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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE

NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

 

 

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007

KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA

 

 

CALL TO ORDER: Acting Chair Kioni Dudley called the meeting to order at 7:02   p.m., with a quorum present.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

 

MEMBER SEATS VACANT: One at-large seat.

 

GUESTS: Captain Ryan Fernandez (Honolulu Fire Department – Kapolei), Henry Eng (Mayor’s Representative), Lorraine Martinez, P. Chardon, George Grace, Jeanette Grace, Cynthia Ramirez (Councilmember Todd Apo’s Office staff), Grant Murakami and Allan Ah Sam (UHWO), Ron Schaedel, Charles Zahu, Obed Donalin (Leeward AYSO), Franklin Souza, Lt. D. Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department, District 8-Kapolei), Roy Wickramaratna, Valerie Kane, David and Barbara Gaboya, Grant Murakami (PBR), Polly Grace, Alan Renninger, John Ridings, B. Nathaniel, Kawika Kane (Maluohai), Mel Kahele, Frank Genadio (CBT), Lolita Takeda, Edmund Aczon (US Senator Daniel Inouye’s Office staff), Mark Luna M. Kouhoko, and Sean Newcomb (Carpenter’s Union), Brad Myers, Dave Rae, Chuck Hill, Theresia McMurdo, Steve Kelly, and Cameron Nekota (Kapolei Property Development); Rock Riggs (Senator Mike Gabbard’s Office staff), Aaron G., David Serrao, Alan R. Gano, Mitchell Tynanes (Carpenter’s Union 745), Gary Omori (HHCTCP), Brent Buckley, Nel Nguyen, Robert K. Lowe, Doug Chafe, Kevin Chafe, Ralph F. Harris, Michelle Golojuch, Mat S. Apuya, Jeff Overton (Group 70 International), Georgette S., Kea Yamamoto (Operating Engineers), Pamela Young (City Council), Mike Staffaroni, Alvin Nagasako (Kapolei High School Principal), Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office staff), Caroline Golojuch, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Doug Chase, Rachel Glanstein and Nola  Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff). Approximately 20 plus additional guests were in attendance but did not sign the guest list.

 

CHAIR’S REPORT: Acting Chair Dudley reported that Chair Shad Kane has resigned from the Board and that he as Vice-Chair would be conducting the meetings until a new chair is elected, five votes are needed to elect a new chair. Dudley announced that there would be a one-minute time limit for all speakers. Without objections the agenda would be taken out of order with Presentations moved before Formation of a Permitted Interaction Group.

 

APPOINTMENT OF TIMEKEEPER- Acting Chair Dudley appointed himself timekeeper for the evening.

 

7:06 p.m. Young arrived (8 members present).

 

MONTHLY REPORTS, PART 1:

 

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Ryan Fernandez distributed copies of the written report and highlighted:

 

  • Fire Safety Tip: Dried Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations are extremely flammable. Remove them from your home as soon as possible. Your Christmas tree can be taken to a participating recycling center.

 

Consider leaving fireworks to the professionals. Enjoy one of the public fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. Follow all warnings and instructions for the safe use of fireworks. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to young children. Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.

 

There were no questions from Board members or guests; Captain Fernandez was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) ­- Lt. Tsuchida circulated the monthly report and highlighted: Statistics compared to last month

 

Crime Tip of the Month: “Live and Let Live” Program sign waving dates for the Ewa and Kapolei communities will be Mondays and Wednesdays December 10, 12, 17, and 19, from 3:00 -5:00 p.m. fronting the Kapolei High School and the other fronting Campbell High School. Everyone was encouraged to come out and support their community in this life saving campaign.

 

Questions, comments, concerns:

 

  1. Golojuch complimented HPD for a good job done at last week’s UH football game.

 

  1. A member of the audience also complimented HPD for their hard work at the UH football game.  He asked if the Kapolei station has adequate officers to handle the growth in the district. Lt. Tsuchida replied several new positions have been approved and funded. The problem is getting qualified applicants to fill the positions. Out of a class of 100 to 200 applicants, only 40-50 graduate.

 

  1. Polly Grace expressed a concern regarding an incident with her grandson and a couple of police officers. Lt. Tsuchida will follow up with Grace.

 

  1. A question arose that in 2008 members of the Hawaii National Guard would be deployed again, and asked how this would affect the number of officers in this area. In answer, a few would be lost to active duty.

 

  1. A member of the audience relayed that he has two relative now in the recruit training class and they would like to be assigned to this district; he asked relative to officers needed for the district what the future goals are. In answer, there is always a need for more officers; however graduates must wait in line for a transfer. Tsuchida noted that is staff shift staff at 94%.

 

Lt. Tsuchida was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Mayor’s Representative- Henry Eng, representing Mayor Hannemann reported the following:

 

  1. Landfill Public Hearing – December 7, 2007, Kapolei Hale at 9:00 a.m.

 

  1. Kapolei City Lights – December 8, 2007, parade starting at 6:00 p.m.

 

  1. Makakilo Extension Public meeting – December 11, 2007 from 7:00 -9:00 p.m.

 

  1. Follow up to previous concerns:

 

    • Regarding seeking the advice from Corporation Council on anticipated declaration that an individual is disruptive of the public meeting because of sayings or photographs on t-shirts as the individual comes to the microphone, in general, content-based restriction on speech occurring in a public forum are invalid unless they are narrowly drawn to serve a compelling state interest. If a person is disruptive, the chair can request that the disruptive behavior cease or require the person to leave the meeting. However, speech that merely set forth a point of view should not be constrained or restricted in a public meeting. Political speech for instance, would be clearly protected. Sunshine law requires that all people be allowed to testify on any/or all agenda items. The Board may set reasonable time limit policies on the duration of oral testimony’ these must be adopted by the board in advance and administered by all testifiers.

 

    • Board of Water Supply Water Tanks (near Safeway and Longs) – BWS has no reservoir in the described area and therefore no water tanks; there are no plans to instill water tanks in this location in the future.

 

    • Review of intersection turning lanes on Makakilo Drive – The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will do an assessment and report back to the Board in March 2008.

 

    • The Department of Transportation Services is not aware of available State funds for traffic-calming.

 

    • Haumea Street bus facility – DTS has provided improvements to this temporary transit center facility, but will do a field assessment and report back to the Board in February 2008.

 

    • HPD will monitor the Honokai Hale area for traffic violations and also have their officers make more frequent patrols when not on other calls for service. If any community members have information regarding crime issue, they should call the police or arrange to meet with an officer at a suitable time and location. If they are any questions, they should call the Kapolei Police Station and speak with a captain or major.

 

    • The Neighborhood Commission Office will offer training for Chairs and member training upon request.

 

    • Eng wished everyone the best holiday season.

 

Questions, comments, concerns:

 

  1. Golojuch relayed if the Mayor could ask the State to fix the Kunia overpass, putting it back to three lanes. Follow up will be done.

 

  1. Kanno requested monthly updates relative to transportation projects in the area. Eng replied that an updated map was distributed to the Board this evening. Kanno added that he is requesting a list with start and completion dates for projects such as the North/South Road interchange, follow up regarding the Farrington Highway re-widening, etc.; plans need to begin before the rail is in place. Follow up will be done.

 

  1. In response to Souza, Eng reiterated that the Neighborhood Commission Office parliamentarian will meet with chairs, but Board members training upon request.

 

  1. Lorraine Martinez expressed concern that she has been calling the Mayor’s Office for an appointment due to a time sensitive issue regarding the community landfill benefits package. Eng suggested that she send a letter to the Mayor’s office, a copy to him and he would assist in trying to get her an appointment.

 

  1. C. Golojuch thanked and praised the City and County employees for setting up the City Lights at Honolulu and Kapolei Hale.

 

Eng was thanked for attending the meeting.

 

FILLING OF BOARD AT-LARGE VACANCY: Acting Chair Dudley asked if there were any nominations to fill the at-large vacancy

 

Golojuch nominated Lolita Takeda; Yamamoto nominated Brent Buckley; Yamamoto nominated Fred Thompson; and Souza nominated John Ridings. There were no other nominations. Nominees gave a brief speech about their experience and why they would like to serve on the Board; a member of the audience spoke for Fred Thompson, Timson, Stevens and Ms. Schaedel endorsed Takeda; and Yamamoto supported Buckley.

 

A roll call vote was taken with the following results:

 

  1. Lolita Takeda, 4-4-0 - Aye: 4 (Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young); Nay: (Dudley, Moses, Souza, Yamamoto).

 

  1. Brent Buckely, 4-4-0Aye: 4 (Dudley, Moses, Souza, Yamamoto); Nay: 4 (Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young).

 

  1. Fred Thompson, 2-6-0Aye: 2 (Dudley, Yamamoto); Nay: 6 (Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Young).

 

  1. John Ridings, 3-5-0Aye: 3 (Dudley, Souza, Yamamoto); Nay: 5 (Golojuch, Kanno, Moses, Timson, Young).

 

The motion failed to carry; five votes are needed for a motion to be adopted.

 

ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIR: Acting Chair Dudley asked if there were any nominations for the election of a Board Chair.

Young nominated Brian Kanno; Moses nominated Kioni Dudley. Kanno and Dudley gave brief statements at this time.

 

A roll call vote was taken with the following results: Kanno – 4- 4- 0; Aye: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; Nay: Dudley, Moses, Souza, Yamamoto. Dudley – 4- 4- 0; Aye: Dudley, Moses, Souza, Yamamoto; Nay: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young. The motion failed to carry; five votes are needed for a motion to pass.

 

PRESENTATIONS:

 

University of Hawaii Zone Change Application for 500.3 acres from AG-1 Restricted Agricultural District to BMX-3 Community Business Mixed Use District: Alan Ah Sam and Grant Murakami of PBR Hawaii and Associates reported the site will be located on 500-acres surrounded by North-South Road to the east, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to the south, Kapolei Golf Course and Villages of Kapolei to the west, and Farrington Highway to the north. The master plan includes 202.3-acre University retained property for mixed use village and campus, 135.9-acre campus and University related uses under a plan review use (PRU) application, and 298-acre private development lands. Proposed zone change from agriculture1 to business mixed use (BMX-3), apartment (A-2), and residential (R-3.5 and R-5) zoning; 135.9 -acre PRU area proposed to be business mixed use. Per the five-year master plan, UH West Oahu will consist of 2700 student campus.

 

Timson moved, seconded by Yamamoto that the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support tonight’s presentation of the UH West Oahu Zone Change.

 

Discussion followed:

 

  1. In response to Kanno, the tentative schedule if the PRU and zoning is approves would be September 2008 – permits from the City to early 2010; late 2009 start of mass grading. They are working with the City on sewer and water infrastructure for the North/South Road.

 

  1. Regarding the campus having a professional component, the professional development school would focus as education component of the campus; also to accommodate visitors to the campus.

 

  1. Golojuch spoke in support for the project and asked if 137 acres is enough for the campus; he questioned the property across the freeway owned by the university. In answer, the 240 acres has been set aside for the future; the 200 acres above mauka provides for expansion. The Board and community were thanked for their support of the project.

 

  1. Yamamoto commented it is hopeful that the curriculum provided at this campus is beneficial to Leeward and Kapolei residents. In reply, that is the intent and although degrees are offered at the Manoa campus it could be taught at this campus. Once the campus is built demands from the community will help shape the curriculum.

 

  1. An audience member commented that the issue is access to mass transit and parking. The comment was appreciated and it was noted that it is a good thing that the project is starting from scratch. There will be 750 parking stalls for 1500 students; parking is at the forefront of the planning efforts.

 

  1. Buckley raised concern that the university is building a new campus when they cannot maintain the present one. Plans are to have an extended stay facility, but no faculty housing and suggested the other 200 acres be used for faculty housing. He noted that is the reason the university has trouble recruiting teachers. In answer, the university has lands available for faculty housing if UH can provide the funding; at this time UH has chosen not to proceed with faculty housing plans at this phase of the development.

 

  1. M. Golojuch asked if this West Oahu campus would have child development centers.

 

  1. C. Golojuch commented that money could be handled better; and not used to pay for docks ($40 million) that are not used.

 

  1. Dudley asked what is meant by medium density. In response, basically it is the height limits, and they are working on no more that two to three stories high; if any high-rises are constructed the buildings would be no higher than five or six floors for dormitories. The density will vary depending on the City standards. It is envisioned that the 500 acre area become a university district shared by the university and private entities. The intent is to make it a destination choice.

 

  1. Dudley commented when the area is rezoned could the planning developers return before the Board.

 

The motion was adopted by unanimous consent, 8-0-0.

 

Murakami and Ah Sam were thanked for attending the meeting.

 

Kapolei Update – Kapolei Harborside, Makaiwa Hills, and Kapolei West Projects Development: Brad Myers, President of the Kapolei Property Development, introduced Dave Rae (Senior Vice-Preseident), Chuck Hill (Vice-President), Theresia McMurdo (Vice-President Public Affairs), Steve Kelly (Manager Development), and Cameron Nekota (Development Project Manager). Kelly highlighted the following:

 

  • Kapolei Property Development (KPD) is an affiliate of the James Campbell Company, formerly Campbell Estate. Focus is developing the City of Kapolei and creating a major job center, following guiding principles. Projects in planning or construction are 7 retail projects, 6 office buildings, 30+ restaurants, 3 banks, 1 court complex and 1 elementary school. Ground was broken recently on an $80 million of Kapolei public roads. By 2012 they will have invested a total of $382 million on roads and other infrastructure. All three projects have been designated urban by the State of Hawaii and is now beginning the City process. Each project has gone through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process twice. All projects will follow a similar timeline – 2007-2008 City and County rezoning; 2009-2020 development. Goals for all three projects include diversity, ecologically sensitive, culturally sensitive, sustainability, green building, connectivity, Hawaiian design, and a sense of community.
  • Kapolei Harborside:  345 acre planned Industrial Park next to Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor (the last major industrial site on Oahu).

 

  • Kapolei West and Makaiwa Hills: Will offer a full range of housing choices, including affordable homes.

 

  • Kapolei West: A 516-acre residential and golf community just east of Ko Olina.

 

  • Makaiwa Hills: 1,781-acre residential development above Honokai Hale with 4, 100 residences, current zoning agriculture.

 

  • Features of the 3 projects: 800 acres of open spaces, 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 3 major freeway interchanges, 12 active parks, bikeways, natural reserve, cultural reserves, walking trails, dual water system, green building design (may include photovoltaic & energy-efficient), affordable homes, executive homes, commercial space for shops and services, community spaces for meetings, community centers, transit facility, and golf course. Plans for infrastructure include roads, schools, water, sewer, solid waste, energy, and drainage.

 

  • The economic impact over the next 20 years is $66 billion.

 

Questions, comments, concerns followed:

 

  1. Souza thanked KPD for their past and future developments. She said she would like to see a high school included in the plans adding that there would be 6500 homes with no high school and asked if the Department of Education (DOE) could attend a meeting. Mr. Nakasako, principal of Kapolei High School, replied that he would take the lead and organize a forum with the developers, DOE, and the community.

 

  1. Yamamoto complimented KPD’s past projects. He asked if more information could be provided regarding the access from the Makakilo side to the Makaiwa side for the Makakilo residents. In reply, regarding specifics the Kapolei West abuts Ko Olina. Relative to a Makakilo connection, per the City there will be a Nohonu Street connection, a secondary access to the project. Although not necessary for the project, another access has been proposed.

 

  1. Moses asked what is considered active parks. In answer, the parks are still under discussion with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR); proposed are 12 combination parks, community and neighborhood and would come under the City.

 

  1. Yamamoto asked if there would be areas for private worship. In response, land will be available for a number of various churches with larger churches able to afford the land; there will be multi-purpose meeting centers run by the association.

 

  1. C. Golojuch wanted to know if part of the $66 billion is from tax dollars and stated that one problem is that tax money gets sidetracked and lost. Everyone was urged to contact their legislators and the administration to release the money.

 

  1. Genadio commented he heard that one job takes one car off the road. However, the net result is that more people are commuting to Honolulu. He does not oppose the project, but noted that we must have rail and very carefully look at transit. In reply, the developers are active in mass transit for the last two decades, with a five-acre site worked out for the City; twelve-acre site for Kapolei (beginning or end of the transit). The general concept is dealing with traffic as growth happens, and is committed to mass transit and highways being built and job creation.

 

  1. Several audience members spoke in support of the project.

 

  1. The West Kapolei project will have of 2400 multi-family housing units.

 

  1. Martinez shared a 1973 newspaper article relating to the history of the area.

 

  1. Nathaniel read the names of participants in getting Kamokila Park for the community.

 

Timson moved and seconded by Young that the Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 continue to support Kapolei Property Development through these three projects and also continue to work closely with them.

 

Discussion followed: Several Board members commented and endorsed the project. Acting Chair Dudley relayed that it was the his understanding that the matter was for discussion only, and that he is somewhat surprised that the matter has been put into a motion contrary to that understanding.

 

The motion failed to carry, 4-3-1; Aye: Golojuch, Kanno, Timson, Young; Nay: Moses, Souza, Dudley; Abstention: Yamamoto. Five votes are needed for a motion to pass.

 

FORMATION OF PERMITTED INTERACTION GROUP- Deferred.

 

Discussion followed:

 

Kanno moved that this item be delayed until the Board has a quorum of five votes. Being there was no second the motion failed.

 

Acting Chair Dudley explained that according to a letter from the State Office of Information Practices, no Board vote is needed if the PIG is formed by the Chair and it could be formed to handle regional development Acting Chair Dudley ruled the motion out of order because the same thing would be accomplished with no motion.

 

Young noted that she is sure that the acting Chair and other Board members are not going out into the community.

 

Kanno reiterated to the acting Chair to take action, due to having the majority support of the Board. He added that there was no support for a PIG when the Board had nine members.

 

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Omnibus – Doug Chase raised concern as to why there is no plan for an omnibus on the agenda for discussion. He noted it was never brought before the community but mentioned by Dudley. Chase opined the Dudley was not in support of the community tonight due the vote take relative to the previous presentation.

 

Board Representation: A member of the audience expressed concern that the Board’s Honokai Hale area has no representation on the Board.

 

Benefits Package – Martinez circulated a handout regarding this matter and asked if a Board committee could assist with solutions.

 

Permitted Interaction Groups (PIG) – A member of the audience read a portion of the Hawaii Revised Statutes relating to PIG groups.

 

Community Support (KPD)Timson stated that this Board has always supported what the community wanted, and tonight the Board did not vote the community way. Souza took offense at Timson’s comment.

 

Freeway Traffic – Kanno expressed concern regarding the Kunia interstate and suggested a discussion group be created to address traffic issues (current problems and planned improvements).

 

Due to the Board having to vacate the meeting facility at 9:45 p.m., all other agenda items were deferred.

 

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

 

 

Submitted by,

Nola Frank,

Neighborhood Assistant

 

Reviewed by,

Acting Chair Dr. Kioni Dudley                                                                        

Thursday, January 17, 2008

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