Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 15, 2015 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 15, 2015 Meeting
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- INITIAL CONVENING MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a total of nine (9) 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, Mark Hagadone, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, William Paik, Liberty Peralta, Walter Ross, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano.

Guests: Lieutenant Maurice Asato and Sergeant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department), Director Mark Wong, City Department of Information Technology (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, James Larson (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Francis Choe (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Gerry Ralston, Mr. Elwood, Pat Watson, Scot Shimamura, Karen Tsukiyama, Marjorie Tam, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Election of Officers:

Election of Chair: Kang nominated Bullock. Tam nominated Kang. BY MAJORITY CONSENT, Bullock was ELECTED as CHAIR, 8-1 (Bullock: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, and Schneider; Kang: Tam).

Election of Vice Chair: Kang nominated Hoe. Tam nominated Kang. BY MAJORITY CONSENT, Hoe was ELECTED as VICE CHAIR, 7-2 (Hoe: Bullock, Hagadone, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider; Kang: Hoe and Tam).

Election of Secretary: Hoe nominated Peralta. BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, Peralta was ELECTED as SECRETARY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, and Tam).

Election of Treasurer: Hoe nominated Schneider. BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, Schneider was ELECTED as TREASURER, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, and Tam).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

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

June 2015 Statistics: There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 13 burglaries, 40 thefts, 13 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,139 calls for service.

Hurricane Preparedness: The newsletter contains information on hurricane preparedness and finding a shelter.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

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

Unthirsty Plant Sale: The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be holding its annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden open house and unthirsty plant sale on Saturday, August 1, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to this family-friendly event that features a wide variety of less-thirsty and native plants at moderate prices, Xeriscape workshops by garden experts, keiki activities, educational booths, a cactus display, delicious food, free compost, and more. There is no charge for admission. Proceeds from the event will help support educational programs and classes at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041. The BWS can also be contacted through Facebook and Twitter.

Red Hill Fuel Tank Leak Update: On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State Department of Health (DOH) responded to a BWS request to have the Red Hill Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) and Statement of Work (SOW) public comment period extended. The EPA and DOH granted BWS' request, extending the opportunity for receiving public comments to Monday, July 20, 2015. To receive consideration, comments on the AOC may be submitted via postal mail or email prior to the new deadline. More information on this issue is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Main Break: There were no main breaks in June 2015.

Yamada arrived at 7:10 p.m.; 10 members were present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Environmental Hazards: Tam raised concerns regarding environmental hazards that could be caused by lead paint for residents living near the water reservoir. Heller will follow up.

Xeriscape Workshop: Hagadone asked and Heller replied that there will be a 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. workshop in the rain barrel booth.

Well Project: Chair Bullock asked how the well project, as mentioned in the handout passed out by BWS, will increase system capacity. Heller will follow up.

Main Break: Hoe asked if the recent main break occurred at the same location as the previous main break that erupted a few months ago. Heller replied that the cause of the main break is uncertain. Chair Bullock restated the question and Heller answered that it could be the same main break.

Waialae and Koko Head Avenues Main Break: A resident commented that there was a main break on Waialae Avenue and Koko Head Avenue on Monday, July 13, 2015. Heller was unsure about the details of that particular main break.

Meeting Determination -- Date/Time/Location (August 2015 to June 2017): Chair Bullock noted that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 currently holds its meetings on the third Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Hoe noted that the Kaimuki Christian Church facility management staff will continue to allow the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 to meet at this location.

Tam moved and Hoe seconded to keep the same meeting date, time and location. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Determination of Board Recess Schedule (August 2015 to June 2016): Chair Bullock asked the board members for suggestions of recess dates. Without objections, the board will meet all 12 months, pending any unforeseen emergency.

Facility Use Rental Fee and Other Board Expenses: Schneider noted that the Envision Kaimuki permitted interaction group (PIG) will be meeting again, and there may be expenses for on-site technicians. Chair Bullock noted that these are minor expenses, and that the Kaimuki Christian Church is not charging the board for facility use. Tam asked and Chair Bullock replied that there is a separate fund for the annual newsletter. Chair Bullock commented that no additional funds for board expenses will be requested. There was no motion.

Request to Participate in Olelo Broadcast or to Request Funds for an Annual Newsletter: Chair Bullock explained that the board can request to participate in the Olelo broadcast or request funds for an annual newsletter. Tam asked and Chair Bullock explained that the funds is provided by the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO).

Hoe moved to decline funds for the Olelo broadcast. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Schneider moved and Hoe seconded to request funding for the annual newsletter and to appoint Tam as the editor. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Hagadone asked how the agenda was put together. Chair Bullock explained certain items on the agenda were recommended by the NCO, and these items only appear on the initial meeting agenda.

Adoption of Oral Testimony Rules: Chair Bullock noted that current rules limit each oral testimony to three (3) minutes. Chair Bullock asked if there are any changes to the rules of speaking as it appears on the current agenda.

Hoe moved and Schneider seconded to keep the same oral testimony rules. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Reports of Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: Chair Bullock explained that if board members attend another meeting as a board member, the board member should report his or her attendance at the next board meeting. Hagadone asked if the board member is required to seek permission from the Board, and Chair Bullock explained that there is no requirement, and that unless appointed as a delegate from the Board, the board member cannot represent him or herself as the board. Chair Bullock also noted to contact him directly should anyone have questions regarding the board's position on issues. Yamada raised a question about the media. Chair Bullock explained that the board member should identify himself or herself as a member of the board, but they should not speak on behalf of the board. Tam commented that he was approached by media to speaker as a former neighborhood board chair. Chair Bullock commented that board members can now attend public meetings without discern to quorum.

PUBLIC INPUT:

Koko Head Lookout: Community member Scot Shimamura reported that there have not been any drug paraphernalia, beer bottles, cigarettes butts among other types of litter within the last six (6) months at a Koko Head lookout. Chair Bullock asked if Shimamura would attribute the cleaner environment due to recently posted warning signs. Shimamura noted he is unsure as to the reason, and commented that he has not seen graffiti in the past six (6) months.

Kaimuki Homes: Resident Pat Watson raised concerns about the higher density of new homes in Kaimuki, and voiced concerns about street parking and the homeless encampment. Chair Bullock commented that residents can contact their councilmembers regarding proper permitting, and suggested that residents can look up addresses on geographic information systems (GIS) for more information on the property. Chair Bullock also noted that the homeless issue has been brought to HPD, and one of the biggest challenges is the underpass at Harding Avenue. Chair Bullock also stated that homelessness is not a major issue in Kaimuki.

Neighborhood Board Districts: A resident commented there should be maps that show where the neighborhood board boundaries are.

Homelessness: Representative Kobayashi noted that area legislators attended a meeting with Governor David Ige's chief of staff and the director of the State Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT director promised that with help from nearby residents, there will be a cleanup in regards to the homeless issue, and that social service providers will be contacted.

Kaimuki Community Park Basketball Court: Tam commented that the homeless used to hide behind the basketball court in the Kaimuki Community Park.

OLD BUSINESS:

Discussion and determination of next steps concerning the report presented by the Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Envision Kaimuki at the special meeting of May 28, 2015:

Community Support: Chair Bullock noted that an abundant of information was presented from state and local levels, as well as other organizations at the special meeting of May 28, 2015. Schneider reported that there was a high level of interest and support from the community in continuing the mission of the PIG. Schneider noted that the PIG would like to explore specific plans for Envision Kaimuki. Schneider also noted that she spoke with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) and the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).

Social Media: Tam asked if item 12 of the agenda (social media) relates to Envision Kaimuki. Chair Bullock answered no, and that item 12 will be discussed at a later time.

Characterization of the Neighborhood: Chair Bullock explained that new homes were being built in Kaimuki that did not fit in the characterization of the neighborhood, and so it became an issue for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4.

Board Action: Chair Bullock noted several options the Board can take including creating a board committee which would require members to submit agendas and publish minutes, and a second option to continue Envision Kaimuki as a PIG. Tam asked and Schneider replied that she received a recommendation that a second community meeting should be held to decide what direction the PIG should take. Tam noted that in previous years, the City attempted to include the neighborhood boards in community planning discussions, but the outcome was unfavorable.

Characterization of the Neighborhood (Continue): Chair Bullock noted that the main issue is the characterization of the Kaimuki neighborhood, and that there needs to be a clear vision of what Kaimuki should look like. Schneider noted that many people wanted to keep the charm of Kaimuki but also wanted Kaimuki to meet the needs of a growing community such as transportation needs.

Establishment of Board Committee: Hoe proposed that a board committee can be established after the second Envision Kaimuki meeting occurs. Tam asked how the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will establish this as their own project. Tam noted that a board committee should be established. Schneider stated that she is working on facilitating the next meeting. Chair Bullock if the board would like to establish a committee to facilitate the mission of Envision Kaimuki or if it can sustain itself as a PIG. Chair Bullock deferred this item to the next meeting. Tam asked how much the board can facilitate the meeting without running into legal issues. Schneider noted that Envision Kaimuki is in the exploratory stage. Tam would like the board to co-sponsor a community meeting.

Deferral: Chair Bullock reiterated that the item is deferred until the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Social Media for Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4: Peralta explained that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 now has its own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NB4Kaimuki; users can use the hashtag "#NB4" on Twitter and other social media outlets. Peralta noted that the Facebook page will have the latest agendas and minutes. Tam asked and Peralta answered that she will be the moderator.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the June 17, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Peralta seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the June 17, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada).

Approval of the May 28, 2015 Special Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Tam seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the May 28, 2015 special meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED, as amended, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Paik, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada). Amendments as follow:

Page 1, under Guests: Should read "Debbie Sekine", not "Sebine".

Page 2, under Historic Hawaii Foundation: Should read "HHF Executive Director provides history of Kaimuki…" not "HHF member…"

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported that the Board spent $28.38 for the month of June 2015; the remaining final balance is $81.16. The report was filed.

Creation of Board Committees and Members: Designation of Committee Chairs by Board Chair: This item was deferred indefinitely.

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 Parking Lot: Rehabilitation of the parking lot in Kaimuki appeared on the list of upcoming construction projects, however a timeline has not been determined.

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.

Twilight Summer Concert Series: The 2015 Twilight summer concert series will be held every Thursday for the rest of July 2015 at Foster Botanical Garden.

Homes: Residents should call the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) if there are any questions regarding permitting for homes. There is an example of a project in Palolo that was taken down because it exceeded the height limit.

Comments followed: Occupant Density: A resident asked and Director Wong answered that concerns about occupant density can also be directed to DPP. Hoe commented that there are many older houses in Kaimuki that might not comply with modern building standards.

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

Budget Committee: The Budget Committee will be meeting next week, and will be hearing on various property tax bills. The fireworks bill and sit-lie bill were also discussed. Councilmember Kobayashi has been discussing with other area legislators about the homeless encampment at Kapahulu Avenue and Harding Avenue.

House on 2nd Avenue: A vendor will be contracted to clean the house on 2nd Avenue. The owner has not lived in the house due to bug infestation. Councilmeber Kobayashi sent a letter asking that surrounding residential properties are treated for infestation first.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Schneider asked for an update on ADUs. Councilmember Kobayashi stated that the City has to determine how infrastructure will affect the capacity of each neighborhood to sustain ADUs. Councilmember Kobayashi stated ADUs must be used for long term rentals, not transient vacation units (TVUs). Councilmember Kobayashi added that ADUs will give options for renters, and that there may be consideration in a bill relating to ADUs about requiring off-street parking.

2. House near Liholiho Elementary School: Tam reported a resident who lives near Liholiho Elementary School, and noted that there are many people living in her house.

3. ADUs: Schneider raised concerns about ADUs, and questioned whether some additions to homes are considered "ohana units" if it is not attached to the house. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that details have discussed, which is why the process is long.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Francis Choe distributed newsletters and reported the following: Ala Moana Beach Park Community Action Plan: The community action plan regarding Ala Moana Beach Park has been released. The plan is a list of nine (9) priorities including hiring more staff and keeping the park safe. More information is available online.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. TheBus Restoration to 13th Avenue: A resident asked for an update on the restoration of TheBus route to 13th Avenue. Choe replied that Councilmember Ozawa's Office and the City administration had previously answered the resident's question. Choe added that DTS commented before that the route restoration is not possible, and the request will no longer be pursued. Chair Bullock asked Choe for a written report to forward to the resident. Tam noted that another resident had also brought up the same issue to the board in previous years, and that the answer has been the same.

2. Underpass on Kapahulu Avenue: Tam asked and Choe replied that the mauka side of the underpass on Kapahulu Aveue is in Councilmember Kobayashi's district, and the makai side of the underpass is in Councilmember Ozawa's district. Choe added that all the area legislators are aware of the situation and are trying to resolve the issue.

3. Site Inspections for ADUs: Choe commented that on behalf of residents, Councilmember Ozawa's Office has requested site inspections for ADUs. Choe commented that residents should note when the renters in the ADUs are at home so that inspectors can speak with the renters.

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.

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): House Speaker Emeritus Say circulated correspondence regarding Koko Drive and Napali Place, homelessness in Market City Shopping Center, and feral chickens. Speaker Emeritus Say reported the following:

Increased Density: Residents should contact the City should there be concerns about increased residential density, however, the community should also "self-police".

TVUs: There are no properties in Saint Louis Heights that qualify as transient vacation units (TVUs) and bed and breakfasts. There may be some properties in the Kaimuki and Diamond Head areas that do.

Homelessness: The homeless issue will never be solved. Enforcement is important. HPD stated "off the record" that the Diamond Head side of Kapiolani Park may be a good option as a safe zone.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Illegal Parking: A resident commented that HPD may take longer to respond to other emergencies if residents call HPD to report illegal parking. Speaker Emeritus Say commented the being an HPD officer is a thankless job. The resident explained that his point was calling HPD in response to a parking issue may not be the best route of action since it deters them from responding to more pertinent emergencies.

2. Increased Residential Density: Speaker Emeritus Say commented that he would prefer to have residential growth in Kaka‘ako than in his district. A resident stated there should be a multi-modal approach to the homeless issue. Chair Bullock commented that there are many facets to the homeless issue.

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

Vetoed Bills: The newsletter lists eight (8) bills that were vetoed by Governor Ige yesterday, Wednesday, July 14, 2015.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is looking for volunteer projects in the Kaimuki area.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library: The Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library will be holding its next general membership meeting on Monday, July 20, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Public Library, Young Adults section.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

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