REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2006

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

GUESTS:  Emily Viglielmo (West Oahu Current), Damon Duhoylonsod (The Voice of Kapolei), Michael Golojuch Jr., Lorraine Martinez, Councilmember Todd Apo, Polly Grace, Jeanette Grace, George Grace III, Kurt Fevella (Chair, Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), Captain Jerome Nozawa (Kapolei Station), George Grace, Geoffrey Grace, Councilmember Nestor Garcia, Glordan Grace, Frank Genadio, Craig Nishida, Jo Jordan (member, Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24), John Ridings, Carolyn Golojuch, Wendy Sefo (Councilmember Apo's Office staff), Alan Gano, Mike Wilcox, Pat Chardon, Breene Harimoto (member, Board of Education; Councilmember Gary Okinio's Office staff), Michele Golojuch, Rick Hargrave, Mark Moses, Rock Rigger, Gary Oliva, Don Agorilla, Julia Marte, Shantell Kahalepo, Scott Chinen, Kalea Makanui, Mike Freitas, Jame Schaedel, Gina Rodrigues, Derrick Rodrigues, Mark Hurlet, Thomas Hurlet, Representative-elect Karen Awana, Anna Ventura, Laura Pitolo, Haunani Kalama, Kanani Kaaiawahia Bulawan, Ron Schaedel, Jaime Freitas, Charles Freitas, Kaniau Freitas, Charles Freitas Jr., Senator-elect Mike Gabbard, Representative-elect Sharon Har, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Franklin Souza, Bob Farrell, Lolita Takeda, Theresa McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia's Office staff), Evelyn Souza, Dena McGuiggan, Lt. Mike Johnson (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Henry Eng (Mayor's representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), 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 Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Jerome Nozawa, from the Kapolei Fire Station, presented the HFD monthly report for October 2006, which listed thirteen structure fires, nine brush fires, nine rubbish fires, two vehicle fires, sixty-four medical emergencies, five search-and-rescue calls and fifteen miscellaneous calls.  He also reported a Fire Safety Tip:

The holidays are a time for celebration and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment.

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States.
• After a party, check for smoldering cigarettes.
• Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or noncombustible materials.
• Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by watering them daily.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, ensure it is made with fire-retardant materials

Chair Timson thanked Nozawa for his report.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Mike Johnson presented the monthly HPD report on crime statistics for October 2006 in the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board area, reporting three robberies, twenty-three burglaries, forty-five thefts, twenty-three auto thefts, twenty-four thefts from vehicles, forty person thefts, one identity theft, ninety-one motor vehicle collisions, one driving under-the-influence arrest, four drug arrests and a total of 1,899 calls.  Johnson also offered the HPD monthly tip, which was an encouragement to start a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program.  He invited contact to Officer Anton Pacheco – Waianae area (692-4250) and Officer Nolan Empron – Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale/Ewa area (692-4249) for more information on the NSW program. 

Mike Golojuch noted that he requested Neighborhood Security Watch signs for several Makakilo areas that have not been erected; Johnson will follow up. Councilmember Garcia commented on the recent (week-old) speeding crackdown and asked if Johnson had noted any district comparisons yet; Johnson said there had been an overall increase in tickets (111 tickets in October) but hadn't noted any pattern yet.  An audience question asked about traffic citations and after Johnson reported that traffic citations were not included in the patrol statistics, asked if traffic citation numbers could be reported at future Board meetings.   Chair Timson thanked Johnson for his report.      

Board Order and Decorum – Chair Timson noted the need for all present to treat one another with respect – as if each were a guest in each other's home, to address questions through the chair, and to secure the school cafeteria by 9:45 p.m.  She explained the Board would observe time limits as listed on the agenda. 

Filling of Board Vacancy – Chair Timson reported a Board member vacancy (with the August 25, 2006 resignation of Board member Martha Makaiwi) and invited nominations or a volunteer to fill the remainder of the un-expired term (until May 31, 2007).  Dudley reported that he believes the filling of the vacant seat should be done by the Commission because the Plan provides for a 60-day period to take action and that he would therefore absent himself from the room; Dudley left the meeting room (7:15 p.m.) – seven members present.  Ross nominated Lolita Takeda.  Buckley nominated Obed Donlin.  Chair Timson invited testimonials of the candidates by nominators:

1.                  Takeda:  Ross described Takeda as a regular Board meeting attendee, active in community education issues, instrumental in securing a traffic light for the Kapolei School, and with volunteer leadership in the community, including Sunset on the Plains, Farm Fair, statewide drug task force, Kapolei High School Project Grad, and with the time to be involved.  Ross noted that Takeda was not present but commended that she had called in as sick, displaying responsible-ness in community commitment.

2.                  Donlin:  Buckley said that he had known and worked with Donlin for the past 12 years, that he is now the regional commissioner for AYSO soccer, working with thousands of youth over the years and is a dedicated caring volunteer, and who is now working for Seagull Schools.  He also reported Donlin as absent but endorsed him as having the time to be committed to the community.

Chair Timson called for the vote to fill the vacancy, which was Takeda – four votes and Donlin – three votes.  Takeda: Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.  Donlin: Buckley, Kane, Yamamoto. Chair Timson announced that the vote required was for five votes to be in agreement, that the vote had failed to achieve five votes, and that the issue could be taken up later.  Dudley arrived (7:25 p.m.) – eight members present.

Hawaii Race Park Issues – Continued Items from October 25, 2006 Meeting Agenda – Chair Timson announced that the October 25, 2006 Board meeting ended without the completion of the Hawaii Race Park issue and invited those who had been in line at the end of the meeting to continue with their input before the Board considered any action.  She reported that representatives from Oahu Motorsports Advisory Council (OMAC) and developer's agent Kurahashi (who was requesting a rezoning of the former site and who had finished his presentation) would not be present.  Polly Grace represented the Save Our Race Track (SORT) organization and expressed mahalos to the Board for it's allowing the SORT community members from making the presentation at the October Board meeting. 

Chair Timson asked for any suggested action by the Board.  Buckley moved that the Makakilo/Kapolei /Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the rezoning from agricultural to industrial use of the vacant parcel formerly Hawaii Raceway Park (parcels 9-1-75-44 and 9-1-75-50, which are currently zoned AG-2 – General Agricultural Use); Michael Golojuch seconded.  Buckley explained that he supported those who desperately wanted the racetrack and that the first step for use on that site would be to convert it from Ag to Industrial.  Dudley said that there was an exemption from Ag use in the past and that the exemption could be obtained in the future and that he was therefore opposed to the motion. Michael Golojuch said that a permit could be obtained but that since the site was in the midst of other industrially zoned land the site should be industrial; he also expressed support for the raceway and agreed with Buckley that the first step in establishing the raceway should be land use conversion.  Kane agreed that the racetrack should be available for community use.  Evelyn Souza said that the land's variance had expired after almost 42 years of raceway use and that the land use change was not necessary.  Chair Timson called for the vote for Board support of the rezoning from Ag to Industrial, which passed 5-3-0.  Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.  Nay: Dudley, Kane, Yamamoto.

Michael Golojuch moved that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support a raceway park on the Island of Oahu, which was seconded by Buckley.  Dudley said there was a need to include a dirt track in a future raceway, with no objection to the phrase "dirt track raceway park" being added to the motion.  Evelyn Souza added that the racers themselves should run the dirt oval, although she said a future raceway operation could include other track configurations.  Chair Timson noted that Dudley was stressing the need for a "dirt" oval, with the motion being for the Board to support a dirt track raceway park on the Island of Oahu.  Evelyn Souza stressed the need for a racetrack for Oahu.  Michael Golojuch said that the motion could revert back to the original motion.  Franklin Souza stressed that the adjacent land is also in Ag (across the street at the Honolulu Advertiser) as well as Industrial.  Carolyn Golojuch said that she hoped that the development of a public racetrack would not take funds from schools.  Hargrave reported that SORT does not want funds but is seeking to own and operate the racetrack.  Nishita reported that it was sad that the community's desired racetrack has not been achieved and that concerns about the proposed Wal-Mart construction are still outstanding.  A SORT supporter read a letter from the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to Michael Oakland, the operator of the former racetrack site, which he said contradicted last month's presentation by OMAC representative Kitchen, where Kitchen was said to have presented that DHHL would swap land for a new racetrack site, while the letter says "no" to the proposed swap.  Mike Freitas said that the State and City should not discriminate against "racers" but should support racetracks like it does public golf courses and tennis courts.  Yamamoto said he would not vote for motion, because he felt that the first motion of rezoning was not the way to go to support the racetrack.  Ross stressed the need for the dirt track to not be the motion, with Chair Timson stating that the "dirt track" amendment was included without any objections.  Michael Golojuch stated the need for the motion to say "all forms of racing" with Chair Timson explaining that it should be in the form of a second amendment to the amended original motion.  Michael Golojuch moved to amend the original motion to change support of the race park to "include all forms of racing" at the race park; seconded by Young.  Chair Timson called for the vote on the amendment for Board support of the "all forms of racing" in support of an Oahu raceway park, which passed 6-1-1.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.  Nay: Yamamoto.  Abstain: Kane.  Kane expressed concern that the community desired "dirt track" form of racing was not being supported, with Buckley answering that at the October Board meeting some sixty persons were present and were asking for a "raceway site", which was the issue he was supporting and that although they might prefer the original site, the Neighborhood Board does not have the ability to support that possibility.  Dudley stressed that the requested "raceway site" include a dirt oval, which is not being stressed in the Board's proposed motion.  Chair Timson noted that the closure of the Hawaii Raceway Park (HRP) was the closure of the whole operation, not just of the dirt track.  Dudley stressed that former HRP operator was opposed to the dirt track, with Chair Timson saying that the former HRP operator was not involved in this Board motion.  Chair Timson noted that the Board meeting needs to be adjourned at 9:45 p.m. and invited community input.  Charles Grace asked for support of community racing.  Hurlet reported that the land rezoning was not being sought by SORT but instead they were seeking condemnation of the original site for public recreation use.  Chair Timson reported that the Neighborhood Board does not have the power to set law or rules and is advisory only, with the current HRP landowner not waiting for Board recommendation but instead moving ahead with their plans.  Buckely called a point of order that the discussion on zoning was out of order with the motion; Chair Timson said that the discussion is allowed under the State Sunshine Law, with Buckley noting that Robert's Rules of Order would consider it improper.  George Grace agreed that the intent is to preserve the former site in racetrack operation, saying that other Boards had supported SORT's efforts by passing motions. 

Chair Timson restated the present motion is for Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support of a raceway park, with all forms of racing, on the Island of Oahu. George Grace said that the rezoning doesn't make sense; Chair Timson said the motion is to support a raceway park.  Hargrave commented support of a Kapolei racetrack was not possible with rezoning, with Chair Timson repeated the motion is to support a raceway park.  An audience comment was that was that the support of the racetrack was not appropriate now that the rezoning support was passed, Chair Timson explaining that the Board was told that racing was important, that any one spot was not the only spot, and that the old property may not be available. Chair Timson restated the amended motion as for Makakilo/Kapolei/ Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support of a raceway park, with all forms of racing, on the Island of Oahu.  Chair Timson announced the motion passed 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Young.  Abstain: Yamamoto.  Dudley suggested the possibility of revisiting the first vote; there was no motion.

Mayor's Representative – Henry Eng, Director – Department of Planning and Permitting, represented Mayor Hannemann, distributed copies of the Mayor's community report for November 2006 and reported on the importance of the coming decision on transit, and urged continuing support for the transit alternative selection process.  Dudley expressed concern about the housing development adjacent to St. Jude's Church and asked for attention to alleviation of the traffic congestion that will occur when the project is built, including the possibility of extending a cane haul road to Farrington Highway and its use as a City roadway.  Mike Golojuch asked about Makakilo Drive and expressed concern that Fiscal Year 08 funds were needed to complete the extension.  Martinez reported that Councilmember Djou said that the construction of a toll road to town could be accomplished without public funds; Eng explained that Omori would discuss transit issues, including a Council Bill 83 that will consider deferring transit excise tax fees.  Ron Schaedel expressed concern that although the former Mayor had advocated sustainable growth and that Mayor Hannemann is a proponent of managed growth, that both processes need to look at achieving infrastructure development before allowing development (growth) to occur. Chair Timson noted the need to close the school meeting room by 9:45 p.m. Carolyn Golojuch expressed concern that the Kapolei Post Office has curtailed its operation hours in advance of the holiday season when it needs to be increasing its hours.  Gano asked about the City's position on the race park; Eng said he would check.  Hashida asked if building permits for Wal-Mart had been issued; Eng replied that permits have not been applied for and reported discussions only.  Chair Timson thanked Eng for his report and wished him a Happy New Year, since the Board would not meet until next year.

Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo distributed a community report and reported on his commitment to the rail version of the transit alternative, noting that he has participated in the public hearing review process and encouraged the Board to take a position in support of the $28 million rail proposal, which he feels need to be handled in phases.  Mike Golojuch reported that the issue of waste disposal and extension of the dump operation had been mentioned publicly; Apo reported that, after being skeptical, he has become more interested in the possible out-of-state shipping of waste.  He reported that the federal government has expanded written rules on waste shipment and that the City is set to request a Request for Proposals (RFP), with the shipping being a safety valve to the expansion and replacement for Waimanalo Gulch.  He reported scoping for a draft Environmental Impact Statement (to be issued next year) to be finished December 26, 2006.  Chair Timson reported surprise that the shipping is perceived to be of low risk.  Kane asked about a third boiler for H-Power, with Apo reporting that the H-Power is now being leased but is being evaluated to be purchased, including the possible new boiler. Martinez asked about arc technology, with Apo reporting that arc and plasma technology are too new (and early technology has problems) to be feasible for Honolulu to depend on, but will be viable in the future.  He reported that the Costco rezoning application will be before the Council on December 15, 2006.  Carolyn Golojuch thanked Apo for his past efforts but stressed the need for traffic relief on Ft. Barrett Road.  Chair Timson thanked Apo for his report.

Councilmember Nester Garcia – Councilmember Garcia distributed a community report, and announced that he is continuing with Young's request for a flashing light on Makakilo Drive, where he had talked with the State Director of Transportation because of the possible use of state funds due to the need for the light in a school zone.  Garcia reported he will work on the light and other transit issues with the new legislators and expressed optimism that all will be working together on community issues.  Chair Timson and Michael Golojuch expressed thanks for the lighted speed monitoring signs and reported that they had the desired effect of lowering speed.  Chair Timson thanked Garcia for his report and noted the need to close the school meeting room by 9:45 p.m.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo, Board of Water Supply (BWS) representative, reported one main break in the past month and expressed thanks for the community's conservation efforts over the past months. 

Videotaping of Board Meetings – Chair Timson reported that the Neighborhood Commission had made additional funds available and that the Board would be able to enter into a videotaping contract with videographer and community resident Bob Farrell.  She asked if the Board would be interested in videotaping future Board meetings.  Dudley moved and Michael Golojuch seconded to authorize Board funds to videotape for 'Olelo broadcasting to start in January 2007 through June 2007.  Gano reported that students might be interested and suggested exploring their participation in the future, with Chair Timson agreeing and reported that experience has been that students could not always complete the project in the tight timeframe necessary for broadcasting.   Chair Timson asked for the vote, with the Board commitment for videotaping through June 2007 passing unanimously, 8-0-0.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.  Michael Golojuch moved and Young seconded to retain Bob Farrell for Board videotaping through June 2007.  Chair Timson asked for the vote, with the commitment for Bob Farrell passing unanimously, 8-0-0.  Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. 

Legislators:  Welcome and Mahalo – Chair Timson expressed mahalo to Senator Brian Kanno, Representative Mark Moses and Representative Michael Kahikina for their service and welcomed Senator-elect Mike Gabbard, Representative-elect Karen Awana and Representative-elect Sharon Har.

Senator-elect Mike Gabbard – Senator-elect Gabbard reported his office is open and invited the community to call or visit, extending his thanks to Senator Brian Kanno and to candidate George Yamamoto.  He reported having walked the community three times as a candidate and that he intends to focus on the issues of traffic, education and crime.  He announced plans for joint community meetings with Representative-elect Har.  He announced his office is in room 204, phone 586-6830, and his office manager is Rock Rigger.  He invited the community to the session opening on January 17, 2007.

Representative-elect Karen Awana – Representative-elect Awana reported that her 44^th district covers from Maiili to Honokai Hale, that she is 4^th generation Waianae Coast family and is a former member of the Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board.  She reported she would concentrate on issues of education, transportation, public safety, affordable housing and economic revitalization. She announced her office is in room 319 and the phone number 586-8465

Representative-elect Sharon Har – Representative-elect Har introduced herself representing House District 40, recognized Representative Mark Moses for his service to the community, and described her intention to concentrate on transportation, infrastructure problems, crime and education issues.  She announced Jame Schaedel as part of her office staff and invited contact to herself at 699-9964.  Chair Timson asked if Har supported rail transit; Har reported that she absolutely supported rail, endorsing the Mayor's preferred alternative as including Waikiki and University of Hawaii, and stressed the need for transportation alternatives and for community support of the transit proposals. 

Chair Timson noted the need to close the school meeting room by 9:45 p.m.  Genado stressed the need for all legislators to addressed House Bill 1309 whereby the State takes 10% of the transit special fund as an administrative fee, advocating the release of those funds.  Chair Timson repeated the bill number to legislators and urged their attention.  An audience comment was that an Environmental Impact Statement needs to be done for any Wal-Mart project.  Michelle Golojuch stressed the need for a living wage to be paid to Hawaii's workers, pointing to that failure as a major cause for community homelessness and that unions are advocating a living wage for all workers, as well as monitoring those who are assisting in the effort. 

Presentation on Transit Alternatives – Chair Timson reported a planned December 7, 2006 City Council vote on transit alternatives, with additional Council votes scheduled for later in the month.  Chair Timson noted the need to close the school meeting room by 9:45 p.m. and stressed the need to hear the presentation and to take action, if the Board feels its appropriate.  Gary Omori, from the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project, introduced Chris Wellender from Parsons Brinkerhoff, who reviewed the transit alternatives being presented to the Council.  The legislation includes Bill 79 - tentatively selecting a fixed guideway system and lists five alignments, Bill 80 – selecting technology of the preferred alternative, Bill 81 – selecting rail components if the selection is rail, and Bill 83 – which delays the transit tax surcharge.  Wellender gave an overview of the alternatives being considered, including alternatives from "no build" to a "28 mile rail route."  Mike Golojuch moved, and Buckley and Young seconded, that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the fixed guideway full alternative, Kapolei to University of Hawaii Manoa including Waikiki.  Garcia reported that he, as the Council Transportation Committee chair, has led the efforts to process the proposed legislation, inviting all ideas to allow for a full discussion of the issues, but had been a supporter of the rail option.  Awana reported her support for the entire route, to enable people to reach their work and school.  Board members Kane, Ross, Young, Golojuch and Buckley expressed their support of the full alternative, with Golojuch stressing Local 5's need for Waikiki and Buckley stressing the time cost being an economic benefit.  Buckley explained that he did a two-year study as he was sitting in traffic, calculating that an extra 20 minutes per day (when UH is in session) would result in a savings to the community of $3.7 billion (15 years for only half the households in the Leeward community), based on a median income of $40,000 a year, an amount that is at odds with Councilmember Djou's statements that that a Leeward resident's time is worthless.  Buckley stressed that the full route needed to be built.  Yamamoto stressed the need for the full rail route.  Dudley stressed the need to focus on providing jobs in the Leeward area in order to keep residents in Kapolei-Makakilo.  Chair Timson reported that she had testified for rail 14 years ago, commenting that she frequently has done several trips to and from town a day, that the community supports rail, and that Councilmember Djou is not representing himself well – including his having failed to show up at the Kapolei Hale hearings on transit issues.  Chair Timson noted that the Leeward community has paid its dues, from having H-Power and the dump here – to its being a fully taxed area, and that the statements that other communities will not be supporting the transit system because it does not service their area does not fly.  Chair Timson urged everyone to get behind the system, to teach the next generation to use mass transit, to support rail and to urge the support of the full route.  Apo stressed that the issue should be all or noting, that if the legislation is for the shorter route he will not support it.  Michelle Golojuch reported that the system is for the future of our children.  Ridings reported he was from Brooklyn where he has seen a full system and is supportive of the full route.  Rigger reported that Gabbard (who had left the meeting) supported the full route.  Carolyn Golojuch reported, as a UH alumnus (BA and MS), that she would have welcomed a full route, and is supporting the full length now.  Michael Golojuch supported the full route, even thought the federal contribution has dropped from 83% to perhaps 50%, stressing that the 500,000 drivers and 700,000 cars will continue to increase.  Polly Grace supported rail system, terming it a "must" and asked for support for the full system, stressing that the Trump apartment building took on a day to sell out and that the people who clean that building will be riding the rail.  Schaedel reported taking the bus as a youngster and stressed the need for rail, mentioning limited island resources, but noting increasing island population and stressing the need for the whole system.  Genadio noted that Mayor Hannemann is supporting the full system and stressed that others are now in support, mentioning that (former Council Chair John) DeSoto (who had opposed the 14-year ago proposal) and the ASUH (Associated Students of the University of Hawaii) president are supporting the full route.  Martinez stated her support for the full route, noting that Djou's Bill 83 does not allow for the savings to be passed on to the system and expressed concern that toll roads do not support themselves, stressing her support of the full route.  Chair Timson announced the motion passed 7-0-1.  Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.  Abstain: Dudley. 

Michael Golojuch moved and Buckley seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 oppose Council Bill 83 and toll charges.  Dudley reported that the motion was not necessary and stressed that the removal of money from the economy is not good for the whole economy. Chair Timson announced the motion passed 7-1-0.  Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.  Nay: Dudley. 

REPORTS – Chair Timson asked that the Board recognize Board of Education member Breene Harimoto and move him up on the agenda; there were no objections.

Board of Education (BOE) – Harimoto reported attendance at a recent symposium where a national speaker, Richard Sims, stressed that Hawaii is not making an adequate investment in education, being dead last in terms of per capita funding.  Sims had reported that a well-educated workforce is essential for the well-being of a community.  Buckley stressed the need for the BOE and the legislature to change their policy on the construction of schools from the present "wait till the families move in" to the "you know the building permits are for 20,000 houses."  Buckley stressed the desire to not be adding portables to schools on the days that they are opened, which is what happened at Middle School.  Buckley reported that there is a current need for an additional high school, several middle schools and several elementary schools, with Chair Timson agreeing.  Harimoto also agreed and said the need is to work together with the three entities of BOE, legislature and governor.  Chair Timson also stressed the need for expanding early education programs.  Ridings reported the need to accommodate children from the homeless shelters.  Carolyn Golojuch reported the need for an audit to identify where the funds have gone that have been appropriated for schools, including the process where schools take funds from program accounts for toilet paper because there is not enough toilet paper money in the regular budget.  

Announcements – Chair Timson reminded the audience that the meeting room needed to be vacated by 9:45 p.m. and made the following announcements:

1.                  The training survey for Board members needs to be returened.

2.                  The deadline to file to be a Neighborhood Board candidate is January 16, 2007.

3.                  The next meeting is January 24, 2007.

4.                  Happy holidays from the Board.

ADJOURNMENT:  Chair Timson noted the 9:45 p.m. meeting room deadline and announced that the meeting was adjourned at 9:44 p.m. 

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff.