MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 c/o NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 530 SOUTH KING STREET ROOM 406 HONOLULU, HAWAII, 96813 TEL: (808) 768-3710 FAX: (808) 768-3711 INTERNET: http://www.honolulu.gov/nco
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 MILILANI MAUKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair Stanton Oishi called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., with no quorum of only four (4) members present. Note – This nine (9) member Board requires five (5) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.
Board Members Present: Dana Agader, Kevin Cole, S.J. Melendrez (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Stanton Oishi, and Keith Tamashiro.
Board Members Absent: Dean Hazama, Joseph Hwang, and Teresa Lau.
Guests: Boy Scouts Troop 664; Brigadier General Kenneth Hara (Governor David Ige’s representative); Captain Tim Turgeon (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Dennis Ono (Honolulu Police Department); Jeanne Ishikawa (Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s representative); Deputy Commander Michael Busby (US Army); David Cho (Senator Donovan Dela Cruz’s Office); Val Okimoto (Representative Beth Fukumoto Chang’s Office); Thomas Strout (Board of Water Supply); Zoe (videographer); and James Skizewski (Neighborhood Commission Office).
Pledge of Allegiance: Boy Scouts Troop 664 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant Dennis Ono reported the following: Burglary: A burglary was reported in the Mililani area, and based on the investigation along with the assistance of the community HPD was able to identify and arrest the couple for the related crimes. With the help of our community members we were able to take these individuals off our streets and make our community a safer place. Traffic Safety Tip: Know how to gauge and adjust tire pressure. Inside each personal motor vehicle, be sure that the spare tire is not flat and contains the right tools to perform a tire change. Always leave the house with a full tank of gas as well as have a flashlight present inside the motor vehicle. HPD urges families to learn/teach one another how to change tires and if unsure, have the phone number of someone who can help you in case of emergencies. Coffee with a Cop: Major Kerry Inouye announced the Coffee with a Cop event at the Wahiawa McDonalds on Saturday, May 28, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00p.m. The public is invited to sit down and have coffee with the local HPD to discuss any concerns or issues the public may have.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Tom Strout reported the following: Water Main Breaks: There were no water main breaks to report. Telephone Scam Warning: BWS warns the community of a telephone scam where BWS customers are being targeted in an attempt to fraudulently collect money. BWS has received several reports of customers being contacted by a person claiming to be a BWS employee. These customers were told that the customer owed a large sum of money to BWS and were told that a bill amount must be paid immediately to avoid water service shut off. Anyone who receives an unexpected or unusual phone call from BWS are encouraged to call BWS for verification. Do not give any information to the caller. Tips to help protect against scams that may use water bills as a lure include: o Know the account status. Call BWS customer service staff at 748-5030 or sign up for online billing services for accurate information about the account. o Understand BWS collection procedures. BWS does not call costumers outside its business hours to request payment. o Safeguard personal information. Never give out credit or debit card number or other personal information to any caller or visitor without knowing their true identity. o Hang up on any suspicious caller. If feeling pressured, hang up the phone and call BWS customer service at 748-5030 to ensure a BWS representative is speaking. Residents are also encouraged to
Oahu’s Neighborhood Board system – Established 1973 MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 DRAFTREGULARMEETINGMINUTES PAGE2OF6
call HPD at 911 if any suspicious activity is encountered. Additional reports can also be filed to BWS by calling 748-5000.
Military – Deputy Commander Michael Busby reported the following: Prescribed Burn: Army Officials are taking steps to prevent fires on Schofield Barracks training range during the drier months ahead. Army fire officials are planning to conduct an annual prescribed burn of the Schofield Barracks training range complex, beginning in May 2016 and will last one (1) week and is used to reduce overall fire dangers in the months ahead. Dry conditions are due to El Niño season and are causing higher- than-normal brushfire dangers across the state that are expected to continue throughout the summer. The prescribed burn will improve safety by removing highly flammable guinea grass and other area vegetation. Contact 656-3154 or 656-3160 for more information. Hawaiian Forests Birds Exhibit: Bishop museum continues to display a Hawaiian Forests Birds Exhibit that exemplifies the United States Army and other agencies working together to preserve Hawaii’s native birds. The exhibit will be open until July 31, 2016. Veteran Affairs 2k Walk and Roll: The sixth annual Veterans Affairs (VA) 2-kilometer walk and roll will take place on May 18, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Acute Care Clinic at Tripler Army Hospital. There will be interactive exhibits throughout the walk. Anyone with access to the Army hospital is welcome. This event will also serve as an opportunity to donate items to homeless veterans. All non-perishable items such as socks, t-shirts, underwear, and toiletries are welcomed. Last year 23,700 VA affiliates participated donating monies and goods valued at over $325,000 to homeless veterans. The walk is approximately 1.2 miles and encourages people to get active. Military Appreciation Combined Concert: On May 21, 2016, the 31st annual military appreciation combined concert will be held by the 21st infantry band, Marine Corp Pacific Band and the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific will hold a combined concert on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 6:00p.m. at the Hawaii Theater. For more information visit the Hawaii Theater’s website at www.hawaiitheatre.com 67th Annual Mayors Memorial Day Lei Ceremony: The Federal Fire Department Station No. 15 at Schofield Barracks will serve as one of the collection points for donated leis in regards to the Mayor’s Memorial Ceremony at the National Memorial of the Pacific on May 30, 2016. Leis can be dropped off on May 27, 2016, from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. There are also collection points at Pearl Harbor and Kaneohe Marine Corp Base, the leis must be made of fresh flowers, ti leaves, and must measure 20-24 inches in length before tying. For more information contact City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) at 808- 768-3003. United States Army Garrison Memorial Day Ceremony: On May 30, 2016, the US Army Garrison will hold a Memorial Day ceremony at 10:00a.m. at Schofield Barrack’s post cemetery. The public is invited to honor army veterans as well as others that served and died while protecting our country. Please have the current insurance, registration, and license to gain access to the base.
S.J. Melendrez arrived at 7:10 p.m.; 5 board members now present and quorum has been made.
Leilehua Concert Series: The final Leilehua Concert series event will be held at Leilehua Golf Course featuring Kawika Kahiapo. This event is free and open to the public. Army’s 231st Birthday: In commemoration of the army’s birthday the 25th infantry band will perform on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 7 and 8, 2016, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fort Derussy behind the Hawaii Army Museum in Waikiki. Real I.D. Act: As of May 1, 2016, army installations in Hawaii are enforcing the “Real I.D. Act” for incoming drivers. Drivers’ licenses from the following states are not compliant with the act, American Samoa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Washington. Individuals from these territories will be granted access to Hawaii army installations only if they have a valid Department of Defense (DOD) card present with them. Individuals from these states or territories without a valid DOD card holder present will not be allowed access to the base unless they can provide a second form of identification. For more information, go to the website www.dhs.gov/realidenforcementbrief.
RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Pickle Ball: Kacey Adams who is a resident of Mililani-Mauka came to inform the board about the game of Pickle Ball. Currently, there are no Pickle Ball courts in Mililani and most people interested in playing must go to Waipahu. Ms. Adams requested that the Board look into painting Pickle Ball lines onto some tennis courts in the district. Four (4) pickle ball courts fit on one (1) tennis court. She went on to invite the public to take part in the new game every Thursday and Friday mornings at Mililani District Park where they use string to mark the lines until tennis courts in the area are approved to have them permanently painted on. MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 DRAFTREGULARMEETINGMINUTES PAGE3OF6
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Representative – Deputy Director of the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Jeanne Ishikawa reported the following: Neighborhood Parks: In light of severe vandalism to some of the community parks, Mayor Caldwell would like to encourage community residents and the public to be vigilant and call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity. Deputy Director Ishikawa noted the arson at Kehei Lagoon being a contributor to this announcement. Summer Fun: There are still open seats for this year’s Summer Fun programs. For registration information and a listing of Summer Fun program locations for walk-in registration, visit www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprsummerfun.html or call the park district offices during regular business hours at 675-7130. Memorial Day Poster Contest: Deputy Director Ishikawa noted that the winning posters came from Mililani Elementary School while Leilehua High School senior Scarlet Roberts also won for the high school age group. The Mayor’s Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Monday, May 30, 2016, at the National Memorial of the Pacific, at 8:30 a.m. Any lei donations are welcome and can be dropped off at any fire station on Friday, May 27, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ainamakua Drive: Deputy Director Ishikawa followed up with Chair Hazama’s request for a schedule of the Ainamakua Drive rehabilitation, Deputy Director Ishikawa stated that the street is scheduled to begin repaving in early Fall 2106.
Hearing no objections, Vice-Chair Oishi moved to agenda item, “Monthly Report: Honolulu Fire Department.”
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Tim Turgeon reported the following: April 2016 Fire Statistics: There was 1 structural fire, 3 nuisance fires, 7 miscellaneous fires and 4 activated alarm with no fire. There were 28 medical emergencies, 9 mountain rescues, 12 ocean rescues, and 4 motor vehicle crashes/collisions. There were a total of 68 calls of service. Fire Safety Tip Brush Fires/Wild lands: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests that residents with surrounding brush take the following steps to prevent fires near their home: o Remove flammable material such as dead vegetation and wood piles from within thirty (30) feet of the home. o Keep the lawn hydrated and maintained. If the lawn is brown, cut it down to decrease possible fire intensity. o Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for fires. Clear leaves away from the roof, gutters, porches, or decks as this helps keep fires from entering the home.
Council Chair Ernie Martin – Heidi Tsuneyoshi distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Budget: The final budget meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 where the council will present the revised final budget. Projects that were of the communities interest that were included in this year’s budget includes the planning and construction for the installation of a left turn signal at the intersection of Lehiwa Drive and Meheula Parkway and secondly a project for the planning and design of Mililani-Mauka District Park, including a new batting cage and two (2) tennis courts. Tsuneyoshi also noted that at an advisory meeting was held and Adams presented on the game of Pickle Ball where it was approved to add pickle ball lines to the proposed tennis courts at Mililani-Mauka District Park. Talk Story at Olaloa: Council Chair Martin was pleased with the opportunity to talk story in with the public where concerns were raised about the Ainamauka Drive. Council Chair Martin informed the public that the repaving project has been contracted out and it is up to them when the repaving will begin. Council Chair Martin’s office will provide updates as they are made available. Mililani Preparedness Fail: The 2nd Annual Mililani Preparedness Fair is aimed at members of the community who are looking to gain important insight and tools to prepare their families, homes, schools, and businesses for the next natural or manmade emergency. Professionals will have the opportunity to interact with attendees and provide them with useful materials over the course of the day. The event will be on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Mililani High School Cafeteria from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Follow up: Council Chairs Martin made a follow up response in regards to the audit of the Honolulu Authority Rapid Transportation (HART). Council Chair Martin responded by stating that he has declared for the resignation of the former Council Chair of the HART board while also recommending the halt of funding until proper management and planning are put in place. Council Chair Martin is looking at all options in regards to rail, even weighing the potential stopping of the project short at Middle Street if needed. MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 DRAFTREGULARMEETINGMINUTES PAGE4OF6
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Comments: Melendrez thanked Council Chair Martin for the announcement of the Emergency Preparedness Fair. Melendrez also asked Tsuneyoshi if the Council Chair Martin is going to run for Mayor of Honolulu.
Governor David Ige- General Hara circulated the Governor Ige’s Newsletter and reported the following. Housing: Governor Ige plans to produce at least 10,000 housing units by 2020 to better help provide local families with affordable housing. Education: Governor Ige’s Team on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) will begin work this month to help the Department of Education (DOE) transform public schools in Hawaii. The new federal law returns authority to the states to set direction for their own schools. Dengue Fever: The State made a formal announcement that noted the elimination of the Dengue Fever outbreak on the island of Hawaii but will continue efforts to combat and prevent future vector born diseases. Pre-school Open Doors: The State has appropriated 10 million dollars to the Pre-School Open Doors Program that will provide 600 kids with pre-schooling.
Senator Donovan Dela Cruz – David Cho distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Session Closing: The legislative session ended on May 5, 2016. From the over 2,000 bills that were introduced this session, 272 bills were passed, with about 50 left inactive, while one (1) bill was vetoed. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) District Projects in Budget Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-2017: o 11.5 million dollars for Mililani Middle School o 2 million dollars appropriated for the Mililani High School parking lot. o Wahiawa General Hospital received 2.5 million dollars in general funds but still must produce a fiscal plan of sustainability. o 17 million dollars went to transportation. Which may lead to the rehab/replacement of Kipapa Bridge on Kamehameha Highway. o 31 million dollars to procure agricultural land and make sure the land will remain designated agriculture lands permanently. Mililani Ike Elementary: Mililani-Ike Elementary School received monies to get new air-conditioned lines fitted for the school and the funds will be made available in July, 2016. As well as repair and maintenance projects across all schools in the district.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bridges: Resident Tom Strout asked about the condition and evaluation of other bridges in the area such as Pamalu Bridge and Carson Front Bridge, Cho responded that Carson Front Bridge is now being rehabilitated and will be completed later this year. He also noted that there is additional money put in this year’s budget to address other bridges in the district.
Representative Beth Fukumoto Chang – Representative Fukumoto Change circulated a newsletter and reported the following: Passage of Bills: Representative Fukumoto Chang noted two (2) bill passages of importance, one (1) regarding the Women’s Caucus package that included a bill that requires insurance companies to cover Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) testing and secondly a bill regarding the National Guard allowing National Guardsmen to use military leave for weekend training which was not allowed before. Both bills are awaiting the Governor Ige’s signature.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Survey: Melendrez thanked Representative Fukumoto Chang for the survey. Representative Fukumoto Chang stated that the results of the survey will also be posted online for those who wish to see the results.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The regular meeting minutes for April 19, 2016 were approved as published by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 5-0-0 (Aye: Agader, Cole, Oishi, Melendrez, and Tamashiro; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
Committee Reports
Education – Melendrez reported on the following schools:
Mililani Middle School (MMS) Update: MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 DRAFTREGULARMEETINGMINUTES PAGE5OF6
Blazer Night: On Thursday, May 19, 2016, students will be recognized for academic achievement regarding district, statewide, and/or nationwide recognition. This includes academics, athletics, arts, and service learning. Construction: o The covered playground will have minor fixes done and will hope to be open by the new school year. o Parking lot resurfacing will begin in August, 2016, and run into late October, 2016. The bus lane will be used for parent drop off and pick up during construction. Faculty and staff will park along school access lane and on streets. o Buildings F & G roof repairs have been completed. o Building B gutter repair project is ongoing and will likely finish in June, 2016. Awards: MMS Blazer yearbook has been selected as Best Middle School Yearbook in Hawaii for the fourth time in 5 years. 2016-2017 Academic Year: New school year begins on Friday, July 8, 2016. The new academic calendar has been posted on the MMS website. New Off-track Classroom Building: The new building to accommodate MMS to come off of the year round track system process is proceeding with positive results. Funding has been approved by the current legislature. Expected remainder of funds to be allocated through Senate during next legislative session.
Military/Civil Defense: There was no report.
Parks and Recreation: There was no report.
Planning and Zoning: There was no report
Transportation – Melendrez reported the following: Kamehameha Highway Resurfacing Project: The Kamehameha Highway Resurfacing project spans from Ka Uka Boulevard to Waihau Street for road resurfacing, guard rail improvements, traffic signal modification, pedestrian safety improvements, utility modifications, and new signage. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is estimated to be completed in June 2016. H-1 Freeway Eroded Slope Repairs: The H-1 Freeway eroded slope repairs spans from the Kamehameha Highway Overpass to Paiwa Street Overpass. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and estimated to be completed by October 2016. Pearl City Viaduct Improvement Project: The Pearl City Viaduct Improvement project spans from the Pearl City/Waimalu Off-ramp to the H-1/H-2 Freeway split. Construction work includes road resurfacing, sign replacements, pavement marking, and utility repairs. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. and scheduled to be completed by May 2016. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC): Neighborhood Board No. 35 member Melendrez has been supporting the OMPO CAC meet on the third Wednesdays of the month at Honolulu Hale. Melendrez was selected with four (4) other CAC members to provide comments for the updating of the CAC By-Laws. Significant time has been spent over the last 5 weeks in reviewing and revisiting the CAC By-Laws. Bylaws members wrapped up revisions to the CAC bylaws document on May 5, 2016, and voted the revisions into the bylaws by unanimous vote. Melendrez will provide a copy of the updated Bylaws to NB No. 35 members after the next CAC meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at Honolulu Hale in room 301.
REPORTS
Treasurer’s Report: Vice-Chair Oishi read the financial statement for April 2016. The Board spent $20.91 and has a remaining balance of $77.89. The report was filed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting: The next Mililani-Mauka/Launani Valley Neighborhood Board No. 35 regular meeting will be on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mililani-Mauka Elementary School cafeteria, 95-1111 Makaikai Street.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m.
Submitted By: James Skizewski, Neighborhood Assistant; Reviewed By: Sam Wolff, Public Relations Assistant; MILILANI MAUKA/LAUNANI VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 35 TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016 DRAFTREGULARMEETINGMINUTES PAGE6OF6
Reviewed and Finalized By: Dean Hazama, Chair