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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2022 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 6/15/2022.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

July 2022 Minutes

DRAFT INITIAL CONVENING MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2022

KAPALAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 269 and ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Pro Tem Hoe 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 - Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Lori Yamada, Jason DeMarco, Becky Gardner, Kelsie Aguilera, Travis Saito, Eric McCutcheon (appointed), Steve Litschauer (appointed).

Board Members Absent - None.

Guests - Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Calvin Hara (Kaimuki Business & Professional Organization); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Director Mark Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Adam Doo (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Councilmember Calvin Say; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Kalani Salcedo, Sarah Chinen, Sharlene Watanabe, Jeannie Lum, Barbara DeBaryshe, Patrick Watson (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Moment of Remembrance: The Board and community held a moment of remembrance for Chair Sharon Schneider, who passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022.

ROLL CALL The Neighborhood Assistant conducted a roll call.

ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS - Election of Officers for a Term to Last from July 20, 2022 - June 30, 2023.

Vice Chair Pro Tem Hoe nominated Yamada for Chair and Yamada accepted the nomination.

DeMarco nominated Hoe for Chair and Hoe declined the nomination.

Gardner nominated Hoe for Vice Chair and Hoe accepted the nomination.

Yamada nominated Gardner for Secretary and Gardner accepted the nomination.

Gardner nomination Kang for Treasurer and Kang accepted the nomination.

Hearing no objections and seeing no other nominees, Yamada was elected as Chair, Hoe was elected as Vice Chair, Gardner was elected as Secretary, and Kang was elected as Treasurer by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Chair Yamada passed the gavel to Vice Chair Hoe at 6:38 p.m.

Hearing no objection, Vice Chair Hoe took the agenda out of order to hear the City Monthly Reports

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - No representative was present; the following report was submitted in advance:

June 2022 Statistics: There were 1 wildland/brush fire, 1 nuisance fire, 2 activated alarms, 40 medical calls, 3 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and 1 hazardous material incident.

Fire Safety Tip - Grilling: Each year a national average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling, and almost half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. Visit fire.honolulu.gov to learn more. Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors, well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches; Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below; Never leave your grill unattended; Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area and keep starter fluid, lighters, and matches out of children's reach; Ensure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it; When you are finished using your charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

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

June 2022 Statistics: There were 8 motor vehicle thefts, 5 burglaries, 33 thefts, 7 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 6861 calls for service. Statistics can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

Safety Tips: Lieutenant Nakamura shared hurricane safety tips, highlighting the significance of owning a Ham radio to communicate if the cell towers are knocked out.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Smart 911: Gardner asked and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that HPD still utilizes Smart 911, and those interested would have to reach out to their respective telecom provider. He added that certain smartphones are also capable of storing medical information for 911 calls as well.

2. Wilhelmina Rise Burglaries: Aguilera expressed concerns and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that he would follow up on reported burglaries along Wilhelmina Rise.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Kathleen Pahinui reported the following:

Water Main Breaks: There were no main breaks in the month of June 2022.

General Water Announcements: Water conservation tips were provided for smart irrigation month. BWS urges residents to be mindful of their outdoor water usage. More information can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

FILLING OF VACANCIES

Sub-District 2: Residents Steven Litschauer and Eric McCutcheon discussed their respective backgrounds and interest in serving the board and community. Board Members asked regarding their priorities should they be elected.

Kang nominated Steve Litschauer to fill the vacancy in sub-district 2. Hearing no objection, Litschauer WAS APPOINTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Kang nominated Eric McCutcheon to fill the vacancy in sub district 2. Hearing no objection, McCutcheon WAS APPOINTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Vice Chair Hoe called a recess at 7:04 p.m. to swear in the new members.

Vice Chair Hoe called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. McCutcheon and Litschauer arrived with nine (9) members present.

PRESENTATION

Board of Water Supply Service Lateral Update: Pahinui discussed the scope of the work for the service lateral replacements to include up to 301 homes. The existing service lateral material, insufficient and prone to leaking, will be replaced with copper. The project is in the first phase of the design process, which is to prepare a topographic survey map of the area to serve as a base for construction plans. Design work will take approximately 18 months to complete, and construction will be scheduled upon completion of the designs and residents will be informed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Utilities Conflicts: DeMarco asked and Pahinui clarified that they work with other utilities to ensure no conflict with other utilities.

2. Piping: Resident Mark asked and Pahinui responded that the material was initially a type of plastic that did not work as expected back when it was installed in 2002. She also clarified that the leaks pose no risk to the water supply.

Board of Water Supply Water Update: Pahinui presented information regarding Oahu's aquifers and the existing water utility infrastructure. She discussed the various wells in close proximity of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility that were shut down and the current status of the Red Hill water contamination. Pahinui discussed the immediate and long term responses being taken by the BWS, with the goal of assessing the extent of the existing contamination, repairing existing water infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and finding a replacement water source for the wells that were shut down in the aftermath.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Impact on Construction: DeMarco inquired and Pahinui reviewed data gathered in collaboration with DPP and State agencies for construction projections and their respective water consumption. She commented that there should be no impact on construction so long as the contamination is under control and conservation efforts succeed.

2. Reduced Rainfall: DeMarco inquired into the impact of reduced rainfall and Pahinui responded that, should rainfall significantly drop off, the BWS would need to institute mandatory conservation in order to preserve the available water while exploring supplementary sources, such as desalination.

3. New Wells: Chair Yamada asked and Pahinui responded that it can take up to seven (7) years to explore, identify, and dig a new well. She added that BWS is working to expedite the process. Chair Yamada asked and Pahinui discussed the nearby wells and pumps.

4. Water Use: Resident Mark asked and Pahinui responded that the Halawa shaft and other wells are not contaminated, and the Navy does not use these wells. Pahinui commented that tourism has surprisingly little impact on water usage, as is demonstrated by the relatively high water use during the pandemic. Resident Patrick Watson asked and Pahinui responded that BWS is promoting water conservation to organizations and businesses in the tourism and service industry. Gardner and Pahinui discussed methods to promote water conservation directly to tourists.

PUBLIC INPUT

Upcoming Development: Gardner and Representative Jackson Sayama discussed an upcoming development by the Ala Wai Golf Course that had little public outreach or community input.

Playground Improvements: Resident Sarah (no last name provided) proposed improving existing playgrounds to include better amenities, improved shade, and provide more opportunities for children under the age of five (5). Councilmember Say clarified the circumstances affecting the parks, including DPR's prioritization in maintaining existing recreational parks, the lack of public engagement in parks, balancing the varied visions residents have for their parks, and a focus on providing more recreational spaces on the West side. Discussion followed regarding the efficacy of community fundraising for parks. Gardner discussed Aikahi Park in Kailua as a potential model for community engagement in their local parks.

Burglary Suspect: Resident Patrick Watson shared an image of the supposed burglary suspect mentioned during the HPD report.

Booster Seat Legislation: DeMarco expressed concerns with a law passed that would require children to be in a booster seat until the age of 10. He commented that the law ought to be amended to follow the National Association of Pediatrics guidelines that booster seat requirements be based on height and weight instead.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on Project 14D Maunalani/Sierra/Wilhelmina Paving: No representative was present. Chair Yamada clarified that she requested the item be placed to allow a report to be given at a future meeting if necessary.

Kaimuki Business & Professional Association (KBPA): Calvin Hara discussed a KBPA Kaimuki Community Park Clean Up with around 50 volunteers and discussed possible CIP improvements the community might want to pursue in the future. KBPA wants to pursue partnerships with the business and nonprofit organizations to support the local parks.

Honolulu Bicycling League (HBL): Eric McCutcheon promoted Bike Month (July 2022), discussing the energizer stations, bike community pau hanas, a helmet giveaway, and a bike valet service at the Waikiki Shell for the Jack Johnson show. He encouraged residents to prepare for the upcoming Honolulu Century Ride. McCutcheon reported that low speed e-bikes require registration and can only be ridden by persons age 15 and up. McCutcheon expressed concerns with the safety of sign waving, and promoted alternate methods to promote a message or campaign. .

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Campaigning: Gardner expressed appreciation for promoting alternatives to sign waving. She discussed some cases where alternative methods can be at cross-purposes with campaigning.

2. Outreach: DeMarco expressed appreciation to both the HBL for promoting bike usage in the community and to the City and County for investing in bicycling infrastructure.

3. Multi-Modal Use of Bike Lanes: DeMarco requested an update to laws to standardize what lanes the newest modes of transportation (e.g. electric scooters).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A celebration of Sharon Schneider's life will be held at Hosoi Garden Mortuary in Honolulu on July 20, 2022, visitation starting at 4:00 p.m., service at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Memory of Sharon Schneider to Diamond Head Theatre https://www.diamondheadtheatre.com/, (808) 733-0277 x306, or Trees for Honolulu's Future https://www.treesforhonolulu.org/.

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

B. Trees for Kaimuki is looking for input on one of our beautiful neighborhood parks, Mau'umae Nature Park! We have created a survey for folks that live in the area about what ideas and or improvements they would like to see at the park in the future. The link to the survey is here and also on the QR code and flyer at the link above. We have also created a printable map for keiki and families to draw your ideas about this park or write what you think this park needs! Submit your ideas to game@treesforhonolulu.org for a special prize!"

C. In partnership with Hawaii State Department of Land & Natural Resources and the Honolulu Fire Department, Hawai i Wildfire Management Organization will be hosting two virtual community-wide meetings this summer to facilitate discussions around wildfire concerns and priorities for those living and working in the East Honolulu region of Oahu. The meeting date is Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Register to learn Wildfires in East Honolulu. See flyers at the above link to participate in the Community Wildfire Planning Workshops.

D. On July 31, 2022 the annual Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon will be run starting and finishing at Kapiolani Park. The swim event starts at 6:15am then the bike event will ride up Monserrat, 22nd Avenue, Kilauea Avenue, Elepaio Avenue, Kahala Avenue, Diamond Head Road back to Kapiolani Park with the run course around the park. They expect 250-300 participants. For further information on this event, please go to: Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon - Na Wahine Racing (nawahineracinghi.com)

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - DIT Director Mark Wong distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

The Budget: In June 2022, Mayor Blangiardi and City Council adopted an Operating budget of $3.22 billion and a Capital. Improvement Program (CIP) budget of $1.03 billion the budget focuses on Mayor's key priorities: delivery of core City services, affordable housing, homelessness, public safety, and others.

Storm Water Strategic Plan: The Department of Facility Maintenance, Storm Water Quality Division is finalizing the Storm Water Strategic Plan for the City and County of Honolulu which may be found at http://bit.ly/stormwaterplanning. The plan contains the City's vision, mission, goals, and strategies for addressing storm water related issues. Public input is key and comments can be submitted at the public meetings.

Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP): The City awarded a $460 million construction project to Hensel Phelps to upgrade a portion of the WWTP to comply with the 2010 Consent Decree (CD). In June, a groundbreaking ceremony was held and the project officially kicked off. This state-of-the-art technology continues the City's mission of improve and upgrade facilities to better serve the public.

City's Fiscal Recovery Fund Economic and Workforce Development Survey: The City's Fiscal Recovery Fund Economic and Workforce Development survey was open for public responses from May 16 to June 12, 2022. Visit oneoahu.org/frf for further information. Findings from this survey will be used by City decision-makers in shaping programs and services using federal SLFRF funds.

Water Conservation: Water conservation is critically important as we move into the warmer summer months. Please call (808) 748-5041 to report a water waste complaint or email BWS at contactus@hbws.org.

Real Property Assessment: The City and County of Honolulu's Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Real Property Assessment Division (RPAD) mailed letters on July 11, 2022 to owners of record of properties dedicated for residential use. The property owner must complete, sign, and submit a certification and attach all applicable documents by September 1, 2022 via email at rpapto@honolulu.gov or by mail or in person at either RPAD office: 842 Bethel Street, Basement, Honolulu, HI 96813 or 1000 Uluohia Street #206, Kapolei, HI 96707. Property owners who have not received a letter should contact RPAD at (808) 768-3799. More information may be found at realpropertyhonolulu.com. The City will publish the notice twice in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser before the September 1, 2022 dedication deadline

Follow-up: DDC reported the following: 3615 Sierra Drive - Our Rehabilitation of Streets, Phase 14D project will be repaving the 3600 block of Sierra Drive from Koko Head Ave to Wilhelmina Rise which includes 3615 Sierra Drive. Construction is anticipated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2022 or 1st quarter of 2023. Iwi Way and Mikihala Way - Our Rehabilitation of Streets, Unit 65B project just completed the reconstruction of those portions of concrete roads.

Parking Meters: A project to update the parking meters is out to bid.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Bill 8: DeMarco expressed concerns that Bill 8 might be counterproductive in pursuing goals of more affordable housing by adding more burden to the design and construction processes. Director Wong clarified that the City and County wishes to pursue an overall goal of all documents being handled and signed electronically. DeMarco expressed appreciation for the paperless goal, but clarified his concerns with the notary process outlined in the law.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Adam Doo of Council Chair Waters's Office reported that Chair Waters is attending the National Association of Counties, the homeowner tax exemption deadline is September 30, 2022, and that their office is working with DTS on a speed study for Waialae Avenue and 16th Avenue to address safety concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. 3615 Sierra Drive: Aguilera inquired and Doo responded that he would follow up on 3615 Sierra Drive following the property owner's application for an appeal.

2. Waialae Avenue and 16th Avenue: Chair Yamada stressed the necessity for a solution for the intersection of Waialae Avenue and 16th Avenue, discussing the history of speed studies at this intersection.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say distributed a newsletter and requested feedback from the Board and community.

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

Senator Stanley Chang - No representative was present; a report was distributed prior to the meeting.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama reported that Governor Ige issued his list of vetoes and requested feedback from the Board and community.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi reported that the Senate and House cannot agree to meet for an override session, and so the listed vetoes will stand. He requested feedback from the Board and community.

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

BOARD BUSINESS

Formation of Planning and Zoning Committee and Recommendations: DeMarco discussed their efforts to reach out to various public facilities for a public meeting and the need for funding allocations for some locations.

Discussion on having live or hybrid meetings in the future: The Neighborhood Assistant informed the Board that the Kaimuki Public Library would be able to host the Board, but not on their regular meeting days and can only take reservations up to three (3) months in advance. He added that the NCO is exploring hubs to serve as a venue for multiple boards in the long term. Discussion followed regarding preferred dates for potentially changing the regular meeting date.

Discussion of purchasing T-Shirts for the Board Members for use in the KBPA Christmas Parade or for volunteer activities that are occurring in Kaimuk , for example Tree Well care and maintenance) Chair Yamada inquired and the Neighborhood Assistant discussed efforts by the NCO to change the role of the treasurer to allow for certain purchases, but the scope of this change is still unclear.

Approval of Wednesday, April 20, 2022 and Wednesday and Thursday, May 26, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes

As minutes were not available, no action was taken.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - No report was available.

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

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JULY 2022 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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