Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (August 19, 2015)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (August 19, 2015)
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 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 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, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Liberty Peralta, Walter Ross, Sharon Schneider, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: William Paik and Vernon Tam.

Guests: Sergeant Clifford Ramson and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Jay Shimabuku and Firefighter I Mark Tam (Honolulu Fire Department), Director Mark Wong, City Department of Information Technology (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office), Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Senator Les Ihara, Jr, Representative Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Mr. Elwood, Yvonne Perry, Eric McCutcheon, Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Gerry Ralston, Colleen Nomura, Michael Kratzke, Marisa Ideta and Eileen Mark (Department of Transportation Services), Scot Shimamura, Shelly Kunishige, 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:

• July 2015 Statistics: There were 14 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 55 thefts, 20 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,774 calls for service.

• Back to School: Included in the newsletter are back-to-school safety tips.

• Smart911 Program: Residents can register his or her smartphone and submit a personal profile that includes home address and emergency contacts. Registration will allow for faster assistance when calling 911.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Smart 911 Program: Peralta asked and Lieutenant Sukekane replied that interested individuals may sign up for Smart911 at www.smart911.com. Lieutenant Sukekane added that the app is free of charge. A resident asked and Lieutenant Sukekane replied that the app can be used in other states, but it depends on which state has signed up for the service.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter I Mark Tam reported the following:

• July 2015 Statistics: There were 5 structure fires, 88 medical emergencies, and 1 search and rescue.

• Fire Safety Tip: Hawaii is currently in its hurricane season, which runs from June to November. HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared. Families should have an emergency plan, survival kit, and should know how to stay informed about hurricanes. Additional information may be found via the City Department of Emergency Management (DEM) at www.honolulu.gov/dem.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Fire Hazard: Resident Yvonne Perry reported that the trees near the Kaimuki Fire Station presents a fire hazard. Captain Jay Shimabuku will follow up.

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

• 2015-2016 Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop Schedule: Upcoming workshops for the 2015-2016 Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop include "Plants Drink Tea, Too" on Saturday, September 12, 2015, "Daily Uses for Neem" on Saturday, September 26, 2015, and "Economical Aquaponics" on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Advanced registration is required. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden remains open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are welcomed to view the various visually attractive and less-thirsty plants on display.

• Wilhelmina Rise Water Improvements, Part IV Project: Construction for the Wilhelmina Rise Water Improvements, Part IV Project involves installation of new 12-inch and 8-inch water mains, fire hydrants, and appurtenances along the streets. The project will reduce main breaks and improve fire protection and water service reliability for residents. Construction is scheduled to start in August 2015, and completed by December 2015, barring any unforeseen circumstances. A map of the areas affected by the project was available at the table.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the July 15, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Peralta seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the July 15, 2015 regular meeting minutes. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by VOICE VOTE, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported that the Board spent $46.20 for the month of July 2015; the remaining final balance is $408.80. The report was filed.

Reports of Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: No reports were given.

PUBLIC INPUT:

• ADA Compliance: Resident Yvonne Perry reported ADA compliance issues regarding restaurants and other businesses in Kaimuki. Perry reported that Kaimuki Chop Suey is not ADA-complaint and is a fire hazard. Perry noted that the restrooms at the Kahala McDonald's and 12th Avenue Grill are ADA-compliant. Perry requested the board to discuss this issue.

• Kapiolani Community College (KCC): Carol Hoshiko from KCC announced that construction of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Phase I Project will start on Monday, September 14, 2015. The restaurant, which will be built at a later time, will be ADA-accessible.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Groundbreaking: Chair Bullock asked and Hoshiko replied that the groundbreaking of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

• Honolulu Liquor Commission: Resident George Wong reported that there is a docket before the Honolulu Liquor Commission regarding an application for an establishment to change its operation status from a bar to a cabaret. The change will allow for live entertainment, increased density, and extended business hours. Under the cabaret license, the establishment would be able to remain open until 3:00 a.m. Chair Bullock noted that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 has not seen this application. Chair Bullock asked and Wong replied that the establishment is located on 11th Avenue. Resident Wong noted his concerns about the noise level during the later hours of the night. Chair Bullock will follow up.

• Queen's Theatre: Michael Kratzke, manager of Queen's Theatre, reported the following: A new eating establishment will be open in Kaimuki. The new establishment will feature live music, and other types of entertainment.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Permits: Chair Bullock asked if the permits are up to date, and Kratzke replied that he has not done anything that would require permits, although $100,000 in renovation was made. Kratzke stated he did not know that changes to the light fixtures required permits. Kratzke noted that the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) previously accepted plans from the previous tenant that were not entirely accurate.

2. Construction Complaints: Chair Bullock commented that he received emails from residents regarding construction complaints, and residents do not know who or where to address the concerns since there were no permits.

3. Homeless at Queen's Theatre: Resident Yvonne Perry commented that homeless people were sneaking into Queen's Theatre and being charged money. Kratzke refuted the claim.

4. Construction: Kratzke reported that he installed noise barriers that were not attached to the wall and therefore did not require permits. Kratzke noted that there are artists who practice in Queen's Theatre. Kratzke also reported that he had to take down many things that were left by the previous tenant including construction work that he thought did not require a permit.

5. Kitchen: Chair Bullock asked if the kitchen has to be built, and Kratzke replied that the kitchen is already built since the original plan for the space is a restaurant.

6. Neighbors: Kratzke commented that he had contacted the neighbors, and that his contact number was given out to the community.

7. Leasing: Yamada asked and Kratzke responded that he oversees the property, and there is no charge or rental fee to use the theatre. Yamada asked and Kratzke replied that the kitchen will be connected to the Pottery.

8. Homeless: Perry asked if Kratzke is allowing homeless people to use the facilities at Queen's Theatre. Kratzke stated that no one is living at the Queen's Theatre, but there are artists who work at night.

OLD BUSINESS:

Envision Kaimuki: Schneider reported the following: The next Envision Kaimuki meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall. Updates will be available from Kapiolani Community College (KCC), Department of Transportation Services (DTS), Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) representatives. Community input is welcomed.

Chair Bullock moved and Hoe seconded to add the creation of Envision Kaimuki Committee to the agenda. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by SHOW OF HANDS, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Chair Bullock requested two (2) community volunteers, and noted that resident James Larson had previously indicated that he would like to volunteer. Resident Michael Kratzke volunteered. Schneider noted that resident Joy Davidson would like to volunteer. Chair Bullock reiterated that the Envision Kaimuki Committee will consist of Board members Peralta, Schneider, Walter, and residents Michael Kratzke, James Larson, and Joy Davidson. Chair Bullock appointed Schneider as Chair of the Envision Kaimuki Committee.

Chair Bullock moved and Hoe seconded the motion for the creation of the Envision Kaimuki Committee consisting of Board members Peralta, Schneider, Walter, and residents Michael Kratzke, James Larson, and Joy Davidson.

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by VOICE VOTE, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Peralta, Ross, Schneider, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

A resident who identified herself as Kratzke's wife commented that Kratzke turned down a $74 million development project to replace Queen's Theatre.

NEW BUSINESS

TheBus Title VI Program: Marisa Ideta from the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reported the following: The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability. The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) requires the City to ensure that the level and quality of the public transit service is provided in a non-discriminatory manner. There is a public hearing on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the Mission Memorial Building. The deadline for written comments is Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. The final draft will be submitted to the City Council in October 2015, and to the FTA in December 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Funding: Hagadone asked for the total funding from the federal government for the Title VI Program. Eileen Mark from DTS replied that the funding for maintenance is $21 million. Mark also added that there are also federal funding to purchase new buses and vans. Hagadone asked and Mark replied that public transit is not self-sufficient. Mark noted that community forms are available at the table.

Hawaii Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program (HHARP): Formation of Kaimuki Ready: Scot Shimamura circulated a humanitarian daily ration (HDR), and introduced Shelly Kunishige. Kunishige reported the following: Kunishige is the former spokesperson for HEMA which is formerly the Hawaii State Civil Defense. HHARP is an 18-month program; it has been successful in Waimanalo, which received recognition as a storm-ready community. HHARP's ultimate goal is to have a disaster preparedness plan for each community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kaimuki: Hagadone asked if there is a disaster plan for Kaimuki. Kunishige noted that Kaimuki is not in the normal tsunami evacuation zone, but was unsure about the extreme evacuation zone. Kunishige further noted that the entire island is disaster-ready, but certain communities may need additional preparedness.

2. Board Action: Chair Bullock asked what the Board can do. Kunishige noted that support to the community facilitator is essential. Shimamura would like the board's endorsement. Chair Bullock noted that it should not be an issue.

3. Funding: Yamada asked about the source of funding. Kunishige noted that the funding comes from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant. Kunishige added that program costs are minimal, and the City is assisting by waiving rental fees for meeting spaces. In addition, speakers are unpaid volunteers. Shimamura noted that they received support of the Aina Haina coordinator.

4. Security Watch: A resident commented that community security watch teams can be recruited for HHARP.

5. HDR: A resident asked and Kunishige explained that HDRs would be given out in the case of a catastrophic event. The ration lasts one (1) day.

Waikiki Health: Jason Espero reported the following:

• Background: Waikiki Health is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health center. The two (2) medical clinics in Kaimuki are located on Waialae Avenue and 22nd Avenue. The main health clinic is in Waikiki. Location of the other clinics include ewa end of Waikiki and Mo‘ili‘ili.

• Services: Services in the clinic on Waialae Avenue include prescription drugs, vaccinations, testing, physicals, and counseling. Same-day appointments are available. Nurses and medical assistants are available onsite. Patients without insurance or ability to pay will be seen. All types of insurance are accepted.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Location: Schneider asked and Espero replied that the address of the clinic on Waialae Avenue is 3020 Waialae Avenue, and the location of the clinic on 22nd Avenue is the same property as Salvation Army.

2. Urgent Care: A resident asked and Espero replied that Urgent Care and Waikiki Health offer similar services.

3. Disaster Coordinator: Shimamura asked and Espero replied that he will connect Shimamura with the Waikiki Health Center disaster coordinator.

4. Operating Budget: Resident Yvonne Perry asked and Espero replied that the operating budget is $15 million.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the City Department of Information Technology (DIT) took questions from the Board and the community. Chair Bullock asked for an update on parking lot. Director Wong noted he did not receive an update.

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

• Budget Hearing: HART was asked to report the true cost of operating and maintaining the rail. HART replied that city funds, by way of property tax, will be used. The estimate cost is $120 million.

• Skateboard Park: There are plans to install a skateboard park at Harding and Waialae Avenues. The land is owned by the State, but the City has offices there. More information will be provided at a later time.

• Street Lights: The City is in the process of changing the street lights into LED lights. There was a concern about the request for proposal (RFP). The City is also being criticized for the type of LED that was selected.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Street Lights: Kratzke commented that orange lights are better for human eyes than the blue lights that was selected by the City. Councilmember Kobayashi commented that the City will look into it, but a contract may have been signed already.

2. Skateboard Park: Kang asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the location of the skateboard park will be under the freeway near Market City. Yamada commented YMCA used to run a skate park in the same area, but the land was taken over by the State.

3. Homelessness: Hagadone commented that the homeless issue near Market City has been addressed. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that many area legislators assisted in the effort.

4. Retirement: Wong commented that he was sad to hear about Councilmember Kobayashi's consideration of retirement. Councilmember Kobayashi commented that she worries about the rail project and having future generations pay for the rail.

5. Skateboard Park: A resident commented that she visited Kaimuki Park, and observed many skateboarders at the park. The resident noted support of the new skateboard park.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Kurt Tsuneyoshi circulated Councilmember Ozawa's newsletter, and reported the following:

• Legislative Update: Bill 24, relating to car sharing, and Bill 45, relating to baby diaper-changing accommodations, passed third and final reading.

• Waikiki Beach: Councilmember Ozawa is working hard to improve Waikiki Beach.

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): Senator Ihara reported the following:

• Interim: Senator Ihara is on an interim working group that is looking at requiring hospitals to designate a caregiver for discharged patients. The meeting is held once a month.

• Charter Commission: The City Charter Commission is accepting proposals for amendments to the City Charter. Senator Ihara is working with a group to have county ethics commissions be appointed or selected independently. As of now, the county ethics commissions are appointed by its mayor.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Update: Resident Yvonne Perry asked what he has done for the community. Ihara asked that one of his biggest priorities is long-term care and senior citizens issues.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): House Speaker Emeritus Say circulated a couple of handouts including a card listing contact information for social services. Speaker Emeritus Say presented the following:

• Social Services Card: The card lists contact information for public and private agencies that may be useful when residents encounter a homeless person.

• Women and Money Conference: There is a conference held later this week at the Japanese Culture Center for women to learn about long-term care and financial security.

• Leahi Hospital Petition: A petition was circulated to the board and residents to support Leahi Hospital. The hospital cannot sustain funding cutbacks, and it is almost impossible for the hospital to operate without government funding.

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

• Leahi Hospital: The Hawaii State Legislature appropriated over $100,000 million to the statewide hospital system, but the hospital system needs $200,000 million. As a result of the funding shortage, the hospital system started the fiscal year with targeted fiscal cuts. Historically, the Hawaii State Legislature has never appropriated money for any particular hospital, and has almost never appropriated the full requested amount of funding. The fiscal cuts were shocking and severe.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs): Schneider asked why Leahi Hospital cannot be funded through CIP. Representative Kobayashi responded that the source of CIP funding is different. Schneider asked and Representative Kobayashi replied that there are plans to develop a master plan for Leahi Hospital.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• City Charter: Chair Bullock announced that the City Charter Commission is accepting recommendations for amendments. Visit www.honolulu.gov/nco or contact Chair Bullock for more information.

• Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library: The Friends of the Kaimuki Public Library will be holding its next general membership meeting on Monday, September 21, 2015, 6:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Public Library, Young Adults section. A book and media sale will be held in October 2015.

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by: Uyen Vong, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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