Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2021 Minutes

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2021 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 3/17/2021.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021
ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER -- Vice Chair Hoe called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum was established with 10 members present. 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, Becky Gardner.

Board Members Absent -- Marilyn Moniz.

Guests -- Lieutenant Todd Hashimoto (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department), Mark D. Wong (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative), House of Representatives Bertrand Kobayashi, Councilmember Calvin Say; Davin Aoyagi (City Council Chair Tommy Waters' Representative); Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Stanley Chang's Representative), Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20); Residents ; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Doug Hu read the following report:
● January 2021: One (1) brush fire, two (2) activated alarms, 35 medical calls, one (1) motor vehicle with a pedestrian, and one (1) hazmat incident.
● Safety Tip: Captain Hu noted 911 tips.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant Todd Hashimoto read no report but took questions from the Board and the Community, discussion ensued:
1. Catalyst Converters: Yamada reported to HPD that her converter was stolen and if HPD was aware of a rise in converters and mail theft. Lieutenant Hashimoto responded that HPD is aware and if it happens, to call 911.
2. Mail Theft: Gardner asked and Lieutenant Nakamura answered regarding a rise in mail theft, with said theft being a federal crime. Lieutenant Nakamura noted criminals are stealing personal information and to call 911 when said theft occurs. Gardner asked and Lieutenant Nakamura responded regarding tips to protect oneself against mail theft by utilizing locked mailboxes.

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

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Carol Hoshiko, Dean of College and Community Relations, Kapiolani Community College (KCC): Hoshiko reported the following:
● Webinar: A webinar will take place on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the link to the webinar is the following: http://go.hawaii.edu/x8J .
● KCC 75th Anniversary: Hoshiko informed the Board and the Community of the celebration of the 75th anniversary, it will feature speakers such as Louise Pagotto and John Morton.

Brian Kimura, State Department of Transportation (HDOT): Kimura updated the Board on the following:
• H-1 Off-Ramp and Koko Head Avenue Update: Kimura noted the Koko Head Improvement Project was part of five (5) projects, opened bids on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Three (3) bids were accepted, HDOT was able to fund the first three (3) projects. Koko Head improvements were the fifth location of priority, noted HDOT needs to wait for more funding.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Lane Changes: Chair Hoe asked and Kimura answered regarding the lane changes to fix avenues Koko Head and Harding as part of a smaller project.
2. Railing: Kimura noted the railing damage on Koko Head Overpass and stated the maintenance men do not have the parts to fix the railing, will investigate another railing type with the tentative termination date will be the end of the summer 2021.
3. Mango Tree: Yamada noted a neighbor noted a diseased mango tree and asked Kimura if he knew about this issue.
4. 311 Application: Pierce asked and Kimura answered about issues being sent to the 311 application and of those issues are sent to which entities.

PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of University of Hawaii at Manoa - Upgrades to the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex: UH Football Home Games Status and Updates, Elmer K. Ka'ai, Director, Government Relations and Community Affairs, Keola Cheng, Vince Baldemor and Joel Matsunaga: Ka'ai introduced Joel Matsunaga who presented the following:
• Upgrades to TC Ching Stadium: Matsunaga noted the goal is to increase the seating by 10,000, currently there are 3,585 seats in the Ching Stadium. Matsunaga noted there are currently 6,690 parking stalls on campus, but has mentioned UH Manoa accommodating 20,000 people for spring commencement ceremonies.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. COVID-19 Measures: Matsunaga noted the intent despite COVID-19 would be to implement social distancing practices and instituting mask-wearing practices.
2. Update: Chair Hoe asked and Matsunaga answered to update the Board in August 2021.

Presentation of Design Tank (a think tank/design workshop) results for Kaimukī by the University of Hawai'i Community Design Center Collaborator, Nick Jenisch, Project Manager, Albert and Tina Small Center for Collaborative Design, Tulane School of Architecture: Jenisch presented the following:
• Introduction: Jenisch introduced himself to the Board and the Community.
• Goal: Jenisch noted the goal behind the Design Tank results were to enhance public space during COVID-19.
• Additions: Jenisch noted additions to support pedestrians, such as pop-up plazas and utilizing parklets.
• Plans: Jenisch presented short-term and long-term plans and spoke of merging pedestrian and motorist orientation activities.
• EnVision Kaimuki: Chair Hoe mentioned EnVision Kaimuki will host a more detailed opportunity and will give an opportunity for Jenisch to present in more detail.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Legality and Collaboration: Watson commented and Jenisch answered regarding applicable rights and zoning permits. Watson noted and Jenisch responded about collaboration with UH Manoa and with City planners.
2. Roadblocks: Gardner asked and Jenisch responded to roadblocks when implementing these plans. Jenisch noted further the support for a local business framework helps with the roadblocks, COVID-19 has been used as an excuse to act and assist local businesses. Jenisch noted State roads tend to be an issue due to rejection of ideas from the State.
3. Deliverable/Client: Resident Daniel Dinell asked and Jenisch answered what the deliverable is. Resident Dinell asked and Jenisch answered if the client is UH or the City.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. EnVision Kaimuki will host a more detailed discussion on the results of the Design/Tank presentation in the near future. A confirmed date will be announced soon.
2. The City is planning to move the Wailupe Fire Station in the future. More detailed information is on the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Facebook page.
3. Kapa Hale at 4614 Kilauea Avenue, #102 is applying for a Liquor License. Information on the hearing to be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021, and is on the Kaimukī Neighborhood Boad Facebook page.
4. The Stormwater Utility Study will be having community outreach meetings starting next month. The final Feasibility Study Summary Report is now available at their website: https://www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS
Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong was present and gave the following report:
● Announcement: Voter/Candidate Registration Period for the 2021 Neighborhood Board Election
○ Any O‘ahu resident who will be at least 18 years of age by Friday, February 19, 2021 can become a registered voter, including military personnel, military family members, and legal resident aliens.
○ To register to be a candidate in the 2021 Neighborhood Board Election visit www2.honolulu.gov/nbe or call 808-768-3710 to request a registration form. Registration forms can also be found on the Neighborhood Commission Office website at www.honolulu.gov/nco. The deadline to register is Friday, February 19, 2021.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Parking Lot Update: Kang asked and Wong answered about the parking lot #2 update. Watson commented and Chair Hoe agreed that people should wait to use the parklets until the parking lot #2 is finished.
2. 311 Requests: McCutcheon asked and Wong answered about the 311 requests sent to the State or Federal entities.

Councilmember Tommy Waters's Representative -- Legislative Aide Davin Aoyagi was present, reported the following updates:
● Bill 90: Aoyagi noted this bill passed the third reading on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 and was signed by the Mayor on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
● Congratulations: Aoyagi expressed congratulations to Director of DIT Wong for being sworn in as Director.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Say was present and gave the following report:
● Parking Lot #2 Update: Say noted that the parking lot is undergoing its electrical phase.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Amanda Stevens was present to represent Cathy Betts, the following report was given:
• COVID-19 Vaccine: Stevens noted the delivery of vaccines has halted to the islands, with the delay due to winter weather.

Senator Stanley Chang -- Lynn Robinson-Onderko gave the following report:
● Submitting Testimony: Robinson-Onderko noted to check out the capitol website for instructions to submit virtual testimony.
● Contact Tracing App: Robinson-Onderko explained the Aloha Safe Alert App to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara was not present, no report was given.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Sayama reported the following:
• Catalytic Converters: Sayama mentioned passing HB 446, which passed its second committee hearing via Judiciary and will be making its way to the Finance Committee. It will place additional requirements and fines on buyers who purchase stolen converters.
• Bills: Sayama mentioned the Capital Gains Bill, which would generate revenue for the State to fill the $1.4 billion gap. Sayama mentioned bill HB 1096 wherein allows non gestational and gestational couples to legally parent their children.
• Construction: Sayama mentioned Governor Ige releasing $200,000 in capital improvement funds given to Ali'iolani Elementary School. Wa'ahila Ridge Park is undergoing construction and closures, starting Wednesday, February 17, 2021 until Wednesday, March 24, 2021.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Kobayashi gave the following report:
● COVID-19: Kobayashi noted the vaccine is available at Longs.
● Session: State Representative Kobayashi noted the annual budget was discussed, stated $1.5 billion dollars will be added for the State.

United States Representative Ed Case -- Jacqueline Conant: No representative was present, no report was given.

BOARD BUSINESS
Resolution Concerning the Pedestrian and Student Access between Waialae Elementary Public Charter School and Kaimuki Intermediate School: Chair Hoe opened the floor for discussion; Watson mentioned a public meeting held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 with her Permitted Interaction Group with Councilmember Tommy Waters in attendance. Watson explained the reasoning behind the resolution. Watson raised issues of concerns for safety regarding children going from the public charter school to Kaimuki Middle School. Watson noted the resolution was at the suggestion of Councilmember Waters and acknowledged challenges for building a safe route between both schools. Chair Hoe inquired and Watson clarified location of where there are no sidewalks.

Watson MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION for a Resolution Concerning Pedestrian and Student Access between Waialae Elementary Public Charter School and Kaimuki Middle School, the motion PASSED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0) (Aye: Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Watson, Pierce, McCutcheon, Yamada, Thompson, Gardner, Dehnavi; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Ala Wai Watershed Resolution: Gardner explained the resolution.

Gardner MOVED and Watson SECONDED the MOTION to support the Ala Wai Watershed Resolution AS WRITTEN by Dave Watase, the motion PASSED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (10-0-0) (Aye: Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Watson, Pierce, McCutcheon, Yamada, Thompson, Gardner, Dehnavi; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Discussion of Queen's Theatre: Chair Hoe opened the floor to discussion, Yamada read the survey questions and results regarding the issue of the Queen's Theatre. Watson and Gardner suggested drafting a letter addressing safety concerns. Watson noted her concern to not condemn the building, as it is a historic landmark. Representative Sayama stated Council Chair Waters may introduce a bill to address this issue, noted the solution would be for the City and County to condemn the building. Watson and Thompson stated disapproval against condemning the theatre.

Approval of the Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes:
Kang MOVED and Gardner SECONDED the APPROVAL of the Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes as written with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0), (Aye: Schneider, McCutcheon, Yamada, Gardner, Hoe, Thompson, Watson, Kang, Pierce, Dehnavi; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report -- Treasurer Brian Kang reported this item be deferred until March 2021's meeting; hearing no objections, Chair Hoe deferred this item on the agenda.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: nothing to report.

Report of Environmental Permitted Interaction Group: Pierce reported the following:
• Webinars: Pierce noted of hosting webinars from different environmental organizations island-wide. Pierce stated if there are any people interested in participating, to let her know via email.

Report of Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group: Chair Schneider deferred this item to February 2021's meeting.

Report of Transportation Permitted Interaction Group: Watson spoke of the resolution earlier, there was nothing further to report.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Naomi Hanohano, Neighborhood Assistant
Final approval by:

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting February 2021 Minutes

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