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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2007
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Maeda Timson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brent Buckley, Kioni Dudley, Michael Golojuch, Shad Kane, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Jane Ross.
GUESTS: Carolyn Golojuch, Ray Schaedel, John Ridings, Phil Russell, Frank Genadio, Cindy Ramirez, John Pacheco, Matt Riel, Wes Frysztacki, Linda Frysztacki, Craig Nishida, Rusti Gephert, Doug Chafe, Councilmember Todd Apo, H. Young, S. Kelly, Alan Gano, Manu DeLaCruz, John Whalen, Ron Schaedel, Rene Mansho, Jim Banigan, Jackie Zahn, Charlie Zahn, Phil Lum, Bram Begonda, Gene Awakiuni, Valerie Kane, Jeanette Grace, George Grace, Jame Schaedel, Polly Grace, Pearlyn Fukuba, Suk Moses, Lorraine Martinez, Pat Chardon, Evelyn Souza, Franklin Souza, Les Vallarano, Mike Freitas, Michael Golojuch Jr., Kurt Fevella (Chair, Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23), Captain Jerome Nozawa (Kapolei Station), Breene Harimoto (member, Board of Education; Councilmember Gary Okinio’s Office staff), Representative Karen Awana, Senator Mike Gabbard, Representative Sharon Har, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply), Bob Farrell, Theresa McMurdo (Campbell Estate), Linda Smith, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office staff), Lt. Dagan Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
Board Order and Decorum – Chair Timson announced that the meeting was being videotaped and would continue to be videotaped, for later broadcast on ‘Olelo, for the remainder of the Board year. Chair Timson noted the need for all present to treat one another with respect – as if each were a quest 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.
Board Members’ Roll Call – Six Board members were present (Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain John Pacheco presented the HFD monthly report for January 2007, citing six structure fires, fifteen brush fires, three rubbish fires, six vehicle fires, sixty-five medical emergencies, nine search-and-rescue calls and twenty-eight miscellaneous calls. He reported no unusual events and also reported the Safety Tip for January 2007 as:
Fire, building and U.S. postal codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place their house number so it is legible and visible from the street or road fronting your property. This will assist the Honolulu Fire Department and other first responders in locating your home quickly in the event of an emergency.
Carolyn Golojuch asked about response time to the Campbell Harbor area in the event of an explosion, with Pacheco explaining that HFD’s Kapolei Station hazmat unit would be the first responder, with Chair Timson asking if the hazmat unit could describe a harbor emergency response to the Board. Governor Lingle’s Senior Policy Advisor Linda Smith reported that the decision to accept a damaged People’s Republic of China (ROC) ship into the Barber’s Point Deep Draft Harbor was a decision reached by the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security and the military, based on an assessment that the ship needed to be repaired in a close harbor and that the Campbell location was more acceptable than Honolulu Harbor. Smith explained that the ship was supposed to have been in transit from South Korea to Cuba, was reported to be possibly carrying some explosives, that the relatively small hole the hull occurred in the midst of the ocean with Hawaii the only reachable port, and that the repairs would be finished in Campbell. Chair Timson explained that there were general concerns about community safety and the dislocation of businesses. Kane asked how long the repairs were likely to take, with Smith reporting the first estimate is about ten days. Chair Timson asked if HFD had been involved or notified of the arriving ROC vessel; Smith reported that the issue was in the hands of Homeland Security. Jim Banigan, operator of the Schnitzer Steel Company in Hawaii, reported that there had been no notice to his company, but that the announced plan had the effect of preventing his ship from loading recycled steel in order to accommodate the South Korean ship; he expressed concern about his loss of business, which could easily be – given the delay of his ship – in the hundreds of thousands. Chair Timson noted that the Chinese ship issue was of direct concern to several business people present rather than an item for the HFD and asked Smith take the several individuals outside in order to directly discuss the compensation issue.
Chair Timson thanked Pacheco for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Dagan Tsuchida distributed a monthly HPD report on crime statistics for December 2006 in the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board area, which listed one robbery, twenty-one burglaries, fifty two thefts, twenty-nine auto thefts, thirty five thefts from vehicles, twenty eight person thefts, two identity thefts, ninety-six motor vehicle collisions, six driving under-the-influence arrest, four drug arrests and a total of 1,813 calls. Tsuchida reported no trend or spike to any of the statistical numbers and also offered the HPD monthly tip, which was a discussion on abandoned vehicles, giving a definition of an abandoned vehicle as “A vehicle parked on a public street for more than 24 hours without moving.” and distributed the phone number for reporting abandoned vehicles as: 532-7700 ext. 250 and the website address as www.honolulu.gov/csd/publicom/fixit.htm
Dudley asked about homeowners who park their cars in front of their homes; Tsuchida explained that the vehicle could be marked, and if not moved within 24 hours, it would be cited and put on the tow list for the towing vendor. Mike Golojuch asked if HPD had been involved or notified of the arriving Chinese vessel, with Tsuchida responding that he wasn’t sure, but reporting that he had not been. Mike Golojuch also asked about vehicles that have not been moved but are covered; Tsuchida said the vehicle could still be cited. Carolyn Golojuch asked about HPD notification about the Chinese ship, with Chair Timson reporting that Tsuchida said that he had not personally been notified and the he did not know about any notification. Chair Timson thanks Tsuchida for his report.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for November 29, 2006 – Chair Timson asked for corrections or additions to the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 29, 2006. No Board corrections were offered, although an audience comment was that an individual (who is not present) should be spelled “Eric Riggs.” Michael Golojuch moved and Young seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for November 29, 2006; without objection, Chair Timson declared the motion passed, 6-0-0. Aye: Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Board Vacancy – Chair Timson explained that the Board needed to make an appointment to fill the Board’s vacant seat for a term to end May 31, 2007 and asked for nominations. Michael Golojuch nominated Lolita Takeda, reporting she was currently on the mainland. Dudley nominated John Ridings, explaining that he was a 34-year resident. Yamamoto nominated Obed Donlin, an active community volunteer working with area youth. Chair Timson asked for a vote, which was Takeda – 3, Donlin – 2, and Ridings – 1, and with Chair Timson explaining that no candidate received the required vote of five in order to elect a new member. Takeda: Golojuch, Timson, Young; Donlin: Kane, Yamamoto; Ridings: Dudley. Chair Timson announced that the filling of the Board seat vacancy could be taken up later in the agenda if Board members wished.
Buckley arrived at 7:20 p.m.; seven Board members present. Chair Timson reminded the audience of the need to follow the time limits noted on the agenda.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART 2 –
Mayor’s Representative – Henry Eng, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), represented Mayor Hannemann, distributed copies of the Mayor’s community report for January 2007 and presented Board members with New Year’s ribbons (honoring the year of the boar). He reported on past issues:
· Wal-Mart has applied for a building permit the first week in November. Current work is observable in the area, but that is by the Gas Company, with their work not attributable to Wal-Mart, which is not expected to start construction until the North South Road completion, but primarily use of the site is as temporary parking by the Gas Company.
· St. Jude’s – the housing developer of the adjacent property is considering both the traffic alleviation measures suggested (that of tying the Church’s parking lot to the planned road and the possibility of exiting through a plantation road to Farrington Highway).
· The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), who will report to a future meeting, is studying the suggestion that more funding is needed for the Makakilo Drive extension project within the upcoming budget cycle.
· Hawaii Raceway Park owner has applied for a change in zoning, with that new zoning to allow for a raceway operation.
Eng noted that Chair Timson’s picture was on the front page of the Mayor’s island-wide community newsletter. He reported that the ribbons were part of a packet on a planned month-long Chinatown celebration that would be honored by some merchants with discounts (as contained in a booklet), with additional ribbons available through the Honolulu Chinatown on the web.
Chair Timson said that she had spoken to Wal-Mart representatives who had reported similar to Eng’s remarks and that they said they would be making a presentation at a future meeting. Dudley explained that he had requested that the Board be notified of the applications so the community would be able to attend the hearings, especially the Planning Commission hearings, with Eng reporting that the Wal-Mart building and Schuler sub-division applications are administrative in nature and would not require Commission public hearings. Dudley asked if the City was able to inject conditions into other projects, with Eng agreeing but explaining that the Wal-Mart application is not for ‘discretionary permits’ but an administrative item. Yamamoto asked for a report on the archery range’s cost, both for personnel and land, including how much land is set-aside for the range and other auxiliary uses. Michael Golojuch asked for the status of securing a chain to the Palailai Neighborhood Park and for the steps at the Makakilo Community Park. Gano asked for Mayor Hannemann’s position on the raceway park, with Eng explaining that Mayor Hannemann had asked for a report on the land swapping. Carolyn Golojuch asked for monitoring of activity at the Wal-Mart site, with Eng agreeing to check to see if the Gasco permits were appropriate. An audience question on the recent Leeward community benefits package asked why there were no Makakilo benefits and also asked if Major Hannemann planned to apologize to the community members who had spent hours of work on the Kapolei City Lights in past six years, since the Mayor is now claiming that it’s a new project. Another audience question asked about Wal-Mart store, explaining that the Wal-Mart developers told the Pearl City community they would not build until improvements were in but the Pearl City store opened anyway. Fevella asked about the raceway land swap, reporting that he understood the company is speculating on converting the land to another use, with Eng reporting that he felt the developers were sincere but that he would follow up. Eng reported to Chair Timson that the owners are Irongate. Carolyn Golojuch noted the difficulty with the Wal-Mart developers since they were not attending the Board meetings, with Chair Timson reporting that Wal-Mart had confirmed a planned February presentation. Eng said that if the developers are here in February then the timetable could be discussed with them. E. Souza commented that Dudley and Fevella had made good points that voices were needed to prevent the raceway park land from being changed, with Eng explaining that future public hearings are required for the zone change being requested so that there will be several opportunities to voice concerns.
Councilmember Todd Apo -- Councilmember Apo reported Council reorganization, with himself as Council Vice Chair and Budget Chair and Councilmember Garcia as Floor Leader and Transportation Chair, explaining that these are key committees in addressing Ewa transit problems. He reported that a key decision was made on transit in December with agreement to start the rail alternative and thanked the public who came out and gave testimony. He reported that real property tax is in the news (with several proposals under consideration to address concerns) and introduced Cynthia Ramirez as a new staff member. Chair Timson offered congratulations for the Council new positions. Dudley reported that Eng said projects like Schuler and Wal-Mart are automatic and asked if legislation can be considered to allow for community input. Apo reported that he was interested in putting time limits on approvals but reported that Eng was correct that these permits are administrative although legislation may change that. Carolyn Golojuch asked about Apo’s knowledge of the Chinese ship leaking oil, with Apo saying he had no knowledge of the issue before arriving at the meeting but that he understood it was an item with State Harbors and National Security. Gano called attention to the rake off of 10% of the transit General Excise Tax funds to the State and asked if the Council has sent a letter asking for its return, with Apo explaining that the issue was well known because it had resulted in legislation but that he was not familiar with a letter.
Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Puni Chee, of Councilmember Garcia’s Office Staff, represented Councilmember Garcia, and highlighted that the previously-discussed plans for installation of a lighted speed monitor sign was still with the City and State transportation agencies, with the City asking for State help in determining the cost. He noted that the closure chains for Palailai Community Park were being worked on by the Department of Parks and Recreation, with the chains having been requested a year and a half ago. He reported work is continuing on the Kapolei Regional Park, with the parking lot having been started and the skate park facility being opened and now packed. He reported 50-50 Skate as volunteering (coordinated by Wade Abreu and Robby Gaskell) to adopt the skate park site to fight graffiti; Chair Timson thanked 50-50 Skate for their participation. Chee also noted that the tennis team for the 2008 Olympic games was considering Central Oahu Regional Park and other Oahu sites as a preparation-training site. Carolyn Golojuch asked that the Councilmember’s Office assist at the Wal-Mart site in monitoring Gasco and also requested Chee to ask Councilmember Garcia if he had received notification of the Chinese ship’s planned porting in the community. Chee reported that he didn’t believe that the Councilmember’s Office was notified about the ship and that he understands that Gasco is not doing preparatory grading work on the Wal-Mart site but are installing a Gasco pipeline. Chair Timson reminded the audience of the need to clear the room at 9:45 p.m. and thanked Chee for his presentation.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – George Kuo, Board of Water Supply (BWS) representative, reported no main break in the past month, distributed BWS water-conservation themed calendars and offered a water tip that facets need to be monitored for dripping and toilets should be considered for conversion to low-pressure units, for which there are rebate credits available to assist homeowners in making the conversion. Carolyn Golojuch expressed thanks for the Honolulu and Kapolei City Lights displays, reporting that the lighted signs erected by the BWS are a focal point for all the decorations.
PRESENTATIONS
Agenda Change – Chair Timson noted that Governor Lingle had recently discussed plans for purchase of Kalaeloa property. Chair Timson asked that Governor’s Representative Smith be added to the agenda to make a presentation from the Governor on Kalaeloa land purchase; without objections, Chair Timson asked for the Kalaeloa presentation following the Kroc Center presentation 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Salvation Army – Kroc Center – Major Phil Lum and Bram Begonia were present to give an overview on the planned construction of a Salvation Army site on the North South Road:
The Salvation Army in Hawai’i was recently awarded one of the largest philanthropic gifts in the Islands’ history – an $80 million grant to build and help operate a major Ray and Joan Kroc Hawai‘i Community Center in Leeward O‘ahu. Kroc Center-Hawai’i, which is projected to open in 2010, is planned as a 100,000 square-foot facility on a 10-acre site in an area of East Kapolei being developed for housing and the University of Hawai’i’s new West O’ahu campus. Much of the housing in the area is being developed by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands for Native Hawaiian families.
The grant comes from the estate of Joan Kroc, wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc. Mrs. Kroc bequeathed $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to build community centers across the country similar to the landmark center she built in San Diego in 2002.
The center planned for Hawai’i would be the largest facility of its kind in the Islands, intending to allow for broadening services for individuals, families, and children at risk. The center has received community support and commitment of many community leaders, foundations and corporations; the center will be a tool for prevention and intervention, focusing on preventing the problems of gangs, drug and alcohol abuse and teen pregnancy and on intervening to nip problems like these in the bud at an early stage.
Group 70 International developed the key elements, which are:
· A 1,000-seat combined Performing Arts and Worship Center
· A Conference & Education Center with multi-purpose meeting and class rooms
· A 25-meter competition swimming pool as well as a smaller pool
· A 10,000-square-foot gymnasium suitable for college and high school sports as well as a weight room, aerobic/dance studio and a 60-foot climbing wall
· An outdoor performance pavilion, hula mound, canoe-building facility and an outdoor ropes challenge course
· A state-of-the-art preschool for 125 children.
· Adjacent to Kroc Center will be a six-acre park on which the Salvation Army hopes to build youth sports facilities including baseball fields.
The grant includes a requirement that the local community raise an additional portion of the endowment for program costs. First Hawaiian Bank President & CEO Don Horner has agreed to chair the local fund-raising campaign. The overall cost of the project is in excess of $100 million, with approximately $20 million from local sources including commitments from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, James and Abigail Campbell Foundation and First Hawaiian Bank.
Mike Golojuch moved, and Young seconded, that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support the building of the Salvation Army’s Kroc Center. Dudley noted the desirability for a small auditorium in the design. Chair Timson noted that her employer, First Hawaiian Bank, had announced that they would participate in the community fundraising needed to complete the project. Kane asked if the intent was for an open community center, with Major Lum agreeing that the concept was for a community-gathering place, open, and that community input in the design is invited. P. Grace expressed concern about parking and the exit onto the roadway, with Lum reporting that the design was not final but that it was a concern that was being addressed. Carolyn Golojuch suggested that the State has $700 million surplus that could be put to good use in this project and offered that the community could write letters of support. Chair Timson asked for the vote on the motion to support the Kroc Center, which passed unanimously 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Kalaeloa Land Purchase – Smith reported that Governor Lingle proposed to purchase 499 acres of the federal government’s Kalaeloa property to enable the fulfillment of the Kalaeloa Master Plan as developed by the community-based board. She explained that federal law will require the Navy to sell the property by September 30, 2008 and that the Navy’s intention is to start the process in March 2007. She displayed a map, explaining that the property is zoned residential, industrial and commercial, that most is underdeveloped (being unimproved or in disarray). She reported that the anticipated price is not determined but that the $56 million estimate was several years ago and that the state has the ability to negotiate and perhaps include federal funds (to the Navy) to offset the cost. Dudley encouraged the saving of the large trees in the area, commenting on the former beauty of the site. Michael Golojuch asked about transit sites with Smith saying that the purchase should compliment the transit plans. Chair Timson emphasized the Kalaeloa Master Plan has supported the purchases and asked for support for the whole of the Master Plan. Young asked about specific parcels, with Smith offering the map for viewing but explaining that she did not know the current uses of individual parcels. Kane endorsed improvements to the whole site, explaining that the community does not perceive Kalaeloa as an integral part of the adjacent property. Gano asked if the state would be willing to donate some of this land for right-of-way or other uses for the planned rail route; Smith said the first hurdle is to obtain the land. Chair Timson reminded those in attendance that the room needed to be vacated by 9:45 p.m. Polly Grace commented on the valuable runway and that the Navy was supposed to clean up that property and other Kalaeloa properties and was concerned that the state would be doing the clean-up; Smith explained that the runway was not part of the proposed purchase. Gano agreed that the state shouldn’t clean the runway; Chair Timson explained that the runway is owned by the State Department of Transportation. Carolyn Golojuch asked about the possible carrier assignment to Pearl Harbor; Smith explained that the home-porting decision was expected in March 2007, which is why the Navy was planning to start on the land sale after the carrier decision. Ridings asked if the National Guard would be at the site, with Chair Timson asking that the specific proposed uses of individual parcels be discussed directly with Smith and Pearlyn Fukuba (who works directly with the Kalaeloa Master Plan HCDA board). Gano also asked about specific parcels, encouraging the purchase of the bowling alley and sports fields, with Smith responding that she’s not sure of the individual parcels and referring Gano to the site map. Chair Timson thanked Smith for the presentation.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) – Kapolei Regional Plan – Micah Kane, Director of the State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, was welcomed by Chair Timson. Kane announced that the day before the DHHL had broken ground for the construction of the DHHL new office building in Kapolei. He introduced Larry Sumida, Sheri Naubara and State Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Director (Highways) Brandon Morioka and reviewed the Regional Plan document, with Morioka reporting on the transportation planning components:
The DHHL's Kapolei Master Plan is intended to focus the recourses of DHHL and the other partnerships of DHHL in developing and delivering lands to native Hawaiians. DHHL has five main Kapolei parcels:
1. Maluohai Village, 38 acres, completed
2. Kaupea Village, 52 acres, house construction started in 2006
3. East Kapolei I, 92 acres, DHHL office, ground breaking just occurred
4. East Kapolei II, 318 acres, Diamond Head of North South Road, includes Kroc Center
5. East Kapolei Commercial, 67 acres, makai of DHHL office, proposed one million square feet of retail/commercial space.
DHHL has nine other parcels in the Kalaeloa area and an additional involvement in the University of Hawaii (UH) West Oahu parcels. The Master Plan reports land ownership and other projects under development, as well as those reasonability expected to be developed, including specific overviews and timelines of schools, sewers, roads and transit sites, water, drainage, and housing. The UH West Oahu project is reported as having been identified as a priority project for the development of DHHL properties, listing it as a 500 acre campus and new town community with 4,000 housing units (estimated completion of fall 2009 for Phase I). A mass transit corridor (by State Department of Transportation, City), East-West Road (by City, DHHL, UHWO and DH Horton) and new schools (by Department of Education, UHWO, DHHL) are also identified as priority projects. The DHHL prefers and supports Transit Alternative 4D, with #4 being a Fixed Guideway Alternative (light-rail transit system) stretching from Kapolei to UH Manoa along an elevated, fixed-guideway; 2009 is estimated as the earliest construction date. The anticipated construction of East-West Road is a start of the second quarter in 2008. The school project schedule is reported as "Schools will come online as needed and determined by demand established per DOE standards for new school construction."
Mike Golojuch moved, and Young seconded, that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 support in general the DHHL concept of the (DHHL) Kapolei Regional Plan. Dudley expressed concern that the Ewa plane is being paved over. Micah Kane reported that he shares concern about the environment and believes that the Plan is beneficial because is will 1) reduce density, 2) provide park space, and 3) bring job opportunities, stressing that because families will only pay for the “vertical” cost of construction (the building walls and contents) that the houses will be more affordable. Yamamoto noted that infrastructure construction, including water, electricity and schools, are not built yet and it is unknown when they will be built; he asked about building before the infrastructures where in place, including the East West (connector) Road and road payment by the developers. Micah Kane said they would meet the commitment to the Kroc Center and provide the infrastructure, including their demonstrating their commitment by first building the DHHL office. Buckley said he shared Yamamoto’s concerns, stressing that the schools are a first priority but that school construction is not on the DHHL plans, instead DHHL has housing listed as the numbers 1 and 2; M. Kane said that the second portion will not move without the school. Buckley pointed out that absorbing the project report should be done before the motion to support, noting factual errors (such as wrong congressional district). M. Kane stressed that schools are needed. Michael Golojuch said it was a good plan, that a few changes were needed, which was why the motion was “support in general the concept”, but that he supported the Plan. Chair Timson commented she appreciated the care taken to support the host culture, especially as she was Hawaiian, and that she supported the roads and schools planned, noting that it was the State that was not developing the schools. Shade Kane said he thought the DHHL was doing a “fantastic” job, stressing that Kapolei workers are on the projects. Gano stressed the need for DHHL to join in supporting the rail transit line, which will traverse Ewa to the Kapolei center, with Micah Kane saying that the department recognizes the need for the extension. Chair Timson reminded everyone of the need to finish by 9:45 p.m. Carolyn Golojuch said it was nice to see the State contracting out jobs at fair-wages, and also asked if the properties are being checked for buried ammo dumps; with Micah Kane responding that the properties were checked and that individual have been calling to work or transfer to the Kapolei building. Chair Timson asked about the union’s involvement; Micah Kane responded that he was working with the primary union HGEA’s (Hawaii Government Employee’s Association) Deputy Director Randy Perreira and has a very good relationship on the placing of current members. P. Grace stressed the need for parking and questioned the level of affordability; Micah Kane said the DHHL building would have 180 parking stalls, all of which would be free, and stressed that he didn’t believe anyone could build the homes cheaper than the DHHL could. An audience question was on the mall, asking about the “big box stores” in the community; with M. Kane explaining that the stores will bring jobs to the community, anticipating as many as 1300 jobs. Valerie Kane (Mrs. Shad Kane) complimented Micah Kane on the project, saying that she had been at the groundbreaking with her husband. Chair Timson asked for the vote on the motion that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 supports in general the DHHL concept of the (DHHL) Kapolei Regional Plan. Chair Timson announced the motion passed unanimously 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Mike Golojuch moved, and Young seconded, that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 supports the building of the East West Road, with Dudley defining that that it was only that portion marked in red on the DHHL Kapolei Master Plan map. Chair Timson and Shade Kane discussed that another portion of road was included with the prior Board motion to support the West Oahu University of Hawaii campus construction. Chair Timson asked for the vote on the motion, which passed unanimously 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Chair Timson noted the need to be finished by 9:45 p.m.
Agenda Items: Reports and Department of Transportation (DOT) – Chair Timson deferred Board reports and explained that the DOT presentation was part of the DHHL reporting.
Governor’s Representative – Smith reported that she had spoken by phone to State Adjutant General Lee during the meeting and that the Chinese ship was scheduled to arrive between 10 and 11 a.m. the next day, with the crew to be sequestered and that the ship would not go into dry dock but be located at Pier 6, with the intended stay estimated as from two weeks to one week. Chair Timson commented that the change means that the adjacent companies should not be impacted. Dudley asked about why the ship was coming, with Smith reporting that the ship had reported a crack in the hull and had requested to come to harbor for repairs. Buckley asked about the Martin Luther King Day fiasco with the State Highways failing to retract the zipper lane (Waianae-Makakilo bound freeway lanes restricted from airport to Waikele); DOT’s Morioka agreed that the zipper lane repairs would be done in a different manner in the future, evaluating holidays and including sign-boards and more media notification, commenting that he also was stuck in the traffic backup with his family. Michael Golojuch asked about freeway cement holes with Morioka reporting that the airport viaduct would be repaired first but that the bids are higher than expected and are being reevaluated. Chair Timson commented on the need for freeway lights, saying that the community understands that the copper thefts have occurred, but that these lights are a safety tool that is now missing. Morioka reported that the wires were replaced and stolen again within two weeks; he is working on the replacement. Dudley noted the need to fix the H-1 to town freeway on-ramp where motorists drive too fast; Morioka agreed with the need for a study, as well as for motorists to drive the posted 25 mph. Yamamoto asked about Kalaeloa acquisition costs; Smith reported that the planned funds would include the project vision, that the hope is that the purchase price is negotiable and that there was a consideration of a possible use of revenue bonds. Michael Golojuch Jr. commented about the Governor’s proposed return of over-collected taxes and suggested that the funds be kept if the needs of children are not met. Gano commented on the Judiciary building project and reported that the full project, including the holding area, needed to be done rather than a partial – incomplete – project; Smith commented that the State Attorney General has filed court papers against a reduction in the property size. P. Grace asked that the Chinese ship be diverted to Honolulu Harbor and not to adjacent to our homes and businesses; Smith said the federal Homeland Security already made the decision. Chair Timson reminded the room of the need to vacate by 9:45 p.m.
Senator Mike Gabbard – Senator Gabbard reported that today was the last day to introduce legislation, that he is stressing issues of traffic, education and crime and that he his having a joint community meeting with Representative Har on February 24th at 9:00 a.m.
Representative Karen Awana – Representative Awana reported that she is working with Representative Har on community issues and invited calls to her office: 586-8465
Representative Sharon Har – Representative Har distributed copies of legislation, stressing Land Use Commission changes, retention of impact fees for community use (not returned after six years), legislation on copper theft, advocating grant for Easter Seals, support for West Oahu University of Hawaii, and upgrading electrical service in schools.
School Board Member Breene Harimoto – Breene Harimoto noted that the department was working on new schools for the community and explained that construction of schools is funded by the legislature and funds need to then be released by the governor.
Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) – Pearlyne Fukuba reported that the HCDA Kalaeloa Master Plan was approved by the governor and is posted on the website. She reported that the community network has started, with work on road needs (with legislators) and public safety groups proceeding. She invited attendance at the February 7 (first Wednesday of the month) monthly meetings.
Chair Timson announced that the zone change application documents for the Irongate former-Hawaii-Raceway site was available for Board members or the audience to review and make public comments. Chair Timson asked if interested board members wanted the materials; there was no response.
Buckley asked if HCDA was responsible for Kakaako; Fukuba said it was a different agency. Young asked about reduced Post Office hours; Fukuba said she had passed the comment on to the Post Master and had not heard a response.
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.
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