Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board June meeting minutes

Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board

Minutes of regular meeting, Wednesday, JUNE 23, 2010
Mililani Recreation Center III

Call to order: Chair Dick Poirier called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m., with a quorum of 16 members present; and led those present in the pledge of allegiance. Note: This 23 member Board requires 12 members for a quorum and to take official Board actions.

Members present: Danielle Bass, William “Bill” Bass, Ann Freed, Shannon Garan, Keith Hamada, Dennis Imamura, Barbara Pua Iuli (arrived at 7:44 p.m.), Josie Kaanehe, Karen Loomis, Joy Marshall, William Maglinti, Jr., Rodney Park, Dick Poirier, Charlie Remington (arrived at 8:26 p.m.), Mary Segura, Carole Siegel, Douglas Thomas, and Shareef Wang

Members absent: Shayne Chung, Mary B. Segura, Tony Solis, Resa Tsuneyoshi, Jessie Weinberger, and Alvin Wong.

Vacancies – None.

Guests: Senator Norman Sakamoto, Will Kane (Mililani Town Association), Lt. Gregory Osbun (Honolulu Police Department, District 2 – Wahiawa), Lori Hoo (HECO), Danielle Bass (Office of Representative Ryan Yamane), Representative Marilyn Lee, Major Richard Onderko (U.S. Army/25th ID), Lori Kunioka (Office of Councilmember Nestor Garcia), Carleton Ching, Richard Mirikitani and Rodney Funakoshi (Castle and Cooke);Michael Dau, Tofi Mika, Jr. (Office of the Mayor), Senator Michelle Kidani, Andrew Keliikoa (Board of Water Supply), Ivonne Cardenos (Makakilo.com), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

Approval of regular meeting minutes of May 26, 2010 – Hearing no objection, the regular meeting minutes of May 26, 2010 were ADOPTED with the following correction 16-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Kaanehe, Loomis, Marshall, Maglinti, Park, Poirier, Remington, Segura, Siegel, Thomas, Wang).

-Page 3, Senator Michelle Kidani should read, National Science Olympia Tournament – Mililani High School students Chad Uyehara and Tru Dang took part in this tournament, which was held in Illinois and won 10th place.

Board business concerns:

Selection of Meeting Time, Date, Place and Time Limits – Loomis moved, seconded by Freed that the Board will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at Recreation Center III; with the exception of the fourth Wednesday in November the meeting will start at 7:00 p.m.. Presentations are limited to 10 minutes. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 16-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Kaanehe, Loomis, Maglinti, Marshall, Park, Poirier, Remington, Siegel, Thomas, Wang).

Use of Publicity Funds, Video Taping of Board Meetings – Thomas moved, seconded by Remington to continue to videotaping the Board meetings; the chair shall approve the publicity funds was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 16-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Kaanehe, Loomis, Maglinti, Marshall, Park, Poirier, Remington, Siegel, Thomas, Wang).

Board Recesses – Kaanehe moved, seconded by Loomis to recess in December and another month (s) deemed appropriate by the Chair, was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 16-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Kaanehe, Loomis, Maglinti, Marshall, Park, Poirier, Remington, Siegel, Thomas, Wang).

Absenteeism – Thomas moved, seconded by Hamada authorizing the Neighborhood Assistant to email the Board member when accumulating two absences and the Neighborhood Commission Office to send the certified letter within seven days of the third absence, was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 16-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass,

W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Kaanehe, Loomis, Maglinti, Marshall, Park, Poirier, Remington, Siegel, Thomas, Wang).

7:44 p.m. Iuli arrived; 17 members present.

Community forum:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – A representative was not present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Gregory Osbun reported the following:

May 2010 Statistics – Included 14 unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, 5 auto theft recoveries, 17 burglary, 5 (unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, 5 graffiti, and 24 thefts.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Noise from Cars Boom Boxes – Regarding the persistent problem Mililani Town Center of cars circling the parking lot with loud boom boxes, all 911 calls are serviced no matter the nature of the call; everyone was encouraged to continue to call 911. All watch commanders will be informed of the noise from the boom boxes; the area will be monitored.

Illegal Left Turns from Mililani Town Center to Lanikuhana Avenue during Restricted Posted Times (one sign on MTA property/other across the street on City property) – Follow up will be done if the signs (between Asagio’s and Ruby Tuesday) were put up by the city or at the request of the town center’s management.

- Lori Kunioka, from Councilmember Nestor Garcia’s Office added that the signs were put up at the request of concerned residents and the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is requiring no left turn during restricted hours.

Military – Major Richard Onderko reported the following:

U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Change of Command – U.S. Garrison-Hawaii bid aloha to the garrison commander, Col. Matthew Margotta on June 14, 2010; and relinquished command to Col. Douglas Mulbury.
Protecting Honouliuli Forest Reserve – The Army joined the Trust for Public Lands and other conservation partners in celebrating the permanent protection of the Honouliuli Preserve, a 3,592-acre forest on the eastern slope of the Waianae Mountains, home to 35 threatened and endangered species. Through the Army compatible Use Buffer Program (ACUB), the Army contributed more than $2.6 million toward the total $4.3 million purchase price. Past Hawaii ACUB successes include the preservation of Waimea, Valley, Moanalua Valley, and Pupukea-Paumalu. For more information visit www.aec.army.mil/usaec/acub/ or call the Garrison Public Affairs office at 656-3160.

4th of July Spectacular at Schofield Barracks – The public is invited to join military families in celebrating the Nation’s birthday with the Army’s 39th annual Fourth of July Spectacular on Sills Field. The day long celebration includes games, 5K Fun Run, Children’s 1-mile Fun Run, crafts, new products, bazaar, vintage military vehicles from the Hawaii Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and food. This year’s main stage headliner is Smash Mouth. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors will need to show a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and safety check. Carpooling or walking is encouraged. Backpacks, coolers and vehicles are subject to inspection. Visit www.mwrarmyhawaii.com for more information.

Vehicle Decal Policy Change (Army Installations) – The Army is urging all drivers who live on, work on, or frequently use Army installations to register their vehicles at an Army Vehicle Registration Office, and display an official military decal on their vehicles, as part of an initiative to enhance installation safety and security.

As of May 1, drivers without a current military decal (DD Form 2220) or Army pass are routed to the closest Visitor Control Center (VCC) for a temporary access pass. Motorcyclists must show completion of a valid DoD-approved safety course. For more information visit www.garrison.hawaii.mil/sites/traffic/traffic.asp; or contact the Schofield Barracks Provost Marshal’s

Office at 655-9496, the Fort Shafter Provost Marshal’s Office at 438-2230, or USAG-Hi’s Directorate of Emergency Services at 656-5398.

Army School Partnership Program (Joint Venture Education Forum (JVEF) School Partnership Program) – The Army is partnered with 51 Hawaii public schools through the School Partnership Program. The 2010 fiscal year funding, totaling $175,000, has been released and allocated to schools. To date there are 2,689 volunteer hours recorded for this schools year. For assistance contact the School Liaison Office at 655-9818.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Andrew Keliikoa circulated the written report and summarized the following:

Water Main Breaks – No water main breaks reported for the month of June 2010.
General Water Announcements – Included information relating to water quality and summer conservation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Waipio Acres District – This area is included in the monthly reports.

BWS Crews Working in Waipio Acres – During valve maintenance or temporary repairs, the valves accumulate rust or dirt particles. Thus, when turning on a faucet the water is a little brownish. It is recommended to let the faucet run until the water is clear.

Annual Water Report to Customers – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that the report is sent to customers.

Furloughs – BWS control center and maintenance crews are exempt from two furlough days per month, but will have one furlough day. Provisions have been made to have operations personnel work full time.

Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRT) – Pat Lee gave the following update:

Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Released – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has released the Honolulu Transit Project’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for federal agency review and public distribution. U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye is committed to this project and will continue to assist at the federal level to fund the work and ensure its timely completion. Anticipated committed cost is $1.55 billion.
Ridership and Future Traffic Reduction – The final EIS anticipates weekday rail ridership will be 116,000 passengers in 2030. Rail transit will reduce traffic delay by about 18% in 2030 compared to conditions if the rail system is not built. The project term estimates the rail system will take approximately 40,000 cars and trucks off the roads daily in 2030.
Right-of-Ways – There will be 40 full property acquisitions and 159 partial acquisitions. All affected property owners have been notified by the City. Relocation and compensation at the fair market value will be provided to the affected property owners, businesses, and residents in compliance with the federal and state laws.
Historic Properties Impact – Thirty-three historic properties will be impacted by the project. In some cases, the effect means the rail line will be visible from the property.
Noise Impact and Vibrations – No severe noise impacts are expected. With mitigation measures, there will be no noise impacts; no vibration effects are anticipated.
Final EIS Document – The final document can be viewed at All state public libraries, the City Municipal Library (585 S. King Street, City Hall Annex); City and County Department of Transportation Services (DTS) 650S. King Street, Fasi Municipal Building (third Floor; visit www.honolulutransit.org or call the hotline at 566-2299.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Ridership – Follow -up will be done if the number are based on one-way or round trip for the ridership and cars.

Historic Properties – There are still hard issues that must be addressed; the State Department of Land and Natural Resources have yet to sign the documents.; and hopeful by the end of this year.

Other Community Concerns – None.

Public forum:

Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative (HCEI) – Josh Strickler showed a power point presentation and highlighted the following:

Alternatives to replace the high cost of oil because it has to be shipped in. Hawaii imports 50,000,000 gallons of oil.
HCEI goals by 2030 of using 30% efficiency and 40% sun wind and other renewable energy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Community Opposition – This proposed project took a long time because of community opposition.

Renewable Energy – Carleton Ching, from Castle and Cooke introduced Rodney Funakoshi and Richard Mirikitani, and presented the following:

Hawaiian Patriot Oil Tanker Spill – In 1977 this catastrophe affected 350 miles west of Honolulu.
Renewable Energy for all Energy by 2030 – Federal, state, county and Hawaiian Electric Company momentum plan is to harness abundant natural resources.
Sun Energy Solar Farm – This sun energy solar farm started service in December of 2008 is located on the island of Lanai with 10 acres of panels; and has a purchase power agreement.
Mililani Renewable Energy Solar Park – Due to the increase in oil prices, an energy solar park is in the conceptual stage to utilize four lots at the top of Meheula Parkway. Existing in that area are two agricultural farms and sub farms. Some of the farmers will be relocated. The property would be diversified with farming on one side and solar on the other.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Cable Project from Lanai to Oahu – There is a 200 mega watt wind farm on Lanai and work is still being done on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) cable to connect Lanai, Molokai, and Oahu. Cost would be approximately $800 million to $1 billion, but saving $200 million in the process; this is a benefit to buying alternative energy.

- Timetable – Procurement is April 2010, cable laying 2013, completion 2014, and service 2015.
- Fund Source – The cable system developer will finance up front, and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) managing the consumer’s monthly payments.
- Cable Transfer to Homes – When the power is sold to HECO and the 20 mega watt energy will be transferred by an inverter station to the converter to the homes. It is assumed that the removal of oil cost should stabilize the rates for this alternate energy. Promises cannot be made that electricity would cost less.

Reports of public officials:

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Tofi Mika, Jr. reported the following:

Announcements:
- Fireworks Permits – Fireworks permits purchases must be purchased on Thursday, July 1, 2010.
- Rally of Champions Sunset on the Beach – This event is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. at the Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikiki.
- Maili Beach Park Sunset on the Beach – This event will take place on July 3 and 4 at Maili Beach Park.
Left Turn onto Lanikuhana Avenue outside of Ruby Tuesdays – The City Department of Transportation Services 9DTS) will conduct an investigation report the status at the end of August 2010.
Kuahelani Avenue off of Kipapa Drive – DTS will investigate and report to the board by the end of August 2010. Mika explained that he took pictures of the area and it seems to be a loading zone.
Overgrown Grass on the Medial Strip on Kipapa Drive – The grass has been cut.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

White Lines on Kipapa – Mika explained that pictures were taken of the area which seems to be a loading zone.

Wainihi Street – Iuli thanked the City for the guard rails.

Paint Request to Paint Over Bus Stops and Graffiti – Paint is available however there is no storage place. Remington’s suggested the paint in five gallon cans so they can be stored at home. No answer has been received relative to the request that the room at the Mililani Transit center be used to store the paint and supplies.

Congratulations – D. Bass noted that Tofi Mika, Jr. was mentioned in the Hawaii Business News.

Councilmember Nestor Garcia – Lori Kunioka circulated Councilmember Garcia’s written reported and highlighted the following:

Fiscal Year 2011 Budget – The Council approved the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget (July 1, 2010 to June 20, 2011) on June 9, 2010.
New Councilmember – Former Police Chief Lee Donohue was selected from a list of six qualified applicants to fill the District 4 Council seat vacated by Charles Djou.
Fireworks – Council will soon be HAVING discussion and deliberation on Bill 34, which amends Chapter 20, ROH (“Fire Code of the City and county of Honolulu”) to enact stricter standards for the regulation of fireworks. A meeting on this issue is scheduled for Thursday, July 1 at 1:00 p.m. (testimony is welcome).

Senator Michelle Kidani – Senator Kidani distributed her written report and highlighted the following:

Introduction – Introduced Senator Norman Sakamoto.
Announcement – Since the legislative session is over, she is currently working as a research analyst for Councilmember Lee Donohue until the next session reconvenes.
Vandalized Papaya Farm – The papaya farm received negative media reports. Monetary donation offers were received at her office, but the farm owner declined noting that he did have insurance.
Fireworks Update – Senate Bill 1059 was signed into law on June 22, 2010, allowing counties to enact fireworks ordinances more stringent than state laws and establishes a task force to make recommendations on preventing illegal importation of fireworks into the state.
City Council Bill 34 – Proposes to ban fireworks on Oahu is currently pending before the City Council. The bill passed first reading and has been referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Services.
Congratulations to All Mililani Graduates – Four elementary schools in the district were visited congratulating fifth grade graduates.
Nettle Caterpillar Pest Alert – On June 8, 2010 wasps were released by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in hopes to biologically control the nettle caterpillars.

Representative Marilyn Lee – Rep. Lee circulated her written report and highlighted the following:

Solar Electricity – There will be more discussion regarding solar electricity sustainability and independence.
Kukui Connection – On Sundays, at 4:00 p.m. on `Olelo Channel 54.

Representative Ryan Yamane – Dani Bass handed out the written report and highlighted the following:

Conferences – Rep. Yamane is attending two conferences and was unable to be in attendance tonight.
Graduations – Attended most if not all area fifth grade graduations and presented graduates with McDonald’s ice cream certificates.

Committee and other reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Carole Siegel reported expenditures in the Operating Account were $45.78 leaving a balance of $914.61. The report was filed.
Oahu Arts Center (OAC) – Committee Chair Ann Freed reported that the property that was provided for the OAC has been designated for a mauka housing project. It is hopeful that Castle and Cooke would donate another property to the OAC. It was request to have a Castle and Cooke representative at the July meeting.

Chair’s Report – The Board will recess in August.

There were no other committee and other reports.

New business:

Resolution Regarding Vehicular Noise Pollution in the Aloha State – Freed moved, seconded by Siegel that the Mililani/Waipio/Melemanu Neighborhood Board No. 25 supports and encourages legislation to establish penalties for vehicular noise that can be heard five feet from the offending vehicle which will allow for a record of complaints to be established; which will allow law enforcement to act on substantiated complaints; and which will require noisy mufflers to be replaced or modified to comply with established restrictions. That such legislation should include a provision which would allow the counties to enact stricter regulations.

Comments – a) To enforce and issue a citation the noise and must be above 60 decibels. b) Officers do not carry decibel readers, thus unenforceable. c) Drivers with loud boom boxes can be sited. d) Noise on military bases is thirty feet. e) Thomas amended the resolution to read thirty feet; Freed accepted. f) In some cases the complainant is asked to meet with the officer at a certain location. g)  Complainants may fear retaliation. h) The intent is to provide HPD with a license plate, car description, etc. for enforcement. I) The law must change and go to the prosecutor’s officer with guidelines. J) The resolution was amended adding all chiefs of police, councilmembers, prosecutors, and mayor’s island wide.

The resolution was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 17-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Iuli, Kaanehe, Loomis, Marshall, Park, Remington, Siegel, Tsuneyoshi, Thomas, Wang, Poirier).

Motion in Support of the Adoption of Mililani Waena Park – Kaanehe moved, seconded by Thomas in support of the Leeward Training Club to adopt and clean-up Mililani Waena Park.

Discussion followed: a) There are only two parks that allow dog training. b) The City Department of Parks and Recreation has a program to adopt parks. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 17-0-0 (AYE: D. Bass, W. Bass, Freed, Garan, Hamada, Imamura, Iuli, Kaanehe, Loomis, Marshall, Park, Remington, Siegel, Tsuneyoshi, Thomas, Wang, Poirier).

Announcements:

- Next Meeting – The next Board meeting will be at the Mililani Recreation Center III, July 28, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
- Broadcast – Videotape of Board meeting are scheduled to be shown on `Olelo Channel 54, Sundays at Noon.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

Submitted by:
Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:
Dick Poirier, Chair