Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting June 2020 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting June 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/15/2020.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 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 - Becky Gardner, Paul Hoe, Marilyn Moniz, Eric McCutcheon, Molly Pierce, Rich Thompson, Brian Kang, Sharon Schneider, Kehau Watson (joined virtually at 6:42 p.m.), Lori Yamada, and Hamed Dehnavi (appointed during meeting).

Board Members Absent - None.

Guests - Captain Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Lipka (Honolulu Police Department); Katie (Mediation Center of the Pacific); Todd Boulanger (Biki); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Director Mark Yonamine (Department of Design and Construction); Director Michelle Nekota (Department of Parks and Recreations); Congressman Ed Case; Director Mark Wong (Department of Information Technology); Amanda Stevens (Department of Human Services); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Councilmember Kobayashi; Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Stanley Chang's Office); Representative Calvin Say; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Dean McColgan, Kevin Ching, Randy Liu, Jinah Liu, Keenan Liu, Mike Ratkovio, Lori Ratkovio, Akira Usami, Narayan Gabbard, Linh Phan, Lester Lee, Cat Hirano, Clint Nagamine, Froggie, Mae Nakagawa, Elaina Peredes, Jackson Fong, Donna Kaneshiro, Kyle Paredes, Bob Lew, Danny Teugan, Lissa Lau, and Jimmy Lowe (Oahu Pickleball Association); Dave Watase, Leon Kau, Franklin Chung, Jackson Sayama, Carol, Todd, Kinuko, Ramie Camana, James Larson, Jesus Arriola, Jay Ishibashi, Charity Lopes, Lori Lopes, Chris T., Clint, Jackie, Julia, Barbara Marumoto, Nikolas Schneider, and Randolph Hack (Residents); Jackson Coley (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible or on the guest attendance sheet.

EXPLANATION OF VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION - Kang outlined the rules of speaking for virtual participants.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Hu reported the following:
• May 2020 Statistics - There were three (3) activated alarms, 58 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle crash/collision, and 1 ocean rescue.
• Safety Tip: Smoke Alarms - Safety tips regarding smoke alarms were provided. People are encouraged to install and maintain smoke alarms for safety.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Lipka reported the following:
• May 2020 Statistics - There were 19 motor vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries, 24 thefts, and 21 Unauthorized Entrances into Motor Vehicles (UEMV). There were a total of 6,228 calls for service.
• Pedestrian Safety - A list of pedestrian safety tips was provided.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - No representative was present, no report was given.

FILLING OF VACANCY - Filling the vacancy in Sub-District 1: Hamed Dehnavi volunteered to fill the vacancy and introduced himself.

Watson joined the meeting virtually at 6:42 p.m., 10 members present.

Hoe nominated Hamed Dehnavi to fill the vacancy in Sub-District 1. Dehnavi WAS APPOINTED to the Board by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 10-0-0; (AYE: Thompson, Kang, Moniz, Gardner, McCutcheon, Schneider, Yamada, Hoe, Pierce, and Watson; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Chair Schneider called a recess at 6:46 p.m. Dehnavi took the Oath of Office, 11 members present.

Chair Schneider called the meeting back to order at 6:47 p.m.

Hearing no objections, Director Michelle Nekota was added to the agenda under Presentations by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND PUBLIC INPUT
The Mediation Center of the Pacific (MCP) - Katie, MCP, provided a handout and outlined the Rapid Response Landlord-Tenant Mediation program. This free program facilitates mediation between landlords and tenants affected by Covid-19 using virtual technology. The program is intended to help make mutually-beneficial payment plans for both landlords and their tenants. For more information call 521-6767.

Biki - Todd Boulanger, Biki, reported that Biki is planning to move a few stations into Kaimuki during the redevelopment of Municipal Parking Lot #2. Boulanger stated that Biki would like to work with the Board during the movement and stated there are no plans to take metered parking stalls for the stations.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) - Carol Hoshiko, KCC, reported that KCC is sponsoring a series of free webinars online covering a wide variety of subjects. For more information visit https://continuinged.kcc.edu/.

Oahu Pickleball Association (OPA) - Dean McColgan and Kevin Ching, OPA, outlined the benefits of pickleball and advocated for passing the Board resolution regarding pickleball. McColgan expressed gratitude to the Board and the Department of Parks and Recreations (DPR) Director for their assistance with finding playing spaces for pickleball and supporting the sport's growth. Ching outlined the need for permanent storage space.

Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project (AWFMP) - Resident Dave Watase reported that the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working on an engineering documentation report which will be due in a few months. USACE is removing six (6) upstream detention basins from their original plan. USACE has determined that original plans will not be sufficient and are looking for a new method of conveyance to move flood water to the Ala Wai Canal. Micro-tunneling is under consideration.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Updated Modeling - Gardner inquired about updated modeling and if the new modeling expects more or less flooding. Resident Watase responded that he was unsure and noted the opposition to the original plans. Resident Watase clarified that the new plans have not been presented, however USACE has stated they will remove detention basins and will not take private property.

Ospreys - Resident Leon Kau voiced concerns regarding military ospreys flying over residential areas. Resident Kau advocated for changing flight paths. Chair Schneider responded that Congressman Case is currently working to address this issue.

Mikahala Way Repaving - Resident Jackson Sayama inquired about unpaved sections of Mikahala Way. Chair Schneider stated that some sections are scheduled for repaving in December 2020. Gardner clarified that some sections are made of cement and could not be repaved along with asphalt sections.

Political Candidate - Gardner disclosed that she is a candidate for House District 20 and shared her social media information.

PRESENTATIONS
Director of Design and Construction (DDC) - Mark Yonamine, DDC Director, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Municipal Parking Lot #2 - Repaving is still planned and the scope of the project has not changed. The new schedule will start repaving on January 11, 2021. An electric-vehicle charging station might be installed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Ingress/Egress: A resident inquired if there are plans to simplify the entrances and exists to have one (1) point of ingress and egress. Director Yonamine responded that the parking lot will have a mix of one (1) and two (2) way entrances.
2. Parking Meters - A resident inquired about the parking meters. Director Yonamine responded that the meters will not be changed. Chair Schneider inquired if meters could be upgraded in the future and Director Yonamine responded that this is under the Department of Transportation Services' (DTS') jurisdiction.
3. Maunalani Heights - Chair Schneider inquired about an unpaved section of road on Maunalani Heights. Director Yonamine responded that the initial project bids were too high and the project was split into separate contracts. Director Yonamine stated the project should begin before the end of the year. Director Yonamine clarified that different contractors are needed for concrete and asphalt roads.
4. Electrical Chargers - Resident Carol inquired how many electrical chargers will be installed. Director Yonamine responded that they are working to get a dual charger, however this is a separate project from the resurfacing and is in its early phases.

Director of Parks and Recreations (DPR) - Michelle Nekota, DPR Director, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Planting Trees - The DPR will install eight (8) trees along Waialae Avenue, some of these trees will replace others currently in the area. DPR will maintain trees for four (4) months before turning them over to local businesses who are willing to maintain trees.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Bees - Yamada voiced concerns regarding the planned ground cover attracting bees. Director Nekota responded that she would consult with the DPR's arborist.
2. Harding and 7th Avenue Trees - Resident Franklin Chung advocated for destroying trees between Harding Avenue and 7th Avenue, stating that they drop large pods.
3. Tree Types - Resident Todd inquired about the replaced and what types of trees they are. Director Nekota clarified that the new trees will be tulip-wood and white-tacoma trees.
4. Native Trees - Resident Kinuko inquired if native trees were considered for planting. Director Nekota responded that the DPR arborist recommended the tree types due to their sturdiness and longevity.
5. Food Trees - Dehnavi inquired if the DPR considered planting food producing trees. Director Nekota responded that they do not plant food trees in street medians.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. There will be a public meeting of the Stormwater Utility Stakeholder on June 15th at 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., July 15th at 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and August 24th, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Agenda for the June15th Meeting is attached. https://www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org/
B. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) received a zoning variance application for the subdivision of a lot at 3655 and 3659 Trosseau Street. A public hearing will be on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Mission Memorial Auditorium.

Hearing no objections Chair Schneider proceeded to Congressman Ed Case's report.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Congressman Ed Case - Congressman Case reported the following:
• Website - Visit https://case.house.gov/ for monthly reports and more information.
• Covid-19 - The House passed six (6) bills to help address the Covid-19 pandemic and ensure that necessary supplies reach Hawaii. Covid-19 has been the primary focus of Congressman Case's office in recent months. There are various Federal programs in place to assist residents and Congressman Case's office is working to keep track of these programs.
• Ospreys - Congressman Case's office is aware of osprey concerns and have voiced complaints to the Marines. Marines have stated that they need the airspace for training which would normally occur on other islands, however Congressman Case expressed doubt at these claims.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Wong, Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director, reported the following:
• Petrie Park - Responding to previous inquiries, Petrie Park's volleyball courts have been placed on the current list of courts for resurfacing.
• Center Street - Responding to previous inquiries, a crosswalk on Center Street is not recommended due to high traffic volume.
• Wilhelmina Rise near Sierra Drive - Responding to previous inquiries, the DTS conducted a study and found the area is unimproved. Parking is prohibited on the unimproved sidewalk area and the HPD has been informed to monitor the area for illegal parking.
• Speed Tables - Responding to previous inquiries, traffic studies are done on a case-by-case basis by street location. A specific location is needed to perform a study.
• Kaimuki Municipal Lot - Responding to previous inquiries, the reconstruction plans require the contractor install electronic non-card enabled parking meters. The advanced card-enabled meters will be installed upon availability.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Petrie Park - Moniz expressed gratitude for repaving the Petrie Park basketball courts.
2. Speed Tables - Representative Kobayashi reported that a resident requested speed tables on 6th Avenue between Martha Street and Mo'oheau Avenue.
3. Sierra Drive Unpaved Section - Board Member McCutcheon asked about the 3600 to 3700 block of Sierra Drive, which is unpaved and unfinished. Director Wong agreed to investigate.

Councilmember Tommy Waters - Councilmember Waters circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Parks Director - Councilmember Waters commended Director Nekota.
• Covid-19 - Councilmember Waters outlined some of the Covid-19 relief efforts he has been involved in.
• Renaming Park - Councilmember Waters voiced approval regarding the Board's proposed resolution calling for the renaming Kilauea District Park. Councilmember Waters agreed to introduce the measure at a City Council level if it passes the Board.
• Parking Lot - Councilmember Waters met with Envision Kaimuki and the Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA), some business owners want the repaving to be delayed indefinitely. Councilmember Waters voiced opposition to the delay and advocated for repaving the parking lot.
• Kilauea Park - Over two (2) million dollars was allocated for Kilauea Park improvements.
• Petrie Park - 190 thousand dollars was allocated for Petrie Park improvements.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Parking Lot - Chair Schneider inquired if the Parking Lot #2 repaving could begin before January 2021. Councilmember Waters stated he spoke with the DDC Director and the work will be done in January.
2. Queen Theater - A resident inquired about Queen Theater. Councilmember Waters responded that there were considerations to condemn the theater, however he would like the Board to pass a resolution providing input on the topic.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Parks Director - Councilmember Kobayashi commended Director Nekota. Efforts are underway to plant more trees throughout the community.
• Local Businesses - Councilmember Kobayashi advocated for using Covid-19 relief funds to support local businesses and small businesses.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Amanda Stevens, Department of Human Services, circulated a handout and reported the following:
• Covid Cases - There were five (5) new Covid-19 cases throughout the entire State. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) reported that 1,671 people flew into the State yesterday.
• Homeless - Stevens outlined some of the homeless services that are still operating and how they have adapted to Covid-19 to continue their work and assist people in need.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Covid-19 - Resident Kau voiced concerns regarding Covid-19 and the financial impact to residents. Resident Kau advocated for more assistance from the State and Stevens agreed to consult with him.

State Senator Stanley Chang - Lynn Robinson-Onderko circulated a handout and reported the following:
• 2020 Legislature - The 2020 Legislature will reconvene on Monday, June 22, 2020. Remote testimony will be allowed and templates will be provided to submit testimony.
• Housing - Senator Chang and Faith Action will hold a webinar to discuss affordable housing. Attendees were also encouraged to sign up for Senator Chang's housing newsletter.

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

Speaker Emeritus Representative Calvin Say - Representative Say reported the following:
• 2020 Legislature - The 2020 Legislature will reconvene on Monday, June 22, 2020.
• Envision Kaimuki - Representative Say expressed gratitude to Chair Schneider and Envision Kaimuki for information that they disseminated.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi circulated a handout and reported the following:
• 2020 Legislature - The 2020 Legislature will reconvene on Monday, June 22, 2020. The Legislature will primarily focus on passing a finalized budget.
• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) - Representative Kobayashi outlined various CIPs for different projects including kapuna care and homeless services.
• Federal Funding - Representative Kobayashi outlined Federal funding for Covid-19 relief programs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Funding - Resident Sayama inquired about reduced funding for homeless property storage and how this will impact future homeless services. Resident Sayama also asked about the funding for kapuna caregiver programs. Representative Kobayashi stated they plan to meet or exceed previous kapuna caregiver funds.
2. Unemployment - Residents voiced concerns regarding their unemployment claims still pending and inquired why funds take so long to release. Representative Kobayashi responded that the unemployment system used outdated equipment and only seven (7) staffers which could not handle the volume of claims received in March 2020. Gardner inquired about upgrading the systems. Representative Kobayashi responded that upgrades have been made, however the entire system needs to upgraded at once and this cannot be done when there are numerous claims still pending.

BOARD BUSINESS
Three (3) Absence Letter to Dr. Watson - Watson missed three (3) meetings during the fiscal year, the Board was presented the opportunity to vacate her seat. Watson explained her circumstances and voiced her desire to remain on the Board. Chair Schneider inquired if any Board member wanted to make a motion to vacate the seat. No motions were made. Watson WAS RETAINED ON THE BOARD by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Pickle Ball Resolution - Gardner circulated a revised draft Resolution "Recognizing the significant health and social benefits of pickleball and the need for the Department of Parks and Recreation to accommodate its rapid growth through enhanced planning, maintenance, and dedicated use of our parks and its facilities, particularly at Petrie Community Park." Gardner noted one (1) paragraph to add which read: "Whereas, the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board recognizes the Oahu Pickleball Association as the lead partner organization for all pickleball activities and communication;" Chair Schneider opened the floor to discussion and Board action:
• Concerns - McCutcheon voiced concerns regarding the "Be It Resolved" paragraph which called for immediate reopening of Petrie Park, a venue for permanent pickleball courts where volleyball courts currently are, and a statement that this would be the first public pickleball court which McCutcheon stated was untrue. McCutcheon recommended hearing from the volleyball community prior to changing the court. McColgan, OPA, responded that the OPA wants a multi-use facility at Petrie Park that can accommodate pickleball. McColgan clarified that the OPA wants a permanent pickleball facility but is not asking for permanent nets.
• Exclusivity - Watson inquired if "permanent" meant exclusively for pickleball. McColgan responded yes, a permanent pickleball facility would be for exclusive pickleball use. Watson voiced opposition to this.
• Lack of Facilities - Ching, OPA, noted that there are multiple volleyball-exclusive facilities across Oahu but no pickleball-exclusive facility and advocated for an exclusive facility at Petrie Park. Ching noted that there are few volleyball players at Petrie Park and that the pickleball community regularly uses Petrie Park.
• Further Discussion about Exclusivity and Resolution Wording - Discussion followed regarding whether or not the resolution should request a permanent and exclusive pickleball facility. The OPA representatives agreed to permanent pickleball-court lines with permanent storage for nets and other equipment. Discussion followed regarding whether or not this would be the first public permanent pickleball court.
• Final Version of Be It Resolved - "Be it resolved, by the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board that it urges the City and County of Honolulu to address the maintenance and facility needs at Petrie Community Park to reopen for use its volleyball court area as a venue for four (4) permanent pickleball courts with permanent lines and storage - as previously permitted;"

Hoe moved and Thompson seconded the Motion to adopt the resolution with amendments. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 11-0-0; (AYE: Thompson, Kang, Dehnavi, Moniz, Gardner, McCutcheon, Schneider, Yamada, Hoe, Pierce, and Watson; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Municipal Parking Lot #2 Resolution - Chair Schneider opened the floor to discussion and Board action concerning "Resolution relating to scheduling of proposed re-paving of the Kaimuki Municipal Metered Parking Lot #2 bounded by Koko Head, Waialae, Harding, and 12th Avenues."

Hoe moved and Yamada seconded the Motion to adopt the resolution as written. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 11-0-0; (AYE: Thompson, Kang, Dehnavi, Moniz, Gardner, McCutcheon, Schneider, Yamada, Hoe, Pierce, and Watson; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Kilauea District Park Resolution - Chair Schneider opened the floor to discussion and Board action concerning "Resolution urging the Honolulu City Council and the City and County of Honolulu to rename the Kilauea District Park to the 'Tom T. Nekota Kilauea Gym Complex.'"

Pierce moved and Hoe seconded the Motion to adopt the resolution as written. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 11-0-0; (AYE: Thompson, Kang, Dehnavi, Moniz, Gardner, McCutcheon, Schneider, Yamada, Hoe, Pierce, and Watson; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Set up Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) to Organize a Candidate Forum - Chair Schneider noted that another organization such as KBPA intends to lead the Candidate Forum and no Board action is currently needed.

Approval of February 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes - Pierce noted that the meeting was held on February 19 despite the agenda labeling the minutes as February 20. McCutcheon noted that he had submitted corrections to the previous NCO staff, however these were not available during the meeting. McCutcheon's corrections primarily corrected various typographical errors.

Pierce MOVED and Gardner SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the February 2020 minutes as WRITTEN. The MOTION PASSED by MAJORITY VOTE, (9-0-2); (AYE: Thompson, Kang, Dehnavi, Moniz, Gardner, McCutcheon, Yamada, Hoe, and Pierce; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Schneider and Watson).

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report - Kang reported a remaining balance of $135.67.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.

Submitted by: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Assistant
Reviewed By: Chris Naylon, Community Relations Specialist
Final Review: Sharon Schneider, Board Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting June 2020 Minutes

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