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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 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, Michael Golojuch, Shad Kane (late), Martha Makaiwi, Jane Ross, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto (late), Linda Young.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Kioni Dudley.
GUESTS: Bryan Kamedis (Honolulu Fire Departement), Dena Ackerman, Chris Ackerman, Doug Chafe, Michael Golojuch Jr., Mike Freitas, Ron Schaedel, Senator Brian Kanno, Keoni Fox, C. Zahn, Jackie Zahn, Barbara Gaboya, Alan Gano, Carletia Chg, Richard Burns, Damon Duhayconsod, Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nester Garcia’s Office staff), Carolyn Golojuch, Jackie Conant, Lyndon Williams, Rusti Gephart, Gerrit Chinen, Michele Golojuch, Frank Genadio, Wes Frysztacki; Lt. Farrel Sojot, Sgt. Jayson Kawanaole (Honolulu Police Department); Rick Prahler, Cynthia Rezentes, Craig Nishida, Kuulei Jolonino, Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Gary Omori, Emily Viglielemo, Shannon Ahuna, Josie Amasiu, Ryan Fernandez, H. Young, Rose Churma, Theresia McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Gary Omori (High Capacity Transit Corridor Project), Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
BOARD MEMBERS ROLL CALL: Six Board members answered the roll call (Buckley, Golojuch, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, 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.).
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Bryan Kamedis reported the following:
1) For the Kapolei area, there were five structure fires, two brush fires, three rubbish fires, five vehicle fires, 40 medical emergencies, five service calls and eighteen miscellaneous calls. He reported no major events and no unusual situations.
2) Fire Safety Tip of the Month: Have and Practice Your Escape Plan. Prepare a fire escape plan. Map out your escape routes with at least two ways out of each room. Designate a location outside of the house where everyone can meet. Know where the closest phone is located to call 911. Practice your escape plan periodically. For information call Fire Prevention Bureau at 732-7153.
Yamamoto arrived (seven members present).
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. Jason Kawanaole reported the following information:
1) Crime statistics comparisons for the general Makakil/Kapolei/Honokai Hale neighborhood board area for March and April (format: March/April) – 2/1 robbery, 21/19 burglaries, 57/45 thefts, 46/40 auto thefts, 70/44 thefts from vehicles (UEMVs), 25/26 thefts from persons, 0/2 identity (ID) thefts, 78/86 motor vehicle collisions (MVCs), 2/2 driving under the influence (DUIs), 23/26 criminal property damages (CPDs), 3/3 drugs. There were 335/236 adult arrests, 115/121 juvenile arrests, and 450/357 total arrests.
2) Crime Tip of the Month: The graduation season is approaching and a high number of parties and celebrations are anticipated. HPD wishes to shares the Host Liability Law, and it reads as follows:
Any person twenty one years old or older who:
1. Sells, furnishes, or provides alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of twenty one,
OR 2. Owns, occupies, or controls premises on which alcoholic beverages are consumed by anyone under the age of twenty one years old, and who knows of alcoholic beverage consumption by anyone under twenty one years of age on the premises, and who could have reasonably stopped or prevented the drinking of alcoholic beverages by these people.
ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ALL INJURIES OR DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE INTOXICATED PERSON WHO IS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY ONE.
Golojuch thanked the Kapolei Station for hosting the HPD business academy; with Chair Timson congratulating Golojuch for his successful completion of the 10-week course.
D. Ackerman commented on Makakilo Street speeding, both up and down the hill, that she observed on the way to the meeting. She also called attention to a current boom in illegal motorized scooters and skateboards and asked for increase enforcement of laws. She was asked to call 911 immediately whenever she observes such activity.
Chair Timson reported that Councilmember Garcia has a status report later on the agenda on the skateboard park.
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 May 2006. Eng was available to respond to community questions, noting that prior meeting’s questions on a future Wal-Mart store have not yet become a direct City issue because no permits have yet been requested by Wal-Mart. He said he understands the status to be that Wal-Mart has contracted with Campbell Estate for consideration of a possible sale, but that it’s not a final offer, and that a traffic consultant has been hired as part of Wal-Mart’s investigation. Other concerns mentioned at the past meetings, such as labor issues, are not City planning issues. Golojuch asked about the status of the Multi-Track Benefits Program Committees with Eng explaining that the selection of members is still under review. Yamamoto said that he had spoken to Jeff Coelho [Director of the Department of Community Services who represented Mayor Hannemann at the April 2006 meeting] and was told that there were 24 volunteers who are under consideration for appointment to the committees. Nishita noted that at the April meeting a request was made to see if Wal-Mart could be brought to a future Board meeting with a presentation, with Eng explaining that there was no City presentation requirement but that the City would encourage Wal-Mart to attend; Chair Timson said that Wal-Mart had contacted her and that she would be scheduling a presentation in June or July. Nishita added that he was recently on the Big Island where he had observed 30 large shipping containers in a Hilo Wal-Mart parking lot and expressed concern that the concentration of containers created an adverse impression that he felt was out-of-keeping with his concept of the Kapolei town center; he said he would leave photos with Chair Timson.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee, who distributed Garcia’s written report and emphasized the following, represented Councilmember Garcia and announced:
1. The crosswalks near Makakilo Elementary have been repainted, giving thanks to the assistance of school principal Shelton Ushio, Evelyn Souza and the efforts of the City Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS).
2. Work covered by the contract for the Kapolei Regional Park’s skate park has started, which is for eight months and an estimated finish in January 2007, and expressed thanks to Chair Timson for her efforts; who noted she would be calling every week for a status report.
Golojuch noted that the most recent version (CD2) of the Council’s Budget bill left funds out for flashing lights for the Makakilo Elementary crosswalk; Chee said it was in the original version of the draft legislation and that it should be in the final draft. Buckley discussed that the Kapolei Regional Park’s road was almost completed but that since the parking lot had not been started, the road would likely be blocked off; Chee explained that the finish date was at the end of summer but that although the project might appear to be finished, it was not complete until the City had accepted all parts of the contracted tasks. Buckley reiterated that the access and the parking lot were needed, with the coming start of the soccer season. Schaedel recommended that the material uncovered by the skate park’s construction be inspected since the site had previously been used as a construction fill material storage site. Nathan introduced himself as a Barber’s Point resident and asked for consideration of more City bus service and City roadway lights, discussing that since Barber’s Point was a state “enterprise area” it seemed like it was not receiving direct City services; Chair Timson asked him to discuss the issue directly with the HCDA Kalaeloa representative outside the meeting as he had already called her and she referred the matter to Pearlyn who will discuss this issue with him.
Councilmember Garcia announced that Wayne Hashiro had been confirmed at the Council’s Executive Matters Committee. C. Golojuch discussed the need for additional safety measures installation at the Makakilo Elementary School and on Makakilo Drive generally, agreeing that the crosswalk painting was a good first step but that the additional flashing lights and police presence was still needed, pointing out that the block (of 4 tenths of a mile) was too long. Garcia agreed, but also said that the crosswalk was not centered. Ackerman pointed out that the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) had been requested to install a crosswalk ten years ago, referring to DTS has having failed to respond not Garcia. Garcia said that the flashing-lights line item was in the current budget version.
Board of Water Supply – No representative was present.
Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project – Gary Omori reported that the community is continuing to be invited to provide input for the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project, with a future presentation scheduled for June 24, 2006 at the Kapolei Hale City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. where an updated version of the project will be discussed. The update version is to include rider-ship estimates, and there will be three presentations, the first on June 24, the second on June 26 at Honolulu Hale, and the third on the Board’s meeting night of June 28 at Aliamanu Middle School, is to include rider-ship estimates. He noted that he had originally planned to give a report at the Board’s June meeting but suggested instead that interested Board members and public should attend the June 24 meeting. He asked if there were any questions that he could be contacted directly at 551-6693 and reminded the audience that the transit project information was on the web at: www.honolulutransit.org
Member Kane arrived (eight members present).
PRESENTATION
Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) – Mel Nobacki reported background information on the State’s Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii which serves as the conduit through which many State programs dealing with housing (including public housing, Federal Section 8, homeless initiatives, assisted housing development and fair-housing programs) are supported. Rick Pralier represented Castle and Cooke Homes Hawaii and discussed plans of Castle & Cooke to develop, under contract from HCDCH, three Villages of Kapolei parcels:
1. Village 2: 72 tax credit rental units (3.474 acres), intended for those with an annual income of $42,000
2. Village 5: 118 for-sale units (7.615 acres), intended for those with an annual income of $100,000
3. Village 6: 110 for-sale units, 100 gap-rental units and 72 tax credit rental units (9.807 acres), intended for those with an annual income of $85,000
Construction for Villages 2 and 5 is planned to start in the later part of 2006 (site grading and construction) and housing construction starting in mid- and late 2007, with Village 6 not starting until mid 2007. Castle & Cooke would serve as the initial operator of the rental units. The Kapolei Master Plan has the same concept for Villages 2 and 5 but these plans for Village 6 are a change from the Plan concept for senior housing, which was explained as allowable within the current zoning.
Kane asked about tax credit rentals, which was explained as a combination of state and federal credits which allow for ten years worth of credits to the developer to pay for the whole project and provides for the rents are controlled. Yamamoto asked if the HCDCH project’s tax credit package was unique to the area, with the explanation that the same credit tools can be used in other areas. An audience member asked about construction dust, explaining that trees are dying and houses adjacent to other Kapolei projects have suffered sever damage due to dust. Buckley asked about availability, which was explained that Castle and Cooke would select tenants or sales by lottery. Buckley also asked about an open lot in Village 2 which was reported to be zoned for mixed commercial use, with a possible church recommended for consideration along with Starbucks or 7-11, although Nobaki said there were a number of issues -- and a public request for a proposal would be announced later this year – with the issues including the impending split of HCDCH into two separate entities. Buckley said he hoped that the issue would be reported on prior to the proposal being passed out.
Chair Timson noted that the meeting had to vacate the cafeteria by 9:45 p.m. Yamamoto asked about long range housing plans; Nobaki commented that new legislation (omnibus housing bill) passed recently but the City does not have a mechanism to participate. Chair Timson confirmed with HCDCH that this presentation was for information only.
Broadband Wireless – Keoni Fox represented Clearwire LLC and discussed a proposal to add broadband wireless antennas to the Kapolei High School football field lights. He explained that Clearwire is currently on Maui, is expanding operation on Oahu, and would add four 36-foot antennas and several dishes to the existing light standards on the home side of the field. He said that it would be low power and that Clearwire is in negotiations with the Department of Education and Kapolei High School. He distributed additional information (including maps, photos, background information on antennas and schematics of the location) and noted that the permits currently are being submitted to the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting. Yamamoto asked about the area of coverage, with Fox explaining that it will be an option to community members and that the school will receive the negotiated benefits. McGowen asked about the connection, with Fox explaining that a modem would be required. Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the Clearwire LLC’s permits with regard to a broadband wireless antenna application filed with the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting to be located at the Kapolei High School. The vote passed, 8-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Unitek Facility Environmental Assessment – The Unitek Solvent Services Facility was represented by Rose Churma who explained that the existing Campbell Industrial Park operation was conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) as part of the expansion of the tire recycling buildings at the current site. The new building would be a warehouse with two levels of office, a concrete pad storage area and 8 parking stalls. The EA is required because the facility is within a special management area (SMA) adjacent to the ocean; the SMA permit requires the community to be informed. Kane asked about discharges, with Churma explaining that the site was self-contained and that the change would be a consolidation of warehouse and offices from a current site of a mile away, adding that the Department of Health (DOH) monitors the site. Yamamoto asked how high tires were stacked, with Churma explaining that the stacks are limited to 12 feet by fire code and are stored in preparation to being shredded. Buckley asked about septic tank, which Churma said was permitted by DOH ruling. Buckley moved and Golojuch seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the Unitek Solvent Services Facility’s application to expanded the existing Campbell Industrial Park operation with the addition of a warehouse with two levels of office, a concrete pad storage area and 8 parking stalls and supports the Environmental Assessment (EA) submittal to the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting. The vote passed, 8-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Chair’s Report – Chair Timson quoted from the Neighborhood Plan (Section 4-5.2) and reported that the 2005-2006 term of officers elected following the Board Members’ election last year terminates at the end of May and the new term is to start in June. Chair Timson opened the agenda item of election of chairperson and asked for any nominations. Ross nominated Timson for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Chairperson, seconded by Makaiwi. Chair Timson turned the gavel over to Golojuch and discussed projects, issues and concerns regarding the Kapolei community. With no other nominations and no objections, Vice Chair Golojuch closed the nominations. Yamamoto said that the elections should be held in June. In a discussion on the Neighborhood Plan, it was pointed out that Section 4-5.2 says that the officer’s term is only until the end of May, not a phrase of “until the successor is elected.” The vote was 7-0-1, with Timson elected chairperson. Aye: Buckley, Gojoluch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young. Abstain: Yamamoto.
Chair Timson opened the agenda item of election of vice-chairperson and asked for any nominations. Young nominated Golojuch for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Vice-Chairperson, explaining that he had represented the Board and Kapolei community well in the past year. Ross offered a second. Golojuch noted that the issue of transportation was an important item for the coming year. With no other nominations and no objections, Chair Timson closed the nominations, 7-0-1, declaring Golojuch elected vice-chairperson. Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young. Abstain: Yamamoto.
Chair Timson noted that the agenda only provides for election of the chairperson and vice-chairperson. Ross proposed to continue to fill the normal Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 board offices of secretary and of treasurer, with Buckley saying it should be treated as a typo. Buckley moved and Ross seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 changes its agenda to include the filling of the offices of secretary and treasurer by election. Chair Timson noted that a two-thirds vote was required and asked for the vote, which passed 7-0-1. Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young. Abstain: Yamamoto.
Chair Timson opened the agenda item of election of secretary and asked for any nominations. Golojuch nominated Young, stressing that she has done good job for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Secretary. Ross seconded. With no other nominations and no objections, Chair Timson closed the nominations, 7-0-1, declaring Young elected secretary. Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young. Abstain: Yamamoto.
Chair Timson opened the agenda item of election of treasurer and asked for any nominations. Golojuch nominated Buckley, for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Treasurer. With no other nominations and no objections, Chair Timson closed the nominations, 6-0-2, declaring Buckley elected treasurer. Aye: Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Young. Abstain: Buckley, Yamamoto.
Treasurer’s Report – Buckley reported Board balances are all positive and explained that the Kapolei High School has yet to debit the account for the annual room rental.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Education Committee -- Dudley not present
Environment/Public Safety -- Yamamoto had no additional report.
Planning / Zoning -- Buckley reported that a report on the last Kapolei development was to be expected.
Parks -- Kane reported that the Outdoor Circle and Stan Oka are working together to place trees for community beautification.
Transportation -- Golojuch reported that transportation issues are at a critical point, with the parts of the transit system being finalized after thirty years. He pointed out that the high capacity-transit corridor project is seeking input, and for the next three years, will be continuing design and starting construction.
Chair Timson addressed the Board’s failure to hold committee meetings except for the Transportation committee. She reported that she made numerous requests to the committee chairs over the past year to hold committee meetings. These Chairs are the ones who requested committee meetings but failed to have any in a year and never responded to Chair Timson’s numerous requests and emails to have them. She said that committees could be disbanded and presentations be made only at the Board meetings as they are now being done in absence of committee meetings. She also noted that the Board’s budget can take into account the elimination of committees.
Announcements: Community members made the following announcements and comments:
1. A Wal-Mart group was started last month to discuss concerns about the possible placement of a Wal-Mart store in Kapolei, with material available in the back of the room and on the web at www.Kapolefirst.com The group’s concerns, as announced by C. Golojuch, are for Kapolei to be safe for family, care for the environment and employee’s income.
2. Two items, first that Shad Kane had been honored by the Kapolei Lion’s Club and second that there seems for be an increase in signs visible from the roadways, were announced by Mike Nestoke.
3. An audience member commented that Makakilo Drive needed a better freeway ramp.
4. A class action lawsuit was reported by Rusty Gephart to have been filed against Wal-Mart by female employees who are claiming that females are paid less because of gender.
5. A report on the North-South road was made by Frank Geniadio who explained that the proposed intersection with H-2 would not be the community-recommended grade separation cloverleaf but rather a diamond form.
6. Buckley announced that the Hawaii Farm Fair would be July 20-23 and July 28-30.
7. The 2006 Kapolei Outstanding Achievement KOA Awards (issued by Campbell Estate), were awarded to Kapolei High School’s Interact Club (sponsored by Kapolei Rotary), Obed Donlin for service in community soccer, Daniel E. White for college prep school Island Preparatory Academy, Dustin Shindo of Hoku Scientific Inc, and Ewa Beach Ohana for its team of dedicated cleanup volunteers (which includes Jeff Alexander of the Ewa Neighborhood Board); announced by Theresa McMurdo.
U.S. Congressman Ed Case -- Conte provided a written report and was available to address questions.
Governor’s Representative -- No representative was present.
Senator Brian Kanno – Senator Kanno submitted a written report, covering legislation and budget issues from the 2006 Legislature, including a copy of his floor speech where he announced that he will not be running for reelection, having served 14 years in the legislature. Kanno reported that the planners involved in the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization listened to the desires of the Kapolei community, especially through the efforts of Genadio and Golojuch, in agreeing to Kapolei transportation issues. He reported that an original appropriation of $5 million for Makakilo Drive had passed but was cut in half by the conference committee who argued that the other half should come from the Council. Kanno was thanked by community and board members, including Leonard, Young, Ross, Golojuch, Yamamoto and Chair Timson. A community member recommended altering the freeway onramp, which, due to people being impatient and speeding, is a major danger and also expressed concern about the back gate closure and the risk to children that is thereby caused.
Representative Michael Kahikina -- Representative Kahikina submitted a written report.
Representative Mark Moses – Representative Moses thanked Kanno for his services, distributed a written legislative report and highlighted the following: the session was held at the time of a $700 million record budget surplus and a $51 million tax relief package was passed, including a $4000 standard deduction. The desires included school repair, programs for the homeless and the return of money collected. Projects funded included $86 million for a full interchange for the North-South Road and $38 million that were released for school repairs statewide. Chair Timson expressed concern that the University of Hawaii West Oahu was unable to be funded, with Moses commenting that there were 15 legislators fighting for West Oahu and they were collectively unable to get the items into the budget. Yamamoto asked if the surplus was as large as reported -- $700 million – why wasn’t it possible to have it returned; Moses explained that the funds were needed first, for the school system, where half of the funds went. Moses also said a lot went for housing and for human resources.
Kapolei Library – Richard Burns was present representing the Kapolei Library and presented a schedule of future events, including: film showings on Wednesday evenings, special shows on Saturday, a jazz band, oral history events, internment camp information and morning and summer reading programs. Golojugh reported that he had seen the current World War II display and endorsed those present going the the Library to view it.
Approval of Minutes – Buckely asked if the Board should move on to approval of minutes. Chair Timson asked everyone to review the minutes as distributed and be prepared to take action at the next meeting.
Committee Strucuture – Chair Timson asked Board members to think about the future use of committees and she will contact them for input.
Chair Timson reminded everyone that the room needed to be vacated at 9:45 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: With no objection, Chair Timson adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m., 8-0-0. Aye: (Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Makaiwi, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).
Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff.
Reviewed By Maeda Timson, Chair.