Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting March 2019 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting March 2019 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 5/9/2019.

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

DRAFT - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Richard Figliuzzi called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with 11 members present. (Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).

Members Present: Ajay Bhatt, Judith Bowman, Richard Figliuzzi, Mark Kamahele, Michelle Matson, Bert Narita, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Jerry Wanager, George West, Winston Welch, and Linda Wong.

Member Absent: Julia Allen, Barbara Miller

Guests: State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Councilmember Anne Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Office of Councilmember Anne Kobayashi); Councilmember Michael Formby; Kevan Wong (Office of Representative Scott Nishimoto); Sergeant Christensen and Lieutenant Christopher Lowell (Honolulu Police Department); Bryan Kimura (Hawaii Department of Transportation); Chris Sayers (Department of Transportation Services); Dominic Diaz (Board of Water Supply); Scott Gentry (Gold Coast Association) Louise Pagotto and Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College; Scott Ballantyne, Carolyn Watanabe, Lily Ochoco, Ann Okubo, Carolyn Tanaka, Wayne Swan, Barbara Armentrout, Mary Jones, Dave Arakawa, Angelina Dias, Jackson Dias, Natalie Iwasa, Arleen Velasco (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Assistant).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

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

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 6 Waikiki/ Diamond Head): An HPD representative reported the following: February 2019 Statistics: There were 7 robberies, 11 burglaries, 145 thefts, 17 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 22 assaults, 2 sex crimes, 12 bicycle citations, 28 skateboard citations, 28 speeding citations, 513 parking citations, 1 loud muffler citation, 64 park closure warnings, 50 park closure citations, and 11 park closure arrests.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Leahi Street: In response to St. Denis's concern, the HPD Representative reported that Leahi Street with parked cars would still be navigable for emergency vehicles.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 7 Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights): Lieutenant Gary Sunada reported the following:
• February 2019 Statistics: There were 1 motor vehicle thefts, 10 burglaries, 19 thefts, 17 UEMV, and 5738 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip: Move your vehicle to the side and slow down below the speed limit if you are within the proximity of an emergency vehicle with flashing lights.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Leahi Street: St. Denis asked and Lieutenant Sunada responded that Leahi Street could be tight for emergency vehicles, commenting that if there is no room, they would have to walk to their destination in the case of an emergency.

Election of Officers - Secretary

Welch nominated Wong for the position of secretary and she accepted the nomination.

Wong was elected as Secretary of the Board by ROLL CALL VOTE; 8-0-3 (AYE: Bowman, Figliuzzi, Kamahele, Persons, St. Denis, Wanager, Welch, Wong. NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Bhatt, Narita, West.)

Board of Water Supply: Ann Wong off the BWS reported the following:
• Main Breaks: There were no main breaks in the month of February 2019.
• Water Rate Schedule - Last year the BWS' Board of Directors approved a new water rate schedule which will help the BWS to gradually increase pipeline replacement and reduce main breaks. The rate increase will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2019. A flyer will be mailed to all customers and details are available atwww.boardofwatersupply.com/waterrates. Dias noted that he left flyers on the information table.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bacteria: St. Denis asked and Wong responded that she would take back concerns regarding cesspools on the island contributing to bacteria in the water for a response. Barry Isagawa commented that there are 11,000 cesspools on Oahu, with traces of e. coli found in estuary waters. He clarified that all sources of drinking water are not sourced from these places and is safe. He added that they coordinate with the State Department of Health on a source water protection program to find the concerning sources close to BWS Wells.

Board of Water Supply Presentation - Sea Level Rise: BWS Water Resources Program Administrator on Sea Level Rise gave a presentation and reported the following:
• Vulnerability Assessment: Isagawa reported that they just completed a vulnerability assessment with the Water Resource Foundation. The study looked at the impact from climate change, lower rain levels and sea level rise on water supply and coastal infrastructure from. He added that he will discuss the sea level rise portion.
• City Directive: Isagawa reported that the City adopted a directive on climate change and sea level rise, directing them to plan for 3.2 feet of sea level rise by midcentury and 6 feet by 2100.
• Models: Isagawa discussed the models used in evaluating the impact of sea level rise. He commented that the models come the University of Hawaii (UH) monitoring of greenhouse gas concentrations, worldwide temperatures, glacier melt, and sea levle rise. He reported that the Ala Wai Canal area, including Waikiki and parts of McCully, will likely suffer groundwater inundation and marine inundation as sea level rise continues. He reported that UH is forecasting one (1) foot of mean sea level rise by midcentury, with high tide flooding will preceding that. He concluded that, by midcentury, high tides will see considerable flooding in the discussed areas. He reported that, by 2100, there will be 3.2 feet of mean sea level rise. He discussed the various models shown to the Board and Community. He commented that the BWS is planning to adapt for the inundation impact on their infrastructure, including identifying the metal pipes that will corrode faster due to exposure to salt water. He showed examples from the King Tides from 2017 as well as examples of flooding in Miami. He commented that in Miami, they adopted a Storm Water Management Master Plan which identified low areas. Following this, their government lifted the streets and utilities and installed new storm drains.
• Draft of Adaptation Framework Action Plan: Isagawa reported that UH has identified that nuisance flooding will occur in midcentury (2045), where residents can expect to drive through one (1) foot of water almost 24 times a year. He said that this is when public pressure for action will take place, adding that if they do not have a plan set ahead of time, then it would be too late. This plan, the Draft Adaptation Framework Action Plan, outlines a series of steps.
o Research and monitoring - Currently ongoing, and involves the UH monitoring previously mentioned.
o Policy Regulation - This involves policy discussion and regulatory action by the governments. This includes policy discussion, the recent Mayor's directive, pursuing similar directives at the State Level, and disaster reconstruction planning. He commented that the City and State will have to address coastal erosion, loss of beaches, and impact on sea walls. They will also need to explore the prospect of retreating away from the coast. Isagawa added that Waikiki and Kakaako cannot retreat, and would need redevelopment. Managed retreat strategies are being explored as well as disaster reconstruction planning.
o Later Steps: Towards mid-century, the following steps would have to be observed: Financing; Planning and Engineering; Feasibility Studies; Design and Construction.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Artesian Aquifers/ Drinking Water - Vice Chair Narita expressed concerns with the lack of attention to preserving the island's artesian aquifer (drinking water source). He commented that, while nuisance flooding is not ideal, other areas in the country have learned to cope with their flooding. He added that to lose the source of fresh water is a more critical concern, and asked about the potential for losing it. Isagawa responded that BWS is exploring this concern as well. He commented that BWS is looking into climate Change's effect on the water supply. He commented that many strategies would have to be implemented to solve the problem, adding that he would be willing to give a future presentation on the issue.
2. Sea Walls - Matson asked and Isagawa responded that sea walls would not be effective to protect the shoreline properties of Waikiki, as they are primarily designed as flood control mitigation. He commented that, in the case of sea level rise, sea walls do not mitigate water seeping through the ground.
3. Report Online - Winston asked and Isagawa responded that the report is not online yet.
4. Ala Wai Canal Flood Mitigation Town Hall - Winston asked and Isagawa responded that BWS would have a representative at the Ala Wai Canal Flood Mitigation Town Hall meeting later in March 2019.
5. Red Hill - Matson commended Director Ernest lau Director on their testimony on Red Hill at the State Legislature and City Council. Both City and State Legislative bodies are in the process of passing bills supporting the BWS position to recommend that the Navy take another direction to protect the drinking water.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Walea Constantinau was not present, but a report was distributed to the Chair. DTS Representative Chris Sayers and a representative associated with the Contractor Ala Wai Bridge Project DTS representative was present and reported the following: Ala Wai Canal Bridge Project: It was announced that, following initial community meetings in September 2018, the next community meeting on March 28, 2019 would discuss different bridge alternatives, community feedback, and results from the September 2018 meeting.

Hearing no objection, Chair Figliuzzi submitted Walea Constantinau's report for the record.

Memo for the Record: The following was submitted by Constantinau:
• Fence along Kapahulu: Matson expressed concerns with the installation of the 12' chain link fence along Kapahulu Avenue. She expressed concerns with the lack of information provided to the Board and the lack of EIS given the property's status as a park preservation area. She asked who had the authority to install the fence without significant public input and EIS. Department of Enterprise Services: The Department of Facility Maintenance Storm Water Quality (SWQ) Branch obtained an approved zoning waiver from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on April 12, 2017 that would allow the construction of various improvements on the Ala Wai Golf Course including the 12' chain link fence in accordance to Section 21-2.130 of the Land Use Ordinance. DPP determined that improvements would not adversely affect the safety and health of persons or be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to nearby properties. The improvements would provide increased security to the golf course and create a safe area for public and golf course users. SWQ also filed for an exemption with the Hawaii Environmental Policy Act, Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 343 under Exemption Class No. 2.
• Commercial Activity at Kapiolani Park: Matson expressed concerns with the commercial activity occurring at Kapiolani Park, including the surf school. She commented that the City needs to enforce the provisions of the trust. How does the city plan to address this concern? Department of Parks and Recreation: DPR staff monitors the Kapiolani Regional Park daily and educates the general public of all park rules and regulations. HPD enforces all park rules and regulations and DPR encourages the public to contact HPD when any illegal activity is witnessed. HPD: The District 6 Community Policing Team (CPT) officers have been addressing the commercial vehicles in the district (including the surf school vehicles) through its beautification project which is geared towards addressing nuisances and aiding areas within Waikiki that need assistance with upkeep. In addition, the project addresses commercial vehicles that are often parked and left for long periods of time on public roadways, taking up valuable parking spots. These vehicles also make it difficult for vehicles to drive within the lanes provided in the area, which in turn make it a traffic hazard in certain areas. Since the start of the year, the CPT has issued approximately 47 citations for commercial vehicles in violation of Storage Parking of Commercial Vehicles Prohibited. Officers have also issued 27 citations for commercial vehicles in violation of Parking Not to Obstruct Traffic. They will continue the project to address these nuisances and upkeep the areas around Waikiki to keep the roadways safe. As for the commercial activity around Kapiolani Park, the surf school has been cited in the past for conducting their business within the park. The officers have made attempts to contact the surf school again to remind them of the laws pertaining to their commercial activities within the park, but they have not been able to successfully meet with the owners of the business. Officers will monitor for commercial activities within the park and address any observed violations.
• Safety on Monsarrat: Matson and West commented that Monsarrat is a high risk hazard to bicyclists and motorists, as the bike lanes block off part of the traffic lanes. Vehicles are forced to use the bike lanes. Matson commented that, while DTS will discuss this at the next meeting, she requested the City admin's response to this matter as well. Department of Transportation Services: Chris Sayers of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will attend the meeting.
??? Parking: Welch requested that Parking be removed on the Ewa side from Campbell Avenue down, as it is difficult to see around the parked vehicles at intersections. Department of Transportation Services: An investigation into the Board's request to remove parking on the Ewa side of Campbell Avenue will be conducted, which will include a site inspection and review of the traffic collision history, and take appropriate action as warranted by their analysis. DTS will contact the Mayor's representative if any additional information will be required during their investigation.
• Date Street: Welch requested an update on the Date Street concerns, to be reported by the DTS at the next meeting. Department of Transportation Services: DTS requests clarification of the safety concerns on Date Street.

Governor David Ige's Representative - No representative was present; no report was given. Matson recommended that, since Major General Logan has considerable responsibilities, Director of Environmental Quality Controls Scott Glenn be requested to represent Governor Ige at their meetings.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERN

Date Street by Iolani Left Turn Only - Resident Michael expressed concerns with a left turn lane on Date Street after the repainting by Iolani. DTS Representative Chris Sayers responded that this was an oversight from the original plan and will be changed to the left-straight arrow familiar to residents. St. Denis asked and Sayers responded that all of the crosswalks were returned along the section of Date Street between Laau and Kapahulu. Wong asked and Sayers clarified that the configuration of Date Street as it is, aside from Left Turn Only oversight is up to standards.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Congressman Ed Case - No representative was present; no report was given.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Budget Hearings: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that the City Council is currently holding budget hearings.
• Ala Wai Canal Project Meeting: Councilmember Kobayashi announced a town hall meeting involving the community, city, state, and USACE officials on March 19, 2019 at Manoa Gymnasium.
• Ala Moana Park Meeting: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that the meeting at Ala Moana Park was successful. She clarified that concerns have been raised by residents with the City's efforts to glamourize the park. She expressed concerns that maintenance of all parks ought to be prioritized. She added that Ala Moana Park's position as a people's park ought to be maintained.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Resolution 1950: Winston asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that Resolution 1950 would create a Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) for three (3) councilmembers to meet and discuss the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. This group would be permitted to attend the meetings between DLNR, DDC, and USACE. Matson asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that their efforts will not be deferred, clarifying their role in attending the meetings between the previously mentioned agencies. She added that they plan to continue investigating the project until the community is satisfied.
2. Thomas Square: Resident Barbara Armentrout expressed concerns with the structure endorsed by the City at Thomas Square. Councilmember Kobayashi echoed the concerns at the misuse of Thomas Square by the City government. She commented that residents do not share the same vision for the park as the City administration.

Councilmember Michael Formby - Councilmember Formby distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Waikiki Parades: Councilmember Formby reported that they filed Bill 8 relating to parades and activity in Waikiki. The bill would lower the annual lottery for parades from 16 to 12. He commented that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board requested that it be even lower, to six (6).
• Ala Moana Park Meeting: Councilmember Formby provided his thoughts on the Ala Moana Regional Park community meeting. He commented that the meeting was productive and demonstrated that the community and the administration have not reached an agreement on where they want to go with the project. He commented that the broad sentiment seemed to be that the Mayor's Office and Administration ought to reconsider their plans.
• Waikiki Walk Audit: Councilmember Formby announced the Waikiki Walk Audit on April 10, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with AARP. The walk audit involves residents walking the streets and identifying things they wish to see changed.
??? Budget Hearings: Councilmember Formby reported that, in this stage of the budget process, the Councilmembers have sent written questions to departments regarding their asks before proposing amendments to the Mayor's budget.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Council District 4 - Vice Chair Narita expressed concerns and Councilmember Formby responded that he would explore the concern with the errors that lead to the mismanagement of votes for Council District 4.
2. Bill 8: Wong asked and Councilmember Formby responded that Bill 8 would be taken up at the next transportation committee meeting.
3. Council District 4 (continued) - Michelle Matson expressed concerns with the previous Councilmember for District 4, who did not attend meetings personally and did not sufficiently answer community concerns. She praised Councilmember Formby's performance, who has been more responsive at the State, City, and Neighborhood Board Level.

Senator Stanley Chang - Adrienne Tam of Senator Stanley Chang's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Proposed Redevelopment of DOE Sites in Waialae-Kahala -Tam reported that the DOE established a pilot program for the lease of public school land. Under Act 155, the BOE will pick five (5) public high schools as candidates for participation in the pilot program. Tam reported that their office has not taken a position on this and encouraged the Board to submit their thoughts on the program.
• Legislative Session - Tam reported that House Bill are being heard in the Senate at this time, and vice-versa.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Attendance: Matson expressed her disappointment that the Senator did not personally attend the meetings more.
2. Legislation: Regarding Senate Bill (SB) 517, which would require each county to provide a housing supply plan for projected increase in housing, Matson asked and Tam responded that the bill was still alive. She commented that the DPP submitted testimony in opposition and Tam responded that Senator Chang is aware of this. Regarding SB 740, which would creating an ordinance establishing a minimum density of 250 units per acre on State Lands, Matson expressed concerns that Diamond HEad State Monument could wrongly be included. Tam responded that he would take the concern back.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. - No representative was present at this time.

Representative Bertram Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Culinary Institute of the Pacific - Representative Kobayashi introduced Carol Hoshiko of Kapiolani Community College (KCC) and the Chancellor of KCC, Louise Pagotto. Pagotto reported that, due to KCC raising 5 million dollars in private funds, the State has released 10 million dollars in matching funds to the College to begin phase two (2) of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific project.
• Lower Revenues: Representative Kobayashi reported that the State Council of Revenues lowered its estimate for revenues for the next biennium year by approximately 215 million dollars. He commented that these fiscal pressures could have a serious impact on the numerous collective bargaining bills in the Legislature.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. General Excise Tax Increase: Vice Chair Narita asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that the General Excise Tax (GET) bill has not been scheduled for a public hearing on the House side, commenting that there is moderate to heavy opposition to it. It was clarified that the .5% GET increase proposal would go towards funding education. Narita asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that a .5% increase doesn't necessarily equate to a 18 - 20% in sales tax. He commented that such equations range from 1.5 to 1.7 times the GET, but has never been completely verified.
2. Kapiolani Community College Project: Matson expressed concerns with the design-build contract that could compromise the sensitivity of design at the Diamond Head State monument. The administrative services Vice Chancellor of KCC responded that this process is fairly new to State of Hawaii. The project first round of funding is still just being released and is far from groundbreaking. Representative Kobayashi commented that, whether it's a design-build process, or traditional, the design still has to be approved by the UHM. He added that the design must meet certain specifications and approval.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. - Senator Ihara distributed a newsletter and reported the following: SB77 - Ala Wai Canal Project - Senator Ihara reported that he helped amend SB77 during its time in the Senate in order to introduce a defective date. He added that any additions to the project beyond what was designed for must be paid for by the State or the City. Senator hara reported that complex projects like the Ala Wai Project need more input to get the most effective and broad based support. He amended the bill to introduce a defective date, which was accepted. Senator Ihara voted for SB77 with reservations. He commented that, should a pause be implemented, the city would need to be in a position to support the project and community engagement financially and logistically.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Redesign and Betterments: Welch asked and Senator Ihara responded that USACE is open to suggestions, which would fall into two (2) categories. He commented that some suggestions might fall into redesign, which could be implemented by the USACE. He added that all other suggestions would fall under betterments, which would need funding from other sources. (City, State.)
2. Condemnation of Property: Wong expressed concerns with the expansion of the project from its original intent. She expressed concerns that the expanded scope has resulting in the condemnation of private property. Senator Ihara responded that little field work was conducted before the USACE submitted the EIS.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto: Kevan Wong of Representative Nishimoto's Office distributed a newsletter and announced the Tax Clinic on April 6, 2019.

House Speaker Emiretus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
• Albizia Trees: In response to concern with albizia trees in St. Louis Heights, HSE reported that any residents dealing with albizia trees from HECO property must call HECO.
• Waliha Bridge Construction Update: HSE Say reported that DLNR is continuing the design phase of Wahila bridge, conducting a topographical survey of the entry and active park areas.
• LED Lights: In response to concerns with LED light pollution, HSE Say reported that the City is looking to adjust the individual lights.
• Town Hall: HSE Say announced a Town Hall related to the Ala Wai Canal Project on Town Hall on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Light Pollution: Welch expressed concerns with light pollutions impact on residents and wildlife, and requested coordination with the Johnson Controls project to shield the lights as a precaution.

Hearing no objection, Chair Figliuzzi moved to Mayor's Representative to further discussions with Chris Sayers of DTS

Mayor's Representative - City and County of Honolulu - Chris Sayers of the Department of Transportation Services discussed concerns with the Monsarrat restriping with the Board and Community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Gravel on Bike Path: Bhatt expressed concerns with the safety risks of gravel on the bike paths, and Sayers responded that they could refer that concern to DFM.
2. Notice and Safety Hazards: Wong expressed concerns with the delays in public notice in regards to the restriping of Monsarrat from from Kanaina to Campbell. She expressed further concerns with the minimum width for travel and parking spots resulting accidents. She requested bike sharrows on both sides, adding that complete streets is not suited for smaller communities. Sayers apologized for the short notice, commenting that this process was a consequence of the resurfacing which automatically triggered the restriping. He commented, that the restriping was safer for pedestrians and bikers. In response to concerns with the safety risk of parked car doors opening into a biker, Sayers responded that drivers are always expected to check traffic before opening car doors. He commented that, while the lanes are tighter, the bike lane is at the minimum width of five (5) feet. He concluded that all of the lanes are up to safety standards.
3. Community Input: Matson expressed concerns with the lack of community input in regards to restriping projects.

PRESENTATIONS

Diamond Head Sea Wall: President of the Gold Coast Association Robert Gentry reported the following:
• Safe Ocean Access: Gentry expressed concerns with safe ocean access in the areas of Waikiki and the Gold Coast in regards to the disrepair of Diamond Head Sea Wall.
• Current State: Gentry reported that the Gold Coast Association has worked for 10 years to try and repair the sea wall to make it safe. He commented that DLNR has not taken efforts to repair the sea wall.
• Court History: Gentry reported that throughout the judicial process, all judicial bodies agreed that the State owns an easement on the seawall, and requested DLNR to create a plan to repair it.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Legislation Chair Figliuzzi asked and Gentry responded that there are two (2) imminent domain bills which faced opposition from DLNR. Gentry commented that DLNR had stated in testimony that they would demolish the sea wall if they were left with the precedent and cost of repairing it.
2. Current Repairs: Chair Figliuzzi asked and Gentry responded that there are no organized repairs of the sea wall at this time.
3. Allocation: Wong asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that all bills and resolutions related to the Diamond Head Sea Wall have not passed this session.St. Denis asked and Gentry responded that DLNR were allocated $300,000 for the seawall, but refuse to use it.
4. Jurisdiction: Matson commented that issues related to DLNR must go through the State Legislature. Representative Kobayashi responded that they took appropriate action in the Legislature, but the legislation did not go through. Matson asked, and Gentry responded that the City has no jurisdiction. Matson requested looking for a bill that's still alive, to advocate incorporating the language that was killed in the referenced legislation.
5. DLNR Position: West asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that DLNR's position is that any action proposed here would set a precedent state-wide and would create an enormous financial burden. West commented that the community ought to take DLNR's concerns with the state-wide financial burden seriously, and Gentry responded that the legal precedent of the argument is unfounded. He commented that many years ago a similar issue occurred and the court ruled similarly. He concluded that this similar action did not create a state-wide financial burden. He continued that this would only establish precedence for sea walls with the same circumstances as the Diamond Head Sea Wall. He elaborated that those circumstances would be a seawall with parts of it privately owned, and the rest owned by the State, where its use by the public was uninterrupted for years.

Kamana Beach - No representative was available.

Road Usage Charge Demonstration Project: Kimura of the Hawaii State Department of Transportation (HDOT) gave a presentation and reported the following:
• Project: Kimura announced HDOT's effort to conduct a road usage charge demonstration and research project
• Solutions: Kimura reported that the efforts explores alternatives to the gas tax. He reported that the proposed road usage charge would be based on distance. He added that the effort is a response to fuel efficient cars and electric vehicles reducing the gas tax revenue. He commented that they are seeking a sustainable tax.
• Details: Kimura reported that the project would take place over three (3) years in two (2) phases. The first phase would incorporate odometer readings during safety checks and compare this to gasoline tax spending. During the second phase, two (2) thousand volunteers will collect data on their millage for the HDOT.

Wong called a Point of Order and Chair Figliuzzi did not recognize it at this time. (See page 8.)

??? Community Outreach: Kimura concluded that HDOT plans to conduct community outreach.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Unfair Tax: Vice Chair Narita expressed concerns that a Road Usage tax would unfairly burden residents who live in rural areas and work in town. He commented that road damage that larger vehicles tend to do more damage to the roads, and that taxpayers should not have to pay for the disproportionate damage caused by other users.
2. Data Collection Privacy Concerns: Vice Chair Narita expressed his concerns with the method of data collection due to privacy concerns. Kimura responded that data collection through tracking and non-tracking will be discussed with community feedback.
3. Disincentivizing Sustainable Choices: Bhatt expressed concerns that the proposed tax goes against the previous policy of promoting fuel efficiency and sustainability by indirectly increasing the tax on drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles. Kimura responded that the intent of the change is to be fair to everyone. Bhatt disagreed with the equality between fuel efficient vehicles and not. He compared this to taxing non-smokers for cigarette purchases.
4. Congestion Fee: Resident Daisy Murai proposed a congestion fee, charging residents traveling into the urban core. Kimura responded that tolls, a consequently similar proposal, have been suggested, including tolling the zipper lane.
5. Transportation Committee: Matson recommended this issue be referred to the Board's Transportation Committee.

Chair Figliuzzi recognized Wong's Point of Order.

Wong reported that a Board Member had made verbal attacks against her character during the presentation.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Solar PV Energy Conservation Project: Chancellor Louise Pagotto of KCC and Roddie McMertry of Johnson Controls gave a presentation and reported the following:
• Energy Management: Chancellor Pagotto highlighted KCC's goal of energy efficiency. She reported that in 2010, University colleges began a 20 year energy management contract with Johnson Controls. Phase 1 of this contract increased efficiency and upgrade fixtures, while the current phase 2 looks into integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar technology.
• Project Scope and Location:.McMertry reported that they plan to install Solar PV arrays on carport and elevated canopy structures near the parking areas close to Kilauea Avenue and 18th Avenue. The 1.74MW Solar Pv System is designed to generate over 3,250,000 kWh per year. The electricity provided could power 535 homes every year. The system implements a new containerized energy storage battery system with capacity of 6.31 megawatt hours. McMertry reported that they plan to comply with Diamond Head Special District guidelines.
• Landscaping: McMertry reported that they plan to introduce additional trees to make-up for trees removed in the project to have a neutral impact on the greenery.
• Benefit to KCC: McMertry reported that approximately 54% of energy would be generated from the solar PV arrays. McMertry outlined the benefits of the system including battery storage, load shifts away from peak hours for consumption spikes, and consistent power quality. The project would Improve the landscape through removing brush, pruning trees, and new plantings.
• Benefits to Community: McMertry reported that there is a current application with HECO to provide grid services, using the energy storage as a resource for the Oahu electrical grid. New native trees will be planted, many grown in KCC's greenhouse. The project will also reduce the use of fossil fuels and contribute towards UH's goal of New Zero by 2035 and the state of Net Zero by 2045.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Power Usage and Community: West asked and McMertry responded that the project would generate 54% of the College's energy. West asked and McMertry responded that the installation would help maintain electrical flow to HECO for the surrounding community during the later evening hours as sunlight is limited and electrical use is increased.
2. Economic Benefits:West asked and McMertry responded that the rate of the PV solar installation was 19.6 cents in 2018 as opposed to the standard HECO rate of 28 cents in 2018.
3. Landscaping West asked and McMerty responded that they will remove invasive trees and plant native trees to increase aesthetics of the property.
4. Project Details: West asked and McMerty responded that Johnson Controls builds and guarantees maintenance of the system for 20 years. West asked and McMertry responded that Johnson Controls makes an open book overhead and profit of 10% on the cost of installation. He clarified that they are paid by the state to install the project.
5. Financing: Chair Figliuzzi asked and McMetry responded that Johnson Control signed a power purchase agreement to sell it to the University, and then conducted an RFP for financing. They were able to obtain a rate through tax credits to reduce the rate of 19.6 cents in 2018. This has a 3.5% escalator.
6. Battery Chemistry: Chair Figliuzzi asked and McMertry responded that their technology uses lithium ion batteries.
7. Return on Investment (ROI): Bhatt asked and McMertry responded that savings will be felt from the completion of the project as there is no upfront cost for the University. Bhatt asked and McMertry the University does not pay of the upfront costs. Bhatt asked and McMertry responded that there are cheaper versions of the technology, but they implemented a technology for a longer end-of-life solution.
8. Tax Credits: West asked and McMertry responded that only the third party investors are making use of the federal and state tax credits.
9. Lighting: Welch requested that any lighting be controlled.
10. Trees and Greenspace: Welch requested an alternate plan that would not remove any of the large trees or otherwise inhibit the green spaces. Welch asked and McMertry responded that the trees that they plan to remove will only be invasive trees, and will be replaced with native trees. He added that they cannot put PV on the rooftops due to the design of the KCC roofs. He reported that the lights will be shaded, and under the canopies into the parking area.

PUBLIC EVENTS AND NOTICES

Tour De Cure: LJ Duenas with the American Diabetes Association announced a fundraising event on Saturday March 16, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. He reported road closures for the ride, run, and walk at Kapiolani Regional Park which will affect Monsarrat Avenue, Paki Avenue, and Diamond Head Road for up to an hour and a half.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9: Welch reported that he attended the recent Waikiki Neighborhood Board meeting. He expressed his concerns with reports that a Board member was unable to get an item related to the Ala Wai Canal Project on the agenda despite a request.

Surfrider: St. Denis reported that attendees at the Surfrider meeting discussed the impact of cesspools and other sources on ocean health and safety.

Save Our Park Meeting: Welch and Matson reported their attendance at the Save our Park meeting at Ala Wai Park to discuss opposition to proposals to drastically change the park. Matson elaborated that the developing condominiums are sponsoring developments of the the public park for their own purposes. West reported that the design consultant for the project, also did work in New York City. Matson added that the City Council will be making funding decisions on this proposal.

BOARD COMMITTEES:

Planning and Zoning: Matson concluded that further discussion of proposed developments and helicopter noise will be discussed at their Board's Planning and Zoning Committee.

Parks and Recreation: St. Denis reported that four (4) kiawe trees came down during the high storm winds. She commented that excessive irrigation of Kiawe trees render them top-heavy and liable to collapse in heavy winds.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Minutes
Matson moved to defer the adoption of the Thursday, February 14, 2019 meeting minutes. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Approval of Funds for PA System
Chair Figliuzzi deferred the funds for a PA System. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Wanager reported a remaining balance of $294.24

Sub-District 1: No report was given.

Sub-District 2: Kamahele reported that the Next Door app is an effective means to coordinate with those in the neighborhood.

Sub-District 3: No report was given.

Next Regular Board Meeting: The next regular Board meeting will be at Ala Wai Club House on Thursday, April 11, 2019.

ADJOURNMENT: As there was no further business before the Board, Chair West adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant Reviewed by: Janelle Nomura, Neighborhood Assistant
Finalized By:

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