Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (September 16, 2015)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (September 16, 2015)
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:03 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, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, William Paik, Liberty Peralta, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Brian Kang and Walter Ross.

Guests: Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane and Sergeant Jerome Pacarro (Honolulu Police Department), Deputy Director Mark Garrity (Department of Transportation Services), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, James Larson (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office), Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, Senator Les Ihara, Jr., Representative Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply's representative), Scot Shimamura, Mr. Elwood, Sarah Correa, Aaron Landry (Ala Moana-Kaka‘ako Neighborhood Board No. 11), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Yvonne Perry, Randy Hack, Pamela Chow, Eric McCutcheon, Michael Kratzke, 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:

• August 2015 Statistics: There were 15 motor vehicle thefts, 16 burglaries, 30 thefts, 14 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), and a total of 6,853 calls for service.

• Smart911 Program: Residents can register their smartphone and submit a personal profile that includes a home address and emergency contacts. Registration will allow for faster assistance when calling 911 from a mobile phone. Flyers are available at the table.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: McDonald's: Resident Yvonne Perry asked how many calls HPD received that involved the McDonald's in Palolo, and commented that the recent incident involving a man bringing a rifle to McDonald's is not an isolated event. Lieutenant Sukekane explained that HPD will not spend its resources for personal pursuits, and that the person requesting the information for personal reasons can be charged a fee. Lieutenant Sukekane further explained that since the incident, HPD has been very responsive to everyone who was involved. Perry asked and Chair Bullock explained that people requesting for information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can be charged a fee by the agency for collecting the data.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No representative was present; no report was given.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS representative Lorna Heller presented the following: Water Emergency Preparedness: Natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events can affect BWS' ability to provide water service to the community. September marks the observance of National Preparedness Month and serves as an important reminder to have an emergency preparedness kit available. Residents should store at least one (1) gallon of water per person per day for at least five (5) to seven (7) days. Also, in the event of an emergency, it is very important to stay tuned to media reports to receive water information bulletins and take an appropriate actions announced by the BWS or other emergency response agencies. More information about water emergency preparedness, including a how-to video demonstrating how best to store drinking water in the home, is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com. To receive emergency alerts via email or text message, subscribe to BWS at www.nixle.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Water System Testing: Chair Bullock asked what BWS' plan is to test the water system, especially along Waialae Avenue. Heller replied that the capital improvement projects (CIPs) are in progress, however it takes time to analyze the data.

2. Bottled Water: A resident asked how long tap water in a bottle can last without refrigeration. Heller will follow up.

3. Old Pipes: Tam commented that the pipes under Waialae Avenue are old, and within a year of repaving, the pipes are breaking again. Heller commented that interagency coordination is taken into consideration for these type of projects.

4. Predicted Maintenance: Hagadone asked and Heller replied that BWS monitors areas where maintenance is needed.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the August 19, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Schneider moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the August 19, 2015 regular meeting minutes with amendments. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY by VOICE VOTE, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Paik, Peralta, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None). Amendments as follow:

1. Page 5, under Leahi Hospital: Should be "100 million", not "$100,000 million". Should be "$200 million", not "$200,000 million".

2. Page 5, under Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs): Should be "Schneider asked why Leahi Hospital is not funded through CIP, but renovations still occur."

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported that the Board spent $33.48 for the month of August 2015; the remaining final balance is $375.32. The report was filed.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS:

Envision Kaimuki: Schneider reported the following: Schneider met with the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) to update them on the efforts made by Envision Kaimuki. The next step is to relay the data to the professionals in the Kaimuki neighborhood who have expressed interests in contributing their expertise to develop Envision Kaimuki's goals. There are also volunteers in Kaimuki who have proposed ways to contribute, such as by gathering data for elderly-related concerns and parks. There will be an Envision Kaimuki Committee meeting in October 2015 to discuss how best to support the planning group and other volunteers.

Comments followed:

• Committee Agenda: Chair Bullock noted to send him the committee agenda when available.

• Photos of Kaimuki: A resident commented that he would like volunteers to post pictures of the great things about Kaimuki; the goal is to publish a book of what residents like about Kaimuki.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chair Bullock reported that no committees have met; no reports were available.

PUBLIC INPUT:

• Photos of Kaimuki: Chair Bullock recommended the resident, who previously talked about taking pictures in Kaimuki, to contact Peralta, who is the social media coordinator for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4.

• Hawaii Communities for a Lifetime: Community member Pamela Chow reported the following: In the Hawaii Communities for a Lifetime program, Kaimuki residents can become story-tellers through photomapping and discussions about their community. The top 30 photos will be selected to showcase Kaimuki as an age-friendly community. This has been done in several communities, but not yet in Kaimuki. More information is available online at www.ctahr.hawaii.edu.hicfl. Photos must be taken by Kaimuki residents. The event is co-sponsored by the community; there is little funding for the project.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Timeframe: Chair Bullock asked and Chow replied that the goal is to finish the project by the end of 2015. Chow added that she can coordinate a community meeting along with a photography and GPS training session. There will also be a second meeting for the photographers to decide the top 30 photos, and a third meeting for the public to be involved.

2. Participants: Hagadone asked who would be paying attention to this project and Chow replied that it is people who attend the board meetings. Chow added that elected officials and the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 are welcome to participate.

3. Goals: Peralta commented that the Hawaii Communities for a Lifetime's goals are similar to Envision Kaimuki's. Peralta asked and Schneider replied that Chow has contacted her. Schneider commented that this item can be on the agenda in October 2015. Chair Bullock noted that Peralta can help promote the project. Chow noted that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 can participate in the project at any time.

• Palolo's McDonald's: Resident Yvonne Perry commented that she is very concerned about the McDonald's in Palolo, and that the rifle incident is not an isolated incident. The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 should take action on McDonald's safety and traffic issues. Perry commented that there was a time when she was in McDonald's, a man came in with a gun and HPD was called. Perry alleged that McDonald's tried to cover the incident up. Chair Bullock commented that the board, as individuals, can choose not to visit McDonald's, and that the board can refer this issue to the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 as this is under their jurisdiction.

• "Experience KCC": KCC representative Carol Hoshiko announced that there will be an "Experience KCC" event on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. More information will be available next month.

OLD BUSINESS: No old business was discussed.

NEW BUSINESS

Car Share: The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Deputy Director Mark Garrity presented the following:

• Ordinance 15-35: One of the requirements of Ordinance 15-35 is for DTS to explain what car sharing is to the community and report back to the City Council.

• Rental Process: Car sharing is a type of short-term car rental, and an alternative form of transportation. Car sharing has been implemented in other cities, and is popular with people who do not own a car. There are two (2) basic types of car sharing. One type of car sharing is a rental car. The second type is where users can use an app to find a car nearby, drive, and leave the car at the destination. For traditional car sharing companies, there is a limit of 50 parking spaces around the City and the cars have to be parked in off-street lots. There will be an administrative hearing to set up rules to establish reserved parking spaces and monitoring systems.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Fees: A resident asked what the fee is to rent the cars. Deputy Director Garrity replied that the car sharing companies will determine the rental cost. Deputy Director Garrity added that Enterprise CarShare already has this service available.

2. Parking Spaces: Chair Bullock asked how reserved parking spaces will be allocated. Deputy Director Garrity responded that the City is looking at how other cities have implemented their reserved parking spaces, and that the City wants to be cognizant of what the community wants.

3. Liability: Hagadone asked if the City is liable for car accidents that might occur with car sharing. Deputy Director Garrity replied that all companies have to meet state regulations and that the rental policy will include liability insurances for drivers, even those who do not have their own car insurance.

4. Parking Spaces Fees: Hagadone asked and Garrity replied that the City will be reimbursed $1,500 per parking stall for traditional car sharing companies, and $1,500 per car for one-way car sharing companies.

5. Difference between Car Sharing and Uber: Tam asked and Deputy Director Garrity replied that the difference between car sharing and Uber is that cars under the car sharing model is driven by the user.

6. Taxis: Tam asked if the City has received negative feedback from taxis. Deputy Director Garrity replied that the City does not expect negative feedback from taxis.

7. Electronic System: Yamada asked and Deputy Director Garrity replied that there is an electronic system that will allow a customer to use the car via a type of membership or advanced registration. Yamada asked about cleanliness and Deputy Director Garrity responded that private companies have their own incentives to keep the car clean.

8. Timeline: Chair Bullock asked what the timeline is and Deputy Director Garrity replied that the administrative rulemaking should be completed early 2016.

9. Tourists: Tam asked and Deputy Director Garrity answered that car sharing will be allowed for tourists if they are members.

Local Business Activities -- Liquor License Public Hearings and Noise Nuisances: Chair Bullock explained that he receives notices of public hearings for entities applying for liquor licenses, and that one of the upcoming public hearings is for a liquor license application by a restaurant on 3605 Waialae Avenue on Thursday, October 22, 2015. Chair Bullock read correspondence from a resident: There was a loud party at Himalayan Kitchen on Saturday, August 29, 2015; the resident called HPD who responded at 12:30 a.m. to disperse the party crowd which included minors. HPD suggested to contact the Honolulu Liquor Commission and the neighborhood board. Chair Bullock noted that information is not being shared between the right entities. Perry asked Chair Bullock to also mention the McDonald's at Palolo, and Chair Bullock replied that the issue should be referred to the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Chair Bullock noted that Director Mark Wong was unable to attend the meeting. No updates were provided. Chair Bullock commented that the new restaurant on Waialae Avenue has entrances in the front and back, and that the street behind the back entrance has become a race way. Chair Bullock noted that the new restaurant and the restaurant across from it is owned by the same entity and there have been incidents of near-misses when employees are walking from one restaurant to the other. Chair Bullock suggested installing speed bumps since the Kaimuki parking lot will be repaved. Resident Perry commented that UH shuttles also use the same parking lot, and accidents may occur because the street is very narrow. Hagadone noted that he had heard that the Kaimuki parking lot will be repaved previously, although no work has been done. Hagadone also noted that the occupancy rate in the parking lot seems higher than before. Neighborhood Assistant Vong will relay the concerns and questions.

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

• Budget Hearing: During a budget hearing, Councilmember Kobayashi learned that the City pays over $55 million for electricity per year based on what the City paid last year. Councilmember Ozawa and Councilmember Kobayashi introduced a measure to have city buildings and municipal facilities such as parking lots install photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Honolulu rail will also use a lot of electricity.

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Properties with maximum 5,000 square feet can have a secondary unit that is up to 400 square feet, and larger properties can have a secondary unit that is up to 800 square feet. Other requirements include adequate sewer lines and water in the neighborhood. Up to 20,000 units may be created for affordable housing under the new law.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Grandfathered Unit: Schneider asked about her grandfathered secondary unit, and Councilmember Kobayashi replied to confirm with the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on whether or not the unit can be considered an ADU.

2. Parking: Chair Bullock commented that smaller units must have off-street parking and asked how it would be enforced. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that DPP will review the applicant's compliance with its requirements. Chair Bullock explained that there is only one required off-street parking for the ADU, and is concern with the number of off-street parking that might proliferate the neighborhood.

3. Housing Problem: Hagadone asked for Councilmember Kobayashi's definition of the housing problem. Councilmember Kobayashi stated that there is not enough housing units, especially for low-income people, citing the increase in the homeless population as an example. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that construction has been great in Kaka‘ako, however not many people can afford to live there. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the ADU bill, signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, is designed to alleviate the housing problem.

4. Rezoning: Schneider asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that for a multi-family lot, the property would have to be rezoned from "residential" to "apartment". Councilmember Kobayashi added that only one (1) additional unit is allowed as an ADU.

5. Mobile Homes: Tam commented that mobile homes are good alternatives for housing, and asked if there are barriers to using mobile homes. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that there has to be adequate sewer, water, a kitchen and bathroom. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that additional funding was allocated to City inspectors.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Councilmember Ozawa circulated copies of his newsletter and reported the following:

• McDonald's in Palolo: Councilmember Ozawa thanked resident Yvonne Perry for attending tonight's meeting, and will follow up with the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regarding her concerns about McDonald's.

• Kaimuki Parking Lot: The budget chair allocated $1.5 million in CIP funds for the Kaimuki parking lot.

• Cycle Track Bill: Councilmember Ozawa introduced a bill for cycle tracks to be included in public infrastructure maps. The inclusion of the cycle track would mean that amendments to the public infrastructure maps would have to be presented before the City Council. The will allow for public input.

• Sewage Spill: Many of Councilmember Ozawa's constituents have serious concerns about what occurred on Monday, August 24, 2015 regarding the 500,000-gallon sewage spill. Councilmember Ozawa introduced a resolution to work with the City administration to create standard operating procedures to prevent similar incidents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bike Lanes: Hagadone asked if the bike lanes are effectively used. Councilmember Ozawa stated that he has been very critical of the cycle track. Councilmember Ozawa deferred the question to DTS Deputy Director Mark Garrity.

2. Main Bursts: Resident Michael Kratzke commented that there are many water main breaks in the Koko Head Avenue and Wilhelmina Rise area. Councilmember Ozawa will follow up. Chair Bullock commented that he asked BWS about the same issue. Tam commented that he was told that the zigzag shape of the water mains and sewer lines is a result of the type of rocks in the area. Councilmember Ozawa stated that the City needs to improve and renew aging infrastructure as it is a basic responsibility of the City.

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 circulated copies of his newsletter and reported the following:

• 2016 Legislative Session: The Hawaii State Legislature is currently in recess until January 2016. The Hawaii Senate may meet for a couple days to consider confirmation for two (2) judges.

• Kupuna Caucus: The Kupuna Caucus will be meeting on Friday, October 2, 2015.

• Smart 911: As most calls are made using mobile phones, registration with Smart 911 will allow for faster assistance from first responders.

• Legislative Family Caregiver Work Group: The Legislative Family Caregiver work group is a result of a legislation that failed last year. The bill was pushed by AARP, and requires hospitals to allow a designation of a caregiver when a patient is discharged from the hospital. In the past two (2) years, 17 states have adopted this law. The next meeting is on Thursday, October 8, 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Legislative Family Caregiver Work Group: Hagadone asked and Senator Ihara answered that hospitals are concerned about liability issues when caregivers are not given enough training to perform their duties. Senator Ihara added that funding was not an issue across the 17 states that adopted the law.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): House Speaker Emeritus Say circulated copies of his newsletter and reported the following:

• Crystal Meth: Use of crystal meth is becoming popular again.

• Jarrett Middle School: There is a school pride event for Jarrett Middle School on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Cocaine: Resident Kratzke commented that use of crack cocaine is on the rise since users are switching from crystal meth to crack cocaine. Representative Say stated that crystal meth is cheaper, and that 20 years ago, crystal meth was the "drug of the generation", and now it is resurfacing again.

2. Penalty for Drug Users: Resident Lum commented that drug users should be sent to treatment centers, not jail.

3. Civil Service: Representative Say noted that one of the major issues that will occur in the next decade is that the baby boomers will retire with their job knowledge, and that workers replacing the baby boomers are not experienced enough. Representative Say attributed the recent sewage spill issue to this phenomenon, and that this issue is both a State and City problem. For example, $100 million was misspent in IT for the State Department of Tax, Department of Human Services (DHS), and Department of Transportation (DOT). Representative Say added that since these departments do not have personnel with the expertise, additional money is spent on consultants.

4. Emergency Hires: Yamada commented that there should be some kind of procedure or paper trail to show what was done in the past. Representative Say commented that the retirees return as "emergency hires".

5. Private Sector: Hagadone commented that there is a quality system with procedures in place in the private sector. Representative Say commented that part of the problem may be with the unions. Chair Bullock disagreed with the statement, and commented that there is no organizational guidance at the State.

6. Leahi Hospital: Representative Say gathered almost 300 signatures to stop budget cuts at Leahi Hospital.

7. Liliuokalani Elementary School: Yamada asked about the $308,000 for relocation of DOE programs at Liliuokalani Elementary School. Representative Say replied that the Department of Human Resources (DHR) may relocate to the school. Representative Say recommended that the board ask the school's superintendent to attend and give a presentation to the board.

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

• Leahi Hospital: The CIP budget is in crisis, and is in a worse shape than the operating budget. Governor Ige received a $1.4 billion request from the State Department of Health (DOH). However, the state legislature only approved $700 million.

• Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)/NextEra Merger: A decision will be made by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in 2016 on the HECO/NextEra merger. Lawmakers came together to investigate the possibility of a publicly-owned utility model.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located at 1117 Koko Head Avenue. The Kaimuki Christian Church is asking attendees to park at Kaimuki Public Library or find parking elsewhere to reserve the space for the elderly and the disabled.

• Drug Take-Back Day: Drug Take-Back Day will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kahala Mall. Expired or unusable prescription drugs are accepted.

• Christmas Parade: The Kaimuki Christmas Parade is scheduled for the first Thursday in December. Registration forms are available for those who would like to participate. Email kbpa.hawaii@gmail.com for additional information.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:59 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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