Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for February 16th, 2011 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for February 16th, 2011 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 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: John Cater, Abigail Leong (Arrived 7:20 p.m.), Ginny Meade, John Perez, Sharon Schneider (Arrived 7:20 p.m.), Leonard Tam, Lori Yamada, Daniel Carvalho, and Vernon Tam.

Members Absent: Daniel Nahoopii (Resigned).

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

Guests: Glenn Y. Yamasaki, Councilmember Stanley Chang, Steve Uyeno (Councilmember Stanley Chang’s Office staff), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Lyle G. Bullock, Jr.; Lt. Calvin Tong and Officer Mark Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Julia Allen, Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital),
Representative Mark Hashem, Gordon Tam, Senator Les Ihara, Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office staff), and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Calvin Tong provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Crime Statistics for January 2011 – Included 17 burglaries, 4 robberies, 44 thefts, and 17 unauthorized entries of a motor vehicle. The informational packet included personal safety tips and contact numbers for the Community Policing Team. Detailed information may be found at the HPD website at www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7. Complaints or concerns can also be submitted through the HPD website.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Jason Takara reported on the following:

· Statistics for January 2011 – Included 5 structural, 1 vehicle, 109 medical emergencies, and 17 miscellaneous service calls.

· Safety Tip – Smoke alarms save lives and are an important part of a home fire escape plan. A few smoke alarm and fire safety tip included installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test smoke alarms at least once a month or as directed by the manufacturer. Replace smoke alarm batteries once a year or as directed by the manufacturer. The best smoke alarms are hardwired and interconnected so that if one alarm detects smoke, all alarms in the house are activated. These also have backup batteries that must be maintained. Also, designate a safe meeting place outside your home, and practice your family escape plan.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Medical Emergency Calls – It was clarified that HFD provides co-response with the ambulance for every medical emergency call. HFD services include from treating them until the ambulance unit arrives to assisting emergency medical technicians into the ambulance.

2. Automobile Fire – Detailed information about the vehicle fire reported was not available.

3. Acknowledgement – Board member Leong expressed appreciation to the HFD for assisting with a leaky gas pipe at her home.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported one water main break for January 2011; and highlighted the following:

· Water Filters – Home water filters, such as Brita or Pure, cannot remove the Chromium VI. At this time, only reverse osmosis filtration systems are known to be able to remove Chromium VI. These filters are very expensive and since the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to develop a standard maximum contaminate level for Chromium V it is not known if the filters available on the market will meet the standard set forth by EPA.

· Results – According to the State Department of Health, Chromium VI results are within the expected range of naturally occurring levels for Hawaii; and are not indicative of industrial contamination. The BWS will continue to meet all federal and state drinking water standards; and Oahu’s tap water is safe for human consumption.

· Chromium VI Standards – No state in the United Stated has a standard for Chromium VI. The EPA is currently evaluating the health effects data on Chromium VI and will be sharing its results later this year. At this time, the EPA may set a standard for Chromium VI, based on the health effects data. Some people may have heard that California has a public health “goal,” which is different from a standard. While California has set this goal, it has not set a maximum contaminant level standard.

· Halawa Xeriscape Garden – Two workshops remain for the month of February, 2011. On Saturday, February 19, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is the Spiral Garden demonstration; and on February 26, 2011 will be the rain barrel catchment workshop. For more information, see BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

· Personal Comments – Resident shared his personal comments opposing the same sex marriage. Also, spoke against the closure of the Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School.

· Helicopter Disturbance – A Maunalani Heights resident complained about the disturbances from the military helicopters flying too low above his Maunalani Heights residence; and wondered if the military had changed their flight paths for helicopters. Resident submitted a Mayor’s concern form to Chair V. Tam who later referred this to Senator Les Ihara to follow up.

· Chromium VI Filter System – It was noted that a filter system able to remove metals from the water is available. A brochure is available to residents.

OLD BUSINESS:

Proposed Queen Lili`uokalani ElementarySchool (QLES) Closure – A follow up report was provided:

· Friends of QLES – Lyle Bullock expressed appreciation of the Board’s resolution and support to keep the QLES open. The State’s Board of Education administrative services held a meeting last Tuesday, February 8, 2011. The closure of QLES and redistricting of QLES students were on the agenda that evening; but was not heard due to the lengthy public testimonies. Residents were encouraged to review the draft study that was submitted as the final report by the Superintendent and see if it answers the seven questions the law requires. The initial draft study focuses on dollar savings of $370,000; which increased to $575,000. The reason given for challenging the BOE is that they do not follow their own set of rules; that the Hawaii Administrative Rules state that the BOE shall vote as a board on everything; but the public hearing was set solely by the BOE chairman; also, that it gives the BOE a set deadline of 30 days to submit reports, and the BOE failed to meet that deadline. The Friends of QLES is awaiting the State Attorney General’s Office legal opinions on the above-mentioned items. Thursday, March 17, 2011 will be the next full board meeting here on Oahu for final action. Bullock also noted that the recommendation of the Superintendent was to close QLES effective June, 2011.

At this time, Lori Yamada read the attached resolution. Yamada moved and Cater seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support the “Resolution Supporting House Resolution No. 34, House Concurrent Resolution No. 39 and Senate Bill No. 1487 Regarding the Closure of Queen Lydia Lili`uokalani Elementary School. The Board APPROVED the motion, 8-0-1 (Ayes: Cater, Leong, Meade, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, and Carvalho. NO: None. Abstention: V. Tam).
(See Attachment #1 – Resolution Supporting House Resolution No. 34, House Concurrent Resolution No. 39 and Senate Bill No. 1487 Regarding the Closure of Queen Lydia Lili`uokalani Elementary School)

Request for Traffic Light at Harding and 12th Avenues – Deferred.

NEW BUSINESS:

Interstate Route H-1, Concrete Pavement Preservation Dowel Retrofit – Chair V. Tam informed residents of the initial work started Saturday, February, 12, 2011 will affect East-bound traffic on the portion of H-1 passing through Kaimuki area; one lane will be closed. On the West-bound phase of H-1 passing through Kaimuki, two lanes will be closed. There were no further discussions on this matter.

Kahala Loa Cluster Development – Chair V. Tam also informed residents of this 17-unit cluster housing permit application no. 2011/CL-1 which is located at the end of Keanu Street, near the Nohona Kahala development at the old Waialae Drive-In site. Chair V. Tam noted that the Board sees no problem with the development as long as they do not use the undeveloped, “private” road within the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 boundary for access to the development. Such traffic would create congestion on a street that cannot support such traffic. Plans indicate that access will be via the developed portion of Keanu St. that exits on Hunakai St., which is in the Kahala side.

Three-Absences Notification to Board Member Daniel Nahoopii – Chair V. Tam announced receipt of a Board member resignation letter from Daniel Nahoopii; and recognized Nahoopii’s commitment and valuable input to the Board.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s Representative – Tim Steinberger reported on the following:

· Street Lights on Harding Avenue – In response to a resident’s request for additional street lights on Harding Avenue, the City’s Department of Design and Construction (DCC) will issue a work order to the Department of Facility Maintenance to upgrade the street lighting on Harding Avenue in the commercial area. The area affected runs from Kokohead Avenue to the 11th Avenue intersection. The State has plans to improve the roadway and street lighting in the vicinity of the 11th Avenue intersection.

· Bulky Item Pick Up – Press releases from the City’s Department of Environmental Services went out Saturday, January 15, 2011 to the local print, television and electronic media informing the public that bulky items would not be picked up. On Tuesday, February 1, 2011, a press release went out to the same media stating that bulky item collection had resumed.

· Landfill Concerns – It was noted that the medical waste in question had been properly sterilized ad gone through autoclaving, Deposit in the landfill is permissible by the State Department of Health permits held by Waste Management Hawaii, Inc.

· Landfill Section Committee – Mayor Carlisle appointed a 12-member voluntary committee on Advisory Committee on landfill Site Selection. The committee will be looking at every possible location on Oahu as the City’s next landfill after Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill closes. The next landfill will be able to take in municipal solid waste, H-Power ash and residue, special wastes, and construction and demolition debris.

· “Hollowed-out” Tree – The reported hollowed-out tree fronting the Kaimuki Christian Church on 13th Avenue was investigated by an arborist from the Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) and found no conditions to warrant removal at this time; but that pruning was warranted. The tree work is anticipated to be performed by late February, 2011.

· Trash and Water – The Hawaii Theater for Youth will be doing performances at St. Andrews Cathedral of “Where Things Go”; about trash and water and where they go from the time they leave the home. Shows starting from Monday March 21 through Saturday May 21, 2011. If interested in attending, go online to www.opala.org and click on calendar and events.

· Black History Month – A Black history exhibition is currently featured at Honolulu Hale free to the public.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Paving Side Streets – A resident inquired whether the side streets in Kaimuki will also be paved. Steinberg will check with the appropriate City department.

2. Landfill Meeting – Leong stated that she wanted to attend the landfill site selection meeting and did not see any notice posted at City Hall as to the meeting on Thursday January 27, 2011. It was later noted that the land fill meeting took place at Kapolei City Hall not Honolulu Hale.

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

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Councilmember Chang reported on the following:

· Wilhelmina Rise Concerns – The BWS completed water mains on Wilhelmina Rise; and the City is currently working on sewer rehabilitation and should be completed by the end of February 2011.

· “Pothills” on Alohea Avenue – Alohea Avenue is part of the City’s current road rehabilitation project from 16th Avenue to Makapuu Avenue; Kanaina to Alohea Avenue, and the entire project should be completed by November 2011.

· Landfill Concerns – The diversion project at Waimanalo Gulch is completed and if another 100-year flood occurs the landfill’s drainage system should be able to handle a large storm.

· Chromium VI – The City Council passed a resolution on Chromium VI in the water supply. BWS is currently waiting on regulatory guidelines from the EPA.

· Confirmation Hearing of Wayne Yoshioka – Councilmember Chang would like to hear all comments whether positive or negative on the confirmation of Wayne Yoshioka as head of DTS.

· Plastic Bag Ban – Councilmember Chang would also like to hear all feedback on a plastic bag ban.

· Bed and Breakfast – The City Council is considering reviving Bill 8, which is the enforcement mechanism for B &Bs. Councilmember Chang stated that he believes that enforcement should be in place before any new permits for bed and breakfast transient units are issued.

· Queen’s Theater – Councilmember Chang stated that his office has been in contact with a potential buyer for the Queen’s Theater; and inquired about the community’s sentiment on the Queen’s Theater. Councilmember Chang will get in touch with the Friends of Queen’s Theater organization.

· Parking Lot – It was mentioned that the parking lot between Koko Head and 12th Avenue also needs to be repaved.

Senator Les Ihara – Senator Ihara reported on the following:

· Legislative Update – Friday, February 18, 2011 is “first lateral” deadline which means that only Senate bills that have gone to the last committee for review will remain alive; the same is true for the House. The last committee will have two weeks to review the bill.

· Civil Union Bill – The Senate passed and delivered to the Governor Senate Bill 232: it does not include adoption for civil union couples; Senator Ihara noted that he voted for the bill.

· Confirmation – The Senate confirmed Sabrina McKenna as the fifth justice to the Hawaii Supreme Court.

· Board of Education (BOE) – The House is planning to pass out and adopt Senate Bill 8, which provides for the appointment of BOE members by the governor; the Senate plans to pass the bill by Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

· Recess – Thursday, February 24, 2011 begins a five-day mandatory recess; the Legislature will not be in session at that time.

· Gambling Bills – There was a bill to allow casino gambling and a bill to allow shipboard gambling. Of the five members on the Judiciary Committee; three are “no” votes, therefore, it is not likely that the Judiciary Committee will pass any gambling bill out.

· Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School Resolution – The resolution is only to delay. Senator Ihara would be in favor of leasing the entire school property to the school and let the school rent out and get revenue and get matching funds; allowing the school control; somewhat like a charter school.

· Helicopters over Maunalani – A resident is concerned that the loud noise and vibrations from the military helicopters flying too close to his Maunalani Heights home. Senator Ihara will follow up on the resident’s concern.

Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – Representative Mark Hashem was available for questions.

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

· All-Terrain Vehicles – HB 18 All-terrain vehicles prohibiting minors from operating or riding on all-terrain vehicles passed out of House Transportation Committee and will be going to the Judiciary Committee.

· Procurement – HB 21 that repeals the unconstitutional “hire 80% local” for public works projects; Legislature will probably pass the Senate companion measure.

· Lupus – HB 124 Working group in State Department of health to promote education and awareness; establishes a Lupus task force; and is currently moving in the Senate.

· DNA Collection – HB 132 Requires DNA collection from those arrested for violent felonies against minors.

· Salaries – HB 450 Requires public hearings by the Commission on Salaries before submittal of report to the Legislature.

· Kupuna Care – HB 511 Appropriations to Alzheimer Association Wanderers Registry.

· Covenants – HB 1431 Requires counties to enforce covenants that impose use, maintenance, landscaping, and setbacks. The Kahala area has adopted covenants and hopes the City can enforce them.

Representative Scott Nishimoto – Representative Mark Hashem was available for questions.

Representative Mark Hashem – Representative Hashem provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Abolishing Special Funds – HB 79 Abolishing all special funds was introduced in the Finance Committee: all monies go back into the general fund. There is about $5 billion in special funds that are not included in the budget. The intent is to force all departments to come before the legislature to ask for funds.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 19, 2011 MEETING: There being no objections or corrections, Yamada moved, Schneider seconded and the Board ADOPTED the regular meeting minutes of January 19, 2011, 9-0-0 (Ayes: Cater, Leong, Meade, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, Carvalho, and V. Tam).

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Lori Yamada reported for January 2011 a previous Operating Balance of $359.77; current expenses were $52.48 for printing and postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a balance of $307.29. The Publicity balance remains at $826.54. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Next Board Meeting – The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be March 16, 2011, 7:15 to 9:00 pm.

· Resolution for Continued Use of Facility – Chair V. Tam stated that the Board needs to introduce a resolution for the continued use of the Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School’s cafeteria for meetings at the next Board meeting.

· Candidacy Application Deadline – Deadline for submitting Candidacy Declaration Form for 2011 Neighborhood Board Election is Friday, February 18, 2011. Must be postmarked February 18, 2011 and received at the Neighborhood Commission Office by February 25, 2011, 4:30 pm., or walk-in by February 18, 2011, 4:30 pm.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

 
Attachment #1 – Resolution Supporting House Resolution No. 34, House Concurrent Resolution No. 39 and Senate Bill No. 1487 Regarding the Closure of Queen Lydia Lili`uokalani Elementary School

            WHEREAS, Kaimuki neighborhood families are greatly concerned about the process of the consolidation of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School and the negative effects on the vitality of this small community; and

            WHEREAS, the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 at its meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, by a vote of eight (8) ayes, zero (0) no, and one (1) abstention, adopted a resolution opposing the closure of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School; and

            WHEREAS, two House Resolutions and one Senate Bill relating to the proposed closure of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School have been introduced during the 2011 Legislative session; and

            WHEREAS, House Resolution No. 34 and House Concurrent Resolution No. 39 urge the State’s Board of Education to defer decision-making on the closure of Queen Lili`uokalani Elementary School until the new members of the Board of Education are appointed by the Governor and seated; and

            WHEREAS, Senate Bill No. 1487 requires the State’s Department of Education to close and consolidate certain schools within two years of notification, provided that a school may remain open if it meets certain requirements; and

            WHEREAS, the purpose of Senate Bill No. 1487 is to establish an orderly and objective process for the closing and consolidation of public schools; now, therefore,

            BE IT RESOLVED, by the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 that it supports House Resolution No. 34, House Concurrent Resolution No. 39, and Senate Bill No. 1487; and

            BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the members of the State Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the Governor.

Adopted; Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 04 at its regular meeting of Wednesday, February 16, 20110, by a vote of 8-0-1.

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