Neighborhood Commission
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ATTENDANCE
COMMISSONERS PRESENT: Karen Iwamoto, Ray Galas, Benjamin Sanchez, Benjamin Gudoy, Kalene Shim- Sakamoto, Gail Gomes.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Margaret Murchie, James Kimo Kaonohi, Sally Amantiad.
STAFF: Benjamin Kama, Terry Morris, Sheri Kagiwara, Dean Chu.
GUESTS: John Kato and Clifton Takamura (McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8), Tom Heinrich,(Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7), Jeb Brown (City Council Legislative Aide), David Pagan, Brian Winter (Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21), Lynne Matusow (Downtown Neighborhood Board No. 13), Reid Yamashiro (City Corporation Counsel Office).
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chair Iwamoto at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was present.
PUBLIC INPUT:
RECOGNITION OF JAMAL SIDDIQUI _ John Kato, Chair, and Clifton Takamura, member, McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board, commended their board's Neighborhood Assistant, Jamal Siddiqui for his work with them, and noted that he will do a good job for whatever board he is assigned to next. Siddiqui was elected to the Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board which meets the same night at the McCully-Moiliili Board.
Commissioner Galas noted he has known Siddiqui when they were both college students.
Commissioner Shim-Sakamoto arrived during the above portion of the meeting.
STATE OFFICE OF INFORMATION PRACTICES (OIP) OPINION ON SUNSHINE LAW _ Lynne Matusow, Chair, Downtown Neighborhood Board, expressed concern that the Neighborhood Commission has not addressed the OIP opinion as it relates to the State Sunshine Law and vision teams. The opinion stated that vision teams should be subject to the Sunshine Law and file agendas of their meetings, and that neighborhood boards should file joint board and vision team agendas. Matusow also stated that the OIP opinion may make it necessary to amend the Neighborhood Plan to allow boards to hold meetings outside of their boundaries such as for the joint vision team meetings where board members attend, and are involved in decision-making, and are held outside the boundaries of the boards.
To comply with the OIP opinion, the Neighborhood Commission needs to give the boards more support, such as funding to send out additional mailings, Neighborhood Assistants' attendance at board committee meetings, etc.
Executive Secretary Kama reported that the City Corporation Counsel is reviewing the OIP opinion.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 2
Reed Yamashiro, City Corporation Counsel Office, reported that only a portion of the OIP opinion applies to vision teams.
Commissioner Sanchez reported he believes that the vision team is only a process and not a team.
Chair Iwamoto noted that the Commission will followup on this matter.
Matusow requested the Commission provide the boards with proper guidance on this matter.
Commission Galas requested that this matter be placed on the Commission's next agenda.
Chair Iwamoto requested that the Corporation Counsel expedite a response on this matter. She noted that several commissioners met with the Mayor on this matter, and Matusow noted that the meeting with the Mayor should have been on the Commission agenda if two or more commissioners attended that meeting. Iwamoto acknowledged the need to provide the boards with guidance on this matter.
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2001: The following corrections were made:
Page 5, under Complaint Hearing by Oliveria Against Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23 (October 14, 1998), it should read “Complaint Hearing by Clifford Oliveira Against Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23 (October 14, 1998) _ Commissioner Gomes stated that she was voting to dismiss the complaint because there was not a Sunshine Law violation as Complainant Oliveira was given an opportunity to explain his concern.”
Page 5, under Complaint Hearing by Oliveria Against Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23 (March 25, 1999), it should read “Complaint Hearing by Clifford Oliveira Against Ewa Neighborhood Board No. 23 (March 25, 1999) _ Commissioner Gomes stated that she was voting to dismiss the complaint because no one attended the complaint hearing and Complainant Oliveira provided no evidence in support of any of the allegations made in the complaint.”
Galas moved and Shim-Sakamoto seconded to accept the minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE:
Copies of correspondence were provided to Commissioners in packets previously distributed. Gomes moved and Sanchez seconded to file the correspondence. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS:
COMMISSION CHAIR _ Matusow asked for more support from the Commission and the City Corporation Counsel. Iwamoto reported that she has received complaints from boards about the reimbursement procedure for boards' purchase of refreshments served at their meetings, and that the Commission is addressing this concern to provide prompt reimbursement.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 3
COMMISSION MEMBERS _ NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD MEETING OBSERVATIONS _ Commissioner Shim-Sakamoto reported attending the Aliamanu-Salt Lake-Foster Village Neighborhood Board No. 18 meeting and was impressed that the meeting was well-run by its Chair Grant Tanimoto. The board has a procedure to conclude its meetings at a designated time unless extended by a majority vote. There were no major issues discussed at this meeting.
Commissioner Shim-Sakamto reported that she and Commissioner Murchie attended the April 21 breakfast meeting with the Mayor prior to the Islandwide Vision Teams meeting, where approximately 300 board members were in attendance.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY'S REPORT: Executive Secretary Kama reported that a report is contained in the packet provided to Commissioners, and includes:
1. Copies of letters sent out per Commission action at its February meeting.
2. Commissioners' business cards have been printed and distributed.
3. Pictures of the Commissioners have been posted in City Hall with the neighborhood board Chairs, and on the Commission's web page. Commissioner Gomes' son Devin was recognized for taking the picture.
4. The proposed budget for FY 2002 reflects an increase from the report given at the February meeting, reflecting pay increases for staff and the addition of another Neighborhood Assistant position.
5. Mahalo were extended to Neighborhood Assistants Jamal Siddiqui, Mahealani Hanohano, Steve Rodrigues, Clare Kodama, Dean Chu, and his secretary Patty Teruya, for their work while the Neighborhood Assistants were short-staffed. Also, Neighborhood Assistant Claire Kodama has taken a position with another City Department, Elsa Lactaoen has returned to school, and Charles Herrmann is on medical leave. Newly hired Neighborhood Assistants are Nola Frank, Marie Richardson and Daisy Nasau.
6. A press release and results of the recently completed neighborhood board election are in the packet.
The election resulted in two ties. In one case, one of the candidates has moved to the mainland. In the other case, a second computer count was done confirming the tie. One of the candidates in this case has requested a manual recount, however there are no provisions in the Neighborhood Plan to meet this request, which has been forwarded to the City Corporation Counsel for review.
The Mililani Mauka Neighborhood Board did not have a contested race as there were only eight candidates for nine seats. A drawing by lot will be held to determine the chair pro tem for the June meeting.
A letter has also been received from the Chair of the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 regarding the election.
7. Elwin Spray and his elections staff were commended for a job well-done.
The Installation Ceremony for the newly elected board members is June 1, City Hall, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Harris and Council Chair Yoshimura will be featured speakers, Chair Iwamoto
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 4
will administer the oath-of office, and with the assistance of the Commissioners, present certificates to the new board members.
8. A parliamentary procedure workshop has been scheduled for June 2, McCoy Pavilion, 8:00 a.m. The board members have been notified.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN REVISION EFFORT UPDATE _ Deferred.
NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD SYSTEM 2001 ELECTION PROCESS UPDATE _ Chair Iwamoto reported receipt of complaints regarding the uncontested races where no ballots were sent out. Some persons wanted to vote regardless. She noted that the decision not to send out ballots for the uncontested races needs to be explained again.
NEW BUSINESS:
VERIFICATION OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD SYSTEM 2001 ELECTION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE RESULTS PERSUANT TO SECTION 3-7.9, REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 1986 (1998 EDITION) _ Gomes moved and Galas seconded that the Neighborhood Commission accept the certified election results report dated April 30, 2001 in accordance with Section 3-7.9, Revised Neighborhood Plan 1986 (1998 edition), and that those candidates indicated as having been duly qualified and elected shall be deemed elected to the respective neighborhood boards for the two year term of June 1, 2001 to May 31, 2003.
Discussion followed where it was clarified there was a misprint on the results of the Nuuanu-Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12, subdistrict 1's results . The motion carried unanimously .
Gomes moved and Galas seconded that the Neighborhood Commission formally extends its appreciation and commendation to: 1) Mr. Russell Mokulehua for his generous service as Chief Monitoring Officer for the 2001 neighborhood board System election; 2) the members of Hui Aikane (Aiea Senior Citizens Club) who volunteered to assist with the ballot handling, and 3) the Neighborhood Commission staff, especially Mr. Elwin Spray, for again conducting a smoothly run election process. The motion carried unanimously.
Gomes reported receipt of calls regarding the determination of the chair pro tem for boards with uncontested races. She suggested letters of explanation be sent to board members explaining the process. Executive Secretary Kama reported that such letters will be sent.
Matusow requested the letter also include an explanation of the procedures for the initial convening of a neighborhood board.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND REVISION OF THE RULES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION _ Shim-Sakamoto moved and Galas seconded that the Neighborhood Commission formally conduct a comprehensive review and revision of the Rules of the Neighborhood Commission (effective June 29, 1998) for the purpose of improving the policy and administrative guidance provided to the Neighborhood Commission, the Executive Secretary and Neighborhood Commission Office, the members of the neighborhood board system, and the public at large. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO CONSOLIDATE THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION RULES COMPREHENSIVE REIVEW AND REVISION EFFORT WITH THE REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 1986 (1998 EDITION) COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW AND REVISION EFFORT BEING CONDUCTED BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN COMMITTEE _ Galas moved and Shim-Sakamoto seconded that the Neighborhood
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 5
Commission consolidate the comprehensive review and revision effort for the Rules of the Neighborhood Commission (effective June 29, 1998) with the in-progress comprehensive review and revision process for the Revised Neighborhood Plan 1986 (1998 Edition), and that both efforts be conducted and finalized for presentment to the Neighborhood Commission and the public by the Neighborhood Plan Committee Chaired by Commissioner Gail Gomes. The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON PROPOSAL THAT THE RULES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DRAFT REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2001 _ Galas moved and Shim-Sakamoto seconded that the Neighborhood Commission formally direct the Neighborhood Plan Committee to incorporate the Rules of the Neighborhood Commission, and any proposed revisions to those rules, into the proposed Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2001 for review and comment by the Neighborhood Commission and the public.
Discussion followed. Matusow suggested that the Rules of the Neighborhood Commission be made consistent with the Rules of the Neighborhood Boards, such as filing deadlines for agendas; which is six days prior the meeting for the Commission and seven days for boards.
The motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO ACCEPT (NOT APPROVE OR ADOPT) THE DRAFT REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2001 PUBLIC REVIEW PACKAGE AND DIRECT THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT _ Gomes moved and Galas seconded that the Neighborhood Commission formally 1) accept (not approve or adopt) the Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2001 public review packet for the purpose of facilitating additional public review and comment, and 2) direct the Executive Secretary to make and distribute copies to each neighborhood board, those persons who attended the earlier two rounds of regional fact-finding meetings, and other interested persons for review and comment.
Discussion followed. Takamura commended the work of the committee on this matter and supported approval of the motion.
Matusow reiterated her concern about compliance to the State Office of Information Practices opinion, noting that no committee agendas were filed on this matter when commissioners and Neighborhood Commission staff worked on it. Commissioner Gomes reported she was solely responsible for the writing of the revised version.
The motion carried unanimously.
Matusow commented that she would be goint to the press about this. Galas commented that he was happy Matusow took such a strong interest in the Neighborhood Plan amendments and hoped that the message going to the press was that the Neighborhood Plan draft was of such great importance that everyone should make an effort to get involved.
Gomes suggested that each board receive four copies of the draft. Galas suggested the draft be placed on the Commission web site, however, Gomes reported that it is not possible at this time to do so for technical reasons. Followup will be done with the City Department of Information Technology about resolving the technical reasons to have this information on the web site.
CONSIDERATION AND ACTION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR NOT LESS THAN FIVE PUBLIC WORKSHOPS TO BE CONDUCTED ISLAND-WIDE BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN COMMITTEE TO REVIEW AND FACILITATING FURTHER COMMENT ON THE DRAFT REVISED NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN 2001 _ Gomes moved and Shim-Sakamoto seconded that the Neighborhood Commission direct the Neighborhood Plan Committee, with the assistance of the Neighborhood
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 6
Commission Office, to conduct not less than five public workshops island-wide for the purpose of facilitating additional public review and comment on the Draft Revised Neighborhood Plan 2001.
Discussion followed.
1. A schedule of five meetings in June was included in the packets. If needed, additional meetings will be scheduled, agendas will be filed, and minutes will be taken.
2. Matusow expressed concern about compliance to the Sunshine Law, as boards should place this item on their agendas because if two or more of their members attend the workshop, but less than a quorum of board members are present, they will not be able to speak workshop. She suggested Commissioners make informational presentations to individual boards. Executive Secertary Kama and Reid Yamashiro, from Corporation Counsel, will followup on advising boards to add the schedule of workshops to their agendas.
3. Commissioner Galas suggested Corporation Counsel review of the Commission agendas to address Sunshine Law concerns.
4. Executive Secretary Kama provided additional comments on options, including special meetings, Permitted Action Groups, to have board members attend the workshops.
5. Commissioner Galas commended all those who worked on the amendments.
The motion carried unanimously.
A recess was called at 7:50 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 7:55 p.m.
Galas moved and Gomes seconded to go into executive session. The motion carried unanimously.
The executive session began at 7:55 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION _ Executive session was held on the following:
COMPLAINT HEARING IN THE MATTER OF CLIFFORD OLIVEIRA VERSUS EWA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 23 (JUNE 25, 1999).
The executive session ended at 8:00 p.m.
Gomes moved and Galas seconded that the Commission move out of executive session. The motion carried unanimously.
COMPLAINT HEARING IN THE MATTER OF CLIFFORD OLIVEIRA VERSUS EWA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 23 (JUNE 25, 1999) _ Galas moved and Sanchez seconded to dismiss the complaint. The motion carried unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN _ Commissioner Gomes had nothing additional to report, the subject was covered earlier in the meeting.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
MAY 8, 2001
PAGE 7
BUDGET _ Commissioner Shim-Sakamoto had nothing additional to report, the subject was covered previously in the meeting.
ELECTIONS _ Commissioner Gudoy had nothing additional to report, the subject was covered previously in the meeting.
EVALUATION _ Commissioner Murchie was unable to attend the meeting.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION RULES _ Commissioner Galas had nothing additional to report, the subject was covered previously in the meeting.
SCHEDULING OF THE NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - Commissioner Gomes suggested that unless there is pressing business to conduct, the scheduled meeting for June 12, be tentative at this time.
Commissioner Gomes reported that she will make a presentation on the revisions to the Neighborhood Plan to the Downtown Neighborhood Board.
ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
RELAY FOR LIFE _ The American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Waianae is scheduled for May 19 _ 20, Waianae High School. Last year this relay raised more money than any other island-wide.
ADJOURNMENT: Galas moved and Gomes seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Submitted by,
Dean Chu
Neighborhood Assistant
Return to Board page