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Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (APRIL 14, 2016)
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Diamond Head/ Kapahulu/ St. Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5
DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE
CALL TO ORDER -- Chair George West called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. A quorum was established with eight (8) members present. (Note -- This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.) Chair West welcomed and thanked everyone to the meeting.
Members Present -- Julia Allen, Barbra Armentrout, Michelle Matson (arrived at 7:23 p.m. and departed at 9:15 p.m.;), Bertha Nahoopii, Bert Narita, Keolu Peralto, Barbara Miller (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Laura St. Denis, Bryn Villers, George Waialeale (arrived at 6:36 p.m.), Jerry Wanager (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), George West, and Linda Wong (arrived at 6:36 p.m.).
Members Absent -- Don Persons.
Guests -- Shawn Tsuha (Governor David Ige's Representative, Public Safety Department, Deputy Director), Senator Sam Slom, Senator Les Ihara Jr., House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Film Office); Cliff Kaneshiro and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Kurt Tsuneyoshi and Francis Choe (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Sergeant S. Christensen (Honolulu Police Department, District 6), Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane and Sergeant Brandt Tsuha (Honolulu Police Department, District 7), Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply), Jason Woll (Department of Parks and Recreation), Daisy Murai, Vanessa Chong (Protect Leahi & Maluhia ʻOhana), Audrey Chandler and Klaus Radtke (AHOP), Jack and Barbara Ho, T. Schwartz (State of Hawaii), K. Ikeda, Amy Brown, Donna L. Ching, Franklin Chung, Mia Noguchi (COA), Takashi Murayama, Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College/Culinary Institute of the Pacific), Ron Lockwood (McCully-Moʻiliʻili Neighborhood Board No. 8, Chair), Fred Wong, Dave Moskowitz (Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9), and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).
VACANCY -- There was one (1) vacancy is Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rules for Speaking -- For all wishing to speak on items not already on the agenda, fill out a Community Concern form at the front desk and turn into the Chair or Neighborhood Assistant.
Filling of Vacancy in Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head) -- Chair West asked for any volunteers to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head). As there were no nominations, Chair West deferred this item to the next meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD - Waikiki Station) -- There was no representative present at this time and no report was available.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 6, Waikiki/Diamond Head) -- Sergeant S. Christensen reported the following:
• March 2016 Statistics -- Sergeant Christensen reported the statistics, but they were not recorded on the recorder, due to the public address system… There were park closure citations with 15 arrests. There were 4,363 calls for service in District 6.
Comments followed: No Comments -- Chair West noted that there were no comments, so HPD, District 6 must be doing a good job.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD- District 7, Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights) -- Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane introduced Sergeant Tsuha and reported the following:
• March 2016/February 2016 Statistics -- There were 9/7 motor vehicle thefts, 11/11 burglaries, 37/32 thefts, and 16/21 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV). District 7 had 6,818 total calls for service.
• Safety Tips -- Home Security Tips -- Several home security tips were included. Lieutenant Sukekane highlighted to lock the doors and windows and to not let strangers into the home unmonitored. They may commit burglaries.
L. Wong and Waialeale arrived at 6:36 p.m.; 12 members present.
Comments followed:
No Bicycles on Sidewalks Signs -- Armentrout reported that the no bicycle and no skate boarding signs were installed on Kapahulu Avenue. More signs will be posted.
No Parking Sign -- St. Denis requested the removal of a No parking sign on Leahi Avenue, which would add one (1) parking space. St. Denis was advised to contact the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).
PUBLIC EVENTS AND NOTICES
Liquor Commission Hearing -- The Liquor Commission Hearing will be on Thursday, April 28, 2016 to review the license application for the House of Wong Restaurant at 477 Kapahulu Avenue.
PRESENTATION
Protect Leahi and Maluhia ʻOhana -- Vanessa Chong works at Leahi Hospital and as an individual wanted to present an Action Alert and support for House Bill (HB) 1700, House Draft (HD) 1, Senate Draft (SD) 1 -- Hawaii State Budget, SUPPORT INCREASED FUNDING OF ADDITIONAL $38 MILLION -- FOR STATEWIDE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SAFETY NET. As the Board could not take a vote tonight, Chong wanted Board members, as individuals, to contact the House Finance and Senate Ways & Means (WAM) committees to support the added funding. The handout also included the varied services to senior patients.
Comments followed: Education -- Narita suggested to educate the seniors in the community about services available and to get their input. Chong responded that she was a volunteer and that volunteers and resources were stretched. Contact Chong mobile 551-9663 or yukachong@hawaliantelmet.
RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Consideration of Resolution to Restore Parking at the Natatorium -- Amy Brown submitted a packet of information with 225 signatures to support her proposed resolution to change the volleyball court on the Diamond Head (left) side of the Natatorium to a parking lot. Brown has not seen any volleyball players for months and agrees with the closing of the parking lot for special days. The area would have 15 more parking spaces. Honolulu Zoo people signed the petition.
Chair West mentioned that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) received written testimony from five (5) people, included Donna Ching.
Donna Ching opposed the parking lot, because it would bring "additional dishonor to the neglected memorial and further undermine our forgotten pledge to remember the more than 10,000 from Hawaiʻi, who served in World War I." Ching asked Neighborhood Board No. 5 to affirm the community's respect for the reasons both War Memorial Natatorium and Kapiolani Park were established and thanked the Board for rejecting the parking proposal.
L. Wong moved and St. Denis seconded to accept the resolution proposed by Amy Brown. Discussion followed.
Jason Woll from Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), had reviewed with Director Michele Nekota the situation and the DPR would continue to use the area for recreational uses, and there were no plans to do something else than volleyball. Villers asked if installing a parking lot would change the designation or jurisdiction. Woll replied it would not. St. Denis added that 25 years ago the area used to be for parking and it was made into a volleyball court. Today, parking is a premium.
Fred Wong, a World War II veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars wanted to object to further expanded parking on the Natatorium premises, except for permitted parking on Memorial Day for the large number of Vietnam War-era veterans riding motorcycles. F. Wong gave a brief history of the "Memorial Park," noted that Territorial law precedes State law, and added that changes in land use of this proportion should follow proper guidelines. F. Wong concluded that its Annual State Convention, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, State of Hawaii supported and encouraged full restoration.
Brown tried contacting various community groups and no one, including the Kapiʻolani Park Trust (KPT), was interested in the parking lot expansion. However, the 6,000 bikers, who have to park at Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) were interested in this issue. Armentrout asked if Councilmember Ann Kobayashi was informed of this issue.
Villers noted that he was personally in favor of the Natatorium and he was concerned that this issue may give support to groups opposing the Natatorium.
L. Wong pointed out that any decision on this motion will be over-ridden in the final plans in 2017.
Miller asked to see the resolution, which was included in the packet of information. Narita asked that the proposed resolution be read for the public. The resolution was read by Villers as follows:
"'ADDITIONAL PUBLIC PARKING AT THE LEFT FRONT OF THE
NATATORIUM' RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Hawaii State residents and visitors have a difficult time finding parking in the Kapiʻolani Park and/or Kaimana (Sans Souci) Beach area, and therefore often unable to enjoy said park/beach, causing great hardship, especially to Hawaii's ʻohana; and
WHEREAS, State of Hawaii residents from Waianae, North Shore, Kailua, Kaneohe, Hawai'i Kai, and elsewhere are unable to bicycle, bus, or walk to Kapiʻolani Park with their children, coolers, tents, and food; and
WHEREAS, for 11 years since the parking fronting the left front side of the Waikiki Natatorium (if you are facing the ocean) was paved and briefly available for parking, but immediately closed for an infrequently-used volleyball area; and
WHEREAS, now there are four other non-permit requiring areas for volleyball including the 1) Sunset on the Beach site (intersection of Kalakaua and Kapahulu Avenue) which includes four official beach volleyball areas 2) Makai of Paki Hale (house), 3) Kapiolani Park by the Tennis Courts on Paki Avenue (by the old archery range), and 4) anywhere inside Kapi'olani Park, and
WHEREAS, over 225 people have signed a petition asking that the Natatorium parking area be opened, and
WHEREAS, this left front parking area is only opened by the City and County of Honolulu for parking during special occasions, which it may continue to do for actual special occasion parking; and therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board requests that the City reopen the parking on the left front side of the
Natatorium similar to the open parking on the right side; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board requests that the City open this parking as soon as possible, as it has been done for special events, but to leave the parking open during the same hours as the right side, while allowing the City and County of Honolulu to reserve it for special events; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board supports maintaining free public parking in this area similar to the right side of the Natatorium parking area; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this Resolution be delivered to the Mayor and the City Council of the City and County of Honolulu, the Director of the Department of Parks, the Director of the Department of Design & Construction, the Director of the Department of Transportation Services, Director of Budget and Financial Services, and the Honolulu Police Department."
Chair West requested a vote by show of hands. Villers requested of Chair West to allow him to reconsider his vote. Chair West asked the Neighborhood Assistant if a vote change was allowed. The answer was a vote change was allowed. Villers changed his AYE vote to NAY. The Neighborhood Assistant announced the vote was 8-3-2. Chair West announced that the vote was 8-3-2 and the motion passed. Narita pointed out that there was only 12 Board members present, not 13. Secretary Peralto recounted the vote and announced the vote was 7-3-2 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Miller, St. Denis, Waialeale, Wanager, and Wong; NAY: Narita, Peralto, and Villers; and ABSTAIN: Nahoopii and West). Chair West announced that the vote was 7-3-2 and that the motion failed.
Chair West changed the order of the agenda.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Ann Wong reported the following:
• Telephone Scam Warning -- The Board of Water Supply (BWS) would like to warn the community of a telephone scam where BWS customers are being targeted in an attempt to fraudulently collect money. BWS has received several reports of customers being contacted by a person claiming to be a BWS employee and being told they owe a large sum of money. They were threatened that the bill amount must be paid immediately to avoid water service shut off.
Anyone who receives unexpected and/or aggressive phone calls in reference to a past due bill are encouraged to call the BWS for verification. Do not give any information to the caller.
o Call BWS customer service staff at 748-5030 or sign up for online billing services for accurate information about the account.
o Hang up on suspicious callers. If pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call BWS customer service at 748-5030 to speak to a real representative.
o Residents are encouraged to call the Honolulu Police Department at 911 if they encounter any suspicious activity. The community may also call the BWS at 748-5000.
• Kapahulu Water System Delay -- A. Wong announced another delay. Construction may start in May 2016.
• Red Hill Underground Fuel Storage Tanks -- A. Wong had a handout on the BWS concerns with the U.S. Navy and protecting O‘ahu's water.
Leahi Avenue Sidewalk Improvements/consideration to establish Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) -- Chair West explained that originally Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura and a resident were to be here to talk about sidewalks. Both were not here. Director Sasamura was re-scheduled for next month, May 2016. Another resident spoke to the issue of the lack of sidewalks. L. Wong decided that a PIG was not necessary and will not serve on PIG. Chair West noted that the decision to form a PIG or not will be decided next month, when there is more information. Armentrout wanted Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Mike Formby to attend the May 2016 meeting, too. Chair West wanted both Directors and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Director Robert Kroning to attend the May 2016 meeting. Chair West noted that Francis Choe from Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office mentioned that a different department may have jurisdiction. Choe added that Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office now supports the creation of a PIG. Chair West will defer this item to the next meeting.
Aquarium Alcohol Service -- Chair West mentioned that D. Moskowitz was on his way and Chair West will come back to this item.
Matson arrived at 7:23 p.m., 13 members present.
Sports Authority/Ala Wai Golf Course -- Franklin Chung noted that the bill to create a sports authority under Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) will pass. Chung encouraged the Board to watch what the sports authority will do and notify the public. Chair West also attended the hearings and there are no plans for development for the Ala Wai Golf Course. The sports authority is to research sports entertainment. The recent news stories were privately-held views. Matson added comments about the bill that Representative Scott Nishimoto introduced was trimmed down with the Hawaii Sports and Entertainment Authority not able to acquire sports entertainment venues or to get part of the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT). The Authority would aid the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) in promoting sports entertainment in Hawaiʻi. Matson hopes the bill will not pass out of conference committee and Matson will watch for the protection of the Ala Wai.
Fishing Off Waikiki/Safety Concerns -- St. Denis related how a neighborhood friend, swimming off the Gold Coast was caught by a fishing line with barbed hooks. Fortunately, she was not injured. She and a friend finally got "unhooked" after dark. Chair West advised the resident to contact the HPD and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and no Board action will be taken.
Cocked Spear Gun -- The resident also found a fully-cocked spear gun at the "Silver Stairs," was afraid for her and public safety, and wanted fishing discontinued in the shallow areas.
Homeless Complaints/Contact Information -- St. Denis had no report.
Dumping Ground at 2933 Winam Street -- Villers reported that the area near his home continued to be a dumping ground. This was reported months ago and there has been no response. As the homeless people are opening the trash bags, looking for the HI-5¢ containers, there is trash all over. Chair West wanted more information to report this issue to the proper department. Villers thanked Chair West for the assistance.
Chair West had received a resident's dust complaint from the Kapi'olani Community College/Culinary Institute of the Pacific expansion project, which Chair West forwarded to Carol Hoshiko, who immediately responded. The resident called Chair West and thanked him for satisfying the complaint.
Kapiolani Community College Culinary Institute -- Carol Hoshiko distributed a report and updated the Board with the following:
• Dust -- Hoshiko received complaints about the dust from area residents and consulted with her Capital Improvements team, which decided that the workers will water down the dust. Chair West thanked Hoshiko for her quick response.
• Work Highlights -- Installation of the sewer main in Diamond Head Road remains at 85% complete. Installation of the water main is approximately 75% complete. Water main work continues. The estimated time of completion for all work is by Friday, December 23, 2016.
Chair West thanked Hoshiko for the monthly updates.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Walea Constantinau was not present at this time.
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Cliff Kaneshiro distributed a newsletter and Councilmember Kobayashi highlighted the following:
• St. Louis Heights Community -- Councilmember Kobayashi mentioned that the St. Louis Heights community adopted a park and the Council added $5,000 for the park maintenance. Residents are doing a good job of cleaning up the park.
• No Cuts to the Zoo Budget -- The City Council wants to help the Zoo improve the maintenance and cleanliness. There is a proposal to build a two-(2) story parking garage with greenery. The Council put in funds for planning and design, so that plans could be brought to the Neighborhood Board for input and approval. The garage would improve parking in Waikiki and a few spaces could be removed from Kapahulu Avenue, which hinder traffic flow.
• Sidewalks -- There is a bill to improve sidewalks where abutting property owners will pay half of the sidewalk improvements. Although a resolution was passed to have Complete Streets, more emphasis should go to pedestrians and sidewalks than for bike lanes only.
Comments followed:
1. Complete Streets Resolution -- Armentrout asked if the Complete Streets Resolution replaced the other two (2) bills about public input. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the bills are still being discussed.
2. Signs Were Installed -- Armentrout informed Councilmember Kobayashi that the "no bicycles on the sidewalks" signs were installed.
3. Crane Park -- Waialeale mentioned that someone is fixing up the baseball diamond and it is looking very good. Councilmember Kobayashi was concerned about vandalism. Chair West mentioned a non-working drinking fountain complaint and that a few months ago, there were complaints by the Pop Warner group, which were forwarded to Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The person at the DPR did not receive the complaints, so Chair West will forward the complaints again and request that DPR report back at the May 2016 meeting. Waialeale added that in preparation for a Pop Warner game, Waialeale saw a man on a "Forrest Gump-type" lawn mower cutting the grass.
4. Honolulu Zoo -- Matson asked about Councilmember Kobayashi's idea of building a parking garage on the Zoo parking lot, and noted that the Kapiolani Park Trustees, also known as (aka) the City Council, might know of Judge Chun's decision about parking in Kapiolani Park, being for park users only. Matson asked if the parking garage is intended to generate revenue. Councilmember Kobayashi confirmed this and that the revenue would go to the Zoo. Matson asked if all park users would be using the garage, or also people going in and out of Waikiki. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the parking would not be free, and there would have some sort of validation by the Zoo. Councilmember Kobayashi added that the huge Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) garage generates about $4 million a year and parking garages pay off, but this would not be a big garage and would add more parking. Matson noted potential challenges for the proposed garage, as being on Kapiolani Park Trust land, parking for park users only, validated park-user parking, and the Kapiolani Park height limit in this open space with valued trees. Matson thought the proposal was not well-thought out. Councilmember Kobayashi will bring the designs back to the Board for input and stated that there is a need for more parking, more funding, and more visitors to the Zoo.
5. Honolulu Zoo Funding -- Narita was concerned about the Zoo funding and the loss of accreditation. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the Council has never cut the Zoo budget and whenever they asked if there was a need for funding, there was no need expressed. Narita added that the Director of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) has not come before the Neighborhood Board to explain the need for funding. Narita asked about the present condition of the original Zoo entrance, which the Board championed retaining and pointed out that there is a "concept of benign neglect" of the Natatorium and other facilities that is practiced, that is, not caring for a facility and just letting it go. Then, the only option will be to destroy it. Narita emphasized there is a need to keep track of these things. Councilmember Kobayashi agreed. Chair West will ask the Director of DES to attend the May 2016 meeting to explain.
6. Crane Park -- Villers reported that the playground equipment was "graffiti-ed" and blocked off with yellow warning tape.
7. Crosswalk Lighting -- Villers also mentioned crosswalk lighting (across Safeway) and suggested using light-emitting diodes (LED) white lights. Councilmember Kobayashi mentioned that last year the City wanted to use an old-technology LED light, which was opposed by everyone (including the University of Hawaiʻi -- Mānoa experts) and will try to find a newer technology provider. Villers added that he wanted something to identify the crosswalk. Chair West will keep this item of crosswalk visibility on the agenda.
8. Honolulu Zoo -- St. Denis asked if the funds from the parking garage would be sufficient to get the Accreditation back. Councilmember Kobayashi mentioned the City has to make a commitment to financial support, as the restrooms, pathways and signage are also in disrepair. Councilmember Kobayashi continued that there has been no stability with five (5) directors in the last few years.
9. Honolulu Zoo -- Armentrout asked about the following:
A. Do the Zoo admissions go into the General Fund or back into the Zoo?
B. Regarding the possible Zoo parking garage -- the Denny's restaurant planned across the street has only 12 parking stalls for seating for 200 people.
C. Somebody left a condo to the Zoological Society. Are not they helping out the Zoo?
D. City Council Chair Martin has mentioned that parking should go to the Zoo, and he also wrote to the Charter Commission for dedicated money going to the Zoo.
Councilmember Kobayashi responded there all many types of funding and the Friends of the Honolulu should have more management control.
10. Honolulu Zoo -- L. Wong thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for always responding to the Board's concerns. The structure pictured in the Sunday newspaper may be considered.
11. Bill 84 -- L. Wong asked about Complete Streets and bike lanes. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that she wanted more transparency and public input before the bike lanes are put in. Residents on narrow streets do not want bike lanes. L. Wong agreed that many neighborhoods do not want bike lanes.
12. Sunshine Law -- Per the Sunshine Law, Matson requested that Narita's and Armentrout's recorded comments on the Zoo and "benign neglect" be incorporated in the minutes. Speaking of "benign neglect," Matson mentioned the historic boat house, in Councilmember Kobayashi's district, needs funding for a new roof. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the Council relies on the Administration to submit the budget and has funded repairs, but it seems not to be a priority. Matson noted that the boat house is on the National Historic Register. Councilmember Kobayashi remembered that she went to a prom there. Matson wanted more proms held there after the roof is fixed.
13. Working Together -- Waialeale wanted that the City Council to work together with Mayor Kirk Caldwell for the benefit of the people of the City and County of Honolulu (C&C). Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the Council worked with Mayors Jeremy Harris, Mufi Hannemann, and Peter Carlisle.
Chair West thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for her presence.
Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Francis Choe apologized for Councilmember Ozawa not attending the meeting and a report was available.
Comments followed:
1. Complete Streets Bills -- Matson hoped to see Councilmember Ozawa at the meetings and asked if Councilmember Ozawa was aware that the Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) was criticizing his Complete Streets. Choe responded that Councilmember Ozawa was aware of the criticism.
2. Honolulu Zoo -- St. Denis asked about the Zoo. Choe had a newsletter in the back and mentioned that last Councilmember Ozawa worked with Councilmember Kobayashi and Councilmember Kimberly Pine on the bill to provide sponsorships to the Zoo. There was formed a "Working Group" to meet and decide the future direction of the Zoo. There are on-going meetings to review the accreditation process. Matson asked if Councilmember Ozawa, as a Kapiolani Park Trustee, knew of Judge Chun's decision about parking at the Zoo. Choe responded that Councilmember Ozawa was aware of Judge Chun's decision.
Chair West received a communication from Governor's Representative General Arthur Logan that he was out of State.
Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Shawn Tsuda, Public Safety Department, distributed Governor Ige's Capitol Connection and was available to hear concerns.
Comments followed:
1. State Department of Health (DOH) -- Narita was concerned about the DOH preparedness for Dengue Fever, Ebola, and the Zika viruses and asked about the GMO mosquitoes.
2. Press Conference -- Armentrout preferred Governor Ige holding a press conference instead of publishing the Capitol Connection.
3. Sales at Diamond Head Crater -- L. Wong mentioned a man selling t-shirts at the top of Diamond Head Crater and asked for follow-up.
4. Spear Gun and Fishing Safety Concerns -- Deputy Director Tsuda will follow up with Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Chair West changed the order of the agenda.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Walea Constantinau reported the following:
• Natatorium Parking -- As there was a representative from Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) present, Constantinau will defer on this topic.
• April is Earth Month -- Constantinau will give a copy of the poster to Chair West. There will be the 9th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo at the Waikiki Aquarium on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Sidewalks on Leahi Avenue -- Chair West noted that the discussion of sidewalk ownership and installation was postponed to the May 2016 and two (2) department heads were invited to come.
Comments followed:
1. Mānoa/Palolo Drainage Canal -- Narita reported that the Canal was overgrown again and wanted the brush cleared, before it grows too large. Chair West mentioned that the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura will attend next month.
2. Hawaiʻi 5¢/Crosswalk Lights -- Villers will defer his comments on the Hawaiʻi 5¢ to the State. Villers proposed a pilot project for the City to install white light-emitting diodes (LED) lights at the crosswalk at the Safeway on Kapahulu Avenue and Olu Street. Constantinau will follow up.
3. No Parking Space -- St. Denis requested that the No parking sign be removed on Leahi Avenue near the Life Guard Building to add one (1) more parking space.
4. Compliment for Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Resident Daisy Murai complimented the HFD for controlling the fire at the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) substation, which is near the Chevron gas station.
Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara reported the following:
• Legislature -- Today was the 47th day of the 60-day session. Bills will go back to the house of origin and then to Conference Committee. The deadline for Governor Ige's submission of judicial nominees has past. Now, the Senate will consider the judges appointments.
• Bills -- A bill will allow Air B&B to collect taxes for Bed & Breakfasts (B&B) the Department of Taxation statewide.
• Three (3) Bills -- Three (3) bills are relating to revocable permits and short-term (month to month) leases, 89-day hires, and procurement. Senator Ihara mentioned that Chair West was instrumental in moving the moped bill along and will report on mopeds later. Chair West requested that Senator Ihara report on it now.
House Bill (HB) 1753 would require annual inspections, police enforcement of inspections, registration fees, and license plates that can be seen. Chair West added that the bill "died once," and was revived through the efforts of Senator Ihara.
Comments followed:
1. Senate Bill (SB) 2535, Relating to Geothermal Drilling in Residential Areas -- Armentrout asked about the Senate Bill (SB) 2535, which was "gutted." Senator Ihara presumed it was "dead." Senator Ihara voted against it, as it overrode County laws.
2. Procurement Laws -- L. Wong worked 23 years in the procurement area and shared her experiences.
3. Sports and Entertainment Authority Bill and Senate Bill (SB) 2816, Enforcement of Posted Hours on State Lands -- Matson inquired about the Sports Authority Bill and Senate Bill (SB) 2816. Senator Ihara needed more research and thinks the Sports Authority bill will go to Conference Committee.
Chair West noted that Armentrout had prepared a card for Senator Sam Slom and asked if the Senator had received the card.
Senator Sam Slom -- Julia Allen distributed the newsletter and reported the following:
• Card -- The card was received and will be forwarded to Senator Slom, as he was scheduled for coronary by-pass surgery over the past weekend and plans to be back at work next Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
• Newsletter -- Allen apologized for an incorrect date. Bills and Senator Slom's votes were listed.
Comments followed:
1. Bills -- Matson noted "Bad Bills" had health-related bills and the Sports Authority bill. Senator Slom will answer next month. Armentrout noticed the moped bill. Senator Slom voted "no" on mandate for helmets.
House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say -- House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say distributed his newsletter and reported the following:
• Update on Bills -- HSE Say highlighted bills on the Ala Wai Canal, Public Hospitals, decrease in the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) for O‘ahu.
Comments followed:
1. HCR 35 -- Matson requested more information about HCR 35 on the Ala Wai Canal.
2. Feral Cats/Sign Replacements/Rock Fall -- HSE Say had answers for St. Louis Drive residents about feral cats, stop sign replacement and rocks.
Representative Bert Kobayashi -- Representative Kobayashi distributed a report and reported the following:
• The Biggest Non-News -- The biggest non-news was the silent defeat of $70 million vehicle tax increase (SB 2938), which died without a vote in the House Transportation Committee. Representative Kobayashi felt the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) was regressive it in vehicle weight and energy consumption policies. Increases will come next year to match federal funds.
• Other Bills -- The status of Marsy's Law and other bills were listed.
Comments followed: Diamond Head Tunnels and Kapahulu Tunnels -- Matson was concerned about House Bill (HB) 1839. Representative Kobayashi will follow up. The Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the Diamond Head Improvements will be taken up in Conference Committee, if the Senate approves.
Representative Scott Nishimoto -- Representative Nishimoto was not present and a newsletter was available. A representative reported the following:
• Construction -- The newsletter reported construction updates and road closures.
• Second Crossover -- Today is the deadline.
Comments followed: Sports and Entertainment Authority Bill -- Matson asked what Representative Nishimoto thought of the Sports and Entertainment bill with the major changes by the Senate. The representative will ask Representative Nishimoto.
Chair West changed the order of the agenda.
RESIDENTS' CONCERNS
Aquarium/Alcohol Service -- Dave Moskowitz has investigate questionable activities by vendors in Waikiki and opposed the serving of alcohol at the Aquarium, which is under State jurisdiction. The Catering business is abusing the liquor laws and has a questionable past. He is getting documents and will share them with the Board. Moskowitz has talked with Councilmember Ozawa. Matson added that guests spill out of the Promenade at sunset. A joint resolution with the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 may have added weight.
REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Conference of Chairs -- Chair West and Vice Chair L. Wong attended the Neighborhood Commission (NC) Conference of Chairs on Saturday, April 9, 2016. The program was on the conducting of the meetings
Moped Noise Mitigation Work Group -- Chair West mentioned that Senator Ihara gave a report on House Bill (HB) 1753.
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Diamond Head Citizen's Advisory Committee Report -- Matson distributed a written report and highlighted the following:
• Report Distribution -- The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) had mailed out the report and Matson will send a copy to Representative Kobayashi.
• State Department of Defense Facilities Relocation -- Buildings will be vacated and demolished for open park space.
• Diamond Head State Monument Visitor's Interpretive Center -- The funding bill was held by the Senate Ways and Means Committee, but the Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have been adopted.
• Millennium Peace Garden Update and Emergency Operations Transmission Tower -- The Millennium Peace Garden Update and the Emergency Operations Transmission Tower were listed.
• Diamond Head Citizens Advisory Committee (DHCAC) Field Inspection -- The DHCAC conducted a field inspection of the crater interior on Monday, April 4, 2016.
• Diamond Head Theater Redevelopment -- DHCAC members have expressed concerns.
• Diamond Head State Monument Management Issues -- A. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has discovered private residences with their landscaping, rock walls and revetments encroaching into the Diamond Head State Monument conservation district. In February 2016 the Board of Land and Natural Resources called for removal of the encroachments other than those intended for flood control. B. The Division of State Parks has been enforcing the State's camping prohibition within the Monument on the makai exterior slopes and along the new recreational Ft. Ruger Pathway and the crater interior's access roads. Despite enforcement with posted signs, numerous homeless individuals have been encountered and leave when asked, but soon return.
• Senate Bill 2816 -- A recent fire shows the importance of Senate Bill 2816, which provides needed protection of State public lands by clarifying that State land closed with closure hours posted is land closed to public use during such times, and those unlawfully on state property during such hours may be subject to arrest. Matson hopes that SB 2816 will pass conference committees and go to Governor Ige.
• Next Meeting -- The next DHCAC meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 in the Department of Land and Natural Resources Board Room at 5:00 p.m.
Chair West received correspondence from the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard (HIRANG) and others about the demolition of buildings, which he will forward to Matson.
Complete Streets/Consideration of Adopting a Resolution -- Bert Narita gave some background information. This resolution was offered by the bicycling advocates and two (2) months ago the Board wanted to consider the resolution. Now, he wants the Board to vote "No" on a resolution to consider the resolution, as the resolution does not address the requirements of the "Complete Streets" for this district, which wants less emphasis on Bike Lanes and more focus on pedestrian issues and drainage.
Narita moved and Matson seconded that the resolution, authored by the bicycle advocates be considered by the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 tonight. Discussion followed. Armentrout was confused, as Narita had voted "yes." Narita voted in support of the concept of "Complete Streets," but "with reservations," as the Board did not vote on the resolution. Vice Chair L. Wong, Villers, and Waialeale had questions. Armentrout added that she asked if Bill 84 was still "alive." Councilmember Kobayashi responded that it was. Waialeale asked Narita which way he will vote and Narita said, "NAY." Chair West requested a vote by a show of hands. Secretary Peralto requested a roll call vote. The motion was NOT ADOPTED, 1-9-3 (AYE: Matson; NAY: Allen, Armentrout, Miller, Nahoopii, Narita, Villers, Waialeale, Wanager, and Wong; and ABSTAIN: Peralto, St. Denis, and West).
BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of March 10, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes -- L. Wong moved and St. Denis seconded that the March 10, 2016 be approved as circulated. Discussion followed. Matson moved to amend the minutes. There was no second. Chair West announced that the motion died for lack of a second and requested a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED, 10-2-1 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Peralto, St. Denis, Wanager, Wong, and West; NAY: Matson and Waialeale; ABSTAIN: Villers).
Matson departed the meeting at 9:15 p.m.; 12 members present.
REPORTS
Treasurer's Report -- Armentrout stated the current balance is approximately $2,172.46. The articles for the newsletter are done, as confirmation from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) was received yesterday as to the placement of the "no bicycling and skateboarding" signs on Kapahulu Avenue.
Subdistrict One (1) -- Allen stated that the next meeting for St. Louis Heights Association meeting will be on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hokulani Elementary School.
Subdistrict Two (2) -- Nahoopii had no report. Peralto stated that the illegal dumping, occurring at 2933 Wainam Avenue, is growing. The neighbors are working with the City, but Peralto does not know if an inspector has been sent. As to the Liquor Commission, Peralto can sympathize with Moskowitz.
Subdistrict Three (3) -- St. Denis stated she was requesting the removal a "no parking" sign and that a neighbor found a loaded spear gun and was "hooked" by fishing equipment. St. Denis reported the last two (2) items to Governor's Representative Shawn Tsuha.
Board Newsletter -- Armentrout had already reported on the newsletter.
CHAIR'S REPORT/ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Correspondence from HIRANG -- Chair West will forward the correspondence to Matson.
• Hawaii Hazards Awareness and Resilience Program (HHARP) -- Armentrout announced that the next topic will be "Earthquake and Tsunami Basics" on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Mānoa Public Library, 2716 Woodlawn Drive from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Next Regular Meeting: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting is scheduled to be held Thursday, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Club House.
ADJOURNMENT -- As there was no further business before the Board, Chair West adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Submitted by:
K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by:
Sa
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