Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for June 17, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for June 17, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 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 seven (7) 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, William Paik, Liberty Peralta, Sharon Schneider.

Board Members Absent: Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Samantha Ruiz, and Lori Yamada.

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

Guests: Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Jay Shimabuku (Honolulu Fire Department), Director Mark Wong, City Department of Information Technology (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Julia Allen (Senator Sam Slom's Office), Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Mr. Elwood, Leon Kau, Vickie Kau, John McCaughey, Jodie Mori, Eric McCutcheon, Abigail Leong, Lyle Tenjoma, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Special Recognition: Chair Bullock recognized Board member James Larson for his service to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4. A lei and certificate of appreciation were presented.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

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

May 2015 Statistics: There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 41 thefts, 7 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,234 calls for service.

Hurricane Preparedness: Attached to the back of the newsletter is information on hurricane preparedness.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Vehicle Registration Tags: Resident Leon Kau asked if HPD checks whether a vehicle has proper insurance if the registration or safety check is expired. Lieutenant Clinton replied that insurance is checked when someone is pulled over, and further noted for the resident that HPD can impound cars based on expired tags alone.

Homeless Individuals on Waialae Avenue: Resident L. Kau asked what businesses can do regarding the homeless on Waialae Avenue. Lieutenant Sukekane responded that if the homeless individuals are not breaking the law, then HPD cannot take any action.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Jay Shimabuku presented the following:

May 2015 Statistics: There were 3 structure fires, 88 medical emergencies, and 2 search and rescues. The major incidents involved 10 companies.

Fire Safety Tip: Wildland fires, also known as brush fires, can cause great damage, and use resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the following steps should be taken to prevent brush fires at home: remove flammable materials such as dead vegetation and wood piles from within 30 feet of the home, keep the lawn hydrated and maintained, and clear leaves and other vegetative debris from decks, gutters, porches, and roofs to help prevent embers from igniting the home.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Chair Bullock announced that BWS representative Lorna Heller was unable to attend tonight's meeting. Chair Bullock reported the following:

Water Main Break: There was one (1) water main break at 4025 Sierra Drive on Saturday, May 23, 2015.

Water Rates: In 2012, BWS implemented a new water rate schedule that will support BWS' mission to provide a safe and dependable water supply now and into the future. The rate increase was spread over five (5) years to minimize the impact on customers. Effective Wednesday, July 1, 2015, monthly billing charges will increase from $8.44 to $9.26 per month. The increase is necessary to provide BWS with the means to maintain the water system and help minimize main breaks and unplanned emergency repairs.

Annual Water Quality Report: Each year, BWS conducts thousands of tests on the water sources and distribution system to ensure that municipal water meets or exceeds all federal and state safe drinking water standards. The results of those tests are shared in BWS' annual water quality report, which will be mailed to all customers by Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Digital copies and additional water quality information will be posted on www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Red Hill Fuel Storage: In June 2015, the State Department of Health (DOH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the US Navy released an Administrative Order of Consent (AOC) which will determine what the US Navy will need to do in order to prevent future fuel leaks and contamination to the aquifer. A public meeting to discuss the AOC will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Moanalua Middle School cafeteria located at 1289 Mahiole Street. Comments on AOC should be submitted by Wednesday, July 1, 2015.

Question followed: Water Contamination: Resident L. Kau asked what BWS will do if the Red Hill fuel leak contaminated the water. Chair Bullock noted that the resident can attend the AOC meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2015 to find out.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced that there is one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1. There were no volunteers.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the May 20, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Larson moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the May 20, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 7-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Kang, Hoe, Larson, Paik, Peralta, Schneider; Nay: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported that $2,500 was transferred into the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4's budget to cover funding for the Envision Kaimuki postcard's postage fees. The remaining balance is $109.54. The report was filed.

PUBLIC INPUT: Derelict House Near Sunset and Kilauea Avenues: Two (2) residents reported derelict houses near Sunset and Kilauea Avenues. One of the residents cited safety concerns for the squatters living in the houses since the houses may collapse at any time. Representative Bertrand Kobayashi replied that there may be a master plan involving those houses. Director Wong replied that the residents can bring the issue to the attention of the City's building department. Another resident noted that the property is hers, and mentioned that she had just come out of dementia.

OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS

Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head: Kapiolani Community College (KCC) representative Carol Hoshiko presented the following:

Introduction: KCC currently has a two-year (2-year) culinary program, but its goal has been to expand the program into a four-year (4-year) program. A new facility will be built at the Diamond Head State Monument. The planning and permitting process is complete, and now KCC is waiting to execute the construction contract. Prior to construction, an archeological monitoring plan needs to be presented before the State Historical Preservation Division of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and approved by several government agencies.

Next Meeting: Hoshiko will attend the next Board meeting with other representatives to provide more information about the project. The project will also include a restaurant in the later phase.

Construction Company: The construction company is called Jacobson Construction, a company from Hawaii Island.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Length of Construction Time: Kang asked and Hoshiko answered that the length of the construction time is 18 months.

Envision Kaimuki: Schneider commented that there will be a second community meeting regarding Envision Kaimuki in July or August 2015, and asked for Hoshiko's contact information. Hoshiko gave Schneider her contact information.

Pedestrian Safety Information: Lyle Tenjoma turned off the lights, wore a LED apparatus, and reported the following: At night, pedestrians are invisible to drivers. The LED apparatus makes pedestrians visible to drivers from afar. The apparatus is more than 1,200 lumens, which is stronger than a car headlight. The apparatus emits light in all directions.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

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

Wildest Show in Town: The Wildest Show in Town summer concert series will be held from Wednesday, June 3, 2015 through Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at the Honolulu Zoo.

Twilight Summer Concert Series: The 2015 Twilight summer concert series will be held every Thursday of June and July 2015 at Foster Botanical Garden from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Question followed: Bus Stop Shelter: A resident requested a bus stop shelter be installed near 12th Avenue and Kilauea Avenue.

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

City Budget: On Wednesday, June 3, 2015, the City Council adopted the City's budget bills which includes funding for park maintenance, road rehabilitation, and the homeless. There will not be any increase to property taxes.

Bills: In discussion is a bill to provide tax exemption for historic homes, and a bill to remove tax exemptions for credit unions. The bill may increase property taxes from $300 to $1,000 per year for credit unions.

2nd Avenue House: Councilmember Kobayashi's Office is also helping address an issue at a house on 2nd Avenue where there is a neglected home. The homeowner sleeps outside of her house due to infestation and lack of space in the home. The homeowner continues to pay property tax. A city ordinance was passed to give the City authority to enter private property and issue citations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Kaimuki Parking Lot: Kang asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that with help from Councilmember Ozawa, funds of approximately $1 million were appropriated for the Kaimuki parking lot. Kang asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that Mayor Caldwell needs to release the funds.
2. 2nd Avenue House: A resident asked for personal information of the property owner on 2nd Avenue. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the homeowner became depressed after her parents died, and has trouble throwing things away.
3. Historic Homes: Schneider asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that it is very expensive to fix a historic home, and that the low property tax is an incentive for homeowners to keep a historic home.

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

Kaimuki Parking Lot: Councilmember Ozawa is working with the City administration in releasing the funds for the Kaimuki parking lot improvements.

Envision Kaimuki: Councilmember Ozawa would like to thank Schneider, Councilmember Kobayashi, board members for the Envision Kaimuki meeting last month.

10th Avenue Bridge Improvements Project: The 10th Avenue bridge improvement project is scheduled for construction from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 for two (2) months.

Comment followed: 10th Avenue: Chair Bullock commented that the location of the 10th Avenue bridge improvements project is in Palolo, and does not pertain to the Kaimuki area.

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: Legislative Bills: The deadline for Governor Ige to submit his "intent to veto" list is Monday, June 29, 2015, and the deadline to veto legislation is Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): Representative Kobayashi circulated copies of his newsletter, and reported the following:

Leahi Hospital: Included in the newsletter is a list of 17 capital improvement projects (CIPs) for Leahi Hospital, including a master plan project which may greatly affect the Kaimuki neighborhood.

Disaster Preparedness Training: There is a free disaster preparedness training on Saturday, June 27, 2015. Hurricane season has officially begun, and will continue until November 2015.

Question followed: Leahi Hospital Master Plan: Schneider asked and Representative Kobayashi replied that the parameters of the master plan may already be in effect, and that there will likely to be a public hearing to discuss the master plan at a future date. Schneider requested more information regarding the Leahi Hospital master plan be reported at the next Envision Kaimuki special meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library: The Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library will be holding a book sale on Friday, June 20, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Public Library.

Neighborhood Board Installation: The neighborhood board installation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Mission Memorial Auditorium.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, July 15 17, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Jordan Ozaki, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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