Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for OCTOBER 15, 2014 Meeting - <font color="red"><b>NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 19, 2014</b></font> - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for OCTOBER 15, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 19, 2014
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2014

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a total of five (5) members present. Quorum was not established. 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, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Brian Kang, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, and Leonard Tam.

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

Guests: Karen Tsukiyama (Kaimuki Business and Professional Association), Corrie Uehara, Linda Knowles, Captain Jay Shimabuku and Firefighter Mark Tam (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Maurice Asato (Honolulu Police Department), Amanda Morales (Councilmember Stanley Chang's office staff), Gordon Tam, Charles Schuster, Evelyn Hee (Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's office manager), Julia Allen (Senator Sam Slom's office staff), Brian Yamane, 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 Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Mark Tam circulated a report and presented the following:

· September 2014 Statistics: There were 3 rubbish fires, 55 medical emergencies, 3 search and rescues, and 16 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.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Maurice Asato provided a newsletter and reported the following:

Statistics: There were 9 motor vehicle thefts, 25 burglaries, 50 thefts, 9 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,222 total calls for service.
Safety Tip: Information regarding Halloween safety tips can be found in the newsletter.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): No representative was available; Chair Bullock read the following report:

Main Breaks: There were no water main breaks in the month of September 2014.
Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop Schedule: The Halawa Xeriscape Garden is hosting three workshops: Neem Tree Workshop to learn how parts of the Neem tree can be used for organic pest control on Saturday, October 18, 2014, Rain Barrel Catchment Workshop on Saturday, October 25, 2014, and Economical Aquaponics Workshop on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Advance registration is required to attend. Call BWS at 748-5363 or email workshop@hbws.org to reserve a space.
Halawa Xeriscape Garden Update: The BWS is no longer offering free mulch at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden as of July 2014. Mulch piles are potential breeding sites for the coconut rhinoceros beetle, an invasive scarab beetle that feeds on coconut palms. Although free mulch is no longer available, the demonstration garden remains open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Contact Information: For any questions, call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Water Tank Update: Resident Charlie Schuster asked for an update from BWS regarding the water tank located near Maunalani Park. Chair Bullock will forward the information to BWS.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the September 17, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: The approval of the minutes was deferred to the next Board meeting.

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $17.48 spent during the month of September 2014 and a remaining balance of $477.76.

Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Report: Community Planning PIG Chair Schneider updated the Board on her recent community outreach with Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA), Queen Theater, and Kaimuki residents. Schneider commented that she talked to a resident who suggested Kaimuki to be designated as a Special Design District. Chair Bullock noted that Kang and Moniz-Kahoohanohano are members of the Community Planning PIG. Chair Bullock reminded PIG Chair Schneider that the PIG committee may be reorganized if necessary.

PUBLIC INPUT

Flooding: Resident Linda Knowles was at the Board meeting on behalf of her family, and her neighbors, the Uehara family, and Roberts family. Knowles stated she lives on 18th Avenue and explained her situation regarding a drainage and flooding issue near her residence. Knowles stated that the week prior, heavy raining had flooded into the Uehara family's garage and backyard. Knowles explained that the reason why it flooded was due to drainage issue and another neighbor who had erected a wall in 2012 that blocked off the natural path for the overflow of rainwater. Knowles commented that she was told by the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) that the matter is a civil matter since the dispute involves a private road. Knowles also noted that during the 40 days of rain in 2006, the blocked drainage resulted in a rush of water that broke through a wall next to the property which started the ponding in her property and her neighbor, Roberts family's property. Knowles also noted that homeowner's insurance does not cover surface water damage. Knowles requested for the City to clean the drain periodically and to amend the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) to update the building codes to take into account how new construction such as a wall could affect nearby residences.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Liability: Schneider asked about liability if new construction affected another property owner. Knowles commented that new construction shouldn't be affecting the flow of water.

2. Original Plan: Yamada asked if the wall was built according to the original plan.

3. Ownership: Resident Schuster asked and Knowles answered that the road was owned by Bishop Trust and is now owned by Bank of Hawaii. Knowles stated that the City will not accept the private road until the road is brought up to code. Knowles noted to bring the private road up to code, nearby homeowners will have to pay for the upgrades.

4. Response and Update: Amanda Morales from Councilmember Stanley Chang's office will follow up.

Restriping on Harding Avenue and 9th Avenue: A resident raised a concern about restriping in the intersection of 9th Avenue and Harding Avenue. The resident commented that the lane on Harding Avenue near 9th Avenue is wide enough for two (2) traffic lanes. The resident noted that drivers who are making a right turn do not realize there may be a second car to their left. The resident commented that the current configuration of the lane may be unclear to drivers who are in the right side of the lane and decides to make a left turn. The resident also noted that the lane on 7th Avenue and Pahoa Avenue is exactly the same configuration as the lane on the 9th Avenue and Harding Avenue and commented that the demarcation line on 7th Avenue and Pahoa Avenue makes it easy for drivers to safely turn left or right.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. City Response: Larson commented that generally, action will be taken by the City if there is a history of accidents or collisions. Larson will drive around the area and will ask the appropriate department to look into the issue.

2. Federal Law: Schuster commented that federal traffic control laws should be adopted by the City. Larson replied that if there is no history of accidents or collisions, then the City is unlikely to respond.

3. Street Parking: Yamada asked if there is parking on the left side of the street. Several Board members stated no.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA): Karen Tsukiyama reported the following:

68th Annual Christmas Parade: This year, the 68th annual Christmas parade will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014 and will have over 2,000 participants. This year's marshal will be the members of the Lions Club. This year, participants are required to sign a release of liability form for KBPA and each organization is required to carry a fire extinguisher and the driver of the parade vehicle to have an updated safety check, current motor vehicle registration, and driver's license. Inspections will be made on the night of the event.
Improvements: Any comments and suggestions can be submitted to KBPA to improve the planning of the parade.
Road Closures for the Parade: Road closures will be on one side of the street on Waialae Avenue. The parade route starts from Chaminade University to Koko Head Avenue.
Volunteers: Tsukiyama stated KBPA is looking for any interested volunteers and welcomed the Board to join as a participant in the parade.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

December Update: Larson asked if KBPA could update the Board at the December Board meeting and Tsukiyama said yes.
KBPA Contact Information: Schneider asked and Tsukiyama answered that the website for KBPA is www.kbpahawaii.com; email is Kaimukichristianparade@gmail.com; and contact number is 739-4801. The event date is Thursday, December 4, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Christmas Lights: Chair Bullock asked for more information regarding the Christmas lights at Kaimuki Community Park. Tsukiyama explained that the Kaimuki Community Park lights is not organized by the City. Tsukiyama commented that Christmas lights at Kaimuki Community Park is organized by KBPA with assistance from Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Tsukiyama stated the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) told KBPA that some of the sockets are too old and need to be replaced. Tsukiyama commented that DPR would not send staff to allow KBPA to check the lights since it would have to be done afterhours, and KBPA may have to ask the Councilmembers or the Mayor to find a solution.
Best Contact Number: Larson asked and Tsukiyama answered that the best number to contact her is 771-5407.
Grants: A resident asked and Tsukiyama answered that the person in charge of the grants is focusing on other matters this year, and will be working on grants for next year.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: No representative was available; Chair Bullock reported the following from a memo:

City Transit Buses #9 and #14: A resident questioned whether City transit buses #9 and #14 can turn from 13th Avenue onto Harding Avenue. The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) noted that school buses have a different radius than City transit buses. Experience from emergency use of 13th Avenue in the past had shown that City transit buses cannot make the requested turn without encroaching into the opposing traffic lane.
3724 Mariposa Drive: The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) noted that Mariposa Drive had been identified as in need of resurfacing and will be part of the Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 83 construction project. The contract will include concrete curb and gutter work at 3724 Mariposa Drive and will be administered by the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The actual work schedule has not been determined at this time and will depend on the availability of funds and clearances for other possible conflicts with planned utility projects.
Green Trash Can: A resident requested a green trash can and was denied. The City Department of Environmental Services (ENV), Refuse Division noted that ENV contacted the resident and a green cart will be delivered to her residence. Distribution of additional green carts is based on property square footage, and the initial request was denied based on the size of the resident's property. However, upon learning that the cart request was for a second home on the property with a missing green cart, the request was approved.
Land Use Ordinance (LUO): The City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) noted that regarding the suggestion that the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) be amended to control the view channels of existing homes, under the LUO, all residential zoning districts are subject to the same height limitations enumerated in its Section 21-3.70-1(b) [Table 21-3.2]; a 25-foot to 30-foot maximum height, depending on terrain, and with the height envelope influenced by specified height setbacks. Individual neighborhoods should not be singled out for special treatment, unless there are clear and explicit Land Use Policies which support the establishment of a related Special District. The Punchbowl and Diamond Head Special Districts are good examples, where there are special height regulations intended to protect the Punchbowl to Diamond Head public view corridor. There are no such identified or established public view corridors affecting existing views from individual properties in the Wilhelmina Rise neighborhood. The zoning does not and is not intended to protect private views, which are subject to change at any time.
Road Repairs: Project bids for the rehabilitation of localized streets, phase 14B (Saint Louis Heights and Maunalani Heights) is anticipated to be open for bidding on Thursday, April 2, 2015.
Parks: Roof improvements for the Kaimuki District Park gym is currently in the planning and design phase. Roof improvements for the Petrie Community Park Recreation building is currently in the planning and design phase.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson distributed Councilmember 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. Bill 54 was adopted on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 by the full City Council and is now waiting for the Mayor's approval.

· Kanewai Community Park: There were two (2) major delays in the Kanewai Community Park construction project. The first major delay was triggered by unexpected soil conditions discovered during the Waialae Avenue repaving. The second major delay occurred when faulty wiring near the pool caused construction to cease. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

· 11th Annual Community Cleanup: Due to the uncertainty of Hurricane Ana, the 11th Annual Community Cleanup at Kaimuki High School is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2014.

· Contact: For any questions or concerns, contact James Larson at 768-5059 or jlarson1@honolulu.gov. Larson can be reached between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Hurricane Ana: Resident Schuster asked why HPD and HFD did not mention anything about the approaching hurricane.

2. Dumping on 2nd Avenue: Schuster asked and Larson answered that if passed, Bill 52 would allow the City to enter private property for sanitation reasons.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4): Amanda Morales distributed Councilmember Chang's newsletter and two (2) service reports. Morales reported the following:

· 15th Avenue Parking: A resident complained of unavailable parking spaces on 15th Avenue since students from Kapiolani Community College (KCC) also park on 15th Avenue. The resident requested signage for a parking sign that states "parking for residents only" on 15th Avenue. Morales noted she does not anticipate this method to have a successful result.

· 3945 and 3945A Harding Avenue: A resident raised a concern about two trees that were illegally cut down by the new property owner even though the trees were on City property. An investigation had been launched by HPD to look into the matter.

· 3724 Mariposa Drive: A resident named Randy Taylor called Councilmember Stanley Chang's office two days ago and informed the office that the construction work is currently in progress for 3724 Mariposa Drive.

· Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board No. 11: The Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 discussed about the coconut rhinoceros beetle and the little fire ants at a recent Board meeting. The number for pest control is 643-PEST (7378).

· Nixle: Visit www.nixle.com to sign up for pre-emergency management updates.

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

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): Julia Allen reported the following:

· Special Session: The Hawaii State Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee (JDL) will be holding a hearing to confirm three (3) judicial nominees on Friday, October 17, 2014. A second hearing to vote for the three (3) judicial nominees will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.; on the same day at 12:00 p.m., the Senate will hold its final hearing on the issues surrounding the Hawaii State Hospital.

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): Evelyn Hee reported the following: Constituent Issues: Hee thanked the City and Randy Taylor for following up with the constituents concerns regarding the green trash can and the issue on 3724 Mariposa Drive.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Speaker Emeritus Say's Residency: Schuster asked and Hee answered that Speaker of the House Joseph Souki is currently handling the issue of Speaker Emeritus Say's residency.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State Representative 19th District): No representative was present; a newsletter was available. Chair Bullock referred to the newsletter and made known that there are five (5) amendments on the November 2014 General Elections ballot including an amendment about the disclosure of judicial nominees.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

· Candidate Forum: The Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) is sponsoring a candidate forum for the City Council District 4 race on Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m.

· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for OCTOBER 15, 2014 Meeting - NEXT MEETING WEDNESDAY - NOVEMBER 19, 2014

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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