Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes for FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes for FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Meeting
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Beverly Mau called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with 11 members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Frank Farm, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Stephen Maybir, Rachel Orange (departed at 7:37 p.m.), Earl Shiraki, Shaun St. Vincent, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Lindsay Anderson and Darlene Nakayama.

Guests: State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Director, Department of Facility Maintenance), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office), Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply), Captain Blake Takahashi (Honolulu Fire Department), Shinsuke Uehara, Dan Smith, Robert Farm, Jin An, James Nekota (Palolo Council), Anna Harmon, Merleen William and Gloria Lani (PACT Family Center), Pastor Larry Suray (ETC Ministry), Joseph Costa M., David Amono (DVDmono), and Stephen Saito (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Blake Takahashi reported the following:

January 2015 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 0 wildland fire, 1 rubbish fire, 0 vehicle fire, 23 miscellaneous calls, 0 search and rescue calls, and 53 medical emergencies.

Hiking Safety Tip: When planning for a hike, inform others of the plan, let someone know which trail the individual plans to hike on, and when the individual will return. This will give rescuers accurate information in case something goes wrong. Make sure the hiking plan takes account for sufficient daylight. Have a fully-charged cell phone as HFD relies heavily on phone contact when locating lost hikers or for information regarding an injured hiker. When hiking, stay on the trail and obey warning signs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Wa'ahila Ridge Trail: Shiraki raised concern of the safety of hikers who hike on the Wa'ahila Ridge Trail at the Wa'ahila Ridge State Recreation Area.

Hiking Tip: Orange commented that hikers are advised to follow the ridge and not the stream on the Wa'ahila Ridge Trail.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): No representative was present; no report was provided.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

Main Break: There was a main break on 1652 9th Avenue in January 2015.

New Customer Parking Procedures at BWS Headquarters: There will be new parking procedures at the Beretania Street BWS headquarters beginning in March 2015. The parking control arms will restrict use of BWS parking stalls to only visitors on official BWS business. This will provide sufficient free parking for BWS visitors, reduce traffic, and create a safer environment. To enter the lot, follow these three (3) steps: 1) press the intercom button to speak with BWS security staff, 2) state the purpose of the visit, and 3) once cleared for entry, the parking arm will rise and customers can proceed to park.

Water Bill Payments Through Bank of Hawaii (BOH): BWS customers will have the option to drop off water bill payments at any BOH branch on Oahu (excluding store branches) effective Wednesday, April 1, 2015. First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) will no longer be accepting water bill payments after Tuesday, March 31, 2015. To drop off payments at BOH, provide the teller a check and the bill payment stub which must be detached from the bottom portion of the bill. Payments may also be deposited into the Express Teller boxes in BOH's traditional branch locations. Visit www.boh.com for a list of BOH locations on Oahu. For more information about various water bill payment options, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com, call 748-5030, or e-mail contactus@hbws.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Waialae Avenue: Holtrop inquired if BWS is responsible for the construction going on at Waialae Avenue fronting City Mill. Dias answered that BWS is not responsible for the project.

Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP): St. Vincent noted that there was nothing new to report.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- Chair Mau reported the following:

Community Recognition Award (December 2014): Chair Mau thanked the Community Recognition Award committee members for their work on communicating the awards to community members at the December 2014 regular meeting.

Board Banners: Chair Mau noted that there are banners posted around the community advertising the date and time of Board meetings. Chair Mau thanked Resident James Nekota for his efforts in posting the banners along with St. Vincent, Jerlow, Shiraki, and Orange. Orange brought additional Board banners to the meeting.

New Videographer: David Amono is the new videographer for the Board meetings.

CONEVENING BOARD CONCERNS: There was no report at this time.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Ann Kobayashi provided a newsletter and reported the following:

City Council Budget Committee Update: At the City Council Budget Committee, the matter relating to the issuing of a General Obligation Bond to Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) was deferred and the resolution was passed to delete Federal Section 5307 grant money from the Honolulu Rail Transit Project from its financial plan.

Bill 1 Relating to Real Property Tax Relief: Councilmember Kobayashi introduced Bill 1 relating to real property tax relief for low-income rental housing provide real property tax relief for certain properties that are used as low-income rental housing. "Residential A" properties that are used as low-income housing would be allowed to make a five (5)-year dedication of the property for low-income housing, provided the requirements are met. These properties would be subjected to lower residential tax rates.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Refuse Collection (Opala) Trucks: St. Vincent thanked the City for the increased Opala pick-up services.

Cost of Rail: Shiraki raised concern about the cost of rail.

Accessory Housing (Ohana) Unit: Orange suggested there be regulations for Accessory Housing units. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the subject could be brought up to Council in addition to the new container home units.

Rail Problems: Community member Dan Smith commented that the City needs to find a reasonable way to complete the construction of the rail. Councilmember Kobayashi stated that it was brought up at a council meeting that the City buses could replace the use of rail trains on the rail transit project tracks to reduce the cost of the rail transit project.

Waialae Avenue Road Repairs: Councilmember Kobayashi answered for Holtrop that the road repairs on Waialae Avenue fronting City Mill was due to an emergency gas leak and that the road will be repaved to the satisfaction of the City.

Waialae Cycle Track: Councilmember Kobayashi answered for Holtrop that the cycle traffic lights signals will be installed by the end of March 2015.

Condemned Parking Lot Update: Orange inquired about the status on clearing the overgrowth at a condemned parking lot between Waiomao Road and Kipona Place.

Problems with Bicyclists: Shiraki raised concern that bicyclists are not abiding by the rules of the road and noted an incident on 10th Avenue and suggested that the road line detectors be more visible for bicyclists and vehicles.

Hearing no objections, Chair Mau moved to agenda item, "Rachel Orange's Three (3) Absences."

Rachel Orange's Three (3) Absences: Orange stated that over the past few months she had a contract job in Guam, which prevented her participation at Board meetings and noted that she will be available to attend future Board meetings. The Board took no action on Orange's three (3) absences.

Chair Mau returned to agenda item, "Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative."

Orange departed from the meeting at 7:37 p.m. 10 members were present.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:

$1· 2015 Neighborhood Board Elections: Candidate registration for the 2015 Neighborhood Board elections is due by Friday, February 20, 2015. For more information about the Board system, election or for an online application, visit http://www.honolulu.gov/nco or call 768-3708.

$1· Support the Honolulu Zoo: The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) and the Honolulu Zoo is asking for donations of ti leaf to help repair the Hale Lā'ī. Hundreds of leaves are required to do repair the hale Lā'ī. Green, yellow, or brown ti leaves with stems may be dropped off in plastic bags at the Honolulu Zoo entrance.

$1· "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" Poster Contest: Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25, 2015. All Hawaii school students in grades kindergarten to 12 are invited to enter the City's "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" poster contest from Monday, January 26, 2015 through Friday, February 27, 2015. The poster will depict lei-making activities or ceremonial actions at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. For more information, contact Alex Ching at 768-3028 or email aching2@honolulu.gov.

$1· Traffic Light Request: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) completed their evaluation of Palolo Avenue and Kiwila Street and determined that the conditions did not warrant for a traffic signal to be installed. Traffic signal warrants are based on the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which is recognized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) as the national standard.

$1· Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Tweetup: The NCO thanked Board member Jerlow for his attendance at the NCO Tweetup.

$1· Play Court Lighting: There are currently no plans or funds for the replacement of the outdoor play court lights at the Palolo Valley District Park. The project to do so is one of the projects on Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) priority list and will work towards receiving the Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funds to replace the court lighting.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present; no report was provided.

State House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say reported the following:

Sidewalk Repairs: The City was contacted to make the repairs for various sidewalks in the community. Keanu Street between Palolo Avenue and 10th Avenue has been identified as part of the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14A project. Construction is scheduled to be open for bid in early 2015.

Med-QUEST Division (MQD): The Department of Human Services (DHS) MQD and the Hawaii Health Connector (Connector) are working together to ensure that all Hawaii residents enrolled in a health insurance plan by Sunday, February 15, 2015.

House Resolutions: HSE Say introduced two (2) House resolutions: 1. Urging the counties to project the public interest by engaging private property owners in sharing in the cost of mitigating the potential risks and hazards posed by trees on their property; 2. Requesting the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to work with the major utility industries in the state to develop a mechanism to coordinate repairs to damaged utility poles.

Good Samaritan Episcopal Church: There will be a discussion about how to support the community at large to be held during the Good Samaritan Episcopal Church Sunday Service starting at 8:30 a.m.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

Tax Credit Suggestion: Jerlow suggested there be a tax credit on residential Automated External Defibrillators (AED). HSE Say replied that the deadline for bill proposals was three (3) weeks ago, but the proposal could be brought up again for 2016.

Hawaii's Geographic Exception (GE): Maybir noted that Kaimuki Middle School receives GE and suggested that GE be available for Jarrett Middle School as well.

Housing Property Renovations: Maybir requested support for the renovations of Lanakila and Mayor Wright housing units. HSE Say will provide his support.

Health Insurance: Hack raised concern about businesses trying to find ways to avoid the cost of health insurance for their employees in effort to remain in business.

AED Presentation: Jerlow requested HSE Say to remain present at the meeting for comments after the AED presentation that is on the agenda for later tonight. HSE Say answered that he has prior engagements to attend to and cannot remain at the meeting for the AED presentation.

Sidewalk History: Community member Ivan Ho noted that the sidewalks in Palolo were installed in the late 1940s and eventually the City stopped maintaining the trees planted near the curb.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present; no report was provided.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no community concerns at this time.

PRESENTATIONS

Rainbow Supermarket, Incorporated (Inc.) -- Jin An reported the following: Introduction: Rainbow Supermarket, Inc. is seeking a liquor license for general retail sale and the public hearing is to be held on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Jin An is the owner of the company and had previous experience as the Kalihi Market manager.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Past Business Experience: Maybir raised concern of businesses where Rainbow Supermarket, Inc. is located and noted the negative stigma previous employees had on the community. An answered that Rainbow Supermarket, Inc. is a new business and has been training employees to be more responsible and to not sell alcohol to minors and will hire more security.

Current Liquor License Status: Holtrop inquired about the current liquor license status that Rainbow Supermarket, Inc. currently owns. An answered that the company currently holds a temporary license to sell wine, spirits, and beer. The company is now seeking a permanent liquor license.

Liquor Sale Hours: An answered for Gerlich-Hayes that the new license will allow the sale of alcohol Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Opposition: A community member noted his opposition for the sale of alcohol in the community.

Parents and Children Together (PACT) -- Kalista Marbu reported the following: Project Overview: PACT is a family engagement program to help parents become more engaged in the student's curriculum. Gloria Lani and Merleen Williams were introduced as other PACT representatives. Family roles are important for children's learning and leads to success. The program will be on every Friday starting Friday, February 6, 2015 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Jarrett Middle School, room C-3 or C-4.

Trees to Seas -- Liv Wheeler circulated a visual aid and reported the following: Organization Overview: Trees to Seas does clean-up dives to minimize marine debris. Trees to Seas started a Palolo Stewardship program and is collaborating the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) and Kapiolani Community College (KCC), and is now looking to collaborate with schools in Palolo. Trees to Seas does a mentorship program of data collection and learning sessions on the Ala Wai canal.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) -- Pamela Foster, President of AED Institute of America, Inc. reported the following:

National Statistics: There is a 10% survival rate of cardiac arrest in Hawaii. Using an AED before emergency services arrives significantly raises the rate of survival.

AED in Community: Kaimuki High School has an AED, but the nearest AED in the vicinity of Palolo Elementary School is at the McDonald's restaurant on Waialae Avenue. HFD stations and ambulances are also equipped with an AED. Foster noted that there was a community member in Palolo that received a national award for teaching over 10,000 people how to use an AED.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: AED Cost: Foster answered for Holtrop that an AED unit costs from $1,000 to $2,500.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Regular Meeting: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria.

Chinese New Year: The Chinese New Year of the Sheep will start on Thursday, February 19, 2015.

Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash by the morning of Wednesday, March 18, 2014 (third Wednesday of every month).

Farmers' Market: The Farmer's Market is held every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Palolo District Park.

Olelo Broadcast Slots: The Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m, or online anytime at http://olelo.org.

Social Media: Join the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 informally at the "Pālolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/107111366012456/.

Agenda Requests: Contact Chair Beverly Mau by phone at, 734-8808 with agenda item requests.

2015 Neighborhood Board Election: Submit application by Friday, February 20, 2015.

Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up. Chair Mau thanks Shiraki and Jerlow for obtaining keys to open and close the facilities.

Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is on Saturday, February 14, 2015.

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2014, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

The Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 ADOPTED the regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, December 10, 2014 as amended by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (Aye: Farm, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Shiraki, St. Vincent, and Weinstein). Amendments followed: Whole Document: All "Jared" should be changed to "Jarrett."

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Hack noted a total amount spent $25.66 and a balance of $334.77 for the month of January 2015. The report was filed.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Submitted by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed and finalized by: Beverly Mau, Chair

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