Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For <font color="red"><b>5/10/2017</b></font> Posted - Kaimuki

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Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For 5/10/2017 Posted
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 6/14/2017.

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

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017

PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with nine (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, Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Randolph Hack, Marvin Heskett, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Beverly Mau, , Earl Shiraki, and Liv Wheeler.

Board Members Absent: Ken Aronowitz and Darlene Nakayama.

Guests: Lieutenant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department); Director Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Cat Awakuni Colon (State of Hawaii, DCCA); Julia Allen, Anita Beppu, James Conant, Laurie and J Chivers; Nikki Guess, Ivan Hole, Sandra Lee, Jennifer Martin, James Nekota, Scott and Candy Tamagori; and Connie Tokunaga (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer); and James Skizewski (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- No representative present; no report provided.

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

• April 2017 Crime Statistics: There were 8 burglaries, 15 thefts, and 8 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 5,989 calls for service in District Seven (7).

• Safety Tip: Safety Tip -- Home Security: Lieutenant Ramson circulated a home security checklist and highlighted various tips to ensure the safety of a home. For more information visit http://www.honolulupd.org/community/index.php?page=CPT-D7.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Burglaries on 10th Avenue: Shiraki asked and Lieutenant Ramson responded that burglaries like the incidents that occurred on 10th Avenue are a crime of opportunity. Shiraki asked and Lieutenant Ramson responded that the incident investigations are ongoing.

2. New Chief of Police: Shiraki asked and Lieutenant Ramson responded that HPD is still sorting through the applicants to fill the role of new Chief of Police.

3. Abandoned Vehicles: Resident Chivers asked Lieutenant Ramson responded that the community should first call 9-1-1 to report abandoned vehicles which then an officer will report to cite and mark the vehicle. If the vehicle is not moved over 24 hours HPD will notify the City and County of Honolulu of the abandoned vehicle for towing.

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

• Main Breaks: There was one (1) main break fixed at 10th Avenue.

• General Water Announcements

o 2017 Water Conservation Poster and Poetry Contest -- www.boardofwatersupply.com has a full list of winners and a schedule of when the art and poetry will be on exhibit around Oahu. They thanked all of the participants.

o Haiku Stairs -- BWS has published an environmental impact statement preparation notice. BWS is requesting public comments. The draft impact statement will consider one (1) proposed action and three (3) alternatives for the stairs: removing the stairs entirely, providing legal access to and from the stairs and improving it for public use, transferring it to another government agency, or taking no action. The draft is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com/community/haikustairs. Comments can be sent to haikustairs@g70.design by Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

o Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan -- The plan will investigate existing water demand and supply, project future demands, and identify supply options to meet those demands. There are several meetings coming up that are open to the community: Monday, May 22, 2017 at McKinley High School at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Farrington High School at 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Aiea Elementary School at 7:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Haiku Stairs: Shiraki asked and Dias responded that the BWS is working on possible solutions to address the issues with the Haiku Stairs. Shiraki noted his desire for the stairs to be removed.

2. Kuahea Street: Dias noted that the BWS was participating with the contractor to address Kuahea Street but added that the contractor has filed for bankruptcy and BWS will be working on a resolution.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara reported the following:

• Rail: The City was requesting a bail out from the State. The legislature responded by notifing the City that they will not write a blank check. The Senate and House differed in the way they felt rail must be addressed which led the the stalemate. The Senate was in favor in providing funds for the rail project. It will be up to the leadership of each house to come together to find a resolution to address rail.

• Election by Mail: The legislation did not pass the election by mail legislation.

• Paycheck to Paycheck Legislation: House Bill (HB) 209 rasied the highest tax bracket back to 2015 rates. This legislation should raise 50 million dollars for the State and will be a part of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

• Sunshine Law: Sunshine Law was was expanded to require those holding the public meeting to provide the public with the same resource matrial packets as given to board and commission members.

• Caregiver Voucher: A caregiver voucher totalling in $70.00 a day will be given to those who qualify for the Kapuna Caregiver Voucher for a limited amount of days. The voucher is to compensate those who sacrafice their time to take care of Hawaii's Kapuna.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Property Taxes: Shiraki noted opposition for raising property taxes. Senator Ihara responded that the legislature has no control of the property tax increases. The Hawaii State Teacher Association (HSTA) put in an amendment to have property taxes be used for schools that did not pass.

2. Caregivers: Shiraki asked and Senator Ihara responded that caregivers are now not receiving a voucher.

3. Rail: Farm asked and Senator Ihara responded that it is up to the legislature's leadership to coordinate and find a resolution in regards to addressing rail. A failure of cooperation led to the stalemate. Farm asked and Senator Ihara responded that the timeline for a special session is unknown.

4. Noisy Vehicles: Resident Chivers noted the need to address noisey vehicles and asked what limits are in place. Senator Ihara responded that he does not know about noise limits for vehicles. Senator Ihara added that he did work on the legislation addressing mopeds. Chivers responded that the moped inspection requirements are flawed as owners can easily change out the mufflers and reiterated the need for vehicle noise limits.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• City Council: The Honolulu City Council will return on Monday, May 22, 2017, for committee meetings.

• Newsletter: Kaneshiro highlighted Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter and noted that the City Council congratulated the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Plastic Bags: Heskett asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the plastic bag revision is being discussed but added that she will update the board next month.

2. Palolo Swimming Pool Update: Mau asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) notified her office that the shower building will be completed by the end of May 2017. The project will then be passed onto the Department of Parks and Recreations (DPR)

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura circulated the Oahu News, then reported the following:

• Sew A Lei For Memorial Day: Sew a Lei for Memorial Day will occur at the Honolulu Hale on Friday, May 26, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Metered parking available on King Street and at the Municipal parking lot located at the corner of Alapai and Beretania streets. All materials will be provided. Please come out and help sew lei to decorate each gravesite at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. It's the best way to show our appreciation and "mahalo" to veterans at Punchbowl. They will also have "Sew a Lei" sites at Waipahu District Park, Waimanalo District Park, Kailua District Park, Kaneohe Senior Center and Makua Alii Senior Center in downtown. Please call the park for the event times. Donations of flowers from your yard to sew lei with are being accepted, as well as donated lei. Please write to them at parks@honolulu.gov, or call 768.3003 for more information.

• Memorial Day: The 68th Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 29, 2017, at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. The Department of Defense (DOD) has declared this year as the 50th Commemorative year of the Vietnam War, and Mayor Caldwell, Governor Ige, the state's Office of Veterans Services, the Veterans Administration, and the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam Commemorative Committee, have combined forces to recognize and thank all Vietnam Veterans. Please join us at Punchbowl for this year's ceremony, and please bring along any family or friends who served in the Vietnam War. Veterans should check the website "50th Anniversary Vietnam" for more information. Due to the anticipated increase in participation, we have arranged for free bus shuttles running from the Alapai Transit Station to Punchbowl. The shuttles will run continuously from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Free parking will be available at the Municipal Parking Lot across the Alapai Transit Station, the Alapai/JTMC building parking lot, and at McKinley High School, King Street entrance. For more information, please send your questions to parks@honolulu.gov, or call 768.3003.

• Follow Ups:

o Kuahea Street: The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) noted that the Kuahea Street road reconstruction contractor has filed for bankruptcy and a resolution is in the works.

o Waiomao Road: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) conducted an investigation regarding the request to install a "Blend Line" on 10th Avenue and Waiomao Road. A previous work order was issued to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) for the installation of an intersection guideline at the above-mentioned intersection. The DFM has scheduled the installation of the guideline in May of 2017. Should you have any questions regarding the installation timeframe, please contact Louis Acosta of the DFM at 768-3638.

o Illegal Dumping 10th Avenue: HPD Officers on all three watches monitored this area for illegal dumping between Monday, April 24, 2017 and Thursday, April 27, 2017. At the times of their checks, they did not observe anyone illegally dumping items. On Tuesday, April 18, 2017 a City Refuse Inspector conducted an investigation at this location but was unable to determine the source of the dumping. Regularly scheduled monthly bulky item collection for the subject area begins on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, the items were removed during the collection cycle. If a resident witness illegal dumping in progress, he or she should immediately call 911 and file a police report. If bulky items are set out for collection earlier than the night before the scheduled start of collection, please report this directly to the Refuse Division Inspectors at 768-5220.

o Crosswalk at 10th Avenues and Lai Road: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) completed their evaluation, which included research, a review of the updated traffic history, and a site inspection. DTS previously completed an evaluation at the subject location; however, the minimum pedestrian and vehicular volume requirements that must be met for the installation of a crosswalk were not met. The Hawaii Revised Statutes 291C-1(1) defines a crosswalk as "that part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway." It is, therefore, legal to cross in unmarked crosswalks at intersections as described above. Review of the updated traffic history did not indicate any conditions or trends to necessitate additional traffic control measures at this time.

o Cameras to Monitor Illegal Dumping: In 2011 the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) installed three (3) cameras in known chronic illegal dumping areas to test their effectiveness at capturing evidence and deterring illegal dumping activity. The cameras were able to capture evidence, but when the evidence was reviewed by HPD and the City Prosecuting Attorney's office, both parties indicated that that it would be difficult to pursue criminal charges based on the camera evidence alone. The cameras were also found to be generally effective in deterring illegal dumping at the monitored locations; however, neighboring areas experienced a corresponding increase in illegally dumped materials. It should be noted that property owners have had success with installing camera systems to deter illegal dumping at their frontages. If someone witness illegal dumping as it is occurring, they should immediately call 9-1-1 to notify the police. Otherwise, illegally dumped materials or bulky items placed out for collection outside of the normal collection schedule can be reported directly to the City's Refuse Inspectors at 768-5220.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. 10th Avenue Blend Line: Shiraki expressed his appreciation for the expedited work to apply the blend line requested at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Waiomao Road. He asks for an adjustment of the blend line as it is too straight and needs to have an "arc" or curve for a smoother transition from Waiomao Road to 10th Avenue.

2. Sea-Level Rise: Heskett noted the City and County of Honolulu comments of rising tides. Heskett thanked the City and County of Honolulu for creating the Department of Sustainability and Climate Change. Director Sasamura responded that the DDC is concerned and is working with the University of Hawaii to address sea levels rise and the possible effects on infrastructure. Sea level rise could affect storm water drain outflows.

3. Kuahea Street: Residents of Kuahea Street and Waiomao Road are asking for an update on the Kuahea Road reconstruction project with a projected timeline for bid opening, bid award, NTP, and completion. Residents also ask for expedited review and processing of permits associated with the project. Resident Chivers asked and Director Sasamura responded that the permits process fot yhe project must be redone.

4. Waiomao Road: Resident Kane noted that similar issues that affect Kuahea Street also occur along Waiomao Road. Yards are flooded and resident foundations are slipping. A resolution is needed.

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 which focused on affordable housing and homelessness.

• Ka'au Crater Trail Concern: Tha Oahu Branch Forestry and Wildlife Manager Marigold Zoll noted that they appreciate help from the community in controlling invasive species on State land and support these efforts by issuing permits to organizations to conduct work that would be otherwise prohibited by Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapters 104 (Forest Reserves) and 105 (Restricted Watersheds). The trail that leads to Ka'au Crater is not a Na Ala Hele Program trail and is not maintained by Forestry and Wildlife staff. It goes through City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply (HBWS) land before it gets to the Forest Reserve. Verification that the HBWS has granted access from this community group is needed before we will issue a permit to conduct work. Please work with Ryan Peralta, Oahu Forestry Program Manager, on permitting for the group in the Forest Reserve.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Respite Care Funds: Chair Hack requested Governor Ige restore respite care funds for caregivers that was deleted from the budget.

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

• Senior Citizen Fraud: Representative Say circulated a handout addressing fraud and scams among senior citizens. The handout outlines ways for the community to protect their investments and identify potential fraud.

• Kuahea Street and Waiomao Road: The City and County of Honolulu is in the process of addressing Kuaheat Street and Waiomao Road as well as the surrounding sidewalks.

• Short Term Rentals: Representative Say circulated framework for a resolution to address illegal short term rentals.

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Representative Say circulated ADU applications to help appropriately apply for additional dwelling space.

• Resident Parking Zones: Representative Say circulated a handout outlined the Wilson Street resident parking zone permits for the Kalihi area.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Resident Parking Permits: Shiraki asked and Representative Say responded that he will look into the resident parking permit project occurring in the Kalihi area.

2. Kuahea Street: Resident Lee asked what can be done regarding the situation on Kuahea Street. Representative Say responded that he will do his best to address Kuahea Street next session. Representative Say added that he had over eight (8) million dollar appropriated for the area but when the recession hit the funds were not released in time. Representative Say concluded that he will try to fund the project possibly through the Grant in Aide (GIA) process but noted that procurement laws make it hard to obtain the needed funds.

3. ADU: Chivers asked and Representative Say responded that business registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) do get taxes, but when ADU's are used as an illegal short term rental it becomes harder to address.

4. Traffic: Resident Tomori voiced concerns with the speeds that cars are traveling on Palolo Avenue as it makes it very dangerous for the cars that are exited from driveways.

RECOGNITION OF LEAVING BOARD MEMBERS: Chair Hack acknowledged Board members Farm, Wheeler, Heskett and Hayers-Gerlich for their commitment and service to the Board as they will not be returning next term.

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENCES: No action was taken on the Hayes-Gerlich three (3) absence letter. Hayes-Gerlich apologized for her absences and thanks the board for their service. Hayes-Gerlich encouraged the community to participate.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: The regular meeting minutes for Wednesday, April 12, 2017 were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as written, 9-0-0 (Aye: Farm, Gerlich-Hayes, Hack, Heskett, Holtrop, Leo, Mau, Shiraki, and Wheeler; Nay: None; Abstain: none).

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Shiraki noted a remaining balance of $80.98.

Safety Committee: Shiraki urged motorists to take caution when parking along the street and exiting your vehicle. Shiraki also encouraged the community to follow posted speed limits and watch for vehicles exiting driveways.

Next Meeting: The next Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 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

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

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Submitted by: James Skizewski, Public Relations Assistant

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Public Relations Assistant

Finalized by: Randolph Hack, Chair

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Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For 5/10/2017 Posted

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item