Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for MARCH 19, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - APRIL 16, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for MARCH 19, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - APRIL 16, 2014
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Next meeting is 4/16/2014 Read the agenda. . Click here.

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Russell McGuire.

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

Guests: Deena Dray, Tammy Tama, Kevin Miyamura, and Susan Eicher (Diamond Head Theatre), Scott Ezer, Captain Ricky Mamiya (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Maurice Asato, Sergeant Cyrus Hanuna, and Officer Henry Wasson (Honolulu Police Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Mark Wong ( Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative), Michael Leong (Councilmember Stanley Chang's Office staff), Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Senator Les Ihara, Fred Pablo (Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative), Nicole Velasco (Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office), and Daniela Arriaga (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: There were 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 Ricky Mamiya reported the following:

· February 2014 Statistics: There were 4 structure fires, 7 hazardous conditions, 63 medical emergencies, 5 service calls, and 15 false alarms.

· Fire Safety Tips: Barbecue Grills: Propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors. Keep children and pets three (3) feet from the grilling area. Ensure that the gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Never leave a lit grill unattended.

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

Telephone Scam: BWS would like to alert the public of a telephone scam, where customers are being called in a fraudulent attempt to collect money. A recent incident included a customer being called in which an individual demanded payment or else service would be discontinued. Anyone who receives a similar call is encouraged to call BWS at 748-5030 to confirm the account balance before making a payment. BWS does not call customers outside its business hours of Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to request payment. BWS does not call customers, demand payment, and collect payment all in the same phone call. Residents should call HPD at 911 if any suspicious activity is observed. The community may also call BWS at 748-5041 to file an additional report.

National Fix-a-Leak Week: March 17 to March 23, 2014 is National Fix-a-Leak Week. Residents are encouraged to check for property leaks and fix any leaks promptly. Checking for and making timely repairs to property leaks helps to save water, lowers the combined water and wastewater bill, and prevents potential damage to a home.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant Maurice Asato presented the following:

· February 2014 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 33 thefts, and 9 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

· Home Security Check List: Recommended safety tips for home security were included in the handout provided.

· HPD Presentation on Marijuana: The HPD gave a presentation on their official position on marijuana. HPD opposes the legalization and the decriminalization of marijuana. E-mail questions to Sergeant Pamela Liu at pliu@honolulu.gov.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the February 19, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the February 19, 2014 regular meeting minutes as published. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz- Kahoohanohano, 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 $403.45. The Treasurer's report was filed.

Board Recess in May 2014: Chair Bullock announced that the Kaimuki Christian Church facility will be unavailable for the month of May 2014. Hoe moved and Tam seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 recess for the month of May 2014. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz- Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, Yamada).

Chair Bullock noted that the Board would be requesting the State Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM) present at next month's April 2014 Board meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT: Speed Bumps: A resident expressed concern over speeding occurring at a private road on 1300 block of 17th Avenue and suggested speed bumps should be installed. Chair Bullock recommended notifying the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for follow up on who owns the private road.

NEW BUSINESS:

Diamond Head Theatre (DHT): Deena Drey, executive director of DHT explained that the Theatre will start its 100th season in September 2014. DHT entertains over 40,000 patrons each year, and the theatre offers classes, which have served over 1,200 teens, children, and adults. DHT staff has found that the building small size and lack of technical advancements limits future theatre growth. A building assessment was done, and it was decided that the theatre would benefit from an entirely new building; it was indicated the current existing theatre could stay in operation while construction began on the new theatre. The proposed new theatre building would be on the mauka side of the current building. The theatre is entering its environmental assessment (EA) phase, which will include feedback from the community, stakeholders, and theatre subscribers. Drey introduced Kevin Miyamura from Urban Works to describe the technical aspects of the new building. Miyamura presented the following:

Background: The property is on a long-term State land lease, and the current building holds 500 seats. There will be no increase of seats in the new building.

View Changes: The theatre will require a height variance for the building's fly loft, which Miyamura explained is an architectural part of any modern theatre. The current DHT building does not have a fly loft because it was originally built to be a movie house. The new building height, which includes the fly loft, will be 50 feet from the ground to the highest point. The new building will also be set further back 12 feet lower into the grade. The height variance will not significantly impact existing residential views from Makapuu and Alahea Streets.

Design Aspects: The majority of proposed materials for the project will be limited to earth tones, and the building will be designed to blend with the natural landscape of the area. A large part of the theatre space will be wrapped by lower parts of the building, including insular support services, class space, staff offices, and the theatre lobby. The slope down toward the perimeter will further minimize the perceived height of the new building.

Landscaping: Redevelopment will also include landscaping of the forecourt with plants native to the Diamond Head geographical area. In the forecourt, there will also be an interpretive walk with placards noting the history of the existing theatre, as well as the theatre's history with Fort Ruger.

Questions, comments, and concerned followed:

1. Construction Timeline: Drey answered for Larson that the Enviornmental Assesment would take 18 months; the project's construction timeline is estimated to take one (1) year.

2. Square Footage: Miyamura indicated that the proposed theatre renovation would result in a 25% increase in square footage space.

3. Construction Equipment Storage: Drey answered for Larson that Kapiolani Community College (KCC) had agreed to allow DHT to store construction equipment on their grounds.

4. Leahi Hospital: A community member expressed concern over the theatre's proximity to Leahi Hospital, and noted that sound levels from the theatre could potentially disturb patients.

5. New Building Site: Drey indicated for Hoe that the new theatre would be built on the site of DHT's cactus garden near Makapuu Street.

6. Current Building: Drey answered for Chair Bullock that the current existing theatre building would eventually be torn down and replaced by the new theatre to be built next door.

7. Wheelchair Accessibility: Drey indicated for Moniz-Kahoohanohano that the proposed new theatre would be wheel chair accessible.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

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

· Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO): Wong introduced Nicole Velasco, the Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commissions Office. Velasco thanked Board members for their service to the Kaimuki community, and indicated that the NCO would be proposing a good news item to be added to board agendas. Velasco announced April 2014 was Keiki month and encouraged the Board to include keiki related items. Velasco also noted that Wong helped to implement the new City of Honolulu website.

· Mayor's Statement Bill 69: Director Wong read Mayor Kirk Caldwell's statement regarding Bill 69. The statement indicated that Bill 69, relating to advertising on City buses, was drafted with the intention of finding new revenue to support bus service improvements.

· Road Repairs: Phase 14B of the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets (Louis Heights and Wilhemina Rise) are currently out to bid. The anticipated start date was noted as March 2014.

· Standing Water: Wong indicated that height difference between streets and driveways have impeded water drainage flow near residential driveways; Wong noted that driveway ponding was the responsibility of the subject property owners.

· Refuse Fact Sheet: The refuse fact sheet was presented; Wong noted that under the proposal residents would be charged an additional $10 fee per month for single residents and $314 per month for multi-unit residential properties. Fees proposed would directly impact refuse fee services rather than a property tax increase. Maui charges $18 per month for refuse services, Kauai charges $12 per month, and Hawaii Island does not offer a refuse service. Wong followed up on a question from February regarding a private contractor on Hawaii Island and indicated that the subject company limited trash pick up to one cart per week versus the City's five carts twice a week.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Refuse Fee Collection: Wong answered for Chair Bullock that refuse fees would be collected from property tax bills two (2) times per year.

2. Smart Cards: Wong indicated that smart cards would potentially be implemented as a future part of the transit system.

3. Waialae Street Paving: Wong and Chair Bullock answered for Tam that the Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM) would be asked to attend next month's meeting to report on the Waialae Street paving status.

4. Handi-Vans: A resident expressed concern over disabled citizens being unable to access Handi-Vans; Wong will follow up with the office that issues Handi-Van Services.

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

· Bill 4 (2014): Bill 4 passed for full Council at a recent March 12, 2014 meeting; the bill encourages the City to use indigenous Polynesian plants in public landscaping.

· City Sourced Honolulu 311: The City of Honolulu 311 smart phone app provides a free GPS system for residents to reports, potholes, broken street lights or abandoned vehicles.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Gardens: Chair Bullock inquired over updates on gardens, and Larson responded staff members at Councilmember Kobayashi's office were still diligent in the pursuit of a future Kaimuki/Kahala community garden.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4) Michael Leong distributed Councilmember Chang's newsletter and reported the following:

· Graffiti: In response to a February 2014 report of graffiti on the store front of Toys and Joys and the Queen Theatre, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has sent letters requesting the subject property owners to make corrections. Leong indicated that DPP only encourages property owners to make graffiti corrections; DPP is aware that property owners are not legally responsible to make graffiti vandalism corrections.

· Kaimuki Community Park: The padding under the swings and jungle gym floor at Kaimuki Community Park were recently reported as deteriorated. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has since patched the jungle gym floor and is currently accessing the status of swings.

· Former Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School: The cornerstone will remain at the Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School parking lot.

· Intersection of 8th Avenue and Waialae Avenue: Last month a constituent reported the intersection of 8th Avenue and Waialae Avenue was unsafe because there is no overhead traffic light. The issue has been assigned to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to evaluate the possibility of installing a future traffic light. DTS has asked for an extension until July 2014 to make the assessment.

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

· Vehicle Weight Tax: The vehicle weight tax has increased over recent years because the federal government has put less money into State highway funds, and therefore states have to raise individual funds state wide.

· Agriculture Department Deputy Director: The Governor recently appointed Ken Kakesako as the new Deputy Director for the State Agriculture Department.

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:

· Car Sharing: The Senate recently passed the Car Share bill. The system has been successful in several major cities and offers short term rental of hundreds of cars parked on City Streets; local Honolulu taxi companies do not oppose Car Share.

· Decriminalization of Marijuana: Senator Ihara answered for Moniz-Kahoohanohano that there were no recent bills that had passed supporting the decriminalization of marijuana.

· Vehicle Inspection Bill: Chair Bullock inquired over the status of a recent vehicle inspection bill and problems with ipads used to document inspections; Senator Ihara will follow up.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State Representative 20th District) - House Speaker Emeritus Say reported the following:

· Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Smart Grid: There will be an informational meeting held Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Kaimuki Middle School on the Hawaiian Electric Smart Grid Program.

· Waialae Avenue: Speaker Emeritus Say quoted a February 2014 Star Advertiser report stating that the project was estimated to be completed by June 2014.

· Early Education Open Door Pre School Application: The Department of Human Services (DHS) has begun accepting applications for the Pre School Open Doors Program.

· Vehicle Inspections: Speaker Emeritus Say concurred with Bullock that there have been recent issues with the current vehicle inspection process. Chair Bullock noted vehicle inspections fees are $19.19; Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the State, City, and vehicle inspector receive a portion of the fee.

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

· Extra Stripes On the H1 Freeway: HDOT is attempting to eliminate the extra three stripes on each lane on the H1 Highway.

· HECO Metering Program: The metering program will not change how residents sell electricity to HECO.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Conference of Chairs: Chair Bullock reported that the recent Conference of Chairs provided updates on the Neighborhood plan and recommended that Board members review the Sunshine Law training video.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Submitted by: Daniela Arriaga, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Risé Doi, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for MARCH 19, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - APRIL 16, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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