REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2003

WAHIAWA RECREATION CENTER 

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Sheri Bentley called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. A quorum was present. Rev. Jack D. Smith led the prayer. Chair Bentley led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ben Acohido, Sheri Bentley, Silvia Koch, Edith Kubo, Mary Jane Lee, Yoshiro Nakamura, Daniel Nyer, Keith Tamashiro, Jyun Yamamoto.  

MEMBERS ABSENT: None. 

GUESTS: Cheryl Okuma-Sepe (Mayor’s Representative), Kim Ribellia (Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz’s office), Senator Robert Bunda, Representative Marcus Oshiro; Sgt. Kevin Brunn, Lt. Charles Chong, Lt. John Matassa, Maj. William Chur and Maj. Stephen Kornegay (Honolulu Police Department), Frederic Sohl (Department of Parks and Recreation), Geri Tramontano (Wahiawa Satellite City Hall), Duke Chung (Board of Water Supply), Mike Amii (Department of Community Services), Steve Holmes (Managing Director’s Office), Eric Hirano (Department of Land and Natural Resources), Rev. Jack D. Smith (WCBA), Chris Aguinaldo (Ka Nupepa), Bryan Gusman and Dr. Edmund Whang (Wahiawa General Hospital), Sunny Algaso, Dan Au, Rose and Ray Ballungay, Clarence Fisher, Paulette Gomes, Ellen Hyer, Jeanne Ishikawa, George Kagehiro, Tom Lenchanko, Colleen Morikami, Lori Muramoto, Ned Murphy, Russell Nacapuy, Val and Tim Oshiro, Susumu Ota, Julie Q., Frank and Helen Simutis, Mary Jane Soriano, Steve Tataii, Steve J. Rodrigues (Neighborhood Commission Office).

 (Nakamura arrived at 7:02 p.m.) 

APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 10, 2003 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The Board approved the minutes with the following corrections:

Page 2, under HPD, seventh paragraph, first line, delete “after” and insert “before”.

Page 3, under Residents’ Concerns, first paragraph, it should read “traffic signal lights”….fourth paragraph, first line, it should read “Karsten Bridge”.

Page 3, under Mayor’s Representative, third line, delete “p.m.” and insert “a.m.”.

Page 7, under Waimea Falls Park, first paragraph, first line, it should read “the City will make a decision”.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Yamamoto reported the Financial Statement for February 2003. The Operating Account expenses were $87.46, leaving a balance of $862.48. The Publicity Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $2,826.00. The Refreshment Account did not incur any expenses, leaving the balance at $120.00. The report was accepted subject to audit. 

Acohido mentioned the Board authorized using its Publicity Funds last year to advertise in the Ka Nupepa. The Board’s first article was recently published in the paper.  

REPORTS AND CONCERNS: 

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No report or representative was available. 

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. John Matassa reported: 1) For the month of February, there were 26 burglaries, 15 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), and 39 thefts. 2) He introduced Maj. Stephen Kornegay, Maj. William Chur, Lt. Charles Chong, and Sgt. Kevin Brunn.

Maj. Kornegay gave a brief introduction about himself. He is a Mililani resident. Between him and Capt. Thomas, they will try to attend the Board’s meetings. 

Maj. Chur, HPD’s Legislative Liaison, stated they introduced a pack of 20 bills this Legislative session. Most of the bills will not pass this session, but they will try again next year. SB 399 would appropriate funds to establish COMSTAT, a technology system for more efficient and effective law enforcement as an HPD pilot program, including the acquisition of an electronic fingerprinting imaging system; and enable HPD to develop a COMSTAT network statewide. SB 579 would appropriate funds for development costs for a 311 non-emergency report system.  

Lt. Chong, HPD’s Communication Division, mentioned he was before the Board a couple of months ago discussing the 911 emergency number and the 311 non-emergency number. The 311 system would relieve the 911 system of 600,000 non-emergency calls per year. It takes an officer 45 minutes to 2 hours to process a call (case). SB 579 would appropriate money to start up the 311 system. The bill passed out of the Senate and went to the House. The surcharge fee for the system was killed in the House today. There will be a solution in 2004.

Concerns and comments followed:  

1)       A resident asked Maj. Kornegay how would she go about having a meeting with him. Maj. Kornegay answered to call 621-3725 or he could meet with her after this Board meeting.  

2)       Maj. Chur stated SB 399 would appropriate $2.5 million over a two-year period. HPD has a computer database, but they are trying to link it with the City’s GIS mapping system. It would let officers know what is happening in every community. 

3)       Lt. Chong said the 911 system receives one million calls per year; three thousand calls per day; or two hundred calls per hour.  

4)       Chair Bentley mentioned the Board received two letters from residents of Circle Drive concerned about noise, traffic, etc. Kim Rebellia, Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office, said they received the same letters, submitted RISR’s to the Managing Director’s Office, and notified HPD, which issued speeding citations. Sgt. Brunn stated they received the complaint and issued citations. Resident Colleen Murakami had concerns about speeding. Maj. Kornegay said he would forward the concern to patrol officers. If there any further problems, please let him know. 

5)       Resident Ellen Hyer had concerns about vehicles with loud mufflers and speeding down California Avenue. She suggested the City enforce loud mufflers during vehicle safety checks. Ribellia said Councilmember Dela Cruz would request a City policy. She will follow-up. Maj. Kornegay stated officers do cite vehicles with loud mufflers. When they go to court, the defendant has a safety check. The suggestion, if implemented, would be very helpful. 

6)       Hyer asked that the Weed and Seed Program be implemented in Wahiawa. Sgt. Brunn said the Wahiawa Police Station recognize the need for the program. Recently, there was a joint operation with NARCO unit and one drug dealer was arrested. Officers try to do as much as they can. Maj. Kornegay said there would have been more arrests if the weather was better. 

7)       Acohido was concerned about the drug activity at State Fresh Water Park. There are lots of vagrants at the park. His neighbor was a victim of robbery. The park was originally designated for walking, running, and a picnic area. Lt. Matassa will follow-up. Maj. Kornegay said it’s a State park, but they can assist.

WAHIAWA LIVING TREASURES – CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION – Acohido requested the community’s assistance in nominating individuals for Wahiawa Living Treasures.  

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:   

Circle Drive Concerns – Rose and Ray Ballungay and Colleen Murakami, residents of Circle Drive, had concerns about late night noise, loud boom boxes, loud mufflers, and speeding. The noise comes from one residence on Circle Drive. There has been improvement since HPD has responded, but the problems still exists. They requested speed limit signs and speed humps. Ribellia will follow-up. Maj. Kornegay stated officers already have been notified to increase patrols in the area. A lot of times there are only two to three officers on patrol. He said if you are not satisfied with the officer’s response, call his supervisor. 

Safe Haven – Sunny Algaso said she has a vision for Wahiawa; she wants to clean-up the drug problem (specifically “ice”) in the community and open up a safe haven for people that need assistance. The public needs to be educated on this issue. She has already met with Representative Oshiro and is planning to meet with the Governor and Lt. Governor.  

Lake Wilson – Resident Julie Q., who lives by Lake Wilson, said little progress has been made to eliminate salvinia molesta from the lake. As soon as there is an opening in the lake, it closes back up. 

Abandoned Vehicles – Julie Q. had concerns about the abandoned vehicles near Kemoo Pub. Sgt. Brunn said the area is owned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Ribellia offered Councilmember Dela Cruz’s office assistance. Eric Hirano, DLNR, said they relocated the security station. If anyone has any concerns, please bring it to their attention. 

Adult Arcade Area – A resident was concerned about the adult arcade area. Sgt. Brunn said they are monitoring the situation. Acohido asked Councilmember Dela Cruz’s Office to check the City ordinance regarding an adult establishment located less than 150 feet from two churches. Ribellia said Councilmember Dela Cruz is looking into adult usage.  

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY GROUP REPRESENTATIVES: 

Elected Officials: 

Mayor's Representative – Cheryl Okuma-Sepe stated: 1) The Mayor sent to the City Council a balanced operating budget and capital budget that total $1.46 billion or 6 percent below the combined budgets of the current fiscal year. Other budget highlights included: a) a modest increase in property tax rates to increase revenues to $427.2 million, which is $5.5 million less than what was collected in 1994. b) Apartment owners will receive their third property rate decrease (4.5 percent) so that they will be now be paying the same tax rate as single-family homeowners. c) Residential tax rates will increase by 2.7 percent. d) A new refuse service program will be initiated this summer that will feature once a week refuse pickup, twice a month curbside recycling and green waste pickup and an optional third day per week refuse pickup for eight dollars per month. 2) The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold a hearing on Neighborhood Board and Vision Team projects on March 20, 2003. 

Mike Amii, Director of Department of Community Services, stated: 1) The Elderly Affairs Unit is sponsoring the 37^th Annual Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program on Monday, April 14, 2003, Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 2) Franciscan Adult Day Care Center’s “Caregiver Activities, Respite and Education or CARE Club” offers education and peer support to individuals who care for family members at home. For more information, call 988-5678. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Chair Bentley announced that the Neighborhood Commission Office will be holding a budget workshop on Monday, March 31, 2003, Neal Blaisdell Center, 6:30 p.m. 

2)       In response to Nakamura, Amii stated the State has an Office of Aging. In addition, every county has an Office of Aging. The City’s Office of Aging does not duplicate the State’s Office of Aging.

Wahiawa Vision Team – Lee spoke about two Vision Team projects: 1) The Wahiawa Botanical Garden project is about three-fourths complete and should be completed in May. The walkways, water system, roadways and benches (graffiti proof) are completed. There will be signage. 2) The contract has not been signed yet for the pavilion. They are hoping the project will begin this year. The cost of the project is $1.78 million.

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Acohido stated families are concerned that they would be charged a fee to visit the botanical garden. Lee said with community support they will fight any fees. The City has proposed charging user fees. 

Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz – Kim Ribellia circulated Councilmember Dela Cruz’s monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) Councilmember Dela Cruz sends his regrets. 2) The City started the grading process on the Wahiawa Municipal Parking Lot site. Construction should be completed in a couple of weeks, weather permitting. 3) Update on constituents’ concerns: a) Regarding public drinking and late night partying on Ohai Street, HPD conducted an enforcement operation and made three arrests. Future operations will be conducted, along with increased patrols. b) Regarding speeding on California Avenue, HPD has enforced speed violations and will continue to do so. During a one-week period, officers have issued 11 speeding citations. c) Regarding a request to increase police patrol on Circle Drive and California Avenue, officers have issued six citations and will continue to monitor for violations. Whenever a constituent calls their office with a concern, they send a report to the Managing Director’s Office. 4) The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) needs a representative from the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board. This committee provides input and prioritizes transportation improvement program projects. 5) Councilmember Dela Cruz will be holding a community forum for Wahiawa in May, date yet to be determined. 6) She introduced Steve Holmes, City Energy Coordinator, and Eric Hirano, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).  

Holmes said the City is really making headway with taking out salvinia molesta out of Lake Wilson. They are trying to open as much open space as possible. The City will spend $500,000 cleaning the lake. There are a lot of water plants in the lake. DLNR deals with a lot of invasive species. The Department of Agriculture said it would take 18 months before they could bring in the weavil. It’s more cost-effective than using all the heavy equipment. They don’t want to bring in something that is inappropriate for Hawai’i. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Chair Bentley inquired about the weavil. Holmes stated the weavil restores open water area. The weavil reduces its population as the salvinia molesta decreases. They are used in lakes in Australia.  

2)       Lee asked if there are any side effects from spraying. Hirano answered they will be using Rodeo, similar to Roundabout (which people use around their home). The retention time is between one to two weeks. It’s biodegradable. Holmes said plant life shouldn’t be affected. They have been using one percent solution. Lee recommended that area residents be notified. Hirano said he asked the department to print flyers. They are also working on an education campaign.  

Acohido made a Point of Order. This item is on the agenda under unfinished business. 

Governor’s Representative – No report or representative was available. 

Senator Robert Bunda – Senator Bunda circulated his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) A refrigerator, tires, and assorted junk were dredged from Lake Wilson during extraction of salvinia molesta. It seems that residents are using the lake as a dump for unwanted refuse. 2) Water lettuce has infested some private farms on the North Shore. This weed appears to grow as fast as salvinia molesta and may create yet another problem for Lake Wilson and other freshwater resources. 3) The Council on Revenues revised its forecast on tax revenues from 6.1 percent to 4.3 percent, which means the Legislature must cut another $60 million from the budget for each of the next two fiscal years. The Legislature has already cut $24 million for the current fiscal year. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       A resident was appalled that Senator Bunda introduced a bill to place landfills over freshwater aquifers. Senator Bunda stated the problem is where will we put the trash, we need to put it somewhere. There are some problems between the State and the City dealing with landfills. Kailua is the only landfill not over an aquifer. He wanted to raise the level of discussion. The Waimanalo Gulch is over the Pearl Harbor aquifer.  

2)       A resident suggested burning the trash. Senator Bunda said H-POWER is useless. It breaks down everyday. The trash at Waipahu is going to the Waimanalo Gulch. 

Representative Marcus Oshiro – Representative Oshiro circulated his monthly report. Included in his report were: 1) Correspondence regarding HB 550 and the Pacific Health Center at Koa Ridge Makai. 2) SB 799 SD1, which authorizes and sets forth the requirements for the establishment of a voluntary employees’ beneficiary association trust by public employee organizations to provide health benefits for its members, including retirees, who would be exempted from participation in the State Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund. 3) The Council on Revenues preliminary estimates regarding the impact on another war with Iraq. 4) Governing the way we tax. A report based on Hawai’i. 5) Measures reported from House Committee on Labor and Public Employment pending further action. 6) Standing Committee Report No. 862. The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds for Executive branch operating and capital improvement costs for the fiscal biennium July 1, 2003 though June 30, 2005. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Nyer mentioned whenever there is a down in the economy the Legislature proposes to use the Rainy Day Fund. Representative Oshiro said it has been discussed. 

2)       Acohido had concerns about HB 550 and the Pacific Health Center at Koa Ridge Makai. Representative Oshiro said he introduced the bill to streamline what has become an overly burdensome, politically charged approval process and expedite its development. Moreover, he strongly support excluding any residential housing and non-health care facilities from its application. Dr. Edmund Whang, Wahiawa General Hospital, said they do not need Castle and Cooke’s residential development project. 

3)       Chair Bentley asked Senator Bunda his position on HB 550. Senator Bunda answered he’s neutral.  

City Agencies:  

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) – Frederic Sohl stated Summer Fun Program will be held from June 12 to July 18, 2003. They estimate 350 children to participate. All participants will be part of the federal free lunch program.  

Wahiawa Satellite City Hall – Geri Tramontano said in the budget which the Mayor submitted for Fiscal Year 2003-2004 includes an increase of fees (i.e. monthly bus passes, permits, satellite city hall transactions). 

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Duke Chung submitted his monthly report and highlighted the following: 1) There was one main break for the month of March in the Wahiawa area. 2) For the past several years, BWS has dedicated a renewed effort to work with agencies, landowners, and community groups to preserve Oahu’s island’s watershed. Forests along the Ko’olau and Wai’anae mountain ranges are Oahu’s primary water resource for streams and groundwater supplies, and to nurture Hawaii’s native plants and animals. For more information, please contact BWS’ Community Relations Office at 527-6113. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Lee asked if there is any danger of Oahu’s water supply being tampered with as a result of war. Chung answered they always are, especially with their reservoirs and pumping stations. BWS has increased security and has a plan if war breaks out. 

2)       In response to Ellen Hyer’s inquiry, Chung stated it’s not their water line it’s a private line. He will follow-up. 

Military Officers: 

U.S. Army – Chair Bentley mentioned that Col. Hatch sent his regrets. Also, the tour of East Range has been postponed due to the impending war in Iraq. 

NCTAMS PAC – No report or representative was available. 

Community Groups: 

Wahiawa Community Business Association (WCBA) – Rev. Smith stated: 1) WCBA have been dealing with several issues that have already been discussed (i.e. Circle Drive concerns, and traffic calming). 2) The association has been trying to bring major organizations in Wahiawa together to improve projects in the community. 3) They had a great annual party. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Acohido congratulated Rev. Smith on his new appointment. Rev. Smith added he’s been accepted as the new Chaplin for HPD. 

2)       Hyer had concerns about no designated parking spaces on Kilani Avenue. Rev. Smith will follow-up. Ribellia said their office would submit a RISR. 

3)       Acohido said parts of California Avenue are dangerous. There are “No Parking” signs, but vehicles are still parked there. He does not support spot zoning and asked WCBA to look into the master plan. There should be a coordinated effort between the Board and WCBA, and a community effort for a traffic plan for Wahiawa. 

Wahiawa Public Library – Lee said the library will be initiating a new program for Wahiawa and Whitmore residents to use the library’s resources. The first meeting will be held tomorrow, 6:00 p.m. She invited everyone to attend. The special guests for April will be Senator Bunda, Representative Oshiro, and Councilmember Dela Cruz, in May it will be Wally Amos.    

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

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS, Continued:

Iraqi War – Steve Tataii, of Kurdish decent, briefly spoke about the war in Iraq.   

Congressional Election – Tataii, who was a candidate for the U.S. Congressional District 2, said the contest is being debated in three different courts. Both of the elections were manifested elections and were illegal. He will not sit still until the battle is over. Congress will have the final word. 

Acohido said if there are any developments, to let the Board know. 

The agenda resumed regular order. 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Death with Dignity Bill – Resident Jeanne Ishikawa stated she wanted this item on the agenda to hear the Board’s position. Representative Oshiro mentioned the House bill is dead and doesn’t think it will be resurrected. Senator Bunda said the Senate bill is also dead, but it may come up next session.  

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Chair Bentley said death with dignity is a personal issue.   

2)       Resident Paulette Gomes said she’s opposed to the bill. 

3)       Koch stated the Board can vote on the concept of the bill, but not the bill because it’s dead. 

4)       Lee said the Board members represent the community and should speak with the community before making a decision. She will not vote on this issue because there isn’t enough information. 

Acohido moved and Tamashiro seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 discuss the death with dignity bills in the House and Senate. The motion carried unanimously.

 Acohido moved and Tamashiro seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 hold a special meeting on death with dignity. The motion carried unanimously. Acohido mentioned speakers from both sides of the issue will be invited to the special meeting. Rev. Smith said this is a very emotional issue. He suggested rather than trying to set a date for the special meeting tonight, make an announcement at the next Board meeting. More information is needed. 

Acohido moved and Kubo seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 announce at its next Board meeting the date of the special meeting regarding death with dignity. The motion carried unanimously. A couple of residents indicated they wanted to hold the special meeting before April 21, 2003 because they wanted to know the Board’s position before casting their ballot on the Neighborhood Board elections (Neighborhood Board ballots must be postmarked by April 21, 2003). A number of Board members took exception to the comments being made. 

Acohido moved and Tamashiro seconded that the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board No. 26 hold the special meeting before April 21, 2003. Acohido, speaking as individual, said he doesn’t believe in doctor-assisted suicides. Rev. Smith mentioned that a motion has already been passed having the special meeting announced at the Board’s next meeting. 

Acohido withdrew his motion and Tamashiro withdrew his second. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 

Lake Wilson Cleanup, Continued – Hirano stated he was put on the project only one month ago. He thanked Senator Bunda, Representative Oshiro, and Councilmember Dela Cruz for pushing the project forward. There will be a three-pronged attack on this project: mechanical extraction (they want to extract as much weed as possible. The fish are still alive. There is significant source of oxygen); herbicide spraying (important part of the attack. If the spraying couldn’t slow down the weeds, they would never get a hold of the growth.); and external improvements (lots of community support is needed. He asked the Aquatics Division to come up with a plan. The Army has lent their assistance.) Although they are making progress, they are not satisfied with the project. They need to do more. Hopefully, four extraction sites will be open. Approximately 20,000 cubic yards have been extracted (which is 40 acres of the 300 total acres of the lake). They hope to clean up the bulk of the material by June. 

Concerns and comments followed: 

1)       Chair Bentley asked about the weavil. Hirano answered it’s a long-term solution. He will leave it up to the experts, the Army Corps of Engineers.  

2)       Acohido acknowledged the three-pronged attack and said to continue the good work. He commended Senator Bunda for taking the lead. Acohido asked if there will be aerial spraying. Hirano answered helicopter spraying is an option. He would be concerned about the health and safety of residents. They can get the job done with boats. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  

Government & Military Affairs – Yamamoto said: 1) He attended Air Force’s public meeting regarding the C-17 Transport/Cargo Plane training at Wheeler Air Force Base. The C-17 is quieter than the C-130 plane. He doesn’t think there will be a lot of opposition. 2) The U.S. Army is looking for people of Hawaiian ancestry for the steering committee for the proposed striker brigade. 

Housing, Planning, Zoning & Transportation and Economic Development – Acohido stated: 1) The Planning Department has approved ORI’s Aloha Gardens development. Comments are due by March 27, 2003. 2) The Planning Department also approved Castle & Cooke’s Helemano Plantation development. Comments are due by March 31, 2003. 

ADJOURNMENT: By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m. 

Submitted by:  

Steve J. Rodrigues

Neighborhood Assistant