DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MEMO AND MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016
KAPOLEI HALE

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Evelyn Souza began the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Quorum was not established with four (4) members present. Note – This nine (9) member board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and take official Board action. Chair Souza announced testimony and reports would be accepted as listed on the agenda.

Board Members Present – Dean Kalani Capelouto (arrived at 8:07 p.m.), Jack Legal, Michael Madix (arrived at 8:10 p.m.), Thad Spreg, Evelyn Souza, Brandon Mutchek (arrived at 8:37 p.m.), and Kanani Wond.

Board Members Absent – Kioni Dudley.

Guests – Lieutenant Randall Arakaki and Sergeant Jeffrey Sanchez (Honolulu Police Department); Captain William Steinke (Honolulu Fire Department); Clark Bright (Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Representative); Wendee Wilson (Representative Sharon Har); Rock Riggs (Senator Michael Gabbard’s Office); Rian Adachi (Board of Water Supply); Pat Lee and Justin Baifield (Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transit); Victor Flint (Naval Facilities Engineering Command); James Owen (Coral Crater) Frank Genadio; John Bond; Kiran Polk; Steve Vendt; Walter Figueira; Mike Freitas; Alan Gano; Lolita Takeda; and Relley Araceley (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Roll Call/Statement of Order and Decorum – The Neighborhood Assistant took a roll call attendance.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain William Steinke reported the following:
• May 2016 Statistics: There were 2 activated alarms, 40 medical emergencies, and 5 motor vehicle crashes/collisions reported by the Makakilo fire station; 1 wildland/brush fire, 3 nuisance fires, 8 activated alarms, 64 medical emergencies, 7 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, 1 ocean rescue, and 3 hazardous material incidents reported by the Kapolei fire station; 1 wildland/brush fire, 2 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 5 activated alarms, 50 medical emergencies, 2 motor/vehicle crashes/collisions, and 1 hazardous materials incident reported by the Kapolei East fire station.
• Safety Tip: Wildland fires, also known as brush fires, can cause extensive damage in communities.
o The National Fire Protection Association suggests the following preventative steps:
o Remove flammable materials, such as dead vegetation and wood piles, from within 30 feet of the home.
o Keep lawns hydrated and maintained. If the lawn is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for brush fires.
o Clear leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches, and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting the home.

Comments, questions, and concerns that followed: Improvement: Wond asked and Captain Steinke responded that the standard of coverage is being used to monitor HFD performance and that Hawaii has passed accreditation based on national standards.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant Randall Arakaki reported that there were 33 motor vehicle thefts, 47 burglaries, 185 thefts, and 64 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs) with a total of 7,807 calls placed for service.

Comments, questions, and concerns that followed: Improvement: Wond asked and Lieutenant Arakaki responded that the community is generally helpful and compliant with HPD needs.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Rian Adachi announced no main breaks for May 2016 and reported the following:

• Water Quality: BWS conducts multiple test throughout the year to ensure the water supplied to the community is safe. The annual water quality report will be sent to customers by July 2016 the report will also be available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5080.
• Waste Water: Residents are urged to conserve water by checking for leaks, trying not to water lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and turning off the faucet when brushing teeth or shaving. For more information residents can call 748-5041 or email contactus@hbws.org. For main break please call 748-5000.
• Clarification – Adachi clarified that it is indeterminate when and if the West Side of the island could be drinking desalinized water.

BOARD BUSINESS – Noting the absence of quorum, and hearing no objections, Chair Souza moved the agenda forward to section “V” until quorum could be established. Spreg asked and Chair Souza responded that the format change request would be to move the “elected officials” portion to the beginning of the meeting.

PRESENTATIONS
Cultural Conservation Plan for the Endangered Pueo in the Ewa Plains – Michael Kumukauoha Lee reported the following:

• Overview: Lee gave an overview of the issue regarding the Pueo as it was discussed by the board in two (2) previous meetings. Lee noted the endangered population faces the most risk in Honouliuli.
• HONUA’ULA (WAILEA 670): There has never been a conservation proposal to utilize the federal funding available. WAILEA 670 is a conservation plan that was done on Kihe, Maui and will be repurposed to provide a conservation area for the Pueo in the gulch systems in Honouliuli. The University of Hawaii Maui College is contributing to the project.
• Plan: The invasive flora and founa in the area will be addressed. The plan will not be a detriment to the neighboring properties or golf courses. The plan includes community involvement and access within the conservation area. A resource manager and secretary, overseen by a Board of Directors, are positions planned to be created and funded through the conservation plan.
• Protected – Other endangered species found in the conservation area will be protected and cared for through partnerships with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry (DOFAW).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Designation: Legal asked and Lee answered that the Pueo Owl is not on the federal endangered species list, but is included in the migratory species act and is recognized by the DLNR on the State’s endangered species list. Lee clarified that no one has approached the federal funding allotted to DLNR for such a conservation plan. Lee noted that the plan must be approved by DLNR. Lee noted that the conservation plan will help keep the natural flow of water and stated concerns with the Coral Crater Amusement Park possibly flooding. Legal noted that the plan seems to call for an easement of the land.
2. Public Help: Wond asked and Lee answered that an invitation has been sent to all stakeholders but that nothing has officially started.
3. Cultural Component: Chair Souza asked and Lee noted that there are various cultural and environmental components to the conservation plan.

Update on Pueo Issue from Senator Gabbard’s Office – Rock Riggs reported that Senator Gabbard has reached out to DR Horton, the University of Hawaii at West Oahu (UH West), the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART), the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), and multiple conservation experts to inform them that a meeting will be scheduled in the summer to discuss the Pueo. DLNR is finalizing a draft request for proposals to conduct research on the Pueo which is budgeted at $75,000.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Urgency: Chair Souza encouraged HART to participate in the discussions and Wond noted the urgency of the issue.

New Consolidated Theater in the Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center – Rod Tengan reported that the construction of the new theater is on schedule to open by September 2016 and will include premier seating, food, and alcohol services. Tengan noted the Regal Cinemas facility at the Kapolei Commons. The Liquor Commission posed various rigorous questions, many centered on security, during the licensing process. There have been no incidents at the Ward Theater’s alcohol-serving section with over 35,000 customers since the March 2016 opening. Some security features include a 21 and over wristband age-verification policy, a two (2) drink maximum, and special security during high volume times. Tengan requested support from the Neighborhood Board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Other Facilities: Legal asked and Tengan clarified there are other Consolidated Theaters that offer the alcohol services. Legal noted the presence of other facilities with alcohol services means Consolidated Theaters is experienced in providing the service. Tengan noted that the upcoming theater will have four (4) alcohol serving viewing auditoriums.
2. Admission: Wond asked and Tengan responded that general admission will be around $12 and that the existing Kapolei theater will continue to be operated. Wond requested the new theater be family-oriented and tickets be reasonably priced.
3. Support: Spreg asked and Tengan answered that he is looking for a letter of support.
4. Hiring: Chair Souza asked and Tengan restated that Consolidated Theaters plans to continue operation of the current facilities and that the new facility will offer a different experience. Chair Souza encouraged hiring of the area’s residents.

Board Member Capelouto arrived to the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Quorum was ESTABLISHED with five (5) members present.

5. Security: Capelouto asked and Tengan reiterated the restrictive screening for underage drinking and two (2) drink maximum security precautions. Chair Souza asked and Tengan answered that the staff will undergo extensive training to recognize safety issues and to inform management and possibly refuse service to inebriated guests. Chair Souza asked and Tengan noted that he was unsure of what penalties would be given by the Liquor Commission if violations occur.

Board Member Madix arrived to the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Six (6) members were present.

Legal moved and Capelouto seconded that the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 submit a letter of support for the new Consolidated Theater in the Ka Makana Ali’i Shopping Center. Discussion followed: Community Concern: Resident Lolita Takeda asked and Tengan responded that the current facility will continue to be operated as an alcohol-free facility. Takeda asked and Tengan answered that the new facility will have two (2) auditoriums holding around 100 seats and two (2) auditoriums with around 120 to 140 seats. Takeda asked and Tengan responded that there will be security staff monitoring the doors to the correct auditoriums. Takeda noted concerns of guests sneaking into the drinking areas.

The motion was APPROVED by SHOW OF HANDS; 6-0-0. (AYE: Capelouto, Legal, Madix, Souza, Spreg, Wond; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Coral Crater Amusement Park – James Owens gave a short presentation regarding the proposed activities at the Coral Crater Amusement Park. Owens noted that zip lines (adult and keiki course), and adventure tower, free fall, giant swing, dune buggy and mountain bike trail, and a picnic area with a certified imu will be available. The only facilities on the lot will be a restroom and box office. There will be a 40,000 square foot lot for parking a fence to encompass the area.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Liability: Capelouto asked and Owens answered that everyone will be required to sign a liability waiver. Guest under age will need to have the waiver signed by an adult.
2. Alcohol: Legal asked and Owens responded that there are no current plans are in place to serve alcohol.
3. History: Madix asked and Owens responded that the United States Navy owns the land which is being leased by Hunt Development Group and is sub-leased by Owens. Madix asked Owens answered that coral was quarried from the proposed location and used as the foundation for runway and the quarry is about 50 feet deep in some areas and levels out in others.
4. Anchors: Madix asked and Owens answered that the zip-line poles will be anchored to deep concrete foundations.
5. Previous Work: Legal asked and Owens explained that the Coral Crater Amusement Park is his first project of the type, but that his partners do have experience. Owens noted the construction team that was hired is the same team that installed the Kualoa Ranch zip lines.
6. Environmental: Wond asked if there is an environmental impact statement (EIS) available and if any native plants or animals are in the property and Owens responded that everything within the quarry is non-native. Wond urged the incorporation of native species in the lot.
7. Opening: Chair Souza asked and Owens responded that the park plans to open in September 2016 and has all necessary permits. Chair Souza asked and Owens answered that the Navy did warn of the lot being an over-drainage area, but that the footprint of the park is minimal and the main attraction would be the zip lines. Chair Souza encouraged that the park hire area residents.
8. Bikes and Quads: Chair Souza asked and Owens answered that riders will go along a path and not on a rail. Owens cited that the “quads” are actually off road go-karts.
9. Noise: Chair Souza asked and Owens responded that the park will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and noise levels will be far below that of the airplanes that fly overhead in the area.
10. Rates: Chair Souza asked and Owens answered that there will be kama’aina rates and member’s rates.
11. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Lee requested the SOP to address various safety concerns and urged the incorporation of native plants in the park. Wond urged Owens speak with Lee and John Bohn.

Board Member Mutchek arrived to the meeting at 8:37 p.m. Seven (7) member were present.

COMMUNITY/BOARD – CONCERNS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Rail: Resident Walter Figueira noted the possibility of outsourcing some of the rail labor due to the increase in costs.
• Streetlights: Figueira cited issues of multiple street lights being out at night which creates safety isues in the area. Figueira noted he has seen some progress to fixing the issue.
• Bike Lanes: Figueira stated concerns with pedestrian safety in the area because cyclist are using the sidewalks because the bike lanes are filled with fallen leaves that have clogged the drainage ditches.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Contact: Spreg asked Figueria to please contact him following the meeting. Spreg noted that several requests have been responded to, but some have not. Figueria urged the community to assist in any way possible because the agencies responsible may not have the necessary manpower to do everything.
2. Street Ownership: Chair Souza noted difficulty of identifying the ownership of the streetlights within the City and State. Wond noted similar concerns.

COMMUNITY/BOARD – CONCERNS/ANNOUNCEMENTS (continued)

• Hire Leeward: Kiren Polk noted that another Hire Leeward Job/Career Fair is scheduled to be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the University of Hawaii at West Oahu (UH West) campus from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interested residents can pre-register at www.hireleeward.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Hiring Statistics: Chair Souza asked and Polk answered that there are nearly 63,000 open jobs currently. Chair Souza asked and Polk responded that it has been difficult to track the success rate of the job fair as hiring statistics are kept by the employers, but that many success stories have been reported to Polk and Councilmember Kymberly Pine.

APPROVAL OF THE MAY 26, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The board approved the May 26, 2016 regular meeting minutes 5-1-1. (AYE: Capelouto, Legal, Madix, Souza, and Mutchek; NAY: Spreg; ABSTAIN: Wond).

MONTHLY REPORTS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Representative – Clark Wright, Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster reported the following:

• Moratorium Clarification: The Department of Planning and Permitting’s (DPP) Division Chief spoke with Chair Souza after the May 2016 meeting to clarify some of the Board’s concerns. The City will take a carpooling system and restarting the ferry system into consideration.
• Restrooms: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is unclear regarding a request for cameras and signs at the parks comfort stations.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Restrooms – Madix noted confusion with the request for cameras in park restrooms. Chair Souza noted that cameras are being utilized to monitor comfort stations at Hans L’Orange Field in Waipahu. Chair Souza stated that the signs were a suggestions resulting from a Board resolution requesting the City to partner with crime stoppers to post signs incentivizing the community to report vandalism.
2. Traffic: Capelouto stated concern that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) was not present at a recent town hall regarding traffic.
3. Letters: Legal suggested letters be written to government leaders in place of resolutions.
4. Innovation: Chair Souza requested DPP and DTS be more innovative in their solutions for the community and traffic. Madix requested a status update of security cameras at park comfort stations.

Councilmember Kimberly Pine – No representative was present; a report was provided. Presentation Request – Capelouto asked and Chair Souza responded that Councilmember Pine sent an email in regards to the Makakilo Drive Extension that the $1.5 million is in addition to the previous funding.

Governor David Ige’s Representative – No representative was present; a report was provided.

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) – No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) – Pat Lee reported the following:

• Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA): The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is requiring a “recovery plan” as cost and schedules now exceed what is described in the FFGA. HART staff have presented the following options for the HART board to discuss:
  o Build to Middle Street as planned, plus the guideway only to Ala Moana Center without the seven (7) stations in between, except for the terminus station at Ala Moana.
  o Build rail to Middle Street, and continue with express buses.
  o Build to Middle Street and then continue to Ala Moana Center with a light rail at-grade system.
  o Build the project as far as funds allow, and defer building some stations to help lengthen the line.
  o Seek more public-private partnerships where private investors could help fund some or all of the cost of the 21 rail stations.
  o Change the alignment to Nimitz Highway from Middle Street Station to the Downtown Station.
  Each option has pros and cons. Options may impact ridership, add other costs and increase the final cost to build the remainder of the project later, or delay the project if additional environmental studies are required. These are not recommendations, only options for the HART board to consider.
• Working Group: A working group comprised of HART, the Mayor’s office, and the City Council is being formed to develop a plan for completing the project in the best interest of the public. Each of the options are not recommendations, but are for discussion purposes only. The Council would then draft a resolution and conduct public hearings. The FTA has set a Sunday, August 7, 2016 deadline for the recovery plan. HART is in communications with the FTA in response to their request, and what the City thinks is the best option moving forward. The FTA could approve, if they deem the option “fully functional”, that is, that ridership is sufficient to justify the federal subsidy. The FFGA would also need to be amended.
• Stay Connected – For general project information, traffic updates, meeting notices, visit www.honolulutransit.org, call the 24-hour project hotline number is 808-566-2299, or email a question to info@honolulutransit.org.
• Outsourcing: Lee explained that outsourcing is not allowed due to the “By America” clause associated with federal funds.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Amendments: Legal asked and Lee answered that ending at Middle Street is an option and that the federal government is considering amending the conditions of the contract and hopefully will provide the remainder of the $1.55 billion.
2. Withholding: Spreg stated the federal government withheld funding due to HART not filing the proper paperwork. Lee explained that the paperwork was not complete due to the legislature not approving the extension of the general excise tax (GET) by the deadline to file the paperwork.
3. Force Main: Chair Souza noted that a sewage force main is located on Nimitz Highway and would be problematic to rail construction if that option is taken. Lee clarified that each alternative mention is simply an option and has its own pros and cons.
4. Magnetic Levitation (Maglev): Capelouto noted that the Board previously passed a resolution requesting a change in rail technology to maglev, but the City responded that the federal funding would be lost due to the breach in the FFGA, but now the FTA is possibly willing to adjust the terms. Capelouto stated concern with maglev not being one of the reported options. Lee clarified that the FTA has not stated support for any of the options proposed.
5. Repayment: Capelouto asked and Lee noted that it is still a possibility that the City will have to pay for breaching the FFGA if it stops at Middle Street. The FTA will make a decision only on the final recommendation submitted to them. Lee noted that he never stated the FTA was opposed to maglev, but clarified that changing to maglev could possibly require an amendment to the current EIS.
6. Design Issues: Chair Souza asked and Lee answered that an alternative analysis was done in 2005 which looked into multiple possibilities and the current route was chosen. Chair Souza stated frustration with HART’s inability to determine the location of Hawaiian Electric (HECO) lines until recently.
7. Tax: Legal asked and Lee responded that the rest of the rail route is still planned to be built once funding is available.
8. Cost Estimate: Madix asked and Lee responded that HART’s financial consultants had an original cost estimate of $5.2 billion. Madix asked and Lee clarified that the HART board will make the final decision on what options to pursue.
9. Information: Madix asked and Lee explained that the biggest difference in cost escalations are due to higher construction costs and that the West Oahu through Kamehameha Highway portion was done under budget. Madix asked and Lee responded that it was always maintained as estimates and projected costs.
10. Maglev: Resident Frank Genadio noted disapproval of previous City administrations and urged the rail change technology to maglev.

Senator Mike Gabbard – Rock Riggs circulated a newsletter and reported that Senate Bill 2659 regarding a five (5)-year industrial hemp pilot program is awaiting Governor Ige’s signature. Riggs highlighted the appropriation of funds for a UH West Creative Media Building and a UH West Admin and Allied Health Facility. Senator Gabbard will be holding the next “Listen Story” meeting on Saturday, June 25, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Ewa Mahiko District Park.

Senator Maile Shimabukuro – No representative was present; a newsletter was provided.

Representative Sharon Har – Wendee Wilson reported that Governor Ige has 45 days from sine die to take action on all bills passed by the legislature. Monday, June 27, 2016 is the deadline for the Governor to provide his list of bill he plan to veto. The community is encouraged to contact the Governor’s office at www.govornor.hawaii.gov to voice their opinion on any of the bills.

Representative Andrian Tupola – A representative reported that a “Back to School Bash” will be held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Nanakuli Elementary. The Entrepreneurs Conference will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2016.

Representative Ty Cullen – Legal announced that Representative Ty Cullen regrets not being present.

REPORTS
Transportation Committee – Committee Chair Capelouto reported that around 60 to 80 people were present at the recent Traffic Town Hall meeting. Around 30 to 40 recommendations were made to the Department of Transportation (HDOT) and talks were held regarding the Ewa Development Plan. Capelouto announced that the results of a survey taken at the meeting are available to the public.

Treasurer’s Report – Madix reported a remaining balance of $24.92. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting – The next scheduled board meeting will be Wednesday, July 27, 2016 in the Kapolei High School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.

Future Matters – Chair Souza noted that traffic remedies and identification of Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) updates may be discussed at the next board meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Submitted by: Relley Araceley, Neighborhood Assistant I
Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant Supervisor
Finalized by: Evelyn Souza, Chair