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NEIGHBOHROOD COMMISSION NEIGHBOHROOD COMMISSION JANUARY 13, 2004 CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTION OF COMMISSIONERS: Chair Roy Wickramaratna called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with a quorum present. At this time, the Commissioners introduced themselves.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Kalene Sakamoto, Roy Wickramaratna, Pohai Ryan, Ed Gall, Jeanette Nekota, Benjamin Gudoy, Karen Iwamoto. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Benjamin Sanchez, Ray Galas. STAFF: Benjamin Kama (Executive Secretary), Kelley Santiago, Sheri Kajiwara, Terry Morris. GUESTS: Debbi Glanstein (Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31), Clifton Takamura (McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8), Mike Abe (Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4), Clara Ching and Tom Heinrich (Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7) PUBLIC INPUT: 1. Debbi Glanstein noted the following: (a) An inquiry was made at last month’s meeting regarding the Sunshine Law but was not reflected in the November 18, 2003 meeting minutes. (b) The Kailua Neighborhood Board will be seeking help from the Commission for possible re-districting of its Board area before the next board election in 2005. (c) At its December meeting, the Kailua Neighborhood Board raised concern regarding Section 14-102 of the City Charter. A motion was made and adopted by the Board to amend the Charter requiring five appointees to the Commission spend at least one full term on a Neighborhood Board before being appointed. Currently, only three of the Commission’s appointees are required to serve one full term on a Neighborhood Board before he/she is appointed. Copies of the motion passed were distributed to the City Council and all other Boards. 2. Clifton Takamura noted that the McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board will be seeking to redistrict its Board area and reduce its Board membership from 17 to 13 members. Commissioner Ryan inquired about the process of redistricting a Board area. Kama reported that the changes to the Boards’ initial petition must be made to the Commission. Elwin Spray of the Neighborhood Commission office will assist the Boards’ in the process. 6:38 p.m. – Iwamoto arrived. 3. Tom Heinrich reported the following: (a) He attended the last Diamond Head Neighborhood Board meeting, as did Kama and Commissioner Gall. He commended both for a “good job” in providing answers to questions on challenges that the Board had faced. (b) Suggested that the Neighborhood Commission encourage all boards to evaluate its board boundaries. (c) Encouraged the Commission and the Neighborhood Commission office to host a “Budget Summit”. 4. Commissioner Nekota reported that a survey was posted by the City Council on its website. She added that question No. 7 of the survey pertained to the Neighborhood Commission. Discussion ensued. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 13, 2004: The following addition should be made to the minutes: Page 1, Public Input: “Glanstein raised concern regarding the passing of Council Bill 40, relating to Sunshine Law training. Kama stated that the Office of Information Practices is looking into hosting at least 2 training sessions per year.” Sakamoto moved seconded by Iwamoto to approve the January 13, 2004 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0-0. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE: None. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS: CHAIR – Chair Wickramaratna reported that he attended some Board meetings. He noted the lack of leadership by the chairs and added that the meetings are not being conducted well. COMMISSION MEMBERS – Commissioner Gall reported the following: (1) He attended the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board meeting on January 8 and stated that the meeting was extremely acrimonious. Gall added that the chair did not control the meeting and that Kama’s presence at the meeting prevented matters from being worse. Gall recommended other Commissioners attend the next board meeting. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S REPORT: No report. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN REVISION UPDATE – Heinrich reported that it would take about 6-8 more weeks before the the Revised Neighborhood Plan would be ready for review. STATE’S ICE TASK FORCE UPDATE – Gall reported the following: (1) The Joint House and Senate Drug task force report was released on January 12 and calls for $22 million. Legislation will be introduced when legislature convenes later in January. (2) The Lt. Governor is proceeding with “summit” findings addressing short and long aspects, working with the Department of Human Services and Department of Education to implement curricula on tobacco, alcohol and drug use. NEW BUSINESS: PROPOSAL TO RECOMMEND REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF A COMMISSIONER – Chair Wickramaratna recommended that the Commission take action on the absence of Commissioner Galas and stated that he has missed six consecutive meetings. He added that Galas was contacted on two occassions regarding his attendance in which he agreed to submit a letter of resignation. To date, the letter was not yet received. Ryan moved seconded by Iwamoto to send a letter to Galas’ appointing authority recommending that he be replaced by Heinrich. The motion carried uanimously, 6-0-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS: NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN – See Neighborhood Plan Revision Update. BUDGET – Commissioner Sakamoto reported that she will work with Kama and Chair Wickramaratna on hosting a budget summit meeting with all Neighborhood Board chairs or a representative from each Board. Sakamoto moved seconded by Iwamoto to host an informational meeting on the purpose and budget of the Neighborhood Boards. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0-0. ELECTIONS – No report. SCHEDULING OF THE NEXT NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2004. ADJOURNMENT: Iwamoto moved seconded by Nekota to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0-0. Chair Wickramaratna adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Submitted by: Kelley Santiago |
| Tuesday, February 17, 2004 |