Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2017 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2017 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/8/2017.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was established with Ten (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, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, Barbra Armentrout, and Bradley Rentz.

Board Members Absent: None

Guests: Lieutenant Gary Sunada (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Jason Katada (Honolulu Fire Department); Director Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Senator Les Ihara, Jr; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Josh Stanbro, Executive Director (Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency), Jodi Malinoski (Sierra Club); Romeo Reyes, Nikki Guess, Lauri Chivers, J. Chiverts, Will Caron (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer) and Felipe M. Pacquing II (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Jason Katada reported the following:
September 2017 Fire Statistics: There was 1 nuisance fire, 1 activated alarm, 36 medical emergencies, and 1 motor vehicle crash/collision.
Fire Safety Tip - Halloween Safety:
o When selecting a costume, stay away from long trailing fabric, as it can be a trip hazard or attach to an object and cause a fall.
o Select fire resistant materials for costumes. If the child is wearing a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough so the child can see out.
o Provide children with flashlights or glow sticks for lighting as part of their costume. Use flashlight or battery operated candle in a jack-o-lantern.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Mahalo: Shiiraki thanked the HFD for attending the Palolo Neighborhood Board meetings,

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Gary Sunada reported the following:
September 2017 Crime Statistics: There were 4 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 13 thefts, and 3 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,619 calls for service in September 2017.
Safety Tip - How to Respond when an Active Shooter is in your Vicinity:
o Run. Have an escape route and plan in mind. Leave your belongings behind. Keep your hands visible.
o Hide in an area out of the shooter's view. Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors. Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
o Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter.
o Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Scam calls: Shiraki inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied to put the scam call numbers on block calls and report the number to the police.
2. Gun Purchase: Shiraki inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied to go the gun shop, choose the gun to purchase, fill out forms and submit to the police for background check for eligibilty, and to attend class.
3. Speeding Cars: Jimmy inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied that the infrared laser guns are used to stop or check on speeding cars.
4. Block Call List: Calvin Chico inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied that the Block Call list is effective for 5 years.
5. Gun License: Calvin Chico inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied that one usually gets the gun permit at the County or State where it is purchased.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias reported the following:
Master Plan: The BWS has been preparing a 30-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which identifies the timing and costs of projects needed to keep our water system healthy.
Financial Plan: The BWS will prepare a Financial Plan that will be the basis for the upcoming Water Rate Study, which will guide the BWS on how to pay water facilities and programs, using both cash and borrowings. New rates will be reviewed during summer 2018 and it is anticipated that new rates would be effective in 2019.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Water Leak: Shiraki inquired and Mr. Dias replied that the BWS will look into the water leak along 10th Avenue. The repair project at 9th Avenue is not with the BWS.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS:

Chair Hack announced the resignation of Barbra J. Armentrout from her at-large seat on the Board which leaves the board with one (1) at-large vacancy, one (1) sub district 1 and two (2) sub district 2 vacancies. Chair Hack then opened the table for nominations.

Holtrop moved and Mau seconded to nominate Barbra J. Armentrout as member of the Board for Sub District 1. There being no other nomination, Shiraki moved to close the nomination. Armentrout accepted the nomination.

Chair Hack moved for a recess for Barbra J. Armentrout to take her oath of office as member of the Board for sub district 1; 10 members present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro reported the following:
14th Annual Green Recycling Event: There will be a collection of recyclable products generating funds at the Kaimuki High School on Saturday, October 14, 2017.
Homelessness: The increase of homeless people in parks is affecting the safety of park goers, and this issue is being considered to be addressed.
Short Term Rentals: The City and County of Honolulu has not been approving short term rental permits; therefore, short term rentals are illegal. This has been implemented since 1989.
Rail Funding: The Legislative Council approved the rail project bailout plan for submission to the Federal Transportation Authority (FDA) , although Councilmember Kobayashi voted no.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Mahalo: Shiraki thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for voting against the tax increase for the rail project.
2. Short Term Rental: Shiraki inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that it is hard for the investigators to prove that tenants are renting the units on a short term basis.
3. Ordinance 1739: Rentz inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that she voted against the Electronic Device Plan.
4. Handivan: Armentrout inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the council will look into implementing the special transit for handivan.
5. Pedestrian Safety: Shiraki inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that there should be education on both the pedestrian and the driver for pedestrian safety.
6. Increase in Driver's License Renewal: Onishi inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied that the Kapalama Hale office is open on Saturdays to accommodate the renewal of driver's licenses. Holtrop also noted that one has to wait in line for 2 and half hours in renewing his driver's permit.
7. Thomas Square: Armentrout noted the improvement of Thomas square.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:
Annual Moped Inspection and Registration: Director Sasamura reminded moped owners of the Annual Moped Inspection and Registration which took effect on January 1, 2017.
One (1) Day Bus Pass: Effective Sunday, October 1, 2017, Riders that need to transfer to other buses need to purchase a One (1) day pass, replacing the bus transfers issued.
Bus fare Increase: Effective Monday, January 1, 2018, there will be an increase of bus fares.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): For those interested in participating in CERT, one may contact with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) at 723-8960.
??? Rail Funding: Senate Bill (SB) 4 authorized the City and County of Honolulu to impose the half percent surcharge on the General Excise tax (GET) for an additional three (3) years.
Senior Swimming Programs: The department of Parks and recreation (DPR) is unable to offer swim programs or classes on a regular basis due to limited number of available lifeguards.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Limits to Issuance of Building Permits: Shiraki expressed concern over homes with (10) bedrooms and asks the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to consider limits to prevent homes with these many bedrooms from receiving building permits.

State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara reported the following:
Judicial Appointments: The Senate is going to have a special session for judicial appointments next month (November 2017).
Rail Funding: There seems to some misunderstanding on how to meet the projections to help the City and County of Honolulu between the House and the Senate.
Short Term Rental: Senator believes that there should be a coordination between the City and County of Honolulu and the state in enforcing the Tax on Short Term Rental.
Hawaii 20-50: This is Hawaii's version of sustainable development goals as a framework of State action on energy conservation and food production.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Achievement of Goals: Onishi inquired and Senator Ihara replied that the sustainable development goals can be achieved on how the Governor will operate the established goals.
2. Immigrant issues: Shiraki requested Senator Ihara to tell the Attorney General to stop spending money defending immigrants and ISIS issue.
3. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT): Leo inquired and Senator Ihara replied that the federal government set up a program patterned after mutual funds that gives special tax considerations and offering high dividend yields.

PRESENTATIONS:

Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage: Sierra Club coordinator Jodi Malinoski reiterated their request for the support of the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 through a resolution to protect Oahu's groundwater resources from the Red Hill Bulk Storage Tanks.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Administrative Order No. 10: Frost inquired and Ms. Malinoski replied that the Administrative Order No. 10 is essentially a plan on what to do with the Red Hill facility, which includes tank inspection, repair and maintenance, improvement in monitoring condition and detection of leaks guaranteed for 22 years, but the tanks will be a hundred years old by the time this Administrative Order is fully in effect, and this cannot guarantee no future leaks from the tanks.
2. Tank Upgrade: Leo inquired and Ms. Malinoski replied that the U.S. Navy will give a report on January 2018 on how to upgrade the fuel tanks.
3. U.S. Navy's Side: Shiraki commented, that while he is in favor of the resolution, the U.S. Navy should be given the chance to give their side before voting on the resolution.
4. Voting on the Resolution: Leo and Armentrout commented that the resolution be voted on now since it concerns protection of Oahu's water. Frost also noted that Ms. Malinoski has attended the Neighborhood No. 6 meetings three (3) times, and the U.S. Navy was given the chance to present their side but did not do so; hence, it is just right to vote on the resolution now.

Frost moved and Rentz seconded the Motion that the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 supports the Resolution to protect Oahu's Groundwater Resources from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Tanks. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 10-0-0; (Aye: Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Earl Shiraki, Darlene Nakayama, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Mark Leo, Rusti Onishi, Barbra J. Armentrout, and Bradley Rentz; Abstain: None; Nay: None).

Discussion of Oahu's Resilience Strategy - Josh Stanbro, Executive Director and Chief Resiliency Officer, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR), reported the following:
Introduction: The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR) was created to have a more resilient future and able to adapt and grow in the face of change and uncertainty. The office is tasked with seeking local information within the city to increase community preparedness, protecting economic activity, protecting the coastal areas and beaches, and developing resilient infrastructure in response to the effects of climate change.
Resilience Stakeholder Survey: Mr. Stanbro introduced an active anonymous survey to gather public opinion on how to improve Oahu resiliency. The survey was performed by phone and reported in real time at the meeting.
Contact Information: For further information, visit their website at www.resilient@honolulu.gov or call 808-768-22777.

BOARD BUSINESS

Minutes Correction: Shiraki moved to add in the guests' list Catherine P. Awakini-Colon.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: There being no objection, the minutes of Wednesday, August 9, 2017, as corrected, was approved.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Chair Hack reported that the total expenditure for October 2017 is $ 19.06, leaving a balance of $ 308.08.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The P lolo Neighborhood Board's next Meeting: Wednesday, November 8, 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" and "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6" pages on Facebook. 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 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by: Felipe M. Pacquing II, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations; Finalized by: Chair Hack

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