Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2017 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2017 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/11/2017.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:04 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: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Barbra J. Armentrout, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Bradley Rentz.

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Lieutenant Clifford Ramson (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Chris Miller (Honolulu Fire 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; John F. Montgomery III (U.S. Navy); Jodi Malinoski (Sierra Club); Romeo Reyes, Nikki Guess, Lauri Chivers, (Residents); and Felipe M. Pacquing II (Neighborhood Commission Office).

BOARD ORGANIZATION
• Chair: Nakayama nominated and Armentrout seconded Randolph Hack as Chair. Earl Shiraki closed the nomination.
• Vice-Chair: Onishi nominated and Nakayama seconded Beverly Mau as vice-chair. Holtrop closed the nomination.
• Secretary: Rentz nominated and Mau seconded Darlene Nakayama as secretary. Holtrop closed the nomination.
• Treasurer: Hack nominated and Holtrop seconded Barbra J. Armentrout Hack as Treasurer. Earl Shiraki closed the nomination
• Sergeant-at-Arms: Nakayama nominated and Armentrout seconded Earl Shiraki as Sergeant-at-Arms. Holtrop closed the nomination.
There being no objections, the above members were elected to their respective positions with unanimous consent.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Miller reported the following:
• July 2017 Fire Statistics: There was 1 nuisance fire, 20 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle crash/collision, and 3 mountain rescues.
• Fire Safety Tip: Hurricane Season preparedness: Have a plan in place, a survival kit and stay informed. For more information, visit the Department of Emergency Management's website at www.honolulu.gov/dem.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Emergency supply: Chair Hack inquired and Captain Miller replied to be ready with two (2) weeks supply of food and water.
2. Helicopter Sightings: Shiraki inquired and Captain Miller replied that the helicopters were seen around Ka'au Crater Trail to rescue trail hikers in trouble, lost, or in distress.
3. Marco Polo: Shiraki inquired and Captain Miller replied that there were no horizontal exits in the hallways in the Marco Polo building when there was fire.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Ramson reported the following:
• July 2017 Crime Statistics: There were 2 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 16 thefts, and 3 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,613 calls for service in June 2017.
• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Ramson distributed an information sheet about hurricane reparedness. The link for that information can be found through the Department of Emergency Management's (DEM) website at https://www.honolulu.gov/dem@honolulu.gov.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Theft: Shiraki reported that somebody is checking on the cars along Makanui Place and Lieutenant Ramson replied that one should not leave valuables in the car and always lock the door. If there is anything suspicious, call 911.
2. Telephone Booth: Shiraki reported about suspicious deals being done at the public phone booth in his area and requested the police to do more patrols in his area.
3. Suspicious Fire: Armentrout inquired and Lieutenant Ramson replied to call 911 non-emergency if she notices white smoke where the homeless usually are. Director Sasamura commented that what she may be noticing are encampments at St. Louis Heights, and she may report the matter to the Department of land and natural resources (DLNR).
4. Break Ins: Romeo Reyes inquired and Lieutenant Ramson replied that he can only provide the crime statistics now on break ins and not where they usually happen.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias reported the following:
• Main Break Report July 2017: 2343 Kuahea Street 6 inches.
• Summer water conservation: Check for property leaks. Avoid watering lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Haiku Stairs: Mau inquired and Mr. Dias replied that the BWS is coordinating with the HPD to cite the trespassers on the Haiku Stairs.
2. Delayed Project: A resident complained about the long ongoing project at Kuihea Street and Mr. Dias said that he will report next meeting on the project update.
3. Kapuluhu Water System Project: Shiraki complained and Mr. Dias will check on the confusing road signs around the said project.

BOARD MEETING DATE/TIME/LOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 (JULY 2017 to JUNE 2018)

Mau moved and Nakayama seconded the motion to maintain the status quo of the date, time, location of the regular meetings of the Palolo Neighborhood Board, i.e., every second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria. The motion passed by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Barbra J. Armentrout, Joshua Frost. Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Bradley Rentz; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

DETERMINATION OF BOARD RECES SCHEDULE (JULY 2017 to JUNE 2018)
• Armentrout moved to have the Board recess on December. Motion was not seconded; consequently, the motion failed.
• Holtrop stated that the schedule of meetings are posted online at the Neighborhood Commission Office's website, at St. Patrick's Church, and also by mail for those who wanted to be notified by mail.

Shiraki moved and Nakayama seconded the motion to have board recess schedules on January, June, and September. The motion passed by MAJORITY VOTE, 9-1-0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Joshua Frost. Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Bradley Rentz; Nay: Barbra J. Armentrout; Abstain: None).

REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OLELO BROADCAST PROGRAM OR TO REQUEST FUNDS FOR AN ANNUAL NEWSLETTER

Mau moved and Holtrop seconded the motion to participate in the Olelo Broadcast Program. The motion passed, 9-0-1 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Bradley Rentz; Nay: None; Abstain: Barbra J. Armentrout).
• Cost of Broadcast Program: Armentrout inquired and the Chair replied that he will check if the cost of the broadcast program will be less since the Palolo Board has only nine (9) months of broadcast instead of 11 months.

ADOPTION OF ORAL TESTIMONY RULES

Mau moved and Shiraki seconded the motion to adopt the rules of speaking as appearing in today's agenda, maintaining the three (3) minutes rule in speaking. The motion passed by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Barbra J. Armentrout, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, and Bradley Rentz; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS: None.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: None.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro reported the following:
• Newsletter: Kaneshiro highlighted Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter and noted the full city council meeting on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 and the committee meetings the following week, resolutions Council Member Kobayashi sponsored, schedules for the 2017 Summer Obon festivals, as well as honoring Michael Shiroma for his dedicated service and contributions in the City and County of
• Palolo Valley Swimming Pool: The finishing work on the showers is almost done. When work is completed it will be turned over to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to open the facility. No specific date of completion was provided.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Ala Wai Golf Course: Shiraki commented about the discussion to make improvements on the golf course with the intention of generating income to be self-sufficient, more particularly in increasing the golf ball price and making a second deck golf range. Onishi further commented that the Ala Wai Golf Course has lot of potentials but is not being used to its full extent.
2. Palolo Valley Swimming Pool: Christina Rudolph thanked Onishi and Mr. Kaneshiro for their concern and update on the Palolo Swimming pool.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:
• Rate Commission Chair: Mayor Caldwell appointed Cheryl Soon to serve as chair of the Rate Commission, and was confirmed by the City Council.
• Adjustment of Curvature: The Department of Transportation Service (DTS) informed Shiraki that the curvature of the blend line at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Waiomao Road will remain without adjustment.
• Illegal Dumping: The City Refuse Inspector was unable to determine the source of the dumping at La'I Road and 10th Avenue. If a resident witnesses illegal dumping in progress, they should immediately call 911 and file the police report.
• Bikeshare Hawaii: Lori McCarney will do a presentation on bikeshare Hawaii before the Neighborhood Board on its October 2017 meeting.
• Palolo Swimming Pool: The DPR is anticipating their re-opening of the pool in August 2017.
• Kuihea Street: The delay in the construction at the Kuihea Street is due to the bankruptcy of the contractor. It is now in the hands of the bonding company to appoint its contractor and continue the construction.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Bed and Breakfast (B and B): Armentrout inquired and Director Sasamura replied to call and report to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to investigate on the 70 B and B's in Palolo.
2. Street signs: Onishi inquired and Director Sasamura replied to call the DFM on issues regarding street signs 768-3343.
3. Speed Bump: Shiraki inquired and Director Sasamura replied that speed bumps and signage cannot be done for the meantime since the construction plan of the Alw Wai parking lot has already been done, and to alter or add to the plan will impact the construction cost.
4. Street Sign: Onishi inquired and Director Sasamura replied that the response to replace or re-paint the street sign depends on the sign itself. Since there is only one (1) crew for this kind of work for the whole of Hawaii, there can be delay for non-critical regulatory signs. Stop signs and speed limit signs have priority over anything else.
5. Water Sprinkler System: Mau inquired and Director Sasamura replied that there is an ongoing discussion in the City Council about mandatory retro-fitting of sprinklers in old buildings.
6. Pool Fees: Merri Wanda Tanji commented that raising fees to generate income has a negative effect for those who cannot afford it
7. Swimming Lights: Merri Wanda Tanji inquired and Director Sasamura replied to wait for the finishing of the swimming pool before making comments or suggestions on the pool.
8. Word of Thanks: A resident, on behalf of the swimming group, thanked the City for finally finishing the swimming pool by August 2017.
9. Vandalism: Holtrop inquired and Director Sasamura replied that he is not aware of the vandalism of the swimming pool project, and cannot comment on whether or not it will delay the project.
10. Aquatic Program: France Chaine inquired and Director Sasamura replied to check with the Department of Park and Recreation (DPR) if they have a senior aquatics program at the Palolo Swimming Pool.
Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Col�n reported the following:
• Student Improvement: The governor discussed with Board of Education Chair Lance Mizumoto and Superintendent Dr. Chistina Kishimoto about issues focused on improving achievement for all students.
• Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC): The Code Challenge kicks off at the East-West Center on Saturday, August 2017 at 0:00 a.m. State Departments will present issues that could benefit from coding solutions.
• Governor on Facebook Live: The Governor will have a live discussion on emergency preparedness, including the potential threat from North Korea.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Rail Issue: Armentrout inquired and Director Colon replied that there is a hearing notice regarding the rail issue to a number of legislative committees.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say - House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say reported the following:
• Appreciation: Representative Say thanked the city employees of Honolulu who helped the residents of Palolo valley and to the State administration for their response.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Abandoned vehicles at Ahe Street and Pooleka Street where drug transactions take place were removed by the city.
• Homeless: Homeless were removed from the McDonalds triangle at Palolo Avenue.
• Overgrown Grass: Representative Say thanked the person/s whoever removed the overgrown grass at 11th Avenue and also thanked Director Sasamura in helping a family at Kilihune Street in fixing the concrete sidewalk that was lifted by overgrown roots.
• Parked Cars: Two (2) families along Palolo Avenue are requesting the City to to paint the curbs red around three (3) feet from their driveway because they are having a hard time entering and exiting their driveway.
• Deep excavation: Residents at the mountainside of 10th Avenue are being impacted by the deep excavations being done there.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Some enterprising people buy cars at auction centers and then park them at Pukele Avenue, then later bring them to the repair shops because they have no space.
• Concrete Wall: Landlords at the back of the House in front of their units are complaining because of a concrete wall placed which block their view when they exit. This is along 10th Avenue before Waialae Avenue. Residents should be cognizant of such situations.
• St. James Church: The church was sold to a developer who is going to put up some townhouses at the property. The old church used to be an abandoned building with graffiti and where drug transactions took place.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Special Session: Chair Hack inquired and Speaker Emeritus Say replied that there will be three (3) joint committees that will discuss on five (5) different topics.
2. Parking Space: A resident inquired and Speaker Emeritus Say replied that it is illegal to mark down two (2) parking stalls in a parking space for the general public.
3. Proclamation: Speaker Emeritus Say gave a proclamation to Chair Hack for being a consumer advocate for the mentally ill people of Hawaii.
RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None

PRESENTATIONS: Red Hill Fuel Storage: Sierra Club coordinator Jodi Malinoski gave a presentation about the Red Hill fuel storage tanks owned by the United States Navy (Navy). She is before this Neighborhood Board
Neighborhood Board No. 6 to ask its support, through a resolution, for precautionary measures to be taken to ensure there is no additional leaks or contamination of our groundwater resources now and into the future. The resolution shall be acted upon it the next board meeting.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: U.S. Navy: John F. Montgomery III, a representative of the U.S. Navy in charge of the Red Hill fuel storage, requested that they be allowed to participate in the discussion to give a full history and the current status of the fuel storage before any resolution be made by the Board. Chair Hack informed Mr. Montgomery that they will be included in the agenda next Board Meeting.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: There being no objection, the minutes of Wednesday, May 10, 2017 and Wednesday, July 12, 2017 were approved.

Formation of Board Committees:
• Community Recognition Committee: Nakayama shall head committee with Chair Hack, Onishi, Rentz and Shiraki as members.
• Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO): This organization is composed of Neighborhood Boards and other organizations as reported by Armentrout, which is an external organization. Chair Hack was referring to creation of committees within the board.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Armentrout reported that the initial allocation is $2,905.00.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
??? The P lolo Neighborhood Board's next Meeting: Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Palolo Elementary School.
• Bulky Trash Pick-Up:Take out no-earlier-than one (1) day before the third Wednesday of every month to preserve the beauty of the valley. Report via Honolulu 311 Smart Phone Application or https://appsto.re/us/SiStC.i Call 768-3203 for violations.
• Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. - 7:20 a.m. at P lolo District Park
• Olelo Broadcast Slots: The P lolo 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 "Palolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaloloNB6. Also stay connected with Palolo at www.nextdoor.com.
• Agenda Requests: No later than two (2)-weeks prior to meeting, contact the Neighborhood Commission office at 768-3710.
• Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Mahalo to Shiraki and Hack for arranging.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Felipe M. Pacquing II, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Aran Wilson, Neighborhood Assistant
Finalized by: Randolph Hack, Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Chair

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