Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2019 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting October 2019 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/20/2019.

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

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

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. A quorum was established with six (6) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present -Brian Kang, Marilyn Moniz, Sharon Schneider, Paul Hoe, Molly Pierce, Kehau Watson, Lori Yamada (Arrived at 6:32 p.m.), Becky Gardner (Arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Rich Thompson (Appointed at the meeting), and Eric McCutcheon (Appointed at the meeting).

Board Members Absent - None.

Guests - Director Mark Wong, Department of Information and Technology; Captain Hu (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Senator Les Ihara; Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Chang's Office); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Representative Calvin Say; Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Jamie Dela Cruz (Kaimuki High School); Jesus Arriola (Palolo Neighborhood Board No 6); Jason Gasilos (Grace Pacific); David Dinell (Trees for Honolulu); Eric McCutcheon, Dave Watase, Franklin Chung, Rich Thompson, Christina Pagano, Nicole Brodie, and Julia Allen (Residents); Chris Naylon (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or on the guest attendance sheet.

Yamada entered the meeting at 6:32 p.m.; seven (7) members present.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Hu was present; the following report we given:
• September 2019 Statistics - There were four (4) activated alarms, 76 medical emergencies, six (6) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, four (4) mountain rescues, and one (1) hazardous materials incident.
• Safety Tip: Halloween Safety: When selecting a costume, stay away from long, trailing fabric, as it may be a trip hazard or attach to an object and cause a fall. If you create your own costume, select materials that will not be easily ignited if it comes into contact with heat or flame. If your child is wearing a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out. Provide children with flashlights for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. The HFD discourages the use of candles.

Gardner entered the meeting at 6:33 p.m.; eight (8) members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - No representatives were present; no report was given.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (BWS) circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There was one (1) main break at 4156 Ulupua Place on Thursday, September 26, 2019.
• Imagine a Day without Water: Wednesday, October 23, 2019: The Board of Water Supply (BWS), City and County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services (ENV), Facility Maintenance (DFM) and Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR) are working together to encourage Oahu residents to Imagine A Day Without Water on Wednesday, October 23, 2019. This one-day national observance aims to educate people about the importance of water in their lives and to raise awareness about the need to invest in water infrastructure. Join us on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Tamarind Park or Kapolei Hale. Visitors will play games, win prizes, and receive educational handouts. Participants can also enter our social media photo contest by posting a picture that illustrates a Day Without Water. The grand prize winner will select either a 35 or 55-gallon rain barrel or an unthirsty plant with a bag of Granulite Brand fertilizer and an eco-friendly basil planter. For more information about the event and photo contest, please visit the BWS' website at www.boardofwatersupply.com/oahuwater or pick up a flyer before you leave this evening.
• Board of Water Supply Facilities Tour Program: The Board of Water Supply (BWS) offers public education programs to help the community understand and learn about our water resources. One (1) of our outreach programs include "group tours" of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden (60 persons maximum) and Waihe'e Tunnel (30 persons maximum). The Halawa Xeriscape Garden is located in Halawa Valley's Central Park Industrial Area and promotes outdoor water conservation. The Waihe'e Tunnel Tour will awaken your senses with a walk inside the 1,500-foot dike tunnel that provides water to Windward Oahu. Theses tours are scheduled to start on Sunday, December 15,2019 and are available by appointment only. Please register by calling 808-748-5041 or email tours@hbws.org. Provided tonight is a handout containing information about the BWS Facilities Tour Program.

Questions and comments followed: Use of Chemicals: Gardner asked if dangerous herbicides and pesticides are being utilized by BWS and noted that Hawai'i County is attempting to ban these dangerous chemicals. Heller will report back.

FILLING OF VACANCY: Chair Schneider asked if there were any nominations to fill the vacancies in Sub District One (1) and Sub District Two (2).

• Sub District One (1): Rich Thompson introduced himself to the community. Yamada asked and Thompson noted his opposition to monster homes.

Watson NOMINATED Thompson and Kang SECONDED. Hearing no objections, Thompson was elected to Fill the Vacancy in Sub District One (1) by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (8-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Watson, Yamada, and Gardner; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

• Sub District Two (2): Eric McCutcheon introduced himself to the community. Yamada asked and McCutcheon noted his desire to assist in attempting to improve the community. A resident asked and McCutcheon noted that he worked in the Department of Education (DOE).

Yamada NOMINATED McCutcheon and Ho SECONDED. Hearing no objections, McCutcheon was elected to Fill the Vacancy in Sub District Two (2) by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (8-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Watson, Yamada, and Gardner; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Chair Schneider called for a recess at 6:46 p.m.
Johnson and McCutcheon were sworn in at 6:48 p.m.; Naylon administered the Oath of Office.
Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:49 p.m.
Johnson and McCutcheon joined the meeting at 6:50 p.m.; 10 members present.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT

• Ala Moana Improvement Project: Frye detailed the 140 million dollar planned project and noted his opposition to it. Frye noted that there will be a Malama Moana rally on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Picnic Area #9 to oppose the lack of adequate public review for the proposed project. Hoshiko asked and Frye noted that the event will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.

• Ala Wai Canal Project: Watase stated his opposition to the Ala Wai Canal Project and noted his fight against the utilization of retention walls along the Ala Wai Canal. Watase noted that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has stated that they will make changes to their plans. Watase noted the lack of transparency and public input through during the project. There will be an Ala Wai Canal Project Forum at the Ala Wai Golf Course Club House from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. Watase noted that he is currently in the process of halting the project until alternatives can be heard.
• Grace Pacific: Wilhelmina Rise: Gasilos disseminated a handout to the community; gave the following report:
Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14c: Please be advised of road work in the Maunalani Heights area. There will be major lane closures for cold planning, resurfacing, and reconstruction of failed asphalt concrete pavement, along with minor roaming lane closures for manhole utility work and reconstruction of concrete curbs and gutters, weather permitting. The closures will be from Friday, October 18, 2019 until Friday, October 22, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The roads will be closed to through traffic; The Bus and local traffic will be allotted. Waialae bound traffic will be detoured towards Sierra Drive, through Lurline Drive and Maripose Drive. Please observe the times posted for roadwork due to on-street parking being prohibited during work hours. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed, if necessary, at the owner's expense. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution through the construction area, and to observe and obey all posted traffic signs and personnel. Warning! New asphalt is EXTREMELY HOT! There is absolutely no crossing while the roadway is being repaved. For your safety, please stay off the pavement until the road crew is out of the area.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Community Outreach: Watson asked and Gasilos noted that they gave a community presentation after the project had started in August 2019. Watson asked and Gasilos stated that they have been using handouts within the community to inform them of their work. Gasilos noted that they were not using email or social media. Gasilos noted that they have been spreading awareness street by street. Watson asked and Gasilos noted that there were no direct contact between their team and the community. Gasilos noted that there were able to reach out to security watch individuals and Elected Officials. Watson asked whom the project manager was.
2. Mikahala Place: Gardner asked about the repaving of Mikahala Place and Gasilos noted that this region is not within their project. Gardner noted that the disrepair of the roadway has caused community concern. Gasilos noted that Grace Pacific largely only work on asphalt roads.
3. Sierra Drive: A resident noted that Sierra Drive is still in bad condition and asked who chose to stop the project before Sierra Drive. Chair Schneider noted that this was a BWS project before it was handed over to the City and County of Honolulu.

• Trees for Honolulu's Future: Daniel Dinell was present; the following report was given:
o Project Update: Dinell reported that the City Council has allocated an additional half a million dollars to the Trees for Honolulu's Future project. The next phase of their project will focus on planting trees within a targeted district. Dinell asked if they could receive a resolution of support at the Wednesday, November 16, 2019 meeting.

Questions and comments followed: Tree Selection: A resident asked and Dinell noted that the City and County of Honolulu would pick a palette of trees that residents would be able to choose from. Dinell noted that the City and County of Honolulu is selecting non-destructive trees for which they will pay. A resident asked and Dinell noted that the trees would be planted on City and County of Honolulu lands. Watson asked and Dinell noted that there is a City Ordinance to support the use of Native Hawaiian trees but they are not required. Dinell noted an attempt to pick trees that are appropriate for the region. Watson noted that need to have more Native Hawaiian or historically relevant trees. A resident noted their opposition to the use of mahogany trees due to their destructive nature.

• Obstruction of Sidewalks: A resident noted that their neighbor is placing pots on the sidewalk that create a safety hazard for the community. Chair Schneider noted that the City and County of Honolulu may be unable to assist and asked that the resident speak with Councilmember Waters in regards to the concern.

PRESENTATIONS
Tree Root Mitigation Research: Dr. Andrew Kaufman, Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, University of Hawai'i at Manoa gave the following report:
• Project Update: Dr. Kaufman noted that this was the first comprehensive tree root mitigation study within Hawai'i. The project tested multiple ways to mitigate the potential damage of infrastructure caused by expanding root systems. The study found that through proper planning, design, and management, urban trees can: mitigate many environmental impacts on urban development, reduce energy use, improve air quality, and lower rainfall runoff and flooding.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Chemical Use: A resident asked and Dr. Kaufman stated that they did not use any root barriers laden with chemicals.
2. Project Funding: A resident asked and Dr. Kaufman noted that their original grant was received through work done by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Urban Forestry. Watson asked and Dr. Kaufman noted that their original funding came from the Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT) but has since lapsed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
I. Cybersecurity Summit: Kaimuki Business & Professional Association and Kapiolani Community College will be hosting Cybersecurity experts at their monthly meeting to be held Friday, October 18, 2019 at Epiphany Church, 1041 10th Ave, Honolulu, 11:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m.
II. RAIL! NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE: On Monday, October 28, 2019. Honolulu Authority for Rail Transportation will be presenting an update of the Rail project by Bill Brennan and would welcome input from the community. It will be at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m.
III. Sacred Hearts Academy: There will be a Sacred Hearts Academy fundraiser that begins on Friday, November 8, 2019 and will end during the weekend on Saturday, November 16, 2019.Watson noted that the funds raised on the first evening will be for Sacred Hearts Academy.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, was present; he gave the following report:
• Real ID (Gold Star ID): Director Wong noted that the City and County of Honolulu is asking that the community get their Real ID (Gold Star ID) by October 2020 and stated that the community does not need to panic about renewing their immediately. Director Wong noted that residents can still travel with a passport if they do not own a Real ID (Gold Star ID). Watson noted that residents may still use their Global Travel Cards as well.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Sierra Drive: A resident asked why Upper Sierra Drive is not being fixed and Director Wong noted that there is a multi-year plan to fix the region's roads. Director Wong noted that different contractors would need to be able to complete their jobs at separate plans due to funding. Watson asked that the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) attend their meetings. Watson noted that the region was part of a BWS project that fell through due to contracts and stated that the region will go out to bid in early 2020. Watson asked that community engagement personnel give updates on the project. Councilmember Waters noted his attempts to disseminate information on the project to the community and his attempts to get contractors to attend the meeting. Watson stated that receiving any information for the community would be helpful. Representative Say noted that Grace Pacific is present to speak about their region roadwork. Director Wong noted that these projects go through stringent budgeting process that can affect many projects.
2. Wilhelmina Rise: A resident noted that a section of Wilhelmina Rise needs to be fixed due to the concrete pad lifting and moving.
3. Municipal Lot #2: Chair Schneider requested information on Kaimuki Municipal Lot #2 from the DDC.
4. Mikahala Way: Gardner asked about Mikahala Way not being repaved.
5. Use of Chemicals: Gardner asked if herbicides and pesticides are being used within the City and County of Honolulu. Director Wong noted that Round Up is not used and Gardner stated that she wants to know if the City and County of Honolulu is using any similar chemicals as well.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters circulated a handout; reported the following:
• Mikahala Way and Iwi Way: Councilmember Waters noted that Mikahala Way and Iwi Way are currently going through the bidding process for contractors and stated that he will follow up on the bidding and permitting process. Councilmember Waters noted the poor state of the roadway. Watson stated that a contested bid process would take a longer period of time and Councilmember Waters agreed that a contested bid would take longer.
• Bill 53: Councilmember Waters introduced Bill 53 which would amend the City Traffic Code to address noise caused by the operation of mopeds and motorcycles. The Bill passed first reading on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 and has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
• Resolution 19-239: Councilmember Waters introduced Resolution 19-239 which urges the Hawai'i State Legislature to restrict the issuance and renewal of cabaret licenses within Waikiki to establishments within hotels after 2:00 a.m. The resolution has been referred to the Public Safety and Welfare Committee.
• Resolution 19-243: Councilmember Waters introduced Resolution 19-243 which addresses the concern outlined in several reports by the State Office of Planning that between 85% and 90% of Hawai'i's food is imported. The resolution has been referred to the Public Safety and Welfare committee.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Wilhelmina Rise: A resident noted that the 1600 block of Wilhelmina Rise is raised and noted that the City and County of Honolulu's work on-site has been ineffective.
2. Bill 53: A resident noted that motorcycles are also a noise concern within the community and stated that HPD cannot regulate these concerns due to a lack of proper equipment. Councilmember Waters will report back. A resident noted that loud motorcycles are a safety mechanism for the riders.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi's representative, James Larson, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Resolution 19-181: Councilmember Fukunaga introduced Resolution 19-181, which requests that the state reevaluates the Blaisdell redevelopment plan to better maximize the potential value of the Hawai'i people.
• Ala Wai Flood Mitigation: Councilmember Fukunaga and Councilmember Waters facilitated a public meeting for the ongoing Ala Wai Flood Mitigation project. The City Council's Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) worked with OceanIT to hear community concerns and provide answers. Please visit http://www.honolulu.gov/council or http://www.honolulucitycouncil.com/ for more information about upcoming events.
• Neighborhood Security Watch Preparedness: A Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) in your area is a great pro-active method to increase our collective safety and an effective tool to improve HPD's ability to assist the community. Please feel free to contact their office or HPD District One (1) at 723-3927. Or visit http://www.honolulupd.org/downloads/NSW_2016.pdf.
• AlohaQ: Larson noted that AlohaQ is a good way to create an appointment for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Satellite City Halls.
• Contact Information: Please contact Larson at 768-5059 or by email at jlarson1@honolulu.gov.

Questions and comments followed: AlohaQ: A resident asked and Larson stated that the website is https://alohaq.honolulu.gov/?0 to make an appointment.

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

State Senator Stanley Chang - Senator Chang's representative, Lynn Robinson-Onderiko, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Aloha Homes: Robinson-Onderiko reported that the Conference on Aloha Homes will be held at the Hawai'i Carpenters Union Training Center in Kapolei on Wednesday, November 6, 2019. Hawai'i News Now will live stream the event.

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

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say was present; the following report was given:
• Drones: Representative Say asked the community to be aware of drones spying on the community.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations: Representative Say stated that the community cannot wait for the FAA to properly regulate the airways.

Questions and comments followed: Drones: A resident asked and Representative Say noted that it is private drone users spying on their homes. Representative Say noted his concerns about the lack of jurisdiction or regulations over these drones. Thompson noted that there are licensing and regulatory systems in place for drones.

Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider returned to Agenda Topic: State Senator Les Ihara.

State Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara was present; the following report was given:
• Special Session: The Senate will go into special session in mid-November 2019 to approve of judges.

Questions and comments followed: Ala Wai Canal Project: Watase asked if the Legislature needs to fund the Ala Wai Canal Project and Senator Ihara noted that they did not have to approve Certificates of Participation in previous cases. Senator Ihara noted that the Executive Budget would allow them to remove a line item to fund the Certificate of Participation. A resident asked if the Legislature will approve Governor Ige's Certificate of Participation. Senator Ihara noted that the Senate approved the Certificate of Participation while the House of Representative is attempting to make changes. Senator Ihara noted a Federal push to approve these meetings in hopes of getting future funding. Senator Ihara noted that all sides need to take this project as a learning example for future projects.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi was not present; no report was given.

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

Moniz exited the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

BOARD BUSINESS
Support for the letters to the Governor and Mayor to not accept the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the Ala Wai Watershed Project as is, submitted by Mr. David Watase: Watase introduced his letter to the community and noted his concerns with the lack of community input. Watase noted that Ala Wai Canal would to be able to handle storm surges and stated that a canal pumping station would do a better job than USACE plans. Watase noted that other Neighborhood Boards have passed this same letter.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Mayoral Approval: Watson asked and Watase noted that Mayor Caldwell has not signed an agreement.
2. Senate Approval: Senator Ihara noted that the Senate had declined to sign this letter.
3. EIS Process: Watson noted an inability to find the proper EIS process being followed and Watase stated that this was the root of their lawsuit.

Watson MOVED and Gardner SECONDED the SUPPORT of the letter to the Governor and Mayor to not accept the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the Ala Wai Watershed Project. The MOTION FAILED to get QUORUM VOTE by ROLL CALL VOTE, (3-2-4). (Aye: McCutcheon, Gardner, Watson; Nay: Kang and Pierce; Abstain: Thompson, Schneider, Yamada, Hoe.)

Approval of Wednesday, September 18, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Yamada MOVED and Moniz SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the September 2019 minutes as AMENDED. The MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Thompson, Nagai, Schneider, Pierce, McCutcheon, Ho, Yamada, Watson, and Gardner; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Amendments are as follow:
1. On Page one (1), under Call To Order, it should read, "Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m."
2. On Page four (4), under Elizabeth Street and Keanu Street, it should read," The Customer Services Department (CSD) reported that due to a prior complaint, the inspector had already begun to investigate the subject vehicle."
3. On Page five (5), under Bill 25, it should read," Pierce noted that there are three (3) potential alternatives within the bill and stated that gas water heaters still need an electric spark to work."

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - Kang reported an expenditure in October 2019 of $27.28; a remaining balance of $342.57.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at 6:30 pm at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall.
B. There will be a Liquor Commission public hearing held on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. on the sixth floor of Pacific Park Plaza, 711 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813. The hearing is for Brick Fire Tavern Kaimuki LLC, 3447 Waialae Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Submitted by: Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant.
Reviewed By: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant

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