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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2019 Minutes
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DRAFT - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Bert Narita called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with nine (9) members present. (Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).
Members Present: Ajay Bhatt (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Richard Figliuzzi, Mark Kamahele, Michelle Matson (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Barbara Miller, Bert Narita, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Winston Welch, Jerry Wanager, George West (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), and Linda Wong.
Member Absent: Julia Allen, Judith Bowman, Leonora Cuban.
Guests: State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Councilmember Anne Kobayashi; Kenny Amazaki (Office of Council District 4); State Representative Scott Nishimoto and Kevan Wong (Office of Representative Scott Nishimoto); Captain Akiona (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Hayamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply); Manuel Shelley (Rainbow Ekiden); Tom Walker (Kaimana Beach); Dennis Silva; Bob Gentry (Gold Coast Association); Mary Jones (Leahi Avenue Permitted Interaction Group); John McNamara (Commpac); Daisy Murai and Robert Ubert, (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Assistant).
Announcements: Chair Pro Tem Narita 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.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chair: Chair Pro Tem Narita clarified that in the case that there is a vacancy of the Chair, the Neighborhood Plan requires that the Vice Chair act as Chair Pro Tem until a motion to elect a new chair is adopted by the Board. He requested any members interested in the position of Chair or interested in nominating a member to do so.
Wong nominated Welch to serve as Chair and Welch accepted the nomination.
Wanager nominated Figliuzzi to serve as Chair and Figliuzzi accepted the nomination.
Bhatt, Matson, and West arrived at 6:33 p.m. with 12 members present.
Wong moved and St. Denis seconded to close the nominations.
Discussion Followed:
Nominee Welch: Welch expressed his appreciation for the nomination, and praised the opportunity the Neighborhood Boards offers its members and community to have to their voices heard. He commented that he would be honored to serve as Chair if elected.
Nominee Figliuzzi: Figliuzzi expressed his appreciation to be nominated as Chair.
Requirements of Chair: Chair Pro Tem Narita asked the nominees if they are familiar with the duties of the Chair and asked the nominees to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Welch disclosed that he is the Executive Director of Outdoor Circle, commenting that some of their concerns do appear before the Board, City, and State. He clarified that he does not represent those interests when at Board meetings as a member, and so it will not impact his capacity to serve as Chair. Chair Pro Tem Narita emphasized that the Chair acts an adjudicator of the meetings and must maintain neutrality while acting as the presiding officer of the meeting.
Nominee Welch (continued): Wong expressed her support for Welch, commenting that a Chair needs to be able to balance keeping in touch with the community, familiarity with parliamentary procedure, ability to run meetings, and preparing monthly agendas on behalf of the Board. She concluded that Welch's existing knowledge and experience in the community qualifies him to serve as Chair.
Nominee Figliuzzi (continued): Figliuzzi disclosed that he is the President of Global Environment and Energy in the 21st century, commenting that he is very conscious of environmental concerns. He disclosed that he is involved with the United Nations Association, and has a real-estate broker's license. He commented that for a number of years, he was responsible for property management at Hawaiiana Management, which involved managing board meetings. Figliuzzi concluded that he is willing to take on the responsibilities of the Chair. Wanager expressed his appreciation for George West's leadership. Wanager observed that there are many different viewpoints among the members of the Board, adding that quality leadership is necessary to maintain the decorum of the Board. He expressed his support for Figliuzzi, commenting that he will best be able to provide that leadership.
NEITHER NOMINEE ACQUIRED A QUORUM VOTE BY ROLL CALL; 6-5-1 (FIGLIUZZI: Figliuzzi, Kamahele, Miller, Narita, Wanager, West. WELCH: Bhatt, Matson, St. Denis, Welch, Wong. ABSTAIN: Persons)
Hearing no objection, Chair Pro Tem Narita deferred the motion to Thursday, February 14, 2019 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
With no elected Chair, Chair Pro Tem Narita remained as the presiding officer.
Agenda Request: Matson requested Item I (Aircraft Noise Petition) be moved ahead of item A. Section IV Resident/Community Interest, due to time constraints for the presenters.
Hearing no objection, Chair Pro Tem Narita moved Item I. above Item A. of Section IV by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD - Waikiki Station): Captain Chris Akiona reported the following:
• December 2018 Statistics: There were 1 structure fire, 1 wildland/brush fire, 2 nuisance fires, 9 activated alarms, 116 medical calls, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 2 motor vehicle collisions, and 2 hazardous material incidents.
??? Fire Safety Tip: Electrical Safety:
o Heat-Producing Appliances: Plug one (1) heat-producing appliance into a wall receptacle outlet at a time, i.e., coffee maker, microwave oven, and toaster.
o Major Appliances: Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet, i.e., dryer, refrigerator, and stove. Extension cords and power taps or strips should not be used.
o Electrical Cord Hazards: Check electrical cords to ensure they are not running across doorways or under carpets.
o Extension Cords: Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets so you do not have to use extension cords.
o Electrical Work: Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Additional Tip: Chair Pro Tem Narita added that resident should maintain their fire and smoke detectors.
2. St. Louis Heights Boulders: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns with boulders that impacted local residences in St. Louis Heights. Chair Pro Tem Narita asked and Captain Akiona responded that Station 29 (mccully Fire Station) likely would have responded to that call.
3. Hoarding: Welch expressed concerns with hoarding homes presenting a fire hazard, especially in cases where evacuation from the home is hindered. Welch asked and Captain Akiona responded that the only action HFD can take is an exterior inspection of the private dwelling. Further action can only be taken if the resident of the dwelling voices a concern to the HFD.
4. Requests: A resident asked and Captain Akiona commented that many fire safety concerns can easily be voiced to the local fire department for further follow-up/investigation.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 6 Waikiki/ Diamond Head): An officer from the HPD District 6 reported the following: December 2018 Statistics: There were 8 robberies, 18 burglaries, 161 thefts, 24 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 42 assaults, 1 sex crime, 8 bike on sidewalk citations, 7 skateboards on sidewalk citations, 3 speeding citations, 633 parking citations, 2 loud muffler citations, 229 park closure warnings, 71 park closure citations, 23 park closure arrests, and 4,065 total calls for service.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Leahi Avenue Speeding: St. Denis expressed concerns with local speeding, especially on Leahi Avenue by Pualei Circle. She reported that some community members suggested parking a vacant police vehicle in sight of the traffic to deter speeding drivers. She requested this solution be explored and the HPD Officer responded that he would coordinate with the Community Policing Team to assess the viability of installing a speed trailer to help deter speeding as an alternative. He added that an individual speed trailer can help alleviate speeding for one (1) direction of traffic.
2. Monsarrat Avenue Speeding: Welch expressed safety concerns with speeding along Monsarrat Avenue by the Pioneer Cafe, especially when the sun blocks a clear view of the crosswalks. He commented that pedestrians and bicyclists have been injured by motorists as a result. He requested enforcement be increased in the area to help mitigate incidents of speeding. The Officer responded that he would take the request back to the department
3. Solicitations: Wong referenced laws related to "No Trespassing" Sign requirements, and asked if a similar sign is required for solicitation. The Officer responded that it is not necessary to have a "no solicitation" sign posted, recommending that signs be posted just to deter solicitors.
4. Crane Park: Wong asked and the Officer responded that questions regarding Crane Park should be referred to HPD District 7.
5. Trash Bag Disturbance: St. Denis commented that a man appears to be breaking open trash bags on Wednesday and Saturday nights around her neighborhood, leaving trash on the ground to be cleaned up. St. Denis asked and the HPD officer responded that they can be called to investigate if they see similar activity.
6. Kapiolani Park - Commercial Activity: Discussion followed regarding commercial activity at Kapiolani Park:
a. Surf School: Resident Robert Ubert expressed concerns with commercial activity at Kapiolani Park. He elaborated that the commercial activities include two (2) tents owned by a surf school. He filed a complaint through the HPD and was informed that they cannot enforce against commercial activity in prohibited areas unless they see a transaction take place. Resident Ubert if any action can be taken related to the tents and permitting on the park lands in the meantime. The Officer responded that he is familiar with the complaint, reiterating that they cannot enforce until they see a transaction. He added that the surf company tends to off-load material for their surf school at these locations, clarifying that transactions take place at a different location. He requested anyone witnessing transactions on Kapiolani Park report the incident to HPD. Resident Ubert expressed his concerns that this technicality can be exploited by other businesses who want to capitalize on Kapiolani Park Trust Lands.
b. Parking Violations: Resident Monique Nordan commented that the business shuffles between two (2) of their commercial vehicles in the same parking stall to ensure they can maintain their business activities on the trust land. She asked if there were any violations related to this behavior. The Officer acknowledged this activity, adding that he has seen the company vehicles parked there for over 24 hours. He added that HPD must follow their procedure to mark their tires and return four (4) hours later before taking action.
c. Kapiolani Park Trust Violations: Matson expressed concerns with the encroachment of private enterprise on Kapiolani Park Trust Lands. She elaborated that the activity is in violation of the Trust which prohibits Ôany occupation of public trust lands for a private business unless it is a temporary permit by the City and County of Honolulu for a concession.??? She explained that the surf school is not a concession and its physical occupation of the space violates the provisions of the Kapiolani Park Trust Land. Matson requested the concern be referred to the Kapiolani Park Trustees (Members of the Honolulu City Council).
Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 7 Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights): No representative was present; no report was given.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): Ann Wong of the BWS reported the following:
• Main Breaks: The following two main breaks occurred on December 13, 2018: One (1) six (6) inch cast iron main on 3014 Hibiscus Drive installed in 1931 and one (1) six (6) inch cast iron main on 1267 Kaluawaa Street installed in 1947.
• BWS Rebate Plan: The BWS is encouraging their residential customers to expand on existing water conservation efforts by offering these rebates:
o $75 to replace an existing regular clothes washer for a water-efficient model.
o $40 to purchase and install a rain barrel at their home.
The rebate program started as of April 30, 2018. Rebates are available for swapping out an existing regular clothes washer for a water-efficient model or for the purchase and installation of a residential rain barrel. As long as your purchase was made between May 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019, and your rebate application is postmarked within 60 days of purchase, you may qualify for a rebate. More information, and the rebate form are available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com/conservation/rebates or by calling (808) 237-6877.
• Olelo Youth Xchange Video Competition: The BWS is pleased to sponsor a category in Youth Xchange Video Competition, which is a statewide student video competition by Olelo Community Media. This contest encourages students to use animated clips and/or video to share their thoughts and comments on various community concerns and issues. The BWS's sponsored category, "The Value of Water", challenges Hawaii's youth to come up with a 30-second Public Service Announcement that highlights water's journey from source to tap. The video contest is open to students statewide in grades Kindergarten through 12 and the entry deadline is Friday, February 15, 2019. This contest, as well as the BWS's poster and poetry contest, are an integral part of the BWS's mission to provide a safe and dependable water supply now and into the future. For more information about these contests, including educational materials for students and teachers, visit http://www.boardofwatersupply.com or call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041. Please share this information with any teachers or keiki you may know and encourage them to enter the contests.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Red Hill Update: Matson asked and Ann Wong responded that there were no updates on Red Hill.
2. Climate Change: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns that the administration is not taking enough efforts to protect the water supply in light of climate change.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: The Mayor's Representative was not available at this time. The Neighborhood Assistant provided an update from the Neighborhood Commission Office: Neighborhood Board Election Reminder: The Neighborhood Assistant reported that through Friday, February 15, 2019, residents across OÔahu may register to become a candidate in the 2019 Neighborhood Board Election. The Neighborhood Board System was established in 1973 by former Mayor Frank F. Fasi as a way to spur civic participation and engage with city government. Currently, there are 33 Neighborhood Boards across OÔahu, which are comprised of 437 elected volunteer board members. Any OÔahu resident who is 18 years of age can become a candidate. The Neighborhood Board Election will be held online from April 26, 2019 through May 17, 2019. Residents can text "GoNCO" to 95577 to receive mobile text alerts related to the 2019 Neighborhood Board Election. Please note that standard message and data rates may apply. For more information call 768-3705 or visit www.honolulu.gov/NCO.
Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present; no report was given.
RESIDENTS/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Aircraft Noise Petition: Matson reported that signatures on the petitions are steadily increasing in response to due to the significant impact of aircraft noise in the Diamond Head area. Matson introduced President Nicole Vandelaar Battjes of the Hawaii Helicopter Association to continue the report. Battjes reported that they are a formation of helicopter and tour companies looking to promote responsible helicopter operations in the entire state. She promoted their website for further contact at https://hawaiihelicopterassociation.org/ as well as their noise complaint application Planenoise:https://www.planenoise.com/hha/.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Aircraft Noise: Resident Lani expressed her concerns that after countless of noise complaints complete with logs, aircraft noise problems in their neighborhood have not changed.
Rainbow Ekiden: Manuel Shelley reported that the Rainbow Ekiden relay race will be on Sunday, March 10, 2019 and distributed traffic notices and road closures related to the event.
Kaimana Beach: Tom Walker reported that they have been working with Representative Bertrand Kobayashi's Office to help protect endangered species at Kaimana Beach by prohibiting hook-and-line and net fishing at the location. He commented that they have accumulated 1700 signatures in support, and requested endorsement by the Board.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Time Limit: Wong asked and Chair Pro Tem Narita responded that items under Resident/ Community Interests are limited to two (2) minutes. Wong expressed her concerns that a presentation was requested and Chair Pro Tem Narita responded that the agenda that he received has this item as a community interest.
Hawaii Planning/Dole Street Zone Change: Dennis Silva reported that they presented this project of P2 to R5 at the September Neighborhood Board meeting, adding that due to DPP's requirement for a wider update, he must appear before the Board again.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Matson commented that on the site plane, there is no distance between the property line and the corners of the garage. She asked and Silva responded that the structure was grandfathered in. Matson asked and Silva responded that this is not to be used as a monster home.
Gold Coast Association, DLNR/Tongg's Beach: Bob Gentry, President of the Gold Coast Association requested a board member make a request for them to present at a subsequent meeting.
Time Limits: Chair Pro Tem Narita explained that he was unaware of the request for presentations subsequent to the meeting, and is following procedure. Matson requested that the two (2) minute time limit be made clear on future agendas. Wong commented that the outgoing Chair had approved of the presentations to be made at this meeting, and requested time be given to the presenters as a courtesy when appropriate.
Biki Docking Stations: Resident Mary reported that she, the Principal, and Vice Principal of Waikiki School expressed their concerns with the safety of installing a bike station in front of Waikiki School, commenting that they would be in violation of the Lunalilo Trust despite their permit from the City and County of Honolulu. Resident Ubert shared images of Biki Stations, including one (1) that violates the ADA in front of the Princess Kaiulani, others that obscure the window viewpoints in Waikiki, and another in front of the Waikiki Banyan at the very location that fire engines should be able to pull up to utilize their ladder. He expressed concerns that a sub-committee has not been appointed to allow for legal review of the proposed bike stations before they can place a station. Matson commented that the head of the DTS decides where the stations go, adding that DTS has a very close relationship with Biki. She elaborated that DTS has enabled Biki to be aggressive in their placement of stations.
Crane Park, Homeless: Wong deferred her report.
Neighborhood Parking/Film Crew - Wong expressed concerns with the disruption of Magnum P.I. filming on neighborhood parking. Matson added that film crew lights recently created a significant disturbance in the Diamond Head community in the evening at La Pietra. She had expressed concerns with the set manager, reporting that she was offered compensation which she refused. She added that the immediate neighbors were notified, but not the wider community impacted by the lights. She recommended a notification process involving the neighborhood board be implemented.
Kaimana Beach Shower & Water Fountain - St. Denis reported that the City Council appears to have appropriated funds in the budget to repair the showers and water fountain at Kaimana Beach.
Leahi Avenue Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) - Mary Jones requested the agenda and minutes be revised to reflect her name and their PIG. She reported that the HDOT responded to the PIG's request to have the City take over a portion of Leahi Avenue. They reported that Lunalilo Trust does own the road after their own title search, and so the City cannot take ownership. The PIG is now working with Lunalilo Trust. Matson reported that because half of the ownership of Leahi belongs to Kapiolani Park Trust, the Board of Trustees will likely be involved.
Top Golf: Commpac President John McNamara reported that they are assisting Top Golf with their Public Relations in Oahu. He reported that they have created a website for the project: topgolf.com/hawaii to allow residents to learn more about the project. He commented that the website will be continually updated as the project moves forward, and allows for community feedback. Matson requested an opportunity for the community to gather and speak on the issue with Top Golf. McNamara responded that with no recent updates, they would participate in a community discussion at an appropriate time when they have new updates. Matson expressed concerns that some Boards that Top Golf has presented to do not show much interest in the project, despite residents in their communities expressing concerns of their own towards the project. Welch asked and McNamara responded that the timeline of the project is projected at three (3) years.
Rate Commission Update: Resident and Rate Commission Member Barbara Armentrout reported that a bill that would raise bus and handy-van fares was rejected.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Anne Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro of Councilmember Kobayashi's Office distributed and outlined their newsletter and requested concerns from the Board and community.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Bacteria in Near Offshore Water: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns with recent reports of increased bacteria in near offshore waters of Hanauma Bay. Chair Pro Tem Narita commented that an encampment along the Palolo Stream were reportedly dumping raw sewage into the stream, which may be a potential cause of the bacteria in the bay. He requested an investigation, and Kaneshiro responded that they can submit a request for a service report to the administration.
2. Showers of Kaimana Beach: St. Denis commented that some concerns have been raised regarding the showers at Kaimana Beach and Queens Beach running into the ocean. She requested a study to see if the shower run off may be contributing to the problem.
Hearing no objection, Chair Pro Tem Narita moved to Mayor's Representative.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Wale Constantinau requested concerns to communicate to the Mayor's Office.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Film Office: Chair Pro Tem Narita asked and Constantinau responded that 2018 will be the best year in the history of the film office. She commented that production expenditures in the State reached $470 million dollars, translating to an economic output of over $800 million dollars. In addition, that translated to $200 million dollars in household income.
2. Filming Notices: Chair Pro Tem Narita requested that permits granted for filming be distributed to the community to allow for better notice. Constantinau responded that community outreach varies from production to production based on its scale. She added that they try to limit the outreach only to those who will be directly affected, as too broad an outreach may attract people to observe the production. Matson expressed her concerns with the lighting from the Magnum PI production, and requested they give notice to the Neighborhood Board when they will be shooting in the area.
3. Kapiolani Park: Matson expressed concerns with commercial activity at Kapiolani Park, including the surf school tent and an outdoor gym based out of the park.
4. DTS, DES Letter: Welch requested an update on the status of their letters requesting representation from DTS and DES, respectively, at the Board meetings. Relating to DTS, he added that discussions around traffic safety are routine at their meetings. Constantinau responded that they are looking for a DTS representative to attend the meeting to hold a dialogue with the Board.
5. Date Street: Resident Barbara Armentrout expressed concerns with the safety on Date Street and inquired about the timeline of repainting of the crosswalks on Date Street.
6. Bike Lane: Resident Daisy Murai expressed concerns with bike lanes on Monsarrat, commenting that the narrow lanes adjacent to the bicycle lane may have caused a recent accident involving a bicyclist. Resident Daisy Murai asked if returning to sharrows would be a safer solution.
7. 12 Foot Fence: Matson expressed concerns with the lack of information available with the proposed 12 foot fence around the Ala Wai Golf Course, despite the numerous requests by the Board at previous meetings. She requested a representative from DES be present to discuss this proposal with the Board.
Bhatt and Kamahele left at 8:00 p.m. with 10 members present.
Office of Council District 4: Kenny Amazaki of Council District 4 Office distributed a newsletter, summarized its contents, and reported the following: Council Seat/ Supreme Court: Amazaki reported that their office will be recognized as the Office of Council District 4 while they await the results of the Hawaii Supreme Court regarding the election. He reported that their office is currently being managed by another Councilmember and that staff are still working to represent the community's concerns. He reported that Councilmember Ann Kobayashi will likely serve as an interim Council Chair until the Hawaii Supreme Court makes their final decision.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Bill 79: Matson asked when the next committee meeting addressing Bill 79 will be held. Amazaki responded that he will follow up on this issue.
2. Thanks: Wong expressed gratitude for Amazaki attending the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/ St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 meeting.
Senator Stanley Chang: Senator Chang distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Sea Wall: Senator Chang reported that a bill will be introduced to condemn the sea wall. He elaborated that DLNR does not currently repair the sea wall, as it is not State property.
• Affordable Housing: Senator Chang reported that their office is exploring legislation to redevelop existing State Land on the rail line into very high density units. He added the units would then be sold at cost to Hawaii residents who would be owner occupants who own no other real property.
• County Building Inspectors: Senator Chang reported that their office is reintroducing a bill to criminalize lying to a county building inspector as it relates to inspections.
??? Relating to Advertising: Senator Chang reported that they will be introducing a bill to prohibit all advertising for rentals in public housing and other housing for which there is an owner occupant requirement.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Contamination: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns with the potential contamination of near off shore waters and Hanauma Bay with fecal matter and urged Senator Chang to communicate a request for investigation to the Department of Health (DOH) to explore the matter.
2. Sea Wall: St. Denis asked and Senator Chang responded that DLNR has made it clear that they do not want to repair the sea wall despite the available funds. He added that the Department appears to be hesitant to take on the responsibility should it be condemned by the State.
3. Affordable Housing: Relating to the affordable housing legislation, Matson asked if any feasibility assessments of the water consumption and sewage infrastructure for high density housing have been conducted. Senator Chang responded that the infrastructure currently does not exist. He elaborated that developing the infrastructure for lower density housing will be more cost prohibitive, while high density housing has a significantly lower cost per unit. Relating to the water consumption, Senator Chang reported that Oahu utilizes half of the sustainable water supply available per day. He clarified that Oahu still has considerable water consumption capacity. He added that water consumption has been trending downward over the last 30 years. In addition, he lauded modern water conservation technologies that can contribute to that trend.
4. Appreciation/ Sea Wall: Wong expressed Senator Chang's presence at the meeting, and mentioned that many residents came out to discuss the Sea Wall.
5. Climate Change/ Sea Level Rise: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns with the lack of adjustments made to mitigate the impact sea level rise will have on the rail stations and especially the water supply. Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed his concerns and Senator Chang responded that he will investigate these concerns at the State level. Constantinau responded that the City's Office of Climate Change Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) has been exploring these concerns at the City level as well. Constantinau commented that their office could return and give a presentation or provide updates. Welch expressed his concerns with the lack of coordination between the CCSR and other departments, as major infrastructure construction continues in areas that will be regularly inundated with flooding in 12 years. He added that when the State Legislature approved the recent funding of the rail, they required the City to consider an alternate route. Armentrout expressed concerns with HARTs reaction to the comments on sea level rise. She commented that the Rate Commission will be discussing the details related to operations and maintenance of the rail stations under P3 with a HART representative.
Senator Les Ihara's: Senator Ihara reported the following:
??? Kupuna Caucus: Senator Ihara reported that he is continuing as the Senate's lead on the Kupuna Caucus.
• Committees: Senator Ihara reported that he is a member of the Labor and Culture and the Arts, Hawaiian Affairs, and Human Services committees.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Geriatric Care: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed his concerns with the lack of coordination between Leahi Hospital's Geriatric services and other surrounding services, especially Kapiolani Community College. He requested Senator Ihara explore possible solutions and Senator Ihara responded that he will provide an update. He commented that efforts to expand on the health services have been attempted.
2. Appreciation/ Sea Wall: Wong expressed her appreciation for Senator Ihara's presence at the meeting and his efforts related to the Sea wall.
Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Diamond Head Homeless: Representative Kobayashi commented that an enforcement action on the slopes of Diamond Head regarding homeless has been taken recently. He added that these enforcement actions have included some removal of personal property to the expense of up to $20,000 per action. Whether DLNR enforcement officers will be able to continue with the removal of personal property depends on their budget. The action to remove personal property was not part of their budget.
• Legislature Schedule: Representative Kobayashi highlighted the Legislative schedule in his newsletter, highlighting the introduction deadline near the end of January 2019.
• Leahi Hospital: Representative Kobayashi reported that there is a proposal, still confidential, for a major proposal related to Leahi Hospital. He clarified that its status is not definite.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Leahi Hospital: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns that in the proposal process, no entities have come to the community requesting suggestions. Representative Kobayashi responded that he is unsure.
2. Kaimana Beach Fishing: Wong asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that the fishing ban bill will affect the area from the Natatorium to the Outrigger Canoe Club.
Representative Scott Nishimoto: Representative Scott Nishimoto's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following Free Tax Clinic: Representative Nishimoto reported that there will be a free tax clinic on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the State Capitol to help residents file their tax returns.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Contamination: Chair Pro Tem Narita reiterated his concerns with the lack of investigation into the source of the bacteria at Hanauma Bay.
Wong left at 8:40 p.m. with 9 members present
House Speaker Emiterus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say commented that he would address concerns brought up during the meeting and requested feedback from the community:
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Legislative Language: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns that legislative language can often make it difficult for residents to understand what a piece of legislation is supposed to accomplish.
2. Parking Structure: Chair Pro Tem Narita asked and HSE responded that State parking structure funds are maintained by the users.
3. State/City Vehicles: Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns with the potential misuse of government vehicles. HSE Say responded that they will investigate the inventory of government vehicles. Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed concerns government vehicles are found in locations that suggest government employees are doing personal business during working hours.
PUBLIC EVENTS AND NOTICES
Sunday, January 20, 2019 - Chapson Diamond Head Dash 8K Run
Monday, January 21, 2019 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Sunday, January 27, 2019 - Sharon's Runwalk 5K/10/K And Ride
REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDENCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9: Welch reported that he attended the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. He reported that they are interested in the Top Golf project.
BOARD BUSINESS
STANDING COMMITTEES
Planning and Zoning: Matson reported that they are unsure of when the next Council meeting will be for Bill 79. She expressed desire to schedule a committee meeting on the issue, admitting that their committee may not have time to discuss the Bill before action is taken. Chair Pro Tem Narita asked and the Neighborhood Assistant replied that Board committees are held to the same standards of public notice and record keeping as the general Board.
Parks and Recreation: St. Denis reported that Amazaki from the Office of Council District 4 will follow up on showers at Kaimana Beach. She reported that the Department of Health water quality reports related to the recent contamination concerns will be published on Friday, January 11, 2019. Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed his concerns that the contamination may settle into the sand, creating the possibility of it being disturbed and reintroduced to the water in the future. Matson reported that the Surfrider Foundation has conducted studies on this issue, commenting that they may be a valuable source of information.
Approval of Thursday, October 11, 2018 meeting minutes
Welch moved and Miller seconded to adopt the Thursday, October 11, 2018 regular meeting minutes by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9-0-0 (AYE: Figliuzzi, Matson, Miller, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, Wanager, and West. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)
Approval of Thursday, November 8, 2018 meeting mintues
West moved and Persons seconded to adopt the Thursday, November 8, 2018 meeting minutes AS AMENDED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 9-0-0 (AYE: Figliuzzi, Matson, Miller, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Welch, Wanager, and West. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: None.)
REPORTS
Treasurer's Report: Wanager reported a remaining balance of $418.72
Subdistrict 1 (St. Louis Heights): Wanager reported a sign-waving traffic slowdown on the morning of Monday, January 14, 2019
Subdistrict 2 (Kapahulu): No report was given.
Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head): St. Denis commented that all matters related to Diamond Head were covered in the meeting.
Chair Report: Chair Pro Tem Narita commented that side conversation should be left to a minimum to avoid disrupting the flow of business. Chair Pro Tem Narita expressed appreciation to former Chair George West's service as Chair of the Diamond Head/ Kapahulu/ St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5, and invited to speak. West commented that he will remain committed to the Board, commenting that he is no longer able to give the time needed to organize the Board properly.
Additional Items: Matson requested that the organizations that wished to give presentations ought to be invited to return to give formal presentations at the next Board meeting as a courtesy.
Next Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be at Ala Wai Club House on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Pro Tem Narita adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant Edited by: Janelle Nomura, Neighborhood Assistant
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