Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2022 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/20/2022.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

March 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was not established with five (5) 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 (arrived at 6:31 p.m.), Travis Saito, Lori Yamada (arrived at 6:45 p.m. ), Jason DeMarco (arrived at 7:06 p.m.) Reyn Kaupiko.

Board Members Absent - Joyce Murakami.

Guests - Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Office of Senator Stanley Chang) , Firefighter Brandon Chow; Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); City Council Chair Tommy Waters, Councilmember Calvin Say; Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Eric Crispin, Steve Yuen (3650 Waialae); Residents Kelsie Aguilera, Zoe Finn, Amy Hennessey, Eric McCutcheon, Kim Yuen, Christine Otto Zaa; and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office). 38 participants were in attendance.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Chair Schneider listed two (2) open vacancies in Sub-district 1. No residents volunteered.

Gardner arrived at 6:31 p.m. with six (6) members present. Quorum was established.

ROLL CALL The Neighborhood Assistant conducted a roll call.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - A report was provided later in the meeting (bottom of this page).

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

February 2022 Statistics: There were 15 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 37 thefts, and 19 UEMVs, and 6538 calls for service. Statistics can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nakamura shared safety tips related to ATM Safety. Lieutenant Nakamura discussed the recent arrest of bank robbers, and encouraged those who witnessed a robbery to be vigilant. More information can be found at:

Questions: Threats of Violence - Kaimuki Middle School: Gardner expressed appreciation for HPD's help connecting her to an officer regarding a threat of violence at Kaimuki Middle School. She discussed the nature of a Kaimuki Middle School student's ongoing behavior, including threats of sexual assault and gun violence to other students. Lieutenant Takamura responded that in addition to an arrest, the child needs mental health services. Gardner commented that the judge could only enforce a restraining order. Lieutenant Nakamura discussed the need to provide mental health assistance to young people. Gardner asked and Lieutenant Nakamura commented that, despite the threat, the child had no reasonable access to firearms upon investigation. Chair Schneider commented that social services ought to step in and get the child the mental health assistance they need.

Yamada arrived at 6:45 p.m. with seven (7) members present

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Brandon Chow reported the following:

February 2022 Statistics: There were 1 activated alarm, 57 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.

Safety Tip: Firefighter Chow provided smoke alarm safety tips.

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

Water Main Break: There was one (1) 8 inch water main break on Waialae Avenue.

World Water Day - Ground Water: Heller promoted World Water Day on March 22, 2022. The theme is "Ground Water,'' in light of the recent Navy fuel leaks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Shut Down of Red Hill: Yamada asked and Heller responded that the BWS is pleased to see that the Department of Defense decided to shutdown the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, but challenges lie ahead regarding the wells.

2. Halawa Shaft - Reopening Timeline: Resident Sarah Chinen asked and Heller responded that there is no date regarding the reopening of Halawa Shaft.

PUBLIC INPUT

Culinary Institute of the Pacific - Virtual Town Hall: Resident Carol Hoshiko announced that there is a Culinary Institute of the Pacific virtual town hall on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. More information can be found at: http://go.hawaii.edu/FZJ (link may be expired by the publication of these minutes.)

Renewal of Lease for Downtown Art Center - Art Development in Kaimuki: Sarah Chinen requested that Kaimuki Town develop as an art center, citing the Queen's Theater among other developments.

PRESENTATION

Honolulu Bicycling League (HBL): Janel Sterbentz of the HBL presented the following:

Benefits of Cycling: Sterbentz reported that biking reduces pollution, isolation, personal and roadway costs, traffic, obesity and asthma, and provides equitable transportation options.

Programs: Sterbentz discussed HBL's Academy of Bicycling, workshops, BikeEd programs, group rides, and advocacy efforts.

Status Quo: Sterbentz reported that Hawaii's current bike friendliness ranking is low, discussing the City and State goals to improve their overall bike friendliness.

Oahu Bike Plan: Sterbentz discussed the Oahu Bike Plan, including the opportunities to expand bike ridership, the plan's cost, and that the plan is 40-50% behind schedule.

Kaimuki Neighborhood Bike Plan: Sterbentz discussed the Kaimuki Neighborhood Bike Plan, and the progress to meeting these plans. She discussed the low bicycling budget, with only 3.2% of roadway budget going to bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvement. She added that Hawai'i has one of the highest rates of pedestrian collision and fatalities in the United States and provided relevant statistics.

Personal Benefits: Sterbentz discussed the significant physical and psychological health benefits of regular cycling for the individual.

Road Benefits: Sterbentz discussed the benefits to motorists of increased numbers of cyclists.

Statistics: Sterbentz shared statistics related to preferences for protected bike lanes, infrastructure to reduce motor vehicle collisions, and preferences for bike path projects, and the benefits to local business of protected bike lanes.

Complete Streets: She discussed the Honolulu Complete Streets policy, and the preference among residents to live in areas with the benefits provided by complete streets.

Contact information was provided. A copy of this presentation was provided at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/esuosq023gd0fx4/AABMQjg430LQQGc-3alR6oLqa?dl=0

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bike Plans in Kaimuki: Chair Schnieder asked about the potential for Kaimuki to implement these plans, expressing concerns with pedestrian collisions in the neighborhood. Sterbentz recommended that the community reach out to their elected officials.

DeMarco arrived at 7:06 p.m. with eight (8) members present.

3650 Waialae Avenue Project Update: Steve Yuen and Eric Crispin gave a presentation and reported the following:

Design Philosophy - Keep It Kaimuki: Crispin discussed the vision for the project, commenting that the design philosophy of the building is intended to recognize the unique character of the Kaimuki neighborhood. Crispin shared images of the design concept, provided design details, and discussed the synergy between this project's design and complete streets. The project will be 65,000 square feet and feature underground parking with 90 new tenant parking spaces. Tenants will include Goodwill Hawaii, a restaurant and office space for local businesses. Estimated completion will be in Fall 2023.

Sustainable Features: Crispin discussed the sustainable features of the project including 15 EV charging stations, 39 bicycle parking spaces, showers for the tenants to encourage bicycling, recycling of materials on the property prior to the project, and a low impact development storm drain system with on-site treatment.

Design Process: Yuen discussed the design process, emphasizing the respect for the community while contributing to the future. He discussed incorporating the streetscape pattern of adjacent small buildings and storefronts that define the character of the neighborhood. He displayed a rendering of the project as viewed from Waialae Avenue and Koko Head, Waialae Ave and Wilhelmina, and discussed the design details. He commented that priorities include visibility, some green coverage, traffic improvements, the installation of a traffic signal, and promotion of mural art. He commented that they will move the drop-off point for Goodwill to ensure greater traffic flow.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Lead Certification: Resident Hoshiko requested a lead rating and Crispin responded that the lead rating is not revealed until after construction, adding that they would like to be lead certified or better.

2. Tenants: A resident provided a written question, and Crispin responded that they are still creating their lease program structure. As soon as they have tenants that they can confirm, they will announce. He added that they are speaking with restaurant operators.

3. Community Outreach: Council Chair Waters thanked the presenters for their communication, commenting that neighbors have been pleased with their consistent communication. He added that he's happy with the developments regarding Good Will and drop-off changes. Crispin clarified that drop-off will be inside the site.

4. Training Rooms: Hoshiko asked regarding Goodwill training spaces and Crispin responded that this has not been incorporated as part of the plans at this point.

5. Adjustments to the Design - Covered Sidewalks: Board Member DeMarco provided a written question, inquiring about the possibility of covered sidewalks. Crispin discussed the regulations regarding covered sidewalks under current Land Use Ordinances (LUO).

6. Goodwill Updates: President and CEO of Goodwill Hawai'i Katie Chen thanked the project managers for helping maintain their presence in Kaimuki. Chen commented that there are no plans currently to pursue a career center, adding that they could pursue this possibility in the future. She clarified that their focus is on bringing back the store.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Information and diagrams at this link: https://bit.ly/KaimukiNBMeeetingFlyers

Paul Mitchell The School: Chair Schneider and Chair Waters discussed a certificate for Paul Mitchell The School to recognize their community service in bringing trees to Kaimuki.

Coffee with a Cop: Chair Schneider reported that Coffee with a Cop was held at Copy at Kahala Starbucks, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 11, 2022.

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO): HECO is requesting community input to their Public EV Charger Expansion Project. Submit comments at https://puc.hawaii.gov/contact/public-comments/ More information at the above link (VI. A).

Update on the 6" curb reveal restoration and repaving of Sierra Drive, Wilhelmina Rise and upper Sierra Drive/Maunalani Circle: The City expects to advertise on schedule by April 2022.

Revisiting 12th Avenue Promenade: We are hoping to schedule a meeting for the community to revisit this proposal as a follow up to our Resolution of support that was submitted in September, 2020. We would be looking for community input, comments and concerns. See Sketches and ideas at the above link.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

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

Pandemic Recovery: Wong announced that the Safe Access Oahu program has ended, reporting that the administration thanked the community for their cooperation and noted that it was a success and allowed businesses to operate safely. The administration is looking to focus on economic recovery.

Recovery Fund Survey: Wong discussed the Fiscal Recovery Fund survey.

Wilhelmina Rise Paving: Wong discussed the paving for the Wilhelmina Rise. DDC reported that the ROLS Phase 14D has finalized design for reprofiling the Wilhelmina Rise for 6-in curb reveal restoration and is awaiting the Budget of Fiscal Service's (BFS) approval of the specifications for bid advertisement. We expect to advertise on schedule by April 2022. A memo to BFS was sent regarding high priority projects which includes the Phase 14D project to expedite this approval. This project was also submitted to State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) for concurrence of determination that no historic properties are affected.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Monster Homes - DPP System: Chair Waters discussed a law passed by City Council requiring automatic expiration for permits if a building is not completed within a certain amount of time. He commented that this law applied to the 1350 Kokohead Avenue property, and their permit was rescinded. He commented that, within a short amount of time, they were granted another permit. He expressed community concerns on difficulties with permitting for most individuals, but not for large properties. Wong responded that the system takes in applications, and the approval process of plans and submissions. He reported that the system is not catching anomalies in permit applications, such as incorrect information, wrong zoning being applied in the evaluation of permits. He discussed the work that's being done to overhaul the DPP. Chair Waters expressed concerns with developers that seem to choose which laws apply to them, and discussed legislation to address these loopholes. Wong commented that those who check these plans are not given competitive pay, adding that the pay scale would hopefully be raised to ensure good people come through the door and can be kept.

2. Monster Homes - Revoked Permits: Resident Kelsie Aguilera provided a written question regarding the revoking of permits for monster homes and asked for a list of monster home addresses in which permits were revoked.

3. Bus Station Trash Receptacles: Yamada requested a followup regarding the policy of trash receptacles by bus stations.

4. Art Center Gallery: Resident Sarah Chinen asked that Mayor Bliangiardi support the Downtown Art Center Gallery on Bethel street.

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

Budget: Chair Waters gave an update on the budget requests, including issues such as commercial activity in parks and park rangers.

Monster Homes: Chair Waters discussed the need for DPP to telegraph how they plan to address the issues around Monster Homes.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Threats of Violence - Kaimuki Middle School (continued): Gardner thanked Chair Waters and staff, and updated him on developments with the issue discussed during the HPD report. She stressed that there must be zero tolerance for violent threats.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say submitted a report, discussed the importance of the housing dialogue during the meeting, and requested concerns from the community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Art Funding: Chinen requested that Councilmember Say support the arts in the City budget.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - Lynn Robinson-Onderko of Senator Chang's Office reported the following:

Newsletter Submitted: Senator Chang.com (Newsletter posted there.

Leafblowers - Landscape Companies: Robinson-Onderko discussed a measure to ensure that landscaping companies using leafblowers must abide by certain hours depending on the district to reduce noise pollution.

Illegal Dumping Bill: Robinson-Onderko discussed an illegal dumping bill.

Feral Chicken Eradication Pilot Program: Robinson-Onderko discussed Senator Chang's bill co-sponsored with Senator Misalucha related to feral chickens which appropriate funds for a five (5) year pilot programs within the DOH to eradicate feral chickens.

Internship: Robinson-Onderko reported that Senator Chang's Office is looking for interns.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Illegal Dumping Legislation: DeMarco asked and Robinson-Onderko clarified that the illegal dumping bill is related to illegal disposal, not littering. Kaupiko asked and Robinson-Onderko responded that it is not an abandoned car bill, but for forfeiture of a vehicle that is participating in illegal dumping.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama reported the following:

Ban of Flavored Vaping Products: Representative Sayama discussed a rally lead by students to ban flavored vaping products. He requested in person testimony in support of the bill.

House Finance Budget: Representative Sayama reported that the House passed their budget, which including 600 million dollars to DHHL to build housing.

The budget included over 600mil in district 21.

Abandoned Vehicles: Representative Sayama discussed HB1412, a bill introduced to address abandoned vehicles and provides counties with flexibility in dealing with the issue.

Town Halls: Representative Sayama reported his office will begin planning town halls, and requested those interested in contacting their office.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi reported the following: Budget: Representative Kobayashi discussed the budget, including 10 million dollars for the storage of items from homeless sweeps. He commented that 200 million dollars has been allocated to restore positions lost during the pandemic. Representative Kobayashi reported that the revenue estimate was raised by 450 million dollars.

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

BOARD BUSINESS

Report of Planning and Zoning Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): DeMarco reported that the PIG met for a final time. He reported that the PIG would like to translate into a formal committee that would work with the community and stakeholders to identify and track parcels that the community feels constitute monster homes. He requested the board's consideration in inviting the DPP representative that reported at the February 2022 meeting to report back to the board on a quarterly or biannual basis. DeMarco recommended a resolution related to vacation rentals be considered by the board. DeMarco reported the PIG's conclusion that many long standing issues in the community would be better served by a Planning and Zoning committee. Chair Schneider asked and DeMarco responded that they would like the character of Kaimuki and its history to be a component of the committee.

Discussion on forming Committees to address community issues - Transportation, Environment: Chair Schneider requested any members interested in PIGs or Committees on transportation or the environment, to reach out to her.

Discussion on having live, virtual or hybrid meetings in the future: Discussion followed regarding future formats and location of Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meetings. Vice Chair Hoe recommended a hybrid meeting, as a physical location is required. He recommended the Kaimuki Christian Church as a physical location and explore Webex as an alternative for Zoom in the future. Kaupiko expressed concerns with the logistics of a hybrid meeting at a physical location.

Approval of Wednesday February 16, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. ADOPTED the Wednesday, February 16, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes WITH AMENDMENTS by UNANIMOUS CONSENT; 8-0-0 (AYE: Schneider, Hoe, Kang, Gardner, Saito, Yamada, DeMarco, Kaupiko. NAY: None ABSTAIN: None.) Amendments are as follows: Honolulu Fire Department - Page 1: Strike "Han" and replace with "Chow".

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Kang reported a remaining Balance of $267.08

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: No report was given.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Robert Whitsell, Deputy

Final approval by: Sharon Schneider, Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2022 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item