Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Meeting

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Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Meeting
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Diamond Head / Kapahulu / Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No.5

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair George West called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Chair West welcomed everyone to the February 2015 meeting of the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5. Note -- This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present -- Julia Allen, Barbra Armentrout, Michelle Matson, Barbara Miller, Bertha Naho'opi'i, Bert Narita, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Lance Takenaka (arrived 6:37 pm),, Bryn Villers (arrived 6:37 pm), George Waialeale (arrived 6:57 p.m.), George West, and Linda Wong (arrived at 6:37 p.m.).

Members Absent -- Victoria Mathieu and Lee Manfredi.

Vacancies -- None.

Guests -- House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Representative Scott Nishimoto; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Clifford Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Kenny Amazaki and Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's office); Captain Frank Johnson (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto, Sergeant Cyrus Honuna, and Officer Shane Fujitani (Honolulu Police Department); Jill Kuramoto (Board of Water Supply), Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Kevin Wong, Stanley Kim (Rainbow Ekiden); Keolu Peralto; KC Carlberg; Jan Bappe, Daisy Murai, Peter Hirai (Department of Emergency Management); and Bryan Mick (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 6 -- Waikiki (Diamond Head) -- Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto reported:

$1· January 2015 Statistics -- There were 46 bicycles on a sidewalk, 25 speeding, and 117 cell phone in a moving car citations. Also reported were 201 thefts, and 18 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV).

Comments followed: Fines - Miller asked what the fine was for riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in a business district. Officer Fujitani replied he was not certain, but believed in to be around $96. Miller said that was quite a deterrent.

Chair's Announcements -- For all wishing to speak on items not already on the agenda, fill out a Community Concerns form from the entry desk and turn it into the Chair or Neighborhood Assistant.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 7 (Kapahulu, St. Louis Heights) -- Officer Shane Fujitani reported the following:

January 2015 Statistics --There were 8 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 47 thefts, and 13 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), and 6,628 total calls for service.

Safety Tips -- The safety tips included a home security checklist which was available as part of the report.

Contact Information -- The contact information for the HPD, District 7 East Honolulu Community Policing Team was listed on the report tonight.

Comments followed: Enforcement of Pedestrian Laws -- Lieutenant Hayamoto commented that due to the recent increase in collisions between automobiles and pedestrians, HPD would be aggressively enforcing laws against automobiles and pedestrians for the foreseeable future. He reminded everyone to look both ways whenever crossing the street.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Frank Johnson reported the following:

$1· January 2015 Statistics -- There were 3 fires, 134 medical emergencies, 2 hazardous conditions, and 13 false alarms calls.

$1· Fire Safety Tips -- HFD often responds to injured or lost hikers. When hiking, inform others of what trail one is hiking and when one can be expected to return. Make sure to leave enough time to exit the trail before sunset. Carry a fully-charged cell phone so that one's position may be located using Global Positioning Systems if necessary. Stay on the trails and obey all posted signs.

Wong, Villers, and Allen arrived at 6:37 p.m. 12 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Jill Kuramoto reported the following:

Water Main Breaks -- There were no breaks in the district for January 2015.

New Parking Procedure at BWS -- In order to make sure the free parking continues to be available for BWS customers and to stop people from using the lot as a cut through between side streets, a new system will go into effect on May 1, 2015. Cars will now use an intercom to check in with security staff who will raise the parking arm to allow access to the lot. The arm will raise automatically for a vehicle that is exiting.

Paying BWS Bills at Bank of Hawaii -- Starting on April 1, 2015, this option for customers will switch from First Hawaiian Bank to Bank of Hawaii branches.

Comments followed: Bertram Street Lights -- Armentrout reported that the water tank lights were still out at the Bertram Street facility. Kuramoto will follow up.

THREE (3) ABSENCE LETTER FOR LANCE TAKENAKA: Chair West asked Takenaka if he wanted to continue on the Board. Wong asked why the reason was for the absences. Takenaka explained that he had a career change and had to travel out of state last month and would like to continue to serve. Miller moved and Persons seconded that the Board take no action. The motion was ADOPTED, 12-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, West, and Wong).

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

2940 Winam Avenue Dumping -- Chair West put this on the agenda at the request of resident Keolu Peralto. Chair West recently visited the area in question and observed it had been cleaned up. Peralto commented that at the moment it is free of bulky items, but this is a reoccurring problem for quite some time. Peralto feels that the City actually encourages it as once a month they come by to pick up the items. But the community places stuff there during the entire month creating a health hazard and an eye sore. He wished the property owners would actively police their property to prevent this. He is asking that the City take steps to make sure it stays free of items. Villers replied he often passes this problem area and will keep an eye out to see if items start to accrue during the upcoming month. Chair West said if Villers observes that, the Board will take action asking the City to intervene. Wong added that the City can fine property owners who have bulky items on their property too far in advance of the designated pick up days.

New Japanese Restaurant, Sushi Ginza's Valet Parking on Kapahulu -- Allen reported that the St. Louis Heights Association has been trying to receive information from the City on this new restaurant. It is a narrow area with no place for cars to pull off. It is before Windham, on the Ewa side of Kapahulu across from the kayak shop. Armentrout added that the valets have using the bus stop as a pull over and this is not a proper use of a bus stop. She will inform the Department of Transportation Services (DTS). Wong added that they are using a nearby lot to park the cars.

Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10 Kilometer (K) Run -- K.C. Carlburg reported that this is the 38th annual 10K run using Kapiolani Park. It will occur on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The route is eastward around Diamond Head and down Kilauea Avenue and back. The amount of race officials have doubled since the race was started and a top priority is for the race to have as minimal impact on the community as possible. Daisy Murai asked what the times were, Carlburg replied it will start at 7:00 a.m. and wrap when the last runners finish, no later than 8:45 a.m. She added that in September Straub Hospital sponsors a triathlon that has a similar course.

Rainbow Ekiden -- Stanley Kim reported that he came before the Board prior to last year's run, but it was important to come this year as there have been some route changes. Last year the runners ran on the mauka side of Diamond Head Road, this year runners will be on the makai side. This means vehicular traffic will not be able to travel eastbound. The date of the race is Sunday, March 8, 2015 and will start at 9:00 am. Technically, the permit for the race is good until 1:00 p.m. but it is expected that everyone will finish well before then. Last year there were 400 race participants. He clarified there will not be any runners on Monserrat Avenue. Wong asked she be emailed a map of the route to distribute.

Diamond Head Kitchen Special Liquor Licenses -- Chair West explained that this restaurant originally applied for several one day special event liquor licenses while its regular liquor license was being processed. The regular license has since been granted. Chair West clarified this is on Kapahulu Avenue near the lunch wagons.

George Waialeale arrived at 6:57 p.m. 13 members present.

Other Concerns:

$1· Walgreens - Linda Wong asked if the new Walgreens planned near Foodland could be discussed. Chair West replied it is on the agenda.

$1· Legalization of Marijuana - Resident Jan Bappe commented that she listened to a radio program about legalizing marijuana. She opposes this and thinks it will exacerbate many social problems. She feels the same way about the proposal to legalize gambling at Honolulu Airport for travelers. It is just a foot in the door that the gambling industry has been trying for years to get in Hawaii. Child abuse and violence are bad enough on Oahu without these vices being legalized. She recently met a former policeman who resigned from HPD because judges give out such lenient sentences in Hawaii. Matson asked if there was a bill this legislative session to allow gambling. Villers replied he would try to find this.

$1· Motorized Skateboards on Sidewalks -- Barbara Armentrout commented she mentioned motorized skateboards on sidewalks to Councilmember Kobayashi and hopes there will be a law to prohibit this, as it is very dangerous.

Honolulu Zoo - St. Denis commented she is worried about the Honolulu Zoo and its national accreditation. Chair West replied the acting zoo director Baird Fleming was going to attend this meeting but he was sick and unable to attend. Hopefully he can come to the next meeting. Comments followed:

$11. Proposed Bill to Legalize Gambling at the Airport -- Matson commented Villers found House Bill (HB) 91, which proposes gambling at the airport. Chair West asked Villers to monitor if the bill progress out of committee and if so, he will place it on a future agenda.

$12. Legislation Ad Hoc Committee -- Matson commented that perhaps the Board could establish an ad hoc committee or a permitted interaction group to track legislation that is of interest to the community. West will place forming a legislation ad hoc committee on the next agenda, and asked if social issues would be tracked. Matson noted she has been tracking bills on land use and environment issues for the Hawai‘i Alliance and Villers commented he has been tracking social issues. Armentrout added that the bills to extend the rail surcharge ought to be tracked as well. Matson advised that the Board wait to see what is still alive after the bill crossover deadline on March 6.

OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Governor David Ige's Representative -- No representative was present and no report was available.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara was not present and no report was available.

Senator Sam Slom -- Julia Allen distributed a report and reported the following:

$1· Proposed Law Regarding the Disappearance of a Child -- Senator Slom has introduced SB938, an amendment to what it known as Kelsey's law. This would make it a class C felony for failing to report to authorities the death or disappearance of a minor or intentionally proving misleading information in an investigation of a missing minor.

$1· Directory of Public Officials -- These were available tonight for anyone who would like a copy.

Representative Scott Nishimoto -- Kevan Wong distributed a report and reported the following:

$1· Town Hall Meeting - Representative Nishimoto will be participating with other area elected officials in a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday February 25, 2015 at 5:30 pm. The location is the McCully-Moiliili Library.

$1· Tax Clinic - On Saturday January 31, 2015 Representative Nishimoto co-sponsored a free tax clinic. 71 people attended and over $130,000 in refunds and tax credits resulted. Visit www.hawaiitaxhelp.org for information.

Comments followed: Senator Galuteria - Matson asked if Senator Galuteria would be participating once again in the Town Hall meeting. Wong replied he was unable to attend this year.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi -- Representative Kobayashi distributed a community update and reported the following:

$1· Importance of Addressing Long Term Issues -- Representative Kobayashi commented his report lists many big issues that will not be solved during this legislative session alone; but he feels it is important to lay the groundwork for addressing them this session.

$1· Waikiki Teacher Named National Teacher of the Year Finalist -- Catherine Caine from Waikiki Elementary School was named the Hawaii 2014 Teacher of the Year and is now a finalist for the national Teacher of the Year award.

$1· Tips for Preventing Scams and Fraud against Seniors -- Representative Kobayashi's newsletter included several tips provided by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Comments followed:

$11. Bill to Fine Voters Who Fail to Cast a Ballot -- St. Denis asked if there was a bill alive at the Legislature that would create a fine for those who do not vote. Representative Kobayashi replied there are several proposed bills to increase voter participation, including this one. One would make our voting method all postal, another would allow for same day registration of voters, and a third would make voter turnout a responsibility of the State Office of Elections. Representative Kobayashi had been surprised to learn that currently only voter registration, not voter turnout, was a function of that office.

$12. Extension of Rail General Excise Tax (GET) Surcharge -- Armentrout asked what the Representatives position was on the GET extension request from the City. Representative Kobayashi replied he thinks the City got into this situation and should get out of it, although he recognizes that is likely impossible without the help of the State. He did note that three legislators who are now in key positions voted against the original request to raise the GET for mass transit in 2005.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say -- House Speaker Emeritus Say distributed his report and reported the following:

$1· Attendance at Various Events -- The report contained a listing of the various community events that the Representative Say had participated in for the month of January 2015.

$1· Feral Chickens -- House Speaker Emeritus Say said this is an issue that is important to the St. Louis Heights area and he is working with various stakeholders to find a solution.

$1· Draft Resolution Requesting that the Public Utilities Commission Work with the Major Utility Companies to develop a Mechanism to Coordinate Repairs to Damaged Utility Poles -- House Speaker Emeritus Say was concerned about damaged light and utility poles and the amount of time it takes the various utility companies to repair damage poles. He is hopeful his draft resolution will be adopted this session.

$1· Draft Resolution Urging Counties to Engage Private Property Owners in Sharing the Cost of Mitigating Potential Risks and Hazards Posed by Trees on their Property - House Speaker Emeritus Say also introduced a resolution to have the county governments balance the private property owner's rights with the public liability interest to repair and maintain uprooted sidewalks. He added that right now it takes between one (1) and two (2) years to repair damaged sidewalks, that time frame greatly increases the liability to the taxpayers.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Walea Constantinau distributed the City News February 2015 and reported:

$1· Neighborhood Board Elections - Candidate registration for the neighborhood board elections is ongoing and the deadline to apply is Friday, February 20, 2015.

$1· Request for Ti Leaves - A flyer is available tonight from the Mayor's Office of Culture and Arts regarding a request for ti leaf donations to repair the Honolulu Zoo's hale that once was used for cultural and community events. Leaves with the stem may be dropped off at the Zoo entrance. Call 971-7171 for more information.

$1· Sew a Lei Poster Contest - Flyers are available with information on the 2015 Sew a Lei for Memorial Day poster contest. The deadline for this is Friday, February 27, 2015 and for more information email aching2@honolulu.gov.

$1· Naupaka Overgrowth -The Naupaka overgrowth reported last meeting was cleared on Thursday, February 5, 2015.

Comments followed:

$11. Sushi Ginza's Valet Parking -- Armentrout summarized the discussion from earlier in the meeting and asked Constantinau to follow up with DTS on the matter as well. She clarified this is an issue during the dinner hours.

$12. Possible User Fee for Drivers -- Narita complimented the Mayor's Administration on its aggressive prioritization of road repaving. He observed that one of the funding sources for this is the gas tax, and while the recent lowering of gas prices is great for residents this will lower the available funds for repaving. The Oahu Metropolitan Policy Organization (OMPO) has debated about recommending a user fee instead of a gas tax to help stabilize the funding source, and it would seem this debate may need to occur once again soon. He asked if the Mayor had a stance on this. Constantinau will follow up.

$13. Condition of Date Street -- Villers commented that Date Street on the Ewa-bound side of Date Street just past the Kaimuki High School field is in horrible condition. Supposedly utility work was done a long time ago and the contractor was supposed to repair the road once the work was done and that has yet to occur, and Villers asked Councilmember Kobayashi to help with this.

$14. Kapahulu Crosswalk near Safeway -- Villers commented that this mid-block crosswalk is dangerous and needs flashing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights or some other sort of device to warn motorists when pedestrians are in the crosswalk. Chair West noted the continuing pedestrian accidents and the Honolulu Police Department's forthcoming focus on enforcing pedestrian laws, and that safety improvements could be part of this Matson added that there have been several letters to the editor requesting installation of activated LED lights in crosswalks to improve safety, but the City seems to ignore such pleas even though these LED safety devices are very successful in mainland jurisdictions that utilize them. She suggested that the Board consider developing a resolution asking the City to take these concerns seriously.

$15. Termite-Infested Trees on Pualei Circle -- Wong asked the City to investigate trees located at 3071 Pualei Circle that are infested. One (1) has already fallen over damaging a parked car, and another appears to be ready to fall over at any time.

$16. Cost of Crosswalk Improvements at St. Louis Drive and Dole Street Intersection -- Narita asked if this figure could be provided next month just so the Board has an idea of how much these sort of crosswalk projects cost on average. Allen commented that project's figure would be a little higher than others as there were additional elements involved such as altering two (2) traffic triangles.

Representative Scott Nishimoto -- Representative Nishimoto stood on the report given earlier by his staff, but was available for any questions:

Comments followed:

$11. Bill to Provide Tax Credit for Purchase of Solar Battery Backup Systems - Matson asked Representative Nishimoto about the bill he introduced this session relating to battery backup devices for solar systems. Representative Nishimoto replied that this bill provides a tax credit for those who purchase battery backup systems to store collected solar power, and although this may be a challenge to pass this session it is important to start the discussion now.

$12. Reduction in Rate Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Purchases Electricity from Individuals with Photovoltaic (PV) Systems -- Villers asked about a flyer that was circulating in the community regarding this issue. Representative Nishimoto confirmed that HECO has asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) if they could cut in half the rate at which they purchase electricity from residents with PV systems. Villers and Matson asked to receive a copy of HECO's energy credit reduction request to the PUC.

$13. Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) Generators -- Waialeale complimented the proposal to create a tax credit for those that install LNG generators. He mentioned his condominium is heading in that direction. Representative Nishimoto replied that LNG prices fluctuate and advised that this cost should be locked in long-term.

$14. Honolulu Community Development Authority (HCDA) Membership -- Wong asked the status of this transition. Representative Nishimoto replied that last session there were several bills passed that changed the makeup of the HCDA board. Governor Ige has now selected several new HCDA members with more on the way.

Chair West lamented the lack of a Governor's representative at the Board meetings.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Kobayashi distributed her newsletter and reported the following:

Budget Committee Meetings -- The Budget Committee has begun meeting on several topics. It passed a resolution asking the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) to remove the $220 million of bus/handi van funds from the rail financial plan by June. They will have to find replacement funds. HART's request for the Council to float bonds to cover HART's short term financing gap has been deferred for the second month in a row. The Committee has requested more information on HART's plan to repay the City to ensure the debt will be repaid.

2016 Budget Hearings -- The Mayor will submit his proposed budget shortly and the Budget Committee will consider and adjust it starting in March. If anyone has Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) projects they believe should be included please let her office know.

Comments followed:

$11. Rail Financing -- Villers asked if the cost overrun for rail is $900 million. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that is the current projection and why the Council has been reluctant to authorize floating bonds to help cover the large debt. Villers asked what would happen if bonds are not floated and the project runs out of funds. Councilmember Kobayashi explained that the financial plan included floating the bonds, but not the shortfall just announced. Council wants HART to provide further details on how they will pay the City treasury back for any bonds. She still feels cost savings can be realized by converting the guideway into a bus lane.

$12. Rail Contracts -- Narita commented that whoever is supposed to be monitoring the rail's finances is doing an inadequate job and the bonus given to HART's Chief Executive Officer Dan Grabauskas is perplexing. He also has observed the contracts always seem to favor the contractor and not the taxpayers. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that there is a Federal oversight committee and they have stated the rail project's finances are alarming. She does not think the City can jeopardize its ability to float bonds for other needed projects such as parks and roads for the sake of rail.

$13. Property Tax Appeals -- Matson reported that one neighborhood of ten (10) properties had filed tax assessment appeals and five (5) received settlement offers from the City reducing their assessments nearly $1 million, but for some high assessments have been received again this year. She added that there is serious concern about the impact rail will have on property tax assessments and asked if the rail shortfall is presently influencing the high assessments. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the Mayor recently stated without the extension of the GET surcharge by the State Legislature, property taxes may go up between 30 and 40 percent. That would exacerbate homelessness.

$14. Engineering -- Matson added that she thinks social engineering is happening along with rail engineering and mentioned even the new Neighborhood Commission Office logo for the Neighborhood Boards is about urban rail transit-oriented development (TOD).

$15. GET Surcharge -- Armentrout stated that she does not feel the surcharge should be made permanent at this time because the spending would be endless. Councilmember Kobayashi agreed but it is good that the discussion has been started. Wong added that there is already a cost overrun of $900 million and 40 percent of the bids have not even been advertised, and those are likely to be the more expensive portions of the project.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Kenny Amazaki distributed a newsletter and also reported that the Council's Budget Committee has deferred for the second month the request from HART to float bonds for the rail project.

PRESENTATIONS

Extreme Tsunami Evacuation Zone -- Peter Hirai, Deputy Director for the Department of Emergency Management, presented the following:

$1· Japan's Extreme Tsunami - In 2011 Japan suffered a tsunami which exceeded its worst case planning scenario that had an upper limit of 8.0. Based on that the State of Hawaii in conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu funded a study to plan for an unlikely worst case tsunami generated by a 9.0 earthquake.

$1· Tsunami Waves Wrap Around - Tsunamis are capable of wrapping around land masses and can even rebound off them. The Chile earthquake rebounded two (2) times across the Pacific Ocean. A tsunami generated by an earthquake in the Aleutian Islands poses a threat to all sides of the Hawaiian Islands, not just the north facing shores. Hawaii would have about five (5) hours to brace for such a wave.

$1· Earthquake Energy Scales - The scales used to classify earthquakes strengths are exponential, so the difference between an 8.0 and 8.5 is 33 times higher in terms of the energy that is released.

$1· Extreme Tsunami Run Up - An extreme tsunami wave may have a 90 foot run-up along Hawaii shores.

$1· Vertical Evacuation - For those in the danger zone, vertical evacuation is still recommended, especially if it is not possible to safely move to higher elevations due to high density such as exists in Waikiki. The rule is evacuate vertically in a building that is 10 or more stories, made of steel or concrete, and go at least to the fourth (4th) floor or higher.

$1· Extreme Tsunami Maps -The Extreme Tsunami maps on the website www.oahuDEM.org have three (3) colored zones on them. Red zones require evacuation for any tsunami. Yellow areas indicate additional areas that require evacuation for an extreme tsunami. Green areas indicate safe zones.

Comments followed:

$11. Building Construction Dates -- Narita asked if when a particular building was constructed mattered as to if it was safe to vertically evacuate in it. Hirai replied there was not, what matters is that it is 10 or more stories tall and constructed with a reinforced steel or concrete frame. Wooden buildings would not be safe to use.

$12. Big Island Earthquakes - Waialeale asked if a Big Island earthquake could produce an extreme tsunami. Hirai explained the Big Island has volcanic earthquakes and not tectonic plate earthquakes which are strong. An extreme tsunami would not be produced by a Big Island earthquake. He added that the odds of an extreme tsunami in any one (1) year are once in 3,000 years.

City & County of Honolulu Bill 81 and 82 -- Rick Egged from the Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) explained the following:

$1· These bills relate to the creation of a Waikiki Beach Special Management District, and the Council will be holding a public hearing on these Wednesday February 18, 2015.

$1· The concept is that properties in Waikiki would be assessed a fee that would go into a fund to be used to match funds appropriated for specific projects that are in the special improvement district boundaries, primarily as they relate to beach erosion.

$1· Historically, the beach was not naturally there, but public works projects early in the last century created it as it is now.

$1· Waikiki Beach is a major visitor attraction and has cultural significance as a surfing area.

$1· The beach has eroded and loses sand at a certain percentage annually, and the loss of Waikiki beach would have a tremendous economic impact for Waikiki estimated at a $2 billion per year. It also would be a recreational loss for the residents.

$1· There needs to be an ongoing comprehensive program to maintain and preserve the beach, with sand replenishment every seven (7) to ten (10) years.

$1· The proposal is to create a Waikiki beach management district; hire a coordinator in cooperation with the UH Sea Grant program; draft a Waikiki beach management plan through a community process, and begin with the Royal Hawaiian Groin project.

$1· The initial proposed budget is $600,000 annually, and only commercial properties within the district would be assessed for funding the improvements at the district tax assessment rate of 7.6 cents per $1000 of assessed value.

$1· The district boundaries include the present Waikiki Special District from the Ala Moana side of the Ala Wai Canal to Kapahulu Avenue, and additionally the Gold Coast and the Kaimana Beach area were included so that any future projects in those areas would be eligible to receive funds from the improvement district fund. The properties beyond Kaimana are not included.

$1· The coordinator will guide the development of the overall management plan, meet with various stakeholders, and educate the public as the process unfolds.

$1· The only project that has been identified so far is the reconstruction of the badly deteriorated Royal Hawaiian Groin, which already has State funds appropriated towards its repair.

Comments followed:

$11. Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Costs - Villers asked if this fund would be used to pay for an EIS for all the projects to be undertaken. Egged explained that EIS costs would be part of the entire project cost, and the improvement district funding is a private sector match for public sector projects done by the State or City.

$12. George Downing -- Waialeale suggested that renowned Waikiki waterman George Downing be consulted on this because he knows the waters of Waikiki. Egged replied he would like to see anyone who is interested get involved.

$13. Public Oversight -- Narita observed that this legislation would set up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit similar to the Hawaii Health Connecter and would have the effect of limiting public oversight of the decisions that would be made on how to spend the funds deposited into the special fund. Egged replied that there would be a requirement for an annual report to be submitted to the City Council, and added that this 501(c)(3) would only provide matching funds for projects, not manage the projects themselves. Narita pointed out that there needs to be a mechanism in the bills to show how oversight and accountability will be provided for the public.

$14. Boundaries of the Improvement District -- Matson presented the following concerns:

$1· The Waikiki improvement district map extends past Kapahulu Avenue and through Kapiolani Park between the shoreline and Kalakaua Avenue, which is a Park Trust road and part of the Diamond Head Scenic Byway. Yet the stated purpose of these bills is primarily to benefit the Waikiki resort district.

$1· The geographic area designated for the improvement district and its board of Waikiki landowners and lessees overlap two (2) Neighborhood Board districts, and yet only the chair of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board is provided a non-voting position on the district board.

$1· The legislation for an ordinance does not define specific projects or even specific categories of projects, and could, as shown under Bill 81, for example be used to help fund the building of additional bridges across the Ala Wai canal and across Kapahulu Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue in Kapiolani Park as already suggested by the same Waikiki interests; also street widening or narrowing projects, and plazas at the Natatorium.

$1· The inclusion of Kapiolani Park and the Kapiolani Trust lands in the assessment district, with City taxpayers having to pay into this fund,

Matson concluded that the bills are open-ended as written, and parameters and limits needed to be stipulated in these measures and on their map.

5. Management Plan -- Egged responded that this fund cannot initiate projects on its own, but would only help fund public projects that will have to go through existing vetting procedures based on the improvement district plan approved by the City Council, which presently only includes beach improvement projects and not circulator or other projects. Egged anticipated that the Council would approve the management plan, and the bills would not require the City to pay in as land owners.

6. District Encroachment -- Wong commented she thinks this is just the WIA trying to take over the Diamond Head area and she thinks the district should be confined to the Waikiki area west of Kapahulu Avenue. Egged replied doing so would exclude any projects east of the intersection of Kapahulu and Kalakaua avenues.

7. Board Position -- Chair West commented that the Board would not be taking a position at this meeting. Villers recommended that the Board members with concerns communicate with Egged and present a report of the results for the Board to consider at a later date

8. City Council Second Reading -- Matson noted that the Council's second reading and public hearing on these bills will be the forthcoming week on February 18, and she encouraged those interested to submit testimony as individuals. She suggested that the board also consider developing testimony expressing some of the concerns.

9. Sand Shifting to Diamond Head -- St. Denis commented that sand naturally shifts back and forth along the Diamond Head shoreline. Egged replied that Diamond Head falls outside the proposed improvement district, and any sand used in replenishment projects comes from offshore, not from adjacent beaches.

Villers moved and Armentrout seconded that the Board extend its time of adjournment. The motion passed 13-0-0. (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Bryn Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong).

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the January 8, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes-- Waialeale moved and Villers seconded that the January 8, 2015 regular meeting minutes are accepted as circulated. The motion was ADOPTED, 12-0-1 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Bryn Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong ABSTAIN: Matson). Matson explained she was absent from the January 2015 meeting.

Resolution Requesting the Director of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) erect signs on Kapahulu Avenue Prohibiting Bicycles on Sidewalks -- Armentrout explained that this was important, since the coming Bike Share program would be adding 2,000 bicycles to Urban Honolulu area. The DTS director is empowered to erect signs such as these. The proposed resolution specifies in the business district encompassing Kapahulu.

Comments followed: Enforceability -- Villers commented he supports the resolution, but wonders how enforceable the law is since it is already a law. Armentrout replied that HPD will only enforce it if there are posted signs.

Matson moved and Miller seconded that the Board adopt the draft resolution. The resolution was adopted 13-0-0. (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Bryn Villers, Waialeale, West, and Wong).

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Kaimuki, Hawaii
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