Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting March 2018 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting March 2018 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/11/2018.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018
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, William Caron, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Rusti Onishi, Bradley Rentz, , Earl Shiraki, and Barbra Armentrout.

Board Members Absent: Mark Leo and Frank Farm

Guests: James Nekota, Captain Chris Miller (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Gary Sunada (Honolulu Police Department); Bryan Gallagher (Board of Water Supply); Director Ross Sasamura [Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM)]; Cliff Kaneshiro (Office of Councilmember Ann Kobayashi); Mark Manfredi and Victor Flint (Red Hill Program Director); Taewong Kim (Cam Holdings, LLC); Steve Yamashiro, Reyna Sueoka, Steve Conant, and Alan Lou (Residents); Theron Bowen (Videographer) and Felipe M. Pacquing II (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Chris Miller reported the following:
February 2018 Statistics: There were 30 medical emergencies, 1 activated alarm (no fire), 1 mountain rescue, and 1 hazardous material incident.
Safety Tip: Electrical Safety:
o Plug one heat producing appliance into a receptacle outlet at a time.
o Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.
o Ensure electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets.
o Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
o Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Smoke Detectors: Armentrout inquired and Captain Miller replied that there is a program for installation of smoke detectors for seniors. Seniors may call 723-7168.
2. Cause of Fire: Shiraki inquired and Captain Miller replied that if the cause of fire may be due to multiple causes, it is classified as "unknown"; unless a single cause can be determined.
3. Grass as Fire Hazard: Armentrout inquired and Captain Miller replied that tall grasses near houses can be fire hazards.
4. Water Hydrant: James Nekota inquired and Captain Miller replied that in case of a water hydrant shooting high, call 911 or call both the HFD and/or the BWS.
5. Gas Spill: Armentrout inquired and Captain Miller replied to call the HFD in case of large gas spills.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Gary Sunada reported the following:
January 2018 Crime Statistics: There were 3 motor vehicle thefts, 6 burglaries, 18 thefts, and 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs). There were 6,236 calls for service.
Safety Tip: Stop Criminals from Acquiring your Money (SCAM):
o Do not send money to strangers.
o Do not give personal information over the phone.
o Contact other family members to verify the status of the family in question.
o For suspicious calls, call 911.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Speeding Cars: Armentrout reported two (2) cars speeding along Palolo Avenue to which Lieutenant Sunada replied that they usually trail cars to determine their speed.
2. Robbery Statistics: Shiraki inquired and Lieutenant Sunada replied that robberies along Palolo Avenue varies.
3. Abandoned Vehicles: Miss Donna commented that that tires of abandoned vehicles are usually stolen which makes the abandoned vehicles harder to removed and, worse, there is scarcity of lots for storage. Donna further suggested to put the military vehicles at the military bases.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Bryan Gallagher reported the following:
Community Meeting: There will be community meetings on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Aiea Elementary School, Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Ala wai Elementary School, and Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Kapalama Elementary School all from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. regarding current water use and future planning.
Main Break: 02/19/2018 - 2296 Waiomao Road.
Subsidies: The BWS is evaluating subsidies by continuing to extend some of these subsidies, like supporting customer assistance programs, affordable housing, and allowances for sprinklers.
Meetings: All meetings of the BWS are open to the public, and the locations, dates, and time are posted at the BWS website: www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Red Hill Leakage: Shiraki thanked the BWS pointing out the two (2) leakages at the Red Hill fuel tanks, and further commented that even one (1) leakage from the fuel storage is too many.
2. Water Billing: Steve Yamashiro inquired and Mr. Gallagher replied that there is no clear cut billing structure yet between a single family home and a multi-family home.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Rate Commission: Armentrout reported that the Rate Commission had a meeting last Friday, March 9, 2018 recommending an increase of bus fare one (1) time only. The next meeting will be held at the Mission Memorial Hall on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT: There were no volunteers. This item was deferred until the next meeting.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Council Member Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro reported the following:
Iolani School Girls' Soccer team: The Council congratulated and honored the Iolani Girls Soccer Team for winning the 2018 State Championship crown.
Council Revamp: On Monday, March 19, 2018, there will be a special Council meeting to discuss a possible revamp in the council.
Resolutions: Two (2) Resolutions will be considered, namely: Resolution 18-050, relating to the Ala Moana Park Master Plan, and resolution 18-052, relating to addressing trees in the community.
Budget Proposal: The City will be providing the Council its budget for Fiscal Year 2019, and will be reviewed by the Budget Committee.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Monster House Permits: Shiraki requested for the data as to how many permits were issued for the monster houses.
2. Moratorium Update: Mr. Nekota inquired and Mr. Kaneshiro replied that the Moratorium Law shall take effect 120 days after Mayor Caldwell signed the Bill.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:
Summer Camp: The Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPP) Summer College Student Employment Program is recruiting applicants for the 2018 Summer Fun program. For more information and the online application form, please check out DPR's webpage www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprsummerfun or call (808) 768-3020
LED Street Lights: The City wide LED Street Light Conversion Project started this March 2018. For more information about costs, schedule and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at www.myoahustreetlight.com.
Pool Hours: Due to the island-wide shortage for lifeguards at the City our pools, Palolo Pool has been unable to staff the weekend hours. In regards to evening hours, Palolo Pool has no lights for evening swim.
Fence Repair: The damaged fencing at 10th Avenue was reinstalled to the previous height that existed prior to the sidewalk and fence repairs.
Sewage Spill: Last Friday, February 16, 2018, the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) investigated the sewage spill at 2296 Kuahea Street and found that the "sewer spilling" was naturally occurring seeping water.
??? Storm Drainage: The City does not have a project to reconstruct the storm drain line adjacent to James Conant's property at 2296 WAIOMAO ROAD.
Construction Update: Upon investigation on the Servco property at 6th Avenue, there were no violations observed for this investigation. The City government will continue to monitor the project until its completion.
Cardboard Recycling: The website www.opala.org provides locations of certified redemption centers in the Honolulu area, regarding cardboard recycling.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Bill 110: Caron inquired and Mr. Sasamura replied that he has no personal information on Bill 110
2. 10th Avenue Construction: Shiraki inquired on the status on the construction project on or adjacent 2186 10th Avenue due to the mass grading, fill and development taking place, to which Mr. Sasamura replied that he will check on the project.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni-Col�n reported the following:
Affordable Housing: In line with the State's effort to increase affordable housing, the State has to balance between providing more affordable housing and addressing concerns about environment and agricultural land.
Public-Private Partnership: There should be Public-Private Partnership to help in the infrastructure and have a sufficient sewer and water for the housing units.

State Representative Calvin Say.: Representative Say reported the following:
Gun Stop: The laws of Hawaii governing firearms are among the strictest in the country, and the rate of gun deaths in Hawaii is among the lowest in the nation.
Telephone Poles: The old telephone poles at 7th, 8th, and 9th Avenues have become an eyesore that needs to be replaced.
Homelessness: There are homeless encampments at Hardin and 1st Avenue, and there have been reports of fighting. This needs to be addressed.
Constitutional Amendment: This refers to SB 2922 and HB 2608, which seek to amend the Hawaii State Constitution allowing the Legislature to establish a surcharge in support of Education.
Mahalo: Representative Say thanked Director Sasamura and Mr. Kaneshiro for responding to the needs of the community and for their dedicated service.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Suicide Bill: Shiraki inquired and Representative Say replied that he supports the death with Dignity Bill and the Sanctuary Bill.
2. False Statement: Chair Hack commented that there is a bill in the Legislature making lying to a County inspector a misdemeanor. Representative Say stated that he introduced a bill making this a felony, but it was held in committee.
3. Mahalo: Onishi thanked Representative Say for his dedicated service.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERN

Street Parking/ Monster Houses: Reyna Sueoka aired her concern about the problem of street parking. This problem came about due to the construction of monster houses in her neighborhood, which, logically, increased the number of cars parked to an already limited street parking. The numerous parked cars added to the poor visibility on intersections which has resulted to car accidents. She stated there is a Senate bill in the Legislature making lying to a County inspector a misdemeanor and she urged support. Ms. Sueoka and some neighbors have created a group called HiGoodNeighbors to help in addressing the ill effects of monster homes and the street parking problem. After due research, the group were able to present various violations of the monster homes and distributed material to the Board.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Persistency: Shiraki suggested to the group to keep calling the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Armentrout , on the other hand, suggested to call and seek the help of tCouncil member Kobayashi.
2. Mahalo: Onishi and Armentrout thanked Ms. Suyoca and the group for their extensive research on monster homes.

Before the report of Senator Ihara was to be made, without objection, the presentation of the Re-Zoning Request of Cam Holdings, LLC was presented ahead.

PRESENTATION

Cam Holdings, LLC Re-Zoning Request - Taeyong Kim reported the following: Re-Zoning Request: Mr. Kim presented to the Board the location of Office of Cam Holdings at 9th Avenue. The second floor of the building will be used as the office units, while the first floor will be used for parking. The business is very low-key and quiet due to installing and monitoring security systems. The presentation was made upon the suggestion of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board regarding the re-zoning of the property from residential to commercial. The request was already presented to the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board and its approval was given. Mr. Kim further reported that the re-zoning is consistent with the General Plan and with the Kaimuki Envision Plan.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Cam Holdings Ownership: Caron inquired and Mr. Kim replied that am Holdings just recently acquired the property, and that the occupants were duly notified and did not object to the sale.
2. Notice of Sale: Onishi inquired and Mr. Kim replied that the adjacent owners were duly notified of the presentation at the Kaimuki Board and made no objection.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara presented himself for questioning.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Monster Houses: Shiraki commented that a monster house is itself wrong already; therefore, illegal.
2. Sanctuary Bill: Shiraki inquired and Senator Ihara replied that he voted for the Sanctuary Bill which contains exceptions.
3. Death with Dignity Bill: Armentrout inquired and Senator Ihara replied that the Senate might pass the Death with Dignity Bill this year.

BOARD BUSINESS

Minutes Correction: On page three (3), No. 4 of the minutes under BWS Concern, the phrase "one (1) leak is too many" should be added to the statement of Shiraki as corrected by Shiraki.

Mau moved and Shiraki seconded that the Palolo Neighborhood Board approve the Wednesday, February 14, 2018 regular meeting minutes, as corrected. The motion was ADOPTED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 10:0:0 (Aye: Randolph Hack, William Caron, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Joshua Frost, Paul Holtrop, Rusti Onishi, Bradley Rentz, , Earl Shiraki, and Barbra Armentrout ; Nay: None; Abstain: None.

Armentrout left the meeting at 8:30 p.m.; Nine (9) members present.

Formation of Committee - Monster Homes
HiGoodNeighbor: Caron, Shiraki, Onishi, and Chair Hack expressed their willingness to join the HiGoodNeighbor Group as individuals and not as Board Members.
PIG Explained: Holtrop commented that it would be better to form a Permitted Information Group (PIG). Chair asked the Neighborhood Assistant to give his opinion to which he recommended Holtrop's suggestion, i.e., to form a group of Board members to investigate on matters assigned by the Board and make a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Board for the Board's approval.

Onishi moved and Shiraki seconded that the Palolo Neighborhood Board form a Committee on high density Monster Homes. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 3:3:3 (Aye: Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Rusti Onishi; Nay: Wil Caron, Josh Frost, and Bradley Rentz; Abstain: Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, and Beverly Mau.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Chair Hack reported a remaining balance of $232.74 for January 2018

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The P lolo Neighborhood Board's Next Meeting is on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 7:00 PM at P lolo 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/SiSC.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 "P lolo Valley Community" or "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6??? pages on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com. Also stay connected with P lolo at www.nextdoor.com.
Agenda Requests - No Later Than two (2)-weeks prior to meeting, contact Chair Hack at 753-0710 at least two weeks in advance of meeting.
Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up - Mahalo to Shiraki and Hack for arranging.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:47p.m.

Submitted by: Felipe M. Pacquing II, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell
Finalized by: Randolph Hack

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