Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board meeting minutes 4/20
Draft- Minutes of regular meeting
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Mililani Mauka Elementary School Cafeteria
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Dean Hazama called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., with a quorum of nine (9) members. The Scouts from Troop 664 were asked to present the United States and State of Hawaii colors; Troop 664 led the pledge of allegiance, posted the colors, and retired from the meeting. Note: This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) votes to have a quorum and take official Board action.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dana Agader, Luella Costales, David Ellis, Dean Hazama, Stanton Oishi, Alan Suwa, Keith Tamashiro, Lance Yoshimura, Pamela Young.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
VACANCIES—None.
GUESTS: Erwin Kawata (Board of Water Supply), Keanu Young (Office of Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz), Kazu McArthur (Neighborhood Commission Office staff), Ray Kunishige (Castle & Cooke Hawaii Homes, Inc.), Ray Akiona (Mililani High School), Dave Matsunaga (Mililani High School Track), Glenn Nitta (Mililani High School Athletic Director), Christian Ogasawara, Jonathan Makaian, Jacob Keomaka, Dylan Taira, Brian Kame`enui, Jr., Shon Daite, Rex, Jugueta, Faa K. Hiona, Bradley Quines, Preston Cummings, Justin Revilla, Ahvalu Patu, Aaron Dacuag, Reid Watanabe, Kevin Fuentes, Brandon Tacadcna, Aven Santiago, Trent Cole, Bryson Calms, Ethan Cook, Edward Mckinnon, Darius Calma Kaimi Andres Kamakau, Nainoa Pihana, Taylor Dacuay, Paulo Kitiona, Coby Lum, Kekoa Ramos, Andy Omori, Kawika Barebo, Vic Gustafson, Trenton McKinney, Court Pierce, Jordan Ho, Chase Rojas, Isaiah Markus, Isaia Reconsal, Keita Maanao, Joshua Stevens, Jaylin Fort, Simon Khong, Shayne Tanabe (Mililani High School Football); Elaine Chun, Kim Yamane, Zena Hayashi, Denise Uemoto, Jeff Yamamoto (Mililani High School Soccer); Tom and Cammee Dooley, Dan Brout, Darnell Arceneur, Trey Suemori, Gale Nitta, Glenn Fronda, Jasmine, Kim, Jennifer Kim, Amanda Thomas, Geri Hamada, Bert Momohara, Bert Fujinaga, Sharon Fujinaga, James Carvalho, Bob Sagami, Kris Morikawa, Jon Morikawa, Norman Beter, Dean Yogi, Trevor Nagamine, Troy Furutani (Mililani High School); Bryan Hirata (Mililani High School Music Department), John Brummel (Mililani High School Principal), Bryan Hirata (Mililani High School Music Department), Denice Painter (Mililani High School PTSO), Captain James Oshiro (Honolulu Fire Department-Mililani Mauka), Officer Andrew Bonifacio (Honolulu Police Department, District 2-Wahiawa), Collins Lam (Mayor’s Office/Deputy Director, Department of Design and Construction), Francis Keeno (Governor’s Office/Department of Transportation), Ligaya Hartman (Office of Senator Michelle Kidani), Ann Thornock (Office of Representative Marilyn Lee), Eileen Clarke (Board of Education), Ernie Martin, Tinkle Malama (Paradise Film), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).
FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS—None.
RECOGNITION—Mililani High School—We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Team—A certificate of recognition was presented to the Mililani High School We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Team, Amy Peruso (teacher/coach), Grace Lim, Vivien Lam, Brittani Pascual, Josh Batenhorst, McKenna Dooley, Sarah Nishioka, Danielle Snodgrass, Jacob Garner and Loea Morgan, by Board member Luella Costales on behalf of the Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35.
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)—Captain James Oshiro reported the following:
March 2010 Statistics—Included at total of 73 calls, 5 fire and 38 medical responses.
Fire Safety Tip—The upcoming school intercession ushers in summer, which usually accompanies hot weather and dry vegetation conditions. The risk of wildland fires increases as summer approaches.
Helpful Safety Precautions—A) Prepare and practice a fire escape plan. B) Make a 10-30-foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. This break is known and referred to as survivable space. C) Remove combustible debris from around a building and rooftop to prevent a wildland fire from spreading.
First Sighting of a Wildland Fire—A) Immediately call 911. B) Be alert and watchful of the fire’s progress, and prepare to evacuate. C) Close all entrance doors, windows, and other openings that would allow embers to access a building’s interior, and thoroughly water down the structure’s roof. Embers are smoldering remains of a fire that can be carried by the wind and, with proper conditions, can other fire spots. D) If you witness someone starting a fire or behaving suspiciously, make mental and/or documented notes that would assist officials in apprehending the alleged arsonist. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity.
No questions followed for HFD.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD)—Officer Andrew Bonifacio reported the following:
Statistics for Beat 255 Compared with Mililani—Included 46/4 UEMV (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle), 16/5 car thefts, 23/5 burglaries, and 36/3 thefts.
Safety Tip—Call 621-0785 ext 269 to schedule a home security inspection.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Home Break-ins in Mililani—Per the emails going around regarding suspicious truck in the area, not all information is true. Of the two suspicious people reported, one suspect with gray and black truck was apprehended. It was reported that flat screen television sets were being stolen. Everyone was reminded to be alert.
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative—Collins Lam gave the following report:
Mililani Community District Park—The proposed project went out to bid last week with bid opening about May 13, 2010.
Recycle a Shoe Day—Bring your old athletic shoes to the Recycle-A-Shoe event on Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. fronting Honolulu Hale.
Public Hearing—A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 to discuss Bill 15, relating to the Operating Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 and Bill 16, Executive Capital Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, will be heard at 2:00 p.m. in the Budget Committee at the City Council Chambers.
Furloughs—Effective July 1, 2010, city workers will furlough two days a month.
Spending Plan—Property tax will increase to $3.72 per $1,000 of the assessed value for homeowners owning, but not residing in other owned properties. Cost for homeowner occupants will be $3.42 per $1,000 assessed value.
No questions followed for Mayor Hannemann’s representative.
Board of Water Supply (BWS)—Erwin Kawata reported the following:
Water Main Breaks—No water main breaks reported for the month of March 2010.
Water System Improvement Projects: Which Mains to Replace and When?—A) Most Oahu communities were first established centuries ago. As these communities age, major portions of the infrastructure like roads, sewers and water mains are also aging and nearing the end of their useful life spans. The BWS system includes nearly 2,000 miles of pipeline, with more than 40% between 30 and 60 years old. In an ongoing effort to provide a safe and reliable water supply, BWS carefully manages and plans for the renewal and replacement of its infrastructure. B) BWS continually analyzes the water system to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. The four primary factors taken in to account are: a) Condition Assessment-Utilizing maintenance and main break records for historical data and analyzing the factors that affect pipe longevity, like soil type and pipe material, in a predictive analysis, engineers determining which pipe segments have the highest probability of near future failure. b) System Improvements—BWS identifies areas where the performance of the water system can be improved by adjusting water pressures, increasing main size, or by installing additional fire hydrants. c) Public Impact—Higher priority is given to mains along major traffic routes where main breaks will have significant impacts on traffic. Mains serving facilities that provide essential services, such as hospitals, or that serve large numbers of customers are given a higher priority. d) Project Coordination—if there is a possibility to mitigate the impact on residents or motorists by combining projects with other City or State agencies, those projects are also given higher priority. C) Recognizing the impact construction projects can have on a community, these projects are critical to reducing the number of emergency repairs and to ensure a continued safe and dependable water supply. To find out if there is a BWS construction project in your area, log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com, pull down the “Community” tab, and click on “Construction Projects.” Maps relative to construction projects is posted by neighborhood board districts. For questions regarding construction projects contact the BWS construction section at 748-5730.
No questions followed for BWS.
Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz—Keanu Young circulated the written report and highlighted the following:
Bills 7 & 8—Restricts the use of unauthorized tents and shopping cars in city parks were recently signed into law by Mayor Hannemann. Shopping carts have been completely banned from the parks. Councilmember Dela Cruz battled with this reality that this legislation would impact the homeless. As previously stated, tents are not being prohibited from parks, but will still be allowed to be put up by permit from the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). However, shopping carts are completely banned from the city parks.
Budget Hearings—Hearings for Bill 14 (Budget)—Relates to the Legislative Budget for the Fiscal Year July 2010 to June 30, 2011; Bill 15 (Budget)—Relates to the Executive Operating Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, and Bill 16 (Budget)—Relates to the Executive Capital Budget and Program for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 will all be heard on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers.
Operating Budget—This year’s operating budget was proposed at $1.82 billion, a slight increase from the fiscal year 2010 budget. The capital budget totaled $2.1 billion and the legislative budget is 13 million. Third reading on the Budget is June 9, 2010. The current capital improvement project bill includes $690,000 for play courts at Mililani Mauka District Park.
Bill 21 (2010)—The purpose of this ordinance is to revise the definition of properties eligible for the homeowner class in order to clarify that properties improved with more than one dwelling, such as Ohana dwellings, are eligible for the homeowner class, was introduced by Councilmember Dela Cruz and awaiting first reading.
Legislation—
Resolution 1038—Charter amendment to create an office of housing: Coordinate between the departments; and ensure the funds in the Affordable Housing fund are used for Affordable housing.
Resolution 10-57—Urges the Department of Customer Services to establish to develop an online bicycle registration program.
Resolution 10-58—Requesting the Department of Transportation Services to initiate a needs assessment study on bicycle parking at transit stations and bus stops and bicycle storage to include installing bicycle racks on buses; reported out of the Transportation Committee on April 8, 2010.
Resolution 10-59—Urges the City, State and Federal Government to prioritize and expedite the installation of new civil defense sirens and to repair and upgrade existing sirens.
Request for Investigation and Services Report (RISR)—A RISR was submitted to the Department of Transportation Services requesting an update and anticipated start date for the traffic calming program at Ainamakua Drive and Makaikai Street.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Office of Housing—It was mentioned that the Department of Housing and Community Development was demolished ten years ago.
RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None.
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 16, 2010 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES—Without objection the approval of the March 15, 2010 regular meeting minutes were deferred until the end of the meeting.
BOARD BUSINESS:
Board/Department of Education Discussion on Development of Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Matrix and Mililani High School Field Turf Project—Eileen Clarke, Board of Education (BOE) representative, reported that due to many requests received for funding projects, the Department of Education (DOE) provides a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) list called the matrix list. The BOE prioritizes the requests according to most need and importance. BOE concerns are equal services for all students. This year’s BOE decision did no include the Mililani High School field. Priorities are based on the best interests of the students. The Ways and Means Committee mandated that another $80 million be cut from the DOE budget. Unless the funding is released by the legislative Budget and Finance Committee it is not seen by the BOE/DOE. Everyone was encouraged to attend the BOE meeting and give testimony. The agenda is noticed seven day prior to the meeting.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
Fundraising for Schools by Parents/Communities—Schools may take donations at anytime. However, fundraisers, etc. must go through the procurement process; there are concerns about raising funds for the schools.
The Priority List—What can the community do to have the request for the field repairs move up on the priority list? Who prepares the board report for the BOE? Chair Hazama asked for Clarke’s assistance in helping to move the Mililani High School field repair request up on the priority list.
Community Concerns: A) The Mililani High School stadium is used year round by both public and private schools, is in dire need of repairs, and is a health and safety issue. Volunteers have done their best trying to get the turf ready for soccer season by roping off areas of the field. The Schools’ Community Council currently has raised enough money to purchase products for the field. B) Students are safe in the classrooms, but daily injuries occur at practice on the field. The condition of the field is out of the control for the entire community. C) Double hitter games are shown on Oceanic 16 on the weekends and the field takes a beating. D) It was suggested to have the sports teams practice elsewhere. E) Soccer players are not protected when exposed to the elements and games have been cancelled due to the condition of the field when the weather is bad. F) It hopeful that information provided to Clarke would be taken back to the BOE and that she would speak in favor of this request. G) The request for synthetic field, etc. would just be enhancing what is already there. H) Follow up will be done as where this request is on the matrix list. I) Several years ago, the House and Senate appropriated $950,000 for this project and should be a priority at this time. It takes the efforts and involvement of the DOE and the governor to release the funding; and if included in the legislative budget to work closely with the governor.
Chair Hazama thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting and expressing their views on this important issue. Clarke was asked to inform the Board of the next BOE meeting. Clarke committed to Dr. Brummel (Mililani High School Principal) to speak with Mr. Moore and Mr. Toguchi member of the BOE.
Oishi moved that the Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35 strongly requests that (1) BOE/DOE raise the priority level of the Project and (2) OFB releases the funds to allow the Project to incur for the installation of synthetic turf, field repair and sports stadium improvements projects at Mililani High School.
The motion that the Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35 strongly requests that (1) BOE/DOE raise the priority level of the Project and (2) OFB releases the funds to allow the Project to incur for the installation of synthetic turf, field repair and sports stadium improvements projects at Mililani High School was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYE: Agader, Costales, Ellis, Hazama, Oishi, Suwa, Tamashiro, Yoshimura, Young).
8:10 p.m. recess.
8:17 p.m. the meeting reconvened.
Update on Koa Ridge Medical Center (Wahiawa General Hospital)—This item was deferred until the May meeting.
REPORTS:
Military—A representative was not present.
Castle & Cooke—Ray Kunishige introduced himself, said that he would be replacing Garrett Matsunami, and was available for questioning. There were no questions for Castle & Cooke.
Oahu Arts Center (OAC)—Lance Yoshimura reported the following:
OAC will be participating in the Pineapple Festival on May 8, 2010 at Wahiawa by marching in the parade and hosting the “Arts Village” booth where kids can meet star of the Emmy Award winning Disney TV show Imagination Movers, Wendy Calio. She is also the owner and director of pas De Deux Performing Arts Center. Kristi Kashimoto, owner of Applause Performance Academy and directed OAC’s Wizard of oz, The Ugly
Duckling and Alice in Wonderland will join her. Past winners of its painting contest and photos of past events of OAC will be featured. Call 623-5676 for more information.
House Concurrent Resolution 161, HD1, requesting Castle & Cooke Hawaii, Inc. to work with OAC and the community to secure an appropriate site for an Arts Center was passed by the Senate and House. Copies of the resolution would be forwarded to the Governor, member s of Hawaii’s congressional delegation, the Mayor, City Council, and the President of Castle & Cooke Hawaii, Inc.
OAC continues to build community ties through intergenerational classes, family programs and workshops in a variety of visual and performing arts; and is dedicated to promoting the arts as an integral part of the community and family life for generations to come.
Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park (CORP)—Pamela Young reported the following: The last meeting was held on Aril 12, 2010 at the Regional Aquatic Center meeting room at 7:00 p.m. Starting 2010 user fees will be charged for the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, Hans L`Orange Neighborhood Park, and Waipahu Soccer Park.
Treasurer’s Report (March 2010)—Deferred.
Committees:
Transportation—Pamela Young reported the following: The next Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) is scheduled for Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. at the Mayor’s Conference Room 301 at Honolulu Hale. An update regarding the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) will be reported.
Recognition—Presented earlier in the meeting.
Chair—Chair Hazama reported that Senate Bill 161, Concurrent Resolution 99, relating to the requested DOT study to help solve the morning commute problem from Mililani failed to pass. This item was referred to the Transportation Committee, chaired by Alan Suwa and Pamela Young, with a meeting to be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at Mililani Mauka Elementary School. Chair Hazama will have the agenda noticed.
Elected Officials:
Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative—Francis Keeno reported the following:
2010 Legislation Session—This year’s legislation session ends on April 29, 2010. The biggest concern is the state budget. There are lot bill in the conference committee and now would be time to lobby on bills of interest.
Project Recovery—Department of Transportation (DOT) will be repairing the South Punalu`u Bridge, which would include a pedestrian walkway on both sides of the bridge.
Stimulus Funding to Replace the H-2 Freeway Lights—As reported last month the H-2 lights are not a safety issue under the recovery act. However, the problem fits into the category to use safety funds. Approximate cost to replace the wiring is $3 million.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Mahalo—DOT was thanked for completing the H-2 grading project.
Senator Robert Bunda—A representative was not present.
Senator Michelle Kidani—Ligaya Hartman circulated the written report, announced that Senator Kidani was in conference committee this evening. She stood on the written report and noted page 2 of the report regarding fireworks update.
No questions followed for Senator Kidani.
Representative Marilyn Lee—Ann Thornock reported that Representative Lee was in conference committee this evening. The written report, Public Access Newsletter and fireworks information were distributed.
Mililani High School Field Turf—The field turf has and is a priority for Representative Lee and Senator Kidani who has been instrumental in keeping the bill alive. The item is still in the budget.
No questions followed for Representative Lee.
Representative Marcus Oshiro—A representative was not present.
Board of Education (BOE)—Reported earlier in the meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 16, 2010 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: The March 16, 2010 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT 9-0-0 (AYE: Agader, Costales, Ellis, Hazama, Oishi, Suwa, Tamashiro, Yoshimura, Young).
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-Next Meeting—The next Mililani Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35 meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Mililani Mauka Elementary School Cafeteria, 95-1111 Makaikai Street.
-Broadcast—Videotape of Board meetings are scheduled to be shown on `Olelo channel 54, Mondays at 3:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT—The meeting adjourned at p.m. 8:36 p.m.
Submitted by:
Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Dean Hazama, Chair