Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/19/2018.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, August 15, 2018
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Calvin Hara, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Molly Pierce, Sharon Schneider, Becky Gardner, Mark Hagadone, William Kokolus, Marilyn Moniz, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - None

Guests - Captain Reggy Gawiran (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Christopher Lowell (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Karen Yorimoto; Senator Les Ihara; Representative Calvin Say; Adrian Pan (Senator Stanley Chang), Leonard Hoshijo, Deputy Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR); Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT); Bryan Kimura (Hawaii Department of Transportation), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Tony Waters, James Larson, Natalie Iwasa, Sarah Chinen, Julia Allen, and Tom Moore. (Residents); Christopher Naylon (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Reggy Gawiran reported the following:
• July 2018 Statistics: There was one (1) nuisance fire, seven (7) activated alarms (no fire), 73 medical emergencies, four (4) motor vehicle crash/collision, and four (4) mountain rescues.
o Fire Safety Tip: Grilling Safety: Each year, an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling. Almost half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. Follow these simple tips for safe grilling:
o Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors.
o Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
o Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
o Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup.
o Never leave your grill unattended.
o Ensure that the gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
o Charcoal Grills
o Charcoal chimney starters allow you to light the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
o If using a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
o Keep charcoal fluid out of children's reach and away from heat sources.
o When you are done, let the coals cool completely before disposing it in a metal container.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Mountain Rescues: Schneider asked and HFD stated that most of the mountain rescues come from Diamond Head.
2. Dumpster Fires: Hagadone asked and HFD stated that dumpster fires would be registered as nuisance fires.
3. Evening Inspections: A resident noted an increase in evening inspections by HFD at bon dances and HFD stated that the HFD inspection crew determines their own schedules but does perform inspections during the day and night.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Christopher Lowell circulated a handout and reported the following:
• July 2018 Statistics: There were seven (7) motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 19 thefts, 21 unauthorized entry of motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,221 calls for service.
• Safety Tip: Due to the start of Hurricane Season, Sergeant Lowell provided reading materials for the Board and guests. Material read as follows:
• Be aware of the issuance of a Hurricane WATCH and Hurricane WARNING:
• HURRICANE WATCH - Issued when the threat of hurricane conditions of high wind and storm surge are expected within 48 hours. Preliminary pre�cautions should be taken.
• HURRICANE WARNING - Issued when the threat of hurricane condi�tions of high wind and storm surge are expected within 36 hours. Actions for protection of life and property should be rushed to completion. Evacuations are generally ordered during a HURRICANE WARNING.
• Evacuation Zones - Hurricane storm surge can be deadly along our shore�lines. Most hurricane related deaths occur when residents do not evacuate coastal areas. Review evacuation maps in the Disaster Preparedness sec�tion of your telephone book or visit the department web site at www.honolulu.govidem.
• Shelter-in-place - If you live in a newly constructed home outside of the coastal evacuation and flood zones, consider sheltering in place. Pre-identify a "Safe Room' such as an interior bathroom, large walk-in closet, or enclosed hallway to take refuge in. Remember, all of your emergency supplies should be brought into the safe room. Safe rooms can be an excel�lent option to a public evacuation shelter.
Learn - Educate yourself on disasters that can affect you and your Family.
Plan - Create and exercise a Family Disaster Plan. Locate a second�ary meeting place and designate an off island contact.
Individual, Family and Business Disaster Planning � Disaster plan�ning is everyone's business. Carefully review this information and take the time today to discuss preparedness planning with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Develop a 14-Day Disaster Supplies Kit
Your disaster supplies kit should contain enough of the following items to last for 14-days minimum:
• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for 14 days for drink�ing and sanitation
• Food - Non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Survival
foods such as Peanut Butter, Protein Shakes, Dried Fruits, Nuts
• Eating Utensils - Plates, mess kits, forks and chop sticks. Don't forget a non-electric can opener for canned foods
• Radio - Battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA Weather alert
• Light - Flashlight and or a portable fluorescent light
• Spare batteries - Check annually
• First Aid - Get a good kit and consider enrolling in a certified first aid course
• Whistle - Important for signaling for help. A whistle carries much
farther than the human voice and uses less energy than yelling
• Dust Mask - Helps to filter contaminated air
• Sanitation - Moist towelettes, heavy duty garbage bags, hand sani�tizer gel, toilet paper, baking soda/kitty litter to absorb odors, gloves and plastic ties for personal sanitation
??? Tools - Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, duct tape
• Maps - Local area maps
• Prescription - Special medications, glasses and medical devices
• Pets - Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Miscellaneous - Infant Formula, diapers, incontinent supplies, femi�nine products
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Repeat Offenders: Hara asked about the tracking of specific repeat offenders and HPD stated that there is a registry system for criminals, especially sex offenders. Hara asked and HPD noted that assault may be determined by the severity.
2. Statistics: Hara asked and HPD noted that the statistics are standardized amongst all the Neighborhood Boards. Hagadone asked and HPD stated that the statistics are from the Kaimuki area and not the entire District 7. Please visit https://www.crimemapping.com/ for more info.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller reported the following:
June 2018 Main Breaks: There were four (4) main breaks:
1. Monday, July 2, 2018: 3912 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu
2. Wednesday, July 11, 2018: 5036 Maunalani Circle, Honolulu
3. Monday, July 15, 2018: 1017 11th Avenue, Honolulu
4. Wednesday, July 18, 2018: 5012 Maunalani Circle, Honolulu
General Water Announcement: Lookout for Wildfires - We're in the heat of summer, a time when water consumption usually rises. But summer is also brushfire and wildfire season, needing water to fit those fires. Blazes, especially in open land, can sometimes endanger our precious watersheds. BWS encourages everyone to be prepapred for any effects of wildfires; even if you don't live directly near dry brush. We must do all we can to protect our precious water resources.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Halawa Shaft Tours: Gardner asked and BWS stated that the Halawa shaft tours will resume once repairs to the cart system and shaft are completed.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS - Chair Schneider opened nominations for the vacant Board seat in Sub-District One (1) but there were no volunteers. This item was deferred until the next meeting.

DETERMINATION OF BOARD RECESS SCHEDULE FOR FISCAL 2019

Hoe moved and Pierce seconded the motion to retain the recess schedule for fiscal year 2019. The motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT by HANDS VOTE, (10-0-0). (AYE: Hara, Hoe, Kang, Pierce, Schneider, Gardner, Hagadone, Kokolus, Moniz, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

PUBLIC INPUT

Natalie Iwasa: Natalie Iwasa thanked the community for voting and asked that the community continue to contact her at https://natalieiwasa.com/ with their community concerns.

Kaimuki Christmas Parade: Hara stated that the Kaimuki Holiday Parade will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 and will be starting at 6:00 p.m. Yamada asked and Hara stated that there will candy handed to parade goers.

Neighborhood Board: Chinen thanked the Neighborhood Board for their efforts and hoped that the Board will have more power going forward. Hagadone stated that the Board has very little presumed power and a lack of community interest.

Tommy Waters: Waters stated the importance of elected officials having constant contact and communication with their community. Waters thanked the community for their support.

1250 Elizabeth Street: A resident stated that a home that is under construction on Elizabeth Street will create parking issues for the surrounding residents. The resident was concerned that the contractors were not following permits.

Manalani Park and Kaimuki Park: Schneider noted that Manalani and Kakimuki Parks were undergoing repairs.

Hoe left the meeting at 7:33 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Director Mark Wong of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) was present; the following was reported:

• 18th Avenue: DPP: City records indicate the existing right-of-way for 18th Avenue, between Harding Avenue and Kilauea Avenue, has a uniform width of 50 feet. It is not acceptable for abutting owners to expand their properties at the expense of the pedestrian access areas of the street.
• 12th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue: DPP: City records indicate the existing right-of-way for 18th Avenue, between Harding Avenue and Kilauea Avenue, has a uniform width of 50 feet. It is not acceptable for abutting owners to expand their properties at the expense of the pedestrian access areas of the street.

Hoe entered the meeting at 7:35 p.m.; ten members present.

• Parking Citations: HPD; Vehicles parked on an unimproved sidewalk need to leave at least three feet of clearance for pedestrian passage. Vehicles that do not allow three feet of clearance are in violation and subject to a citation. If the Honolulu Police Department receives a complaint about cars parked illegally on an unimproved sidewalk, officers will cite all vehicles in the area that are in violation.
• 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue: DTS needs additional information on "the problem with the lights??? at the intersection of Waialae Ave. and 16th Ave. Please have the resident describe the issue, or have them call the Department of Transportation Services, Traffic Signal Division at 768-8387.
• Crime Statistics: Wong stated that https://data.honolulu.gov/ is the best website for people to find crime statistics.
• HNL.INFO app: Wong asked that residents download the HNL.INFO app. Wong stated that the app is always improving and including new interfaces like a translator, Twitter, and Facebook. The website will allow for people to sign up for Summer Fun, Department of Motor Vehicle services in the future. Please visit the Apple or Android Apps Store to download the app.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: Kang asked if the contractor for the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot could fix the credit card machines within the parking lot. Wong asked that Kang further detail the problem after the meeting.
2. Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP): Gardner stated that the PUCDP is being updated and asked if the PUCDP will dissolve in 2020. Wong stated that the announcement is more about updating the plan. Kokolus asked if the PUCDP is part of the consolidated plan and Wong stated they are unsure but noted that the plan was for urban development. Kokolus asked and Wong stated that the PUCDP is not related to Transient Oriented Development (TOD) plans. Wong stated that TOD areas are meant to allow people to utilize more public transportation systems. Chair Schneider noted that the PUCDP has been updated since 2004 and stated that a PUCDP pop-up would bebest to get the most community input on the plans. Wong stated that community input would be appreciated. Hoshiko noted that the Kapiolani Community College restaurant and auditorium for the pop-up location.
3. Kaimuki Regional Parks: Hara asked and Wong stated that there has been no response on the Kaimuki regional parks. Hara stated that the Representatives could help and Wong stated that he will try to have the Department of Parks and Recreation report back.
4. Short Term Rentals: Chinen stated that short term rentals would make the monster homes issue worse and Wong noted the concerns.
5. Homeless: Kokolus noted that the biggest group of homeless were Polynesians and Wong stated that many people move here and are unable to find work or homes and become homeless. Hagadone stated that this has become a massive issue in lower Kaimuki. Wong stated that the Council of Mayors noted homelessness are Hawaii's biggest threat.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Ann Kobayashi was present; a newsletter was disseminated. Kobayashi stated that legislators follow up with the community to create laws and believes that the Neighborhood System is a very useful system.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Kaimuki Parking Lot: Hagadone asked about the trees that were cut down in Kaimuki parking lot and stated that this will affect the appearance of the area. Kobayashi stated that the vendor was not properly caring for the trees.
2. Kaimuki Parks: Hara asked and Kobayashi noted that the Parks Committee meets monthly to help fix any parks that are in disrepair.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - Councilmember Trevor Ozawa circulated a handout and stated the following:
• Monster Homes: Ozawa thanked everyone for participating in the democratic process and stated that everyone has been working in conjunction to alleviate the monster home issue. Ozawa stated that a Land Use Ordinance Resolution would find a better long term resolution for the monster homes issue. Ozawa noted that more people will want to adhere to Envision Kaimuki standards. Ozawa demanded that legislature respond within their 270 day window since the introduction of the resolution. Ozawa noted that Bills have been passed to punish contractors that are breaking laws and stated that loopholes have been used to help contractors skirt current laws.
• Affordable Homes: Ozawa noted that many contractors are not able to provide the requisite affordable housing units needed for them to build on reconstituted agricultural lands.
• 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue: Department of Transportation Services (DTS) stated that the intersection at 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue has been created in the safest way without demolishing homes.

Comments followed: Monster Homes: Gardner asked and Ozawa noted that there is still currently a moratorium on monster homes but stated there are loopholes that contractors utilize. Ozawa stated that the moratorium has existed for six (6) months and will last another 18 months. Ozawa has asked that Department of Permitting and Planning cite contractors that are using cursory practices. Ozawa stated that a developer wants to build within Kaimuki and that the contractor should visit the Neighborhood Board to complete their plans. Schneider noted that a project at Pukalani Place can still legally build multiple homes on a small lot and asked whether the project can be brought in front of the Neighborhood Board. Ozawa stated that any project the Board feels is important should be requested to attend Neighborhood Board Meetings.

Governor David Ige - Leonard Hoshijo, Deputy Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) was present; a newsletter was circulated and reported the following:
• Disaster Response: Hoshijo noted that individual disaster aid has been sent to Kauai and Big Island.
• Pay Roll System: Hoshijo noted the current upheaval of the State's payroll system and stated that the First Phase of the rebuild has gone smoothly.

Comments followed: Gubernatorial Race: Chinen raised concerns about the issues with our Governor and Lieutenant Governor electoral system and is against sign waving.

Senator Stanley Chang - Adrian Pan was present; a handout was disseminated and the following was reported:
• Medical Marijuana: Pan stated that Chang was appointed to the Medical Marijuana Committee on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 and noted that Chang will head the Task Force for Edible Marijuana.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara was present; a newsletter was circulated:
• Special Session: Ihara stated that the Senate will be holding special sessions to appoint newly elected Senators.
• Civic Square Manifesto: Ihara noted that the Civic Square Manifesto is a concerted effort to support the bottom-up movement that helps communities and residents self-monitor their neighborhoods. Ihara stated that more information can be found at Civic Square 808 on Facebook.
Representative Calvin K.Y. Say - Representative Say was present; a newsletter was circulated.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi was present; a handout was disseminated.
• Relief Funds: Kobayashi stated that Mayor Harry Kim's proposed relief package is too costly at 671 million dollars. Kobayashi stated that Kim thought the Federal Government would offer 500 million dollars in relief funds and asked for the Government to buy-back lands at pre-lava flow prices.

PRESENTATIONS:
Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Quarterly Report: Brian Kimura, Engineering Program Manafer for the Traffic Branch reported the following:
• Quarterly Report: HDOT is making an effort to come to the Neighborhood Board and hear any concerns from the community. HDOT asks the community to visit their website to levy any concerns or learn about any road closures: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/
• Pedestrian Safety Month: Kimura announced that August is Pedestrian Safety Month. Pedestrian Safety Month strives to educate the public on good pedestrian practices and driver awareness of pedestrian movement. The month is organized by HDOT's Walk Wise Hawaii program and features daily public and private pedestrian safety events throughout the month.

Comments followed:
1. Community Events: Schneider asked and Kimura responded that HDOT would attend any community event if allotted within their budget.
2. Koko Head Avenue-Waialae Avenue: The Board raised concerns about the intersection at Koko Head and Waialae. The residents are concerned that safety issues will persist for drivers trying to make turns. Hoe asked if an official turn lane could be created and Kimura noted that there is not enough room for an additional lanes.
3. Kapiolani Community College (KCC): Moniz noted that an additional shoulder lane would be needed to help alleviate the issues created by KCC's student parking.
4. 6th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue Off-Ramp: Kobayashi noted that cars backup at the 6th Avenue and Koko Head Avenue off-ramp during peak traffic hours. Kobayashi asked and Kimura stated that an additional lane cannot be added without significant costs.
5. Asphalt Repairs: Chinen asked about the presence of visible asphalt repairs and Kimura noted that the reflective compound is part of a new program that is aimed to slow asphalt deterioration and prolong asphalt health. Kokolus asked and Kimura noted that concrete has been seen as a viable surface. Kimura stated that asphalt is quicker to install. Hagadone asked and Kimura stated that neither concrete nor asphalt are safer than the other.

Moniz exited the meeting at 8:45 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

BOARD BUISNESS:
Approval of Wednesday, July 18, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes - Pierce moved and Hoe seconded the motion for the Wednesday, July 18, 2018, regular meeting minutes be APPROVED AS WRITTEN. The motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0; (AYE: Hara, Hoe, Kang, Pierce, Schneider, Moniz, Hagadone, Kokolus, and Yamada; NAY: NONE; ABSTAIN: NONE.)

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Kang reported an expenditure of $24.87 and a remaining balance of $434.13.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. EnVision Kaimuki is trying to get a pop up for the Primary Urban Center Development Plan to be held in Kaimuki during August. Check with EnVision Kaimuki. There is a survey at https://www.pucdp.com/conversation.
B. Parking Meters: There will be parking meters installed along Kaimuki Avenue between Harding Avenue and Kapiolani Avenue.
C. The next regular Board Meeting will be Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:54 p.m.

Submitted by: Christopher Naylon, Neighborhood Board Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations
Reviewed by:

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