KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

KAPALAMA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Bernie Young called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. A quorum was not present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Akamine, John Dell, Ken Harding, Robert Mitchell, Eric Purcell, Casey Sakai, Tracy Sakai, Betty Wong, Bernie Young.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Elenita Endrina, James Hakuole, Jamie Harvest-Silva, Irene Takizawa.

GUESTS: Keoki Miyamoto (Mayor’s Representative), Baybee Hufana-Ablan (Neighborhood Commission Office), Dennis Galolo (Councilmember Romy Cachola’s office), Marie Landerta (Governor’s Representative), Senator Gordon Trimble, Anne Stevens (Senator Trimble’s office), Maxine Shea (Senator Donna Mercado Kim’s office), Jenny Quezon (Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland’s office), Representative Corrine Ching, Bev Ho (Representative Ching’s office), Jake Manegdeg (Representative Jun Abinsay’s office), Roy Shimonishi (Representative Ken Hiraki’s office), Fire Fighter II David Taratko (HFD), Capt. Carlton Nishimura, Lt. Lester Hite, Sgt. J. Pedro and Sgt. Albert Somera (HPD), David Fawcett and Lorraine Robinson (TJ Mahoney & Associates), Donna Leong (Cades Schutte), Frank Leslie (realtor), Mike Amii, Cappy Fasi and John Whalen (Keehi Memorial Organization), Momi Cazimero (Graphic House), Loreto Dela Cruz, Grace Simmons, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

ELECTION TO FILL THREE VACANCIES IN SUBDISTRICT 2 AND ONE IN SUBDISTRICT 3 - Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

(Purcell arrived at 7:07 p.m.)

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

“No Parking” Signage – Resident Loreto Dela Cruz questioned the various parking restrictions in Kalihi. He noted that no parking is allowed in front of the middle school between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and on Dillingham and Kalihi Street between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dell mentioned at the last Board meeting, the schools had asked to restrict parking until 8:30 a.m. to keep the students off the streets so that the residents can do their business. They asked that several of the signs by re-evaluated and changed, especially in front of Farrington Highway (i.e. parking be allowed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

City Refuse Containers – Dela Cruz inquired about getting another automated refuse container. He called the City but hasn’t got an answer. Keoki Miyamoto, Mayor’s representative, will follow-up and have the Department of Environmental Services monitor the amount of Dela Cruz’s trash.

Potholes – Dela Cruz had concerns about the number of potholes throughout the island. Chair Young said the Board has voiced their concerns on this issue for a long time. She noted that the City and State transportation agencies are trying their best to address this problem. Miyamoto suggested calling the City’s Pothole Hotline at 527-6006.

Illegal Business – A resident had concerns about a towing company running its business on a public street and taking up on-street parking spaces. They also strip the vehicles (all hours of the night) and leave it there. She has brought up this concern before (October 2003). Simmons said she was told by a police officer that they are allowed to strip the vehicles if its not stolen. Chair Young asked Miyamoto to follow-up. Lt. Lester Hite of HPD, said they are allowed to strip the vehicles only on a private street and not on a public street. They are looking into this matter as they have received a complaint from the Mayor’s Office.

The agenda was taken out of order. There were no objections.

KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

PAGE 2

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Governor’s Representative – Marie Landerta highlighted the “Governor’s Update” and was available for questions.

Mayor’s Representative – Keoki Miyamoto stated: 1) He is now the Deputy Director for the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). If anyone has any questions or concerns, he can be reached at 692-5151. 2) He introduced Baybee Hufana-Ablan, the new Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO).

Hufana-Ablan said: 1) She expressed her condolences for Board member Peter Bareng who passed away, who she knew personally. 2) Everyone is invited to the Mayor’s State-of-the-City Address on Thursday, February 24, 2005, City Council Chambers, 10:00 a.m. 3) She welcomed those residents in attendance and mentioned that all your concerns will be forwarded to her office then forward to the proper agency.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Young requested that the City patch the potholes in Kalihi. Miyamoto will follow-up.

2)       Dell asked when will the City bring back the street sweepers. Miyamoto will follow-up.

3)       Chair Young said she received a telephone call from constituent about a man growing watercress out of the canal. The canal is very dirty and unhealthy. People urinate in the canal and it’s infested with rats. She called the City and they informed her that unless it impedes the water flow it’s okay. Chair Young mentioned she also called the State Department of Health (DOH), but they gave her the runaround. She forwarded the concern to the Governor’s representative and the Mayor’s representative. Miyamoto said it sounds like a health problem and he will follow-up with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). The Governor’s representative Marie Landerta, Deputy Director of Taxation, made a telephone call to the right agency and the problem was taken care of.

4)       Harding had concerns about the trash on the sidewalk along School Street, near Kalihi Street. He said it’s dangerous for children and the elderly. It’s commercial trash from the nearby stores. Miyamoto will follow-up.

5)       Chair Young asked if NCO will be moving to Kapolei. Hufana-Ablan said yes but they haven’t been given a date. Some staff will remain at City Hall. She will be shuttling between the two locations.

The agenda resumed regular order.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department – Fire Fighter II David Taratko reported: 1) For the month of January, the Kalihi-Kai Fire Station responded to 13 fires, 77 medical emergencies, 11 search/rescue, and 14 miscellaneous. 2) Fire Safety Tip: “Every home should have a smoke detector installed in each bedroom and on every level. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be located in or near living areas, such as family rooms, living rooms, or dens. As cooking vapors and steam may set off a smoke detector, locate the detector away from the kitchen or bathroom. Position wall-mounted detectors 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from air vents. Detectors should be tested once a month to ensure that they are operational and cleaned regularly, according to the manufacture’s instructions.”

Honolulu Police Department – Sgt. Albert Somera, District 1, reported the statistics for Beat 150 for the month of January (last months statistics are in parenthesis): 1 (1) robbery, 2 (2) burglaries, 2 (0) unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 2 (3) auto thefts, 0 (0) aggravated assaults, 2 (2) simple assaults, 13 (13) motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 1 (0) DUI, 0 (0) sex assault, 0 (1) family offense, 1 (0) drug offense, and 0 (0) graffiti.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Dell about MVC, Sgt. Somera stated that the number fluctuates each month.

KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

PAGE 3

2)       Chair Young inquired about statistics for A’ala Park. Sgt. Somera did not have any information available. He noted that no one is supposed to be in the park after 9:00 p.m. Officers do issue citations. The youths who use the skating rink have been on their best behavior.

3)       A resident asked about graffiti. Sgt. Somera said they made an arrest on North King Street. He noted that you need to be 18 years old to posses a spray paint can. Chair Young suggested passing a bill to require parents to pay for their children’s graffiti damage. Sgt. Somera said it was a good idea, but they have no control over it.

4)       Purcell said if a prisoner escapes from prison and runs through his yard can he shoot the person. Sgt. Somera answered you can defend yourself if your life is in danger, but you can’t just shoot someone because they trespass. If you see someone in your house, call 911 instead of addressing the problem yourself. Lt. Hite added that you can use force, reasonable with the force being met. You can’t just shoot someone.

HPD Legislative Package – Captain Carlton Nishimura circulated a package of bills that HPD submitted to the Legislature. Four of the bills he highlighted include: 1) Theft; Felony – provides that an individual caught with stolen property belong to three or more persons commits felony theft. 2) Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicle – creates offenses of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle in the first and second degrees. 3) Pawnbrokers; Secondhand Dealers – requires pawnshops to electronically file pawn slips with HPD. 4) 911 Emergency Service Misuse – establishes the offense of misuse of 911 telephone service for accessing 911 and knowingly causing a false alarm or making a false complaint or report. Makes the offense a misdemeanor.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Sgt. J. Pedro said that officers made an arrest at Kalihi District Park for marijuana possession. It was in a Weed & Seed area. The charges totaled $11,000.

2)       Lt. Hite noted that they have manpower issues. Sgt. John Kauwenaole is in charge of Weed & Seed. They are working with the Micronesians at Kuhio Park Terrace and Mayor Wright Housing to understand and comply with the laws. Both Chair Young and Dell commended HPD for a job well done.

3)       Dell mentioned that he read in today’s newspaper about Tasers. He said the Taser is better than a bullet. Sgt. Somera stated that this is the only district that uses Tasers. Everyone of the officers that use the Tasers have been tasered himself. It’s safe. Lt. Hite added that every time that a Taser is shown or used a report has to be made. Capt. Nishimura said the Taser makes every part of your muscle contract. As soon as the red laser sight light is illustrated on the suspect, they usually stop.

Board of Water Supply – Robert Mitchell reported: 1) There were three main breaks in the Kalihi area for the month of January. 2) Construction projects in the district remain unchanged. 3) Detect a Leak Week is March 6-12, 2005. BWS is asking everyone to save water by checking for leaks at home and at work. Leak detection tablets for toilets will be available at the BWS facility on Beretania Street and at all satellite city halls. 4) BWS is accepting student entries for its 2005 Water Conservation Poster Contest. The deadline to enter is March 9. O’ahu school children from kindergarten through grade 6 are eligible. For more information, call the Community Relations Office at 748-5041 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

(Chair Young called a recess at 7:57 p.m. Orders resumed at 8:17 p.m.)

CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CHAIR’S REMARKS: Discussed earlier in the meeting.

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 19, 2005 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

APPROVAL OF JANUARY 2005 TREASURER’S REPORT: Deferred due to a lack of quorum.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

State Department of Transportation (DOT) Issues – No report.

KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

PAGE 4

NEW BUSINESS:

TJ Mahoney & Associates – Lorraine Robinson thanked the Board for their support. The Governor released $20,000, which will allow them to monitor the women in their program. SB 1570 and HB 1750 appropriates funds for community-based programs that assist female offenders in transitioning from prison back into the community. The Miller Street facility has 30 beds available. In addition, they were awarded a contract in Alaska to provide therapeutic services in the prison. They are very happy to be in Kalihi. She introduced David Fawcett, who is in charge of the federal program.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       In response to Dell, Fawcett stated he’s here to help the people to be successful, independent and productive. He hopes everyone will help him and he’s happy to be here.

2)       Chair Young said she has met some of the women in the program. She also stated that Robinson is doing a good job.

Affordable Housing Project at 215 North King Street – Status and Request for Variance to Permit a Perimeter Boundary Fence and Lampposts – Donna Leong, Cades Schutte, displayed site plans for an affordable housing project at 215 North King Street. In addition, she stated the project will include a 23-story 251-unit residential tower, 6 ½ floor parking structure with 446 parking stalls and 3,000 square feet of commercial space. They will have more parking spaces than required by code. There will be security 24 hours a day, seven days a week, video surveillance, security entrance, and good lighting. The only driveway will be off of King Street. Leong said approximately 90% of the units were sold to owner occupants. There is no waiting list as they have sold out all the units. They are requesting a zoning variance to construct a six-foot high aluminum bronzed fence along the property boundary (except King Street side) and to construct lampposts, both within the 10-foot required setback under the BMX 3 zoning district regulations.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Young inquired about the monthly maintenance fees. Frank Leslie, the realtor for the project, answered it would be between $145-$150 for a one-bedroom unit and $185 for a two-bedroom unit.

2)       Dell asked what is the setback and the building closest to the property boundary line on the Nimitz Highway side. Leong answered that the setback is 10 feet, and the residential tower is closest to Nimitz Highway – 25 feet. Dell suggested putting up the fence immediately because of the transient population in the area walking from Aala Park to Iwilei Road. Leong mentioned that they have a construction fence already erected.

3)       Dell asked about a bus stop. Leong stated the City has not asked them to put in a bus stop. Dell said if they do then you will need to put in the fence immediately.

4)       Chair Young said the State is planning a fly-over (viaduct) Nimitz.

5)       Chair Young noted that the Board doesn’t have a quorum so they are not able to take any action. Leong said all she needs is the minutes of the meeting an indication from the Board about how it feels about the variances that will be requested. Chair Young took a straw vote of the Board, for which the vote was unanimous in favor of the project.

6)       Chair Young stated that the Nimitz Highway contra-flow project is not such a great idea. This community is getting more pollution as a result of this project. For instance Board members Takizawa and Sakai homes are plagued with dust.

Elderly/Child Day Care Center – Cappy Fasi, representing the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Keehi Memorial Organization (KMO), said they are proposing an elderly/child day care center for Keehi Lagoon Park. They don’t pay any rent, but they don’t receive any funding either. The facility would be open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with activities on the weekends. The facility would encompass 8,000 square feet. They have received

KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

PAGE 5

$400,000 from the City Council. John Whalen, DVA/KMO, stated they are proposing to amend the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) to allow non-profit organizations that operate outdoor recreation facilities for general public use on land zoned P-2 general preservation district to also operate day-care facilities and meeting facilities on the same property, subject to Conditional Use Permit and development standards that are compatible with the purpose and intent of the preservation district. He said he thinks it’s a good public-private partnership. After meeting with Councilmember Cachola, he suggested meeting with the Neighborhood Board.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Young asked how many elderly clients will they have. Fasi answered 80 clients. The total project will encompass 68000 square feet, 2,000 of which will be for the children area. The elderly day care will be ambulatory and not bedridden. They are looking for TheHandiVan to drop off and pick up.

2)       Purcell asked the total acres of the project. Leong answered 11 acres.

3)       Chair Young asked if they have any plans to build another project on the 11-acre site. Fasi stated they don’t have it on paper yet, but they will be developing a master plan. Chair Young said the Board does not want any projects relating to the mentally ill, homeless, overnight facilities, and crematory because there are enough of these facilities in Kalihi. Fasi noted that it’s not their clientele.

4)       Dell said the Board needs to make an educated decision on this matter. He asked when do you anticipate to have the master plan completed. Whalen answered they will have it before the City Council takes it up for action. Dell asked for a copy of the master plan, especially since the Board has been bitten in the past.

ELECTED OFFICIALS, Continued:

Councilmember Romy Cachola – Dennis Galolo circulated Councilmember Cachola’s monthly report. In addition, he reported: 1) A public workshop to discuss Phase III of the Hub and Spoke Conversion Project will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2005, Aliamanu Middle School, 6:30 p.m. The Task Force will consider input from attendees who will be given the opportunity to participate in the planning process and recommend where the routes should proceed along. The public is encouraged to attend. 2) Councilmember Cachola supports the new Administration’s recommendation to do away with vision teams’ funding and instead, to focus on core services. The Mayor will be submitting his budget on March 2. The benchmark set be the Mayor, “do we need it, can we afford it, can we maintain it” will be used as the Council deliberates over the budget. 3) Councilmember Cachola has hired Elena Lactaoan Lao to replace Glenn Prieto.

Concerns and comments followed:

1)       Chair Young mentioned that Lactaoan used to be the Board’s Neighborhood Assistant.

2)       Dell had concerns that the SMART cards for TheBus were cut out of the Mayor’s budget. Galolo noted that Councilmember Cachola is the Chair of the Transportation Committee.

Senator Norman Sakamoto – Maxine Shea of Senator Kim’s office circulated Senator Sakamoto’s report.

Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland – Jenny Quezon circulated Senator Chun-Oakland’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) She will be mailing out pages 2 and 3 of Senator Chun-Oakland’s report (which is missing). 2) Their office sent a letter to Ed Hirata, Director of Department of Transportation Services, with a list of streets in District 13 that have potholes and peel-off problems. 3) DOT Director Rod Haraga responded to their letter regarding the Nimitz Highway transformers. The loss of power in the Middle Street to Nimitz Highway area was due to the secondary cable from the transformer being damaged. It has since been repaired.

Senator Donna Mercado Kim – Shea circulated Senator Kim’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Senator Kim has introduced 23 bills this legislative session. 2) Senator Kim is pushing for completion of the Kalihi Valley Homes renovations so residents can get back into their homes. 3) Senator Kim also is pushing for

KALIHI-PALAMA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 15

MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2005

PAGE 6

the development of Hawiki Homes. She questioned the delays for these two projects. Senator Kim holds Stephanie Aveiro, Director of Housing Community Development Corporation Hawai’i, accountable and must answer to the Legislature.

Senator Gordon Trimble – Anne Stevens circulated Senator Trimble’s monthly report. Senator Trimble departed before making a report. If anyone has any questions, Senator Trimble can be reached at 586-7100.

Representative Jun Abinsay – Jake Manegdeg circulated Representative Abinsay’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) The Majority Legislative Package includes: education our children (HB 1300 – relating to early childhood education); easing traffic gridlock (HB 1309 – relating to taxation); providing affordable housing and helping the homeless (HB 1303 – relating to housing); healthcare for all (HB 1304 – relating to health); fairness in the workplace (HB 1302 – relating to business fees; HB 1305 – relating to equal pay; HB 1306 – relating to employment practices; HB 1307 – relating to workers’ compensation); preserving the environment (HB 1301 – relating to invasive species; HB 1308 – relating to land conservation). 2) Included in the report is a list of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for schools in the area.

In response to Dell, Manegdeg stated there is a bill for the farmers market.

Representative Ken Hiraki – Roy Shimonishi circulated Representative Hiraki’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Some of the bills that Representative Hiraki introduced or support include: HB 833 – relating to property rights; HB 858/SB 460 – relating to taxpayer refund claim; HB 1497 – relating to the deposit beverage container program; HB 93 – relating to reducing personal income tax; and HB 101 – relating to the Weed & Seed strategy. 2) Chair Young submitted written testimony in support of HB 833. A copy of the letter is included in the report. HB 833 would amend HRS Chapter 633 – “notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the owner of residential real property shall not be liable for any civil damages sustained by a person who trespasses on the property with intent to commit a crime theron.”

Chair Young mentioned Sylvia Luke is the Chair of the Judiciary Committee that will hear HB 833. She asked Representative Ching to call all republicans to support the bill.

Representative Corrine Ching – Bev Ho circulated Representative Ching’s monthly report. Representative Ching highlighted the following: 1) The Lt. Governor unveiled a series of anti-drug measures the administration will propose to the Legislature. 2) HB 199 allows a teacher to exclude from the classroom any pupil who is guilty of disorderly conduct, interferes with an orderly education process, threatens, abuses, or intimidates a school employee, etc. 3) Her staff was involved in the filming of an episode of Lost. The film industry is a positive industry for Hawai’i. They bring a lot of money to the islands and are willing to provide internships 4) She’s glad for those who participated in the trolley service. 5) The Legislature is looking to raise the capacity of Charter Schools. 6) She’s been in touch with schools in the area regarding their maintenance.

Chair Young inquired if Lost is going to relocate to the mainland. Representative Ching said according to the producer, news that they would be leaving Hawai’i is not true. The crew is happy to be here and want to continue its positive relationship. They have cleaned up the land where the series is shot. Overall they are not perfect, but they bring jobs and provide free advertisement to the island.

Representative Lynn Finnegan – No report or representative was available.

ASSIGNEMENT OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Deferred.

ADJOURMENT: By the consensus of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Submitted by:

Steve J. Rodrigues