Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting September 2017 Minutes

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

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting September 2017 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/18/2017.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER ??? Chair Pro Tem Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. A quorum was established with 8 members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Becky Gardner, Walt Ross, Molly Pierce, Mark Hagadone, Paul Hoe, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Sharon Schneider and Calvin Hara.

Board Members Absent - Brian Kang, Lori Yamada and Will Kokolus.

Guests - Sergeant W. Scott and Lieutenant R. Hayamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Jay Shimabukura and Firefighter Blaze Sylva (Honolulu Fire Department); Deputy Director Leonard Hishijo, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (Governor David Ige's Representative); Director Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Representative Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Cameron Sato and Senator Stanley Chang (Senator Stanley Chang's Office);Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; James Larson (Citizens Climate Lobby); Norman Hong (Kaimuki Christian Church); Rosa and Ryan Anma, Brian, Enzo, and Keijiro Yamagata (Boy Scouts); Gama Young, Deena Young, Julia Allen, Glen Posner, Paul and Patty Sugai, Curt Kumiya, Foster Lau, Claire Shimabukuro, James Turner, Mark Merlin, Eric McCutchen, Bart Dame, Dean McColgan, Deborah Ritchey, Joel Moffett, Peter Ono, Teresa Bill, Steve Yuen, and Roland Louie (Residents); James Skizewski and Anela Kekoolani (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Blaze Sylva reported the following:
• August 2017 Statistics: There were 2 cooking fires, 18 activated alarms (no fire), 92 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 7 motor vehicle crash/collision, 5 mountain rescues and 1 hazardous material incident.
• Fire Safety Tip: Grilling Safety - The HFD often responds to hikers who are lost or injured. Use the acronym H.I.K.E. S.A.F.E. to recall hiking safety tips:
o Hike with a partner or group and have a plan. Each Member of the group should carry a cell phone, water, whistle, and a flashlight. The group should establish where to meet if members become separated.
o Inform someone of your hiking plan. Let them know when you plan to return.
o Keep a cell phone, flashlight, and whistle with you on every hike, including short day hikes.
o Eat well and stay hydrated. Carry plenty of water; 2 liters of water per person, per day is recommended.
o Stay on the trails. Abide by posted signs, and do not hike in closed or dangerous areas.
o Ask for help early; do not delay. A minor/moderate health or medical issue can be easily exacerbated by hiking up steep trails. Know your limits and pay close attention to how you're feeling.
o Familiarize yourself with the area. Use a map and consult government sponsored websites.
o Expect changes in the weather and terrain. Bring appropriate footwear and clothing.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant R. Hayamoto reported the following:
• August 2017 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 42 burglaries, 31 thefts, 19 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,600 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip: A handout was passed out on Hurricane Preparedness.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Illegal Game Room - Multiple Residents asked if HPD was aware of an illegal game room at 3632 Waialae Avenue. This game room has been causing an increase of burglaries and thefts. There is drug paraphernalia and needles left on the streets. Fights have broken out and a gun was drawn out. Lieutenant Hayamoto stated that HPD is aware of this illegal game room and it is an ongoing investigation and encouraged residents to call 911 if they see any criminal activity.
2. Unresponsive Dispatch - Residents and business owners are highly concerned because when they call 911 dispatch is very unresponsive and often states that they do not think there is an emergency and refuses to send an officer.
3. Doubled Burglaries - Gardner stated that according to the statistics burglaries have doubled and wondered what caused the increase. HPD has an idea of a certain demographic of people. Lieutenant Hayamoto states it is a study of the time and place and encourages residents to call 911 or email district7@honolulu.gov if they see anything suspicious.
4. Pipeline Bakery - Owner of Pipeline Bakery which is in the same building as the illegal gambling room stated that her store closes at 9:30 p.m. and never sees cops around at that time. There was a gun pulled out and she called 911 and the police are saying it was not an emergency.
5. District 7 - Hagadone thanked HPD for coming and asked Lieutenant Hayamoto to remind everyone that District 7 is from Punahou to Makapu'u which is a huge district. The statistics are based off of many different areas.
6. Neighborhood Watch - Chair Schneider reminded everyone that there is a Neighborhood watch for the Maunalani Heights area which can extend down to Koko Head Avenue.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - A representative was not present. Chair Schneider read off an email sent by BWS:
• Main Breaks - There were two (2) main breaks:
o Thursday, August 10, 2017 at 3627 Pahoa Avenue
o Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 3367 Waialae Avenue
• 2017-2018 Halawa Xeriscape Garden Workshop Schedule - 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. The new 2017-2018 xeriscape workshop schedule features dozens of new and popular workshops that offer useful tips on how to maintain a beautiful and water-efficient garden. The garden offers workshops on select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the year. Upcoming workshops include:
o Saturday, September 23, 2017: Hypertufa Bowls
o Saturday, September 30, 2017: How to Create a Xeric Butterfly Garden
o Wednesday, October 18, 2017: Rain Barrel Catchment
o Saturday, October 28, 2017: Spiral and Keyhole Gardens
• Information - Advanced registration is required. Call 748-5315 or email workshops@hbws.org to reserve your space at one of our workshops. Visit our website www.boardofwatersupply.com to check out the full list of classes being offered. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden remains open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are welcomed to drop by to see dozens of attractive and less-thirsty plants on display, as well as pick up a complimentary seed packet.
PROJECT UPDATES:
• Fire Hydrants - The contractor for the fire hydrant installation project in Kaimuki (see map) has temporarily suspended work to install hydrants for a separate project in Kapahlulu on Lincoln Avenue. The contractor will return to the Kaimuki project once three new hydrants are installed on Lincoln Avenue.
??? Wilhelmina Rise Part IV (as of Thursday, September 7, 2017)
o Contractor is continuing 8-inch main installation on Paula Drive.
o Contractor is beginning to install new hydrants on Paula Drive.
o Contractor resumed 8-inch main installation on Mariposa Drive.
o Contractor is continuing service lateral installation on Paula Place.
??? Maunalani Circle/Wilhelmina WSI Part V - The NTP was issued Tuesday, August 7, 2017. Contractor is laying out work, scheduling to take pre-construction photos, and is seeking a storage yard and permits to start work. Residents will be notified by before the Wilhelmina Rise WSI Part V begins.
• Maunalani Park - The project is officially cancelled for now. The contractor defaulted and as a result the procurement and permitting processed have to be redone. Timing is not available at this time.

PUBLIC INPUT

Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Public Relations (PR) Update - James Skizewski reported the following:
??? Promoting NCO - The Neighborhood Commission continues to examine ways to promote the Neighborhood Board System and increase public awareness. Our efforts to promote the Neighborhood Boards include members of the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) visiting various community center, parks, churches, and businesses in communities across the island. We post posters and leave flyers that promote their area Board and include the meeting date, time, and location. If any members of the Board or community know of additional places where posters or flyers can be placed please contact us at 768-3710 or get in contact with your respective Board's Neighborhood Assistant.
• Online Training - The NCO is additionally working on an online training program to serves as an education resource for current and prospective Board members. The training program will go over the three major governing documents of the Neighborhood Board System that includes the Neighborhood Plan, Roberts Rules of Order, and Sunshine Law. This program will serve as an aide to outline responsibilities, procedures, and duties of the Neighborhood Board and its members.
• Resolutions - We are also currently working in conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology (DIT) to create a new section of or website that will pertain to adopted Resolutions. This new feature of the website will allow the public to access and view all passed resolutions which will be organized by Neighborhood Board. We at the NCO feel it is essential for the community to be able to readily view the requests, desires, and sentiments as expressed through resolutions of Neighborhood Boards across the island. Please feel free to visit our website at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco.
• Suggestions - Lastly, the NCO is always looking for additional ways to increase awareness of the Neighborhood Board System. Presentations are continuingly being done at various community organizations and meetings across the island. The more people we can get involved the more influence our meetings can carry. If you feel there are any organizations or community groups that would be willing to hear more about the Neighborhood Board System please feel free to contact us at 768-3710 or email James Skizewski at James.Skizewski@honolulu.gov.

Neighborhood Watch Gathering - Hagadone stated that on Sunday, October 1, 2017 there will be a neighborhood watch gathering for Maunalani Park.

Illegal Game Room - The Hale Kaimuki Association President along with many Kaimuki residents are concerned with the illegal gambling room and believes it is causing the increased numbers of burglaries. There have been 4 homes broken into and a stolen car. Resident with young children fear for safety.
Discussion:
• Operation - Gardner asked how long the gaming room has been in operation for. A store owner of the same building as the gaming room stated that the gaming room opened in May 2017 but went full force in June/July 2017.
• Landlord - Chair Schneider asked if the landlord plans on doing anything about this illegal gaming room. Store owners have reached out to the landlord but have not gotten an answer back. Storeowners think that the landlord is aware that there is an illegal gambling room but they are not sure of his involvement. Board members and residents will try to contact the landlord and invite him to next month's Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No.4 Meeting.
• Dispatch - Residents want HPD dispatch to take them more seriously when they call 911 to report an emergency. Residents asked what they could do besides calling 911. Residents can:
o Talk to elected officials who were present at the meeting.
o Make people aware via social media.
o Call the media. (The media was present during this meeting and conducted interviews about this illegal gambling room outside.)
• Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) ??? A PIG was formed to further discuss the illegal gambling room at 3236 Waialae Avenue and actions to take to close this gambling room down. The board member that joined the PIG are: Schneider, Gardner, and Hara. Community members: Deborah Ritchey and Joel Moffett will also join the PIG.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Director Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) reported the following:
• Moped Inspection - Honolulu - The Department of Customer Services (CSD) reminds moped owners that a new state law, Act 200 of the Hawai�i Session Laws of 2016, requires the annual safety inspection and registration of mopeds beginning Sunday, January 1, 2017. Registered owners of mopeds on O�ahu will need to safety inspect and register mopeds initially this year and annually thereafter.
• Bus Update - Effective Sunday, October 1, 2017 The Bus will be eliminating transfers and introduce one day bus passes. Bus fares will increase Monday, January 1, 2018.
• Illegal Gaming Room - Director Wong gave some personal tips on things that residents can do that the City can not to help shut this game room down. Director Wong suggested that residents take photos or videos if they see illegal activity. Residents can also text 911 which they may be able to send pictures and videos too. Every police dispatch is public record and can be found at www.data.honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Picture Text - Gardner stated that her friend saw blood from a crime and asked if he should take a picture and text it to 911. Hoe suggested that he upload that picture to the Honolulu 311 app.
2. Illegal Gambling Room - There seems to be a lot of violence, gambling, and drug use going on at 3632 Waialae Avenue across from Goodwill on Koko Head Avenue. Police dispatch seems to dismiss calls as being not important and not an emergency. This is also being sent to DPP because residents and renters of Waialae Avenue building have tried to contact the owner but there has been no response and they would like to know if DPP can be of any help.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
• Fire Safety Meeting - There was a large meeting held regarding installing sprinkler systems into all apartment buildings that were built before 1975. An organization will put together a matrix to see which building necessarily needs the sprinkler system added. It will be very expensive to add sprinkler systems to these buildings.
• Going Green Event - On Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Councilmember Kobayashi's office will join other elected officials in collecting recyclable products generating funds to benefit Kaimuki High School, Kapahulu Community Center, and Moiliili Community Center.
• Burglaries - Burglaries have been increasing all over in HPD's District 7. There has also been an increase in Manoa, where homes have been getting broken into in the middle of the day while residents are home.
??? Bus Incident - There was an incident on the Bus recently which involved an older man grouping a teenage girl on the Bus. Luckily HPD found the suspect. Questions were raised about what if this happens on the Rail and no one is working to make a report to.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - Karen Yorimoto reported the following:
• Illegal Gambling Room - Councilmember Ozawa's office has been receiving calls about the illegal gambling room at 3236 Waialae Avenue and a riser was sent out to HPD.
• Passed Resolution - Resolution 17-198 urging Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) to increase enforcement and propose any changes to the department's administrative rules or legislation the director deems necessary to address the problem of illegal use of large residential structures in residential zoning districts passed.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Public Support - Hagadone reminded everyone to make sure they show support in helping the councilmember with this resolution. Chair Schneider asked for an update on the resolution.

Governor Ige's Representative - Deputy Director Leonard Hishijo, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) reported the following:
• Three Amigos ??? DLIR's three (3) amigos Jodie Nakamura, Ryan Mercado, and Liam Tobin as dubbed by their coworkers are three (3) millennials hired as office assistants to help digitize the mountains of paper work from some 200,000 claims a year in the disability compensation division. What use to take anywhere from six (6) months will now only take a month.

Senator Stanley Chang - Senator Chang distributed a handout and reported the following:
• Bill Draft - A bill is being drafted to make lying to a DPP inspector is a misdemeanor.
• State Special Session - State officials will go into special session to decide on new Big Island judges.
• Committees - Senator Chang is now a part of the labor and higher education committees.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Testimony - A resident asked if they could still give testimony for the State special session. Senator Chang responded that you can still give testimony until Friday, September 22, 2017, 11:00 a.m.

Senator Les Ihara Junior - Senator Ihara reported the following:
• Special Session - The Senate has three (3) days to meet alone if not the judges will automatically be approved.
• Illegal Game Room Tips - Senator Ihara advised resident that legislation allows you to sue civically. Investigator will often not give any information because they do not want an investigation to be interrupted and a tip to be given off.
•
Representative Calvin K.Y. Say - A handout was passed out and Representative Say reported the following:
• Illegal Game Room Tips - Representative Say suggested to residents that they contact the State prosecuting office.
• Monster Homes - Representative Say is hoping that the bill on stopping monster homes will be passed.
• Palolo Valley Park Pool - The pool is now reopened. The pool was closed on Monday, April 10, 2017 for the $448,770 renovation project to reroof and repair water damage to the gym, weight room, and pool shower building.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi circulated a report and reported the following -
• Rail Funding - The decision from the legislators saves $450 million on interest but none of that money will stay in Hawaii it will all go back to big mainland banks.
• Rock Fall Mitigation Work - The final stage of work to remove rockfall hazards along the exterior and interior slopes of Diamond Head State Monument will begin Monday, September 18, 2017. This phase will focus on the summit hiking trail, and is expected to be completed by early December 2017.
• Diamond Head Seawall Under State's Oversight - The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the State of Hawaii owns an easement over the Diamond Head Seawall and the duty to repair, maintain, and be legally liable for damages in case of accidents or injury.

Hawaii Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa - A representative was not present; a handout was provided.

PRESENTATIONS

�Ulu Tree Phenology Student Project - A representative was not present; deferred to the next meeting.

Update of the Construction of Kaimuki Christian Church Parking Lot at the corner of Mahina Avenue and 13th Avenue - Norman Hong presented the following: The parking lot at the corner of Mahina Avenue and 13th Avenue will be demolished to build a new parking lot and a new learning center.

OLD BOARD BUSINESS

Red Hill Resolution Brought Forward by Sierra Club - A representative was not present; deferred to the next meeting.
NEW BOARD BUSINESS

Dissolution of Envision Kaimuki Committee under the Neighborhood - Hoe moved and Ross seconded to dissolve the Envision Kaimuki Committee. The motion passes, by UNANIMOUS consent, 8-0-0 (AYE: Gardner, Hagadone, Hoe, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Ross, Pierce and Hara; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Presentation of comments for 2018 Neighborhood Plan - Board Members will review the neighborhood plan and give their reviews and comments to Ross who will submit them online.

Approval of Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes - Hoe moved and Ross seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 the Wednesday, July 19, 2017, regular meeting minutes were ACCEPTED WITH CORRECTIONS by UNANIMOUS consent, 8-0-0 (AYE: Gardner, Hagadone, Hoe, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Ross, Pierce and Hara; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
• Invitation by Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) for the Board to participate in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade - Deferred. The Kaimuki Business Professional Association announced that the 71st Annual Christmas Parade is on Thursday, December 7, 2017. The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No.4 is invited to be in the parade.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Chair Schneider reported a remaining balance of $389.70.The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Adopt-a-Park program of the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association has scheduled a cleanup of Kaimuki Park on Waialae Avenue on October 28, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Next Regular Board Meeting Wednesday, October 18, 2017, Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.

Submitted by: Anela Kekoolani, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Sultan White, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Sharon Schneider, Board Chair Pro Tem

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item