Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for JULY 16, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 17, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for JULY 16, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. achieving quorum with 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, James Larson, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Brian Kang

Vacancies: There are two (2) vacancies for Subdistrict 1 and one (1) vacancy for Subdistrict 3.

Guests: Lieutenant Roy Hamamoto (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter 3 Raymond Egan (Honolulu Fire Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Amanda Morales (Councilmember Stanley Chang's office staff), Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Representative Calvin Say, Senator Les Ihara, Ken Kakesako (Governor Neil Abercrombie's representative), Julia Allen (Senator Slom's office staff), C. Schuster, Dominique Meyer Gere, Jeff Gere, Natalie Iwasa, Tommy Waters, Trevor Ozawa, Carl Strouble, and Jenilea M. Heath (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Chair: Hoe nominated and Moniz-Kahoohanohano seconded Lyle Bullock for the position of Board Chair. Lyle Bullock was ELECTED to the position of Board Chair, 6-0-1; (Aye: Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada. Abstain: Bullock.)

Vice Chair: Moniz-Kahoohanohano nominated Paul Hoe for the position of Board Vice Chair. Hoe declined the nomination. Moniz-Kahoohanohano nominated and Larson seconded Lori Yamano for the position of Board Vice Chair. Lori Yamano was ELECTED to the position of Board Vice Chair, 7-0-0; (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada.)

Secretary: Moniz-Kahoohanohano nominated Sharon Schneider for the position of Board Secretary. Schneider nominated and Hoe seconded James Larson for the position of Board Secretary. James Larson was ELECTED to the position of Board Secretary, 6-0-1; (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada. Abstain: Larson.)

Treasurer: Hoe nominated and Yamada seconded Sharon Schneider for the position of Board Treasurer. Sharon Schneider was ELECTED to the position of Board Treasuer, 7-0-0; (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada.)

DETERMINATION OF TIME AND LOCATION: The time and location of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 meetings will remain the same.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: There were two (2) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (East Kaimuki and Business District) and one (1) in Subdistrict 3. As there were no volunteers, this item was deferred to the next meeting.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter 3 Raymond Egan reported the following:

· May 2014 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires; 80 medical emergencies, 4 search/rescues, and 31 miscellaneous calls.

· Fire Safety Tip: With keiki on summer break, it is an opportune time to review and childproof homes for potentially dangerous conditions. Check for situations that may cause electrical shock, accidental falls, and poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, or houseplants. Ensure swimming pools are properly fenced and gated. An alarm on the door from the house to the pool can help prevent an unattended keiki from drowning. Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach or in a locked cabinet.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Roy Hamamoto presented the following:

· May 2014 Statistics: There were 13 motor vehicle thefts, 17 burglaries, 47 thefts, and 13 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

· Disaster Preparedness Tips -- A flyer was available with disaster preparedness tips. Residents should be prepared for tsunamis and for the upcoming Hurricane Season.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Coordination: A community member suggested that neighbors should coordinate with each other to plan out emergency preparedness plans. When power was lost in the area, neighbors worked together to organize dinners.

Stop Signs: A community member requested that there be more enforcement of stop signs on Wilhelmina Rise. Both going up and down the road, some vehicles do not come to a complete stop.

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

· Unthirsty Plant Sale: BWS and the Friends of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden at the Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 2, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to this free event that features a wide variety of less-thirsty and native plants at moderate prices, xeriscape workshops by garden experts, a live performance by the Royal Hawaiian Band, keiki activities, educational booths, a mulch giveaway, delicious food, and much more. There will also be a special rededication ceremony of the garden. This event is a great opportunity to learn how to create landscaping that's both beautiful and less thirsty year round. Proceeds from the event will help support educational programs and classes at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com, or call 748-5041.

· Summer Water Conservation: The hot summer months are here. Home water consumption typically rises this time of the year, so BWS reminds all residents to be vigilant and avoid wasting water. To save water, check for property leaks, avoid watering lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving. Conserving water now allows BWS to save water for future generations. Plus, saving water saves money. For more tips on how to conserve water, visit the BWS website.

· Contractor Project: Heller received a concern from a community member regarding a project near Wilhelmina Reservoir. The resident was concerned about dust mitigation during the construction project. The concern has been forwarded to the engineering group, but no response has yet been received. When Heller receives a response from the engineering group, she will contact the resident directly.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Pipes: Heller did not have information available as to whether or not water pipes will be replaced during the Wilhelmina Reservoir project. A community member noted that the last time pipes were replaced, the road was not properly repaved and the damage was not swiftly repaired.

2. Heavy Equipment: Bullock raised a concern about heavy equipment on the 800 block of Ainapo Street. Pedestrians have been forced to walk into the road to avoid the equipment on the sidewalk. Heller will follow up on the status of the project. Heller noted that the construction project on Kilauea Avenue near 17th Avenue encountered utility lines and the project had to be rerouted under the lines. The expected end date is September 2014.

3. Bank Near Reservoir: A community member noted that a small bank near the Wilhelmina Reservoir used to be covered in greenery but the plants were removed. It was suggested that BWS use xeriscaping in the location. The area is currently populated with weeds and dead plants.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the June 18, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the June 18, 2014 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0; (Aye: Bullock, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada.) Amendments were as follows:

· Page 1 of 6: Under "Guests", "Gordon Tan" should be changed to "Gordon Tam."

· Page 4 of 6: Under "Life Expectancy of Roads", "Schneider" should be changed to "Yamada".

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $132.90 spent during the month of June 2014 and a remaining balance of $183.69. The report was filed.

COMMUNITY KEIKI: This item was deferred due to the scheduled Candidate's forum at 8:00 p.m.

PUBLIC INPUT

New Development: Resident Jeff Greer noted that in the last two (2) years, two (2) small lots near his home were raised and new houses were built across the two lots as one unit. The property is now filled with developments, and neighbors feel they encroach on the area atmosphere. Chair Bullock explained that the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) investigated the site and found a height violation. The land use ordinance defines R-5 as residential 5,000 square feet. An R-5 lot may have two (2) buildings, as long as each does not exceed a certain amount of space. It was noted that the Board has considered pushing for a special design district for the Wilhelmina Rise and Sierra Drive area which could override previous land use laws, as has been done in Waikiki and Chinatown. The topic will be added to a future agenda for Board discussion.

OLD BUSINESS: Chair Bullock said he has not yet received a response from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) on Mau'umae Nature Park and lookout. The board has requested changes to park rules and signage. The board asked that the Park be closed be 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in order to reduce noise and illegal activities. Initially the board only wanted the lookout to be closed, but it now would like the entire park to be closed. No changes are reported to have been made.

NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business at this time.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: A representative was not available. Chair Bullock read the following report:

Road and Curb Repair: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) has requested an address for the home on Wilhelmina Rise with the curb that needs repair.

Delivery Truck: HPD noted that on Thursday, July 3, 2014, District 7 officers made checks of the Times Kahala area but did not observe any delivery trucks obstructing traffic. Officer A. Bruhns spoke with Times Supermarket Receiving Marnager Cheryl Sawai, and informed her of the community complaint regarding the trucks. Monitoring will continue in the area.

Broken Glass: DFM contacted resident David Frankel on Monday, July 14, 2014. The sidewalk on the Ewa side of Sierra Drive between Center Street and Keanu Drive is where broken glass was located on the road. This sidewalk belongs to BWS as part of their Keanu Line Booster Station. Beretania and King Streets have been swept.

Minutes: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) noted that their Board minutes shall be available within 30 days after the meeting with some exceptions. The Board is not required to post the meeting minutes online. For further information, refer to HRS 92-7.

Puddles: The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) noted known drainage problem areas are investigated and evaluated whether corrections can be made with repaving of a street, as the rehabilitation of streets projects are primarily road pavement maintenance projects. Some drainage problems may require substantial improvements such as installing a new drainage system and these improvements will need to be implemented with a separate drainage improvement project.

Pollar Valve: DDC noted that the bid contract price for the pollar valve of the Waialae Road Paving Project is $9,361,775 for the Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 57 project including Waialae Avenue from Kapahulu Avenue to 17th Avenue, and adjacent local roads.

Concrete: DDC noted that in general, if a roadway is steeper than a 12% grade, concrete pavement is used. The existing concrete road pavements in the Maunalani Heights area will be evaluated on the roadway slope and other specific conditions and then determined whether its should be reconstructed in concrete or asphalt concrete pavement.

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

Budget Highlights: Highlights from the City budget were provided in Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter, including $5,000,000 for the restoration of bus routes, such as Route E, Route 3, Route 5, Route 14, and other Leeward Coast routes, and $80,000 for a demonstration project to address crowing roosters and a feral chicken control program.

Contact Information: For information or assistance with any level of government, Councilmember Kobayashi's office can be contacted at 768-5005.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Board Member Status: A community member questioned the possible conflict of interest regarding James Larson's membership on the Board and employment in Councilmember Kobayashi's office. Larson answered that there is no conflict of interest in any City charter or the Neighborhood Plan. Larson continued that he feels capable to carry responsibilities in both capacities.

2. Advisory Board: It was noted that the Neighborhood Board system and the Neighborhood Commission Office are part of the Administration offices, and are not related to Council outside of an advisory capacity.

3. Feral Chickens: It was noted that there is no current contract to handle feral chickens. The intent of the demonstration is to be solution driven. It is not a study.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4): Amanda Morales distributed Councilmember Chang's newsletter and other handouts, and reported the following:

Property Tax: A fact sheet about property tax was included in the handouts provided.

Resurfacing Project: Further information on the resurfacing project was provided on a handout.

Waialae Avenue Repaving: Sensor loops were damaged during repaving and will be fixed after road striping. This will include the traffic signal at 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue.

Assistance: Councilmember Chang's office is also open to assist residents with any government related issues.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Repaving: Hoe noted that a report from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) on the Waialae Avenue repaving project was overdue. The project should be complete by the end of summer 2014. Asphalt must cure for one (1) month before it can be repainted. Sierra Drive is also due for repaving.

2. Utility Wires: Morales will follow up about the possibility of moving utility wires underground instead of over.

3. Coordination: It was suggest that BWS coordinate better with other City agencies to prevent tearing up newly paved roads. Morales noted that there is a one (1)-year memorandum disallowing tearing up a newly paved road. Councilmember Chang is moving to extend the memorandum to two (2) years.

Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative: The Deputy Director for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Ken Kakesako reported the following: Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): To maintain Hawaii's economic momentum, the Abercrombie Administration continues to release funds for CIPs identified by members of the Legislature. These priority projects invest in state facilities and infrastructure while creating jobs for local residents. Since 2010, Governor Abercrombie has released more than $22,765,229 in CIP funds in the Kaimuki neighborhood. CIPs include Palolo Valley homes, Hawaii Center for the Deaf and Blind, Leahi Hospital, Diamond Head Health Center, and others.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

HDOA Vacancies: Kakesako answered for a community member that HDOA is working to fill vacancies in their offices. In the past year, 22 of 24 employees have left for retirement and other reasons.

Coqui Frogs: The battle against the Coqui frog invasion is going well. Call the HDOA hotline if a Coqui frog population is detected. Larson noted that the Coqui frog expert who works with HDOA is very impressive and effective. He was featured in a New York Times article about invasive species.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): Julia Allen provided a handout and reported that Senator Slom is alarmed by the decrease in State tax collections. There were no questions for Allen.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): Senator Ihara reported that Governor Abercrombie vetoed 7 bills. Senate Bill 12-88 (SB1288) would allow the Governor to name his or her own Lieutenant Governor of the same party. Senator Ihara also voted against this bill. Senator Ihara disagreed with the other six (6) bill vetoes however.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State Representative 20th District): House Speaker Emeritus Say asked residents and Board members to volunteer at the Saturday, August 2, 2014 canal clean-up adjacent to Waialae Avenue. The activities will begin at Saint Louis High School at 8:00 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Residency: Representative Say noted that he was not aware of any meeting between his office and a judge to discuss his residency case. This issue was raised by a resident.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State Representative 19th District): Representative Kobayashi circulated his newsletter and reported the following:

· Vetoes: There is scattered interest in overriding Governor Abercrombie's vetoes.

· Culinary Institute: The Kapiolani Community College (KCC) culinary institute construction has been delayed again.

· Mandatory Kindergarten: Statewide, over 3% of kindergarten aged children do not attend kindergarten. Attendance will now be mandatory. In the Kaimuki area and similar towns, non-attendance is closer to 1%. Representative Kobayashi suggested that anyone who's child is not enrolled in kindergarten work on the application swiftly to avoid penalties.

· H-1 Striping: There is no permanent solution for the striping issues on the H-1.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

Submitted by: Jenilea Heath, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

Last Reviewed: Wednesday, August 13, 2014

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for JULY 16, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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