Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 3/11/2020.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum WAS ESTABLISHED with 10 members present. Note: This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Shane Albritton, Jesus Arriola, Frank Farm, Joshua Frost, Randolph Hack, Darlene Nakayama, Beverly Mau, Rusti Onishi, Earl Shiraki, and Richard Skizewski.

Board Members Absent: Jessica Welch.

Guests: Fire Fighter Dominic Tsan, Captain Nilo Melo (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Won Jacobs, Lieutenant Christopher Lowell (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office; Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Cat Awakuni Colon (Governor David Ige's Representative); Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Dave Watase, Jackson Sayama, Jay Ishibashi, Barbra Armentrout, Celeste Roberts, Ann Harada, Stacie Robinson, Howard and Tracy Caires, Laurie Chivers, RK Sharma, Ivan Hoe, Becky Gardner (Residents); Lindon Valenciano (Neighborhood Commission Office). Name was not included if not legible on the sign-in sheet.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter Dominic Tsan reported the following:
January 2020 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 2 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 1 activated alarm (no fire), and 37 medical emergencies.
Safety Tip: Candle Safety: Candles may be pretty to look at, but they are a cause of home fires and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Use candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over easily. Do not burn a candle all the way down; extinguish the flame before it gets too close to the holder or container. Never use candles if oxygen is used in the home. Do not use candles during a power outage. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for lighting. Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles. Never leave a child alone in the room with a burning candle. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children's reach.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Illegal Hikers: Shiraki inquired and Captain Melo responded that they are not law enforcement so they cannot fine or cite illegal hikers, adding that they do not want fines to deter people from seeking rescue services.
2. Helicopter: Resident Barbara Armentrout inquired and HPD responded that they have information regarding the helicopter flying around for almost an hour earlier in the day.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Christopher Lowell reported the following:
January 2020 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 8 burglaries, 20 thefts, and 10 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 5,932 total calls for service.
Safety Tips: Driving In the Rain Safety Tips: Engine oil and grease build up over time, so there will be a film of oil on the ground especially when the rain starts, making the road extremely slick. Brake earlier and use less force than you normally would. Do not use cruise control because the car could accelerate. Watch out for pedestrians, especially those distracted. When hydroplaning, do not brake suddenly or turn the wheel; instead release the gas pedal and steer straight until the car regains traction.
Support: Lieutenant expressed his gratitude for the Board and the community for showing their support for HPD in light of the recent tragedy.
Helicopter: Lieutenant Lowell reported that HPD utilized a helicopter to assist in capturing armed robbery suspects that fled on a moped. He reported that they found the moped in the area and that they have apprehended one (1) of the suspects and a perceived firearm.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Fluctuations: Farm inquired and Lieutenant Lowell responded that the changes in robberies or auto theft could be determined by many factors, adding that fluctuations are normal.
2. Notification: Shiraki inquired and Lieutenant Lowell responded that sometimes they cannot notify residents of helicopters and their activity due to time sensitivity or it could hinder their operation. Shiraki expressed his concern about the helicopters flying at low altitudes.
3. Red Light Cameras: Shiraki noted that the red light cameras are being looked at and possibly reintroduced.
4. Condolences: Resident Armentrout expressed condolences for the fallen officers and her appreciation of HPD.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias distributed handouts and reported the following:
Main Breaks: 12-inch cast iron main at 3524 Maluhia Street on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. 8-inch cast iron at 1819 9th Avenue on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Main break on Friday, February 7, 2020 on Kuahea Street.
Detect-A-Leak Week: As part of Detect-A-Leak Week from Monday, March 16, 2020 to Sunday, March 22, 2020 BWS encourages residents to monitor leaks to save water, lower water bills, and prevent potential damage. Dye kits are available at BWS main office, all satellite city halls, and all Hardware Hawaii locations.
Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest: The deadline for submissions to the Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest for students is Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
Meter Reading Equipment Replacement Project: BWS has contracted Royal Contracting Company to replace meter transponder units in water meter boxes across Oahu. Notification will be sent prior to working in your area. The BWS has been gradually replacing them and, when finished, this project will increase the efficiency of the automated reader process.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Red Hill Tanks: Shiraki thanked BWS Manager and Chief Engineer Ernest Lau for his efforts regarding Red Hill.
2. Patches: Shiraki reported that the BWS patching on 10th Avenue is damaging cars and needs to be redone.
3. Red Hill Bill: Arriola inquired and Dias responded that the Senate bill has a section dedicated to Red Hill.

Crime in Palolo Valley Special Meeting: Chair Hack reported that he attended the special meeting regarding crime in Palolo Valley on Wednesday, December 18, 2020, noting that it was a good turn out with a lot of media coverage.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Hack petitioned the public for a volunteer to fill the vacant Board seats, no volunteers came forth.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Cliff Kaneshiro distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Newsletter: Kaneshiro highlighted the newsletter by noting Bill 59 to require pet microchips, honoring Roosevelt High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), and the upcoming community meetings on Wednesday, February 18, 2020 at Washington Middle School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Noelani Elementary School from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Golf Course: Farm inquired and Kaneshiro responded that Councilmember Kobayashi is aware of Topgolf and the potential development at Ala Wai Golf Course, however flood mitigation is still an important concern.
2. 442nd Regiment: Shiraki suggested that they honor the 442nd, such as naming a building after them.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Ross Sasamura, Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director, reported the following:
Amended Parking/Loading Regulations: The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has forwarded an amendment to the off-street parking and loading regulations to the City Council. The current regulations were largely adopted over 30 years ago, and since then the City's vision has changed. The proposed amendments align with the vision contained in the Oahu General Plan and Oahu's Resilience Strategy. The Staff Report, Draft Bill, and Technical Memorandums can be found on the City's website.
Sew a Lei for Memorial Day: Sasamura noted that the Sew a Lei for Memorial Day poster contest is accepting submissions until Friday, February 28, 2020.
Stability Project: Sasamura reported that contracts have been awarded to Schnabel Foundation and Hawaiian Dredging Company and he will update when the project begins.
Storm Water Utility Study: Sasamura reported that DFM is in the process of a storm water utility study and noted they are holding a series of meetings. For more information visit www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Rate Commission: Resident Armentrout noted her position with the Rate Commission and noted the public meetings available for community input because they are considering rate changes. Written input may be sent to hchee@honolulu.gov with Attention: Rate Commission.
2. Waialae Avenue: Shiraki noted contacting the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) for road requests on Waialae Avenue, such as striping on the left turn into Palolo Avenue, "No Turn on Red" signage on 10th Avenue, and extending the signal.
3. Storm Water: Arriola noted paying attention to the Oahu storm water utility because they could charge properties based on impervious cover and run-off the property generates.
4. Waiomao Stabilization: A resident expressed concerns about Waiomao Road because there are no sidewalks and driveways are covered by the road. Sasamura reiterated that contractors have been selected and they are awaiting response from contractors. Resident Stacy Robinson inquired about the scope of the project and how far up Waiomao Road does it include. She added that water is seeping through the ground and that the pothole patches are already degraded. Resident Sydney Lynch inquired and Sasamura responded that bid documents are public record and can be found on www.honolulu.gov under the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services. Resident Sayama inquired and Sasamura responded by explaining the process and that the notice to proceed does not necessarily mean begin time, reiterating the response time from contractors.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Cat Awakuni Colon, Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) distributed handouts and reported the following:
Joint Economic Package: Colon highlighted the newsletter regarding the joint economic package which includes increasing minimum wage, tax relief, reducing childcare costs, and affordable housing.
Coronavirus: Colon noted the Coronavirus handout, including many frequently asked questions. She reported that the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is partnering with other agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) for protective measures. She noted there are no cases in Hawaii and travelers in the area are being monitored. Visit www.health.hawaii.gov or www.cdc.gov/ncov for more information.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Masks: Shiraki noted there is a shortage of masks and Colon responded that masks are not useful, adding that masks are used by those sick from spreading their germs.
2. 442nd: Shiraki requested that they name a building to honor the 442nd for their achievements.
3. Coronavirus Prevention: Albritton inquired and Colon responded that they are screening passengers at Honolulu Airport and that there are no flights from China, thus decreasing the risk. Chair Hack noted that DOH has mandatory quarantine at their discretion.

House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
Work Completed Update: HSE Say noted that the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is trimming trees behind the property on 2429 Kuahea Street.
Signage: HSE Say thanked Councilmember Kobayashi and Sasamura for the signage on 10th Avenue.
Trash Bags: HSE Say reported a comment on the Nextdoor App regarding Councilmember Kobayashi providing black trash bags during the holiday season.
Helicopters: HSE Say noted Congressman Case's correspondence addressing tour helicopters.
Ala Wai Flood Mitigation: HSE Say thanked Watase and Lynch for their efforts with the Ala Wai flood mitigation project and noted the event on Sunday, February 16, 2020 to learn more about the Ala Wai.
Legislature: HSE Say noted the 10 bills he introduced and reiterated the joint economic package's four (4) bills that the House, Senate, and Governor agreed upon. He provided the legislative calendar and noted the process.
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): HSE Say provided CIP such as the Waahila Ridge, Palolo Valley Homes, and Kaimuki High School.
Kaimuki Clean Up: HSE Say invited the public to join the first Kaimuki clean-up at the recreation center on Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Kaimuki High School Redevelopment: Albritton inquired and HSE Say responded that he and a lot of officials did not know about the Kaimuki High School redevelopment plans.

Senator Les Ihara Jr.: Senator Les Ihara reported the following:
Misinterpretation: Senator Ihara reported the confirmation of William Aila as chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL). Senator Ihara noted meeting with Aila and Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations Executive Director, Robin Danner, adding that they both agreed that they had misinterpreted each other.
Senate Bill (SB) 42: Senator Ihara noted SB 42 which limits the Attorney General investigation against certain non-profits. Hawaii Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (HANO) made it clear that it is not illegal to donate to non-violent causes.
Hawaiian Recognition Day: Senator Ihara noted introducing Hawaiian Recognition Day by eliminating Election Day since Hawaii has now adopted all mail-in voting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL): Albritton inquired about the four (4) bills aimed at DHHL reform and Senator Ihara noted the history of Hawaiian Homes Commission Act which divided the community. He concluded that they need to work together for a common goal that is best for the community.

Chair Hack called a recess at 8:04 p.m.
Skizewski departed the meeting at 8:04 p.m., nine (9) members present.
Chair Hack returned the meeting back to order at 8:08 p.m.

PRESENTATIONS
Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) Briefing: Corporal John Mau and Corporal Elwin, District 7 Community Policing Team, provided a NSW presentation by giving the history of the program, highlighting the importance of a NSW, and illustrating District 7's patrol beat. They gave NSW mechanics such as being the eyes and ears of the neighborhood, key witness tips, and utilizing the NSW communication network. Corporal Mau concluded with the process to start a NSW and its duties. For more information visit www.honolulupd.org and 311 application.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Blocking Driveway: Resident Nat Bleder inquired and Corporal Mau responded that it is illegal to park on a public road blocking a driveway, even if it is your own.
2. Campus Officer: Albritton inquired if NSW would work to address the Kaimuki High School students being truant in Crane Park. He inquired and Corporal responded that there is no campus security officer program available because of staffing shortage.
3. NSW Captain: Shiraki noted his 30 plus years as a NSW captain and that the community needs to take care of their areas. He inquired about the paper listing of other NSW captains.
4. Palolo NSW: A resident inquired and Corporal Mau responded that there are seven (7) NSW in District 7, with a few in Palolo.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Island Issues: Resident Dave Watase noted that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reported that their modeling shows that the basins do not work and Manoa still floods, so they are removing two (2) basins and looking at alternative solutions. He also reported that the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) will not be converting the 125 stalls into paid parking at Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. Watase noted Resolution 20-21 regarding Ala Moana Beach Park improvements and the amendments to remove the playground, dog park, and parallel parking. Watase noted the Topgolf presentation at Diamond Head Neighborhood Board #5 meeting to get informed on the issue. He added that the City is holding community engagement meetings regarding the storm water because it could add fees or taxes to property owners. Watase concluded by announcing his City Council campaign.

Waiomao Stabilization: Stacie Robinson inquired about the scope of the stabilization project, noting that they should consider the stability study higher up on Waiomao Road because there are multiple cases of water seepage along the road especially in front of 2428 Waiomao Road.

BOARD BUSINESS
Kuahea/Waiomao Road Earth Movement Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Albritton noted that there is not much activity regarding the Kuahea Place and Waiomao Road stabilization, noting that Senator Ihara's office is meeting with Hawaii Realtors Association.

Albritton MOVED and Shiraki SECONDED the Motion to invite the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) to the next Board meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. The Motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 9-0-0; (AYE: Albritton, Arriola, Farm, Frost, Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Kuahea Place Walkway: Shiraki noted that he went up to Kuahea Place to inquire about the project's progress and that a walkway was built by homeowners, adding that water seepage is a concern over the years.
2. Moving Agenda Item: Albritton suggested that agenda item Kuahea/Waiomao Road Earth Movement PIG be moved up for the next meeting.

Draft Resolution of Support for 2020 Census: Chair Hack introduced and read the resolution. Farm inquired and Chair Hack responded that "this community" is a general term, noting that the resolution came from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Farm MOVED and Mau SECONDED the Motion to adopt the Resolution of Support for 2020 Census. Discussion followed:

Census Day: Albritton inquired about the "Census date of April 1, 2020" on the resolution and Mau suggested that it read Census "day" instead.

Mau MOVED and Albritton SECONDED the Motion to amend the Resolution of Support for 2020 Census to read as "Census day" instead of "Census date of April 1, 2020". The Amendment was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 9-0-0; (AYE: Albritton, Arriola, Farm, Frost Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

The Main Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 9-0-0; (AYE: Albritton, Arriola, Farm, Frost Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Approval of Minutes of the December 2019 Meeting:

Mau MOVED and Welch SECONDED the Motion to approve the December 2019 Minutes as written. The Motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 9-0-0; (AYE: Albritton, Arriola, Farm, Frost Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer Report: There is a remaining balance of $257.00.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The P lolo Neighborhood Board's Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at P lolo Elementary School Cafeteria.
Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Appointment System Pilot Program for pick-up. Please visit http://www.opala.org or call 768-3200 for general information, then press "0" for appointment requests.
Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. at P lolo District Park.
'Olelo Broadcast Slots: The P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are tentatively aired on Channel 49 the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m. or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org.
Social Media: Join us informally at the "P lolo Valley Community" or "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6" pages or "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Friends" group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com. Also stay connected with the P lolo community at www.nextdoor.com.
Agenda Requests: No Later than seven (7) days prior to meeting, contact Chair Hack at 753-0710.
Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Mahalo for your cooperation!

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

Submitted by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Naomi Hanohano, Neighborhood Assistant
Finalized by: Randolph Hack, Chair

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Palolo Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes

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