PEARL CITY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 21

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
 Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoomoana St, Pearl City
 AND VIA WEBEX

This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options including WebEx and phone-in instructions are as follows:

WEBEX Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mbdb01f17b499a89cdb59bf83086d38ec 
Meeting Number/Access Code: 2498 533 4017 
Password: NB21 (6221 from phones and video systems) 
Join By Phone: 1-408-418-9388
PCNB Documents posted on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V5AlaHjrMVo42KclDDH1qS-pc2oJVF9l 

MEETING POLICY – Adopted July 25, 2023
Rules of Speaking:
Virtual: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to open the list of participants and click the “raise hand” icon by their name. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Remarks should not exceed 3 minutes. (Please cancel the “raise hand” icon after speaking.  Presentations must be kept under 10 minutes.  The “chat” box can also be used to ask simple questions. Board Members are required to keep their video active during the board meeting.

Recordings of Board Meetings can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@cityandcountyneighborhoodc2559

Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. Board actions such as draft resolutions and outgoing letters will be posted for the public on Google Drive.

Board Agenda Items:  The Board is requesting that all written reports presented at the board meeting be soft copy emailed to the Board Chair and Website Manager: lveray@hawaii.rr.com and info@pearlcitynb.com. All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Blvd, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Larry Veray
A. Pledge of Allegiance – Cub Scout Pack 75 – Cubmaster Jantzen Lim
B. Time Limit Policy and Procedures
C. All participants are to sign in for in-person and virtual identify yourself to NCO Assistant on WEBEX
D. Roll Call (All board members must have their video turned on)

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
A. Honolulu Fire Department – Report on fire and emergency incidents to statistics for past month, fire safety tips.
B. Honolulu Police Department – Report on crime incidents and statistics for District 3 Pearl City area past month, crime prevention and public safety tips.

III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – Limited to 3 minutes each (Resident/Community Concerns)

IV. PRESENTATION – 10 minutes
A. Department of Environmental Services – Purpose: Discuss its plans to increase its sewer service charges for residential and commercial customers in Fiscal Year 2026, which begins Tuesday, July 1, 2025.  ENV wishes to present information on the reasons for the increase, the amount of the increase, and what the additional revenue will be used for – TBD

V. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Resolution – Pearl City Legislative Priorities for 2025 – Defines Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 priorities for our State and City Legislators for upcoming 2025 session. Adopt Resolution

VI. GOVERNMENT MONTHLY REPORTS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
A. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
1. Governor Josh Green’s Office – Mr. Jeff Hickman, Public Affairs,
2. Department of Education – Mr. Joe Halfmann, Principal Pearl City High School
3. Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) – Mr. Casey Abe, HDOT State Highways Division
B. STATE LEGISLATURE
1. Senator Glenn Wakai (D15)
2. Senator Brandon Elefante (D16)
3. Senator Henry Aquino (D19)
4. Representative Gregg Takayama (D34)
5. Representative Cory Chun (D35)
6. Representative Trish La Chica (D37)
C. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
1. Congressman Ed Case – Mr. Nestor Garcia, Director of Communications
D. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU
1. Office of the Mayor – Director & Chief Engineer Gene Abano, Director Facility Maintenance
2. Councilmember Val Okimoto
E. OTHER AGENCIES
1. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam – Mr. David Hodge and Mr. Victor Flint
2. Leeward Community College – Chancellor Carlos Penaloza
3. Pearl City Library – Ms. Vicky Bowie, Branch Manager
4. Board of Water Supply – Mr. Arlen Ledward, Civil Engineer
F. ASSOCIATION UPDATES
1. Pearl City High School PTSA – Mr. Tony Velasco

VII. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
1. Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – Tuesday, September 24, 2024 minutes
2. Meetings attended by board members

VIII. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 next board meeting will be both Virtual and In-Person facilitated on WEBEX and at Momilani Community Center 715 Hoomoana St, Pearl City on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcasted on Focus Channel 49 and air 2nd Saturday at 6:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 PM.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes.  Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, Suite 160, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
MOMILANI COMMUNITY CENTER, 715 HOOMOANA St, PEARL CITY, HI, 96782
ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUEsaCcTzDs&t=6674s

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1V5AlaHjrMVo42KclDDH1qS-pc2oJVF9l

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:00]: Chair Veray called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance: The Cub Scout Pack 75 administered the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chair Veray reviewed the time limit policy and procedures before conducting a roll call. Quorum WAS established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 11-member board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Kekuni Agard, Rodney Awong, Charmaine Doran, Guy Inouye, Daniel Smith, Nathan Takeuchi, Antonio Velasco, Larry Veray, and Hiede Weber (appointed 7:39 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Brendon Lee

Guests: Fire Fighter K. Drumright (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki (Honolulu Police Department); Kelly B. Akasak (Department of Transportation Service); Shane Akagi and Dion Mesta (Department of Community Service) Casey Abe (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Senator Brandon Elefante and Jan Salcedo; Nathaniel Isei (Senator Henry Aquino); Representative Gregg Takayama; Dustin Lee (Representative Cory Chun);Representative Trish La Chica; Gene Albano (Mayor Blangiardi); Aaron Wilson (Councilmember Val Okimoto); Victor Flint (U.S. Navy); Chancellor Carlos Penaloza (Leeward Community Association); Vicky Bowie (Pearl City Library); Arlen Ledward (Board of Water Supply); Francie Whitfield, Sam Hui, Mary Bello, Val Kupihea Tuiloma, Layden Akasaki, Tara Sutton, Aimirose Ann Battad, Keith, Kelly Akasaki, Jocelyn Roberts, Jan Salcedo, Shane Akagi, Linda Lee, Craig Niiya, Charles King, Collette Chang, Janis Saiki, Joanne Arakaki, Dustin Lee, Karen Davis, and Gregory (Resident); and Anson Wu (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 59 total participants.

[0:03:39] – Hearing no objections Chair Veray moved up Filling in Vacancies after Public Safety Report.

II. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS – [0:04:00]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:04:00]: Fire Fighter K. Drumright provided the monthly statistics for August 2024, and September 2024 fire safety tips regarding Moving Over for Emergency Vehicles.
• August 2024 Statistics: There were 5 wildland/bush fires, 8 nuisance fires, 2 cooking fires, 8 activated alarms without fire, 143 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 11 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 31 mountain rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1889sNqQARUVC4unlQn1nYx_XLOuPHHMf/view?usp=drive_link
• For more information, visit: https://fire.honolulu.gov/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:06:42]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:09:25]: Lieutenant Glenn Iwasaki provided the monthly statistics for August 2024; September 2024 safety tip regarding Seat Belt safety; and speeding citation statistics in the Pearl City area.
• August 2024 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 27 thefts, and 10 Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicles (UEMV).
• Statistical information can be found on the HPD public website: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/
• For more information, visit: www.honolulupd.org

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:26]

Filling of Vacant At-Large Board Position – [0:34:20]: Heide Weber volunteered to fill in the Vacant At-Large Board position; provided background information about herself; her reasoning to be part of the board; and answered questions from the board members.

[0:37:39] – Doran nominated Weber to filling in the At-Large Board Position. Hearing no further nominations, the Board conducted a roll call vote. Weber filled in the vacancy for the At-Large Board Position; 9-0 (Weber: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Abstain: None) – [0:37:45].

[0:38:58] – Neighborhood Assistant (NA) administer the Oath of Office to Weber. 10 members present.
III. PUBLIC TESTIMONY – [0:38:58]: no concerns.

IV. PRESENTATION – [0:40:00]

Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Update on Pearl City Streets Initiatives – [0:40:00]: Kelly B. Akasak from DTS provided a presentation of upcoming and future construction projects in Pearl City. DTS upcoming proposed projects will consist of: constructing a raised median with rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Waimano Home Road at Hoʻomalu; rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Waimano Home Road at Leomele, and Hoʻolana Street; and Pearl Harbor Historic Trail Improvements.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:45:12]

Department of Community Services (DCS), Grants in Aid (GIA) Process [1:09:36]¬: Shane Akagi from the DCS provided a presentation informing the public the purpose of Grant in Aid; what can the grants fund; the types of grants; and a timeline of a grant solicitation, award process, contracting, and execution.
• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oMuNX06PCanl8Q6hSTgv1PiqD5C0-Ykl/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:18:13]

V. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:23:52]

Resolution Pearl City Legislative Priorities – [1:23:52]: Member Doran introduced the resolution to adopt legislative priorities for 2025.

[1:25:08] – Doran MOVED and Agard SECONDED to defer the resolution to the next meeting. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:25:17].

Resolution Requesting That the State of Hawaii Department of Education, and The Counties Cooperate to Supply Fully Adequate School Busing for Public School Students in Consultation with The Affected Communities – [1:25:41]: The resolution request the Department of Education, Legislature, and the County to: provide solutions for the shortage of school bus drivers; engage private bus companies and government agencies; pass new legislation and take other actions to provide full school bus service in accordance with Federal and State law; engage together the affected communities; allow sharing of buses by schools; and capacity permits.
• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dMeSkSfWh8udL6-imBTV8atNq9jT4S9G/view?usp=drive_link

[1:30:33] – Smith MOVED and Doran SECONDED to adopt the State of Hawaii Department of Education, and The Counties Cooperate to Supply Fully Adequate School Busing for Public School Students in Consultation with The Affected Communities as written. Discussion followed. The board conducted a roll call vote, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:34:19].

Pearl City Neighborhood Board Outgoing Letter to be drafted per results of this weeks Town Hall meeting on Transportation – Immediate Public Safety Requirements – [1:35:35]:

[1:36:14] – Agard MOVED and Awong SECONDED for a letter to be drafted per results of this weeks Town Hall meeting on Transportation. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:36:23].

Pearl City Neighborhood Board Letter to Department of Parks and Recreation requesting approval for the U.S. Navy and Pearl City Lions Club to repair and rehab the Japanese built Peace Bell at Blaisdell Park as volunteers and at no cost to the city – [1:36:27]: The letter requests the Department of Parks and Recreation to work with the U.S. Navy Expert Construction Battalion and civilian volunteers to fumigate, repair, and repaint the Japanese Peace Bell Structure.
• Letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XgPJ0rXGd1CXv4-KYYhdS4mllmm8pfFE/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=110816970952488543387&rtpof=true&sd=true

[1:37:15] – Agard MOVED and Awong SECONDED to adopt the Letter to Department of Parks and Recreation requesting approval for the U.S. Navy and Pearl City Lions Club to repair and rehab the Japanese built Peace Bell at Blaisdell Park as volunteers and at no cost to the city as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADPOTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:39:32].

VI. GOVERNMENT MONTHLY REPORTS & LEGISLATIVE UPDATES – [1:39:50]

A. OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – [1:39:54]

Governor Josh Green’s Office – [1:39:54]: No representative present.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11rn3WuOugbv8kautAiUKqgAFZf8mulDe/view?usp=drive_link

Department of Education – [1:40:05]: No representative present.
Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) – [1:40:16]: Casey Abe presented his report and highlighted the following: updates on the Leeward Bikeway Project Philippine Sea Road to Waipahu Depot Street, ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new Waikele and Kapakahi Stream Bridge in October; new delineators post on Acacia Road intersection; updates of a left-turn lane from Kamehameha Highway onto Kuala Street; HDOT is working with the City to allow TheBus to use the close H2R2 ramp; construction of new sidewalks; and was made aware of a broken fence and overgrowth.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:44:02]

B. STATE LEGISLATURE – [1:47:58]

Senator Glenn Wakai (D15) – [1:47:58]: No representative present.

Senator Brandon Elefante (D16) – [1:48:03]: Senator Brandon Elefante presented his report and highlighted the following: provided information to a concern asked at the meeting and Senator Elafante had submitted a letter regarding street racing and loud mufflers on the weekends to HPD.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:50:03]

Senator Henry Aquino (D19) – [1:51:14]: Nathaniel Isei stands on his report.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11XhyLePtoBdlLvLr5-Dyzujbbe9DMZah/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Gregg Takayama (D34) – [1:51:58]: Representative Gregg Takayama has nothing to report, but wants to be informed regarding the Sunset Memorial choosing to apply for a grant.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:52:35]

Representative Cory Chun (D35) – [1:53:19]: Dustin Lee provided the report and announced that the recordings from last town hall meeting was uploaded on Ōlelo.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1egIkL76_wkUuvoTIYDeDMuS7pqoS-aq_/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:53:57]

Representative Trish La Chica (D37) – [1:54:07]: Representative Trish La Chica provided the report and highlighted the following: updates on school bus route restoration; updates on the teacher housing project at Mililani High School; and announced that October is Filipino American History month.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:58:19]

VII. CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS – [2:00:39]

Congressman Ed Case – [2:00:40]: No representative present.

VIII. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU – [2:00:46]

Office of the Mayor – [2:00:48]: Director & Chief Engineer Gene Albano provided the report and highlighted the following: City takes action to address crime along the Wai’anae Coast; 30 brand-new security cameras installed in Chinatown; Mayor Blangiardi hosts a healing vigil; City demolishes hoarder house; and Honolulu named most desirable City to live.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RNjtnWcoeckWuq6Cbor9X3xRof4BrPhw/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:02:58]

Councilmember Val Okimoto – [2:14:01]: Aaron Wilson provided the report and highlighted the following: the passing of Resolution 24-199 which clarifies and strengthens of Hawaiʻi’s Laws relating to electric bikes, Bill 41 which enhances the City Animal Outreach program, and Bill 34 regarding building permits; Bill 46 regarding empty homes tax bill is in its second reading; the Pearl City Pool bathrooms were fixed and graffiti was removed; and the opening of four new businesses.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pAqxAIp3BNAODLuHj8Rxw86s6UHsoC_f/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:17:00]

IX. OTHER AGENCIES – [2:18:01]

Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam – [2:18:01]: Victor Flint provided the report highlighted the following: updates on Dry Dock 5 project; Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Pearl Harbor restoration advisory board at Foster Village Vet Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Tuesday October 8, 2024 Department of Health and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be hosting an open house at Aliamanu Middle School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wwlX7rY_uOBWETJPlwhI8btKcK8Czk9d/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:19:41]
Leeward Community College – [2:20:51]: Chancellor Carlos Penaloza provided the report and highlighted the following: last week Friday they hosted a Dive into Education 2.0 at Leeward Community College; Celebration of the 50th anniversary of Leeward theater; Lisa Matsumoto Once Upon One Time from Friday, November 1, 2024 through Sunday, November 3, 2024; the Discovery Fair Saturday, November 2, 2024; important upcoming events for the month of November; and a response to a question asked in the previous meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:25:03]

Pearl City Library – [2:25:35]: Vicky Bowie provided the report and highlighted the following: Pearl City Library will be hosting a lay making program on Monday October 7, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.; Mahjong program on Sunday October 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. for all skill levels; and Tai Chi program on Wednesday October 9, 2024 and Wednesday October 23, 2024 for ages 50 and up.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:27:16]

Board of Water Supply (BWS), Civil Engineer – [2:28:52]: Arlen Ledward provided the report and highlighted the following: two water main breaks for the month of August on Hoʻomoe Street and Hoʻomāʻike Street; and the general water announcements regarding Imagine-A-Day Without Water event.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RANZXsNLr56w5paCRm4FZmXOVzOMuN5M/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:31:23]

X. ASSOCIATION UPDATES – [2:32:53]

Pearl City High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) – [2:32:55]: Member Velasco highlighted the following: Panda Express Online Fundraiser on Thursday, October 3, 2024 and Mcnight at McDonald’s at Kuala on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Pearl City Community Association (PCCA) – [2:33:41]: This item was postponed due to time.

XI. BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS – [2:33:41]

Regular Board Meeting Minutes Approval – Tuesday, August 27, 2024 minutes – [2:33:41]: [2:33:53] – Velasco MOVED Smith SECONDED to approve the Tuesday, August 27, 2024 minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion WAS ADOPTED; 10-0-0 (Aye: Agard, Awong, Doran, Inouye, Weber, Miyazono, Smith, Takeuchi, Velasco, and Veray; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [2:33:58].

Meetings attended by board members – [2:34:13]: Chair Veray stated that board members had attended town hall meetings. Member Doran attended the Board of Education meeting.

XII. CHAIR & BOARD ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:34:30]

Next Meeting – [2:34:30]: The next meeting of the Pearl City Neighborhood Board No.21 is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the Momilani Community Center at 715 Hoomoana Street and online via WebEx. The Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 meetings are broadcasted on Focus Channel 49 and air 2nd Saturday at 6:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Friday at 1:00 PM.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT [2:34:59]: Chair Veray adjourned the meeting at 9:34 p.m.

Submitted by: Anson Wu, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy
Finalized by: Tony Velasco, Secretary

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.