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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting January 2020 Minutes
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020
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 -Brian Kang, Marilyn Moniz, Sharon Schneider, Paul Hoe, Molly Pierce, Lori Yamada, Becky Gardner, Eric McCutcheon, Kehau Watson.
Board Members Absent - Rich Thompson.
Guests -Deputy Amanda Stevens (Department of Human Services); Lieutenant Nakamura and Sergeant Scott (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter Brower (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Councilmember Tommy Waters; Senator Les Ihara; Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Chang's Office); Representative Calvin Say; Jason Gusilos (Grace Pacific); Stephen Pazenza (Na Wahine Racing); Connie Zapeda, Harvey Sasuya, M. Sasuya, Kyle Paredes, John Bucko, Hilarion Gascon, and Clint Nagamine (Pickle Ball); Kathleen Krieger, Dave Watase, Andy Lee, Jackson Sayama, Jay Ishibashi, Julia Allen, Mark Oldenberg, Nicole Guess, Margery Nelson, John Jacobson, Scott Choy, Pete Bernier, and Jay Ishibabashi (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) - Firefighter Brower was present; the following report we given:
• December 2019 Statistics - There was one (1) nuisance fire, seven (7) activated alarms, 96 medical emergencies, one (1) motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, three (3) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and three (3) mountain rescues.
• Safety Tip: Senior Fall Prevention: Exercising regularly will help build strength and improve balance and coordination. Take your time getting out of a chair, and be aware of your surroundings. Keep stairs and walking areas clear and well lit. Improve the lighting in and outside your home. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors to increase safety. Be aware of uneven surfaces, such as rugs and other trip hazards. Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes, and replace them as soon as they show signs of excessive wear.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Nakamura was present; the following report was given:
• December 2019 Statistics: There were five (5) motor vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries, 34 thefts, and 29 Unauthorized Entrances into Motor Vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,024 calls for service.
• Driving Safety: HPD disseminated information for driver safety in the rain.
Questions and comments followed: Thefts: Chair Schneider asked about the vandalism of businesses along Waialae Avenue and Lieutenant Nakamura noted that HPD has arrested home burglars recently
Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (BWS) circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There was one (1) main break at 642 8th Avenue, Honolulu on Thursday, December 12, 2019. There was one (1) main break at 3763 Noeau Street, Honolulu on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
• General Water Announcements: Meter Reading Equipment Replacement Project: The BWS has contracted Royal Contracting Company to replace meter transponder units in water meter boxes across Oahu. The BWS has been gradually replacing them and, when finished, this project will increase the efficiency of automated meter reading process: notifying area customers one (1) to two (2) weeks prior to the work; for meter boxes on private property, arranging with the customers in advance to access the box; at the meter box, exchanging the old device for a new one (1), about a 15 to 20 minutes per meter, perform quality assurance/quality control work to ensure transponders are operating correctly. 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. Information about this project will be posted on BWS's website and social media. No customer shall be asked for any type of payment by any BWS employee or contractor for this project. If customers spot suspicious activity or have questions about the project, they can contact BWS via phone at (808) 748-6500, between 7:45 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., or via email at contactus@hbws.org, between 7:45 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
FILLING OF VACANCY: There were no nominations at this time.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT
• Pickle Ball: A resident noted that three (3) million people played pickle ball in 2019 and stated that it is the fastest growing sport. The resident noted that it is easily learned by players of all ages and stated its health benefits for social aspects and physical activity. The resident noted that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has set up some courts within the region but stated that they need more courts. The resident stated that permanent courts could be a possibility and noted that four (4) pickle ball courts could fit in the space needed for a single tennis court. Gardner asked and the resident noted the history of pickle ball. A resident asked and the pickle ball representative noted that Hawai'i Pickle Ball Court is a 501c. Gardner noted that Maunawili Park could be used. A resident noted that the Hawai'i Pickle Ball Organization will have more information about pickle ball. A resident noted that Diamond Head Tennis Center has a permanent pickle ball court. A resident noted that it is a paddle tennis court. A resident asked and a representative noted that only a paddle is needed to learn. A resident noted that they do not have a place to play and asked how long the Petri Park facilities will be closed. The resident asked why the tennis courts were not closed as well. Zepeda noted that Petri Park was closed to safety concerns and noted the lengthy process of setting up and breaking down their courts. Zepeda noted that half of the tennis courts should also have pickle ball lines painted. Zepeda noted that four (4) pickle ball courts can fit in the area needed for the tennis court. Zepeda noted the community nature of pickle ball and asked that pickle ball courts are reopened at Petri Park. Watson asked if pickle ball lines would interfere with tennis courts and Zepeda noted that less people may be able to play tennis. Watson noted that the players could have alternating days. Zepeda noted that they could use tennis rules for courts and wait for court time. Pierce asked if the pickle ball lines would interfere with tennis courts and Zepeda noted that many courts are not properly painted or are ineffective. 10 community members noted their support for pickle ball. A resident noted that the conflict stems from tennis players being forced out by a large community and stated that having separate courts would be a good solution. A resident noted that Petri Park was closed for safety and stated that the tennis courts and pickle ball courts are in the same condition. A resident asked and the community noted that they do not have any liability forms for playing. A resident noted that they signed at liability form at Wailupe Community Park. Zepeda noted the community aspect of the game. Watson noted that a resolution would be helpful in better stating the needs and wants of the community. Chair Schneider noted that the Board would be able to support a resolution. A resident noted her love for pickle ball and asked that Petri Park is reopened for pickle ball access. A resident asked and Chair Schneider noted what their resolution should include. Watson noted that the resolution would then be voted upon by the Board. Lynn-Robinson noted that she could assist with the process.
Hoe exited the meeting at 7:06 p.m.; eight (8) members present.
• Ala Wai Canal Project: See handout. Chair Schneider asked and Watase noted that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) planned to remove 125 free parking stalls in order to install paid parking stalls. Watase noted that the community was able to stop this through public testimony.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade: A resident noted that there will be a Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade held on Monday, January 20, 2020. The resident noted that the parade will run between Ala Moana and Kapiolani Park.
• Illegal Rentals: A resident noted that Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspectors met with the owners of a property hosting illegal rentals. The resident stated that the property owners lied to the inspectors. The resident stated that she will continue to collect evidence.
Hoe returned to the meeting at 7:15 p.m.; nine (9) members present.
• Grace Pacific (GP): Gasilos noted that GP is currently working on Koko Head Avenue. Chair Schneider asked and Gasilos noted that the bus will be able to bypass the road. Gasilos noted that GP will accommodate access to the region with advance notice. Gasilos noted that the GP equipment is parked on Waialae Avenue. Yamada asked and Gasilos noted that these are the only roads that GP is contracted for. Hoe asked and Gasilos noted that GP only needs to complete three (3) more roads. A resident noted if they have been working with emergency vehicles and Gasilos noted that GP has been working with emergency services and the surrounding community. A resident asked and Gasilos noted that he was unsure who previously paved Paula Drive. Gasilos noted the issues with striping. A resident noted numerous utility lines being hit along Paula Drive and Gasilos noted that this occurred due to previous contracts not being completed. Gasilos stated delay due to rain and poor weather. A resident asked and Gasilos noted that the gas lines should have been concrete jacketed.
• Koko Head Avenue: Bernier noted the accidents occurring near Koko Head Avenue off-ramp and stated the need to fix the safety barriers in the region that are causing a safety concern. Bernier noted that the delineators are ineffective in warning or stopping drivers. Choy noted numerous community concerns about homes and residents being struck. Choy noted that water barriers would be effective in protecting the community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Grow with Google in partnership with the Hawaii State Public Library System, will be providing a series of free workshops to the Hawaii Community starting on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Kaimuki Library. For more information and registration: https://www.librarieshawaii.org/event/grow-with-google-workshops/
B. Help Kaimuki plant more trees! Volunteer, recommend sites and work with the community to green Kaimuki. Residents can request trees be planted in the easement near their homes. Through Trees for Kaimuki and our community efforts the City's the Division of Urban Forestry will be planting as many trees as possible to restore our urban canopy. There are flyers on the table with more information.
C. There is a Stormwater Utility Formation Project being discussed being considered by the City. The Stakeholder Advisory Group will be holding informational community meetings in the near future about the details. We will update you as dates are confirmed.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, was not present; Chair Schneider read the following memorandum for the record:
• Center Street Speed Humps: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has completed their investigation into the request for speed humps on Center Street, which included a field inspection, a speed study, a review of the traffic collision history and a speed hump evaluation. DTS currently controls speeding through proper signage and enforcement by the Honolulu Police Department. There are "25 MPH" speed limit signs posted and in good operational condition. However, we did find numerous faded "No Parking Anytime" signs along Center Street and have issued a work order (reference Paint and Sign Work Order No. 13348) to the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) for the replacement of the faded signs and should be contacted at 768-3343 for status. DTS recommends that residents contact the HPD if speeding is observed. DTS' speed study confirmed that motorists are traveling at or near the posted speed limit of 25 MPH. A review of the traffic collision history within the past three (3) years did not find any condition, trends or unusual circumstances which would necessitate the installation of additional traffic control devices at this time. The installation of speed humps requires an evaluation with specific warrants and conditions that must be met. Unfortunately, due to unconfirmed speeding, and no correctable, speed-related major accidents, speed humps will not be installed at this time.
Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters was present; the following report was given:
• Pickle Ball: Councilmember Waters noted that a pickle ball tournament would assist in getting more community support.
• December 2019 Resolutions: Councilmember Waters introduced Resolutions 19-329, 19-330, and 19-331: which would establish a youth commission to advise the City and County of Honolulu, transitioning the Prosecuting Attorney into an appointed position, and amend the Charter to allow the Honolulu Ethics Commission to control its own budget after its been enacted, respectively.
• 18th Avenue Monster Home: Councilmember Waters noted that the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) investigated the home and reported that it is not a monster home. Councilmember Waters stated the need to create legislation with more enacting power.
• 8th Avenue Short Term Rental: The DPP noted that the 8th Avenue home is not a short term rental and stated that there were no ads for the location online.
Questions and comments followed:
1. Monster Homes: Watson noted attempts to require Environmental Assessments (EA) for these homes in order to study their potential impact. Watson noted that there could be language included to better regulate these homes. Watson stated that an EA could better determine the potential impact on the community. Chair Schneider noted that some of these buildings are retirement homes and stated that there is a fine line in determining these rules. Chair Schneider noted the potential impact of stormwater and monster homes creating flooding concerns. Watson noted her attempts to have a requirement of 25 percent pervious material within a property.
2. Queen Theater: Councilmember Waters noted his efforts to close Queen Theatre. A resident noted that people are using the location as a recording studio throughout the night. Chair Schneider noted that she can garner community support for Councilmember Water's efforts. Watson noted that properly framing the concern to the community would be vital towards its condemnation.
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi was present; the following report was given:
• Monster Homes: Councilmember Kobayashi noted her legislative attempts to cite and regulate monster homes.
• Cherry Blossom Trees: Councilmember Kobayashi noted that there are sponsors from Japan that have been attempting to plant Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees within the City and County of Honolulu.
• Crime Prevention Safety Tips: Councilmember Kobayashi reported that many residents have shared concerns regarding crime in our community. To address these concerns her office has held several community meetings, in conjunction with HPD, regarding crime prevention. Councilmember Kobayashi disseminated a HPD handout for Home Security Tips.
Questions and comments followed:
1. Monster Homes: Gardner asked and Councilmember Kobayashi noted that monster home fines can be negotiated to a lower price. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that new legislation would not allow for home owners to negotiate on these citations and stated that some homes are being completed without the proper permitting. Gardner asked and Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the funds from these citations are added into the General Fund. Councilmember Kobayashi noted attempts to have these funds added into the DPP budget.
2. Safety Concerns: Watson noted her concerns about safety and the rise in crime. Watson noted the lack of cases being prosecuted and stated that the rise in violent crimes is ridiculous. Councilmember Kobayashi noted some HPD officers' concerns about the lack of prosecuting and a lack of space for inmates. Councilmember Kobayashi noted the need to put a stop to these crimes. Gardner asked and Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the prosecutor's office has only been audited on domestic violence. Gardner noted that the University of Hawai'i (UH) will be hosting a candidate's forum for the Honolulu City Prosecutor's Election. A resident noted a need for the community to stand up against these criminals and to not be afraid of them. Watson noted a rise in violent gun crimes.
3. Cherry Blossom Trees: A resident asked and Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the trees would be cared for by the City and County of Honolulu.
Governor David Ige's Representative - Amanda Stevens, Department of Human Services Public Information Officer, was present; the following report was given:
• Homeless Outreach and Navigation for Unsheltered Persons (HONU): Stevens noted that the second HONU site will be located at Old Stadium Park. Stevens noted that the pilot program will be able to assist people within a five (5) mile radius. Stevens noted that the pilot program has already been able to help individuals and their pets within the region.
• Preschool Open Doors Program: Stevens noted that this program will be from Wednesday, January 1, 2020 and will end on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Steven reported that the program will be subsidies for families that have low or moderate income. This is part of an attempt to lower cost of early education fees for students that are three (3) and four (4) years old.
Questions and comments followed: HONU: Watson asked and Stevens noted that the first HONU system is located in Waipahu. Watson asked if they are looking into the recent safety concerns of the program and Stevens noted that the individual was a visitor to the system. Stevens noted that need to have more security. Watson asked if the person was allowed into the system. Stevens will report back. Pierce noted that the person was accepted and expelled due to violence. Pierce noted that the individual later returned to the site and passed security without their knowledge. Watson asked what the program will do to keep these violent individuals out of the region. A resident asked when the program will move to Old Stadium Mall and Stevens will report back.
State Senator Stanley Chang -Lynn Robinson-Onderiko was present, the following report was given:
• Community Survey: Lynn Robinson-Onderiko noted a recent increase community concerns on crime and stated that residents are afraid of retaliation for reporting incidents. Lynn Robinson-Onderiko noted their attempts to address the concerns of the community.
• Legislative Session: Lynn Robinson-Onderiko noted that the legislative session had opened earlier in the day. Lynn Robinson-Onderiko asked that the community submit their input and remain involved with the legislative process.
• Automated Voters Registration: Lynn Robinson-Onderiko noted that Senator Chang will be introducing legislation that would automatically register voters once they turn 18.
• Predatory Towing: Lynn Robinson-Onderiko stated that there have been concerns about predatory towing across the state.
Questions and comments followed: Automated Voter Registration: Gardner asked about other states having precedence for automated voter registration and Lynn Robinson-Onderiko will report back.
State Senator Les Ihara - No representative was no present; no report was given.
Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - No representative was not present; no report was given.
Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi was present; the following report was given:
• Monster Homes: Representative Kobayashi noted that issues with the City and County of Honolulu approving homes with 20 rooms and wet bars. Representative Kobayashi noted the need to better regulate these homes. Representative Kobayashi noted the issues with approving homes of these size.
• Three (3) Way Package for Tax Relief, Housing, and Preschools: Representative Kobayashi noted that this package will change how schools are built by creating a new development agency. Representative Kobayashi noted that this agency will be exempted from all City and County of Honolulu ordinances except the building code.
• History of Kaimuki: Representative Kobayashi noted his article that detailed the history of Kaimuki.
Questions and comments followed: New Housing Agency: Watson asked if the new housing agency would be exempted from all environmental ordinances. A resident asked and Representative Kobayashi noted that the new agency would be for the construction and design of schools. Watson asked and Representative Kobayashi noted that the agency would exempt all schools, new and old, from the process.
Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider returned to Agenda Topic: Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say.
Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say: Yamada was present; the following report was given:
• Fireworks: Yamada reported that there will be a resolution to ban fireworks. Yamada noted that City Council will be hearing information about illegal firework statistics. Yamada noted HPD's report that they have impounded illegal fireworks.
• Monster Homes: Yamada noted that the City and County of Honolulu has passed legislation to tax monster homes at a higher rate. Yamada stated that there are issues with monster home owners not living in state or paying taxes.
• Census 2020: Representative Say encourages that the community fill out their Census 2020 and turn them in before the deadline on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider returned to Agenda Topic: Congressman Ed Case.
Congressman Ed Case: No representative was present; no report was given.
BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of November 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes - Kang MOVED and Hoe SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the November 2019 minutes as AMENDED. The MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0). (Aye: Kang, Moniz, Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Yamada, Gardner, McCutcheon, Watson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)
REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - Kang reported an expenditure of $24.03 and a remaining balance of $281.94.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 6:30 pm at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall.
ADJOURNMENT - Chair Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m.
Submitted by: Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant.
Reviewed By: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant
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