Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2019 Minutes

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2019 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/12/2019.

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

DRAFT - MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Bert Narita called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. A quorum was not established with an undetermined number of Board members present. (Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).

Members Present - Richard Figliuzzi, Bert Narita, Linda Wong, Winston Welch, George West, and Don Persons.

Member That Could Not be Determined as Present or Absent - Julia Allen, Ajay Bhatt, Judith Bowman, Mark Kamahele, Michelle Matson, Barbara Miller, Laura St. Denis, and Jerry Wanager.

Guests - Captain Tanaka (Honolulu Fire Department); Officer Hanuma, Lieutenant Ho, Officer Kuwana, and Lietuenant Komoda (Honolulu Police Department); Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply); Brett Schenk (Saint Louis Heights Community Association); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro; Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Davin Aoyagi (Councilmember Tommy Waters' Representative); Adrian Tam (Senator Stanley Chang's Representative); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Megan Kira (Representative Scott Nishimoto's Representative); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Chris Sayers (Department of Transportation Services); Michael, Caroline Tanaka, Arlene Velasco, Benjamin Beauford, Lane Sairome, Robert Patterson, David Beutel, Emily Nellestein, Yuko Uchida, and Becky Gardner (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Assistant).

Vice Chair Narita called a recess at 6:31 p.m.

Chair Figliuzzi called the meeting back to order at 6:34 p.m.

CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD - Waikiki Station) - Captain Tanaka reported the following:
• May 2019 Statistics - There were 5 structure fires, 2 brushfire, 3 nuisance fires, 2 cooking fire, 16 activated alarms, 275 medical emergencies, 5 motor vehicle collisions with a pedestrian, 15 motor vehicle crashes, 1 ocean rescue, and 6 hazardous materials incidents.
• Safety Tips - Cooking Safety - A list of cooking safety tips was provided.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Statistic Timeframe - West inquired and Captain Tanaka clarified that reported statistics were for events between the start and end of May 2019.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 6 Waikiki/ Diamond Head) - Officer Hanuma reported the following:
• May 2019 Statistics - There were 8 robberies, 20 burglaries, 175 thefts, 28 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 31 assaults, 1 sex crime, 9 bicycle citations, and 11 skateboard citations.
• Visitors - Officer Hanuma encouraged residents to report noise violations from visitors to the HPD.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 7 Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights) - Lieutenant Ho reported the following:
• May 2019 Statistics - There were 8 motor vehicle thefts, 27 burglaries, 28 thefts, and 22 UEMVs.
• Hurricane Preparedness - A list of hurricane preparedness tips was provided.
• Meet the Major - Meet the Major is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the Aina Haina Elementary School at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Water Supply - Ann Wong of the BWS reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There were no main breaks in the month of May 2019.
• Annual Water Quality Reports - Each year the BWS conducts thousands of tests on the water sources and distribution system to ensure that municipal water meets or exceeds all Federal and State standards. The results of these tests are shared with customers in the annual water quality report which will be mailed by Monday, July 1, 2019. Digital copies and additional reports are available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com/WQR or by calling 748-5080.
• New Water Rate Schedule - A new water rate schedule and other changes to the existing rate structure will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2019. The new rates will allow BWS to increase investments in repairing and replacing water system infrastructure. Notable changes include; Gradual increases to water rates; Monthly billing charges will move to a monthly customer charge based on meter size; Adding an essential needs tier that all customers will be given for the first 2,000 gallons used. Additional information is available at www.boardofwatersupply.com/rates or by calling 748-5041.
• 2018 Water Use - Average water use for 2018 was 135 gallons per day per person.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Sea Level Rise - Narita voiced concerns regarding sea level rise. Ann Wong responded that sea level rise is being monitored.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - No representative was present at this time. Linda Wong advocated for obtaining a different Mayor's Representative.

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

RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Homeless Encampments - Brett Schenk, Saint Louis Heights Community Association (SLHCA) voiced concerns regarding multiple homeless encampments. Specific concerns were voiced regarding trash and crime. Chair Figliuzzi inquired about organizing a community cleanup. Schenk clarified that trash is within a canal which requires an official agency to clean or grant permission to enter.

Unlit Crosswalks - Resident Michael voiced safety concerns regarding multiple unlit crosswalks in Kapahulu.

Parade Bill Update - Linda Wong reported that Parade Bill 8 passed which decreased the number of parades by six (6). There are three (3) fewer lottery parades and three (3) fewer Waikiki parades.

Sub-District 2 Kapahulu Vacancy - Linda Wong reported a Board Vacancy in Sub-District 2 Kapahulu. Linda Wong encouraged members of the assembly to consider joining the Board.

Potholes - Chair Figliuzzi recommended that residents report potholes to the City's pothole hotline.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Congressman Ed Case - No representative.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi reported the following:
• City Budget - The City Council passed the City budget last week.
• Short Term Rentals - The Council is working to address ongoing issues with short term vacation rentals.
• Ala Wai - The Council plans to introduce a resolution regarding the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project. A meeting will be held to collect testimony.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Playground - West inquired about plans to install a playground and the Council's opinion on the project. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that many councilmembers oppose the project, however the project is progressing. West inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi confirmed that public opinion has opposed the project. Councilmember Kobayashi clarified that the playground is specifically designed for disabled children, however it is open to everyone.
2. Referendum and Recall - West inquired about the process for referendum and recall and requested that information and Councilmember Kobayashi provided a brief overview of the process.
3. Rail - Linda Wong inquired about a recent City Council vote regarding Rail. Councilmember Kobayashi clarified that the recent vote was for the Rail Recovery Plan.
4. City Council Chair - Linda Wong voiced concerns regarding the City Council Chair.
5. Sanctuary City - Resident Caroline Tanaka inquired about proposals to make Honolulu a Sanctuary City. Councilmember Kobayashi responded requests were received to make Honolulu a Sanctuary City and a bill was drafted, however the bill will not be heard.
6. Kaimana Beach - Chair Figliuzzi inquired about plans to improve the Kaimana Beach showers. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that funds were appropriated in the budget.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Walea Constantinau, Office of Economic Development (OED), opened the floor to questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Bulky Item Pickup Pilot - Linda Wong voiced concerns regarding the bulky item pickup pilot program and recommended changing the program so residents in condominiums can schedule individual pickups instead of going through their property manager.
2. Information and Public Input - Winston Welch voiced concerns regarding poor circulation of information for City projects and City administration not listening to resident's input and testimony.
3. Sherwood Forest - Linda Wong voiced concerns regarding the Sherwood Forest redevelopment project.
4. Playground - West voiced concerns regarding the playground project and the project progressing without community support.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Davin Aoyagi, Councilmember Waters' Office, reported the following:
• City Budget - The City Council passed the City budget last week.
• Bill 85 and 89 - The Council's Zoning and Planning Committee recently passed Bills 85 and 89. The full Council will vote on the bills on Monday, June 17, 2019. The Bills address short term rentals.
• Helicopter Tour Operators Permit - Councilmember Waters' Office sent a letter to the Department of Transportation (HDOT) requesting information regarding the helicopter tour operator's permit.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Federal Transit Authority (FTA) - Narita inquired about Councilmember Waters' recent trip to DC to meet with the FTA. Aoyagi responded that he would need to investigate further, however Councilmember Waters also met with Congressman Case regarding tour helicopters.
2. Ala Wai Golf Course - Welch inquired about the Ala Wai Golf Course proposal.
3. Sherwood Forest - Linda Wong expressed gratitude for Councilmember Waters' opposition to the Sherwood Forest redevelopment project.

Senator Stanley Chang - Adrian Tam, Senator Chang's Office, circulated a handout.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Building Height Increase - Welch inquired about Senator Chang advocating for increased building height limits. Tam responded that Senator Chang is open to public input.

Senator Les Ihara - No representative.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi reported the following:
• Bills - Information was provided outlining bills which Governor Ige signed.
• Homeless Appropriation Bill - More money was appropriated for homeless services, however fewer funds were dedicated to hauling and storing homeless possessions. This may affect homeless sweeps and impact the Diamond Head community.
• Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) - Information regarding DLNR easements was provided.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Easements - Linda Wong inquired if the Diamond Head Seawall will be affected by the DLNR easements and Senator Kobayashi responded that it could if the adjoining property owner seeks to alter their seawall.

Representative Scott Nishimoto - Megan Kira, Representative Nishimoto's Office, reported the following: Events - Information for upcoming community events was provided. A handout was circulated.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: E-Waste - A resident inquired if an upcoming E-waste recycling event would accept lead batteries. Kira responded that they do not.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say - Representative Say reported the following: Events - Information for upcoming community events was provided.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Infrastructure Standards - Narita inquired about public infrastructure standards and voiced concerns regarding infrastructure in the Board area. Representative Say clarified the difference between City and private jurisdiction.
2. Saint Louis Heights Drive - Chair Figliuzzi voiced concerns regarding Saint Louis Heights Drive's condition and inquired how the sidewalk installation process works. Representative Say outlined the process.
3. Trees - Welch inquired if the legislature could tax tourists to create a fund for green infrastructure and tree planting. Representative Say responded that this could be possible through the legislature and the transient accommodation tax (TAT).

PRESENTATIONS
Monsarrat Avenue Bike Lane - Chris Sayers, Department of Transportation Services (DTS), reported the following:
• Bike Lane - A climbing lane for bicycles was installed on Monsarrat Avenue with the Department of Facility Maintenance's (DFM) resurfacing project. Every time a street is resurfaced the DTS is required to examine the roadway to determine how to improve safety under the Complete Streets program.
• Crosswalk Lights - Chair Figliuzzi inquired about installing lights on roadways at crosswalks. Sayers responded that a pilot for crosswalk lights was performed, however the lights were gradually damaged by vehicle traffic.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Public Service Announcement (PSA) - Chair Figliuzzi recommended making a PSA to encourage all motorists to drive slower and increase safety. Sayers responded that similar suggestions have been made.
2. Parked Vehicles - Welch recommended removing parked vehicles from along one (1) side of Monsarrat Avenue to increase visibility and safety. Sayers responded that similar suggestions have been made and referred.
3. Speeding - Welch recommended reducing the speed limit on Monsarrat Avenue to increase safety.
4. Lane Size - Linda Wong voiced concerns regarding lanes not being wide enough to accommodate larger vehicles. Linda Wong voiced concerns regarding a lane being removed at the intersection of Campbell and Monsarrat and Sayers responded that there was only ever one (1) lane at the intersection. Sayers responded that narrower lanes are intended to reduce vehicle speeds and increase safety.
5. Turning in Bike Lanes - Resident Tanaka inquired if it's a violation to drive across solid lines for bike lanes when turning. Sayers responded that it may technically be a violation, however motorists can enter bike lanes to make turns if there are no bicyclists.
6. No-Parking - Resident Tanaka voiced concerns regarding motorists parking in a no-parking zone and inquired if the curbs around the area could be painted to discourage parking. Sayers responded that the City no longer paints curbs and recommended installing bulb-outs.
7. Unity Church - Linda Wong requested that a crosswalk be installed at the Unity Church.
8. Speed Test - Welch inquired if a speed test could be performed for a portion of Monsarrat Avenue and Sayers responded that it could.

Kaimana Beach Shower & Foot Bath Improvements - Linda Wong reported the following:
• Funds - One (1) million dollars was budgeted for Kaimana Beach improvements.
• Health - There are currently health and safety concerns regarding the showers and walkways at Kaimana Beach. The Kaimana Beach Foundation is currently testing the waters.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Funds - Davin Aoyagi reported that funds have not been encumbered yet. Aoyagi recommended acquiring community support to help secure the funds. Wong inquired how to acquire community support and Aoyagi suggested a petition. Welch advocated for encumbering the funds.
2. Standing Groups - Linda Wong recommended that standing groups who speak for the community be contacted to acquire community support.
3. Department of Health (DOH) - Resident Arlene Velasco voiced health concerns regarding the quality of the Beach and recommended involving the DOH to address the issue.
4. Quote - Chair Figliuzzi shared a quote.

Proposal To Merge Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 With Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Or At Least Hold One (1) Annual Joint-Meeting With Alternating Chairs - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to discussion:
• Multi-Board Meetings - Chair Figliuzzi advocated for holding an annual joint meeting with multiple Neighborhood Boards to improve inter-Board communication and cooperation and to address common concerns. Welch recommended holding quarterly joint-meetings with one (1) neighboring board to discuss shared concerns.
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) - Narita recommended that OHA be included in Board candidate forums.
• Difficulties - West voiced concerns regarding previous difficulties when trying to organize multi-Board meetings.
• Ala Wai Project - West recommended holding a joint meeting on the Ala Wai Canal Project as the project affects multiple Boards.
• Clarification - Chair Figliuzzi clarified that he included the item on the agenda to begin discussions and considerations.
• Resolutions - Welch recommended that Boards consider adopting common resolutions to indicate a multi-Board stance on an issue. Chair Figliuzzi voiced agreement.
• Town Hall Meetings - Linda Wong recommended holding town hall meetings to discuss multi-Board projects and issues and stated that previous town hall meetings successfully addressed topics.

PUBLIC EVENTS AND NOTICES

Fourth of July Celebrations - Chair Figliuzzi provided information regarding Fourth of July celebrations.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDENCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Linda Wong - Linda Wong reported attending the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Meeting and provided a summary from the meeting.

SUBDISTRICT REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - The Board had a balance of $197.42.

NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING - The next regular Board meeting will be at Ala Wai Club House on Thursday, July 11, 2019.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Submitted by - Jackson Coley, Public Relations
Reviewed by - Harry Cho, Public Relations
Final Review by -

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item