Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For(AUGUST 12TH, 2015) Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For(AUGUST 12TH, 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, AUGUST 12, 2015

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Loren Jerlow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with nine (9) 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, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Stephen Maybir (arrived at 7:23 p.m.), Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, Shaun St. Vincent, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Paul Holtrop and Rachel Orange.

Guests: 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 Peter Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Clifford K. Ramson and Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto (Honolulu Police Department); James Nekota; Scott Tamayori; Candy Tamayori; Shinsuke Uehara; Hye Jung Kim; Robert Farm; Lynn Farm; Christa Braun-Inglis; Lucille Morelli-Vine; Andy Chung; Lindsay Anderson; Kayla Butler; videographer (DVDmodo); and Stephen Saito (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Announcements: Chair Jerlow thanked St. Vincent for representing the Board in a media interview. Chair Jerlow noted not being able to participate in the interview due to other circumstances. Chair Jerlow also noted that a few Board members attended the Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking ceremony. Chair Jerlow noted the rules of speaking, and order and decorum; and circulated a parliamentary motions guide.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Peter Hashimoto reported the following:

• July 2015 Statistics: There were 0 structure fires, wild land fires, or rubbish fires. There were 22 medical emergencies, and 1 search and rescue.

• Hurricane Season Safety Tip: Hawaii is in hurricane season from June 2015 to November 2015. The HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to prepare for a hurricane; every family should have an evacuation plan, survival kit, and to know how to remain informed about hurricane disasters. More information about hurricane preparedness can be found at the Department of Emergency Management's (DEM) website at www.honolulu.gov/dem.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. 10th Avenue Fire: Chair Jerlow asked about a fire near 10th Avenue that occurred earlier today. Captain Hashimoto answered that information about the fire could not be disclosed at this time.

2. Palolo Valley Hill Fire: Shiraki asked for more information about the Palolo Valley Hill ("Dinosaur Mountain") fire incident. Captain Hashimoto answered that the cause of the fire is undetermined.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto reported the following:

• July 2015 Crime Statistics: There were 13 burglaries, 18 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 38 thefts, and 8 motor vehicle thefts.

• Pedestrian Safety Tip: Be aware of the surroundings before crossing the street.

• Smart911: Individuals may use www.smart911.com to enhance 911 emergency communications.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Unsafely Opening Motor Vehicle Doors: Chair Jerlow asked and Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that it is illegal to leave motor vehicle doors open and/or unsafely opening motor vehicle doors.

2. HPD Staffing: St. Vincent asked if there is a concern with HPD staffing in regards to patrols. Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that patrols and staffing correlate to the amount of illegal activity in the community.

3. Palolo Community Homes: St. Vincent asked if there are still officers that patrol in the Palolo Community Home neighborhood. Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that HPD continues to patrol the area. St. Vincent raised a concern of gang related activity in the area. Lieutenant Hayamoto encourages to call 911 in the event of illegal activity occurring.

4. Tickets: Shiraki asked and Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that any HPD officer may issue a ticket.

5. Bicyclist Safety: Shiraki raised a concern about the safety of bicyclists due to uneducated motor vehicle drivers on the road. Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that bicyclists should be aware and to practice self-defense when bicycling to avoid getting hurt. Shiraki suggested that HPD increase the enforcement of citations for bicyclists.

6. Bicycle Laws: Resident Lynn Farm raised a concerned about bicyclists riding on the sidewalk and if bicyclists need to stop when the traffic light flashes red. Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that bicyclists should be using the bike lane instead of the sidewalk, and noted that the rules of the road applies to bicyclists, and therefore bicyclists must stop at a red light.

7. HPD and State Sheriffs: Resident James Nekota asked about the differences between HPD officers and State sheriffs. Lieutenant Hayamoto answered that HPD patrols statewide and that State sheriff patrols in specific areas in the State. Lieutenant Hayamoto added that the jurisdiction of patrol is based on if the property is with the State or with the City.

8. Special Duty Officers: Resident Nekota commented about State officers directing traffic near Punahou School. Lieutenant Hayamoto noted that special duty officers are hired as off-duty officers to direct traffic.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias circulated a newsletter and reported the following: 2015 Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop: The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden offer Saturday workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping. Schedules for the workshops was made available at the meeting. Call 748-5320 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for a full list of classes being offered.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Water Line Repair Budget: Shiraki commented about BWS receiving funds for water line repairs and asked for more information about the funds. Dias answered that the State Department of Health (DOH) allocates the funds for water line repairs for BWS. Dias noted that the funds are not only appropriated to BWS projects.

2. Red Hill Fuel Leaks: A community member commented about the Red Hill fuel leak and asked how BWS serves the Palolo community. Dias answered that there are some water sources in the Palolo area, but majority of the system is integrated to service all of Oahu. Dias commented that the Pearl Harbor aquifer is the largest aquifer on Oahu.

Maybir arrived at the meeting at 7:23 p.m.; 10 members were present.

Order and Decorum: Chair Jerlow reiterated the announcements made at the beginning of the call to order, regarding order and decorum and noted that Maybir models what is asked to respect order and decorum.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Jerlow asked if there were any residents interested in filling the subdistrict 3 vacancy. Resident Andrew Chung introduced himself and noted interest in filling the vacancy. Resident Chung noted that he forgot to bring ID. Chair Jerlow suggested that Resident Chung return to the next regular meeting with ID.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking Ceremony: Councilmember Kobayashi attended the Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking ceremony.

• Homelessness: There is still a problem with there being a homeless population near Market City Shopping Center. Resident Will Fisher advocated for the construction of a skate park nearby the shopping center several years ago and addressed the proposal to the Board. Resident Fisher proposes that a skate park could be constructed to clean up the area of the homeless, have the area used for organic farming, and to rally the community.

• Moped and Scooter Noise: The McCully-Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 propose that there be a workshop held to resolve the concern about moped and scooter noise.

• Residential Unit at 2nd Avenue: The residential unit that had been labeled a "hoarder's home" had been cleaned by the City.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Homelessness: St. Vincent asked what would happen to the homeless population near Market City Shopping Center if the property becomes leased to construct a skate park. Councilmember Kobayashi answered that the current property is not available to construct a structure under the freeway overpass. St. Vincent noted that working with the homeless community and suggested that compassion needs to be used to address the homeless issue. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that housing needs to be provided for the homeless, and added that the City Council added about $50 million in the City's budget for housing. St. Vincent suggested there be meetings with the homeless population to find solution to the housing issues. Councilmember Kobayashi commented about the State's homeless task force and the appointment of Scott Morishige who reaches out to the homeless population.

2. Safety Checks for Mopeds: Shiraki suggested that there be safety checks for mopeds. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that there have been bills introduced to include a safety check for mopeds.

3. Second Day Bulky Item Pick-Up: Resident Krista Browning suggested there be a second day for bulky item pick-up every month. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the residents have a responsibility to keep the community clean. Councilmember Kobayashi will follow up with the suggestion for a second day pick-up for bulky items.

4. Mopeds and Scooters Noise Resolution: Heskett asked if adopting a Board resolution would help improve the issue. Heskett noted assisting with a skate park construction resolution and noted that the skate park stereotype is more of a positive than a negative stereotype. Chair Jerlow noted that the Board will have an iCloud account to submit resolutions and agenda item requests.

5. Community Clean-ups: Chair Jerlow suggested that the community focuses on cleaning up the community instead of the City.

6. Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking Ceremony: Nakayama thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for attending the Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking ceremony.

7. Palolo Valley District Park: Nakayama asked why the Palolo Valley District Park playground equipment is fenced off and when the playground equipment will be useable.

8. Left Turn at Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor: Nakayama suggested that left turns be approved to enter Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor.

9. Accessory Dwelling Unit: Nakayama asked for an update on the passage of Accessory Dwelling Unit and asked what the Board could do to support the bill.

10. Entering Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor: Shiraki noted that an alternative solution is needed to resolve the concern regarding entering Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor.

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

• August 2015 City News: Information about the nine (9)-Point Community Action Plan (CAP) for Ala Moana Regional Park, Mayor Caldwell's top priorities, housing homeless veterans, Wahiawa Transit Center murals, and the "Let's Move!" outside initiative were featured in the August 2015 issue of the City News.

• Title VI Program Report Public Hearing: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Public Transit Division (PTD) will be holding a public hearing at 10:00 a.m. in the Mission Memorial meeting room on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. DTS-PTD received Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and is required to comply with FTA requirements that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability in all programs, activities, and services. DTS-PTD must submit a Title VI Program report to FTA every three (3) years. DTS-PTD is in the process of finalizing the report and welcomes any public input. All public input regarding the report will be included in the final version to be submitted to the Transportation Commission and City Council for approval. The approved report will be submitted to FTA in December 2016. For more information call 768-8374, email thebusstop@honolulu.gov, or visit www.thebus.org/aboutthebus/drafttitleVIprogram.asp.

• 311 Application Appreciation: Holtrop's appreciation for the 311 application was relayed to the appropriate departmental branch.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bicycle Laws: Resident Farm asked and Director Sasamura answered that it is against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in a business district. Director Sasamura added that the Hawaii Bicycle League building at Waialae Avenue is an organization that advocates and is an educator for bicycle safety.

2. Kilihune Place: Residents Scott and Candy Tamayori raised a concern about sight distance issue when driving from Kilihune Place to Palolo Avenue. Resident Scott Tamayori requested the City to investigate the issue and remedy the situation. Director Sasamura thanked resident Tamayori for the concerns and noted that the City is working on incorporating the Complete Street design into the streets in the community to address similar concerns. Director Sasamura will follow up with the concern with DTS for any short term relief. Director Sasamura commented about notices that nearby residences will receive.

3. Appreciation: Maybir noted appreciation for the City's work on the road work and raised a concern about potholes on Ahi Place.

4. Paalea Street: Shiraki noted that a traffic calming will not work to slow down cars on Paalea Street.

5. City Complaint Investigators: St. Vincent asked and Director Sasamura answered that the City Complaint Investigator position was not created to handle homeless concerns and instead addresses a broad spectrum of concerns including infringement on health and safety reasons.

6. Knowledge on the Rules of the Road: Resident Ivan Ho noted that that the knowledge of motor vehicle drivers cannot be compared to the knowledge of bicyclists. Resident Ho asked and Director Sasamura answered motor vehicles are permitted to cross the solid line in a bike lane to make a right turn as long as the turn can be made safely. Resident Ho asked how will those not interested in attending bicycle education training learn about bicycle safety.

7. Bicycle Lane: Chair Jerlow commented about the increase use of the bicycle lane and noted that it is the community's responsibility to understand and obey all rules and laws.

8. Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor: Director Sasamura suggested to Nakayama if it would be acceptable to have plastic delineators be installed near the center line on 10th Avenue near Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor to deter illegal left turns into the property. Nakayama approved of the suggestion.

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:

• St. James Catholic Church: Improvements will not be done to St. James Catholic Church due to the fact that the church is being put up for sale.

• Fumigation at Carlos Long Street: Houses were fumigated for ants at Carlos Long Street.

• Homelessness: Governor Ige appropriated five ($5) million in emergency funds for homelessness in Hawaii.

• Feral Chickens: $50 thousand was appropriated by the City for the control of feral chickens in City areas.

• Street Ownership: Be aware of the ownership of the streets that are in need of resurfacing. There are roads that are privately owned and would need to apply to be owned by the City to be maintained and resurfaced by the City.

• Women and Money Workshops: HSE Say circulated a handout for Women and Money Workshops that will be held at the Japanese Cultural Center, Grand Ballroom from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2015.

• Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking Ceremony: HSE Say attended the Palolo Chinese Home Ground Breaking ceremony.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Plastic Bag Ban: Maybir commented about the plastic bag ban and asked how the loophole in the ban could be resolved. Heskett noted that the ban is a City ordinance and suggested that Maybir ask Councilmember Kobayashi about the ban. Hack noted that the plastic bags available at retail markets are compostable/recyclable and are exempt from the ban. Shiraki noted that H-Power could burn down the bags. Shiraki added that the thicker bags are more expensive.

2. Encroachment: HSE Say commented about encroachment violations with cars encroaching into residential driveways. HSE Say raised a concern that more homes will be built in the community and will increase the parking and encroachment violation problem. Chair Jerlow commented about unattended vehicles in the residential areas.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present; No report was provided.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Chair Jerlow encouraged residents and community members to contact him with Residents'/Community Concerns to add them to the agenda to allow Board members and the community to discuss on the issue.

Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP): Kim Stone from HCAP reported the following: Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Center: HCAP constructed a STEM center in the Palolo Valley homes and are encouraging children from the second to eighth grade towards a career in the STEM field. The center is open to all children. HCAP is looking for volunteers to work with the STEM center program. HCAP also has a senior program for seniors to educate children.

BOARD BUSINESS

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

Mau moved and Gerlich-Hayes seconded to adopt the Wednesday, July 8, 2015 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Nakayama, Shiraki, St. Vincent, and Weinstein). Amendments are as followed: Page 1: Under the heading, "ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS", "Vice Chair Mau passed the gavel to Chair Jerlow" should be moved to be before the subheading, "Vice Chair."

Approval of Quarterly Information/Presentation Themes: Chair Jerlow would like to encourage Board members to invite presenters that could promote the quarterly themes of security, safety, peace, and charity.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Hack raised a concern that there are some presenters that are on a deadline and in emergency, must present to the Board without lengthy prior notice. Chair Jerlow noted that the presentation themes is not to restrict the presentations the Board could hear, but to provide focus to regular meetings.

Hack moved and Mau seconded to approve, subject to the Board's schedule, the quarterly themes for presentations including security, safety, peace, and charity (and open presentations for other topics). The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (AYE: Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Jerlow, Mau, Maybir, Nakayama, Shiraki, St. Vincent, and Weinstein).

Recognition for Bryson Go: Chair Jerlow commented about recognizing Bryson Go and have the Community Recognition Committee to follow up with the recognition.

Hearing no objection, Chair Jerlow returned to, "RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS."

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

The World Race: Resident Lindsay Anderson introduced herself and noted that she will be going on a mission trip around the world visiting 11 countries for one (1) month each to Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Anderson is fundraising $16,000 for her mission. Anderson hopes that this mission will inspire others. For more information, visit www.lindsayanderson.theworldrace.org.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Hack reported that the board spent $28.10 for printing and postage with a remaining balance of $420.90 for July 2015. The treasure's report was filed.

Discussion followed: Budget: Hack noted that the budget is less than other years. Maybir asked and Hack answered that the Board pays an annual facility rental fee of $192.000, but Board members open and closes the facility so that a custodian is not hired to remain at the meeting to do so. Hack will contact Chair Jerlow on potential future purposes. Maybir suggested that the Board should spend as much of the Board's budget by June 2016. Chair Jerlow noted on the Board's fiscal responsibility.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- Chair Jerlow announced the following:

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 is Wednesday, October 14, 2015.

• Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash by the morning of Wednesday, August 19, 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, or contact 664-1658.

• Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up.

• Stream Clean-Up: There will be a stream clean-up from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2015.

• Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) Interview: Chair Jerlow was invited to be interviewed by HPR to speak on issues that have been occurring in Palolo Valley.

Discussion followed:

1. Issues: Maybir raised a concern about the game room and public housing in Palolo Valley. Nakayama raised a concern that the issue of the game room should be added as an agenda item so that the community may provide input on the issue. Chair Jerlow noted that the announcement was made to seek support and council from the Board to participate in the interview with HPR. Chair Jerlow noted that the Chairperson can speak for the Board.

2. Criminal Activity: St. Vincent noted that Chair Jerlow is asking for general issues that are occurring in Palolo Valley instead of discussion about the issues. St. Vincent commented about the interview with the media representing the Board.

3. HPR Interview: Maybir asked and Chair Jerlow answered that the HPR Interview will be an agenda item at the next regular meeting. Chair Jerlow noted that an interview will not be done until the issue is discussed with the Board.

4. Sunshine Law Violations: Maybir asked and Neighborhood Assistant Stephen Saito answered that the question about the HPR interview as an discussion item was brought up to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) and noted that the office did not raise any sunshine law violation.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m.

Submitted by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed and finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

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