Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting September 2020 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting September 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/21/2020.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present, three (3) members were present via Zoom, six (6) members were present in person. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

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

Board Members Absent - Molly Pierce, Rich Thompson.

Guests - Captain Reginaldo Gawiran (Honolulu Fire Department), Sergeant Adam Lipka (Honolulu Police Department), Carol Hoshiko (Dean of College and Community Relations, Community Liaison to the Community), Bryan Kimura (State Department of Transportation, Traffic Division), Devin Makizuru (Tsu Chi Foundation), Michael Mezzacapo, Melanie Lander (UH Seagrant), Eric England (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Eric Davis (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Mike Brennan (Hawaii Skate Park Association), Mark D. Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative,) Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Representative for Stanley Chang), Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Resident Elwood Lum, Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). Name was not included if not legible on the attendance sheet.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Gawiran read the report which stated the following:
August 2020 Statistics- 3 wildlife brush fires, 2 nuisance fires, 4 activated alarms, 55 medical emergencies, 8 motor vehicle collisions, and 1 hazardous material incident.
Fire Safety Tip: Captain Gawiran 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 a 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 Center for Disease Control (CDC) prevention guidelines

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Adam Lipka gave the following report for the months of July and August 2020:
July 2020 Statistics: 10 motor vehicle thefts, 13 burglaries, 24 thefts, 20 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs).
August 2020 Statistics: 5 motor vehicle thefts, 15 burglaries, 24 thefts, 18 UEMVs. Total, there were 7,770 calls for service.
Residential Security Tips: Sergeant Lipka passed out a pamphlet that outlined residential security tips which contained the following:
Alarms: are recommended for a good deterrent against thieves; you can obtain several estimates from established alarm companies and find a system that fits your needs and budget
Doors: exterior should be made of solid core wood or metal; hinges for all exterior doors should be interior or have non-removable pins
Door Locks: the most secure types of locks for doors are double deadbolt locks but if used, always have a key readily available in the event of an emergency. Three (3) inch screws should be used to secure the strike plate to the door frame; deadbolts should extend at least one (1) inch into the door frame.
Peepholes: have one installed if you do not have a window near your front door; ask what he/she/ they want without opening the door if you do not recognize the person; never open the door for strangers
Sliding Glass Doors and Windows: both can be lifted or pried off of their tracks; preventative measures include a wood bar or anti-lift plate easily installed to the upper track to deter thieves from breaking in a sliding glass door. There are various types of locking devices available at hardware stores or from locksmiths as suggested preventative measures against thieves opening windows; charlie bars/bars that can be lowered into place at the end of a sliding glass door/window to prevent openings are also recommended.
Louvered Windows: are intended for ventilation, not security, stated thieves will pop the windows individually in order for them to obtain entry. As a preventative measure, louvers can be glued to the louver frame using silicon or epoxy cement. Metal bars and grills can also secure windows but can be costly; a quick release mechanism will need to be installed to ensure bars can be opened from the inside in the event of an emergency if bars are utilized.
Plants, Shrubbery, Walls and Fences: keep them trimmed low or away from doors and windows; walls and fences create obstacles for intruders but they also hide them, design wall and/or fence to allow the exterior areas of the home to be visible as a preventative measure.
Take Inventory of Property: document the make, model, and serial numbers of tools, electronics, appliances, etc., obtain full descriptions and photographs of jewelry so it can be easily identified by police. Engrave your favorite numbers, date or initials on the item; engraver's tools can be found at most hardware stores or may be borrowed from most police stations.
Safes: should be used for firearms, cash, jewelry, other items not regularly used but it is not safe to just rely on a safe alone. All safes should be bolted down to prevent them from being stolen.
Valuables in Plain Sight: Never leave wallets, purses, etc., unattended in your car or in a shopping cart, even for a short period of time. Some favorite items that thieves like to steal included weed whackers, lawn mowers, and golf clubs.
Garage Doors: Keep garage doors shut when you are not around, doors leading to your house from the garage should be treated as exterior doors. An open garage door provides easy access to items in the garage and to your house.
Lighting: A preventative safety measure would be to provide perimeter or outdoor lighting; lights with motion detectors are inexpensive and easy to install.
Neighbors and Their Vehicles: Report any suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood by calling the police and dialing 911.
Neighborhood Security Watch: A great way to know your neighbors and the police in your area is by joining a neighborhood security watch.

Comments ensued: Gardner pointed out that she was unable to hear Sergeant Lipka whilst giving his report and suggested he speak closer to the microphone, he responded that it was because of his mask and redirected the report to the website at www.honolulupd.org .

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

Public Input:

KCC: Carol Hoshiko, Dean of College and Community Relations, Community Liaison to the Community: put up a link for the presentation of the contractors and chancellor from the Culinary Institute of the Pacific in the chat on Zoom that was set for Wednesday, September 30th, 2020. Chair Schneider stated she will put that on their Facebook page.

Presentation from the Tsu Chi Foundation: Devin Makizuru, who explained that the Tsu Chi Foundation executed a relief food drive-through distribution on Thursday, August 27th 2020; reported that said distribution was a success (served 60 families that were served, 170 household members that volunteers picked up food for). There were two (2) concerns that involved planning this distribution: 1. ensuring safety and 2. ensuring the organization did not impede or cause any traffic disturbances. Makizuru described said distribution was a no-contact drive-through. Makizuru is planning on doing future distributions and inquired about disseminating information about their future food drives via the Neighborhood Board website, stated the organization is working with City and County to ensure clearance to disseminate information about their continued food distributions on the last Sunday of every month. Chair Schneider responded that Treasurer Brian Kang already posted the flyer via Facebook.

Update on H-1 East bound Off-Ramp at Koko Head Avenue, Lane Utilization Update � Bryan Kimura, State Department of Transportation (HDOT), Traffic Division
Concerns: Kimura explained that at the H-1 Eastbound off-ramp at Koko Head Avenue, during peak periods, if the first vehicle in the right lane makes a left turn, vehicles behind are unable to make a right turn on red. The concern at Koko Head Avenue and Harding Avenue, mauka-bound vehicles in the left turn through lane proceeding straight through the intersection encounter vehicles merging from an adjacent through lane due to parked vehicles.
Options: Kimura explained that the option for mitigating the issue at the off-ramp at Koko Head Avenue would be to build a right turning lane. Kimura continued to explain that the second issue regarding avenues Koko Head and Harding can be mitigated by having separate lane assignments to see the left turning lane but not at the dedicated through lane (the straight ahead lane). Kimura also mentioned that widening lanes would produce the best result but it would be costly ($700 million), thus HDOT was not interested in funding an expensive project.
Survey: Kimura mentioned a survey that was released to the Community for three (3) months (January to March of 2020); 53 people answered survey regarding what should be done to mitigate the roads and were given three (3) options (below are options listed and the percentages in which people voted):
1. Option 1a (to restripe existing off-ramp): 7.5%
2. Option 1b (to restripe off-ramp and Harding Avenue): 56.6%
3. Option 2 (to widen off-ramp): 20.8%
4. Option 3 (do nothing): 15.1%
Duration of Project for Option 1b: Kimura continued that Option 1b has been incorporated into a project, has gone to advertise and is scheduled to open for bids on Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 with the anticipated notice that will be seen in March 2021, provided the bid is within budget. If the bid goes through, the time frame will be 18 months. Kimura stated the two (2) aforementioned issues will be finished by Tuesday, September 20, 2022, and the project will take approximately six (6) months' worth of construction to complete.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Damaged Guardrail: Watson mentioned a resident's concern about the damaged guard rail, inquired whether or not said guard rail was fixed. Kimura responded there was a schedule for the aforementioned guard rail to be repaired but has not followed up. Watson inquired and Kimura responded if the rail could be involved as part of the project to have it fixed for safety reasons, will follow up to make sure HDOT fixes it because normally repairs do not happen on a project. Moniz commented to Kimura that the damaged rail has not been repaired. Watson emphasized the importance of the guardrail to be fixed as soon as possible because any time traffic modification is done, the risk of accidents increase, and wanted to make sure it will be fixed sooner than later. Kimura responded that it should have been fixed sooner, and will make sure it will be fixed.
2. Option 1b Experiment: Yamada inquired about performing an experiment regarding option 1b, commented that Kimura's plan looks simple. Yamada commented to Kimura that it is a matter of changing the errors and retraining the way people exit. Kimura responded that the restriping is simple to do but the signal configuration has to change and is a complicated portion of the project to finish, explained the process behind the modification and changing of the signal heads. Yamada suggested to Kimura to make it one lane right and one lane left as an experiment, Kimura responded he will attempt to look into that but drivers might be confused without the striping involved. Yamada responded that drivers may be confused anyway when it changes, Kimura responded that it may be an adjustment period but at least the right markings and signal heads will be in place, and will look into Yamada's inquiry.
3. Reconstruction Affecting Traffic: Chair Schneider inquired about how the reconstruction might affect the traffic with Option 1b. Kimura responded that in the morning, the queue will be significantly lessened; in the afternoon drivers waiting to turn in the left lane would be around seven (7) or eight (8) cars longer during peak traffic period, hence why there would be a reduction of the queue in the left lane in the morning.
4. Concern about Exit Closures: A community member asked if the exits will not be accessible for months, Kimura explained in general, the ramps will need to be operational at some point. Kimura explained that the closure will only last for a short period of time to change over the signalling system, pointing out the signal needs to be operational 100% of the time, and will be the only time the ramp will be shut down in order to turn off the signal.
5. Facebook: Chair Schneider inquired and Kimura answered if the presentation can be displayed on the Facebook page, yes, will send the presentation to the Chair.
6. Koko Head Fire Station: Vice Chair Hoe mentioned the intersection in front of Koko Head Fire Station, inquired would it be possible to obtain better signage or striping from the Koko Head off-ramp because occasionally drivers who wind up in the right lane go straight onto Kaimuki Avenue heading towards the fire station instead of being in the appropriate lane. Kimura responded that he would look into Hoe's inquiry to enhance the lane assignments.

PRESENTATIONS:

Urban Stormwater Management: Exploring Issues in Kaimuki: Michael Mezzacapo and Melanie Lander (UH Seagrant): explained what stormwater does to the area of Kaimuki and how that affects this area.

Quality and Quantity of Water: Lander explains that the quality and the quantity of water flowing over the surface of the ground is determined by our land uses. Lander also explains that the stormwater does not get treated but goes straight into the ocean.
Potential Flooding Issues: Lander explains that when the stormwater comes down the hill at a high velocity, it can cause erosions and scouring because it pulls away soil from property. In flatter areas, it creates ponding and pooling, the consequence of which would attract mosquitoes and other types of damages to lawns and other available infrastructure.
Effects of Stormwater on the Street: Mezzacapo explained that because stormwater is untreated, will be flushed (along with oil, debris, fertilizer, human waste, sediment on the street) towards the ocean, advises to stay out of the water due to stormwater advisories.
Cesspools: Mezzacapo explained that if cesspools are already backed up due to flooding, it will exit out into the stormwater, at risk of potential overflow into the ocean or into a neighbor's yard which becomes a public health crisis. Mezzacapo noted that if homeowners maintain cesspools to where they are not overflowing, it will protect the rest of the neighborhood and will affect the water quality of the community.
Tips for Homeowners: Mezzacapo noted that it is a bad idea to use fertilizer during a rainy period because flushed fertilizer towards the drain can impact coral reefs and allow invasive algae to grow, essentially smothering the coral. Mezzacapo suggested not to hose down their driveway because it goes right into the storm drain and into the ocean, it does not disappear. Mezzacapo also noted to also not wash cars with soap and detergent at home because washing that off goes straight into the ocean, affecting marine life. Mezzacapo suggested to make sure one would have a depository to dispose of the soap and detergent. Mezzacapo also noted the importance of picking up excrement after your pet.
Cognizance of Flooding: Lander suggested for homeowners to stand outside of their homes to see what gravity would do to rain or stand outside of your home while it rains to watch where the rain is going; can use that insight to see where the water flows; homeowners can do this insight to plan strategically to help reduce and filter out contaminants. Lander reiterated suggestions made by Mezzacapo to keep grass out of streets, if water ponding exists on property, to have a lower depression in the yard or have a garden that supports water to seep in slowly.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Watson mentioned the cesspools that were on the map in the presentation are actually under State jurisdiction, recommended to work with the Department of Health if concentrations of cesspools are seen as an issue, unsure what the Kaimuki Board could do about said issue. Watson also mentioned being on the Monster House Task Force for the City and the biggest disagreement was the incurring of surfaces; stated there was no support from UH, Climate Change Commission, etc., mentioned fighting with Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to have 25% of impervious surfaces into that legislation; recommended to both Lander and Mezzacapo to get involved at the council level, know that within the last two (2) years, there have been critical policies regarding these issues. Chair Schneider mentioned that the stormwater issues are being addressed in Councilmember Waters's office and that Davin Aoyagi will talk about it later during this meeting; also asked Lander if this presentation can be posted through the Facebook page, Lander responded yes.

United States Army Corps of Engineers' Ala Wai Watershed Flood Risk Management System Update: Jeff Herzog
Modeling Efforts: Herzog explained that he has presented twice for the Board: once in September 2019 and again in February 2020. Herzog mention discussion of modeling efforts to show that there was a definite problem with the watershed; believed it was beneficial to national economic development in order to invest in a federal project to reduce problems within the watershed, stated the Army was authorized to go forth with the project.
Funding: Once obtained funding in October 2018, had to go through an update process; in order to design and construct the project, identified during the modification process was the plan put forth and the facilities needed to justify the project for Congress needed to be modified in the system so that it would deliver the level of protection from flooding for the community. Explained that the top two (2) pictures in his slide show exhibit feasibility level of model agency, it is coarse and is not technologically sound whereas the bottom two (2) slides contains more detail due to the updated model being utilized in the full event of a storm.
Modifying Watershed: By modifying the system, the flood risk can be reduced in the following areas: Moili'ili District, as well as the University of Hawaii at Manoa area. Mentioned that the reason for the water coming down settles in the McCully-Mo'ili'ili District because it is lower than the area of Waikiki as well as the valleys of Manoa, Makiki, and Palolo, thus when it rains, the water settles and builds up due to its impervious surfaces in aforementioned district. The storm drainage system in said district was not built to withstand the amount of water on impervious surfaces.
Goal of Watershed Project: Goal is to take a piece of the mitigation and reduction system in the Ala Wai Watershed by reducing the amount of standing water and flooding in the watershed from mauka to makai down to less than one (1) foot of water. Believes in the recommended system that the objectives were achieved. Noted that there is a 1% event which could be catastrophic to thousands of people, mentioned a three (3) pronged system. Is in the feasibility stage, now preparing to be in the supplemental environmental stage; have to identify impacts based on the new changes.
Interdependency of Equipment: Explained if a person tried to pull any of the features out, the consequence would be an impact to the downstream or to the rest of the overall system, creating an interdependency. Important thing is instead of trying to create a single point of failure, to create a series of existing features that go down the system. Explained the biggest change that was done was to remove all of the upper watershed detention basin.
Community Input: Noted that while the community provided pushback and expressed their disappointment in the removal of the upper watershed detention basin, it was based on changes done to engineering data at the time; when data changed, it opened the opportunity for the Army to readjust and modify the system. Included community input throughout the watershed, different stakeholders were individually addressed in order to determine what the watershed should look like.
Recommendation of Bypass: Herzog mentioned the middle of Manoa Marketplace, the Army Corps of Engineers is recommending to put in a bypass due to giant amounts of water that pass through the town. Even if Woodlawn Bridge were to be removed completely, due to the topography of that area and the amount of water Manoa receives, it will flood. The Army Corps is recommending a bypass through Manoa Marketplace to put the water back into the stream. However, the exercises that took place involved chasing water down the watershed; if one puts more water back into Manoa Stream, what does that do downstream? Hence where the Kanewai Multipurpose Detention Basin will come in handy, there will be the same evacuation areas present but when there is a large flood event, it will have an urban firm around it in order for water to be diverted and never stop flowing into said detention basin. It will alleviate the water that is obtained from Manoa Marketplace, water further down the watershed will be diverted again into the Ala Wai Golf Course.
Next Step Addressing Environmental Issues: Herzog explained the Army Corps will publish a public notice of intent to scope and will hold a public meeting that will occur in October 2020, which will provide opportunities to discuss this project in depth. Herzog encouraged the Community and the Board to check out the website and the available slideshow, and encouraged participation from the Community, opened the floor to the Board and Community for questions and comments.

Questions and comments followed:
1. Collaboration with Oceanit: Chair Schneider asked Herzog about Oceanit working on building big tunnels asked about utilizing that design or solution; Herzog responded that the Subsurface Watershed Inundation Flow Technology (SWIFT) project by Oceanit is a separate piece of the puzzle from the Ala Wai Watershed Project; their project could integrate with the watershed project but is independent of Oceanit, explained the City Council passed a resolution encouraging the City to further investigate the environmental review of SWIFT.
2. Dispute Prevention Process: Gardner made a comment about the project, stated that a colleague mentioned a process akin to a resolution process described as an alternative dispute prevention process, explained it was a brainchild of the Army Corps of Engineers, was curious if the partnering concept is continued to be utilized for the watershed project or has that fallen out of fashion. Herzog responded the Army Corps does not operate unilaterally but is partnered with the City and County of Honolulu for the watershed project. Herzog continued that they have the opportunity to partner with any public or nonprofit organizations, hopes to further partnerships even with aforementioned project. Gardner explained that the partnering she is referring to is not a textbook definition of the word "partnering" but is a specific process, a dispute resolution process that involves workshops, free work surveys and constant evaluations with stakeholders in later meetings; seems really neat and was curious because it is an Army Corps brainchild; if partnering process was started sooner, it would have saved a lot of heartache for a lot of people.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Census Reminder: Please fill out the Census, period has been shortened until the end of September 2020.

Mayoral Candidate Forum: Chair Schneider mentioned a Mayoral Candidate Forum hosted by the Neighborhood Board on September 28th, 2020 at 5:30p.m. The Board is asking the Community to email us what topics they would like to see addressed; would like input about localized issues from neighbors in Palolo, Diamond Head/Kaimuki/Saint Louis, and from the Kaimuki Community. Details will be available soon.

Stormwater Utility Study: Chair Schneider explained that the study round two of community outreach feedback summary will be available on their website at https://www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org.

CITY OFFICIALS' REPORTS:

Mark D. Wong, Mayor's Representative:
16th and Waialae: DTS said they completed safety and collision study over the past few years, hired consultant to redesign intersection providing protection from the left turn lanes
Intersection on 9th and Waialae: DTS stated they will conduct an investigation which would include sight observations but due to COVID-19 crisis, there will be delays in their study since traffic conditions will not provide an accurate traffic volume and pedestrian counts necessary to complete their study of the area.
Repaving 3600-3700 Block of Sierra Drive: Department of Design and Construction (DDC) is reviewing repaving the block of Sierra Drive (from Koko Head Avenue to Wilhelmina Rise) was planned to be included in the Board of Water Supply (BWS) project but was recently delayed until 2024. Due to this delay, the DDC is currently reviewing alternatives to have this section of Sierra Drive repaved.
Comment Regarding Bulb-Outs: Bulbouts are a great tool for improving pedestrian safety and visibility at certain intersections. The City will be pursuing increased use of bulbouts along the streets that comprise the Pedestrian Priority Network and the high pedestrian injury locations identified in the upcoming Oahu Pedestrian Plan. If the Neighborhood Board is interested in a community-led "Quick Build" installation in the meantime, or has a particular location in mind, please contact Complete Streets at completestreets@honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Email Testimonies: Gardner asked Wong about Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) resolution that the Kaimuki Board has passed last month and lots of businesses wrote testimonies about a similar resolution that was passed last week but also wanted to know that the Mayor and Governor received copies of the resolution. Gardner wanted to know what the email address to send their testimonies to, Wong clarified that she wants the Mayor to get it, Gardner responded yes, wanted personal email. Wong stated it may be mayor@honolulu.gov but suggested to Gardner that it would be better to send those testimonies to the Mayor's secretary or staff to ensure the Mayor receives said testimonies. Gardner also wanted to know for the elected officials that are coming down if there was an email that Wong would know of.
2. Bank Card for Struggling Businesses: Wong responded that it is not a report back from the administration but mentioned there is a plan in place for creating city-branded debit cards and putting it in the hands of struggling local businesses; project was funded some time ago, been produced and is like a mastercard/debit card; working with the State of New York that is an instantaneous transfer. Wong continued that there are certain details of the card that need to be worked out but it would be supporting local businesses. Gardner asked and Wong responded which bank in New York would the City partner with and if there would be interest on those cards, Wong responded that there will not be interest built on it, responded to her second question as unsure but it will be from a mainland bank in New York. Wong stated the special program was kicked off during the Council of Mayors, and had to go through a consultant that would set these cards up with the City. Wong continued that the intent would be to have a HNL card that would be multi purposeful (combining income with public transit, etc.), also mentioned that the intent would be for struggling businesses to use these recovery funds.

Councilman Tommy Waters' Representative�Davin Aoyagi:
Homeowners Exemption Verification: For homeowners, the deadline is Wednesday, September 30th, 2020. To do this online, the website is www.honolulupropertytax.com.
Census 2020: Aoyagi reminded the Community and the Board that the deadline to finish the Census is September 30th, 2020, website to do so is www.mycensus2020.gov. There is a list of phone numbers if one should request to finish the census over the phone.
Bill 47: Empowers Neighborhood Boards to require presentations of removal/modifications prior to modification/removal of a crosswalk. This bill was created because of concerns raised from both Neighborhood Boards of Hawaii Kai and Kaimuki. This bill is scheduled for hearing for September 17th, 2020 at 1p.m. with the Transportation Committee.
Bill 2028: Council passed this bill which encourages the City Administration to adopt the Honolulu Economic Support Package which includes various elements, including Commercial Tenants.
3600-3700 Block of Sierra Drive: Aoyagi mentioned the meeting between BWS and DDC, it is now being incorporated into Phase 14D project so the residents will not have to wait until 2024 for that section to be fixed, also mentioned that Aoyagi will email the map that outlines different projects and phases.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Regarding Bus Route Change: Resident Elwood Lum mentioned to Aoyagi that he did not want the route to be in front of his house but is requesting a route change for the route 9 bus. Aoyagi deferred the issue to Chair Schneider, who commented that the Board will review the minutes and deferred question to the Neighborhood Commission Office.
2. Bulb-Outs: Chair Schneider mentioned Envision Kaimuki was attempting to obtain bulb-outs and will be speaking with Waters' office regarding the matter.

Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi Representative: No representative was present, report was emailed to Neighborhood Board members.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative was present, no report was given.

Stanley Chang's Representative: Lynn Robinson-Onderko gave the following report:
Youth for O'ahu: Robinson-Onderko mentioned Youth for O'ahu offering mini grants for middle school, high school and college students until the end of October 2020.
Regarding Brush Fires: Robinson-Onderko mentioned the Hawaii Wildfire Land Management Organization asks that the Community remain hypervigilant, make sure to clear brush, leaves and anything else that could be potentially flammable due to the dry nature of the State.
Senator Chang's Office: Robinson-Onderko mentioned that their office is looking for interns that are in high school, college or college graduate students that are interested in being part of the political realm, for more information, please contact her at l.robinson-onderko@capitol.honolulu.gov.

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

Speaker Emeritus Calvin K.Y. Say (Representative District 20): Say reported the following:
Tree Planting Replacements: Say mentioned planting areas located on Waialae Avenue, along the mauka and makai side of Waialae Avenue between 11th and Koko Head Avenues.
Hawaii Emergency Management Agency: To learn more about their agency, the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board and the Community can check out their YouTube channel.
Seniors Fraud: For seniors wanting to know more about fraud prevention and research guide, contact the Attorney General's Office at ag.hawaii.gov.
Struggling Parents: For struggling parents with their children during COVID-19, there is a handout regarding the Hawaii Children's Action Network encouraging parents to know their rights about paid sick leave during COVID-19.
Building Permit Process Changes: New process of building permit changes on O'ahu came out on Friday, August 4th, 2020 via Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Processing a building permit on O'ahu is expected to be easier on changes put in place by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). DPP began notifying applicants on Monday, September 14th, 2020, that permits are ready to be issued pending the approval of other agencies; would be up to the applicants to go through the route and to take the application to the agencies that are part of the application process; might be more cumbersome because applicants may have to walk through that process.
Rental Relief Program: Say recommends that there are three (3) different types of information that an individual could contact: hihousinghelp.com, catholiccharities@hawaii.org. with a telephone number of 808-521-HELP. Say recommended this information could help for renters who are facing the moratorium of Thursday, October 1st, 2020.

House of Representatives Bertrand Kobayashi: No representative was present, report was emailed to Neighborhood Board members.

Resolution From Envision Kaimuki Supporting 12th Avenue Promenade Concept

Discussion ensued:
1. Clarification regarding Resolution: Chair Schneider asked the Board or the Community if there were any questions; McCutcheon asked about Paragraph 7 if this is in regards to a closure of a portion of 12th Avenue, is this open so that there may be one (1) or two (2) lanes or a part of two (2) lanes so that there are multiple ways of making 12th Avenue pedestrian-friendly. Chair Schneider responded that there is a diagram of the design as an attachment to the resolution.
2. History Behind 12th Avenue Square: Yamada explained the history of 12th Avenue Square. Yamada briefly explained the history from the 1990s, the initial rehabilitation layout of Wai'alae Avenue during Harris's time as Mayor there was to be a part 2 of the improvements; one of them was to close off a little square of 12th Avenue from Waialae to the entrance of the parking lot number 1, then will go straight across on Mahina Avenue. Yamada asked which department was offering their input and Chair Schneider responded that it was DTS. The other portion of the 12th Avenue Resolution that Yamada mentioned was to close off one (1) lane from First Hawaiian Bank to 12th Avenue Grill that would be the closed portion of 12th Avenue in question.
3. Two (2) Suggestions Within Resolution: Chair Schneider clarified in the resolution that it is offering two (2) separate suggestions; one was suggested by 12th Avenue Grill to assist them as a business during the pandemic, hard for them to open and close because there exists a lot of overhead, already on the proposal via Facebook. Chair Schneider mentioned speaking with DTS and Councilmember Tommy Waters, put out a justification to assist businesses who have been struggling and because there is no place to sit in Kaimuki. Chair Schneider wanted to present this resolution in the hopes that this Neighborhood Board will support this.
4. Change Regarding Koko Head Lane: Watson asked instead of having the Koko Head Lane in the opposite direction to leave it in the same direction, does not see the difference. Vice Chair Hoe expressed the same sentiment as Watson, stating that it is smarter to make less changes as possible, the resolution does not specify whether or not the Koko Head Lane going towards Wai'alae Avenue will be changed and is stating that lane should not be changed. Chair Schneider reiterated that it will help the restaurants with their businesses by allowing them outdoor seating but Vice Chair Hoe counterpointed that changing the direction of the lane would not affect those businesses. Vice Chair Hoe wanted clarification about the difference between the resolution and what closures were being affected, Chair Schneider helped Vice Chair Hoe understand that the closure of avenues 12th and Mahina is separate from what is being proposed in the resolution because she is not sure what DTS plans to do with that area. Vice Chair Hoe suggested that the 12th Avenue City Square questions be separate from the resolution.

Vice Chair Hoe moved and Watson seconded the Motion to PASS the Resolution Regarding 12th Avenue Promenade Concept. The Motion PASSED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0) (Aye: McCutcheon, Schneider, Hoe, Yamada, Dehnavi, Watson, Kang, Gardner, Moniz; Nay: None, Abstain: None.)

APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST MEETING MINUTES:
Chair Schneider requested to defer the minutes because of a question that a resident had, Vice Chair Hoe clarified that the changes to the minutes needed to reflect that it was not a bus stop change that was being requested but a bus route change.

Vice Chair Hoe moved for the August minutes to be APPROVED with amended changes, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0) (Aye: Schneider, Yamada, McCutcheon, Dehnavi, Watson, Gardner, Kang, Hoe, Moniz; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Discussion of Proposal for Skate Park at Petrie Park-- Eric Davis, Hawaii Skate Park Association (HSPA)

Davis explained that when he is contacted by the Community, the Association will show up and propose a park (in this case, a small sized community park because there is a finite amount of space available) in Petrie Park, but this sport is the number 1 requested facility in the Parks Department nationwide. Davis explained that HSPA would propose conceptual design to the Kaimuki Board, and with support from Kaimuki Board, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and City and County, HSPA will then raise money and donate funds to implement construction. Davis noted why he was speaking on behalf of children who want a park put in place, so they call Davis to advocate for their interests. Chair Schneider asked Davis if he had spoken to DPR and Davis responded the association starts with the Neighborhood Board. Davis explained that the Makakilo Board voted in support of the skate park in Kapolei, then the Chair wrote a letter to the Mayor explaining why the association wants a skate park for children to skate on. Davis noted that the skate park in Kapolei would be the largest on the island, touting 70,000 square feet. Davis explained his frustration with the representatives of the community, that these children are not being heard when skate parks are essential for the area, also explained that children feel ostracized, they feel the world is constantly against them, which is why he is speaking on their behalf. Davis explained that all he is asking for would be less than a full-sized basketball court, and is requesting a space where children do not feel ostracized.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Moniz is in support of a skate park for the Kaimuki area, suggesting that the Board should ask the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) what the plans are for building a skate park in this area. Vice Chair Hoe expressed his agreement with Moniz, saying the Board should talk with DPR about building a skate park. Chair Schneider asked Davis if it would be better to forward the proposal to Councilmember Tommy Waters' office, Davis responded that the association will take the proposal from here, commented that it is desperately needed, it has become the norm nationwide to be part of the parks, stated the importance of having a skate park would be to diminish property value and to encourage inclusion. Gardner expressed her support for having a skate park in the area, believes the biggest barriers would be the neighbors and asked Davis if he received the neighbors' support for this project. Davis answered if the neighbors had a problem with it, it would be the act of skateboarding. Gardner suggested to do an outreach type of situation but Davis counterpointed the neighbors may not like it regardless. Yamada expressed concerns about the neighbors' reaction for a skate park being built in Petrie Park, Yamada volunteered to speak with the neighbors on the HSPA's behalf but is requesting dimensions. Davis responded that it would be the size of a basketball court, 3000 square feet, 100 feet long by 30 feet wide. Davis asked Yamada if HSPA should canvass the neighborhood to ask if we can build a tennis court or to canvass the neighborhood for a baseball field, asked what is it about skateboarders that people are worried about? Vice Chair Hoe reframed the question for Davis, saying the question should be does the Board support this proposal to have a skate park in this area. Watson expressed her support as well, if the park can be put next to a school, there is no better place for it, neighbors will comment and stated that she would rather children skateboard than casing houses. Moniz commented that DPR should revisit the idea that Petrie Park should be an ideal place for it, Yamada also chimed in that Kilauea Park could also be an alternative area to have a skate park there.

Chair Schneider asked if there were any objections to supporting this Proposal. Watson moved and Vice Chair Hoe seconded to support the proposal to have a skate park in Petrie Park, vote was PASSED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (9-0-0) (Aye: Schneider, Yamada, McCutcheon, Dehnavi, Watson, Gardner, Kang, Hoe, Moniz; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Member Announcements - Watson wanted to know if she needed to hold a public meeting for a Permitted Interaction Group and the issue of the Monster Homes has come up, will send it out to the Neighborhood Board Assistant. Chair Schneider clarified Watson wants to find out what has been happening with the Community, asked if Watson wanted to do a committee, Watson responded there will be an investigation and she will report back to the Board and will include the Neighborhood Board Assistant.

Denhavi reported on behalf of Todd Boulanger (Executive Director for BIKI), there will be a bike station with a planned installation date of Thursday, October 1st, 2020, will be for the three (3) stations on Wai'alae and 11th Avenue, 12th Avenue and Waialae, and Wilhelmina Rise and Wai'alae Avenue, reported that BIKI looks forward to the strong usage of these stations.

Next Meeting - The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 at 6:30 p.m., at Kaimuki Christian Church.
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: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Assistant
Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting September 2020 Minutes

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