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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

 NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2006

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a quorum present.

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

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kioni Dudley, Shad Kane.

GUESTS:  Councilmember Todd Apo, Polly Grace, Jeanette Grace, George Grace III, Franklin Souza, Kurt Fevella (Chair, Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), Mara MacDonald, Keith Kurahashi (Kusao & Kurahashi), Firefighter 3 Alexander Adams (Kapolei Station – HAZMAT 2-3), Donna Nedd, George Grace IV, Geoffrey Grace, R.L. Hamon, Manu DeLaCruz, Chris Muraoka, Jaclyn Grace, Carordan Grace, Likolehualani Yahiko, Mark Fields, Frank Genadio, Tom Bryant, Craig Nisuida, James Quick, Danielle Swenson, Barbara Ilae, Clyde Vincent, Ronald Ilae Jr., Jo Jordan (member, Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24), Linda Smith (Governor’s representative – Office of the Governor), Lee Smith, Denise Emery, John Ridings, Doug Chafe, Carolyn Golojuch, Wendy Sefo (Councilmember Apo’s Office staff), Alan Gano, Mike Wilcox, P. Chardon, Selene O’Brien, Breene Harimoto (member, Board of Education; Councilmember Gary Okinio’s Office staff), Michele Golojuch, Emily Viglielmo (West Oahu People), Lorraine Martinez, Damon Duhoylonsod (The Voice of Kapolei), Richard Hargrave (member, Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), Laurie Miyagawa, Sam McCracken, Roger Badua, Cynthia Rezentes (member, Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24), Representative Mark Moses, Gary Zane, Steve Schaper, Jordon Auilla, Michael Kitchens, Tahnee Oakland, Chris Messer, Rush Gephart, Bob Farrell, Lolita Takeda, Theresa McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office staff), Evelyn Souza, Lt. Dagan Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Lt. Degaris (HPD), David Tanoue (Mayor’s representative – Deputy Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

BOARD MEMBERS’ ROLL CALL AND WELCOME: Five Board members were present (Buckley, Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young).  Chair Timson noted the need for all present to treat one another as if each were a guest within your own home, to have respect and aloha for each other, to address questions through the chair, and to have the meeting end by 9:45 p.m. in order to secure the school.  She explained that the Board has a timekeeper and the Board will be observing time limits as listed on the agenda for all presenters and speakers. 

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Firefighter 3 Alex Adams, from the Kapolei Fire Station (HAZMAT 2-3), presented the HFD monthly report for September 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.  Adams commended on a major area brush fire at Makakilo Drive and Palahao Street, which was responded to by both the Kapolei and Makakilo HFD Stations as well as four other companies.  Adams reported the monthly Fire Safety tip, which included cautions relating to Halloween, including the use of fabrics that are flame-resistant, brightly colored and clearly visible to motorists. He also reported:

The Honolulu Fire Department would like to remind the community that the HFD provides assistance to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department – the EMS – by responding cooperatively when the need for emergency care arises.  Due to the HFD's 42 fire stations and the 15 or 16 EMS ambulance units, we are able to respond expeditiously in a very short time to provide quality patient care and protect the citizens of the City and County of Honolulu.

Adams responded to an audience question about outdoor cooking (barbequing) near a residence, explaining that the fire should not be immediately next to the house or under the roof’s eaves.  Adams also responded to a question from Ridings about the absence of water pressure in the upper Makakilo fire hydrant system (on October 15, 2006) due to the recent power outage (caused by the earthquake), explaining that in a fire emergency HFD has five or six tankers, which could be called upon to come up the hill and provide water.  Adams further explained that each of the new trucks carries 750 gallons of water – with the older trucks having a supply of 500 gallons – and that this water is the usual “first source” used by fire fighters upon arrival at a fire.  He added that tankers generally have 1500 to two thousand gallons, and the ladder trucks have 300 gallons.  He said that if it were a brush fire, a call would also be made to the military for a respond from the air, with water sources then including water traps at golf courses.  Chair Timson thanked Adams for his report.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Dagan Tsuchida presented the monthly HPD report on crime statistic comparisons for the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board area, reporting that assistance calls overall were slightly down.  Tsuchida also offered the HPD month tip:

Halloween Safety Tips: Halloween is a cherished tradition but excitement of the night can cause children to forget to be careful.  The major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes.  The following tips will make Halloween Night a much safer celebration for both adults and children:

Report any suspicious activity to 911 immediately (also any unsafe acts)

Yamamoto arrived at 7:14 p.m.; six Board members present.

Michelle Golojuch offered thanks for continuing efforts to tag speeders on Makakilo Drive, which she explained is a twenty-five (miles per hours) mph zone above Panana Street and was the site of a child’s death on the roadway.  She commended actions of an officer, whom she had just observed pulling over a motorist on her drive to the meeting.  She asked how the HPD could assist in preventing children from darting across the street, a practice she sees continuing.  Tsuchida reported that HPD always advises motorists to exercise caution and to remember that the speed limit is the speed limit, not a speed five mph over the speed limit, and that the limit is always enforced, especially in school zones.  Martinez reported thanks for support of Honokai Hale community residents.  Grey reported that he had called the station directly for assistance and had been told that officers were too busy to respond; Tsuchida reported that the station normally has eighteen officers, with some 100 calls per shift, and that they would like to respond to all calls but cannot always, and stressed that when an officer is needed the call should be to 911.  Carolyn Golojuch asked how many officers are needed, with Tsuchida reporting that twice the eighteen officers were needed.  Carolyn Golojuch asked if officers are in Iraq with the National Guard, with Tsuchida reporting one Kapolei officer was on active duty but that he was not aware of the island-wide involvement.  Schaper asked what would be required to have more officers assigned, with Tsuchida explaining that the number of applicants needs to increase, with the training program cutting the original large pool of applicants down as the physical and mental testing progresses.  Chair Timson reported that the Kapolei Park’s skateboard park was visually completed but had not yet been dedicated, that she observed this afternoon that as many as forty individuals (kids and adults) and five cars were avoiding the “keep out” signs and using the park, and asked about the safety and liability issue to the individuals and to the City – which she will also direct to Council representatives.  Tsuchida answered that if people were present when the park area is closed, officers should respond to the trespassing issue.       

Lt. Degaris reported being present from HPD’s communications division, explaining that 911 dispatch communications are currently being run out of Kapolei, that there is a current re-accreditation process being conducted for the present 911 system, and that the 911 system is being improved.  The upgrade to the emergency 911 cell-phone identification system will be in two phases, with phase one being the automatic displaying of the name of the caller phone’s owner and with phase two being the providing of the x and y location coordinates of the phone in use. 

Filling of Vacancy – Chair Timson reported a Board member vacancy as the result of 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), explaining that a vote of five members was necessary to elect a member.  Ross nominated Lolita Takeda.  Buckley raised a Point of Order that the nominations had been made at the Board’s September meeting, with Chair Timson ruling that the September motion to fill the vacancy had failed to pass with the five majority votes required and therefore the motion (and nomination process) starts over.  Buckley nominated Obed Donlin and Yamamoto nominated Robert Locquiao.  Resident Ron Gabriel volunteered. 

Chair Timson invited the four candidates (Takeda, Donlin, Locquiao and Gabriel) to speak, noting that she did not recognize the presence of candidates Donlin and Locquiao:

1.                  Takeda said she was involved in supporting school programs and Kapolei Community Policing and has the time to be involved.

2.                  Gabriel introduced himself as a 64 years resident, retired civil service, with eight children, 17 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.  He reported past involvement with the Honokai Hale Community Association and activity with PTA.  He said he wanted to be involved.

Chair Timson invited introductions of the candidates by nominators:

1.                  Takeda:  Ross introduced Takeda as a regular Board meeting attendee, active in community education issues, with thirteen years in the Kapolei School Complex, instrumental in securing a traffic light for the Kapolei School, involved with state-wide drug task force, involved with Project Grad, volunteer leader with the Sunset on the Plains and with the Farm Fair (three years).

2.                  Donlin:  Buckley said Donlin was the regional commissioner for AYSO soccer, that he has known him for the past 12 years, is a dedicated caring, volunteer with youth – reaching a thousand youth a year through soccer – who is now working for Seagull Schools.

3.                  Locquiao:  Yamamoto explained that he had introduced Locquiao last month.

Chair Timson called for the vote, which was Takeda –  four votes, Donlin – two votes, and Locquiao and Gabriel – no votes.  Takeda: Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.  Donlin: Buckley, 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.

Mayor’s Representative – David Tanoue, Deputy Director – Department of Planning and Permitting, represented Mayor Hannemann, distributed copies of the Mayor’s community report for October 2006 and reported on the following issues:

1.                  The recent earthquake produced minimum structural damage on Oahu, with one City structure having a small crack, that being the belowground Downtown Satellite City Hall.  He reported general concern within City government about the general lack of community-wide communications, which is now being reviewed for future planning.  He noted that the Governor has planned a communications task force and that Mayor Hannemann has designated the City Traffic Management Control Center, which has an existing emergency generator as well as current direct links to several radio stations and a television station, as an emergency communication site.  He noted that the City would discuss being able to preempt communications in an emergency and explore an emergency-use AM radio broadcast frequency.

2.                  Concerns expressed at the prior meeting about the need for emergency planning for the current State Hawaii freeway transit corridors (as well as the City streets) have been communicated to Mayor Hannemann and are being addressed.

3.                  Concerns were expressed at the prior meeting that some transit proposals are not extending to Kapolei town; Mayor Hannemann submitted the transit proposal alternative that includes Kapolei.

4.                  Illegal campaign signs that are on state property, such as freeway onramps, must be addressed by the State Department of Transportation.

Michael Golojuch reported that the Wal-Mart company had made a community presentation two days before, that the neighborhood board had asked for the presentation to the board (with its larger site and more publicity) and asked for Tanoue’s help in inviting Wal-Mart to make a presentation at the Board. Buckely commented that the City’s Traffic Management Center has been reported to have half its cameras broken, as well as the cameras not functioning without electricity, and questioned its being designated an emergency communications center, with Tanoue explaining that the site would be for emergency information, with its existing emergency generator and media (TV and radio) links, not specifically for the monitoring of the traffic cameras.  Chair Timson asked about AM radio cost and if taking over an existing system would not be more economical, with Tanoue explaining that the intent would be to get information out and that a limited operation radio would be of low expense, but stressing that the site would be the information source.  Yamamoto noted that Tanoue’s description suggested the possible need for 24-hour/7-days-a-week staffing, with Tanoue noting that the intent would be to everything pre-set for use rather than continually staffed.  Carolyn Golojuch asked if any building permits for Wal-Mart had been issued; Tanoue reported that he wasn’t aware of any current Kapolei applications for Wal-Mart.  Michelle Golojuch reported that the September meeting’s concern was about campaign signs on “public property,” not exclusively on state highways, explaining that signs had been placed fronting schools and on City’s streets and median strips, identifying signs as from candidates Gabbard and Moses, with Moses denying that the signs being referred to were his.  Gano reported the concern that no water pressure was available, either for residential or fire use, when the earthquake knocked out electrical power, with the overwhelming concern being for emergency use, especially considering the frequent area brush fires; Chair Timson asked that BWS be notified, reporting that George Kuo, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) representative, was unable to be present tonight, and she thanked Tanoue for his report.

Governor’s Representative – Linda Smith, from the Office of the Governor, represented Governor Lingle and discussed the recent earthquake and its aftermath, reporting on three major areas:

1.                  Oahu structural damages are minimal but that the assessments teams are on the ground from federal and state agencies.  She asked that residents contact the City-coordinated inspectors at 523-4505 if they have damage, noting that there have been less than 25 private residences having been reported with damage.

2.                  Hawaiian Electric has been asked to make a full investigation and report on the earthquake aftermath issues; the request is being made to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for the information to be formalized through the public PUC process.

3.                  The Governor is pleased that the City is augmenting the media process for emergencies, stressing the need for all jurisdictions to have a better way to get communications out.

Martinez noted that there is little federal aid assistance for Oahu and asked what is being done to provide reasonable insurance rates. Smith agreed that federal assistance on the Big Island will be much larger as a result of the wide extent of the damage as opposed to the very minimal structural damage here on Oahu (although the assessment is still continuing the federal threshold for assistance may not be met) but she pointed out that federal assistance is available in the form of Small Business Administration and emergency agriculture loans, and noted that perhaps state tax credits for both the insurance and damages are possible.  Smith reported that both earthquake and hurricane insurance rates remain a legislative issue.  Buckley reiterated the need for communication in an emergency and noted the enormity of the damage to agriculture on the Big Island – thousands of acres of land out of production -- with the destruction of the Hamakua Ditch and to the other ditch systems; Smith agreed that the damage is severe and that pumps are being considered.  An audience member asked if committed funds have taken away from emergency use, with Smith explaining that the basic hurricane relief fund is still intact, with some funds being withdrawn to compensate for the hardening of buildings (such as with hurricane clips).  Chair Timson reminded the audience that the meeting room needed to be vacated by 9:45 p.m. Yamamoto noted that the worst effect was on our vital tourism industry (where tourists could not even be communicated with since they would lack knowledge of local radios), with Smith agreeing and noting the general airport facility communication breakdown, the need to communicate in as many seventeen languages, and the need for backup airport power.  Chair Timson stressed the need to provide power to toilets, with Smith adding the need for “water dispensers” (both of which have electric-powered sensors and switches).  Michael Golojuch commented on the need to use the National Guard in an emergency, with Smith reporting that Guardsmen were used on the Big Island and Tanoue noting that Oahu’s HPD had an emergency recall plan which functioned as intended, although Michael Golojuch noted that the Oahu Guard was sitting in their armories (as it was a Guard weekend) but they were not utilized.  Farrell noted that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have radio stations that broadcast tsunami information.  Gano announced that by 9 a.m. on October 15 there were four Civil Defense volunteers on Kapolei roadway corners for every police officer on site, with Chair Timson asking for applause recognizing the contributions of the Civil Defense volunteers.  Taketa noted announced housing development and asked about planned construction of schools, with Board of Education member Harimoto replying that school planners work with developers but that school construction is dependent on legislative funding. 

State Homeless Update – Smith reported the opening dedication of the Kalaeloa temporary emergency transition shelter to be held on the coming Sunday.  Building 50 has been converted into a family shelter for 147 residents, with students primarily to be attending Barber’s Point Elementary School.  She noted that these are large extended families, with one family being seventeen individuals, one eleven and one nine.  She invited the community to the noon dedication.  Chair Timson reminded the audience that the room needed to be vacated by 9:45 p.m.  Carolyn Golojuch noted that previously Barber’s Point Elementary School had been filled with overflows from Kapolei area schools and asked when the needed Kapolei and Makakilo elementary facilities will be started.  Smith said that construction timing is a basic function of the legislature but that the shelter families’ attendance had been worked out with the Barber’s Point school administration.  Martinez asked several questions:  why has the response taken so long, why the location to Barber’s Point, what is the plan for after the transition, and how to get people into housing.  Smith explained that the shelter is one of ten planned – this one is generally for the Waianae Coast area – and other shelters will be along the coast, that some $202 million has been taken away from the housing fund over the past decade and that the future includes plans to adjust rental assistance programs to allow for the first and last month’s rents to be included and to build more family housing.  Ewa Beach Neighborhood Board Chair Fevella endorsed the planned project and invited the community to the dedication. Moses reported that Makalani School was to start construction soon and a total of five new schools are being planned for the general area.  Michelle Golojuch expressed concern that the original buildings being used for the shelters were run down and may be unsafe, including possible original use of lead paint and asbestos; Smith reported that the buildings are inspected before use.  A community member asked how the project would break the cycle of homelessness; Smith reported that the project was aware of that concern and parts of client selection and shelter management process are intended to be teaching tools for residents.  Chair Timson thanked Smith, noted the need to end the meeting at 9:45 p.m. and asked Councilmembers Apo and Garcia to be brief in order to allow for community questions.

Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo distributed a community report and highlighted:

1.                  The recent opening of a portion of the Kapolei Parkway to traffic.

2.                  The State Deportment of Transportation’s Fort Barrett widening project has just had a finding of environmental “no significant impact” so the project planning continues to be on track.

3.                  A Council transit corridor presentation will be conducted at Kapolei Hale on November 16; he invited the community to attend and voice their opinions.

4.                  He encouraged studying and voting on the several Charter issues that are on the General Election ballot.

5.                  He expressed appreciation to Tesoro for their work with the City with regard to resolving the asphalt shortage in order to allow the completion of several major City projects.

Chair Timson asked about the prior discussed issue of the yet-to-be dedicated skateboard park, where at 6:30 p.m. there were 43 users, although the park has yet to be dedicated, and inquired about the City’s liability, although there are signs posted that say “keep out” and access comes from climbing the fence.  Apo said he believed the liability issue was still with the contractor but that he will discuss the project with HPD.  Carolyn Golojuch asked if Councilmembers could ask for some of the $736 million State surplus, with Apo saying the Council could ask – and have asked in the past – but that legislators have their own priorities; Councilmember Garcia agreed that the Council could ask.  A member of the audience asked about future building of Wal-Mart stores, with Apo reporting that there have been conversations about a possible store on State Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands (DHHL) property but that plans are not definite and are being focused through State planners.  Garcia agreed that the rumored “Ala Moana West” plans are a DHHL project, not a City project.  Jeanette Grace asked if it is possible for the Hawaii Raceway Park to be preserved as a raceway park.  Apo said that it was possible, and he was attempting to write legislation, but that details and specifics are yet to be decided, that the discussion to seek a raceway on Oahu.  Jeanette Grace asked if Apo was working with Irongate, with Apo answering that he was not working directly with the company but was looking to assist the community.   Chair Timson thanked Apo for his report.

Councilmember Nester Garcia – Councilmember Garcia announced a community report, and highlighted that he is continuing with Young’s request for a flashing light on Makakilo Drive (the City’s decision hadn’t been reached yet), that Michael Golojuch’s park closure request had been made and was still being worked on, and, noted that Chair Timson’s request on the liability issue for the skateboard park use has an additional problem in that HPD may not be permitted to enforce trespass because it is still “private property” and not yet part of the park. Garcia also reported that the transit bills – including the Mayor’s recommended proposal – will first be heard next Wednesday.  Carolyn Golojuch asked about the environmental waiver that she reported having heard was granted for Wal-Mart for the corner of Makakilo Drive and Farrington Highway; Garcia said he had heard nothing along those lines and reported that he would like to think that the State would involve the City in both the Wal-Mart and DHHL shopping center planning. 

PRESENTATIONS

Chair Timson noted the need to close the school meeting room by 9:45 p.m.

Rezoning of vacant parcel formerly Hawaii Raceway Park (Information and Action) – Keith Kurahashi, president of Kusao & Kurahashi Consultants, was present to review the planning to designate as “industrial use” the parcels 9-1-75-44 and 9-1-75-50, which are currently zoned AG-2 (General Agricultural Use) on 65.817 acres.  Kurahashi, a planning and zoning consultant, identified the 66 acres as formerly used as Hawaii Raceway Park, being generally located at the intersection of Malakole Street and Kalaeloa Boulevard, to be changed from the current agriculture zoning to industrial, with plans for a small industrial park.  Yamamoto reported that the race community is generally concerned that the property has been sold to the new owner Irongate without considering racetrack use, with Kurahashi explaining that the property was purchased from the person who had the option to buy.  Kurahashi said that the request is for the Board and the community to support the land’s conversion from agricultural use designation to industrial use designation.  Buckley asked about a proposed use for storage sites, with Kurahashi explaining the intent is to develop 90 lots for sale, typical industrial size lots, for small industrial, transportation and construction.  Buckley noted as an agricultural person he is always opposed to an Ag to industrial conversion; Kurahashi noted that the raceway use was not a permitted use under agricultural zoning but that the variance that allowed the use had expired.  Gano asked about possible soil contaminants, with Kurahashi noting that someone will do samples.  George Grace reported he liked Kurahashi’s presentation but that the people want the recreation of the racetrack.  Polly Grace noted that the 1000 jobs Kurahashi reported that the area would sustain would be a traffic problem because the traffic infrastructure has not been done; she also noted the need for a racetrack and that the site is the only obvious site.  Kurahashi reported that a traffic study had been done and that the purpose of the industrial area is to attract jobs to the community.  Polly Grace commented that parking is now done on the roadway.  Jeanette Grace asked about the property ownership history with Kurahashi reporting no plans for a drag strip and that he was not at liberty to go into ownership history. An audience comment was that it is sad that the racetrack is not to be allowed and spoke in favor of a racetrack.  Evelyn Souza asked about land use; Kurahashi explained that the State has designated the land as “urban” although the City has it as “Ag 2.”  Evelyn Souza also asked if the owner was aware of the organized effort to reestablish the racetrack.  Younis asked if the owner was buying the property as Ag to sell; Kurahashi answered that the land is know as Ag but the long-range plan is industrial.  Martinez noted the port location near the land site.  A question was asked about the consequences of the land use not being changed from ag; Kurahashi answered it was up to the owners.  Ross asked if it had to be zoned “Industrial” if it was to be raceway use; Kurahashi answered that the appropriate designation is I-2, otherwise it should have a variance.  Yamamoto asked if the change was not done; Kurahashi answered that the intent of the owners was for an industrial park.  Yamamoto asked about converting to racetrack; Kurahashi said the owners are not planning for a racetrack. 

Chair Timson asked if Board members wanted to consider a motion; Buckley said the Board should wait until the other presenters spoke.  Chair Timson asked if there were Board member objection to waiting until the other presenters were done; there were no objections.  Chair Timson noted the need to vacate the meeting room at 9:45 p.m.  Chair Timson said the next two presentations were for information only.

Oahu Motor Sports Facility – Save Oahu’s Race Track (SORT) – Evelyn Souza represented the group SORT and discussed the Hawaii Raceway Park (HRP).  HRP started in 1964 and continued until this past winter, on 67 acres, with an initial cost of $750,000 and an estimate of $120 million if the site was to be produced now.  She reported use by fans of all ages, use by vehicles that are worth many thousands of dollars, and a past regular attendance of 160,000 per year.  Young asked about other racetracks; Souza said that the model were racetracks on each of the other islands, which are located on county lands.  Michael Golojuch asked about the reason for the HRP close, which he understood was not only because the variance ran out but also that the federal Environmental Protection Agency was requiring expensive cesspool replacements, with Souza explaining that there were disagreements as to how expensive the new cesspools would actually have been.  Michael Golojuch noted that the Mayor Hannemann had said that the HRP site could not be purchased because it was too expensive.  Chair Timson noted that the Kauai raceway is on State land.  Souza noted that SORT has received $1 million for the raceway park.  She also said that the current condition is that many of the former facilities have been torn up and that the race tower has been burnt, although the SORT organization is prepared to contribute sweat equity to rebuild the tower.  A question was asked about going to an available parcel (that had been a former feedlot), which Souza reported as being unacceptable because the feedlot was in a flood zone.  

Chair Timson asked that the second raceway presentation be heard.     

Oahu Motor Sports Facility – Oahu Motorsports Advisory Council (OMAC) – Michael Kitchens represented OMAC, which is composed of representatives of the majority of organizations formerly operating at HRP.  OMAC is seeking a larger, safer, permanent facility that would allow for present and future growth while working to provide temporary solutions until that goal is achieved.  OMAC supports motorsports including drag racing, road racing, drifting, dirt track racing, go-karting, autocross, formula racing and motorcycling racing. OMAC distributed a written report that had the following points:

1.      An alternative site is available.  Parcel 9 in Kalaeloa is designated as a Motorsports Complex.  The P9 project has been approved by the state and federal governments and is being held back by a land swap agreement where the source of the land, DHHL, is requesting a different site.

2.      A second alternative site – the former feedlot – is available.  The feedlot is a 110-acre parcel located close to HPR, owned by the state, which was originally condemned with the possibility of becoming a racetrack.

3.      The former HRP site consists of out-dated infrastructure and insufficient land area.  The site is too small, designed as a single-purpose track, limited parking, different safety requirements, sewer system needs replacement, and the zoning needs to be changed.

Additional OMAC information is available on its web-site:  www.buildthetrack.com   Kitchens reported statistics on motorsports, commenting on the many other business that support the racers; the motorsport hobby is big business.  Kitchen concluded with a request for the board to support a racetrack on Oahu, proposing that the other two alternatives offer the better choices than the former HRP.  E. Souza asked Kitchens why the HRP was not kept repaired, with Kitchens responding that the planning was proceeding to move to Parcel 9.  Souza asked to keep the HRP and preserve it for its historical 40-year purpose as a racetrack.  Kitchens stressed that the track was too small and that the sport had a chance to build better.  Young asked Kitchens about the size, with Kitchens explaining that the P9 was 115 acres and the feedlot 110 acres, generally twice the size of the 67 acres original HRP, with the general objective being for the feedlot, which has now been vacant for 15 years.  Michael Golojuch and Chair Timson discussed with Kitchens:  the feedlot had been State property, P9 was owned by the State’s DHHL and the former HRP was privately owned.  Buckley asked that if both groups wish to race, why can’t they support each other and asked what the groups were asking the neighborhood board to do.  Souza reported that the groups could work together at the HRP, with the HRP to be run by an organization although not by a private company, expressing concern that the feedlot was too close to the ocean and vulnerable to damage.  Kitchen reported being very saddened that the groups could not agree, reporting that he originally didn’t believe that the new site would be able to accommodate a dirt track, but now pointing out that the goals are different. 

Chair Timson reported that there were 10 minutes left and that the Board could take action but that if questions were asked that the Board would run out of time.  Yamamoto proposed to continue and listen and consider action at the next meeting.  Chair Timson reported that the agenda for the next meeting was filled.  Buckley reported that old business takes precedence at a next meeting.  Chair Timson said to move on to questions. 

Questions and comments came from the audience to Kitchen:

·         The P9 site did not include a circle track; Kitchen answered that the original plan was for an oval. 

·         Are you a racer; Kitchen answered that he has dedicated his life to motorsports. 

·         Who do you represent; Kitchen answered he represents OMAC, a group of representatives from many motorsports organizations.

·         Who are your investors; Kitchen answered that he was not a developer nor was he an investor, but a committed motorsports person.

·         What was the problem with the old track; Kitchen noted that the increased speed made the track dangerous and the space being too small made the cost commitment wasted effort when the larger site was obtainable. 

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

Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff.