Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2021
ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Quorum was established with eight (8) 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, Lori Yamada, Brian Kang, Hamed Dehnavi, Rich Thompson (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Kehau Watson, and Becky Gardner.

Board Members Absent -- Eric McCutcheon, and Molly Pierce.

Guests -- Sergeant Cyril Hanuna (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Reginald Gawiran (Honolulu Fire Department), Mark D. Wong (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative), State House Representative 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); Kaleo Samson (Founder of LongSpoon Farms), Michael Loftlin (Kukuionāpēhā Heiau - Pu'u o Kaimukī Mini Park Restoration and Art Mural Project); Residents Bill Wright, Christine Otto Zaa, Sarah Chinen, Reyn Kaupiko; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Gawiran read the following report:
● February 2021: There was one (1) brush fire, seven (7) activated alarms, 69 medical calls, and three (3) motor vehicle collisions with a pedestrian.
● Safety Tip: Captain Gawiran noted home fire sprinkler tips.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Accidents: Resident Bill Wright inquired about the locations of accidents.
2. HFD Mailbox: Gardner asked about the background story of the mailbox painted like a fire truck.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Sergeant Hanuna read the following report:
• January 2021 Statistics: There were 14 motor vehicle thefts, 28 burglaries, 35 thefts, and 36 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs).
• February 2021 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts, 33 burglaries, 38 thefts, and 19 UEMVs. Total calls for service were 7,730.
• Safety Tip: Sergeant Hanuna noted anti-scam tips.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Banks: Vice Chair Hoe suggested to call the banks instead of calling HPD when tackling potential scams to one's account.
2. Speeding: Wright noted speeding along 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue based on a radar speedometer utilized, also used a spreadsheet to tabulate them and shared his data with HPD, the Board and the Community. Sergeant Hanuna replied that the Community Policing Team will be sent to aforementioned avenues. Gardner stated a dog died crossing 16th Avenue and Anuhea Street, and noted various past injuries on said avenue, suggested a roundabout be installed. Chair Schneider suggested the Mayor's Representative should talk to City Department of Transportation (DTS) regarding this issue due to buses turning on Anuhea Street.
3. Thefts: Wright inquired and Sergeant Hanuna answered about the specifics between UEMVs and thefts. Yamada asked and Sergeant Hanuna responded that stolen catalytic converters would be under the theft category.

Addition of Item to Agenda: Chair Schneider clarified item to be added to the agenda, the resolution presented by Resident Christine Otto Zaa.

Watson MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION to ADD a presentation of a resolution to the agenda after the item "Resolution Opposing Block-Level Upzoning and Multiplex Dwelling Units in Kaimuki" the MOTION PASSED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (9-0-0), (Aye: Watson, Kang, Hoe, Schneider, Thompson, Moniz, Gardner, Yamada, and Dehnavi; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

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

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
1. Pedestrian Concerns: Resident Christine Otto Zaa noted to the Board there are cars parked parallel onto the sidewalks of 18th Avenue and stated pedestrian concerns.

PRESENTATIONS
Growing and Sharing on Oahu - LongSpoon Farms non-profit, Kaleolani Samson, Founder: Samson presented about a food security gardening project. Samson explained through her nonprofit organization, she is able to connect farmers to Kaimuki residents. For more information, visit www.longspoonfarms.com.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Concept: Chair Schneider stated it is a nice concept.

Kukuionāpēhā Heiau - Pu'u o Kaimukī Mini Park Restoration and Art Mural Project, Michael Loftin, and Kimeona Kane, 808Cleanups: Loftin presented updates to the restoration of the heiau, mini park, and extended community input to the art mural project of the AT&T building within the mini park. Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Survey: Gardner noted of a survey to add to the agenda regarding the design for the art mural project. Chair Schneider stated she will post it on the Facebook page for Community input.
2. Website: Vice Chair Hoe inquired and Loftin answered the website to sign up as a volunteer is www.808cleanups.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Results of Presentation: EnVision Kaimuki will host a more detailed discussion on the results of the Design/Tank presentation after our next Neighborhood Board Meeting. A confirmed date will be announced at the Neighborhood Board meeting. This covers responses to COVID-19, small projects to improve the streetscape and pedestrian safety measures.
2. Trees for Kaimuki: Trees for Kaimuki, a collaborative effort of EnVision Kaimuki, the National Park Service, Smart Trees Pacific, and Trees for Honolulu's Future, is sponsoring a tree giveaway on Nov. 6, 2021. Fittingly, the initiative is entitled "A community growing trees together!" It will feature tree species suitable for Kaimuki's climate in addition to expert advice and checkups. This work is being funded in part by the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife; and State and Private Forestry, branch of the USDA Forest Service, Region 5. More details to follow.
3. Public Hearing Amendments: There will be public hearing amendments to Chapter 21 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu that will be concerning windmills on Wednesday, March 7, 2021 at 1:30pm. More information is on the Kaimukī Neighborhood Boad Facebook page.
4. Environmental Assessment for Athletics Complex: Information on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Early Consultation for UH Football Facility Improvements - Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Wilson Okamoto Corporation is being accepted at publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com. More information is on the Kaimukī Neighborhood Board Facebook page.
5. Considering Improvements: A charette to consider improvements to Pu'u o Kaimukī Mini Park hosted by the Trees for Kaimuki with the National Park Service in May or June of 2021. Updates next month.
6. Community Outreach Meetings: 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. A presentation for Kaimuki will be scheduled in the near future in the next few months.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS
Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong was present and gave the following report:
• Parking Lot Update: The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) stated construction is expected to be completed in October 2021. The parking lot should be fully open in November. Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Right Turn Only: Dehnavi inquired and Chair Schneider clarified the State Department of Transportation (HDOT) does not have funding for modifying the right turn only lane on Koko Head Avenue. Director Wong noted this issue belongs to the State. Vice Chair Hoe reiterated why HDOT does not consider modification to the right lane a high priority based on February 2021's presentation.
2. Traffic Light Issues: Chair Schneider asked and Director Wong responded to coordinate with the City regarding traffic light issues. Director Wong clarified the traffic lights are metered by the City.

Councilmember Tommy Waters's Representative -- Legislative Aide Davin Aoyagi read report and took questions. Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Project: Chair Schneider queried and Aoyagi responded regarding details of construction from Wihelmina Rise down to Waialae Avenue. Aoyagi explained bids for construction will go out in June 2021.
2. Funds: Wright asked Aoyagi about funding transferred from the Federal Government to the State, also asked how much of the $365 million will go to Kaimuki infrastructure.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say read report and took questions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: Housing Issues: Gardner noted housing concerns amongst the Community, stated the rent and utility relief assistance will give people a safety net and make a significant impact. Councilmember Say mentioned contacting Legal Aid or Mediation Center of the Pacific resolving renter issues. Director Wong noted cash will be distributed for renters provided they meet qualifications and will be posted on oneoahu.org's website. Watson asked for clarification on mediating between landlords and renters, Councilmember Say explained dynamics in detail and also suggested utilizing the Honolulu 311 application.

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

Senator Stanley Chang -- Lynn Robinson-Onderko gave report and took questions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Senate Bills: Zaa mentioned two (2) senate bills and stated state income tax concerns affect those who are not wealthy. Robinson-Onderko replied she was not in favor of the threshold, which started a discussion amongst the Senators. Robinson-Onderko noted 111 bills were introduced, and stated an opportunity to create solutions. Watson expressed concerns for senate bills, and stated that Senator Chang should speak to his constituents in person. Watson noted that by not speaking to constituents in person and by not encouraging public input on senate bills introduced, it can be seen as insensitive and tone-deaf to the Community. Resident Sarah Chinen stated Senator Chang's intentions are good but has lost sense of locality.
2. Block Zoning: Thompson asked and Robinson-Onderko responded regarding clarification of block zoning volume.

Chair Schneider gave the gavel to Vice Chair Hoe at 8:38 p.m.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Representative Sayama read report and took questions.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Thanks: Moniz expressed thanks to Representative Sayama for the creation of the catalytic converter bill.
2. Catalytic Converters: Wright noted of current legislation of catalytic converters, perpetrators should compensate for expenses for victims of theft.

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

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

Chair Schneider obtained the gavel from Vice Chair Hoe at 8:45 p.m.

BOARD BUSINESS
Resolution Concerning Monster Homes: Chair Schneider expressed support and explained the importance of the resolution. Zaa read the resolution. Watson thanked Zaa for handling the resolution.

Watson MOVED and Hoe SECONDED the MOTION to ADOPT the Resolution Concerning Monster Homes, the MOTION was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (9-0-0), (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Thompson, Kang, Yamada, Moniz, Gardner, Dehnavi, Watson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

Resolution Concerning Status and Safety of Queen Theater: Gardner read and summarized the resolution. Watson explained her support for the resolution. Chair Schneider and Watson acknowledged flaws within the resolution and collaborated with Gardner to amend the language. Resident Reyn Kaupiko inquired if the landowner has been notified for fiduciary aspects. Chair Schneider and Vice Chair Hoe spoke of the history regarding the space of the theatre. Vice Chair Hoe and Gardner spoke of the historical and cultural value of the theatre.

Moniz MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION to support the Resolution Concerning Status and Safety of Queen Theater, the MOTION was APPROVED (7-1-1), (Aye: Moniz, Kang, Watson, Hoe, Schneider, Gardner, Dehnavi; Nay: Thompson; Abstain: Yamada).

Approval of the Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes
Watson MOVED and Thompson SECONDED the MOTION to ADOPT the Wednesday, February 17, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes AS AMENDED, the motion was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT. (9-0-0) (Aye: Gardner, Watson, Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Dehnavi, Thompson, Moniz, Yamada; 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: Nothing to report.

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

Report of Transportation Permitted Interaction Group: Dehnavi noted of a Biki Bike Docking Station moving on Wilhelmina Rise.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary
Final approval by: