Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 6/17/2020.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Paul Hoe called the meeting to order at 6:30 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 - Becky Gardner, Paul Hoe, Marilyn Moniz, Eric McCutcheon, Molly Pierce, and Rich Thompson.

Board Members Absent - Brian Kang, Sharon Schneider, Kehau Watson, and Lori Yamada,

Guests -Director Mark Wong (Department of Information Technology); Director Pankaj Bhanot and Amanda Stevens (Department of Human Services); Lieutenant Lowell (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Hu (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Senator Les Ihara; Representative Calvin Say; Jason Gusilos (Grace Pacific); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Franklin Chung, Jason Demarco, TJ Jan, Lucy Fagan, Julia Allen, Jackson Sayama, Starr Johnson, Russell McGuire, and Jay Ishibaki (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 Hu was present; the following report we given:
• January 2020 Statistics - There were three (3) nuisance fires, six (6) activated alarms, 86 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle crashes/collisions, one (1) mountain rescue, and three (3) hazardous materials incidents.
• 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. Avoid using 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.

Pierce exited the meeting at 6:33 p.m.; five (5) members were present. Quorum was lost.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Lowell was present; the following report was given:
• January 2020 Statistics: There were seven (7) motor vehicle thefts, 18 burglaries, 29 thefts, and 19 Unauthorized Entrances into Motor Vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 5,932 calls for service.
• Driving Safety: HPD disseminated information for driver safety in the rain.

Pierce entered the meeting at 6:34 p.m.; six (6) members were present. Quorum was established.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (BWS) circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Main Breaks - There were no main breaks to report.
• Detect-A-Leak Week (Monday, March 16, 2020 through Sunday, March 22, 2020): Preserving and protecting our most essential resource - our water - is everyone's responsibility. As part of our Detect-A-Leak Week (Monday, March 16, 2020 through Sunday, March 22, 2020) message, The Board of Water Supply (BWS) encourages residents to be smart water users by checking for leaks on their property as well as in fixtures and to repair them promptly. Checking and repairing leaks helps save water, lowers your water bill, and prevents potential damage to your home. During Detect-A-Leak Week, free toilet leak detection dye tablets will be available to the public during that week at the BWS Public Service Building at 630 South Beretania Street, at all Satellite City Halls, and Hardware Hawaii locations. For more leak detection information, please visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.
• Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest: The BWS is excited to launch its 42nd annual Water Conservation Week Poster Contest and 12th annual Poetry Contest. For 2020, the contest theme, "Creating a Sustainable Water Future," invites Oahu students to creatively express the importance of conserving water now to preserve our water supply for the future. The poster contest is open to Oahu students in grades Kindergarten through Sixth, and the poetry contest is open to Oahu students in grades Seventh through Twelfth. The deadline to enter these contests is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - winners will be announced in May 2020 and will receive prizes and be featured in our 2021 Water Conservation calendar.

FILLING OF VACANCY: Filling the vacancy in Sub-District 1: Hamed Dehvani and TJ Jan introduced themselves. Hearing no objections, the Agenda Topic: Filling of Vacancy, was deferred until March 2020.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT
• Department of Design and Construction (DDC): Director Mark Yonamine was present; the following report was given:
o Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: Director Yonamine reported that the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot improvement project will begin in March 2020.
o Maunalani Circle Improvement Project: Director Yonamine reported that they are attempting to receive a better bid for the project during the summer 2020 bidding period.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Trees: Vice Chair Hoe asked if the trees will be preserved and Director Yonamine noted that they will attempt to keep the current amount of trees and stalls. Vice Chair Hoe asked if the trees will be preserved and Director Yonamine noted that he will report back.
2. Parking Lot: A resident asked if DDC has completed any studies about parking structures in the region and noted the chronic need for parking on Oahu. A resident asked and Director Yonamine noted that it will still be a metered parking lot. Pierce asked if the DDC will be using parking meters that accept credit cards.
3. Maunalani Circle Improvement Project: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Director Yonamine noted that the project could begin by the end of 2020.

• Ala Wai Canal Waterway Update: David Watase, Preserve Our Ala Wai Waterway (POAWW), was present; the following report was given:
o Update: Watase reported that Oceanit, a Honolulu City Council contractor, had a meeting with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Watase noted that Oceanit was pressured to accept the environmental impact study (EIS) and have the Project Partnership Agreement signed by the City and County of Honolulu. Watase stated that a Sunday, March 15, 2020 deadline was targeted for the process. Watase noted that USACE conducted a small forum at Manoa Innovation center on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 which consisted primarily of Manoa businesses and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Watase reported that USACE plans to remove the Waihi and Waiakeakua detention basins and stated that USACE is not expecting to use the Manoa Chinese Cemetery for the Woodlawn detention basin. There are additional meetings planned for Wednesday, February 26, 2020; Tuesday, March 3, 2020; and Wednesday, March 11, 2020. POAWW hosted a beach cleanup which had informational booths, exhibits, and canoe blessings. POAWW is advocating for two (2) bills that would prevent Governor Ige from using bonds to fund the Ala Wai Flood Risk Management Project. The bills are called Senate Bill (SB) 2322 Senate Draft (SD) 1 and SB 2492.
o Community Input: Chung noted that residents should question climate science and stated that the Ala Wai Golf Course should be used as the site for the flood mitigation project. Chung noted that Top Golf and the Ala Wai Golf Course could work in conjunction to maintain the region's flood plain.
• Malama Moana: Lee thanked the Board for supporting the Malama Moana resolution in regards to Ala Moana Beach Park and noted a City Council vote by Unanimous Consent to remove the Dog Park, playground, and unsafe parking plans from the Ala Moana Beach Improvement project plans.
• 7th Avenue: Chung asked about the removal of Filipino Mahogany Trees along 7th Avenue in between Waialae Avenue and Harding Avenue. Chung stated that the tree's pods create an unsafe environment for pedestrians and vehicles.
• Grace Pacific (GP) Update: GP noted that they only have to complete Sierra Drive and Koko Head Avenue in order for their Maunalani Repaving Project to be completed. GP reported that Sierra Drive will be closed, except for local traffic. GP reported that there will be excavation and paving from Center Street towards Waialae Avenue from Friday, February 21, 2020 until Monday, March 9, 2020. The resurfacing of Sierra Drive will take place from Tuesday, March 10, 2020 until Friday, March 13, 2020.

Questions and comments followed: Project Plans: McCutcheon noted potholes and asked if the roadway would be improved. GP noted that they are putting an improved aggregate for the asphalt and stated that it will improve the road's foundation. GP noted that the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) planned for them to complete the roadway and stated that the base layer would be included.

PRESENTATIONS
Department of Transportation (HDOT) Update on Kaimuki Road Work: Kimura was present; the following presentation was given:
• Hawai'i Interstate 1 (H-1) Guard Rail Project: Kimura reported that the H-1 Guard Rail Improvement Project will be working on the west bound lanes of H-1. The project will have lane closures from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. until June 2020.
• Lane Restructuring Project: HDOT will attempt to remove the previous markings along the H-1 that can still be seen from the Lane Resurfacing Project.
• Koko Head Avenue: Kimura asked that the community submit their public testimony online (https://hidot.granicusideas.com/projects/6th-ave-offramp-improvements).
• Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Signage: Kimura reported that there were two (2) KCC signs installed in January 2020.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Guard Rail Improvement Project: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Kimura noted that they are upgrading guard rails along the H-1.
2. Regional Off-ramps: Vice Chair Hoe asked about the regional off-ramps and if there could be exit-only lanes created at the 6th Avenue, Waialae Avenue, and Koko Head Avenue off-ramps. Kimura noted that these changes would require a traffic study. Vice Chair Hoe asked about an exit-only lane at Waialae Avenue and Kimura noted that the H-1 shoulder lane was restriped. Kimura noted that the shoulder lane may be extended with proper funding.
3. Lane Restructuring Project: A resident noted that there are safety concerns due to an inability to see the painted lanes along H-1.
4. Koko Head Avenue: A resident asked that that the public commenting period be extended until April 2020. Vice Chair Hoe noted a street light that was hit near Koko Head Avenue and Kimura will report back.

Hawai'i Marine Animal Response: No representative was present; no report was given.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. There are flyers on the table about the Storm Water Utility Study meetings. There are several more meetings to seek input and concerns about the fee structure. All parcels will have a fee - residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, non-profits, State, City and Federal properties. Be informed about the proposed fee structure. You are able to go to any meeting and provide comments. There will be another round of community meetings in May 2020 and June 2020.
B. Trees for Kaimuki will be having their second community meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2020. We will confirm the location at the next Neighborhood Board Meeting. There are new designs for the Kaimuki Parks and they will be concentrating on Sub-District 3 to start. There are flyers on the table with more information on Trees for Kaimuki.
C. EnVision Kaimuki will host an informational seminar on the Stormwater system and what we can be do as individuals to mitigate runoff to the ocean. This is organized by SeaGrant to inform the community how they can be part of the solution to protect our ocean waters.
D. Champs Hawai'i is attempting to have live music at their location. Representative Say noted that they would need to have a reformation of their liquor license for live music. Chung noted that other venues in the region have live music and state the noise concern it creates for the surrounding residents. A neighboring tenant noted concerns with noise and safety at the location. Representative Say noted that there will be a meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the Liquor Commission.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, was present; the following report was given:
• Pickle Ball: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has received complaints about the hazardous conditions of the outdoor volleyball court. As a result, our safety officer inspected the volleyball court and determined that the court was unsafe for play. Therefore, the volleyball court was closed to prevent anyone from getting injured.
• Koko Head Avenue: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reported that Exit 26, the Koko Head Avenue Off-ramp, is under HDOT jurisdiction and asked that the concern be referred to HDOT.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Filipino Mahogany: Chung asked for the City and County of Honolulu to follow up on the Filipino Mahogany concerns within the region.
2. Center Street Traffic Study: Gardner asked about the Center Street Traffic Study and stated that the community believes that speeding is a concern. Gardner noted that the detours along Center Street may make the issue worse. Director Wong asked that the community submit video of speeding drivers to the Honolulu 311 App. Gardner noted the safety concerns for the children that are in the region. Vice Chair Hoe asked and Pierce noted that the Honolulu 311 App can receive video of concerns.
3. 16th Avenue: Gardner noted that there is speeding along 16th Avenue which creates an unsafe situation for residents.
4. Wilhelmina Rise: Gardner noted that there are vehicles along Wilhelmina Rise which block the sightline of drivers on Sierra Drive. Gardner noted that it creates an unsafe situation for drivers.
5. Regional Speeding: Gardner asked for the installation of speed tables within Kaimuki for safety. Gardner and Moniz noted multiple pedestrian fatalities within the region.
6. Petrie Park: Moniz asked what the City and County of Honolulu plans would be to repair or improve the Petrie Park volleyball courts.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters was present; the following report was given:
• Pickle Ball: Councilmember Waters reported that there have been funds released to improve the courts at Petrie Park and stated that they are awaiting the DPR project queue.
• Hibiscus Drive: Councilmember Waters noted his attempts to pass a resolution which would allow the residents of Hibiscus Drive to expedite the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) process to rebuild their homes. Councilmember Waters noted that the residents have been greatly affected by the recent tragic events that occurred and asked that the community give the community privacy.
• Ala Moana Beach Park: Councilmember Waters reported that there has been an amendment from the City Council that would remove the plans for perpendicular parking, a dog park, and a playground from the proposed Ala Moana Improvement Project plans.
• Ala Wai Canal Project Meeting: Councilmember Waters noted that there will be an Ala Wai Canal Project meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

Questions and comments followed: Hibiscus Drive: Chung asked and Councilmember Waters noted that the resolution is meant to assist the residents of Hibiscus Drive in expediting their rebuilding projects.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi was not present; her monthly report was disseminated.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Director Pankaj Bhanot and Amanda Stevens, Department of Human Services, were present; the following report was given:
• Novel Coronavirus: Director Bhanot disseminated handouts in regards to the Novel Coronavirus and stated that additional information can be found at https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019/.

Questions and comments followed: Novel Coronavirus: Chung asked where the residents could get protective masks. Director Bhanot reported that the Department of Health (DOH) suggests that protective masks will not prevent health people from getting sick. Director Bhanot noted that the masks block germs from transferring to health people. Vice Chair Hoe asked and Director Bhanot noted that the Japanese tourists had no symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus while in Hawai'i. Vice Chair Hoe noted concerns about tourists infecting residents and Director Bhanot noted their research to determine where the couple contracted the virus.

State Senator Stanley Chang - Gardner noted that Helicopter Safety legislation and the legislature are currently within their final committee hearings.

State Senator Les Ihara - Senator Ihara was present; the following report was given:
• Mandatory Recess: Thursday, February 20, 2020 is the start of the mandatory five (5) day recess for the Hawai'i Legislature.
• Kupuna Caucus: Senator Ihara reported that there have been funds released for Alzheimer and Dementia programs. Senator Ihara noted that there is legislation that would increase the amount of care home inspectors State wide. Senator Ihara noted his bill that would prohibit companies from asking for ID's of residents that are clearly over the age of 21 due to privacy concerns.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Right to Privacy: A resident asked if the new legislation would allow residents to sue private companies and Senator Ihara noted that this would be under Federal regulation. The resident asked if this process could be adopted at the Federal level and Senator Ihara noted that these attempts are being affected by Big Tech. Senator Ihara noted a need to switch the Senate to Democratic leadership to pass legislature.
2. Kupuna Caucus: A resident asked and Senator Ihara noted that there will be six (6) additional inspectors.
3. Red Hill Fuel Storage System: Gardner asked about Red Hill Fuel Storage System and Senator Ihara noted a bill that was removed from the Agenda by the Consumer Protection Committee. Gardner asked and Senator Ihara was unsure of a related House Bill (HB).

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say was present; the following report was give:
• Legislative Update: Representative Say disseminated a handout in regards to the nine (9) bills that he has introduced for the 2020 Legislative Session. Representative Say noted the joint economic package submitted by Governor Ige.

Questions and comments followed:
1. HB 1687: McCutcheon asked and Representative Say noted that they are using the Japanese model for the restrooms. McCutcheon asked and Representative Say noted that they are close to European standards.
2. Income Inequality: A resident asked about measures related to income inequality and Representative Say noted that hundreds of bills are about to be heard by committee. Representative Say noted that the Presidential Race, Novel Coronavirus, and outside investors may affect upcoming legislation.

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

Congressman Ed Case: A representative was present; the following quarterly report was given:
• Mobile Offices: Congressman Case will be setting up mobile offices at the State Libraries within his district in order to assist the community in receiving Federal aid.
• Census 2020: The representative noted the importance of the Census 2020 and noted that additional Census 2020 information will be disseminated during March 2020. Additional information about the Census 2020 can be found online (https://2020census.gov/en.html).
• Helicopter Safety Legislation: The representative thanked the community for passing resolutions in regards to helicopter safety and noted that the proposed legislation would better regulate helicopters within the community. The representative noted the process of working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create helicopter regulations.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Red Hill Fuel Storage System: Watase asked if Congressman Case is doing anything in regards to the Red Hill Fuel Storage System and a representative noted that there were previous agreements for the project that may be changed. Watase noted that the Navy would relocate their tanks if it is funded.
2. Informed Consent: A resident noted that informed consent is creating concerns in regards to cookie/popup legislation. A resident noted that the Federal Trade Commission may not be the correct group to protect resident's personal information and stated that the community's metadata may be a bigger concern.
3. Impeachment: Chung noted his concerns with Congressman Case not having a moderate or centrist stance on the impeachment.

BOARD BUSINESS

Pickle Ball Resolutions: Pierce noted concerns with the resolutions being too broad. Gardner noted possible additions and changes to the resolutions. Hearing no objections, the Pickle Ball Resolutions were DEFERRED until March 2020.

Resolution Calling for Support for the 2020 US Decennial Census: Gardner MOVED and Pierce SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the Resolution Calling for Support for the 2020 US Decennial Census. The MOTION was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (6-0-0). (Aye: Moniz, Hoe, Pierce, Gardner, McCutcheon, and Thompson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Approval of January 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes - Pierce MOVED and Gardner SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the January 2020 minutes as AMENDED. The MOTION PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (6-0-0). (Aye: Moniz, Hoe, Pierce, Gardner, McCutcheon, and Thompson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Amendments are as follows:
• On Page two (2), under Pickle Ball, it should read," Maunalani Park," and not "Maunawili Park."
• On Page two (2), under Pickle Ball, it should read," Petrie Park," and not "Petri Park."

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Pierce reported an expenditure of $27.28 and a remaining balance of $254.66

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 6:30 pm at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall.

ADJOURNMENT - Vice Chair Hoe adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

Submitted by: Chris Naylon, Public Relations Specialist
Reviewed By: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Specialist

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2020 Minutes

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