Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for January 19th, 2011 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 January 19th, 2011 Meeting
Tweet

Next meeting is 2/23/2011 - Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2011
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 to establish quorum and take official board action.

Members Present: Abigail Leong (arrived 7:36 p.m.), Ginny Meade, John Cater, John Perez, Leonard Tam, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Daniel Carvalho.

Members Absent: Lori Yamada, Daniel Nahoopii.

Vacancy: There is one seat vacant in Sub District 3.

Guests: Lt. C. Tong, A/Sgt. C. Hanuma, and Officer M. Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Fire Fighter D. Dougan (Honolulu Fire Department), Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office staff), Councilmember Stanley Change, Steve Uyeno (Councilmember Stanley Chang’s Office staff), Brian Yamane, Candace Van Buren (Representative Scott Nishimoto’s Office staff), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Julia Allen, and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT: There were no volunteers at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lt. C. Tong introduced Officer M. Mitchell, provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Statistics for December 2010 – Included 27 burglaries, 2 robberies, 45 thefts, and 25 unauthorized entries of motor vehicles.

· Safety Tip for Driving in the Rain – Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell. During a dry period, engine oil and grease build up on the road over time; and when mixed with water from a new rainfall, the road becomes extremely slick. Allow for more travel time. Brake earlier and with less force than normal; and tap on your brake pedal lightly after crossing a puddle. Stay towards the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles. Don’t use cruise control. Don’t attempt to cross running water. Turn on headlights; and watch out for pedestrians. For more information on safe driving in the rain, visit the HPD website at www.honolulupd.org; or contact the Community Police Team at www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7.

· Unattended Thefts – Unattended thefts occur when items are taken from a resident’s property like garage. Residents can help each other by being active in neighborhood security watch.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter D. Dougan reported the following:

· Statistics for December 2010 – Included 4 structure, 1 rubbish and 1 vehicle fire; 97 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, 13 miscellaneous and 14 activated alarms.

· Three Major Incidents – Included a swimmer in distress; a house fire with no injuries reported; and a fire which was confined to the kitchen area at the Aloha Lounge bar.

· Fire Safety Tip – Fire, Building, and U.S. Postal Codes, along with City ordinances, state that all property owners shall place house numbers so that they're readily visible from the street, which assists HFD and other first responders to locate an address more quickly in case of emergency. Also, when calling in an emergency, please provide detailed description of the house location.

· City’s Fireworks Regulations – Dougan reported the following:

o Changes to the Sale and Use of Consumer Fireworks in the City Effective Sunday, January 2, 2011 – Consumers may purchase only firecrackers; must apply for a permit for firecrackers no less than ten days before the date they wish to use the firecrackers; and it is unlawful for any persons having the custody or control of any minor to permit the minor to set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firecrackers.

o No Changes to the Following Requirements for the Sale and Use of Firecrackers – A permit is required to use firecrackers on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, and for cultural uses; Firecracker permits must be displayed where firecrackers are used and state the applicant’s name, age, and address and the date, time, and location of firecracker use; each firecracker permit costs $25.00 and multiple permits may be purchased; each permit authorizes the purchase of up to 5,000 firecrackers; permits for the above-mentioned holidays are issued at Satellite City Halls; permits for cultural uses are issued at the City’s Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) at 636 South Street; and firecrackers must be purchased from licensed retailers no more than five days before the date they will be used. For questions, call the FPB at 723-7162.

· List of Retailers – HFD will not have a list of firecracker retailers until two weeks before the holiday event.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller reported the following:

· Chromium VI Concerns – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of reviewing health effects data to determine if a new standard is needed and also developing guidance on monitoring for Chromium VI. The BWS monitors its water supplies in compliance with the present EPA maximum contaminant level and results show that our water meets the current contaminant level for total chromium. A Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is provided to BWS customers each year. For more information visit the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com; or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.

· Annual Poster and Poetry Contests – This year’s theme is “Me He Ahupua’a – Mai Uka I Kai, E Malama Wai” which means “As an Ahupua’a – from Mountain to Sea, Conserve Water”. Students are encouraged to artistically and poetically depict the theme as a way to learn and better understand the value of water conservation and resourcefulness. For a contest entry form, rules or general information, visit the BWS website mentioned above.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Water Filters – It was inquired whether the home water filters like Pure or Brita “pull out” the chromium VI. Heller will follow up on this concern.

2. Chromium VI Concerns – whether the water is safe to drink; whether different states have different standards for Chromium VI; that the only method to clear the water from the chromium VI is by osmosis; and whether that this type of Chromium VI is not covered by the Federal. Heller will provide responses at the next Board meeting.

At 7:36 p.m., member Abigail Leong arrived; eight (8) members present.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS: None.

OLD BUSINESS:

Proposed Queen Lili1uokalani School Closure – Chair V. Tam stated that the Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board will be addressing this issue at their Thursday, January 20, 2011 Board meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Left Turn Lanes on Harding Avenue and 11th and 5th Avenues – Brian Yoshida provided the following update:

· Harding and 5th Avenue – Construction project is about 13% complete in which the contractor completed the excavation on the Mauka side where Sacred Hearts Academy is located; however, the project was delayed and needed to be redesigned when the contractor ran into old HawaiianTel cables found underground in the existing sidewalk area; that are not in use, but still active. The construction at this location is expected to be completed by the end of May 2011.This will also cause the construction at Harding and 11th Avenue to start a little later.

· Street Lights on Harding Avenue – A resident stated that the street lighting on Waialae Avenue has a total of 16 lights and 4 signal lights on each corner; and compared to Harding Avenue, it is minimal and is very dark. Resident requested that for the safety of pedestrians, Harding Avenue should be lighted like Waialae Avenue and part of the commercial district of Kaimuki.

Hawaii Correctional Industries – A representative was not present to report.

Request for Traffic Light at Harding and 12th Avenues – Mayor’s Representative Tim Steinberger reported on the following:

· Traffic Light Re-evaluation of Harding and 5th Avenue – the City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) are re-evaluating the traffic lights at both the 5th and 11th Avenue intersections of Harding Avenue; monitoring each traffic signal and will make the adjustments as needed. The exclusive left turn lane will remain even after adjustments to the timing of the street lights are made. Mr. Bess was notified of DTS’s re-evaluation of the traffic lights at the intersection.

· Traffic Safety Study – DTS site inspection noted that signs were faded and outdated and a work order to replace those signs. Included a pedestrian crossing, a 25 mph speed limit, and a no parking anytime sign, was issued.

· Traffic Light Re-evaluation of Harding and 11th Avenue – DTS will report findings of the traffic light re-evaluation study at the April 2011 meeting. Also, DFM will be upgrading the two street lights at this intersection of Harding and 11th Avenue.

· Board Member Concern – Leong raised a concern about the traffic congestion extending to the H-1 freeway and suggested that the traffic light be eliminated at the 6th and Harding Avenue intersection.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s Representative – Tim Steinberger responded to the following concerns:

1. Bulky Pick Up – Steinberger explained that on January 13, 2011, extreme rains caused flash flooding in the Waianae area that included the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill’s active area and the landfill was closed. Residents were asked to put out only the “white goods”, washing machine, dryers, stove, and refrigerators; these go to recyclers. As broadcast on the news, residents were asked to be considerate, not to put out mattresses or furniture items on the street for bulky item pick up, and to store items until further notice. An evaluation of the landfill is being done and there will be a public announcement as to when the landfill will resume operation.

2. Medical Waste – The landfill is permitted to handle special waste which includes treated medical waste; which means medical waste must be sterilized before entering the landfill. The treated medical waste was land filled in the proper manner. It was a fresh landfill cell in the upper part of the canyon and was downstream of the surface runoff, resulting in the carrying of the medical waste to the ocean.

3. Landfill Alternative – Board member Leong stated Mayor Hannemann did not accept the alternative landfill site that was selected. Leong could not recall the name of the alternate landfill site; Steinberger was asked to check the records. Leong also added that the needles do not belong in the landfill and should be sent back to the needle manufacturers.

4. Tree – A City tree on the sidewalk on 13th Avenue of the Kaimuki Christian Church is “hollowed out” and a request was made that the tree be removed. The tree presents a safety issue as the weakened tree might collapse onto a car or pedestrian.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Karen Yorimoto provided members with a report and was available for questions.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Councilmember Chang introduced staff Steve Uyeno and Rebecca Soon; and reported on the following:

· Landfill Concern – As Chair of the Public Works and Sustainability Committee, Councilmember Chang with Gabbard-Tamayo will visit the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill site Thursday January 19, 2011. Both are concerned with the medical waste issue. City Council is holding a Special Meeting about the landfill issue on Monday January 14, 2011; the public is invited. The Mayor’s Task Force on Landfill Site Selection is also meeting Thursday January 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., third floor at the Mayor’s Conference Room.

· Potholes – The pothole hotline is the best way to report a pothole; and the number is 768-7777. The City relies on citizens’ complaints in reporting potholes. Councilmember Chang is looking into the coordination of City/State facilities regarding road construction projects and road maintenance. Also being reviewed by Councilmember Chang are better road conditions in the Waikiki area for the upcoming APEC conference in November 2011.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Wilhelmina Rise –The Wilhelmina Rise residents are concerned about when the sewer and Board of Water construction projects will end; and, along with the projects, the many potholes. Also, when called the City to fill the potholes, Board member Schneider was told that filling the potholes is part of the road surfacing project that needs to go through City Council first. Residents are frustrated and would like to know when the roads will be paved.

2. Alohea Avenue – The potholes that were filled on Alohea Avenue are now pot “hills”. It seems that the filling is not being tampered evenly; thus creating the pot “hills”.

State Senator Les Ihara – A representative or report was not available.

State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K. Y. Say – A report was provided to the members. Representative Mark Hashem stated that Representative Say remains as House Speaker and is currently re-organizing the House. At this time, Rep. Hashem asked to provide members with his report; however, was reminded of the agenda order.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto – Rep. Marumoto provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Bills Introduced – Rep. Marumoto will introduce bills dealing with all-terrain safety, requiring helmets on two-wheeled vehicles, no riding in pickup truck beds, DNA collection from arrestees of violent crimes and sex offenses against minors, sanctions on owners who own several unkempt properties, removing the statue of limitation for rape cases, establishment of a LUPUS task force in the State Department of Health, and several others.

· Residents Featured in Publications – Included pioneer open-heart surgeon, Dr. Richard Mamiya who was a star letterman at St. Louis High School and the University of Hawaii.

· Arthritis and Exercise – Rep. Marumoto and the Arthritis Foundation held a forum at Kahala Nui Retirement Community. A panel of experts talked about the disease and how exercise and stretching can help relieve symptoms. To view this meeting, see www.timeforbarbaramarumoto.com.

· Diamond Head Mental Health Clinic – the Diamond Head Mental Health Clinic will hold a fundraiser on Thursday February 24, 2011 at Dave and Busters. Director Paul Newell would appreciate the community’s support by calling 733-9188.

· Inside Out Recognition – “JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry” desserts were featured at he Kahala Hotel’s holiday activities.

· The Best Poke – Tamura’s shoyu poke on Waialae Avenue was mentioned in the Honolulu Weekly.

· Special Education Center of Hawaii (SECOH) – The SECOH is located off of 22nd Avenue and its mission is to serve disabled people of all ages. For more information visit the website at www.secoh.org.

· Green House – A green house located on 22nd Avenue was built with donations from Building Industry Association members. It will feature photovoltaic, energy-saving appliances, water-saving plumbing, and landscaping, an aquaponic garden, and many other sustainable features. The public will be invited in two months before the owners move in.

· Lili’uokalani School – Rep. Marumoto recognized Lori Yamada in trying to get the BOE to keep QLE School open. The DOE held a meeting at Kalani High School in which Speaker Say testified that the State would not be saving a lot of money because the teachers will continue to be paid at their higher salary; and also may “bump” a teacher at a lower salary. Rep. Marumoto requested that the Board pass a resolution to keep the Liliuokalani School open to the public. Chair V. Tam stated that before passing such a resolution the Board will wait for Ms. Yamada’s return for her report. This item to remain on agenda.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – A report was submitted.

State Representative Mark Hashem – Rep. Hashem reported the following:

· Employment Security – Rep Hashem explained that it is difficult for an owner-operator to claim unemployment benefits because the owner-operator must prove involuntary separation; thus, is unable to fire oneself if the individual is the boss and the employer. This bill is to alleviate this issue making owner-operator its own category.

· Income Tax Exemption – This requires that new businesses claiming the exemption to have either been in existence for less than three years, or earned less than $100,000 in gross sales during any of the first three taxable years. There was a concern that bars often re-open under new management and would thereby evade taxes.

· Foreign Company – Foreign companies must follow the rules and regulations of new companies opening in Hawaii.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 17, 2010 MEETING: Cater moved and Meade seconded that the Board approve the regular meeting minutes of November 17, 2010. The Board unanimously ADOPTED the motion, 8-0-0 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, Perez, L. Tam, Schneider, V. Tam, and Carvalho).

TREASURER’S REPORT: Vice Chair Sharon Schneider reported for December 2010 a previous Operating Balance of $400.97; current expenses were $41.20 for printing and postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a balance of $359.77. The Publicity Balance remains at $826.54.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item