Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 20 2013 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 20 2013 Meeting
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Next meeting is 12/18/2013 Read the agenda. . Click here.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. Note -- This 11 member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Members Absent: Russell McGuire.

Vacancies: There were three (3) vacancies on the Board, including two (2) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3.

Guests: James Larson (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office), Mark Wong (Mayor Caldwell's Office), Y. Tokuyama, Ricky Mamiya (Honolulu Fire Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), C. Yamada, Liutenant Nagata, Sergeant Kurasaki (Honolulu Police Department), Danni Alvaro, Colleen Miyaki, Evan Miyaki, Michael Leong (Councilmember Cheng's Office), Laurie Callies, Natalie Iwasa, State Representative Calvin Say, State Representative Bertram Kobayashi, and Neil Baarde (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES: Chair Bullock opened the floor for nominations or volunteers to fill the three (3) vacancies. There were no nominations or volunteers to fill the vacancies in subdistrict 1. James Larson volunteered to fill the vacancy in subdistrict 3, and delivered a brief introduction about himself. Hoe nominated Larson to fill the vacancy in subdistrict 3, Schneider seconded. The motion to appoint Larson was ADOPTED, 6-1-0 (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohano, Schneider, Yamada; Nay: Tam).

7:05 p.m. Chair Bullock called for recess to swear in James Larson. Meeting called back to order at 7:07 p.m.

A quorum of eight (8) was established.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Ricky Mamiya reported the following:

· October 2013 Fire Statistics: There were 4 fire calls, 80 Emergency Medical Services (EMS)/rescue calls, 25 miscellaneous calls.

· Christmas Tree Safety Tips: Select a tree with fresh green garden needles that do not fall off when touched, cut two (2) inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in a stand, Keep the tree at least (3) feet from heat sources, such as candles, heat vents, or lights, Ensure that the tree is not blocking an exit, Add water to the tree stand, use lights that have an independent testing laboratory label, some lights are for indoor or outdoor use only, replace strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections, connect no more than three (3) strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw in bulbs, read the manufacturer's instructions for the number of LED strands that can be connected, never use lit candles to decorate the tree, always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed, after Christmas, remove dried tree from the home, do not store it in the garage or against your house, Check with local community to find a recycling program, and bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Kurasaki reported the following:

October 2013 Crime Statistics: There were 12 burglaries, 2 robberies, 40 thefts, and 7 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).
Holiday Safety Tips: Holiday season is here, a lot of people on the road, be careful and be safe.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Comparative Statistics: A resident asked for comparative statistics before and nothing has been produced yet. Wondering if HPD is doing it or making a handout to give to the public. Sergeant Kurasaki responded that the agreement made was for the most recent months' statistics. Sometimes HPD does not have the resources to calculate and track how many cases or citations were given. Resident responded is there more or less crime since last year, what's the context behind all the information. Sergeant Kurasaki responded that the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is working and Kurasaki will try and talk to his Captain to see if HPD can provide a yearly statistics report. If anyone would like to see trends or other statistics its online at HPD.org. Mark Wong commented that residents can filter through the data online at data.honolulu.gov as well as crimemapping.com.

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

· Water Main Break: There was none in the Kaimuki area during October 2013.

Oahu's Municipal Water System: BWS provides an average of 145 million gallons of water per day to a population nearing one (1) million people through a unique and complex water system. Each of BWS's 94 potable water sources, 90 booster pump stations, 172 reservoirs, and 2,100 miles of pipeline work in concert to deliver safe, high quality drinking water when users turn on their faucets. Source pumps draw water from underground and into the water transmission system. Booster stations are used to push water over long distances and to higher elevations. The purpose of pumping and booster stations is to deliver fresh water to reservoirs, which store water for future use. Finally, when the water is needed, it is fed back into water mains for delivery to homes and businesses. Over 2,100 miles of pipeline are utilized to deliver fresh water from the pumping stations, to reservoirs, and to homes. BWS employees work diligently to operate and maintain Oahu's complex water system. Proactive maintenance and replacement, as well as emergency repairs of control valves, fire hydrants, water mains, and other components are all part of BWS's daily work to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for customers. As part of this ongoing effort, BWS also manages and systematically plans for the renewal and improvement of its infrastructure.
Long Range Plans to Improve Water Infrastructure: To provide a safe and dependable water supply, BWS must prioritize and implement projects to systematically replace pumps, pipes, reservoirs, and other components of Oahu's water system.
Six (6) Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP): The BWS produces a Six (6) Year CIP that includes projects to address system renewal and replacement and capacity expansion to accommodate growth and pipeline and facility improvements.
Water Master Plan: The BWS's Water Master Plan is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to identify ways to extend the life of existing infrastructure, reduce main breaks, and develop a long--term Capital Improvement Program with a 30--year planning horizon.
Estimated Billing Update: BWS staff continues to work diligently to reduce the number of estimated bills, manually review any affected accounts, and reconcile bills to ensure that our customers have been accurately and fairly charged for their actually water use. Efforts to reduce estimated bills include: Identifying and replacing malfunctioning meter reading equipment, Increasing staff to meet increased work demands for monthly bills, Revisiting its method of bill estimation to more closely reflect a customer's recent water usage, Reconfiguring the billing system to flag a bill that is estimated for more than three (3) months in a row, Continuously monitoring the number of estimated bills to prevent occurrence of multiple estimated bills.

A detailed FAQ on the estimated billing issue is posted online at www.boardofwatersupply.com Customers may contact BWS Customer Care at 748-5030 to discuss any concerns regarding their water bill.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Fire Hydrant: Board member Hoe asked who is responsible for fixing broken fire hydrants. Heller responded that the BWS is responsible for repairing broken hydrants. Board member Hoe responded good job! It was fixed quick and properly.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the October 16, 2013 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Larson seconded to adopt the October 16, 2013 regular meeting minutes as published. The minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Board member Schneider read the financial statement for October 2013. Costs included $4.60 for printing, $20.70 for postage, leaving a balance of $515.94. The report was filed.

Permitted Interaction Group Report: Board member Brian Kang announced that a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) was appointed by the board for the purpose of discussing ways to raise attendance and awareness of the Neighborhood Board Meetings. The group did meet and emailed ideas and put them together.

Ideas that were highlighted: Purchase or get a banner donated and ask the church for permission to hang banner, work online and try to get a more prominent website, asked Council members for a more prominent location, be at the parades or town events as a board to publicize Neighborhood Board meetings, change the location of the meeting once or twice a year, explore other communities events and find a way to tie it in to Kaimuki, attend monthly meetings of other clubs on Oahu, and all are encouraged to come to the meetings but some people are not aware of them. The members for this PIG are Brian, Paul, Russell, and Marilyn, they will discuss their ideas more and will follow up at the next meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT:

· Natalie Iwasa: Announced that she is running for City Council and gave a brief introduction on herself. Also commented that if the board would like to hang banners the board could try by Waialae District Park for great exposure and it could give the community some awareness.

· Dennis Alvaro: Was not sure if the meeting was the right place to go for a speed sign but resident was asking for a No Parking sign for Wilhelmina Rise. City representative took note on issue. Chair Bullock asked if there was a specific reason why there isn't a sign there. Alvaro responded that he is not sure why there is no sign but on Mariposa Drive drivers cannot see oncoming traffic. Alvaro presented a picture and the board and the representative said they will look into it and follow up.

OLD BUSINESS:

· Mau'umae Nature Park Lookout: Chair Bullock informed the community that the board took a motion in supporting some changes to lookout and read an email that was sent to the Director of Department of Parks and Recreation. The Board is trying to help clean the lookout by restricting the parking area, making sure the park is closed and chained at 10 p.m. and opened at 5 a.m. Laurie Callies had requested that HPD checks up on lookout and give citations to those who are trespassing. The Board and Callies will both get an update from Department of Planning and Permitting and will follow up at the next meeting.

Discussion:

Board member Leonard Tam drove to the lookout one night and saw two (2) men in a truck, not enjoying the lookout but staying in the truck.
Laurie Callies Head of the Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) reported that a resident found an intruder in his home for the third time. Callies says that the intruder is part of the heavy activity that occurs at the lookout. She also found a crystal meth bag near the rubbish can and Callies would like to close the parking lot completely.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns that followed:

1. Board member Schneider asked if the break in was at night or during the day time. Callies responded that one (1) was during the middle of the night, one (1) was during the day, and the most recent was around 9 p.m.

2. Board member Schneider showed concern and said that she has passed by the lookout and saw people enjoying the park. Schneider thinks that closing the parking lot forever is a bit drastic. Callies responded that if possible is willing to close the parking lot 24/7 for a six (6) month trial period to see if there are any changes. Board member Schneider suggested closing the parking lot from time to time but it does give tourists the right to enjoy the lookout. Also asked if the parking lot gets closed will it be a problem for people or tourists to park and walk. Callies responded that there is parking below the Park. Board member Tam commented that people can park along the road and around 16^th Avenue.

Updated Motion:

Tam moved and Yamada seconded to update the Mau'umae Park lookout recommendations from area residents to DPR, including posting park closure hours and seeking DPR's recommendations on a 24 hour, seven (7) days a week, for a six (6) month trial closure of the parking in the area of the lookout in order to stem noise disturbances and illegal activity after hours. The motion was NOT ADOPTED. 2-4-2 (Aye: Tam, and Yamada), (Nay: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, and Moniz-Kahoohanohano), (Abstain: Schneider and Larson)

Discussion that followed:

1. Laurie Callies asked what the next step is. Chair Bullock responded that the board will find out and see what DPR is going to do and to see if they can get through to them in time with an updated resolution.

2. Mark Wong commented that other areas on island are going through the same issue and gave a suggestion of what other neighborhoods are doing to resolve the issue.

3. Laurie Callies commented that there is no park clean up, DPR has not sent anyone to clean up or maintain the park, Resident Evan Miyaki commented that him and his friends from high school adopted park and do a clean up once a month. Callies responded that she was hesitant to do a clean up because of some hazardous material she has seen at the park. Callies asked Miyaki if during their clean up have they seen or come across any syringes with needles or other hazardous material. Miyaki replied no. Chair commented that the board will follow up with DPR.

4. Board member James Larson asked about the graffiti issue at the park. Callies responded when the graffiti comes up, the graffiti busters team can fix it quick within 24 hours.

NEW BUSINESS: None

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Mark Wong reported the following:

· Town Hall Meeting: Still continuing the series of town hall meetings. The next town hall meeting will be at Waianae District Park on December 5, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

· Follow Ups: Representative Wong had a few questions from last month that needed follow up information.

1. Mau'ume Park Chickens: Representative Wong asked Mr. Miyaki to see and talk with him after for more details because the city no longer has a contracted service provider to address the feral chicken complaints. Also advised Mr. Miyaki to work with DPR to get help or more information.

2. Waialae Avenue: The roads on Waialae Avenue will not be finished before the Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 5, 2013. The contract called Unit 57 hit soft spots underneath and it will take a little more engineering but the estimated completion time is mid January of 2014.

3. Bulky Items: Representative Wong reported that The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) can issue the property owner a Notice of Violation (NOV) that advises the owner to remove their item(s) from the curb within seven (7) days, if the item(s) have not been moved after the seven (7) day period a Notice of Order (NOO) will be issued fining the owner $250. Representative Wong passed out brochures that noted the area and days of bulky item pickup, as well as further information for anyone who may have more questions.

4. Parked Cars: The parked cars that prevent cars from turning onto 11^th Avenue and Kilauea is being investigated by The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and will inform the board by the December meeting.

5. Parking Lot: Funds are not currently available to resurface the Kaimuki Municipal Parking lot between 12^th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue. A request for the Fiscal Year of 2015 Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) funds is still under review and consideration.

6. Left Turn Arrow: DTS did do a study at 16^th Avenue and Waialae Avenue where the left turn could go and DTS is in the process of doing further evaluations. DTS has evaluated the traffic collision history at the subject intersection for the past two (2) years and determined that left turn lanes are not warranted as a result of the intersection's traffic collision history.

7. 7-11/76 Gas Station: DTS confirmed with the neighborhood board of the concern with motorists blocking makai bound motorists on Sierra Drive from turning right onto Waialae Avenue. DTS conducted a field observation during the morning peak hours found that there were occasional motorists exiting the corner driveways blocking the curb lane on Sierra Drive. DTS did not observe vehicles blocking the right turn lane. According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 291C-64, the driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles or bicycles approaching on the highway to be entered.

Questions, comments, concerns followed:

Traffic Light: Board member Tam raised a concern about the traffic light that is on 10^th Avenue, going makai from Palolo only stays green for a short period of time but going mauka stays on for a long period of time. Left turn not essential just a longer light. Representative Wong responded that he will talk to board member Tam after for more details. Board member Hoe commented that on 11^th Avenue going towards the freeway has a longer light, suggests copy the light from 16^th Avenue and Waialae Avenue for the process. Board member Tam commented that DTS should just come to the meeting so they can speak to a representative.
Contra Flowing: Board member Kang asked if the City has ever considered contra flowing the traffic. Representative Wong will follow up.
Traffic Issues: Board member Tam wrote a letter for the Representative asking why the traffic has been bad and why is the light cycle only about 25 seconds. Tam explained that it took him 30 minutes to get from Punahou Street to University Avenue and he has never had to wait in bad traffic on Oahu until this year. Representative Wong responded that there are many different answers including construction, the number of people on the road, driver behavior, or there's an accident somewhere. DTS is also working on syncing the traffic lights and fix the cameras to better help the problem. Representative Wong commented that he will read the letter again and will follow up at the next meeting.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Representative James Larson provided a newsletter and reported the following:

· Recycling Event: The 10th Annual Community Clean-Up event last month was very successful. Thanked those in the community who helped and attended.

Councilmember Stanley Chang: Representative Michael Leong provided a newsletter and reported the following:

· Kaimuki Playground: Constituent reported that the playground equipment is old and the park is not being maintained. DPR has been notified and will do a clean up.

· Traffic: Constituent reported that traffic between 11^th and 13^th Avenue has been getting worse and heavier going Ewa bound. Concern has been noted and sent to DTS and will follow up.

Governor Neil Abercrombie: Representative Fred Pablo announced that President Barack Obama appointed Governor Neil Abercrombie to serve on the President's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns that followed:

1. A resident asked in regards to taxation, where is the money going. Representative Pablo answered the money is going to repairing roads and lights.

Senator Sam Slom: No representative was present and no report was provided.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present and no report was provided.

Representative Calvin K.Y. Say: House Speaker Emeritus Say provided a newsletter and asked the board and the audience if anyone has questions.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns that followed:

1. Board member Yamada asked who owns Kakaako Waterfront. Representative Say responded the City. Board member Yamada raised concern because she saw the park was not being well maintained, homeless tents everywhere, and graffiti. Representative Say he will notify Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM),

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi provided handout and reported the following:

· Special Session: Representative Kobayashi announced that the handout that was provided is about the session and its bill, its process, and asked the board and audience if there are any questions.

· Honolulu Marathon: Representative Kobayashi reminded the audience and the board about the marathon on Sunday, December 8, 2013.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns that followed:

1. Representative Kobayashi asked the board if the Neighborhood Board will be in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade. Chair Bullock responded that he is not sure, but will look into it.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Next Board Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

· Kaimuki Christmas Parade; Chair Bullock reminded the audience about the Kaimuki Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 5, 2013.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Submitted By: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant I

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