Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for August 17, 2011 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for August 17, 2011 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2011
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and take official Board action.

Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, John Perez, Sharon Schneider, Lisa Shorba (arrived 7:09 p.m.), Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Lori Yamada, and Jonathan Young.

Members Absent: None.

Vacancies: There are two vacancies; Sub District 1 and Sub District 3.

Guests: Lt. Allan Nagata and Officer Mark Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department), Wayne Yagi (House Speaker Calvin Say's Office staff), Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office staff), Julia Allen, Capt. Rickey Amano (Honolulu Fire Department); Director Wayne Yoshioka, Craig Chung, Kelly Cruz, and Chris Sayers (Department of Transportation Services); Tim Steinberg (Mayor's Representative), Carol Alevizos, Linda Nagamine, Randy Sterict; Crystal Atrains, Iris Altamira, John Yen, Daniel Alexander, Nathan Domier, Louise Giuseffi, John Hagihara, and Germaine Salim (UHM Cycle Manoa); Mike McFarlane (Island Creation), David Hitzl (the Kickstand), Lorna Heller (Board or Water Supply), Molly Chlebnikiw, Lee Manfred (Diamond Head NB No. 5), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Steve Uyeno (Councilmember Stanley Chang's Office staff), Mr. Elwood, and Gloria J.P. Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Allan Nagata reported the following:

· July 2011 Statistics – Included 13 burglaries, 29 thefts, and 17 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle.

· Personal Safety Tips – Stay alert and turned in to your surroundings at all times. Don't be taken by surprise. Be aware and prepared. Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't show fear. Don't look like a victim. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.

o On Foot – Choose busy streets and avoid going through vacant lots, alleys, or deserted areas. At night, walk in well-lit areas whenever possible. Try not to walk or jog alone. Get to know the neighborhood and neighbors where you work and live. Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it. Avoid pickpockets by carrying your wallet in an inside coat pocket in front.

o In Car – Always lock your car and take the keys. Keep car in good running condition and gas tank at least one-quarter full. Lock doors while driving. Leave your ignition key with a parking attendant; do not leave your house key, garage door opener, or other important items in your car. Never pick up hitchhikers. Control your keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt Rickey Amano reported the following:

· July 2011 Statistics – Included 6 structure fires; 89 medical emergencies/search and rescues, and 25 miscellaneous calls for service (activated alarm, water evacuation, assist invalid, blown roof, person stuck in elevator, etc.

· Home Fire Escape Plan – A home fire escape plan is an integral part of your family's safety. Having advance warning from a working smoke alarm increases your family's ability to exit safely and quickly. A well prepared and practiced escape plan may save your family's lives. Prepare by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms in your home. Place at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, in all bedrooms, and outside all sleeping areas. Prepare and practice a fire escape plan. Identify a meeting place where everyone can meet outside. Ensure that family members know two ways to exit every room in your home. Sleep with bedroom doors closed; this will minimize smoke from traveling through your home. Maintain windows to ensure they open easily from the inside in case an alternative escape route is needed. Once safely outside, stay out and call 911 immediately.

At 7:09 p.m., Member Shorba arrived; nine (9) members present.

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

· Main Break – On main break reported on Monday, July 4, 2011 on Sierra Drive.

· Proposed Water Rate Increase – BWS is proposing a revised water rate schedule to fund the operation, maintenance, and replacement of Oahu's aging water infrastructure. A water rate increase of 9.65 percent per year over a five-year schedule beginning January 1, 2012 is being proposed. A public hearing will be held on Monday, August 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the BWS board room at 630 South Beretania Street. Public comments can be submitted in writing for those unable to attend the public hearing. Or delivered in person during the public hearing. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.

· Water Conservation – BWS reminded the public to continue conservation efforts – use what you need, but don't waste it. Never water lawn every day. Most lawns need to be watered two or three times a week. Water during the cool of day. Set irrigation sprinklers to activate before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. Consider drip irrigation. For more conservation tips, visit BWS website.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

Time-Warner Hub Site – Residents were concerned about the property owned by Oceanic Time Warner at 3562 Alohea Avenue and would like to know why their permit were waived to install a hub site on that property between 2 homes. The generator noise is loud and is on 24/7 and the alarm goes on whenever the hub malfunctions. The installation of a cooling system for the hub will create more noise from the fans. Residents expressed their frustrations with generator noise, the sight of looking at huge commercial equipment and the decrease of residential property values; and wondered why the residents weren't informed of Oceanic Time Warner's Hub project. Resident would like Time Warner to relocate to a commercially-zoned property.

Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan(SLRLTP) – Natalie Iwasa provided members with a handout explaining the SLRLTP to develop transportation policies for the next 25 years. Ms. Iwasa is one of 20 members of the Hawaii Department of Transportation Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC).The committee is in the process of reviewing goals and objectives for each planning factor based on mandates at the federal, state, and county levels. The business community is represented by Ms. Iwasa and she is looking for suggestions and comments from the residents that will help her develop state land transportation policies. Ms. Iwasa may be reached at 395-3233.

OLD BUSINESS:

Update on Traffic Light at Harding and 12th Avenues – Adrian Chang reported DTS is in the process of the traffic signal evaluation at Harding and 12th Avenues. A pedestrian volume count at Harding and 12 Avenues intersection is pending, waiting for school to be in session September 2011.

Update on Harding Avenue Left-Hand Turning Lanes at 5th and 11th Avenues – Adrian Chang stated the total project is 35 percent complete. Sixty percent of 5th Avenue is complete. The contractor is finishing the sidewalks and road widening; and expected to be completed by mid-September 2011.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Road Closures for Events – Member L. Tam stated there are two community events that require the roads to be closed; the Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila and the Kaimuki Christmas Parade. Director Wayne Yoshioka stated the street usage branch of the City's DTS is involved in the project and he will make sure road closures are coordinated.

2. Recognition of DTS Staff – Chair V. Tam acknowledged Director Wayne Yoshioka and his staff and appreciated their presence and availability to hear residents' concerns.

3. Laukahi Street – State Representative Marumoto stated that Laukahi Street is very wide and motorists tend to speed when the road is wide. Rep. Marumoto suggested that bike lanes be painted on road to slow traffic down. The community association is willing to donate the paint. Director Yoshioka stated that DTS must do an evaluation of Laukahi Street. There is a possibility of edge stripes painted to narrow the appearance of the lane.

NEW BUSINESS:

Save Petrie Park Initiative – Mike McFarlane stated Petrie Park is not on the City's DPR schedule for repair and proposed a plan to revitalize Petrie Park through community volunteers donating their skills and supplies at no cost to the City. Equipment replacement of playground apparatus parts, installation and re-topping 2700 sq. feet of surface will be done in cooperation with the playground equipment manufacturer. Mr. McFarlane presented his proposal to the City and was recommended to seek the Board's support first.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Planting Trees – The Eagle Scouts will participate in the planting of trees and landscaping at Petrie Park.

2. City Response – Chair V. Tam would like to hear comments from the City Park and Recreation Department.

3. Site Visit – Member L. Tam stated portions of the playground equipment is not in good shape and is not safe for children.

4. Estimates – The cost estimate of $143,000.00 is what it would have been if the City put the project out for bid. Mr. McFarlane's company installed the playground apparatus.

Perez moved and Yamada seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support the Save Petrie Park Initiative as presented by Mr. McFarlane. The MOTION WAS ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

Managing Director – Chair V. Tam recognized the Managing Director, Douglas Chin for coming to the Board meeting. Mr. Chin expressed his appreciation to the Board and for their service to the Kaimuki community. Mr. Chin stated he is making his rounds to all the Neighborhood Boards and was impressed with the dialogue that took place between the young community members and the Board.

Bicycle Lanes and Wai`alae Avenue Rehabilitation – Daniel Alexander provided members with an informational handout, "Complete Our Street: Wai`alae Avenue, which explained Oahu as the 12th worst in the nation for bicycle fatalities; that bike lanes help create a better community for everyone; that Wai`alae is a vital and missing link for cyclists in Honolulu; and how Wai`alae Avenue bike lanes would increase cycling. Attached to the handout was a letter of support addressed to DTS requesting to 'Complete Our Street: Wai`alae Avenue".

At this time, DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka reported on the "Complete Street" of Wai`alae Avenue.

Complete Street – Mr. Yoshioka stated Wai`alae Avenue is designated as a bikeway that will provide a continuing path to downtown Honolulu. The City is developing a bike path to Thomas Square through the Honolulu Civic Center and onto Hotel Street. The City is onboard with the development of a complete street policy which is currently being reviewed for comments by the City's DDC, DFM, and DPD departments. They are coordinating a complete street policy to be reviewed by the City Administration then to City Council.

· New Streets – All new streets must be developed according to the complete street standards requiring bike lanes and sidewalks.

· Established Streets – When there is existing development and roadways like Wai`alae Avenue, a traffic study analysis is required. The study will also address the elimination of one lane. Results of the traffic study analysis may be available in a month and the Board and all interested parties will be informed.

· Wai`alae Avenue – DDC is resurfacing Wai`alae Avenue road and will paint sharrows on the while the bike lane design is in process.

· Parking – Bike lanes may affect twenty-two parking stalls on Wai`alae Avenue.

· Striping on Road – Striping on the road will be done in a different manner – "no touch curb".

· Project Start – The bikeway project will begin early 2012. There will be no construction during the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation conference. DTS will be updating the Board on a regular basis.

· Testimonies – Several cyclists provided testimonies in support of the "Complete Street: Wai`alae Avenue". Chair V. Tam asked audience to stand up if supporting the bikeway. There were more than 15 cyclists in attendance.

Hoe moved and Schneider seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support the idea of a "Complete Street" along the Wai`alae Avenue corridor from St. Louis Drive to 11th Avenue. The motion WAS ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

3rd and Wai`alae Avenues Intersection On-Street Parking Issues – Chair V. Tam received a complaint from a property owner stating that commercial vehicles continue to park at 3rd and Wai`alae Avenue ignoring the recently posted tow-away sign and feels that police should be ticketing commercial vehicles for illegal parking. DTS Director Wayne Yoshioka said his office would ask HPD to apply enforcement to all vehicles.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:

Mayor's Representative – Tim Steinberger reported the following:

· Sierra Drive – A concern was Sierra Drive has steel plates and potholes from a previous construction project. The construction project may be a BWS project or HECO project.

· Koko Head and Wai`alae Avenues – DTS has completed their investigation and will be issuing a work order to the Department of Facility Maintenance by September 2011 to remove the existing "No Turn on Red" signs on the Koko Head and mauka bound approaches to the intersection of Wai`alae and Koko Head Avenues. In addition, the DTS will be adjusting the signage in the surrounding area due to the closure of Liliuokalani Elementary School.

· 16th Avenue – There seems to be an upheaval of sidewalks from the trees. DFM will be scheduling repairs for the sidewalks. DFM is currently repairing sidewalks in the Punchbowl, Makiki districts and should be headed towards Kaimuki next. Expected dates of repair are unknown.

· Holiday – Friday, August 19, 2011 is a Statehood Holiday. City emergency services will be available. Also, Parks and Recreation golf courses will be open to the public. Trash collection will continue as scheduled. City bus services will operate on a holiday schedule.

· Real Property Tax – Real property taxes are due on Monday, August 22, 2011. For more information, visit the City website at honolulu.gov.

· Bulky Item Pick Up – If items not picked up within four days, the City will hire a private contractor to pick bulky items up. Mr. Steinberger reminded that items must be put out the night before.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Trees on 13th Avenue – Member Perez submitted photos of City trees which are too tall and requested that it be trimmed before more limbs break off due to heavy winds. The trees are located at 13th and Harding Avenues.

2. Trash Bags – Representative Barbara Marumoto raised a concern about trash bags on the street that may belong to the Mexican burrito and/or Chinese restaurants located at Wai`alae and Koko Head Avenue. Mr. Steinberg mentioned Moiliili has a task force that monitors bulky items set out too early which is illegal. There has been a significant reduction of illegal bulky items on the sidewalks. An ordinance is in place for illegal bulky items; however the administrative rules to enforce it is pending.

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

· Complete Street – A letter was sent to Mayor Carlisle to look at the 'complete street' situation on Wai`alae Avenue. Merchants are concerned with lost of parking to allow for a complete street.

· Bikeway – Monies are in the budget for a connector bikeway to the University of Hawaii Manoa.

· Property Tax – The Blue Ribbon Task Force will be review the property tax system as a whole.

City Councilmember Stanley Chang – A report was submitted.

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

State Representative Calvin K.Y. Say – A report was submitted.
State Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto was available for questions.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – A representative or report was not available.

State Representative Mark Hashem – A representative or report was not available.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JULY 20, 2011 MEETING: Bullock moved and Yamada seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 APPROVE the July 20, 2011 regular meeting minutes as corrected. The MOTION WAS ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None). The corrections are as follows:

· Page 1, CALL TO ORDER, delete "five (5)" and replace with "four (4)" to read,..."without a quorum of four (4) members present."

· Page 1, 7:06 p.m. delete the letter "s" to read, "Board member_ Schneider arrived;

· Page 1, after Introduction of Elected Board Members, insert the following: "7:06 p.m. Board member Yamada arrived; eight (8) members present.

· Page 3, Under Approval of the June 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes, delete the following: "Bullock moved and Yamada seconded to retain the newsletter and not videotape. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY 8-0-0."

· Page 4, first bolded motion supporting the closure of Wai`alae Avenue for the Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila event, insert Board member votes to read, "The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada, and Young)."

TREASURER'S REPORT: Deferred.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria J.P. Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

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