Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting November 2020 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting November 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 1/15/2020.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2019
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. A quorum was established with eight (8) 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, Lori Yamada, Becky Gardner, Eric McCutcheon, Rich Thompson (Arrived at 6:36 p.m.), and Nanea Lo (Appointed at the meeting).

Board Members Absent - Kehau Watson.

Guests - Director Mark Wong, Department of Information and Technology; Deputy Director Cathy Betts, (Department of Human Services); Bryan Kimura (Hawai'i Department of Transportation); Lieutenant C. Lowell (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Yost (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Davin Aoyagi (Councilmember Tommy Waters' Representative); Senator Les Ihara; Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Chang's Office); Senator Les Ihara, Representative Calvin Say; Jesus Arriola (Palolo Neighborhood Board # 6); Franklin Chung (Libertarian Party of Hawai'i); Kathleen Krieger, Dave Watase, Andy Lee, Jackson Sayama, Jay Ishibashi, Julia Allen, and Reyn Kaupiko (Residents); Chris Naylon (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or on the guest attendance sheet.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Yost was present; the following report we given:
• October 2019 Statistics - There were five (5) activated alarms, 86 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, five (5) mountain rescues, and three (3) hazardous materials incidents.
• Safety Tip: Cooking Safety: Thanksgiving Day is the peak day for home cooking fires followed by Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Eve. In 2016, US fire departments responded to an estimated 2,570 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths. Cooking equipment was involved in almost half of the reported home fires and injuries. Unattended cooking fires are the second leading cause of fire deaths. Since Thanksgiving dinner is the highlight of this holiday, fire safety in the kitchen is a big concern.
• Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips:
o Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Do not leave the stove unattended.
o Set a timer as a reminder to check on the food being cooked.
o The HFD discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers which can lead to devastating burns, destruction of property, and other injuries.
o Keep children and pets at least three (3) feet away from the cooking area.
o If there is any doubt about extinguishing a small fire, get out the house and call 911. Close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

Thompson arrived at 6:36 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Lowell was present; the following report was given:
• October 2019 Statistics: There were 12 motor vehicle thefts, 12 burglaries, 43 thefts, and 31 Unauthorized Entrances into Motor Vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,170 calls for service.
• Holiday Safety: HPD disseminated information for holiday safety. Please visit their website for more information. http://www.honolulupd.org/news/index.php?page=main&story=2433.

Questions and comments followed: Thefts: Chair Schneider asked if thieves are following delivery trucks and Lieutenant Lowell noted that it is an issue nationwide. Lieutenant Lowell noted that security systems or having your neighbors receive your packages may assist with the concern. Chair Schneider asked and Lieutenant Lowell noted that these thefts do occur during the holiday season.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (BWS) circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There was one (1) main break at 902 20th Avenue on Monday, October 14, 2019.
• General Water Announcements: Meter Reading Equipment Replacement Project: Starting this January 2020, BWS will be replacing parts of its automated meter reading equipment in water meter boxes across Oahu. The BWS has been gradually replacing them over the last two (2) years and has contracted Royal Contractors to assist to accelerate the project. Work will be done seven (7) days a week, from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., except on state highways where work is allowed only from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Water service will not be disturbed. Please note we are not replacing the meters, only a part in the meter box. The BWS will post project information at www.boardofwatersupply.com, as well as on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor; for customers to check on work in their area. No customer will be asked for any type of payment by any BWS employee or contractor for this project. If any customer should be asked for any type of payment by any BWS employee or contractor for this project, spot any suspicious activity, or have questions about the project, they can contact BWS via: 748-6500 from 7:45 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. including weekends or by email at contactus@hbws.org from 7:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Questions and comments followed:
1. BWS Water Report: Watase noted the BWS report and asked that that the community reads it. Watase noted the importance of attending the BWS Red Hill Fuel Storage meeting. Watase asked and Heller noted that the information for the meeting and report are on their website. Watase noted that the last day for public commenting will be on Monday, December 9, 2019.
2. Water Meter: Yamada asked why her water meter is leaking and Heller will report back.

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

• Sub District One (1): Nanea Lo introduced herself to the community. Yamada asked and Lo noted that she wants to increase her civil engagement in her community. Lo noted her interest in urban forestry.

Gardner NOMINATED Lo and Kang SECONDED. Hearing no objections, Lo was elected to Fill the Vacancy in Sub District One (1) by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Yamada, Gardner, McCutcheon, Thompson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Chair Schneider called for a recess at 6:49 p.m.
Lo was sworn in at 6:52 p.m.; Naylon administered the Oath of Office.
Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:53 p.m.
Lo joined the meeting at 6:53 p.m.; 10 members present.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT

• Hawai'i Department of Transportation (HDOT): Kimura reported HDOT's guard rail improvement project will be completed by the end of 2019. Kimura noted that the Koko Head Avenue section will begin in March 2020 or April 2020. There will be lane closures on Sunday night through Friday morning from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. The contractor is required to keep two lanes open throughout the project in one (1) direction.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Koko Head Avenue: Kang asked for an update on the Koko Head Avenue control systems project and HDOT noted that the project is not yet completed. HDOT noted that their work has been delayed due to there being environmental concerns at their other project sites. Yamada asked and HDOT noted that they are still receiving public comments on the project.
2. Kapiolani Community College: Chair Schneider asked and HDOT noted that the KCC sign installation is a different project.

• Illegal Rentals: Krater noted her concerns about illegal rentals and stated an increase of transient people on her shared property. She asked the Board what support she may receive other than a Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspection. Krater noted that these transient people greatly affect her peace of mind. Chair Schneider asked that the resident speak with Councilmember Tommy Waters and stated that he may be able to assist.

• Ala Wai Canal Project: Watase gave an update to the community about the Ala Wai Canal Project and thanked the Board for passing a resolution opposing the project. Watase noted the efforts of the non-profit organization Protect Our Ala Wai Watershed and detailed their lawsuit against the project. Watase noted that a judge has recently ruled in favor of Protect Our Ala Wai Watershed. Watase noted that Mayor Caldwell returned the project's Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to Governor Ige with revisions that need to be addressed. Watase noted that this process may change the proposed project plans. Watase asked that the community look for more information about the project online.

PRESENTATIONS
Update on O`ahu Resilience Strategy and Adaptation to the Impacts of Climate Change on O ahu, Joshua Stanbro, Chief Resilience Officer & Executive Director, Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR); https://www.resilientoahu.org/: Director Joshua Stanbro was present; the following presentation was given:
• Update: Director Stanbro detailed the CCSR's charter to the community and noted their efforts to spread their message to the commumity. Director Stanbro noted that they had received enough public input from the commmunty through their visits to the Neighborhood Board that their computers crashed. Director Stanbro noted their concerns with the extreme weather incidents and stated their efforts to find solutions for them. Director Stanbro noted that social cohesion in communities assists with resiliency against natural disasters. He stated that it helps the commuinity bounce back faster than money alone. CCSR will be returning to the Neighborhood Boards to disseminate their sustainability report and future plans to the community.
• Contact Information: Director Stanbro asked that the community visit https://www.resilientoahu.org/ for more information.

Questions and comments followed: Cost of Living: A resident noted that climate change cannot be combined with the cost of living and noted that these are opposing thoughts. Director Stanbro noted that there is price parity for purchasing electric vehicles and stated that electric vehicles are cheaper to drive long term. Director Stanbro noted that electric vehicles have become cheaper over time.

Update on the Ala Wai Watershed Flood Risk Management System, Project Manager Jeff Herzog, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): Jeff Herzog was present; the following presentation was given:
• Update: Herzog noted that USACE has been changing their designs slowly and noted that they were not going to follow the initial plans from the feasibility project. Herzog noted that USACE is now completing a more in depth study of the region. Herzog noted that Manoa will have floods in the region regardless of bridge improvement due to the region's elevation. Herzog noted that these regional valleys all exit through the McCully and Moiliili region.
• Community Input: Herzog asked that the community look into the information online and noted that importance of community input. Herzog noted that their plans would be dictated by data and community input; stated that their plans would be designed to deter the risk of flooding. Please visit https://www.poh.usace.army.mil/Contact/ to raise any community concerns about the project. Herzog noted that the community can request to be added to their mailing list.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Social Media: Gardner asked if they use social media and Herzog noted that they would need a common platform to contact the community.
2. Community Input: Thomson asked how much longer the community may levy their input and Herzog noted that there is no deadline for community input yet. Herzog noted their efforts to determine what is technically feasible before having community meetings. Watase noted the slow process for changing the project plans. Watase asked and Herzog noted that any deadlines or losses of funding would not be determined by his office. Herzog noted that a loss of funding would be out of his control. Herzog noted that the State and City and County of Honolulu have deadlines for the project. Watase noted that the project can proceed up to awarding contracts and stated that the funding comes from the 2015-2017 funding period. Watase noted that there are 58 projects that have been approved from the funding period and asked if they all have power purchase agreement (PPA) signed. Herzog noted that he is unsure how many of these projects are in a similar circumstance as Hawai'i. Senator Ihara noted his desire to recreate trust between the community and USACE. Senator Ihara noted his opposition to USACE increasing the amount of mistrust and fear in the community. Herzog noted their encouragement from the models to protect the community while building trust.
3. Funding: A resident asked about the possible loss of funding as the project continues. Herzog noted that USACE is still updating their models for the project and stated that the funds do not have an expiration. Watase noted that the project has used reports that have a project loss of more than a million dollars and Herzog noted that these numbers were based off previous reports. Herzog stated that they will be reevaluating these numbers and noted that new models will have data for resident safety during emergencies.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 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 application for a liquor license.
B. Shop Local! Keep-It-Kaimuki Small Business Saturday event is on November 30, 2019 with festivities and discounts at participating merchants from 10:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m.
C. Reminder: The 73rd annual Kaimuki Business & Professionals Association Christmas Parade will be on Thursday, December 5, 2019 starting at 6:00 p.m. Two (2) lanes will be closed. Plan accordingly.
D. EnVision Kaimuki is presenting the "The Reintroduction of the `Alal (Hawaiian Crow) on Hawaii Island and the Resurgence of the Manu-o-K , our urban sea bird, the White Tern, the second of their Lecture Series, at Da Shop: Books and Curiosities, Sunday, December 8, 2019, 1:00 pm until 3:00 p.m. Flyers are on the table.
E. Reminder: the Honolulu Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 5:00 a.m. There is some information on the table about the route or you can go to https://www.honolulumarathon.org/ for more information.
F. The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be recessing their regular meeting in December 2019. The next Regular Board Meeting will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
G. Public Hearing Notice: There will be a public hearing on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 for the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) in regards to the Special Management Area Use Permit needed for the improvements to the Ala Moana and Magic Island Regional Park. For more information, please contact 768-8032.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, was present; he gave the following report:
• Monster Homes: Director Wong noted that residents can report monster homes on the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) by email at info@honoluludpp.prg or their website http://www.honoluludpp.org/OnlineServices/OnlineCustomerService.aspx.
• Sierra Drive: The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) stated that there is no 1600 block of Sierra Drive however there is a 1600 block of Wilhelmina Rise, which is a concrete road. A project was a recently completed in August 2019 to stabilize rocking concrete panels within the 1600 block of Wilhelmina Rise. The upper portion of Sierra Drive and Maunalani Circle was programmed to be resurfaced with the BWS project performing water system improvements on those roads. However, negotiations with the contractor to perform the work were unsuccessful. Therefore, the upper portion of Sierra Drive and Maunalani Circle will be repackaged into a new project and is estimated to advertise for bids in the first quarter of 2020.
• Municipal Lot #2: The DDC reported that the City has awarded a construction contract to reconstruct the parking lot. The contractor is presently making shop drawing submittals and obtaining the necessary permits. Construction will be scheduled after these tasks are completed.
• Mikahala Way: The DDC reported that Mikahala Way is a concrete road and is included in the project, Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 65B. Solicitation for construction bids recently concluded. The construction start is now pending execution of the construction contract and the Contractor obtaining the required permits.
• Herbicides Use: The Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) reported that road maintenance crews use only Round Up Custom to control weed growth as needed. Herbicide is not used to control the growth of grass in median or traffic island areas. The quantities used is much reduced from previous years due to strict adherence to label directions that require City personnel to prevent any human or animal entry into the spray zone until the herbicide has fully dried. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reported that their District One (1) park maintenance staff use Ranger Pro Herbicides.
• Elizabeth Street and Keanu Street: The HFD and Department of Environmental Services (ENV), Refuse Division surveyed the location for equipment accessibility and determined that there is sufficient roadway access to navigate the intersection of Keanu/Elizabeth Streets provided the existing parking restrictions within the intersection are enforced. As such, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will not install additional parking restriction signs near the intersection.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Davin Aoyagi was present; the following report was given:
• Bill 53: This bill would amend the City's Traffic Code to address noise caused by the operation of mopeds and motorcycles. Bill 53 is scheduled to be adopted by the full City Council on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.
• Resolution 19-242: This resolution addresses the concern outlined in several reports by the State Office of Planning that 85 to 90 percent of Hawai'i's food is imported. This urges the City Administration to create a food security administrator that would act as a point person to unite nonprofits, and businesses working to address issues in the City's food system, including food supply, production, transportation, and distribution. Resolution 19-242 was adopted by the full City Council on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.
• Resolution 19-243: In 2018, the Hawai'i State Legislature passed a law that preempts all local ordinances or regulations that regulate the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices, thereby nullifying and voiding all conflicting, addressing this epidemic impacting youth. This resolution would urge the State Legislature to over turn preemption. Resolution 19-243 was adopted by the full City Council on Wednesday, November 6, 2019.
• Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial: Aoyagi noted that the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial Environmental Impact Study (EIS) can be found on the Office of Environmental Quality Control's website (http://oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/).
• Wilhelmina Rise: HFD and ENV noted that parking restrictions are needed near Wilhelmina Rise due to the inability of EMS entering the region.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Bill 53: McCutcheon asked how Bill 53 has been amended for the need for decibel meters. Aoyagi noted that it is not a specific decibel level but by police discretion.
2. Resolution 19-243: A resident asked what the merit of giving the City and County of Honolulu regulatory power over tobacco. Aoyagi noted that the City has proceeded the State due to the different regulatory needs. Aoyagi noted that this would allow for the County to create better testing of control methods.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - There was no representative; her monthly report was disseminated.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Deputy Director Betts was present; the following report was given:
• Supplemental Budget: The State's Supplemental Budget will be delivered by Monday, December 16, 2019.
• Sex Trafficking Hotline: Deputy Director Betts noted that the Sex Trafficking Hotline has received nearly 200 calls since its inception. Deputy Director Betts asked that the community be wary of the sex trafficking concern growing within Hawai'i. Please call (888) 373-7888 to report any potential sex trafficking cases.

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 meeting about the Singapore model was successful on Wednesday, December 6, 2019. Robinson-Onderiko noted that it will be broadcasted on Olelo in smaller segments.

State Senator Les Ihara - Senator Ihara was present; the following report was given:
• Special Sessions: Senator Ihara noted that the Senate will have special sessions during November 2019 in order to confirm judges. Senator Ihara stated that the Senate will not reconvene until January 2020.
• Senate Details: Senator Ihara noted that the Senate takes 60 votes to pass budget items.
• Climate Change: Senator Ihara noted attempts to have a global message while being in the forefront of climate change resistance. Senator Ihara noted the need to have City and County of Honolulu employees contracted to work after states of emergency.
• Age Discrimination: Senator Ihara noted the introduction of bills to stop from age discrimination during employment.

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say was present; the following report was given:
• Regional Flooding: Representative Say noted concerns from the community about regional flooding.
• Legislative Ideas: Representative Say has asked that the community submit any legislative ideas to his office at repsay@capitol.hawaii.gov.
• Start of Legislative Session: Representative Say stated that the legislative session will start on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
• Waste Management: Representative Say noted issues with the lack of concerns about water management in Hawai'i. Representative Say noted the need to fund scientists in order to better study how Hawai'i disposes of waste.
• Work Force Development: Representative Say stated the need to improve work force development to find the most qualified workers in the community.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: No representative was present; no report was given.

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

BOARD BUSINESS
Request for New Neighborhood Board Banner: Hoe MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION for the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) to order a new Board sign to reflect the Board's change in meeting time. Hearing no objections, the MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Yamada, Gardner, McCutcheon, Thompson, and Lo; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Resolution of Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 In Support of the Trees of Kaimuki Initiative:
Moniz MOTIONED and Pierce SECONDED the BOARD RESOLUTION by Trees Kaimuki by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Yamada, Gardner, McCutcheon, Thompson, and Lo; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Resolution Of Malama Moana Asking The City To Consider Several Issues Of Community Concern With The Proposed Ala Moana Park Improvements: Malama Moana noted that they will disseminate a new Board Resolution and asked that the item be deferred until January 2020. Malama Moana noted that they will have a special meeting held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019.

Hearing no objections, the Agenda Item was deferred until January 2020.
Approval of Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Pierce MOVED and Hoe SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the October 2019 minutes as AMENDED. The MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Yamada, Gardner, McCutcheon, Thompson, and Lo; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Amendments are as follow: On Page two (2), under Sub District (2), it should read," Yamada NOMINATED McCutcheon and Hoe SECONDED."

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - Kang reported an expenditure in October 2019 of $36.60; a remaining balance of $305.97.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 6:30 pm at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall.

ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

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

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