Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (MARCH 9, 2016) Meeting

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (MARCH 9, 2016) 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, MARCH 9, 2016

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 8 members present. Note -- This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ken Aronowitz (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), Andrew Chung, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Marvin Heskett, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki,

Board Members Absent: Paul Holtrop, Stephen Maybir, and Michael Weinstein.

Guests: Sergeant Brandt Tsuha (Honolulu Police Department); Catherine P. Awakuni Colón (Governor David Ige's Representative/Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs); Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Director, Department of Facility Maintenance); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Yoko Tomita (Department of Transportation Services); Scott Stensrud (Blue Zones Project); Jowey H. Sanders (Safe Haven); Ron and Janice Leiker; M. Tait; Ivan Hoe; Videographer Zoe; and Stephen Saito (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Brandt Tsuha reported the following:

• February 2016 Crime Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 18 thefts, and 14 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles. There were 6,479 calls for service in District 7.

• Pedestrian Safety Tip: Look both ways before crossing the street and look for incoming motor vehicles.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Crossing the Street: Shiraki commented about children crossing the street with handheld devices in their hands standing in the crosswalk, and asked if honking the horn would be appropriate to alert those in the crosswalk of nearby motor vehicles. Sergeant Tsuha answered that the use of the car horn is subjective and not against the law, but those that are already in the crosswalk have the right of way. Shiraki asked for the number of citations pedestrians received for illegally crossing the road. Sergeant Tsuha answered that in February 2016, about 70 citations related to pedestrian violations were issued during the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

2. Interstate H-1 Freeway: Shiraki asked and Sergeant Tsuha answered that the posted speed limit sign on the Interstate H-1 freeway applies to all lanes on the freeway, but it is acknowledged that the left lane is typically used to pass. Shiraki raised a concern of speeding in the far left lane.

Aronowitz arrived to the meeting at 7:03 p.m.; nine (9) members were present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• February 2016 Main Break Report: There was a main break at 2425 Holomua Place.

• Checking for Leaks: The average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water each year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks. In observance of National Fix-A-Leak week, Sunday through Saturday, March 13 to March 19, 2016, and to promote water efficiency and savings, BWS reminds residents to check their homes for potential water leaks. Checking and fixing water leaks helps conserve water, lower water and sewer bills, and prevents potential damage to the home. Free leak detection dye tablets are available to the public at the BWS Public Service Building at 630 South Beretania Street. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Red Hill Fuel Leak: Shiraki thanked BWS for its handling of the Red Hill fuel leak issue. Dias noted that updates about Red Hill can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT: There were no nominations to fill the vacant board seat in Subdistrict 1. This item was deferred to the next meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Budget Committee Meeting: There was a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

• Council Meeting: There will be a Council meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the third floor of Honolulu Hale in the Council Chamber.

• Council Bills: The Council will be reviewing Bill 2 CD1, relating to real property tax relief for properties used for low-income rental housing; Bill 12, relating to real property tax relief for family member rental housing; and resolution 16-46 urging the administration to implement the City's Complete Streets policy in a manner that equally benefits all users of its transportation system by including pedestrian improvements during the design and construction of Complete Streets projects.

• McKinley High School 150th Anniversary Fair: McKinley High School's 150th Anniversary will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016.

• Recognition of Rockne Freitas: Council recognized Rockne Freitas, who retired after 23 years of service to the University of Hawaii (UH) system, on Wednesday, February 17, 2016.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. 2117 Palolo Avenue: Chair Jerlow thanked Councilmember Kobayashi's Office for the follow up on the bulky items and graffiti at the property at 2117 Palolo Avenue and noted that the property was sold to a private property to be torn down and a fence would be built. Kaneshiro noted that the fencing was a proposal by the previous property owner.

2. Dump Sites: Chair Jerlow raised a concerns of various locations in Palolo Valley that looks like dump sites. Kaneshiro answered that the location of these dump sites need to be identified so that a RISR can be placed for the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to follow up on.

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

• Neighborhood Watch Signs: DFM has not received any wrap around Neighborhood Watch signs. Have Community member Madge Nicholas notify Director Sasamura the location the wrap around Neighborhood Watch signs were dropped off for DFM to follow up.

• Trench Patch: The work to install a new sewer lateral at 1647 9th Avenue is covered by trenching permit no. TP2016-07-0616. After numerous notifications to the contractor about deficient repairs to the excavated area, DPP is issuing a formal notice of violation (NOV) to the contractor. DPP will follow up with this matter until the roadway is satisfactorily restored.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Speed Trailers: Heskett thanked HPD for the speed trailer installed on Palolo Avenue.

2. TheBus Payment Options: Jerlow asked if TheBus will consider alternative prepaid payment options for TheBus fee other than the monthly $60 bus passes. Hack asked for the future senior rate for rail/TheBus. Director Sasamura answered that the City is looking at a common transportation fare card and will be looking at other City facilities the card could be used for.

3. Honolulu 311: Chair Jerlow noted appreciation for the Honolulu 311 phone application.

4. "No Turn Sign" near Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquors: Shiraki suggested that there be a larger "no turn" sign at the driveway to Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquors on 10th Avenue for mauka-bound motorists and that Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquors should construct that sign if the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) cannot.

5. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Staffing: Heskett asked and Director Sasamura answered that DPR and DFM held a job fair in December 2015 to hire groundskeepers and added that now DPR and DFM have more groundskeepers on staff to do maintenance jobs for City properties.

6. Orchid Street: Jerlow raised a safety concern about restriping of the intersection of Orchid Street and Palolo Avenue and asked if the new alignment to the "stop bar" will make it difficult for buses to make the turn from Orchid Street to Palolo Avenue.

Hearing no objections, Chair Jerlow moved to agenda item, "State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say."

State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say -- Speaker Emeritus Say circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• House Bill (HB) 1753: HB 1753 relating to regulation of mopeds passed through the House of Representative and is now in the Senate.

• House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 35: State House Speaker Emeritus Say is sponsoring HCR 35, requesting a reevaluation of the Ala Wai canal project draft feasibility study with integrated environmental impact statement (EIS).

• Vacant St. James Church: House Speaker Emeritus Say discussed with Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) administrator Russell Tsuji regarding the old vacant St. James Church on Palolo Avenue and discovered that the property was sold.

• Recognition of Brycen Go: A certificate of recognition from the House of Representative was awarded to Brycen Go for his accomplishment as a 7th Grade student at Jarrett Middle School, teaching Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to thousands of individuals as a certified American Heart Association instructor.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Recognition of Brycen Go: Go noted that his passion is to become a paramedic and then possibly become a physician. Go noted that he is currently in a paramedic program.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• Green Energy Market Securitization (GEMS): One (1) of Governor Ige's priorities including the cooling of 1,000 public school classrooms through the GEM program.

• Filing Taxes: Governor Ige advises individuals to file taxes early if there is an expected return. Monday, April 11, 2016 is the deadline for filing returns.

• Albizia Trees: A concern regarding albizia trees is on City property and will be followed up on regarding what the City can do about the trees.

• Ala Wai Canal Project: There is a link to the draft feasibility study report at www.alawaicanalproject.com. The US Army Corps of Engineers is scheduled to finalize the EIS by January 2017.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Increase of Taxes: Shiraki noted his discontent with legislation regarding the increase of taxes for highway fees. House Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the House did not hear legislation regarding the increases of taxes for highway fees yet.

2. Recognitions: Chair Jerlow asked if there is a link on the Governor's website to have the Board request the recognition of Brycen Go. Director Awakuni Colón answered in the affirmative.

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

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: There were no concerns.

PRESENTATION

DTS Public Transit Title VI Program: Yoko Tomita from DTS, Public Transit Division reported the following:

• 2016 Program: The Public Transit Title VI Program covers TheBus and TheHandi-Van. DTS presented to the Board in September 2015 on 2015's title VI program. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and religion in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Submission of the program is required every three (3) years if federal financial assistance is received. DTS was allowed the opportunity to waive their 2015 submission to cover questions from 2015 and add in any needed changes for 2016. The language access plan, public participation plan, a major service and fare policy, and annual report were updated.

• Findings: One-Third (1/3) of the routes require additional evaluation and in need of redistribution of services. 70% of the bus routes are standardized to be within walking distance to residential areas. Title VI program transit vehicles were allocated newer vehicles and non-Title IV program transit vehicles were not.

• Comments: DTS is requesting comments on the Title VI program and will be submitting its program to the Federal Transition Administration (FTA) in May 2016. There will be a public hearing for the 2016 Title VI program on Friday, April 8, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Mission Memorial Hearings Room.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Honolulu Rail Transit Project: Hack asked if the Honolulu Rail Transit Project will be included in the Public Transit Title VI program in the future. Tomita answered that the next report for the Title VI program will be due in 2019, and is not sure if the Honolulu Rail Transit Project will be included.

2. TheHandi-Van: Shiraki commented about the route delays for TheHandi-Van and asked why there are many delays with TheHandi-Van. Tomita will follow up, but noted that road work contributed to much of TheBus delays.

Blue Zone Project Selection Process: Scott Stensrud reported the following:

• Project: Blue Zone Project is a community based well-being project that is sponsored by HMSA. Dan Buettner fathered the project and started by documenting areas where people lived the longest such as in Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California. Blue Zones Project supports well-being improvements in the areas of citizenship, worksites, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, community policy, and faith-based communities. The project is currently looking for support in areas of Windward Oahu and is look into groups of participants by zip codes.

• Power 9 Principle: The "Power 9" includes the principles 1) to down shift, reverse disease by finding a street relieving strategy; 2) purpose, wake up with a purpose each day to add up to seven (7) years to life; 3) plant slant, eat less meat and more vegetables; 4) wine at five (5), drink a glass of wine each day; 5) family first, invest time with the family and add years to life; 6) 80% rule, eat mindfully and stop when 80% full; 7) move naturally, find ways to move more to burn calories; 8) right tribe, surround self with people who support positive behaviors; 9) and belong, belong to a faith-based community and attend services (4) times a month to add years to lifespan.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Community Involvement: Chair Jerlow asked how to get the community involved in the Blue Zone Project. Stensrud answered that the project looks for legislation to get the process going and noted that the zones are divided by zip codes. Stensrud added that the project would send out questionnaires to evaluate if an area could feasibly be a part of the project.

BOARD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Mau moved and Hack seconded to adopt the regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, February 10, 2016 as amended. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (Aye: Aronowitz, Chung, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, and Shiraki; Nay: None; Abstain: None). Amendments included the following:

• Page 2: Under the subheading "Potholes", "Mananui" should be replaced with "Makanui."

• Page 3: Under the subheading "University of Hawaii (UH) Tuition", "against" should be replaced with, "for."

• Page 5: Under the heading "ANNOUNCEMENTS", "…and Hack noted that a presenter did deliver a presentation to the Board" should be removed.

Purchase of Two (2) Additional Board Banners: Shiraki moved and Mau seconded for the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 purchase two (2) additional Board banners. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-2 (Aye: Aronowitz, Chung, Hack, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, and Shiraki; Nay: none; Abstain: Gerlich-Hayes and Heskett).

Discussion of Quarterly Information Theme -- Safety: Chair Jerlow commented about the neighborhood watch and opportunities HPD is offering to improve neighborhood safety.

Creation of Board Committees: There was no report.

Gladys Gerlich-Hayes' Three (3) Absences: Gerlich-Hayes commented about the difficulties attending Board meetings due to age and noted that will not be able to attend April 2016 regular meeting. No action was taken on Gerlich-Hayes' three (3) absences.

Property at 2117 Palolo Avenue: There was no report.

Speeding on Palolo Avenue: There was no report.

RSVP Status for 2016 Conference of Chairs: Chair Jerlow noted that he will be attending the Conference of Chairs, but Mau will not be able to.

Hearing no objections, Chair Jerlow returned to agenda item, "Senator Les Ihara, Jr."

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara, Jr. reported the following: Moped Working Group: There is a House and Senate Bill relating to a bill to moped noise concerns. This issue has been brought up to various Boards. The changes are the enforcement of mopeds by HPD and the licensing of mopeds. Various other senate bills were discussed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Mopeds in Bike Lanes: Shiraki asked and Senator Ihara, Jr. answered that mopeds are allowed to ride in the bike lanes unless there is a sign stating otherwise. Senator Ihara, Jr. added that mopeds are listed as bicycles when registered.

2. Victims of Crime Bill: Shiraki asked for an update regarding a bill for victims of crime. Senator Ihara, Jr. answered that the Senate is looking to get a bill on ballot as a constitutional right.

Chair Jerlow returned the agenda to order to agenda item, "Reports."

REPORTS:

Treasurer's Report: Hack read the financial statement and reported a remaining balance of $183.80. The report was filed.

Recognition Committee Report: Nakayama noted that Ben Vegas was nominated and that the committee is looking to nominate all nominees at the next committee meeting.

Traffic Safety committee Report: Shiraki noted speeding on Palolo Avenue and to call 911 when drivers are tailgating.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at Palolo Elementary School cafeteria.

Candidate Forum: Gerlich-Hayes noted a need to schedule the candidate forum. Mau noted that the issue needs to be added on the agenda. Gerlich-Hayes suggested the candidate forum be scheduled for July 2016.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

Submitted by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Neighborhood Assistant; Andrew Chung, Board member

Finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

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