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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2007
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brent Buckley, Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Shad Kane, Jane Ross, Maeda Timson, Linda Young.
MEMBERS ABSENT: George Yamamoto.
GUESTS: Lt. D. Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Evelyn Souza, Franklin Souza, Polly Grace, Mike Nacowich, Captain Nohara (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD), John Ridings, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office staff), Georgette Stevens, Steve Kelly, Alan Gano, Pat Chardon, Lorraine Martinez, Michele Golojuch, George Kuo, Bob Bruhl (Vice President, D.R. Horton/Schuler), Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development), Leland Ribal, Shanna Maikui, Cheryl Kaneshiro, Sean Newcamp, Matt Riel, Betty Nathanuel, Ines Frysztacki, Ron Schaedel, Mike Freitas, Gary Omori (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project), Alfred Paulino, C. Zahn, Carolyn Golojuch, Lee Tokuhara, Rock Riggs, Stan Jones, Keith Timson, Roberta Jones, Jo Jordan (Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board No. 24 member), Ken Castillo, Michael Golojuch Jr., Pat Lee, Adrienne King, Kaiawe Makanani (Representative Awana’s Office staff), Elwin Spray (
Board Members’ Roll Call – Four Board members were present at the front of the room (Buckley, Ross, Timson, Golojuch, Young) and two Board members were outside in the courtyard (Dudley, Kane) – six members present. (Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson).
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Nohara, from the Kapolei Station, was present and reported fire activities for the past month, listing one structure fire, four brush fires, three rubbish fires, two vehicle fires and also forty-two medical emergency calls and thirty-five miscellaneous alarms. He reported a major incident on Hamahoe Street were six companies responded to one house fire. He reported a fire safety tip:
Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even only for a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.
Nacowich asked about disposal of expired fire extinguishers, with Nohara explaining that the phone book would be the best place to look, since a number of companies deal with expired or exhausted fire extinguishers and it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to report an individual firm name or two. Chair Timson thanked Nohara for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. D. Tsuchida distributed a monthly HPD report on March 2007 crime statistics in the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board area, reporting that the numbers are on par with past months, although there has been a slight increase in thefts, property damage and arrests, with thefts increasing to 53 from March from 44 in February and arrests at 681 fro March compared to 485 in February. He discussed the host liability law with relation to the upcoming high school and college graduation season, reminding the community that a law was past several years ago that provides for a “social host” law where fines and time of up to a year in jail can be found against those adults who furnish alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21. The law would apply to a party where juveniles are present.
Young arrived at 7:12 p.m.; seven Board members present.
Kane reported several calls for assistance have been for the skate park, where those causing the trouble (including graffiti) are running and hiding inside the archery range area. Gano reported that he does security work at a senior home near the park and has observed juveniles drinking and using drugs (including smoking marijuana) and asked that park closure be enforced after dark, including posting signs relating to park closure at dark. Chair Timson thanked Tsuchida for his report.
Board Order and Decorum – Chair Timson explained that the task of the board chair was to conduct the meeting with a sense of courtesy and fair play. She referred to the Board-approved notice printed on the agenda, where questions and comments are limited to one minute per agenda item, noting the need for all to observe time limits. She stated that all questions should be directed through the chair and asked that all present should treat one another with respect – as if each were a guest in each other’s home. She explained that the chair has the responsibility to call out of order those who are not following the order and decorum rules.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for March 28, 2007 – Chair Timson deferred approval of the March 28, 2007 minutes.
Board Vacancy – Chair Timson announced a Board vacant seat for a term to end May 31, 2007 and asked for nominations. Ross nominated Lolita Takeda, reporting that she has previously introduced her. Dudley nominated John Ridings, explaining that he was a thirty-year resident and a regular attendee at Board meetings. Chair Timson asked for additional nominees, and hearing none, declared the nominations closed and asked for a vote, which was Ridings – 3 and Takeda – 4. Chair Timson explained that no candidate received the required vote of five in order to elect a new member. Ridings: Buckley, Dudley, Kane. Takeda: Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART 2 –
Mayor’s Representative – Chair Timson explained that Henry Eng, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), who represents Mayor Hannemann, may be present later due to involvement in Council Budget hearings.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Chair Timson explained that Councilmember Apo, who serves as Council Budget Chair, may be present later due to involvement in Council Budget hearings.
Councilmember Nester Garcia – Chee represented Councilmember Garcia, explaining that Councilmember Garcia was at the Budget hearing, and distributed a community report. Chee highlighted that the gates have been put up at Palailai Park, with volunteer Kevin Wong agreeing to open and close the gate, and asked for additional volunteers to contact the Councilmember’s office (at 523-4667). Chee also reported that the Makakilo Drive extension is funded not with just the $400,000 that had been previously discussed, but that the total is $800,000, enough for the Environmental Impact Study and the preliminary studies and that the office is working with both the State and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization on that project as well as the North South Road. He reported that he understands that not everyone supports developments but that the office is working with the private developers in the area to place the needed infrastructure roads and to connect to the new intersection. Chair Timson and Chee discussed the need for volunteers to support the beautiful park, with Chee expanding on the many community members and groups that are using the park. Michael Golojuch asked about construction of steps for the community park, with Chee reporting the project is still being worked on for later in the year, mentioning the need to have a good footing and the problem of combating erosion on the hillside, including Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for switchbacks. Kane reported inappropriate behavior at the skate park, the need for the ground keeper to be assigned, and the need for the comfort station construction, with Chee agreeing that the park is the jewel for the whole community and that the office would follow up on the concerns. Dudley reported hearing State Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson Scott Ishikawa say that the State is not aware of any City plans for a back road to the freeway, with Chee explaining the reason for the diamond intersection planned for the North-South Road was to accommodate the City connection from the top of Makakilo, where Castle & Cooke will bring down their roadway and the City will finish the last few thousand feet to the intersection. Michael Golojuch explained that DOT Deputy Director for Highway Brandon Morioka had specifically discussed the City match up with the State intersection (Makakilo Drive extension) at the transportation meeting Golojuch had reported on at last month’s meeting. Buckley noted that the report on legislation generally referenced bill numbers and asked for more descriptive titles in future reports – Buckley also asked for information on planned sewer service charges and costs to individual taxpayers, with Chee explaining that the legislation – and the charges – was not in the final form and he would continue to report on the legislation. Buckley noted recent large increases in assessments (30 to 40%) and commented that a projected rate reduction (5%) would not be meaningful relief; Chee explained that the Councilmember understands the concern, has been looking for alternative funding methods and that the item is not finalized. Gano asked about the Makakilo Drive extension, noting that the construction cost is not projected to be budget until 2010, which would mean its not built until 2012, and urged construction be moved up. Gano also noted May 4th and May 15th meetings on transportation budgeting and encouraged community participation to testify. Chair Timson thanked Chee for his presentation.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo reported no main breaks for February or March, 2007, referred to a forthcoming mail out by the BWS reporting Oahu water quality and treatment processes, and encouraged water conservation measures (noting El Nino conditions might lessen rainfall for the next several months) as listed on the BWS’s website, which include shower monitoring, replacement of toilets (with rebate coupons), and lawn watering tips. Ridings asked about water shortages as development spreads over Oahu, with Kuo mentioning two wells coming on line and focusing on the two items just mentioned of conservation measures and technological improvements, including recycling. Chair Timson asked about the phrase “water shortage” with Kuo reporting that there is no water shortage, although desalination might be part of water production past the year 2025. An audience question was asked about separate metering for sewage and water, with Kuo explaining that he wasn’t aware of sewage being metered; Young reported that associations have obtained hookups for non-potable water for irrigation. Gano asked about Waiahole Ditch water, with Kuo explaining that the Waiahole water – which is non-potable – is not counted as an active area water resource. Chair Timson thanked Chee for his presentation.
PRESENTATIONS
Transportation Issues – Chair Timson reported that neither the State nor the City were able to attend to present reports on area transportation projects. She noted City agencies were all involved in a critical City Council budget meeting. Chair Timson passed the gavel to Michael Golojuch, asking him to conduct the transportation portion, and asked Gary Omori, from the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project, to discuss the current transportation status. Omori reported the first meetings in December 2005, where the City was faced with four general choices: 1) no build, 2) transportation system, 3) managed lane, and 4) fixed guideway. As the communities when through the process of meetings and hearings, the Council resolved to make the ‘locally preferred’ choice in December, 2006, of a fixed guideway. The Council then made the choice of ‘minimum operable segment’ which has been followed by three scooping meetings focusing on 1) needs, 2) technology, 3) routes, and 4) environmental/social impacts, explaining that the drafts should be available by the next Board meeting. Buckley asked about making comments, with Omori encouraging comments onto the website: www.honolulutransit.org Buckley explained his concerns of too many stops (and too much time spent stopped, suggesting multiple units) and the need for direct express bus service to UH and possibly other locations. Dudley asked if the transit would connect to the ferry; Omori said not at the present time. Gano suggested cross overs to enable by-passing local stops. Michael Golojuch discussed Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) meetings, explaining that it sets priorities for federal and state funding, and encouraged – as had Gano earlier – participation in the May meetings if you want the Makakilo Drive extension. Gano reported the phone number for testimony as 587-2015, and suggested e-mail or fax numbers on the OMPO web-site. Michael Golojuch presented his transportation report:
Transportations Projects in Leeward Area
STATE
- North/South Road, Vicinity of Farrington Highway to Interstate H-1, Phase IB, $150 to $160 million in federal funds being used to complete Phases IB and IC. IA is is well under way. It is the mid-section that you can’t see where UH West Oahu and Hawaiian Homelands will be going. Phase IB completes either end. One end to Farrington Highway and the other to the Kapolei Parkway. Phase IC will take North/South to H-1 from Farrington Highway. It will also include a diamond interchange at H-1. It will also allow for connection of the City’s Makakilo Drive extension project. Phases IA, B and C are suppose to be completed by first quarter 2009 (Jan – Mar). This means four lanes with median. Phase II will put in the third land and bike lanes and walkways.
- Fort Barrette Road widening, Farrington Highway to Barber’s Point Gate. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), design and right of way portions under way. Construction should begin in 2008 and completed by 2009. This will be four lanes. It will cost about $6.8 million.
- Kapolei Interchange Complex (IC) – Interstate Route H-1, Addition and modification of Freeway Access, Makakilo IC to Palailai (Campbell Industrial) IC. Phase I starting by removing temporary
- Interstate Route H-1, Seismic Retrofit, Farrington Highway, Makakilo Separation and Military Road Overpass. Federal requirement, which will be accomplished during 2008 and 2009 for $3.8 million.
- Kalaeloa Roadway Improvements, vicinity of Barber’s Point Naval Air Station. Within five to six years the State will improve Roosevelt, Coral Sea,
- Leeward Bikeway Phase I, Waipio Point Access Road to Hawaiian Railroad Society Train Station. State had to obtain a new design consultant. Right of way for about $800K. Look at about $10M to complete by 2010.
- Fort Weaver Road Widening, continuing from
- Farrington Highway improvements:
- Bridge Rehabilitation Kaupuni Stream Bridge, Design 2008; 2010 -2012 C
- Bridge Replacement Maipalaoa Bridge, ROW 2009-2010; 2011-2012 C
- Bridge Replacement Makaha Bridges #3 and #3A – wood bridges will be replaced. 2008 to 2009 – $12.5M
- Intersection Improvements at Haleakala Avenue, 2007 to 2008
- Intersection Improvements at Lualualei Homestead Road, not scheduled
- Intersection Improvements at Nanakuli Avenue, 2008
City and County
1. Kamokila Blvd Extension, Campbell has started its portion. EIS and Design completed. City expects to complete its portion from railroad tracks to Roosevelt Road by end of 2008. City still needs to work with Hawaiian Railroad Society and State to connect to Roosevelt.
2. Keaunui Drive Traffic Calming, road changed to slow down traffic by school.
3. Relocation of the Kapolei Transit Center, DDC is working the new location. Current location must close for new Kapolei H-1 Interchange.
4. Makakilo Drive Extension to H-1 (Second Access), Environmental Impact Study under way and design. Needs more money for construction and City must work with State to connect to North-South Road underpass at H-1.
5. Kapolei Parkway, City is working but they do not want to complete their portion until the North-South Road is ready to open. This is good and bad. The bad is the road is needed now. Good and bad is that the traffic from Ewa would increase, which means much heavier traffic by the Kapolei High School and Kapolei Middle School.
6. Farrington Highway Widening, between Kapolei Golf Course and Ft Weaver Road. Status unknown.
7. North-South Road, Phase III, would connect Kapolei Parkway to Roosevelt Road. Status unknown.
Chair Timson returned as presiding officer, thanking Michael Golojuch for his report.
D.R. Horton/Schuler Division Presentation on Development Project (Kahiwelo) adjacent to St. Jude’s Church and Easter Seals site (Palailai Street) – Robert Bruhl, Vice President, Oahu Development Group of D.R. Horton/Schuler Division gave a presentation (including handouts and a power point) on the Kahiwelo development. Bruhl explained that the development, located off of Makakilo Drive through Palailai Street, will eventually provide 474 homes to Makakilo, with the first phase of forty homes to be finished in 2008 and 60 to 70 finished each year thereafter; completion is to be in 2015. He reported that additional houses might be considered after 2015. He reported that Schuler is a long-time local company, starting in Hawaii in the early 1970’s, and becoming part of D.R. Horton in 2002. He reported construction of 8500 homes in Hawaii, with 3000 of them officially affordable, and reported the company’s conveyance of the 12 acre Mehana Elementary School site to the community. He reported that 32 acres of property have gone to the DOT for the North-South Road and additional acres will go for the diamond interchange at the freeway. He also reported involvement in the community school project ‘read-to-win’ and the development of a Sea County day care center, the payment of $1 million in impact fees and the commitment to develop a 4-acre additional public park what will include basketball courts, children’s play equipment, a parking lot, comfort station and a multi-purpose field – the project to be built to City Park standards. The project will have underground utility lines. Bruhl discussed with Michael Golojuch that the development is occurring as the Ewa Regional Transportation Master Plan is being built out, reporting that they have worked with community groups and know that transportation is a hot button and evaluated the transit plans as they developed the phasing of the completed houses. Bruhl discussed the planned completion of the various portions of the Kapolei Parkway, with the City-to-Renton Road connection portion being out to bid. He reported that 2010 is a critical year and explained that more information could be found on the project website.
Kane expressed concerns about traffic’s ingress and egress from the project site, encouraged respect for the area’s history (significant military use during World War II and cultural history) and suggested a telling of the history as part of the project (suggesting interpretive signs); Bruhl thanked Kane for the comments and expressed interest in the historical background. Dudley commented on the thousand of additional cars that could be expected at the very worst choke point; Bruhl said he understood Dudley’s concerns, including the suggested conversion of a drainage canal to a roadway, but noted that the forty homes would not be finished for twelve to eighteen months and that additional roadways are under construction, including the North-South Road. Bruhl also mentioned the anticipated completion of the connection of Roosevelt to Campbell and the Kapolei Parkway’s extension. Buckley asked if the 4-acre park was in addition or in lieu of the impact fee; Bruhl said in addition. Buckley also asked why the developer didn’t come to the Board earlier, suggesting that the developer is not following the pattern other builders have, with Bruhl explaining that although the basic planning and zoning documents were approved twenty years ago, that after Horton had purchased the land in 2005 and done the detailed planning, they had brought the plans to the adjacent Palailai Community Association (PCA) last year. Michael Golojuch explained that Bruhl had come to the PCA; Dudley said the PCA was not the community and that the traffic added by the project is at the worst point, with both Kahiwelo and Wal-Mart feeding traffic at the choke points. Bruhl pointed out that the subdivision application includes traffic impacts, explaining that Kahiwelo will be required to provide additional lanes and stripped lanes. Chair Timson asked about the timing of the traffic study, with Bruhl explaining (and projecting) photos he had taken last week, which he explained showed that for every 15 minutes between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m., that traffic builds from the freeway light only at 7:30 a.m., with the general audience comment that the time is for people to take children to the Barber’s-direction area schools. Carolyn Golojuch asked about approval timing, with Bruhl explaining that the project requires few permits, but needs a subdivision approval that should occur within a year. Bruhl explained that the concept for approval looks at the big picture of traffic, with no expectation that a single project will solve a traffic problem, but will address the issues it brings up. Schaedel reported that he had spoken to Mike Jones, the Schuler president, in 1993 and 1994, on a Maili project and that the Maili park dedication did not work out well. Schaedel said he works at the City’s parks department and said that he would be watching to insure the project is completed. Jordan reported that she was very familiar with the Maili project, where the park was promised but explaining that the day care took several years to be finished and that the land had bad drainage and lacked a clear title.
Michael Golojuch and Chair Timson discussed the need for the State to address the interchange with traffic backing onto the freeway and to widen Farrington to tie in with the North-South Road. Riddings said the 5:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. and the evening traffic backs up from the signal lights on Makakilo Drive. Grace suggested that affordable housing should be created in the Schuler project and agreed that the Maili Kai project was screwed up; she said the park should be finished first. Bruhl said that the agreement for the eleven-acre Maili park site was that it was to be turned over without improvements, versus the Kahiwelo park which will be finished by Schuler before it’s turned over. Bruhl responded to a question on road projects explaining that the majority of the roadway projects are anticipated to be done in 2010, which is based on proposed budgets. He also responded to a comment from Castillo that there is too much traffic with an explanation that there would be an additional lane. An audience comment thanked Bruhl for his efforts. Newcamp thanked Bruhl for the project and the assistance to Easter Seals and bringing of jobs to the community. Keith Timson reported being a resident for 34 years, stating that though the traffic is bad, it is mostly on the freeway and not on Makakilo Drive. He agreed that traffic has become worse since the developments at the top of Makakilo were allowed to be built and that many of those present at the meeting tonight live there.
Michelle Golojuch noted that due to the slowness of this housing project, few of those present would even see the completion of the project; its completion would be witnessed by today’s children, but encouraged evaluation of school needs. Bruhl reported that Schuler is assisting in schools but that this project’s size requires little additional evaluations. Michael Golojuch reported that the State Department of Education is supposed to evaluate and build schools. Chair Timson reported that Horton has come to make a community presentation although the project is within the community Master Plan and she agreed that the community has changed over the past 34 years with now custom homes, gated community, and stoplights. Dudley said he supported the concept of development on a hillside, not on agricultural ground, but that traffic issues have not been studied nor were the solutions provided. Dudley said he agreed that it was important to have Henry Eng and the State to review the project. Chair Timson and Michael Golojuch reported that the special Council Budget hearing was not planned. Chair Timson asked Bruhl to discuss the Maili issue with Jordan, explaining that concerns from Waianae Coast Neighborhood Board members were important; Bruhl said he would talk with Jordan at the back of the meeting. Chair Timson thanked Bruhl for the presentation.
Chair’s Report – Chair Timson reported that she had a copy of the Makaiwa Hills Environmental Impact Statement for Board review; no one wished to review it. She reported that the American flag is being flown at the Kalaeloa Museum.
Treasurer’s Report – Buckley reported expenses of $41.87, with no current charges for the video or school rental; the operating balance is $3085.32. Buckley asked for follow up on the annual school billing, as the end of the Board’s budget cycle is June 30th.
Governor’s Representative – No representative was present. Ross expressed her appreciation to DOT spokesperson Scott Ishikawa for following up with pothole filling and smoothing on the freeway on-ramp between HPD and the Water Park.
Adrienne King was present to call attention to the State Judiciary plan to relocate all Oahu Family Court services to Kapolei and asked to be added to a future agenda to discuss a possible split of the services to allow for a Honolulu-based location to serve Honolulu and Windward. She proposed a future Board resolution which would include that the Kapolei-based Family Court should serve the people of Leeward and Central Oahu only.
Senator Gabbard – Rock Riggs, a staff member of Senator Mike Gabbard, distributed a packet of materials and explained that Gabbard was at another meeting. Riggs reported pending legislation for UH West Oahu ($35 million) and Ft. Barrette widening ($14.2 million). He also reported a planned series of community meetings. Chair Timson asked Riggs to secure a presenter on the Family Court issue. A community resident commented that the City’s website is a good source of phone numbers. Another resident commented, expressing disappointed that Gabbard did not support the override of the presidential popular vote bill; Riggs explained that Gabbard supported the original bill.
Department of Health Air Quality Report – Chair Timson referred to a monthly report from Ron Ho, citing no air concerns or releases.
Kalaeloa – Chair Timson referred to a monthly report from Pearlyn Fukuba, citing no concerns and reported information on the web at www.hcda.org
Announcements – Gano reported that community member Frank Genadio had suffered a minor heart attack and was now at home. Schaedel reported a Kalaeloa Army Museum event on May 26th from 8 to 4 at Barber’s Point.
Representative Karen Awana – Kaiawe Makanani, Representative Awana’s Office staff member, was present and distributed copies of her community report. He was available to take questions back and reported efforts for improvements to shoulder lanes (HR266).
Representative Sharon Har – Chair Timson noted that Representative Har had been present earlier but was not present now.
Adjournment – Chair Timson noted that the agenda had been concluded. Chair Timson announced, with no objections, the adjournment of the meeting at 9:27 p.m. 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Young.
Submitted by Elwin Spray,