Editor: Board protocol allows only the board chair to speak on behalf of the board - thus the views expressed in this interview represent Young's views as a private citizen rather than in her capacity as a neighborhood board member.

Q: Mililani Mauka was once part of the Wahiawa Neighborhood Board - how was Mauka able to form its own board?
A: It all started with Rep. Ron Menor & former Rep. Sam Lee holding a public forum on April 9, 1996 -- to get community input on whether Mauka should form its own board, join the Mililani board, or stay with the Wahiawa board. At the forum, it was evident that Mauka residents wanted their own board so a steering committee was formed.

Q: Did the Wahiawa Board object?
A: No. On April 15, 1996, it voted to support the steering committee's efforts to have a separate board.

Q: What happened next?
A: The steering committee scrambled to meet a May 17, 1996 deadline to get sufficient numbers of signatures from registered voters in Wahiawa and Mauka for three required petitions. Then on June 12, 1996, the Neighborhood Commission approved the three petitions. Soon after public hearings were held from July 23-25, 1996 in Wahiawa, Honolulu and Mauka. Finally, on August 13, 1996, the Neighborhood Commission approved Mauka's secession from the Wahiawa Board and the creation of the new board.

Q: When is the election?
A: Ballots will be mailed by March 18 & must be returned by April 19. The results will be announced on May 3.

Q: What's gonna happen to the space near McDonald's & the park-&-ride facility?
A: The area adjacent to McDonald's is earmarked for more commercial use...from what I understand, planning/negotiations are underway. The land adjacent to the park/ride facility is owned by the city...it's for the 2nd phase of the park/ride , but I think the city is open to proposals for viable alternative uses. An example, the city may be open to allowing an organization to "adopt" the adjacent grassy area & use the area for soccer practice -- as long as liability insurance issues can be worked out.

For the 1999 legislative session, Rep. Marilyn Lee will join Rep. Menor to introduce a bill similar to last year's for all new school buildings to be built in accordance with hurricane resistant criteria.

And at the last meeting, it was announced that the Middle School band room should be completed in March or April; with the principal's permission, the state may designate it as a hurricane shelter. Also, the window upgrades for the Middle School cafeteria should be completed by September, and the state may then approve it as a hurricane shelter.

Q: Traffic still seems to be on everyone's mind.
A: Yes, it continues to be one of the biggest issues that we have to deal with. As Mililani grows, as Waiawa is developed, as the Central Oahu Regional Park is constructed, and if a medical mall/ health community is developed in Koa Ridge, an alternative or improved highway system to Honolulu (the first city) and Kapolei (the second city) is needed to ease traffic congestion. We also need to make improvements in other areas such as creating more bike lanes and implementing a successful shuttle bus service to make it convenient for our residents.

Q: We understand that you chair the board's transportation committee.
A: Yes, and I'm pleased that several of our recommendations have been implemented --   such as installation of stop signs in front of the Olaloa Retirement Community, modification of the traffic signals for protected U-turns and left turns at the intersection of Meheula Parkway and Ainamakua Drive (special thanks to McDonald's for graciously paying for it), and use of the Zipper Lane by vehicles with 3 or more occupants. In addition, various traffic signs have been removed or replaced to improve traffic flow & safety in Mililani.

Q: You previously lived closer to downtown, then you moved to Ewa Beach, & now Mililani is your home.
A: I love Mililani's cool climate & the nicely planned layout of the homes, common areas, & open spaces. And the people are so committed to making this a nice & convenient place to live, work, & play. Sometimes you have to live elsewhere to appreciate what we have here in Mililani.

Q: Any favorite Mililani restaurant?
A: I like many of them - the ones that I go to the most are Bale, Loco Moco, Inn & Out Restaurant, Maile Seafood, Maru-Hi, Mililani Bar-B-Q, Sizzler, & Mililani Restaurant.

Q: We know it's been tough for some of the restaurants - so we're trying to help by posting their coupons for free on Mililani Interactive.
A: That's a great idea. We really need every merchant in the community. They not only help to make Mililani a convenient place to live, but they also create jobs for our residents.

Q: Pamela, thank you for spending time with us. We know you're very busy & we appreciate the information you shared with us. Good luck in the March elections.
A: The pleasure is mine. Aloha.