Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For <font color="red"><b>2/8/2017</b></font> Posted - Kaimuki

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For 2/8/2017 Posted
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

JARRET MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Beverly Mau called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with 10 members present. Note -- This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Ken Aronowitz, Frank Farm, Randolph Hack, Marvin Heskett, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Liv Wheeler.

Board Members Absent: Andrew Chung, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes and Loren Jerlow.

Guests: Sergeant Clifford Ramson and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Jason Katada (Honolulu Fire Department); Director Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Cliff Kaneshiro and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Cat Awakuni Colon (State of Hawaii, DCCA); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Sheri Hiraoka (Townscape Incorporated); Barbara Armentrout, Laurie and J Chivers; Sandra Lee, Jen Martin, James Nekota, Nikki Guess, and Connie Tokunaga (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer); and James Skizewski (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Katada reported the following:

• January 2017 Statistics: In January 2017 there were 39 medical emergencies, 1 hazardous material incident, 3 motor vehicle crashes/collisions and 3 mountain rescue.

• Electrical Safety:

o Plug one (1) heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) into a wall receptacle outlet at a time.

o Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and power taps or strips should not be used.

o Ensure electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets.

o Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets to eliminate the need for extension cords.

o Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Stove Fires: A resident asked and Captain Katada responded that to stop a cooking fire use a fire extinguisher to stop the fire and unplug the stove. The resident asked and Captain Katada responded that for gas ovens a gas shut off must be initiated and the fire would need to be smothered. Captain Katada added that the most effective fire extinguishers are ABC rated.

2. Electrical Fires: Shiraki asked and Captain Katada responded that if an electrical fire is present shut off power to the appliance and call HFD.

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

• January 2017 Crime Statistics: There were 3 motor vehicle thefts, 7 burglaries, 17 thefts, and 17 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,710 calls for service in District 7. Lieutenant Sukekane added that arrests have been made regarding burglaries but the community must be vigilant in securing their homes.

• Safety Tips -- Telephone Scams: Lieutenant Sukekane circulated a handout outlining tips to protect the community from telephone scams. Treat all calls that seem suspicious as a scam. These scammers use personal information they obtain through various means to make their call seem legitimate. Be cautious and suspicious when receiving these types of calls. Never give out your personal information or confirm it over the phone. Above all, do not give money to strangers over the phone. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a crime similar to this, please call 911 and report it.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Makanui Place: Shiraki requested watch one (1) continue to monitor the Makanui Place and Holomua Place areas. Shiraki relayed an experience with a phone scam and Lieutenant Sukekane responded that residents must be careful as there are many types of phone scams.

2. Online Crime Map: Hack commended HPD on their website crime map as it is very easy to navigate.

3. Recording Scams: Farm asked and Lieutenant Sukekane responded that the recording of people's voices over the phone has been don and urged the community to be careful when answering unknown phone calls. Lieutenant Sukekane urged residents to hang up if they receive a suspicious phone call.

4. Credit Card Scam: A resident relayed an experience where his credit card information was used and it has proven hard to get his reimbursement. Lieutenant Sukekane urged the resident to call his bank as those kinds of scams are happening across the island.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Dominic Dias reported the following:

• General Water Announcements

o Rain Water Recapture and Reuse -- The BWS is partnering with the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) -- Storm Water Quality Branch in an effort to encourage water conservation with rain water recapture and reuse. Oahu's storm drains are separate from the sewer system and are specifically designed to handle rain water run-off to prevent flooding in developed areas. By reducing the amount of water that enters storm drains, methods such as a rain barrel catchment system, rain gardens, and xeriscaping can reduce the negative effects on streams and beaches when rain water picks up debris and pollutants from the ground. The BWS estimates the average home uses 50 percent of their water outdoors. By installing a rain barrel catchment system at your home, you are helping the BWS to preserve Oahu's water resources and encourage water conservation. A rain barrel catchment system allows you to capture rain water for use with outdoor, non-drinking water activities, such as non-edible plant irrigation. The BWS encourages its use because it reduces the amount of drinking water used for non-drinking purposes. For information about rain barrel catchment systems, visit www.boardofwatersuply.com/conservation and for more information about reducing storm water run-off, visit www.cleanwaterhonolulu.com.

o Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshops -- The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping -- an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping. These workshops offer creative ideas to help you maintain a water efficient and attractive landscape while reducing your outdoor water use and reliance on harmful chemical pesticides. A full list of xeriscape workshops is available at, www.boardofwatersupply.com. Here is a list of the new upcoming workshops:

 Friday, February 10, 2017: Sunflower Garden Art

 Friday, February 17, 2017: Benefits of Companion Gardening

 Friday, March 3, 2017: Magnificent Neem

• Main Breaks: There were main breaks on Maluhia Street and 10th Avenue.

• Pakui Water Tank: A project is under design projected for 2018 that will address the Pakui Water Tank along Sierra Drive. The project will involve water main improvements.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Main Breaks Effecting Utilities: Heskett asked and Dias responded that any work done underground effects the surrounding utilities.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• City Council Park Committee: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that as Chair of the Parks committee she will be visiting as many parks as possible to recognize how the city council can best improve parks across the island. Councilmember Kobayashi welcomes community input at the park site visits. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that 20 to 30 people were present at the Manulani Park visit. Councilmember Kobayashi also noted that she has recognized improvements for Kaimuki District Park to improve the esthetics of the park including the bandstand.

• Elderly Affairs: Councilmember Kobayashi noted that her committee is trying to get the City to get more involved with senior centers and programs. Councilmember Kobayashi added that along with healthcare seniors must also continue to socialize within their communities.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Playground Equipment: Holtrop asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that playgrounds are addressed by a prioritized list but the City Council is looking at implemented adult exercise equipment at public parks.

2. General Excise Tax (GET) Extension: Shiraki noted his opposition to the GET extension.

3. Zoo Fees: Resident Armentrout voiced her concerns with allowing the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) having control over zoo admission fees.

4. Thomas Square: Resident Armentrout asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the administration is trying to move Thomas Square out of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and place it under the DES. Councilmember Kobayashi added that she was told no changes will take place at the park and she has passed a resolution to keep Thomas Square a park. Councilmember Kobayashi emphasized parks are infrastructure and are important to the City and County of Honolulu. Armentrout noted concerns with the elderly access to paratransit.

5. Playgrounds: Resident Guess raised concerns about the deteriorating parks as it takes too long to fix the playgrounds as the swings are gone. Guess asked how much of a budget does the City have to address parks and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that she is trying to emphasize the importance of parks. Councilmember Kobayashi added that she did notice the issue with the swings and millions of dollars are in the budget to address parks but it is up to the administration to spend the allotted monies.

6. Thomas Square: Holtrop asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that walkways are being redone and the greenery is being improved. Councilmember Kobayashi added that the funding was cut to the project but a statue of King Kamehameha, a stage, and flag pole will be installed. Councilmember Kobayashi added that she has asked about the cost to board up the perimeter and if the wood can be reused. Hack asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the square is on the National Historic Site list. Armentrout asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the pond will not be removed.

7. Dorms: A resident asked if dorms can be considered a bed and breakfast and relayed an account of a property on Ninth Avenue that has many tenants and lots of trash. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that is if a property is zoned residential it may have five (5) unrelated residents.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura wished everyone Happy Holidays and success in the New Year, then reported the following:

• 2017 Neighborhood Board Election: All interested residents are encouraged to register as Neighborhood board candidates. The deadline for candidate and voter registration is Friday, February 17, 2017. 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. Physical copies were provided at the back table.

o Informational Sessions: The Neighborhood Commission Office will host information sessions for people interested in being a candidate for the 2017 Neighborhood Board elections. There are 437 seats available for 33 neighborhood boards across O‘ahu. Candidate recruitment has begun and will end on February 17, 2017. Candidacy is open to O‘ahu residents who will be at least 18 years of age by February 17, 2017. Three informational sessions are scheduled for:

 Wednesday, February 8, 2017 -- HPU Aloha Tower, Multi-Purpose Room 3 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 Thursday, February 9, 2017 -- Kailua District Park, Multi-Purpose Room from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 Monday, February 13, 2017 -- Kapolei Hale, Conference Room A & B from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 Neighborhood board members and Neighborhood Commission Office staff will be on hand to answer questions from potential candidates.

• "Sew a Lei for Memorial Day" Poster Contest: Open to all students, kindergarten to 12th grade, in public, private, charter school, or homeschooled. Drawing needs be on a 9" x 12" paper, and the use of pen, pencil, ink, pastels, and paints are allowed. No computer enhancements or cut-outs, paste-ons, or stickers are allowed. Drawing could depict scenes of lei sewing activities, Punchbowl memorial activities, or military appreciation. This year marks the 50th Commemorative Year of the Vietnam War, and are hoping for a great public show of support. More information is available through your child's school, on the DPR website, or please write to us at parks@honolulu.gov, or call 768-3003.

• Good Neighbor Award: Board member Wheeler was recognized for her receipt of the Good Neighbor Award.

• Follow Ups:

o Illegal Dumping: On Thursday, December 22, 2016 a Refuse Inspector was dispatched to 10th Avenue and Lai Road to investigate the illegal dumping that was reported. Upon his arrival, the inspector noted that the area was clear and there were no illegally dumping items. The inspector will continue to monitor the area. HPD officers made checks and did not observe anyone in the area. The area was also clear of debris and trash. HPD encourages community members to immediately call 911 when the illegal dumping is occurring so that the responding officer can observe the violation and take appropriate action.

o Crosswalk on Tenth Avenue and Lai Road: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will conduct an investigation for a new crosswalk at 10th Avenue and Lai Road.

o Water Flowing on Kuahea Place: The resident received a response to this matter from Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Office that included an e-mail response from Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Director Robert Kroning.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Moped Registration: Resident Armentrout voiced concerns with the required moped registration and inspections as mopeds switch owners often and a title may not be present. Director Sasamura responded that any unlicensed moped will be cited in 2018, as the city is now in a staggered registration and inspection period that is requiring mopeds to have the moped registered by the month it was bought. Armentrout asked and Director Sasamura responded that all unregistered uninspected mopeds will be cited after December 2017.

2. Kuahea Street Sinkholes: Resident Martin who lives at 2334 Kuahea Street noted concerns with underground water movement and a sink hole encroaching on her property. Martin added that the hole was in street and continued to be filled but has started to encroach on her home. Martin further noted that the evaluation of her home has decreased as the ground movement has ruined the foundation of her residence. Martin asked what the City is doing to monitor and repair the underground water movement and damage. Resident Lee who lives at 2327 Kuahea Street voiced similar concerns as she has been forced to move due to the sinkholes. Lee noted that the residents are very frustrated with the situation. Director Sasmura responded that a contract totaling in $1.2 million which will include road replacement/repaving including improving the underlying road, reconstruction of curbs and gutters, and the installation of a new drainage system for Kuahea Street. Director Sasamura noted he will pass on the voiced concerns but added that the City and County of Honolulu is only allowed to work on city property. Lee noted that she has notified the City of the issues a year ago but construction has continue to be pushed back as in the meantime the condition worsens. Lee asked when construction will begin. Speaker Emeritus Say noted that this issue has been around since the 1950's as Waiomao was a rock quarry. Speaker Emeritus Say added that as of December 2016 the design consultant of the project Aecom who was awarded funds for the project, will address 1,000 feet of roadway and drainage work. Ntp Construction Incorporated was supposed to start construction in August 2014. Speaker Emeritus Say provided a map of the proposed construction area and noted that Councilmember Kobayashi and Mayor Caldwell do try to facilitate the project but it is up to the contractor at this point. Speaker Emeritus Say urged patience from the community and provided the paper status report.

3. No Parking Signs: Resident Shawn Lathrop (2149 10th Avenue) reported people blocking his driveway every weekday morning when dropping their children off at the preschool. Mr. Lathrop believes the cause to be insufficient passenger loading zone space across the street from his home and asks that the passenger loading zone area be extended to allow for more cars.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón circulated a newsletter and reported the following: Capitol Connection: Director Awakuni highlighted the Capitol Connection including Governor Ige's State of the State address which incorporated early college programs and renewable energy.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Opposition: Shiraki noted his opposition to the Attorney General suing President Trump. Shiraki also voiced opposition to the legalization of prostitution and recreational marijuana.

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

• Kauhana Street: The DDC is looking into the concerns regarding the stability of Kauana Street.

• Palolo Avenue and Kaululoa Place: Speaker Emeritus Saw thanked Councilmember Kobayashi and Director Sasamura for aiding in the facilitating of the speeding and safety measures in the area.

• Blue Zones: Speaker Emeritus Say has asked if the board would like a presentation from Blue Zones. Vice Chair Mau welcomed a presentation and Speaker Emeritus Say responded that he will get in contact to request a presentation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Legislation Support: Heskett asked and Speaker Emeritus Say responded that he will take all legislation seriously when they are being heard.

2. St. James Church: Arnowitz requested a status update on St. James Church and Speaker Emeritus Say responded that he will request a presentation for the board on the status of the St. James Church property as it is an eyesore for the community.

Senator Les Ihara -- Senator Ihara reported the following:

• Kuahea Road: Senator Ihara noted that his family was forced to move out of Kuahea Road. Senator Ihara noted that he could ask for the City and County of Honolulu's list of reports done in the area as the City is liable because they approved building permits for the area. Senator Ihara added that hydrology reports could be requested to address an underground stream in the area.

• Traffic Accident History: Senator Ihara noted he forwarded to Chair Jerlow a map showing a history of traffic accidents in the Palolo area.

• Air B&B Legislation: Senator Ihara noted he is working with Air B&B along with the Local Five (5) Union as there could be as much at $100 million of taxes which is not collected through short term rentals. Senator Ihara noted he plans on trying to enforce the collection of taxes through investigators and a hotline as well as adjusting zoning requirements through the use of an enforcement team.

• Medical Aid in Dying: Senator Ihara noted that a forum is being put together to discuss medical aid in dying. Senator Ihara added that he is in favor of medical aid in dying.

• Paycheck to Paycheck Legislation: Senator Ihara noted he is working with the paycheck to paycheck coalition to adjust the income tax bracket rate on the top bracket to alleviate tax stresses on the lowest brackets.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: GET Reform: Holtrop noted his support for GET reform and every time a product changes hands taxes raise the price. Senator Ihara responded that the taxes do add up.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None followed.

PRSENTATIONS

BWS Development of a Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan (PUC WMP) -- Sherri Hiraoka reported the following:

• Project Context -- The BWS is developing the PUC WMP, 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. Transit Oriented Development: Resident Armentrout asked and Hiraoka responded that Townscape will look into low, medium, and high demand scenarios. Hiraoka added that the plan will also take into account ultimate demand scenarios and water gathering alternatives such as recycled water and desalination. Armentrout asked and Hiraoka responded that although infrastructure is evaluated into a different plan it is considered in the PUC WMP.

2. Rain Gardens: Heskett noted that the North Shore WMP was well done and asked if rain gardens and storm water infiltration are taken into account. Hiraoka responded that they will be looking at some low impact development but are unsure at what the end product will produce as the plan is just at the beginning stages.

3. Reabsorbing Water: Wheeler asked and Hiraoka responded that near shore water sources such as streams, canals, and beaches are being evaluated. Hiraoka also noted a need to raise awareness in the community to conserve water.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: The regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, December 14, 2016 were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as written, 10-0-0 (Aye: Aronowitz, Farm, Hack, Marvin Heskett, Holtrop, Leo, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, and Wheeler.; Nay:; Abstain: none).

Discussion of Officer Duties: Shiraki explained that he was appointed sergeant at arms to keep order at meetings.

REPORTS

Neighborhood Board Signs: Hack stated that he is responsible for the white board sign and that the yellow sign is unknown. Heskett responded that he has been putting the yellow sign at the corner of Sixth Avenue at Saint Patrick School. Heskett requested both sign displayers work together to ensure both signs are not at the same location. Mau thanked the members for displaying the signs.

Treasurers Report: Hack noted a remaining balance of $172.01.

Utilities PIG: Heskett noted he has spoken with the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) who informed him that high powered electrical lines cannot be placed underground. Heskett did note that all other lines could be placed underground. The State Public Utilities Commission gives HECO approximately a million dollars annually to address power lines to residential property lines. Homeowners must pay from the lines to be run from the property line to the residence underground which could cost $5,000 to $10,000. HECO will not pay for the trenching of power lines. Hawaii Kai has used federal monies to trench some electrical lines but adversely Kailua was unable to get the trenching. Heskett noted that he will request a presentation from HECO regarding this issue.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Aronowitz announced the second annual Jarret Middle School Pride day which will occur on Saturday, March 4, 2017, from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. at the school cafeteria. Entertainment and refreshments will be available.

Next Meeting: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Palolo Elementary School cafeteria.

Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Bulky trash should be placed no earlier than one (1) day before the third Wednesday of every month to preserve the beauty of the valley. Call 768-3203 for violations.

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

Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Mau thanked Shiraki for arranging the closing of the facility and thanked Wheeler for getting the keys.

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

2017 Neighborhood Board Election: 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 Neighborhood Commission Office (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, Room 102. The form can also be obtained at the new NCO location at 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160. Hardcopy forms must be submitted to the NCO.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by: James Skizewski, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant

Finalized by: Beverly Mau, Vice Chair

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For 2/8/2017 Posted

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