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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2021 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/14/2021.

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

DIAMOND HEAD/KAPAHULU/ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

September 2021 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

VIA WEBEX TELECONFERCING

6:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER - Presiding Board Member Bertram Narita called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 13 members present via Webex Application. Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Margaret Murchie, Bertram Narita, Bruce Wong, John Beutel, Mela Kealoha Lindsey, Keolu Peralto, George West, Andrew Salenger, Michelle Matson, Don Persons, Laura St. Denis, Linda Wong (arrived at 6:10 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Wendell Murakawa.

Guests: Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna (Honolulu Police Department District 6); Sergeant Clinton Corpuz (Honolulu Police Department District 7); Sarah Allen (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's office); Isaac Choy (Governor David Ige's office); Ann Wong (Board of Water Supply); Keola Fisher (Council Chair Tommy Waters' office); Janel Denny (Councilmember Calvin Say's office); Representative Scott Nishimoto; Representative Jackson Sayama; Carol Hoshiko, Cuong Tran and Bob Franco (Kapiolani Community College); Noela Von Wiegandt, Joannie Dobbs, Arleen Velasco, Laura Ruby, Daisy Murai, Marilyn Mick, Curtis Chee, Fannie Cline, Dana Bergeman, Cory Chun (Residents); Casey Ishitani (Neighborhood Assistant).

OFFICER VACANCIES

Chair: Narita nominated Salenger. There were no other nominations.

Hearing no objection, Salenger was elected Chair by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Vice Chair: Matson nominated Peralto, who declined. Matson nominated Julia Allen. There were no other nominations.

Hearing no objections, Julia Allen was elected Vice Chair by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Linda Wong arrived at this time. There were 14 Board Members in attendance.

Secretary: There were no nominations. This item was deferred.

PRIORITY COMMUNITY ISSUES

Waikiki Elementary School: Linda Wong reported that traffic issues continue on Leahi Avenue near the school.

City Council Resolution No. 21-175: Resolution No. 21-175 would assist in reacquiring Leahi Avenue for the City and County of Honolulu. Matson and St. Denis raised concerns that the Resolution would provide monetary gain toward Safe Leahi LLC. Chair Salenger raised that the Resolution did not intend to pay Safe Leahi LLC at Fair Market Value. Resident Dan Bergeman contacted Council Chair Tommy Waters' office regarding food trucks on Leahi Venue. Bergemen also inquired if Leahi Avenue is part of Kapiolani Park Trust to which Matson added that Trust areas affected could be counted as disputed roadways.

Permitted Interaction Groups (PIG): Chair Salenger reported that he reached out to Safe Leahi LLC but received no response regarding PIG reports.

Chair Salenger deferred the gavel to Vice Chair Julia Allen.

Consideration of Formation of Standing Committee: Salenger proposed that Board delegate findings and presentations regarding Leahi Avenue to a Standing Committee. Standing Committee would hold meetings and provide minutes. Chair Salenger inquired if the Board would appoint a Chair of the Committee and if not volunteered to be interim Chair.

Salenger Moved and Matson Seconded to form a Standing Committee regarding Leahi Avenue issues.

Discussion: Narita raised concerns regarding Salenger being Chair of a Committee as Board Chair must remain ex officio non-voting member of the Committee. Linda Wong raised that the Leahi Avenue PIG could defer findings to the Committee.

Salenger Moved and Linda Wong Called for Question to end debate. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Julia Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

The Motion to Form a Standing Committee regarding Leahi Avenue issues was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Julia Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): There was no representative.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6: HPD Lieutenant Cyrus Hanuna reported statistics that can be found at https://www.honolulupd.org/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Leahi Avenue: Matson raised concerns regarding a potential chop shop on Leahi Avenue. Linda Wong reported property crimes on Pualei Circle. Resident Dana Bergeman reported homelessness and speeding issues on Noela Street near Leahi Avenue.

2. Gatherings: Resident Arleen Velasco reported raised concerns regarding protests on Kapahulu Avenue, with attendees not wearing masks.

3. Speeding: St. Denis raised concerns regarding speeding on Diamond Head Road.

4. Parking: Matson raised concerns regarding parking on Nikolo Street.

HPD District 7: HPD Sergeant Clinton Corpuz reported the following.

• August 2021 Statistics: There were eight (8) motor vehicle thefts, 17 burglaries, 39 thefts, nine (9) unauthorized entries of vehicles and 8,013 total calls for service.

• Safety Tip: Sgt. Corpuz encouraged residents to stay prepared throughout the hurricane season.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Homelessness: St. Denis raised concerns regarding homeless individuals camping in the Diamond Head community garden.

2. Leonard's Bakery: A resident raised concerns regarding Leonard's Bakery customers parking illegally and causing congestion near Charles Street in mornings and afternoons.

Neighborhood Security Watch: Resident Fannie Cline reported that Council Chair Tommy Waters' office has been looking into water issues at Diamond Head Beach Park. Tourists have been reported to be camping along Diamond Head Beach. Transient individuals have been reported in the Diamond Head area with one having drowned at the beach. Pualei Circle has experienced increased property crimes. Murchie reported that the Makalei Beach Park gate requires repairs and that homeless individuals have been littering near the archery range at Kapiolani Park. Resident Bergeman reported individuals potentially living out of vehicles near Makalei Beach Park. Resident Noela Van Wiegandt raised concerns regarding visitors harassing Hawaiian monk seals at beaches.

CITY AND STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi: Community Services (DCS) Director Sarah Allen reported the following.

• Eviction Moratorium: Board requested updates regarding the Eviction Moratorium. Office of Economic Revitalization (OER) reported that the lifting of the moratorium has not resulted in a large flood of evictions, perhaps due to the large amount of money Oahu Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) has paid out in covering arrears and the additional Act 57 protections on who can be evicted.

• Ala Pono Bridge: Resident requested monthly updates regarding Ala Pono Bridge development. Department of Transportation (DTS) reported that the project team is working to address comments from consulting parties before Federal Highway Administration submits the determination letter to the State Historic Preservation Division, expected in late summer/fall 2021. Project updates, including a recently published list of Frequently Asked Questions, can be found on the project webpage: https://www.honolulu.gov/completestreets/alapono.

• Top Golf: Resident requested monthly updates regarding Top Golf development. Department of Enterprise Services (DES) reported that due to COVID-19, Top Golf has suspended its work regarding the Ala Wai project. DES has requested Top Golf to provide an update regarding the status of intent to proceed by Friday, December 31, 2021.

• Leahi Avenue: Board requested that City and County of Honolulu enact a "cease and desist" for Safe Leahi LLC, given community outcry regarding safety issues. City and County of Honolulu Corporation Counsel responded that a cease and desist order would only issue for allegedly illegal activity, warning of potential enforcement actions. The City is reviewing the operation and maintenance of Leahi Avenue for those activities contrary to law.

• Makalei Beach Park: A resident raised concerns regarding speeding near Makalei Beach Park. HPD officers monitored the Makalei Beach Park area but did not observe any speeding.

• Pualei Circle: Residents have raised concerns regarding tow trucks towing vehicles parked on public street Pualei Circle onto private roadway Leahi Avenue. HPD has not received complaints about tow trucks towing vehicles parked on Pualei Circle onto Leahi Avenue. Residents should immediately call 911 when they see this occurring and meet with the responding officer.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Ala Pono Bridge: Residents Daisy Murai and Winston Welch requested monthly presentations from DTS regarding the Ala Pono Bridge. Matson requested that Mayor Blangiardi respond to Ala Pono concerns at a Board meeting.

2. Kaimana Beach: Linda Wong requested updates on repairs to Kaimana Beach showers.

3. Kapiolani Park Trust: Linda Wong requested meeting times for Kapiolani Park Trustees.

4. Leahi Avenue: Resident Bergeman reported food trucks parked on Leahi Avenue and requested the legality of such.

Governor David Ige: State Department of Taxation Director Isaac Choy reported the following.

• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds: 120 million dollars of ARPA funds have gone to the State of Hawaii with 50 million dollars to City and County of Honolulu, the sum of which needs to be spent by September 2022. Out of 21 billion dollars in emergency rent relief funds, 95 million dollars was allocated to the State of Hawaii, to be used by September 2025.

• Private Roads: Regarding private roads, Director Choy will return with Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen's report.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Leahi Avenue: Matson requested updates regarding Leahi Avenue from HDOT.

2. Diamond Head State Park: Matson inquired if the State could provide an update regarding citizen's advisory committee for historical preservation of Diamond Head State Monument. Director Choy responded that the committee was discontinued due to lack of funding.

3. Safe Travels: Resident Laura Ruby requested an update regarding the Safe Travels program and Director Choy reported that the program will begin on Friday, September 10, 2021.

4. Events: Kealoha-Lindsey inquired how the State will monitor private outdoor and indoor events and Director Choy responded that HPD will monitor them.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS representative Ann Wong reported two (2) main breaks on McCorriston Street. BWS requests that residents conserve water. More information can be found at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Leahi Avenue: Chair Salenger inquired if BWS provides services under Leahi Avenue.

2. Makalei Beach Park: Resident Von Wiegandt requested that BWS place signs at new showers in Makalei Beach Park.

3. Drought: Resident Velasco inquired where residents might find information regarding droughts at BWS representative Wong responded that they may visit https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/conservation.

CITY AND STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS

Council Chair Tommy Waters: Keola Fisher of Council Chair Waters office reported that Resolution 21-201 is being considered to provide oversite for car-sharing companies.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Resolution 21-201: Chair Salenger inquired and Fisher responded that residents may submit testimony regarding the Resolution.

2. Noise: Murchie raised concerns regarding noise issues in Waikiki and on Kapahulu Avenue. Amplified speakers and venues were reported to be the source.

3. Leahi Avenue: Matson requested updates regarding Resolution 21-175.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Janel Denny of Councilmember Say's office distributed a newsletter at https://calvinsay.files.wordpress.com/2021/08/cm-say-september-2021-newsletter-2.pdf and reported the following.

• Short Term Rentals: Notices of Violation (NOV) were issued to rentals on St. Louis Drive.

• Tree Removal: A tree is scheduled to be removed on 4th Avenue.

Senator Les Ihara: There was no representative.

Senator Stanley Chang: There was no representative.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: There was no representative.

Representative Scott Nishimoto: Representative Nishimoto introduced Taylor Date who will attend meetings in lieu of his appearances.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Leahi Avenue: Linda Wong requested assistance with the Leahi Avenue situation and Representative Nishimoto responded that the road was not in his district.

Representative Jackson Sayama: There was no representative at this time.

RESIDENT INTERESTS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS

Ala Pono Bridge: Resident Laura Ruby raised objections to the proposed Ala Pono Bridge.

Action 15: Action 15: Carol Hoshiko, Cuong Tran and Bob Franco of Kapiolani Community College reported that a virtual town hall regarding resiliency hubs. More information can be found at https://resilientoahu.org/climate-change-commission-meetings.

Ala Wai Canal: Matson raised that Ala Wai Canal is eligible for historic preservation.

Leahi Avenue: A resident raised concerns regarding speeding issues on Leahi Avenue. Resident Von Wiegandt raised concerns that trees may grow into power lines on the road.

Overgrowth: Hasina raised concerns regarding overgrowth behind City Mill on Waialae Avenue.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Establishment of Chairs for Committees and PIG: Chair Salenger inquired if the Board would nominate Chairs to Committees and PIG.

Ala Wai Canal and Golf Course PIG: Matson nominated Kealoha-Lindsey. There were no other nominations.

Hearing no objection, Kealoha-Lindsey was elected Chair of Ala Wai Canal and Golf Course PIG by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Tour Helicopter Safety and Noise PIG: Matson requested that issues regarding tour helicopter safety and noise be delegated to the Parks, Recreation and Environment Standing Committee. Chair Salenger announced that the PIG would discontinue and all findings would be reported at the Committee meetings.

Community Protection PIG: Hearing no reports, Chair Salenger inquired if the Board would entertain ending the PIG. Matson inquired if she could nominate Murakawa as Chair. Chair Salenger responded that nominees must be present. Hearing no objections the PIG was discontinued.

Planning and Zoning Standing Committee: Matson volunteered to Chair the Committee. There were no other nominations. Matson added that she may require a Co-Chair for the Committee.

Hearing no objection, Matson was elected Chair of Planning and Zoning Standing Committee by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Parks, Recreation and Environment Standing Committee: Chair Salenger nominated Matson to Chair the Committee. There were no other nominations. Matson added that she may require a Co-Chair for the Committee.

Hearing no objection, Matson was elected Chair of Parks, Recreation and Environment Standing Committee by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Appointment of Sub-District Chairs: Chair Salenger inquired if there were nominations for Sub-District Chairs.

Sub-District 1: Julia Allen nominated Hasina. There were no other nominations

Hearing no objection, Hasina was elected Chair of Dub-District 1 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Sub-District 2: Peralto nominated West. Kealoha-Lindsey nominated Peralto, who declined. There were no other nominations.

Hearing no objection, West was elected Chair of Dub-District 2 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Sub-District 3: Linda Wong volunteered. There were no other nominations.

Hearing no objection, Linda Wong was elected Chair of Dub-District 3 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, Bruce Wong, Beutel, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Salenger, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Secretary's Report: Matson raised concerns regarding details relating to Neighborhood Commission Office minutes. Matson reported other Boards having similar issues and proposed bringing them to a State agency. Chair Salenger proposed having Matson and Narita report back regarding minutes.

Hearing no objection, Chair Salenger had Representative Jackson Sayama at this time.

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama reported that legislation is being considered to deter catalytic converter theft.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Catalytic Converters: Resident Von Wiegandt inquired how deterrence would be applied and Representative Sayama responded that identification of converters would prevent illegal sales.

Approval of Meeting Minutes: Chair Salenger inquired if there were any amendments to the draft minutes.

Matson Moved and Peralto Seconded to Adopt Matson's draft of Minutes for April, May and June 2021 for posting on the Neighborhood Commission Office site.

Discussion: Beutel raised objections to adopting the April 2021 minutes due to amendments.

The Motion PASSED, 12-1-1 (Aye: Julia Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Nartia, Bruce Wong, Kealoha Lindsey, Peralto, West, Matson, Persons, St. Denis, Linda Wong; Nay: Beutel; Abstain: Salenger).

Treasurer's Report: The remaining balance was $494.25.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by Casey Ishitani, Public Relations

Reviewed by: Naomi Hanohano, Neighborhood Assistant

Final approval by:

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2021 Minutes

DIAMOND HEAD/KAPAHULU/ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

Kaimuki Hawaii
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