Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for NOVEMBER 19, 2014 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for NOVEMBER 19, 2014 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 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 total of seven (7) members present. Quorum was 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, Brian Kang, James Larson, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Leonard Tam.

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

Guests: Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Firefighter Gavan Miyashita (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Amanda Morales (Councilmember Stanley Chang's office staff), Corrie Uehara, Linda Knowles, Daniel Suzuki, Taciana Suzuki, Liberty Peralta, Matthew Atebara, Mr. Elwood, Senator Les Ihara Jr., Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Akiko Marutani, Jonah Marutani, Karen Tsukiyama (Kaimuki Business and Professional Association), Scot Shimamura, Jonathan Mack, 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 Gavan Miyashita circulated a report and presented the following:

· October 2014 Statistics: There were 2 structural, 2 rubbish and 11 false fires. There were 69 medical emergencies and 26 miscellaneous calls.

· Natural Disaster: HFD encourages every family to take necessary steps to ensure that their family is prepared in the event of a natural disaster such as preparing a survival kit, and knowing the location of the nearest shelter. Additional information is available at the City Department of Emergency Management website at www.honolulu.gov/dem.

· Christmas Trees: Consider a fire-resistant artificial Christmas tree this holiday season. Select a natural tree that is as fresh as possible and keep it hydrated and away from heat sources. Use noncombustible materials for decorations. Choose only Underwriters Laboratory approved electrical decorations and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Do not overload extension cords.

Question followed: Cause of Fire: Firefighter Miyashita answered for Yamada that the cause of the fire on 15th Avenue is under ongoing investigation and has yet to be determined.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane provided a newsletter and reported the following:

October 2014 Crime Statistics: There were 9 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 48 thefts, 10 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,341 total calls for service.
Safety Tip: Information regarding personal safety tips can be found in the newsletter.
Contact Information: Contact information for officers assigned to District 7 (East Honolulu) can be found in the newsletter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Stolen Cars: A resident asked for the statistics of recovered stolen cars. Lieutenant Sukekane was unable to provide the information.
District 7 Statistics: Lieutenant Sukekane explained for Yamada and a resident that the crime statistics report for district 7 includes areas from Punahou School to Makapu‘u.
Kaimuki Stabbing: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked if there was new information regarding the stabbing of a 70-year old man in Kaimuki. Lieutenant Sukekane will update the Board when new information is made public.

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

Main Breaks: There was one (1) water main break on Waialae Avenue in the month of October 2014.

· Fire Hydrants: The BWS, not HFD, is responsible for maintaining fire hydrants on Oahu. Fire hydrants play a very important part in the BWS's efforts to provide safe and dependable water service. Not only do hydrants serve as an active fire protection measure, they also help to provide a source of water for street sanitation, construction sites for contractors working on various projects, and other uses. The BWS has more than 20,000 fire hydrants on Oahu and every 18 months, crews perform inspections to ensure a safe and dependable water supply, especially during a fire or an emergency. To help BWS maintain fire hydrants, residents should keep the area around fire hydrants clear by avoiding planting flowers or shrubs next to them and keeping the area clear of debris. If a fire hydrant appears to be damaged or malfunctioning, report to the BWS at 748-5000 with the location and fire hydrant number. Only HFD and BWS employees are authorized to use the fire hydrant; all others must be authorized by the BWS.

· Contact Information: Further information about hydrants can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Water Main Replacement Project: Chair Bullock stated he received a letter from Chief Engineer Ernest Y.W. Lau that three (3) streets in the Kaimuki neighborhood will be included in the water main replacement project. The streets are 13th Avenue, 14th Avenue, and Makahala Way, which will be completed in September 2015, November 2015 and March 2016, respectively. Heller answered for a resident that the replacement project is most likely the same construction project that was reported two (2) months ago. The BWS will have more information at a later time.

2. Chemical Contamination in Water Supply: Resident Jonathan Mack requested Heller's contact information to inform BWS about an application to find out the level of chemical contamination in the water supply.

3. 3633 Waialae Avenue: Hoe asked for the cause of the water main break that happened at 3633 Waialae Avenue. Heller will follow up and noted that if the road was disturbed while repairing the water main breaks, BWS will repair the road as well.

COMMUNITY KEIKI: There were none at this time.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the September 17, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the September 17, 2014 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

Approval of the October 15, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the October 15, 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 $35.80 spent during the month of October 2014 and a remaining balance of $441.96. The report was filed.

Three Absences -- Leonard Tam: Yamada stated that Tam notified her that he will not continue to be on the Board. Yamada moved and Schneider seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 vacate the seat held by Leonard Tam. By UNANIMOUS CONSENT, the motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Report: Community Planning PIG Chair Schneider reported that she is continuing to work with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), businesses and residents on designating Kaimuki as a Special Design District.

PUBLIC INPUT

· Cat Urine: Resident Mack raised concerns about the smell of cat urine near his residence. Mack stated the State Department of Health (DOH) lacks funding to address the issue. He stated that Hawaiian Humane Society took the cats away but the smell of cat urine continues to permeate. Larson replied that City Council is considering a bill that would give the City authority to enter private property if that property is deemed unsanitary. Larson offered to follow up with the resident.

· Neglected Homes: Chair Bullock answered for a resident that the City is allowed to issue a Notice of Violation for neglected homes.

· Overgrown Yard: A resident brought up an issue with an overgrown yard. Chair Bullock directed the resident to contact the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM).

· Kilauea Avenue and 9th Avenue: Resident Daniel Suzuki raised a safety concern regarding the intersection of Kilauea Avenue and 9th Avenue. He stated that many families with children in the area could benefit from having a crosswalk or four-way stop sign installed in that intersection. Suzuki noted he brought a petition with 40 supporters including Principal Christina Small of Liholiho Elementary School and requested the issue to be added to the Board agenda for December 2014. Chair Bullock explained the process of getting the City to approve a traffic-related project and asked Suzuki to contact his Councilmember or the Mayor's representative. Chair Bullock stated he can request representatives from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to speak at the next Board meeting.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

Arc In Hawai‘i: A presentation was scheduled; no representative was available.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong, City Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported the following:

· Kilauea District Park: The Kilauea District Park improvements project is currently in the scope and procurement phase.

· Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Symposium: The TOD Symposium is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center. The symposium offers a glimpse of the City in the future and focuses on development surrounding rail stations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. King Street Cycle Lane: Larson asked when the dedication for the King Street Cycle Lane will be, but Wong was unsure.

2. Kaimuki Special Design District: Kang asked what the process is to start a Neighborhood Plan for Kaimuki. Wong will follow up.

3. Chemical Level in Water Supply: Mack asked if the Board was interested in finding out the level of chemical contamination in the water supply. He cited that one (1) in 10,000 people are diagnosed with gastroschisis, while in Hawaii, the rate increases to one (1) in 3,000 people. He commented that he and his neighbor both have infants with gastroschisis, a birth defect that is linked to altrazine. Mack answered for Schneider that altrazine is a standard weed pesticide that enters the water supply when it rains and noted that altrazine is banned by the European Union (EU) but allowed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Schneider recommended Mack to contact Surfrider Foundation, an organization that shares similar environmental concerns.

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

· 11th Annual Community Cleanup: The 11th Annual Community Cleanup has been rescheduled to Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Kaimuki High School. Television sets, washing machines, and other appliances are accepted.

· Staff Contact Information: Larson can be contacted at 768-5059 or by email at jlarson1@honolulu.gov. Other staff information can be found in the newsletter.

Question followed: Kilauea Avenue and 9th Avenue: Suzuki asked and Larson replied that Councilmember Kobayashi's office will send a request for a pedestrian-focused traffic study to determine if a four-way stop sign or crosswalks is feasible for Kilauea Avenue and 9th Avenue.

Councilmember Stanley Chang (City Council District 4): Amanda Morales distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

· 18th Avenue Flooding Update: An update regarding the flooding issue on 18th Avenue will be provided at the December 2014 Board meeting.

· Term of Office: Councilmember Stanley Chang's term of office will be ending on Friday, January 2, 2015. Unresolved issues will be turned over to Councilmember-elect Trevor Ozawa's office or Councilmember Kobayashi's office.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bus Route: A resident raised an ongoing concern about the bus route on Pahoa Avenue and 18th Avenue. Morales will initiate the process and will hand over the issue to Councilmember-elect Ozawa, if necessary.

2. Flooding: Resident Linda Knowles raised a question about Bill 61, relating to maintenance of private streets and roads. Morales will follow up.

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): Senator Les Ihara reported the following:

· 2015 Legislative Session: The new 2015 legislative session begins on Wednesday, January 21, 2015. The public is welcome to send legislative ideas to elected officials.

· Senate Assignments: Senator Ihara is the majority policy leader and serves on the Judiciary, Water and Land, Environmental, and Government Operations committees.

Concern followed: Water Contamination: Resident Mack brought up his concern about pesticides and water safety and Ihara replied that this issue is a great concern for the Governor-elect David Ige. Ihara commented that there are unsubstantiated information released about genetically modified organisms (GMO) and the DOH and Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) should communicate more on common issues such as pesticides.

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

· Water Main Project: Speaker Emeritus Say received a report from the BWS regarding a water main project that is scheduled for 2015 on 13th Avenue and 14th Avenue.

· AARP Seminar: A seminar hosted by the AARP will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2014.

· Bus Service: There are many delays in bus service in the St. Louis Drive area due to recent construction such as the Waialae repaving project.

· Recreational Activity: The next City administration and Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 should support opening a new bowling alley in Kaimuki. There are only three (3) bowling alleys on Oahu.

· Restrooms for Bus Drivers: A bus driver requested Speaker Emeritus Say to ask businesses to allow bus drivers to use their restrooms.

· Handi-Van: An elderly woman was attacked near a bus stop. She filed a lawsuit but considered dropping the lawsuit because she was worried that the handi-van would not pick her up on time. The City should continue to improve the Handi-Van system.

· Saint Louis Heights: Telephone poles on Sierra Drive takes about one (1) year to be replaced since there are three (3) or four (4) entities that own the pole and no communication between each of the entity's repairing schedule. Speaker Emeritus Say answered for Schneider that underground cables are more expensive than the current system.

· Committee Assignments: Speaker Emeritus Say is assigned to five (5) committees: Energy and Environmental Protection (EEP), Ocean, Marine & Hawaiian Affairs (OMH), Water and Land (WAL), Higher Education (HED), and Education (EDN).

· Jarrett Middle School: Representative Say urged parents to send their children to Jarrett Middle School.

Question followed: Christmas Decorations: A resident asked if Speaker Emeritus Say knew if the Christmas decorations that were used on Waialae Avenue were held in storage. Speaker Emeritus Say could not confirm.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State Representative 19th District): No representative was present; a newsletter was available. Chair Bullock referred to the newsletter and reported that Catherine Caine of Waikiki Elementary School was named Hawaii's 2015 State Teacher of the Year. He also reported that a coconut rhinoceros beetle was found at the Diamond Head Lookout, and the State House of Representatives have announced its 2015 leadership team and committee chairs.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

· Kaimuki Christmas Parade: Karen Tsukiyama from the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) announced there will be heavy traffic on the night of the Christmas parade on Thursday, December 4, 2014 and that KBPA requested that street parking will not be allowed on the makai side of Waialae Avenue for that night. Tsukiyama also announced Chaminade University is hosting a basketball playoff game the same night, and that KBPA volunteers will dress up in holiday attire and sign wave to bring awareness of traffic congestion for the Christmas parade. Speaker Emeritus Say and Chair Bullock agreed to join the sign waving event(s).

· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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