Neighborhood Board #4 Kaimuki 2020 Minutes

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Neighborhood Board #4 Kaimuki 2020 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/18/2020.

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

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Sharon Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with 11 members present, six (6) members were present in person and five (5) members were 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 - Sharon Schneider, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Lori Yamada, Hamed Dehnavi, Rich Thompson, Molly Pierce, Kehau Watson, Eric McCutcheon, Marilyn Moniz, Becky Gardner.

Board Members Absent - None were absent.

Guests - Sergeant Adam Lipka (Honolulu Police Department), Firefighter Yost (Kaimuki Fire Station), Mark D. Wong (Mayor Caldwell's Representative), House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, State Senator Les Ihara, State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, Davin Aoyagi (Representative for Tommy Waters), Deena Dray (Executive Director for Diamond Head Theatre), Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Stanley Chang's Representative), Residents Elwood Lum, Elwood Lee, Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - District 7 Sergeant Adam Lipka read the report:
• September 2020: There were 11 motor vehicle thefts, 21 burglaries, 35 thefts, 21 UEMVs (unauthorized entries into motor vehicles). There were 8,806 total calls for service.
• Safety Tip: Move Over Law
o When emergency vehicles need to cut their way through traffic and their lights are flashing, they are asking people on the road to get out of the way by slowing down and moving over from one lane to another. If the driver is unable to move over because there is no room to do so, the law states to slow down to a safe speed (there is no set speed for how slow a person needs to be at). The law is for the safety of people that need assistance on the side of the road.
• Press Release from Criminal Investigation Division: Auto Vehicle Thefts
o Lipka read the press release, stated he would like to inform the public about a spike in auto theft cases where vehicles are being stolen with the use of spare keys. The press release explains to not have drivers leave their spare keys in their vehicles nor to leave their keys in the ignition so that thieves cannot steal their vehicles when left unattended momentarily in a gas station or at a store. HPD advises the public to take the keys with you whenever exiting the vehicle, and to not leave your spare keys in the vehicle; if you have multiple vehicles parked next to each other, do not leave the spare keys for the other vehicles inside.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Carjacking: Chair Schneider asked and Lipka answered about a carjacking that happened recently in Kaimuki that is under investigation.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Yost (Kaimuki Fire Station) read the following report: September 2020: Two (2) brush fires, four (4) activated alarms, 74 medical emergencies, four (4) motor vehicle crashes, three (3) ocean rescues.
• Fire Safety Tips: regarding Halloween Safety
o When floods come, stay away from long, trailing fabric
o When making own costume: utilize material that will not come into contact with heat/flame
o If child is wearing mask, ensure eyeholes are large enough and vision is not obstructed
o Provide children with glow sticks as part of their costumes to create visibility
o Make sure families have flashlights or battery-operated candles while trick-or-treating

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - No representative present, Chair Schneider read the following report:
• Water Conservation: BWS is asking residents from Kaimuki to Hau'ula to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10 percent due to abnormally low rainfall, unusually hot weather, and declining wells.
• Voluntary Methods for Saving Water: Chair Schneider read the following tips to save water voluntarily:
o Irrigation and lawn/landscape watering twice a week, before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
o Postponing installation of new lawns
o Postponing the filling of pools and car washes
o Running only full loads for clothes washing and dishwashing
o Check for dripping faucets and running toilets
o Check for and repair leaks, especially with irrigation systems
• 500 Gallons: An example in a four (4) unit family could save 500 gallons of water utilizing the following:
o Turning off water while brushing one's teeth: saves 224 gallons
o Turning off water while shaving: saves 140 gallons
o Showering for two (2) minutes: saves 140 gallons
o Grand total of gallons saved: 504 gallons

PUBLIC ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Executive Director of Diamond Head Theatre: Deena Dray
Construction: Dray alerted the Board and the Community of the construction of a new theatre that will start at the end of this month, proposed timeline of construction will be 18 months. The old theatre will stay up until the completion of the new theatre. Dray and her staff have notified the neighbors of the construction via mail postage.
Entertainment: Dray said they will have all short shows and musicals starting Friday, December 4, 2020 until Saturday, August 21, 2021, that will be short enough so people can enjoy the performances. Due to the pandemic, this section has been moved under Tier 2, which means the theatre can be opened at 50% capacity provided that social distancing guidelines and face coverings are to be adhered. Sanitization practices and temperature checks will also be employed during the pandemic so people can enjoy the theatre safely.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Theatre Seats: Gardner asked and Dray answered about the seating capacity in the new theatre and the current seating capacity in the old theatre, current seating capacity is 475 but in the new theatre it will be 175 due to keeping it intimate for families and friends, as well as accommodating the number of cars in the parking lot. Dray noted that it will also compensate for the green space available.
2. Demolition Concerns: Gardner asked and Dray answered about the old theatre being up for demolition, the auditorium will be taken down so there will be more green space to house lawns and benches on the property.
3. Spacing for Bicyclists: Dehnavi asked and Dray answered if there were parking spaces for bicyclists, will suggest it and mentioned two Biki Stations in the area.

12th Avenue Promenade: A resident asked the Board about how serious the Envision Kaimuki Initiative is regarding the building of the promenade on 12th Avenue, concerned about road activity on Wilhelmina Rise, that it may cause traffic issues if a promenade were to take place. Chair Schneider explained the process behind creating the idea of a promenade and mentioned input from the Community, suggesting to ask councilmembers or the Mayor if there are any issues with this. Vice Chair Hoe clarified with this resident that it is not Wilhelmina Rise but is located on 12th Avenue.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark D. Wong gave his report:
Climate Ready Oahu: Mayor Caldwell would like community members to know of a new island-wide project and opportunities to support Oahu becoming more climate ready. The Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency has initiated a climate adaptation strategy project, which was identified as Action 28 of the community-developed Oahu Resilience Strategy. Board members have received a 1-page project sheet and are encouraged to visit the project website, www.climatereadyoahu.org, to participate in the intro survey and upcoming virtual community meetings. If the Board is interested in a presentation on the project, please email climateready@honolulu.gov.
Bus Route Change: Wong noted that this community member has addressed this issue for years and has stated that the Department of Transportation (DOT) will not grant his request because it is not specific enough. Resident Elwood Lum stated that he is requesting a reroute of the 9 bus up 13th Avenue by Harding Avenue; also wants a bus stop on avenues 13th and Harding.

Vice Chair Hoe left at 6:59 p.m., 10 members remaining.
Push Buttons for Pedestrians: A resident noted to Wong that the push buttons on avenues Waialae and 12th, Wai'alae Avenue and Sierra Drive, and Waialae Avenue and Koko Head Road do not serve its purpose and wanted to know what could be done about them.
16th Avenue Stormwater Basin: A resident mentioned the 16th Avenue Basin is clogged with debris and sediment, spoke to Wong and the Board that she mentioned this issue with the Department of Facility and Maintenance (DFM), who said this basin is not of highest priority.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Tzu Chi Foundation: On Sunday, October 25th, 2020, the foundation is having another food drive distribution.

Hawaii Emergency Agency: The State of Hawaii is distributing free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies available at https://hawaii-medical-alliance.myshopify.com/. For more information, contact Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) at ESF7.hiema@hawaii.gov. It is also translated into 5 languages - Chinese, Japanese, Ilocano, Tagalog, and Korean, these are for various businesses and professional services.

Pavement Preservation: The Pavement Preservation in Kaimuki is continuing. There are a few flyers with the schedule for October 2020 and it will be on our Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Facebook page.

Governor David Ige's Representative - No person was present, no report was given

City Councilmember's Representative - Davin Aoyagi, Councilmember Tommy Waters' Office, reported the following updates:
Bill 47: Aoyagi explained that this bill would provide additional information to the Neighborhood Boards for the removal of a crosswalk. Aoyagi explained that this bill is up for a hearing in front of the Transportation Council on Thursday, October 22nd, 2020.
Resolution 22-65: To address the monster homes issue, Aoyagi mentioned this resolution which will initiate a Land Use Ordnance (LUO) amendment to limit developmental standards, specifically increase minimum setbacks.
Bill 82: pertinent to stream inspection, noted there has been stream issues and flood in East Honolulu, whenever the Department of Facility and Maintenance (DFM) are inspecting the stream, transparency needs to be increased by displaying records of cleaning them.
Contact Information: If there are any questions or concerns, to contact Aoyagi at (808) 768-5044 or d.aoyagi@honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Department of Design and Construction (DDC): Chair Schneider asked about the Department of Design and Construction Parking Lot 2, Aoyagi mentioned their office is working on a riser that will be updated soon.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Councilwoman Kobayashi gave the following report:
Renewal of State ID/Drivers' License/HandiVan Pass: Councilwoman Kobayashi mentioned individuals are able to renew their state identification (so long as there are no changes) or drivers' license (eye exam certification required by doctor) in the mail instead of waiting in line; also mentioned assisting renewals for HandiVan but was told it is a Federal Issue even though people are afraid to stand in line due to COVID-19, wrote to Councilman Ed Case to address this issue.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Councilwoman Kobayashi noted the location of DMV testing has moved to Sheridan Park (on Pi'ikoi Street, below King Street), which will alleviate traffic near Costco Iwilei location.
Domestic Violence Month: Mentioned October is Domestic Violence Month, encouraged support for organizations like the Domestic Violence Action Center, noted that it is important to show support due to the inability to fundraise during COVID-19.
Support for Local Businesses: Encouraged the Board and Community to show support for struggling local businesses during COVID-19.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Congratulations: Watson congratulated Councilwoman Kobayashi on her election as Chair of Council, noted Councilwoman Kobayashi is nearing the end of her term and expressed her thanks for Councilwoman Kobayashi's contributions and service to the Community. Councilwoman Kobayashi stated she will continue to serve the Community as a volunteer even after her impending retirement.

State Senator Stanley Chang - Lynn Robinson-Onderko gave the following report:
• Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA): mentioned a kokua (help) portal (www.dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/kokua-offers-application) for businesses, organizations and restaurants to offer resources to the Community to respond to their needs during COVID-19.
• Newsletters: stated if individuals in the Community are not receiving newsletters via email from Senator Stanley Chang's Office, to please email Robinson-Onderko.
• Free Courses: Robinson-Onderko mentioned free access to online courses offered by the State of Hawaii called Coursera, for more information the following link can be accessed at www.htdc.org/covid-19/learning-tech.
• Ideas for Legislation: Robinson-Onderko asked for ideas of legislation, to pass those ideas along, she is requesting emails at the following addresses: senchang@capitol.hawaii.gov or l.robinson-onderko@capitol.hawaii.gov.

Watson left at 7:15 p.m., nine (9) members present.
Vice Chair Hoe returned at 7:19 p.m., 10 members present.
Dehnavi left at 7:23 p.m., returned at 7:33 p.m., nine (9) members present.
State Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara gave the following report:
• Senate Election: Senator Ihara explained his term ends on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020, noted his name was not on the general election ballot because he was elected in the primary election. However, his opponent was a nonpartisan competitor that did not qualify to be elected for the next term, so Senator Ihara will be retaining his position.
• Senate Convening: The Senate will be convening on the week of Monday, November 16th, 2020 in order to confirm a Hawaii Supreme Court Justice nominee, noted the Senate is waiting for the Governor to submit a name to them within the next 30 days.
• Judges: Senator Ihara stated the Senate convened in October 2020 to confirm a judge on the Immediate Court of Appeals as well as confirmed 10 district court judges and some circuit court judges.
• Calendar Changes: In January 2021, the session duration may not be for the full 60 days due to COVID-19, stated the session was truncated this year from the usual 60 days due to the pandemic.
• Constituents: Senator Ihara stated his staff have been assisting constituents remotely from home that are in need of COVID-19 relief, if other individuals are in need of assistance to call and/or email his office.
• Kupuna Caucus: Senator Ihara stated they will be meeting on Friday, November 6th, 2020, caucus members (including non-legislators) will be submitting proposals about senior citizen issues and will be open to the public via Zoom.
Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say: Speaker Say gave this report:
• Virtual Meetings: Say stated there have been virtual meetings held with directors and deputy directors of departments affected by COVID-19.
• Federal Funds: Say noted the expenditures for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act have to be done by December 30th, 2020, hopes for another stimulus package by the end of the year.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Expiration of Term: Senator Ihara asked and Say answered if Say's name will be on this ballot and if the public can call him Councilmember Say, no, will not have an office for the next two (2) months, will be sworn in Sunday, January 3rd, 2021 because his tenure ends Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020. Say contacted the Neighborhood Board regarding the forwarding of his new email address to be notified of Board meetings and will attend all seven (7) meetings; thanked the Board and Community for the privilege and opportunity to serve this district. Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi offered her office to Say during his transition.
State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: State Representative Kobayashi gave the following report:
Teacher of the Year: The Department of Education (DOE) will give an announcement regarding this accolade will be made later this week, a teacher from Liholiho Elementary will be given this honor, noted both Waikiki School and Liholiho Elementary have three (3) national blue ribbon awards each, one (1) award per decade for the last three (3) decades.
Fire Ants: are considered an invasive species that seek out their prey; if they become prevalent, these ants will wreak havoc on the environment, asked the Community to report them so the fire ant population can be controlled.
Congressman Ed Case (Congressional District 1) District Director Jacqueline Conant: No representative was present, Chair Schneider stated Case's office is waiting on the results of the CARES Act, but still working to help any constituents that are having issues.
Approval of Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 Meeting Minutes: Corrections: Vice Chair Hoe mentioned on page 7 of 10 under section "Regarding Bus Stop Change", it should read "is requesting a reroute of the 9 bus up 13th Avenue by Harding Avenue and add a bus stop on 13th Avenue by Harding Avenue".
The amended Wednesday, September 16th, Meeting Minutes were APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0), (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Pierce, Dehnavi, Yamada, Moniz, Thompson, McCutcheon, Kang, Gardner; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)
Treasurer's Report: Treasure Kang noted as of September 2020, expenses spent were $35.81 with a remaining balance of $333.54.
Watson returned at 7:35 p.m., 11 members present.
Report from Environmental Permitted Interaction Group: Pierce gave the following report:
Climate Ready Oahu: Pierce stated this program has started, great way to obtain data so when the City creates plans for adaptation, it gives a picture of a baseline of what people do or do not want in their Community.
Imagine a Day Without Water: Pierce mentioned the focus is on the importance of valuable water infrastructure, how this issue is interconnected with storm drainage issues and how this issue ties with hotter topics such as the Ala Wai Dredging Project.
Ideas: Pierce asked if individuals want to contribute topics or wants to join this permitted action group, to email Pierce at MollyTPierce@gmail.com.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Climate Injustice: Watson mentioned an article regarding climate injustice throughout Honolulu, talked about a national webinar she participated with other indigenous leaders about the aforementioned topic; Gardner requested a link for the article.
Report of Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Watson gave the following report: Topics: Watson spoke of six (6) people that will be participating in this PIG, asked for clarification of the PIG, noted a couple potential activities that will be discussed which a meeting to talk about resolutions that relate to the bills that will move to City Council and will work on a survey that will be sent out to the Community.
Report of Transportation Committee: McCutcheon gave the following report: Biki Stops: Encouraged the Community to utilize Biki stops as a great way to travel in Kaimuki, Chair Schneider stated Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) is also supporting Biki Bike Share. Chair Schneider asked and McCutcheon answered if there were any members added to this permitted interaction group, there have been no new additions to report.
Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Thursday, November 18th, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at Kaimuki Christian Church and also via Zoom.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Assistant
Reviewed by: Paul Hoe, Vice Chair
Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

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Neighborhood Board #4 Kaimuki 2020 Minutes

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