Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for APRIL 16, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - JUNE 18, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for APRIL 16, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - JUNE 18, 2014
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Next meeting is 6/18/2014 Read the agenda. . Click here.

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 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 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, 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: Ken Kakesako (Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Deputy Director); Senator Les Ihara, Jr., House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Mark Wong (Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Department of Information Technology, Director); Michael Leong (Councilmember Stanley Chang's Office staff), Captain Jay Shimabuku and Firefighter Vail Minn (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane and Officer Henry Wasson (Honolulu Police Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Deborah Pope and Lea Major (Shangri La), Ron Arnold, Jerry Hubbard, and Mark Gallagher (Kaimuki Christian Church), Glenn Umetsu, Mark Gallagher, Norman Hong, and Vern Yamachi (Kaimuki Christian School), Gordon Tan, 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 Jay Shimabuku reported the following:

· March 2014 Statistics: There were 4 structure and 1 wildland fires; 93 medical emergencies, 3 search/rescues, and 6 miscellaneous calls for service, i.e. auto accidents, broken hydrants

· Fire Safety Tips: In 2011, approximately 136,000 children nationwide were treated in emergency rooms for burns. Create a "kid-free zone" in the kitchen around stoves, ovens, and hot items. Keep lighters, matches, and other smoking materials out of children's reach or in a locked cabinet.

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

· Tours and Educational Programs: In support of the Neighborhood Commission Office's "Community for Keiki" month in April 2014, BWS invites the island youth and other community organizations to visit one (1) of the following educational facilities to learn about Oahu's water resources: Fred Ohrt Water Museum/Kalihi Pumping Station, Halawa Xeriscape, Nu'uanu Watershed, Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility, and Waihee Tunnel. To schedule a tour, email tours@hbws.org or call 748-5041. Due to the many requests received, at least three weeks notice is required to book a tour. More information is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest: A big "Mahalo" goes out to more than 1,300 keiki artists and 200 poets, who participated in the 2014 Water Conservation Week poster and poetry contests. The art and poetry depicted the contest theme, "Conserve Water: No Effort is Too Small" to emphasize that every drop saved contributes to water preservation. Contest winners will be revealed at an Awards Ceremony in May 2014. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com to see the names of the winners.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane presented the following:

· March 2014 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 36 thefts, and 24 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

· Community for Keiki Month - Safety Tips for Keiki: Do not accept anything from anyone you do not know. Obey traffic signals and look both ways before using the crosswalks when crossing the street.

Question, Comments, and Concerns followed: Crime Levels - Larson explained that crime levels rotate based on opportunity. HPD will monitor.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the March 19, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the March 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, and Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Schneider reported that the expenditures for March 2014 were $35.34 for the printing and mailing of the agenda and minutes, leaving a balance of $368.11. The Treasurer's report was filed.

Absences -- Russell McGuire: Chair Bullock indicated that Russell McGuire resigned via e-mail, but there was no signed resignation form. Chair Bullock asked for a motion to declare the seat vacant. Hoe moved and Moniz- Kahoohanohano seconded to declare the seat previously filled by Russell McGuire vacant. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz- Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

COMMUNITY KEIKI

Kaimuki Christian School (KCS): School Principal Mark Gallagher, several parents and 10th grade Student Council President Kylie Umebayashi, presented the following:

· School Size: Kaimuki Christian School serves approximately 326 students grades pre-K to grade 10. Enrollment numbers are projected to grow based on the closing of several nearby schools, including the closing of Queen Lili'uokalani Elementary School directly across the street.

· Quality of Education: Kaimuki Christian School is committed to offering a quality, affordable education set within a nurturing environment. The school was recently listed as one of Oahu's Best Kept secrets in the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

· Student Presentation for Keiki Month: 10th grade Student Council President Kylie Umebayashi presented the positive academic experience offered at Kaimuki Christian School. Kylie entered the school as a 9th grade student and since has reported to have thrived academically, spiritually and socially thanks to her caring teachers and classmates. Umebayashi quoted, "students are a product of their environment," and encouraged other students to attend.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: New Agenda Item: Chair Bullock thanked Kylie Umebayashi and Kaimuki Christian School staff for their presentation and noted that the board would be implementing a monthly "Community Keiki" item on future agendas.

PUBLIC INPUT

Cromwell Swimming Area Fence: A young resident inquired about the proposed fence near Shangri La. Chair Bullock noted the item would be addressed later in the agenda.

Graffiti: A resident expressed concern over the local graffiti problem. Chair Bullock noted that comments concerning graffiti are welcomed and will be sent to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). DPP has sent notices to the owners of graffiti recently reported in the area.

Speeding Vehicles: Tam reported that there should be new enforcement information for pedestrians crossing the street; Tam indicated that he was almost killed crossing the street. The concern has been addressed to House Speaker Emeritus Say at the State Legislature and a written document was presented with directions for crossing the street.

OLD BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

Safety Concerns at Cromwell's: Deborah Pope, Executive Director, Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, at Shangri La (former estate of Doris Duke) presented the following:

History: Shangri La was built between 1936 and 1938 and is now open to the public as a museum.

Recent Safety Problems: Recently the location has encountered safety problems as a result of residents jumping and diving off of the surrounding sea wall. In 2013 there were five (5) reported accidents that led to evacuations due to serious injuries; accidents are reported to increase each year.

Security: Security guards have been hired and signage has been posted indicating that diving from the sea wall is prohibited.

Proposed Fencing: A fence is in the beginning process of being constructed to restrict diving.

Questions, comments, and concerned followed:

1. Ineffective: A resident noted that the fence was an extreme solution and will only encourage more risk taking.

2. Support: Pope answered for a resident that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) supported the proposal.

3. Beach Access: Pope reported that the public easement will not be blocked by the fence.

4. Funding: Pope answered for Bullock that funding would be 100% supported by the Doris Duke Legacy; there will be no public funding for the proposal.

5. Doris Duke: A resident asked how Doris Duke would feel about the sea wall being fenced; Pope agreed that it was an unfortunate situation but noted that safety was a priority.

6. Blocked Exits: A resident noted that the fence could create additional dangers because swimmers will not be able to exit the water.

7. Serious Injuries: Kahoohanohano reported that an accident from 40 years ago left a relative in a wheel chair for life. More recently, two (2) additional individuals were reported to have encountered similar serious injuries.

8. Removal: A community member inquired if the fence could be removed if proven ineffective; Pope will follow up.

9. Lawsuits: Pope indicated there had been lawsuits filed.

10. Education/ Life guards: Several residents recommended offering additional security and life guards to educate swimmers as an alternative to closing the area off.

11. Tours: Yamada noted that the facility did not seem unsafe based on estate tours offered.

As there were no objections, Chair Bullock called a five (5) minute recess at 7:55 p.m.

At 8:00 p.m. Chair Bullock called the meeting to order.

Kaimuki Christian Church Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Architect Norman Hong presented the following:

· History: The Kaimuki Christian Church has served the community/school since it began as a Sunday school in 1909.

· Expansion: Currently, there are plans to expand the facility by adding a second floor, a 10-classroom complex, a new parking structure, and additional gardens. Based on the Churches close proximity to the Kaimuki Public Library and the former Queen Lili'uokalani Elementary School, the neighborhood is not categorized as residential.

· Conditional Use Permit (CUP): The project will be done in three (3) phases and will require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), as well as a height variance of 39 feet. The former Queen Lili'uokalani Elementary School is 52 feet tall.

· Request for Board Support: The Kaimuki Christian Church will be submitting an application to DPP at end of the month and requested the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4's support to move forward with expansion plans.

Questions, comments, and concerned followed:

1. Height: Chair Bullock expressed concern over the proposed new building height and inquired if the foundation could be dug deeper; Hong answered that the foundation cannot be dug deeper into the ground, because of rock.

2. Vacating Residents: Hong indicated to a community member that the current residents on the property have come to an agreement with Kaimuki Christian Church. They have sold their home and will be vacating before construction begins.

3. Basketball Court: Hong indicated that the current basketball court and playground would remain undisturbed.

4. Mango Tree: Hong reported that the existing mango tree would remain intact.

5. Parking: Hong indicated for Larson that during the construction of the new parking lot, visitors will still be able to utilize the old parking lot; once the new parking lot is completed, the previous parking lot will be redesigned for gardens.

As there were no objections Chair Bullock called a five (5) minute recess at 8:19 p.m.

At 8:23 p.m. Chair Bullock called the meeting to order.

6. Testimony: Karen Tsukiyama, the former Principal of the former Queen Lili'uokalani Elementary School read a letter, indicating support of the Kaimuki Christian School expansion. Tsukiyama stated the Church was a positive addition to the community. Lydia Chock also submitted testimony, indicating the Kaimuki Christian Church participated in local graffiti removal projects, trash clean-ups, and house repairs.

7. Kaimuki Public Library: An employee of the Kaimuki Public Library reported that Kaimuki Christian Church was an excellent neighbor and helped with graffiti removal, as well as, had contributed to fundraising, donating funds, and donating books.

8. Data Center for the Department of Education (DOE): Chair Bullock inquired if there would be an "over-saturation" in electrical power utilized as a result of the DOE moving in across the street.

9. Conservation: Hong indicated for Chair Bullock that the preliminary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was not completed and are required. A power audit was just completed and other audits indicated that the water fixtures were efficient. School Administrator Jerry Hubbard noted that the church recently passed an audit and there were no power issues to date.

10. Go Green: Hong answered for Schneider that there would be energy-efficient fixtures, future photo- voltaic panels, and motion sensors.

11. Timeline: Hong answered for Kang that phase two (2) of construction was projected to break ground in the summer of 2015; the entire three (3)-phase project was projected to be completed in ten years.

12. Conditional Use Permit (CUP): Hong indicated for Hoe that the Kaimuki Christian Church was asking for a vote of confidence from the Board for the CUP that would be submitted to DPP at the end of April 2014.

13. Hard Copy of Site Plans: Larson requested a hard copy of construction plans. Hong will follow up.

14. Easter Service: The Kaimuki Christian Church invited the community to attend their 2014 Easter Service.

Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 supports the Kaimuki Christian Church's Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) for the next two and three construction phases, which includes a height variance.

Discussion followed: Construction Phases: Chair Bullock asked for clarification if the request included support of Phase 2, as well as, of Phase 3 of construction; Hong indicated that Phase 1 was complete and the request was for support of Phase 2 and Phase 3 of construction.

The motion was ADOPTED, 6-2-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Tam; NAY: Kang and Yamada; ABSTAIN: None).

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Mark Wong distributed the City News April 2014 and reported the following:

Community for Keiki Month: April is "Community for Keiki" Month at the Neighborhood Boards. The 2012 Census reported that 22% of the island's community is under the age of 18 and, although keiki are not old enough to be Board members, it is important to highlight the issues that most affect them.

Summer Fun Program: The City and County's Summer Fun Program is held at over 60 sites across Oahu, and offers a variety of recreational activities such as crafts, sports, and excursions. Summer Fun runs from Thursday, June 12 to Friday, July 25, 2014, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Some sites offer program before and after Summer Fun. Summer Fun is open to children age five (5) to 13 years old. Teen program and volunteer opportunities are available for students in grades seven (7) to 12. Enrollment is limited. There is a registration fee of $25 that is waived for eligible children receiving assistance. For more information, please visit www.honoluluparks.com.

Wai'alae Avenue Paving: The repaving on Wai'alae Avenue encountered unanticipated soil conditions, which delayed the estimated completion date to summer 2014.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Wai'alae Avenue Paving: Tam inquired into costs reported to have increased from $8 million for Wai'alae Avenue to now $12 million. Chair Bullock requested specific dollar amounts. Wong will follow up.

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

· Kapiolani Boulevard Construction Project: On Monday, March 31, 2014, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) will begin a water main replacement project along Kapiolani Boulevard, from McCully Street to Date Street. The planned hours of construction are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Motorists should expect some delays and plan accordingly.

· Budget News: The City and County of Honolulu's annual budget process has begun. Bills 11, 12, 13 and 14 passed first reading by the full Council on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 and now head to the Budget Committee for public hearings. Bill 11 is the Legislative Branch's operating budget. Bill 12 is the Executive Branch operating budget. Bill 13 is the Executive Branch Capital expenditure budget. Bill 14 authorizes the sale of bonds to fund the City budget.

· Kaimuki Community Gardens: There will a preliminary rendering of proposed community gardens for Kaimuki available at the June 2014 Board meeting. Larson will continue to follow up with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for approval of a Kaimuki Community Garden.

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

· Bill 67 (2013): Bill 67 was introduced by Councilmember Chang to update previous ordinances for publication dispensing racks.

· Bill 17 (2014): Bill 17 was introduced by Council Chair Ernie Martin to update ordinances on shoreline setbacks to permit minor structural changes that do not affect beach process.

· Next Council Meeting: The next council meeting was today, Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. The Council will be undergoing the second budget reading. More information on the budget process can be found in the April 2014 edition of Councilmember Chang's newsletter.

· Two (2) Town Hall Meetings: The public is invited to attend, two (2) informal town hall meetings, hosted by Councilmember Chang on current Council issues on Monday, April 28, 2014 from 5:30 -7:00 p.m. at the O'ahu Club in Hawaii Kai and on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. at Waikiki Elementary School in Diamond Head.

· Illegal Rental on Center Street: After a recent complaint, DPP inspected the property and no violation was issued.

· Graffiti at Toys and Joys: Councilmember Chang's Office notified DPP about the graffiti at Toys and Joys; DPP has since sent letters requesting the subject property owner 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.

· Speeding near Wilhelmina Rise: The issue has been assigned to DTS to design prospective speed bumps as well as to HPD to monitor speeding.

· Intersection at Wai'alae Avenue and 11th Avenue: The issue was assigned to DTS to do a future traffic study of the area.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Intersection at Wai'alae Avenue and 11th Avenue: Leong indicated for a resident that there is currently no arrow at the left hand turn lane located eastbound on Wai'alae Avenue and 11th Avenue.

Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative: The new Deputy Director for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Ken Kakesako will alternate with Fred Pablo and Kakesako reported the following:

· Vehicle Safety Inspection Follow Up: In response to a question from the March 2014 Board meeting, it was reported that vehicle safety inspections are still being carried out in the same procedure. The only changes are now they are being filled electronically to improved security and efficiency.

· Race to the Top: During a recent visit with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Hawaii was praised as a "rising star" and a possible model for schools across the nation. Hawaii's fourth graders surpassed the national average in mathematics. Principals, teachers, staff and students are recognized for their hard work and dedication. Thanks also go out to legislators, who collaborated to fund early education bills.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Safety Inspection concerns: Chair Bullock noted that the subject safety inspection concerns related to a recent bill regarding inspections.

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

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): There was no representative present; a report was provided.

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

· Legislation: The Minimum Wage Bill and Public Land Liability Bill were the two (2) proposed measures going to conference committee.

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

· "Green Energy" Loan Program: The proposed "green energy" loan program will provide loans for individuals who want to purchase alternative energy for their private residencies.

· House Bill (HB) 1678, Relating to Historic Preservation Review: This bill was reported as still alive and would provide exemptions to the current historic preservation review process.

· House Bill (HB) 1866 and Senate Bill (SB) 3122, Relating to Kaka'ako: HB 1866 would reduce powers of the State's Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) and building heights. SB 3122 would allow the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to develop residential high rises in Kaka'ako.

· Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Culinary Institute Construction: The KCC construction project has been delayed. A re-bid has been issued and construction will begin in November 2014. The most recent bid was $34 million for the first phase.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Recess - The Board will recess for May 2014.

· Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted by: Daniela Arriaga, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for APRIL 16, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - JUNE 18, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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