Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting July 2019 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting July 2019 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

DRAFT - INITIAL CONVENING MEETING MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2019
ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Pro-Tem Richard Figliuzzi called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. A quorum was established with 14 members present. (Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action).

Members Present - Julia Allen, Barbara Miller, Richard Figliuzzi, Bert Narita, Bruce Wong, Mark Kamahele, Keolu Peralto, Winston Welch, George West, Rene Julian, Michelle Matson, Stefan Mrozewski, Don Persons, and Linda Wong.

Member Absent - None.

Guests - Lieutenant So, Lieutenant Lowell, Officer Kuwano, and Sergeant Scott (Honolulu Police Department); Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply); Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Carty Chang (Department of Land and Natural Resources); McNamara (TopGolf); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Senator Stanley Chang's Representative; Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Megan Kira (Representative Scott Nishimoto's Representative); House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Representative; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Noel, Lester Stiefel, Gail Stiefel, Carol Hosaiko, Carolyn Tawako, Becky Gardner, David Beutel, Sharon Kokubun, and Ricky Itagaki (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Assistant).

SWEAR IN CEREMONY
The Oath of Office was administered to all Board members who had not previously taken the Oath.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020
Chair - Chair Pro-Tem Figliuzzi opened the floor to nominations.

Matson nominated Welch. Welch declined the nomination. An unidentified Board member nominated Figliuzzi. Figliuzzi accepted the nomination. FIGLIUZZI WAS ELECTED CHAIR by MAJORITY VOTE, 12-0-2; (AYE: Allen, Figliuzzi, Julian, Miller, Mrozewski, Narita, Peralto, Persons, Welch, West, Bruce Wong, and Linda Wong; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Kamahele and Matson).

CITY/STATE MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD - Waikiki Station) - No representative was present; no report was given.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 6 Waikiki/ Diamond Head) - A representative reported the following:
• June 2019 Statistics - There were 3 robberies, 16 burglaries, 187 thefts, 26 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV), 42 assaults, 1 sex crime, 16 bicycle/skateboard citations, 22 speeding tickets, 470 parking tickets, 4 loud muffler tickets,146 park closure citations, and 6 park closure arrests.
• Meet the Major - A Meet the Major event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Stat Information - An unidentified individual inquired if statistics could be separated into resident and tourist categories. The HPD representative responded that statistics are not separated by tourists and residents.
2. Sex Offender - An unidentified individual inquired about an alleged sex offender and whether or not residents should be wary of the individual. The representative agreed to investigate.
3. Assault - Chair Figliuzzi inquired about a recent assault that involved construction materials as weapons. The representative responded that he was unaware of the incident.
4. Speeding at Makalei Beach Park - Resident Noel voiced concerns regarding excessive speeding near Makalei Beach Park. Resident Noel recommended that HPD setup a speeding checkpoint in the area. The representative responded that the area is outside their district.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD - District 7 Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights) - A representative reported the following:
• June 2019 Statistics - There were 5 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 12 thefts, and 17 UEMVs.
• Pedestrian Safety Tips - A list of pedestrian safety tips was provided.
• Meet the Major - A Meet the Major event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020 (CONTINUED)
Vice Chair - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to nominations.

Matson nominated Welch. Welch accepted the nomination. Figliuzzi nominated Narita. Narita accepted the nomination. NEITHER NOMINEE WAS ELECTED VICE CHAIR LACKING QUORUM VOTE, 7-7-0; (NARITA: Figliuzzi, Julian, Miller, Narita, Persons, West, and Bruce Wong; WELCH: Allen, Kamahele, Matson, Mrozewski, Peralto, Welch, and Linda Wong; ABSTAIN: None).

Secretary - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to nominations.

Matson nominated Welch. Welch declined the nomination. Welch nominated Matson. Matson accepted the nomination. An unidentified Board member nominated Linda Wong. Linda Wong accepted the nomination. NEITHER NOMINEE WAS ELECTED SECRETARY LACKING QUORUM VOTE, 7-6-1; (MATSON: Julian, Matson, Narita, Peralto, Persons, Welch, and West; LINDA WONG: Allen, Figliuzzi, Kamahele, Miller, Bruce Wong, and Linda Wong; ABSTAIN: Mrozewski).

A second vote was held by unanimous consent. MATSON WAS ELECTED SECRETARY by MAJORITY VOTE, 9-5-0; (MATSON: Nine (9) unidentified Board members; LINDA WONG: Five (5) unidentified Board members; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to nominations.

Welch nominated Linda Wong. Linda Wong accepted the nomination. LINDA WONG WAS ELECTED TREASURER BY MAJORITY VOTE, 13-1; (LINDA WONG: Allen, Figliuzzi, Julian, Kamahele, Matson, Miller, Mrozewski, Narita, Peralto, Persons, Welch, West, and Bruce Wong; ABSTAIN: Linda Wong).

COMMENTS BY THE CHAIR
Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Installation Ceremony - Chair Figliuzzi commended the NCO's Installation Ceremony for the new Board term.

MEETING DETERMINATION
Regular Day/Time/Location - Chair Figliuzzi proposed meeting on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Club House.

An unidentified Board member moved and another unidentified Board member seconded the Motion to meet on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Club House.

Discussion followed: Meeting Date and Time - Welch inquired if the meeting date could be changed or if the meetings could start at 6:00 p.m. Linda Wong responded that securing the current facility date and time was difficult and recommended contacting the facility to check their availability before changing the meeting date or time. Chair Figliuzzi recommended deferring the item until the next meeting to gather more information.

Hearing no objections the item was deferred until the next meeting by unanimous consent.

Recess Schedule - Chair Figliuzzi recommended recessing in December 2019.

Welch moved and an unidentified Board member seconded the Motion to recess in December 2019. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

FACILITY RENTAL FEE
Proposal to Request NCO to Pay Facility Fees for Regular Board Meetings - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to motions.

Welch moved and an unidentified Board member seconded the Motion to request the NCO pay the Board's facility fees for Board meetings. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

VIDEOTAPING OF MONTHLY MEETINGS OR ANNUAL NEWSLETTER
Proposal to have Regular Monthly Meetings Videotaped, and for NCO to Pay Associated Fees - Linda Wong circulated information regarding the pros and cons of using Olelo broadcasting.

An unidentified Board member moved and Matson seconded the Motion to use Olelo Broadcasting.

Discussion followed:
1. Options - Linda Wong clarified that the Board's two (2) options are for an annual newsletter or Olelo Broadcasting.
2. Olelo and Newsletters - An unidentified Board member advocated for using Olelo Broadcasting. Mrozewski stated that a newsletter and the monthly minutes may be more effective than Olelo. An unidentified Board member voiced concerns regarding newsletters being inconsistent. Welch advocated for using Olelo. Narita voiced opposition to using Olelo. Matson advocated for using Olelo. An unidentified Board member advocated for using Olelo.
3. Funding - A Board member inquired and Thomas Baldwin, NCO, responded that using Olelo will not affect the Board's facility budget.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 9-4-1 (AYE: Allen, Figliuzzi, Julian, Kamahele, Matson, Peralto, Persons, Welch, and Linda Wong; NAY: Miller, Mrozewski, Narita, and West; ABSTAIN: Bruce Wong).

RULES OF PARTICIPATION
Proposed Rules - Chair Figliuzzi read the following proposed rules: "Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices."

Welch moved and an unidentified Board member seconded the Motion to adopt the proposed rules.

Discussion followed: Time Limits - Matson suggested granting additional time to presenters and Chair Figliuzzi proposed granting 10 minutes to large presentations. An unidentified Board member responded that the Board can use motions to increase time limits for presenters or speakers on a case-by-case basis.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 13-0-1, (AYE: Allen, Figliuzzi, Julian, Kamahele, Miller, Mrozewski, Narita, Peralto, Persons, Welch, West, Linda Wong, and Bruce Wong; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Matson).

STANDING COMMITTEES
Proposed Committees - Chair Figliuzzi opened the floor to motions.

Matson moved and Welch seconded the Motion to establish a Planning and Zoning Committee and a Parks and Recreation and Environment Committee. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Chair Figliuzzi appointed Matson to the position of Planning and Zoning Committee Chair.

Chair Figliuzzi appointed Welch to the position of Parks and Recreation and Environment Committee Chair.

Welch moved to establish a Transportation Committee. Chair Figliuzzi recommended deferring the item to the next Board meeting. The item was deferred by unanimous consent.

ELECTED CITY/STATE OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY REPORTS
Board of Water Supply - Ann Wong, BWS, reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There were no main breaks in the month of June 2019.
• Scheduled Water Rate Increase in Effect - The new water rate schedule and other changes to the rate structure went into effect on Monday, July 1, 2019. Notable changes include gradual increases to the water rates, monthly billing charge being moved to a customer charge based on meter size, a new lower "essential needs" tier, and monthly standby charge for fire protection meters. Additional information is available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com or by calling the BWS Communications Office at 808-748-5041.
• 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale - The BWS' 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event features a wide variety of less-thirsty and native plants at moderate prices, Xeriscape workshops by garden experts, keiki activities, educational booths, and more. Attendees will learn about how to conserve water through water-efficient landscaping. Admission is free and proceeds from the event support educational programs and classes at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden. Street parking is available with complementary shuttle services to and from the event. Additional information is available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com.
• Red Hill - A Red Hill discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 2019.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Main Breaks - Narita inquired if the BWS can track the total gallons of water lost to main breaks. Ann Wong responded that water loss various between main breaks.
2. E Coli - Welch inquired if E Coli has been detected in water and Ann Wong responded that she believed the detection occurred in Waihee. Ann Wong clarified that water is tested before and after sanitization treatment.
3. Temperatures and Rainfall - Chair Figliuzzi inquired if temperatures are expected to be higher than average or rainfall expected to be lower than average for the next year. Ann Wong responded that she was unsure.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Walea Constantinau, Office of Economic Development (OED), reported the following: Bulky Item Pickup Pilot - The appointment system was updated to allow multi-unit dwellings to schedule individual appointments instead of scheduling appointments for the entire building through the building management.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Ala Wai Watershed Project - Welch inquired if the Mayor intends to sign the agreement with the State regarding the Ala Wai Watershed Project.
2. City Street Beautification - Narita inquired about plans to beautify city streets and plant additional trees along streets. Narita voiced concerns regarding current city trees not being maintained. Welch recommended having Envision Kaimuki attend a future Board meeting to provide information about tree plantings. Chair Figliuzzi voiced concerns regarding certain neighborhoods appearing neglected compared to other neighborhoods.
3. Sherwood Forest - Linda Wong inquired if the Mayor had an opinion on Sherwood Forest and Ann Wong responded that she did not request a reply from the Mayor. Matson requested additional information.

Governor David Ige's Representative - No representative was present; no report was given. Chair Figliuzzi requested Board permission to consult with the Governor's Office to acquire a representative for the Board. No objections were voiced.

PRESENTATIONS
Ala Wai Canal Dredging and Improvements - Carty Chang, Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Chief Engineer, circulated handouts and reported the following: Dredging Project - Construction for the Ala Wai Canal dredging project is expected to begin in the next few months. The last dredging was performed in 2003. The area of operations was outlined. Dredging depth will range from six (6) to 12 feet and the estimated volume of dredging is 186,000 cubic yards. Waste will be disposed of in the ocean. Hours of operations were outlined including night hours to shorten total project duration. Dredging the Canal minimizes flood risks. Information will be available online.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Vegetation - Welch inquired if vegetation will be removed with the project. Chang responded that only sediment within the canal will be removed and the stream-bank vegetation is not included in the project.
2. Night Dredging - An unidentified individual inquired if night work was performed with the last dredging and voiced concerns regarding its effect on residents. Chang responded that night dredging was performed in the past.
3. McCully Bridge - Linda Wong inquired if a bridge over the Canal at McCully Street is being built. Chang responded that a bridge is not being constructed with this project.
4. Wall Reconstruction - Matson inquired about the standards for wall reconstruction. Chang responded that the wall will have the appearance of a rock wall but will be structurally stronger.
5. Sediment Removal - Chair Figliuzzi inquired about the sediment removal and disposal. Chang responded that sediment will be deposited in the ocean and has been tested and deemed safe for the ocean.

Kaimana Beach Shower and Foot Bath Improvements and South Shore Ocean Water Testing and Quality - Chair Figliuzzi reported that the Surfrider Foundation was contacted and a response was recieved. Linda Wong reported that the Surfrider Foundation tests water quality to assist the City's Clean Water Taskforce. Linda Wong circulated a report from the Surfrider Foundation and reported that water testing information is available online. Linda Wong provided information outlining beaches where water quality raised concerns. Linda Wong advocated for installing new showers at Kaimana Beach Park.

PRIORITY COMMUNITY ISSUES
Ala Wai Canal and Golf Course - Welch reported meeting with Director Kroning of the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The City is pushing forward for the Mayor to sign an agreement with the State regarding the Ala Wai Canal. Welch reported that multiple Boards passed resolutions requesting a halt to the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project. Welch reported that concerns have been voiced regarding plans to install a TopGolf driving range at the Ala Wai Golf Course. McNamara, TopGolf, reported that TopGolf is progressing slowly and deliberately with the project. An agreement has not been made with the City yet. TopGolf has partnered with local companies for the project. Information is available online at www.topgolf.com/hawaii.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Park Dedication Requirement - Matson inquired if any increment of a park dedication fee is being used for the TopGolf project. McNamara responded that he is unsure.

Matson moved and an unidentified Board member seconded the Motion to reestablish the Ala Wai Canal and Golf Course Permitted Interaction Group (PIG).

Discussion followed:
1. Importance - Matson outlined the importance of the PIG and advocated for reestablishing it.
2. Separate Issues - Linda Wong recommended separating the issues into two (2) separate PIGs. Matson voiced disagreement.
3. Deferment - Chair Figliuzzi recommended deferring the item to the next month meeting.

Hearing no objections the item was deferred by unanimous consent.

Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise Impacts - Matson reported multiple helicopter crashes within the last six (6) months. Matson recommended using the FlightRadar24 app to track helicopter flights and stated that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require helicopters to fly 1500 feet or higher over land and 1500 feet away from people or property. The community has advocated for stronger regulations and enforcement. Congressman Ed Case is working to introduce legislation for stronger regulations and enforcement.

Matson moved and West seconded the Motion to reestablish the Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise PIG. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Neighborhood Monster Houses and Vacation Rentals - Matson reported that there is not an immediate need to form a PIG as legislation has been passed to address the issue and the situation is currently being monitored.

Hearing no objections the item was deferred by unanimous consent.

RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Ala Wai Flood Control Project - No further reports.

Tour Helicopter Noises - No further reports.

Sub-District 2 Vacancy - Linda Wong recommended that interested residents run to fill the Board vacancy and recommended that the Board take a new Board picture at the next meeting. Matson recommended placing filling of the vacancy at the start of the next agenda.

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

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - No representative was present; no report was given.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters reported the following:
• Helicopters - Councilmember Waters voiced concerns regarding helicopters flying over residences and reported drafting a resolution urging the FAA and Congress to take action.
• Neighborhood Boards - Councilmember Waters commended the Neighborhood Boards and recommended that Boards take positions on issues.
• Bulky Item Pickup - Concerns have been voiced regarding the bulky item pickup pilot program.
• Ala Moana Beach Park - A resolution was introduced asking the Mayor to conduct a third Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Ala Moana Beach Park.
• Pickleball - Community members have advocated for restriping some tennis courts to make more pickleball courts.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Kaimana Beach Showers - Linda Wong recommended relocating the showers to the foot bath area and raising them to improve water drainage. Councilmember Waters voiced agreement.
2. Kapahulu/Kalakaua Sidewalk - Chair Figliuzzi inquired about the sidewalk at the Kapahulu/Kalakaua intersection. Councilmember Waters responded that the contractor for the area is progressing slowly.
3. Department of Transportation (DOT) Letter - Matson expressed gratitude for Councilmember Waters' letter to the DOT regarding aircraft regulations. Councilmember Waters responded that he has not received a response.
4. Corporation Counsel (CORP) - An unidentified individual inquired about the CORP's effectiveness and means to improve their effectiveness.

Senator Stanley Chang - A representative reported the following:
• Flight Restrictions - A request was submitted to the FAA but no response was received.
• Height Limits - Senator Chang has stated that he will only entertain the idea of increasing building height limits if certain conditions are met.
• Helicopter Noise Reporting - Helicopter noise concerns can be voiced online.
• Homeless - Concerns have been voiced regarding homeless encampments at Diamond Head Beach Park.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. - Senator Ihara reported the following:
• Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project - Information regarding the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project was provided.
• Tour Helicopters - Senator Schatz is working with the FAA to address tour helicopter issues.

Representative Bert Kobayashi - No representative was present; no report was given.

Representative Scott Nishimoto - Megan Kira, Representative Nishimoto's office, circulated a handout.

House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say - A representative reported the following: Pickleball - Information regarding pickleball was provided.

PUBLIC EVENTS AND NOTICES
No reports

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDENCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
No reports

BOARD BUSINESS
Standing Committees - No reports

Approval/Corrections of Minutes from Previous Term

Hearing no objections the item was deferred by unanimous consent.

SUBDISTRICT REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - No report.

Subdistrict 1 - The next St. Louis Heights Community Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019.

Appointment of Subdistrict representatives was deferred to the next meeting by unanimous consent.

NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING - The next regular Board meeting will be at Ala Wai Club House on Thursday, August 8, 2019.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by - Jackson Coley, Public Relations
Reviewed by - Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant
Final Review by - Richard Figliuzzi, Board Chair

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