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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2021 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 10/20/2021.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

September 2021 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:31 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, Joyce Murakami, Becky Gardner (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Molly Pierce, Travis Saito (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Jason DeMarco and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - Reyn Kaupiko.

Guests - Captain Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Leonard Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department);, Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Davin Aoyagi (Council Chair Tommy Waters' Office); Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20); Kirra Empting (United States Representative Ed Case's Office); Adoree Yu (Queen's Theater); Steve Yuen (Architect, 3650 Waialae Avenue); Residents Calvin Hara, Kelsie Aguilera, Susan Shaindlin, Sarah Chinen, Patrick Watson; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). 25 participants were in attendance.

Saito entered the meeting at 6:33 p.m., eight (8) Board members present.

Gardner entered the meeting at 6:35 p.m., nine (9) Board members present.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Chair Schneider listed an open vacancy in Subdistrict 1. There were no nominees nor volunteers that came forward, hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to October 2021's meeting.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

August 2021 Statistics: There was 1 brush fire, 60 medical calls, and 3 motor vehicle collisions.

Safety Tip: Captain Hu shared tips for addressing senior citizens in an emergency.

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

• August 2021 Statistics: There were 11 motor vehicle thefts, 22 burglaries, 43 thefts, and 13 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs). Total calls for service were 8,013.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nishimura shared hurricane preparedness tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pu'u O Kaimuki Park: Gardner mentioned an instance where a man with his Doberman asked her to leave so he can have the park to himself and asked for suggestions. Lieutenant Nishimura stated to leave the area and call 911; also explained process to ensure one's own safety.

2. COVID-19 Enforcement: Resident Patrick Watson asked and Lieutenant Nishimura answered that there have been no difficulties with interactions with homeless, most are compliant. Lieutenant Nishimura explained further that HPD responds to a lot of calls and enforce as best as possible.

3. Coffee With a Cop: Resident Calvin Hara inquired and Lieutenant Nishimura replied that the event has been rescheduled.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Heller gave report, which included details surrounding an event called "Imagine a Day Without Water" starting from Thursday, October 21, 2021, to Wednesday, October 27, 2021. No questions were asked during this time.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Steve Yuen, Architect for 3650 Waialae Avenue: Yuen reported to the Board and the community of updates to this property, spoke of the demolition of the old building, stated the demolition permit was received.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Construction: Vice Chair Hoe queried and Yuen clarified that the project will take two (2) months for demolition. Yuen added that the project will take two (2) years for project completion and explained details behind the timeline for the project.

2. Dumping Concerns: Resident Watson expressed dumping concerns along Koko Head Avenue and queried about enforcement near the barricades. Yuen responded that there is already a camera attached to the building.

3. Parking Concerns: Resident Hara inquired and Yuen answered that there will be parking replaced. Yuen explained further why the stalls are not available for use. Resident Sarah Chinen asked and Yuen replied that there will be additional parking for the property but it is not guaranteed.

4. Support: Gardner expressed support for the project, queried if there is a flier at the site, and suggested to display the Goodwill Kahala address of where one can bring their donations.

Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot Update: Chair Schneider read an update on the parking lot construction, with the end time completion scheduled for December 2021.

Queens Theater: Adoree Yu gave updates and thanked those that spoke out on behalf of the theater. Yu stated she is working on finding a qualified lessee; noted she is working on preparing property for walk-throughs starting early to mid-October. Yu mentioned a new restaurant tenant adjacent to the theater and will provide an update for next month.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Community Meeting: Chair Schneider suggested a community meeting, Yu replied she is open to community input.

2. Movie House: Resident Watson inquired and Yu responded that the plan for the theater will be a multipurpose venue.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Link: Chair Schneider noted that information and diagrams can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/KaimukiNBMeeetingFlyers

2. Mural: Sign up to be part of Solomon Enos' mural at Pu'u o Kaimuk Park starting on Thursday, September 16th, 8:00 a.m.-5:00p.m.; see the flyer at the above link for information.

3. Goodwill Building: The owners of 3650 Waialae (the Goodwill Building) have received their demo permits and you will start seeing changes in mid-September. There is a flyer at the above link with more details and contact information.

4. Coating Schedule: Chair Schneider stated there is an updated seal coating schedule for the month of August, also at the above link.

5. Webinar: Kapiolani Community College s Office of Community and Continuing Education is sponsoring another Kai ulu Webinar called Kalaupapa Place Names featuring author John R. Kukeakalani Clark on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please see flyer for information and registration link at the above link.

6. Community Meeting: Chair Schneider stated there will be a community meeting to gather community input on the 12th Avenue Promenade in late September or October; exact date and time to be announced.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Resident Eric McCutcheon inquired and Chair Schneider replied that the landscape improvement on the Ewa and Makai side of avenues 16th and Harding to add canopy foliage will be a project performed by Trees for Kaimuki.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong was present, reported answers from the previous meeting and two (2) announcements from the following departments:

• Department of Environmental Services (ENV): The ENV launched its revamped Refuse Division website today at www.honolulu.gov/opala. Visit the webpages, including the New Landfill Siting page, which includes a limited-time public survey. The City is forming a Landfill Advisory Committee (LAC) to evaluate and rank potential landfill sites, based in part on information from the survey. The LAC meetings are planned to begin in October and open to the public. For the latest updates, visit the website and/or follow us on Facebook (@HNL_Opala) and Twitter (@hnl_env).

• Department of Transportation Services (DTS): Oahu's many streets support different modes of transportation and comprise a large portion of the City's land assets. As we grow and preferred transportation methods evolve over time, it is essential that future plans be updated to accommodate and promote smart, efficient travel. When space is limited, how do we determine what goes where? Learn more about the Right-of-Way Update for Planned Streets project and provide your comments here on the Complete Streets webpage: www.honolulu.gov/completestreets. Please submit comments by September 30, 2021.

• Speeding Concerns: HPD's response regarding speeding concerns stated that officers on all three watches monitored the length of 16th Avenue between Pahoa Avenue and Kilauea Avenue from Sunday, August 29, 2021 to Monday, September 6, 2021, and observed the traffic to be very light. They did not observe any speeding during their checks, and will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate action when violations are observed.

• Updates to Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2: The response from the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) regarding updates and additional charging stations noted they will be installing one (1) City-furnished charging station under the project. The possibility of additional charging stations has not been determined at this time. The project is expected to be completed in December 2021.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Recycling Concerns: Gardner expressed recycling concerns and stated her street is too small for recycling truck. Director Wong responded by suggesting Gardner contact ENV via email.

2. Monster Home Concerns: Resident Chinen queried and Director Wong answered that to address monster home concerns to the Mayor to make an appointment via mayoral staff. Resident Watson asked and Director Wong responded to contact the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to address the next steps of enforcing permitting rules on 3615 Sierra Drive. Senator Les Ihara inquired if the Mayor is involved with monster home issue and if there was a way to track potential monster homes. Director Wong responded with a clarification of his answer to Resident Watson's earlier question and mentioned DPP's website.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Legislative Aide Davin Aoyagi gave a report, which included concerns that addressed monster homes and parking; and mentioned a Resolution regarding training for emergency first responders. Aoyagi also mentioned the Safe Access Plan signed by Council Chair Waters; it has been implemented as of Monday, September 13, 2021.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Gardner questioned and Aoyagi responded that FAR stood for floor area ratio. Resident Susan Shaindlin mentioned off street parking concerns and inquired further about the FAR. Aoyagi explained that the measures implemented are just one of many regulations; and mentioned the used ratio of impervious surfaces.

2. Tree Ordinance: Aoyagi mentioned a resolution surrounding tree ordinance submitted recently.

3. Letter: Resident Kelsie Aguilera read a response from Mike Formby surrounding monster home concerns. Aoyagi explained the process in great detail and stated he looks forward to introducing and addressing issues that constituents may have.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say read a report, which included multiple ways to address moratorium concerns (Mediation of the Pacific, Legal Aid, and oneoahu.org.), mentioned a broadband benefit program for those struggling during the pandemic, and noted requirements for a real property tax program (deadline to submit information is Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Testimony: Resident Chinen mentioned that 200 people testified against having short-term rentals and wanted to express her support. Councilmember Say stated the plan for short-term rentals will be presented before the Planning Commission prior to City Council.

2. Haiku Stairs: Councilmember Say explained his vote for dismantling the stairs due to the lack of enforcement.

Governor David Ige's Representative - Amanda Stephens gave report, which included details surrounding an Executive Order 21-6 signed by the Governor on Thursday, September 9, 2021. No questions were asked during this time.

Senator Stanley Chang - Legislative Aide Lynn Robinson-Onderko reported on a successful virtual housing conference, mentioned a housing webinar series with the next one on Tuesday, September 28, 2021; also noted of recruiting interns for Senator Chang's office. No questions were asked during this time.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara reported that the Legislature will convene on the third Wednesday in January 2022 (Wednesday, January 19, 2022), stated a Senate session taking place in mid-November to give advice and consent to six (6) court judge nominations, and mentioned various meetings and caucuses being held. No questions were asked during this time.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Representative Sayama addressed minimum wage concerns, an increase in COVID-19 cases in public schools, noted a program providing antigen tests, mentioned 114 poll responses from all precincts that addressed school safety homeless and COVID-19 concerns; and reported that Ali'iolani Elementary and Kahala Mall are taking Goodwill donations for the Goodwill Center.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Education/Parents: Gardner stated she has lost count of notifications received regarding her children, noted parents are stressed out, acknowledged the concerns behind the rise of COVID-19 cases, and encouraged legislators to keep stressed out parents in mind.

Murakami departed the meeting at 8:20 p.m., eight (8) Board members present.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi sent a report to the Board.

United States Representative Ed Case: Legislative Aide Kirra Empting addressed helicopter noise concerns (both tour and military), and stated there was an available number for notifying the military to address helicopter noise concerns within Representative Case's newsletter.

BOARD BUSINESS

Fill Sergeant-At-Arms Vacancy: Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to October 2021's meeting.

Resolution "Urging the City and County of Honolulu to Adopt a Heritage Tree Ordinance" submitted because of concern of the loss of trees and overdevelopment in Kaimuk : Gardner spoke of details to the resolution. DeMarco asked and Gardner replied that there is an arborist advisory committee to evaluate trees. Gardner noted further a bevy of choices and clarified the purpose of the resolution, which is to alert City Council to these needs and stated the resolution is aspirational. Secretary Yamada suggested to omit the number of years from the resolution because the historic town is older than 120 years; also stated her discomfort in supporting a resolution that pinpoints someone else's address. Vice Chair Hoe spoke about the removing monster home aspect, Gardner mentioned the nexus between the monster home and tree concerns. Gardner agreed to omit the year, stated she will amend the resolution when the Board decides to pass it. Vice Chair Hoe asked and Gardner responded to omit the address. Gardner noted further the explanation of proliferation of monster homes versus the trees and is pushing for the heritage tree idea.

Gardner MOVED and Yamada SECONDED the MOTION to APPROVE the Resolution "Urging the City and County of Honolulu to Adopt a Heritage Tree Ordinance" AS AMENDED, the MOTION was APPROVED with UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Resolution "Recognizing Kapiolani Community College Designation as a Tree Campus USA", 2021: Chair Schneider explained this resolution, suggested to defer said resolution due to not all Board members receiving it. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to October 2021's meeting.

Vote on Having � lelo Film/Broadcast Neighborhood Board Meeting: Gardner expressed support for � lelo to broadcast the Board's meetings and stated it has improved civic engagement. Senator Ihara queried and Vice Chair Hoe responded that it is up to the Board to decide whether or not to have � lelo broadcast the Board's meetings. Pierce stated that to broadcast these meetings would give the community a sense of closure. Secretary Yamada stated the money to broadcast could be used elsewhere. Pierce noted that the money would be spent by someone else and that the Board does not have a say in where the funds go.

Gardner MOVED and Pierce SECONDED a MOTION for � lelo to Broadcast/Film Neighborhood Board Meeting, the MOTION was APPROVED by MAJORITY Vote (6-2-0) (Aye: Saito, Kang, Pierce, Gardner, Schneider, DeMarco; Nay: Yamada, Hoe Abstain: None.)

Discussion on Whether To Continue with the Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) Or Form Others To Keep Us Abreast Of Timely Topics - Transportation, Environment and Planning and Zoning: Pierce stated she will wait until someone volunteers to assist her with the Environmental PIG because she is unable to do this by herself. Senator Ihara, Chair Schneider and Gardner gave a summation of how a PIG functions, with Chair Schneider noting that a PIG has been used to address Planning and Zoning issues. Vice Chair Hoe suggested to resurrect said PIGs when necessary. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to October 2021's meeting.

Approval of the Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes: Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to October 2021's meeting.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang noted for the month of September 2021 that printing and posting costs were $0.59 and $22.79 respectively, total monthly expenditures $23.38, with a remaining balance of $384.62.

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, October 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Casey Ishitani, Public Relations Assistant

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by:

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SEPTEMBER 2021 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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