Minutes of the
Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization

POLICY COMMITTEE

Friday, September 14, 2001 Meeting
and
Meeting Continuation of Friday, September 19, 2001
held at
Hawaii State Capitol, 415 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii

Friday, September 14, 2001, 8:00 a.m.
Conference Room 309

Members Absent: Representative Joseph Souki and Senator Fred Hemmings

Staff Present: Gordon Lum, Shevaun Low, Lori Arakaki, Michelle Kurisu, and Pamela Toyooka

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by Chair Cal Kawamoto. A quorum was present.

Chair Kawamoto asked for a moment of silence in memory of the people who died in the September 11^th terrorist attacks on the United States.

I. FYS 2002-2004 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)

Gordon Lum, OMPO Executive Director, went over the revisions that will be made to the TIP document - the inclusion of the public comments received and a revised project listing.

Mr. Lum noted that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) had requested that the TIP be endorsed by the Policy Committee in time to be approved by the federal government before October 1.

State DOT Follow-up to Information Requests

Ronald Tsuzuki, Head Planning Engineer for the State Department of Transportation (DOT) Highway Planning Branch, went over the revisions made to the State's portion of the draft project listing and presented the information requested at the September 7 Policy Committee meeting. The following are some of what was discussed.

S58 (Leeward Community College Access Improvements) - Chair Kawamoto voiced concern for the possible lapsing of State funds that had already been appropriated for the project. DOT suggested that, since federal funds will be needed to do this project, the appropriation be amended to add a reference to federal funds. This would prevent the local funds from lapsing. Chair Kawamoto also had concerns that the timing of this project did not show enough urgency, and asked that it be moved up to an earlier fiscal year. DOT explained that, due to the formal planning process that is in place for projects, this project was not ready to move into either the design or construction phases. The project could be accelerated if it didn't run into any problems in the environmental phase. Chair Kawamoto asked that this project be revisited in the next week or so.

S61 (Nimitz Highway Rehabilitation, Sumner Street to Queen Street) - There was also some discussion as to whether the Nimitz Viaduct was part of project S62 (Nimitz Highway Improvements, Keehi Interchange to Pacific Street). Mr. Lum noted that, in the Oahu regional transportation plan, the Policy Committee replaced the term "viaduct" with "improvements" in order to allow for interim improvements to Nimitz Highway. However, this will not preclude DOT from looking at a viaduct or other long-term improvements to Nimitz Highway in the future. Mr. Lum added that DOT had always indicated a desire to preserve this option.

Ferry project for Oahu - The Barbers Point and Honolulu Harbor facilities, that were used for the ferry demonstration project, already exist and are available should an operator be found. Because of this, an operation at those existing locations would not need to appear in the TIP. However, a business plan would be needed to apply for federal funding to justify any pier-side improvements for other locations such as Iroquois Point. The TIP could then be amended to add that project.

S70 (Vanpool Program) - Mr. Tsuzuki and Brian Minaai, DOT Director, apologized for the delay in getting the requested information. They explained that, due to the September 11 terrorist attacks, Marilyn Kali has been tied up at the airport and unable to get the information requested - cost effectiveness of the program and total program cost (including marketing and advertising costs). They assured Chair Kawamoto that he would be given that information.

Guardrail and shoulder improvements projects along the H-1 freeway - Mr. Tsuzuki stated that the DOT believes these improvements are mandatory and necessary. The federal government considers safety one of their primary concerns, and requires states to comply with national highway standards. Mr. Minaai added that the DOT has a prudent risk management policy to minimize liability exposure, as well as the number of traffic safety incidents.

City DTS Follow-up to Information Requests

Vice Chair Bainum asked if Senator Fred Hemmings absence at today's meeting (due to a cancellation of flights into Honolulu) would affect today's proceedings - if the answering of Senator Hemmings' questions at today's meeting would suffice so that the Committee could proceed with a vote on the TIP. Chair Kawamoto responded that, if the members were comfortable with the answers given to the questions, then there would be no need to answer them again. Chair Kawamoto added that, since the State still needs to come back to the committee with answers to questions asked at today's meeting, he would be taking the Chair's prerogative to defer the vote on the TIP until sometime before the October 1^st deadline.

Toru Hamayasu, Chief Planner for the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and Norman Kawachika, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project Manager, presented the information requested at the September 7, 2001 Policy Committee meeting.

Chair Kawamoto requested that DOT send OMPO an official letter addressing the 5% State financing for the BRT project. He also asked DTS for a revised financial plan for the BRT project that does not include the 5% State funds, but includes the cost of undergrounding.

Vice Chair Duke Bainum moved and Councilmember John Henry Felix seconded that the FYs 2002-2004 TIP be endorsed. Chair Kawamoto did not recognize the motion.

Testimony

Julia Lee and Josephine Takeshita (written testimony submitted)
Ms. Lee and Ms. Takeshita testified on the importance of the bus system and subsidies for senior citizens who no longer drive cars.

Tesha Malama, Ewa Neighborhood Board #23 (CAC) (written testimony submitted)
Ms. Malama testified in favor of adding the Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (HCDCH) portion of Kapolei Parkway to the TIP project listing to ensure that this portion of the roadway would be built.

During discussion following Ms. Malama's testimony, it was brought up that, since HCDCH is responsible for seeking appropriations to fund that portion of the roadway, they would have to initiate the funding request to the State Legislature. Representative Mark Moses asked for assistance in ensuring this funding request would be submitted. Mr. Minaai offered to send a letter to HCDCH supporting the funding of the project, and suggested that the Policy Committee also send a similar letter.

Bruce Coppa, The Pacific Resource Partnership (CAC)
Mr. Coppa testified in support of the BRT project.

Chair Kawamoto adjourned the meeting. Chair Kawamoto, Mr. Minaai, and Senator Brian Kanno left the meeting. [Since there was neither a motion and vote to adjourn the meeting, nor a completion of the order of business, the meeting was allowed to continue.] A quorum was no longer present. Vice Chair Bainum assumed the position of Chair Pro Tem.

With the motion still on the floor, the members continued discussion on the FYs 2002-2004 TIP.

With regard to Fort Barrette Road, Representative Moses asked if there are traffic control measures planned for this road. He stated that he had sent letters to DOT and DTS, asking both agencies to address this issue and come up with solutions. Mr. Tsuzuki asked Representative Moses to fax him a copy of the letter, so he could follow-through on it. Representative Moses also stated that he wanted funding for the following projects moved up to earlier fiscal years:

• S73 - Interstate Route H-1, Addition and Modification of Highway Accesses, Makakilo to Palailai Interchanges
• C30 - Kapolei Parkway, Aliinui Drive to Kalaeloa Boulevard
• C31 - Kapolei Parkway, Kamokila Boulevard to Fort Barrette Road
• S33 - Kalaeloa Roadway Improvements, Vicinity of Barber's Point Naval Air Station

Mr. Lum stated that, since the TIP must be financially constrained, moving some projects forward would require other projects to be moved backwards.

A poll was taken on the whether to endorse the FYs 2002-2004 TIP. Six members raised their hands in favor of the motion; two members abstained. Chair Pro Tem Bainum directed the recorder of the minutes to note the members who raised their hands: Chair Pro Tem Bainum, Cheryl Soon, and Councilmembers John DeSoto, John Henry Felix, Steve Holmes, and Gary Okino.

II. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Lum announced that Chris Snyder of the Outdoor Circle (alternate for this CAC member organization) was on board one of the jetliners that crashed on September 11. Mr. Lum offered OMPO's condolences to the Snyder family as well as the Outdoor Circle. Councilmember DeSoto added that Stuart Ho's daughter, Heather, was in one of the World Trade Center towers when it collapsed. Chair Pro Tem Bainum asked for a moment of silence.

The meeting was recessed at 10:37 a.m.

MEETING CONTINUATION
Friday, September 19, 2001, 4:00 p.m.
Conference Room 211

Member(s) Absent: Representative Joseph Souki and Brian Minaai (DOT Director)

Staff Present: Gordon Lum, Lori Arakaki, and Pamela Toyooka

The meeting reconvened at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was present. The following members arrived soon after: Councilmembers John DeSoto, John Henry Felix, and Gary Okino; Representative Willie Espero; and Senator Brian Kanno.

I. FYS 2002-2004 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (TIP)

Testimony

T.K. Hannemann (Teamsters Local 996) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Hannemann testified in opposition of the BRT system.

Lawson Teshima (Polynesian Hospitality) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Teshima testified in opposition of the BRT system. He stated that, due to the slowdown in travel, the BRT funds should instead be used to help the visitor industry.

Dale Evans, Charley's Taxi (CAC) (written testimony submitted) - Ms. Evans testified in opposition of the in-town portion of the BRT system.

Cliff Slater, COST (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Slater testified in opposition of the BRT system.

Reg White (Stars of Paradise Tours & Attractions) - Mr. White testified in opposition of using transportation funds to go into competition with his companies - to buy BRT buses that will go into Waikiki. He stated that existing commercial carriers should be used for the bus system.

Troy Iwamoto (Roberts Hawaii Tours) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Iwamoto testified in support of the privatization of buses - using private buses, including the leasing of them.

Gerald Hayashi (Roberts Hawaii Tours) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Hayashi testified in opposition of the BRT system, since it would have a negative impact on his company and would cause extra traffic problems in Mapunapuna.

George Kahanu, Jr. (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Kahanu testified in opposition of the BRT system, since it would have a disruptive impact on traffic.

Mark Rubenstein (Superstar - Hawaii Transit Services) - Mr. Rubenstein testified in opposition of the BRT system in Waikiki.

Tony Rutledge (Unity House) - Mr. Rutledge testified in favor of delaying the BRT. He stated that, due to economic downturn, the timing is not appropriate to spend the money to build the BRT.

Ed McInerny (EMC Enterprises) - Mr. McInerny testified in opposition of a light rail system. He stated that it won't help the Windward, East Honolulu, and Leeward portions of the island. He asked that it be deferred until the long-term impacts can be assessed.

Conrad Okuma (E Noa Corporation) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Okuma testified in opposition of the BRT system in Waikiki.

Tom Dinell (E Noa Corporation) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Dinell questioned the need for the BRT system in Waikiki, and stated a preference for a terminus at Saratoga Street instead.

Katsumi Tanaka (E Noa Corporation) (written testimony submitted) - Mr. Tanaka testified in opposition of the BRT system in Waikiki.

Ron York (land owner & small business owner) - Mr. R. York testified in opposition of the BRT system. He stated that the loss of one lane in the Dillingham corridor will adversely impact traffic in the area.

Marsha Wong - Ms. M. Wong testified in support of Clyde Tamaye's written testimony in opposition of the BRT system and favoring an alternative solution.

Christina Kemmer (C&C Transportation Commission & a public transportation user) - Ms. Kemmer testified in support of the BRT system.

Dick (Grass Root Institute of Hawaii) - Dick testified in opposition of the BRT system.

Bruce Coppa (Pacific Resource Partnership, CAC) - Someone, speaking for Mr. Coppa, stated that Mr. Coppa stands by his previous testimony at the September 14 portion of the meeting, in support of the BRT system.

James York - Mr. J. York testified in opposition of the BRT system.

Chair Kawamoto noted that the Policy Committee members received information that was requested at the September 14 portion of the meeting: 1) a revised financial plan from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for the BRT project, not including $40 million in State funds; 2) a proposed revision from the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the Leeward Community College (LCC) Access Improvement project; and 3) a proposed revision from DOT regarding the Nimitz Highway Improvements project.

Vice Chair Bainum moved and Councilmember John Henry Felix seconded that the FYs 2002-2004 TIP be endorsed as presented, including the adjustments DOT made on the LCC Access Improvements project.

Representative Mark Moses moved and Senator Fred Hemmings seconded that the TIP motion be amended to include verbiage that a viaduct may be included in the Nimitz Highway Improvements project. A vote taken on the proposed amendment failed, with 5 votes for and 6 votes against.

Representative Moses moved and Representative Willie Espero seconded that all the Leeward projects be moved up one to two fiscal years.

Mr. Lum stated that, if all the Leeward projects were moved up without changing anything else, it would create a fiscally unconstrained TIP. Mr. Lum suggested that the status of all the projects could instead be reassessed at the end of the fiscal year. If projects in the out-years are ready-to-go, and funds do become available (due to other projects either dropping out or not needing the entire amount allocated), it may be possible to amend the TIP to move up those ready-to-go projects.

Representatives Moses and Espero withdrew their motion.

Each member was given an opportunity to voice their opinions.

A vote was taken on the motion on the floor. The motion passed, with 10 votes for and 1 vote against.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:55 p.m.