Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 2014
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with a quorum of six (6) 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 (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Leonard Tam.

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

Guests: Bill Brizee; Captain Ricky Mamiya (Honolulu Fire Department); Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative); Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane, Sergeant Kevin Oshiro, and Officer Shane Fujitani (Honolulu Police Department); Leonard Kam; Mr. Elwood; Dae and Donna Shimabuku; Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Evelyn Hee (Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's office manager); Keiko Bonk, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Amanda Morales (Councilmember Stanley Chang's office staff); and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane circulated a report and presented the following:

· September 2014 Statistics: There were 5 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 16 burglaries, 44 thefts, and 15 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

· Cars Break-In: HPD asked residents to secure their vehicles to prevent unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle.

· Contact Information: The last page of the report includes contact information of the Community Policing Team for East Honolulu.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Parking: A resident commented that there is only one passable lane on Sierra Drive near Matsonia Drive because of parked cars on Sierra Drive and asked if parking near the curb on Sierra Drive is legal since the vehicles may be too close to the curb. Lieutenant Sukekane replied that residents should call 911 when they see an illegally parked car. A resident asked and Lieutenant Sukekane answered that vehicles are not allowed to park within 20 feet of the curb.

Double Parking: Chair Bullock asked and Lieutenant Sukekane answered that the vehicle's owner is responsible for paying the citation for double parking. Lieutenant Sukekane will follow up for more details regarding the issue.

Waialae Avenue Off Ramp: Yamada circulated a Problem Report and stated that she had submitted a report to HPD and the Mayor's representative, Mark Wong about a traffic issue on the Waialae Avenue off ramp. The report illustrated drivers making a right turn across the off ramp, and described the issue as dangerous to unsuspecting pedestrians. Lieutenant Sukekane will follow up.

Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano arrived at 7:10 p.m.; seven (7) members were present.

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

August 2014 Statistics: There were 4 structure fires, 5 rubbish fires, 17 false calls, 70 medical emergencies, 6 search and rescues, and 5 miscellaneous calls.

Fire Safety Tip: Since 1992, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the week of October 9. The National Fire Protection Association has selected "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month!" as this year's Fire Prevention Week theme. In October 2014, children attending elementary schools statewide will receive a Firefighter's Safety Guide from their teachers. Parents are encouraged to review the safety guide with their child, create or revisit a family fire escape plan, and test smoke alarms.

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

Water Meter Maintenance: BWS is responsible for maintaining and repairing its facilities, water mains, meter boxes, and water meter. If there are any problems with the water meter such as a leak, it is the customer's responsibility to call BWS at 748-5000 for a BWS troubleshooter. For more information on water meters, how the BWS obtain meter readings, and an "On the Job" video, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Construction Project on Wilhelmina Rise: Schneider asked if construction has begun on the water mains along 13th and 14th Avenue that was reported in last month's Board meeting. Heller replied that the project has not yet started.

2. Pipes Relocation on Wilhelmina Rise: Schneider asked and Heller replied that the pipes on Wilhelmina Rise will be moved towards the middle of the street.

3. Repaving of Sierra Drive: Schneider asked about repaving of Sierra Drive. Heller will update.

COMMUNITY KEIKI -- Leonard Kam of the Movement Center reported the following:

· Introduction: The Movement Center is a 501(c)(3) organization that creates good people through performance arts such as song and dance, ballet, musical theatre, and more.

· Programs: The Movement Center offers many performance art programs including Gems Program which was brought back from hiatus and Music Makers, which is similar to a glee club. Participants of Music Makers perform Christmas songs at various public venues and community events.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Location: Chair Bullock commented the Movement Center is located on the corner of Koko Head Avenue and Waialae Avenue, and boys can also participate in the program.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the August 20, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the August 20, 2014 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0; (Aye: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $26.06 spent during the month of August 2014 and a remaining balance of $495.24.

Agenda Mail Outs to the Board Members: Chair Bullock stated he did not receive the agenda and mail out for September 2014 and asked if other Board members received it. No Board members received the mail out and Neighborhood Assistant Uyen Vong will follow up.

Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Chair Bullock provided PIG Chair Schneider with a copy of the Land Use Ordinance. Yamada will provide PIG Chair Schneider a copy of the previous master plan for the Kaimuki Business District. The PIG will report at the October 2014 Board Meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT

Business Improvement District (BID): Community member Bill Brizee introduced himself as an architect who had been involved with the Waikiki Improvement Association. Brizee explained the history of special design districts which is to maintain the historic nature of an area and listed districts such as Chinatown, Thomas Square, Haleiwa, and the Capitol District as examples. Brizee suggested to the Board to create a BID for Kaimuki. Brizee explained that the City assesses seven (7) cents per $1000 and uses that revenue towards special projects to improve the district. Chair Bullock suggested to Brizee to talk to Community Planning PIG Chair Schneider.

Broken Glass on Sierra Drive: A resident raised a concern about broken glass found on Sierra Drive near the Hi-Sierra apartment building. The broken glass has been there for more three (3) months and the resident would like to request the BWS to clean it up since the glass is located on BWS property. Chair Bullock will follow up.

Special Design District: Community member Keiko Bonk explained that special design districts have been implemented on neighbor islands and the key to implementing it is to pass it by City ordinance which requires a strong group of people to advocate for the district.

July and August 2014 Minutes: Bonk commented that the minutes did not reflect what she said in the July 2014 and August 2014 Board meetings. Bonk would like to state on public record that in the July 2014 Board meeting, she had asked Speaker Emeritus Say if Speaker Emeritus Say knew if the State House of Representatives was intervening on his residency case in which he replied no. In the August 2014 Board meeting, Bonk stated she announced the State House of Representatives intervened in Speaker Emeritus Say's residency case. Bonk announced that Speaker Emeritus Say's motion to dismiss the residency case will be heard tomorrow, Friday, September 19, 2014 by District Court Judge Nakasone.

OLD BUSINESS: Mau'umae Nature Park and Lookout Update: Chair Bullock noted that a legislative aide from Councilmember Stanley Chang's office provided pictures of the cleanup of the Mau'umae Nature Park. Board deliberations followed and centered on the closure of the parking lot for the lookout. Chair Bullock iterated that the question is should the parking lot only be closed at night or should the parking lot be permanently closed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Calling 911: Larson commented that the issue also lies in the neighboring homeowners' initiative to call HPD when there is a vehicle in the parking lot after 10:00 p.m. Larson noted that as a homeowner, calling HPD may not be his first response.

Illegal Dumping: A resident commented that there is illegal dumping during the day and alcohol consumption at night.

Signage: Larson asked if additional signage suggesting residents should call 911 when there is illegal activity would help.

City Response: Larson noted that residents can call their councilmember to put pressure on City agencies to expedite a response or to make a complaint on their behalf and remain anonymous.

Noise: Yamada commented that she could hear the noise coming from the parking lot from her home.

Other Agencies: Chair Bullock noted the discussion should involve the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Neighborhood Watch.

Private Citizen: A resident commented that a retired private citizen had been going into the park to clean up the area and Larson asked for the private citizen's contact information to ask if the Board could assist him in his efforts.

Next Meeting: Chair Bullock noted that this issue will be discussed in the next Board meeting.

NEW BUSINESS: HMSA Blue Zones Project: Moani Wright-Van Alst reported the following:

Blue Zones Project: Blue Zones Project is a new health and well-being initiative by HMSA to help communities make the healthy choice the easy choice. Blue Zones is coined by National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner to identify communities around the world that have the highest percentage of people living past the age of 100, low percentage of chronic diseases, and a great quality of life.

Hawaii: There is an increasingly high percentage of people with obesity issues and chronic illnesses in Hawaii. Communities need to work together to bring down the statistics on health issues. The project will bring together schools, policy makers, citizens, and community leaders.

Examples: Students will not be allowed to eat in the hallway of the school. Grocery stores will have blue zone aisles stocked with healthy snacks. Blue Zones will work with public officials to create bike lanes and sustainable walking paths.

Results: Blue Zones implemented in communities on the mainland have shown lower rates of obesity and smoking and improved chronic conditions. HMSA also implemented a Blue Zone at the workplace which led to many employees making healthier choices such as conducting standing meetings and eating healthier.

Community: HMSA is seeking communities that would like to participate in the Blue Zone Project. Visit https://hawaii.bluezonesproject.com for more information. There will be educational sessions in October 2014.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

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

General Election Registration Deadline: The last day to register to vote for the General Election is Monday, October 6, 2014.

Iwi Way Repaving: The concrete portions of Iwi Way and Mikahala Way will be reconstructed under the Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 65 Project and is subject to utility clearances and availability of funds. The asphalt pavement portion of Iwi Way is scheduled to be resurfaced and is also subject to utility clearances and availability of funds. Both projects will be repaved within a five (5) year period. More information about other upcoming road projects can be found online.

Rerouting TheBus: Routing TheBus through the Kaimuki business district along Koko Head Avenue is preferable and less disruptive than routing TheBus through 14th Avenue, which serves a residential area. Routing TheBus through 14th Avenue may require eliminating street parking to accommodate bus operations. Wong noted that there is a mix-up in the response since the resident asked if TheBus could reroute through 13th Avenue and not 14th Avenue. Wong will update with a new response.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

King Street Cycle Lane Project: Larson thanked the City on starting construction for the cycle lane project along King Street.

Waialae Cycle Lane: Chair Bullock noted that Mayor Caldwell was at the Kaimuki Community Park on Monday, September 15, 2014 with the Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL), Councilmember Stanley Chang, City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) for the inaugural ride of the new bike lane on Waialae Avenue.

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

· Bill 54: Bill 54, relating to real property tax, will increase the threshold to be eligible for a tax credit to households earning up to $60,000.

· Resolution 14-175: There will be a study to help Councilmembers make informed decisions regarding legislation relating to food service containers.

· Community Wide Clean Up and Graffiti Cleanup: There will be a graffiti cleanup event at Prince Kuhio Elementary School.

· Contact Information: Located on the back of the newsletter is the contact information for Councilmember A. Kobayashi's staff. Contact the office with any questions or concerns.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4): Amanda Morales distributed Councilmember Chang's newsletter and four (4) service reports earlier in the meeting. Chair Bullock reported the following:

· Kapaolono Community Park: The plans to replace the existing equipment that supplies power to the play court lighting system at Kapaolono Community Park is currently in the design phase. The bid for construction is anticipated to begin by the end of 2014.

· Parking Lot Behind Kaimuki Post Office: Capital Improvement Project (CIP) requests for reconstruction of the parking lot had been submitted in the past but were rejected for budgetary reasons. The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) will continue to address potholes and specific areas of degradation pending another CIP request for the 2016 fiscal year budget.

· Waialae Cycle Lane: A constituent reported a concern regarding increased commute time since the installation of the new bike lane on Waialae Avenue. The City will review traffic findings of the new bike lane.

· Wilhelmina Rise: A constituent is concerned about new construction projects on Wilhelmina Rise and requested the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to provide oversight on the construction projects.

Governor Neil Abercrombie's Representative: No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State Representative 20th District): No representative was present; a newsletter was provided.

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

State Budget: The Hawaii Council on Revenues announced that there is a decrease of $200 million for the cumulative fiscal year 2014 and fiscal year 2015 from the March 2014 revenue projection and September 2014 revenue projection. The State budget that was passed by the Legislature in May 2014 was based on estimates from the March 2014 revenue projection. The reduced projected revenue explains the recent cuts in funds for Special Education by the State Department of Education (DOE).

H-1 Freeway Lane Striping Demonstration Project: The project appeared unsuccessful in increasing visibility of the land divider.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Culinary Institute: The plan to develop a culinary institute at KCC is still going forward. The scope of Phase I of the project has been reduced because of the tight budget.

AARP Family Caregiver Conference: There is an AARP conference for family caregivers assisting the elderly or for those planning for their own aging.

Diamond Head Fort Ruger Pathway Phase II: Construction began a few weeks ago to complete the Fort Ruger Pathway starting from across the American Red Cross Building to 22nd Avenue.

Diamond Head Kiosk: The Diamond Head Kiosk which is located in the Diamond Head Crater is now open to the public.

11th Annual Green and Recyclables Cleanup: The 11th Annual Green and Recyclables Cleanup is on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Curbside pickup is available. Some items cannot be accepted such as refrigerators, tires and hazardous materials. Paper shredding services will not be available this year.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Risé Doi, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for SEPTEMBER 17, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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