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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JANUARY 2022 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 2/16/2022.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

January 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, Becky Gardner, Jason DeMarco, Reyn Kaupiko, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - Joyce Murakami, Travis Saito

Guests - Kirra Empting (Office of Congressman Ed Case); Bryan Kimura (State Department of Transportation); State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; State House Representative Jackson Sayama; Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Chief Plans Examiner Peter Tamayo (Department of Planning and Permitting); Councilmember Calvin Say; Davin Aoyagi (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Carol Hoshiko, Dr. Robert Franco, Dr. Miku Lenentine, and Cuong Tran (Kapiolani Community College); Scott Stensrud (Council for a Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council); Residents Kelsie Aguilera, Kim Yuen, Steven Yuen, Mary Morioka, Judy Hernandez, Eric McCutcheon, Patrick Watson, Keola FIsher Janel Denny, Amy Hennessey, Jim Heumann, Keith Watanabe, Barbara DeBaryshe, Gina Salcedo, Melodie Aduja, Cory Chun, Zoe Finn, Calvin Hara, Sarah Bauer, Jayden Liu, Nick Yee; and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office). 51 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 February 2022's regular meeting.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - No representative was present; no report was given.

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

December 2021 Statistics: There were 26 motor vehicle thefts, 10 burglaries, 47 thefts, and 16 UEMVs, and 7335 calls for service. Statistics can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

Flash Flood Safety Tips: Lieutenant Nakamura shared flash flood preparedness safety tips.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: HFD: Chair Schneider asked and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that he believes HFD is responding to an emergency and could not attend the meeting.

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

Main Break: There was one (1) eight (8) inch main break on Sierra Drive for the month of December 2021.

Water Smart Portal: Heller discussed BWS's Water Smart Portal for customers to better manage household water usage. She shared a video and reported that more information could be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com/watersmart.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Rain Barrels: Robert Franco asked and Heller responded that BWS has a rain barrel rebate and a rain barrel program.

2. Water Usage: Resident Patrick Watson asked and Heller encouraged Watson to contact customer care regarding disputes of water usage.

3. Red Hill/ Water Contamination: Vice Chair Paul Hoe asked and Heller responded that she can prepare a report regarding updates on the Navy water contamination issue, and potential impacts on BWS water.

PUBLIC INPUT

COVID-19 Requirements and Acquired Immunity: Resident Watson expressed concern that those who have acquired immunity to COVID-19 are not granted the same rights as vaccinated individuals.

Navy Water Contamination/ Red Hill: Resident Watson expressed concerns that President Joseph Biden has not directly addressed the Navy's water contamination issue. Chair Schneider directed Watson's concerns to the Congressional Delegation. Resident Melodie Aduja commented she sent the Neighborhood Boards a copy of a resolution related to Red Hill, and asked regarding the Board's interest in adopting the bill. She commented that the resolution would involve coordinating with the administration and urged the shutdown of the Red Hill tanks. Chair Schneider commented that she would need a rough draft of the resolution at least a week before the meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Update on Neighborhood Resilience Survey - Dr. Robert Franco of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Miku Lenentine, and Cuong Tran gave a presentation and reported the following:

Update: Dr. Robert Franco discussed the Neighborhood Resilience Survey. He added that he heard from FEMA that they will provide a half a million dollar grant to develop an energy backup system at Kaimuki Middle School to provide energy for cell phones, medicinal requirements, equipment, food storage, and others.

Survey Results: Cuong Tran discussed the results of his Master's Thesis Survey Count comparing the available assets between urban (PUC) and agricultural communities, Ko'olauloa, and how those different communities feedback on resilience hubs vary. He compared the PUC and Ko'olauloa survey demographics, resilient hub site selection, and future resilient hub functions.

Action 15 - Islandwide Survey: Tran provided an update on the Action 15 - Islandwide Survey, estimated to be publicly distributed from March 2022 to May 2022. The target outcome is to identify at least 1 Primary location and 1 alternative location for a resilience hub in each of the 8 regional plan areas. Dr. Miku Lenentine clarified the purpose of Action 15 as the 15th of 44 actions to build Oahu community resiliency, clarifying her role in building community engagement and qualitative research.

Future Student Leaders: Dr. Franco commented that they received new funding from State Farm Insurance and Hawaiian Electric to support 30 resilience leaders at KCC.

Update On Municipal Parking Lot #2, Sierra/Maunalani Paving - Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Roadway Builders - No representative was present; no report was given.

Concerning Large Residential, Multi Unit Buildings - Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) - Chief Plans Examiner Peter Tamayo requested questions from the community:

3615 Sierra Drive: Resident Kelsie Aguilera asked about 3615 Sierra Drive's permitting history, expressing concerns with the applicants violating their permit. Tamayo discussed the initial applications in 2019, commenting that the property fell under ordinance 19-3 related to large dwelling designs. He reported that, at the time, they were not aware that they exceeded the 365 day timeframe, as they were not required to enforce the timeframe under the previous administration. He reported that the department began looking into enforcement on those ordinances under the current administration, adding that the property went through a revisions process and was reapproved in compliance with ordinance 20-43. Aquilera asked and Tamayo responded that an applicant in violation can, through their reapproval process, seek compliance through an ordinance that they did not originally plan for. Resident Patrick Watson discussed the history of applicants' previous actions. He asked and Tamayo responded that, once an applicant is in compliance, the department will give out a permit. Watson expressed concerns with the lack of fines and the negative impact these developments have on the ability for people to purchase homes in the community. Tamayo commented that, due to the lack of inspectors, the department encourages the community to be vigilant for developments that might be in violation.

1352 Koko Head: Resident Steven Yuen requested information regarding a development at 1352 Koko Head. Tamayo provided information on the property, commenting that he would email Chair Schneider with more details.

1891 Pala Street: Resident Nick expressed concerns with a development at 1891 Pala Street. He asked and Tamayo reiterated that, due to staffing shortages, the Department urges the community to be vigilant for violations. Resident Nick asked and Tamayo responded that, if an inspector finds a violation, the applicant must reapply to see if the construction can be permitted or alter the property to be in compliance.

DPP Internal Concerns: Becky Gardner expressed concerns with the integrity of the process and the DPP, referencing Federal and Honolulu Ethics commission investigations. Tamayo responded that changes are set to be in place by mid-2022. Gardner asked and Tamayo responded that DPP only lost one (1) staff member from the FBI investigation due to that staff member prioritizing some applicants over others. Tamayo reported that the DPP hired five (5) new plans examiners, adding that there is a proposal to create another branch for short term rental inspections.

Contacting the DPP: Reyn Kaupiko asked and Tamayo responded that those with concerns can call the office or come in person.

Screening Process: Resident Keith Watanabe asked and Tamayo discussed the current screening process for applicants.

Residential Building Codes: Resident Barbara DeBaryse expressed concerns with the residential building codes.

Special District: Chair Schneider asked and Tamayo recommended the community explore creating special design requirements for their own district.

DPP Testimony: Davin Aoyagi commented that ordinances to improve the permitting process are brought before the City Council, adding that the DPP has discouraged some of these bills in the past as unnecessary. Aoyagi concluded that, in areas related to permitting, the City Council looks to the DPP for guidance.

Future Meetings: Resident Watson requested Tamayo or another DPP return to future neighborhood board meetings.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution Urging the City Council to Enact Bill 41 to Protect Kaimuk and Limit Vacation Rentals: Chair Schneider read the resolution and discussion followed:

Updates to Bill 41: Aoyagi discussed the amendments to the CD1, including the decrease of the definition of transient occupant to 90 days. He emphasized that the CD1 still retains the provisions which remove Bread and Breakfasts and TVUs as permissible conditional uses within residentially zoned partials. Vice Chair Hoe asked and Aoyagi clarified the change of definition of transient occupant. Chair Schneider asked and Aoyagi clarified that the 90 days act as a threshold including advertising short term rentals. Vice Chair Hoe requested exploring exemptions for reasonable short term renting such as those for medical reasons.

Council Input: Gardner requested City Council input on the resolution. Councilmember Calvin Say discussed Bill 41 and its competing interests, including the impact on those residents who rely on short term rentals and the resort demarcation lines.

Intent to Vote: Brian Kang commented that he supports the intent of the resolution but commented that he would abstain as the bill itself is fairly extensive. Gardner expressed her support of the resolution.

Gardner MOVED and Kaupiko SECONDED to adopt theResolution Urging the City Council to Enact Bill 41 to Protect Kaimuk and Limit Vacation Rentals. The motion was NOT ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE 1-1-5 (AYE: Gardner, NAY: Schneider ABSTAIN: DeMarco, Hoe, Kang, Kaupiko, Yamada. )

Resolution Urging the Hawai'i State Legislature to Enact Comprehensive Tobacco Regulations and End the Epidemic of Youth E-Cigarettes: Scott Stensrud of the Council for a Tobacco Free Hawaii Youth Council read the resolution. Discussion followed:

Neighborhood Board Action: Gardner asked and Stensrud reported that 16 Neighborhood Boards passed this resolution of the 19 that viewed the presentation so far. Gardner expressed support for the resolution.

Current Regulation: DeMarco asked and Stensrud responded that there are no regulations at the time, adding that the current resolution urges regulations be passed to bring E-cigarette regulations on par with traditional tobacco products. Yamada asked and Stensrud clarified the current loopholes enabled through the online sale of e-cigarettes. Yamada asked and Stensrud responded that this would end the sale of e-cigarettes online. Yamada concluded that she would abstain from the vote.

Neighborhood Board Action (continued): Vice Chair Hoe commented that the Board must take action independent of other Boards, and requested that the language pressuring other boards be removed.

Hoe MOVED and Gardner SECONDED to adopt the Resolution Urging the Hawai'i State Legislature to Enact Comprehensive Tobacco Regulations and End the Epidemic of Youth E-Cigarettes. The motion WAS ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE 6-0-1 (AYE: DeMarco, Gardner, Hoe, Kang, Kaupiko, Schneider, NAY: None. ABSTAIN: Yamada. )

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

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

Project 14-D: In response to concerns with Project 14-D, Director Wong provided the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) response. The DDC reported that the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets (ROLS), Phase 14D project includes Sierra Drive, from Halehoola Place to Maunalani Circle; Sierra Drive, from Koko Head Avenue to Wilhelmina Rise; and Wilhelmina Rise, from Waialae Avenue to 13th Avenue. Paving of the aforementioned limits of Sierra Drive and Wilhelmina Rise was removed from the two (2) BWS projects because of their project delays and disagreement on the change order cost between the City and BWS contractor. The Phase 14D project is currently in design and is expected to advertise for bids in the first quarter of 2022.

Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: In response to concerns regarding the Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot, Wong provided the DDC report: The contractor is completing the third and final phase and is scheduled to complete the electrical and sub base installation in the next two (2) weeks. The pavement and installation of the pavers will follow. The schedule has slipped slightly because of heavy rains and the discovery of previously unknown gas lines requiring redesign of electrical lines. All work is anticipated to be completed by the end of January 2022.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Davin Aoyagi of City Council Chair Tommy Waters' Office gave a report, which included the following:

Bill 48: The Council heard Bill 48 to create a permitting process to address the issues of Red Hill and pertains to underground storage fuel tank facilities that hold over 100,000 gallons of fuel.

Resolution 21-176: The Council held a hearing in December and adopted Resolution 21-176 urging the immediate defueling, permanent removal, and relocation of the and removal of Red Hill Bulk Fuel Underground Storage Tanks.

Property Evaluations: Council Chair Waters introduced Bill 3 seeks to provide more information to those getting a property evaluation on the process behind the assessment.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say submitted a report to the board and requested any questions from the Board and community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Red Hill: Resident Watson asked and Councilmember Say discussed the passage of the Resolution and Ordinance related to Red Hill. Councilmember Say added that there must be a memorandum of agreement (MOA) involving all relevant federal, state, and local parties that all subsequent parties must follow. He discussed the negative impact water contamination could have on construction and tourism. Aduja asked how Councilmember Say's MOA reconciles with the Red Hill Administrative Order on Consent (AOC), and urged action be taken to stop potential contaminant movement to other wells. Councilmember Say responded that much of the necessary action must be taken by the federal government. Kaupiko commented that construction on government bases does not necessarily follow local ordinances, and asked for clarification on the impact of the City's recent actions. Councilmember Say clarified that the intent is ultimately to pressure the Congressional delegation to take action.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - No representative was present; no report was given.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Les Ihara, Jr reported the following: Legislature: Senator Ihara discussed the legislative calendar for January 2022, including the Governor's State of the State Address, deadlines, and hearings. He recognized Melodie Aduja, a former State Senator.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Representative Jackson Sayama reported the following:

Legislature: Representative Sayama discussed the swearing in of Representatives. He reported that Speaker Saiki has expressed that the State Legislature will not tolerate the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, adding that the facility must be decommissioned. Representative Sayama added that a task force has been formed to keep the Legislature informed on matters related to Red Hill.

Vaccine and Testing Clinic: Representative Sayama discussed a vaccination and testing clinic to be hosted on January 29, 2022 in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).

Legislation: Representative Sayama discussed his legislative efforts on catalytic converters, a resolution to audit the inspection process at ports, and increased investments in after school care programs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Appreciation: Resident Watson expressed his appreciation for legislation on catalytic converters and efforts regarding Red Hill. He requested probability studies be done to better understand the risk of fuel leaks in the future especially as it relates to the aquifer.

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

United States Congressman Ed Case: Kira Empting of Congressman Ed Case provided a newsletter and reported the following:

Red Hill: Empting encouraged those directly affected by the contamination to contact Congressman Case's Office.

Requests for Funding: Empting commented that they are accepting requests for funding federal programs, with requests to be sent by February 5, 2022.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Red Hill: Resident Watson asked if Congressman Case had heard anything from President Biden on the water contamination at Red Hill and Empting responded that she would follow up on the concern. Aduja requested Congressman Case's position on decommissioning Red Hill and Empting responded that she would follow up.

BOARD BUSINESS

Report of Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Nothing to report.

Approval of the Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes:

Hoe MOVED and Kaupiko SECONDED to approve the Wednesday, November 17, 2021 Regular Draft Meeting Minutes. The minutes WERE ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang deferred the report to the following month, as no report was available at this time.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: No reports were given.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Lori Yamada, Secretary

Final approval by: Sharon Schneider, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JANUARY 2022 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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