Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 18, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 18, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a total of nine (9) members present. A quorum was established. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, James Larson, William Paik, Liberty Peralta, Samantha Ruiz, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano.

Vacancies: There was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1.

Guests: Captain Bryan Goo (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Kenny Amazaki (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Senator Les Ihara Jr., Julia Allen (Senator Sam Slom's Office), Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply's representative), Suellen Conklin, Margaret Wada, Linda Knowles, Corrie Uehara, Aaron Landry (Car2Go), Molly Jenkins, Eric McCutcheon, Purnima McCutcheon, Grant Nakagawa, Lynette Furutani, Scot Shimamura, Kim Beasley, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane provided newsletters and reported the February 2015 statistics: 8 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 44 thefts, 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) reported incidents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Neighborhood Watch Reports: A resident asked if the times listed in the neighborhood watch reports are when the incident was reported or when the incident was given a response. Lieutenant Sukekane asked the resident to contact the number for the community policing team as listed in the back of the newsletter.

Commendation: Larson commended HPD for taking care of a nuisance near his residence.

Homelessness: Chair Bullock reiterated a community concern that was brought up at the February 2015 Board meeting about the homeless near Market City Shopping Center. Lieutenant Sukekane responded that HPD is monitoring the issue, and noted that homeless individuals also have rights.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Bryan Goo circulated reports and presented the following:

$1· February 2015 Statistics: There were 1 structural and 2 rubbish fires. There were 68 medical, 3 search and rescues, and 40 miscellaneous emergencies.

$1· 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 five (5) fires start in the kitchen. Do not step away while cooking, avoid cooking in loose clothing, cook only when alert, and keep hot items away from the counter and table edges. If there is a fire, go outside and call 911; remain outside.

Question followed: 15th Avenue Fire: Yamada asked if the cause of the house fire on 15th Avenue was determined. Captain Goo replied that the cause is unknown at this time, but he will follow up.

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

Main Breaks: There were two (2) main breaks in February 2015. There was one (1) main break on Kaimuki Avenue and one (1) main break at the intersection of Waialae and 9th Avenues.

Telephone Scam Warning: The BWS would like to warn the community of a telephone scam in which BWS customers are being targeted in an attempt to fraudulently collect money. BWS has received reports of a dozen incidences where customers were contacted by a person claiming to be a BWS employee and were told they owe a large sum of money and were threatened that the bill amount must be paid immediately to avoid water service shut off. BWS does not call customers, demand, and collect payment within the same call. Customers should not provide credit or debit card number or other personal information to any caller without knowing their true identity. Residents should end the call if pressured for immediate payment or personal information; call BWS customer service at 748-5030 or sign up for online billing services. Residents are encouraged to call HPD if there is any suspicious activity. To file additional reports, residents may also contact BWS at 748-5000.

National Fix-a-Leak Week: The week of Monday through Friday, March 16-22, 2015 is National Fix-a-Leak Week. During the observation, all residents are encouraged to check for property leaks and fix them promptly. For more information about leak detection, call 748-5041 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Free leak detection dye tablets were available at the meeting and are available for pick up at the BWS public service building at 630 South Beretania Street.

Rain Barrel: The public is invited to attend a workshop on Saturday, March 21, 2015 to learn about utilizing rain barrels to lower water usage. Attendees can purchase a rain barrel at a discounted price.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Main Break Patch Work: Schneider asked and Heller responded that the temporary patchwork for a previously reported main break is hazardous; a permit has been requested and a contractor will be sought to permanently fix the main break.

Kaimuki Well Sources: A resident asked and Heller answered that the source of the water in the Kaimuki well could be from a variety of sources. Heller asked for the resident's address. The resident asked if the water is fluoridated to which Heller stated the information is included in the BWS billing statement.

Waialae and 9th Avenue Main Break: Yamada asked for the cause of the Waialae and 9th Avenue main break. Heller responded that the cause is unknown, but noted that the pipe was installed in 1935. Chair Bullock noted a separate main break that occurred in March 2015, and asked for additional information for the next Board meeting.

Price of Spigot: A resident asked and Heller answered that the price of the spigot sold by BWS is normally $35, but residents attending the upcoming BWS workshop may purchase the spigot for $30.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced that there was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1. As there were no volunteers, this item has been deferred to the next meeting. Chair Bullock noted that the Board member would have to serve the Board for the remainder of the term ending on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

COMMUNITY KEIKI: There were no presentations at this time. Chair Bullock noted that Kapiolani Community College (KCC) is in its five-year strategic plan to prepare students for a productive future.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the February 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the February 18, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED, as amended, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Paik, Peralta, Ruiz, Schneider, and Yamada). Amendment as followed:Page 2, under Queen Theater: Should read "Garcia noted that he has been working with the property manager to restore the landmark."

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $28.62 spent in February 2015 with a remaining balance of $329.92. The report was filed. Chair Bullock noted that some of the remaining funds will go toward postage for a Board newsletter.

Lori Yamada's Three (3) Absences: Chair Bullock and Yamada explained her absences in which two (2) were due to sickness and one (1) was due to work. No action was taken to vacate the seat held by Yamada.

PUBLIC INPUT

Car2Go: Car2Go representative Aaron Landry gave a brief introduction of Car2Go as a car sharing company for individuals who would like access to a car for one-way trips. Landry noted that he is working with the City and Councilmember Trevor Ozawa to allow Car2Go to operate in Honolulu. Larson asked and Landry answered that Car2Go will be using standardized smart cars. A community member commented that she had a positive experience with Car2Go in San Diego. Another community member asked and Landry answered that Car2Go will pay the City to be able to park in metered stalls, so that Car2Go members will not have to pay for parking. Landry also answered for the community member that Car2Go members on the US mainland typically pay $0.41 per minute in addition to a one-time fee to verify the driver's driving history. Landry noted that fuel and insurance are included, and payment can be made by credit card.

Dog Bite at Pu‘u O Kaimuki Mini Park: Community member Margaret Wada explained that a non-leashed dog at the Pu‘u O Kaimuki Mini Park bit the daughter of her friend. Wada asked if that park allows dogs and if so, do the dogs need to be on a leash. Larson asked if that dog owner is his neighbor who own dogs that have bitten people in the past. Wada stated that she was unsure. Chair Bullock noted that the resident can contact HPD, or the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a list of rules for that park.

Kapaolono Community Park: Community member Kim Beasley commented that there are no lights at Kapaolono Community Park. Beasley also noted that the situation will attract the "wrong people" to the park. Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative Mark Wong responded that the bidding to fix the lights at Kapaolono Community Park began on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Kenny Amazaki from Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office noted that the project was due to be completed in 2014, but major infrastructure issues prolonged the project.

Homelessness in Kaimuki: A resident asked what the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board is doing to solve homelessness in Kaimuki. Chair Bullock commented that homelessness has not affected Kaimuki as much as the peripheral areas. Larson asked the resident to direct his concerns to include a specific location of the homeless individual to his Councilmember or the City administration. Chair Bullock noted that residents are welcomed to bring up these types of issues to the Board. Hoe commented that this issue may have been a result of recent enforcement of the sit-lie bill.

Crosswalks: Resident Lynette Furutani raised a concern about faded crosswalks as a pedestrian safety issue. Director Wong will follow up.

Wilhelmina Rise Development Project: A resident asked for more information on a development project on Wilhelmina Rise. Chair Bullock was unaware of the development project.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Cluster Housing Permit Application No. 2015/CL-1: Chair Bullock gave a brief introduction of the Nakagawa family's application for a cluster housing permit at 776 Luakaha Street. Grant Nakagawa explained that his family would like to rebuild the fifth (5th) house on the property. Nakagawa explained that since the house was demolished, the City required a cluster permit to be obtained in order to proceed with the construction of a new house. Paiks asked and Nakagawa answered that 5,000 square feet is required per unit, or 25,000 square feet in total. Nakagawa noted that the property size is approximately 24,600 square feet which is about 400 square feet less the requirement. Yamada asked and Nakagawa answered that a separate park dedication fee is imposed with the cluster housing permit. Hoe moved and Schneider seconded to support the cluster housing permit application no. 2015/CL-1. The motion was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Paik, Peralta, Ruiz, Schneider, and Yamada). Chair Bullock noted that a letter of approval by the Board will be sent to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) by Thursday, March 26, 2015.

Artistic Efforts for the Kaimuki Area: Chair Bullock introduced Molly Jenkins who would like to beautify the underpass at 10th Street. Jenkins explained that she has been in contact with George Abcede from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) who told her that a person or entity must agree to maintain the artwork if the project were to move forward. Jenkins noted that the entity could be a neighborhood board. A resident asked and Jenkins replied that a committee has not been formed yet. Schneider suggested Jenkins to contact the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) for support. Chair Bullock noted that the Board supports the project, and can help with finding an entity to maintain the artwork.

Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) -- Preliminary Report: Schneider reported that arrangements were made to meet with area councilmembers and other experts next week. Schneider noted that the PIG continues to seek input from the community, and that some of the top concerns gathered were parking and creation of more pedestrian-friendly places. Schneider answered for a resident that the meeting is open to interested individuals. Chair Bullock noted that a final report from the PIG is needed before the end of the current term in June 2015.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the City Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported the following:

$1· Road Repairs: The notice to proceed for the rehabilitation of localized streets, phase 14B project in Saint Louis Heights will be issued in September 2015.

$1· Parks: The notice to proceed for the Kaimuki District Park recreation center roofing and miscellaneous improvements project will be issued in July 2015. Bid advertisement for the electrical service project at Kapaolono Community Park began on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. The improvements project for the Kilauea District Park is pending DPR's direction.

Ti-Leaf Donations: The Honolulu Zoo is asking for donations of green, yellow, or brown ti-leaves to repair the hale lā‘ī.

$1· DTS Advisory: The DTS Traffic Signals & Technology Division will begin placing traffic stickers on crosswalk signal poles. Pedestrians should not start crossing when the hand signal is blinking.

$1· Oahu's Important Agricultural Lands Community Meetings: The public is welcomed to attend upcoming community meetings, hosted by DPP, to learn about the Important Agricultural Lands (IAL) Initiative and be part of the conversation to map Oahu's inventory of future agricultural lands. The upcoming meetings are on Wednesdays, April 1, 8, and 15, 2015 at Kapolei Hale, Mililani Middle School cafeteria, and Windward Community College, respectively.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

$11. Agricultural Zoning: A resident asked and Wong replied that agriculturally-zoned lands are not necessarily used as farmland.

$12. Sierra Drive Roadwork: Chair Bullock asked for an update on the roadwork on Sierra Drive which should be starting soon. Wong will follow up.

$13. Phase 14B Project: Community member Julia Allen asked why the rehabilitation of localized streets, phase 14B project is included for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4, and not the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/Saint Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5. Wong explained that the phase 14B project has been assigned to be reported to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4. Wong noted that different City departments may assign different "neighborhoods" for their projects.

$14. Trash Can: A resident asked if a trash can be placed at the bus stop outside of her residence. Wong will follow up.

$15. Harding and 6th Avenues Traffic Light: Larson commented that the traffic light at the Ewa side of Harding and 6th Avenues does not work properly. Wong will follow up.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson circulated newsletters and reported the following:

$1· Committee Meeting: A committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2015 at Washington Middle School. The public is welcomed to attend and submit any concerns to Councilmember Kobayashi.

$1· Contact Information: Staff contact information for Councilmember Kobayashi's Office is included in the back of the newsletter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

$11. Distribution of Newsletter: Suellen Conklin asked how the newsletters are distributed. Larson replied that the newsletters are distributed at neighborhood board meetings and that an online version is not available.

$12. Community Garden: Chair Bullock asked and Larson answered that there are no update on the community garden. Larson noted that the community garden will be located closer to the boundary of Kahala and Kaimuki areas.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Kenny Amazaki distributed newsletters and reported the following:

$1· National Association of Counties' Winter Conference: Councilmember Ozawa recently attended the National Association of Counties' Winter Conference in Washington, DC to meet with Hawaii's congressional delegation and the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to discuss funding options for the rail project.

$1· Budget Review: Community input to review the Mayor's proposal of the City budget for fiscal year 2016 is welcomed.

$1· Committee Hearings: The upcoming Council committee hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2015 through Thursday, April 2, 2015. The next full Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): Julia Allen distributed newsletters and reported the following:

$1· Hawaiian Hoary Bat Bill: A bill to designate the Hawaiian Hoary Bat as the State land mammal has crossed over to the State House. A t-shirt order form is available at the meeting; Senator Slom's Office is selling the shirts as a fundraiser for the Hawaii Food Bank.

$1· Withdrawal of Carleton Ching as DLNR Nominee: Governor Ige withdrew his nomination of Carleton Ching to head the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

$1· Website: A 25-minute video on the Jones Act and its effects on the cost of business is available at Senator Slom's website.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): Senator Ihara presented the following:

Carleton Ching's Nomination: There were not enough votes to support the approval of the nomination of Carleton Ching as the head of DLNR. Senator Ihara was one (1) of 13 that would have voted down the nomination. The deadline to submit another nominee is Monday, April 6, 2015, otherwise an interim director can be appointed.

First Circuit Judge: The State Chief Justice will be selecting one (1) individual to fill the vacancy on the First Circuit Court. Public comments are welcomed.

Legislative Update: Bills have now crossed over to the opposite chamber. The second lateral deadline is Friday, March 27, 2015.

Cyber Security: A concern was raised at the previous Board meeting about cyber security. The State Chief Information Officer confirmed for Senator Ihara that the State's cyber security system is safe.

Question followed: Motor Speedway: Chair Bullock raised a concern about a bill that would require $100 million in bonds to build a motor speedway. Senator Ihara noted that the bill has now crossover to the Senate, but was unsure about the current status of the bill.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): Speaker Emeritus Say circulated newsletters, and copies of a resolution on utilities, bill on medical marijuana, and Senate Bill 19, relating to the rail project. Speaker Emeritus Say reported the following: Motor Speedway: The bill to support funding for a race track using special purpose revenue bonds was supported by legislators on the west side of Oahu.

Question followed: Motor Speedway: Chair Bullock raised a concern about the State using public funding to finance a commercial business. Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the bill still has to be approved by the State Senate and Governor Ige before any implementation of the bill takes place.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): Speaker Emeritus Say circulated Representative Kobayashi's newsletters.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

$1· Neighborhood Board Elections: Chair Bullock announced that the neighborhood board elections will begin on Friday, April 24 through Friday, May 15, 2015. There are currently four (4) candidates for Subdstrict 1, five (5) candidates for Subdistrict 2, 4 candidates for Subdistrict 3. Residents of Subdistrict 2 and 3 will be receiving ballots. Candidates in Subdistrict 1 are running unopposed.

$1· Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library: The Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library will be meeting on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the Kaimuki Public Library to elect its Board officers.

$1· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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