Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (APRIL 8TH, 2015) Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (APRIL 8TH, 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, APRIL 8, 2015
PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Beverly Mau called the meeting to order at 7:04 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: Lindsay Anderson, Frank Farm, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Rachel Orange, Earl Shiraki, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Stephen Maybir and Shaun St. Vincent.

Guests: Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; 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 and Fire Fighter I Peter Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Maurice Asato and Sergeant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department); Steven Antonio; Greg Kawakami; Marvin Heskett; Masako Heskett; Max Mayeda; Scott Tamayori; Candy Tamayori; Robert Farm; Ally, Kiani, Jenny, and Malia; videographer (DVDmono); and Stephen Saito (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND STAR SPANGLED BANNER: Chair Mau noted that April 2015 is "Community for Keiki" month and that in honor of "Community for Keiki" month, four (4) students from Kaimuki Christian School and Liholiho Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner before the meeting was called to order. The four (4) students' names were Ally, Kiani, Jenny, and Malia.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter I Peter Hashimoto reported the following:

March 2015 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 1 wildland fire, 0 rubbish fire, 0 vehicle fire, 7 miscellaneous calls, 1 search and rescue call, and 42 medical emergencies.
Smoke Alarm Tip: Smoke alarms are essential to fire safety in the home. Statistics shows that working smoke alarms in homes can substantially reduce the risk of fire deaths in residential fires. Smoke alarms alert residences of smoke and fire all day. The HFD would like to increase the public's awareness of the significance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to install a smoke alarm in each bedroom, sleeping area, and on every level in the home. Families are also encouraged to install smoke alarms on behalf of senior family, friends, and neighbors. The HFD's Smoke Alarms for Everyone (SAFE) Program's purpose is to install free smoke alarms and educate residents on fire prevention and the importance of testing and maintaining the smoke alarms. Approximately 3,620 smoke alarms have been installed in more than 785 homes since the program was established in October 2008. The HFD is planning another SAFE installation during the summer 2015. Contact the HFD's Community Relations Office at 723-7167 if interested in signing up.

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

March 2015 Crime Statistics: There were 2 motor vehicle thefts, 8 burglaries, 12 thefts, and 5 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV).
Distracted Drivers Safety Tip: April 2015 is "Distracted Drivers" month. HPD officers will be monitoring individuals using cellphones and will be enforcing citations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Speeding: Gerlich-Hayes raised a concern of cars speeding at 7th Avenue and making illegal right hand turns without first coming to a stop.

2. Net Use: Shiraki requested that his suggestion for HPD to use nets to capture criminals be brought to Chief Louis Kealoha. Shiraki noted that he last brought this request to Captain Bennet.

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

Main Break: There were no main breaks for March 2015. The BWS is still awaiting results for the forensic of the main break case on Waialae Avenue.
Free Educational Materials for Keiki: In support of the Neighborhood Commission Office's (NCO) "Community for Keiki" month in April 2015, The BWS is offering educational material for the youth and other community organizations to learn about Oahu's water resources. The BWS offers a variety of publications that present information on Oahu's water cycle and how everyone plays an important role in sustaining the water supply. Publications include: activity and coloring books, water conservation flyers, watershed protection handouts, and water for life booklets. Publication materials are available for free to help parents and teachers understand the importance of water conservation so that teachers and parents can encourage keiki to adopt a personal conservation ethic. Publication materials are available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com or for pick up at BWS headquarters at 630 South Beretania Street. Contact the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041 to arrange for pick up or to obtain more information.

Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP): No representative was present; no report was provided.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS -- Chair Mau thanked Vice Chair Nakayama for being the presiding officer at the March 2015 regular meeting.

CONVENING BOARD CONCERNS: Orange raised a concern that the agenda item, "CONVENING BOARD CONCERNS" should not be on the agenda. Neighborhood Assistant Stephen Saito clarified that items to be brought up to the Board should be properly labeled on the agenda. Chair Mau noted that the agenda item, "Convening Board Concerns" will no longer be listed as an agenda item. Orange asked Neighborhood Assistant Saito for more information relating to Board members raising concerns not listed on the agenda. Neighborhood Assistant Saito referred back to an email Board members received regarding Board members not allowed to bring up "Community Concerns" under "Residents'/Community Concerns" and should instead ask the Chair to add the subject as an agenda item. Neighborhood Assistant Saito will follow up with the Board with additional responses from the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) staff.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: City Council members join others to recognize sexual assault awareness month.
Legislative Update: There was a budget meeting today to review the proposed City budget. The budget committee will also be looking at budgets for proposed property taxes.
State Senator Charles M. Campbell: The council honored and recognized the late Hawaii State Senator Charles M. Campbell on March 11, 2015 for his participation alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his followers.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Rail Project: Shiraki raised a concern about the rail project. Kaneshiro answered that Councilmember Trevor Ozawa will attempt to get the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) meetings on ‘Olelo.
Appreciation: Shiraki noted his appreciation for Councilmember Kobayashi's criticism on HART. Shiraki expressed his appreciation and presented Councilmember Kobayashi a golden golf ball.

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

88th Lei Day Celebration: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be accepting entries at the lei receiving booth at Queen Kapiolani Park from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015. There are different classes based on age group for judging.
Summer Fun Registration and Program: The summer fun program starts from Friday, June 12, 2015 to Friday, July 24, 2015. Registration for District 3 and 4 will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, May 11 and 12, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration for District 1 and 2 will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
"Sew a Lei" For Memorial Day: The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) is now accepting donations of ti leaves. MOCA has a goal of 1,000 la'i lei. Collection begins on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 and ends on Monday, May 18, 2015. Drop off donations to the MOCA's Office on the 2nd floor of the Mission Memorial Building.
Age-Friendly City Initiative: The City has been engaged in an effort called the Honolulu's Age-Friendly City Initiative. The effort is in support by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, as well as the leadership and input from a steering committee and a citizen's advisory committee of over 80 representatives from the public and private sectors. The process created an action plan for transforming Honolulu's built environment and encouraging social involvement and healthy aging. Visit www.kupunatokeiki.com to view the action plan. Submit written comments on the action plan by Friday, April 24, 2015. Written comments can be submitted to: University of Hawaii, Center on Aging, 1960 East West Road, BioMed T705B, Honolulu, HI 96822; or by email at kupuna2keiki@gmail.com. If there are any questions, comments, or needs, contact the University of Hawaii Center on Aging at 956-5001.
Project Graduation Grants: Deadline to apply for Project Graduation grants from the HPD is Friday, May 1, 2015. HPD supports healthy, safe choices for young people and will provide up to $1,500 to pay for ground transportation expenses associated with Project Graduation events. For more information, visit www.honolulupd.org.
Parking along 10th Avenue: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will follow up with Farm to discuss the parking situation along 10th Avenue.
Palolo Swimming Pool: The DPR has no plans to install a new gas-operated heater at the Palolo swimming at the Palolo Valley District Park.
Keanu Street Repaving: Keanu Street will be repaved under the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14A project. Bids have been opened for the project and the City is in the process of awarding the contract. The contractor will then need to obtain all necessary permits before the City can issue a notice to proceed with construction.
Ala Wai Canal Trip Hazard: The DPR did a site check and found no obvious trip hazard at the Koko Head end point of the Ala Wai Canal between the edge of the water and a chain link fence. The DPR request that Shiraki submit a picture of the described area to show the trip hazard.
Parking Removal: The DTS is evaluating the parking near the intersection of Kealamakai and South King Street and will inform the Board upon completion of the study.
Priority Right Turn Signal: The DTS will be conducting an investigation which may request research, site observations, and an analysis of the traffic history. Upon completion of DTS's study, DTS will apprise the Board by July 2015.
Mayor's Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness by 2015: Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed onto the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness by 2015. The City is using a Housing First approach, which removes barriers to help veterans obtain permanent housing as quickly as possible. The City is working with service providers to coordinate outreach efforts to identify and engage every veteran experiencing homelessness, and focusing outreach efforts on achieving housing outcomes. Some resources available for the challenge are: 1) HUD-Veteran Affairs Support Housing (VASH) vouchers -- a rental housing voucher that is combined with supportive services for the veteran in the unit; 2) Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) -- supportive services like financial assistance and education, rental deposits, utility payment support, employment education and support, and short term housing subsidy. For more information, contact the Office of Housing (HOU) Executive Director, Jun Yang, at 768-4303 or email, jyang@honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Appreciation: Shiraki expressed his appreciation for on the City's response on 10th Avenue concerns.
2. Magic Island Comfort Station: Hack requested the status of renovation for the comfort station at Magic Island.
3. Palolo Valley District Park Play Apparatus: Chair Mau received a letter from DPR Director Michele Nekota regarding the Palolo Valley District Park play apparatus and noted that the pathway to the play apparatus has been completed. However, Chair Mau noted that the Department of Design and Construction (DCS) is still awaiting for the play apparatus equipment to be shipped from the mainland.

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

State House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

NextEra: HSE Say raised concerns from Palolo residents regarding the NextEra and Hawaii Electric Industries (HEI) acquisition. HSE Say noted that the Public Utility Commission (PUC) will investigate into the acquisition.
Hawaii Canal Project: HSE Say had a group talk with various organizations with the Hawaii Canal project. Area affected are Palolo Valley, Manoa, and Makiki.
Blocking Driveways: HSE Say raised a concern of residents blocking by parking cars into another neighbor's driveways.
Other Community Concerns: HSE Say raised concerns of the storm water drain system, Compact of Free Association (COFA), University of Hawaii's system, and acquisition of Ali'i Place.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Medical Marijuana: Shiraki suggested HSE Say to consider advice from HPD. HSE Say noted that the State legislature came to an agreement on only four (4) medical marijuana dispensaries in Hawaii.
Kamamalu Building: Hack commented about the vacant building on the intersection of South King Street and Richards Street and asked why the State still consider Ali'i Place. HSE Say clarified that the building is named Kamamalu building and that HSE Say only heard about Ali'i Place acquisition by reading the Sunday, April 5, 2015 newspaper. HSE Say noted that he does not know what the current House and Senate leadership is considering.
House Bills (HB): Resident Marvin Heskett commented about HB on Turtle Bay, cesspools, and storm water infrastructure fee. HSE Say answered that he made the request to Water and Lands Committee to have Turtle Bay be reimbursable through general obligation bonds. HSE Say answered that cesspools would be patched up. HSE Say answered that he voted no to the HB relating to the storm water infrastructure fee due to the fact that it would be difficult assess storm water usage. Resident Heskett noted that the HB would allow the community be assessed and receive a credit back based on the individual's conservation efforts.
HB 631, HB 321, and HB 459: Community member Max Mayeda asked HSE Say for his opinions on HB 631, HB 321, and HB 459. HSE Say answered that for HB 631, transgender should have a choice and opportunity in a gender. For HB HB 321, HSE Say answered that he would like to confine medical marijuana dispensaries to only four (4) dispensaries on State property so that there is some government regulation on medical marijuana. HSE Say suggested to ask Senator Ihara, Jr. for the Senate's opinion.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara, Jr. reported the following:

Bill Crossover: House and Senate went through a bill crossover and will be hearing and amending bills starting Friday, April 10, 2015. Senator Ihara, Jr. noted that over the course of his 29 sessions in legislation, 2015 is the most "low key" legislative session that Senator Ihara, Jr. experienced.
Letter to Governor: Senator Ihara, Jr. suggest that the Boards send a letter of request for a Governor's representative at the Board meetings.
Ali'i Place Acquisition: Senator Ihara, Jr. is against bills that have content that are replaced with language from other legislation and noted that many such bills are never passed. Ali'i Place acquisition and the Turtle Bay bill are examples of such bills.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Turtle Bay Bill: HSE Say noted that the previous governor had $40 million in the budget in the House on the Turtle Bay Bill. HSE Say asked if Senator Ihara, Jr. would vote on the Turtle Bay bill now. Senator Ihara, Jr. has not seen the bill. HSE Say expressed his concerns that Senator Ihara, Jr. did not see the bill. Orange noted that the following discussion is not an appropriate Board matter. Chair Mau asked to summarize the concerns.
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Nominee: Farm asked for Senator Ihara, Jr.'s opinion on DLNR nominee from Carlton Ching to the new nominee. Senator Ihara, Jr. answered that he will be meeting with the DLNR nominee Suzanne Case on Thursday, April 9, 2015.
Medical Marijuana: Shiraki asked and Senator Ihara, Jr. answered that only a doctor may prescribe medical marijuana. Hack noted that the Department of Health (DOH) hands out the certificates.
HB 631: Community member Max Mayeda asked for Senator Ihara, Jr.'s opinion on HB 631 regarding the birth certificate gender. Senator Ihara, Jr. answered that the requirement would require documentation on the record to have the gender change on the birth certificate.
Announcement: Orange announced that the Board has no legislative powers, is only advisory, and that community members should send their testimonies towards the proper channels.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Finance Factor Update: Chair Mau noted that Greg Kawakami sent testimony to the Board regarding construction by Finance Factor. Holtrop commented that Finance Factor is not on the agenda and that it would have been appropriate for Finance Factor to be on the agenda instead of being a "Resident/Community Concern." Chair Mau noted that she was notified last minute of the testimony and that Finance Factor agreed to only provide information for under three (3) minutes regarding Finance Factor's construction project. Finance Factor could return to the next regular meeting to provide a proper presentation for more information. Greg Kawakami from Waipono Investment representing on the behalf of Finance Factor noted that Finance Factor purchased property at the corner of Waialae Avenue and 8th Avenue in July 2014 with the intent to open a branch at the location. Finance Factor purchased an adjacent parcel to be utilized for additional parking. Previous tenants vacated the property by Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The property will include a property branch of Finance Factor and a restaurant. Gerlich-Hayes raised a concern that there is no parking on Keanu Street. Kawakami elaborated that the adjacent property will be used for an additional 20 parking spaces. Farm asked and Kawakami answered that the adjacent property is on Waialae Avenue and that there is no current decision on what the restaurant would be.

Board Committee

Community Award Recognition Committee: Committee Chair Nakayama noted that one (1) individual was considered for the community award. However, Committee Chair Nakayama noted that the individual is under 18 and the committee would need to ask the parents for consent to receive the recognition. Committee Chair Nakayama added that for any other Board members who may have an individual in mind for the Community Award Recognition Committee to review, should first review the selection criteria for the award.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Motion: Chair Mau noted that she would need a two-thirds (2/3) vote to amend the announcement that the next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 rather than it be on Wednesday, June 10. 2015. Orange clarified that the next regular meeting was to be on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, and the Board is only looking to correct the clerical mistake. Hack moved and Shiraki seconded to amend the announcement that the next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (Aye: Anderson, Farm, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Orange, Shiraki, and Weinstein).

Next Regular Meeting: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria.
Memorial Day: Memorial Day will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015.
Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash by the morning of Wednesday, April 15, 2015 (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.
Board Elections: Vote for the Palolo Neighborhood Board candidates from Friday, April 24, 2015 to Friday, May 15, 2015.
Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up. Vice Chair thanked Shiraki and Jerlow for obtaining keys to open and close the facilities.
Community for Keiki Month: Chair Mau thanked Jerlow for coordinating the four (4) girls who led the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner before the meeting was called to order.

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:

The Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 ADOPTED the regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, March 11, 2015 as amended by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (Aye: Anderson, Farm, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Orange, Shiraki, and Weinstein). Amendments followed:

Page 2: Under "Accessory Dwelling Units," "accessory dwelling units" should be replaced with ohana housing.
Page 3: Under "Traffic on Waialae Avenue," "Director Nakayama" should be replaced with "Director Sasamura."

TREASURER'S REPORT: Treasurer Hack noted a balance of $281.18 for the month of March 2015. The report was filed.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:37 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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