Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting November 2018 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting November 2018 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was established with eight (8) members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, , Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Barbra Armentrout.

Board Members Absent: Darlene Nakayama and Bradley Rentz

Guests: Sergeant S. Yue (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Christopher Miller (Honolulu Fire Department); Director Ross Sasamura [Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance(DFM)];
Catherine Awakuni-Colon (Governor David Ige's representative, Director of Department of DCCA;
Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Lori McCarney (Biki); Brad Akamu (Meals on Wheels); Sharon Schneider; Tracy Ryan; Jesus Arriola, Frank Farm, Willam Caron (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer) and Felipe M. Pacquing II (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Christopher Miller reported the following:
October 2017 Fire Statistics: There was 1 activated alarm (no fire), 35 medical emergencies, 5 motor vehicle crash/collisions and 1 mountain rescue.
Broken Hydrant: If there is a flood on the street due to a broken hydrant, avoid passing through the flooded area. There might be a live electrical wire inthe flooded area.
Fire Safety Tip - Cooking Safety:
o Cook with caution. Be alert.
o Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
o Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove.
o Keep children at least three (3) feet away from the stove.
o Avoid using turkey fryers. It can lead to devastating burns and injuries due to high temperature.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Cooking Fire: Shiraki inquired and Captain Miller replied that cooking fire refers to fire due to large amounts and high temperatures of oil being used.
2. Broken Hydrant: Shiraki inquired and Captain Miller replied that one should avoid the broken hydrant spewing water because it might contain rocks. The HFD controls the scene including the traffic with the help of the HPD.
3. Help to Seniors: Armentrout inquired and Captain Miller replied that he will provide to Armentrout the HFD phone number for the seniors needing help.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant S. Yue reported the following:
October 2017 Crime Statistics: There was 1 motor vehicle theft, 11 burglaries, 8 thefts, and 20 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,607 calls for service in September 2017.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Scam calls: Shiraki inquired and Sergeant Yue replied that the police documents phone numbers of scam calls and makes them known to the public. Armentrout inquired and Sergeant Yue replied that sometimes, the number appearing on the phone is not necessarily the number that is calling.
2. Data Statistics: Leo inquired and Sergeant Yue replied that the data statistics covers the whole of District 7.
3. Drop Calls: Jimmy inquired and Sergeant Yue replied that the police responds to crank calls or legitimate calls.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias reported the following:
Main Break: October 27, 2017 fronting 811 9th Avenue: 8" Cast Iron Main
Master Plan: The BWS has been preparing a 30-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which identifies the timing and costs of projects needed to keep our water system healthy.
Financial Plan: The BWS will prepare a Financial Plan that will be the basis for the upcoming Water Rate Study, which will guide the BWS on how to pay for water facilities and programs, using both cash and debt. New rates will be reviewed during summer 2018 and it is anticipated that new rates would be effective in 2019.
Online Survey: A survey is requested from everybody to gather opinions on maintain safe, dependable, and affordable water service for Oahu. The survey form can be accessed at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Pipe Repair: Jimmy inquired and Mr. Dias replied that he will check as to which costs more, repairing water pipes or sewer pipes.
2. Sewer Rate: Holtrop inquired and Mr. Dias replied that the sewer rate depends on the volume of water used.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Rate Commission: Armentrout reported that the rate commission is still formulating the bus rates and other rates.
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board: Chair Hack attended the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board for a short period of time.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Confirmation of previous meeting action per Neighborhood Commission procedure. There are three (3) vacancies on the Board. One (1) vacancy At-Large and two (2) vacancies in Sub-district 2
Confirmation of Board Action: Chair Hack confirmed action of the Board on the resignation of Barbra J. Armentrout from her at-large seat on the Board and her appointment as member of the Board for Sub District 1.
??? At Large Vacancy: Frank Farm expressed his interest in joining the Board as at-large representative.
Sub-District 2 Vacancy: William Caron expressed his interest in joining the Board as Sub-district 2 representative.
Nomination: Holtrop nominated Frank Farm as at-large representative, and Frost nominated William caron as Sub-district 2 representative.

Mau moved and Armentrout seconded that Frank Farm be nominated as member of the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 as at-large. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 8:0:0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Barbra Armentrout; Nay: None; Abstain: None)

Mau moved and Holtrop seconded that William Caron be nominated as member of the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 for Sub-district 2. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 8:0:0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Barbra Armentrout; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Chair Hack moved for a recess for Frank Farm and William Caron to take their oaths of office as member of the Board; 10 members present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Council Member Ann Kobayashi: Council Member Kobayashi reported the following:
Safety in Parks: There will be a hearing on safety in Parks on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. A girl was injured by a baseball at Oahu Central Park due to poor lighting.
Monster Homes: The presence of monster homes in Palolo has raised property taxes in the Palolo neighborhood.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Permits: Holtrop inquired and Council Member Kobayashi replied that the Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) has been giving permits for the monster homes. She further reported that there is a bill addressing these monster homes and short term rentals requiring a parking space for every bedroom in a house.
2. Mahalo: Shiraki thanked Council Member Kobayashi for taking care of the Palolo neighborhood and suggested that residential houses should only be occupied by family members and close relatives.
3. Bills Addressing Monster Homes: Onishi inquired and Council Member Kobayashi replied there are three (3) Bills addressing the monster homes, namely: moratorium on issuing permits, imposing higher taxes, and requiring parking space for every bedroom. Shiraki commented that the three (3) bills are not good; residential homes should be strictly residential.
4. Bed and Breakfast (B and B): Armentrout inquired and Council Member Kobayashi replied that even if the short term rental B and B is paid six (6) months advanced it is still illegal because a short term rental is illegal.
5. Proof of Short Term Rental: Leo inquired and Council Member Kobayashi replied that an advertisement for short term rental is not proof; the proof is for the inspector to go and check personally the house and interview the residents, and see to it that there are no more than 5 unrelated persons in the house.
6. Public Hearing: Caron inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that a bill on zoning will be part of the agenda on Zoning and Housing Public Hearing on Thursday, November 16, 2017.
7. Penalty: Mau inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the penalty for short term rental is hefty.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:
Honolulu City Lights: The 2017 Honolulu City Lights celebration will be held at Honolulu Hale on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and Kapolei City Lights will kick off at Kapolei Hale on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Limitation of Bedrooms: Currently, there are no building or zoning code regulations that would prohibit or limit the number of bedrooms within dwellings, provided all pertinent requirements are met.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Requirements on Moped: Armentrout inquired and Director Sasamura replied that he will follow-up with Department of Custumer Services (DCS) on the requirement for mopeds to display their license plates, and requirement for safety checks.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni-Col�n reported the following:
Improvements: Governor Ige is now focused on improving roadways, major modernization projects for harbors and airports, and maximizing federal dollars to help community statewide.
Philippine Travel: Governor Ige is travelling with business executives on a trade mission in Manila and Ilocos provinces.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Governor's Opinion: Caron inquired and Director Awakuni Colon replied that she will ask the Governor's opinion on the rail suspension.
2. Mahalo: Shiraki thanked the Governor for graciously meeting President Trump and for showing the Aloha spirit.

Without objection from the Board, the Residents' Concern was moved ahead of the Report of State Representative Calvin Say.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA): Sharon Schneider reported the following:
Board Support: Ms. Schneider asked the support of the Board for the KBPA in its various project for small businesses for a vibrant economy to meet the needs the community.
Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday will be held November 25, 2017, and the Kaimuki Christmas parade on Thursday, December 7, 2017.

Deconstructing Sex Work and Sex Trafficking: Tracy Ryan reported the following:
??? Conference: There will be a conference addressing sex work and sex trafficking and other social issues from a harm reduction perspective at the Ala Moana Hotel all day on Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Conference Goal: The goal of the conference is to bring together people who are working to fight sex trafficking and assist sex workers seeking labor rights.

State Representative Calvin Say.: Representative Say reported the following: 4-Way Stop: Representative Say requested Director Sasamura for a 4-way stop at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Kaau Street to avoid speeding.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Mahalo: Shiraki thanked Representative Say and Council Member Kobayashi for what they are doing for the community.

PRESENTATIONS:

Biki Bike-Share: Lori McCarney, Biki Bike-Share Executive, reported the following:
Biki: Biki is Honolulu's new transportation system that has 1,000 bikes at 100 conveniently located self-service "Biki Stops" from Chinatown to Diamond Head. The bikes can be taken out at any Bike Stop and returned at any other.
Information: Ms. McCarney explained how the system works, safety tips, and the different price plans.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Data Gathering: Caron inquired and Ms. McCarney replied that from a survey of 600 respondents, 43% belong to the affluent.
2. Comment: Holtrop commented that based on his observation, the program is taking off.
3. Safety Concern: Shiraki inquired and Ms. McCarney replied that the Biki is concerned with the safety of riders by giving them the basics of biking and safety measures as seen in the Biki brochures.
4. Hawaii Traffic Rules: Armentrout inquired and Ms. McCarney replied that they have posted Hawaii traffic rules in their brochures.
5. Insurance: Mr. Jimmy inquired and Ms. McCarney discussed insurance. A helmet is not required, unless the rider is under 16 years old.
6. Responsibility of the Bike: Shiraki inquired and Ms. McCarney replied that it is the responsibility of the rider while the bike is in his or her possession. The bikes should be left only at the docking station.

Meals on Wheels: Brad Akamu reported the following:
What they do: The Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Inc. is a volunteer organization that serves meals to homebound people, serving 400 persons a day. At present, there are 450 active volunteers. It is dedicated to helping Oahu's elders and individuals with disabilities preserve their independence at home primarily by providing hot, nutritious meals and regular personal interaction with those who are served.
??? Partners: Shiraki inquired and Mr. Akamu replied that they partner with different care homes and hospitals whose kitchens are used in cooking hot meals.
Contact Information: Holtrop inquired and Mr. Akamu replied that that their contact number is 808-988-6747 and their website: info@hmow.org.
Qualification: Holtrop inquired and Mr. Akamu replied that to qualify, the applicant must be basically homebound. There is an eligibilty inteview. Windward Section: Leo inquired and Mr. Akamu replied that they use the kitchen of Castle Medical Center to serve the Windward side.
Pay for Meal: Chair Hack inquired and Mr. Akamu replied that those who wish to pay for meal are eligible on a case by case basis.

Armentrout left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

BOARD BUSINESS

Minutes Correction: Neighborhood Assistant Felipe Pacquing made the following corrections:
On page 4 regarding Contact information, it should read "www.resilientoahu@honolulu.org", and the contact number should be "768-2277".

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: There being no objection, the minutes of Wednesday, October 11, 2017, as corrected, was approved.

Election of Treasurer:
Nomination:. Chair Hack reported that he has with him a written self-nomination by Armentrout; however, there was nobody who seconded her self-nomination. Armenrtout's nomination failed.

Mau moved and Onishi seconded that Mark Leo be nominated as treasurer of the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9:0:0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, , Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, Frank Farmand William Caron; Nay: None; Abstain: None)

Safety Report: Shiraki reported the following:
Speed Limit: Speed limits should be followed.
10th Avenue: When one is parked along 10th Avenue going makai, look behind for any passing car before opening the door.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The P lolo Neighborhood Board's next Meeting: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Palolo Elementary School. Members will contribute to a holiday sing-along and potluck for the community after a short meeting.
Bulky Trash Pick-Up:Take out no-earlier-than one (1) day before the third Wednesday of every month to preserve the beauty of the valley. Report via Honolulu 311 Smart Phone Application or https://appsto.re/us/SiStC.i Call 768-3203 for violations.
Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. - 7:20 a.m. at P lolo District Park.
Olelo Broadcast Slots: The P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m. or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org.
Social Media: Join us informally at the "Palolo Valley Community" and "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6" pages on Facebook. Also stay connected with Palolo at www.nextdoor.com.
Agenda Requests: No later than two (2)-weeks prior to meeting, contact Chair Hack at 753-0710 at least two (2) weeks in advance of the meeting
Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Mahalo to Shiraki and Hack for arranging.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Submitted by: Felipe M. Pacquing II, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Community Relations Specialist
Reviewed by: Randolph Hack, Chair

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