Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 18, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for FEBRUARY 18, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a total of eight (8) 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, Liberty Peralta, Samantha Ruiz (appointed tonight), and Sharon Schneider.

Board Members Absent: Lori Yamada.

Vacancies: There was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1 and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 2.

Guests: Captain Jay Shimabuku and Firefighter I Mark Tam (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Kenny Amazaki (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; John Kong Kee (Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Office); Linnea Schuster; Myra Grefaldia; Kimee Balmilero; Molly Jenkins; Mr. Elwood; Gerry Ralston; Lynette Furutani; Scot Shimamura; Eric McCutcheon; Uakea Egami; Heather Williams; Michelle Kubota (Hawaii Pacific Health); Anselm Chuh; Stephanie Chang; Kahele Porter; John Garcia; and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

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

January 2015 Crime Statistics: There were 10 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 56 thefts, 20 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 6,679 total calls for service.

Safety Tip: Information on home security can be found in the newsletter.

Contact Information: The contact information for the East Honolulu (District 7) community policing team can be found in the back of the newsletter.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter I Mark Tam circulated a report and presented the following:

$1· January 2015 Statistics: There was 1 structural and 1 rubbish fire. There were 76 medical, 3 search and rescues, and 1 miscellaneous emergencies.

$1· Fire Safety Tip: Follow safety precautions when hiking including letting another person know the name and location of the trail, and expected time of return. Carry a fully charged cell phone and stay on established trails as most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs.

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

Main Breaks: There were two (2) main breaks in January 2015. One of the main breaks was on Pahoa Avenue and the other on Pokole Street.

New Customer Parking Procedure: The BWS will be starting a new parking procedure at the Beretania Street headquarters beginning in March 2015. Parking control arms will restrict use of BWS parking stalls to only visitors on official BWS business. Questions about the new parking procedure can be directed to the BWS Security Center at 748-5911.

Bank of Hawaii (BOH) Bill Payment: Effective Wednesday, April 1, 2015, customers will have the option to drop off water bill payments at any BOH traditional branch on Oahu with the exception of in-store branches. First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) will no longer be accepting bill payments after Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Payment may also be deposited into the Express Teller boxes at BOH's traditional branch locations. Visit www.boh.com for a list of BOH locations on Oahu and www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information.

Wilhelmina Rise Water System Project: Advertisement has begun in February 2015 for the Wilhelmina Rise water system improvements system part IV project construction bid, which is anticipated to open in March 2015. Construction will begin after a contractor is selected and all permits are secured.

Question followed: Maunalani Park: Schneider asked if the tank at Maunalani Park is being replaced. Heller was not sure, but will follow up.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced that there was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1 and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 2.

Samantha Ruiz offered to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 2. Neighborhood Assistant Uyen Vong verified her residency. Nominated by Hoe, Samantha Ruiz was APPOINTED to Subdistrict 2 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, and Schneider).

At 7:14 p.m., Chair Bullock called a recess to allow Vong to issue the oath of office to Ruiz. The meeting was called back to order at 7:17 p.m. Nine (9) members were present.

COMMUNITY KEIKI: There were none at this time.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the January 21, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the January 21, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Ruiz, and Schneider).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $28.16 spent in January 2015 with a remaining balance of $358.44. The report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT

$1· Technology Innovation Movement: Resident John Garcia, co-founder of Greenhouse Innovation Hub in Kakaako, commented that he has been involved with advancing Hawaii's technology innovation movement and would like to see the movement come to Kaimuki. Schneider suggested that Garcia provide input for the Community Planning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) for Kaimuki. Garcia agreed. A resident asked and Garcia replied that some of the activities include community events such as "Eat the Street", TED talks, or street performances. Peralta suggested Third Fridays in Kaimuki as a venue.

$1· Overpass Mural Project: Molly Jenkins, a teacher, asked if there were individuals interested in helping with a mural project under the overpass at Harding Avenue and Pahoa Avenue. She reported that she had talked to George Abcede from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) who was open to the idea, and suggested her to involve her State Representative and local community members. Jenkins created a petition to garner support for the project. Chair Bullock noted that Board members cannot take action at tonight's meeting since it was not on the agenda, but it can be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Chair Bullock recommended that Jenkins speak to Representative Kobayashi and community member Garcia about her idea. Ruiz suggested Jenkins to contact artists or artist groups for assistance.

$1· Homelessness: A resident reported that there has been more homeless individuals settling at the underpass on Harding Avenue near Foodland, and commented that there has been more crime in Kaimuki. Chair Bullock explained that this issue can be brought up during HPD's report and noted that the area in question is part of the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5.

$1· Queen Theater: Schneider answered for a resident that the Friends of Queen Theater is scheduled to meet this Spring 2015. Garcia noted that he has been working with the Friends of Queen Theater to restore the landmark. Another resident brought up a concern that the owner of Queen Theater is not planning on fixing the landmark, and asked if the City could condemn the building. Chair Bullock noted that the City had attempted to condemn the building in the past but the owner would then only fix the problems on the surface. Schneider commented that the Friends of Queen Theater has been working hard on fixing the issue.

OLD BUSINESS: There were none at this time.

NEW BUSINESS

38th Annual Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K Race: Michelle Kubota reported that the Hawaii Pacific Health 38th annual Women's 10K race will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Kapiolani Park from 7:00 a.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the City Department of Information Technology (DIT) was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Chair Bullock reported the following:

$1· Neighborhood Board Elections: The deadline for candidate registration for the 2015 Neighborhood Board elections is Friday, February 20, 2015. The voting period begins on Friday, April 24, 2015 and ends on Friday, May 15, 2015.

Ti Leaf Donations: The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts and the Honolulu Zoo are asking for donations of ti leaves to repair the hale lā‘ī. Donations can be dropped off at the Honolulu Zoo entrance.

"Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" Poster Contest: All Hawaii school students grades K-12 are invited to enter the "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" poster contest, which runs from Monday, January 26, 2015 through Friday, February 27, 2015.

DTS Advisory: The DTS Traffic Signals and Technology Division will begin placing crosswalk stickers on crosswalk signal poles as inspectors go out to inspect or repair the poles island-wide. Do not cross the street after the countdown begins.

Road Repairs: Bidding will open shortly for the rehabilitation of localized streets, phase 14B (St. Louis Heights) project.

Parks: Bidding will open shortly for the Kaimuki District Park Recreation Center roofing and miscellaneous improvements project. The scope of the Kilauea District Park improvements project is pending per City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

$1· Art Space Bill: The City Council passed a bill today relating to art space which allows artists to live in studios at a very low rent. The third floor would be used as work space and ground floor would be used as gallery space.

$1· Federal Funds: The City Council voted to remove $210 million from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's (HART) financial plan so that funding for TheBus and HandiVan can be secured.

$1· Homelessness and Affordable Housing: The City Council designated $40 million to build affordable housing units such as shipping containers.

$1· Queen Theater: Councilmember Kobayashi will follow up on the issues regarding Queen Theater.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

$11. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Chair Bullock asked if any concerns were brought up at today's 1:30 p.m. Council meeting about transient vacation rentals. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the ADUs must be rented out for at least six (6) months. Councilmember Kobayashi agreed with Chair Bullock that transient vocational rentals would change the neighborhood.

$12. Art Space Bill: Councilmember Kobayashi replied for Ruiz that the bill was approved unanimously by the Council, and answered for a resident that the proposed area is one block from Ward Avenue and Kapiolani Boulevard. Another resident asked and Councilmember Kobayashi answered that the organization called Artspace, which has been involved with similar projects across the nation, and Pa‘i Foundation would help determine eligibility of the artists. Councilmember Kobayashi answered for another resident that the City and State are looking for land, possible near Transient-Oriented Development (TOD) areas for this project.

$13. ADU (Continue): Schneider requested more information about the ADUs. Councilmember Kobayashi asked Schneider to contact Larson.

$14. Low-Income: Councilmember Kobayashi clarified for a resident that crimes are not necessarily committed by low-income residents, and further explained that homeless people are not forced to move into homes.

$15. Resources for the Homeless: Councilmember Kobayashi answered for Schneider that homeless services usually include job skill training, drug treatment, or childcare for parents to attend school or look for a job.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Kenny Amazaki distributed a newsletter and updated the Board on the recent full Council meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

$11. Bus Route Restoration: Amazaki answered for a resident that there has been no new update regarding his question about the restoration of the bus route.

$12. Harding and 13th Avenues: A resident asked about unusual activities on Harding and 13th Avenues last week. Amazaki will follow up.

$13. Construction Activities: A resident asked for more information regarding construction work near Harding and 13th Avenues. Chair Bullock referred the resident to the Kaimuki Christian Church who may have information about the ongoing construction work.

$14. Maunalani Heights Repaving Update: Schneider asked for an update on the repaving schedule for Maunalani Heights, and asked if the utilities will be installed underground at the same time as the repaving.

$15. Newsletter: Amazaki noted that newsletter contains information about upcoming construction projects and how to participate in the legislative process.

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.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State Representative 20th District): John Kong Kee circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

$1· Private Property Bill: Speaker Emeritus Say proposed a House concurrent resolution relating to protecting public interest by asking private property owners to share the costs of mitigating the potential risks and hazards posed by trees on their property.

$1· Public Utilities Commission (PUC): Speaker Emeritus Say proposed a House concurrent resolution requesting the PUC to develop a mechanism with the major utility companies to coordinate repair of damaged electrical poles.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

HECO Merger: Kee answered for Schneider that the best way to get updated information about the HECO merger is through the PUC.

Infrastructure Update: Schneider asked why there is no general plan to update old electrical infrastructure for the neighborhood, and noted that the damages are only repaired when it occurs. Kee was unable to answer but noted that each utility company is responsible for their own damage. A community member commented that residents may not notice that the electrical poles near their residences need repair and noted that outreach should be done to educate residents with information about who to contact and what to look for. Kee will follow up.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): Senator Ihara presented the following:

First Lateral Deadline: The first lateral deadline is coming up soon, which means that the bills must be in the last committee by Friday, February 20, 2015.

All-Mail Voting: There is strong support for all-mail voting in the State Senate. Other states such as Oregon and Washington are already participating in all-mail voting.

General Excise Tax (GET) Extension: Community input is welcomed regarding the extension of the GET for the rail project.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

All-Mail Voting: Senator Ihara answered for a resident that postage fee is included in the cost of establishing all-mail voting, and noted that it is less expensive than hiring thousands of election day workers. Kahoohanohano suggested electronic voting. Two residents brought up a concern about cyber security. Senator Ihara noted that the Neighborhood Board elections used electronic voting in previous years.

Cyber Security: Senator Ihara answered for a resident that the State Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) installed a new system on state computers to provide extra security for all personnel records. He further noted that all public institutions must inform the public if there is a breach of security. Senator Ihara will follow up on the resident's suggestion in utilizing the military for cyber security.

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

Historical Preservation Bill: A version of a bill, relating to historical preservation of older homes in Kaimuki, is still alive. The delays in building permits have been fewer this year since the City and State have been working together.

Newsletter: Many of the bills in the House majority package are not anticipated to be passed within the next few years, but it sets a framework for the future when funds are available. Also included in the newsletter is a short article about a Waikiki Elementary School teacher being selected as National Teacher of the Year finalist, preventing scams and fraud against seniors, and a free dental screening event hosted by the Hawaii Dental Association at the Waikiki Health Makahiki Clinic on Saturday, February 21, 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Legislative Process: Resident Stephanie Chang asked about the legislative process. Representative Kobayashi replied that many bills will not survive past the first lateral deadline, but noted that there are many ways of reviving a bill.

Priority Bills: Representative Kobayashi answered for Chang that his priorities are the budget, the bill relating to the extension of the GET, and bills relating to the University of Hawaii.

GET Tax: Representative Kobayashi answered for a resident that the GET tax would be half a percent lower if the extension of the GET is not granted. Chair Bullock asked why there is a rush to get the extension now. Representative Kobayashi replied that the City cannot approve any contract unless the City has a secured funding source and currently only the first phase of the project has been contracted. Representative Kobayashi further noted that the project becomes more expensive the longer it is delayed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

$1· Neighborhood Board Elections: The deadline for candidate registration is Friday, February 20, 2015.

$1· Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Jordan Ozaki, Senior Elections Clerk

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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