DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2006

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

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

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Martha Makaiwi, Jane Ross.

GUESTS: Captain Ken Yanimura (Honolulu Fire Department), Michele Golojuch; Lt. Ford (Honolulu Police Department); Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Senator Brian Kanno, Representative Mark Moses, Councilmember Nester Garcia, Councilmember Todd Apo, Joan Manke (Executive Secretary – Designee, Neighborhood Commission), Bob Isler; Rick Keller (Administrator), Walter Ozawa (Deputy Administrator), Christina Uebelein (Hawaii State Judiciary); Lavern Arnold, William Young, Lennie Behas, Daralene Richers, Lester Clemins, Barbara Ilae, Jonathan Ilae Sr., Jonathan Ilae Jr., Joe Kovaloff, Brian Kovaloff, Mark Hulett, Eduard Miner, Della Stennett, Mike Stennett, Roderick Baker, Kenneth Miner, Jaime Freitas, Charles Freitas, Charles Freitas Jr., Kahiau Freitas, Gary Costa, Larry Batten, Edward Vasconcellos, Larry Peterson, Ronald Joseph Jr., Harry Silva, Bob Sullivan, Sam McCracken, Mike Wilcox, Laurie Miyagawa, Frank Lopes, Darrick Rodrigues, Steven Tabangenra, Don Nunes, John Tabangcura, Gene Rodrigues, Ramona Moniz, George Grace IV, Les Pacrem, Lani Pacrem, Del Pacrem, Milton Pacrem, Ronald Ilae Sr, Bill Arnold, Christine Silva, Scott Silva, Jackie Grace, Shawn Bautista, George Grace III, Jeanette Grace, Giordan Grace, Evelyn Souza (Save Our Race Track – SORT); Frank Genadio (CBT), Amy Kaleikize, Lori Hoo (HECO), Carolyn Golojuch, Evelyn Souza, Celso Armijo, Doug Chafe, Gary Oliva (HECO), George Kuo (BWS), Pamela Witty-Oakland, Christian Jones, Alicia Stout, Layice Jones, H. Young, Damon J. Duhaylonsal (Voice of Kapolei), Theresia McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Mike Freitas, Alan R. Gano, Polly “Granny” Grace, Robin Wentzel, Karen Awana (Councilmember Apo’s Office), Likolehualani Yabuno, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

BOARD MEMBERS ROLL CALL: Six members present:  Buckley, Dudley, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, and Young. Chair Timson reminded the community of the Board’s rules on order and decorum – asking that all treat each other as if they were a neighbor or a friend in their own home – and noted the time limits on the distributed agenda.  She stressed that the room had to be vacated by 9:45 and that the parking lot was to be chained at 10:00 p.m.

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Ken Yanimura (HFD) reported February 2006 statistics for the Kapolei Station: four structure fires, three brush fires, three rubbish fires, eleven vehicle fires, forty-nine medical emergencies, four search and rescue, and six miscellaneous alarms.  Yanimura offered a monthly fire prevention/safety tip:

Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level.  Since cooking vapors and steam can set off a smoke detector, the detector should be located away from the kitchen or bathroom.  Wall-mounted detectors should be positioned 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents.  “Every home should have a WORKING smoke detector installed near each sleeping area and on every level.”

G. Grace said he supported of retention of the Hawaii Raceway and asked if HFD supported an extension of the track operation; Yanimura said he could not speak for the department but that he felt it was important for all groups to be able to practice their recreational sports.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Ford distributed a written report and highlighted crime statistics for Kapolei/Makakilo/Honokai Hale for January 2006 and December 2005 (format: January/December) – 1/1 robbery, 14/15 burglaries, 44/51 thefts, 54/45 auto thefts, 70/61 thefts from vehicles (UEMVs), 24/33 thefts from persons, 1/1 identity (ID) thefts, 92/105 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), 5/4 driving under the influence (DUIs), 34/28 criminal property damages (CPDs), 2/3 drugs. There were 370/378 adult arrests, 124/103 juvenile arrests, and 494/481 total arrests.  He will bring the February 2006 statistics at the next meeting.  Dudley said the Race Track closure is going to create more problems of racing on the freeway.  G. Grace asked if HPD supported extension of the track operation; Ford said that there was no HPD position and that as a uniformed officer, he would not express a personal opinion. 

G. Grace asked Chair Timson if the race track issue could be on the evening’s or a future agenda; Chair Timson explained that neighborhood boards deal with items of a public nature, that is a private matter and that Neighborhood Commission attorneys have said not to discuss such private matters, therefore she could not say that the issue may ever be on the agenda. 

C. Golojuch expressed continuing concerns about Makakilo Drive speeders; Ford said he had no new information, although he reported that it was continually being monitored.

Mayor’s Representative – Chair Timson welcomed and introduced Neighborhood Commission Executive Secretary-designee Joan Manke. 

Yamamoto suggested that the agenda be taken out of order to allow for some to speak of the large group present who were concerned about the race track issue, suggesting five or ten speakers only.  Chair Timson suggested that the first two presentation agenda items are allowed to proceed and then to allow for ten speakers on the racetrack issue, for one minute each.  Board members had no objections, 6-0-0. Aye: (Buckley, Dudley, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young). Chair Timson announced that ten speakers would be heard for one minute each on the race track issue.    

Chair Timson called on Mayor’s representative Henry Eng, (Director, Department of Planning and Permitting – DPP).  Eng announced the new Kapolei/Makakilo bulky item pickup schedule would be the first Monday of each month and for Honokai Hale would be the fourth Monday.  He invited visiting the web site for additional information: www.opala.org  He also reported that the ‘green waste’ pickup schedule would be announced soon.  He reported on prior issues:

1.      Youth gang concern at Kapolei shopping areas: HPD have checked the shopping areas and the theatre and did not find any youth gangs, homeless youths or truants creating a problem.  They will continue to make checks.

2.      Landfill issues continue to be of major concern to the City and are being reported on daily.  

3.      Tax relief from property taxes:  Mayor Hannemann has signed three measures that provide residential property tax relief (Bills 1 – increases exemptions, 66 – low-income filing, and 80 – tax credits limitations to 4% of income).

4.      Construction traffic and dust problems in Kapolei / Waipahu area: The City’s Department of Transportation Services is investigating the speeding concern in the area and will respond back, but if anyone observes construction speeding occurring, please contact Tammy Nakajo at 527-5006.  The City DPP requires erosion and dust control at the source, usually with dust barriers and watering.  Once dust leaves the site, the State Department of Health regulates it.  DPP is prepared to do additional investigations if a specific location is provided.

5.      Kapolei Regional Park, needing maintenance and hula mound issues: A groundskeeper is assigned to Kapolei Regional Park; however, he assists other areas when there are (daily) shortages.  The lighting at the hula mound walkway and the irrigation system require electrical connection through a building that has yet to be built (bids for the comfort station are over budget and the project needs to be reevaluated).

6.      Relocation of transit site (interchange construction): Current Transit Center was a temporary facility, recognizing the permanent site would not be usable until the City of Kapolei is further developed.  The transit center will go back to an on-street location when construction starts.

7.      Raceway track closure impacts:  HPD will monitor traffic and conduct safety campaigns.

Comments and questions were offered:  Dudley asked:  1) chains are needed to officially close off the HighPointe park (West Hills) – with Chair Timson asking that Board Parks Chair Kane also follow up, 2) he would like financial details on the comfort station bids, 3) he encouraged Mayor Hannemann to support a property tax proposal (Bill 12 – setting rates to operating budget changes), and 4) he asked if zoning would be a concern for Board consideration if there was to be construction of a new race track, to which Eng said that a proposal for new construction could be a zoning issue. Chair Timson asked if both Eng and Councilmembers could give future reports on Vision-process projects, especially Kapolei Park, hula mound and skateboard construction.  Yamamoto asked for a status report on the Kapolei Park’s parking lot.  An audience member expressed disappointment that Mayor Hannemann had not closed the Waimanalo Gulch landfill, saying the 2008 closure campaign issue.  C. Golojuch said funds are reported to not be available for the Makakilo transit system extension but that $200,000 in funds are available for community beautification.  G. Grace asked for support of the race track retention; Eng said the department has no position yet on the racetrack.  M. Freitas expressed concern about the continuation of the landfill but pointed to the length of time needed to secure an alternative site, stressed the need to make the current site better by following the established guidelines and suggested that the City involve the neighborhood in the process.  

Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported the Council has passed bills on property tax changes intended to provide tax relief to residents.  He reported increased exemptions, a circuit breaker concept to provide protection to low income owners to be effective sooner than originally established, the development of a “homeowner” classification, and change in the budget development limitations.  He also said budget hearings were starting (to be broadcast live and on tape) – to which he encouraged speakers to attend and participate, that the landfill area benefits package is on the Council agenda, and that the City’s recent $2.8 million fine from the State points to the need to operate the landfill correctly.   Dudley commented that the property tax relief would assist lower income homeowners, but not those of middle income; Apo pointed to several proposals under consideration, including the passed $80,000 exemption.  Yamamoto asked about overriding Mayor Hannemann’s veto of the 2008 Waimanalo Gulch landfill closure; Apo said he would support an override. G. Grace asked about the raceway issue, stressing public involvement, safety issues and recreation; Apo said that he feels the raceway is a needed attraction and that he has asked State agencies, especially the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to support the raceway, but that he understands that it is impossible to keep the current location active.  C. Golojuch thanked Apo for his commitment to support the veto override and that she would encourage others to also support an override.  Apo also said he would support adding funds to the budget to provide for the videotaping of neighborhood board meetings.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Councilmember Garcia distributed his report and stressed:

·         Dust and traffic issue on Farrington Highway – his office worked with several agencies, including calling the companies involved and the Department of Health, and understands that there has been an improvement according to comments his office has received.  He will work with Apo to see if funds are available to improve roadway surface.

·         Waimanalo Gulch landfill closure veto – he wants to have a disposal system in place before the closure and will thus not support an override.  He is concerned that there is no alternative and that premature closure would result in garbage piling up in residential homes and garages.  He supported the closure issue for 2004 and wants to find an alternative.  He voted for the original landfill extension bill to close the Waimanalo Gulch.  Dudley discussed transporting garbage to Washington State; Garcia said he was interested, but concerned that the Washington State people were truly agreeable to have their state used as a dumping site. Sullivan suggested that the name of Waimanalo Gulch, which he says should be referring to a Windward site, be changed to Ko’Olina Dump.  C. Golojuch supported more recycling and suggested a landfill near Mayor Hannemann’s residence or on the Windward side of Oahu; Garcia agreed that a Honouliuli location was not the only possible site area.  M. Freitas encouraged evaluation of other locations; Garcia agreed that the decision needs to be made before the last minute and said he sees no alternative (as plasma or transportation or high-energy incinerator) to a hole in the ground somewhere. 

·         G. Grace said he was starting a movement to retain the raceway operation and said speeding would be an issue if the race track were to close; Garcia said that the proposal still has many questions that need to be resolved and that he will continue to follow the issue.

·         A member of the audience asked about the closure hours at the HighPointe/West Hills area park and encouraged community participation in the landfill issue and park issues; Garcia said that the chains would be obtained and the closure hours would be posted.

·         Garcia noted that he had first proposed a landfill benefits package (including Makakilo).  Yamamoto said he was not in full support of the veto but stressed that the need to answer where the landfill was to located; Garcia added that the Landfill Site Location Commission may not have had all the information needed to make a recommendation.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported that the BWS is starting to collect art work for the 2006 calendar, that detect-a-leak week was coming up (and distributed material) and, as a tip, suggested turning off tap water when brushing teeth. Chair Timson noted receipt of a BWS letter advising of new construction at the Ewa Shaft site.

PRESENTATIONS: Chair Timson introduced presentation items for information and possible Board action, noting the need to keep to the time limits as the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 and that the parking lot was to be chained at 10:00 p.m.

Presentation – Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO):  Lori Hoo and Bob Isler discussed a HECO environmental impact statement (EIS) for a generating station project (including a line).  The draft EIS had been presented previously to the Board and the EIS was online at HECO’s web site, with a deadline of approximately 30 days.  Naphtha, a cleaner fuel, would be used in the project, adding a 120-foot stack in the Campbell area.  Dudley asked about ethanol; Isler said ethanol’s octane was not high enough to be used. Buckley said that Board’s Environment and Planning & Zoning Committees would review the EIS at future committee meetings.

Presentation – State of Hawaii Judiciary:  Rick Keller, Administrative Director of the Courts, introduced himself, deputy administrative director Walter Ozawa, and Kapolei Complex coordinator Christina Uebelein. The Judiciary is proposing to build a $95 million Family Court complex in Kapolei, with an additional $48 million being currently sought from the Legislature to cover too low initial cost estimates.  Depending on the funding, various proposals are possible, with the square foot size of the building determining the final amount of land that Campbell is making available to the State.  The three-year building project includes a new Family Court structure and an additional separate building which is a holding area for juveniles - intending to house juveniles for no more than two weeks before their court appearance.  Initial calculations did not take into account the rising costs of steel and other construction materials.  The original plan was for 260,000 square feet, with the funds now seeming to be able to purchase a 120,000 square foot four-story court building, plus 70,000 square feet for the detention facility, on 11 acres.  Chair Timson suggested a letter of support.  Young moved and Buckley seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board sent a letter of support to the Legislature for the additional $48 million to the Kapolei Family Court Center.  Dudley said he would not support the project, since it now includes closure of the Alder Street detention center and placement of the State’s center for problem youth in our backyard; Keller reiterated that the original proposal did have a juvenile facility component which the Board approved, and further explained that the Kapolei site was to be a holding center for the Kapolei Family Court and that the Alder Street site would not be closed.  Yamamoto said it would almost double and he would not support the expanded size; Buckley said it was not doubling, but only two halves of a whole.  Chair Timson expressed support of clean facility for ‘our kids.’  Keller answered Dudley’s query that the intended facility size would be for 52 beds, with 45 beds currently at Alder Street.  Dudley suggested traffic conflicts with transportation projects; Keller said it will be finished in 2010 or 2011 and that Campbell Estates master planning includes extra lanes and lights.  Gano asked about extra parking; Keller said that any additional property from Campbell Estate would go to both building and parking increases.  Moses reported need for the facility and that the Council on Revenues might be reporting additional availability in State revenue income within the next week.  Michele Golojuch expressed support.  C. Golojuch expressed need to replace Alder Street.  On the motion to support the additional Family Court funds, Chair Timson announced that the vote failed to achieve the required five votes to pass, the vote being 4-2-0.  Aye: (Buckley, Kane, Timson, Young).   Nay: (Dudley, Yamamoto).

Raceway Park Issue: Chair Timson introduced the race track issue, reminding the audience that each speaker was for one minute with a total of ten minutes, and that all present need to keep to the time limits as the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 and that the parking lot was to be chained at 10:00 p.m.  She also reminded the audience that the Board members were not, under the state sunshine law, supposed to comment, as the item is not on the agenda.  (M. Golojuch arrived during the presentation; seven Board members now present.)

·         Jeanette Grace, of Paradise Lua, expressed support of keeping the current raceway park in operation and stressed that she feels this is a public issue.

·         P. “Granny” Grace, supported the current ¼ mile and oval track operation, explaining that there is a 50-year tradition, and four generations, of racing – keeping racing off the streets. 

·         Robin Wingel, of Kaneohe, asked for a two-year extension to keep the raceway open; for the public safety, for park, for the family – asking for the site to be condemned.

·         Ken Minor, of Milililani, supported keeping the raceway open, and asks that petitions be signed, explaining that racing is a part of their lives.

·         Jamie Frietas, accompanied by her son Charles Frietas, reported that her son is a racer who participates in a program called ‘keiki ride-along.’  She asked for the raceway park to be kept open.  Charles also spoke, asking to have saved ‘the keiki bike race.’

·         Paul Sullivan supported the raceway park, especially keiki race, and expressed concern that the kids will now race on the streets, stressing that the raceway can help public safety.

·         Christopher Kaleokathe supported the raceway park, said that in the past skate parks were not being built and that racing should be similar, with the public starting to build race parks.

·         Debborah Bautista supports the race track.

·         George Grace, asked for written statement that retention of racetrack operation is private.

Chair Timson explained that Board Members were not permitted to discuss or take a position on this issue, as the item is not on the agenda, and that because it was private matter, it was an issue that should not be an agenda item at the present time.  Chair Timson discussed a Point of Order raised by Dudley, who asked about adding the “raceway” issue to the agenda – at this or at a future meeting - with Chair Timson ruling that the issue could not be considered by the Board as it was outside the powers and duties of the Board in that it was dealing with a “landlord-tenant” issue.  Chair Timson recessed for two minutes and then announced that she deferred to advice from Commission Executive Secretary Manke that Manke would discuss the issue with the Corporation Counsel.  Dudley said that Eng said that there was a City issue of zoning; the minutes were read that Eng said “the issue could be a zoning matter”; Chair Timson said the Board would have more advice by the March 22, 2006 Board meeting.

Young asked to reconsider the vote on the Court project since there had been the arrival of M. Golojuch, with Chair Timson taking a two minutes recess and then ruling that since the agenda item had passed, the Board would take the issue up at a future meeting.

PCS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITY ON PUU PALEHUA - Chair Timson noted the last meeting’s presentation requesting a conditional use permit and height waiver to develop a PCS telecommunications facility on Puu Palehua behind Umena Street for the Cingular Wireless company.  (The prior presentation’s motion of support was tabled.)  Chair Timson said no comments were reported subsequent to the last meeting.  M. Golojuch said that the area community associations have met and expressed no objections.  Gano said he had previously asked about using multiple antennas and suggests Board consideration of the total number and location of potential antennas.  Dudley repeated his statement from the last meeting that the design was the best that had been submitted to the Board.  Yamamoto said that the agenda misidentified the corporate name; Chair Timson said that since all members were present at the prior meeting and since an address was given the matter can proceed.  Chair Timson asked for any comments before a motion was heard.   M. Golojuch moved and Dudley seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 supports a conditional use permit and height waiver to develop a PCS telecommunications facility on Puu Palehua behind Umena Street. Chair Timson announced that the motion passed 6-1-0.  Aye: (Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, and Young).  Nay:  (Yamamoto).

Chair Timson reminded the community that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 and that the parking lot was to be chained at 10:00 p.m.

CHAIR'S REPORT: Due to the time constraints, there was consensus to skip the chair’s report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Due to the time constraints, there was consensus to skip reports from committee chairs.

BOARD/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Timson explained that, according to the Sunshine Law, Board members may not discuss items not on the agenda, although they may make brief announcements.  She also pointed out that, as everyone needed to end by 9:45 p.m., that she asks if those who had already spoken consider deferring discussion.  She asked Board Members to start with announcements: 

·         Dudley reported attending a State Land Board landfill hearing where Senator Hanabusa successfully argued that last year’s prohibition against a Ma’ili landfill should be honored. 

·         Chair Timson announced a Board of Education public gathering on March 5 at Kapolei Middle School, receiving a letter asking for a traffic light at Manawai and Haumea Streets, and a request that the public assist by reporting immediately anyone seen cutting area cattle fences. 

·         Michele Golojuch said that charity Grape Escape tickets are available (March 18).

·         Genadio said the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization did not place the Makakilo Drive proposed extension very high on its priority list, projecting it to the 2016-2030 time frame. 

·         Gano reported that ‘Olelo training is available for nominal amounts ($65), after which the cameras may be loaned out for projects such as filming the board meetings, which he suggests the board consider and that the board seek volunteers. 

·         McMurdo announced the start of the nomination period for the Campbell Estate outstanding resident award. 

·         P. Grace discussed the “C” lunch program of the State Department of Education as being inadequate and suggested that even going to three meals a day might be the right direction.

·         M. Golojuch reported on Palehua Community Association support on transportation issues.

·         Souza discussed stock car racing and reported that 30 years of dirt racing has been denied and asked for the legislature to fund; she asked for the current track to be retained.

·         C. Golojuch reports the first Aids-HIV Awareness Day celebration on March 10.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2006: Chair Timson asked for corrections to the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2006. Dudley said that there should be shown a commitment (page 5, middle of last paragraph) to discuss board member time limitations at this meeting; Chair Timson said she made no commitment for this meeting, that the commitment had been for an unspecified future meeting.  Chair Timson asked for a vote on placing the correction within the circulated draft minutes, with the motion to make a change to the minutes failing to pass, 2-3-2.  Aye: (Dudley, Kane).    Nay: (Golojuch, Timson, Young).  Abstain: (Buckley, Yamamoto). Young moved and Golojuch seconded to approve the Minutes for January 25, 2006 as circulated.  Chair Timson announced the vote as failing to pass, 4-3-0: Aye: (Buckley, Golojuch, Timson, Young). Nay: (Dudley, Kane, Yamamoto).

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Buckley reported that the school cafeteria rental deductions are not included (Publicity, $1498, Refreshments,  $120.00; Operating, $1252.79).

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART II:

Chair Timson noted that five minutes were left before the meeting needed to be closed.

Congressman Ed Case – No representative present.

Governor's Representative – No representative present.

Representative Michael Kahikina – No representative present.

Senator Brian Kanno – Senator Kanno distributed a written report, acknowledged community members attendance at the recent transit workshop, and noted  that the Kalaeloa Master Plan had been adopted. Kanno reported legislation (entitled: RELATING TO PRISONS HB 2833) had been introduced (co-signed by Representative Moses) to build a minimum-security facility at Kalaeloa.  Kanno said he will continue to oppose it in the Senate.  Buckley said he would like to hear issues not individuals. Golojuch thanked Kanno for the efforts to convene the transit workshop. Chair Timson said she is aware of long-standing community opposition to a Kalaeloa prison facility and requested Kanno to continue to oppose the issue. Dudley asked about closing of Alder Street facility; Kanno pointed out the Kapolei Court’s youth facility would be part of the prison system, a point he’s tried to consistently make, but that it is still designed to be a holding area.  Gano asked about the “minimum security” phrase in the Kalaeloa facility legislation; Kanno said that although it has new kind of language and phrases for different programs, - it says a “facility” but in the legislative and prison language, it’s still a prison.   

Representative Mark Moses – Chair Timson called on Representative Moses, who said he wanted to respond.  Chair Timson said he only had a few moments before the end of the meeting.  Moses said there is misinformation, that it was not a prison but “minimum security housing.”  He said it was an employment opportunity, a rehab and job skills program; saying workline programs are just like the youth challenge – national association of social workers supported this measure and Kate Bradey also supported the measure.  In testimony concerning the reinsertion, Moses said that Kate Bradey said the Community alliance on prisons didn’t oppose, but that HCDA did. 

Chair Timson said the Board’s time limit was past and that the meeting must be adjourned.

ADJOURNMENT: With no objection, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m., 7-0-0.  Aye: (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff