Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2018 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/12/2018.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 08, 2018
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: William Caron, Frank Farm, Joshua Frost, Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, Beverly Mau, Darlene Nakayama, Rusti Onishi, Earl Shiraki, Jaime Rincon (appointed at meeting).

Board Members Absent: Barbara Armentrout, Bradley Rentz

Guests: Sergeant Cyrus Hanuna (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Diaz (Board of Water Supply); Director Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Department of Facility Maintenance); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); House Representative Calvin Say; Sharon Mertel (Palolo Korean Care Home); James Nekota (Residents); Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Cyrus Hanuna the following: July 2018 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 6 burglaries, 20 thefts, 9 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 6,221 total calls for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Shields: Shiraki asked and Sergeant Hanuna responded that shields are heavy and unsuitable for standard patrol officers.
2. Pedestrians: Shiraki urged the HPD to cite more pedestrians that j-walk.
3. Shelter Location: Resident Kimo asked where the nearest shelter is in Palolo during a natural disaster and Sergeant Hanuna responded that he would need to find the location and report back, adding that the best location is typically situational.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Diaz reported the following:
??? Water Main Breaks: There was one (1) water main break in the month of July 2018 fronting 1829 Mahana Street.
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.
Disaster Preparedness: Water Storage Tips: The BWS recommends storing up to 14 days worth of water with one (1) gallon of water per person per day.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Water Main Breaks: Holtrop commented that there were three (3) breaks in the City when the break on Mahana Street occurred. Diaz responded that he does not have data on those breaks nor data on the cause of the main breaks, including the one (1) on Mahana Street at this time.
2. Water Sources: Onishi asked and Diaz responded that Palolo sources some of their water through a tunnel system at the back of the valley, adding that the lower portion of the valley is serviced by the metro 180 system. Onishi expressed his concerns with the odd taste in the water.
3. Roadway Impact: Shiraki expressed his concerns with the impact of the water main break on the roadway, creating a risk for moped and bicycle users.
4. Water Storage: Shiraki asked if the BWS could add tips for means to store water. Resident Kimo asked and Diaz responded that the BWS has a rebate program for rain barrel catchment containers.

BOARD ORGANIZATION

ELECTION OF OFFICERS (August 8, 2018 to June 30, 2019); Sec. 2-14-210, Neighborhood Plan.

Chair

Shiraki nominated Hack to serve as Chair and he accepted the nomination. With no other nominees, the nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Hack postponed the motion until all positions had been nominated.

Vice Chair

Shiraki nominated Mau to serve as Vice Chair and he accepted the nomination. With no other nominees, the nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Hack postponed the motion until all positions had been nominated.

Secretary

Shiraki nominated Nakayama to serve as Secretary, and she accepted the nomination. With no other nominees, the nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Hack postponed the motion until all positions had been nominated.

Treasurer

Mau nominated Onishi to serve as Treasurer, and he accepted the nomination. With no other nominees, the nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Hack postponed the motion until all positions had been nominated.

Sergeant At-Arms

Mau nominated Shiraki to serve as Sergeant-At-Arms, and he accepted the nomination. With no other nominees, the nominations were closed. Hearing no objections, Chair Pro Tem Hack postponed the motion until all positions had been nominated.

Election of Officers

Hearing no objections, the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 elected Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, and Shiraki to serve as Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-At-Arms, respectively by HAND VOTE; 9-0-0. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

REGULAR DAY/TIME/LOCATION

Mau moved and Onishi seconded that the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 hold their regular meetings at Palolo Elementary School Cafeteria on the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

RECESS SCHEDULE

Status of Recesses: Chair Hack commented that the Board had to use one (1) of its three (3) recesses in July 2018 due to unexpected circumstances, leaving two (2) remaining.

Mau moved and Nakayama seconded for the Board to recess in January 2019 and June 2019. The motion WAS ADOPTED by HAND VOTE: 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

VIDEOTAPING OF MONTHLY MEETINGS OR ANNUAL NEWSLETTER: Proposal to have regular monthly meetings videotaped, and to request NCO pay associated fees.

Mau moved and Shriaki seconded to have regular monthly meetings videotaped, and to request NCO pay associated fees. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

RULES OF PARTICIPATION/ ORAL TESTIMONY

Mau moved for oral testimony rules limit speakers to three (3) minutes and to adopt the rules of speaking as printed on the Wednesday, August 8, 2018 agenda. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

Monster Homes: Caron reported that he met with the HI Good Neighbors Group, Economic Justice Committee of the Young Progressives Demanding Action (YPDA), and Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice to discuss the issue of Monster Homes. Caron commenting that the issue is deeply complex, and suggested the Board hold a panel discussion with members of the aforementioned groups to discuss the situation and draft a related resolution.

FILLING OF VACANCIES

Sub-District 2: Resident Jaime Rincon volunteered to fill the vacancy in Sub-district 2.

Hack moved to appoint Jaime Rincon to the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9-0-0 (AYE: Caron, Farm, Frost, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)

Hack called a recess to allow the Neighborhood Assistant to swear Jaime Rincon in as a member of the Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 at 7:31 p.m.

Hack called the meeting back to order at 7:32 p.m.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro of Councilmember Anne Kobayashi's Office distributed a newsletter reported the following:
??? Schedule: Kaneshiro referred to the City Council and Committee schedule on Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter.
Legislative Update: Resolution 18-152 that Councilmember Kobayashi is trying to hold a hearing for.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Ala Wai Golf Course: Shiraki expressed his concerns with the Ala Wai Golf Course proposal and requested an update.
2. Monster Homes: Shiraki expressed his concerns with Monster Homes, and requested a status update on Monster Homes within the community. Kaneshiro commented that he will provide an update, adding that many Monster Homes currently in the neighborhood were approved by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) before the moratorium went in effect.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura reported the following:
Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUC DP): The Department of Planning and Permitting has begun an update to the PUC DP. The PUC DP covers the area from Wai�alae-K hala to Pearl City and includes growth and development policies and guidelines that implement the comprehensive vision of the County's General Plan.
Kapiolani Boulevard Contraflow Afternoon Coning Modifications: As of Tuesday, July 17, 2018, due to a request by Councilmember Trevor Ozawa to DTS, 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. Reflectors: In response to "uprooted" bollards with reflectors for the traffic calming "island" on Palolo Avenue near the intersection with Kalua Road, DFM reported the following: DFM's Division of Road Maintenance is working with DTS' Traffic Engineering Branch to reinstall the bollards with improved reflectivity. DTS' Traffic Engineering is also looking at alternatives to improve the visibility of the traffic calming island and DFM will install them upon receipt of the DTS work order when resources are available.
2. Crosswalk Removal: In response to a request for the removal of the crosswalk across Waialae Avenue at Center Street. DTS reported the following: DTS will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site observations, and an analysis of the traffic history. DTS will apprise the board of the results of their findings by August 2018.
3. Permitting: In response to concerns regarding the permitting of The Korean Church (Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple) to construct a care home, and the lack of Neighborhood Board notification, the Department of Planning and Permitting reported the following: DPP records indicate that there is one (1) Adult Residential Care Home (ARCH) that is affiliated with the Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple. However, the ARCH is located at 2565 Waiomao Road, and is not on Halenoho Place. Properties on Halenoho Place are located in the R-5 Residential District; dwellings are a permitted use. One (1) family may occupy a dwelling; the use of the dwelling unit as a residential care facility, such as an ARCH, licensed by the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA) is permitted under the Land Use Ordinance. The definition of "family" is "eight (8) or fewer persons who reside in an adult residential care home, a special treatment facility or other similar facility monitored and/or licensed by the State of Hawaii shall be considered a family. Resident managers or supervisors shall not be included in this resident count." These care facilities require zoning clearances from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), prior to establishment. If the use is permitted, Applicants can seek licensure from the State OHCA. The Neighborhood Board (NB) does not have to be notified to establish a licensed residential care facility with eight (8) or less care recipients. A group living facility (GLF) houses more than eight (8) residents receiving care in a licensed care facility, or more than five (5) residents in an unlicensed care facility. A Conditional Use Permit - Major (CUPM) is required to establish a GLF in any Residential District. In doing so, the Applicant must have a pre-application meeting with DPP staff prior to submittal, in addition to presentation of the Project to the NB. Once the application is accepted, property owners within a 300-foot radius of the subject property boundaries receive written notice of the public hearing.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Care Homes: Shiraki asked and Director Sasamura commented that all of the work being done regarding the Care Home lies within the use of the building permit. He commented that depending on the type of care home, there are types that may be operated without a Neighborhood notification.
2. Flood Area: Shiraki expressed his concerns with the Care Home's proximity to a flood zone and Director Sasamura responded that the Care Home proposal is being inspected.
3. Crosswalk: Shiraki asked and Sasamura responded that the study of the crosswalk at Waialae Avenue and Center Street will be reported back to the Neighborhood Board when it is completed.
4. Traffic Cones: Shiraki asked and Sasamura commented that, in response to plastic cone delineators being knocked down by residents, new delineators with increased reflection as well as other visibility improvements will be installed.
5. Waiomao Road: Mr. Philip Tom asked if any pavement work will be done in front of his home on Waiomao Road. Director Sasumura commented that the work is connected to the Kuahea Street improvements project, which went through many challenges, including a defaulted contractor in 2017. Director Sasumura commented that he would come back with an update on specifics. Director Sasamura commented that the general scope of the project has changed due to earth movements that have compromised the infrastructure in the area. He added that an area of Kuahea Street will be closed off during construction.
6. Turning Lanes: Resident Cavan Scanlan made turning lane recommendations for the following streets
a. Makai Bound 6th Ave at Waialae Avenue: Request curb side lane be changed from right turn only to right turn and straight. Current combination of left lane for left turn and straight causes long queues and delays in the morning.
b. Makai Bound 5th Ave at Harding Avenue: Request curb side lane be changed from right turn and straight to right turn only and left lane from left turn only to left turn and straight.
7. Traffic Sensors: Darlene asked if the traffic sensors at 7th Avenue and Waialae Avenue were not operating properly, or if the timing could be adjusted.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni-Col�n gave highlights of the August 2018 Capitol Connections.

House Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say reported the following:
Palolo Sewer Relief Project: Representative Say discussed a meeting regarding the Palolo Sewer Relief Project.
Monster Homes: Representative Say discussed various Monster Home developments in the community.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Monster Homes: Shiraki asked and Representative Say responded that he introduced a bill to affect Monster Homes, which did not move through the Legislature. He added that there was a resolution to increase the fines for those violating the land use ordinance. Shiraki asked and Representative Say responded that the City Council has made various efforts to counteract Monster Homes.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. - No report was given.

PRESENTATIONS

Palolo Korean Care Home: Sharon Mertel distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Mission and Details: Mertel promoted the Palolo Korean Care Home. She commented that the Care Home is separate from the Korean Church, and has its own Board of Directors. She added that the Care Home will promote diversity and community engagement. Mertel announced that a Day Care Center will be opened as well. She added that the Care Home will be conducting an open house event as well as community outreach. Mertel commented that the Care Home will house five (5) beds.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed
1. Open House: Caron asked and Mertel responded that they are still going through the inspection process. They will apply for their license following the inspection process, with an official open house to follow.
2. Capacity: Resident Tom asked and Mertel responded that they are still unsure of the maximum capacity for the day care, but expect it to start at 10 individuals.

Palolo Sewer Relief 9th and 10th Avenue Project: Construction Branch Engineer Jon Yamane of the Division of Wastewater Engineering and Construction of the Department of Environmental Services reported the following:
Project Range: The Project will affect the following streets: 9th Avenue, from Pakui Street to Kalua Road; Kalua Road, from 9th Avenue to 10th Avenue, 10th Avenue, from Kalua Road to Waiomao Road, from Pakui Street and 9th Avenue, along 9th avenue, along Kalua Road, up 10th to Waiamao Road; ending at 10th avenue place.
Project Time: The project will last from September 2018 to February 2020.
Justification: The existing sewer along this alignment is over 80 years old. A larger diameter pipe will be installed to capture the flows from 10th avenue place and divert it to the existing line.
Work Schedule: The working hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except for holidays. The project will start on lower 9th avenue and progress up through 10th avenue. Traffic will require a contraflow and some parking spaces will be taken for equipment that cannot be readily moved.
Pakui and 9th Avenue: A bypass system will be constructed at the intersection of Pakui and 9th Avenue to divert the flow.
Hotline: A project hotline number will be available 24/7 for questions and concerns.
Project Meeting: A project meeting will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2018, at 6:00 p.m at Jarret Intermediate School.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Construction: Nakayama asked and Yamane responded that the contractor will be working on a quarter of a block to a block at a time.
2. 9th and Pakui: Farm asked and Yamane responded that traffic will be diverted around 9th and Pakui Street during work hours into one (1) lane. Farm asked and Yamane responded that all residents should have received a notification directly affected by the project. He added that they will conduct direct outreach to inform the residents of the project.
3. Construction (continued): Holtrop asked and Yamane responded that they will try to match the existing pavement/ road work that had been previously done on 9th avenue. Holtrop expressed his disappointment with the quality of work that accompanies the chosen method, as 9th avenue was recently repaved. He added that the work will likely not settle correctly. Yamane responded that they will look into the concerns. Shiraki and Yamane clarified that the purpose is to replace the existing line. Darlene asked and Yamane responded that the project should not affect flushing. Darlene asked and Yamane responded that the current project should not negatively affect existing cable/electrical infrastructure.
4. Parking: Holtrop asked and Yamane responded that about 250 feet of parking in a given block will be set aside for equipment. Holtrop asked and Yamane responded that a given segment of the project should be paved to allow for parking before they move onto a new portion of the line.
5. Construction (continued): Shiraki asked and Yamane clarified that the new line will connect to the pre-existing line at the ends of the project.

BOARD MEMBER ABSENCES

The Palolo Neighborhood Board did not take action on the three (3) absence notice for Bradley Rentz.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Minutes from May 9, 2018 Meeting

The Wednesday, May 9, 2018 Minutes WERE ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

FORMATION OF COMMITTEES

Community & Recognition Award Committee

Nakayama moved to create the Community & Recognition Award Standing Committee. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Monster Homes

Mau moved and Shiraki seconded to create a Monster Homes Special Committee.

Discussion followed: Scope: Caron requested that the Committee be expanded into a Housing Committee, to increase the scope of the committee. Shiraki responded that he preferred the focus remain on Monster Homes. Farm agreed to limit the scope of the committee to Monster Homes. Resident Kimo urged the committee to be careful with how it evaluates the issue of Monster Homes. Frost commented that this motion had been voted down twice before at previous meetings.

The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED by HAND VOTE; 6-0-4 (AYE: Farm, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki, Ricon. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Caron, Frost, Hack, Holtrop.)

Treasurers Report: Holtrop reported that the initial allocation was $2,984.00, with total expenditures for FY19 of $2,592.00, with a remaining balance of $392.00 for FY19. The monthly expenditures were $19.84 with a remaining balance of $372.16.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Next Meeting: The Palolo Neighborhood Board's next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Palolo Elementary School cafeteria. The Board will recess in June 2018.
2. 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.
3. Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. at the P lolo District Park. 'Olelo Broadcast Slots: The P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 on the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the fourth Thursday at 9:00 p.m., or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org.
4. 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 the P lolo community at www.nextdoor.com.
5. Agenda Requests: No later than two (2) weeks prior to meeting, contact Chair Hack at 753-0710.
6. Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up - Mahalo to Shiraki and Hack for arranging.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations Specialist
Finalized by: Randolph Hack, Chair

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