Printable Version (cut and paste into browser):

http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/06/34_2006_07Min.PDF  

MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

 NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Martha Makaiwi.

GUESTS:  Captain Mike Phillips (Honolulu Fire Department), Mike Freitas, Councilmember Todd Apo, Carolyn Golojuch, Glen Koyama, Mike Wilcox, Russ Nayod, Larry Sumida, Lee Sichter, Grant Murakami, John Ridings, Frank Brandt, Obed Donlin, Jo Jordan, Janet Kelly, Wendy Sefo, Bob Creps, Jay Obrey, Lolita Takeda, George Kuo, Rod Ohira, Lydia Bliss, Robert Fong, Representative Michael Kahikina, Lori Lum, Lyndon Williams, Michele Golojuch, Michael Golojuch Jr., Frank Genadio, Lt. Farrel Sojot (Honolulu Police Department), Cynthia Rezentes, Craig Nishida, Kuulei Jolonino, Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting); Donna Goth, Steve Kelly, Theresa McMurdo (Campbell Estate); Grant Murakami, Dr. Gene Awakuni, John Hara, Vi Verawudh (UH-West Oahu); Micah Kane, Chairman, Department of Hawaiian Homes Land; Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

BOARD MEMBERS ROLL CALL:  Eight Board members were present (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Sojot reported crime statistic comparisons for the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale neighborhood board area for June and May 2006 (format: June/May) – 2/2 robbery, 26/23 burglaries, 45/43 thefts, 26/22 auto thefts, 33/50 thefts from vehicles (UEMVs), 26/29 thefts from persons, 2/1 identity (ID) thefts, 91/73 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), 2/2 driving under the influence (DUIs), 29/27 criminal property damages (CPDs), 3/5 drugs. There were 357/332 adult arrests, 93/147 juvenile arrests, and 450/479 total arrests.  He also reported the Crime Tip of the Month:

News laws were passed regarding arson as follows:

1.      Arson in the first degree (Class A felony or $20,000 damages)

2.      Arson in the second degree (Class B felony or $1,500 damages)

3.      Arson in the third degree (Class C felony or $500 damages), and

4.      Arson in the fourth degree (misdemeanor).

HPD hopes that these new laws will help in deterring arson crimes. If you have any information regarding a recently set fire, please call HPD arson investigators at 529-3115 and the HFD investigators at 488-7955. Senate Bill 2941 permits the courts to assess the defendant for the cost of fighting a fire. The law will also make parents/guardians liable for the cost of extinguishing the fire based upon the percentage of damage done by the minor.

Additional information was shared that plain-clothes officers are investigating several burglaries in the Knolls area, that a major beach beatification project will be undertaken in Pokai Bay on August 5, and that the HPD will revert to a 5-day workweek on August 13.

Kane inquired about the recent Roosevelt (and Baker Street) fatal accident, with Sojot responding that he could not comment because juveniles were involved.  Chair Timson reported that the vehicle had gone through a chain link fence, with the rammed-down fence now being replaced with concrete barriers.  Golojuch noted the ending of HPD’s trial “3-day a week” shift, commenting that it had been a good experiment.  C. Golojuch reported on having made three 911 calls before obtaining a HPD response, stating that she understood the prioritizing process of responses, but asking if more officers should be requested by the community.  Sojot reported that HPD District commander Major Tamashiro had been here at a past meeting and had then reported that changes were occurring at the end of the month and that 6 new officers were being assigned to the district.  He apologized for the delay in response and explained that the sending of officers is performed by HPD dispatch.  Chair Timson thanked Sojot and asked for the audience and members to observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those whose lives were lost in the Kalaeloa accident.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Mike Phillips, of the Makakilo Station, reported three structure fires, five brush fires, six rubbish fires, two vehicle fires, 32 medical emergencies, one search-and-rescue call and four miscellaneous calls.  He reported no major events and no unusual situations.  As a fire safety tip, Phillips reminded everyone that schools were resuming classes today, with more kids being out running around in perhaps higher concentrations and in different locations, recommending that even more care be exercised than normal. 

Mayor’s Representative – Henry Eng, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting, represented Mayor Hannemann and distributed copies of the Mayor’s community report for July 2006.  Eng reported on the following issues: 

1.      Members had been appointed to the Multi-Track Benefits Program Committees (Waimanalo Landfill), with the note that residents from Makakilo and Honokai Hale were included.  

2.      Continuing shortage of asphalt has resulted in delays of completion for several community roadway projects, as well as delaying a few starts, with current supplies priorities to go to emergency repairs, explaining that the shortage was expect to lessen in the next few months.

3.      Construction waste has been inspected at the skateway park site, adding that the soil had been tested as part of the planning and design process.

4.      Schuler Homes has discussed the construction of a total of 450 additional homes in the Makakilo area, with 180 units approved as part of the current plans submittal.

5.      The completions of the Kapolei freeway interchange segments, as well as the extention of the Kamolika Parkway (which would be in conflict with a possible Cosco location) are intended to be completed as early as 2008.

Eng also invited the community to participate in an upcoming workshop entitled “2050 Sustainability” on August 26, 2006, in a community-wide beach cleanup at Pokai Bay on August 5, 2006, and announced a meeting on the future of the Waimanalo Landfill on August 10, 2006.

Chair Timson noted that representatives of Campbell Estate were present and could make a short presentation on the just-announced traffic plans for the freeway interchange.  Chair Timson asked if members would object to the adding of a “traffic presentation by Campbell Estate” to the evening’s agenda; without objections, Chair Timson declared the item was added to the agenda to follow public agencies’ presentations, 8-0-0.

Kane inquired about the status of the hula mound completion, as well as that of the stakeboard park and the Kapolei Park in general, and asked if there could be a report by Eng at the August 2006 meeting.  Buckley expressed concern that the Kapolei Park parking lot was reported in the minutes as needing permission from Campbell Estate for the start of construction; Eng said that the referenced need for permission was not correct.  Buckley continued that the Board had previously voted that the number 1 priority for the Board and the community was the parking lot, not the hula mound.  Eng said that the permit was not yet issued, but that it’s on the move.  Buckley stressed that although the parts of the project have been delayed, the parking lot is the priority.   Apo reported that the Council had always asked for both projects -- the hula mound and the parking lot -- and that Council had always been told that both (including skate board) were funded so that all Park projects should be on track.  Dudley asked about the recently approved 180 unit Schuler housing project above St. Jude’s Church and expressed concern about new units increasing traffic congestion on Kapolei Parkway; Eng said he would look at the general housing and traffic issue and would report progress or change.  Dudley also asked about St. Jude’s parking lot driveway, saying that the church had proposed extending into the subdivision’s roadway, but that the request had been turned down.  He also asked if parking could be banned on Makakilo Parkway below Ala Hoi Road intersection where the current parked vehicles impede traffic as the lanes are reduced from 2 lanes to one lane. 

Golojuch submitted written community traffic concerns, primarily making a request for status reports on current Kapolei Parkway projects, and, as the several Parkway projects (listed below) had been given high priority, why (and from where) are the Makakilo Drive widening improvements now being proposed (as these projects are not part of the planning or funding through the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transit Improvement Projects – OMPO TIP – nor the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan – ORTP).  Traffic projects (generally tied to Kapolei Parkway area) requested for status reports:

1)      Kamolika extension between Roosevelt Road and Kapolei Parkway

2)      Kapolei Parkway between Ewa Villages and North-South Road

3)      Kamaaha Avenue and Manawai Street

4)      Makakilo Interchange upgrades

5)      Makakilo Drive second access

He also asked for an explanation of why was Makakilo left out of community benefits package being designed for those communities impacted by the Waimanalo Gulch dump.  Eng reported that community residents were part of the committee reviewing the benefit proposals; Chair Timson asked that if Eng had the list of the appointees with him at this evening’s meeting for them to be provided later.  C. Golojuch asked about the energy efficiency of the units in the planned Schuler development and suggested that Eng require energy efficiency in housing projects as part of the permit process.  Chair Timson asked for a projection of housing projects (and units) over the next several years.

Roadway Report -- Kapolei Property Development (KPD): Chair Timson introduced Donna Goth, President of Kapolei Property Development LLC, an affiliate of the James Campbell Company, who reviewed plans that had just been announced at a press conference on transit items; especially reporting plans for the construction of a one-mile extension of Kapolei Parkway between Fort Barrette Road and Kamokila Boulevard, as well as a Kama’aha Avenue and Manawai Street extension project (near Kapolei Shopping Center).  KPD pledged $15 million to fast track Kapolei Parkway and a total of $25.9 million was committed on current Kapolei road projects. Other projects reported on included interchange stacking lanes, Kamokila Boulevard extension, and off-ramp and on-ramp alterations (with a November 2006 groundbreaking).  Goth explained that the KPD/Campbell financial participation will allow for a rapid construction completion schedule.  Golojuch noted that the Board had previously taken positions favoring transit projects, especially that for the 300-foot extension of Roosevelt Boulevard which would enable an alternative to the Kapolei Shopping Center gridlock, but that almost all projects had been bogged down with many delays; Goth said that most of these project designs would be completed this year and construction was intended to be finished in 2008.  Golojuch asked if that included the environmental study for the Schuler Homes area as well as the Makakilo offramp at the storage area; Goth said yes, both were included.  Yamamoto expressed thanks for the assistance to the community.  Dudley also expressed appreciation and asked about Makakilo Drive alterations; Goth explained that the intersection alterations could not be done on the Diamond Head side (due to utility locations) but the other side could be moved, with the stacking lane to be lengthened and two right and two left turn lanes.  Dudley pointed out that the problem is in the Kapolei Parkway area going to the HPD station.  An audience comment was that Ft. Barrette traffic is to be funneled into the HPD station area.  Ridings commented that an additional choke point was from Ft. Barrette at Farrington Highway; Goth pointed out that the State has plans to widen Farrington, as well as the relief from the North-South Road.  Chair Timson thanked Goth for the presentation and reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m. in order to allow the custodians to close up.

Councilmember Todd Apo – Apo reiterated his earlier comments, stressing that he had budgeted items for the completion of the Kapolei Park, that the directors had heard that the items were important, and recommended that the Board should reiterate their high prioritization of the project.  Chair Timson noted that the Board would send out another letter supporting completion of the Kapolei Park, if there were no objections.  No objections were voiced. Apo reported planning for affordable housing options and successful reduction of real estate taxes – a $200 lowering as well as the adoption of a lower rate.  Chair Timson noted that the Board’s Park priorities were for parking, the hula mound and the skate park.

Board of Water Supply – George Kuo represented the BWS and reported no main breaks for June 2006, that the annual Halawa xeriscape weekend would be August 5, that the annual water quality report would soon be sent out (with a billing statement), and that the rate increase would be shown on the July 15 to September billing. Jolonino thanked the BWS for moving construction pipes from the Honokai Hale area.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – No representative was present, however, a written report was distributed.

Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m.

PRESENTATION

Grace Pacific – Bob Creps, Senior Vice President for Grace Pacific presented an update on quarry operations, explaining the future plans to continue quarrying away from the freeway going mauka.  He explained that crushed rocks with different densities are used, and that the continual demand for certain types has them making plans to apply for modifications to the current Conditional Use Permit and Special Use Permits, which will expand the project lines mauka, but continuing to be within the land owned by Grace Pacific and continuing to be out of the public view plane.  The future submittal will be to increase the buffer zone for operations.  Creps noted that the Council has said that the quarry does not fit the criteria for a future landfill and that the quarry will be renaturalized before its end use is determined.   Creps welcomed comments to himself (674-5201) and Jay Obrey (441-0602).

Kane asked about the renaturalized plan, which Creps said was to be grass on a 2% slope.  Ross, Young and Golojuch noted past problems with dust but agreed that Grace Pacific has been hard at work with the adjacent community associations in mitigation measures, with Creps committing to continue to work with neighbors.  Buckley asked about the length of the quarry operation, which was projected to be twenty years and with the buffer defined as intending to keep people away, as well as separating people from noise, blasting and trucking.  Dudley asked about land ownership and end use, with Creps reporting that ownership was with Grace Pacific and that no plans were made yet for the ultimate end use.  Bliss said that she was a neighbor who takes long walks at night and is concerned about 24-hour operations; Young noted alterations of truck operations as an example of company attempts to improve neighborhood, with Chair Timson asking for Bliss to talk directly with Creps. Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m.  C. Golojuch asked about prior concerns; Creps noted that smaller blasts are now done, lowering air concussion, and repeated his phone numbers, including Obrey at 306-7994.  Chair Timson noted no action was requested at this time but that Grace Pacific is an active participant in the community and offered thanks for the corporate support at the weekend’s Farm Fair. Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m.

University of Hawaii West Oahu Proposed Plan Review Use and Zone Change Application – Grant Murakami and UH-West Oahu Chancellor Gene Awakuni reviewed a proposed Plan Review Use and Zone Change Application for University of Hawaii West Oahu.  Awakuni explained that the 500-acre (makai) and 991-acre (mauka) properties were to be developed first on the makai side of the freeway, with the 500 acres being developed through release of 287 acres to pay for the improvements to the 214-acre UH-West Oahu site.  The core university teaching area would be surrounded by housing and support areas, including an elementary school.  The 500-acre parcel is being planned as single concept Campus Master Plan to accommodate 7,600 students, although the initial campus (Phase 1 – 111 acres) will be for 1,520 students.  Phase 1, with 454 housing units, is being projected for completion in fall of 2009.  Funding for infrastructure planning was being assisted through the Department of Hawaiian Homes Land. Awakuni introduced Chairman Kane of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, who added, in answer to Golojuch’s question, that the project planners have been working with the City’s Eng.  

Buckley endorsed the new concept of student housing to what was previously conceived as a commuter campus, stressing the need to mix students to improve the learning process and called attention to the need for faculty housing; Awakuni agreed and pointed out that the accommodation concept plan included staff as well. Yamamoto asked about curriculum intent, with Awakuni noting plans for both upper and lower division baccalaureates, including possible BAs in food service, early childhood education, social work and computer. Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m.  Yamamoto also asked about parking, with Awakuni saying that there would be enough parking.  Dudley asked for the comparison with the Manoa campus, which was set at 320 acres, which, excluding the East-West Center, the Quarry, and Lab School, leaves a core campus of 150 acres.  Dudley also pointed to the need for athletic sites, which Awakuni said would still be accommodated, with Dudley stressing the need to plan for the need for 75 years hence and for the need to have a green space.  Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m. An audience member stressed the need for parking, with Awakuni again saying that the planning has enough parking. C. Golojuch noted that the State House of Representatives was unable to fund the UH West Oahu, congratulated the designers of the concept and asked what the community could do to support the project, asking for web site posting so that supporters can assist.  M. Golojuch noted need for additional levels of education.  Chair Timson thanked Awakuni, M. Kane and the others for the presentation and asked what UH was seeking from the Board, with Awakuni explaining that the issue was not directly before the Neighborhood Board but others.  Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the University of Hawaii West Oahu Makai Campus Conceptual Use Plan and request UH West Oahu continue to communicate its planning to the Neighborhood Board.   The vote passed, 8-0-0.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.  Chair Timson reported the motion passed and that she would write a letter to the University.  Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated no later than 9:45 p.m.  Chair Timson also invited Hawaiian Homes Land to attend the September meeting to report on progress.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 25, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2006.  Golojuch moved and Young seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2006. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 2, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2006.  Young moved and Golojuch seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2006. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 22, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2006. Young moved and Golojuch seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2006. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 26, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2006.  Clarifications were noted for the BWS and are attached to the April 2006 Minutes. Young moved and Ross seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2006. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 24, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2006.  Young moved and Ross seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of May 24, 2006. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 28, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for a motion on the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2006.  A correction to page 11 was noted, correcting #40 to read that “Buckley related that there were 17 issues brought up by the community.” Young moved and Ross seconded for approval of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Regular Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2006 as corrected. The vote passed, 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain:  Dudley.

BOARD'S REPORT

Chair's Report – Chair Timson presented a letter from Wal-Mart (faxed July 26, 2006), with a copy distributed to members, which reports that Wal-Mart does not currently have the answers to many of the questions posed at the June 28, 2006 meeting.  The letter comments on traffic issues and informs that “Wal-Mart is continuing to consider its options” …  “and will continue to keep the Neighborhood Board informed in a timely manner as decisions are made and planning progresses.”  Chair Timson noted police are concerned about traffic speeding on Roosevelt Avenue in Kalaeloa. 

Treasurer's Report – Buckey reported that the Board had $1017.66 left in the Board’s account at the end of the June 30, 2006 fiscal year, as well as $120 in the refreshment account. Dudley commented that the Board should be considering video taping, with Chair Timson explaining that the cost of taping every monthly meeting could not be met by that amount.  Dudley reported that at the recent Commission meeting which he had attended he had been told that the Board could combine it different funds in order to do videotaping.  Chair Timson referred to the amounts just reported and explained that there still was not sufficient funds for monthly videotaping and that she had not yet received any letter from the Commission providing more funds.

Committee Reports – Golojuch distributed copies of the long range planning document for Oahu’s transportation projects, noting that transit projects are planned, prioritized and committed to decades in advance and stressed the need for Board Members to be actively involved in transportation committees.

BOARD/COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1.      Golojuch noted that a taping had been done of portions of last month’s meeting and that it had been showing on the ‘Olelo channel.

2.      Dudley suggested a resolution of thanks to Board Member Makaiwi for her service to the Honokai Hale community, perhaps to be accompanied by flowers.  Ross explained that Makaiwi had been in the hospital, was currently in therapy, and the expression of good wishes would be conveyed. Dudley discussed the appropriateness of a motion considering that three meetings had been missed and the seat was considered vacated.  Chair Timson noted that three meetings per year had not been missed.  Young also noted that three meetings had not been missed and that the words “can or may” are in the appropriate place in the rules (Neighborhood Plan).

3.      Dudley inquired about the status of Board committees.  Chair Timson stated that the Board would go back to the “Committee of the Whole” since for an entire year, after numerous requests, committee chairs did not have a single meeting, except for Mike Golojuch.  Dudley said he would be Chair of planning and Zoning; Chair Timson invited Dudley to work with Golojuch instead.

4.      An audience question asked about the boundaries of the Board, with Chair Timson explaining that the current boundaries are the same as the 96707 zip code, adding that if more population increases the communities, the Board could consider split – which it had done before – or it could add members. 

5.      Dudley noted that 25 minutes more remained and asked that the Board take action on a complaint.  Chair Timson reported that the Board has a 30 day window to respond to the complaint but that there are issues yet to be resolved from the Commission before the Board can consider taking a vote, including unresolved anger management and required classes.

ADJOURNMENT:  Ross moved and Golojuch seconded to adjourn.  With no objection, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m., 8-0-0.  Aye: (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff.