Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2020 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/16/2020.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum was established with 11 members present, one (1) member was present via Zoom. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Rich Thompson, Brian Kang, Hamed Dehnavi, Marilyn Moniz, Becky Gardner, Eric McCutcheon, Sharon Schneider, Lori Yamada, Paul Hoe, Molly Pierce, Kehau Watson (via Zoom).

Board Members Absent - none were absent.

Guests - Captain Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Kevin Hanney (12th Avenue Grill), Darin Mar (SSFM International, Project Manager and Resident), Carol Hoshiko (Dean of College and Community Relations, Community Liaison to the Community), Brian Furuto (Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, Liaison to Design/Build Team), Stephanie Fan (Director, Tsu Chi Foundation), Devin Makizuru (Tsu Chi Foundation), Resident Dave Watase, Kyle Oyasato (Department of Facilities Maintenance), Betsy Wilson (Department of Facilities Maintenance), Lise Ditzel-Ma (UH Office of Project Delivery, Project Manager), Dr. Louise Pagotto (Chancellor, Kapi'olani Community College), Joleen Miranda-Pesquira (Ushijima Architects, Inc., Project Manager), Blake Inouye (Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd., Construction Design Manager), Eric England (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Eric Davis (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Mike Brennan (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative,) Councilman Tommy Waters, Amanda Stevens (Governor's Representative), Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Representative for Stanley Chang), State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Residents Tess Patricio, Bear Patricio, Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). Name was not included if not legible on the attendance sheet.

CHAIR ANNOUNCEMENTS

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Doug Hu read the report which stated the following:
• July 2020 Statistics - 2 nuisance fires, 5 activated alarms, 50 medical emergencies, and 3 motor vehicle collisions.
• Fire Safety Tip: Captain Hu read tips to mitigate the coronavirus spread:
o Provide pertinent and accurate information when calling 911
o Ensure the location address is visible to responding personnel
o Have someone signal the responders when approaching the location
o Keep a safe distance from HFD responders at a minimum of six (6) feet
o Always wear facial coverings to provide safety layer for responders and others (family members, etc.)
o Have family members and/or friends that are not providing information to first responders allow the space needed to address emergency
o Follow CDC prevention guidelines

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - No representative was present, no report was given.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller (representative for BWS) read the following report:
• Main Breaks - There were no breaks to report.
• Water Emergency Preparedness: Natural disasters, power outages or other unexpected events can affect the BWS's ability to provide water service to the community. A disaster can cause customers to lose service for a few days (or even longer), depending on severity of damage to the water system. Before disaster strikes, make sure you have your preparedness kit ready to go. Residents should store one (1) gallon of water per person per day for at least fourteen (14) days (babies, nursing mothers, and people with medical conditions may need more than one (1) gallon added to their preparedness kit). It is important to stay tuned to media reports to receive water information bulletins and take any appropriate actions announced by BWS or other emergency response agency. Heller also shared the website information with this regard.
o Questions and comments followed -- McCutcheon asked Heller if she could ask regarding any movement on the Palolo Water System Improvement Part 4 because it is related to the repaving of a portion on Sierra Drive, Chair Schneider clarified that it is the 3600 block of Sierra Drive. Heller responded that she will follow up with the answer and will report back on this question at the next Board meeting.

Public Input:
• Chris (CJ) Johnson, HOLO Representative, Department of Transportation (DOT Services), spoke about the use of HOLO cards and explained that it is used for the City of Honolulu's new transit smart card that can be utilized for The Bus and for rail transit. Johnson believes there are three (3) main values for having a HOLO card:
1. More convenient than cash (not worrying about exact change to ride the bus)
2. More secure than having a paper pass (explained that if you lose a pass, you lose it and have to purchase another pass versus if one loses HOLO card, one could switch the value that was on the previous card to a new card)
3. Flexibility (allows the service to integrate different types of transit, involving BIKI, parking, etc.)
• Johnson also mentioned instituting a system called caps, if one wanted a day/month pass, instead of paying all of it at once, one could pay up until a certain amount and that would be the limit. Johnson explained a scenario in which one would use their HOLO card in the morning and when swiped in the afternoon for a transfer, it will only charge the fare used for that day and will not go over no matter how much one uses the bus for the remainder of the day. There is discussion of making the caps method a monthly option instead of a bus pass but those decisions still need to be made by the Council of DOT. Johnson also explained different ways that one could obtain a HOLO card:
1. HOLO account can be managed online (would need a credit card tied to the HOLO card to add value to the card)
2. Johnson stated that one could add value to the HOLO card/passes from their retail store and stated there are a list of retail stores (found on holo.net) that one could purchase their own HOLO card via online (711, Foodland, Times, etc.).
3. If one is concerned with anonymity that they could use cash and fill up the value for their HOLO card to their designated retail store
• Johnson explained that if one needed a senior or youth card, they would need to visit in person to the Middle Street Substation because it involves more security (would require an ID and a photograph).

• Kevin Haney: 12th Avenue Grill Chef, spoke about the idea of turning 12th Avenue into a one-way street using one half of the street for a sidewalk, café-style seating and a promenade. Haney explained that it would improve the business there because it would provide outside seating capacity encouraged by the City. Haney has been collaborating with Chair Schneider on this project and expressed that this City can be the "Paris of the Pacific", expressed need to rejuvenate the community and to make a commitment to this project; expressed concern for competition between other neighborhoods like Chinatown. Haney wants a conserted effort to create a beautiful, charming space needed to cater to the community; believes that a planned Neighborhood revival will create short-term relief to struggling businesses and long-term prosperity to the entire Neighborhood. Haney explains that there will be no destroying of buildings, wants to preserve everything the way that it is.
o Questions and comments followed: Resident Darin Mar asked and Haney answered if the parking on the side of the restaurants (Gelato, Thai restaurants, etc.) will be removed, is proposing that 12th Avenue be turned into a one-way street that will allow access to all parking lots that the businesses has there, displayed picture of how much of the street will be taken and how much room there will be present to use. Resident Carol Hoshiko asked Haney and Chair Schneider if this project will be part of the Envision Kaimuki Initiative, Chair Schneider responded she is collaborating with Haney and Councilman Tommy Waters, believes the Mayor supports this project as well as Department of Transportation Services (DTS) like the idea because there is a move to have more outdoor dining to assist restaurant businesses. Chair Schneider continued to explain that using 12th Avenue as a pedestrian area is an old idea that has been tossed around, not a super-busy road at this time due to the coronavirus, is also thinking long-term. Vice Chair Hoe asked Haney if he was not referencing where First Hawaiian Bank is and wanted clarification on the location, Haney responded with "that is correct". Chair Schneider commented to Vice Chair Hoe on the capacity for the room for the Honolulu Business of Realtors (HBR) building parking, also asked the community if they liked the idea, the community applauded.

• Presentation from the Tsu Chi Foundation: Stephanie Fan thanked Chair Schneider for allowing her to come to the Board to give this presentation, deferred to Devin Makizuru, who explained the organization's purpose to establish their place as a community center. Makizuru explained that the Tsu Chi Foundation is planning a drive-through for August 30th 2020, is asking people to register in order to be efficient. Makizuru inquired about disseminating information about their food drive, Chair Schneider responded she will post that event date via Facebook.

• Update on Ala Wai Flood Project�Dave Watase: he has stated there are six (6) upstream detention basins being removed but the detention basins are still in place, expressed concerns that the flood pump extends over the Ala Wai Canal, explained there are better solutions; stated that the Army Corps has ignored the community, City and County Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) did not consult with the Army, Watase believes it still needs to be vetted by the community and the residents that live in the Neighborhood; explained that impacts will be on the lower end of the watershed. Chair Schneider explained to Watase that a representative of the Army Corps has offered to be present for the Board in September 2020. Chair Schneider also expressed her wishes for a representative of Oceanit to show up at the next Board meeting; Watase commented that Oceanit stated their plan was to use microtunnelling (called Subsurface Watershed Inundation Flow Technology (SWIFT)), Watase opined that it was a little "pricey", believes there should be a tunneling underneath the Ala Wai Canal to protect the island of O'ahu from tide surge, and it would be multifunctional.

PRESENTATIONS:

• Pavement Preservation of Streets, Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM)--Kyle Oyasato and Becky Wilson: presentation covered how the process of roadwork surfacing project will be done and how to reduce the number of potholes on the road. Wilson stated that there will be calendars sent out every month to this Neighborhood Board and to City Council regarding the areas on the maps that roadwork will take place.
o Questions and comments followed: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Wilson answered how much of the road will they do at one (1) time, several blocks at a time, depends on which streets are designated by the City. Resident Davin Mar asked and Oyasato answered if the seal will be completed from curb to curb and how the material used will respond to buses, Oyasato responded, yes, and it will be covered around 12a.m. to 1a.m., the road will still be closed because the road will need time to cure due to the slurry seal that will be applied, so there should be no traffic. Resident Mar also asked if once the road is reopened, if residents should be careful whilst driving on the road after the slurry seal has been applied, Oyasato responded yes, that is correct. Oyasato added that part of the pavement preservation process (continues to cure even when open to the public) is when cars drive over the road, it helps compact the application, explained that there may be loose gravel as drivers continue to drive on newly paved road so he will send out street sweepers to sweep up loose aggregate. Oyasato also responded that as more traffic passes through to compact the seal, over time the loose aggregate will decrease and the road will improve. Dehnavi asked and Wilson answered if there are lighter colors that could reduce the heat regarding resurfacing material observed, the products used are asphalt-based. Watase asked if it was a chemical cure, or does it have to dry or does it cure by heat. Watase also asked how old does the road need to be for the application, and how long does the life extend the road once the process of curing is over. Wilson answered that it is difficult to tell what ages the roads are due to the effect the weather has on the roads, stated the roads in Nu'uanu age differently from the roads of Kailua or Diamond Head due to the amount of sunlight received. Wilson stated that if the water has evaporated due to the slurry and seal coat applied, that signifies the road has been cured, and it becomes more compacted with the traffic on the road. McCutcheon asked what kind of comments have been received by bicyclists, Oyasato and Wilson answered that they have not received too many responses nor complaints but Oyasato has received responses from skateboarders who comment that the road is a "little rough".

• Kapi'olani Community College Culinary Institute of the Pacific Construction Update: Carol Hoshiko updated the Board Phase 2 of construction done, introduced Chancellor Dr. Louise Pagotto and Project Manager Lise Ditzel-Ma who explained how far along they are in the project. Chancellor Pagotto introduced the team members responsible for this project, and deferred the explanation to the project to Project Manager Lise Ditzel-Ma. Ditzel-Ma explained what the CIP (Culinary Institute of the Pacific) campus project entailed; is planning to expand program capability by designing and constructing the restaurant, auditorium and food innovation center, along with site-work utilities and parking; the complex will provide a healthy indoor/outdoor environment and integrate with extensive sustainable design. Ditzel-Ma explained CIP will provide environment for chefs with intregal skills and expertise in culinary management, food science and nutrition. CIP will promote and support local agriculture, food sustainability and provide integration with Hawaiian ideologies while maintaining a global outlook. Ditzel-Ma explained the State of Hawaii funded the majority of the project with the promise that the University of Hawaii Foundation raise the allowance of the funding from private donations; this collaboration between public and private donations exhibit support from the entire community. Ditzel-Ma introduced Joleen Miranda-Pesquira and Blake Inouye, who explained the contents of the schematics behind the innovation center and possible road ways used for Phase 2 of this project.
o Questions and comments followed: Watson asked for clarification and was concerned about the overlap between the route where pavement preservation road work will be performed on Kapahulu Avenue and where the construction vehicles will be riding towards Kapi'olani Community College, will roads be closed on the days where construction will take place. Mar answered that Campbell Avenue will not be one of the streets where roadwork will be performed, Oyasato clarified that Kapahulu Avenue will not be one of the streets where preservation roadwork will be performed. Hoshiko told Chair Schneider about a virtual town hall meeting on September 3rd, 2020 from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. Watson inquired about a Diamond Head Citizens Advisory Committee, asked if they have been consulted on the Phase 2 of the CIP project, Hoshiko responded that Chancellor Pagotto is an honorary member of said Board. Chancellor Pagotto explained to Watson that there have been presentations and updates on a regular basis, emphasized that their role is the master plan for the Diamond Head Monument itself but they continue to receive regular updates regarding the project.

• Petrie Park Skatepark Presentation: Tess Patricio and Bear Patricio (mother and son, residents of Kaimuki), requesting for a concrete skate park to be built at Petrie Park; has been in front of the Neighborhood Committee ten years ago but due to funding cuts there was no progress. Patricio introduced Eric England who is a part of HSPA (Hawaii Skate Park Association), who explained the resolution and idea to put a skate park in Petrie Park. Eric Davis (Hawaii Skate Park Association) also explained the reason for having a skate park and had petitions signed by children all over the world, presented the possibilities of raising funds and for what the design would look like.
o Questions and comments followed: Watson inquired and Davis responded about how much space they would need, that it would be less than a full-sized basketball court. Watson asked and Davis answered if HSPA was looking to remove any courts in existence to make room for the skate park, no, could be discussed with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Chair Schneider asked Davis about the resolution available, unsure whether or not to defer business to next month to go over the resolution and add more details, Davis responded that the resolution is straightforward, is requesting specific dimensions for Petrie Park (3,500 square feet, 85 feet long by 35 feet wide), also opined that other parks are incredibly far to skate from the Kaimuki District. Watson asked and Chair Schneider answered if it would be okay to vote on the motion to pass the resolution because it was not on the agenda, the option was to either vote for this item to be on the agenda under Board Business or to read it and defer the item on September's agenda. Yamada commented that she was present regarding the Kapahulu Skatepark underneath the freeway, explained that she agrees with having a skate park but the only concern was to perform community outreach or a local petition in order to get their approval. Chair Schneider explained to Yamada that there was a petition but Yamada countered the petition contained 682 signatures from all over the world. Yamada also added that the resolution needed to be "tightened". Vice Chair Hoe suggested adding it to September's agenda with a petition and a corrected resolution. Davis commented that he will tighten the resolution and will come back to present his case to the Board in September.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Census Reminder: Please fill out the Census, period has been shortened until the end of September 2020.
Public Stormwater Meeting: There will be a remote public stormwater meeting with the Stormwater Stakeholder Advisory Group on August 24th 2020 from 4:00p.m-6:30p.m. For more information, the address is the following: https://www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org/stakeholder-advisory-group/

CITY OFFICIALS' REPORTS:

Mark Wong, Mayor's Representative:
• Regarding 3600-3700 block on Sierra Drive for Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS is in the design phase and was recently delayed, is now estimated for bids in 2024. Due to the delay, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is currently reviewing alternatives to have this section of Sierra Drive repaved.
• Videoconferences for Neighborhood Board Meetings: Wong believes the Zoom licenses are being paid, last month asked about licenses were available for the Board to use. Wong mentioned the City and County has made available to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) the application called WebEx, explained the NCO could create an account that the Board does not have to pay for.

Councilman Tommy Waters:
• Skate Park in Petrie Park: expressed his thoughts to the Board regarding the inquiry of having HSPA asking for input about the skate park and how the situation was handled.
• Resolution for Name Change to Kilauea Gym: Waters commented the resolution to authorize the name the Kilauea Gym after Tom Nekota was approved, explained that Nekota was a councilmember from the 1970s and 1980s then became Department of Parks and Recreations (DPR) Director under former Mayor Frank Fasi. Nekota accomplished obtaining 1.9 million dollars to make the Kilauea Gym to be built, and Waters stated he introduced the resolution and was delighted that it passed.
• Stormwater Meeting: Waters encouraged the community to attend the Stormwater Meeting because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pushing the City to administer a fine for how much cement a homeowner has in their yard; if a homeowner has cement in their driveway, it falls on the taxpayer's shoulders to pay a stormwater fee. Chair Schneider responded that she will encourage the community to attend that meeting because she is on the advisory group; explained that all properties will be charged by how much impervious surface exists via square footage, will be ways to mitigate some of those fees. Chair Schneider stated next month there will be a short presentation by Sea Grant with what can be done for bioswells or to put impervious surfaces in the area. It is the Federal government issuing these fees for everyone, not just the taxpayers. For more information about the meeting, Chair Schneider gave the website: stormwaterutilityoahu.org.
• Regarding Bus Stop Change: Waters addressed a community concern about a bus stop change to be in front of his house; explained he will help this community member but will need support from the Board in order for his case to be stronger and for DTS to approve of the change.

Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi Representative: No representative was present, no report was given.

David Ige's Representative: Amanda Stevens
• Fake Social Media Account: Stevens expressed a concern regarding a fraudulent Facebook profile page under "governordavidige101", person is actively seeking new followers, and wanted to give the Board and community members a heads-up.
• Resignation of Pankaj Bhanot: Pankaj Bhanot is stepping down as the head of the Department of Human Services (DHS) due to health and family reasons after having served more than 20 years of service; he is responsible for getting benefits (Medicaid, SNAP) to individuals who have lost their jobs in two (2) to three (3) days during the coronavirus pandemic. Cathy Betts will be replacing Bhanot as the head of DHS starting September 1st, 2020.
• Response to Dave Watase's Question: Stevens mentioned Dave Watase's question about the process regarding the questions, comments and suggestions; these inquiries are submitted to the Governor's website, the messages are reported to the respective departments with the expertise to respond, encouraged others to utilize the website available. Stevens requested a representative from DOT to attend September 2020's meeting, this representative will come on a quarterly basis. Stevens continued DOT put out a survey that the Board could inquire about in September 2020's meeting.
• Coronavirus Numbers: Stevens mentioned there were 234 new cases on O'ahu, seven (7) on Kaua'i Island and 20 on Maui; explained Ige's presence at the Convention Center was to state the importance of contact tracers.

o Questions, comments and concerns followed: Dehnavi asked Stevens why the trails are closed, Stevens responded that she will question back to the Governor for clarification, explained the concerns were groups of people not social distancing and that no masks are being utilized. Dehnavi also asked about school re-openings, has there been any guidelines with filtration/ventilation systems in classrooms and if there is any funding that exists, Stevens responded she will take those questions to the Governor to obtain an answer.

Stanley Chang's Representative: Lynn Robinson-Onderko gave the following report:
• Importance of Social Bubble/Social Distancing: Robinson-Onderko mentioned the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) funding coming to the Kaimuki District, mentioned important bills passed during session, also mentioned important information about what it means to have a safe social bubble and utilizing social distancing practices.
• Regarding Job Fair: Hawaii Chamber of Commerce has launched a website called hawaiiissharing.com, website will assist individuals looking for jobs, encouraged the Board and the Community to spread the word about the website.
• Webinars: Senator Chang is co-hosting with Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE) regarding housing webinars held every other Wednesday at 10:30a.m.; webinars are available on youtube.com; an individual can register via the representative's website: senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov or to call their office at 808-586-8420.

Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (Representative District 20): Say reported the following:
• Link regarding Military Helicopter Flights: Say reported about links regarding helicopter flights from Amy Johnson, gave it to the Chair, and has correspondence from Craig Takeyama in response to the helicopters flying over this district.
• Regarding COVID-19 Cases: Say stated there will be more restrictions due to the spikes in coronavirus cases, expressed his wish that Governor Ige should be instituting stronger curfews.

Moniz departed at 8:30p.m., 10 members remaining.

Resolution Regarding Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) Small Businesses

Watson moved and Pierce seconded the Motion to adopt the Resolution Regarding KBPA Small Businesses. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0) (Aye: Schneider, McCutcheon, Hoe, Yamada, Pierce, Dehnavi, Watson, Kang, Thompson, Gardner; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Hoe moved and Pierce seconded for the July minutes to be approved, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0) (Aye: Schneider, Yamada, McCutcheon, Dehnavi, Watson, Thompson, Gardner, Kang, Hoe, Pierce; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Brian Kang reported the expenses for the month of July 2020 was $27.28 with the remaining balance of $396.86.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Member Announcements - No announcements were given.

Next Meeting - The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Thursday, September 16, 2020 at 6:15 p.m., location to be determined.
Audio and Video Recordings - Informal audio and video recordings of the meetings are available to the general public via `Olelo "On Demand" at http://goo.gl/mhGBVv. Search for "Kaimuki Board" and you can download an mp3 file or watch a video of the meetings online.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Chris Naylon, Public Relations Assistant
Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2020 Minutes

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