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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2024 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/11/2024.

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

DIAMOND HEAD - KAPAHULU - SAINT LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

March 2024 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR - 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjKXut8HA5Q

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn

I. CALL TO ORDER - [0:00:03]: 6:02 p.m.

Chair Welch called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, David Beutel, Rafia Hasina, Alex Kahn, Angie Knight, Michelle Matson, Margaret Murchie, Arleen Velasco, Winston Welch, Michele David (appointed at 6:09 p.m.), Bruce Wong (6:15 p.m.), and Dylan Whitsell (7:13 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Dan Decker and Linda Wong.

Guests: Firefighter Cameron Mandaguit (Honolulu Fire Department); Acting Captain Blake Arita, Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Dean Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Tristan David (Center for Resilient Neighborhoods); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Josh Green); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Amanda Zepeda (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Andrew Phomsouvanh, Pua Smith-Kauhane, Janel Denny (Councilmember Calvin Say); Tina Grandinetti, Franklin Chung, Ian Ross, Stanton Ching, Dave Watase, Kevan Wong, Daisy Murai, Patti Kawano, CK Watanabe (Residents); Dylan Buck (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 49 total participants.

II. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES - [0:00:23]

Diamond Head Sub-District 3 - Two (2) Seats [0:00:23]: Michele David volunteered to fill a Sub-District 3 vacancy, introduced herself and provided proof of residency.

[0:05:28] - Murchie nominated Michele David to fill a Sub-District 3 vacancy. Hearing no other volunteers or nominations, the board conducted a roll call vote. Michele David was APPOINTED to the Board; 9-0 (David: Allen, Beutel, Hasina, Kahn, Knight, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, Welch; Abstain: None) - [0:06:02]. Michele David recited the Oath of the Office. There are now 10 members present.

III. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS - [0:07:13]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - [0:07:13]: Firefighter Mandaguit provided the monthly statistics for the previous month and smoke alarm safety tips.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u9KpxOg_C_8Qym-47RuRR2TiS5_Fb5VM/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:09:13]

B. Wong joined at 6:15 p.m.; 11 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 - [0:13:53]: Acting Captain Arita provided the monthly statistics for the previous month, safety tips regarding responsible alcohol consumption as it relates to assaults, and announced that HPD has met with DTS to address residents' concerns regarding Kapahulu traffic and safety.

Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:18:27]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 - [0:19:07]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the monthly statistics for the previous month and home security safety tips.

• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:21:11]

IV. APPROVAL OF DRAFT MEETING MINUTES - [0:23:04]

Thursday, July 13, 2023 - [0:23:04]: [0:23:42] - Knight MOVED and Beutel SECONDED to approve the Thursday, July 13, 2023 regular meeting minutes as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 9-0-2 (Aye: Allen, Beutel, Hasina, Kahn, Knight, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: David, Matson) - [0:25:09]

Thursday, February 8, 2024 - [0:26:36]: [0:26:47] - Beutel MOVED and Knight SECONDED to approve the Thursday, February 8, 2024 regular meeting minutes as written. Hearing no discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 9-0-2 (Aye: Allen, Beutel, Hasina, Kahn, Knight, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: David, Matson) - [0:27:14]

V. BWS, KCC, & PUBLIC EVENTS NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS - [0:28:01]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - [0:28:01]: Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui provided the report and highlighted the following: no water main breaks in the area in February 2024; the BWS is offering a $100 (originally $45) toilet rebate through Friday, April 19, 2024; the Diamond Head Water System Improvement project along Monsarrat has started; and updates on the Diamond Head Reservoir Fencing project.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mcl68qyxt_-76NduZ4BTFYAW418FNYh8/view?usp=drive_link

• DH Fencing Project: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G4ci2Dq-7XxvATe0C8XWjZLWMh8SziIh/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:29:29]

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) - [0:32:40]: Due to technical difficulties, this item was addressed later in the meeting.

Public Events Announcements - [0:33:09]: No discussion.

VI. COMMUNITY CONCERNS & OPEN PUBLIC TESTIMONY - [0:34:28]

Drone Show at Kapiolani Park - [0:34:36]: Arleen Velasco reported positive feedback from the drone light show that was held at Kapiolani Park in February 2024.

Complete Streets Kilauea Avenue Project - [0:35:10]: Daisy Murai noted that the March 2024 Complete Streets newsletter announced that the Kilauea Avenue project will begin in 2025. Murai raised several concerns with the current design plans.

New Highrise Developments - [0:36:02]: Daisy Murai commented that there are multiple affordable housing projects being proposed in nearby neighborhoods, such as McCully-Mo'ili'ili, and is hopeful that the developers of those projects will be willing to present information to this Neighborhood Board.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:37:24]

Kaimana Beach Shower Improvements - [0:40:26]: Anthony Miranda commented that the old Kaimana Beach Shower design is superior to the new design. Chair Welch and Amanda Zepeda noted that Council Chair Waters is aware of the community's position on the matter. Arleen Velasco raised concerns with the drainage system and is hopeful that the issues will be corrected before the City awards the additional contracts to the same contractor.

201H Applications/Affordable Housing - [0:44:34]: Tina Grandinetti inquired if this Board has ever introduced a resolution addressing Chapter 201H, as it is the fast-track method for approving these controversial affordable housing projects.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:45:16]

Center for Resilient Neighborhoods (CERENE) - [0:56:52]: Tristan David and Tiffany provided updates on CERENE's O'ahu Resilience Hubs Network Project, shared several links for more information, and prepared a contact list for those interested.

• Website: https://cerenehawaii.org/

• O'ahu Resilience Hubs Presentation: https://go.hawaii.edu/epn

• O'ahu Resilience Hubs Report: https://go.hawaii.edu/yLp

• Kai ulu Webinar on O'ahu Hubs: https://cerenehawaii.org/climate-resilience-kaiaulu-webinar-series/

Upcoming Events - [1:00:50]: Michele David announced the following upcoming events at the State Capitol: Ocean Awareness Day on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Education Day on Tuesday, March 20, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

V. BWS, KCC, & Public Events Notices/Announcements - CONTINUED - [1:03:09]

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) - [1:03:09]: Dean Carol Hoshiko reported updates on the Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) Phase 2, announced that John Richards (Dean of Career and Technical Education) recently passed away, and responded to questions raised at the previous meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [1:05:38]

VII. MAYOR'S OFFICE - [1:08:14]

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi - [1:08:14]: No representative present. Two (2) reports were submitted.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lw6i5Vfupyd748lTpphtLiRri1vnkzq9/view?usp=drive_link

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10AqTrmMtR0HmQwlaqbSYfgejNh0Oln91/view?usp=drive_link

VIII. PRESENTATIONS: No discussion.

IX. RESOLUTIONS - [1:09:00]

Refinement and Adoption of the Manoa Neighborhood Board Resolution Concerning the Proposed Highrise Development at the Waialae Avenue H-1 Freeway Onramp and Overpass - [1:09:00]: Dave Watase provided brief updates and presented the draft resolution, which describes community concerns with the proposed Pahoa Ridge Development at 2779 Waialae Avenue. Watase highlighted that the project is moving forward, as the City Council approved Resolution 24-009 CD1, but opposition still exists based on its location, density, traffic, and safety concerns.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Rrgpv_VtVP3SuJDSilqLnaIoZ-VJTkPV/view?usp=drive_link

Whitsell joined at 7:13 p.m.; 12 members present.

[1:26:00] - Matson MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to approve the resolution as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 7-3-2 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, Welch; Nay: Beutel, Knight, Whitsell; Abstain: Kahn, David) - [1:43:21]

Resolution Concerning Senate Bill 3202 and House Bill 1630 Requiring Development of Multiple Dwelling Units to be Allowed on Small Single-Family Residential Neighborhood Lots - [1:45:22]: Michelle Matson introduced the topic and presented the draft resolution in strong opposition to Senate Bill 3202 and House Bill 1630, which would allow for residential lots to be subdivided for the purpose of creating more housing units. Matson highlighted various explanations relating to: infrastructure, noise disturbances, density, "monster homes", historic neighborhoods, etc.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JVXNM5Uuns13ZXFFtEGmVhwtg-p4xQ6i/view?usp=drive_link

[1:50:03] - Matson MOVED and Murchie SECONDED to approve the resolution as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 7-3-2 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, Welch; Nay: Beutel, Knight, Whitsell; Abstain: Kahn, David) - [2:14:02]

X. ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS [2:16:44]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative - [2:17:04]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's Representative - [2:17:04]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz's Representative - [2:17:04]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative - [2:17:14]: No representative present at this time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l984QJzGOuagxz7BwWE7p73UEpqpREy9/view?usp=drive_link

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. - [2:17:24]: Senator Ihara, in the interest of time, was available to address any questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:18:06]

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - [2:21:37]: Representative Kobayashi provided his report and highlighted the following: updates on "monster homes on monster lots"; the Maui wildfire recovery expenses are consuming much of the State's overall budget; updates on Covid-19 hazard pay; legislative updates on recreational marijuana and the Aloha Stadium project. Representative Kobayashi also announced his retirement at the end this session.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XM0NzHMr5FRxR0Jqc1O2R1IMlMoUSAxf/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:24:40]

Representative Jackson Sayama - [2:33:07]: This item was addressed later in the meeting.

Senator Stanley Chang - [2:33:50]: A representative provided the report and highlighted the following: the Senate passed 291 bills; the House has crossed over 275 bills; and announced a certification program for court interpreters.

• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters & http://eepurl.com/gRI0jf

• Interpreter Workshop: www.courts.state.hi.us/courtinterpreting

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:36:40]

Council Chair Tommy Waters - [2:40:26]: Amanda Zepeda provided the report, noted that Council Chair Waters was at the State of the City Address, and provided responses to questions raised at the previous meeting.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZfd1ZOu-7BLnJ4Uwlc6MrxWsiWPBv9v/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:43:02]

Councilmember Calvin Say - [2:45:54]: Andrew Phomsouvanh provided the report and highlighted the following: the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability & Resiliency (CCSR) is conducting Flood Risk Surveys of residents that live in high-flood risk areas; constituent requests for increased police presence in the St. Louis Heights community regarding illegal parking; St. Louis Heights traffic sign repair work; and homeless encampments along sidewalks in Kapahulu.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E7k4R8-fFv9fOiWPnM4cXfp0Ct_f8v2Z/view?usp=drive_link

XI. BOARD BUSINESS - [2:48:43]

Committee Report - Environment - [2:49:22]: Committee Chair Velasco, in her capacity with the Surfrider Foundation, reported that she has been involved with legislation relating to cesspools and she will schedule a committee meeting in the near future.

Committee Report - Parks & Recreation: No report.

Committee Report - Planning & Zoning: No report.

Committee Report - Traffic & Public Safety: No report.

Sub-District Report - St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 - [2:52:18]: Allen reported that the St. Louis Heights Community Association's last meeting was held on Monday, March 11, 2024, and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School.

Sub-District Report - Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: No report.

Sub-District Report - Diamond Head Subdistrict 3: No report.

XII. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER BOARD AND PUBLIC MEETINGS - [2:53:15]: Murchie and Velasco reported that they have attended recent City Council meetings.

X. ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS - CONTINUED - [2:54:49]

Representative Jackson Sayama - [2:54:49]: Representative Sayama provided his report and highlighted the following: the House is currently hearing Senate bills; encouraged residents to submit testimony (in any form); updates on recreational marijuana bill; and updates on condominium governance insurance.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:55:50]

XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS - [2:57:55]

Chair's Report - Committee Agendas and General Announcements: No report.

Next Meeting: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No.05 regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse and virtually via Webex.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT - [2:58:00]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Dylan Buck, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Finalized by: J. David Beutel, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 5

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2024 Minutes

DIAMOND HEAD - KAPAHULU - SAINT LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

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