Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/13/2018.

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

DRAFT - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem George West called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with 11 members present. (Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).

Members Present: Julia Allen, Judith Bowman, Leonora Cuban, Michelle Matson (arrived at 7:23 p.m.), Barbara Miller, Bert Narita, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Winston Welch, Jerry Wanager, George West, and Linda Wong.

Member Absent: Ajay Bhatt, Richard Figliuzzi, Mark Kamahele,

Guests: State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Councilmember Anne Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Office of Councilmember Anne Kobayashi); Kevan Wong (Office of Representative Scott Nishimoto); Sergeant Nakamura, Sergeant Sanford Yue (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Diaz (Board of Water Supply);Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Daniel Alexander (Hawaii Bicycling League); Glenn Wachtel, Daisy Murai, Elizabeth Conklin, Carolyn Tanaka, Bob Stouffer, (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Assistant).

Announcements: Chair Pro Tem West commented that anyone wishing to speak on items not already on the agenda should fill out a Community Concern form at the front table and turn it into the Chair or Neighborhood Assistant.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD - Waikiki Station): No representative was present; no report was given.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 6 Waikiki/ Diamond Head): Lieutenant Sue reported the following:
• July 2018 Statistics: There were 7 robberies, 10 burglaries, 202 thefts, 21 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 50 assaults, 1 sex crimes, 29 bicycle citations, 21 skateboard citations, 15 speeding citations, 689 parking citations, 8 loud muffler citations, 87 park closure warnings, and 4,116 total calls for service.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Suspicious Activity: Wong expressed her concerns with a suspicious van parked within 500 feet of Waikiki Elementary School, and requested Lieutenant Sue investigate the issue.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 7 Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights): Sergeant Sanford Yue reported the following:
• July 2018 Statistics: There were 5 motor vehicle thefts, 11 burglaries, 20 thefts, 15 UEMV, and 6221 total calls for service.
• Safety Tips: Hurricane Watch: Sergeant Yue commented that Hurricane Watch indicates that a hurricane may reach the state within 48 hours. He added that a Hurricane Warning indicates that a hurricane, with expected hurricane conditions and storm surges, is expected within 36 hours. He recommended that residents create a 14 day disaster readiness kit.

Board of Water Supply: Dominic Diaz of the BWS reported the following:
• Main Breaks: There was one (1) 30 inch main break on Date Street near Kapahulu Avenue, which was installed in 1952.
• General Announcement: August 2018 Water Conservation Tips: Water consumption rates rise during the summer. BWS advises the following tips to save water:
o Check for leaks in homes and around property; fix any leaks.
o Avoid watering lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
o Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
o Take shorter showers.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: No representative was present; no report was given at this time.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present; no report was given.

RESIDENTS/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Biki/ Bikeshare: Resident Elizabeth Conklin of the Diamond Head Apartments Board of Directors expressed her concerns with some bike station proposals potentially causing congestion in their area. She commented that they have begun a petition with about 100 signatures as of Thursday, August 9, 2018 to oppose the proposal in their area, and find an alternative location.

Top Golf: Resident Bob Stouffer expressed his concerns with the Top Golf proposal. He commented that there is a concerning lack of available public information on the project. Resident Stouffer commented that there are no publicly available drawings that communicate the project's footprint nor is financial information to support its potential as a business publicly available. He added that the most grievous concern is that the City is granting public land to Top Golf at no expense. He commented that this may indicate that Top Golf is trying to protect their assets, and reflects poorly on their perceived potential to succeed as a business. He commented that there is no clear description or proposals regarding the proposed lighting and music, the impact on the sewer system, Ala Wai flooding risks, and parking. He expressed his concerns that the project will create noise, light, and area pollution, provide little parking access, with no clear demand from the community for the proposed services.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Anne Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro of Councilmember Kobayashi's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Newsletter: Kaneshiro summarized the contents of the newsletter, highlighting the City Council Calendar, and a legislative update on a resolution related to motorized vehicles on bicycles lanes.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Crane Park: Wong highlighted a letter from Mayor Caldwell acknowledging the inability of residents to adequately use the park due to the homeless, and may be on a park closure list in the future. Wong asked and Kaneshiro responded that he is not familiar with the potential closure and added that he does not believe that Councilmember Kobayashi had been apprised of that information. Wong requested their Office investigate the issue.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Kenny Amazaki of Councilmember Ozawa's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Update: Amazaki encouraged residents to submit comments to the Ala Wai Regional Park and Magic Island Improvements Draft Environmental Impact Statement before the closure on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.
• Kapiolani Boulevard pilot project: As of Tuesday, July 17, 2018, the DFM eliminated afternoon contraflow coning on Kapiolani Boulevard to allow left turns for West-bound motorists at McCully Street and Atkinson Drive. Afternoon coning on Kapiolani Boulevard from Atkinson Drive to Ward Avenue will remain the same. On Kalakaua Avenue, afternoon coning on Kalakaua Avenue will also be terminated.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Ala Wai Golf Course Entrance: Welch asked and Amazaki responded that he forwarded information regarding the Ala Wai Golf Course entrance project from DFM to Chair West. He added that the information is a general overview of the project, with a scheduled completion date of Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Welch asked if their office was aware of the DFM project to install a 12 foot fence from the golf course to the bike path and Amazaki responded that they would look into the issue.
2. Top Golf: Welch expressed his concerns with the lack of available information on Top Golf, expressing his concerns with the lack of transparency on the part of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES).
3. Ala Wai Regional Park and Magic Island Improvements: Welch asked and Amazaki responded that Councilmember Ozawa is seeking constituent thoughts on the improvements of Ala Wai Regional Park, especially regarding parking.
4. Road Improvements: Wong asked and Amazaki responded that information regarding road improvements would be distributed to the Board members.
5. Top Golf (continued): Resident Daisy Murai commented that the representatives of Top Golf have given presentations to the Waikiki Board regarding greater details of the project. Resident Murai asked and Amazaki responded that their office has been in contact with those involved with the project. He added that they may be able to find more information.
Hearing no objections, Chair West moved to Councilmember Anne Kobayashi.

Councilmember Anne Kobayashi: Councilmember Kobayashi reported the following:
• Parks: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that they seek to close and clean Crane Park.
??? Monster Homes: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that stricter legislation on Monster Homes is being drafted.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Parks: Wong asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that they hope the Crane Park is on the closure list, but expressed concerns that the impacts of the cleaning would be reversed once the park is open again. Wong expressed her concerns with the various items, including tarps used for sleeping, that are laying about the park.
2. Ala Wai Golf Course Entrance: Welch expressed his concerns with the 12 foot fence proposal at Ala Wai Golf Course Entrance and the lack of transparency. He requested the Councilmember follow the issue and provide updates to the Board and community.
3. Homeless: Welch expressed his concerns with the lack of effective solutions to the homeless crisis, commenting that the City and County of Honolulu tends not to address the issue directly.

Senator Stanley Chang: Adrian Tam of Senator Chang's Office opened the floor for questions to take back to their office.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Gold Coast Sea Wall: St. Denis asked if $300,000 had been set aside for the repairs to the top of the sea wall. St. Denis asked why the State is completely funding the repair of the Queen Surf but not the Gold Coast Sea Wall. Tam responded that he would report back on the issue. Pearson commented that Suzanne Case of the Department of Land and Natural Resources will only be releasing $300,000 for repairs of the sea wall once the individual buildings fixed their portions.

Senator Les Ihara: No representative was present; no report was given.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Security Freeze: Representative Kobayashi reported that, due to a recently passed law, there is an available security freeze on individual credit ratings for residents to avoid upcharge scams.
• Clorpyrifos: A federal judge ordered the Environmental Protection Agency place a ban on chlorpyrifos, a chemical commonly found in pesticides, due to the negative health impacts.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Political Advertising: Welch commented on incidents of political candidates illegally placing their signs on public fences, adding that many candidates and staff aren't aware of this being illegal. Welch asked if there would be support to limit the time period when political advertising can be up. Representative Kobayashi responded that this had been attempted before. He commented that the courts have ruled that political signage is protected as freedom of speech. He added that he is not sure what the impacts would be for placing fines on political signage on State Department of Transportation (HDOT) land.
2. Fire-arms: St. Denis asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that a proposal to ban fire-arms has been brought up before, and would face many challenges from a constitutional perspective.
Representative Scott Nishimoto: Kevan Wong of Representative Scott Nishimoto's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Community Clean Up: Wong announced the Community Clean Up on September 22, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kaimuki Highschool.

House Speaker Emiterus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say distributed a newsletter and requested questions or comments from the Board.
• Newsletter: HSE Say summarized the items present in his newsletter, including a project affecting St. Louis Drive.
• Monster Homes: HSE Say reported that legislation to enforce against Monster Homes is still being worked on.
Hearing no objection, Chair West moved to RESIDENTS/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS

RESIDENTS/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Honolulu Century Ride: Resident Daniel Alexander of the Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) announced the 57th Annual Honolulu Century Ride on September 30, 2018. The race starts at Kapiolani Park, going around Koko head to the Windward side and returns. Resident Alexander distributed a detailed handout to the Board members.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Biki/ Bikeshare: Chair West asked and Resident Alexander responded that riders on Biki bikes are eligible to participate.
2. Lane Closures: Wong asked and Resident Alexander responded that the closure on Monsarrat Avenue is limited to a partial road closure, limiting traffic to the right lane between Kalakaua Avenue and Paki Avenue for about an hour and a half. Wong expressed her concerns that Monsarrat and Paki are often inconvenienced by parades and races that are held there to avoid falling under the parade laws affecting Kalakaua Avenue. Resident Alexander responded that the traffic will still be able to move through the area.
7:23 p.m. Matson arrived with 12 members present.

Waikiki Tour Trolleys: Resident Glenn Wachtel, expressed his concerns with the noise level of tour trolleys in residential areas. He reported that the Department of Health (DOH) cannot regulate Enoa. He asked what could be done to encourage the Department of Health to regulate trolleys to reduce their impact on residential neighborhoods. Chair West responded that the elected officials present may be able to provide better insight, and suggested the resident continue to express their concerns. Vice Chair Narita commented that as a member of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), he spoke with Tom Dinnell, a representative of Enoa on the CAC. He commented that Dinnell is sensitive to community concerns, and suggested the resident reach out to Dinnell directly. Vice Chair Narita commented that he may be able to make effective changes to their PA system.

BOARD BUSINESS

Parliamentarian Comments: Vice Chair Narita commented that there is an opportunity for members to declare conflicts of interest with items being brought before that meeting. He clarified that that any members who are taking on responsibilities as individuals that are not delegated by the Chair or the Board itself, then during the conflict of interest period, they should make that clear to the Board. Vice Chair Narita commented that he himself did not contact any individuals regarding items to be heard before the Board at this meeting. Vice Chair Narita expressed his concerns with exceeding their authority as a Board, citing language in resolutions such as "cease and desist" or demanding actions of elected officials. He commented that, according to the Neighborhood Plan, the Boards were established as a liaison and to increase participation between the community and the government. He added that it is strictly advisory at most in nature, and cannot make demands of anyone. Chair West commented that he will consider adding a "Declaration of Conflict of Interests" to the beginning of the agenda.

Approval of Thursday, July 12, 2018, Regular Meeting Minutes

Welch moved to amend the minutes, striking "Kaimuki??? and inserting "Kapahulu", but no second was made.

Matson moved and Welch seconded to defer the approval of the minutes until documentation regarding "Legal Details" on Page 3 of 9 could be ascertained to properly amend this portion of the minutes. The motion WAS ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE; 11-0-1 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Wanager, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Miller)

May 2018 Minutes: Matson requested the Board revisit the May 2018 minutes to make proper correction related to recorded comments concerning Biki and Kapiolani Park Trust. Chair West requested Matson circulate the corrections before the next meeting.

Meeting Determination: Date, Time, Location

Welch moved and Vice Chair Narita seconded for the Diamond Head/ Kapahulu/ St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 hold the regular meetings on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Club House except for Recesses. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 12-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Miller, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Wanager, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

Hearing no objections, Chair West moved to REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

Kuliouou Neighborhood Board No. 2: Wong reported that she attended the Kuliouou Neighborhood Board No. 2 Meeting in July 2018.

Board Recess Schedule

Vice Chair moved and Bowman seconded to recess in December 2018.

Discussion followed: Future Protocol: Wong requested that the Board Organization items, including the Meeting Determination, Board Recess Schedule, Olelo or Newsletter, and Establishment of Committees, be included on all initial convening meeting agendas moving forward with the Election of Officers, including those meetings in the middle of the term. Matson commented that the normal procedure is to establish Board Organization at the beginning of the term, which includes the election of officers, the determination of the date of the meeting, recesses, and committee structure. She concluded that this should have occurred on the July 2018 meeting. The Neighborhood Assistant clarified that the initial convening meetings that take place during the middle of the term, the Board Organization items that are required are the Election of officers. He added that the other items related to Board Organization can be included on the middle initial convening meeting agenda as deemed necessary by the Chair or the Board. He commented that he advised the Chair of this for the July 2018 agenda. Wong commented that many members are absent when the Board Organization items are split.

The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 12-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Miller, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Wanager, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

Olelo Broadcast or Newsletter

Welch moved and Matson seconded for the Diamond Head/ Kapahulu/ St. Louis Heights Neigborhood Board No. 5 utilize Olelo Broadcast for their future meetings in the term.

Discussion Followed:
1. Opposition: Miller commented that Boards that utilize Olelo are not wisely using their funds, adding that Olelo does not have a wide range of viewers.
2. Support: Welch commented that the cost of Olelo is covered by the NCO, as it is with the cost of the newsletter. Welch commented that Executive Director Shawn Hamamoto of the NCO indicated the same. Welch added that Olelo allows for the meetings to reach many more residents through the television broadcast as well as the online archived videos. Welch commented that the meetings ought to be broadcasted for the same reason other government organizations are broadcasted.
7:38 p.m. Chair West called for a recess.

7:38 p.m. Chair West called the meeting back to order.

3. Parliamentary Procedure: Chair West clarified that according to Robert's Rules of Order, debate on a topic ought to oscillate between speakers for and against a given motion.
4. Opposition (continued): Wanager commented that many Board members may speak more than necessary due to the presence of a camera.
5. Support (continued): Matson commented that the raw video will allow for the most accurate and comprehensive representation of the Board meetings. She added that meeting minutes have to summarize and trim the content of the meetings, and can miss important details.
6. Opposition (continued): Vice Chair Narita commented that the Board should always be mindful of their efforts that utilize tax payer dollars, whether or not it's directly spent by the Board, or the NCO. He added that many senior citizens do not often watch government public broadcasting. Vice Chair Narita commetned that the Board needs to encourage attendance, adding that the fear of being on camera may discourage residents from attending. He commented that the frequent incidents of lack of decorum will also be recorded. He expressed his concerns with who owns the video file, and the implications for privacy. He expressed his concerns with Board members reaching out to the Executive Director before contacting the Chair or the Neighborhood Assistant.
7. Support (continued): Wong commented that around 80% of the Boards utilize Olelo. She added that it is the duty of the Board to keep residents informed, adding that the Board is not utilizing a technology effective to that task. She cited the incidents surrounding Top Golf, commenting that the citizens would be better informed of the details of this issue if they could watch the series of meetings where they have been discussed.
The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE; 5-7-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Matson, Welch, Wong, NAY: Cuban, Miller, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Wanager, West ABSTAIN: None.)

Protocol: Wong requested that she be able to make a motion related to Board Organization and Chair West responded that the Board would move to the Establishment of Standing Committees. Wong commented that the Board Organization were still before the Board, adding that she would like to make a motion related to the previous items. Chair West asked and Wong responded that she wanted to speak to B,C,D.

Wong moved and Welch seconded to ensure the items Meeting Determination, Board Recess Schedule, and Olelo Broadcast or Newsletter will be placed on all future initial convening meetings for the next biennium.

Discussion followed: Clarifications: Matson clarified the items referenced in the motion, which were verbally communicated as their respective agenda item designations (VIII B, C, and D). Vice Chair Narita commented that the first biennium agenda is controlled by the NCO. He added that the NCO determines the Chair Pro Tem who will preside over the first meeting. The initial convening meeting agenda is not controlled by the Board. The Neighborhood Assistant clarified that on the first initial convening meeting of the biennium, the following items are required: The Election of Officers, Meeting Determination, Facility Contract Fee, Olelo or Newsletter, Recess Schedule. He clarified that the following items are required for the second initial convening meeting of the biennium: Election of Officers, Recess Schedule. He added that the rest are optional. He concluded that the Board can make a motion to require the other Board Organization items be on the second initial convening meeting of the biennium, as it does not conflict with the Neighborhood Plan. Chair West clarified that the purpose of streamlined Board Organization portion of the agenda was to let the newly elected officers create the following Board Organization items. Matson commented that they are speaking about next year, which is the beginning of the next biennium. She added that the purpose of the motion is to guarantee that these items will be taken up at the next initial convening meeting. Miller expressed her concerns that the current members are making a decision to determine the actions of the future board members following the election.
The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE; 5-6-1. (AYE: Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Welch, Wong NAY: Allen, Miller, Narita, Persons, Wanager, West ABSTAIN: St. Denis.)

ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Planning and Zoning

Welch moved and Matson seconded to establish a Planning and Zoning Committee. The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 10-2-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: Miller, Wanager ABSTAIN: None.)

Parks and Recreation

St. Denis moved and Matson seconded to establish a Parks and Recreation Committee. The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 10-2-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: Miller, Wanager ABSTAIN: None.)

Legislative

Matson moved and Wong seconded to establish a Legislative Committee. The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 10-2-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, Wong, West. NAY: Miller, Wanager ABSTAIN: None.)

7:58 p.m. Chair West called a recess.

7:58 p.m. Chair West called the meeting to order.

Transportation

Welch moved and Matson seconded to establish a Transportation Committee. The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 9-3-0 (AYE: Allen, Bowman, Cuban, Matson, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, West. NAY: Miller, Wanager, Wong ABSTAIN: None.)

Request: Vice Chair Narita requested that all reports from Committees be in writing.

Chair Designations

Chair West appointed Matson as Chair of the Planning and Zoning Committee and St. Denis as Chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee.

No Chairs were designated for the Legislative or Transportation Committees.

Committee Makeup: Matson commented that members of the community may be standing members of a committee, even if they are not members of the Board.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Wanager reported a total expenditure of $41.92 with a remaining balance of $552.08.

Subdistrict 1 (St. Louis Heights): Allen announced the St. Louis Heights Community Association will meet in September 2018.

Subdistrict 2 (Kapahulu): No report was provided.

Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head): St. Denis reported that there was a large house fire in Diamond Head Circle. St. Denis encouraged residents to practice fire safety. She also encouraged residents to be mindful of climate change's impact on sea level rise, adding that sea level rise affects the need for repaired sea walls.

Chair Report: Chair West commented that he reached out to the chairs of the Waikiki and McCully-Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Boards regarding the potential for a multi-board effort to discuss Top Golf. He commented that the consensus among the Chairs was to wait until the Board's received presentations on Top Golf. He commented that Waikiki has held their presentation, with McCully to receive their presentation in September 2018. A representative of Top Golf encouraged any residents to discuss the project with them after this meeting.

Next Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be at Ala Wai Club House on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business before the Board, Chair West adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant Reviewed by: Richard Figliuzzi, Secretary
Finalized by: George West, Chair

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