Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 18, 2012 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 18, 2012 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18, 2012
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., with an established quorum of eight (8) 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, Abigail Leong, John Perez, Sharon Schneider, Brian Kang, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent – Paul Hoe and Russell McGuire.

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

Guests – Barbara Armentrout, Leona Vickie Kau, Karen Yorimoto (Office of Councilmember Ann Kobayashi), Officer Chad Yamada, Officer Mark Mitchell, and Lieutenant Alan Nagata (Honolulu Police Department, District 7-East Honolulu), Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Barbara Kohara, Raymond Kodani, S. Sonoda, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Keiki Bonk, Captain L. Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department), Calvin Azama (Office of Speaker of the House Calvin Say), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Director Wayne Yoshioka, Eileen Mark, and Glenn Moir (Department of Transportation Services); City Department of Transportation Engineering Staff; J. Roger Morton (President, Oahu Transportation Services) Gerry De Benedetti, Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Tim Steinberg (Office of the Mayor/ Director, Department of Environmental Services), Steve Uyeno (Office of Councilmember Stanley Chang), John Gibo (Office of Representative Barbara Marumoto), Nola J. Frank (Neighborhood Commission Office staff), and others who did not sign the guest list.

Filling of Vacant Board Seats (One vacancy in Sub District 1) – There was no person present interested in filling the vacancy. Item deferred to the next meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

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

§ June 2012 Statistics – Included 41 fires, 81 medical, and 26 miscellaneous service calls; no major or unusual incidents.

▪ Fire Safety Tip – Open burning of any material, including green yard waste and household trash, is prohibited throughout the state. Violations of open burning rules may result in fines of up to $10,000 per day for each offense. Owners, operators or managers of properties, premises, businesses, or industries where open burning occurs will be held responsible.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Open Flame Cooking at Kapalono Field – It was reported that people using hibachi’s in the park do not dispose of the charcoal properly and leaves it smoldering in the grass. It was asked what the community can do. Captain Hashimoto replied that HFD has received no calls regarding this matter. It was recommended calling 911.

2. Emergency Management Training (EMT) for Firefighters – It was asked and noted that entry level EMT courses are taught during the HFD recruit class. Follow up will be done.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Alan Nagata introduced Officers Mitchell and Yamada, and reported the following:

§ June 2012 Statistics – Included 15 burglaries, 1 robbery, 49 thefts, and 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).

§ Disaster Preparedness Tip – Information was included in the handout provided. Visit www.hpd.org for more details.

§ HPD/Community Partnerships – It was advised if you see anyone or anything suspicious to call 911 with details.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. 711 Store Driveways (Waialae Avenue and Sierra Drive) – Vehicles exiting the driveway of this establishment on to Sierra Drive block the right lane to cars coming down Sierra Drive. Follow-up will be done.

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

§ Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale – BWS 24th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As a way of giving back to its customers, the BWS puts on this free, family-friendly event every year as a way to teach people how to save water outdoors by incorporating xeriscape concepts at home.

All Board members along with the entire community are invited to the open house, which includes a full day of fun educational activities such as xeriscape workshops, keiki games, keiki gardening planting, garden tours, and a free mulch giveaway. Don’t miss the ever popular Rain Barrel Workshop, which will offer a limited supply of barrels on a first-come first-served basis. At least a dozen local nurseries will be selling a variety of unthirsty plants, with proceeds supporting educational programs and classes at BWS’s Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

§ Contact Information – Visit www.boardofwatersupply,com; or call 748-5041 for more information

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Rain Barrels – Call 748-5041 for information on rain barrels.

2. Drought – There has been no official drought notice. However, everyone is encouraged to conserve water.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2012 TO JUNE 30, 2-13 – Chair Vernon Tam announced that he would be resigning from the Board after tonight’s meeting. He noted that during his time on the Board and also off the Board, he has witnessed chairpersons where little got on the agenda except what was important to them personally. This included using the position to achieve higher elected office, attacking the incumbent, seeking personal gain and/or other personal objective. As a chair, he saw his role as that of not pushing any personal agenda, but more of hearing out the concerns of others, acting as a mediator and allowing others to put forth their ideas, concerns and solutions. He stated that he hopes this continues with the new and future chairpersons for this Neighborhood Board.

The floor was opened for nominations for chair.

Chair – Perez nominated Lyle Bullock, seconded by Kang; Yamada nominated Kang, seconded by Schneider. Without objection, nominations were closed. The motion to elect a Chair FAILED, 5-3-0. Vote 1: Bullock 5 (Bullock, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V, Tam); Kang 3 (Leong, Kang, Yamada). Vote 2: Kang changed his vote to Bullock. Lyle Bullock was elected Chair, 6-2-0 (Aye: Bullock, Leong Perez, Schneider, Kang, L. Tam, V. Tam); Nay: Leong, Yamada).

Vice Chair: Kang nominated Yamada for Vice Chair seconded by Leong. V. Tam moved and L. Tam seconded nominating Kang for vice chair. Without objection, nominations were closed. Vote 1: Yamada 4-0-0 (Aye: Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada); Kang 4-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez). The motion FAILED to be ADOPTED, 4-4-0. Vote 2: Kang withdrew as a Vice Chair nominee. By ACCLAMATION Lori Yamada was elected Vice Chair.

Secretary – Yamada moved and Perez seconded nominating Kang for Secretary. There were no other nominations. By ACCLAMATION, Kang was elected Board Secretary, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Leong, Perez. Schneider, Kang, L. tam, V. Tam, Yamada).

Treasurer – Perez moved and V. Tam seconded nominating Schneider for Treasurer. Yamada moved and Perez seconded closing nominations. By ACCLAMATION Schneider was elected Board Treasurer, 8-0-0, (Aye: Bullock, Leong, Perez, Kang, Schneider, , L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada).

Board officers for July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 are:

▪ Chair – Lyle Bullock
▪ Vice Chair – Lori Yamada
▪ Secretary – Brian Kang
▪ Treasurer – Sharon Schneider

7:37 Leong left the meeting room at this time; seven (7) members present.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING:

Pre-establishment of the Board’s Monthly Regular Meeting Day, Time, and Place – By UNANIMOUS CONSENT, the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will continue to meet on the third Wednesday of each month, at Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, at 7:00 p.m., 7-0-0, (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez, Schneider,
L. Tam. V. Tam, Yamada).

Consideration of Board Recesses – Perez moved and Kang seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 recess in December. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 7-0-0, (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada).

Consideration to Appropriate Fiscal Year 2013 Funds for Meeting Location Costs – It was noted that currently there is no facility charges to the Board.

7:40 p.m. Board member Leong rejoined the meeting; eight ( )8 members present.

Consideration to Appropriate Fiscal Year 2013 Funds for Video Recording or an Annual Newsletter – V. Tam moved and Schneider seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No 4 continue with an annual newsletter. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada).

Approval of the June 20, 2012 Regular Meeting Minutes – V. Tam moved and Perez seconded to approve the June 20, 2012 regular meeting minutes as circulated. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada,).

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Schneider reported June expenditures were $40.15 leaving a balance of $1,669.32; the report was filed.

Establishment of Committees and Permitted Interaction Groups – Deferred.

PUBLIC INPUT:

1. Maunalani Heights Dog Park – A letter was received from Gregory Rand thanking the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 for supporting the Hui Alia Maunalani (Dog Park Advocate) in opening up dialog with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Gary Cabato. Due to summer schedules the initial meeting has not occurred yet. Hui Alia Maunalani is seeking to follow-up on this matter with Mr. Cabato and will keep the Board informed of the progress.
2. Traffic Signal Concern – L. Tam reported he contacted the City’s Complaint Office to report that the crosswalk crossing time at the intersection of Waialae Avenue and Hunakai Street is too short, with the don’t walk signal going on before pedestrians reach the other side of the street. Director Yoshioka will follow up.

1. Bus Route 3 – Concern was raised that the Route 3 bus was witnessed going up 13th Avenue having to hug the entire curb making a turn, stopping, and reversing to maneuver the turn due to cars parked on the left side of the street (about 12:30 p. m. on July 7). Director Yoshioka will follow up.
2. HI5 Law – A resident opined that the HI5 law is an unneeded tax. It was clarified that HI5 is a state law.

OLD BUSINESS:

Update on Traffic Issues in Kaimuki: Director Wayne Yoshioka introduced members of the Traffic Engineering Division. Kelly Cruz reported the following:

▪ Intersection of Kilauea Avenue and 18th Avenue; Other intersection on the Downhill of Kilauea Avenue and 14th– 19th Avenues – The contract should be awarded September/ October.
▪ Harding Avenue Left Hand Turn Lane at 11th Avenue – The contractor is working on the striping and completion is anticipated August 2012.
▪ Request for Traffic Signal at Harding Avenue and 12th Avenue Intersection – DTS is awaiting completion of the 11th Avenue project before a traffic study can be done.
▪ Proposed Bicycle Lanes and Waialae Avenue Rehabilitation – A one-week bike study was conducted restricting left turns into Sacred Hearts Academy, and cars entering the McDonald’s drive-thru overflowing onto Waialae Avenue. McDonald’s is working on a second drive-thru to ease the congestion. A community meeting was held on April 19, 2012 to discuss the bike study. Palolo residents raised their concerns, but DTS is waiting until school starts to further analyze the situation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Bike Lane – It was asked if one (1) lane of traffic would be move to accommodate a bike lane into Palolo Valley. In addition, between 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. there is heavy traffic going to Sacred Hearts Academy with approximately 130 cars turning left. Cars are also backed up at McDonald’s with no traffic movement.
2. AM/PM Turn Restrictions – A suggestion was made to have something similar to the turn restrictions on Kapiolani Boulevard between 7:00a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
3. Palolo Concern – A resident raised concern that it takes a long time for Palolo residents to get to Waialae Avenue.
4. Thank You – The Traffic Engineering staff was thanked for doing the traffic studies.
5. Bicycles Utilizing the Roads – (a) Per the study, close to 400 hundred bicyclists were counted in a 12-hour period. (b) It is illegal to ride bicycles on sidewalks in business districts such as Waialae Avenue. Yoshioka stated that the main concern is safety. Having pedestrians and bicyclists on sidewalks is not a good mix. A safer path is having bicycles on a roadway. The corridor is currently not bike friendly. University of Hawaii agrees that Waialae Avenue is a major route to its campus. However, this issue is sensitive to the community who raised many bike concerns.
6. Bike Box – A bike box is situated at the intersection of Waialae Avenue and St. Louis Drive which improves safety for bicyclists.
7. Concern Regarding Bike Riders – It was stated that when a light turns green, bike riders don’t stop for pedestrians and cross lanes at their will. It was asked if there is enforcement for such violations for bicycle riders. According to Yoshioka plans are to educate bicyclists; brochures are available.
8. Concern for Businesses – It was pointed out that if bike lanes restricts parking 24/7, businesses would be affected. It was noted that the proposed bike lanes sharrows down between 7th and 11th Avenues.
9. 10th Avenue Left Turn – A left turn arrow was implemented this week at the 10th Avenue intersection.
10. Tamura Store – Exiting the Tamura Store driveway should be a left turn only.

Bus Route Adjustments affecting the Kaimuki and Adjacent Areas – Director Wayne Yoshioka and Glenn Moir reported the following:

Summary of August Service Changes Affecting Palolo, Kaimuki Communities:

▪ Route 3, Kaimuki-Salt lake: Terminate route at Kapiolani Community College (KCC); discontinue Kaimuki town portion.
▪ Route 9, Palolo Valley-Pearl Harbor: Continues through Kaimuki to Kapiolani Community College (KCC), replacing Route 3 to KCC. Replace the valley service with new circulator Route 9S. Extends route to KCC.
▪ Route 9S, Palolo Valley Circulator: New valley circulator route every 30 minutes; instead of every 40 minutes.

▪ Route 14, St. Louis-Kahala-Maunalani Heights: Discontinues portions of Kahala, Diamond Head, Kapahulu. Discontinued area will be served by Routes 22 or 24. Alternatives are being discussed with the community.
▪ Route 22 – Replaces Route 14 on Kahala Avenue and Diamond Head Road; seven (7) day service.
▪ Routes 18 and 24 – Modified to replace Route 14 in Puu Panini/Huanui/22nd Avenue area.
▪ Contact Information – Visit www.TheBusStop@honolulu.gov or call 768-8365 with comments, suggestions, or concerns.

Yoshioka reported the following:

▪ Adjustments – Discussions for adjustments is ongoing. However, bus schedules will not be reset to how things were.
▪ Fiscal Year 2013 Budget – Taxes were not raised.
▪ Bus Fares – Bus riders do not want an increase in fares, but a more efficient bus system to balance the changes and try not to eliminate service from any areas.
▪ Routes – There are significant discussion for only a few routes.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kaimuki Services to Kahala Mall – It was asked and clarified that services to Kahala Avenue (for the domestic workers) has been addressed. Priority is to use Route 22 to service the corridor to Kahala Mall and Hanauma Bay.
2. Route 3 – Concern was raised that Route 3 into Kaimuki ending at KCC has low ridership. Relative to Route 9S it was noted that the circular will service only Palolo Valley. In answer, DTS is also looking at the Kahala Avenue route. The issue is determining where riders are coming from and going to. Other options for Route 9 are a possibility.
3. Bus/Hand-Van Budget – Per Councilmember Kobayashi’s report last month, it was asked how the elimination of $244 million from the bus/handi-van affect the bus system. In response, the rail financial plan is identified as a 5307 federal funding over a 10-year period. This 5307(FY2011-13 plan) is currently used for the bus system. Rail funding will be received from the General Excise Taxes and 5309 federal funding. Per mayor Carlisle and Council Chair Martin the bus will not be abandoned. Due to current operational issues, DTS stays within the guidelines for a fair subsidy.
4. Efficient Buses – Oahu Transit Service (OTS) does an excellent job.. Cost for a new hybrid bus is approximately $200,000 and $170,000 for an articulate bus. There are currently 518 buses in the fleet.
5. Route 14 – A constituent raise opposition to Route 14 changes, and would prefer keeping route 14 as it currently is configured as it would better serve the community’s needs. It was recommended increasing senior passes if Route 14 is not adjusted, Yoshioka acknowledge receiving the 600 signature petition. He added that Route 14 has about 1,100 boarding’s daily verses 22,000 for Route 22. DTS is working on ways to make sure = issues are addressed for the best balanced solution. Six (6) to seven (7) million dollars has been allocated for the bus system.
6. Effects of Off-Peak Service – Bus drivers work a split shift during off-peak service hours. However, service is added during peak hours.
7. 5037 Funding Breakdown – Councilmember Kobayashi asked what the breakdown is for utilization of the federal 5037 funding (approximately $30 million). Yoshioka noted probable fuel increases, labor and regular maintenance expenses.

NEW BUSINESS

Consideration of a General Election Candidates Forum – V. Tam moved and Yamada seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 have a general election candidates’ forum. The motion general election UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Leong, Perez, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada).

Elected Officials or Their Representatives:

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

▪ Not All No Right Turn on Red (NRTOR) Signs Removed Approaching the Waialae/Koko Head Avenues Intersection – The Department Facility Maintenance (DFM) informed DTS that they completed removing

the NRTOR for the mauka bound approach on May 2, 2012, and the signs for the Koko Head approach ` on June 12, 2012.

▪ Absentee Polling Sites – Three (3) Absentee polling sites will be operated by the City Clerk from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Primary Election between July 30, 2012 through August 9, 2012; and General Election October 23, 2012 through November 3, 2012 at the following sites: (a) Honolulu Hale Courtyard; (b) Kapolei Hale Conference Rooms A & B; (c) Pali Golf Course Clubhouse, 2nd Floor.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: (1) Bulky Items on Mahina Street – Bulky items left out early before the pick up date and soon after were reported on Mahina Street. Steinberg replied new rules drafted will be heard at a public hearing in August with the possibility of issuing citations to violators.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Ann Kobayashi reported the following:

▪ Congratulations – The newly elected Board officers were congratulated.
▪ Bus Route Changes – Many calls were received regarding the bus route changes.
▪ Financial Plan – The budget closed on June 6, 2012. The financial plan includes a 5307 bus funding line of credit. Taxes for buses and rail are up from 12 percent to 17 percent.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Imminent Domain for the Rail Project – It was asked and clarified that the issue of imminent domain (condemnation) will be heard at a Budget public hearing on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Steve Uyeno reported the following:

▪ Kahala Street Recycling – The timetable for recycling pick-up for approximately 20,000 homes is by early 2013.
▪ Playground Equipment – The playground equipment at Harding and 12th Avenues have been completed.

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

▪ Kaimuki Adult Education Status – Classes will continue in the fall.
▪ Hoopili Status – The Hoopili Project will use about 1,207 acres for its development. Oahu has approximately 280,000 acres of agriculture land. Existing farming will continue and plans are to construct 11,700 homes and increase workforce in the area and schools.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. – Senator Les Ihara, Jr. reported the following:

▪ Sessions – A special session was held to confirm the new Supreme Court Justice appointee. Confirmation to fill the Judicial Court Judge seat will be held by the end of the year. No session was held to override vetoes.
▪ House Bill 2424 – Regulates Professional Employer Organizations (PEO) (payroll companies), but adds heavy license fees and bonding requirements.
▪ Absentee Ballots –V. Tam announced that absentee ballots were mailed to Maui voters today.

House Speaker, Representative Calvin Say – Calvin Azama reported that Speaker of the House Say supports HI5 Copies of the written report were available on the back table.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – John Gibo circulated the written report and said Representative Marumoto is away at a conference.

▪ House Bill 2424-Professional employer Organizations (PEO) bill – Representative Marumoto opposed this bill and tried to inform small businesses. The bill was vetoed by the Governor.

Representative Mark Hashem – A representative was not present; report not available.

Representative Scott Nishimoto – A representative not present; report not available.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

▪ Next Meeting – The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be august 15, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 1117 Kilauea Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

Submitted by: Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Kazu mcarthur, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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