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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

 NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

 

 

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2006

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

 

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum present.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Brent Buckley, Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Shad Kane, Martha Makaiwi, Jane Ross, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

GUESTS:  Mike Freitas, Lt. Daniel Ford (Honolulu Police Department), Joseph O'Donnell (Ironworkers Local 625), Councilmember Todd Apo, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Theresia McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Alan Gano, Kuuki Jolonino, Bob Isler, Craig Nishida, Rusti Guphart, Gerrit Chinen, Gary Omori (High Capacity Transit Corridor Project), Jeff Overton (Kapolei Senior Village), Ocie Nmangum, Kenneth Kamada, Malia Keola, Joanne Nino, Captain Wes Taniyama (Honolulu Fire Department), Edwin Arellaro, Diane Osiecki (AOAO Makakilo Hale One), Art Chang, Daysen Chang, Eilbert Pacheco, Melah Barroga, Mr. & Mrs. Steven  Pagador, Herman  Young, Lorrain Burgess, Dan Davidson, Nicole Kotrys, Fred  Bautista, Frank Genadio, Michael Golojuch Jr., Michele Golojuch, Lolita Takeda, David Otto, Roberta Stensgaonl, Barbara Gaboya, David Gaboya, Ann Boyd, Commissioner Roy Wickramaratna, Commissioner Bernie Kaahanui, Dena Ackerman, Max Ramos (Costco), Fred  Bautista Jr, Amelia Bautista, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nester Garcia’s Office staff), John  Ridings, Stacie Pahia, Junior Kesner, Steve Kelly (Campbell Estate), Carolyn Golojuch, L. Gabriel, W. Gabriel, T. Gabriel, Pamela  Witty-Oakland (St. Francis), Jeffrey Prestor (Brookfield Homes), Mitchell Brown (Kisco Senior Living), William Gacntan (Brookfield Homes), Tom Dankee (Kisco Senior Living), Karen  Awana (Councilmember Todd Apo’s Office staff), Fred  Thomas, Doreen Thomas, Shandel Numazu, Michael Okuma (Costco), Michael Chu (LPP - Costco), Greg Vena (Northwest Atlantic – Costco), Jeff Coelho (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Customer Service), Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

 

BOARD MEMBERS ROLL CALL: All nine Board members answered the roll call (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young). Chair Timson reminded the community of the Board’s rules on order and decorum, including the need to treat each other as they would wish to be treated as guests, and of the time limits as noted on the distributed agenda (a one minute limit for speakers and the school’s requirement to vacate the meeting room by 9:45 p.m.).  She also reported that, due to the long meeting agenda, public officials have been requested to make written reports for tonight’s meeting, with the expectation that the officials will be able to make their regular visits next month.

 

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:

 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Daniel Ford reported the following information:

 

1)       Crime statistics comparisons for the general Makakil/Kapolei/Honokai Hale neighborhood board area for March and February (format: March/February) – 2/3 robbery, 21/18 burglaries, 57/34 thefts, 46/25 auto thefts, 70/53 thefts from vehicles (UEMVs), 25/24 thefts from persons, 0/2 identity (ID) thefts, 78/91 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), 2/1 driving under the influence (DUIs), 23/30 criminal property damages (CPDs), 3/3 drugs. There were 335/250 adult arrests, 115/157 juvenile arrests, and 450/407 total arrests.

 

2)   Crime Tip of the Month: The Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program is sponsored by the Honolulu Police Department and involves both police and citizen participation.  The primary goals of the program are to support communities through neighborhood security watches, reduce crime and increase police and citizen partnerships.  NSW programs are an effective way to decrease crime in your neighborhood.  NSW program members work directly with beat officers, the district resource officer, and various community members in working toward building a safer community.  To start a NSW program in Ewa, Makakilo, or Kapolei contact Officer Marc Thom at 692-4249.

 

Chair Timson offered community thanks for the current reports of successes in catching graffiti taggers.

 

Chair Timson welcomed Commissioners Bernard Kaahanui and Roy Wickramaratna, members of the Neighborhood Commission, to the meeting.

 

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Wes Taniyama reported the following:

 

1)       In March 2006, the Kapolei Station responded to 32 alarms and the Makakilo Station responded to 74 alarms, combined and broken down to 12 fire incidents, 54 emergency calls, 5 hazardous condition calls, 2 service calls, 25 good intent calls and 8 false calls. 

 

2)       Fire Safety Tip of the Month:  Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults.  If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove.  Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it.  Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.

 

Mayor’s Representative – Jeff Coelho, Director of the City Department of Community Services (DCS), represented Mayor Hannemann and reported that the Mayor’s newsletter for April 2006 was available.  He noted that he had a follow up report for several community members from prior meetings (for them to see him after presentations), and reviewed the program of proposed community benefits for Leeward coast residents who are neighbors to the Waimanalo Gulch landfill.  The package, entitled Multi-Track Benefits Program Committees (MTBPC), presents the concept of two committees to work with the communities, being composed of community members and others (including possible stakeholders, City officials, vendors and Waste Management Corporation), with one committee (Oversight) to work with Waste Management and one community benefits committee (for both Waianae Coast and for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale), with the benefits committee recommending $1 million in grants and $1 million in CIP (capital improvement projects) funds. Community and Board members were asked to nominate volunteers to serve as committee members, with appointment being by Mayor Hannemann (in consultation with the City’s Economic Development Office) after the nomination deadline of May 9, 2006.  Coelho reported that the project’s $2 million had been included in the proposed budget recently submitted to the City Council for their adoption in June 2006. 

 

In answer to questions, Coelho made the following points: 

  • The selection committee would be Mayor Hannemann and the director of the City Economic Office, with a prime concern being the volunteer’s ability to meet the time commitment.
  • The selection committee welcomes input from community leaders and said that Chair Timson would be part of selection committee.
  • The Program Committees would work hand-in-hand with the Mayor, reporting to him and to the Council (who provides funding in the yet-to-be adopted City’s 2007 Fiscal Year Budget, which starts July 2006).
  • Committees will have focused agendas as opposed to neighborhood boards, which deal with many issues.

 

Comments were made that:

  • The landfill’s major impact has been in the Honokai Hale area, with lesser impacts in the adjoining Ko’Olina and Makakilo property.
  • The mitigation measures should be centered in Honokai Hale.
  • The Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board has an Environmental Committee, which should be reacting to Coelho’s report. Chair Timson told Environmental Committee Chair George Yamamoto to call a committee meeting to discuss this issue.
  • The two community’s neighborhood boards should be involved (especially in the selection.

 

C. Golojuch said that the rumored opening of a Wal-Mart store in Kapolei would result in planning, transportation and congestion concerns, including social issues relating to employees’ pay and benefits, issues that needed to be addressed by the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).

 

Chair Timson reminded everyone that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m.

 

A comment was also made that parts of the communities have fallen through cracks in government programs and that to have that not occur in this instance will be a challenge and unlikely. 

 

A comment was made that prior Wal-Mart permit processes were hidden and that it should not be repeated in Kapolei. 

 

Another view was expressed that the possible opening of a Wal-Mart store in Kapolei might ruin the community.  A concern was expressed that a Wal-Mart opening in Kapolei would likely increase traffic and the current streets are not designed for current traffic levels.  Chair Timson noted that a Wal-Mart representative has not been available to come to a Board meeting and asked if Coelho could assist in their making a presentation to the Board.

 

Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported that both he and Councilmember Garcia had concerns that the $2 million for the benefits package was unrealistic because of the City’s income constraints.  Yamamoto noted the need for Kapolei Park comfort station and parking lot construction, with Apo explaining that, since the bids where so far above the originally budgeted amount, the projects are being redesigned. Dudley questioned the $500,000 comfort station bid, with Apo confirming the very large amount. Dudley noted the need to reduce the proposed expenditure since taxes are now too high.

 

Chair Timson reminded everyone that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m.

 

C. Golojuch commented that although many businesses are welcome to locate in Kapolei, a Wal-Mart store is not. 

 

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee represented Councilmember Garcia, distributed Garcia’s written report, distributed a report on recent Council legislation, and emphasized the following:

 

  1. The Council voted to rename the Central Oahu Sports Complex in honor of the late U.S. Representative (and former Councilmember) Patsy T. Mink.
  2. The Council voted to name the roadway leading to and from the Waipahu Cultural Garden Park after the late Waipahu Neighborhood Board Chair C.O. “Andy” Anderson.
  3. The Council voted to rename the Mililani Town Center Neighborhood Park to the “Michael S. Nakamura Neighborhood Park.”
  4. The City needs 450 aides for the Summer Fun Program.
  5. The Sunset in the Plains will be April 29 and April 30 at Aloun Farms.

 

Questions, comments and concerns followed:  Golojuch requested both Apo and Garcia request that the Board of Water Supply delay the anticipated rate increase from the announced July 1 date until October, in order to provide some relief to area property tax payers.  Garcia and Apo were both thanked for their follow-up on traffic concerns previously commented on in the Farrington Highway corridor, with the note that although the problems are still there, there have been attempts to address some of the problems mentioned. C. Golojuch reported that the issue of houselessness is a continuing concern and that those working for anything near a minimum wage would still not be able to afford area housing; she suggested the Council develop a strategy to address the issue.

 

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported that the BWS would meet on May 15 to consider a 13% rate increase, which he characterized as being about a $3 increase for residential units, saying that the result should be an approximated bill of $20 every two months.  He said that Sue Shin could be called at 748-5311 if anyone wished more information. Buckley noted that the reports he has seen say there will be an increase next year and asked about that rate; Kuo said that the Board meets and votes every year on the rate.  Yamamoto asked about the sewer bill being tied to the water bill; Kuo said he understood that the bills were separate. Ganno asked about the possibility of a sewer meter; Kuo said he knew of no plans for metering sewer pipe use.  Kesner identified his background as a 30-year plumber and reported that the Kapolei area water tastes bad, shows a calcium buildup after use and called for some of the increase to be spent in improving the system, especially in the Kapolei area; Kuo said there were no plans for any changes or improvements in the Kapolei area, but noted that the addition of several (Waipahu) wells might result in a difference.  Kavoya suggested that the excess pipes currently stored adjacent to the public roadway at Honokai Hale should be moved; Kuo said there were no plans for construction this fiscal year.  Chair Timson requested that Kuo check on possible storage of the pipes at a regular storage site.

 

Chair Timson reminded everyone that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m.

 

Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Gary Omori reported that he had met with the Board’s Transportation Committee and had discussed the four proposed alignments and station locations.  He distributed printed material, including a map, and noted that he will continue to meet with communities.  He reported that the next step is to consider cost and environmental issues with regard to community suggestion on alignments and station locations.  He asked that those interested in the process could also contact the high-capacity transit corridor planning office at 566-2299.  Kane noted that the transit system design needs to provide for transport of bicycle riders. Committee Chair Golojuch reported that committee minutes were on the web site.

 

PRESENTATIONS: Chair Timson introduced presentation items for information and possible Board action, asking that the total presentation time be limited, adding that the meeting room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m.

 

Franciscan Vistas, Ewa Villages:  Construction of A Residential Care Community – Pam Witty-Oakland, represented St. Francis Development Corporation and presented the Franciscan Vistas project, which is being developed by Makana Partners.  She distributed fact sheets, brochures and reviewed maps and artist renderings.

 

St. Francis Development Corporation is building a master-planned residential community, Franciscan Vistas Ewa, which includes a unique “Stay Healthy at Home” Health and Wellness Program that provides senior residents with supportive care services as needs arise. Franciscan Vistas Ewa will include senior rental apartments for individuals 62 years and over and homeowner opportunities for working individuals and families.  The location is on 23 aces in Ewa Villages, Oahu.  The conceptual design is of a close-knit, plantation-style community with features that complement the character and history of Ewa.  The senior rental apartments will be one level with centrally located elevators to provide access to second-floor apartments.  Two-story, detached townhouses with two or three bedrooms will be offered; two-story, detached homes featuring three-bedroom models will be available for purchase.  Individualized support care services will available in the homes, with services ranging from chore services, transportation and meal preparation, to live-in help, will be available on an a la carte, fee-for-service basis.  The intent is to provide an attractive alternative to moving to an adult residential care home or assisted living facility.  There will be 207 senior apartments (625 to 770 square feet), 64 townhouses (950 to 1380 sq. feet), 57 cluster homes (120 to 1670 sq. feet) and a 10,000-square-foot community center which will serve as a hub for seniors, featuring a host of activities and programs such as aqua-aerobics, recreation, exercise, dance classes, and gardening.  Proposed amenities of the senior community center are a therapeutic pool, chapel, beauty shop, and library.  Witty-Oakland noted that the presentation had been made to the Ewa Neighborhood Board and the planning had been reported on in the news.  Jeff Prestor noted that the commitment was for 80 to 100 median income residences, with St. Frances retaining the ground ownership and the leasehold deed designed to restrict the value increase of the residences.  He also noted that there would be favorable mortgage packages put together to assist homebuyers.  Witty-Oakland announced that the first units would be available in early 2008.  

 

Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the development of the St. Francis Development Corporation’s master-planned residential community of Franciscan Vistas Ewa.

 

Dudley asked if the homes, as well as the townhouses, would be leasehold; Witty-Oakland answered that they were all leasehold and similarly capped to restrict value increases.  Yamamoto noted that the state representative was reported to have expressed concern at the Ewa Neighborhood Board meeting regarding the subdividing of the manager’s site and planned preferential treatment of St. Francis staff in obtaining leasehold rights.  Witty-Oakland answered that the legislator’s staff were present at the Ewa meeting and that she understood that the majority of the concerns were addressed; she said that if the legislator had concerns that they should be brought to the City. 

 

Chair Timson called for a vote on the motion that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the development of the St. Francis Development  Corporation’s master-planned residential community of Franciscan Vistas Ewa.  The vote passed unanamously, 9-0-0.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.

 

Mauka Lani Park, Makakilo: Request for park closure at night: Diane Osiecki, represented the “Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) of Makakilo Hale One,” where she is on the board of directors, in requesting Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 approval for closure of the adjacent Mauka Lani Park from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.  The AOAO Board is requesting the closure because there are no park lights at night, that there have been an increasing number of complaints about late night parties, that there is increasing “spill-over” of party-goers to the residential area (late at night, with the party-goers having been drinking), and the left-behinds (of trash, beer bottles, graffiti and vandalized restrooms).   

 

Golojuch moved and Ross seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the closure of the Mauka Lani Park from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.

 

Ross reported that she had gone through this same type of problem at Honokai Hale and expressed her support to Osiecki.  Golojuch reported Makakilo Hale One president, Mary Bergman, had been reporting to him on their community’s efforts to try alternatives; he reported that this was the last possibility.  Dudley expressed concern about the pattern of restriction of park access, and suggested that 10 p.m. was at least a viable alternative.  Young expressed concern that with no lights in the area that there was no reason for anyone to be in the park from 8 p.m. and that the earlier closure will give police additional power to monitor park use.  Chair Timson noted that the community had the general responsibility of a park without lights; Golojuch said that since there are no lights the park should be closed.

 

Chair Timson noted that everyone had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m.

 

Chair Timson answered Gano’s question about the possible placing of grates or gates over the restrooms, responding that the initial action would be to post a sign. Nino said that the general community supported the efforts of the Makakilo Hale residents and suggested the formation of a citizen’s patrol by the AOAO president. Ackerman said that HPD always says that there are not enough units to respond to calls but that if you stay on the officers they will respond to you.  Chang, a Makakilo Hale resident, commented that the park’s daylight hours are currently used by residents, but that his grandson’s car has been broken into and that he is concerned that the height of the park provides a lookout point for people from the park to observe occupants of the Hale community, including cars. Buckley said that he and Dudley consistently have voted against closing parks, pointing out that tax money supports public use, and that he will vote against this request.

 

Chair Timson called for a vote on the motion that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 supports the closure of the Mauka Lani Park from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily.  The vote passed, 7-2-0.  Aye: Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Nay: Buckley, Dudley.

 

Kapolei Senior Village: Kapolei project formerly known as Luana Koa:  Jeff Overton presented plans for the Kapolei Senior Village, which will be located on Fort Barrett Road adjacent (makai) of the Kapolei Regional Park (away from Farrington Highway).  They were requesting a vote of confidence from the Board as they prepared to submit an application for a conditional use permit to the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting. The concept is for a village of seven townhouses (12 units each totaling 84 units), 25 courtyard buildings (10 units each totaling 250 units), smaller courtyard buildings (5 units each for a total of ten units), sixteen cottages, one apartment building (of 16 units) and two apartments of 18 units (totaling 36 units), with all of these units intended for independent living (a total of 428 units).  There will be 202 units of group or congregate living in two buildings, 74 apartments for assisted living, and 54 beds with skilled nursing.  The total number of units is 704 units plus the 54 nursing beds, with the current maximum allowable unit density of 865 units.  The zoning is currently BMX-3.  The central area is intended to be a walk-able restaurant, shopping, and service area which would accommodate the immediate needs of the senior village residents – a pedestrian emphasis and community feeling – as well as some of the immediate surrounding area.  The project design is by Group 70.  Young asked about parking and about affordability; a charitable endowment was to be established to assist applicants on an individual basis but there were no plans to set aside properties.  Dudley also asked about parking, noting that transit lines were farther away on Farrington Highway, with Overton responding that several million dollars have been donated to traffic planning and projects in the Kapolei community but that his group and the community residents are currently all held hostage to traffic construction.  Campbell Estate’s McMurdo reported that construction is starting on one of the State Department of Transportation projects in July 2006.

 

Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support a conditional use permit application for the development of the Kapolei Senior Village (formerly known as Luana Koa).

 

Ross asked about the pricing, which was reported to be very broadly set in the range from $300,000 up to $700,000.  Dudley noted that the original project had resistance but that the project has contributed to the roadway development.  Buckley noted that the park is a 24-hour park and that the regional nature of the facility means that there will always be noise, lights and usage adjacent to the senior village and asked about possible conflicts; no conflicts were reported to be occurring.  Dudley noted he supported the project but that he will oppose projects until the roads can be opened.  Ross commented that it was not just seniors who were opposed to noise.

 

Chair Timson noted that everyone had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m. and that the current time was 9:00 p.m.

 

C. Golojuch noted that at a unit cost of $350,000 few residents would be able to afford, with Gano also asking about affordability; Overton noted the project had rentals, that there were opportunities for foundation subsidies and that traffic is still a problem but that a key concept is the pedestrian friendly design.  Takeda noted the need to enginneer roadways for buses; it was noted the the planned new transit center was nearby.  Genadio asked about the bus transit center; Overton reported that it was in the urban design plan, with Kelley commenting that options are still being reviewed. Davidson reported that the transit location is shown on the land use plan.

 

Chair Timson called for a vote on the motion that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support a conditional use permit application for the development of the Kapolei Senior Village (formerly known as Luana Koa).  The vote passed, 8-1-0.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Nay: Dudley.

 

Support for Public Infrastructure Map Amendment for the Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station – Bob Isler, Project Manager, Hawaiian Electric Company, reported that the company was prepared to apply for the map amendment, with the request filed March 17, 2006.

 

Golojuch moved and Ross seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the addition of the Public Infrastructure Map Amendment filed March 17, 2006 with the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting for the Hawaiian Electric Company’s Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station.

 

Chair Timson noted that everyone had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m.  Isler responded to Dudley’s question on the problems associated with the project with a brief description of the project: that it was to be an add on to other existing stations, small air emissions, an additional shorter stack, no increase in traffic, smaller project than existing.  Gano asked about overhead lines; Isler said the overhead lines would not extend into residential areas.

 

Chair Timson called for a vote on the motion that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the addition of the Public Infrastructure Map Amendment filed March 17, 2006 with the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting for the Hawaiian Electric Company’s Campbell Industrial Park Generating Station.  The vote passed, 9-0-0.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.

 

Chair Timson noted that everyone had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m.

 

Costco in Kapolei:  Possible proposed site in Kapolei – Michael Chu, L P & D Hawaii discussed the possible location of a Costco site in Kapolei, explaining that they were exploring the block across from the Honolulu Advertiser, Home Depot and Outback Steakhouse as a site.  He noted that with 26,000 in population, a store would be supported and that with the adjacent freeway exit other communities would feed into the store.  The 160,000 square foot store would include a 16 pump gas station, was almost all zoned as BMX3 (the appropriate commercial zoning) – with the exception being a box culvert area running the length of the property on the opposite side to the needed driveways.  Mike Okuma, project manager reported that this would be Costco’s fifth project in Hawaii, that the company promotes from within, with a $16.72 per hour average wage, and workers earning $37,000 to $38,000 after 2 years.  He noted that several designs are under consideration and that as the company evolves the project they would return to the Board with presentations. He explained that Costco had a contract with the land, but would make a decision by summer of next year.  Ross asked about construction, with Okuma explaining that local construction workers would be used. Buckley noted that those from Makakilo would have to traverse Kapolei town in order to reach the store site and commented that there will be a traffic increase; Okuma said the store would do traffic impact fees, with Golojuch noting that fees didn’t help those in traffic congestion.  Buckley and Yamamoto added concerns about traffic, with Okuma noting that they would do a traffic study.  Dudley commented that the fees and study would not be sufficient and said that the roads need to be finished.  Young expressed concern but noted that it was reasonable to build outside the center of town. 

 

Chair Timson noted that everyone had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m.

 

C. Golojuch noted that as a president of a local union that she was concerned that the construction might not be using local union members and stressed that the project needed to use local union members. 

 

Joe O’Donnell, of Hawaii Ironworkers, testified against the project, expressing concern that the construction of Costco units has been without employment of local contractors and skilled local laborers, explaining that at only one of four Hawaii Costco sites were any local ironworkers hired and then only one, not the full crew needed.  Ross asked about O’Donnell’s comments since she had just been told that local companies would be used. Okuma said that on this project the intention was to use local laborers.  Chair Timson reported that since the agenda was published with the Costco item on the agenda, that she had received a half dozen calls from community residents expressing concern about the project.  Dudley said he supported Costco.  C. Golojuch said she would like Ironworkers Union and Costco to get together, with the intention that this project be more like the Hawaii Kai Costco project than the other sites.  Okuma said that Costco would be back again and that they will address questions asked at this meeting.  Ross said she would like to have commitment of Board support for local workers in construction projects.  Chair Timson suggested that the issue was not ready for a vote yet.

 

Transportation Committee:  Committee Chair Golojuch reported that the Board’s Transportation Committee meet with the High Capacity Transit Corridor Project’s representative Gary Omori and:

·         Reviewed the four basic routes under consideration,

·         Expressed the need for continuing input from the Ewa, Kapolei/Makakilo/Honokai Hale, and Waianae Coast communities as the City continues with the planning,

·         Communicated the committee’s consensus that options 4A & 4B not be considered,

·         Recommended circulator buses to feed to the stations, and

·         Suggested that the station size be cut in half.

 

Golojuch emphasied that the committee agreed that the route has go by the University of Hawaii West Oahu.  Golojuch noted that both Councilmember Garcia and Senator Kanno had directed monies to support the project.

 

Chair Timson noted that the full minutes of the Transportation Committee were posted on the website and encouraged other committees chairs, especially Buckley and Yamamoto, to hold committee meetings since both had important issues referred to the committees.

 

There were no other committee reports available.

 

Dudley requested that the issue of beautification in Makakilo (Makakilo Drive area) be added to the June 2006 regular meeting agenda.  Chair Timson said that the issue was a Board Parks Committee item and should be addressed first by the Parks Committee and then reported back to the full neighborhood Board.  Dudley moved and Yamamoto seconded that the first item of business at the June 2006 regular meeting agenda be the issue of Makakilo beautification.   Golojuch reported that as a community member, as well as through chance meetings with fellow City employees, he has been told that the details have not been worked out as Dudley understands:  the watering system is not in, has not been funded for the immediate future, and the different community groups, businesses and foundations have not agreed on a plan for immediate implementation.  Golojuch said such details could be developed at the Parks Committee meeting, also reporting that this project had been funded as a Vision project.  Dudley said that irrigation is installed on the side of the road and that he has letters and film of commitments to this project from organizations. Chair Timson called for a vote on the motion that the first item of business at the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 June 2006 regular meeting agenda be the issue of Makakilo beautification.  The vote failed, 4-5-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Kane, Yamamoto. Nay: Gojoluch, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young.  Chair Timson told Dudley to contact Parks Committee Chair Kane to establish a committee meeting.

 

Chair Timson reminded committee chairs that committees need to meet before the next May 24, 2006 Board meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT: With no objection, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:44 p.m., 9-0-0.  Aye: (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).

 

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff

Thursday, May 18, 2006

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