Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY 17, 2015)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (FEBRUARY 17, 2015)
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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 five (5) members present. A quorum was not 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, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent: Brian Kang, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, and Walter Ross.

Guests: Sergeant Clifford Ramson and Lieutenant Maurice Asato (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Ricky Mamiya and Firefighter Gavan Miyashita (Honolulu Fire Department); Leonard Hoshijo (Governor David Ige's Representative); Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Senator Les Ihara, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, and Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say (Hawaii State Legislature); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Carol Hoshiko (Culinary Institute of the Pacific); Kitty Lagareta, R. Edge, Deena Dray, Tammy Tamai, Colin Miwa, Rick Chong, and Denis Isono (Diamond Head Theatre); KC Carlberg (Hawaii Pacific Health); Scot Ezer (HHF Planning); George West and Linda Wong (Diamond Head Neighborhood Board No. 5); Eric McCutcheon; Michele Matson; Tom Moore; Ron and Janice Leiker; Steve Ricci; Mr. Elwood; Roland Louie; Jodie Ann Mori; John McCaughet; and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): A handout was available and Lieutenant Maurice Asato reported the following:

• January 2016 Statistics: There were 15 vehicle thefts, 11 burglaries, 39 thefts, and 24 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 6,902 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Asato referenced the pedestrian safety tip handout that was provided with rules that may contribute to a safer environment for all pedestrians.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Firefighter Gavan Miyashita reported the following:

• December 2015 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 9 activated alarms, 98 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 3 motor vehicle collisions, and 7 mountain rescues.

• Fire Safety Tip: HFD is promoting hiking safety and urges hikers to stay on the trail as most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs.

• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): On Tuesday, December 29, 2015, a State van was vandalized and damage to the gas tank was the cause of the December 2015 hazmat incident.

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

• Water Main Break: The water main break report for January 2016 was unavailable. Heller will follow up.

• Free Seed of the Month Program: The Board of Water Supply (BWS) and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden are offering visitors a free xeric (dry) seed or seedling of the month at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. The community is invited to visit the garden on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to receive a complimentary seed packet and an information sheet about their future plant's origin, care, and interesting facts. Xeric plants use less water than most garden plants. For the month of February 2016, visitors will receive Bird of Paradise/Crane Flower seeds. Visitors receive one packet per household, while supplies last. Garden enthusiasts are invited to drop by the Halawa Xeriscape Garden each month to see what other xeric seeds and seedlings will be available. The garden is located at 99-1268 Iwaena Street in Halawa Valley's Central Industrial Area.

• Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshops: The Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer Saturday workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping -- an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping. These workshops offer creative ideas to help you maintain a water efficient and attractive landscape while reducing your outdoor water use and reliance on harmful chemical pesticides. A full listing of xeriscape workshops is available at the BWS website, www.boardofwatersupply.com.

• Map of Main Breaks: Heller provided a map of water main breaks in the Kaimuki area for the year 2015.

At 7:09 p.m. Lori Yamada arrived; a quorum was established with six (6) members present.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Bullock announced two (2) vacancies on the Board. One (1) vacancy is in Subdistrict 1, East Kaimuki and Business District; and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3, West Kaimuki. Chair Bullock asked if any residents were interested in filling the vacant board seat. There was no volunteer who had correct residency. Chair Bullock deferred this item to the next regular Board meeting.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the January 20, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Shneider seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the January 20, 2016 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None). Amendments are to change references of "Representative Calvin Say" to "Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say"; and Page 4 "Yomada" should read "Yamada."

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported monthly expenditures of $33.24 for a remaining balance of $199.03. The report was filed.

Election of Secretary: Due to the resignation of Liberty Peralta, the Board must choose a secretary. There were no volunteers.

Yamada nominated Hagadone for secretary and Hoe seconded the nomination. Hagadone was confirmed as secretary by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 6-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS: There were none to report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Schneider noted she will email the Neighborhood Assistant the minutes for the Envision Kaimuki Committee November 23, 2015 meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT

• Culinary Institute Update: Carol Hoshiko distributed a monthly update for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific and shared some of the work highlights. The walls for the laboratories are being constructed and utilities are being put in.

• Homeless Encampment: Resident Steve Ricci complained of a homeless encampment near Diamond

Head Theatre (DHT) and Leahi Hospital. Ricci requested the Board notify the State of Hawaii of the situation since the lots are owned by the State. The encampment is hidden and Ricci is concerned the encampment could spread and cause problems. Ricci stated homeless are tethering belongings to poles in surrounding neighborhoods. Hagadone shared his difficult experience with a moped that was tethered to a telephone pole for six (6) months.

• Vacancies: A resident suggested changing the Board's composite to at-large seats since there is a hard time filling vacancies and establishing quorum.

• Intersection Lines: Resident Tom Moore stated that Waialae Avenue intersection lines do not align due to bicycle lanes.

• Modified Intersection Signs: Moore requested modified intersection signs be removed in a timely matter and asked what the regulations are for the signs.

• Harding Avenue and Koko Head Avenue: Moore requested that the formerly flashing red light at this intersection be removed.

OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS

Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K: KC Carlberg announced that the 39th annual Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. The 6.2-mile race starts at Kapiolani Park and takes participants around Diamond Head and through Kahala, returning to Kapiolani Park for the after-race festivities. Carlberg thanked the community for their understanding and noted the participants will be mindful of keeping the community clean.

Public Transit Title VI Program: Eileen Mark with the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) explained that the Title VI Program prohibits discrimination of public transit. Mark gave a copy of the program report to the Board and comment sheets were available to the public. The report includes how complaints of possible discrimination are processed and an analyses of 100 bus routes. The plan is continually updated and a representative will return to the Board meetings on a regular basis.

Diamond Head Theater (DHT) Update: Executive Director Deena Dray of the Diamond Head Theater presented the following:

• Multi Use Theater: DHT has a diverse audience and is more than just a show house. DHT provides entertainment, education, and volunteer opportunities. DHT has over 600 volunteers, all actors are volunteers.

• Facility Limitations: DHT has endured more than expected of a building that old. The building assessment determined DHT is not salvageable and must be rebuilt.

• Rebuilding: DHT's new building will be built on the lot next to it allowing the original DHT to remain open until completion of the new DHT.

Dray introduced Scott Ezer who reported the following on the Environmental Assessment (EA):

• Background: The DHT building was originally constructed in 1930 by the army for Fort Ruger and predates all buildings in the area. In 1952, DHT moved into the building and in 1983 the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) granted an existing use permit with no sunset date that gives flexibility to DHT to rebuild.

• EA: DHT is on State land and must comply with State law for an EA. The original comment period ended in December 2015 but has been extended. There are 27 public vantage streets/viewing points in the area that cannot be obstructed.

• Fly Loft: Most of DHT is low scale except the space for a fly loft that is a necessity. Without a fly loft, DHT could not present musicals at the level audiences expect.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Fly Loft: Tam commented that the color of the fly loft exterior blends with the sky and Ezer confirmed that is the goal. Tam noted blending the fly loft with the sky does not make it transparent. Bullock asked and Ezer answered that the height of the fly loft is an operational requirement and the height cannot be reduced, the foundation has been dropped below existing grade and any further excavation would be extremely expensive.

2. Historical: Hagadone asked and Ezer answered that the original building is historic but DHT is not part of the Diamond Head historical area. The building is historic and the Hawaii Historic Foundation is allowing demolition. DHT does not represent the original historic building purpose.

3. Seating Capacity: A resident asked and Ezer responded that there will be no increase in seating.

4. Controversy: Resident Michele Matson distributed and reported alternative information. Matson stated DHT will not be rebuilt, DHT will be torn down, and the problem is the fly loft.

5. Height Variance: Ezer stated that DHT recognizes the height limit is being exceeded and will ask for an exception.

6. Permitting Process: Bullock asked and Ezer answered that the draft EA is completed, the draft EA will be turned into final EA and then approved by DPP. DHT can then ask for variance and would need to get a Diamond Head district minor area permit.

7. View: Tam asked and Ezer agreed that patients at Leahi Hospital may have their view blocked by the construction of the new DHT. Yamada asked how the Board can fully understand the impact if the picture displayed does not depict the whole neighborhood.

8. Report: Resident Linda Wong stated that she conducted a report on DHT and could supply the report for the Board.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Director Mark Wong of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported the following: Parks in Kaimuki: Crane Community Park will finish renovations in April 2016. Kaimuki Community Park improvements are anticipated completion in July 2016. Kanewai Community Park improvements and reconstruction is ongoing, anticipated completion is April/May 2016. Kapaolono Community Park project is out to bid and starting in April/May 2016. Kilauea District Park project is out to bid and Palolo Valley District Park work was completed in September 2015.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. LED Street Lights: Mr. Elwood asked and Director Wong answered that the LED street light bid has been pulled back.

2. Kilauea Park: A resident asked if there will be maintenance of the gym at Kilauea Park. Director Wong noted to call Mayor Kirk Caldwell's office for a quick response or use the 311 application that allows users to upload complaints and pictures into the system.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): James Larson distributed a newsletter and was available for questions.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): Councilmember Ozawa distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

• Kaimuki Municipal Metered Parking Lot: There was a $1.5 million capital improvement project (CIP) granted for this parking lot in 2015. Councilmember Ozawa asked the community to urge for release of the CIP.

• Complete Streets: Councilmember Ozawa introduced Bill 8 to amend the complete street ordinance. Councilmember Ozawa stated that there is a focus from the administration to use Complete Streets for bike lanes and he is trying to control that.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bike Lane: Hoshiko commented that the Culinary Institute of the Pacific had to make left turn lane modifications when a bike lane was inserted; Councilmember Ozawa responded that Bill 8 will help with that.

2. Bill 83: Senator Les Ihara asked the status of Bill 83.

3. Mopeds: A resident commented that there is a moped noise working group, over 20 bills moving through the legislature relating to mopeds, and a moped noise resolution has been passed by 25-30% of the Neighborhood Boards.

4. Building Permits: Yamada commented on the three (3)-story home construction on 16th avenue. Bullock responded that DPP followed up and has found the building in regulation. Bullock asked the issue be investigated because of the wording of the permit and does not address where parking will be.

5. Speeding: A resident noted speeding vehicles on Sunset Avenue.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Deputy Director Leonard Hoshijo of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) distributed and highlighted information from the Capitol Connection newsletter as follows:

• Homeless: Call 586-0193 for issues regarding homeless.

• Preschool: To register for preschool visit www.patchhawaii.org.

• State of the State: Governor Ige's State of the State address was on better and smarter management.

• Taxes: The administration is modernizing the tax system and has a new consolidated unit for investigation to crack down on tax fraud.

• Bonds: Governor Ige's team is in New York to secure favorable bond rating for the State that could save $25-30 million.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): No representative was present and no report was available.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): Senator Ihara reported the following:

• New Senator: The son of the late Senator Gil Kahele was sworn in today, February 17, 2016 as the new Senator for Hilo.

• Mopeds: Senator Ihara has been working on the moped legislation.

• Care Homes: Legislation relating to unannounced visits to care homes has made it through committee.

• Elections: The Senate will be voting on all mail elections soon.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Mopeds: Mr. Elwood was upset that legislation would increase costs for moped users.

Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): A written report was provided.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (State House 19th District): Representative Bertrand Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

• House Bill (HB) 1839: HB 1839, relating to the Diamond Head state monument passed the Water and Land Committee on Friday, February 5, 2016.

• Red Hill: There was a possible gas leakage at Red Hill that was kept secret for 51 years.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Friends of Kaimuki Public Library: The Friends of Kaimuki Library Bookstore is open every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, 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 9:18 p.m.

Submitted by: Amanda Ehe, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Sam Wolff, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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