Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (October 21, 2015)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (October 21, 2015)
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 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, Walter Ross, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Liberty Peralta and William Paik.

Guests: Captain Jay Shimabuku and Firefighter III Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department), Director Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative), James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office), Francis Choe (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Representative Calvin Say, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Sandy McKee, Gary Hirokane, Mr. Elwood, Eric McCutcheon, and Uyen Vong (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter III Doug Hu reported the following:

• September 2015 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 93 medical emergencies, and 2 search and rescues.

• Fire Safety Tip: When selecting a Halloween costume, avoid selecting costumes that are long or easily flammable. If wearing a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough for visibility. Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks. Use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in jack-o-lanterns. Exercise extreme caution when using real candles. Supervise children at all times when candles are lit.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Cigarettes: A resident reported a neighbor who throws cigarette butts into the resident's yard, and asked if HFD would be able to trace the source of a fire to a cigarette butt if a fire occurs. Captain Shimabuku replied that it will be difficult to prove that the cigarette butt belonged to a particular person since it will most likely be burnt.

2. Fire in Palolo: Hagadone commented on a fire that occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 in Palolo.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane distributed copies of HPD's newsletter, and reported the following:

• September 2015 Statistics: There were 8 vehicle thefts, 16 burglaries, 26 thefts, and 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. There were 6,526 total calls for service.

• Crime Safety Tip: Included in the newsletter are Halloween safety tips. Call HPD if the candy looks like it has been tampered with.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Candy Tampering: Hagadone asked and Lieutenant Sukekane replied that there have not been any cases of candy tampering, but parents should take caution.

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

• Watershed Management and Protection: Drinking water is Hawaii's most precious resource and an essential part of people's daily lives. The replenishment of Oahu's drinking water supply is heavily dependent on Oahu's Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges. As such, everyone should care for, protect, and preserve these areas to ensure its continued existence for future generations. Residents can assist in the water conservation efforts by keeping to trails in the watersheds, participating in projects that remove invasive plants and animals, and conserving water every day. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041 for more information.

• Wilhelmina Rise Part IV Project: The completion date for the Wilhelmina Rise part IV project has been postponed to Sunday, January 17, 2016. The work schedule has also changed to start at 7:30 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. Actual construction work cannot start until 8:30 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bottled Water: A resident brought up his previous concern regarding how long tap water can be stored in a bottle. Heller replied that the duration depends on how clean the bottle is and that there is no standard on how long the water can be stored. Hoe added to contact the manufacturer of the bottle to find out the duration. Chair Bullock added that the resident can also contact the State Department of Health (DOH).

2. Waialae Avenue: Chair Bullock commented that BWS and other utilities are now working on Waialae Avenue after two years of construction by other government agencies. Chair Bullock asked how BWS is planning to minimize the number of water breaks on Waialae Avenue and when construction will be completed on Waialae Avenue between 9th and 16th Avenues. Heller replied that repaving will most likely start soon in the same area, and that if the repaving has not already been scheduled, the project will be moved up on the priority list.

3. Rusted Pipes: Tam asked if incidents of rusted pipes can be measured. Heller noted that the broken pipes are analyzed after a main break. Tam asked if BWS looks for telltale signs. Heller replied that the information is gathered from the testing process.

4. Maps: Schneider asked if there is a map of where there are water main breaks. Heller stated that BWS has a map with the detailed information, and will follow up on the request.

5. Kaimuki-Specific Information: Hagadone asked if there is a central place for information on BWS-related issues in Kaimuki. Heller stated the information should be available on the BWS website.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the September 16, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Moniz-Kahoohanohano seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the September 16, 2015 regular meeting minutes as printed. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported that the Board spent $26.27 for the month of September 2015; the remaining balance is $349.05. The report was filed.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS: There were no reports.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Schneider noted that Envision Kaimuki Committee did not meet due to the absence of several committee members. Chair Bullock asked that the committee meet before the next regular board meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT:

• Himalayan Kitchen: Resident Sandy McKee reported that Himalayan Kitchen, a restaurant on 11th Avenue, hosted another loud gathering at the rooftop of the restaurant last weekend. There were about 100 people. HPD was called, and issued a citation. The resident called the Honolulu Liquor Commission, DOH, HFD, and the State Department of Taxation. Chair Bullock asked and McKee replied that Himalayan Kitchen has been hosting parties like this for over one (1) year. Chair Bullock asked if the resident had made a complaint to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), and McKee replied that she has. Tam asked and McKee replied that the location of Himalayan Kitchen is 1137 11th Avenue. Tam asked and McKee replied that she lives across the street from the restaurant. Moniz-Kahoohanohano asked what the board can do. Chair Bullock replied that the board can relay the concerns to the City representatives. Hagadone asked that the board invite representatives from Himalayan Kitchen. Francis Choe from Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office will follow up.

• KCC Open House: Carol Hoshiko from Kapiolani Community College (KCC) announced that there will be an open house on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at KCC. There will be live entertainment and various activities on that day.

• 6th Avenue Off Ramp: Resident Gary Hirokane reported that there has been heavy traffic along 6th Avenue heading toward the off ramp. Hirokane suggested changing the signals on the right lane to mitigate some of the traffic. Kang agreed with the observation. Chair Bullock asked and Hirokane replied that the heavy traffic usually occurs during rush hour, but it has occurred outside of rush hour. Chair Bullock noted that traffic patterns have changed in Kaimuki, possibly due to population change.

OLD BUSINESS: No old business was discussed.

NEW BUSINESS

Kaimuki Parks: A Discussion of Needs and Issues: Chair Bullock asked for the input from the board and the public on the needs and issues regarding parks in Kaimuki.

• Mau‘umae Park: Chair Bullock stated he had requested that there be a time limit at the lookout of Mau‘umae Park, but DPR stated that the time limit would have to apply to the entire park. Chair Bullock then requested that the time limit be applied to the entire park. Chair Bullock was told by someone that the park is permanently closed, but DPR's website lists the closed hours from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Hagadone and Tam noted that there are many chickens at the park. Schneider commented that the park is adopted by an organization, which does cleanups once a month but she does not know which organization. Choe commented that the City Council has been attempting to formalize the Adopt-A-Park program, but there has been pushback from the unions. The City Council hopes to adopt a county-wide policy by early 2016.

• Christmas Tree at Pu‘u o Kaimuki Mini Park: Tam asked if the Christmas tree lights will be turned on at Pu‘u o Kaimuki Mini Park. Chair Bullock explained that the Christmas tree is locked by the City. Chair Bullock asked for information on accessibility, and if there are any required repairs that should be addressed. Choe will follow up.

• Maunalani Park: Schneider raised a concern that non-organized groups cannot access Maunalani Park, and that over $1 million was spent refurbishing the park. Chair Bullock noted that the park is unmanned. Schneider noted dog issues at the park.

• Board of Parks and Recreation: Chair Bullock commented that minutes for the Board of Parks and Recreation have not been on the DPR website for over a year. The minutes were previously available on the website.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director of the Department of Information Technology Mark Wong reported the following:

• McDonald's in Palolo: Regarding a previous concern brought up by resident Yvonne Perry, HPD has been trying to contact Perry but was not able to contact her. Officers have also met with the McDonald's management to assure them that HPD will respond if there are any issues.

• Crime Incidents Information: Detailed information regarding crime statistics can be found on www.data.honolulu.gov. The fastest way to report an issue is to use the Honolulu 311 app.

• Rerouting the Bus Stop: Regarding previous questions about rerouting the bus to 13th Avenue, the City has responded multiple times including at the board meetings of September and October 2014, and January, May, and July of 2015.

• Kaimuki Parking Lot: Repaving of the Kaimuki parking lot will take approximately two (2) years for design, budget and bidding.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kaimuki Parking Lot: Chair Bullock noted on behalf of a resident that several parking machines at the Kaimuki Parking Lot are non-functioning which creates a line because people are paying the parking attendant when exiting.

2. Elite Limousine: Chair Bullock noted on behalf of a resident that Elite Limousine, located at 12th Avenue, has been using street parking stalls as their own private stalls.

3. Parking Enforcement Officer: Chair Bullock noted that his wife was driving on Koko Head Avenue and almost hit a parking enforcement officer who was jaywalking. She called the Mayor's Office but the receptionist did not know where to direct the call. She finally received an answer that the enforcement officer will be counseled by a supervisor.

4. Parking Meters: Chair Bullock noted that most of the parking meters in the Kaimuki parking lot are unfed after 5:00 p.m. because there is no enforcement.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson circulated copies of Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletters and reported the following:

• Community Clean Up: There was a community recycling event on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Kaimuki High School. Proceeds from the event will benefit Kaimuki High School and other community organizations.

• Honolulu 311: Larson reported an issue using Honolulu 311, and the issue was addressed within a couple of days.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Honolulu 311: Hagadone asked if Honolulu 311 could be used to report potholes. Larson replied that Hagadone can try to report a pothole under "other".

2. Cracked Sidewalk: Chair Bullock asked who is responsible for a cracked public sidewalk if it occurs in front of a residential home. Larson replied that it depends on the reason why it was cracked, and that the homeowner may be charged if the crack is caused by the homeowner. Chair Bullock asked if homeowners can be cited for cracked sidewalks and how residents receive notice of the citation. Larson replied that the citation depends on if someone filed a complaint, and that it is usually mailed.

3. Bill 64: Hagadone asked about Bill 64, relating to photovoltaic (PV). Larson explained that PV will alleviate energy costs at municipal buildings and facilities by investing in solar. Schneider asked if it is "off the grid", and Larson deferred to Councilmember Ozawa's representative Francis Choe.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Francis Choe circulated copies of Councilmember Ozawa's newsletter and reported the following:

• Bill 64: The CD1 of Bill 64 was co-introduced with Councilmember Kobayashi. One of the challenges is that some of the buildings have little rooftop space, so there may be considerations for other energy sources. The City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will likely be doing a feasibility to identify city parcels at which this technology can be implemented.

• Resolution 15-294: Resolution 15-294 was co-introduced with Councilmember Ann Kobayashi. The resolution encourages the city administration to work with the State Department of Transportation to identify the best uses for a property under the H-1 Freeway across from Foodland. Various city departments have jurisdiction over the property.

• Follow-up: Choe will follow up with issues regarding Himalayan Kitchen and the Christmas tree lights at Pu‘u o Kaimuki Mini Park.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): No representative was present; no handout was provided.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): House Speaker Emeritus Say circulated copies of his newsletter, and highlighted some information from the report.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

• Leahi Hospital: Hagadone asked for a status update on Leahi Hospital. Representative Say replied that a petition was submitted to Governor Ige. The petition also includes funding requests for the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

• Streetlight at 5th Avenue: A resident reported a malfunctioning streetlight located near the freeway entrance on 5th Avenue.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): No representative was present; copies of Representative Kobayashi's were distributed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 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.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 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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