Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (DECEMBER 14, 2016) Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (DECEMBER 14, 2016) Meeting
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/8/2016.

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2016

JARRET MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Loren Jerlow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with 10 members present. Note -- This 13-member board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ken Aronowitz, Andrew Chung, Frank Farm, Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Mark Leo, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, and Earl Shiraki.

Board Members Absent: Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Marvin Heskett and Liv Wheeler.

Guests: Sergeant Clifford Ramson and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter I John Mitsuhashi (Honolulu Fire Department); Director Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Cat Awakuni Colon (State of Hawaii, DCCA); Rene Sanjines (I9 Sports); Nicole Hori (Garden Hui); Janet Mason (Women's Voting League Legislative Committee); Julia Allen; Shinzuke Uehara; Nikki Guess; Russell Ved; Michael Zucker (Residents); Videographer; and James Skizewski (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Firefighter John Mitsuhashi reported the following:

• November 2016 Statistics: In November 2016 there were 26 medical emergencies, 1 structure fire, 1 activated alarm, 2 motor vehicle crashes/collisions and 1 mountain rescue.

• Holiday Fire Safety Tips

o Christmas Decorations: Dried Christmas trees, wreaths and other natural decorations are extremely flammable. Remove them from your home as soon as possible. Consider disposing them in your green waste bin or taking them to the nearest refuse center.

o Firecrackers: Aerial fireworks and novelty items, such as sparklers and fountains, are illegal on Oahu. Firecrackers are legal on Oahu and require a permit for purchase and use. Firecrackers are dangerous and should only be used by a responsible adult. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Mountain Rescue: Jerlow asked and Mitsuhashi replied that if a helicopter is sighted that usually means a rescue is occurring.

2. Sidewalk Incident: Shiraki asked and Mitsuhashi replied that a response earlier in the day to a person laying on the sidewalk was a medical emergency and an unwitnessed incident.

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

• November 2016 Crime Statistics: There were 13 burglaries, 15 thefts, and 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,214 calls for service in District 7.

• Safety Tips: Holiday Shopping: The community is warned against leaving valuables in their vehicles while shopping. Residents should also complete their shopping before loading their vehicles and returning home. Multiple trips leave your gifts and other valuables vulnerable to theft.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Illegal Dumping: Jerlow noted seeing a reduction in illegal dumping and thanked HPD for their efforts.

2. Parking: Shiraki noted a car that is parked too close to the crosswalk and sidewalk. Lieutenant Sukekane replied that HPD would take a look at the situation.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- No representative was present, a report was not provided.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Cliff Kaneshiro circulated a newsletter and reported the following: Upcoming Events: Tuesday, January 3, 2017 is the Inauguration Ceremony for the elected officials. A council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2017.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Budget Committee: Shiraki noted his disappointment that Councilmember Kobayashi may be taken off of the budget committee. Kaneshiro replied that a final decision regarding Councilmember Kobayashi will be made in January 2017.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura wished everyone Happy Holidays and success in the New Year, then reported the following:

• 2017 Neighborhood Board Election: All interested residents are encouraged to register as Neighborhood board candidates. The deadline for candidate and voter registration is Friday, February 17, 2017. Register online at the NCO website (http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/), or obtain a copy of the form at the Public Information Center located at 550 South King Street #102 or at the new NCO Office located at 925 Dillingham Boulevard Suite 160. Hardcopy forms must be submitted to the NCO. Physical copies were provided at the back table.

• Kuahea Place: Director Sasamura read the response to Shiraki's concern regarding rutting and uneven pavement on Kuahea Place causing vehicles to bottom out. DFM responded that Kuahea Place is a private road that the City provides pavement surface maintenance. There appears to be a subsurface leak in the roadway that appears to be affecting the integrity of the road that is causing the rutting and uneven pavement condition. The subsurface leak needs to be repaired by the private owners prior to the City's repair work of the pavement surface. Under the Maintenance of Private Streets and Roads ordinance, the City is limited to maintaining the pavement surface and is not authorized to perform subsurface repairs to address the leak beneath the road. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has a project in the area, Kuahea Street Improvement, which includes Waiomao Road to 2373 Kuahea Street, Kuahea Place and Helo Place.

• Illegally Parked Vehicles: Regarding Shiraki's reports of illegally parked vehicles, HPD responded. District Seven (7) (East Honolulu) officers on the 2nd and 3rd watches made checks of the area between Saturday, November 12, 2016 and Wednesday, November 30, 2016. During this time period, they issued two (2) citations for parking with in an intersection and two (2) citations for parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk. Officers will continue to monitor and take enforcement action when violations are observed. We encourage community members to immediately call 911 at the time they see vehicles parked illegally so that the responding officer can observe the violation and take appropriate enforcement action.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Illegal Dumping: Resident Michael Zucker noted that illegal dumping is recurring on 10th Avenue and Lai Road.

2. Crosswalk: Resident Michael Zucker requested that there be a new crosswalk installed at 10th Avenue and Lai Road noting that the curb cuts are already there.

3. Debris: Resident Michael Zucker noted his observation of trash (latex gloves, syringes, condoms and more) being discarded along the curb and sidewalk on 10th Avenue near the Pukele Stream Bridge.

4. Kuahea Street: Resident Eric Martin raised the issue of Kuahea Place and water flowing under the road and onto his property. Residents want to know who is responsible for addressing this issue and what action is being taken.

5. 311 Application: Chair Jerlow noted that residents can report concerns on the 311 application which will be routed accordingly.

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

• Pearl Harbor: Governor Ige joined government officials, military personnel, celebrities, and grassroots citizens at several of the Pearl Harbor commemoration events during Thursday, December 1, 2016 through Sunday, December 11, 2016.

• Code Challenge: Two (2) teams shared top honors at the Hawaiʻi Annual Code Challenge (HACC) with application solutions to help with homelessness and jail visitations. The competition, initiated by Governor Ige and coordinated by the state's Office of Enterprise Technology, drew 27 teams of more than 200 coders who tackled solutions to government problems in cost-effective ways.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say -- House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say wished everyone Happy Holidays then circulated a handout and reported the following:

• Kuahea Street: Speaker Emeritus Say has been in contact with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and Director Robert Kroning regarding Kuahea Street.

• 9th Avenue: There was a resident concern about cars parked all the way up Kalua Road to 9th Avenue making it difficult for drivers to make a right turn.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Musical Talent Celebration: Chair Jerlow noted Aronowitz' suggestion for the board to host a celebration of the Palolo neighborhoods' musical talent and asked Speaker Emeritus Say for suggestions. Speaker Emeritus Say suggested that the board should start by setting up a working group with the board members and the Palolo Tenants Association (PTA). Speaker Emeritus Say also suggested that the board work with the Kaimuki High School Foundation to combine their annual fundraiser with the Palolo entertainers' celebration, as well as to secure a venue. Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the board could be a sponsor for the event. Chair Jerlow noted that some residents expressed wanting to combine the celebration with Kaimuki and have the event at the Kaimuki Park.

2. Palolo Pride: Aronowitz asked and Speaker Emeritus Say replied that there was a Palolo Pride Parade but it came to an end due to high costs to hold the event.

3. Fundraising: Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the bulk of the costs to host the Palolo Entertainers' event would come from the venue, Public Address (P.A.) system, tent and stage. Chair Jerlow noted that the board would need to explore fundraising options. Speaker Emeritus Say suggested that the board look into working with the Jarett Middle School Foundation as they also host an annual fundraising event.

Senator Les Ihara -- No representative was present, a report was not available.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

I9 Sports: Rene Sanjines announced to the community that I9 Sports is working with local artists and 5th grade students from Palolo Elementary School to paint a mural at the Palolo District Park in 2017. The theme for the mural will be "Me, my land and my community."

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Board Action: Chair Jerlow asked and Sanjines replied that he is there simply to promote the project and make the community aware of the plans. Chair Jerlow asked and Sanjines replied that I9 Sports is working with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to be granted government approval for the mural project.

2. Location: Aronowitz asked and Sanjines replied that they are looking at the wall on the side of the restroom building by the new picnic table as a location for the mural. Sanjines added that the wall is frequently covered with graffiti and hopes that the mural will help add to the beauty of Palolo.

3. Ceremony: Aronowitz asked and Sanjines replied that they have not thought as far as a ceremony yet but will take the suggestion back for consideration.

Replace Signage: Resident Michael Zucker requested that signage on Lai Road and 10th Avenue be replaced as cars go fast around the blind curb where a crosswalk is also located.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: 311 Application: Chair Jerlow reiterated that residents can also take advantage of the 311 application which directs users' issues to the pertaining department.

PRSENTATIONS

Garden Hui: Nicole Hori from the Garden Hui shared with the community that they are looking for residents to sign up and join the group. Garden Hui's mission is to connect people who want to be growers with people who can help them, either in the form of garden space or mentoring.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. NextDoor: Chair Jerlow suggested that Hori look into the www.NextDoor.com site to start a forum with residents in the area.

2. Rooftop Gardening: Chair Jerlow asked and Hori replied that rooftop gardening is possible but success depends on a variety of factors.

3. Farmer's Market: Chair Jerlow asked and Hori replied that the Garden Hui members can sell their products at a farmer's market if desired but it is up to the residents to decide what they want to do with the food.

4. Vertical Garden: Hack asked and Hori replied that there are a variety of ways to grow a vertical garden to create a wall of green plants in a vertical space.

Voting by Mail: Janet Mason of the Women's Voting League Legislation Committee notified the community of the proposed movement to change the voting system to fully adopt vote by mail statewide. Voting by mail would be an extension of the permanent absentee voting option. Approximately one (1) month before Election Day registered voters will receive an envelope in the mail which contains two (2) interior envelopes. One envelope would contain a secret envelope to hold the ballot while the other would contain a pre-paid postage envelope to return the ballot to the Office of Elections. Limited in-person voting sites will also be available for voters who would prefer to vote in-person or who need additional services. The Office of Elections is working on a software program that would allow voters to track their return envelope, if lost, a replacement ballot can be requested. Voting by mail would allow for more time and education for the voter, efficiency in voting and processing ballots, and savings of over $800,000 per election cycle. The program would be introduced gradually starting with the island of Kauai in 2020 and should be adopted statewide by 2022.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Absentee by Internet: Chair Jerlow noted hearing of Alaska's voting system which allows voters to vote via the internet. Mason replied that she has not heard of any state in the country that allows statewide internet voting and added that it would not be supported by The League as the internet is not a secure option.

2. Preference: Chair Jerlow asked and Mason replied that in 2014, 51 percent of voters wanted a more convenient voting system. In 2016 that number rose to 53 percent.

3. Lost Ballots: Chair Jerlow asked and Mason replied that she is unsure of the data on the number of ballots lost in states that have adopted voting by mail.

4. Opposition: Shiraki noted that the program would be problematic for voters dealing with coercion or intimidation. Mason replied that coercion and intimidation to voters is illegal, however, in-person voter services will still be available to those who do not wish to vote by mail or require assistance. Voters are asked to report incidents of intimidation. Shiraki noted that the program would be a waste of resource to those who lack the enthusiasm to vote. Mason replied that the program will not be able to fix problems like voter turnout but will at the very least be more convenient for voters.

5. Same Day Registration: Hack asked how the program would be in compliance with "same-day registration" and other federal statutes. Mason responded that voting by mail would be in compliance with same day registration and is applied in all three (3) participating states. Anyone wishing to vote on Election Day but has not been registered will be able to go to a voter service center to register and can then cast a ballot.

6. Voter Turnout: Aronowitz asked and Mason replied that there has been an increase in voter turnout but could not say conclusively that it is due to voting by mail.

7. Post Mark Date: Aronowitz asked and Mason replied that the deadline for return would be 6:00 p.m. on Election Day.

8. Signature: Aronowitz asked and Mason replied that return envelopes sent without a signature will not be counted.

9. Education Material: Aronowitz asked and Mason replied that education material for voters would be sent in a separate packet if the Office of Elections decided to expand voter education through mail.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: The regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, November 9, 2016 were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as amended, 10-0-0 (Aye: Aronowitz, Chung, Farm, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Leo, Mau, Nakayama, and Shiraki; Nay: none; Abstain: none). Amendments Include: Page Three (3): Shiraki noted that under "Parking on Waimao" should read as "Parking on 10th Avenue."; Page Five (5): Under "Closing of Meeting Facility Rotation" strike out the sentence "Skizewski noted that he was contacted by Shiraki and was informed that he is no longer wishing to open and close the facilities which in turn lead to custodial services being requested."; Page Five (5): Under "Traffic Safety Committee," the third sentence should read as "Shiraki noted that his only concern is safety for the community members of Palolo."

Voting by Mail Resolution: Chung motioned and Holtrop seconded to introduce a resolution requesting that the Hawaii state legislature establish an election by mail system.

Discussion Followed: Intimidation: Shiraki noted the possibility of intimidation and Chair Jerlow replied that voting by booth will still be an option. Hack added that at the polling station it is permissible for family to assist but that it is illegal to intimidate a voter. Shiraki noted that it may be illegal to intimidate voters but it happens regardless.

Hearing no more discussion, the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 APPROVED the resolution by SHOW OF HANDS vote, 8-1-1 (Aye: Aronowitz, Chung, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Leo, Mau and Nakayama; Nay: Shiraki; Abstain: Farm).

Vote of Consideration on the Inclusion of a Police Transparency Resolution: Mau noted that at the November 2016 Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting No. 6, she raised the support for a resolution to request that the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) map violent crimes on their website. At the time, it was decided that the resolution would be decided at the December 2016 meeting. Mau noted that the Honolulu Advertiser had reported that HPD already made the move to broaden its crime map data to include violent crimes due to an overwhelming community response. Mau revised the resolution so that HPD include violent offenses in their monthly statistics reports to the neighborhood boards. Mau also revised the resolution so that the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 respectfully supports the HPD to include public mapping of violent crimes in the districts on their website.

Mau moved and Shiraki seconded a motion to adopt the resolution requesting that the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) include violent offenses in their monthly statistics reports to the neighborhood boards.

Discussion Followed:

1. Crime Mapping: Hack asked and Mau clarified that the resolution was revised to include that HPD include violent offenses in their monthly statistics reports to the neighborhood boards.

Hearing no more discussion, the motion to adopt a resolution requesting that the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) include violent offenses in their monthly statistics reports to the neighborhood boards passed by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (Aye: Aronowitz, Chung, Farm, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Leo, Mau, Nakayama, and Shiraki; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

REPORTS

Treasurers Report: Hack noted a remaining balance of $219.55.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting: The Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 will recess for the month of January 2017. The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palolo Elementary School cafeteria.

Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Bulky trash should be placed no earlier than one (1) day before the third Wednesday of every month to preserve the beauty of the valley. Call 768-3203 for violations.

Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. at Palolo District Park.

2017 Neighborhood Board Election: All interested residents are encouraged to register as Neighborhood Board candidates. The deadline for candidate and voter registration is Friday, February 17, 2017. You can register online at the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) website http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/, or obtain a copy of the form at the Public Information Center located at 550 South King Street, Room 102. The form can also be obtained at the new NCO location at 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160. Hardcopy forms must be submitted to the NCO.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

Submitted by: Brittany Yadao, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: James Skizewski, Neighborhood Assistant

Finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

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