Lee replied that with either planting trees or by donations. Masunaga went on to question the location of the advertisement being used. Why are the posters on public property and not on their own land? Masunaga also questioned if the development would include a sidewalk and is the sidewalk going to be conventional or a country sidewalk? Lee replied that he will look into both questions.

COUNCIL MEMBER DONOVAN DELA CRUZ: Legislative Aide Keanu Young reported the following information:

• Young referred to Council Member Dela Cruz’s June handout and highlighted the real property tax exemptions that include tax exemptions for elderly, disabled, and veteran homeowners. Some time in April there will be a spokesperson to explain each tax exemption.
• Upon a visit through Wahiawa and Whitmore-Village a pothole was noticed on Ihoiho, a riser request will be sent out. There were several other improvements that risers will be sent out.
• In regards to the California Avenue construction, it was confirmed that construction will be done on weekends and holidays to reduce traffic; construction is scheduled to be complete in July.
• Potholes on Glenn Avenue have been filled in.
• DTS did not approve speed bumps; it was not in the budget.
• In regards to Royal Palm Drive; speed is a factor and Young will look into the issue.
• In regards to the swimming pool; the riser was sent in but never answered, however the pool seems to be fixed as it has been running operational these past days.

Koch left the Wahiawa Whitmore-Village Neighborhood Board Meeting at 8:31pm; a quorum was still present.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Masunaga questioned if the budget had been passed. Young replied yes, and Masunaga asked for detail to follow up on the next scheduled board meeting.
• Vice Chair Yamamoto asked for a calendar to highlight all major City & County of Honolulu events, such as passage of the budget.
• Ishikawa asked if bulky items from Kilani Avenue could be added to improvements, Young agreed.
• Vice Chair questioned both city representatives (Young and Lee) the clarification on after the BWS completes the construction of the trench, who will go in and fill the potholes? Lee replied that BWS is required to complete the trench and restore the road to the best of their abilities. It is then up to the inspectors to say it is compatible for paving. The department of Facility Maintenance will be in charge of this.
• A concerned resident questioned why wait one year before paving occurs? Lee replied that they wait one year to pave so that a warranty is upheld.

GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE:  Larry Lau of the DOH reported the following information:

• Lau mentioned that since the last meeting he has not had word on state funding on the transit and library systems in Wahiawa. He will email the board members with information when he obtains it.
• The state will also take part in free vaccinations for school children between the ages of 5-13.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Mrs. Hyre, a resident, questioned why the State does not give back to the Sandwich Isle Projects. Lau mentioned that he was unsure of the funding for Sandwich Isle projects, and State funds cannot be transferred so easily. Several board members voiced that the Department of Agriculture is the usual assistance for that program.
• Lee questioned why of all countries did the Governor choose Indonesia? Lau mentioned that the Governor may have made connections with the Indonesian politics when Hawaii assisted in tsunami relief in the past.

U.S. CONGRESS & SENATE REPRESENTATIVES: No representatives were present.

SENATE PRESIDENT COLLEEN HANABUSA: No representatives were present.

REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS OSHIRO:  State Legislator Marcus Oshiro reported the following information.

• June 25^th is the deadline for the Governor to veto any bills passed through this past legislative session. The legislation has until July 10^th to decide if both House and Senate want to over ride the bills.
• In regards to Leilehua Football field, the Principal and athletic director are working together, they have chosen a field turf design, should be done by one year or so.
• In regards to the Gail berth Lands, Oshiro is unsure of who the owners are, or the intent of the developers.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Masunaga questioned if the legislature in the upcoming session could possibly target “artificial farmlands” that are starting to pop up in other towns. Oshiro mentioned that the City & County of Honolulu has very different rules to consider against the other counties within the state.
• A resident stood to congratulate Oshiro for all the work he has done for his district. She stood to support Oshiro in every choice that he has made.

WAHIAWA SATTLELITE CITY HALL: No representatives were present.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Duke Chung of the BWS reported the following information:

• There were no water main breaks to report in the Wahiawa district.
• The BWS is investing millions to upgrade the water system and pumps. The BWS has started in Mililani and Aiea, where unmarked workers are checking gauges. Please be aware that they are workers, but they are not wearing their BWS uniform. If you are cautious, please do not hesitate to call BWS to confirm that workers are out in your area.
• The tip of the month states that when using a drip irrigation system, do not extend poly-tubing more than 200feet or use 200 gallons per hour. Always check outside as well as inside your home for leaks.

Questions/Answers to follow:

• Francher questioned how BWS will inform citizens that unmarked workers will be in their neighborhood. Chung agreed that informing residents was a good idea and that he will take that back with him.
• Masunaga proposed that BWS use local area papers such as the Kanupepa or the West Oahu Current to publicize for free.
• Lee questioned what the differences were in regards to plastic tubes than cement. Chung mentioned that the lifespan of a plastic tube is significantly longer than a concrete pipe, water flows faster in a plastic pipe, and it is more cost efficient.
• Ishikawa made it clear that all BWS workers should wear their marked T-shirts to easily identify them.
• A resident questioned what the water levels in the district of Wahiawa were. Chung did not know but said he could call the BWS Community Office.

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: KAIANA BAY: A resident mentioned that for the past six years the watershed project was prioritized as a level high, but in most recent times it has been classified as a level low. It will be their main goal to make it a level high again in the July meeting.

With Government and Community Organizations complete the agenda resumed its order.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: APPROVAL OF NAME CHANGE: As of May the formally known Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26, is now known as the Wahiawa Whitmore-Village Neighborhood Board No. 26.

RESIDENT CONCERNS: There were no resident concerns at this time.

NEW BUSINESS: NEIGHBORHOOD TASK FORCE: Masunaga let it be known that a spokesperson will be at the July board meeting to explain in detail what the task force does. The task force meets every 1^st and 3^rd Monday. The minutes are available on the internet.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD PLAN: Masunaga mentioned that the neighborhood board plan is under revision at the time. Public hearings will also start, and the document now is also available online at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

ADJOURNMENT: Masunaga moved that the board stand adjourned, with Francher seconding. The board adjourned at 9:00pm.

Submitted:

Leland S.M. Ribac

Neighborhood Assistant