Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (JULY 13, 2016) Meeting

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MEETING (JULY 13, 2016) Meeting
Tweet

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 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 six (9) members present. Note -- This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Frank Farm Jr., Andrew Chung, Gladys Hayes, Randolph Hack, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Liv Wheeler.

Board Members Absent: Ken Arnowitz, Marvin Heskett, and Paul Holtrop.

Guests: Sergeant Clifford Ramson and Lieutenant Maurice Asato (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Frank Sanchez (Honolulu Fire Department); Tyler Tsugihara (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Ann Kobayashi, Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Shay Sunderland (Monsanto); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Shinsuke Uehara; James Nekota; Julia Allen; Ed Alishi; Philip Strauss; Scott and Candy Tamayori; Nikki Guess; Zoe Tanaka (Videographer); and James Skizewski(Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Frank Sanchez reported the following:
• June 2016 Statistics: There was 1 wildland/brush fire, 27 medical emergencies, 1 activated alarm, 1 hazardous materials incident, and 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian.
• Fire Safety Tip: With our island keiki on summer break, this is an opportune time to review your home surroundings for potentially dangerous situations that may cause accidental falls, electrical shock, and/or poisoning from unsecured medications, cleaning products, and houseplants.

Shiraki moved and Mau seconded a motion to add "Creation of a resolution in support of the Honolulu Police Department" to the agenda. The motion was passed 9-0-0 (Aye: Farm Jr., Chung, Hayes, Hack, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Wheeler; Nay: none; Abstain: None).

Hearing no objections, Chair Jerlow added "Creation of a resolution in support of the Honolulu Police Department" to the agenda.

Shiraki moved and Mau seconded the motion to create a resolution in support of the Honolulu Police Department. The motion was passed 9-0-0 (Aye: Farm Jr., Chung, Hayes, Hack, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Wheeler; Nay: none; Abstain: None). Shiraki volunteered to author the resolution.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane distributed handouts and reported the following:
• June 2016 Crime Statistics: There were 2 motor vehicle thefts, 2 burglaries, 19 thefts, and 3 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,220 calls for service in District 7.
• Safety Tips -- Pedestrian Safety: In the coming months HPD will be focusing on pedestrian safety and enforcing violations pertaining to pedestrian street crossings. Sergeant Fleck passed out a flyer highlighting the following:
o Stop for Pedestrians: When driving stop until the pedestrian has safely passed in front of you. When a pedestrian is approaching from the other side of the road drivers must stop until the pedestrian has safely passed. Stop behind a car that is waiting for a pedestrian, no overtaking of another vehicle stopped for pedestrians at intersections.
o Pedestrian Safety: Start crossing only when the steady walking signal is lit. Don't start crossing if the flashing hand appears and finish crossing if it appears and you are already in the crosswalk. Don't walk when the steady hand is present, remain at curb, push the pedestrian button, and wait for the walk signal. Don't start crossing if the countdown appears. If in crosswalk, finish crossing within time allowed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Fake Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Collection Calls: Shiraki asked and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane responded that the community needs to inform neighbors and friends about the ongoing fake collection calls. The IRS does not make collection phone calls. Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane urges the community to protect important information.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias reported the following:
• June 2016 Main Break Report: There were no water main breaks in June 2016.
• Unthirsty Plant Sale: On Saturday, August 6, 2016, the BWS 28th Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale that provides the perfect opportunity to learn ways to help your garden beat the heat while conserving water outdoors. This family-friendly event features a wide variety of less-thirsty and native plants at moderate prices, xeriscaping workshops by garden experts, children activities, educational booths, a cactus display, delicious food, and free compost. This event is a great way to learn how to create a garden that's both beautiful and less thirsty year round. Admission is free. Proceeds from the event will help support educational programs and classes at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.

Chair Jerlow recessed at 7:15 pm.

Chair Jerlow called the meeting back to order at 7:20 p.m.

Hearing no objections, Chair Jerlow moved to agenda item "Resident Concerns".

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Musician Phillip Strauss presented to the board a song he created titled "Palolo". Strauss noted his interest in creating a music video for the song incorporating various scenic locations across the Palolo community. Strauss thanks the board for their time and urged the community to attend his recital on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at 8:00 p.m. which will be held in the Health Bar.

FILLING OF VACANCIES: Chair Jerlow urged the community to join the No. 6 Palolo Neighborhood Board. No volunteers or nominations followed.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Councilmember Ann Kobayashi provided a newsletter and reported the following:
• Announcements: Councilmember Kobayashi thanked Shiraki for the notification regarding the closed Palolo Elementary parking lot. Councilmember Kobayashi noted her worries regarding the costs of rail and how it may affect other city services.
• Property Tax Bill: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that the property tax bill that allows home owners that make less than $60,000 a year to qualify for an exemption that allows them to pay three (3) % of their income as their property tax has passed.
• Crisis Center: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that planning is being done to create a crisis center to help address mental and general health for homelessness. Councilmember Kobayashi noted her opposition to tent cities as she noted plans to introduce a tiny homes community area. Councilmember Kobayashi will update the board when more information is provided.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Community: Shiraki asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that she will follow up with the board regarding the status of the Ala Wai Golf Course driving range and the report of potholes in the community.
2. Re-election: Hayes asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that she will be running for re-election and will attend the candidate forum if the board elects to hold one.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Tyler Sugihara reported the following:
• Pukele Bridge: Warning signs for the steel plates were previously present at the jobsite, however when the contractor returned to check on 5/17/16, it appears they were stolen. The contractor will replace the stolen signs with new signs before the end of the week.
• Bus Fare: A project to implement a "reloadable" fare card is now underway. Innovations in Transportation Inc. (INIT) has been contracted to design, manufacture, fabricate, install and test a new electronic multimodal fare collection system. The project oversight team includes members from DTS and HART, as well as the City's Departments of Information Technology (DIT) and Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS). The system will be implemented first on The Bus, in advance of the start of rail service.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. The Bus App: Chair Jerlow asked and Sugihara responded that there is The Bus app but is not familiar with it.
2. Neighborhood Watch Signs: A resident asked and Sugihara responded that he will pass on the request for new Neighborhood Watch signs for the Carlos Long area.
3. Parking Lot: Chair Jerlow asked and Sugihara responded that he will follow up with the board regarding an update for the parking lot rehabilitation at Palolo Elementary.
4. Traffic Calming Signs: Resident Tanemorie asked and Sugihara responded that he will pass on the request for the traffic calming signs in the Kilihune Place area.
Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
• Renewable Energy: Governor Ige has signed into law a bill which has been called the nation's most aggressive clean energy goal: to generate 100% of electricity sales from renewable energy.
• Hack-a-thon: Director Awakuni reported the Hack-a-thon even that will have students designing and creating applications to help solve various issues. For more information visist www.ets.hawaii.gove/codechallenge.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Solar Project: Farms Jr. asked and Director Awakuni responded that the Green Energy Market Securitization program (GEMS) was run by the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the use of repair funds was to support access to affordable loans for photovoltaic systems. Director Awakuni stated that she will reach out to GEMS for more information and follow up at a later date.
2. Jet Ski Licensing: Shiraki asked and Director Awakuni responded that she will follow up with information regarding Jet Ski licensure.

State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say -- Speaker Say circulated newsletters and reported the following: Saint James' Church: Say reported that following the fire and eventual demolition of St. James' Church the new owner is now dealing with an easement before the Land Board. Representative Say offered to mitigate a presentation with the new owner of the property and the No. 6 Palolo Neighborhood Board. Chair Jerlow urged Representative Say to set up the presentation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Marcy's Law: Shiraki asked and Representative Say will follow up regarding a request for an update on the status of Marcy's law. Shiraki asked and Representative Say noted that the issue of transgendered bathroom is an individual right, Representative Say noted that enforcement is not up to him and could be a presidential directive.
2. Special Session: Hack asked and Representative Say responded that if the measure passed regarding the tax-exempt status of the retired employee system has to be overridden it is a matter that has larger implications regarding federal and state taxes than initially expected.

Chair Jerlow recessed at 8:00 pm.

Chair Jerlow called the meeting back to order at 8:01 p.m.

Hearing no objections, Chair Jerlow moved to agenda item "Presentation".

PRESENTATIONS: Farming on Oahu: Dr. Shay Sunderland of Monsanto reported the following: Sunderland has worked with Monsanto for 23 years as an agricultural scientist and has been in Hawaii for three (3) years. Sunderland noted Monsanto deals heavily with corn seeds as there are corn seed farms on three (3) islands. There are corn seed farms in Kunia and Haleiwa on Oahu, additional farms on Molokai, and another three (3) corn seed farms on Maui. Corn seed breeders send the best of their seeds to Hawaii during the winter months so the seed may be used to breed additional corn seed for the upcoming season. 90% of all corn seed comes from Hawaii as this state is able to run three (3) cycles every year. In 1968, the seed industry came to Hawaii as it recognized this state as essential to seed growth as the three (3) cycles of seed breeding can speed up production as well as the development of corn seeds. Most of the corn seed is used for animal feed. Sunderland noted the importance of speed seed development in Hawaii as Monsanto employs over 1,000 people across three (3) islands. Sunderland urged the community to come visit the farms as tours are offered.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Genetically Modified (GMO) Seeds: Hack asked and Sunderland responded that some insect protected traits are genetically introduced. Hack asked and Sunderland responded that all potential genetically modified adjustments have been put through extensive studies. There has been no incidents regarding safety issues of the seeds. Sunderland noted since 1982 all insulin is created using genetically modified attributes and since 1993 90% of cheese contains genetically modified traits. Sunderland noted no testing has shown negative effects of genetically modified attributes.
2. Pesticides: Resident Raffcormin expressed concerns regarding Monsanto's pesticide use and asked and Sunderland responded that Monsanto doesn't operate on Kauai and all pesticides that are used and the quantities they are used at can be found at www.monsanto.com. Sunderland noted that most of pesticides used, are used are by those living in residential areas. Sunderland noted Monsanto uses less that 1% of all pesticides used. Sunderland reaffirmed that Monsanto only uses pesticides as necessary.
3. Papaya Testing: Wheeler asked and Sunderland responded that Monsanto does no work with papaya and the only organization that are testing Papayas are the University of Hawaii and the United States Department of Agriculture.
4. Fruit Washing: Chair Jerlow asked and Sunderland responded that it is very important to wash fruits and vegetables before use to get rid of pesticide and fertilization residue. Sunderland also urged the community to be careful when dealing with reclaimed water and if you would like to schedule a tour of a Monsanto farm visit www.monsantohawaii.com.
RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Illegal Dumping: Resident Nicki Guess noted that near the bus stop at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Waiomao Road there is an elderly man illegally dumping on a vacant lot adjacent of the bus stop. Guess noted the stench coming from the vacant lot and also reported a broken railing along a bridge in the Waiomao Road area. Shiraki noted a car broke the aforementioned railing and a temporary fence was put up and in turn was taken down overnight by an unknown party but did note the bad impression these concerns bring upon Palolo as a community.

BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: The regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, May 11, 2016 were ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY as written, 9-0-0 (Aye: Farm Jr., Chung, Hayes, Hack, Jerlow, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Wheeler; Nay: none; Abstain: None)..

Quarterly Safety Theme: Chair Jerlow announced this quarter's safety theme is pedestrian safety but also stressed the importance of food safety as well as prescription medication safety.

Sub-district Neighborhood Watch: Chair Jerlow encouraged the board to meet with the committee on safety and also for the committee on Safety to meet with the Neighborhood Watch.

Yard of the Month Program: Chair Jerlow announced Mau will be heading a holiday decoration contest in December. Jerlow encourages the community to nominate neighbors for the yard of the month award.

Certificate of Appointment: Chair Jerlow presented a certificate of appointment to Frank Farms Jr. to the No. 6 Palolo Neighborhood Board.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: A remaining balance of $119.14 was reported. The report was filed. Chair Jerlow noted that the neighborhood board sign was taken down and a new board sign may need to be purchased.

Traffic Safety Committee Report: Chair Jerlow urged the community to follow speed limits and not to let strangers into personal vehicles.

Election Committee: Hayes apologized for her absence. Hayes announced the candidate forum will be on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Hayes noted the forum will follow primary as there are too many people running and following the primaries will focus the candidate for the community.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palolo Elementary School cafeteria.

Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out no-earlier-than one day before Wednesday, May 18, 2016 (third Wednesday of every month) to preserve the beauty of the valley. Call 768-3203 for violations.

Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. at Palolo District Park

Olelo Broadcast Slots: The Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m. or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org

Social Media: Join us informally at the "Pālolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com. Also stay connected with Pālolo at www.nextdoor.com.

Agenda Requests: No Later Than 2-weeks prior to meeting, contact Chair Loren Jerlow at 808-664-1658 with agenda item requests.

All Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Thank you to Shiraki for obtaining keys to open facilities.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

Submitted by: James Skizewski, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item