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Wahiawa Neighborhood Board

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 19, 2007

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ben Acohido called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Kent.

GUESTS: Eugene Lee (Mayor’s Representative), Brandon Mitsuda (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Lawrence Lau (Governor’s Representative); Lt. Charles Wong and Sgt. Hank Holcombe (HPD); Devon Nekoba (BWS), Chief Jeff Lein (U.S. Army), Captain Jim Donovan and CWO Cliff Jenkins (NCTAMS PAC), Yuki Kitagawa (Wahiawa Pineapple Festival), Alena Pule (Whitmore Community Association); Dawn Burgener, Marian Tsuji and Marlena Willette (Hawai’i Meals on Wheels); Lynda Arakawa (Honolulu Advertiser); Anita Acohido, Vee Chuensanguansat, Joe Francher, Ellen Hyer, Daniel Nyer, Benny and Linda Quiseng; Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

Masunaga reminded everyone to sign-in on the guest attendance sheet located near the front entrance.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 26, 2007: Masunaga moved and Iwata seconded to approve the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 3, under Residents Concerns, second paragraph, it should read “Lanakila Rehabilitation Center – Marian Tsuji said their organization serves over 40 meals to seniors in Wahiawa and serves more than 40 adults with disabilities daily at their Wahiawa training center in the state freshwater park. She asked support for their grant-in-aid request to the legislature for much needed renovations to bring the Wahiawa training center up to current health and safety standards. Masunga asked that this item be placed on next month’s agenda. Chair Acohido agreed. In response to Chair Acohido, Tsuji said they would be open for the Board to tour their facilities.”

The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Iwata read the Financial Statement for the month of February 2007. The Operating/Publicity Account expenses were $62.23, leaving a balance of $3,356.44. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit.

Iwata moved and Masunaga seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board reimburse Mary Jane Lee $17.81 from its Refreshment Account for the purchase of refreshments for January’s meeting. The motion carried unanimously.

FIRST RESPONDERS – Reports and Concerns:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No report or representative was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Charles Wong reported: 1) The statistics for the month of February include: 14 burglaries, 8 UEMVs, and 35 thefts. 2) They expect burglaries to drop even further. Officers apprehended one individual who is a suspect in five burglaries in a one-day period. Sgt. Hank Holcombe encouraged residents to practice pedestrian safety: pedestrians – look both ways before crossing the street; motorists – besides stopping at a crosswalk, establish eye contact with the pedestrian.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) A resident had concerns regarding vehicles illegally parked on sidewalks, especially on California and Olive Avenues. Sgt. Holcombe said because of the limited amount of patrol officers, HPD relies on the public to call 911 when they witness a violation. He will have officers address the concern. 2) Masunaga mentioned on two occasions while driving she witnessed pedestrians not having a care in the world while crossing the street. Sgt. Holcombe said a lot of pedestrians have tunnel vision and are not aware of their surroundings. All officers have been told to step-up enforcement.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) – Chair Acohido said Patty Dukes sends her regrets.

U.S. Army – Schofield Barracks – Chief Jeff Lein reported: 1) He just returned from Iraq. (A round of applause was given at this time). 2) He wanted to speak to HPD before they departed. Soldiers returning to Schofield for a two-week leave have been returning to the base intoxicated. 3) Noise from East Range – there has been lots of Stryker Brigade training. The completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of Makua is the Army’s top priority. 4) About 7,000 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade is in its seventh month of deployment in Iraq. Approximately 4,000 solders from the 2nd Brigade remain at Schofield. 5) The Stryker Brigade unit will remain in Hawai’i. 6) The 3rd Brigade still owes Leilehua High School $5,000 to purchase text books; and to paint out graffiti. Soldiers are also available for any other projects. 7) The Board is invited to lunch to tour Schofield’s facilities.

Chair Acohido announced that the Army invited the Board to tour their Urban Center Training Facility at Schofield on April 3, 2007. He took a head count of those Board members who are planning to attend.

U.S. Navy – NCTAMS PAC – Captain Jim Donovan reported: 1) NCTAMS PAC is committed to keeping our roadways and community safe by adhering to the no drinking initiative. It’s been 183 days (six months) without any of NCTAMS PAC service members getting a DUI citation. 2) He will be retiring as commander of NCTAMS PAC on August 9, 2007. His replacement will be Captain Janet Stewart. Board members will be sent formal invitations for the event. 3) A visit by the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board is planned for April 17, 2007. CW04 Jenkins is the point of contact. 4) NCTAMS PAC Chief Petty Officer’s Association will again sponsor a Pineapple Festival Run for the May 26, 2007 event.

(Ishikawa arrived at 7:29 p.m.)

Chair Acohido confirmed with the Board for those who will be participating in the April 17 NCTAMS PAC tour.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS:

Various Concerns – Chair Acohido said a resident had the following requests/concerns: 1) A marked crosswalk at Kukui Street and Kilani Avenue. 2) The crosswalk at Mango Street and California Avenue is hidden by the bus stop. 3) The bus stop at Whitmore needs to be relocated. He suggested moving it near the crosswalk. Eugene Lee, Mayor’s representative, said the City tries to minimize mid-block crosswalks. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is reviewing all bus stops island-wide. He asked DTS to send him a list where mid-block crosswalks are warranted.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT: Chair Acohido circulated his Chairperson’s Report. In addition, the following were reported: 1) Lanakila Rehabilitation Center – Marian Tsuji mentioned they asking the State for a $1.5 million grant to renovate their facilities located at the Wahiawa Fresh Water Park. Brandon Mitsuda, Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office, said the councilmember wrote a letter to the Senate Ways and Means and House Finance Committees in support of the center. Chair Acohido indicated this issue will be on next month’s agenda for action. A consensus was reached for the Board members to tour the facilities on March 21, 2007, 11:30 a.m. Lunch would be provided. 2) Wahiawa Pineapple Festival – Yuki Kitagawa said they are seeking arts and crafts vendors and volunteers for the keiki booth. The event will be held in May. He asked the Board’s support with a resolution. Chair Acohido asked Masunaga to draft a resolution for next month’s meeting. Mitsuda indicated he would ask the City Administration to sponsor the event. 3) Tour of the Schofield Urban Training Site – Discussed earlier in the meeting. 4) Legislature and Council Bills – Chair Acohido said Board members could testify as individuals. 5) Status of Welcome to Whitmore Sign – Chair Acohido noted that $50,000 in construction funds is already in the budget. The question is the location of the sign. Councilmember Dela Cruz is trying to add $10,000 to add “Kahi Kani”. Eugene Lee said the City is reviewing Tom Lenchenko’s request to take over the appropriation. The legal question was submitted to Corporation Counsel. 6) Recognition of Aloha Termite Company – Chair Acohido said a resident suggested the Board recognize Aloha Termite Company for improving the building at Kamehameha Highway and Ohai Street. Masunaga suggested this request be sent to Gordon Kanemaru. Mary Jane Lee agreed; that it be referred to WCBA.

PRESENTATIONS:

Prison Facility at Kunia – No representative was available.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Acohido circulated the Board’s correspondence. He thanked Masunaga for scanning the correspondence and emailing it to the Board members.

(Iwata departed at 8:01 p.m.)

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES:

Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – Masunaga announced Empower O’ahu and its member communities are offering Micro Business Training. The training is for low-to-moderate income individuals who want to make products, sell products, or provide a service will be held on March 22 and March 29, 2007. For more information, please call Jack Kampfer at 621-5109, ext. 226 or email at jbkampfer@yahoo.com.

Mayor's Representative – Eugene Lee reported: 1) Follow-up items: a) DTS has always maintained that the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of California/Nanea Avenues is scheduled to be installed in 2010, not 2011. Board members may be confused with the installation of the traffic signals with California Avenue/Uuku Street, which is currently being installed. b) DTS is investigating the concern that EMS is having difficulty maneuvering into/out of the hospital because of speeding motorists on Kilani Avenue. c) The Department of Planning and Permitting has indicated the house construction at 1273 California Avenue has the required parking spaces and construction is in accord with permits. d) The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) called HPD to report two kamani trees on Kilani Avenue were being removed. DPR did not receive a status report from HPD. 2) Neighborhood Assistant Steve J. Rodrigues circulated “Honolulu News”, the Mayor’s monthly newsletter.

A resident had concerns about the steepness of the sidewalk on California Avenue. Lee said he submitted the concern to the proper agency. Chair Acohido added the Councilmember Dela Cruz has improvements to walkways on California Avenue in his budget request.

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 also circulated the 2007 Council Calendar. 3) He read a list of RISR’s in the community. 4) The 3rd Annual Wahiawa Clean-Up will be held on April 7, 2007, Leilehua High School parking lot, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 P.M. The recycling event is a fundraiser for the school. 5) In an effort to stay in touch with the community, Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office conducts site visits throughout the district four times a year. One of the concerns is abandoned vehicles in Whitmore Village.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) In response to Ishikawa, Mitsuda stated he would write a letter to DPR asking them not to install glass doors. 2) Mitsuda thanked Whitmore Village resident Alena Pule for being involved with the Welcome to Whitmore sign process. Chair Acohido noted that the sign began as a project of the Wahiawa Visioning Team.

Governor’s Representative – Lawrence Lau circulated the “Governor’s Update” and highlighted the following: 1) The “Governor’s Update” is always available to the public at www.hawaii.gov/gov. 2) He encouraged everyone to recycle and participate in the 3rd Annual Wahiawa Clean-Up.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Lee said she was impressed by the Governor’s sincerity during her press conference regarding various traffic bills. 2) Masunaga inquired on the status of the tax rebates. Lau answered the Legislature will probably not make a final decision until towards the end of the session.

Senator Robert Bunda – Chair Acohido said Senator Bunda sends his regrets. In addition, the senator requested to be placed on next month’s agenda to address Royal Palm Drive.

Representative Marcus Oshiro – No report or representative was available.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Devon Nekoba reported: 1) There were no main breaks for the month of February. At this moment, there is a major main break in Wahiawa. 2) Weather forecasters are predicting that El Nino conditions are expected to last for the next three to six months. As a result, below-normal rainfall is

anticipated throughout the islands. Until these conditions subside, they are recommending that voluntary water conservation measures be practiced. 3) Water Safety Tips: If you walk across your lawn and leave footprints, it’s time to water; keeping your showers to five minutes or less can save up to 1000 gallons a month; if your dishwasher is new, you can cutback on rinsing dishes before putting them in (the new washers clean more thoroughly than the old ones); you can leave lower branches on trees and shrubs to allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation. 4) California Avenue Improvement Project – most of the pipe has been installed. Due to the rain, the contractor has been unable to work the past week.

Concerns and comments followed: 1) Chair Acohido said residents are concerned about the timeline for the repaving of California Avenue. Money would not be available until fiscal year 2008. Councilmember Dela Cruz has been supportive, but it will take an outcry from the community to get something done. He will call a special meeting with the intent of signing a petition to have the governmental agency to fix the road. 2) Nekoba said the California Avenue project ends at Leilehua High School. 3) Nekoba said BWS is taking the California Avenue Improvement project very seriously. They have had meetings with the contractor regarding the importance to finishing the project. 4) Ishikawa mentioned that due to the project motorists avoid California Avenue and use the side streets. She had concerns not only with the volume of traffic but the speed of the motorists (i.e. speeding).

Wahiawa Action Initiative (WAI) – No report.

Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – Geri Tramontano reported: 1) The Wahiawa Satellite City Hall has been busier than usual, especially since the Pearl Ridge Satellite City Hall is temporary closed for renovations. She asked everyone to please be patient. 2) If anyone is selling their vehicle, please remember to turn in the necessary documents. State law requires you to submit it within 10 days of selling your vehicle.

Friends of Wahiawa Public Library – Masunaga announced that the Wahiawa Public Library Book Sale will be held from April 30 through May 4 or May 5, 2007. The cost is five dollars for a bag of books.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Renaming Neighborhood Board to Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board – Chair Acohido mentioned he’s been working with the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) on the Board name change. The commission will come to the Board’s next meeting and hold a public hearing. The reason for the name change was for “Lokahi” (unity) in the community.

Visitation by NCTAMS PAC, Schofield Urban Training Site, and Lanakila Crafts – Discussed earlier in the meeting.

Resolution to Support Dole Monte Workers – There was lengthy discussion on this issue. At last month’s meeting, the Board discussed this issue and Chair Acohido asked Masunaga to draft a resolution to support Dole Monte. Masunaga indicated that the Board voted to support Dole at last month’s meeting (as reflected in the minutes). Discussion ensued on the draft resolution. Chair Acohido passed the gavel to Vice Chair Yamamoto. Acohido moved and Koch seconded to review the resolution. The motion carried, 5-2-0. Discussion ensued. Acohido moved and Bentley seconded to amend the resolution. The motion carried, 6-1-0. Lee commended Masunaga for her efforts drafting the resolution. Acohido echoed the comments. He asked Masunaga to prepare the final resoution. Masunaga respectfully declined.

Central O’ahu Spur to Rail Transit – Deferred.

ANNOUNCEMENTS – 1) The next regular meeting of the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 will be held on April 16, 2007, Wahiawa Recreation Center, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: By a consensus of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted:

Steve J. Rodrigues,

Neighborhood Assistant