Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for October 20th, 2010 15, 2010 Meeting

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for October 20th, 2010 15, 2010 Meeting
Tweet

Next meeting is 11/17/2010 - Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

KAIMUKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010
QUEEN LILI`UOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note – This 11-member Board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present – John Cater, Ginny Meade, John Perez, Daniel Nahoopii, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, Lori Yamada, Daniel Carvalho, and Vernon Tam.

Members Absent – Abigail Leong and Tim Tybuszewski.

Vacancy – None; all 11 seats are filled.

Guests – Glenn Yamasaki, Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Tim Steinberger (Mayor's Representative), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office staff), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Ricky Jones, Hiroko Kishimoto, Jan Bullock and Monica Wu (QLS PTO), Tony Donnes, Gary Omori (HHCTCP), Jan Bullock, daughter Emily and Sanford Yee (Friend of QLS); Lt. G. Lum Lee, Sgt. C. Sukekane, and Officer M. Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Val Pedro, Caron Wilberts, Cheryl Costa, Dean Okamoto, Capt. Lester Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department), State Representative Calvin Say, Gordon Tam, Lisa Shorba, Debbie Anderson, S. Sonoda, Charles and Laurel Schuster, Julia Allen, Stanley Chang, State Senator Les Ihara, Rich Turbin, State Representative Barbara Marumoto; Wayne Yoshioka and Adrian Chang (Department of Transportation Services); Jadine Lee, and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. G. Lum Lee informed residents to visit HPD's website at www.honolulupd.org and click on to any of the 8 (eight) districts on the map and find out the crime trends in your neighborhood. An online complaint form is also available at HPD's website or contact the Officer Mark Mitchell of the Community Policing Team at 529-3628.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Activity on Koko Drive Reported – A written concern regarding activity on Koko Drive was given to Officer Mitchell for follow up.
2. Arrest of Burglars – A resident was concerned of whether burglars involved in a burglar off Wilhelmina Rise were caught. Burglars do get caught and when let go are watched by HPD. When a burglary is reported, the area is dusted for prints, DNA, and if matched, are indicted by grand jury and arrested.
3. Buzz Saw Noise – Resident reported someone using a buzz saw every day and wondered what can be done about it. Call 911 and an officer will come out to investigate noise complaint.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. L. Hashimoto reported the following:

· September Report – There were no major or unusual incidents reported for the month.

· Fire Safety Tip – Plan ahead for a fire-safe Halloween. Buy only costumes, wigs, and props labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. If you are making your own costume, choose material that will not easily burn. Avoid using costumes with billowing or long-trailing features. Ensure the "eye" holes are large enough so child's vision is not obscured. Provide children with lightweight flashlights to carry. Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper are highly flammable. Keep these and other decorations away from open flames and/or heat-generating sources, including light bulbs and heaters. Also, use simulated candles with battery-powered lights.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported no main breaks for the month of September and the following:

· Safety and Security at BWS Properties and Facilities – There is concern for national security and the increasing problem of theft and vandalism of public property, BWS asked that community keep an eye on BWS properties, especially the remote ones. If seeing suspicious activity at any of BWS sites, call 911 first. After calling police, residents may call the BWS Security Office at 748-5911.

· Collect Rainwater – For outdoor irrigation, collect rainwater. A thousand square feet of roof or sloped surface can collect 420 gallons of water from an inch of rain. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information on rain barrel water catchment.

· Don't Let Water Run – Be mindful in turning off the shower when lathering or shutting off the faucet when shaving or brushing your teeth. Doing this saves up to 56 gallons of water a week.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS: None.

NEW BUSINESS:

Hawaii Correction Industries – None.

Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila 2010 – Lydia Chock requested Board support for the application of a City street closure permit from 11th to Koko Head Avenue which is required for the Kaimuki Kanikapila event of Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Funds from the event will go towards scholarships at various Kaimuki schools and towards the Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade. Meade moved and Nahoopii seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support the approval of a street closure permit from 11th to Koko Head Avenue on Saturday, November 6, 2010 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The motion was ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYES: Cater, Meade, Perez, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, Carvalho, and V. Tam).

Save Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School (QLES) /Online Petition – Jan Bullock and daughter Emily, fourth grader, represented the concerned parents and students of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School, provided testimony, and encouraged resident' support to keep the school open by voting yes on an online petition at www.kaimukihawaii.com/queen-liliuokalani-school-petition.html. Testimonies were also heard by other parents of students attending QLES. It was mentioned that the Board should hear both sides of the issue before taking action. Randy Moore, Superintendent of the Department of Education (DOE), had indicated he would be willing to make a presentation at the November Board meeting.

After reading the proposed resolution opposing the closure of QLES, Yamada moved and Cater seconded to support the proposed resolution opposing the closure of QLES. A discussion noted that the Board cannot support the resolution without hearing the State DOE's point of view on the consolidation study. At this time, Nahoopii's suggested as an amendment to the main motion to delete paragraphs four (4) and seven (7) of the proposed resolution, thus eliminating the mentioning of the advantages/disadvantages; and emphasizing that the Board supports the parents, the community, and it's negative impact on the closure of QLES. There was consensus amongst the members supporting the amended motion by Nahoopii, which was seconded by Meade. The motion to amend WAS ADOPTED, 8-0-1 (AYES: Cater, Meade, Perez, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, and Carvalho; Abstain: V. Tam). The main motion was ADOPTED, 8-0-1 (AYES: Cater, Meade, Perez, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, and Carvalho; Abstain: V. Tam). See resolution attached following adjournment.

Left Turn Lanes on Harding Avenue and 11th and 5th Avenues – Director Wayne Yoshioka and Engineer Adrian Chang of the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) provided visual diagrams of the Harding Avenue, and the 11th and 5th Avenues improvement project and responded to Board concerns as stated in Councilmember Ann Kobayashi letter of September 16, 2010:

· Harding Avenue Widening Project – The Harding Avenue widening project was well received by the Board on April 16, 2008. Adding new left turn lanes on Harding Avenue at 5th and 11th Avenues will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow through the intersection, improve access to the freeway, enhance traffic safety, and facilitate pedestrian safety.

· Start of Construction – Construction to start after the November 6, 2010, Kaimuki Kanikapila Festival; and will not impact the event. The construction during the months of November and December, 2010 will be light between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The construction should not impact the December 2, 2010 Kaimuki Christmas Parade; the contractor will be notified of this event to minimize the disruption to traffic on that day. Traffic will be monitored throughout the estimated 11 months of construction and adjustments made as necessary to prevent major inconveniences to motorists, nearby businesses, and pedestrians.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Loss of Private Property – There is no plan to condemn private property by eminent domain for the road widening project. However, the City may need a few inches to complete the project; and by law, the owner will be compensated.
2. Pedestrian Safety – A resident expressed the need for pedestrian safety before, during, and after the construction.
3. Resident Not Informed of Project – A resident who owns a building on Harding Avenue was never approached by the City about the widening project and is concerned about the safety of the tenants during the construction.
4. Construction Manager – A construction manager will monitor the construction of the project, making sure the contractor abides by the conditions. A formal complaint can be filed in the procurement office, which if sustained, will result in termination of the contractor's services.
5. Request to Postpone Project – The use of federal funds also require the City to start activity within a certain time period from the date the funds were obligated. Terminating or postponing the project would jeopardize federal funding, and a delay of this project is not recommended.
6. Construction of 5th or 11th Avenue – Construction to begin with the 5th Avenue intersection with a "Notice to Proceed" on November 8, 2010. For the narrow road at 11th and Harding Avenues, the City will need to do a curb-rounding technique to widen the road.
7. Synchronized Three-Cycle Traffic Signals – It was explained that although three-cycle traffic signals work for other intersections, it does not mean it will work for 5th or 11th and Harding Avenue intersections. However, as the left turn lanes are completed, the traffic lights will be monitored and adjusted accordingly.

Yoshioka noted that the Harding Avenue widening project is no longer in the planning phase, that it is in the construction phase, and residents should contact Yoshiko at DTS if concerns arise.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:

Mayor Peter Carlisle's Representative – Tim Steinberger announced that he is with the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) and the Board's Mayor's Representative.

· Broken Storm Drain – Board member Meade expressed appreciation for the repair of broken storm drain on 18th Avenue.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Passed Sidewalk Bill – The sidewalk bill ensured pedestrians would have a safe zone when walking on sidewalks from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. within the urban core of Honolulu. Kaimuki was not included in the bill. However, if it becomes a problem for pedestrians, the law can be amended to include.

· Property Tax Bill – The property tax bill for homeowner and non-homeowner tax rate was repealed. Council will take a look at the entire property tax system.

· Letter to Director Wayne Yoshioka – Chair Tam also expressed appreciation for the letter to Wayne Yoshioka, Director of the City's Department of Transportation Services (DTS) regarding the proposed left turn lanes on Harding Avenue at 11th and 5th Avenue.

City Councilmember Lee Donohue – A report was submitted. A representative was not present.

State Senator Les Ihara – Senator Ihara mentioned that there two constitutional amendments being proposed on the ballot for voters to decide.

State Representative Calvin K.Y. Say – Representative Say provided members with a report and was available for questions.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto – A report was submitted. Rep. Marumoto left the meeting and Rep. Say was available to answer concerns.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – Rep. Say was available to answer concerns.

State Representative Lyla Berg – Rep. Say was available to answer concerns.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 MEETING: Yamada moved and Meade seconded to approve the September 15, 2010 meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYES: Cater, Meade, Perez, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, Carvalho, and V. Tam).

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Yamada reported for the month of September 2010, previous operating balance of $2,909.48; $48.50 expended for printing and postage of agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $2,860.98. The publicity account balance was $2,361.00. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

_________________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE CLOSURE OF
QUEEN LILI`UOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

                        WHEREAS, Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School in Kaimuki is a quality small school that has consistently received "in good standing, unconditional" ratings under the No Child Left Behind Act; and

                        WHEREAS, Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School is the only school in the United States to be personally dedicated by a monarch; and

                        WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Education's office has prepared a consolidation study on Kalani Complex Elementary Schools (Draft No. 4090710) which discusses the closure of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School and transferring the students to Waialae and Liholiho Schools; and

                        WHEREAS, Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School is a vital community landmark and its closure would impact businesses and families in the Kaimuki neighborhood; and

                        WHEREAS, neighborhood parents are greatly concerned about the process of the consolidation and the disruptive effects that the school's closure will have on their children should they be transferred to another school; and

                        BE IT RESOLVED, by the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 that it opposes the consolidation of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School with Liholiho and Waialae Schools; and

                        BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the members of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education.

Adopted by Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 04 at its regular meeting of October 20, 2010, by a vote of 8-0-1

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item