Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for May 16, 2012 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 May 16, 2012 Meeting
Tweet

Next meeting is 6/20/2012- Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 (Board) meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. with an established quorum of nine (9) members present. Note – This 11 member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present – Lyle Bullock (arrived at 7:21 p.m.), Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Abigail Leong, Russell McGuire, John Perez, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent – None.

Board Vacancies – There is one vacancy in Sub District 1.

Guests – Lieutenant Carl Thorstad and Officer Mark Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Lester Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department); Tim Steinberger (Mayor’s Representative); Fred Pablo (Governor’s Representative); Representative Barbara Marumoto; Senator Les Ihara; Representative Calvin Say; Steve Uyeno (Councilmember Stanley Chang’s Office); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital); Leon and Vicki Kau; Randall Mau; S. Sonoda; W. Iaela; D. Nelson; Darrell Young; a number of residents did not sign in; and Theona Kapoi (Neighborhood Commission Office).

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: There were no residents interested in filling the Sub District 1 vacancy.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant Thorstad distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· April 2012 Statistics – Included 17 burglaries, 2 robberies, 44 thefts, and 5 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).

· Safety Tip – This month’s safety tip is related to child passenger restraints. More safety tip information can be found online at www.honolulupd.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Police Dogs – Lieutenant Thorstad noted that there are different breeds of dogs that are used for different purposes. The dogs are housed with the trainer, or on City and County property.

2. Homeless Residents – It was noted that residents should continue to call 911 if there are suspicious people in the area.

3. Sleeping In Vehicles – Residents are not allowed to sleep in their vehicles.

Without objection, agenda item 5.1 regarding Speeding in Kaimuki and Kahala was heard out of order.

Speeding in Kaimuki and Kahala – Lieutenant Thorstad congratulated the traffic division for heading the operation in West Oahu that resulted in roughly 500 citations. There is a difference between HPD’s traffic division and patrol division. The request to have an operation in East Oahu, similar to the operation in west Oahu will be made. HPD has addressed and will continue to address the safety of area residents. HPD reminded residents that it is up to them to also make the neighborhood aware of the speed limits and slowing down when necessary.

Chair V. Tam relinquished the gavel to Vice Chair Schneider so that he could speak with HPD outside.

The agenda resumed order with agenda item 3.2, Honolulu Fire Department.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Hashimoto highlighted the following:

• April 2012 Statistics – There were 2 structure fires and 1 vehicle fire, 50 medical emergencies, and 6 miscellaneous calls for service. There were no major or unusual incidents to report.
• Grill Cooking Safety Tip – Fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 7,900 home fires involving outdoor cooking and/or barbecue grills each year. The following are helpful safety precautions when cooking on a grill: 1) Do not leave your grill unattended when in use; 2) Keep children and pets away from grills when in use; 3) For charcoal grills, use only starter liquids recommended by the grill manufacturer to facilitate the initial charcoal burning process; 4) Allow coals to cool completely prior to disposal. Dispose coals in designated fire-safe areas or receptacles, and thoroughly saturate the coals with water to ensure they are extinguished; and 5) Propane gas can quickly develop into a large, colorless cloud that is ignitable; therefore use the ten to five rules when igniting gas grills. If the grill does not start within 10 seconds, exercise safety precautions and turn the gas off, keep the grill lid open, and wait five minutes prior to repeating.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Fire Hydrants – Question was raised about how often fire hydrants are replaced. Captain Hashimoto noted that the Board of Water Supply representative would be better able to answer the question.

2. Siren Use – It is required by HFD to use sirens on all emergency calls.

Board Member Bullock arrived at 7:21 p.m.; quorum of 10 members present.

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

• Impersonation of BWS Employees – BWS would like to alert the public about reports of individuals claiming to be BWS employees in order to gain access to private property. The individuals are reportedly wearing green t-shirts that resemble BWS employee attire and have been asking residents to allow them into their homes. BWS reminds residents that all personnel of BWS will be properly credentialed, wearing official BWS attire, driving BWS labeled vehicles and carrying official City and County of Honolulu Badges. Residents are encouraged to call 911 and the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041 to report suspicious activity and file a report.
• Summer Water Conservation – Home water consumption typically rises during the summer, so BWS reminds residents to be vigilant and avoid wasting water. Please do the following to save water: 1) Check for leaks; 2) Avoid watering between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and 3) Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving. For more tips visit the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Vice Chair Schneider returned the gavel to Chair V. Tam.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Fire Hydrants – Heller noted she did not have the answer to how often fire hydrants were replaced, but resident, W. Iaela, also a BWS employee was able to answer the question. Iaela noted that fire hydrants are replaced when the hydrant is no longer functional and cannot be repaired. The fire maintenance program checks about 7,000 fire hydrants once a year to see if the control valve is operational.

2. Broken Water Sprinklers – It was requested that residents contact BWS at 748-5000 to report any broken sprinklers on public property and BWS crews will investigate the situation.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

Maunalani Heights Park – It was requested that DPR work on the maintenance of Maunalani Park. It was noted that the bathrooms are covered in feces, the lights at the tennis courts do not work, some of the lights by the basketball court do not work, and there are not enough garbage cans around the park. It was requested to know how to reserve the meeting room, as the Maunalani Neighborhood Security Watch has been trying to reserve the meeting room for Saturday, May 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. It was also requested for Director Cabato meet with residents regarding a proposal for Maunalani Park to be of mixed use for dogs as well.

Ward Rafters – Resident Iaela was concerned with the wording of the Board’s April Minutes. The concern was that the minutes give misleading information when it states ”It was noted that the Court Order does not prohibit Ward Rafters from accepting donations. It was also noted that Ward Rafters is working within the confinement of the law.” Mr. Iaela wanted residents to know that he has the court order and it specifically states that these things are prohibited from being done at Ward Rafters. Chair V. Tam reminded residents that the minutes are a reflection of what was said at the meeting. With Mr. Iaela’s bringing up his concern tonight, it can be noted that the court order prohibits Ward Rafters from accepting donations. It was again reminded that the minutes are a reflection of what occurred at the meeting. Mr. Iaela noted that the incidents at Ward Rafters have been getting worse with illegally parked cars, alcohol consumption on the street, and rowdy behavior. It was requested that something seriously be considered and done where Ward Rafters has to follow the rules of the court order so the issue does not become out of control.

NEW BUSINESS:

Community Recycling Bin Program – Chair V. Tam noted that as a point of information to residents, the community recycling bin program located at many of the City’s public schools will be discontinued. City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) Director Tim Steinberger informed the Board that ENV’s community recycling bin program was the mainstay for residential recycling, growing from 20 sites in 1990 to 100 locations today. Over the years, the program helped strengthen community support for recycling and educating our youth. However, with decreased public use, the once cost-efficient system is no longer viable. By closing the program, the City will save about $1.5 million annually and refocus resources to further develop more convenient recycling options for Oahu residents. The convenience of curbside recycling diverted more than 70 percent of the recyclables from the old drop-off bins. The company that hauls the recyclables away indicated that they would continue to work with the top 50 sites, however the revenue generated from the recyclables will go directly to the company instead of the school. ENV is working on plans to address recycling issues for residents who have manual pick ups.

Maunalani Heights Park – This item was previously addressed.

TheBus Route 3 Proposal – A resident was unable to attend the Boards’ April 2012 meeting to hear the presentation done by City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director, Wayne Yoshioka and offered a suggestion to the proposed bus route change noting that Route 3 should bypass a portion of 18th Avenue that has no sidewalks. It is dangerous for children, students, and seniors to have to walk on the road to get around parked vehicles. This proposal is an alternative for DTS to address the safety of near by bus users.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Seniors – It was noted that seniors need the bus route to stay as is, because they carry their groceries with them and eliminating the parts of the stops will not be beneficial to the seniors who rely on TheBus services.

2. Issue – The main issue at hand is not necessarily the bus routes, but rather the lack of sidewalks in the area which is due to a number of privately owned streets.

3. Comments – Chair V. Tam reminded residents to write and call DTS with their comments and suggestions so the department considers all possibilities.

Private Roads Rehabilitation – Chair V. Tam noted that he has a book that is an older edition which indicates the private streets on Oahu. In the Kaimuki area, the private streets have become a difficult issue with the City maintaining them as they do public streets. It was noted that when City crews work on private streets they do not redo the road properly and shave a little portion off the top of the road, then repairing the road. However, when this is done, it brings the road above the level of the yards. It is being requested that the City consider properly maintaining private streets due to the flooding that may occur with water run off. In some cases, the roadway is more than six inches above some residential yards.

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Newsletter – Bullock moved, McGuire seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 send their annual newsletter with an updated Board photo to the residents of the Kaimuki area as drafted. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, McGuire, Leong, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, and Yamada; NO: None; ABSTAIN: None).

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

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

· Repaving In Kaimuki – Streets in the area will be in construction later this year. Anticipated construction notice to proceed date is summer 2012 and the contract duration is 540 calendar days. The Board received a list of streets that will be worked on and Steinberger brought an enlarged map of the work to be completed.

· Trash Collection – It was noted that trash collection will continue as the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill will not be closing.

· Royal Hawaiian Band – The Royal Hawaiian Band received the 2012 Industry Award from the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts at the Na Hoku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards Reception of Saturday, May 5, 2012.

· Water Safety Award – This year’s recipient of the Paragon Award for Waters Safety is Ralph Goto, administrator of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division for the City and County of Honolulu. This award is presented annually by the International Swimming Hall of Fame to an individual for outstanding service and contribution in aquatic disciplines and safety around the water.

· Honolulu Zoo – The Honolulu Zoo’s accreditation has been renewed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The renewal is an affirmation that the Zoo is meeting, if not exceeding the standards set forth by the AZA.

· Memorial Day Ceremony – Mayor Carlisle will attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Punchbowl National Cemetery. Residents wishing to attend the ceremony should get there early.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Overhanging Trees – Board Member Yamada reminded Steinberger of a resident's concern regarding overhanging trees on 10th Avenue.

2. No Right Turn Sign – It was requested that the City consider removing the “No Right Turn” sign on Waialae and Koko Head Avenues as Queen Liliuokalani School no longer has students.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· Private Road Repairs – It was noted that private roads can be patched by the City if there are at least six houses on the private road.

· City Council Budget Committee – It was noted that there shouldn’t be any increase in taxes.

· City Council Bill 37 – This Bill relates to a line of credit that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) is requesting to increase the credit from $300 million to $450 million for the City to use to float bonds.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Honolulu Rail Project – It was commented that if the City Council does not extend the credit, the project should be shut down. A resident thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for being to the point with rail. It was commented that it is not realistic to have rail.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Steve Uyeno distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· Street Rehabilitation – Councilmember Chang advocated a record amount of funding for Oahu streets, $100 million in this year’s budget. The City Council has included the full $100 million in the current draft of the budget. It was requested that Sierra Drive be paved as well.

· Maunalani Heights Park – Councilmember Chang has been working with the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to consider using Maunalani Heights Park as a mixed park for dogs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Rail – It was noted that Councilmember Chang is pro Rail. It was commented that Councilmember Chang will have to comment himself for further details relating to his opinions about Rail.

Governor Neill Abercrombie’s Representative – Fred Pablo reported the following:

· Emergency Proclamations – At the request of Governor Abercrombie, President Barack Obama last month issued a Hawaii Disaster Declaration that allows for federal funding to e available for emergency work and repair or replacement of public facilities damaged in March, 2012 by heavy rain, high winds and flooding. The Governor earlier signed a State Disaster Emergency Proclamation and two Supplemental Disaster Proclamations allowing state crews to move quickly to repair and reopen damaged roadways and provided for activation of civil defense and other emergency functions to ensure public heal and safety.

· 2012 Legislative Session – The Governor reviewed Bills that have made it through the 2012 Legislative Session including Act 15, which settles a longstanding dispute with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs over unresolved claims to income and proceeds from ceded lands. The act conveys contiguous and adjacent parcels in Kaka`ako Makai valued at $200 million.

· Hawaii Broadband Initiative – Results from the Hawaii Broadband Initiative’s Internet Speed Test have identified communities where results have been relatively low. Communities were encouraged to be involved with the Broadband Internet Speed Test by visiting hawaiispeedtest.net. Data collected from this test will assist the State in identifying and closing gaps in internet services throughout the Islands.

Senator Les Ihara – Senator Ihara reported the following:

1. Special Session – Senator Ihara expects the State Senate to go into special session over the summer in order to deal with the confirmation of Circuit Court judges.

2. Online Voting – A bill was passed during session to have online elections by 2016.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Priority of Federal Law over State Law – Senator Ihara noted that he would abide by all the laws set forth by the Federal Government.

Representative Calvin Say – Representative Say distributed a report and highlighted several points of importance of this year’s successful Legislative Session. It was noted that the Japan tsunami debris may be arriving in Hawaii sooner than expected.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto stood on her written report. It was noted that children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ride in the bed of pick up trucks.

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

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Hoe moved, Perez seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the April 18, 2012 regular meeting minutes as circulated. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0, (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Leong, McGuire, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, and Yamada; No: None; Abstain: None).
.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Kapoi noted that the Board has enough funds to send out the annual newsletter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Next Meeting – The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at the Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

Submitted by Theona Kapoi, Neighborhood Commission Office

Reviewed by Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Commission Office

Reviewed by Vernon Tam, Chair, Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item