Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2018 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2018 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/21/2018.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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 eight (8) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Sharon Schneider, Paul Hoe, Molly Pierce, Becky Gardner, Marilyn Moniz, Lori Yamada, Brian Kang, and Nicole Evans.

Board Members Absent - Calvin Hara, William Kokolus, and Mark Hagadone.

Guests -Major Gordon Lumkee, Acting Captain Gary Sunada, Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Fire Fighter III Joe Welch (Honolulu Fire Department); Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Karen Yorimoto (Representative from Councilmember Ozawa's Office); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Representative Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Mark Wong, Director of the Department of Information Technology (DIT); Leonard Hoshijo, Deputy Director of the Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College & Culinary Institute of the Pacific); Judy Gold (Office of Elections); James Larson (Citizen's Climate Lobby); Justine Espiritu and Todd Boulanger (BIKI), Louise Cayetano, Inga Park Okuna, and Chris Santimora (Hawaii State Teachers Association); Eric McCutcheon, Tommy Waters, Natalie Iwasa, Sarah Chinen, Julia Allen, Randall M., Kehau Watson, Daniel Sherman, and Tom Moore. (Residents); Christopher Naylon (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Fire Fighter III Joe Welch reported the following:
• September 2018 Statistics: There were two (2) structure fires, one (1) wildland/brushfire, nine (9) activated alarms, 85 medical emergencies, five (5) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, eight (8) mountain rescues, and three (3) hazardous material incidents.
• 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. If you create your own costume, select materials that won't easily ignite if it comes in contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, ensure that the eye holes are large enough so they can see out. Provide children with flashlights for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. The Honolulu Fire Department discourages the use of candles.

Questions followed: Wednesday, October 17, 2018 Incident: Chair Schneider asked about a fire that occurred on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 and Welch stated that they cannot report on the incident.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto reported the following:
• September 2018 Statistics: There were three (3) motor vehicle thefts, three (3) burglaries, six (6) thefts, seven (7) unauthorized entry of motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,388 calls for service.
• Safety Tip: Acting Captain Gary Sunada reported the following pedestrian safety tips:
o Pedestrians Deaths: Sunada detailed the recent deaths of an 83 years old and five (5) year old within Hawaii. Sunada noted that 2018 may be the deadliest year for pedestrians' deaths in Hawaii's history. 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities during dusk and dawn occur outside of marked crosswalks. There have been no pedestrian fatalities reported within East Honolulu.
o Pedestrian Safety: There has been a pedestrian safety initiative that began in October 2018. The initiative was made to inform drivers and pedestrians of the current safety issues.
o Pedestrian Citations: Sunada noted that HPD will be giving a higher amount of citations to limit the amount of pedestrian accidents.

Questions and comments followed:
1. House Checks: Gardner asked about HPD's Monday, October 1, 2018 end to house checks. HPD noted that house checks were for people that went on trips to help limit house break-ins. Due to an excessive amount of calls, HPD has stopped their house check services. HPD stated that they will still attend all calls.
2. Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Chair Schneider noted that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board has a PIG for an age friendly community. Sunada asked that residents call HPD, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) about any pedestrian safety concerns and they will facilitate the community's needs. HPD asked that residents email them for more information. HPD's contact information can be found at www.honolulupd.org/contact/index.php.
3. Safety Monitoring: Chair Schneider noted that there has been an increase of drivers running red lights and HPD stated that they can monitor these locations when they are reported. A resident asked if HPD is looking for areas of higher accident density and HPD says they are trying to monitor these areas. HPD noted there are too many areas to monitor. The resident noted that the roads near the Prince Kuhio Federal Building has been a safety concern.
4. Distracted Pedestrians: Yamada asked how many tickets have been given to distracted pedestrians while crossing the street and HPD noted that they are trying to warn or cite distracted pedestrians that are unaware of their surroundings while crossing the street. Chinen asked about pedestrian rights and HPD asked that the community work together to keep pedestrians safe.
5. Use of Deadly Force: Watson asked if shooting incidents occur within residential areas. HPD stated that they shoots assailants when it is necessary. The location does not determine whether deadly force is used, however the location may be a determining factor. HPD stated that the decision to use deadly force is based off the perceived threat to the surrounding citizens. Watson stated that the reports detailed no residents in the surrounding area and believed that this determined the decision. Watson asked and HPD stated that they will follow statute while protecting residents and themselves. HPD stated that the use of guns is decided on a case by case basis. Watson noted that the use of guns was within a school zone and HPD stated that they will remain with guidelines while using force.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Ann Wong reported the following:
• September 2018 Main Breaks: There were no main breaks to report.
• General Water Announcements: The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping - an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping. The new 2018-2019 xeriscape workshop schedule features dozens of new and popular workshops that offer useful tips on how to maintain a beautiful and water-efficient garden. The garden offered workshops on select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the year. Upcoming workshops include:
o Wednesday, October 17, 2018: Rain Barrel Catchment
o Saturday, November 24, 2018 & Saturday, December 1, 2018: Xeric Holiday Wreath
o Saturday, January 5, 2019: Xeriscape 101
• Advanced registration is required. Call 748-5315 or email workshops@hbws.org to reserve your space at one of our workshops. Visit our website www.boardofwatersupply.com to check out the full list of classes being offered. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden remains open to the public on Wednesday and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are welcomed to drop by to see dozens of attractive and less-thirsty plants on display, as well as pick up a complimentary seed packet.
• Primary Urban Center watershed Management Plan Meetings: The BWS is developing the Primary Urban Center (PUC) Watershed Management Plan. Join us to learn about water-related issues and concerns for Honolulu and water supply options for meeting future water demands. We will also discuss key projects and strategies to protect our water resources for future generations. Please join us for one or more of these community meetings:
o Thursday, October 23, 2018 at Kapalama Elementary School
o Thursady, October 25, 2018 at Ala Wai Elementary School
o Thursday, October 30, 2018 at Aiea Elementary School
• All meetings are from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. For more information, please visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS & PUBLIC INPUT

Kapiolani Community College (KCC):
• Funding: Hojiko noted that KCC has raised the requisite 5.1 million dollars to begin Phase 2A of their CIP. Phase 2A will introduce culinary laboratories and the campus's restaurant. 2.8 million dollars of the requisite 5.1 million dollars have been raised by KCC to begin Phase 2B of the CIP. The CIP has recently received awards for the institute's landscaping.
• Campus Accreditation: Recently all University of Hawaii Community College campuses have been visited by the Commission of Junior Colleges and will soon be informed if they will be accredited for the next seven (7) years.

Monster Home Commission: Dr. Kehau Watson Sproats reported the following about the Monster Home Commission:
• Monster Home Commission: Sproats stated that the Monster Home Commission is attempting to address the monster home issue.
• Community Input: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has heard the community's testimony but have not heeded all of the community's input.
• Land Use Ordinance: Sproats noted that the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) will now go to the City Council for approval.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Monster Homes: A resident asked and Sproats noted that there has been a moratorium against monster homes and the LUO changes will stop future monster homes from being created.
2. Third Party Reviewers: Chinen asked about third party reviewers and Sproats noted that the Planning Commission submitted the LUO changes with community input. Please visit the HI Good Neighbor Facebook page for additional details.

Bike Share Hawaii (BIKI): Justine Espiritu and Todd Boulanger from Bike Share Hawaii reported the following:
• Expansion of Services: BIKI will expanding their services within the Kaimuki region beginning in late November 2018 or early December 2018. Please visit https://gobiki.org/ to view future BIKI locations.
• Event at McCoy Pavilion: There will be an event held in conjunction with American Association for Retired People (AARP). The event is designed to introduce members that are 50 years or older to the bike share system.
• Envision Kaimuki: Boulanger noted that BIKI has been attempting to work with Envision Kaimuki while searching for future locations.

Improperly Zoned Buildings: Chinen raised concerns about buildings being improperly zoned for the surrounding community and Wong noted information pertaining to zoning laws can be found at the DPP website http://www.honoluludpp.org/.

PRESENTATIONS

Discussion of Constitutional Amendment:
• Representation from the Hawaii Association of Realtors:
o High Tax Rate: A realtor noted that community members with investment real properties already pay a large amount of taxes and fees to keep their properties.
o Aftereffects of the Amendment: Owners of investment properties will be greatly affected by the passing of the Constitutional Amendment. The Constitutional Amendment will re-bracket Hawaii's tax system.
o Ambiguous Language: The Constitutional Amendment has been written with ambiguous or unclear language. Surcharges is another way of taxation. Language that previously protected the residents of Hawaii has been removed. The language has been written vaguely to allow the legislature the most flexibility while writing the Bill.
• Senator Gil Rivera:
o Opposition: Senator Rivera does not believe that the Amendment is the proper way to fund Hawaii schools.
o Taxes: Rivera noted that Hawaii has created other short term taxes that has been utilized for issues outside of their original purpose. Rivera noted that the Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) taxes visitors and the people of Hawaii. Rivera is concerned that this will become an additional way to tax the people of Hawaii.
o Appropriation of Funds: Rivera noted that there are no guarantees that the money will be properly allocated. Rivera stated that teacher salaries are based off of collective bargaining agreements and not based off their allocated funds.
• Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA): Park Okuna, Cayetano, and Santimora reported the following:
o Outside Investors: Hawaii has the lowest property taxes in the country and this attracts outside investors. Outside investors raise the cost of living within Hawaii. Hawaii needs to make their real estate market less attractive to outside investors.
o Taxes: HSTA noted that only homes will be taxed.
o Ambiguous Language: HSTA noted that the language allows for legislature to make changes in the future.
o Teacher Crisis:
There are 1000 teacher openings within the Department of Education (DOE).
Substitute teachers no longer require a college degree.
o Housing Crisis: There is a need to make the Hawaii real estate market more affordable. Many Hawaii residents can barely afford to purchase homes. HSTA noted that a tax on million dollar homes may curb Hawaii's increasing reality prices.
o Need for Funding: Schools need money to upgrade the technology in Hawaii's classrooms. HSTA stated that they need more funds to keep qualified teachers from leaving Hawaii. HSTA noted that everyone benefits when the educational system benefits.
o Governor Veto: HSTA stated that Governor Ige would veto any tax that does not increase the amount of funding allocated to education.
• Ronald Mau:
o Taxes: Mau noted that Hawaii's property taxes are low but our cost of living and General Excise Tax (GE) are much higher than on the mainland. Mau cannot afford to maintain their affordable housing units if there is a rise in taxes. Mau noted that the Amendment will increase the overall cost of living in Hawaii.
o Possible Solutions: Mau asked if the surcharges could be levied against tobacco, fuel, or alcohol. These surcharges could help alleviate Hawaii's tax issues and improve the overall health of the people of Hawaii.
• Chinen:
o Hawaii State Teachers Association: Chinen believed that the HSTA is good for the teacher but does not always have the best interest of the keiki at heart. Chinen noted that the previous teachers' strike was detrimental to the keiki of Hawaii. HSTA stated that the strike was to gain more funding.
o Legislature: Chinen noted that the money for the classrooms could be allocated in different ways and believes that our legislators should send their children to public schools.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Taxation Oversight: Chair Schneider asked why the State wants to tax the City and County of Honolulu without there being a taxation facilitator in existence. Representative Say stated that the Amendment will give the Legislature the authority to tax the residents of Hawaii to fund their schools. The details of the tax will be completed if the Amendment is voted for by the Hawaii people.
2. City and County of Honolulu Lawsuit: Gardner asked and Say noted that the City and County of Honolulu lawsuit was to better detail the ambiguous language in the Amendment.
3. Public Input: HSTA and Say stated that they voted for the Amendment to give the public the choice on the Constitutional Amendment.
4. Issues with Funding: Chair Schneider asked and Say stated that schools are underfunded due to the State having too many Department to properly fund. Say noted that there is an annual increase in the budget but stated that most of this money is allocated to the improvements of DOE infrastructure. Nearly three (3) billion dollars of the 14 billion dollar budget is allocated to teacher pensions. HSTA noted that sexism has led to lower teacher salaries.
5. Raise in GE: Say stated that he is opposed to a raise in the GE tax.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Director Mark Wong of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) was present; the following was reported:
• 8th Avenue: The Honolulu City Council is looking to implement the Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) program with the introduction of Bill 70. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will not be able to approve permits until the program is allocated the proper funds. The RPZ program's procedures will be need to be developed, reviewed, and approved, which will take time.
• Kaimuki Avenue - 12th Avenue - Koko Head Avenue - Crater Road: Our street lighting office investigated the intersection on Friday, October 5, 2018 and found that the drooping wires are not within the jurisdiction of the City and County of Honolulu. The wires are under the care of Hawaii Telcom or Spectrum Cable.
• HNL.info App: The Department of Information Technology (DIT) stated that the HNL.info app is a toll used by multiple first responder agencies in the City and County of Honolulu. DIT does not post messages or alerts to the HNL.info app. The Office of Economic Development works closely with various agencies will requesting permits. Each permit is reviewed and may detail the notification plan with the production company, the Mayor's communication team, and the other city agencies involved. For larger productions, the plan may involve informing the community through lighted signage, radio messages, and TV coverage. For smaller productions, staff may inform community members by going door to door.
• Koko Head Avenue - Harding Avenue: DTS has completed their investigation of the area and has confirmed that this section of the intersection in under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT). DTS will forward the Board's concern to HDOT for their evaluation.
• Real Property Taxes: Wong noted that real property taxes are run by the City and County on the mainland and stated that DOE could augment existing taxes to raise funds for the DOE.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: Yarimoto asked and Wong noted that the municipal lot belongs to the City and County of Honolulu and it contracted to ProPark. Yarimoto asked and Wong stated that the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) can be contacted but the project has already begun. Wong noted that the lot may move away from metered stalls as the City and County of Honolulu makes a change towards paid lots. Chair Schneider asked that the DDC report their plans for the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - No representative was present; a newsletter was disseminated.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - Karen Yorimoto disseminated a handout and reported the following:
• Olelo Broadcasting: The City Council thanked Olelo Broadcasting for the services that they have committed to Hawaii for the past 30 years.

Questions and comments followed: Noise Pollution: A resident asked about noise pollution in Kaimuki and Yarimoto noted that their staff is working towards the issue's resolution. Ozawa's office will report back.

Governor David Ige - Leonard Hoshijo, Deputy Director of the Department Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) was present; a newsletter was circulated and reported the following:
• Unemployment Insurance: The State is currently grappling with the funding of the State ran unemployment insurance system. Unemployment insurance helps benefit the unemployment rates. Federal grants for unemployment have been lowered since the drops in unemployment rates. There is a need for additional hires to handle future unemployment issues.
• Daniel K Inouye International Airport: The rental car facilities and new wing projects are underway. There will be P3 utilized in the completion of the project.
• Public Housing: Two new public housing developments have been planned. Mayor Wrights Housing will be upgraded to have more high-rise units and will be utilizing P3 agreements. The second sight will be located on School Street.
• Rental Units: Micro-units have been placed in Kakaako and Kapolei to allow for more housing units at affordable housing levels.
• State Hospital: The State Hospital has had a second ground breaking for their plans to have 144 additional beds and the best facilities.
• New WiFi Spots: Please visit the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) website for more details: http://cca.hawaii.gov/broadband/dcca-designated-wifi-hotspots/.

Senator Stanley Chang - Ian Terayama was present; a handout was disseminated and the following was reported:
• Housing Conference: The Senate will hold a housing conference on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The state is in need of 65,000 additional units by 2025. Please email Adrian Tam at a.tam@capitol.hawaii.govwith any questions or concerns on the topic.

Representative Calvin K.Y. Say - Representative Say was present and disseminated a handout.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara was present; a newsletter was circulated:
• Special Session: Senator Ihara stated that the Senate will be holding special sessions on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 and Thursday, October 25, 2018 to consider two new appeals judges. Senate could automatically approve the judges but Ihara believes that the Senate will not do this.
• Constitutional Convention: A Constitutional Convention delegation will be created to vote on the Constitutional Convention. Senator Ihara noted that a Constitutional Convention are needed every 10 years to assist with bottom-up coalitions. A Constitutional Convention could assist in clarifying the Constitutional Amendment.
• Constitutional Amendment: The Constitutional Amendment is aimed to fund lower education.
BOARD BUISNESS:
Formation of Permitted interaction Group (PIG) to help support Kaimuki as an Age Friendly Community- Yamada noted that the item should be deferred until Hara is present. Chair Schneider noted that it is a keiki and kupuna issue. Hearing no objections, the item was deferred.

Approval of Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes - Yamada moved and Hoe seconded the motion that the Wednesday, September 19, 2018, regular meeting minutes be APPROVED AS AMENDED. Hearing no objections the motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0; (AYE: Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Gardner, Moniz, Yamada, Kang, and Evans; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None.)

Amendments are as follows:
1. Page 2, under FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS, it should read," EVANS'"
2. Page 4, under Update from the Department of Parks and Recreation, it should read,"
• Renovated Facilities: The DPR has renovated 213 comfort stations over the last three (3) years. The DPR has renovated 74 playgrounds and play stations over the last three (3) years. 200 basketball courts have been resurfaced. Nekota asked that residents visit http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/default/park-locations/182-site-dpr-cat/20403-caring-for-parks.html to view the progress.
• Kaimuki Community Park: Nekota stated that the DPR is currently working on Kaimuki Community Park and noted that the project is currently installing safety regulations for the play area.
• Kaimuki Gymnasium: Nekota stated that DPR is working to repair the Kaimuki gymnasium's roof.
• Kaimuki Intermediate School: Nekota noted that the DPR is working towards the improvement of drainage and flooding issues surrounding Kaimuki Intermediate School.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Kapaolono Community Park: Kokolus asked about Kapaolono Community Park and stated that there are no picnic tables or rest areas within the park. Nekota will report back. Hoe noted that a few rest areas exist in the park.
2. Private Public Partnerships (P3): Hara noted that there have been difficulties while attempting to speak to regional elected officials. Hara stated that Kaimuki would desire the application of P3s and asked how this could be executed. Nekota stated that the Department and Department Director would need to be directly contacted. Gardner asked about Kakou for Parks' sponsorship of Kaimuki Community Park and Nekota stated that a P3 would better expedite the interdepartmental process.
3. Kakou for Parks: Gardner asked and Nekota stated that the Kakou for Parks program has been utilized at Pupukea Beach Park by the Rotary Club.
4. Recognition: Gardner asked and Nekota noted that the organizations may choose to have a commemorative plaque installed.
5. Reservations; Gardner asked about the possible rental of the hula stage at the Kaimuki Community Park and Nekota stated that residents must contact park staff for reservations.
6. P3 Status: Chair Schneider asked and Nekota responded that companies do not need to be non-profit to utilize P3s.
7. Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA): Chair Schneider asked about KBPA fundraising to fix the lights in Kaimuki's parks and Nekota noted that DPR does not have the requisite engineers for this project. Nekota stated that the Department of Design and Construction would facilitate their needs.
8. Homeless: Chinen noted the homeless issue around the Ala Wai and asked about the issues possible expansion. Nekota stated that homelessness is an island wide issue and requested people call the Department of Facilities hotline for Stored Property Ordinance or Sidewalk Nuisance at 768-3585. However, Nekota noted that many homeless individuals are wary of the jurisdictional fallacies.
9. Feral Chicken Problem: Yamada asked and Nekota noted that some parks in the City and County of Honolulu have a feral chicken issue.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Kang reported an expenditure of $25.93 and a remaining balance of $359.94.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. There is an Adopt-a-Park Cleanup of Kaimuki Park on Waialae Avenue on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
B. There will be an EnVision Kaimuki Meeting on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Kaipolani Community College, at 5:00 p.m. Discussion of the future of Kaimuki and best ways to realize and enhance our community.
C. Support Kaimuki's small businesses on Small Business Saturday, Novmeber 24, 2018 the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
D. There is a Primary Urban Core Development Plan update on November 7th at McKinley High School. Please check the website https://www.pucdp.com/.
E. There are Climate Action Plan meetings at various locations. One will be on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Blaisdell. Please check the website for details. https://www.resilientoahu.org/calendar/.
F. The next regular Board Meeting will be Wednesday, November 21, 2018, at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 7:00 p.m.
G. The Office of Elections is still looking for qualified volunteers for the Voting polls.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 9:02 p.m.

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

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