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MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 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, Jane Ross, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.
GUESTS: Claudine Dela Cruz, David Gaboya, Barbara Gaboya, Cynthia Rezentes, Saran Akiona; Major M. Moses and Lt. D. Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department – HPD); Eric Padget, Brie Heath, L. Gary Bautista, Todd Hedrick, Roger Lyons, Steve Kelly, Kathy Brown, Pearlyn Fukuba, Jim Brown, Evelyn Souza, Franklin Souza, Doug Chafe, Frank Genadio, Gary Oliva, Harry Hayashi, Cindy McMillan, Damon Duhaylonsid, Matt Riel, Mike Freitas, Polly Grace, Suk Moses, Rory Aquinaldo-Lavatai, L.A. San, Eva Rodrigues, Michael Golojuch Jr., Georgette Stevens, David Suits, Jan Cadirag, Wendy Sefo, Mike McCallus, Cindy Ramirez, Craig Nishida, Jonnylyn Willing, Alfred Willing, Bob Stewart, Nina Ur, Rusti Gephert, Steve Kothenbeutel, John Gollner, Cheryl Loucks, Sean Neuns, John Ridings, Natalie Macniak, Ron Schaedel, Michelle Golojuch, Mel Salazar, Michelle Gomez, Carla Fernandez, Lynette Reconsal, Michelle Badue, Brenda Fields, Mark Fields, Rev. Richard Isakson, Alan R. Gano, Linda Frysztacki, Wes Frysztacki, Thomas Shirai Jr., Aubrey Walloner, Camryn Bonifacio, Chris Piere, Rock Riggs, Kapuu Keliikaan-Kamoni, Kathy Gorack, Roy Andrade, Kimo Kelii, Jame Schaedel, Lolita Takeda, Bob Farrell, Puni Chee (Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office staff), Kaiawe Makanani (Representative Awana’s Office staff), Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Elwin Spray (
Board Members’ Roll Call – Six Board members were present (Buckley, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young).
Board Order and Decorum – Chair Timson asked that any private conversations be taken out of the room and announced that all present should treat one another with respect – as if each were a guest in each other’s home and said that all questions should be directed through the chair.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Chair Timson noted that she had heard sirens and surmised that HFD was on a call, noting that the Board would return to the report if HFD is able to come later.
Dudley arrived at 7:03 p.m.; seven Board members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. D. Tsuchida distributed a monthly HPD report on February 2007 crime statistics in the general Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board area, reporting that the numbers are on par with past months, reporting 6303 calls for February. He reported that the District is continuing to place an emphasis on pedestrian safety in its public meetings.
Young arrived at 7:04 p.m.; eight Board members present.
Dudley said an individual has been roaming Honokai Hale streets and is looked to as harassing community members; Tsuchida reported that any problems should be reported to 911 and that an officer would be dispatched. Ross reported that a TV Channel 2 story had discussed Honokai Hale efforts to assist with community night patrols and expressed thanks to HPD for their assistance, with Ross emphasizing that project would not have been successful without the officers’ leadership. Chair Timson also commended the officers. Michael Golojuch thanked Officer Nolan Empron for his assistance in obtaining the community policing sign for his homeowners’ association and asked for information about a Makakilo Drive over-turned car, with Tsuchida reporting that the accident report hadn’t been finished. Young asked about a Farrington Highway accident near Grace-Pacific with Tsuchida saying he had no information on the accident. E. Souza reported that she was a candidate for election to a Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board seat and asked that school bus stops monitored, explaining that currently, at the instruction of the school bus company, buses unloading on Makakilo Drive are angling to block both lanes to allow children to directly go to roadway median strips rather than onto sidewalks, explaining that the company is reporting that the situation is safer because the children exit and jaywalk to the median strip and that motorists are failing to stop for buses even though the school bus displays a flashing light. Carolyn Golojuch reported a Makakilo Drive memorial sign holding on April 4 honoring the memory of the death of a child who ran across the street for a school bus and invited community and HPD participation; she thanked HPD for its past assistance in monitoring the area. Brown reported copper stripping activity in his area (Kapolei Knolls) in the middle of the night and Tsuchida said that he would ask officers to do more frequent checks, with Brown noting that the headlights would scatter the individuals and Tsuchida saying that he would follow up with the HPD Crime Prevention Unit. Chair Timson thanked Tsuchida for his report.
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2007 – Chair Timson asked for corrections or additions to the Regular Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2007. No corrections were offered. Young moved and Michael Golojuch seconded to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for February 28, 2007; without objection, Chair Timson declared the motion passed, 8-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, 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. Dudley nominated John Ridings, explaining that he was a thirty-year resident, frequent attendee at Board meetings, interested in the community and qualified to serve. Ross nominated Lolita Takeda, introducing her as a frequently involved in community activities, including most school issues, a hard worker at the Farm Fair, a supporter of the HPD safe holiday, qualified and excellent. Chair Timson asked for a vote, which was Ridings – 4 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, Yamamoto. Takeda: Golojuch, Ross, Timson, Young.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART 2 –
Mayor’s Representative – Henry Eng, Director of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), represented Mayor Hannemann and distributed copies of the Mayor’s community report for February 2007. He reported on past issues:
- Waipio Soccer Complex bathroom facilities have been planned and are now proceeding with the design phase, with the project coordinating with the Navy because of its location within the explosive safety zone (special building and material requirements).
- Skate Park opening on March 10th was a blessing occasion to officially open the park, similar to what is done for all new facilities, and the event size was what was affordable to the City. The City welcomes partnering with the community on other events to possibly have opening activities.
- Kapolei Regional Park Archery Range is on part of fifteen acres which were conveyed to the City by the National Park Service at no cost in 1972. The archery range was established on the property around 1983-1984. City Park personnel are not assigned to maintain the archery range area. The Bushwackers Archery Club maintains the range, having adopted the park in October 2001. The Archery Club is permitted to open the range to the public on a limited basis. No significant improvements were made to the site until construction of the comfort station about 1987-88 at a cost of some $340,000. The comfort station was not constructed to service the archery range but to demonstrate the City’s commitment to develop all the federally acquired land in lieu of it reverting to the Federal Government.
- Makakilo Drive extension is anticipated to complete the planning and environmental impact statement in approximately one year.
Dudley asked about the housing project Kahiwelo (located next to St. Jude’s Church on Makakilo Drive) and said that the development is being sneaked in, without the community seeing the plans, and that the City is in collusion with the developer. Eng said that he had made reports on four separate occasions over the past year to the Board – items mentioned in the minutes – and explained that the land is properly zoned, with the master concept having been laid out some thirty years before and the development plans includes a traffic design. Michael Golojuch reported that D.R. Horton/Schuler Division Vice President Bob Bruhl had come to the community association and that Dudley was present in May 2002 when Harve Garth had made a presentation, continuing that the community association had news articles in their newsletter in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Dudley said that it was not correct that the community association be the contact and not the Board for the City.
Chair Timson said that she would put a presentation on the next agenda. Chair Timson also stated that Dudley’s statements about the development being unknown were not true. Dudley said that the community needs to know about developments in order to build schools and roads before projects are built. Eng said that board reports were made in June 200, July 2006 and August 2006 about housing units being developed and last month he reported about the Makakilo Drive extension, saying that the City is for housing developments. Eng pointed out that the ownership of the land has changed and that development has been discussed but not referred to with a name. Michelle Golojuch asked about permits for the Wal-Mart project, with Eng reporting that he believed the permit was applied for but not yet issued. R. Schaedel reported that the City had scheduled a Kapolei Hale transit meeting for the same night as this Neighborhood Board meeting and said that transportation issues were a major concern to those who might be attending both meetings. Chair Timson agreed and reported that she had called the organizers to express the same concern. Gano asked Eng to relay a specific question about the race way issue; asking Mayor Hannemann who has been assigned to encourage the race way track development. Buckley also commented that the Neighborhood Board meetings are set usually 12 months in advance and asked if the Mayor’s representative could be responsible to schedule important community meetings so there would not be a conflict. Chair Timson thanked Eng for his report.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo, with Chair Timson introducing him as Council Vice-Chair and Council Budget Chair, distributed a community report, and reported the Council is involved in budget meetings this week. He reported that the Council is exploring ways to cut the operating budget and is looking for ways to cut the property tax rate, expressing concern that assessments have gone up, and acknowledged that Board requests have been and that the budget process is attempting to factor those requests in. He reported a community transportation meeting was held at Kapolei Hale the week prior. Michael Golojuch reported that the transportation meeting was valuable, and called attention to Eng’s report, asking Apo to be aware of the concerns on comfort stations and the regional park. Yamamoto asked Apo to expand on Mayor Hannemann’s talk of raising sewer fees; Apo said the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has told the City that changes to the Honouliuli and Sand Island Treatment Plants are required, with the Mayor seeking alternatives (having met with Senator Inouye and EPA is Washington) to the changes which EPA is characterizing as upgrades. Buckler asked if the announced requirement of Maili Beach Park campers to obtain permits was going to be continued island-wide, with Apo agreeing that the plan was Waianae first, then Windward, with homeless being coordinated with the State. Apo explained that the City continues to look at opportunities to work with the homeless but that ideas with actual plans are not forthcoming, although he announced that on July 1st there will be a newly funded position of City Director of Homeless Housing. Chair Timson thanked Apo.
Councilmember Nester Garcia – Puni represented Councilmember Garcia, who Chair Timson recognized as the Council Transportation Committee Chair, and distributed a community report. Puni highlighted that a cattle gate is being built for Palahea Park (and that closure signs are up), that repair of the sidewalks at the top of Makakilo Drive are in the works, and that Palahea Road resurfacing is being calendared for latter this year (bidding is in September and the City has patched the roadway before). Michael Golojuch asked for both Apo and Garcia to follow-up on maintenance for the Makakilo Drive median strip and sidewalks, expressing concern of broken sprinkler heads, and reported that Palailai could be characterized as washboard road. Dudley asked that the Councilmember explore and report next month on possible legislation that would permit the community to speak and stop previously approved projects. R. Schaedel commented on a $35 million debt on the re-location of the City bus barn and asked if the cost would affect transit, commenting that as a councilmember, Mayor Hannemann had inquired about the relocation issue; Puni said he didn’t believe that the transit project would be affected but that he would check.
PRESENTATIONS
HPD Legislative Issues – Major Moses reported that the HPD has identified three legislative issues that they feel will have a positive impact on the availability of police officers in the field, an issue that is important to him as the district commander. The retention of existing force members and the recruitment of new members, he reported, would be enhanced with the passage by the legislature of three bills:
1. SB1817, which will enhance pension benefits for those who stay beyond 25 years, explaining that benefits plateau at 25 years;
2. SB1950, which permits the rehiring of retired employees without the employees’ loss of benefits (requires one year leaving of service); and,
3. SB727, which permits the counties to retain the funds from uncontested tickets (no State court time, so no need for the funds to go to the State, which will allow the Councils to use the funds).
Moses asked the Board to encourage the passage of the bills. Michael Golojuch asked if Waianae was emerging as a new district, with Moses report that as the long-range plan but not this year, and with one idea being the new station building first. Michael Golojuch also asked about movement of officers to and from the mainland; Moses said he had no opinion. Dudley observed that the proposal to bump benefits was from 2% for the first 25 years of service to 3.5% after 25 and noted that the jump was very large. Michael Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board to support legislative bills SB1950 and SB727. Dudley said that he needed more information and wouldn’t be supporting the motion. Chair Timson called for the vote, and announced that the motion passed, 7-0-1. Aye: Buckley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Abstain: Dudley. Chair Timson thanked Moses for his presentation
Target Store in Kapolei – Eric Padget introduced himself as the project manager for Hawaii, based in Minneapolis, and announced plans for the first Target in Hawaii, also introducing staff, Brie Heath and recognizing that they were accompanied by representatives from Communications Pacific, who were assisting Target. He distributed several handouts and reported that Target has 1500 stores in 47 states, have a goal of “expect more, pay less” and will be located between the Honolulu Advertiser building and the freeway. He reported the plans were to not be a stand alone operation, but to be part of several stores at that site, requiring no zoning changes, and being a little large than most other Targets but intending to stay at one level and to eliminate storage containers. Michael Golojuch moved and Young seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board supports the concept of Target in the Kapolei area. Dudley said he objected to the motion and asked about the concept of a living wage, with Padget reporting that the company has competitive wages. Chair Timson announced that anyone can make a motion, if the motion is made and seconded then it can be discussed. Yamamoto asked about local and union labor; Padget said local contractors and unions were local construction partners, but that the stores are not union shops. Young commented on the great location. Grace asked about traffic exiting from the store; Padget said consultants are being worked with. Grace suggested an overpass at that site. An audience question asked about shipping costs, with Padget saying that the key would be that the store would not overprice items due to shipping. Akiona welcomed Target to Hawaii. Nishita said he was glad the project was on the opposite side of Kapolei from a competitor and asked about a Super Target; Padget said there were no plans, saying that there would be produce problems. Tarecio asked about issues such as low carbon footprint and alternative power, with Padget saying they were working through sustainability practices and are working with consultants. Gephart said he was happy that, unlike Wal-Mart, the store was communicating with community. Uesato asked why it took so long for a store to open in Hawaii, Padget said they have been looking for a while. Carolyn Golojuch said we want you to be our neighbor and that you are needed for the variety you bring. Chair Timson reported seven e-mails of support and none against. Ross asked if the store would take active measures against unionizing; Heath said goal is to make the store a place were employees don’t feel the need for union. Ross asked if the store was open to listening; Heath said yes, with Ross adding that she would hate to see a store in opposition and Chair Timson pointing out that the law allows employees to organize. Dudley asked about the issue of low paying jobs and advised holding off until the pay scale is discussed. Yamamoto noted that the Board had already taken a position in favor of the shopping center development at that location. Chair Timson noted that the motion was for the concept, with both Yamamoto and Chair Timson asking that the Target Company return with other portions of their plans; Padget agreed they would return. Kane said he would like to see Target succeed and suggested that they consider the social culture as they develop their plans. Buckley encouraged competition with Safeway, said the opening of a Super store should be looked at again, but said the motion was premature, with no details, no traffic plan, no employee support plan, and as he desires to see the company again, he would not support the motion so that the store proponents would need to return. Dudley said the community needs another market but that they needed more information to vote. Chair Timson started the voting, and announced the motion to support the concept of a Kapolei Target Store passed 6-2-0. Aye: Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Nay: Buckley, Dudley. Chair Timson thanked Padget for the presentation and asked them to return as the project advances. Buckley said that the return would never happen. Padget said they would return.
Senator Gabbard – Riggs, a staff member of Senator Mike Gabbard, distributed a packet of materials and explained that Senator Gabbard was at another meeting in Kapolei. Riggs reported pending legislation on the Kapolei Courts building ($43 million), 500-acre of land revenue purchase bonds for Kalaeloa (Rep. Har), the off-road ATV bill, and a homeowners liability bill (to provide homeowners civil liability for injuries received by an intruder). Riggs also distributed material on an upcoming 2050 Task Force (April 14). Buckley noted that the ATV bill (SB1891) is reported in the minutes as being deferred and asked if Rock had the information on the limits the bill would place on the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), since the concern was that the proposal was too loose; Rock said it would cover any improper activity, such as motorized vehicles and bonfires. Yamamoto asked why the 2004 law was repealed; Rock said that he had asked DLNR and had not received a good answer. Genadio asked about the $15 million that the State is collecting from the transit tax that is going into the state general funds. Carolyn Golojuch asked the status of the gun clip limit legislation; Rock said the bill died in the Senate. Buckley asked Chair Timson what activities the ATV bill could be applied to, with Chair Timson deferring to Rock, who reported that the issue was for destruction of public property and that he could forward the DLNR letter, reporting that the bill passed the Senate but has not been heard in the House. Gano reported that Genadio’s bill to capture the collection of the tax monies deserves to be passed. Chair Timson noted that Board action on the ATV bill was deferred and Buckley suggested it should continue to be deferred; there was no Board proposal.
Avalon Development – Proposed Commercial Development at Kapolei Pacific Center – Steve Kothenbeutel reviewed plans to develop an eight story commercial development next to the Kapolei Library, located on the site now being used as a parking lot for the park users. He reported that the construction would be done incrementally and that the developers would permit the parking lot’s continued use as possible. Chair Timson noted that there has been no charge to those parking and thanked Avalon for their community support. He responded to questions and reported that:
· The project was expected to break ground at the end of this year and be finished in early 2009.
· The project is to be several buildings, up to 8 floors maximum, and will include an above grade-parking garage, starting in a clockwise motion from the front of the street.
· Concerns of access, existing traffic, and the area’s heavy use are unanswered – will you return, Kothenbeutel said they would return.
· Site design elements, such as solar power are not finalized.
· Site parking would be planned to be open on weekends.
· Mid-rise buildings, not residential, zoned B-2, commercial only.
· Fee owner is local.
Dudley noted the need for jobs in Kapolei and said the project was welcomed. Ross asked if Kothenbeutel expected anything from the Board, who responded that this was an informational presentation and that they would return with details. Gorack reported that a mid-block light was needed; Chair Timson said that the Board was working on that possibility with the Campbell Company. Kothenbeutel said they had also made that suggestion. Carolyn Golojuch suggested that the coconut level height should be kept in Kapolei. Chair Timson noted the need to close the room at 9:45 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report – Buckley presented the operating balances of $3127.19 for the Board’s accounts.
Chair’s Report – Chair Timson ask Michael Golojuch to report on the Leeward Transportation Coalition. Michael Golojuch referred to the mailed copy of the transportation project report. Buckley asked about the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation’s Fort Barrette Road widening project and said that he didn’t remember an environmental assessment; Golojuch said he didn’t remember it either but that it should be done.
Governor’s Representative – Linda Smith, of the Governor’s Office, represented Governor Lingle and reported that legislation was being considered, that the Office was working with Senator Gabbard, roadway monies were in the Budget and that two homeless shelters are now open (Kalaeloa-94 families and Waianae-20 families). She said she would follow up with a Ft. Barrette Road assessment for Buckley. Chair Timson asked about possible funds for shelter buses; Smith said they are working to find funds. Dudley congratulated Smith on the efforts to work with the homeless. Michael Golojuch asked about the length of the shelter program, with Smith explaining that the first issue is for transition. Ross expressed concern about the wash board roadway condition from the HPD building to the Water Park and asked for a follow up; Smith reported that more money is being added to the highway maintenance fund. Taketa asked about social services support for homeless; Smith reported that the Kalealoa program works very closely with the Barber’s Point Elementary School and that the “continuity of instruction” for those in Maili were also being looked after.
Department of Health Air Quality Report – Chair Timson referred to a monthly report from Ron Ho, citing no air concerns or releases.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Chair Timson referred to a monthly report from George Kuo, citing no main breaks and the need for water conservation.
Kalaeloa – Pearlyn Fukuba distributed a status report, discussed that a Kalaeloa Community Network is working with district stakeholders, and reported information on the web at www.hcda.org and is available by phoning 520-2674.
Announcements --
Kane introduced Bobby Schira and discussed possible Board support for Senate Concurrent Resolution 65 (and SR39) which provide for the honoring of John Papa Ii by asking the Governor to declare August 3, 2007 John Papa Ii. Schira explained that John Papa Ii is recognized as a leading historian of Hawaii, from the Ewa moku, and that a legislative hearing will be the next day on March 29. He encouraged individual or joint testimony of support. Chair Timson expressed concern that it was not an agenda item, with Young agreeing. Dudley noted that since his birthday was 1800 there didn’t seem to be a rush. Schira explained that the idea presented itself to him and that this was the first opportunity to proceed. Chair Timson asked for a motion to add the item to the agenda, which was made by Buckley and seconded by Michael Golojuch, and which she announced passed unanimously 8-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young. Dudley moved and Kane seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board supports SCR 65 and SR 39 (Honoring John Papa Ii). Chair Timson read from the material Schira distributed and Kane endorse the project. Chair Timson announced the motion passed unanimously 8-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Golojuch, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Michael Golojuch announced transit meeting were continuing and encouraged participation, with the next site at Salt Lake Elementary School on April 3, 2007.
Adjournment – Chair Timson noted that the agenda had been concluded. Chair Timson announced, with no objections, the adjournment of the meeting at 9:28 p.m. 7-0-0. Aye: Buckley, Dudley, Kane, Ross, Timson, Yamamoto, Young.
Submitted by Elwin Spray,