Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (DECEMBER 9 2015) Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (DECEMBER 9 2015) Meeting
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2015

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Loren Jerlow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with 9 members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ken Aronowitz (appointed at this meeting), Andrew Chung (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Marvin Heskett, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Stephen Maybir.

Guests: State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Director, Department of Facility Maintenance); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Captain John Mitsuhashi (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Clifford K. Ramson and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); James Nekota; Scott Tamayori and Candy Tamayori; Shinsuke Uehara; Robert Farm; Ivan Hoe; Samantha Kimsey (Computational Thinkers); Frank Farm; videographer (DVDmodo); and Stephen Saito (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Peter Hashimoto reported the following:

• November 2015 Statistics: There were 0 structure fires, wild land fires, or rubbish fires. There were 22 medical emergencies, and 1 search and rescue.

• Fire Safety Tip: Dried Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations are extremely flammable. Remove such items from home, or consider recycling the tree at a participating green waste center. It is against the law for children under the age of 18 to possess or have access to fireworks. Leftover fireworks are potential fire hazards and can be great temptation for children to play with. For disposal of fireworks, call 911, and the Honolulu Police Department will dispatch a patrol officer to collect the unused fireworks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Wailupe Fire Station: Resident James Nekota asked when the Wailupe Fire Station will be renovated. Captain Hashimoto responded that the Wailupe Fire Station is a historic site and may prove to be difficult for the station to be renovated.

2. First Responders: Chair Jerlow and resident Ivan Hoe noted appreciation for first responders' services.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane reported the following:

• November 2015 Crime Statistics: There were 3 burglaries, 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 17 thefts, and 6 motor vehicle thefts.

• Holiday Safety Tips: Over the holidays, take caution and secure personal items. Remember to lock all doors and windows and do not leave valuables visible in motor vehicles. At night, keep the house lighted to deter thieves.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Appreciation: Gerlich-Hayes thanked HPD on its moped noise control enforcement and services regarding a car accident involving her friend.

2. 7th Avenue: Gerlich-Hayes requested HPD to continue monitoring 7th Avenue when school is out for winter break.

3. Thefts: Shiraki commented about UEMVs occurring at Makanui Place around 3:00 a.m. and requested HPD to monitor the area.

4. Speeding: Shiraki commented about motor vehicles speeding in the Palolo community.

Board of Water Supply (BWS):

• Water Main Breaks: A report on water main breaks will be available at the next regular meeting.

• Holiday Report: Trees decorated by BWS staff will be on display at the BWS headquarters and Honolulu Hale throughout December 2015. A decorated BWS truck will be a part of the Honolulu and Kapolei City Lights parade. Check out BWS's annual Christmas light display fronting South Beretania Street. The decorated BWS truck will be displayed in front of BWS's headquarters after the holiday parades.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Holomua Place: Shiraki asked for an updated on a BWS construction project at Holomua Place. Dias will follow up.

At 7:15 p.m., Chung arrived; 10 members were present.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Jerlow asked if there were any residents interested in filling the subdistrict 1 and At-Large vacancy. Ken Aronowitz and Frank Farm noted interest in filling the At-Large vacancy. Farm withdrew his interest.

Chair Jerlow called for a recess at 7:18 p.m.; the meeting reconvened at 7:21 p.m.

Heskett nominated Ken Aronowitz to fill the At-Large vacancy. As there was no other nominations and no objections, the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 APPOINTED Ken Aronowitz to fill the At-Large vacancy by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Chung, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Weinstein).

Neighborhood Assistant Stephen Saito administered the Oath of Office to Aronowitz. 11 members were present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Cliff Kaneshiro provided a newsletter and reported the following:

• Council Committee Meeting: There are no regularly scheduled Council Committee meetings in December 2015.

• Full Council Meeting: There was a Full Council meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Honolulu Hale, 3rd floor on Wednesday, December 9, 2015.

• Kaimuki Christmas Parade: Councilmember Kobayashi's Office participated in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade held on Thursday, December 3, 2015.

• Legislation Tracking: Bill 77 regarding allowing homeowners to retain their Homeowner Tax Exemption if they are unable to reside in their home due to natural disaster, or in the event that they undertake a sabbatical, or are temporarily assigned to work away from their home will be up for second reading for Full Council.

• Recognition of Dori Baba and Robert Arakawa: The City Council honored Dori Baba for contributions to the Kalani Falcons Athletic Boosters and Robert Arakawa for 36 years of dedicated service to the City as a volunteer groundskeeper for the Date Street Mini Park in Honolulu.

• Community Meeting: Councilmember Kobayashi, Representative Issac Choy, and Speaker Say hosted a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room on Monday, December 7, 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kilihune Place: Chair Jerlow commented on resident Scott Tamayori's concern about exiting Kilihune Place onto Paalea Street. Kaneshiro noted that Councilmember Kobayashi's Office received the petition regarding Kilihune Place and will follow up with the Board with the results of the investigation of the area.

2. Palolo Valley District Park: Aronowitz asked for an update on the Palolo Valley District Park. Kaneshiro answered that construction of the park is completed.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• Clean Water Hero: Proper trash disposal includes picking up litter, bagging and tying, and keeping bin lids closed to keep debris from flying away. Cleaning rubbish from the street gutters fronting the house is the homeowner's responsibility.

• Improved Traffic Signal Timing: Board member Shiraki's gratitude was forwarded to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Division Chief for Traffic Signal and Technology Ty Fukumitsu regarding the improved traffic signal timing for motorists turning left from 10th Avenue to Waialae Avenue.

• Sewage Project at Holomua Place: Work at Holomua Place is not a sewage project and is a road repaving project under Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14A. Work is being done on the underdrain to take care of the sub-surface water.

• "No Parking" Sign Fronting 10th Avenue: DTS contacted resident Frank Farm regarding the request that the no parking restrictions fronting 1419 10th Avenue be removed. DTS will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site observations, and an analysis of the traffic history. DTS will update the Board of the results of its finding by February 2016.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Tree Trimming: Chair Jerlow commented about a tree next to the Palolo Valley sign and asked if the trees in that area are maintained by the City. Director Sasamura answered in the affirmative and noted that tree trimming is under the responsibility of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Division of Urban Forestry (DUF). Chair Jerlow asked and Director Sasamura answered that the area where the planter exist is under the responsibility of the abutting property owner or the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). Director Sasamura added that there is currently a staffing shortage within DFM for groundskeepers to maintain planter areas. Director Sasamura noted that there are city programs such as the Malama O Ka Aina program that allows individuals to adopt a City property to help the city maintain the property.

2. City Groundskeeper: Heskett asked about the lack of DFM groundskeepers. Director Sasamura answered that the issue originates from the mid-1990s Kono decision that turned over much of City's landscaping duties to private contractors. Director Sasamura noted that recently, the decision was lifted creating a need for more DFM groundskeepers. DFM is addressing the issue by holding a job fair at the McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Park on Monday, December 21, 2015.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• Christmas Open House: The Washington Place Foundation is hosting a Christmas Open House from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Washington Place.

• Board and Commissions Volunteers: The Governor's Office is looking for volunteers to fill vacancies on Boards, commissions, and committees. For a complete list of vacancies, visit www.boards.hawaii.gov.

• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Coverage: Tuesday, December 15, 2015, is the last day to sign up for health insurance effective Friday, January 1, 2016. Open enrollment ends on Sunday, January 31, 2016.

• Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR): DLNR will be able to follow up with November 2015 concerns at the next regular meeting. Some information can be found at the DLNR's website.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Road Repave: Resident Nekota thanked the State for the road repave work near a tire shop on Waialae Avenue.

2. ACA Program: Hack noted that those already enrolled in the ACA program and would like to continue their plan would need to sign up at www.healthcare.gov by Tuesday, December 15, 2015.

State House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say -- No representative was present; a report was provided.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present; No report was provided.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Chair Jerlow encouraged residents and community members to contact him with Residents'/Community Concerns to add them to the agenda to allow Board members and the community to discuss the issue. There were no residents'/community concerns.

PRESENTATION

Learning to Computer Code: No representative was present; No report was provided.

BOARD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, November 11, 2015, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Hearing no objections, the Wednesday, November 11, 2015 regular meeting minutes was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Aronowitz, Chung, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Weinstein).

Vote to Approve Board Letter Regarding Traffic Safety on Palolo Avenue -- Resident Scott Tamayori presented the following:

• Introduction: Drivers and pedestrians who must enter the intersection of Kilihune Place, Paalea Street and Palolo Avenue are put in a hazardous situation. Copies of the petition were circulated to elected officials and to the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6. When the view of oncoming vehicles is obstructed, drivers exiting Kilihune Place and other adjoining streets or driveways must cautiously proceed into the intersection to detect oncoming vehicles. Drivers who speed on Palolo Avenue may not have adequate time to stop or slow down to avoid a collision.

• Petition: Residents of Kilihune Place request the Board to endorse and forward the petition to the DTS to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety at the intersection of Kilihune Place, Palolo Avenue, and Paalea Street. Residents do not desire nor support any measure to reduce or prohibit legal parking along Palolo Avenue. Residents request that vehicle traffic calming measures be installed on Palolo Avenue, mauka and makai of the Kilihune Place and Paalea Street intersection. Posted signs and speed indicators, similar to those installed on Pali Highway between Waokanaka and Wyllie Streets should be considered.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Speeding: Gerlich-Hayes affirmed that there are motor vehicles that speed in the area and added that it would be a good idea to remind the community to not speed in the residential area. Resident Tamayori noted that the speed indicators at Pali Highway are permanent and operated throughout the day. Shiraki noted that motorists who observe motor vehicle violations should notate the license plate number and report the violation to HPD. Resident Hoe commented on the difficulty exiting the driveway due to oncoming motor vehicles.

2. Board Letter: Chair Jerlow noted that the petition was circulated to all Board members and was sent to DTS. Chair Jerlow added that the Board will vote on the approval of a letter at the February 2016 Board meeting and will work with Heskett to draft a letter for the Board to review.

Discussion of Quarterly Information Theme: Safety: There was no report.

Creation of Committees

Neighborhood Watch Committee: Chair Jerlow asked if any Board member was interested in becoming the chairperson of the Neighborhood Watch Committee, when formed.

Pālolo Pride: Chair Jerlow asked if any Board member was interested in becoming the chairperson of the Palolo Pride Committee, when formed.

Board Parliamentarian: Chair Jerlow asked if any Board member was interested in becoming the Board's Parliamentarian. Hack noted interest in becoming the Board's Parliamentarian. Heskett moved and Holtrop seconded to elect Randolph Hack as Board Parliamentarian. Hack was elected as Board Parliamentarian, 11-0-0 (AYE: Aronowitz, Chung, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Weinstein).

TREASURER'S REPORT: Hack reported that the board spent $17.77 for printing and postage with a remaining balance of $295.91 for November 2015. The treasure's report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- Chair Jerlow announced the following:

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 is Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Pālolo Elementary School Cafeteria.

• Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash by the morning of Wednesday, December 16, 2015 (third Wednesday of every month).

• Farmers' Market: The Farmer's Market is held every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Pālolo District Park.

• Olelo Broadcast Slots: The Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m, or online anytime at http://olelo.org.

• Social Media: Join the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 informally at the "Pālolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/107111366012456/. Also stay connected at www.nextdoor.com.

• Agenda Requests: To be added the agenda, send requests to Loren.Jerlow@WestPointAOG.net, or contact 664-1658.

• Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Submitted by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed and finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

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