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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting June 2021 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/21/2021.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

June 2021 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with (11) 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, Hamed Dehnavi, Marilyn Moniz, Rich Thompson, Becky Gardner, Molly Pierce, Kehau Watson, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - None were absent.

Guests - Captain Joseph Hudgins (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura, Sergeant Clinton Corpuz (Honolulu Police Department); Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Amanda Stevens (Governor David Ige's Representative); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); State House Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; City Councilmember Calvin Say; Council Chair Tommy Waters; Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20); Residents Kelsie Aguiliera, Barbara DeBaryshe, Reyn Kaupiko, Susan Shaindlin, Mike Town, and Patrick Wilson; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). 37 participants were in attendance.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Hudgins read the following report:

May 2021: There were two (2) brush fires, one (1) nuisance fire, one (1) activated alarm, 55 medical calls, one (1) motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, one (1) motor vehicle crash, two (2) ocean rescues, one (1) hazmat incident, and one (1) mountain rescue.

Safety Tip: Captain Hudgins noted hiking safety tips.

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

• April 2021 Statistics: There were 16 motor vehicle thefts, 23 burglaries, 41 thefts, and 22 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs). Total calls for service were 9,000.

• May 2021 Statistics: There were 12 motor vehicle thefts, 25 burglaries, 35 thefts, and 16 UEMVs. Total calls for service were 8,812.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nakamura noted active shooter tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Police Presence: McCutcheon and Thompson expressed concerns about individuals loitering in their cars and moving materials at Sunset Place and Sunset Avenue; McCutcheon requested more police presence there.

2. Business Burglarized: Yamada asked which business in Kaimuki was burglarized due to $20,000 discovered in a vehicle prior to Friday, May 14, 2021, stated the news article was vague. Lieutenant Nakamura responded HPD is not privy to disclose that information due to incident affecting several businesses.

3. Technical Issues: Resident Patrick Watson inquired about connectivity issue concerns within HPD, Sergeant Corpuz replied he can look into the administration responsible.

4. Step Plywood Structure: Gardner expressed safety concerns revolving around a rickety plywood storage structure on 3615 Sierra Drive, noted it seems to touch all sorts of departments to address this issue.

Dehnavi left at 6:45 p.m., 10 board members remaining.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Heller gave report, which included on Sierra Drive; also reported annual water conservation tips and an annual water quality report results that will be mailed to residents by Thursday, July 1, 2021.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Resident Concerns: Resident Patrick Watson noted various concerns surrounding the demolition on 3615 Sierra Drive, from environmental issues to permitting laws being broken by the developer and has contacted the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). Resident P. Watson asked what fines are imposed in order to move forward and who is responsible. Chair Schneider mentioned several resolutions the Board will be addressing with regards to aforementioned concerns. Gardner noted a 97-year old woman who expressed air quality concerns. Chair Schneider noted the developer is not following permitting protocol. Resident P.Watson suggested the Hawaiian Electric Company investigate the demolition on Sierra Drive. Resident Barbara DeBaryshe mentioned concerns revolving around the contamination of soil and dust and inquired who to report said issues to. Resident DeBaryshe noted concerns about new violations and queried if homeowners have any recourse or to prevent flooding in their homes.

Answers: Chair Schneider noted for any help creating resolutions or addressing concerns, to bring them to Resident Christine Otto Zaa or to Council Chair Tommy Waters. Resident Reyn Kaupiko responded to Resident DeBaryshe's concerns with best management practices.

PRESENTATIONS

Pu'u o Kaimuk Mural Project - 808 Cleanups: Nathan Serota, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Representative, took questions, comments and concerns from the Board and the Community regarding this topic:

1. Timeline: Chair Schneider asked and Serota answered that the timeline will include eight (8) renderings from the website with the hope of going through the City Council process.

2. Resolution: Chair Schneider mentioned the Board will vote on this resolution during this meeting and thanked Serota for appearing at tonight's meeting.

Update on Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2, Road Work on Wilhelmina/Maunalani Heights - Department of Design and Construction (DDC): Council Chair Tommy Waters reported the delay in this project was due to a faulty design and mentioned DIT Director Mark Wong may have a thorough report on said project. Director Wong responded he will report when it is his turn to speak.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 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.

2. Thanks: Chair Schneider thanked Board Members K. Watson, McCutcheon, Thompson, and Moniz for their service and contributions to the Board.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

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

• Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2: Director Wong reported eight (8) trees will replace the ones that were removed. Director Wong noted that the electric volt chargers are currently being routed for permitting, with installation work set for completion by the end of 2021.

• Maunalani/Wilhelmina Roadwork: Director Wong stated this re-packaged project (which includes the 3600 block of Sierra Drive, and from Wai'alae Avenue to 1357 Wilhelmina Rise) is estimated to advertise for bids in January 2022. Director Wong mentioned that the concrete roads, Mikahala Way, Mana Place and Iwi Way, are included in the project to reconstruct various concrete roads, Rehabilitation of Streets (ROS), Unit 65B. The ROS Unit 65B project has started construction and is anticipated that the Contractor will work on these streets in the later part of the summer to fall of 2021.

• Business Burglarized: Director Wong answered Yamada's previous question to HPD ("Which business was burglarized in Kaimuki?") saying the answer in the aforementioned article has been sanitized.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pu'u O Kaimuki Park: Gardner thanked Director Wong for the reflective tape on the chain gate to this park.

2. Pothole: Gardner mentioned a pothole on Sierra Drive that has been filled, and described the stretch on 3615 Sierra Drive. Director Wong suggested Gardner take a look at the Department of Design and Construction (DDC)'s website to pinpoint segments of streets that will be worked on.

3. Sierra Drive and Wilhelmina Rise: Chair Schneider asked and Director Wong responded that advertisements for bids will be scheduled for January 2022. Chair Schneider inquired if the bids were not advertised because of the addition of Wilhelmina Rise. Director Wong replied the issue would be disturbed due to an overlapping BWS project, and stated concrete and asphalt require different subcontractors to be involved. Hoe stated his remembrance about the BWS project being overlapped by aforementioned project. P. Watson requested clarification regarding the delay of said project, Director Wong explained this project conflicted with a BWS project. Director Wong noted further the City has a system to display conflicts between departments and this feature was made to detect those types of conflicts.

4. Electric Volt (EV) Stations: Gardner inquired about how retrofitting EV stations will happen. Director Wong answered he has contacted Matt Gonser to have Gonser contact DDC about this item. Director Wong noted further the electrical work has not been planned because the electrical installation is more expensive. Director Wong suggested Gardner petition to DDC to have more than one (1) charging station.

5. Meters: Chair Schneider queried and Director Wong answered that the meters and existing equipment will be replaced with a booth collection system. Director Wong added the contract will come later after the parking lot is finished. Chair Schneider inquired if there will be additional disruptions, and Director Wong responded the parking meter tops will be cut off and the pole will be left standing.

Board member Watson requested of Chair Schneider to take the agenda out of order and to continue to Board Item 7E (Resolution Requesting the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to Investigate Demolition and Associated Construction Activity at 3615 Sierra Drive, TMK: [1] 3-3-032:039). Kang requested HFD give their report prior to addressing Item 7E.

A MOTION to have HFD give their report prior to Item 7E was MOVED by Watson and SECONDED by Kang, the motion was PASSED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0) (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Yamada, Gardner, Kang, Watson, Thompson, McCutcheon, Moniz, Pierce; Nay: None; Abstain: None)

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Council Chair Waters noted the importance of collaboration from the Community regarding the construction activity on 3615 Sierra Drive. No questions were asked during this time.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say was present and gave the following report, which included a dedication to public officials to those addressing homelessness, updates to the City budget and an anticipated meeting with the developer for the property on Sierra Drive. No questions were asked during this time.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Legislative Aide Amanda Stevens was present and gave the following report, which included updates in COVID-19 vaccinations, and the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Questions, comments and concerns followed: Discrepancies: Hoe inquired why there are discrepancies with the vaccination numbers, Stevens responded it was 52% and 55% reported for Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Chair Schneider left at 8:21 p.m., nine (9) board members remaining.

Chair Schneider returned at 8:23 p.m., 10 board members present.

Senator Stanley Chang - Lynn Robinson-Onderko mentioned a virtual delegation on housing shortage that will be on Thursday, August 12, 2021 and if anyone has not received Senator Chang's newsletter, to contact her office. No questions were asked.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Representative Sayama reported a cleanup on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and mentioned travel restrictions related to COVID-19 vaccinations. No questions were asked.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi circulated his report to the Board, no questions were taken.

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

BOARD BUSINESS

Resolution to Have the City and County of Honolulu Support a Gift to the City by 808 Cleanups and EnVision Kaimuk for a Mural to be installed at Pu'u O Kaimuk Mini Park:

Hoe stated the resolution concerning the monster homes were redundant. K. Watson created the resolution that reflected the discussions of the Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group.

A MOTION to ADOPT the RESOLUTION TO HAVE THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU SUPPORT A GIFT TO THE CITY BY 808 CLEANUPS AND ENVISION KAIMUK FOR A MURAL TO BE INSTALLED AT PU'U O KAIMUK MINI PARK was MOVED by Moniz and SECONDED by Hoe, the motion was ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE (9-0-1) (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Moniz, Kang, Thompson, Watson, McCutcheon, Pierce, Yamada,; Nay: None; Abstain: Gardner).

Discussion of the Resolution passed by the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, #21 in Opposition of the Storm Water Utility Fee: Chair Schneider deferred this item to July 2021's meeting.

Resolution Supporting Legislation that Regulates and/or Prohibits the Construction of "Monster Houses": Chair Schneider deferred this item to July 2021's meeting.

Resolution Supporting Legislation that protects Historic Homes, Buildings, Districts, or Other Historic Resources: Chair Schneider deferred this item to July 2021's meeting.

Resolution Requesting the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to Investigate Demolition and Associated Construction Activity at 3615 Sierra Drive, TMK: [1] 3-3-032:039: Chair Schneider opened the floor for discussion, starting from the Community:

• Residents: Resident Susan Shaindlin inquired if this could be considered a criminal activity, stated the punishment should be substantial because these are planned dollar returns. Council Chair Waters responded the City Council has passed a bill that passed with a triple fine and stated the fines have to apply to everyone, including those who apply to build monster homes. Council Chair Waters noted this developer is notorious for demolition of old homes without a permit. Resident Shaindlin noted these are not innocent mistakes and someone should invoke the right to revoke permits and licenses. Council Chair Waters replied that he will collaborate with the prosecuting attorney's office (Steve Alm), stated building permit does not comply with the law. Resident Mike Town asked what the best practices would be for nuisance action, noted he is appalled by this situation. Gardner introduced Resident Kelsie Aguiliera, who urged the Board to check out the Next Door Application surrounding this property because there are 168 people against having this development. Resident Aguiliera noted she is living in dust from the demolition of said property, utilities are unsafe and considers the demolition illegal. Council Chair Waters and Hoe suggested Resident Aguiliera utilize the Honolulu 311 application.

• Board: Hoe asked and Council Chair Waters responded the value of the proposed building was bought for $24 million. Council Chair Waters noted further of four (4) bills to close loopholes, mentioned the importance of Bill 90 and is advocating for Community support. Gardner mentioned Resident Aguiliera has an infant and stated the importance of protecting children like hers. Gardner inquired where the fines go and suggested to go after subcontractors. Moniz made an amended change to this resolution and asked if it is necessary to state it is a historic property. K. Watson noted that it is indeed a historic property and that it would be fine if that part was withdrawn.

A MOTION to APPROVE the RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING TO INVESTIGATE DEMOLITION AND ASSOCIATED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AT 3615 SIERRA DRIVE AS WRITTEN was MOVED by Hoe and SECONDED by Thompson, the motion PASSED by MAJORITY VOTE (9-1-0) (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Thompson, Watson, Kang, Pierce, Thompson, McCutcheon, Moniz; Nay: Yamada; Abstain: None)

Approval of the Wednesday, May 16, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes

Kang MOVED and Yamada SECONDED the MOTION to ADOPT the Wednesday, May 16, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes AS AMENDED, the motion was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT. (10-0-0) (Aye: McCutcheon, Pierce, Gardner, Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Thompson, Moniz, Yamada, Watson; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang reported printing costs for May 2021 were $1.69, postage costs were $21.42, with a remaining balance of $126.83.

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: Nothing to report.

Report of Transportation Permitted Interaction Group: Nothing to report.

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

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by:

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting June 2021 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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