Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (APRIL 20, 2016)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (APRIL 20, 2016)
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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT -- REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock called the meeting to order at 7:09 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: None

Guests: Sergeant Robert Cadiz and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, and Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say (Hawaii State Legislature); Julia Allen (Senator Sam Slom's Office); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Ted Peck (Holu Energy), Randall Tanaka (IUCN) Wayne and Rae Tadaki, and Sam Wolff (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane reported the following:

• March 2016 Statistics: There were 14 vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 49 thefts, and 20 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 6,818 total calls for service.

• Home Security Tip: Be careful when allowing people into the home and observe them to ensure nothing is being stolen.

• Vehicle Security Tip: Secure the vehicle to prevent theft.

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

• March 2016 Statistics: There were 2 structure fires, 1 brush fire, 1 cooking fire, 12 activated alarms, 83 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 3 motor vehicle collisions, 2 hazardous material incidents, and 5 mountain rescues.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Escape Planning: Plan an escape route ahead of time. If a fire breaks out in the home there may only be a few minutes to safely get out once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. HFD provides the following escape planning tips:

o Make a home escape plan.

o Know at least two (2) ways out of every room.

o Have an outside meeting place.

o Practice a fire drill at home at least twice a year during the day and night with everyone who lives at the home and use two (2) ways out.

o Teach children how to escape on their own in case they cannot be assisted.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns Followed: Hazardous Material: Chair Bullock asked and Miyashita responded that he does not have the information on the hazardous material incidents that occurred but will provide that information for future meetings. Chair Bullock further stated that a hazardous material incident can involve a wide array of materials and that it would be helpful for the community to be aware of what occurred.

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

• March 2016 Main Break Report: There were 2 main breaks on Sierra Drive.

• Telephone Scam Warning: BWS warns 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. These customers were told that they owed a large sum of money to BWS and were told that a bill amount must be paid immediately to avoid water service shut off. Anyone who receives an unexpected or unusual phone call from BWS are encouraged to call BWS for verification. Do not give any information to the caller. Tips to help protect against scams that may use water bills as a lure include:

o Know the account status. Call BWS customer service staff at 748-5030 or sign up for online billing services for accurate information about the account.

o Understand BWS collection procedures. BWS does not call costumers outside its business hours to request payment.

o Safeguard personal information. Never give out credit or debit card number or other personal information to any caller or visitor without knowing their true identity.

o Hang up on any suspicious caller. If feeling pressured, hang up the phone and call BWS customer service at 748-5030 to ensure a BWS representative is speaking. Residents are also encouraged to call HPD at 911 if any suspicious activity is encountered. Additional reports can also be filed to BWS by calling 748-5000.

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. Hearing no nominations Chair Bullock deferred the vacancy fillings until the next regular meeting.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the March 16, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and Ross seconded that the March 16, 2016 regular Board meeting minutes be approved as drafted. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, Ross, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer's Report: Schneider reported expenditures in March 2016 of $41.91 for a remaining balance of $123.88. The report was filed.

Three (3) Absences -- Brian Kang: Hoe moved that Kang vacate his seat from the Board. Hearing no seconds the motion failed.

Three (3) Absences -- Marilyn Moniz-Kaho`ohanohano: Hoe moved that Moniz-Kaho`ohanohano vacate her seat from the Board. Hearing no seconds the motion failed.

Envision Kaimuki Committee: Schneider moved and Ross seconded to eliminate the committee.

The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 9-0-0 (AYE: Bullock, Hagadone, Hoe, Kang, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Ross, Schneider, Tam, Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS:

Conference of Chairs: On Saturday, April 9, 2016 Schneider and Chair Bullock were in attendance of the event facilitated by the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Chair Bullock found benefit in the discussion on Robert's Rules of Order and the sharing of information between other Neighborhood Boards in particular the Moped Working Group.

Neighborhood Security Watch Meeting -- Wilhelmina/Maunalani Heights: Schneider stated that the organization is consistent and very well run. There are around 600 members on the email list and Hagadone was in attendance as well. Hagadone stated that it is a very useful organization and together with the Board it can be an important tool in dispensing information. Schneider stated it keeps the neighborhood cohesive as well.

PUBLIC INPUT

• Illegal Vacation Rentals: Resident Wayne Tadaki asked and Chair BulIock responded that the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and the local Councilmember can be contacted to investigate illegal vacation rentals.

OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business.

NEW BUSINESS

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress -- Randall Tanaka reported the following:

• Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Tanaka thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for her support of the Conference.

• Conference Background: The conference occurs every four (4) years and involves 185 countries and this year it is called Planet at a Crossroads. The IUCN monitors the planet from a conservation standpoint. They are interested in holding a conference in Hawaii.

• Details of the Congress: It is a 10 day conference and the organizers expect more than 8,000 people to attend. The congress has two (2) main parts, the first part is the forum and assembly and involves the discussion of conservation on a worldwide basis. The second part is parliamentary and involves the election of officers for the next four (4) years. There will be over 900 sessions and events.

• Paper Submissions: Of the papers that have been submitted to the congress, Hawaii has the highest level of submissions in the history of the congress. From the United States, there were over 300 submissions Hawaii landed 76 submissions. 20% of the paper submissions came from Hawaii.

• Hawaii's Presence at the Conference: This congress has never been held in the United States and it is the first time in its 60+ year history because from policy and political standpoints, the US has not been the most resolute defender of the environment. Hawaii will have a very strong presence at the conference.

• The Exhibit Hall: The Exhibit Hall is open to the public. Hawaii is an extraordinary leader in the conservation arena with marine protection, invasive species, and endangered species, and those efforts will be showcased. There will be over 150 exhibit booths and nine (9) pavilions. Visit www.IUCN.org and click on the hibiscus flower to visit the micro-site for the congress.

• IUCN Background: The IUCN was founded in 1948 as the first global environmental organization. It is made up of 1,300 state and non-governmental organizations (NGO). It is made up of 15,000 voluntary scientists and experts. The organization primarily works with governments because they provide funding and access to do their work.

• All is not lost: The main objective for securing this congress is to build the capacity in this vertical market. For the next 10 to 20 years the environment and conservation issues will be on everyone's list and how quickly we can preserve the environment and reserve the space for future generations.

• Social Media: Engage with the Conference to learn more via Facebook and Twitter.

• Cost to the State: The State of Hawaii paid $11.4 million in operating costs and an additional $1.8 million over the past two (2) years. When looking past the conference, the assets and technical knowledge that can be exported will be worth it.

• Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say: Tanaka thanked Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say for his support of the Conference.

Progression's Offshore Wind Project-- Ted Peck reported the following:

• Project Overview: Holu Energy has teamed with Progression Energy to develop an offshore wind project that will supply 25% of Oahu's energy needs using five (5) acres of land. The project utilizes a very low impact wind turbine mounting system. This is a tremendous opportunity for Hawaii that could provide electricity for cheaper than what oil is at today. Almost every energy project has some impact and this is the lowest impact project, both to the community and the environment, since Peck came to the State in 2008. The project began in 2012 when the technology was fairly new.

• Site Determination: There was an analysis of five (5) areas around the island of Oahu. Over five (5) years the project had over 100 stakeholder meetings to determine the best site. They have stayed fairly quiet and discreet but Catherine Cruz from KITV gets credit for unveiling the plans. The project was not trying to be deceitful but they would prefer to tell people themselves what they are thinking of doing in order for stakeholders to provide their input.

• Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM): There has been a submission to the BOEM, the government organization that provides ocean leases. Under President Obama's Administration, BOEM began retooling themselves to provide leases for renewable energy projects such as wind or wave energy. The proposed site that has gained the most support is located 10 miles south of Oahu.

• Current Project Plan: The plan is either 50 eight (8) megawatt turbines or 40 10 megawatt turbines. There is an expectation that by the time of purchase, General Electric (GE) will have 10 megawatt turbines available. There will be two (2) fields with undersea cables feeding alternating current (AC) power. The undersea cables will connect to two (2) substations on the Ewa side of Oahu. Construction is intended to begin late 2020 and will be operational in early 2023.

• Attractiveness of Project: The project is attractive for many reasons. After meeting with fisherman who would be impacted and the US Navy, the proposed site is the least impactful place. Photovoltaics (PV) are inadequate to meet Oahu's 100% renewable energy goal by 2045. A project like this is necessary to achieve that goal.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns Followed:

1. Height of Turbines: W. Tadaki asked and Peck responded that the turbines will be 400 feet above surface of the ocean and the top of the blade is 600 feet. They will be visible but you will have to want to see it.

2. Layout of Turbines: W. Tadaki asked and Peck responded that the layout will be a mile or mile and a half area. The area between the turbines are not exclusion zones and fishermen can go in the turbines without any issues.

Presentation Continued:

• Price for Electricity: Even without any tax credits, the power can be sold in the high teens per kilowatt-hour. With a tax credit, power can be sold in the low teens per kilowatt-hour. The project can provide a stable low price for large volumes of energy.

• Financing for Project: There is a project in Europe that has been bank financed rather than equity financed which means it is viewed as a low-risk investment. The goal is to do the construction of the $1.5 billion project in Hawaii which will be a significant investment because they will be able to improve the port facility as part of the project cost.

Questions, Comments, and Concerns Followed:

1. Financing for Project: Hagadone asked and Peck responded that the bank financing rate is usually in the high single digits.

2. Agreement with Hawaiian Electric (HECO): Hagadone asked and Peck responded that there have been numerous discussions with HECO but there is not yet a power purchase agreement (PPA) in place but hopefully by 2019.

3. Storage Capacity: Hoe asked and Peck responded storage is not required for this amount of power to come onto the Oahu grid.

Yamada left at 8:17p.m.; 8 board members present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Earth Month: There will be lots of traffic in Waikiki on Saturday, April 23, 2016, plan for a lot of delays.

• School Records on Geographical Information Site (GIS): The school records are from the State GIS program. DIT has checked the State GIS records and noticed that the school records have not been updated of yet and are eight (8) years old.

• Ala Wai Golf Course: The Ala Wai Golf Course sits on land owned by the State and the City is not aware of any plans the State may have for this purpose.

• Modified Intersections: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) asked for specific locations where the modified intersections are located to determine which are under City or State jurisdiction.

• No Parking Restrictions on Waialae: HPD requested the specific cross streets in order to provide enforcement. Chair Bullock stated that the enforcement should occur on Koko Head Avenue between Waialae Avenue and Harding Avenue.

• Parking Lot Revenues in Fiscal Year (FY) 2015: The large attended lot brought in $540,000 and the metered lot brought in $235,000. Chair Bullock stated that with that amount of money the lot should be paved. Wong stated that the he spoke with Mayor Caldwell regarding this and an announcement will be coming soon.

• Sierra Drive Repaving: The entire length of Sierra Drive is scheduled to be resurfaced as part of the Department of Design and Construction's (DDC) Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14C project. The project has been put on hold until the completion of an on-going BWS project which started in November 2015 and with a tentative completion scheduled for November 2016. The resurfacing of Sierra Drive is tentatively scheduled for Calendar Year (CY) 2017. Hagadone asked and Wong responded that it does not say if the project involves the reservoir replacement. Schneider asked and Wong responded that it does not say if the side streets will be paved as well. Chair Bullock asked for clarification on the timing. Chair Bullock would like more specifics on when the entities involved will be performing their work.

• Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Meeting Agendas and Minutes: Wong provided Chair Bullock with the February 4, 2016 meeting minutes and the March 24, 2016 meeting agenda. Chair Bullock stated that under Sunshine Law every Board has to publish their agenda and minutes. Chair Bullock further asked and Wong will follow up as to where the agenda and minutes can be located online.

• Rush Hour Traffic on Koko Head Avenue and Sixth Avenue Off-Ramp: Traffic lights on surface streets associated with freeway off-ramps are under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT). HDOT has a project to modify the off-ramps to help facilitate vehicle movement from the off-ramps. DTS is working with HDOT to improve traffic flow.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Stop Sign on Ground: Hagadone stated that on 14th Avenue and Harding Avenue there is a downed stop sign. Resident Rae Tadaki stated that on 16th Avenue and Pahoa Avenue there is a downed stop sign as well.

2. 311 App: Wong recommended everyone download the 311 app for their phone to help report City issues. The 311 app is fast and bypasses many manual inputting processes. Wong recommended people visit www.data.honolulu.gov to view all the requests there.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (City Council District 5): Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

• Budget: The City budget has passed its second reading which is the first draft and the final draft will be voted on the first Wednesday of June. Any Capital Improvement Project (CIP) requests should be sent into Councilmember Kobayashi's office as soon as possible.

• Kaimuki Parking Lot: The money for the repaving of the lot is in the budget.

• Sierra Drive Paving: Councilmember Kobayashi stated that after BWS work is completed they have to wait about a year before the paving so they can see if pipes are good rather than having to dig up a recently paved road.

• Tires Slashed: Schneider stated and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that if tires were slashed because of a pothole then the repairs to the tire can be paid for by the City if a report is filed.

• Complete Streets Policy: A resolution was passed asking the Caldwell Administration to look at sidewalks and pedestrian crossings so that the safety for everyone is being considered

• New Information Center: Councilmember Kobayashi stated there is a new City and County of Honolulu Information Center at the Mission Memorial Building. The specifics of what information is available and how much is being spent will be uncovered in the budgetary process

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Size of City Budget: Hagadone asked and Councilmember Kobayashi stated that the City and County of Honolulu budget is $3 billion.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa (City Council District 4): A handout was distributed and Kurt Tsuneyoshi reported the following:

• Bill 33: Councilmember Ozawa introduced Bill 33 to begin discussion relating to shopping carts.

• Attendance at Next Month's Meeting: Councilmember Ozawa will be here next month for the regular Board meeting.

Governor David Ige's Representative: The Capitol Connection newsletter was available and no representative was present.

Senator Sam Slom (State Senate 9th District): Julia Allen circulated handouts and reported the following:

• Senator Slom Regrets his Absence: Senator Slom had his coronary bypass surgery was on Friday, April 15, 2016 and should be home by end of this week.

• Bills Opposed: A list of the bills that Senator Slom would have voted no on in second crossover are featured in the newsletter.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. (State Senate 10th District): No report was available and no representative was present.

Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (State House 20th District): Speaker Emeritus Say distributed a handout and reported the following:

• House Bill (HB) 1753: HB1753 relating to mopeds is now in conference.

• Reevaluation of Ala Wai Canal: The draft feasibility study was held up in committee.

• Kupuna Care: The bill relating to the discharge planning process for patients coming out of the hospital is in conference.

• HB1878: HB1878 relating to aging, the Kupuna Caucus measure, is in conference.

• Leahi Hospital: The measure relating to long term care services in regards to Leahi Hospital and Maluhia Hospital will be put into the budget.

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

• Mosquitos: Hawaii has had a whole month without an infectious case of Dengue Fever and it is likely there is no mosquito alive carrying the disease.

• Vehicle Tax Increase: The bill was defeated in House Transportation Committee. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) will try again next year.

• Budget Conference: The two (2) biggest items the Budget Conference agreed on were:

o $10 million for Preschool Open Doors which is an increase of $4 million since last year. The funding goes towards an income eligible subsidy for people that want to enroll their children in preschool.

o Three (3) people to monitor the Red Hill Fuel Storage Consent Agreement which is potentially the biggest eco-disaster in Hawaii. The massive leak could affect a quarter of Oahu's drinking water.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall located on 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 8:53 p.m.

Submitted by: Sam Wolff, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: James Skizewski, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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