Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 20, 2013 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 20, 2013 Meeting
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Next meeting is 4/17/2013- Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office

Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note -- This 11 member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Jr., Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Brian Kang, Abigail Leong, Russell McGuire, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada (arrived at 7:07pm).

Members Absent: Paul Hoe.

Vacancies: There are two (2) vacancies on the Board. One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1, East Kaimuki and Business District, and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3, West Kaimuki.

Guests: Sergeant Susan Medeiros and Sergeant Glenn Romero (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Jay Shimabuku (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Jarret Yip (Councilmember Kobayashi"s Office); Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital); Micah Munekata (Councilmember Stanley Chang"s Office); S. Sonoda; Ray Lheureux (Department of Education); Russell Kokuban (Department of Agriculture); Rick T. (Honolulu Ekiden); Tobie Cancino (12th Ave. Grill); Glenn Y. Yamasato; Vernon Tan; Michael D. Formby (Mayor Kirk Caldwell"s Office); Representative Calvin Say; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Senator Les Ihara Jr. and Catherine Edwards, Leland Ribac, and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office).

7:07 p.m. Board member Lori Yamada arrived; a quorum of eight (8) members present.

Bullock moved and McGuire seconded to add the Grand Opening of the 12thAve Grill to the agenda under New Business. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Tam, McGuire, Kang, Schneider, Yamada, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, and Leong).

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Chair Bullock opened the floor for nominations or volunteers to fill the two (2) vacancies on the Board (Subdistrict 1 and Sub-district 3). There were no nominations or volunteers at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Jay Shimabuku reported the following:

February 2013 Statistics: Included 3 structure, 2 rubbish fires, 75 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 6 miscellaneous emergencies.
Fire Safety Tip: Although cooking at home can be a fun family activity, please adhere to the following fire safety tips to avoid accidents in the kitchen: 1) Do not leave cooking food unattended. 2) Do not become distracted. 3) Keep ignitable items, such as dish towels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains, at least three feet away from the range top. 4) Learn how to use an ABC-rated fire extinguisher, and keep it properly mounted near the kitchen exit.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Medeiros reported the following:

· February 19, 2013 through March 19, 2013 Crime Statistics: Included 21 burglaries, 2 robberies, 58 thefts and 18 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).

· Safety Tip: Hawaii"s "Move Over Law" requires motorists to make a lane change away from any emergency vehicle that is stopped for an emergency, investigation of a possible traffic violation, rendering assistance to a police officer, or other official duties, as indicated by the flashing emergency lights of the stopped emergency vehicle where necessary and safe to do so, or to at the very least "slow down to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe under the circumstances of an emergency road situation ahead." An emergency vehicle is defined as a vehicle belonging to the police, fire, ocean safety, emergency medical services and (FSP) Freeway Service Patrol agencies, as well as tow trucks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Residential Firearm Disturbances: A board member sought information about the firing of a gun in the residential areas. Sergeant Medeiros informed the community that there is a law and it is a criminal offense. If residents hear gun shots, report it to 911.
Gun Registration: A board member sought information about expediting the long lines for gun registration. Sergeant Medeiros informed the community that there is nothing can be done to expedite it. Sergeant Medeiros informed the community that HPD have the staff but it is just the proper procedure that they have to go through.
Parking at 3517 Maunalei Avenue: It was asked if a tenant who parks multiple vehicles for sale, in a residential lot and on the street have the right to park there. Sergeant Medeiros stated that the tenant does have the right to park for a 24 hour period. If the vehicle is not moved 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch, the vehicle is deemed abandoned and will be ticketed. It was also asked what if the tenant is not paying the taxes on the cars. If it is parked on the roadway, then the tags and safety inspection need to be up to date.

7:17 p.m. Board member Abigail Leong left; a quorum of seven (7) members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller reported the following:

· Main Break Report: There were 3 main breaks reported in January 2013.

· Water Meter Battery Replacement Project: The BWS is conducting a project that will replace approximately 60,000 water meter batteries throughout the island of Oahu. The project, which stated in February and will continue through April, is necessary to allow the BWS to collect meter reads for billing purposes. PAC Electric Company Inc. and Paul"s Electrical Contracting LLC will be replacing the old batteries with new ones and cleaning out the meter boxes. Most meter boxes are located in the public right-of-way or in private property. Property owners will be contacted prior to performing the work. Water service will not be disrupted and work will only be completed during the daytime. For questions or concerns about the project, please call the Battery Change-Out Office at 748-5462 or email contactus@hbws.org.

· Upcoming Workshops at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden: The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden were recently recognized as offering the "Best Gardening Classes for Beginners" by Honolulu Magazine. To register for the following classes, call 748-5363 or email workshops@hbws.org. To find a list of upcoming classes, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Upcoming classes include, March 23: Creative Container Gardening, March 30: Decorate an Egg the Xeriscape Way, April 6: User Friendly Compost, and April 27: Economical Aquaponics.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION:

Approval of the January 16, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes: Chair Bullock deferred to next meeting due to the minutes not completed.

Treasurer"s Report: Treasurer Schneider reported the February 2013 expenditures were $46.43 for printing and the postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a current balance of $697.30. The report was filed.

Three Absences of Board Member Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano: Moniz-Kahoohanohano explained that the three absences were all job related since she is the Associate Athletic Director for the University of Hawaii. She informed the board that she will be in attendance for the April, May, and maybe June meetings. Bullock moved and McGuire seconded to overlook Moniz-Kahoohanohano"s three absences. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0-0 (Ayes: Bullock, McGuire, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Kang, Tam, and Tamada).

7:22 p.m. Board member Abigail Leong returned; a quorum of eight (8) members present.

PUBLIC INPUT:

Rehabilitation of Kilauea Avenue: A member of the community informed the board that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has added reflectors to the left hand lane at the intersection of 18th Avenue and Kilauea Avenue. A board member asked if he has driven from the top of the hill down to the intersection. The community member informed that they are at two points; one at 16th Avenue and Kilauea Avenue and the other is before the 18th Avenue and Kilauea Avenue intersection.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): Due to the number of homes being destroyed by electrical malfunctions this month, a board member spoke about how installing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) could help prevent house fires through his own personal experiences and research. By installing GFCIs in every home in the United States, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than two-thirds of the approximately 300 electrocutions occurring each year could be prevented. To date, nearly half the country has adopted the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC), which expands the requirement for AFCIs. Each year, home electrical fires take the lives of 480 people, injure more than 2,000 and destroy more than $868 million in property. AFCIs detect dangerous electrical conditions and shut the circuit off before an electrical fire has a chance to ignite. Since 2008, all new homes meet the 2008 National Electric Code.

OLD BUSINESS:

Waialae Avenue Rehabilitation Project Update - City Department of Transportation Services (DTS): Director Formby reported on behalf of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

· This is a $9.3 million project called Unit 57 with over 30% of the project complete. The current scheduled completion date is mid-December 2013. This project will include 25 streets in the Kaimuki area. In addition to paving, the contract includes concrete bus pads to try to provide a longer lasting roadway and share bike/bus lanes on Waialae Avenue. Contractor Jas Tony Glover has been awarded the notice to proceed last summer.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Timeline: Chair Bullock questioned the status of the. Director Formby stated that DDC is almost done with the bus pads and when they are complete, they will begin reducing the level of the roads.

2. Bike Lanes: Chair Bullock asked if there are any updates on the bike lanes. Director Formby noted that DTS is trying to come to an agreement with the Hawaii Bicycle League about how the bike lanes and sharrows will look on Waialae Avenue. Portions of the sharrows will be turned into a dedicated bike lane, but the Hawaii Bicycle League would like that there be a dedicated bike lanes the entire strip of Waialae Avenue. DDC will implement this project once they have completed the repaving. Per the request of Chair Bullock, Director Formby volunteered to bring the design plans to the upcoming Neighborhood board meeting in April.

NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion of Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board Opposition to Proposed Honolulu Ekiden Relay Race: Chair Bullock was contacted by the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board concerning the upcoming race that is set to go thru their community. Stan Kim, Executive Race Director, informed the community that Honolulu Ekiden Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the advancement for peace and welfare amongst people in the Pacific Rim through amateur sports and cultural activities. An Ekiden is a long distance road relay race that is divided into segments in Japan that is being introduced to Honolulu.

· The Ekiden is on Sunday May 12, 2013 (Mothers Day) starting at 5:30 a.m. and finishing by 1:00 p.m.

· The 42 kilometers course will start and end at Kapiolani Park, wind through east Oahu, and feature Sandy Beach as the turn-around point.

· The race is followed by a free "Sunset on the Beach" concert featuring three famous Japanese musical groups.

· Projected participants include 500 Japanese runners and 500 local runners in teams. Age limit is 12 years old and above.

· The Ekiden will have single lane closures only coned off by HPD. There will be HPD Special Duty Officers and Course Marshals assisting runners during the duration of the lane closures. HPD officers assigned to the race will also assist/monitor intersections (hold runners) so that vehicles as well as pedestrians crossing roadways will be able to proceed normally following traffic signals.

· Prizes include six round-trip tickets to Japan. There are also awards for the winners for each segment.

· For more information go to www.hnlekiden.com or email Stan Kim at stan@hnlekiden.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Lane Closure: Chair Bullock asked if they are taking lanes even though they are not blocking intersections. Kim informed the board member that there will be a single lane coned off until the last runner completes that segment and then the cones will be removed to open up the roads.

2. Permits: Chair Bullock asked if they have the required permits for the race. Kim stated that the permits were submitted with DTS but have not been approved yet.

3. Opposition: A board member asked what was the opposition from the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood board. Kim stated that a concern that was brought up is if it would be like the Honolulu Marathon, where all eastbound lanes are closed and residents and communities are blocked in and unable to leave their homes during the race. That is not the case with the Ekiden Relay race.

4. Teams: A member of the community asked if men and women can run together. Kim informed that there can be coed teams.

5. Concert: A board member asked what time does the "Sunset on the Beach" concert start. Kim mentioned that the award ceremony will start at 4:00 p.m. with the concert starting 5:30 p.m./6:00 p.m.

Yamada moved and McGuire seconded to not take a position, on the Honolulu Ekiden race other than being informed. The motion was NOT ADOPTED, 4-2-2 (AYES: Bullock, McGuire, Tam, and Yamada; NO: Kang and Leong; ABSTAIN: Moniz-Kahoohanohano and Schneider).

Board member Kang mentioned that this event does not really impact the Kaimuki community and that there are measures being taken to minimize the impact there is. Kang moved and Leong seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood board express its support for the event. The motion was NOT ADOPTED, 5-0-3 (AYES: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, and Schneider; ABSTAIN: McGuire, Tam, and Yamada).

12th Ave Grill: Toby Cancino, Manager of 12th Ave Grill, informed the board that they are requesting the support to hold a celebration for the restaurant and their guest before the grand opening of their new location at the old Victoria Inn Restaurant at 1120 12th Avenue. The plan for a soft and grand opening is scheduled for early August 2013. The celebration will be in the alley way right in front of their restaurant, parallel to Waialae Avenue between 12th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue. The celebration would be on Sunday, June 23, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with hopes of closing off the area from noon to 10:00 p.m. for the set up and break down of the tables and chairs. The restaurant chef will serve contemporary American cuisine with local products using a wood burning grill for the expected 200 guests.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Alcohol Service: A board member inquired about the service of alcohol. Cancino stated that they are going to apply with the Liquor Commission for a permit to serve beer.

2. Restaurant Layout: A board member asked if they would use both levels of the restaurant. Cancino informed that they would only use the bottom level for service and the second floor will be used for offices and banquet rooms.

3. Recommendation: A member of the community mentioned that the 12th Ave Grill was recommended for American cuisine.

Kang moved and McGuire seconded for the boards support of the grand opening event. During the discussion following the motion, a member of the community informed the board that they could not take any action until the next meeting due to it not being on the agenda for at least seven (7) days. Kang withdrew the motion. Cancino mentioned that they need to submit their permit application to the City & County of Honolulu ninety days, March 22, 2013, in advance with the neighborhood board"s approval.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor"s Representative: Director Michael Formby reported:

· Status Update on the Disposition of the tree on 16th Avenue: No report at this time.

· Illegally Operated Nursing Homes around 16th Avenue: No report at this time.

· Tree along Maunalani Street: Patrol officers of District 7, Eat Honolulu, located and inspected the tree next to the bus stop on Maunalani Circle and Sierra Drive. They noted there were holes bored into the base, but the damage appeared old and did not seem to be affecting the tree"s growth. Sergeant Ige of District 7 contacted the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), and Director Formby, requesting an inspection of the tree. If it there is a need to initiated a criminal property damage case, contact Honolulu Police Department.

· Bus Shelter at 12th and Kilauea Avenue: Public Transit Division (PTD) staff has completed an initial investigation of the site and will work on the necessary steps needed to construct a bus shelter at this location, including preparing a site plan, notification to adjacent property owner, obtaining a contractor to complete ground improvements and relocation of a bus shelter. If no issues arise and everything runs smoothly, a bus shelter should be constructed at this location by the end of the year.

· Repaving of the Parking Lot Between 12th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue: No report at this time.

· Damaged Sidewalk Fronting Kaimuki Christian Church: The Board of Water Supply (BWS) investigated and found that there are no BWS water pipes affected by the damaged sidewalk.

· Neighborhood Commission Office Staffing: The Mayor and Managing Director have been interviewing potential staff and hope to make appointments shortly.

· Status on the Chicken Law: Councilmember Ann Kobayashi"s bill, Bill 1 (2013) proposed to increase the number of chickens to 7 (including no more than 1 rooster) and prohibit peafowl. This bill was deferred in the Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Services Committee on February 14, 2013.

· 12th and Harding Avenue Intersection: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has completed their traffic signal evaluation at the intersection of Harding and 12th Avenues, which included field observations during the midday and afternoon peak traffic hours, review of the traffic and pedestrian volumes, and analysis of the traffic collision history. In accordance with the Manual on Uniform Control Devices (MUTCD), which is approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the national standard, the DTS does not recommend the installation of traffic signals at the intersection at this time.

· Enforcing Bulky Item Pickup Law: Bulky item rules, routes, schedules and enforcement action will begin May 1, 2013. It was suggested that residents go to www.opala.org to find out their scheduled pickup date and when is the earliest that you are allowed to put out the bulky items. It was asked that the community help by reporting license plates of the violators so that they can be ticketed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bulky Item Citations: A member of the community asked about the amount of the bulky item citation. Director Formby informed that it is up to $250.

2. Neighborhood Construction: A board member mentioned that there is construction that is being performed in her neighborhood. One of the crews does not have a dumpster and has placed a few items out for bulky items pickup and she inquired about the legality in doing so. Director Formby informed that they are not supposed to be using bulky item pickup for commercial goods. It was mentioned to contact the Department of Environmental Services (ENV).

3. Traffic: A board member asked why is Hawaii"s traffic the most congested in the country. Director Formby stated that there are many reasons which include the aging infrastructure, population, and the number of cars. The board member mentioned that there are less than 1 million people on this island and all of the congested cities have a population of more than 3 million people. Director Formby offered to bring a traffic engineer to the next meeting.

4. Sewage System: A board member questioned the City"s current sewage system infrastructure and what the priority is to upgrade to handle a larger population and tourism industry.

5. Chickens: A board member mentioned that it was publicized throughout the United States not to eat inoculated chickens.

6. Trees on 10th Avenue: A board member expressed gratitude for the trimming of the trees on 10th Avenue per her previous request.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Jared Yip introduced himself to the board and community as the new representative for Councilmember Kobayashi assigned to Kaimuki. Yip distributed the Councilmember"s report and highlighted:

· Budget: Yip informed that Council is currently reviewing the Councilmember"s Operating and Capital Budgets.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bill 7 (2013): A board member inquired about Bill 7 (2013) and the plans that City Council, along with the Legislature, has to help provide help for the homelessness problem. Yip mentioned that the bill is primary centered around nuisance on public sidewalks and was drafted to protect the public walkways for pedestrians. The board member asked how it would affect the street performers in Waikiki. Yip mentioned that he would get back to the board with an answer.

2. Homelessness: A board member asked why there are so many homeless and has the City Council actually asked the homeless for the reason. Yip mentioned that there are many factors including financial issues, job loss, and mental issues. The board member stated that from 2005, property assessments and values have doubled which make it hard to rent or buy a home.

Councilmember Stanley Chang: Micah Munekata distributed the Councilmember"s report and highlighted;

· 12th and Koko Head Avenue: Munekata stated that Councilmember Chang recognized the terrible conditions of the municipal lot at 12th and Koko Head Avenue. The Councilmember is working with DFM and DTS to come up with a solution.

· Bill 72 Enforcement: Munekata mentioned that Bill 72, regarding cigarette smoking at the beach, did pass through its first reading. Park employees will be the enforcement. Due to the large amount of tourists, violators will first be warned and educated. Repeat offenders will be ticketed and fined. The fines are set as first offense is $100, second offense is $250, and the third offense is $500.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Resolution 13-27: A board member questioned if the City has looked into how the Mainland handles driver license renewals and state identification cards. The board member suggested looking into allowing residents to pay a fee online to skip to the front of the line to alleviate long lines. Munekata mentioned that suggestions have been offered and taken into consideration.

2. Smoking Enforcement: A member of the community asked how can the ban on smoking on the beach be enforced. Munekata stated that it has to been seen to be cited. The main purpose is to keep the beaches clean and allow tourists and locals the opportunity to enjoy a smoke-free beach.

3. Budget: A board member asked if there is a budget allotted to enforce the smoking ban. Munekata informed the board that they are going to utilize the manpower that they currently have which include the HPD and lifeguards.

4. Previous Beach Clean-up: A board member mentioned that in the past the beaches were cleaned every night. Munekata responded that they have made attempts with that but it has not really been as effective.

5. Civil Rights: A board member mentioned that Bill 72 goes against a person"s civil rights and is unconstitutional. In response, Munekata stated that it has been a big issue but it has already passed through three or four meetings.

Governor"s Representative: Director Russell Kokubun reported the following:

· Legislation Session: The Legislature is in the middle of the Legislation session. The state of affairs is that there are mixed signals in terms to the economy. A positive is the visitor industry is doing very well. The negative is the impact of the federal government imposing the reduction in spending on the economy. The Governor has formed a Sequestration Impact Response Team consisting of government officials, military, business leaders, and non-profit organizations. The most obvious impact will be the furloughs for federal workers.

· Introduction of Ray Lheureux: Lheureux has been the Department of Education (DOE) Deputy Superintendent in charge of facilities for the past seven (7) months. It was also noted that Lheureux has attended various neighborhood boards on the island. Director Kokubun informed Lheureux that the main focus of the board is the closure of Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School: A board member mentioned that a few board members have a personal connection with Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School. The board member stated he would like to see the property more useful rather than as a parking lot. It was also mentioned that at one time they it was said that DOE would move the Human Resources Department and also a data center to the campus, which has not happened to date. Lheureux stated that there is no plan to reopen the school and the plan for the data center in the cafeteria is an ongoing process. DOE does plan to keep the facility with no expectations of turning it into a commercial facility. As soon as a design plan is established, Lheureux mentioned that he will return and present it to the board.

2. Employees: A board member asked how many employees does Lheureux foresee using the space. The data center will have about 20 to 30 employees. Lheureux does not plan to relocate the Human Resources Department to the campus and will keep it where is at.

3. Preservation: A board member asked about preserving the campus time capsule and the playground equipment. Lheureux mentioned that the time capsule is being left in place and the playground equipment will be relocated to a place in need. The board member also asked if it was possible to turn the property into an early childhood education center. Basically, Lheureux mentioned that it is all about the funding that the DOE is lacking due to cuts.

4. Expenses: A board member asked why the DOE is wasting expenses at schools that have more than one air condition system in place when there are schools without. Lheureux mentioned that there 260 campuses in the state with the average age of the facilities is 65 years old. Hawaii is the 51st state to receive funds from the Capital Improvement budget which is not a lot. Working with what they receive, the DOE tries to make the facilities as efficient as possible.

Senator Sam Slom: A representative or report was not available.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Les Ihara Jr. reported:

· Second Lateral Deadline: Friday March 22, 2013 is the Second lateral deadline which means that bills must have two (2) or more committees to review them by the deadline. The first committee needs to file the bills in the Clerks Office by Thursday, March 21, 2013.

· Judiciary Committee: Senator Ihara is a member of the Judiciary Committee. Bills of interest include; House Bill 321 that allows same day voter registration and voting on absentee ballot walk in dates was passed. House Bill 1481, The Campaign Finance Reform Bill, was passed but Senator Ihara is proposing that the Ways and Means Committee use the partial funding program to allow new candidates to run and have matching systems in place for the funds they have raised. There is also a bill in process that will require State or Legislature employees to report any income from contracts from people who are lobbyist or from lobbyist organizations and a bill that will require the disclosures of expenditures and contributions to be reported from super ads is also in process.

· Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA): The Senate passed but Senator Ihara voted against it.

· HB 174-GMO Bill Hearing: On March 21, 2013, a hearing will take place about the impact on the market of GMO labeling.

Representative Calvin Say: Representative Calvin Say provided his monthly report and highlighted:

· Senate Bill 472-Decriminalizing Marijuana: Representative Say voiced his concerns regarding this bill including the accessibility of marijuana among the adolescent and also that it was not referred to the Health Committee or the Public Safety Committee.

· Homeless: Representative Say is helping the Chair of the Housing Committee to address homelessness. He is hoping that the committee be open to using public facilities as a safe haven for the homeless. An example that was given was the parking lot in Kakaako being open to the homeless at 8:00 p.m. and closed at 10:00 p.m. The lot would then be reopened at 6:00 a.m. to allow them to leave.

· Unemployment Insurance Fund: For employers the Unemployment Insurance Fund has started this month. It can cost employers $140 to $150 more per employee in the company.

· University of Hawaii (UH): The University of Hawaii received $30 million from the Governor"s budget request. The faculty and staff"s pay raises came out their special fund not the general fund.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Homelessness: A board member asked the reasoning for homelessness and why we are not preventing homelessness. Representative Say mentioned that there are many factors including drugs, Post Traumatic Shock Syndrome, and even people wanting to be homeless. Representative Say mentioned that the funding that is needed is not there for more affordable housing.

2. Consequences: A board member asked if there is a discussion about the consequences of the decriminalization of marijuana for the purposes as losing federal funding at a state or local level and the taxation of marijuana like tobacco. Representative Say stated that we should wait to see what will happen in Washington and Colorado before we take any action. He also stated that he feels the consequences still have not been thought out.

3. Sand Island: A board member suggested the use of Sand Island as a safe haven for the homeless.

Senator Bertrand Kobayashi: Senator Bertrand Kobayashi provided his monthly report and highlighted:

· Hawaii Middle School Principal of the Year: Frank Fernandez, Principal of Kaimuki Middle School, was awarded the Hawaii Middle School Principal of the Year award. Mr. Fernandez has work at Kaimuki Middle for 24 years.

· 2013 Mid-Session Legislative Report: Senator Kobayashi provided a list bills including Senate Bill 472, relating to marijuana that will make it a civil violation to possess twenty grams or less of marijuana subject to a fine of $100 and House Bill 200, relating to the State Budget House Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Budget items for Representative District 19. Dead Bills included tax, revenue, or fee items related to gambling, the General Excise Tax increase, soda fee, plastic bag fee, and hotel room tax increase.

· Council on Revenues: Projects the following increases as of March 13, 2013 for fiscal year 2013 ($77.6 million), 2014 ($108.7 million), and 2015 ($148.8 million).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Next Board Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

· Friends of Kaimuki Library: Board member Yamada has been elected President of the Friends of Kaimuki Library.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.

Submitted By: Catherine Edwards, Senior Elections Clerk

Reviewed By: Leland Ribac, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed and Finalized By: Lyle Bullock Jr., Chair

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