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

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (JULY 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, JULY 8, 2015

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair pro tem Beverly Mau called the meeting to order at 7:00 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: Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Marvin Heskett, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Stephen Maybir, Rachel Orange, Earl Shiraki, Shaun St. Vincent, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Darlene Nakayama.

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 James Reyes (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Jason Espero (Waikiki Health), Matthew Taufetee (Peacemakers), Deanna Espinas, Eric Stoetzer and Yoko Tomita (Department of Transportation Services), videographer Steven Antonio (DVDmodo); and Jordan Ozaki (Neighborhood Commission Office).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS: The Board members introduced themselves at this time.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Chair: Shiraki nominated Jerlow for Chair. Jerlow accepted the nomination.

Jerlow was ELECTED Chair by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

Vice Chair: Hack nominated Mau for Vice Chair. Mau accepted the nomination.

Mau was ELECTED Vice Chair by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

Secretary: Hack nominated Nakayama for Secretary. Shiraki noted that Nakayama is willing to serve.

Nakayama was ELECTED Secretary by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

Treasurer: Mau nominated Hack for Treasurer. Hack accepted the nomination.

Hack was ELECTED Treasurer by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

Vice Chair Mau passed the gavel to Chair Jerlow.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain James Reyes reported the following:

June 2015 Statistics: There were no structure fires, wild land fires, or rubbish fires. There were 30 medical emergencies, and 12 service calls. A car accident created a hazardous materials incident.
June Fire Safety Tip: Remove flammable materials such as dead vegetation and wood piles from within 30 feet of the home. Keep lawns hydrated and maintained, as dry grass and shrubs fuel brush fires. Clear leaves and other vegetative debris from decks, gutters, porches, and roofs to help prevent embers from igniting in the home.
July Fire Safety Tip: With keiki on summer break, review home surroundings situations that may cause electrical shock, accident falls, or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, or houseplants. Ensure that swimming pools are properly fenced Alarms on doors can help prevent unattended drowning. Keep matches and lighters in a safe, secure place.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane reported the following:

May and June 2015 Crime Statistics: There were 4 burglaries, 25 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 4 thefts, and 1 vehicle theft during the month of May. During the month of June there were 8 burglaries, 8 thefts, 5 motor vehicle thefts, 29 UEMV and 6139 total calls for service.
UEMV: To help prevent car break-ins, lock all car doors and do not leave valuables visible.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Suspect Apprehension: Hack thanked HPD for the quick apprehension of the suspect in the deadly shooting at the New Valley Store. Hack noted that the victim was a father of ten kids. Lieutenant Sukekane praised the community for providing tips that assist officers in solving crimes.

2. Graffiti: Gerlich-Hayes reported the emergence of graffiti in Pālolo.

3. Car Accident: Shiraki asked if the car that crashed into the fence came from Waiomao Road, and suggested that road striping or other measures could be implemented to make the road safer. Lieutenant Sukekane did not know the direction of travel but noted that the driver was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Lieutenant Sukekane suggested that Shiraki could help identify and report unsafe road conditions.

4. Gambling: Resident Mathew Taufetee asked if the owner of the New Valley Store was involved in illegal gambling at a different location. Lieutenant Sukekane noted that HPD does not have evidence at this time of illegal activity but will investigate.

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

Un-thirsty Plant Sale: The BWS and Friends of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden will be holding the 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. This family-friendly event features a wide variety of less-thirsty and native plants, xeriscape workshops by garden experts, keiki activities. There is no charge for admission. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the communications office at 748-5041.
Red Hill Fuel Tank Leak Update: On Tuesday, June 23, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the 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 request was granted, extending the opportunity for receiving public comments to Tuesday, July 21, 2015. More information is available on the BWS website along with a keyword searchable document library and an email distribution list sign-up.
July Main Breaks: There was a main break of a 16 inch cast iron main at 10th Avenue and Hinahina Street. It is currently under design to be replaced and construction is slated for fiscal year 2017. There was a 12 inch main break near the Kokohead Avenue and Waialae Avenue intersection.
Slope Stabilization: Slope Stabilization work is being done at the Keanu Tunnel site, but the work should have no impact on motorist. Contact the BWS with any concerns at 748-5000.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Compensation: Shiraki asked if those affected by the main break on 10th Avenue would be compensated for damages incurred. Diaz was unsure of the process.
2. Preventative Maintenance: Chair Jerlow thanked BWS for taking preventative maintenance on the water mains, and Mau thanked BWS for immediately attending to the Hinahina Street break.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT IN SUBDISTRICT THREE: There were no nominations and the item was deferred.

MEETING DETERMINATION -- DATE/TIME/LOCATION: Mau moved and Shiraki seconded the motion to keep the meetings of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Pālolo Elementary School Cafeteria.

The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

DETERMINATION OF BOARD RECESS SCHEDULE: Shiraki moved and Gerlich-Hayes seconded the motion to have the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 recess during the months of September, January, and June.

The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

PARTICIPATION IN OLELO BROADCAST PROGRAM OR TO REQUEST FUNDS FOR AN ANNUAL NEWSLETTER

Hack moved and Mau seconded the motion to continue participating in the Olelo Broadcast.

Discussion followed: Broadcast Audience Reach: Hack and Holtrop spoke in favor keeping the video and broadcast service and noted that the broadcast reaches many community members.

The motion was ADOPTED byUNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

ADOPTION OF ORAL TESTIMONY RULES: Hack commented that open meetings should have testimony of three (3) minutes or less from the public.

Mau moved and Holtrop seconded the motion that the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 continue to allow three (3) minutes for each City and elected officials' report, three (3) minutes of testimony from each community member wishing to speak, seven (7) minutes for presentations, and three (3) minutes for questions.

Discussion Followed: Rules: Chair Jerlow asked about time resetting and rebuttal and Holtrop noted that the rules are set as guidelines and enforcement is ultimately the Chair's discretion.

The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki and St. Vincent, Weinstein).

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDENCE AT OTHER MEETINGS:

Act 91: Mau explained the recent Act 91 which allows two (2) or more neighborhood board members to attend meetings or presentations provided that the presentation is not specifically and exclusively organized or directed towards members of the neighborhood board, free, open to the public, and that no member makes a commitment to vote on any of the issues discussed at the meeting.
Sunshine Law: Orange commented that Act 91 was made in response to previous Sunshine Law restrictions of Board member presence at community meetings. Orange asked and Neighborhood Assistant Ozaki answered that under the new law, members are not required to report their attendance at other meetings.
Transparency: Chair Jerlow noted that in the interest of accountability and transparency, Board members should report their attendance at other meetings to the best of their ability.
Penalization: Orange gave a hypothetical situation which would require disclosure under the new rule. Chair Jerlow commented that the Board will give the benefit of the doubt to boardmembers who accidently forget to report their attendance.

Orange moved and Mau seconded the motion that the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 institute a guideline that suggests if two (2) or more Board members are in attendance at an open meeting, the members should make an effort to provide an oral statement of attendance at the next Pālolo No.6 neighborhood board meeting.

The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki St. Vincent, and Weinstein).

Weinstein departed at 7:41 p.m. There were 10 members present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

City Council Budget: The City Council budget passed on Wednesday, June 3, 2015, adding $20 million dollars for road repairs and more funding for park maintenance. Councilmember Kobayashi will follow up with improvements to Pālolo Park playground equipment and field lights. There was also an allocation for low income housing.
Sit-lie Ban Hearing: There was a hearing on the sit-lie ban at Kapolei Hale on Wednesday, July 8, 2015. The intent of sit-lie expansion is to protect small businesses who are affected by homeless encampments.
Fireworks Bill: A bill to lift Oahu's ban on sparklers and fountain firecrackers is moving through City Council. Newspaper polls indicate that sixty percent of residents would like fountain firecrackers to be permitted.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Sparkler Safety: Shiraki raised safety concerns pertaining to sparklers. Councilmember Kobayashi commented that permitting some firecrackers may mitigate illegal firework activity.

2. Homelessness: Shiraki raised concerns about transient homeless individuals. St. Vincent reported a growing homeless community and illegal activity around Diamond Head Crater and noted that many individuals are refusing assistance from the Institute of Human Services (IHS).

3. Repaving: Maybir expressed hope that 10th Avenue and Ahe Street will be repaved soon.

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

July 2015 City News: Information about the new approach to transitional housing first site on Sand Island, plans for an affordable senior housing project in Chinatown, a symposium in Chinatown, and the Bikeshare program is featured in the July 2015 issue of the City News.
Wildest Show in Town: There will be a summer concert series at the Honolulu Zoo from Wednesday, June 3, 2015 until Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
2015 Twilight Summer Concert Series: There will be free admission to the Twilight Summer Concert Series at the Foster Botanical Garden every Thursday of June and July 2015 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Signal Timing: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will examine the signal timing for the left turn from 10th Avenue to Waialae Avenue per request of Shiraki.
Blend Line: DTS will investigate the blend line from Waiomao Road to 10th Avenue per request of Shiraki.
Traffic Calming Request: The reconfiguration of Waialae Avenue was completed in September 2014, consistent with the Complete Streets ordinance. DTS has been monitoring the corridor and has noticed congestion during and immediately following construction, however traffic has since normalized. DTS will continue to monitor the situation.
Right Turn Signal Request: DTS evaluated the intersection following the Federal Highway Administration's Traffic Signal Timing Manual. One of the necessary conditions for the installation of a right-turn signal is to have one or more exclusive right-turn lanes, which is currently not existent on Waialae Avenue at its intersection with St. Louis Drive. An advanced left-turn signal on Waialae Avenue Koko Head bound would also cause conflicts. For these reasons, DTS does not recommend installing the signal at this time but recommends installing an additional "Turning Vehicle Yield to Pedestrian" sign on the intersection.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Honolulu 311 Smartphone Application: Holtrop noted that he used the Honolulu 311 smartphone application to report a broken drinking fountain and the report was quickly responded to and the fountain was repaired.

2. Recycling Pick-Up: Heskett reported that residents along 10th Avenue were concerned about missed recycling pick-ups. Sasamura noted that some areas of Pālolo Valley do not have automatic refuse collection, but residents with the service should call the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) Honolulu office to report missed pickups. Residents with automatic collection will have the blue, green, and black City bins.

3. Repaving: Maybir asked and Sasamura answered that the contract to repave roads which include Ahe Street and Ahe Place was awarded and the contractor has one (1) year to start the project.

4. Bicycles: Shiraki raised concerns about bicycle safety along King Street. Sasamura noted that Hawaii Bicycling League helps to provide training to students and adults. Holtrop reported that he uses the King Street cycle track and noted observing cars breaking rules. Chair Jerlow commented that both drivers and bicyclists need to drive with aloha and that board members must show courtesy and respect to each other.

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:

Saint James Church: Following reports of illegal activity at the vacated Saint James Church property, the owners of the property were contacted and have agreed to tow abandon cars, install a chain to prevent access from Pālolo Avenue, and have staff check the site two (2) to three (3) times a week.
Transformer Replacement: There are helicopters flying in the valley as transformers are being replaced in the Pukele substation at the end of Myrtle Street.
Ant Infestation at Pumping Station: A constituent reported an ant infestation at the BWS pumping station off of Carlos Long Street, BWS was informed, and an exterminator was contracted.
Site Visit: HSE Say along with Councilmember Kobayashi, Representative Isaac Choy, and Representative Scott Nishimoto attended a site visit under Interstate H-1 (H-1) near Market City where there are about 20 tents. A letter was sent to the Department of Transportation (DOT) highways division who has jurisdiction of the highway areas under the H-1.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Fines: Holtrop asked and HSE Say answered not knowing if the owners of Saint James Church were being fined for the illegal activity on the property.
Homelessness: Shiraki noted that the people responsible for Representative Brower's injuries should be prosecuted. Shiraki also showed a satirical comic in the Honolulu Star Advertiser that depicted the incident and expressed that the comic was distasteful. HSE Say commented on the difficulty of finding locations for safe zones for the homeless.

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

Legislative Task Force: There is a legislative task force on homelessness. The meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. in the State Capitol conference room 229. Contact Senator Ihara to get on the task force email list.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Task Force Focus: Holtrop asked and Senator Ihara replied that he did not know the current strategy of the task force, but would send the agenda. There is a dedicated Senate committee on housing and there have been major funding towards affordable housing. A resident commented that the conversion of retired buses into homeless shelters is positive step towards addressing homeless issues.
Medical Marijuana: Shiraki asked and the Senator answered that there are no updates to the medical marijuana dispensary bill. The bill states that there will be eight (8) permits with each permit allowing 6 (six) dispensaries.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: First LAP: Resident Matthew Taufetee, Executive Director of First LAP (Life After Prison) spoke about the program which houses and mentors former prison inmates and helps them become productive members of the community. First LAP's "Peacemakers" program partners with schools to help prevent students from becoming involved in gangs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Convenience Store: Hack asked about donations to the family of the victim of the recent shooting. Taufetee noted that people are partying outside of the store in remembrance of the victim and noted plans to discourage that behavior.

PRESENTATIONS

Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Public Transit Division -- Yoko Tomita distributed comment forms and presented the following: Title VI Program and Study: DTS underwent an evaluation by a contractor who examined environmental justice routes, ethnic breakdown, frequency of use, age, gender, income, disability, system wide service standards, and distribution of transit amenities and vehicle assignments. The evaluation found that DTS is in compliance with Title VI requirements and does not discriminate based on race, color, income, or national origin. A copy of the report and additional information on how to submit comments may be found on the DTS website.

Waikiki Health Center -- Jason Espero, Director of Care-A-Van distributed Care-A-Van postcards and announced the following: New Clinic: The clinic located off of Waialae Avenue and Saint Louis Drive at 3020 Waialae Avenue is now open to the general public. The clinic provides primary medical care, health screenings, Tuberculosis (TB) testing, physical exams, vaccinations, sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, psychotherapy, substance abuse counseling, and health insurance assistance. The clinic hours are Monday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Funding: Chair Jerlow asked and Espero answered that the clinic is funded by the state government, federal government, grants, and private donations. Donations are tax deductible.

Emergency Preparedness -- Lisa Shozuya from Lyon Associates distributed flyers and presented the following: Courses: Lyon Associates, a civil and environmental engineering company contracted by the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) to expand disaster preparedness across all pacific islands. Free Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certified courses will be held to prepare community members, businesses and government agencies for natural disasters.

1. Pālolo Courses: Chair Jerlow asked and Shozuya answered that the courses can be designed to help fit the demographic of the community and can be arranged in Pālolo by request.

2. Shipping: Hack noted that during natural disasters, ships are stalled and Hawaii are unable to receive goods.

BOARD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

The Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 ADOPTED the regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 as amended by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki, and St. Vincent). Amendments are as followed: Page 2 and Page 4: "Waiamao Road" should be spelled "Waiomao Road." On page 4 under the subheading "Curbing Removal," it should read "Paalea Street" instead of "Kalua Road." "Palolo" should have a kahako over the "a".

CREATION OF BOARD COMMITTEES AND MEMBERS:

Hack moved and Mau seconded the motion to establish the Community Awards and Recognition Committee with Nakayama as committee chair and Shiraki and Hack as committee members.

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Orange, Shiraki, and St. Vincent).

TREASURER'S REPORT: Hack reported that the board spent $25.32 for printing and postage with a remaining balance of $200.54 as of the end of the last fiscal year. The allocation for the new fiscal year will be allocated and published and the remaining funds will not carry over. The treasure's report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS read by Boardmember Maybir

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 is Wednesday, August 12, 2015.
Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash by the morning of Wednesday, July 22, 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 Pālolo District Park.
Olelo Broadcast Slots: The Pālolo 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 Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 informally at the "Pālolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/107111366012456/.
Agenda Requests: To be added the agenda, send requests to Loren.Jerlow@WestPointAOG.net
Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

Submitted by: Jordan Ozaki, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Nola Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed and finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

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