Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for April 15, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for April 15, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a total of eight (8) 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, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Liberty Peralta, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: William Paik and Samantha Ruiz.

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

Guests: Captain Jay Shimabuku (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Maurice Asato and Sergeant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department), Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Senator Les Ihara Jr., Mike Palcic (Senator Sam Slom's Office), Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply's representative), Greg Kawakami (Finance Factors' representative), Janice Kim (Kaimuki Business and Professional Association's representative), Vernon Tam, Mr. Elwood, Lynette Furutani, Gerry Ralston, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Maurice Asato provided newsletters and reported the following:

March 2015 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 36 thefts, 24 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,040 calls for service.

Pedestrian Safety Tips: Tips on pedestrian safety are included in the back of the newsletter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Commendation: Larson thanked Officer Vierra for his response to a nuisance involving Larson's neighbor.

Mandatory Retirement Age: A resident asked if there is a mandatory retirement age for police officers. Lieutenant Asato was unsure, but noted that officers are required to pass physical training exams.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Jay Shimabuku circulated reports and presented the following:

March 2015 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 1 wildland fire, and 1 rubbish fire. There were 73 medical emergencies, 8 search and rescues, and 1 animal rescue. There were 7 companies that responded to major incidents.

Fire Safety Tip: The public is encouraged to call 911 in emergencies. Do not drive to the nearest fire station. It is possible that the fire company may not be at the fire station due to other emergencies or performing other duties such as fire inspections, training, and educational activities. When 911 is called, the operator dispatches the closest available fire company to the emergency. When calling 911, give the operator the initial need (police, fire, or ambulance) and after being transferred to the appropriate agency, provide an accurate description of the need and address of the emergency.

Fire on 15th Avenue: The single-family residential home on 15th Avenue where the fire occurred has been altered to accommodate multiple families. An investigation was launched, but the cause of the fire has not been determined. One (1) individual was hospitalized.

Question followed: Fire on 15th Avenue: Schneider asked if the cause of the fire may be due to overloaded circuits. Captain Shimabuku acknowledged the possibility.

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

Main Breaks: There were two (2) main breaks in March 2015.

Free Educational Materials for Keiki: In support of the Neighborhood Commission Office's "Community for Keiki" month in April, BWS is offering free educational materials for the island youth and other community organizations to learn about Oahu's water resources. The BWS offers a wide variety of publications including activity and coloring books, water conservation flyers, watershed protection handouts, and "Water for Life" booklets. These educational materials are available at www.boardofwatersupply.com or for pick up at the BWS headquarters at 630 South Beretania Street. Contact the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041 to arrange for pick up or for more information.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

6th Avenue Break: Larson asked for an update on a possible main break or fire hydrant break on 6th Avenue that was first reported in January 2015. Heller will follow up.

Liliuokalani Elementary School Water Line Break: Hoe asked for an approximate schedule for a permanent repair for the water line break near Liliuokalani Elementary School. Heller will follow up.

Higher Rate of Autism in Wilhelmina Rise: Community member Vernon Tam, a former member of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4, reported on behalf of another community member that there is a higher rate of autistic students who live in the Wilhelmina Rise area. Tam commented that the water reservoir in Wilhelmina Rise is old, and the water reservoir may be a contributing factor to the higher rate of autism. Tam noted that Reservoir 411 was scheduled for repairs in 2003, but was not repaired until 2009. Tam also noted that the reservoir near 7-Eleven has been scheduled for replacement which is an indication that there are major issues. Heller will follow up.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced that there is 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.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the March 18, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the March 18, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $30.03 spent in March 2015 with a remaining balance of $299.79. The report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT

Flooding on 18th Avenue: Community member Vernon Tam commented that the flooding on 18th Avenue had been brought up before the Board in previous years. Tam noted that the previous Board was informed by the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) that the flooding is due to the increase in height when the road was repaved, and therefore the flooding is a City issue. Larson explained that the flooding on 18th Avenue is a drainage issue that involved the neighboring property owner's backyard, not a City street.

Composition of the Board: Tam commented that in the 2010 US Census, the population in Subdistrict 1 has decreased and the population in Subdistrict 3 has increased. Tam suggested the Board to consider changing the composition of the Board.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

WZ Family Entertainment Center Liquor License Application #15-2123:

Conflict of Interest: Kang declared a conflict of interest since his law firm represents WZ Family Entertainment Center. Kang commented that he will not participate in the discussion nor take a position on any actions the Board may take regarding the liquor license application.

Background Information: Larson explained that liquor licenses are granted for the location of the business. Larson asked if the community should approve of another liquor license application on Waialae Avenue.

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association's Position: Yamada, a member of the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA), read KBPA's resolution which requests "if appropriate safeguards for the Kaimuki community cannot be reasonably assured, [KBPA] urges the license application be denied." Copies of the resolution were available to the Board.

Criminal Case: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked if there is a standing criminal prosecution case.

Liquor Commission Hearing: Chair Bullock announced that the hearing for WZ Family Entertainment Center's liquor application is on Thursday, April 23, 2015, 4:00 p.m. on the sixth floor of the Pacific Park Plaza.

Clarification of the Resolution: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked for clarification of "appropriate safeguards" as mentioned in KBPA's resolution. Yamada was unsure.

Character of the Neighborhood: Hoe commented that WZ Family Entertainment Center would not fit in with the character of the Kaimuki neighborhood.

Hoe moved and Larson seconded for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 to support the KBPA's resolution.

Discussion followed:

Clarification of the Motion: Chair Bullock explained that the resolution does not state that KBPA opposes the application, but instead it urges all parties involved to "seriously" review the application.

Comment by Resident: A resident disagreed that a family entertainment entity should apply for a liquor license.

Notification to WZ Family Entertainment Center: Community member Tam asked if WZ Family Entertainment Center was notified that there will be a discussion tonight regarding their liquor license application. Chair Bullock explained that the discussion tonight is not to approve their application, but rather if the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will support or not support their application. Chair Bullock also noted that this item was on the agenda that was sent out one (1) week in advance.

Support from the Community: Larson noted that it is not uncommon that applicants garner support from the community, but Larson was unaware if there is support from the community.

Gaming: Yamada noted that one of the factors that is giving WZ Family Entertainment Center a disadvantage is that part of their business involves games which might not mix well with the liquor license.

Opposition to Liquor License Application: Hoe suggested that the Board oppose the liquor license application.

Chair Bullock reiterated that the motion is to support the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association's (KBPA) position in the resolution concerning the WZ Family Entertainment Center and their request for a liquor license. The motion was ADOPTED by MAJORITY CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None). Kang recused himself from participating in the discussion and the vote.

Potential Motion to Oppose the Liquor License Application:

Potential Motion: Hoe asked if the Board would support a motion to oppose the liquor license application. Chair Bullock noted that the Board could make the motion, but there would need to be strong reasons on why the Board opposes the application.

WZ Family Entertainment Center: Community member Mike Palcic recommended that WZ Family Entertainment Center be included in the discussion. Chair Bullock reiterated that there is a hearing at the liquor license for their license and that the public can provide their input at that hearing. Chair Bullock noted that he would have preferred that WZ Family Entertainment center send a representative but WZ Family Entertainment Center did not.

KBPA's Position: Janice Kim from KBPA explained that KBPA is concerned about approving a liquor license application for a company with a similar name as the company with a history of alleged illegal activities. Kim explained that one of KBPA's goals is to protect the Kaimuki business community.

Location of the Application: Hoe explained Larson's earlier argument that the issue is about the location of the application. Hoe commented that should the original applicant move out of the property, the second entity that takes over the property would be able to obtain the liquor license. Larson named Tropics Tap House as an example of a restaurant that temporarily operated with a liquor license that was obtained by the previous tenant.

Restaurant Ko: Chair announced that Restaurant Ko, located at 3196 Waialae Avenue, will be having their liquor license transfer application heard by the Honolulu Liquor Commission.

Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 opposes the liquor license application for WZ Family Entertainment Center because it does not fall within the characterization of the Kaimuki family neighborhood, and because of grave concerns that were brought to the Board.

Discussion followed: Residential Neighborhood: A community member noted that Kaimuki is a residential neighborhood and therefore an inappropriate location for WZ Family Entertainment Center.

Chair Bullock amended the motion that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 opposes the liquor license application for WZ Family Entertainment Center because it does not fall within the characterization of the Kaimuki family neighborhood, and because of Kaimuki residents' grave concerns that were brought to the Board.

The motion was ADOPTED by MAJORITY CONSENT, 6-0-1 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Schneider). Kang recused himself from participating in the discussion and the vote.

Chair Bullock asked and Larson agreed to prepare the resolution.

Finance Factors Property (located at the corner of Waialae and 8th Avenues): Greg Kawakami, President of Waipono Investment, Inc. presented the following: The property is located at 3402 Waialae Avenue, and will continue to include residential property on the second floor. The tenants on the ground floor have vacated since Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The renovated ground floor will include two (2) tenants: a Finance Factors branch and a restaurant.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Parking: Kang asked and Kawakami replied that parking will be available for residents and tenants.

Lowered Rent: A resident asked and Kawakami replied that rent will be lowered due to construction.

Entrance to Finance Factors: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked and Kawakami replied that the entrance to Finance Factors will be located at the back of the building.

Landscaping: Kim reiterated a suggestion that was made by the KBPA, which was to add more landscaping. Kawakami responded that landscaping will be added to the adjacent areas.

Entrances: Schneider commented that the entrance to Finance Factors and the restaurant should be on the side facing the street. Schneider also noted that studies have shown that open space is better than walls on the side facing the street.

Second Floor Tenants: Peralta expressed concerns for the residents on the second floor about the stability of utility use during the construction period. Kawakami noted that construction will be limited, and notifications will be sent to residents for any period of time when utilities are shut off.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

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

Oahu's Important Agricultural Land Community Meetings: The last of the Oahu's important agricultural lands community meetings is tonight, Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

88th Lei Day Celebration: The City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be accepting entries for the 88th Lei Day lei contest on Friday, May 1, 2015.

Summer Fun Registration and Program: Registration will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015. The program starts from Friday, June 12, 2015 through Friday, July 24, 2015.

"Sew a Lei" for Memorial Day: The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) is now accepting donations of ti leaves from Friday, May 1, 2015 to Monday, May 18, 2015. The goal is to collect 1,000 leis.

Age-Friendly City Initiative: Public input on the Age-Friendly City action plan is welcomed by Friday, April 24, 2015.

Project Graduation: Project Graduation celebrations are adult-supervised, alcohol-free, and drug-free events held for high school students on graduation night. HPD will provide up to $1,500 to pay for ground transportation expenses associated with Project Graduation events. Interested applicants may contact HPD by Friday, May 1, 2015.

Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park: DPR attempted to contact the resident who brought up the dog bite issue at Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park, but DPR was unable to contact the resident. Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park allows dogs on a leash. Vandalized signs at the park will be replaced.

Trash Cans at Kapaolono Park: DPR staff reported that no trash cans were removed from Kapaolono Park, but DPR will determine if additional trash cans are needed.

Faded Crosswalk Markings at 6th and Harding Avenues: Repainting of the crosswalk markings is being scheduled as soon as resources become available.

Sierra Drive Repaving Project: The Sierra Drive repaving project is in the early-planning phase and is anticipated to be resurfaced after 2015, subject to utility clearances and availability of funds.

Questions and comments followed: Kaimuki Parking Lot: Chair Bullock noted a parking lot repaving project at 12th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue that should have been completed. Chair Bullock further noted that the Sierra Drive repaving project is similar as it should have been completed years ago. Schneider asked if underground utilities could be installed at the same time as the repaving. Wong replied that one of the issues is the cost of the project. Wong further noted that there is a task force called the Government Public Utilities Task Force (GPUTF) that is responsible for coordinating public works projects.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Report (Continued):

Trash Receptacle on 18th Avenue: DTS is investigating the feasibility of installing and maintaining a trash receptacle on 18th Avenue.

Saint Louis 14B Street Rehabilitation Project: Updates regarding the Saint Louis 14B Street Rehabilitation Project will no longer be reported at the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 meetings.

Questions, comments, and concerns continued:

1. Kaimuki Parking Lot: KBPA representative Kim circulated flyers about the Kaimuki parking lot. Kim commented that many people are tripping over poorly-paved areas inside the parking lot. Kim urged the administration to release funds for the project. Kim noted that KBPA filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to gather information on how much the City has collected from the parking lot. Wong noted that the City budget has not been set yet, but the Mayor's proposal of the budget has been submitted. Wong encouraged the public to make individual contacts to Mayor Caldwell's Office so that each request is registered as a "DART" which would then require a reply from the City department within a certain period of time.

2. Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park: A community member asked for an update on the maintenance projects at the Waipio Peninsular Soccer Park.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson circulated newsletters and reported that the full Council will be meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. Public comments can be submitted to Councilmember Kobayashi's Office.

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

Kaimuki Parking Lot: Councilmember Ozawa requested funds to improve the Kaimuki parking lot last week.

HART on Olelo: Councilmember Ozawa requested that the Honolulu Authority on Rapid Transportation (HART) meetings be televised on Olelo for the public.

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

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

State Budget: Senator Slom voted in opposition to the state budget; Senator Slom is concerned about the expansion of government, hiring of additional government employees, and unfunded liabilities. Senator Slom proposed an alternative budget.

HECO/NextEra Merger: Public comments and concerns are welcomed at the meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Ward Warehouse on the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and NextEra merger.

Ope‘ape‘a as State Land Mammal: The Senate passed a measure to name the Ope‘ape‘e, an endangered species, as the State land mammal.

Question followed: District Boundary: Palcic clarified for community member Tam the boundaries of Senator Slom's senatorial district.

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

Legislative Update: Crossover bills will enter conference committees in which both the House and Senate will pass if the differences are resolved.

General Excise Tax (GET) Surcharge: Senators and Representatives met with Governor Ige to discuss State matters such as the rail surcharge. The Senate proposed to extend the GET for five (5) years with the condition that the surcharge is limited to expenditures relating to the construction of the rail project.

Race Track: The $100 million measure relating to the race track did not pass out of the Senate.

Confirmation Hearings: Suzanne Case has been nominated for the Director for the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and her confirmation hearing has been scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2015. Controversially, William Balfour has been nominated for the Water Commission.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say reported that some of the measures entering conference committees are measures relating to the Turtle Bay conservation, birth certificates for transgender people, Pono Choice, and the State purchase of Ali‘i Place.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

HART Audit: Community member Tam asked why the State auditor declined to conduct an audit on HART. Speaker Emeritus Say noted that there has been many audits on the federal and county level.

Restoration of Bus Route 13: A resident requested that TheBus route 13 be restored. Speaker Emeritus Say deferred the question to Councilmember Ozawa's Office.

House Bill 1366: Palcic asked and Speaker Emeritus Say replied that he did not have a chance to discuss HB 1366, relating to the State purchase of Ali‘i Place.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): Representative Kobayashi circulated newsletters and presented the following:

2015 Community Survey: Representative Kobayashi's community survey showed that 52% supported more funding for grades K-12 education while 66% supported less funding for the rail project.

Restricted Use Pesticides: Included in the newsletter is information about current measures relating to restricted use pesticides.

Preschool Open Doors Programs: The application deadline for Preschool Open Doors Program is soon. There is a proposal to defund the program.

Turtle Bay Easement Purchase: A current measure in the State Legislature will improve the bid for the Turtle Bay easement purchase proposal that was presented last year.

Reconfiguration of Aloha Stadium: There are plans for a reconfiguration of Aloha Stadium.

Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC): The State may sell or lease property that is currently occupied by the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC). OCCC may be moved to a secluded area in the back of the current property.

Question followed: Consequences of Stopping Rail: Schneider asked and Representative Kobayashi replied that the State would have to reimburse the federal government up to $3.2 billion, and Hawaii would not continue to be in good standing should the State ask for federal funding for other mass transit projects in the future.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Neighborhood Board Elections: The neighborhood board elections will begin on Friday, April 24, 2015 and end on Friday, May 15, 2015.

Honolulu Ekiden: The 3rd annual Honolulu Ekiden will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2015. There will be road closures in the morning. Visit www.hnlekiden.org for more details about the race.

Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library: The next general meeting for the Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library is on Monday, April 20, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Public Library.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, shortly after 7:00 p.m. at Liholiho Elementary School cafeteria.

Kaimuki Vision Plan Survey: The public is welcome to participate in a survey on the Kaimuki vision plan for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board's Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG).

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:03 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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