Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (March 12, 2015)

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Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (March 12, 2015)
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Diamond Head / Kapahulu / Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No.5

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2015

ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair George West called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with 11 members present. Chair West welcomed and thanked everyone for coming to the March 2015 meeting of the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5. Note -- This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present -- Julia Allen, Barbra Armentrout, Lee Manfredi, Victoria Mathieu, Michelle Matson (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Barbara Miller, Bertha Naho'opi'i, Bert Narita, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Lance Takenaka (arrived 6:32 p.m.), Bryn Villers, George Waialeale (arrived 6:37 p.m.), George West, and Linda Wong (arrived at 6:32 p.m.).

Members Absent -- None.

Vacancies -- None.

Guests -- Senator Sam Slom, House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Kevin Wong (Representative Scott Nishimoto's Office), Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Film Office), Clifford Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Acting Captain Randall Gibo (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Dien Shearer, Sergeant Allen Ishida, and Officer Shane Fujitani (Honolulu Police Department); Ronald Borromeo (Board of Water Supply), Ross Sasamura (Department of Facility Maintenance, Director), Baird Fleming (Honolulu Zoo, Director), Rose Pou; M. Domingo and Alvin Namnama (UHMSN); Paul Vellstear, Daisy Murai; Mo Radke (Friends of the Natatorium), Terry Sasamura (Bank of Hawaii), Ted Otaguro (Honolulu Zoo Society), Milly Ring, Dbarddleveger, and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Chair West welcomed back Neighborhood Assistant K. Russell Ho and congratulated him on his successful recovery. Chair West and the Board appreciated his work on behalf of the Board.

• Chair West announced that for those wishing to speak on items not on the agenda, to fill out a Community Concerns form at the front table and turn it into the Chair or Neighborhood Assistant.

• Chair West reminded Board members that articles for the 2015 Newsletter are due to Secretary Victoria Mathieu now.

At 6:32 p.m. Takenaka and Wong arrived at the meeting; 13 members present.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- No representative was present at this time and no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 6 -- Waikiki (Diamond Head) -- Lieutenant Dien Shearer reported the following:

• February 2015 Statistics -- There were 15 robberies, 27 burglaries, 175 thefts, and 11 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV). In addition, there were 529 parking citations issued, 4 loud mufflers citations, and 66 park closure citations. This month District 6 is focusing on pedestrian violations.

• Safety Tips -- The tips were on crosswalk safety.

Comments followed:

1. Crane Park Parking -- A resident noted the parking problems on Saturday afternoons at Crane Park, when the ball games are going on. HPD will follow up.

2. Moped Noise -- Chair West mentioned the statistics for loud mufflers. HPD replied that the citations were issued for mostly motorcycles. Chair West reported loud mopeds on Campbell Avenue. HPD will follow up.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 7 (Kapahulu, St. Louis Heights) -- Sergeant Allen Ishida reported the following:

• February 2015 Statistics --There were 3 motor vehicle thefts, 8 burglaries, 40 thefts, and 7 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), and 5,777 total calls for service.

• Safety Tips -- The Personal Safety Tips were available as part of the report.

• Contact Information -- The contact information for the HPD, District 7 East Honolulu Community Policing Team was listed on the report.

At 6:37 p.m. Waialeale arrived; 14 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Ronald Borromeo reported the following:

• Water Main Breaks -- There was one (1) break on February 19 on Olokele Avenue.

• Telephone Scam Warning -- BWS would like to warn the community of a telephone scam where a person claiming to be a BWS employee told customers that a large sum of money was owed and they were threatened that the bill amount must be paid immediately to avoid water service shut off. Everyone is encouraged to call the BWS for verification. Here are a few tips to help protect customers from scams:

• Call BWS customer service staff at 748-5030 or sign up for online billing services for accurate information about the account.

• Understand BWS collection procedures. BWS does not call customers outside its business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to request payment.

• BWS does not call customers, demand payment, and collect payment all in the same phone call.

• If a customer is contacted for overdue payment, he or she will be asked to call 748-5030 to make credit card payment.

• National Fix-a-Leak -- Monday, March 16 to Sunday, March 22, 2015 is National Fix-a-Leak Week. During the observation, all residents are encouraged to check for property leaks and to fix them promptly. Checking for and making timely repairs to property leaks helps to save water, lowers the combined water and wastewater bill, and prevents potential damage to one's home. For more information about leak detection call 748-5041 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Borromeo had free leak detection dye tablets.

• From Last Month -- BWS fixed the lights at the St. Louis Reservoir several times, but the fixture may need replacement.

Comments followed:

1. Water Meter Covers -- A resident asked for repair of the sidewalks and water meter covers. BWS will follow up.

2. Yellow Fire Hydrants -- BWS was thanked for painting the fire hydrants yellow.

3. Billings -- Chair West mentioned that last year when BWS switched to monthly billings, there were many problems. Borromeo noted that because there was not enough staff to do actual readings, BWS relied on 98% estimated readings for billings. Now, 1 to 2% are estimated billings.

OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Governor David Ige's Representative -- No representative was present and no report was available.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara was not present and no report was available.

Senator Sam Slom -- Julia Allen expected Senator Slom tonight. Chair West decided to wait for Senator Slom.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say -- House Speaker Emeritus Say distributed his newsletter and an Ala Wai Watershed document and reported the following:

• Legislature -- The House sent about 250+ bills to the Senate and about 250 to 300 bills were sent back. The bills will go to the various committees for public hearings.

• Ala Wai Watershed -- House Speaker Emeritus Say invited everyone to a conference at the end of the month to discuss watershed issues.

• Medical Marijuana Bill - Senate Bill (SB) 1302 -- House Speaker Emeritus Say voted "with reservations" because of the number of dispensers, which will be decided later in conference committees.

Comments followed: Medical Marijuana Bill -- Villers testified about the testing of production workers. House Speaker Emeritus Say will look at this when the bill comes back from the Senate. A community member thanked House Speaker Emeritus Say for his representation and he thanked Board members and community members for their public service.

Chair West changed the order of the agenda.

Senator Sam Slom -- Julia Allen distributed a Senator Slom's report and Senator Slom reported the following:

• Crossover -- The Senate voted on 200 bills and not all were passed by a vote of 24-1. Some were 22-3.

• Extension of the General Excise Tax (GET) Surcharge -- Governor David Ige mentioned that the extension of General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge for the rail system was premature, as the surcharge will be in effect until 2022. Senator Slom did not like the non-disclosure of the cost details and that the public is asked to write a "blank check." Slom mentioned that Mayor Kirk Caldwell said that the rail project was not about Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) or to lessen traffic congestion, but about social justice and transportation equity. With five (5) percent of the project completed, it is $900 million over budget.

• Houseless Bill of Rights -- Senator Slom noted that this measure would create new legal rights, like suing the City, to stop efforts to clear the sidewalks for public use.

• Hawaiian Hoary Bat Bill -- This bill passed in the Senate after three (3) years' work by "Batwoman" Allen. The Hawaiian Hoary Bat is the only Native Hawaiian Land Mammal. It is hoped that the bill will pass the House and become law.

• Senate Minority Website -- There is a new interactive website which explains about the budget process and the annual alternate budget will be out soon. Also, there is a video on the Jones Act that explains why goods cost 40% more in Hawaii.

• Confirmation Hearing -- Today was the second day for discussion of Governor David Ige's nomination, Clarence Ching, as head of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Yesterday, the Senate Committee took nine (9) hours of testimony and three and one-half (3 1/2) hours were taken today. The vote was 5-2 to oppose. Senator Slom questioned Ching and he said that despite his pro-developer background, he could carry on the duties of the job fairly. Senator Slom saw no blemishes on Ching's past and his nomination goes to the full Senate.

Comments followed:

1. Hawaii Health Connector -- Narita asked about selling General Obligation Bonds for 501(c)3 (non-profit) organizations. Senator Slom noted that the use of $28 million from the "rainy day" fund may be illegal, as there is no emergency. The Hawaii Health Connector has 30,000 clients, far short of the projected 100,000 people to "break even." The $28 million would only fund it to June 30, 2015. Senator Slom and Senator Mike Gabbard voted "No."

2. Civil Rights Commission, Senate Bill (SB) 362 -- Villers asked about expansion of powers. Senator Slom thinks the Civil Rights Commission is doing a good job and may not need an expansion of powers.

3. Half-way Point -- Senator Slom added that next week will be the half-way point of the Legislative Session, which adjourns on Thursday, May 7, 2015.

Chair West changed the order of the agenda.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Acting Captain Randall Gibo reported the following:

• February 2015 Statistics -- There were 4 structure fires, 2 wildland, 3 rubbish, and 5 vehicle fires; 164 medical emergencies, 10 search/rescues, and 15 miscellaneous calls for service, like people stuck in elevator. There was one (1) major incidence, a brush fire near the University of Hawaii (UH), which involved five (5) companies and a helicopter. The cause is still unknown.

• Fire Safety Tips -- Cooking Safety Tips: According to the National Fire Protection Association, more fires start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home. Two (2) out of every five (5) home fires start there. These steps can help to keep the family safe: Cook only when alert and not when drowsy or have been drinking. Keep an eye on what one is cooking. If one needs to step away from the stove, turn it off. Keep dishtowels, paper towels, and potholders away from the stove. Avoid cooking in loose clothing; loose sleeves can easily catch fire. Keep hot items away from counter or table edges. If there is a fire, go outside and call 911 and stay outside.

Comments followed: No Charge -- The Acting Captain Gibo answered for Manfredi that HFD does not charge for rescues.

Chair West restored the order of the agenda.

Representative Scott Nishimoto -- Kevan Wong distributed Representative Nishimoto's newsletter and reported the following:

• Construction on Kapahulu Avenue -- Information was available in the newsletter.

• Town Hall Meeting -- Area legislators held a town meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the McCully-Moiliili Public Library. Because of the success of the town meeting, along with an overwhelming response from attendees, area legislators have decided to hold another town meeting with the Hawaii Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) and Mayor Kirk Caldwell in attendance. The meeting will be held Monday, March 30, at 5:30 p.m., in the Washington Middle School Cafeteria, located at 1633 S. King Street.

Comments followed:

1. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and the King Street Cycle Track -- A community member had concerns about each.

2. Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) Board -- A community member was interested in learning about the new members.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi -- Representative Kobayashi was not present. However, a newsletter was available.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Walea Constantinau distributed the City News March 2015 and reported:

• Ti Leaves for the Honolulu Zoo -- The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts and the Honolulu Zoo are asking for donations of lā‘ī (ti leaf) to help repair the hale lā‘ī. Green, yellow or brown ti leaves, with the stems, may be dropped off in plastic bags at the Honolulu Zoo entrance.

• "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" Poster Contest -- For more information, please see the flyer on the sign-in table.

Comments followed:

1. Sushi Ginza Valet Parking -- Last month Chair West asked about this item. Mayor's Representative Constantinau apologized that she has just returned to work after a medical issue and has not followed up yet. Chair West asked for follow up for next month.

2. Signs -- Armentrout mentioned that the Board passed a resolution last month for Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Mike Formby to install signs prohibiting bicycles on the sidewalks in Kapahulu. Armentrout asked for a timetable. Constantinau will follow up.

3. Date Street Repairs -- Villers noted that there are still problems, if one drives to the end of the road. Chair West will keep this item on the agenda.

4. Redwood Trees on Puulei Circle -- Wong wanted trees replaced with palm trees. To follow up with the Division of Urban Forestry, Constantinau requested that Wong e-mail her with the details.

5. Honolulu Zoo -- Chair West noted that questions about the Honolulu Zoo will be answered later in the agenda. Constantinau knew about the aging animals and the animal exchange program.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Clifford Kaneshiro distributed Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter and reported the following:

• Committee Meetings -- The committee meetings were held last week and the full Council meeting was yesterday, Wednesday, March 11, 2015. The budget meetings were held with the departments.

• Town Hall Meeting -- Councilmember Kobayashi attend the Town Hall meeting.

• Legislative Update -- Resolution 15-44, requesting the City Administration to Rededicate the Neal S. Blaisdell Center as a War Memorial, will go to the full Council meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 for adoption.

• ChefZone -- The City Council honored Y. Hata & Co. for the opening of ChefZone, Hawaii's first cash-and-carry wholesale club servicing local restaurants and other independent food service operators.

• 'Iolani Football Team -- The 'Iolani Football Team was recognized for winning the 2014 First Hawaiian Bank HHSAA Division II State Football Championship.

• Kazuo Nakamine -- The Council honored Kazuo Nakamine for his 38 years as owner and editor of the Japanese language Hawaii Pacific Press.

• Honored Senator -- The Council also honored the late Senator Charles M. Campbell for his work with the Civil Rights movement.

Comments followed: Date Street -- Villars mentioned repairs and paving on Date Street from the Winam Street area to Kapiolani Boulevard. Wong requested a Request for Investigation and Response (RISR) for Date Street.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Kurt Tsuneyoshi distributed Councilmember Ozawa's newsletter and Councilmember Ozawa reported the following:

• Amending Bills 81 and 82 -- Councilmember Ozawa mentioned that he will be amending Bills 81 and 82 to end at the Kapahulu Groin and not include Kaimana. Community members may participate if interested.

• Line Item Budget -- Councilmember Ozawa is looking at every dollar spent by the departments and the reasons behind the spending.

• Bill 10, Relating to Car Sharing -- This is Councilmember Ozawa's first bill and it was sent back to committee for more work. The goal is to get more cars off the road, yet for people to get to destinations quickly.

Comments followed:

1. Kapahulu Groin -- Wong wanted clarification on amending Bills 81 and 82. Councilmember Ozawa replied that the Special Waikiki District will end at the Kapahulu Groin. Wong thanked Councilmember Ozawa for listening to the community members.

2. Request for Meeting -- Persons had a note from the head of the Gold Coast Community Association to set up a meeting.

3. Ala Moana Beach Park Master Plan Meeting -- Armentrout asked where the $1.2 million came from to hire a consultant from New York. Councilmember Ozawa said to ask the Mayor's Office.

4. Federal Funds -- Armentrout thanked Councilmember Ozawa for adding federal funds for aiding the homeless.

5. Rainbow Drive-In Owner -- Councilmember Ozawa added that last month the full Council honored Seiju "George" Ifuku, the owner of Rainbow Drive-In for organizing food donations.

PRESENTATIONS

Honolulu Zoo Update -- Newly-appointed Zoo Director Baird Fleming mentioned that he just took over the soon-to-be 100 year old zoo. Aging includes aging infrastructure and there aging animals. Jasmine, a 24 year old female giraffe recently passed. Director Fleming noted that there are various construction projects and he is working on accreditation. Director Fleming encouraged everyone to visit the zoo. Director Fleming mentioned that the Honolulu Zoo Society is a 501(c)3 (non-profit) organization and is a support agency. Director Fleming noted that the City-budgeted money has restrictions, so the Zoo Society can step in with projects.

Ted Otaguro has been the Executive Director of the Zoo Society for three (3) years and mentioned that the Zoo Society supplies volunteers and the education, conservation, and animal enrichment projects. Otaguro noted that the 501(c)3 organization started in 1969 as the Zoo Hui. It is a support agency, runs the programs with membership dues, has an annual gala event, and gets corporate sponsorships and private donations, for example, a couple from Japan sold and donated a condominium at the Yacht Harbor Towers. Last year, $5.4 million came from the City to run the Honolulu Zoo. $300,000 came from the Honolulu Zoo Society. Director Fleming mentioned one program that tries to create a connection between the animal and the visitor.

Comments followed:

1. Memberships -- Narita asked how many members. Otaguro is working on what the 11,150 families get back, as memberships make up the biggest chunk of money.

2. Petting Zoo -- St. Denis noted that a petting zoo is popular with children with special needs.

3. Pandas -- All pandas belong to the Peoples' Republic of China (PRC). It costs $1 million to house a panda and they must be available to PRC visitors. Hawaii's Climate is not suitable for pandas.

4. Animal Exchanges -- The Honolulu Zoo trades animals for genetic breeding reasons and to repopulate in the case of a disaster.

5. Monthly Updates -- Wong requested Director Fleming to come back with monthly updates.

6. Funding -- Director Fleming noted that City funding is adequate. The Zoo veterinarian spoke on the Hoary Bat.

7. Summer Concerts -- Armentrout asked about the summer concerts. They are coming up, starting the second week in June 2015 with top names.

Assessment Process, Protocols and Distributions -- by the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) -- This item was rescheduled to next month.

At 7:45 p.m. Matson arrived at the meeting, 15 members present.

Friends of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial -- Mo Radke gave some historical background. For World War I the Territory of Hawaii was asked to send 2,000 soldiers, but 10,000 served. Act 15 (1921) authorized the

construction of a 100-meter salt water swimming pool, which opened in 1927. It became an International Center for swimming. As the repair work found that the pipes were too small and the four (4) pipes did not circulate the water, the 2005 restoration project stopped. In May 2014 the Natatorium was named a National Treasure. There are four (4) options -- 1. Demolish by neglect ($4 million) 2. Restore to Beach -- ($9.2 million) 3. Rehabilitation and redesign of pool only ($21 million to $69.8 million) 4. Demolish and build beach ($17 million). The annual maintenance cost would be $100,000/year. For more information, visit Natatorium.org. Radke invited everyone to the annual Memorial Day event on the Sunday before Memorial Day at 10:00 a.m. Villers had questions about building the beach, Matson asked about the "critter net" and a private property, and Wong requested the plans for rehabilitation.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Cutting of Trees Below City Mill by Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) -- Director Ross Sasamura, Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), answered the concern by resident Milly Ring, who had submitted a written complaint. Sasamura mentioned a 40% shortage of personnel and need for maintaining the flood control infrastructure. So, the trees were cut back. There is a three (3)-year backlog on sidewalk repair. Sasamura announced Malama-O-Ka'aina, a volunteer program for public/private partnerships to help do projects, like planting trees. The Ala Moana Beach Park consultant fee was budgeted as part of the construction costs.

Comments followed:

1. Ala Moana Beach Park -- Wong objected to the spending of the money for the consultant fee for advice nobody wanted.

2. Trees -- Narita, Wong, Mathieu, and Matson had more concerns about the replanting of trees. Sasamura explained the City policy, said that they were so badly staffed that they were not sure the next time they would be back on a specific location, and encouraged community members to join Malama-O-Ka'aina

At 8:25 p.m. Armentrout moved and St. Denis seconded to extend the meeting. As there were no objections, Chair West extended the meeting.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of February 12, 2015 Board Meeting Minutes -- Waialeale moved and Villers seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 approve the February 24, 2015 minutes, as circulated. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 15-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong). Matson added that she did not receive the report from Representative Nishimoto mentioned in the minutes. Matson suggested that the Neighborhood Assistant followed up.

Bills 81 and 82 -- Wong mentioned that Councilmember Trevor Ozawa already mentioned that he will amend Bills 81 and 82 to not include the Diamond Head Subdistrict. Wong moved and Mathieu seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 adopts the resolution, relating to Bills 81 and 82. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 15-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong). The resolution will be added at the end of the minutes

'Embedded Crosswalk Lights on Kapahulu Avenue" Resolution -- Bryn Villers mentioned the Kapahulu Avenue Crosswalk resolution. Villers moved and Mathieu seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 adopts the "Embedded Crosswalk Lights on Kapahulu Avenue" resolution as amended. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 15-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong). The resolution will be added at the end of the minutes.

No Bicycles On Sidewalks, Kapahulu Business District Resolution -- Barbra Armentrout mentioned that the resolution, passed last month, went to Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for follow up on the signs. Director Formby was out of town, but Armentrout will follow up on the number of signs to be used, etc.

Cluster Housing Permit Application -- Chair West mentioned that interested Board members could testify on this matter that the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) had sent out. Chair West and Matson noted that the site was in the Wai'alae/Kahala district. The Board took no action on this item.

2940 Winam Avenue Dumping -- Bryn Villers noted that the area was cleaned up. Another resident's concern will be referred to Mayor's Representative, Constantinau.

Sushi Ginza Valet Parking -- Mayor's Representative Constantinau will follow up.

Resident Jan Bappe's Concern, Bill to Allow Gambling at Honolulu Airport -- Bryn Villers noted that the bill was dead.

Complete Streets Audit Committee Report -- Armentrout requested a copy of the Walk Audit, but Director Formby was out. Matson mentioned that the comment period was by the end of March 2015. Board members could comment on an individual basis.

Pearl City Neighborhood Board No. 21 Issue Paper and Resolution Regarding Vehicular Exhaust Noise -- Chair West noted that this item was for information only.

Cutting of Trees Below City Mill by Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) -- This item was previously discussed.

Medical Marijuana -- This item will be added to the future agenda.

Rail Excise Tax Resolution, Passed by the Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 -- Matson presented the motion adopted by the Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2. Matson moved and Mathieu seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 supports the Kuli'ou'ou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2's resolution to "Oppose the extension of the General Excise Tax (GET) or any increase in property taxes for the Honolulu Rail project." The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 15-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong).

Strategic Planning Session at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) -- Chair West noted that this item was for information only. Chair West attended the session and summarized topics discussed.

Announcement -- Chair West mentioned that there will be a Liquor Commission hearing on the liquor license for the mini-mart at the gas station on 2nd Avenue across City Mill.

REPORTS (Continued)

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Bryn Villers reported that in February 2015 $44.62 was spent for the printing and mailing of the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $174.01. The Treasurer's report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 (St. Louis Heights) -- Julia Allen announced that there will be an Executive meeting for the St. Louis Heights Community Association in March, so for that reason there will NOT be a general SLHCA meeting.

Subdistrict 2 (Kapahulu) -- Bertha Naho'opi'i had no report.

Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head) -- Laura St. Denis had no report.

O'ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) -- In the interest of time, Bert Narita submitted a written report. At the Wednesday, March 18, 2015 OahuMPO meeting, there will be a presentation about the King Street Cycle Track.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Next Meeting - The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular monthly meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday of the month: April 9, 2015.

B. Neighborhood Commission - The Neighborhood Commission meets on the 4th Monday of the month at Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King Street, at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2015. Please check with the NCO to verify meeting dates and location.

ADOPTION OF MOTION TO ADJOURN --. Chair West asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Villers moved and Armentrout seconded to adjourn the meeting. The motion was ADOPTED, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0. (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong). The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

RESPECTING THE ESTABLISHED DIAMOND HEAD SPECIAL DISTRICT AND

EXPRESSING STRONG OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED INCLUSION IN BILLS 81 AND 82

OF PROTECTED PARKLANDS AND WATERS OUTSIDE THE WAIKIKI RESORT DISTRICT

WHEREAS, the Diamond Head Special District was established by City and County of Honolulu ordinance to protect and preserve the visual character and integrity of its treasured natural, scenic and historic assets; and

WHEREAS, the Diamond Head Special District includes world-renowned Diamond Head crater and its coastal promontory, Kapi`olani Park and its shoreline and inland green open spaces protected by the historic Kapi`olani Park Trust, and the Ala Wai Canal and its scenic viewplane to the Ko`olau mountains benefitting recreational users and the Waikiki residential district; and

WHEREAS. Diamond Head, Kapi`olani Park and the Ala Wai Canal are listed on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and protected by National Historic Preservation laws; and

WHEREAS, the established Waikiki Resort District boundaries are Kapahulu Avenue on the east, Ala Wai Boulevard on the west; Kuhio Avenue on the north, and the Waikiki Beach shoreline fronting an alignment of resort hotels on the south side of Waikiki; and

WHEREAS, Waikiki resort hotel owners and other Waikiki commercial interests are proposing to impose improvement district uses and commercial property tax assessments within areas well beyond the Waikiki Resort Mixed Use District, and

WHEREAS, the boundaries of the proposed improvement district would expand to include the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and the Ala Wai Canal to Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue to the shoreline, through Kapi`olani Park to Kaimana Beach in the Diamond Head Special District, and the coastal waters and submerged lands extending one hundred and fifty feet seaward of the shoreline between the Ala Wai Canal and Kaimana Beach; and

WHEREAS, Bill 81 enables supplemental improvements specifically to promote business activity within an improvement district, including pedestrian overpasses; opening, closing and modification of streets; plazas and pedestrian malls; removal of existing structures; construction of parking facilities; and the addition of beach improvements within the designated district; and

WHEREAS 699 private property owners and lessees have strenuously protested being charged 7.6 cents per $1000 of assessed value to fund such improvement projects that would primarily benefit the Waikiki Resort District; and

WHEREAS, Bill 82 enables such projects benefitting the Waikiki Resort District a) to be considered, chosen and amended by a board whose voting majority is comprised of Waikiki private landowners and lessees, and b) to be within contiguous and non-contiguous annexations to benefit the district in accordance, or not, with the procedural requirements of Chapter 36, ROH, as defined in Section 3 of Bill 82; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 requests the City and County of Honolulu to respect and abide by land use protections established in the greater public interest by ensuring that Waikiki improvement district projects and assessments imposed to benefit the Waikiki resort area remain within the Waikiki Resort District; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 joins the Surfrider Foundation, the Kapi`olani Park Preservation Society, the Friends of the Natatorium, the O'ahu Island Parks Conservancy and the Kaimana Beach Coalition in requesting that none of the Waikiki resort services and improvements identified in Section 2 of Bill 81 be allowed either spanning or east of Kapahulu Avenue; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Diamond Head / Kapahulu / St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 requests that the Honolulu City Council ensure that property tax assessments and other contributions to benefit the Waikiki Resort District, collected by the improvement district board to be contributed to the City and County of Honolulu, the State of Hawaii and others toward chosen projects, not be considered as quid pro quo gifts applied to zoning height, density and set-back variations or exceptions within the Waikiki Resort District or larger Waikiki area; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 requests that this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu; the Honolulu City Council; all Hawaii State Senators and Representatives elected to the Diamond Head Special District and the Waikiki Special District; the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources and its State Historic Preservation Division and Division of State Parks; the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Department of Transportation Services, Department of Design and Construction, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Environmental Services, and Department of Facility Maintenance; the Neighborhood Commission and all Neighborhood Boards, and all interested and affected community organizations and residents.

This resolution was adopted by unanimous consent by the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 at its March 12, 2015 regular monthly meeting.

Submitted by: George West, Chair

RESOLUTION REQUESTING INSTALLATION OF FLASHING EMBEDDED

CROSSWALK LIGHTS FOR GREATER PUBLIC SAFETY ON KAPAHULU AVENUE

WHEREAS, Kapahulu Avenue serves as a major thoroughfare into and out of Waikiki for the general public as well as first-responder emergency vehicles; and

WHEREAS, Kapahulu Avenue is four (4) lanes wide at both the mauka and makai ends of the road, and in certain sections extends up to six (6) lanes to accommodate heavy vehicular traffic; and

WHEREAS, Kapahulu Avenue is within a community business district that is intended to be safely walkable, and has a significant amount of foot traffic from both residents and tourists visiting shops and restaurants; and

WHEREAS, to accommodate the significant pedestrian traffic along Kapahulu Avenue there are numerous marked crosswalks, some of which are at intersections with traffic signals and others

at intersections without traffic signals or mid-block; and

WHEREAS, the crosswalks not located at signaled intersections have no means of alerting vehicular traffic when a pedestrian is in or closely approaching the crosswalk, and despite signage and lighting placed according to code at these crosswalks, the road width and general speed of traffic renders Kapahulu Avenue dangerous for crossing pedestrians due to visual difficulties; and

WHEREAS, together with the mid-block crosswalks, the two most dangerous Kapahulu Avenue intersections are located at Olu Street and Castle Street; now therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 has found after research and much discussion concerning this issue, that flashing light-emitting diodes (LED) crosswalk lights embedded in the pavement, and activated by sensor or push button to alert vehicular traffic

of pedestrians crossing Kapahulu Avenue, would best serve our community as the most effective remedy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 has found that installation of flashing LED crosswalk lights embedded in the pavement will prevent presently unsafe crosswalks from having to be removed, and will also avoid installation of unsightly overhead flashers or more traffic signals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 recommends to the City Council and the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services that the Olu Street and Castle Street intersections be equipped with embedded flashing LED crosswalk lights installed as a pilot project to improve the safety and protection of local residents and visitors, and prevent future pedestrian-vehicular accidents; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution be transmitted within five (5) days of adoption to the Mayor of Honolulu, the Honolulu City Council, Senator Les Ihara, Representative Scott Nishimoto, and the Director of the Department of Transportation Services for investigation and remedy in the greater interest of public safety.

This resolution was adopted by the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 by unanimous consent at its Thursday, March 12, 2015 regular monthly meeting.

Submitted by: George West, Chair

________________________________________________________________

Submitted by:

K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Victoria Mathieu, Secretary;

and

George West, Chair

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