Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - MARCH 19, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - MARCH 19, 2014
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:00 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.

Board Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, James Larson, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Russell McGuire and Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano.

Vacancies: There are two (2) vacancies for Subdistrict 1.

Guest: Fred Pablo (Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative), State Senator Les Ihara Jr., State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Mark Wong; Michael Leong (Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Department of Information Technology, Director), Trevor Ozawa (Councilmember Stanley Chang's Office staff), Captain Bryan Goo (Honolulu Fire Department), Officer Cory Shiraishi (Honolulu Police Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Deena Dray (Diamond Head Theatre), Rebecca Pike, Molly Jenkins, and Cori Simonsen (Montessori of Oahu), Glenn Yamasaky, and Daniela Arriaga (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: There are two (2) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (East Kaimuki and Business District). As there were no volunteers, this item was deferred to the next meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Bryan Goo reported the following:

· January 2014 Statistics: There were 6 structure fires; 97 medical emergencies, 8 service calls, 25 good intent calls and 16 false alarms.

· Fire Safety Tips: Microwave Safety: Purchase a microwave oven with an independent testing laboratory label. Complete and return the product registration card to ensure the manufacture notification in the in the event of a product recall. Always supervise children when using a microwave oven and use only microwave safe food containers. Never use aluminum foil or metal in a microwave oven. If a fire starts in a microwave oven, leave the door closed, turn the oven off, and unplug it form the wall receptacle. If the fire does not extinguish, go outside and call 911. Ensure that home addresses are made visible for emergency response.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Officer Cory Shiraishi reported the following:

· December 2013 Statistics: There were 8 motor vehicle thefts, 12 burglaries, 32 thefts, and 21 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

· Pedestrian Safety Tips: Recommended safety tips for rain weather road conditions were included in the handout provided.

· Standard Format for the Monthly Statistics: The HPD will be using a standard format for reporting statistics to all Neighborhood Boards.

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

Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshops: BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer Saturday workshops. A full listing of the workshops can be found on www.boardofwatersupply.com. New upcoming workshops include the following: February 15, 2014 -- Simply Compost: Participants will learn the five methods of composting, how to identify the method that best fits their lifestyle, and how they can start applying this method at home; March 8, 2014 -- Bokashi Composting: This method uses a unique mix of microbes to cover food waste and decrease smell; March 15, 2014 -- Chemical-Free Insect and Pest Traps: Participants will learn how to construct a mosquito or fly trap from repurposed material at home; and April 15, 2014 -- 5 Simple Steps to a Beautiful Garden: Participants will gain basic knowledge and tools to have a lush home garden.
Brown Bag Tours: BWS offers Brown Bag Tours at the garden every Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Learn about Oahu's water cycle and effective water conservation guidelines. Workshops and tours are open to the public. To register for workshops or Brown Bag Tours, call 748-5363 or email workshops@hbws.org.

· Kilauea Avenue Construction Project: BWS is set to begin a water main replacement project along Kilauea Avenue, for 15th Avenue to 18th Avenue to replace approximately 1,300 feet of an eight (8) inch water main. The anticipated start date begins Wednesday, March 12, 2014. Hours of construction are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The project will improve fire protection, reduce the likelihood of main breaks, and enhance water service in the neighborhood. Heller reported that the BWS appreciates the community's patience while the main is being replaced.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the January 15, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the January 15, 2014 regular meeting minutes as published. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Schneider, Tam, Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Schneider reported that the expenditures for January 2014 were $26.48 for the printing and mailing of the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $429.93. The Treasurer's report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT

· Values: Resident Glenn Yamasaki recommended that the community continued to serve as positive examples for younger generations.

· Refuse Sheet: A community member inquired over the refuse fees fact sheet provided by the Mayor's Office and stated that the $10 monthly proposed charge was unfair to taxpayers. There was also an inquiry over a private Hawaii Island trash company that offered trash pick-up for $26 a month. Chair Bullock will ask the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) for information regarding the fees.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mau'umae Nature Park: The department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) was unable to grant the Board's initial request to close down only the viewing section of the Mau'umae Nature Park. DPR instead recommended that the board request to close the entire park as opposed to just the lookout. Chair Bullock read the written notification from DPR, which indicated that following the Neighborhood Board's recommendation to close the entire park and DPR board's approval, signage can be posted and will be enforced by HPD.

Comments: Tam commented that closing the entire park would include almost 30 acres of land, and questioned the reason behind closing the park in its entirety as opposed to just the few square feet of land. Kang provided a map of the park which included the lookout area near 16th Avenue. Bullock clarified to the board that they would need to recommend closing the park in its entirety, and not just the viewing area, in order to get the recommendation passed by DPR. Bullock answered for several board members that park closure would be limited from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Hoe moved and Larson seconded a recommendation to the Department Parks of Recreation to close Mau'umae Nature Park in its entirety from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The motion was ADOPTED, 6-0-1 (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Tam, Yamada; Abstain: Schneider)

NEW BUSINESS:

Diamond Head Theatre: -- Deenna Dray, the Executive Director of the Diamond Head Theatre, made an announcement that the Theatre's Open House will be held in March 2014. Dray requested that the item be placed back on the Neighborhood Board's March 2014 agenda and indicated that architects and planners would be present to discuss upcoming renovations at the next meeting date.

Montessori of Oahu: Rebecca Pike spoke on behalf of a group of five (5) educators/parents looking to find a home for their Montessori school in the Kaimuki community. Pike stated that the Montessori approach to education supports a child's natural development in a well-prepared environment. Montessori of Oahu currently has a financial plan and a curriculum. The founders have applied for 5013c status and completed the Hawaii Charter application. Pike expressed that the school would be a beneficial addition to the neighborhood.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Target Size: A community member asked about the target size of the school. Pike indicated that the target size for the first year was 35 children and would increase in size over the following years.

2. Mission Statement: The school proposes to facilitate a structured nurturing environment grounded in the culture of Hawaii where children can develop into happy, healthy and productive citizens.

3. Location: Pike reported that a small school site/ building location would be ideal for the first year and that site locations could be open to include retail or restaurant spaces.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

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

· Road Repair: Phase 14B Heights and Wilhemina Rise were listed as part of the Mayor's priorities for Rehabilitation of Localized Streets.

· Potholes: The Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM) reported high amounts of potholes due to the heavy rain this month. To report potholes contact the City pothole hotline at 768-7777.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Refuse Fee: Wong clarified for Bullock as well as several community members that City refuse pick-up includes a separate day for recycling. A resident expressed concern over having to pay the proposed additional $10 fee compared to private contractors on Hawaii Island. Wong indicated that part of the City's fees go to the pay of unionized City workers as opposed to non-unionized Hawaii Island fees.

2. Taxes: A resident strongly opposed further increases in the budget and gave examples of high taxes and fees such as the Rail that they were unhappy to pay. Wong will take the comments back to the Mayor's office.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5) -- James Larson distributed Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter and reported the following:

· Road Improvements: The rehabilitation of Waialae roads includes reconstruction of pavement, resurfacing of streets, curbs, sidewalks, tree removals and other area improvements. The project's estimated completion date is April 2014.

· Council Calendar: This month's City Council meeting was held Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Honolulu Hale.

· Bill 4 (2014: This bill encourages the City to use indigenous Polynesian plants in public landscaping.

· Bill 8 (2014):The purpose of this measure is to authorize the City to remove nuisances outside of the home such as weeds, vegetation, garbage and other hazardous materials that could prove to be a danger to public safety and health.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Waialae Sidewalk: Larson answered for a resident that previous reports to the Neighborhood Board indicated that the soil underneath the Waialae was not sufficient, and explained that the foundation base was dug in an effort to create a permanent solution to the problem.

2. Gardens: Chair Bullock inquired over updates on gardens, and Larson responded to have currently not yet received feedback from DPR on the issue. Staff members at Councilmember Kobayashi's office were reported as still diligent in establishment of a Kaimuki/Kahala community garden.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4) -- Trevor Ozawa reported the following:

· Overgrowth of Weeds on Center Street: Last month a constituent reported an overgrowth of weeds on the 1,200 block of the Center Street sidewalk. The report was assigned to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP); after an inspection review, no notice of violation was issued.

· Former Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School: Notice was given by the Department of Education (DOE) that the cornerstone will remain in the basketball court. Councilmember Chang's office will follow up on the proposed future use of the facility.

· Intersection of 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue: Last month a constituent inquired over split phasing near the intersection of 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) responded that split phasing was not recommended. Councilmember Chang's representative recommended facilitating a visit from DTS at next month's meeting to answer questions.

· Graffiti: In February 2014 there was a report regarding store front graffiti at Toys and Joys, the 3,600 block of Waialae Avenue, the Queen Theatre facing Center Street, as well as graffiti reported at a private building near Hillside Avenue and Sierra Drive. The store front graffiti has since been assigned to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), and the Hillside Avenue graffiti removal has been assigned to the Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM).

Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative -- Fred Pablo reported the following:

· CAFR: This fiscal year the State of Hawaii was awarded the Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting for timely reporting of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The award recognizes that the state has improved its financial condition over the past five years and has reported in a timely manner. This affects the bond ratings and the interest rate of the state. The Department of Budget and Finance (DAGS), the Department of Accounting and General Services, and the Office of the Legislative Auditor worked together to complete the report ahead of schedule in January 2014.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District) -- There was no representative present; no report was provided.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District) -- Senator Ihara reported the following: Industrial Hemp: President Obama has signed the Farm Bill which contains an amendment to legalize hemp production for research purposes.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State Representative 20th District) - House Speaker Emeritus Say was not present. Chair Bullock reported the following from Speaker Emeritus Say's report:

· Repair and Maintenance for Schools: $4.8 million in general obligation bonds were reported for the repair and maintenance of the following schools: Anuenue Hawaiian Immersion School, Palolo Elementary School, Jarrett Middle School, Aliiolani Elementary School, Hokulani Elementary School, and Kaimuki High School.

· Public Housing Project (Statewide): $4.8 million in general obligation bonds were reported for the repair and maintenance of public housing statewide with the provision that $1.5 million be directed to the Palolo Housing Leakage.

· State Parks: $4.8 million in general obligation bonds were reported for the repair and maintenance of State Parks. Provisos included $250,000 for Waahila State park, $250,000 for Malaekahana State Park, and $250,000 for Mookini Heiau.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State Representative 19th District) - Representative Bertrand Kobayashi reported the following:

· Fire Ants: Representative Kobayashi encouraged the public to be aware of the possible presence of fire ants and indicated that a potential breakout on Oahu would be extremely difficult to control.

· Historic Preservation: Representative Kobayashi announced that HB1678, Relating to Historic Preservation, was passed on Wednesday, February 12, 2014. The bill exempts from the definition of historic property any private residence that has not been nominated by the owner of the residence.

· Diamond Head Theatre: Representative Kobayashi clarified for a resident that the Diamond Head Theatre will be building an entirely new structure next door as a part of their renovation plans.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Submitted by: Daniela Arriaga, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Risé Doi, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

Last Reviewed: Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - MARCH 19, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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