1. Back
2. Current News
   
3. News Archive

• Kaimuki Hawaii
  News Item

• Powered by MBC NewsMaker

• Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JANUARY 2023 Minutes

• Tweet

• NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 2/15/2023.

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

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

KAPALAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 269 and ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Hoe called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Quorum was established with six (6) members present. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Brian Kang, Paul Hoe, Lori Yamada, Jason DeMarco (via WebEx), Eric McCutcheon (via Webex), Steve Litschauer.

Board Members Absent - Kelsie Aguilera

Guests - Captain Doug Hu (Honolulu Fire Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply (BWS); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); David Campos (Department of Design and Construction); Daniel (Trees For Kaimuki); Diane Fujimura (Shut Down Red Hill Coalition); Adoree Yu and Matthew McKeever (Queen Theatre); Stephen Yuen (3650 Waialae Avenue); Director of the Department of Information Technology Mark Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Adam Doo (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Judy Hernandez (Office of Councilmember Calvin Say); Alan Nakamura; Michelle Matson, Lot Lau, Pam Dodson, Anthony Calinno, Christine Otto Zaa, Teresa, Bill, Malu (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Chair Yamada passed the gavel to Vice Chair Hoe at 6:32 p.m.

ROLL CALL The Neighborhood Assistant conducted a roll call.

FILLING OF VACANCIES

There are three (3) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 and one (1) in Subdistrict 3. As the seat in Subdistrict 2 was vacated at the meeting, the vacancy could not be filled.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Doug Hu reported the following:

December 2022 Statistics: There were one (1) nuisance fire, one (1) activated alarm, 51 medical calls, amd four (4) motor vehicle crash/collisions.

Fire Safety Tip: Electrical Safety Tips were provided. Plug one heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) into a wall receptacle outlet at a time. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and power taps or strips should not be used. Check electrical cords to ensure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets so you do not have to use extension cords. Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - No representative was present; no report was given.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller reported no main breaks in the community and that the BWS will be present at the Building Industry Association (BIA) Home Building and Remodeling Show.

PUBLIC INPUT

Kuilei Place Project: Resident Michelle Matson of the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board No. 5 expressed her opposition to the Kuilei Place Project, and encouraged the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 to support the McCully Neighborhood Board No. 8's resolution to the same effect.

Primary Urban Center Development Plan: Resident Matson discussed the PUC Development Plan's extended comment period extension to January 31, 2022, and expressed concerns with proposed density infill along Waialae Avenue.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific Update: Carol Hoshiko of Kapiolani Community College (KCC) gave a construction update on the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, including the erection of the restaurant steel and metal deck, installation of wood beams and wood deck for the dining hall roof, completion of pouring auditorium interior slab on grade, final grading and forming of sidewalk path from Phase 1 to the auditorium, and the start of wall framing at restaurant and auditorium.

Queen's Theatre Marquee: Resident Lot Lau expressed safety concerns regarding the Queen's Theatre Marquee, specifically the danger of the marquee falling in high winds or heavy rains.

PRESENTATIONS

Lanakila Church: David Campos of the DDC gave a presentation and reported the following: They must submit a conditional use permit to build a parking lot in two (2) vacant lots in a portion of the existing church, and are requesting board support for the permit.

Questions, comments, and concerns:

1. Outreach: Member Brian Kang asked and Campos responded that they sent out an email requesting questions from community members, but have not scheduled a meeting for community outreach at this time.

2. Conditional Use Permit: Member DeMarco asked and Campos responded that the conditional use permit that will also include the conversion of a portion building within the church property to a men's and women's toilet as an accessory for the church.

3. Barriers: Member DeMarco asked and Campos responded that wall barriers will be present along the parking lot. Member DeMarco requested higher walls or hedges behind the walls.

4. Conditional Use Permit: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Campos clarified the conditional use permit process, commenting that this is a non-conforming church. Member DeMarco clarified that as this is zoned residential, the church must request a conditional use permit approval from the community.

Kang MOVED and Yamada MOVED to support the conditional use permit subject to the comments made by the board members at this meeting.

Discussion followed:

1. Scope: Member DeMarco asked and Campos clarified that the scope of the permit is the parking lot and the interior of the existing structure.

2. Landscaping: A resident asked and Campos clarified landscaping requirements.

3. Loitering: Resident Malu expressed concerns with potential loiterers and vandalism at the parking lot. Campos commented that the lot is intended for church use only and to minimize street parking congestion.

The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Trees For Kaimuki - Transitioning: Daniel of Trees for Kaimuki gave a presentation and reported the following: The goal of Trees For Kaimuki is to increase Kaimuki's urban tree canopy. Daniel discussed their activities during before and during the pandemic, including parklets and engagement strategies like "emailing a tree". He reviewed outreach, volunteer, and tree planting efforts at Kaimuki Library, Pu'u o Kaimuki Park, the Rain Garden at 11th Avenue and Harding Avenue, tree wells along Waialae Avenue, volunteering at the peace garden at Diamond Head State Park, Mau'mae Nature Park, and the 12th Avenue Rock Garden. He discussed Citizens Foresters, a publicly available database mapping trees in the community as well as potential planting sites. They requested that the neighborhood board consider a resolution requesting the city plant these trees.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Density/Development: Resident Matson commended their work at the Diamond Head State Monument and asked how they plan to integrate their vision of an urban tree canopy with DPP's density plans. Daniel responded that developments that do not incorporate some planning for trees is not a part of their vision. He emphasized the need for nature-based solutions.

Presentation/Discussion relating to the immediate defueling and permanent decommissioning of the entire Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility at Kapukaki (Red Hill) Diane Fujimura discussed the efforts of the Shut Down Red Hill Coalition to have the Neighborhood Boards adopt resolutions urging the immediate defueling and permanent decommissioning of the entire Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Vice Chair Hoe commented that action will be taken later in the agenda.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA): No report was given.

Hawaii Bicycling League: Neighborhood Bike Leader, Eric McCutcheon gave a presentation and discussed the legality of multi-modal forms of transportation and their designation legally as bikes. He discussed legislation in 2019 that amended the definition of "bicycle" to include "low-speed electric bicycles", and discussed the parameters and requirements of a low-speed electric bicycle. He provided a slideshow of the various electric bikes one might see on the road as well as some common providers.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Registration: A resident commented and Member McCutcheon clarified that bikers do have to pay for registration.

Queen Theater: Adoree Yu and Matthew McKeever reported the following: Yu acknowledged concerns with the safety of the Queen Theatre marquee. She commented that some minor repairs have been made to address falling hazards while they work out additional fixes for the marquee. A structural engineer and contractor will be consulted. McKeever discussed leasing updates, commenting that they hope to confirm a lessee soon.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Timeline: Resident Gardner asked and McKeever clarified the roughly two (2) to three (3) year timeline for this type of project.

Diamond Head Theater: No representative was present; no report was given.

3650 Waialae Avenue (Goodwill Building): Steven Yuen reported the following: Construction is progressing, with the next area of work involving surrounding utilities and sidewalks will occur in March 2023. Construction is still on track for completion in Fall 2023.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - DIT Director Mark Wong distributed a newsletter (oneoahu.org/newsletter) and reported the following: In October 2022, the City and County of Honolulu finalized the purchase of the Waik k Vista building in M ili ili. The City and County of Honolulu is now accepting applications for up to $30 million in relief for non-profit organizations that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible non-profits could receive up to $100,000 to help them recover. On November 21, 2022, Mayor Blangiardi, City leaders, and partners from the Chinatown community held a blessing and lei draping ceremony to mark the completion of renovations to Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park. Dawn Takeuchi Apuna was named Director Designate, Jiro Sumada was appointed Deputy Director and Craig Hirai joined the City as new Chief of Affordable Housing Policy and Strategy of the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP); Haku Milles, was named Director Designate of the City's Department of Design and Construction (DDC). The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) 2023-2025 Board Election applications are now available online at https://web1.hnl.info/nbe for candidates and voters.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Traffic Safety - 8th Avenue/Waialae Avenue: Resident Nakamura expressed concerns with the safety at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Waialae Avenue. They noted that accidents seem to be more frequent at the intersection, and noted that the lack of an overhang light as well as the frequency of drivers running red lights may contribute to this. Discussion followed regarding the need to have another study from DTS to reassess the safety of this intersection.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Adam Doo of Council Chair Tommy Waters distributed a newsletter and reported the following: The city will begin issuing four (4) year driver's licenses to those age 72 and older. Oahu residents between 72-79 can now renew their licenses every four (4) years instead of every two (2) years. There is a new Council District reappointment, and Council Chair Water's District now includes all of Kapahulu and the Makai side of Waialae.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue: Chair Yamada expressed concerns with the safety at the intersection at 16th Avenue and Waialae Avenue following a recent accident. Doo responded that a request for a study was submitted in September 2022 and is due by February 2023 from DTS.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Judy Hernandez of Councilmember Say's Office distributed a newsletter and requested feedback.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Governor Josh Green's Representative - No representative was present; no report was provided.

Senator Stanley Chang: Legislative Aide Ian Ross of Senator Chang's Office distributed a newsletter and reported the following: Ross discussed the first in-person opening day since January 2020 which saw the swearing of this year's representatives and senators. Ross discussed Senator Chang's committee assignments, including Chairing the Housing Committee and acting as a member of the Water and Land Committee. Ross highlighted Senator Chang's legislative priorities, including housing, the Aloha Homes proposal, a study to determine whether there is a gender pay gap among State of Hawaii employees, transit-oriented development (TOD), a proposal to establish a continuous legislature, appropriating funds for the Hawaii public housing authority for rehabilitation, remodeling, and renovation costs of repairing units, and creating an exemption to the requirement for a bank to hold one (1) dollar in cash for every dollar the state deposits for housing to allow for fractional reserve banking. Ross discussed the grants-in-aid (GIA) applications close on January 20, 2023.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama reported the following: The House's priorities for this legislative session will include affordable housing and mental health. Representative Sayama discussed his priorities to redevelop the Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School property, working to get a complete sunrise report related to school psychologist certifications, working with the State Department of Transportation (HDOT) for an electric road usage charge to offset the lost gas tax revenue as more and more individuals switch to electric, and a nurse licensure compact to address the shortage of nurses in Hawaii by allowing out-of-state nurses who sign onto the compact to work in Hawaii.

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

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

RESOLUTIONS

Red Hill Resolution - Urging The Immediate Defueling And Permanent Decommissioning Of The Entire Red Hill Bulk Duel Storage Facility:

Yamada MOVED and Kang SECONDED to ADOPT the resolution Urging the Immediate Defueling And Permanent Decommissioning Of The Entire Red Hill Bulk Duel Storage Facility. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED by VOICE VOTE; 5-0-1 (AYE: Kang, DeMarco, McCutcheon, Yamada, Hoe NAY: ABSTAIN: Litschauer)

Requesting City Council Not To Approve The Kuilei Place 201H Affordable And Market Rate Housing Project. (Resolutions passed by the McCully/Moiliili NB No. 8 at their December 2022 meeting)

Yamada MOVED and Kang SECONDED the resolution Requesting City Council Not To Approve The Kuilei Place 201H Affordable And Market Rate Housing Project.

McCutcheon recused himself from the vote, citing a conflict of interest.

As there was no quorum of voting members, the vote could not be held.

Discussion followed: Opposition: Resident Christine Otto Zaa expressed her concerns with the exemptions to potentially be granted to the Kuilei Place Project to develop a 400 feet affordable housing project. She added that 40% of the units will be market-rate housing, and not affordable.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Website: Chair Yamada shared a website hosting information relevant to Kaimuki and the Neighborhood Board:

https://knb4kaimuki.wixsite.com/boardmeetings

BOARD BUSINESS

Report of Planning and Zoning Committee and Recommendations Committee Chair DeMarco discussed their search for a venue for the next meeting.

Discussion on forming Committees to address community issues - Transportation, Environment, Safety, etc. No report.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes (September 2022, October 2022, November 2022): The minutes were adopted as written.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - No report was available.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: Litschauer attended a Hawaii Energy Policy forum at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, February 15, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or WebEx Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Chair

1. Back
2. Current News
   
3. News Archive