Printable version (copy and paste into browser):
http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb34/07/34200709Min.PDF
MAKAKILO / KAPOLEI / HONOKAI HALE
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
KAPOLEI HIGH SCHOOL CAFETORIUM
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Shad Kane called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kioni Dudley, Shad Kane, Brian Kanno, Suk Moses, Evelyn Souza, Maeda Timson, George Yamamoto, Linda Young.
MEMBER ABSENT: Michael Golojuch.
GUESTS: Peter Hirai (Acting Administrator, City Department of Emergency Management), Danny Tengan (Hawaii State Civil Defense), Carolyn Golojuch, Polly Grace, Linda Smith (Governor’s Representative), John Ridings, Michael Golojuch Jr., Doug Chaffe, Mr. Young, Valerie Kane, Puni Chee (Councilmember Garcia’s Office staff), Rock Riggs (Senator Gabbard’s Office staff), Lt. M. Johnson (Honolulu Police Department – HPD), Roy Wickramaratna, Frank Genadio, Theresia McMurdo (Kapolei Property Development – KPD), Mike Freitas, Wendy Sefo (Councilmember Apo’s Office staff), Ron Schaedel, Michele Golojuch, Bob Farrell, Yvonne Cardines, Lolita Takeda, George Kuo (Board of Water Supply – BWS), Representative Sharon Har, Captain Gary Viela (Honolulu Fire Department – HFD), Henry Eng (Mayor’s representative – Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), Tesha Malama (Kalaeloa Development, Hawaii Community Development Authority – HCDA ), Councilmember Todd Apo, Elwin Spray (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
Welcome and Announcements – Chair Kane welcomed the community to the meeting and encouraged community participation, reporting that one Makakilo community individual serves at the focal point for all calls to the City for assistance, and introducing Mike Freitas, City Complaint Officer, from the City Department of Customer Service. Chair Kane explained that many of the frequent requests for information or a complaint, such as questions or concerns about parking, pot holes and ruts, and ordinances, can be answered by a call to Freitas’ Complaint office at 523-4381, with Freitas explaining that additional information is available on the City’s website at www.honolulu.gov and that questions can be e-mailed to him from that site.
Chair Kane explained that a concern had been reported on at prior meetings about a possible Board requirements for a project presenter to provide a one-page summary to the Board prior to the Board presentation, and that the Neighborhood Commission Office had advised Chair Kane that the issue (included in a planned presentation on this evening’s agenda by Member Dudley entitled “Board Directions”) be deferred until a report is received from the City’s Corporation Counsel. Chair Kane also noted a prior suggestion on the landfill issue (by J. Grace) for scheduling a Special Board Meeting and announced a Special Board meeting on a proposed two-year extension of the Waimanalo landfill operation would be held October 3, 2007, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, in the Kapolei High School cafeteria. Seven Board members were present (Dudley, Kane, Kanno, Moses, Souza, Timson, Yamamoto). Chair Kane asked for a volunteer timekeeper for the evening’s meeting; no one volunteered.
MONTHLY REPORTS, PART I:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Gary Viela, Kapolei Station captain, represented HFD and reported monthly activity statistics for the prior month: a total of one hundred twenty-five emergency calls, being two structure fires, fifteen brush fires, four rubbish fires, six vehicle fires, and sixty medical emergencies, with four search-and-rescues and thirty-four miscellaneous calls. He reported no major incidents or major structural fires. He provided fire safety tips:
The National Fire Protection Association has selected “Practice Your Escape Plan” as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, which will be on October 7-13, 2007. Signs will be displayed at all fire stations, and demonstrations conducted at various schools and shopping centers around the island. The 2007 Fire Fighter’s Safety Guide will be distributed to all elementary schools.
The Honolulu Fire Department would like to remind the community that the provisions of the traffic code regulating the operation, parking, and standing of vehicles does not apply to emergency vehicles responding to emergencies, provided the driver of the vehicle sounds a siren, bell, or exhaust whistle and displays a lighted red lamp. These warning devices help to ensure the safety of the public as well as the safety of the emergency responder. Please refer to the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, Traffic Code, Section 15-4.4, and located at http://www.honolulu.gov/refs/roh/15a1_9.htm.
Chair Kane thanked Viela for his report.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Mike Johnson distributed a monthly activity statistic report, highlighting two robberies, seventeen burglaries, fifty-four thefts, fifteen auto thefts, twenty-four thefts from vehicles, three ID thefts, ninety-two Motor Vehicle Collisions, twenty-eight property damage acts, three drugs arrests and 1795 total calls and 476 arrests. He reported on the Neighborhood Security Watch program and encouraged the communities to consider starting a new program in their own residential area, inviting calls to Officer Antone Pacheco (692-4250) or Office Halani Barboza (692-4247) who can provide assistance. Dudley expressed concern about the Kapolei Mele, suggesting that the traffic pattern could be improved by not having blocked both ends of the roadways circling the park and that the road back to Ft. Barrette from the library had been jammed; Johnson will follow up for future events. Chair Kane reported community concerns about the skate park, explaining that this had been identified as a future problem while the park was in the planning stage, but reporting that now the site is being used and they are experiences problems first-hand, including break-ins and thefts (including lumber) at the new comfort station. Johnson reported that there have been increased patrols, and that beat officers and the supervisors are generally aware of problems, but that there are few specifics because HPD is not receiving many calls. A comment was made of an evening assault there, as well as a comment of a hijacking; Johnson said he was aware of the assault case, which he understood had been caused by “stink eye.” Michele Golojuch commented on those driving toward Waipahu from Makakilo in the morning rush hour, explaining that some drivers create an additional driving lane by utilizing the shoulders; Johnson said it was illegal to drive on the shoulders unless there are signs and that he would ask for vigilance in monitoring the morning drive. Ridings asked about the prior road markings of three lanes continuing towards town rather than the current exit only lane towards Ewa; Johnson said he would pass the comment on. A question was asked about cars driving through back yards to avoid traffic (near the telephone building); Chair Kane asked for that discussion to occur outside and thanked Johnson for his report and attendance.
Mayor’s Representative – Henry Eng (Director, Department of Planning and Permitting), represented Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and invited the community to attend upcoming Recycling and Senior Fairs and reported the planned September 22 meeting on sustainability issues (2050 Sustainability Task Force). Eng reported on prior concerns, including reporting:
1. HPD is monitoring the lower Makakilo area for excessive business-related cars and also the area around the Library for car operation, parking and pedestrian issues. HPD is also monitoring the Haumea Street area.
2. DTS is continuing to monitor the Haumea Street transit center site on a regular basis. He stressed that the transit site is temporary until the permanent facility is built nearby.
3. Honokai Hale area parking has not been reported as a current problem from emergency services agencies. If a community wishes to act to restrict community parking there is a petition process with neighborhood board discussion and review that can be pursued.
4. Farrington Highway widening is planned for but there is no current timetable.
5. Funding for the Kamokila Boulevard Extension is in the current budget and the bidding is scheduled for the end of the calendar year.
Eng distributed an updated transportation project map and was available to respond to questions and concerns. Souza discussed the need for trimming of the shower trees along the Farrington Highway stretch from Waipahu, suggesting that thought be given to possible replacement while the trees are smaller, since the shower trees are considered a rubbish tree, causing damage to sidewalks, when larger. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern about the Haumea Street temporary bus transit site, explaining that lights at night are needed and that the area is not safe; he also asked for a future presentation on Wal-Mart proposals. Eng reported no new information on the Wal-Mart projects other than the newspaper articles that the store will locate at a State Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) shopping center. Michael Golojuch Jr. expressed concern that the DHHL project information is being discussed in the newspapers rather than at these Board meetings since the project is in this neighborhood. Chair Kane thanked Eng for his report.
Young arrived at 7:35; eight Board members present.
Community Concerns – Chair Kane asked for community issues not on the agenda. Dudley expressed concern about Board attendance; Chair Kane said Michael Golojuch was on the mainland.
New Directions for the Board – Chair Kane reported on the need to postpone the planned presentation on “Board Directions,” explaining that he had met with the author of the letter of concern mentioned previously by Councilmember Garcia, that the letter is from the Office of Council Services and that although sometimes the City’s attorney agrees with Council Services, the Corporation Counsel has not yet reported any opinion to the Neighborhood Commission Office. Chair Kane explained that the direction from the Neighborhood Commission Office was to allow the presentation but to hold off any discussion or action until the Corporation Counsel’s response. Dudley referred to a distributed ‘Board Directions 2007’ document, explaining that the intent is for more board and community interaction, allowing for inclusive participation, with discussions of innovations such as posting of public banners and announcements of meeting in newspapers. He stressed that the intent is to serve the whole community, encouraging public participation and input. He asked for the community to participate in issues the Board addresses like ‘keeping a green Hawaii,’ and concerns about traffic, continued urbanization, and businesses with low wages. Dudley proposed the formation of Board discussion groups termed ‘permitted interaction groups’ (P.I.G.s), explaining that the term is from State law which permits Board members (less than a quorum) to hold discussions and report back to the Board for action. He proposed P.I.G.s for regional gatherings with other area Boards on common issues such as traffic and development. Dudley said that the regional groups could produce more meaningful discussion and involve more legislators.
Community Emergency Shelters – Chair Kane introduced Danny Tengan from the Hawaii State Civil Defense, who reported that the overall status of shelters for the community is an estimation of a 153,000 person shortage, based on an evaluation of an emergency need for shelters for a 35% home evacuation. Tengan reported $6 million from the legislature for shelter retrofitting funds, with four locations to be addressed in this community (Makakilo Elementary, Maukalani Elementary, Kapolei High School and Kapolei Elementary), several in nearby areas (Barber’s Point Elementary and Makakilo Community Park), out of a total of thirty-one to be retrofitted. He reported a focus also on a private shelters program, with the intention of utilizing sound buildings, including explorations of previously mentioned Consolidated Theaters and parking structures – with some of those being idea for pet friendly shelters, as well as stressing the need to shelter-in-place with solidly built structures such as condominium buildings. He reported a State loss mitigation program, which provides a small amount of reimbursement (maximum of $2100) through the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Tengan explained that a typical shelter is bare walls, with those coming in to bring their own material (including any bedding or blankets). An audience question was asked about the number of toilets, with Tengan reporting that in almost all situations the answer would be “not enough.” An audience question was also asked about the lessons learned from prior incidents, with Tengan reporting regular training exercises but noting a difficulty in training for massive fatalities.
Peter Hirai, Acting Administrator for the City Department of Emergency Management, reported that government can not do it all and stressed the need for the community to develop an emergency kit, including a family plan for action in the event of an emergency, and identifying a point of contact. An audience question was asked about the shelter capacity, inquiring on the course of action if 15,000 showed for a 5000 sport shelter, and stressing the need for alternatives in emergencies such as traffic closures; Hirai said that no one would be turned away from shelters but stressed that the whole island has shelters, that many of the newer homes are strong (although window protection is needed) and that retrofitting of your own home for window glass and other upgrading is a valuable alternative. Chair Kane asked about the use of area bunkers, with Hirai saying that some sites have access problem and Tengan reporting that many sites require environmental surveys before they can be considered. Dudley noted that media stories are forecasting stronger hurricanes and climate change and called attention to the community need, proposing retrofitting for the upper Makakilo recreation center and asked for an assessment of what would be needed to complete that retrofitting. Tengan offered that the normal retrofitting is to make sure the windows and doors are strengthened, including placing film on windows and replacing louvered windows. Dudley asked about the cost, with Hirai saying the need would be to cover windows, with a cost for plywood at $60 for a medium window. Chair Kane asked about Consolidated Theaters, Tengan said they would be meeting later in the month. Young mentioned that private shelters can turn away someone seeking to enter; Hirai said that state law allows that, and offered the example that a hotel can restrict a shelter to its guests, perhaps sheltering within the hallways, but the private shelter saves openings in the public site. Dudley asked about strength of material, with Hirai saying concrete is best but that worst is pot-on-pier with the roof not connected to wall or to the ground. Moses asked about Kapolei High School sheltering, with Hirai pointing to the vent openings below the ceiling and explained that those openings needed to be hardened, but pointed out that the area’s Kapolei Middle School would be accessible. Hirai said that the older schools tent to have less glass and pointed out that only the band and music rooms at Kapolei High School do not have glass. Moses asked about laws, with Hirai saying that new building codes have requirements for resistance higher winds (2003 code provides to build to 120 miles per hour wind). An audience comment from Mr. Young suggested that the profile for wind resistance needs to be a shape like a half of a ball. An audience question was about the lack of safety of area homes where the roofs were not tied down; Hirai said that was what all of us here were trying to do, being to get the word out. Dudley asked about the legislature funding source, with Tengan saying that the community needs to attend legislative sessions and testify. Michelle Golojuch pointed out that some employers tell their employees to go to shelters, with Hirai saying that the City is training City employees to work at shelters. Tengan said that funding is always being sought. Chair Kane thanked Tengan and Hirai for their reports.
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Process – Chair Kane asked Councilmember Apo to explain the City budget process, with Apo reporting that the budget has two parts, one the departmental operations budget and one of CIP items, which are the larger items and frequently cover multiple years. He explained that the CIP are borrowed moneys, so that the expense (or repayment) is spread over several years. Apo explained that under the old rules the CIP items needed to be spent in 18 months, now the allocations are good for two years. The basic timeline is for recommendations to be prepared within departments from July to October, then are consolidated for departmental review from October to February, Mayoral review in February and transmittal to the Council in March, when the public hearings are started and the Council votes at the end of May. Apo recommended that the Board and community submit items to the Mayor and to departments now, which also serves the purpose of conveying the information on priorities to the administration and, if a item is not included, to bring it to the Councilmembers, explaining that it is more difficult to include items from the Council level but that it is not impossible. Apo stressed that the communication now is important in order for the Mayor to know the community priorities. Dudley asked about the mechanics of providing a list, with Apo saying he would provide CIP recommendations for the past several years so the Board would have that background. Chair Kane reported that past years had seen the Board forward parks and transportation issues and that the issue would be on future meeting agendas.
Approval to the Regular Meeting Minutes for September 19, 2007 – Chair Kane asked for corrections or additions to the Regular Meeting Minutes for September 19, 2007. Young moved and Souza seconded that the September minutes be approved. Riggs explained that a question was asked at the September meeting about a committee meeting of Senator Sakamoto, explaining that there was no committee meeting. Chair Kane asked for any other corrections, and, without objections, declared the Regular Meeting Minutes for September 19, 2007 approved 8-0-0.
Planning and Zoning Committee — Souza announced that the committee would start meeting on the first Wednesday of every month, but noting the planned Special Board Meeting for October 3, said she would re-schedule. She noted that Michael Golojuch, who was off island for tonight’s meeting, had asked to be on the committee and that she encouraged interested community residents to see her after the meeting; Young said she would like to be on the committee. Dudley asked about planned topics, with Souza saying that the first meeting would be organizational items. Michael Golojuch Jr. asked about the membership of the committee and encouraged a Board presentation of the DHHL development rather than a committee presentation. Souza said the committee was to consist of five each community and board members and Chair Kane said he would plan for a DHHL presentation at the Board.
Education Committee – Moses reported that she had met with the Kapolei High School staff and teachers and had followed up on the videotaping. Moses moved and Souza seconded for the Kapolei High School to do Board videotaping. Young called attention to the high quality of the current production, and asked if the school could do the internal labeling and letters, as well as delivering the tape to ‘Olelo for their broadcasting. Moses said that the school understood and agreed that they could perform the tasks, and that would afford the opportunity for the students to learn how government functions. Chair Kane expressed concern that the school group could performs the job, with Timson saying that the new providers should be present to present themselves, that issues should be listed before they are voted, that the current producer has an existing time slot (and there should be assurance that a time slot could be maintained), and stressed her preference that the issue was premature and it be added to a future agenda. Dudley proposed that the school group learn through the experience of videoing the committee meetings. Young expressed concern about summer and vacation gaps and Board coverage. Moses said she would go back to the video department and ask for a presentation. Souza and Moses withdrew their motion. Chair Kane thanked Moses for her efforts and research, stressing his desire that she continue with the project. Board videographer Bob Farrell reported that the time slot was not his to turn over to the school group but those arraignments would need to be made directly with ‘Olelo, explaining that ‘Olelo has a procedure where they ask for producers to have three months of videotaping experience before they are assigned a time slot. Souza asked about funds for videotaping, with Treasurer Yamamoto reporting that some funds were available. Moses said she did not know about possible committee videotaping because she had been in discussion about a full schedule rather than a lesser amount and that she would take the discussion back to the school. Souza asked for Farrell to announce the video broadcast date: Saturday, Channel 54, 6 p.m. Farrell also expressed his willingness to try an intern program and to work with the school and Moses.
Timson left at 8:55 p.m.; seven Board members present.
Treasurer’s Report – Yamamoto announced the ending balance in the Board’s Operating /Publicity Account was $3784.73, commenting on future savings as a result of Souza’s negotiated lower rental amount and agreeing to Dudley on his making a projection of Board finances for a future meeting.
Councilmember Todd Apo – Councilmember Apo reported on prior issues, including the West Oahu Sustainability Task Force (meeting October 16), design work for air conditioning, requests for a crosswalk between the State library and the park (with a response received that a study was to be done), skate park issues being in need of attention (including requests for security from all sides), and traffic issues (the State needs to start enforcing the three-people limit for the zipper use and that the State will re-evaluate the lane restriction at Kunia Road when the North-South Road opens). Apo also distributed a community report which highlighted a Varona Village cleanup and participation at a Mayor’s Town meeting on August 28 on the Waimanalo Landfill proposed extension. Moses expressed concern about the completion of the Kapolei Parkway near the Middle School; Apo said the completion is being tied to the opening of the North-South Road, anticipated for first quarter of 2009. Moses also expressed concern about the timing of signal lights near the school; Apo said he would follow up. Chair Kane reported a need to be in communication with the school principals about area youth; Apo agreed and said he was following up. Chair Kane thanked Apo for his report.
Councilmember Nester Garcia – Puni Chee represented Councilmember Garcia, and distributed a community report, which included information about applying for the community benefits package service grants and a listing of past grants (deadline is October 15, 2007). Chee expressed appreciation to Apo for the adding of Councilmember Garcia’s Makakilo area to the area where grants can be applied to. He also invited the community to the kick off of the City’s transit boat service. Moses asked about Makakilo Drive crosswalks, stressing the need for demand activated lights, with Chee agreeing with the need, reporting that the City had denied a prior request and stating that Garcia was working with Souza on the issue. Moses stressed that the light had been requested six years ago. Dudley said that Michael Golojuch Jr. had asked about Makakilo members on the benefits package grant committee, with Chee saying that Roy Wickramaratna was on the committee, as was John Kaopua (with Souza explaining that Kaopua was not a Makakilo resident but from Waianae). Souza agreed that a traffic light was needed, saying that the Gardens children have a right to cross, explaining that cars travel down the hill at 40 mph at that location, expressing concern over recent area accidents (Makakilo Drive fronting Makakilo Gardens III). Moses suggested the Board consider a request to the City Department of Transportation Services for an additional study. Chair Kane thanked Chee for the report.
Governor’s Representative – Linda Smith (Governor’s Office) represented Governor Linda Lingle, distributed copies of information from the Governor’s Office and highlighted a Transportation Projects update:
1. North-South Road: Phase 1A complete, Phase 1B contract awarded, Phase 1C notice given to proceed (two year project)
2. Fort Weaver Road: widening start October 1 (two year project)
3. Kapolei Interchange Complex: construction to begin summer 2008 for twenty months
4. Fort Barrette Road widening: tentatively to begin in 2009
5. Leeward Bikeway: projected start for 2010
6. East-West Collector Road: projected to begin mid-2008
Moses stressed concern about the Makakilo freeway on-ramp, saying that she understood the ramp had been designed wrong; Smith will follow up. Souza said she applauded Governor Lingle for the governor’s stand on the ferry. Chair Kane thanked Smith for her report.
Board of Water Supply – George Kuo reported no main breaks, thanked the community for its support of conservation, and offered the monthly water tip:
Summer Conservation Efforts Update: The BWS would like to thank the community for their conservation efforts. Thanks to your help and some much-needed rain during these hot summer months, we actually pumped less water this summer compared to last. This year, we pumped an average of 159 million gallons of water a day between May 24 and August 15, compared to 164 million gallons of water a day during the same period last year. Again, the BWS would like to thank you for your help and ask that you continue to remain vigilant in your conservation efforts. Use what you need, but do not waste it.
BWS Information Session for the Neighborhood Board Members: The BWS Information session for neighborhood board members is set for Saturday, October 27, from 9 – 11:30 am at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden at 99-1268 Iwaena St in Halawa Valley. This session is your chance to learn more about how the Board of Water Supply continues to provide “Water for Life,” and will cover topics such as the history of water on Oahu, watershed management and how construction projects are done. Plus, on a first come, first served basis, neighborhood board members who sign up quickly for the session will have an opportunity to tour the Halawa Shaft, where you will get an up close look at one of Oahu’s underground aquifers. For more information or to RSVP, please call Moani Wright-Van Alst at 748-5319 or email her at mwright-vanalst@hbws.org.
Kuo also reported that BWS staff are walking communities from
Senator Mike Gabbard – Riggs represented Senator Gabbard and reported a 2050 Sustainability meeting on September 22 and a planned community meeting on October 20, 2007. Chair Kane thanked Riggs for the report.
Representative Sharon Har – Representative Har reported participation in a Friends of Makakilo meeting, a blessing of the Emergency Medical Services facility in Makakilo with Mayor Hannemann and others, a September 18 groundbreaking for a new inter-island airport parking structure, an October 7 Children and Youth Celebration at the State Capitol and a planned Finance Committee meeting in the last week of October in the Makakilo community. Young asked for a follow up on a Board of Health study regarding air-bourn dust; Har said she would come to the next month’s meeting. Chair Kane thanked Har for the report.
Representative Karen Awana – No representative was present.
Hawaii Community Development Authority – HCDA – Kalaeloa Development – Tesha Malama was present from the State HCDA, and she reported receiving for Kalaeloa a grant (Board-endorsed at the prior meeting) of $250,000 from the HCDA. She distributed a community report and highlighted the grant (which is to be used to mitigate life threatening issues), Coast Guard participation in a community clean up, an HCDA meeting on October 3, 2007. Carolyn Golojuch asked about retaining a child center operation within the development area; Malama agreed that the project was valuable and said she would follow up. Dudley asked about possible road improvements at the prior main gate entrance (Ft. Barrette and Roosevelt Avenue); Malama reported that Gabbard had explored if special duty HPD officers could be assigned to direct the traffic tie up that occurs at the stop sign, but said that since the roadways are not up to standards that funds are not permitted to be spent at that site. Chair Kane thanked Malama for her report.
ANNOUNCEMENT – The video tape of the Board’s meeting was announced to be shown on Channel 54 at 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Chair Kane announced the Special Board meeting planned for October 3, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the Kapolei High School Cafeteria.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Kane announced that the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
Submitted by Elwin Spray, Neighborhood Commission Office staff.