Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting April 2021 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 5/19/2021.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

April 2021 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with seven (7) 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, Eric McCutcheon, Marilyn Moniz, Hamed Dehnavi, Rich Thompson, Kehau Watson (arrived at 6:32 p.m.), Becky Gardner (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Molly Pierce (arrived at 6:34 p.m.), and Lori Yamada (arrived at 6:42 p.m.).

Board Members Absent - None were absent.

Guests - Sergeant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Firefighter Jeffrey Fujita (Honolulu Fire Department), Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative), Amanda Stephens (Governor David Ige's Representative); State House Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Councilmember Calvin Say; City Council Chair Tommy Waters; Senator Stanley Chang; Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Todd Mayeshiro (Community Relations Specialist, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO)); Cami Kloster (G70, Stormwater Utility Presenter), Randall Wakumoto (Director of the Department of Facility and Maintenance (DFM)); Residents Sarah Chinen, Carol Hoshiko; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). 38 participants were in attendance.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Fujita read the following report:

April 2021: There were two (2) structure fires, three (3) nuisance fires, four (4) activated alarms, 40 medical calls, two (2) motor vehicle collisions, two (2) mountain rescues, with a total of 53 incidents.

Safety Tip: Firefighter Fujita noted hiking safety tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Thanks: Council Chair Tommy Waters thanked HFD for handling a water main break. Firefighter Fujita thanked the crew, Board of Water Supply (BWS) and HPD for their collaboration.

Watson arrived at 6:32 p.m., eight (8) board members present.

Gardner arrived at 6:33 p.m., nine (9) board members present.

Pierce arrived at 6:34 p.m., 10 board members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Sergeant Nakamura read the following report:

• March 2021 Statistics: There were nine (9) motor vehicle thefts, 33 burglaries, 38 thefts, and 19 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs).

• April 2021 Statistics: There were 13 motor vehicle thefts, 23 burglaries, 36 thefts, and 38 UEMVs. Total calls for service were 9,826.

• Safety Tip: Sergeant Nakamura noted how to utilize the Honolulu 311 application for submitting service requests.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Catalytic Converter: Gardner mentioned her converter was stolen from her 2008 Prius in Kapi'olani Park. Sergeant Nakamura noted reasoning for people stealing them, and is aware of this issue. Gardner contacted many individuals regarding this issue, noted a mechanic shop that had 874 catalytic converter repairs in March 2021. Gardner mentioned Representative Sayama attempting to address this issue but wants to know why the bill died in the Money Committee on the Senate side. Sergeant Nakamura noted this issue is worse on the West Side.

2. Pu'u O Kaimuki Park: Gardner mentioned a man that was at the park with a large Doberman, expressed concerns about this man on the phone with the police placing complaints against another neighbor who was at the park with his own dog. Gardner explained that at around 8:00 a.m., the same man with the Doberman has been infringing on other people's personal space at the same park. Sergeant Nakamura stated if the situation escalates to call 911.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller gave report, which included the 43rd Annual Water Conservation from Sunday, May 2, 2021, to Saturday, May 8, 2021; also included was the suspension of water bills that will extend until Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

1. Update on Resiliency Hub: Robert Franco introduced Cuong Tran, who updated the Board on the status of a potential resiliency hub and explained the next steps to take to establish said hub.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Radio Community: Thompson asked if Franco reached out to the Amateur Radio Community. Franco replied the focus has been on solar back-up at Kaimuki Middle School.

Yamada arrived at 6:42 p.m., 11 board members present.

PRESENTATIONS

Advanced Electric Meters, Todd Mayeshiro Community Relations Specialist, Community Relations, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO): Mayeshiro presented on adding and replacing advanced electric meters in the beginning of 2021.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Cost: Chair Schneider inquired and Mayeshiro replied there will be no cost to repair meters but it will spread out to $0.24.

2. Upgraded System: Yamada queried about being affected by an upgraded system, Mayeshiro responded with a detailed explanation of how residents will be affected.

3. Wifi Emissions: Resident Linda Laurence inquired about HECO's response to wifi emissions. Mayeshiro replied the meter will be outside the home, it will only transmit data throughout the day. Laurence expressed radiation concerns, Mayeshiro responded that the meter does not transmit every day nor every week. Laurence expressed surveillance concerns, Mayeshiro replied the meters transmit electricity usage, not personal activity.

4. Opt Out: Watson asked and Mayeshiro replied to opt out of the update can be allowed due to concerns.

Storm Water Utility Oahu Study Feasibility Update, Cami Kloster, G70 Design: Kloster presented on how homeowners will be paying stormwater fees as part of the property taxes, and explained how stormwater fees are calculated based on a property's impervious area (driveways, buildings, etc.).

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Support: Watson expressed support for this update.

2. Start Date: Hoe inquired and Wakumoto replied the start date would be at the earliest in 2023.

3. Funding: Hoe asked about the funding breakdown from property taxes and if there would be a fee reduction. Wakumoto responded with an explanation of concerns, stated a lot of discussion surrounding net revenue neutrality. Wakumoto noted the total amount being $70 billion from property taxes going into general funds, with $55 million coming from the stormwater utility fees. Thompson inquired if churches will be undergoing the same requirements as homeowners to pay these fees. Wakumoto replied yes, also mentioned a hardship provision. Yamada queried of a senior discount, Wakumoto responded with a "kupuna first" term, which is part of the proposal.

4. Storm Drain: City Council Chair Tommy Waters mentioned a storm drain on 11th Avenue and Harding Avenue, stated it is too small to accommodate all rainwater accumulated and has received complaints in that area. Wakumoto responded it is undersized and noted the storm drain is being reassessed. Wakumoto noted incentivizing the fee presents legal challenges.

5. Monster Homes: Thompson asked about legal recourse for a monster home owner to not pay the stormwater fee. Wakumoto replied there is a lien or added fee for a monster home owner to not pay the stormwater fee.

6. Stormwater Fee: Hoshiko inquired if the fee will be charged island-wide. Wakumoto responded the fee will be assessed to all properties and is reaching out to the neighborhood boards to address concerns with the next meeting scheduled for Monday, May 3, 2021.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. EnVision Kaimuki: POSTPONED - 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. Tree Giveaway: 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 Saturday, November 6, 2021. We now have a firm list of the trees we will be growing for the giveaway.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong was present and gave the following report:

• Roundabout on 16th Avenue and Anuhea Street: The City Department of Transportation (DTS) will be conducting an investigation of the board's suggestion for a roundabout on 16th and Anuhea Street, which will include a (site inspection, speed study, review of the traffic collision history, etc.) and take appropriate action as warranted by their analysis. DTS will contact the Mayor's Representative if any additional information be required during their investigation. DTS will inform the board of the status of their investigation by the end of the year. DTS has completed their investigation into the Board's request for the installation of speed tables on 6th Avenue, between Martha Street and Mo oheau Avenue, which included a field inspection and review of the traffic collision history. The installation of speed tables or raised crossings are normally installed at uncontrolled crossings in areas that have a history of speeding concerns. Certain criteria must be met in order to warrant the installation, and these warrants have not been met. Our field inspection did not confirm any uncontrolled crossings within the subject area of 6th Avenue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Koko Drive: Yamada inquired and Wong responded there will be a roadway and a new BWS building on Koko Drive, with Wong clarifying in detail the location of construction.

2. Drainage System: Wong mentioned BWS drainage system to development and a potable water source control building that will start in April 2021; completion date of construction will be the third quarter of 2022.

3. 16th Avenue: Gardner queried of the "half-pipe" road that exists on 16th Avenue. Wong explained the process by national standards and asked the Board if a DTS representative should be present at the next meeting.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - City Council Chair Waters read report and took questions.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Bill 16: McCutcheon queried about Bill 16 relating to bikes. Council Chair Waters responded with an explanation of Bill 16 and stated the reasoning for removal of the Biki Bike Station of Wilhelmina Rise was due to construction.

2. Homeless: Gardner commented on how important and useful the homeless are, stated an instance where they assisted in finding a lost dog.

3. Transit-Oriented Development: Resident Sarah Chinen expressed concerns about a transit-oriented development plan and noted it has been built on reasoning that does not exist.

4. Unemployment Insurance (UI): A resident noted concerns with pending payments and was put in limbo due to checking the "no" box when asked if individual in question was actively seeking employment during the pandemic. Said resident asked what the next step was, Council Chair Waters responded to call his office. Councilmember Calvin Say responded to contact Representative Jackson Sayama and the UI division.

City Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say read report and took questions, however no questions were asked during this time.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Amanda Stephens gave report, which included grants to help with childhood hunger and a Fashion Show Production Class available at UH Manoa that will start on Monday, May 10, 2021. Questions, comments and concerns followed: Application for COVID-19 Vaccine: Watson stated the number of locations to obtain vaccinations for COVID-19, and explained the registration process. Watson also explained how she obtained her vaccination via Safeway Kapahulu and mentioned how easy it was.

Senator Stanley Chang - Senator Chang gave report, which included explaining various House and Senate bills, and explained which bills survived and died in the Senate.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Development: Resident Sarah Chinen mentioned there are parts of the bill Senator Chang should be applauded for, noted there is consensus of a block to remain family-oriented and to say no to development. Chinen thanked Chair Schneider for her support of this particular bill.

2. Catalytic Converter Bill: Gardner mentioned Representative Sayama's bill related to catalytic converters that did not pass, inquired if this bill will be revived in the future. Senator Chang responded he supported the bill and applauded Representative Sayama for championing this issue.

Senator Les Ihara: No report was given, however Senator Ihara responded to Gardner's previous question referring to why the catalytic converter bill died, suggested she should campaign to find out why that happened.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: No report was given, however Representative Sayama explained why the catalytic converter bill died. Representative Sayama mentioned there was a joint hearing between the Ways and Means Committee and the Judiciary; the Senate passed several versions of this bill. Representative Sayama disclosed what he will do in the future to ensure the bill he creates will be passed. Representative Sayama took questions, however no questions were asked during this time.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi gave report and took questions, however no questions were asked during this time.

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

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes

Vice Chair Hoe noted the following amendment:

• Page 1, under section "questions, comments and concerns followed" : add "to call your bank in addition to call HPD"

Moniz noted the following amendment:

• Page 1, under "Guests": add Board member Marilyn Moniz to the list due to presence at last Board meeting.

McCutcheon noted the following amendment:

• Page 4, under "Treasurer's Report": strike "March" and add "April"

Hoe MOVED and Watson SECONDED the MOTION to ADOPT the Wednesday, March 17, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes AS AMENDED, the motion was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT. (11-0-0) (Aye: McCutcheon, Pierce, Gardner, Watson, Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Dehnavi, Thompson, Moniz, Yamada; Nay: None; Abstain: None.) The amendments are as follows:

1. Page 1, under section "questions, comments and concerns followed": add "to call your bank in addition to calling HPD".

2. Page 1, under "Guests": add Board member Marilyn Moniz to the list due to presence at last Board meeting.

3. Page 4, under "Treasurer's Report": strike "March" and add "April".

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Brian Kang reported this item be deferred until May 2021's meeting; hearing no objections, Chair Schneider 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 May 2021's meeting.

Report of Transportation Permitted Interaction Group: McCutcheon mentioned an independent investigation of rail alternatives.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by:

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting April 2021 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item