Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (JANUARY 18, 2017)

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (JANUARY 18, 2017)
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 2/15/2017.

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2017

KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Lyle Bullock Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was not established with five (5) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present -- Lyle Bullock Jr., Brian Kang, Sharon Schneider, Lori Yamada and Stephanie Nagai.

Board Members Absent -- Mark Hagadone, Paul Hoe and Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano.

Guests -- Sergeant Sanford Yue (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter I Alan Castillo (Honolulu Fire Department); Senator Stanley Chang and Cameron Sato; Director Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Kurt Tsuneyoshi; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and James Larson; Representative Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Kathy Bryant, Ian Murakami, Elizeh Basim and Ji-Won Ha (Senator Brian Schatz' Office); Bruce Tsuchida (Townscape Incorporated); KC Carlberg (Hawaii Pacific Health); Don Aweau; Vince Kroag; Julia Allen; Calvin Hara; Eric McCutcheon; and Brittany Yadao (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ANNOUNCEMENT

Remembrance: Chair Bullock informed the community of Board member Vernon Tam's passing in November 2016 and noted Tam's dedication and years of service to the Board and community.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Sergeant Sanford Yue reported the following:

• December 2016 Statistics: There was 1 motor vehicle theft, 12 burglaries, 22 thefts, 24 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,639 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: A handout was provided regarding home security tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Parking Tickets: A resident asked if there was a resolution for the number of parking tickets that many Maunalani Circle residents have received for parking on the unimproved sidewalk. Chair Bullock noted that Director Mark Wong had more information on the issue and would report at his turn on the agenda.

2. Sidewalks: A resident asked how many feet a driver should give between a vehicle parked on the unimproved sidewalk and the sidewalk space that allows pedestrians to walk through. The officer replied that the standard is three (3) feet but it is up to the officer's discretion to determine if there is enough room for a pedestrian or wheelchair to pass through.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Firefighter I Alan Castillo reported the following:

• December 2016 Statistics: There was 1 nuisance fire, 1 cooking fire, 12 activated alarms (no fire), 80 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 4 motor vehicle crashes/collisions and 1 hazardous materials incident.

• Safety Tip: Fall Prevention for Seniors:

o Regular exercise will help build strength, improve balance and enhance coordination.

o Take your time when getting out of chairs and be aware of your surroundings.

o Keep stairs and walkways clear.

o Improve lighting inside and outside of your home.

o Use non-slip mats -- this increases safety in the bathtub and on shower floors.

o Be aware of uneven surfaces.

o Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Hazardous Materials: Chair Bullock asked and Firefighter I Castillo replied that the hazardous materials incident was a gasoline leak.

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

• Main Breaks: There was a main break on Friday, December 9, 2016 and Sunday, December 18, 2016.

• 2017 Water Conservation Calendar and Water Conservation Contests: The BWS is excited to launch its' 39th annual Water Conservation Week Poster Contest and 9th annual Poetry Contest. For 2017, the contest theme, "Conserve to Preserve," invites Oahu students to creatively express the importance of conserving water now to preserve our water supply for the future. The poster contest is open to Oahu students in grades kindergarten through six (6). The poetry contest is open to Oahu students in grades seven (7) to twelve. The deadline to enter these contests is Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Sierra Drive Project: Chair Bullock asked about the status of the Sierra Drive project.

2. White Lines: Schneider asked if the white lines she saw down the road meant future construction would be taking place. Heller replied that she would follow-up for the next meeting.

3. Wilhelmina Rise: A resident asked if the Wilhelmina rise project is on schedule and Heller replied that she would provide an update for the next meeting.

4. Nihipali Place: A resident noted that Nihipali Place is in poor condition and asked if it would be repaved.

5. New Metering Boxes: A resident asked for the reason that some residents are getting new metering boxes.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS -- The filling of vacancies was deferred to the next meeting as a quorum was not met to vote on a candidate.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Neighborhood Board Elections: All interested residents are encouraged to register as Neighborhood Board candidates. The deadline for candidate and voter registration is Friday, February 17, 2017. You can register online at the NCO website (http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/), or obtain a copy of the form at the Public Information Center located at 550 South King Street #102 or at the new NCO Office located at 925 Dillingham Boulevard Suite 160. Hardcopy forms must be submitted to the NCO.

• Moped Registration: The Department of Customer Services (CSD) reminds moped owners that a new State law requires the annual safety inspection and registration of mopeds beginning Sunday, January 1, 2017. Registered owners of mopeds on Oahu will need to get a safety inspection and register mopeds initially this year and annually thereafter.

• Parking: Regarding the issue of Maunalani Circle residents receiving tickets for parking on the shoulder on Sierra Drive, Director Wong read a response from HPD. Officers will address parking issues and citations due to on-beat observations and complaints received from the public. Complaints are received directly from the public or via phone, letters, or emails from public officials. Officers did cite more vehicles recently in response to a concern received from Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's office. When a complaint is brought to the HPD's attention, officers will try to warn and educate those who are involved and then take enforcement action by issuing citations. Over the past few years, there has been an increase of vehicles parking on the shoulder and on the unimproved sidewalks in this area. This may be due to employees who work at the nearby nursing home and the increase of vehicles per household and tenants in the area; hence, the shortage of legal parking. Per the HPD's policy based on Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 15-14.2, vehicles parked on unimproved sidewalks must provide sufficient clearance for pedestrians, including those on wheelchairs, to pass safely. The vehicles that were cited were observed by the officers to be in violation. The illegal parking on the shoulder and in areas of the unimproved sidewalks forces pedestrians to walk onto the street and passing motorists to cross over into the oncoming lane. This creates a very unsafe situation. Prior to the enforcement period of issuing citations, officers did speak to available residents and the Director of Operations of the nearby nursing home and afforded them the opportunity to move their vehicles. You may also view the following "Ask HPD" link: http://honolulupd.org/news/index.php?page=main&story=1787

• Traffic Signal: Regarding a concern of the traffic signal on Makapuu Avenue being activated, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) submitted a response. The traffic signals were flashed on Friday, January 13, 2017, to warn drivers of the new traffic signal. On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, DTS activated the traffic signal.

• Ironwood Trees: Regarding Ironwood trees intruding into the roadway at 1852 Iwi Way, off Sierra Drive, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) submitted a response. DPR responded that the DPR's Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) does maintain areas that do not have sidewalks if the area is under DPR jurisdiction. The area with the Ironwood trees is not in a developed area and is not under DPR's jurisdiction, therefore, DPR does not maintain this portion of the roadway. DFM responded that an investigation of the tax maps maintained by the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) that depict City streets indicate the portion of Iwi Way fronting 1852 Iwi Way is privately owned. Therefore, the Ironwood trees are also privately owned and not maintained by the City. The maintenance of the private trees would likely be the responsibility of the private road owner or the abutting property owner.

• Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: The Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) has released the funds for the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Structure. For more information about the design phase of the project contact DDC Director Robert Kroning, at 768-8480.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Parking Citations: Chair Bullock asked what time of the day HPD officers spoke to residents about the parking issue as citations were issued around 1:00 a.m. when most residents are not active.

2. Easement Measurement: Schneider asked how police officers are able to tell where private property begins and the easement ends. Director Wong replied that police officers do have mobile terminals in their cars, the City also has a Geographic Information System (GIS) with property lines. A resident asked and Director Wong clarified that there are two (2) sets of GIS. One (1) is by the Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) and the other is contracted to do surveys of property lines, HPD officers have access to both types of information. Director Wong added that the reason behind the parking citations seemed to be a matter of safety as pedestrians were forced onto the road due to parked cars blocking the sidewalk. Chair Bullock added that HPD should be more realistic and consistent when issuing parking citations; if one (1) street is being ticketed for not leaving room for wheelchair access then all streets should be reprimanded if not up to standard. Director Wong added that for these types of situations, if no one is making a complaint then tickets most likely will not be issued.

3. Thanks: A resident thanked Director Wong for following through and providing a response regarding the parking citations issue.

4. Wheelchair Requirements: A resident noted that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) limits ramps for wheelchairs to eight (8)%, the resident added that the area residents are being ticketed is on a hill with a slope greater than eight (8)% which means those sidewalks are not wheelchair accessible.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Councilmember Trevor Ozawa addressed the parking citations issue for Maunalani Circle residents as HPD reported that they received complaints from his office. Councilmember Ozawa noted that a constituent called his office to ask what the City is doing about parking issues in the area. An inquiry was placed with the Mayor's office and was somehow turned into a complaint. Councilmember Ozawa made it clear that he did not make any such complaints about residents parking on the unimproved sidewalk on Sierra Drive. He has written a letter to the Prosecutor's office asking to dismiss the citations to which the Prosecutor replied that it would be hard to dismiss the citations unless the residents contest their tickets. Councilmember Ozawa also drafted a bill that would allow for off street parking on unimproved sidewalks for all of Sierra Drive. Further, residents should not be in a wheelchair or pushing a baby in a stroller on Sierra Drive or Wilhelmina Rise as it is not safe. Councilmember Ozawa has been in contact with HPD and is waiting to meet with the HPD Major of the Kaimuki area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: A resident asked if the City has considered making the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot double decked. Councilmember Ozawa replied that he has proposed that the area for the proposed parking lot could be master planned with commercial space beneath the parking structure. Additionally, when the request for funds of the parking lot were made, it was for $400,000. The DDC has allocated $2 million.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Newsletters were distributed and Councilmember Kobayashi reported the following:

• Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: Councilmember Kobayashi noted that two (2) years was spent discussing whether the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot should have a second level, however, it was opposed by many residents who considered a large parking facility to be an eye sore. Councilmember added that the discussion of a two (2) story parking lot should be opened again as parking in the Kaimuki area is scarce.

• Parks Committee: Councilmember Kobayashi noted that she is the Chair of the Parks Committee and that they are seeking and listening to input from residents about what changes need to be made. The focus is to make the parks fit the community so that it is usable and friendly to those living in the area. This includes playground equipment for children as well as adults. Many parks in Asia and on the mainland have community parks for adults which keeps everyone active and healthy.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. EnVision Kaimuki: Schneider added that Envision Kaimuki is also working on improving Kaimuki's parks and the group is also working to join the adopt-a-park program. Schneider noted that a lot of information has been gathered regarding community needs and wants to improve the park. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that it is important to listen to the community so that everyone is healthy and happy. Schneider asked and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that EnVision Kaimuki should invite her to their meetings as well as the areas' legislators.

2. Maunalani Playground: A resident noted that there have been issues with improving the Maunalani playground.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Newsletters were available; a representative was not present.

Senator Stanley Chang -- Senator Stanley Chang distributed newsletters and reported the following:

• Opening Day: Legislators were sworn in on the Opening Day of the State Legislature on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.

• Committee Lineup: Senator Chang will be serving as the Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee, a member of the International Affairs and the Arts Committee as well as the Consumer Protection, Commerce and Health Committee.

• Introduction: Senator Chang introduced Cameron Sato, the District Director for his office.

• Community Survey: A community survey was included in Senator Chang's newsletter.

• Homeless Initiative: Senator Chang noted that this legislative session his focus will be on homelessness and providing mobile clinics staffed with health professionals to help diagnose and treat homeless persons who are on the street. Another initiative would be to divert individuals the judicial system towards treatment and support services to help them transition.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. -- Senator Ihara Jr. reported the following:

• Leahi Hospital: Senator Ihara noted that Leahi Hospital, the healthcare facility run by Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, is now stabilizing and looking into ways to maintain as many beds as it can for long term care.

• Vote by Mail: Senator Ihara Jr. noted that he will be focusing on an all-mail elections voting system to be established in the State of Hawaii as it would allow voters to have more time for research. In addition, he will be working on a bill to prevent voting fraud by prohibiting voting assistance at any type of care home or institutional facility.

• Paycheck to Paycheck Coalition: This coalition was established to address the 48% of Hawaii residents who live paycheck to paycheck. By restoring the higher income tax rate for the highest bracket, the funds raised will be allocated to offset taxes for residents near the poverty level. Several business leaders have voiced their support for the legislation as long as it is used to offset taxes for lower-income residents. This would include the low-income renter's tax-credit and the renting via tax credit to be raised to make renting easier. This would allow struggling and working families to fully utilize their earned income.

Questions, comments and concerns: General Excise Tax (GET): Chair Bullock asked why he should pay the GET twice as a business owner and as a resident, Chair Bullock added that paying the GET twice makes it regressive for individuals to start or continue operating a self-operated business. Senator Ihara Jr. noted to the community that if there is a bill that peaks anyone's interest then they should work with their legislators to find out more.

Representative Calvin K.Y. Say -- Speaker Emeritus Say reported the following:

• GET: Speaker Emeritus Say commented on the previous discussion regarding the GET which Chair Bullock pays on every business transaction as a self-employed tax-payer. In the past, the GET has been based on every transaction, six (6) years ago a bill was passed to address an exemption called the sub-lessee which would charge a GET to those who were sub-leasing as well as the lessee GET to the lessor. As a self-employed individual, Chair Bullock must pay the GET as well as income tax, Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and workers' compensation. Basically, the tax system is complicated and overwhelming.

• Representation: Speaker Emeritus Say noted his gratitude to serve the community once again and added his efforts to meet with the residents of District 20 that he represents.

• Property Taxes: Speaker Emeritus Say noted his attendance at the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/Saint Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting to speak on the growing concern among residents regarding property taxes. Although the deadline was Sunday, January 15, 2017, the property tax can be appealed.

• Affordability of Hawaii: Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the legislature is focused on resolving the issue of affordable housing and homelessness in Hawaii.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Unfunded Liability: A resident asked and Speaker Emeritus Say replied that City and State government employee benefits were taken away from present and future employees to offset funds for the future.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi -- A newsletter was distributed and Speaker Emeritus Say was available for questions.

PUBLIC INPUT

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) -- Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP): Carol Hoshiko reported on the progress of construction at the CIP and is as follows: Construction Progress: Phase One (1) of the project is nearly complete. Currently, the kitchen and audio/visual (AV) equipment is being installed in the lab building. The exterior of the lab building is being painted. The locker building is being painted and ceramic tile is being installed. The irrigation and landscaping installation is in progress. Phase One (1) is on target to be completed by the end of February 2017. For questions regarding construction, contact the project hotline at 345-2147.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Approval of the Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes: The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 deferred the approval of the Wednesday, November 16, 2016, regular meeting minutes to the next meeting as a quorum was not met.

Office of the United States (US) Senator Brian Schatz -- Outreach Introductions: Kathy Bryant, Ian Murakami, Elizeh Basim and Ji-Won Ha reported the following:

• Outreach Team: Bryant thanked the Board for their efforts and time. Bryant noted that the high school students that were with her are part of Senator Schatz' outreach team called Schatz' Seniors. There are 15 high school interns overall and part of their duties include participating in outreach events and attending Neighborhood Board meetings as well as learning how the US Senate operates.

• Constiuent Services: Ian Murakami introduced himself and noted the services provided by Senator Schatz' office. Services include but are not limited to internships and medicare and social security aid.

• Student and Youth Program: Elizeh Basim introduced herself and spoke on the Student and Youth program that she is representing. The program gives high-school, under graduate and graduate students the opportunity to experience and learn about public service.

• Congressional Nomination Program: Ji-Won Ha introduced herself and spoke about the Congressional Nomination Program that Senator Schatz' endorses. In this program, Senator Schatz may write a recommendation for outstanding young men and women who are interested in the field of public service.

• Contact: For more information on the programs provided by Senator Schatz' office, contact 523-2061 or visit the website at www.schatz.senate.gov.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Summer Internship: A resident asked if the high school interns were planning to do a summer internship in Washington, D.C. Bryant replied that the D.C. internship positions are offered to under graduate students past their sophomore year to allow them to gain more experience.

Safe on Scene -- Domestic Violence Action Center -- A representative was not present.

Education First (EF) International Language Center Introduction -- Alice Pandraud introduced herself and spoke about the EF program: Introduction: EF is a global company that specializes in language travel for students. EF is currently looking for host families to host students traveling abroad to study the English language at the EF school in Waikiki. The hosting experience is a great way to gain cultural perspective and exposure to different customer from all over the world. EF has a 24 hour support system and are flexible with host family preferences for who they'd like to host. EF also provides a weekly stipend to help offset the costs of hosting. There is a $50 sign up bonus as well as a $50 friend recommendation bonus for residents who are not interested but know someone who might be. To contact EF for more information call 923-1515 or visit their website at www.ef.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Diversity: Chair Bullock asked and Pandraud replied that the top three (3) nationalities are from France, Switzerland and Japan.

Primary Urban Center (PUC) Watershed Management Plan (WMP) -- Bruce Tsuchida introduced himself and presented the following:

• Project Context: The BWS is developing the PUCWMP, which will be part of the City Water Use and development Plan under the State of Hawaii Water Code and City and county of Honolulu ordinance. Almost half of Oahu's population resides within the boundaries of the PUC. Additionally, the PUC is a designated growth area that requires planning to meet the demands of a growing population.

• Overall Goal: The overall goal of the project is to formulate an environmentally holistic, community based and economically viable watershed management plan that will provide a balance between the preservation and management of Oahu's watershed, sustainable ground water and surface water use, and development to serve present users and future generations.

• Further Updates: The project is in the early stage and updates will be provided throughout the process of development over a three (3) year period. For more information contact Barry Usagawa of the BWS at 748-5900 or email at busagawa@hbws.org. Bruce Tsuchida from Townscape, Incorporated is also available at 536-6999 or by email bruce@townscapeinc.com.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Contractor: A resident asked and Tsuchida replied Townscape, Incorporated are contractors and consultants to the BWS.

2. Timeline: Nagai asked and Tsuchida replied that the project is for a three (3) year contract. The plan projects water use into the future for at least 30 years. The watershed plan will be visited every 10 years.

3. Contingency: A resident asked what contingency plan is in place in regards to the Navy's Red Hill tanks. Tsuchida replied that all the technical information is not available at this point. Tsuchida noted that the aquifer affected by the Red Hill tanks is not the only aquifer that the island has to offer; Tsuchida pointed to a visual depicting valleys/mountains that hold good water as well. Overtime, water conservation will be vital to preserving the water supply.

4. Noticeable Changes: A resident asked and Tsuchida replied that there will be a cost incentive for residents to conserve more.

5. Recycled Water: Schneider noted the difficulty to get the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to agree on what is safe in terms of recycled water. Tsuchida replied that the DPP will be working on revising ordinance restrictions.

Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10k Update -- KC Carlberg reported on the upcoming Women's 10k race. It is a 6.2 mile race that begins at Kapiolani Park, goes through Diamond Head and Kahala and back to the park. The race is set for Sunday, March 5, 2017, and will begin at 7:00 a.m. In September 2017 there will also be an all women triathlon.

Treasurer's Report -- The treasurer was not present and the report was deferred to the next meeting.

Members Attendance at other Meetings -- No board member attendance at other meetings to report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Cajun King: Cajun King has moved into the Kaimuki community, at 3611 Waialae Avenue. The restaurant is applying for a liquor license. The hearing will be on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Liquor Commission Office.

• Kaimuki Library: the Kaimuki Library will be closed mid-February through March 2017 for air conditioning repair, parking will not be available.

• Roadwork: Kang reported on a notice from the State Department of Transportation (DOT) that roadwork will take place for the H1 freeway and Kapiolani Boulevard through Ainakoa Avenue. Night work will take place on the H1 between 14th Avenue and 20th Avenue from midnight to 7:00 a.m. Residents are advised that noise will be prominent and to adjust accordingly. The project will last a total of six (6) months from the beginning of May 2017 to the end of October 2017. For more information contact Stephen Yoshida at 485-6201.

• Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Brittany Yadao, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lyle Bullock, Chair

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