Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting May 2019 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting May 2019 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 6/19/2019.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2019
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:33 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 - Calvin Hara, Paul Hoe, Marilyn Moniz, Sharon Schneider, Lori Yamada, David Farrell, Becky Gardner, Mark Hagadone, and Molly Pierce.

Board Members Absent - Brian Kang and Nicole Evans.

Guests - Captain Ricardo Yost (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Lieutenant David Ardren (Honolulu Police Department); Bryan Kimura (State Department of Transportation); Daniel Dinell (Trees for Honolulu's Future); Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Councilmember Tommy Waters; Pankaj Bhanot (Governor David Ige's Representative); Senator Stanley Chang; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Representative Calvin Say; Dave Watase, Eric McCutcheon, Michelle Matson, Roland Louie, Sarah Chinen, James Larson, Keith Caywood, Leilani Caywood, Nanea Lu, and Julia Allen (Residents); Jackson Coley (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Ricardo Yost circulated a handout and reported the following:
• April 2019 Statistics - There was 1 nuisance fire, 6 activated alarms, 61 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 1 motor vehicle crash, 7 mountain rescues, and 1 hazardous materials incident.
• Safety Tip - HIKE SAFE - The HFD encourages hikers to follow the HIKE SAFE acronym to recall hiking safety tips:
o H - Hike with a group and have a plan. Everyone should have a cell phone, water, and flashlight. Establish a meeting point if members become separated.
o I - Inform someone of where you are going and when you plan to return.
o K - Keep a cell phone, flashlight, and whistle with you on every hike.
o E - Eat well, stay hydrated, and carry water. Two (2) liters of water per person per day is recommended.
o S - Stay on the trail, abide by all posted signs and do not enter closed or dangerous areas.
o A - Ask for help early, do not delay.
o F - Familiarize yourself with the area, use maps, and consult government-sponsored websites.
o E - Expect changes in weather and terrain and bring appropriate clothing.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Mountain Rescues - Hara inquired if the mountain rescues occurred at Diamond Head. Captain Yost responded that he was unsure.
2. Building Inspections - Chair Schneider inquired about recent commercial building inspections. Captain Yost responded that the HFD inspects buildings every two (2) years, however they may not be able to inspect every building due to the high density in Kaimuki. Chair Schneider inquired and Captain Yost responded that building owners can request inspections.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - No representative was present at the time.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (BWS) circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There were no main breaks for April 2019.
• Consumer Alert - The BWS wants to remind customers to be vigilant about protecting themselves against fraud. Utility customers are targets for individuals attempting to gain access to residences, steal personal information, or trick residents into giving them money. Scammers can do this via:
o Unexpected or aggressive text messages
o Unexpected or aggressive phone calls
o Unexpected visits to properties
If customers are concerned about their account status they can call BWS Customer Care at 748-5030. Residents who want to confirm the validity of an individual claiming to be a BWS employee may call the BWS at 748-5000 or call the HPD at 911 if they are suspicious of an individual's credentials. Customers may also call the BWS at 748-5041 to file an additional report about suspicious encounters.
• Drinking Water and Wastewater Services - Though most customers receive a combined drinking water and sewer bill, the bill contains charges from two (2) separate City agencies. As a reminder, the BWS provides Oahu residents with drinking water, while the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) manages Oahu's wastewater and solid waste systems. An informational handout was circulated.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Scammers - Hagadone reported that scammers are known to contact and threaten tenants for money, when water bills are paid by properties and not tenants.
2. Sewer Covers - Resident Eric McCutcheon inquired and Heller responded that sewer covers in roadways are under City jurisdiction.

Hearing no objections Chair Schneider returned to Honolulu Police Department.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant David Ardren circulated a handout and reported the following:
• April 2019 Statistics - There were seven motor vehicle thefts, 26 burglaries, 23 thefts, 23 unauthorized entry of motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,074 total calls for service.
• 311 System - The 311 System is available to report non-emergencies. The System can be accessed at www.honolulupd.org or by downloading the smartphone app. Report all emergencies to 911.
• Additional Statistics - Additional statistics and information is available online at www.crimemapping.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Arrest Statistics - A resident inquired about statistics for arrests made. Lieutenant Ardren responded that he lacked such statistics, however enforcement is taken and arrests are made.
2. Smart 911 - Gardner inquired about the Smart 911 system. Lieutenant Ardren responded that Smart 911 allows residents to submit information, such as medical information, to assist with calls for service. Lieutenant Ardren stated that Smart 911 is still active, however participation is low.
3. Armed Robbery - Chair Schneider inquired about an armed robbery that occurred earlier in the day. Lieutenant Ardren responded that he could not go into detail as the case is ongoing, however armed individuals were caught near the intersection of Dole Street and Alexander Street. Chair Schneider inquired and Lieutenant Ardren responded that the crime is not related to any series.
4. Private Road Parking - Yamada inquired about parking issues on private roadways and how to acquire an HPD representative to speak to her community about regulating parking. Lieutenant Ardren recommended contacting the District 7 Community Policing Team (CPT) at the District Command Office. Lieutenant Ardren stated the HPD can make citations on some private roads when there are violations.
5. District 7 - Gardner inquired and Lieutenant Ardren responded that District 7 extends mauka to makai between the Koko Head side of Punahou Street and Makapu, excluding Waikiki.
6. Suspicious Persons - Chair Schneider reported receiving an email from an anonymous resident voicing concerns about suspicions persons. Pierce responded that she received the same email, however the reported suspicious persons were legitimate business owners and there was no need for concern. Lieutenant Ardren recommended contacting HPD immediately when suspicions persons are spotted.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT
Ala Wai Canal Project - Resident Dave Watase noted his opposition to and concerns with the United States Army Corp of Engineers' (USACE) Ala Wai Canal Project. Resident Watase circulated handouts and reported the following:
• Funding - As of Thursday, May 2, 2019 the State Legislature did not fund the Project as requested by Governor Ige. Governor Ige could call for a Special Session to address funding. Mayor Caldwell has indicated that the City is prepared to sign the project partnership agreement to operate and maintain the Project if the State matches funding, which Governor Ige has agreed to. Resident Watase voiced concerns regarding the City becoming responsible for any additional costs to complete the Project.
• Neighborhood Boards' Action - Multiple Neighborhood Boards have passed resolutions opposing the Project and some established Permitted Interaction Groups (PIG) for further discussion. Resident Watase encouraged the Board to setup a PIG.
• Deadline - The USACE is actively seeking the project partnership agreement and has set a deadline for Friday, June 28, 2019.
• Information - Additional information is available at www.stopalawaiproject.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. USACE Presentation - Chair Schneider reported that the USACE will present to the Board and community at the Board's July 2019 meeting. Resident Watase stated that other Boards are also seeking presentations, however Boards must request presentations from the USACE.
2. Multi-Board Meeting - Resident Michelle Matson, Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5, stated her Board is working to hold a shared forum for all Neighborhood Boards at the Ala Wai Golf Clubhouse.

Tour Helicopters - Resident Matson circulated a draft resolution and reported the following:
• Safety Concerns - Following the fatal tour helicopter crash in Kailua the Kailua Neighborhood Board No. 31 took action to voice safety concerns. Their action was expanded and built upon to form a resolution which the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 recently passed. Matson voiced concerns regarding helicopters flying directly over mountains and communities. A petition was circulated.
• Resolution - A draft resolution was provided for Board consideration relating to commercial tour helicopters. Resident Matson encouraged the Board to adopt the resolution when able and stated that work is underway to contact all Neighborhood Boards to address the issue.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Time Constraints - Chair Schneider inquired if there was a time constraint to take action. Resident Matson responded that it may take roughly three (3) months to contact all Boards. Chair Schneider agreed to include the issue on the next Board meeting.
2. Resolution - A resident inquired and Resident Matson clarified that the resolution advocates for grounding all commercial tour helicopters until the Kailua crash is investigated and advocates for keeping all commercial tour helicopter operations away from communities and over water.

Damaged Sidewalk - Resident Roland Louie reported a damaged sidewalk at the intersection of Elizabeth Street and Keanu Street and voiced concerns regarding the City not performing maintenance. Chair Schneider recommended referring the issue to the Mayor's Representative.

Salvation Army Site - Resident Sarah Chinen voiced concerns regarding monster homes. Resident Chinen reported that the nine (9) acre Salvation Army site on 22nd Avenue is for sale and advocated for having the City purchase the site and install a park to prevent overdevelopment in the area.

Short Term Rentals - Resident Chinen voiced concerns regarding short term rentals in Oahu and recommended that the community submit testimony to their Elected Officials opposing short term rentals.

City Infrastructure - Resident Watase voiced concerns regarding the current plans to install sports facilities at Sherwood Forest. Resident Watase recommended that the City maintain and repair current infrastructure before pursuing new projects and voiced concerns regarding communities not being engaged.

PRESENTATIONS
State Department of Transportation (HDOT) - Bryan Kimura, HDOT, reported that previous concerns regarding P hoa Avenue and Koko Head Avenue were incorporated into a study for the area. Kimura opened the floor to questions, comments, and concerns.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Exit Backup - Chair Schneider reported that she received concerns regarding traffic backup at the Lunalilo Freeway and 6th Avenue exit where traffic backs up onto the Freeway.
2. Delayed Left Turn - Resident Chinen advocated for installing a delayed left hand turn at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue. Kimura responded that the intersection is City jurisdiction.
3. State Reporting Application - Resident McCutcheon inquired if the State currently has or intends to implement a reporting application similar to the City's 311 app. Kimura responded that issues reported to the City on accident are usually referred to the State. Kimura stated there were considerations for a similar app for the State, however there were safety concerns with people using the app while driving.

Trees for Kaimuki Project Update - Daniel Dinell, Trees for Honolulu's Future (THF) Executive Director, reported the following:
• THF - THF is a nonprofit umbrella group designed to bring together stakeholders to increase tree canopy coverage in urban Honolulu. They are partnered with Envision Kaimuki. Volunteer citizen foresters collect data on trees in urban Honolulu to determine what benefits the trees provide and where additional trees could be installed. THF is seeking funding from the City Council.
• Tree Benefits ??? Some benefits to increasing tree quantity and canopy coverage include additional shade, additional oxygen production, and improved aesthetics.
• Proper Tree Planting - Hagadone noted that trees can damage infrastructure. Dinell agreed and responded that it is important to only plant the right tree in the right location with the right care. Dinell clarified that appropriate trees should only be installed in areas where they can grow without interfering with infrastructure.
• Canopy Coverage - Kaimuki currently has 17% canopy coverage. The entirety of Honolulu's south shore has 22% coverage. Some cities on the mainland have as high as 40% coverage. Coverage is currently decreasing as trees removed for development and are not replaced. The City Council passed a resolution to have 35% tree canopy coverage by 2035.
• Meeting - A public meeting for more community input and discussion is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2019 all other details to be determined.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Citizen Forestry - Chair Schneider reported that she and Pierce are in the citizen forestry classes.
2. Canopy Coverage - Gardner inquired and Dinell clarified that 17% of the Kaimuki area is covered by trees' canopies. Gardner inquired and Dinell agreed that different trees could increase canopy coverage more than others. Gardner inquired when 35% coverage would be reached and Dinell clarified that it would be when the trees' canopy physically covers 35% of land and is not based on number of total trees.
3. Goals ??? Pierce inquired and Dinell responded that 35% coverage by 2035 is considered achievable. Pierce inquired what the maximum possible coverage for Kaimuki could be and Dinell responded that he was unsure.
4. 100,000 Tree Goal - Pierce inquired if THF is participating in the 100,000 Tree Goal and Dinell responded that they are and that THF supports all efforts to increase urban forestry.
5. Bills ??? Resident Matson expressed gratitude for Dinell supporting various Bills in the Legislature to increase green infrastructure.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, reported the following:
• 2019 Neighborhood Board Elections - Voting for the 2019 Neighborhood Board Elections closes on Friday, May 17, 2019.
• 311 Application - The City is currently adding additional City services and some non-City agencies to the 311 Application.
• Silva Cells - The City is examining silva cells which would allow urban trees to grow within a grid while diverting storm water into cells instead of drains which tree roots will naturally grow towards, drawing roots away from utility lines. Silva cells will be installed at the bus transit block in Waipahu.
• Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot No. 2 - Requests for updates for the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot No. 2 were referred to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC). DDC responded that project drawings were provided to the Board in February 2019 and these plans have not changed since then. Information and updates will be provided to the Board when available.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot No. 1 - Chair Schneider inquired about rumors regarding improvements and maintenance for Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot No. 1. Director Wong responded that the contract for Lot No. 1 is coming up for renewal at which point concerns will be addressed.
2. Monster Homes and the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) - Resident Chinen voiced concerns regarding monster homes and inquired about the previously passed moratorium on monster homes. Director Wong recommended contacting the DPP. Director Wong stated there was a recent issue with a permit being issued for a building that exceeded the parcel's zoning, however he was unsure why the DPP missed the discrepancy. Director Wong clarified that the permitting system's software is provided by a mainland vendor, however he lacked more detailed information. Director Wong stated that the DPP is challenged as their starting pay is low which leads to hiring unqualified personnel and high turnover, however they are working to acquire more funding and change the permit application process. Gardner inquired if it is common for illegal permits to be approved and Director Wong responded that he was unsure. Farrell inquired and Director Wong responded that he was unsure what types of inspections are performed by the DPP prior to approving permits, however checking every permit for violations is not feasible so checks are usually done near the end of construction. A resident suggested having the DPP attend a Board meeting for direct discussion.
3. Aerial Monitoring - Yamada inquired if satellites could be utilized to monitor and check construction projects for violations. Director Wong responded that this would be far too expensive to be feasible.
4. Cameras - Director Wong stated that camera installations frequently face opposition and recommended that persons install cameras on private property and share footage with official agencies. Resident Chinen advocated for more surveillance camera installations.
5. Sierra Drive Manhole Covers - A resident inquired about the current resurfacing project along Sierra Drive. The resident noted that steel manhole covers were removed and placed on the side of the roadway during the resurfacing and inquired when they will be reinstalled in the roadway. Director Wong responded that he was unsure and recommended contacting the DDC.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Monster Homes - Legislation designed to enforce short term rental laws may decrease monster homes as many are designed for short term renting.
• Ala Wai Project - Councilmember Kobayashi encouraged the assembly to support Resident Watase's opposition to the Ala Wai Project. An engineering firm informed Councilmember Kobayashi that they consulted with the USACE about alternative plans eight (8) years ago. Councilmember Kobayashi advocated for considering alternative options for the project.
• Trash Fee Bill - The proposed trash fee bill is not expected to pass. Mayor Caldwell advocated for the fee to provide funding to the City, however none of the Councilmembers have supported the bill and concerns were voiced regarding funding acquired through the bill being intended for the rail project. Councilmember Kobayashi advocated for cutting the City's budget before increasing taxes.

Question, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Homeless - Hagadone inquired about homeless in the Board area and Crane Park. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that homelessness appears to be increasing and that concerns have been voiced with the lack of enforcement at Crane Park rendering it unusable to the community. Councilmember Kobayashi advocated for passing additional enforcement laws to make public spaces usable.
2. Bill 89 - Resident Matson inquired about Bill 89. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that Bill 85 and or Bill 89, both relating to vacation rentals, need to be passed, however legal questions must be addressed first. Councilmember Kobayashi advocated for the Bills.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters reported the following:
• Staffing and Contact - Councilmember Waters stated that he is currently seeking office staff. Residents are encouraged to submit testimony to Councilmember Waters at tommy.waters@honolulu.gov.
• Garbage Pickup Fee - The garbage pickup fee died in Committee on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
• Property Taxes - The City Council recently overruled the Mayor's veto on property taxes. Councilmember Waters advocated for increasing property tax exemptions.
• Committees - Councilmember Waters is a member of the Budget Committee, chairs the Public Safety Committee, and vice chairs the Planning, Zoning, and Housing Committee.
• DPP ??? Councilmember Waters advocated for open discussions with the DPP for more information and to address residents' concerns.
• Bills 85 and 89 - Three (3) different drafts of the Bills with minor differences came before the Legislature. Discussion was held over how high illegal vacation rental fines should be set. Councilmember Waters stated that he expects and hopes that a version of the Bills will be passed soon.
• Sierra Drive - Funds were allocated for the Sierra Drive resurfacing.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Pankaj Bhanot, Department of Human Services (DHS) Director, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Agriculture - Residents are encouraged to support local agriculture production and help monitor for invasive species incursions.
• DHS - The DHS provides a wide variety of human services to roughly 400,000 residents across the State of Hawaii. Starting in June 2019 the DHS will begin looking at the state of human services in Hawaii in 2035. Communities will be engaged to discuss necessary human services in the next 15 years.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Crane Park - Hagadone reiterated concerns regarding homeless, unsanitary conditions, and health hazards at Crane Park. Hagadone inquired if vaccination issues for homeless in the area have been examined and Director Bhanot responded that considerations have been made to minimize communicable diseases. The Department of Health (DOH) is also involved in setting regulations. Efforts are underway to address homeless populations with mental health and substance abuse issues. Considerations are being made to use part of the Wahiawa Hospital for mental illness treatment.
2. Human Waste in Public Spaces - Hara inquired if the DOH has made a statement about health concerns with human waste in public spaces. Director Bhanot responded that he was unaware and agreed to investigate. Hara voiced health concerns regarding human waste in public spaces. Director Bhanot responded that various issues need to be addressed to improve response to concerns.
3. Micro Structures - Resident Chinen suggested providing small garden sheds to homeless to improve cleanliness. Director Bhanot stated the State is looking at micro structures as a way to address homelessness, however there are issues with homeless who are resistant to services. Gardner inquired and Director Bhanot responded that a Bill included authorizing two (2) million dollars for micro-structure construction and implementation.
4. State Lottery - Resident Chinen suggested instituting a State lottery to collect funding. Director Bhanot responded that he opposes a State lottery, however the topic has been discussed multiple times by various administrations.

State Senator Stanley Chang - Senator Chang circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Aloha Homes - The Aloha Homes concept for affordable housing did not pass the Legislature, however a bill to study how the concept could be implemented did pass.
• Senate Bill (SB) 9 ??? SB 9, relating to Section 8 rental insurance programs, passed Legislature. The Bill is intended to assist low-income residents seeking rental homes where landlords are apprehensive to rent.
??? House Bill (HB) 807 - HB 807, criminalizing lying to City and County inspectors, passed Legislature.
• Schools - Funding was acquired for various nearby schools including Kalani High School, Wilson Elementary School, Kahala Elementary School, and Waikiki Elementary School.
• Kapiolani Boulevard Contraflow - The Kapiolani Boulevard contraflow lane has been restored.

State Senator Les Ihara - No representative was present; no report was given.

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say circulated a handout and reported the following:
• State Lottery - Resident Chinen inquired and Representative Say responded that he opposes gambling, including State lotteries.
• Marijuana - Representative Say voted against decriminalizing marijuana. Representative Say voiced concerns regarding marijuana usage and how it impairs employees if used prior to work.
• Legislation Targets - Representative Say voiced concerns regarding multiple bills from the 2019 Legislative Session appearing to target victims and not offenders.

State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Kapiolani Community College (KCC) ??? The KCC Culinary Institute obtained 30 million dollars in funding to complete their expansion project.
• Diamond Head - One (1) million dollars was allocated for Diamond Head. Plans are to divert pedestrian traffic from the Kahala Tunnel to the currently unused Kapahulu Tunnel, improving pedestrian safety.

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

BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Yamada moved and Hara seconded the MOTION to APPROVE the April 2019 minutes as drafted. The MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0); (Aye: Hara, Hoe, Moniz, Schneider, Yamada, Farrell, Gardner, Hagadone, and Pierce; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - Yamada reported an expenditure of $38.23 in April 2019 and a balance $177.72.

Members Attendance at Other Meetings - No reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• USACE - The USACE will attend and present at the July 2019 Board meeting.
• Public Notice Hearing - A Public Notice Hearing is scheduled for Friday, June 7, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Mission Memorial for the planned development resort and special district permit major for the Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki.
• Next Meeting - The next regular Board Meeting will be Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 6:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m.

Submitted by: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Assistant.
Reviewed By: Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant

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