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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 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

July 2021 Minutes

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Pro Tem Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, Brian Kang, Reyn Kaupiko, Becky Gardner, Joyce Murakami, Travis Saito, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - Hamed Dehnavi.

Guests - Captain Reginald Gawiran (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura, Sergeant Adam Lipka (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, Susan Shaindlin, and Patrick Wilson; Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). 37 participants were in attendance.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS TO SERVE FROM JULY 1, 2021 to JUNE 30, 2022:

Hoe nominated Schneider to be Chair, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0), (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Kang nominated Hoe to be Vice Chair, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0), (Aye: Schneider, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Hoe; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Hoe nominated Yamada to be Secretary, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0), (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Hoe nominated Kang to be Treasurer, vote was APPROVED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0), (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Yamada MOVED and Kang SECONDED a MOTION to Add the Sergeant-At-Arms Position to the Board Roster, the MOTION was APPROVED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0) (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Discussion Ensued: Vice Chair Hoe suggested to defer choosing someone to fill this position in August 2021's meeting. Yamada echoed Vice Chair Hoe's previous statement to defer this item to August 2021's meeting. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

MEETING DETERMINATION-DATE/TIME/LOCATION (AUGUST 2021 to JUNE 2023):

Hoe MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION to Keep The Meeting Date, Time, And Location (Kaimuki Christian Church) the SAME, the MOTION was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0) (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

DETERMINATION OF BOARD RECESS SCHEDULE (AUGUST 2021 to JUNE 2023):

Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

REQUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OLELO BROADCAST PROGRAM OR TO REQUEST FUNDS FOR AN ANNUAL NEWSLETTER:

Discussion ensued: Gardner, Kang, Senator Les Ihara, Jr., and Carol Hoshiko expressed support for the Board to participate in the Olelo Broadcast Program. Gardner stated the discomfort for recorded meetings have passed since switching to a virtual platform. Kaupiko asked and Vice Chair Hoe responded that Kang can provide analytical data from Zoom as proof that there is a sense of interest from the community to view these meetings. Senator Ihara noted that he wants an avenue to connect to all the Boards and stated benefits for all the Boards to subscribe to Olelo. Kang inquired if the option was to have them both or to choose between the Olelo Broadcast or to request funds for an annual newsletter, Vice Chair Hoe suggested to defer that question to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO). Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

ADOPTION OF ORAL TESTIMONY RULES:

Hoe MOVED and Kang SECONDED the MOTION to Keep the Oral Testimony Rules the Same, the MOTION was APPROVED via Roll Call with UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0) (Aye: Hoe, Kaupiko, Murakami, Yamada, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Schneider; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

June 2021: There was 2 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, 3 activated alarms, 53 medical calls, 4 motor vehicle crashes, 1 ocean rescue, and 1 hazmat incident.

Safety Tip: Captain Gawiran noted grilling safety tips.

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

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

• June 2021 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 13 burglaries, 51 thefts, and 27 UEMVs. Total calls for service were 8,111.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nakamura noted business security tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Coffee with a Cop: Chair Schneider inquired and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that the Coffee with a Cop program is led by a Community Policing Team. Sergeant Lipka mentioned another Coffee with a Cop event on Thursday, August 19, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Kahala Mall.

2. Graffiti Concerns: Resident Susan Shaindlin inquired and Lieutenant Nakamura replied that graffiti concerns on Koko Head will be notified by officers. Lieutenant Nakamura suggested to collaborate with businesses that have been afflicted with graffiti due to the difficulty in enforcing against those committing said graffiti.

3. Air B&B Company Concerns: Resident Patrick Wilson queried and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that HPD deals with the situation but the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) handles complaints that are long-term. Lieutenant Nakamura noted further that HPD's role is in enforcing the law. Both Murakami and Saito stated the website for reporting any complaints to Air B&B: www.airbnb.com/neighbor. Gardner noted she called Air B&B to complain using their customer service department.

4. Catalytic Converters: Resident Kathrine Decker voiced catalytic concerns, Lieutenant Nakamura acknowledged that it is an island-wide problem and reiterated that HPD enforces the law. Chair Schneider suggested participation with the Neighborhood Security Watch. Lieutenant Nakamura stated to call 911 if Resident Decker or anyone else sees suspicious people or activity. Gardner and Yamada explained their experiences with their stolen catalytic converters. Gardner stated how Representative Jackson Sayama's traction of the bill died in the Senate.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Heller gave report, which included a contractor that will track and collect Geographic Information System data for water systems throughout Oahu neighborhoods starting Monday, July 19, 2021, and announced water conservation tips in condominiums and apartment buildings. Heller took questions, however, no questions were asked during this time.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Resident Concerns: Resident Patrick Watson noted various concerns within Sierra Drive and stated he notified City Council Chair Tommy Waters and the Chief of Police but there has been a lack of development since making those calls. Resident Watson asked what the next steps to take regardless of the status of the development. Resident Watson also mentioned technological concerns with HPD.

Digital Readyness Course: Carol Hoshiko (Dean, Office for Community and Continuing Education, Kapi'olani Community College (KCC)) notified the public of a Digital Readyness Course that is under a system-wide grant offering 28 classes starting on the first week of August. Hoshiko noted further the free classes will be held at Kaimuki Public Library.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Class Type: Kaupiko asked and Hoshiko clarified the class will be for those who are inept with technology. Hoshiko stated further that free computer classes will be available from September 2021 to December 2021; for more information, call 808-732-9211.

PRESENTATIONS

Trees for Kaimuki Update: Francisco Acoba, Jade Rhodes, Wai Lee, National Park Service: Acoba gave a presentation which described the history behind the project, and included the planting of 1,400 trees on right-of-ways in Kaimuki.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Trees Given Away: Hoshiko asked and Acoba responded of which trees were given away (chili peppers and various native plants).

2. Invasive Plants: Resident Barbara DeBaryshe asked and Acoba answered that the lantana plant is hardy despite being invasive. Acoba noted further that residents have complained against planting lantana.

3. Outreach: Robinson-Onderko suggested Acoba collaborate with Senator Stanley Chang's office to assist with outreach.

4. Damaged Tree Plans: Resident Watson queried about plans for damaged and if there is a budget to support them. Acoba responded that the City and residents plant them, noted further that Trees for Kaimuki is an advocacy organization, mentioned a grant recently received and acknowledged its collaboration with Kapi'olani Community College. Rhodes stated if tree concerns need to be addressed, to contact their office.

5. Tree Preservations: Resident Kelsie Aguiliera inquired and Lee responded that trees considered exceptional are managed through the Department of Land and Natural Resources' (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) on an advisory committee. Lee noted further that the National Park Service supports legislation that encourages more tree growth and wants to gather communities together to speak on behalf of the organization. Lee stated for more information on the exceptional tree program, he gave the following website: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/exceptional-tree-program.html.

6. Ordinance/Resolution: Gardner mentioned a heritage tree ordinance and suggested to push for a resolution made to save and protect more trees.

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, which included the following:

• HFD/HPD Technical Issues: Director Wong reported a response to technical difficulties exhibited by HFD and HPD from June 2021's meeting; Director Wong stated DIT is still looking into connectivity issues in Kaimuki despite said issues not being found on the department level; Director Wong noted that both HFD and HPD did not find any problems that stemmed from aforementioned technical issues.

• 3615 Damaged Pole: Director Wong reported the results from a damaged pole on 3615 Sierra Drive; an engineer from the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) investigated the jointly-owned wood pole in the City right-of-way fronting 3615 Sierra Drive and did not see any damage.

• Pothole/Street Paving Concerns: Director Wong reported this portion of Sierra Drive (from Koko Head Avenue to Wilhelmina Rise) will be repaved with the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets Project. The project is currently in design and expected to advertise for bids in early 2022.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Website: Gardner inquired and Director Wong responded that the Department of Design and Construction's (DDC) website is the following: www.honolulu.gov/ddc. Director Wong noted further to report road conditions and potholes on City roads to use the following link: https://311.hnl.info./ or to utilize the Honolulu 311 Application.

2. Monster Home Concerns: Gardner listed monster home concerns and suggested to address those concerns from different angles. Director Wong stated to forward said concerns to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and attach evidence. Resident Watson queried and Director Wong answered that stricter fines are imposed regarding the stance the Mayor has taken to enforce developers operating outside of their permits. Resident Shaindlin stated to punish the few by building one monster home every decade. Director Wong responded to defer that and all enforcement questions to City Council Chair Tommy Waters due to Chair Waters servicing the Legislative side.

3. Moratorium: Resident Steve Decker stated landlord issues relating to the moratorium and asked if action can be taken during this time. Chair Schneider deferred his question to Council Chair Waters.

4. Maunalani Heights Paving: Chair Schneider asked and Director Wong replied that nothing has been scheduled for paving despite equipment being seen above Maunalani Park.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Council Chair Waters was present and reported the following:

• Monster Homes: Council Chair Waters mentioned four (4) bills he authored and stated the Executive Branch is not following the law. Council Chair Waters mentioned how helpful Mayor Blangiardi has been in tackling this issue, and explained DPP are applying laws enacted by the Legislative Branch. Council Chair Waters noted how important developers should implement in complying with Bill 57, which decreased the number of bathrooms allowed to be built (from 17 to nine (9)), if developers show noncompliance, the permit will be revoked.

• Concerns: Council Chair Waters addressed graffiti and illegal Air B&B concerns.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say was present and gave the following report, which included an update on the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Parking Lot: Vice Chair Hoe inquired and Councilmember Say responded that the parking lot is 15% done. Chair Schneider commented that DDC will not make their eight (8) month deadline.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - Lynn Robinson-Onderko mentioned a virtual housing conference that one can register for (www.senatorchang.com), and reported that renters are encouraged to contact Legal Aid, Mediation Center of the Pacific to address the lifting of the moratorium on Friday, August 6, 2021. Robinson-Onderko stated to contact her (l.robinson-onderko@capitol.hawaii.gov) or to visit aforementioned website if one has not received his newsletter. Robinson-Onderko took questions, however no questions were asked during this time.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara was present and reported the Senate going into the Special Session on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 and Thursday, July 29, 2021, also reported of a completed veto override where the Legislature amended three (3) bills. Senator Ihara commented that the National Hawaiian Caucus has a problem with Dan Glut being elected.

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., a bill that passed regarding parental laws, extended congratulations to elected Board members, explained traction behind the catalytic converter bill and why it did not make it to the Senate, and stated he is working on sustainable transportation plans with the State Department of Transportation (HDOT). No questions were asked.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: A newsletter was sent electronically to the Board.

United States Representative Ed Case -- Jacqueline Conant: A newsletter was sent electronically to the Board.

BOARD BUSINESS

Discussion on Having Hybrid Meetings in the Future: Opening Strategy

Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

Discussion on Continuing Our Committees and/or Adding Other Topics - Transportation, Zoning, Environmental

Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

Discussion of Pearl City Neighborhood Board Resolution against the Formation of the Storm Water Utility: Chair Schneider and Gardner stated this resolution was sent to the Board from the Pearl City Board Chair. Vice Chair Hoe summarized the contents of the resolution. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to August 2021's meeting.

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

Gardner made the following amendment:

Page 1, under Questions, comments and concerns followed: strike "storage structure" and add "utility pole".

Kang MOVED and Hoe SECONDED the MOTION to ADOPT the Wednesday, June 16, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes AS CORRECTED, the motion was ADOPTED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT, (8-0-0) (Aye: Kaupiko, Murakami, Saito, Gardner, Hoe, Schneider, Kang, Yamada; Nay: None; Abstain: None.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Meeting Fliers: Information (meeting fliers for notifications of road closures) and diagrams can be found at this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XurGAkRF3SHGyRKFBj_YhTluKwUOQDJe?usp=sharing

2. Diamond Head - Fort Ruger Path Volunteer Cleanups: This will happen every third Saturday of the month.

3. Tzu Chi's Book Drive: There is still time to drop off books at non-profit Tzu Chi's Book Drive - collecting new and gently used books for Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area until Saturday, July 17, 2021. Drop-off Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1238 Wilhelmina Rise. For more information, call 808-737-8885.

4. Road Work: There is ongoing road work by the Alakona Corporation doing City and County Pavement Preservation Work

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang reported printing costs for July 2021 were $2.35, postage costs were $23.86, with a remaining balance of $432.79.

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, August 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Judi-Ann Smith-Kauhane, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by:

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