Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for May 20, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for May 20, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2015

LIHOLIHO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:16 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, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada (arrived at 7:18 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Samantha Ruiz.

Vacancies: There was one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1: East Kaimuki and Business District.

Guests: Captain Ricky Mamiya (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Director Mark Wong, City Department of Information Technology (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Ozawa's Office), Julia Allen (Senator Sam Slom's Office), John Kong Kee (Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Office), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply's representative), Ron Ueno and Tiana Haraguchi (WZ Entertainment Center), Deborah Pope, Ronald Sato, and Léa Major (Shangri La/Doris Duke Foundation), Scot Shimamura, Molly Jenkins, Mr. Elwood, Eric McCutcheon, Brenton Sujibayashi, Ed Chuh, Zee Chuh, Carol Hoshiko, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane provided copies of HPD's newsletter and reported the following:

April 2015 Statistics: There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries, 48 thefts, 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,044 calls for service.

Tsunami Preparedness: There are flyers with information on tsunami preparedness available at the meeting.

Question followed: Crime Statistics: Chair Bullock asked and Lieutenant Sukekane replied that the likely reason for the increase in reported incidents could be due to the schedule of prison releases, albeit the increase could be due to other reasons. Lieutenant Sukekane noted that neighborhood security watch groups and other measures that make it difficult for criminals to commit crimes are good deterrents.

Yamada arrived at 7:18 p.m.; 9 members were present.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Ricky Mamiya presented the following:

April 2015 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires and 23 activated alarms. There were 75 medical emergencies and 17 miscellaneous emergencies.

Fire Safety Tip: In emergencies call 911 rather than drive to the nearest fire station. The fire company may be away from the station due to emergencies or other duties. The 911 operator dispatches the closest available fire company. When calling 911, give the operator the initial need (police, fire, or ambulance) and when transferred to the appropriate agency, provide an accurate description of the need and location of the emergency.

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

Main Breaks: There was one (1) main break in April 2015.

2015 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contests Winners: The BWS would like to thank more than 1,400 student artists and 275 poets who participated in the 2015 Water Conservation Week poster and poetry contests. The contest winners were announced and recognized at an awards ceremony in April 2015. The posters and poems will be on exhibit at Kapolei Hale from Tuesday, May 19, 2015 to Thursday, May 28, 2015, Kahala Mall from Monday, June 1, 2015 to Thursday, June 11, 2015, Windward Mall from Monday, June 15, 2015 to Thursday, June 25, 2015, and the BWS Public Service Building lobby from Monday, June 29, 2015 to Friday, August 14, 2015. The full list of winners and an online art gallery are available at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

6th Avenue Main Break: Regarding a previous question asked at the last board meeting, the cause of the main break on 6th Avenue is unknown.

Liliuokalani Elementary School Water Line Break: More information is needed for investigation on the water line break near Liliuokalani Elementary School. Chair Bullock and Hoe provided an approximate location of the break: between Liliuokalani Elementary School and the restaurant at 3660 Waialae Avenue.

Higher Rate of Autism in Wilhelmina Rise: More information is needed for investigation on the possibility of a higher autism rate in Wilhelmina Rise. This issue may be under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Health (DOH).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced that there is one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1. As there were no volunteers, this item has been deferred to the next meeting. Chair Bullock noted that the Board member would have to serve the Board for the remainder of the term ending on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. Chair Bullock also noted that the results of the elections are available at www.honolulu.gov/nco.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the April 15, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Larson seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the April 15, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED, as amended, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada).

Page 2, under WZ Family Entertainment Center Liquor License Application #15-2123: Should read "Kang declared a conflict of interest since his law firm represents a WZ entity." Kang noted that he will recuse himself from commenting or voting in the upcoming agenda item regarding WZ Family Entertainment Center.

Page 3, under Kaimuki Business and Professional Association's Position: Should read "Yamada, a representative of the Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library, read KBPA's resolution…" Yamada noted that the Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library is a member of the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA).

Page 6, under Restoration of Bus Route 13: Should read "bus route on 13th Avenue", not route 13.

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported a total of $29.01 spent in April 2015 with a remaining balance of $270.78. The report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT: Natural Disaster Preparedness Trainings: A community member asked for more information on how to promote the natural disaster preparedness trainings that are offered by LYON associates and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). Chair Bullock noted that the Board can submit concerns from the community to elected officials, state or city administration.

OLD BUSINESS:

Community Mural and Beautification Efforts: Molly Jenkins presented the following:

Estria Foundation: Jenkins has been in contact with Estria Miyashiro from Estria Foundation; Miyashiro is interested in getting involved with beautifying the underpass at 10th Avenue.

Agreement with Department of Transportation: An agreement must be made with the State Department of Transportation (DOT), Highways Division.

Next Meeting: The next meeting for this project is on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 4:30 p.m. at Kaimuki High School.

Question followed: Contact Information: Hoe asked and Jenkins replied that the public can email her at kaimukimural@gmail.com, and more information can be found at www.facebook.com/kaimukimural.

WZ Family Entertainment Center Liquor License Application #15-2123: Tiana Haraguchi, one of the owners of WZ Entertainment Center and Ron Ueno, business intelligence consultant and acting general manager introduced themselves, and circulated copies of their handout. Haraguchi presented the following:

Background Information: WZ Entertainment Center is a Hawaii-based company that provides a safe and fun place for food and entertainment. WZ Entertainment Center is similar to other entertainment venues in Hawaii such as Dave and Busters and Fun Factory, where players are rewarded with electronic tickets that can be exchanged for prizes. WZ Entertainment Center is committed to giving back to the community such as supporting the Hawaii chapter of Talk about Curing Autism (TACA).

Future in Kaimuki: WZ Entertainment Center partnered with JJ Bistro and French Pastry to offer lunch and dinner options. WZ Entertainment Center also has plans to open up an in-house kitchen. The pending liquor application is crucial in allowing WZ Entertainment Center to become a full food and beverage operation.

Community Partner: WZ Entertainment Center is working to become a respectful addition to the Kaimuki community.

Contact Information: Contact WZ Entertainment Center at 888-5505 for more information.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Target Market: Chair Bullock asked and Ueno replied that the target market is working professionals.

2. Liquor License Application: Chair Bullock asked if the application for the liquor license is for the restaurant. Ueno confirmed that it is.

3. Security: Chair Bullock asked for information about security measures. Ueno commented that WZ Entertainment Center has established internal policies as to when alcohol will be served and when minors are allowed onto the property. Hoe asked and Ueno replied that the establishment will open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., and minors will be allowed in the establishment prior to 8:00 p.m. provided that they are accompanied by an adult who is 25 years old or older. Haraguchi noted that they will be cautious about underage drinking, and drinking and driving.

4. Location: Paik asked and received reply that the location is at 3457 Waialae Avenue.

5. Menu: A resident asked and Ueno replied that the menu will include island-style food.

6. Target Market (Continue): A resident asked and Ueno replied that they are not targeting college-age students.

7. Alcohol Serving Times: A community member asked when alcohol will be served and what the total square footage is. Ueno replied that prior to 8:00 p.m., alcohol will be served in a contained area in the establishment. Ueno also replied that the total square footage is 4,000 square feet with a possible extension of 1,500 square feet for the kitchen. Ueno further noted that the restaurant and bar space occupies 70% of the property.

8. Parking: Paik asked and Ueno replied that 20 parking spaces will be available on the second floor of the property.

9. Alcohol Serving Times (Continue): Haraguchi reiterated that the alcohol serving times are the same as other restaurants that serves alcohol.

10. Security Staff: A community member asked for the number of security staff that will be provided. Haraguchi stated that the number is currently unknown. The community member asked when the application process will be finalized and Ueno replied that it should be finalized before the end of the month.

11. Arcade Games: A community member asked and Haraguchi replied that the arcade games are the same games as found in Dave and Busters and Fun Factory. Haraguchi noted that every game has been vetted by industry experts.

12. Alcohol and Minors: A community member asked if minors will be present at the same time that alcohol is being served. Haraguchi replied that the area will be contained before 8:00 p.m.

13. Accompanied Minors: Larson asked for clarification if accompanied minors would be allowed into the establishment after 8:00 p.m. Haraguchi replied that 8:00 p.m. is the cutoff time, but WZ Family Entertainment Center is flexible in changing the policy to cater to the neighborhood.

14. Security Staff (Continue): A community member voiced his concerns about rowdiness when alcohol is involved. Haraguchi stated that WZ Entertainment Center has a zero tolerance for rowdiness. Ueno reiterated that security is a top priority, and that security personnel is available during all hours of operations. Hoe asked for a tangible number of security staff. Ueno stated that one (1) security personnel, one (1) bar manager, and one (1) game manager will be available at all times. A community member stated that he had managed a club before, and commented that it is hard for WZ Entertainment to determine what the adequate staff level is because it changes depending on the number of customers. The community member voiced support for the establishment, citing that it will bring value to the Kaimuki area. Another community member noted these aspects of the business should have been previously discussed.

15. Experience: Haraguchi noted that the other two (2) owners of WZ Entertainment Center have experience in the restaurant and bar industries.

16. Maximum Occupancy: Chair Bullock asked and Ueno replied that the maximum occupancy is 150 people. Schneider commented that the occupancy limit is determined by HFD.

17. WZ Entertainment Name: Peralta commented that at the last Board meeting, there was a huge concern that the company name on the liquor license application is similar to another company that was involved in illegal activities. Peralta noted that it was why she voted no to WZ Entertainment Center's request for a liquor license. Haraguchi stated that WZ Entertainment Center is a separate entity from Winner's Zone. Haraguchi noted that many of the activities that Winner's Zone was accused of were not deemed illegal. Haraguchi stated that there are completely new owners and a new business model. Ueno noted that every arcade game needs to be approved by the Honolulu Liquor Commission if the application is approved.

18. Live Entertainment: A resident asked and Ueno replied that there will be no live entertainment.

19. Name Change: Larsons asked for clarification on why "family" is removed from the letterhead on the handout that was circulated at the meeting. Ueno and Haraguchi replied that the correct name is WZ Entertainment Center, and that the name change is part of the rebranding process.

20. Opening Day: Chair Bullock asked and Ueno replied that the opening of the restaurant is contingent on the approval of the liquor license. Haraguchi replied that the liquor license is important to the survival of WZ Entertainment Center.

21. College Students: A resident commented that college students should be included in their targeted demographics.

22. Menu: A resident asked and Ueno replied that JJ Bistro and French Pastry is offering a special menu for WZ Entertainment Center. The resident asked and Haraguchi replied that there are future plans to have an in-house restaurant. Ueno added that the establishment will separate them from other restaurants.

NEW BUSINESS

Shangri La/Doris Duke Foundation Update: Executive Director of the Shangri La/Doris Duke Foundation Deborah Pope introduced planner Ronald Sato and staff member Léa Major. Pope provided the following:

Background Information: The Shangri La property (former Doris Duke estate) is 4.9 acres including half an acre that is submerged. Since 2002, the property has been opened up as a museum for Islamic art.

Injuries: Pope's last appearance at the Board meeting was in April 2014 or May 2014 when the foundation requested a permit from the City for a fence to improve public safety in the area. The fence has been effective initially, however, people started jumping off the fence after half a year. There has been an increase in the number of people jumping off the fence since the end of 2014. Only minor injuries have been reported, but it is unsafe. The foundation is in the process of talking to neighborhood boards.

Preliminary Design Plans: The plan is to dismantle the breakwater opposite the Koko Head breakwater, and retain the Koko Head breakwater. Pope will present again when an environmental assessment has been completed and published.

Sato presented the following:

Preliminary Design Plans (Continue): Rocks will be used to line the seawall for safety reasons. Dismantling the breakwater will also prevent people from entering the nearby drainage pipe. Public access will remain open.

Environmental Assessment Study: The project is currently in the planning stage. Consultation letters will be sent out to agencies and public comments are welcomed. A draft may be available later in 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Fence: Chair Bullock asked if there is consideration to remove the fence in the future. Pope replied that the fence will be monitored. Pope noted that getting the permit will take over a year, and construction will take two (2) to four (4) months. Kang noted that the water would be shallower if the rocks are placed along the seawall, and thus would create an unsafe situation. Sato replied that the purpose of the project is to discourage people from jumping from the fence. Pope explained that they are trying to recreate another nearby area with a natural shoreline that people are not jumping from.

Thank You: Larson thanked Pope and the foundation for their efforts in creating a safer environment.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the City Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported the following:

Kaimuki District Park Recreation Center: The roofing and miscellaneous improvements project for Kaimuki District Park went out to bid and is pending award.

Kapaolono Community Park: The electrical service project for Kapaolono Community Park went out to bid using current year construction funds.

Kilauea District Park: Improvements for Kilauea District Park is pending the City Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) direction.

Journey Home Puppet Show: Upcoming performances will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Waipahu High School and Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Kaneohe Public Library at 2:00 p.m.

18th Avenue Flooding: Regarding a previous concern brought up last month, the City maintains that 18th Avenue is a private street and only the roadway pavement qualifies for City maintenance. The roadway was resurfaced in 2010 under the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 5A project. The general scope of work for this maintenance project was to mill and replace the asphalt pavement back to the same grade.

Kaimuki Parking Lot: Regarding a previous concern brought up last month, the City Council has programmed $400,000 into the budget to plan, design, construct, and inspect improvements in the Kaimuki municipal parking lot. The funds would then need to be released, bid, and awarded.

Waipio Soccer Field Scoreboard: Regarding a previous concern brought up last month, according to DDC, the City is in the process of executing a construction contract to replace the scoreboard. Once the contract is executed, a schedule will be set. According to DPR, the scoreboard will be replaced with a new scoreboard this year. The bid went out and a vendor was awarded. An update will be provided once the timeline is established.

Kilauea Avenue and 9th Avenue Intersection: Regarding a previous concern brought up by community member Daniel Suzuki in a previous month, DTS completed their evaluation of the Kilauea and 9th Avenues intersection, and determined that the warrants for an all-way stop are not met at this time. In addition, the evaluation did not confirm any pedestrian incidents in the past two (2) years. A work order to the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to replace a faded "Intersection Ahead" sign will be issued.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson circulated newsletters and reported the following:

Kaimuki Parking Lot: Councilmember Kobayashi's Office has been working on repairing the Kaimuki parking lot.

Staff Contact Information: Staff contact information is available in the back of the newsletter.

Budget: The budget will be up for final adoption on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Mayor Caldwell will then have 10 days to sign the adopted budget.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Councilmember Ozawa distributed newsletters and reported the following:

Revitalization of Kaimuki: The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 is meeting next week on Thursday, May 28, 2015 to talk about the revitalization of Kaimuki.

Kaimuki Parking Lot: Funds were promised to repair the Kaimuki parking lot. Councilmember Ozawa's predecessor did not do anything. This year, $1.5 million was requested, per DDC recommendation.

1012 12th Avenue: On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, a constituent reported a possible illegal occupant residing in a single-family residence at 1012 12th Avenue. Director of DPP George Atta stated that a site investigation on Friday, April 10, 2015 revealed a single-family detached dwelling occupied by four unrelated people, and that noise disturbances should be referred to HPD.

Bill 81 and 82: Bill 81 and 82, relating to replenishing and restoring Waikiki's beaches, passed and signed into law.

Kaimuki Parking Lot (Continue): It is Mayor Caldwell's decision to release the funds.

Bill 6: Bill 6, relating to sit-lie on public sidewalks, is likely to be vetoed by Mayor Caldwell. The Council will likely override the veto. It is unfair for other areas like Kapahulu and Kaimuki that the current sit-lie law does not cover these areas. Long term solutions still have to be sought.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bus Route: A community member asked and Councilmember Ozawa replied that his office will continue to look into rerouting the the bus to reach 13th Avenue.

2. Kaimuki Parking Lot: Yamada was informed by Janice Kim from KBPA that $200,000 is generated from the Kaimuki Parking Lot. Yamada asked if a portion of that money can be used to repair the parking lot. Councilmember Ozawa replied that the money is allocated to the general funds, as parking is a core service of the City.

3. Homelessness: A resident asked if the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) could cede property for the homeless. Councilmember Ozawa commented that it has been discussed and the Council is considering acquiring the Hilo Hattie building which has an adequate number of restrooms for the homeless. Councilmember Ozawa commented that the City should take note from Utah where treatment includes housing and job training. Councilmember Ozawa also noted that the constitutionality of the sit-lie law is questionable. The resident commented that part of the challenge is to get the homeless to seek help. Councilmember Ozawa commented that the macro idea is to make Honolulu less attractive for the homeless to live in.

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

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): Julia Allen distributed newsletters and reported the following:

State Budget: The Hawaii State Legislature recently passed a $26 billion two (2) year operating budget. Senator Slom was the only Senator who voted in opposition. The budget includes a five (5) year extension of the general excise tax (GET) surcharge totaling $1.3 billion for the rail project. The budget also includes a $2 million subsidy for the Hawaii Health Connector, and $45 million for Turtle Bay conservation. Funds were appropriated to commission a study about Ali‘i Place but there is a lack of information.

Act 13: Act 13, relating to the Ope‘ape‘a (Hawaiian Hoary Bat), was signed into law by Governor Ige.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bats in Kaimuki: Schneider asked if there are bats in Kaimuki. Allen replied that most of the bats live on Kauai near the volcanoes and forested areas.

2. Ali‘i Place: Larson asked when the study of Ali‘i Place is due. Allen replied that it is next legislative session.

3. Mosquitos: A community member asked who monitors mosquito issues. Allen replied that it depends on the location, and that mosquitos in Kaimuki would fall under City jurisdiction. The resident commented that in Los Angeles, the neighborhood would be sprayed to eliminate mosquitos. Larson replied that it will not happen in Honolulu.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): Chair Bullock announced that Senator Ihara is sick and unable to attend tonight's meeting.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): John Kong Kee distributed copies of the newsletter and copies of Speaker Emeritus Say's opposition testimony to WZ Entertainment's liquor license application. Kee presented the following:

WZ Entertainment Center Liquor License Application: Speaker Emeritus Say listed his reasons for opposition of the liquor license in his testimony.

4730 Halehoola Place: There was an illegal and dangerous moving of soil and grading at 4730 Halehoola Place. A fine of $15,000 fine was levied.

Hawaii State Public Library: Speaker Emeritus Say's Office has been collaborating with the Hawaii State Public Library to send books to area schools. Approximately 20 cases of books have been donated to the schools.

Homelessness at Palolo McDonald's: A constituent voiced a concern about the homeless at the McDonald's on Palolo Avenue. Speaker Say will contact the City since the land is under City jurisdiction.

Question followed: Bus on 13th Avenue: A resident brought up a previously raised concern about rerouting the bus route to 13th Avenue. Kee reminded the resident that the issue is under City jurisdiction and Councilmember Ozawa is working on the issue.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): Chair Bullock announced that Representative Kobayashi is unavailable to attend tonight's meeting, but copies of his newsletter are available at the meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Special Meeting: There will be a special meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 on Thursday, May 28, 2015, 5:30 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall. The primary discussion will be on the Permitted Interaction Group's (PIG) final report concerning urban planning and future of Kaimuki. Chair Bullock announced that since this meeting is outside of the regular meeting for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4, there is a fee of $50 to use the facility. Hoe moved and Larson seconded the motion for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 to expend $50 for the use of the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall for the special meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2015. The motion was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Schneider, and Yamada).

Envisioning Kaimuki Survey: Community Planning PIG Chair Schneider is seeking anonymous community input through the Envisioning Kaimuki survey. The survey is available online.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:08 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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