Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2019 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2019 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 2/20/2019.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 - Mark Hagadone, Calvin Hara, Sharon Schneider, Marilyn Moniz, Brian Kang, Nicole Evans, Becky Gardner, Paul Hoe, Molly Pierce, and Lori Yamada (Arrived at 7:07 p.m.).

Board Members Absent - None.

Guests - Lieutenant Christopher Lowell (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter III Joseph Hudgins and Firefighter I Gavan Miyashita (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Kathy Bryant and Chrystie Naeole (Senator Brian Schatz's Office); Jackie Conant (Congressman Ed Case's Office); James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Ian Terayama (Senator Stanley Chang's Office); Elton Fukumoto (Representative Calvin Say's Office); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Kenny Amazaki (District 4 City Council Office), Edward Requilman (Department of Design and Construction), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); David Campos, Boyden Yamashita, and Derrick Kala (Lanakila Church), Eric McCutcheon, Greg Tatsuguchi, Sarah Chinen, Gail Sugita, Ward & Annette Almeida, William Digiorgio, Regiua Bode, Sarah Abdul-Ghani, and Dave Watase (Residents); Chris Naylon (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Gavan Miyashita reported the following:
• December 2018 Statistics: There were two (2) nuisance fires, six (6) activated alarms, 94 medical emergencies, one (1) motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, four (4) motor vehicle crash/collisions, one (1) mountain rescue, and three (3) ocean rescues.
• Safety Tip - Electrical Safety: Plug one (1) heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) into a wall receptacle outlet at a time.
o Major appliances (dryers, refrigerators, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords, power taps, and strips should not be used.
o Ensure electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets.
o Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician instill additional receptacle outlets to eliminate the need for extension cords.
o Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Lowell reported the following:
• December 2018 Statistics: There were seven (7) motor vehicle thefts, 17 burglaries, 20 thefts, 18 unauthorized entry of motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,197 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip - Pedestrian Safety: Please visit http://www.honolulupd.org/downloads/PedestrianSafety_2016.pdf for pedestrian safety tips.

Yamada entered the meeting at 7:07 p.m.; 10 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller reported the following:
• December 2018 Main Breaks: There were no main breaks in December 2018.
??? Wilhelmina Rise: Heller noted that Phase Five (5) of the Wilhelmina Rise Water Systems Improvement Project has been completed.
• BWS Rebate Program: 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 Tuesday, 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 Wednesday, May 1, 2018 and Sunday, June 30, 2019, and your rebate application is postmarked within 60 days of the 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 coordinated 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 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. Repaving Project: Hagadone asked about the completion of a Wilhelmina repaving project and BWS will report back.
2. Red Hill Fuel Tanks Meeting: Gardner noted that the Department of Health (DOH) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would not be attending the meeting at the State capitol about the Red Hill Fuel Tanks.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: There were no nominations to fill the Board vacancy.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT
• Ala Wai Canal Project: Watase has raised concerns about the Ala Wai Canal Project having a negative effect on the surrounding community. He is worried that residents will lose their businesses, homes, parks and schools due to the upstream detention basins. Watase noted that the federal government did not properly communicate with the community about their plans during the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process. Watase asked that the City and County of Honolulu utilize better technology to deal with the issue.
• Senator Brian Schatz: Kathy Bryant and Chrystie Naeole introduced themselves to the Board and gave the following report:
o Highschool Internship: Public, private, charter, and homeschool students in the State of Hawaii may apply. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or better and have personal access to email throughout the internship. Interns will be selected based on their involvement in their community (jobs, activities, and responsibilities), diversity of interest and life experiences, and demonstrated leadership involvement. The application for the 2019-20 school year will be available in Spring 2019.
o Schatz's Seniors: Schatz's Seniors is an internship program that offers students a deeper understanding of public services, community concerns and priorities, and the legislative process. Undergraduate internships in both Washington D.C. and Honolulu offices are available year round. Please visit https://www.schatz.senate.gov/services/internships for more information on the program.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Media Coverage: Gardner asked if there was any news coverage on the Ala Wai Canal Project and Watase noted that there has been little coverage.
2. Meeting Attendance: A resident asked about Watase attending the Diamond Head Neighborhood Meeting and Watase stated that he will attempt to attend the meeting.
3. Ala Wai Canal Project: Chinen asked about the Ala Wai Canal Project and Bryant stated that they are attempting to find a solution for the issue.
4. Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act (READI): Gardner asked about the READI Act that would charge the federal government with ensuring that more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile devices, televisions, and radios. Bryant noted that the READI Act has passed and should better coordinate alerts through the federal government. Please visit https://www.schatz.senate.gov/ for more information.
5. Internships: Hoshiko asked if Schatz's high school internships cooperate with other existing internship programs. Brant stated that high school seniors from any school can apply for the afterschool internship program.

PRESENTATIONS

A Study on Homelessness in Hawaii: No representatives were present, no presentation was given.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong submitted a report that stated the following:
• 70th Mayor's Memorial Day 2019 Poster Contest: The Mayor's Memorial Day Poster Contest started on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 and will end on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. The competition is open to all students, statewide, in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. All students in public, private, home, or charter schools may enter the contest. The contest is divided into three categories: Kindergarten through fourth grade, fifth through eighth grade, and ninth through twelfth grade. First, second, and third place winners will be chosen in each category. Winning artwork will be made into posters to encourage the donation of flower lei to be placed on each gravesite at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
• Neighborhood Board Elections: Beginning Monday, December 3, 2018 through Friday, February 15, 2019, residents across Oahu 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 Oahu, which are comprised of 437 elected volunteer board members. Any Oahu 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. 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.
• Follow Up on Concerns:
o Crosswalks: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site assessments, and traffic data analysis. DTS will apprise the board of the status of their investigation by May 2019. Wong noted that City and County of Honolulu Departments must begin a study for each separate concern. These Departments then must adhere to federal mandates.
o Christmas Tree Lights: At the request of Councilmember Ozawa, the Department of Facility Maintenance did an inspection of the Puu O Kaimuki Christmas Tree structure in July 2018, and reported material degradation, electrical safety issues and other concerns. The City will not allow the structure to be lit until the above issues are remedied.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Sidewalks: Residents raised concerns about the lack of crosswalks on Pahoa Avenue between 16th Avenue and 22nd Avenue. Vice Chair Hoe noted that there are issues in the region due to space and jurisdiction. Chair Schneider asked about the adherence to safety standards within the region.
2. Road Repairs: A resident asked which department is charged with completing roadwork. Wong stated that the DTS grants street permits, the Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) undertake road repairs, and the Department of Design and Construction (DCC) execute major construction projects. Wong noted that BWS is also involved with some roadway repair. A resident asked about the installation of a fire hydrant and Pierce noted that the resident should report the issue through the 311 app. Wong noted that reports from the 311 app are given to the requisite Department.
3. Restricted Parking Zones (RPZ): A resident asked about RPZs and Wong noted that Kaimuki has been approved for the project. Chair Schneider noted that RPZs would entail a permitted parking system.
4. Parking on Unimproved Sidewalks: A resident asked about parking on unimproved sidewalks and it was stated that residents cannot park within unimproved sidewalks legally. A resident noted that HPD will ticket an entire section due to calls for cars parked illegally on unimproved sidewalks. Wong noted that this has been a persistent issue in Oahu.
5. Municipal Parking Lot: The Board requested that the DDC present their plans for Municipal Parking Lot Two (2).

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - James Larson reported the following:
• Legislative Updates: Resolution 19-4: Urging the City and Council of Honolulu to participate in the Nonviolent Cities Project by Pace E Bene Nonviolent Service. The project would be in line with the values and vision for the future held by the citizens of Honolulu.
• Christmas Tree Recycling:
o Households with City and County of Honolulu collection should place bare trees curbside as part of your normal green waste pickup. Trees should be without flocking, ornaments, and tinsel.
o For households on manual collection routes, cut the tree into lengths up to three (3) feet, bundle and place at the curb on your refuse day. If cutting the tree is a bother, residents can drop it off whole at their nearest Refuse Convenience Center.
o For condo residents, trees may be dropped off at any Refuse Convenience Center or directly at composting facilities, there will be no tip fee charged for Christmas trees.

Questions followed: City Council District Four (4) Leadership: Hara asked about representation within District Four (4) and Larson stated that their office is attempting to make knowledgeable efforts towards finding solutions until proper representation is found.

District Four (4) Representative - Kenny Amazaki reported the following for District Four (4):
• Leadership: Amazaki stated that their office is working to represent District Four (4) until the election is resolved.
• Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ): Amazaki stated that RPZs have been effective but noted that they have not gone through legislature. Amazaki noted that 75% of the community must support RPZ before they are utilized.

Questions followed: Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ): A resident asked about the price of RPZ permits and Amazaki stated that the prices of permits have not been determined. Chair Schneider asked and Amazaki stated that they will report back when RPZ legislation is created.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - Ian Terayama reported the following:
• Legislative Leadership: Senator Chang will be Chair of the Housing Committee, Vice Chair of the Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee, and a member of the Labor, Culture, and the Arts Committee.
• Session Focus:
o ALOHA Homes Program: Aloha Homes is a project based off of the Singapore housing projects. The program is designed to produce high density housing near the Honolulu Authority for Rail Transit (HART) stations. Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eTQLZYDUeM to watch a video about the ALOHA Homes program.
o Punishment of Perjury: Senator Chang is attempting to create more stringent legislature to indict residents that have committed perjury with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP).
• Community Survey: Senator Chang has asked that residents fill out the survey at https://www.senatorchang.com/survey with any concerns or issues that they believe will make the community better.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed - Voting Resolutions: A resident asked about fair voting resolutions and Terayama stated that Senator Chang is submitting resolutions for the election and voting process.

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say: Representative Calvin Say's representative, Elton Fukumoto, gave the following report:
• Voting Resolutions: Fukumoto noted that Senator Chang has submitted four (4) Bills in an attempt to fix the Oahu voter recount system. Fukumoto noted that Senator's Chang's Bills would automatically activate due to statistical closeness in the Senate. Fukumoto noted that Representative Say would submit an identical Bill within the House of Representatives.

Hara exited the meeting at 8:03; nine (9) members present.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara reported the following:
• Legislative Leadership: Senator Ihara noted that he is the Majority Policy Leader for the Senate. Senator Ihara will be Vice Chair of the Labor, Culture, and the Arts Committee and will also be a member of the Hawaiian Affairs Committee and Human Services Committee.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi reported the following:
• Fiscal Report: Representative Kobayashi noted that there has been an 80% loss in revenue and stated that there will be additional revenue cuts. Representative Kobayashi noted that 200 million dollars have been added into the State's slush funds.
• Illegally housed Individuals: Representative Kobayashi noted that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) had an enforcement to remove illegally housed individuals from the slopes of Diamond Head.
• Legislative Deadline: Representative Kobayashi stated that the deadline to introduce new Bills for the 2019 Legislative session will be on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Congressman Ed Case - Congressman Ed Case's representative Jackie Conant gave the following report:
• Help with Federal Agency: Conant asked that residents with concerns about or that are looking for assistance with Federal agencies to contact their offices at https://case.house.gov/contact.
• Contact Information:
o To contact Congressman Case in Honolulu, please call (808) 650-6688 or by mail at 1132 Bishop Street, Suite 1910, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
o To contact Congressman Case in Washington D.C., please call (202) 225-2726 or by mail at 2443 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC, 20515.

Questions and comments followed: Painted Crosswalks: Gardner asked about locations that have custom designed and painted crosswalks. Chair Schneider stated that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has been contacted but noted that the crosswalk regulations come from federal mandate. Wong noted their attempts to work in conjunction with contractors while attempting to complete similar programs.

BOARD BUISNESS

Renovation Plans for Lanakila Church - David Campos, Department of Design and Construction Drafting Service, gave the following report:
• Plan Details: Campos noted that the Lanakila Church is applying for permits to initiate renovations on their property. Their plans entail the construction of a new single-family dwelling on the location of the existing home. The existing structure will be demolished to allot for the new building on the property. The renovation plans encapsulate the renovations of the church property and the church offices. The church is currently attempting to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Questions and comments followed:
1. Use of Property: Chair Schneider asked and Campos noted that the property is for residential use.
2. Property Location: Yamada asked for the property's location and Campos noted that the location is at 3815 Maunalei Avenue.
3. Resident Notice: Yamada asked and Campos stated that the neighboring residents were contacted.
4. Parking: Yamada asked about the impact on parking within the surrounding neighborhood. Campos stated that there are parking lots adjacent to the property.

Gardner moved and Hoe seconded the motion is support of the planned renovations for the Lanakila Church, as long as standards and codes are followed. The motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0. (AYE: Hagadone, Schneider, Moniz, Kang, Evans, Gardner, Hoe, Pierce, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Rezoning of Tax Map Key 1-3-2-014-009, 1041 12th Avenue, from Residential-5 (R-5) to Business-2 (B-2) - Greg Tatsuguchi, Pure Real Estate, gave the following report:
• Rezoning Details: Tatsuguchi noted that the owners of the property are attempting to rezone the property from an R-5 zone into a B-2 zone. The property has been re-accessed as a commercial property. The property was previously a residential property.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Plans for Property: Chair Schneider asked and Tatsuguchi stated that the property owners intend to keep the property as a parking lot. A resident asked why the property owners want to rezone the property and Tatsuguchi stated that the property may be sold. Vice Chair Hoe asked and Tatsuguchi stated that that the property is zoned as R-5 and are attempting to change the zone to B-2. A resident asked if the property will continue to be used as a parking lot. Tatsuguchi stated that the parcel may be sold. A resident noted that they would support the rezoning of the property if the community was properly informed on the subject. A resident asked that the plans for the property be properly detailed to the community. A resident asked that the property remained zoned as an R-5 to keep the heart of the community. Residents stated their opposition to the rezoning to the property. Yamada noted the Board's resolution from 2009 in opposition of the property's rezoning from R-5 to B-2. Yamada noted that the parcel owners do not aim to keep the heart of Kaimuki. Robinson asked that the Board visit the property before voting on a resolution. A resident noted that any change in zoning would need the Board's approval. A resident asked about changes to the sewer line and Tatsuguchi noted that these are different permits.
2. Conditional Use Permit (CUP): A resident asked how a residentially zoned property was utilized as a parking lot and Tatsuguchi stated that the property has a CUP. Tatsuguchi noted that the CUP cannot be transferred to the next owner.
3. Surrounding Properties: A resident asked about the surrounding residents and Tatsuguchi stated that the surrounding properties were informed about the process. A resident noted that B-2 properties are usually located past Harding Avenue and 12th Avenue.
4. Illegal Parking: A resident noted that issues with illegal parking within Kaimuki. A resident asked about the impact from a lack of parking.
5. Property Taxes: Tatsuguchi noted that the property still pays B-2 tax rates and is attempting to have the zone match. Kang asked about the change in tax rate and Tatsuguchi noted that the different tax rate is due to the CUP.
6. Property Details: A resident asked and Tatsuguchi stated that there are 21 single stalls and 22 dual stalls.
7. Changes in Permitting: A resident asked about the process for changing permits. Evans stated that the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) produces bi-monthly reports that inform the residents about the projects that are occurring on Oahu. Please visit http://oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/EA_EIS_Library/Forms/AllItems.aspx to visit the Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Study Library.

Kang moved and Hoe seconded deferring the rezoning of Tax Map Key 1-3-2-014-009, 1041 12th Avenue, from R-5 to B-2 until the February 2019 Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting. The motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0. (AYE: Hagadone, Schneider, Moniz, Kang, Evans, Gardner, Hoe, Pierce, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Approval of Wednesday, November 21, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes - As there were no objections, the Wednesday, November 21, 2018, regular meeting minutes were approved as written by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0. (AYE: Hagadone, Schneider, Moniz, Kang, Evans, Gardner, Hoe, Pierce, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - There was an expenditure of $23.11 in December 2018 and a balance of $301.00.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 2019 Neighborhood Board Election process has begun. Residents are able to register online or in person at Kapalama Hale. The registration deadline is Friday, February 15, 2019. To register online please visit https://www2.honolulu.gov/nbe/.
B. The Oahu Point in Time Count that will begin on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 and kindly ask that you forward this updated information out to the Neighborhood Board Chairs and other members. All of the most up to date information may be found at www.partnersincareoahu.org/point-time-count-oahu. Vice Chair Hoe asked that residents sign up for Partners in Care and assist in the Oahu Point in Time Count.
C. The last of the Climate Action Plan Public Meeting Series, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, University of Hawaii Institute for Sustainability and Resilience and Office of Sustainability, is Thursday January 17, 2019 6:00pm to 7:30pm, at the University of Hawaii Campus Center Ballroom, 2465 Campus Road. Pierce stated that the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CCSR) is attempting to find all potential policy to positively affect the Climate Action Plan. The CCSR is attempting to gather community ideas while finding a solution for climate change.
D. The next regular Board Meeting will be Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m.

Submitted by: Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed By: Naomi Hanohano, Neighborhood Assistant

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