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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2021 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

November 2021 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) 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, Molly Pierce, Travis Saito, Jason DeMarco (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Reyn Kaupiko, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - None were absent.

Guests - Bryan Kimura (State Department of Transportation), State Senator Les Ihara, Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Stanley Chang's Representative), Firefighter Han (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Darin Leong (Department of Design and Construction); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Council Chair Tommy Waters, Councilmember Calvin Say; Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20), Todd Boulanger (Biki), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Jade Rhodes (Trees for Kaimuki), Steve Yuen (3650 Waialae), Ross Uehara-Tilton (The Curb), Adoree Yu (Queen's Theatre); Residents Kelsie Aguilera, Sarah Chinen, Zoey Duan, Elaine Evans, Zoe Finn, Rafina Hasina, Amy Hennessey, Judy Hernandez, Leon Kau, Dennis Kodama, Sandy Ma, Eric McCutcheon, Teresa Todd, Dave Watase, Crystal Yamasaki, Eugene Young, Kim Yuen, Christine Otto Zaa; Robert Whitsell and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office). 37 participants were in attendance.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Chair Schneider listed an open vacancy in Sub-district 1. There were no nominees nor volunteers that came forward. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to January 2022's regular meeting.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

November 2021 Statistics: There was 1 structure fire, 5 activated alarms, 29 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, and 2 motor vehicle collisions.

Safety Tip: Firefighter Han shared Thanksgiving cooking safety tips.

Jason DeMarco arrived at 6:33 p.m. with 10 members present.

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

• November 2021 Statistics: There were 12 motor vehicle thefts, 27 burglaries, 45 thefts, and 11 UEMVs, and 7715 calls for service. Statistics can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nakamura shared holiday safety tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Burglaries: Chair Schneider expressed concerns regarding a series of recent burglaries at Maunalani Circle, Lurline, and Mana Place. Lieutenant Nakamura responded that he would investigate the issue.

2. Incident Report System: Lori Yamada lauded HPD's incident report system.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller reported the following:

• Water Main Break: There was a six (6) inch water main break on Saturday, October 16, 2021 on 6th Avenue.

• Scams: Heller provided information to help residents identify and respond to scammers impersonating BWS staff. More information can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

PUBLIC INPUT

Queen's Theater: Adoree Yu provided an update to the community regarding the Queen's Theatre project. She projected that she would provide a more detailed update in early 2022.

Trees for Kaimuki: Jade Rhodes announced an upcoming Trees for Kaimuki virtual scavenger hunt.

Questions, comments, and concerned followed: Prizes: Chair Schneider and Rhodes discussed various prizes at the event.

3650 Waialae: Project Architect Steven Yuen provided an update regarding the 3650 Waialae Project. He reported that for three (3) to four (4) months, they are focused on demolition and excavation. More information can be found at www.3650waialae.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Appearance: Resident Sarah Chinen asked about the appearance of the project and Yuen responded that they are still finalizing their permits and do not yet have a final appearance. Vice Chair Paul Hoe asked and Yuen responded that it will be a four (4) story building with some underground parking.

Kaialua Webinar: Carol Hoshiko of Kapiolani Community College provided an update regarding the next Kaiaulu webinar featuring the Kaimuki Business Professional Association.

The Curb - Liquor License: Ross Uehara-Tilton, co-owner of The Curb, discussed their pending liquor license application hearing for Thursday, November 18, 2021.

Parking Meters at Parking Lot #2: Discussion followed between a Road Builders Corp. (RBC) representative, Darin Leong of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and the Board regarding Parking Lot Two (2), and future updates on the project, including ticketing and payment machines. He reported that the project has been delayed till mid-January 2022.

Questions, comments and concerns: Payment Methods: Vice Chair Hoe and Leong discussed information regarding pay stations and meters at the location. Board member Gardner asked and Director Wong responded that the city had a plan to go forward with Smart Meter expansion, but that DTS has decided to pull these out and revert back to coin meters. Board Member Yamada and Leong discussed where money deposited at meters and pay stations ultimately end up.

Project 14-D: Chair Schneider asked and Leong responded that he was not familiar with Project 14-D. Chair Schneider expressed concerns with the lack of completion of the project since 2017. Leong commented that he would explore the issue.

Canopy Coverage: Chair Schneider asked and Leong responded that he would look into canopy coverage at the project as well.

Biki Station at 12th Avenue: Resident Teresa Todd expressed concerns with the position of a Biki station at the corner of Waialae and 12th avenue, commenting that its position is unsafe. Biki Director Todd Boulanger of Biki responded that the Biki station is safe with no reported incidents. Gardner asked if signage would help drivers identify Biki stations and Boulanger deferred this concern to the Department of Transportation Services (DTS).

Kokohead Off-Ramp: Chair Schneider asked and Bryan Kimura of the State Department of Transportation (HDOT) responded that he was not aware of a tree-trimming project by the Kokohead Off-ramp.

Monster Homes: Resident Sarah Chinen expressed concerns with the lack of effective response from the Department of Planning of Permitting (DPP) and the Mayor's Office regarding Monster Homes. She expressed additional concerns that the owners of these properties cut down their trees in the process.

PRESENTATIONS

Proposed Water System Facilities Charge, Board of Water Supply (BWS)

Chair Schneider commented that the BWS presentation was postponed to 2022.

Summary of State Redistricting: Gardner gave a presentation regarding the State Redistricting/ Reapportionment, discussing the proposed reapportionment in light of the State Constitution, history, most recent proposals, and the impact on Kaimuki and surrounding communities. Gardner described reapportionment as the State's redistricting process laid out in the State Constitution. Gardner described the criteria that guides the redistricting process. Gardner conveyed that recent proposals will negatively impact the representations of numerous communities including Kaimuki. Gardner conveyed that this impact will split the Kaimuki community between three (3) different State representatives. She provided resources for community members to further their research as well as information to allow residents to send their own testimony to the Reapportionment committee.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Committee: Board Member DeMarco asked and Gardner provided information regarding the body of the Reapportionment committee, commenting that it is ideally a non-partisan body.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. 3650 Waialae: Discussion regarding 3650 Waialae occurred earlier in the meeting. See page two (2).

2. Seal Coating Schedule: Chair Schneider announced an updated seal coating schedule for the month of November 2021.

3. Liquor License Application: Discussion regarding The Curb's liquor license hearing occurred earlier in the meeting. See page two (2).

4. Telephone Pole Replacement: Chair Schneider reported that Hawaii Electric Company (HECO) will be replacing or installing telephone poles in the Kaimuk neighborhood at the following locations - 1127 16th Ave, 856 18th Ave, 3940 Harding Ave

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong reported the following:

• Recycling Vehicles: Director Wong reported the Department of Environmental Services (ENV) response to concerns with recycling vehicles turning onto Highview place. Director Wong reported that the ENV recognizes that it is too narrow to get to the end of the road way. The manually collected items will be sent to H-power unless they can be extracted for recycling. ENV recommended residents on the road bring their recycling to the nearest RRR center on Waialae Avenue.

• Monster Homes: In response to concerns with monster home developments in Kaimuki, Director Wong reported that the DPP did not find any applications for monster homes in the community. Director Wong clarified that the permitting process might not be effecting at detecting monster home developments. Director Wong addressed Resident Chinens concerns with the mayor being inaccessible, responding that building a movement would be the most effective means to discuss an issue with the mayor directly.

• Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)/ Issue tracking: Director Wong provided a response to concerns with concerns with the NCO and keeping track of issues reported at meetings. Director Wong reported that the NCO acknowledges the issue, reporting that an improved issue tracking system is being developed. Director Wong clarified that the system will likely transition to a constituent based tracking system, as opposed to an issue by issue tracking system.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: DPP and Monster Homes: Chair Schneider expressed a desire to see the DPP interact with the Neighborhood Board.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - City Council Chair Tommy Waters gave a report, which included the following:

• Monster Homes: Council Chair expressed concerns with inconsistent responses from DPP regarding monster home issues with the Sierra Drive property. Council Chair Waters discussed proposed legislation to require property owners to get a permit to remove tree(s) depending on their size. Council Chair Waters reported on another property with construction that conflicts with the permitted building plans. Council Chair Waters concluded that the issue with Monster Homes has not been solved.

• 3615 Waialae: Council Chair expressed appreciation to Yuen for the goodwill the project has shown the community.

• Queen's Theatre: Council Chair expressed appreciation to Yu for the Queen's Theatre.

• Redistricting: Council Chair reported that after the City's redistricting, he has gained some more of Kaimuki and Kapahulu.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say submitted a report to the board and commented that Representative Jackson Sayama would not be able to attend tonight's meeting due to extenuating circumstances.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - Legislative Aide Lynn Robinson-Onderko submitted a newsletter and reported the following:

• Legislation: Robinson-Onderko encouraged the community to reach out to Senator Chang's office with ideas for legislation.

• Mail-In License Renewal: Robinson-Onderko discussed the potential for legislation for mail-in license renewals, and asked those interested in coordinating to contact Senator Chang's Office.

• Legislative Aide: Robinson-Onderko commented that their office is looking for a legislative aide to work the next session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bill 41: Resident Christine Otto Zaa asked if Senator Chang might submit testimony to support Bill 41, a city council bill that would block vacation rentals in residential districts. Robinson-Onderko clarified with Resident Zaa when the testimony ought to be submitted.

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

Representative Bert Kobayashi: No representative was present; No report was given.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: No representative was present; no report was given.

United States Representative Ed Case: No representative was present; no report was given.

BOARD BUSINESS

Resolution concerning Bill 41

As the item was not on the agenda, the Neighborhood Assistant advised the board to postpone the item until the January 2022 meeting.

Resolution/letter concerning State Reapportionment

Gardner MOVED and DeMarco SECONDED to ADOPT the Resolution Requesting the State of Hawaii Reapportionment Commission to Consider Redrawing the House District Lines in the Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Diamond Head, and Waialae areas to comply with Hawaii Law.

Discussed followed:

1. Summary: Gardner summarized the language of the resolution, including references to other boards that passed similar resolutions to oppose the current redistricting plan.

2. Appropriate Action: DeMarco expressed concerns that a resolution might not be an appropriate action considering there is already a mechanism for community members to provide testimony. Gardner responded that the voice of the Board is an important supplement to community testimony, especially in regards to the lack of meaningful community input taken by the Reapportionment Commission. DeMarco expressed concerns with the action of the resolution applying to communities outside of their Neighborhood Board jurisdiction, and Gardner responded that redistricting by its nature affects the boundaries of many communities.

The resolution WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (10-0-0).

Report of Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): DeMarco provided an update based on the first PIG meeting. He reported that the PIG identified five (5) topics for further exploration: monster homes, affordable housing, vacation homes, zoning reforms, and long term planning of the Kaimuki area. No action was proposed at this time.

Approval of the Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes:

Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to the January 2022 meeting.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang noted for the month of November 2021 that the total monthly expenditures was $22.85, with a remaining balance of $326.19.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: Nothing to report.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy Director

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by: Sharon Schneider, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2021 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
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