Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for JANUARY 21, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for JANUARY 21, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. with a total of seven (7) members present. A quorum was established. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, James Larson, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, William Paik (appointed tonight), Liberty Peralta (appointed tonight), Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: There were no absent Board members.

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

Guests: Captain Ricky Mamiya and Firefighter I Gavan Miyashita (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Maurice Asato and Sergeant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Trevor Ozawa; Kenny Amazaki and Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Ozawa's office staff); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Christine Ruotola, Tracy Camuso, Shirley Lum and Linda Miki (Group 70 International); Sandra Ichihara-Abe (State Department of Business; Economic Development & Tourism); Donne Dawson (Hawaii Film Office); Randy Bartlett (Hawaii Invasive Species Council); Linda Knowles; Jackie Murdock; Mr. Elwood; Gerry Ralston; Nicolas Ayabe; Jennifer Brizee; Bill Brizee; Samantha Ruiz; Aaron Landy (Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11); Eric McCutcheon; Jon Mann; Wallace Hironaka; 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), one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 2, and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3 (West Kaimuki).

Samantha Ruiz offered to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 2. Nominated by Kang, Samantha Ruiz was APPOINTED to Subdistrict 2 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

When Ruiz failed to produce a valid ID, the nomination FAILED.

William Paik offered to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 1 when residency was correctly verified. Jon Stephen and Liberty Peralta offered to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 3. Each candidate explained their reasons for joining the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4. Neighborhood Assistant Uyen Vong verified the residency of the individuals.

Kang nominated Paik. BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, Paik was APPOINTED to Subdistrict 1, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

Stephen withdrew his name. Larson nominated Peralta. BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, Peralta was APPOINTED to Subdistrict 3, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Yamada).

At 7:29 p.m., Chair Bullock called a recess to allow Vong to issue the oath of office to Paik and Peralta. The meeting was called back to order at 7:32 p.m. Nine (9) members were present.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

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

December 2014 Crime Statistics: There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 21 burglaries, 33 thefts, 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,702 total calls for service.

Safety Tip: Information on pedestrian safety can be found in the newsletter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Goodwill Loading Zone: A resident brought up a concern about the traffic caused by the loading zone by the Goodwill store on Koko Head Avenue. Chair Bullock clarified that the loading trucks cause traffic when they are not parked close to the curb.

Kaimuki Stabbing: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked for an update regarding the stabbing of an elderly man in Kaimuki. Lieutenant Asato did not have an update.

Traffic: Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked why there was heavy traffic into Kaimuki today around 5:00 p.m. Lieutenant Asato will follow up.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Gavan Miyashita circulated a report and presented the following:

· December 2014 Statistics: There were 2 structural fires and 16 false alarms. There were 84 medical emergencies, 26 miscellaneous calls, and 17 service calls.

· Fire Safety Tip: Purchase a microwave oven that has an independent testing laboratory label. Complete and return the product registration card so the manufacturer can notify customers in case of a product recall. Always supervise children when they are using a microwave oven. Use only microwave-safe food containers or dishes; never use aluminum foil or metal. If the microwave oven catches fire, keep the door closed, turn it off, and unplug it from the wall receptacle. Go outside and call 911 if the fire cannot be extinguished.

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

Main Breaks: There were two (2) main breaks in December 2014.

2015 Water Conservation Calendar and Water Conservation Contests: The 2015 Water Conservation Calendar features artwork and poetry submitted by Oahu youth in grades K-12 who were selected as winners of the water conservation poster and poetry contests.

Olelo Youth Xchange Video Competition: The BWS is pleased to sponsor a category in the Olelo Youth Xchange Video Competition, which is a statewide student video competition coordinated by Olelo Community Media. The BWS' sponsored category, "The Value of Water", challenges Hawaii's youth to create a 30-second public service announcement. The entry deadline is Tuesday, March 3, 2015. For more information, contact the BWS at www.boardofwatersupply.com or 748-5041.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Construction Schedule: Heller answered for Chair Bullock that there has been no update for the construction schedule.

2. 6th Avenue Break: Larson asked for an update on a possible main break or fire hydrant break on 6th Avenue. Heller will follow up.

3. Water Main Break on Sierra Drive: Schneider asked if the water main break on Sierra Drive will be repaired. Heller will follow up.

COMMUNITY KEIKI: There were none at this time.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the November 19, 2014 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the November 19, 2014 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada).

Approval of the December 17, 2014 Memorandum for the Record: Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the December 17, 2014 Memorandum for the Record. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $27.86 spent in December 2014 with a remaining balance of $386.60. The report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT

· Invasive Species: Randy Bartlett from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC) presented on the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) and the little fire ants (LFA). Bartlett explained that the CRB devastated 80% of the palm trees on Guam, and urged residents to get rid of their mulch piles as mulch piles are convivial for CRB larvae. Bartlett also explained that LFA are found in Mililani Mauka and Waimanalo on Oahu and poses a danger to pets and children. Bartlett answered for a resident that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has three (3) recommended chemicals to combat the LFA.

· 18th Avenue Flooding: Resident Linda Knowles raised a concern about a flooding issue on 18th Avenue that was brought up at previous Board meetings. Knowles stated she received a response from Councilmember Stanley Chang's office that the dispute is a civil matter between residents. However, Knowles noted that the water that caused the flooding came from public streets.

· Bus Route #3: Resident Wallace Hironaka asked for the restoration of bus route #3 to Koko Head Avenue. Chair Bullock asked that the question be brought up during the Mayor's report. Hironaka commented that no response was given to him even after he brought it to his councilmember's attention many times, and stated that community concerns were discarded by the administration.

· Bus Reroute: A resident who identified herself as the daughter of Linda Knowles asked if the bus route could be moved off of 18th Avenue since it is a private road. Chair Bullock referred the question to the Mayor's representative.

· Meeting: Schneider announced that the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the multi-purpose room of Kaimuki Christian Church. The purpose is to have an open discussion on a new vision for the Kaimuki neighborhood.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

Moniz-Kahoohanohano left the meeting at 8:00 p.m., Eight (8) members were present.

NEW BUSINESS

Hawaii Film Studio Project: Linda Miki, Christine Ruotola, and Shirley Lum of Group 70 International presented the following:

Hawaii Film Studio Renovation Plan: Group 70 International is aiding the State in the renovation of the Hawaii Film Studio located near Kapiolani Community College (KCC). The renovation project is to replace the existing bungalow with modular units that will be constructed off-site. The renovation project will also help solve a previous drainage issue.

Modular Units: The reason for using modular units is to limit the construction time since film tenants usually have short hiatus periods.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Age of Existing Building: Miki answered for Chair Bullock that the age of the existing building is about 40 years old.

2. Environmental Assessment: Chair Bullock asked if an environmental assessment has been updated since 2009. Ruotola answered that Group 70 has been in contact with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), and explained that they had applied for a minor modification to the Special Management Area (SMA) permit and renewed a special district minor permit.

3. Community Impact: Miki answered for Chair Bullock that most of the construction will be completed offsite; the height of the unit is also limited due to the physical size of the pieces that can be transported.

4. Transportation Route: Chair Bullock asked and Miki replied that a modular company inspected the site and did not bring up any concerns about transporting the modular pieces onto the site.

5. Sizes Requirement: Lum explained that the contractors are responsible for ensuring that they are able to transport the modular pieces.

6. Time Frame: Yamada asked and Miki answered that it will take approximately one (1) month for construction once all the modular pieces have been transported to the property.

7. Public Notification: A resident asked how Group 70 will notify Kaimuki residents of any traffic issues the project may incur. Ruotola replied that there may be a notification in the newspaper, but she expects most of the notifications to be arranged by the City. Hoe suggested sending out public notifications to avoid bad press.

8. Next Meeting: Larson requested Group 70 to update the Board at the next Board meeting after the contract has been awarded.

9. Board Action: Chair Bullock asked and Ruotola answered that the Board is not required to take action on this project.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the City Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported that the bid opening has just begun for a bridge renovation project on 10th Avenue for construction starting in January 2016. He also commented on a previous statement made by a resident that community concerns received by City departments are not discarded, and added that if the concerns are not addressed within a certain amount of time, the entire cabinet will be notified. Wong also noted for Knowles that he will follow up with the 18th Avenue flooding issue.

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

· Christmas Tree Recycling: Do not burn Christmas trees. Information regarding how to properly recycle Christmas trees is in the newsletter.

· Neighborhood Board Elections: As mentioned on the news recently, the Neighborhood Commission Office is seeking candidates to run in the neighborhood board elections. More information is in the newsletter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Community Gardens: Chair Bullock asked and Larson answered that no response was given to a question about the potential cost of installing new community gardens. Larson also noted that Kaimuki and Kahala among other sites have been identified as possible areas to install community gardens.

2. Christmas Trees: Wong clarified that for residents with green carts, Christmas trees must be cut to fit inside the cart with the lid closed, and cannot be left at the curb.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Councilmember Ozawa distributed a newsletter and presented the following:

· Committee Assignments: Councilmember Ozawa is serving as the Chair of the Committee on Executive Matters and Legal Affairs, Vice Chair of the Committee on Zoning and Planning, and a member of other committees including the Budget Committee.

· Staff: In attendance at tonight's meeting are Chief of Staff Kenny Amazaki and Director of Community Relations Kurt Tsuneyoshi.

· Bill 65: Bill 65, relating car sharing, will allow car share companies to use public parking spaces. The City would only receive nominal payment for the already limited number of public parking spaces. Councilmember Ozawa deferred the bill. Some public parking spaces near the rail stations will likely be offered to the car sharing companies. Part of the bill's purpose is to promote mass transit.

· Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART): A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being negotiated between the City and HART. The City Council's questions about the rail deficit remained unanswered, and the City Council is awaiting a response from HART.

Question followed: Bus: A resident asked if the bus can be rerouted to 13th and Harding Avenues. The resident noted that he had already received a response from the City. Councilmember Ozawa deferred to the answer given by the City administration.

Governor David Ige'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; no handout was provided.

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

Cabinet Members: The names of Governor Ige's cabinet members are listed on the front page of the newsletter. Due to a residency disqualification, Elizabeth Kim will not be able to serve as director of the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR). Douglas Shinn is the nominee for the position of Attorney General. The last remaining open position is the director of State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

2015 Legislative Timetable: The deadline for the introduction of bills is Thursday, January 29, 2015. The Governor's budget proposal will be presented to the State Legislature on Friday, January 30, 2015.

Fort Ruger Pathway: The Fort Ruger pathway, along Diamond Head Crater, is nearly complete.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

· Neighborhood Board Elections: Chair Bullock announced that candidate registrations for the Neighborhood Board are accepted until Friday, February 20, 2015. The elections will begin in April 2015.

· Keeping Hawaii's Heroes: Chair Bullock announced that the Army is hosting a listening session on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 regarding the downsizing of the Army. A petition was available at the table for community members to sign.

· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lori Snyder, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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