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
Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2022 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 11/10/2022.

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

DIAMOND HEAD/KAPAHULU/SAINT LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

November 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MINUTES

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022

ALA WAI CLUB HOUSE AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

6:00 P.M.

Video recordings of Regular Meetings may be found at:

https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-video-archive.html

Written materials for this Regular Meeting may be found on OneDrive at:

https://1drv.ms/u/s!BIst49_N_u8YbJVHY5DlpKNlBnk?e=NbFRm1 with password "SchoolStarts"

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Salenger called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Quorum was established with six (6) members present at the Ala Wai Club House and eight (8) members present via Webex Application, total of 14 members. Note - This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access to establish a quorum.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, Rafia Hasina, Margaret Murchie, Bertram Narita, Bruce Wong, John Beutel, Winston Welch, Wendell Murakawa, Dylan Whitsell, George West, Andrew Salenger, Michelle Matson (arrived at 6:27 p.m.), Don Persons (via phone), Laura St. Denis, and Linda Wong.

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Elden Tanaka (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Ono, Lieutenant Nakamura, and Sergeant Corpuz (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); John Richards (Kapiolani Community College); Adam Doo (Council Chair Tommy Waters' office); Brandon Sekiya (Councilmember Calvin Say's office); Representative Jackson Sayama; Randall Wakumoto (Department of Facility Maintenance); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Arleen Velasco, Daisy Murai, Stanton Ching, Christina, Glenn U., Janel Denny, John Richards, Marilyn Mick, Melvin Kawashima, (Residents); Jackson Coley (Neighborhood Commission Office). Names not included will not be provided. 36 attendees total.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): [6:03 p.m.] An October 2022 report was provided by HFD. There were 2 nuisance fires, 2 cooking fires, 6 activated alarms, 67 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with a pedestrian, 5 motor vehicle crashes, 5 mountain rescues, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.

Honolulu Police Department District 6: [6:03 p.m.] Lieutenant Ono reported the following October 2022 statistics: 3 robberies, 11 burglaries, 212 thefts, 22 unauthorized entries of motor vehicles (UEMV), 55 assaults, 13 sex crimes, 18 bicycles/skateboards on sidewalks, 8 speeding violations, 2182 parking violations, 2 loud muffler violations, 150 park-closure citations, 6 park-closure arrests, and 5,765 total calls for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Murchie asked about a recent noise violation bill, Lieutenant Ono had no information. Resident Murai inquired how bicycles should travel when bike lanes are along one-way roads. Lieutenant Nakamura responded that bike lanes are marked to indicate one-way or two-way travel. St. Dennis requested clearer markings for bike lanes. Welch reported a bicycle stripping operation along the Ala Wai and Lieutenant Nakamura responded the HPD does routine checks and arrests.

Honolulu Police Department District 7: [6:10 p.m.] Lieutenant Nakamura reported the following October 2022 statistics: 17 motor vehicle thefts, 5 burglaries, 23 thefts, 5 UEMV and 6,925 total calls for service. Residents are encouraged to watch out for scams.

CITY AND STATE ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Office: [6:13 p.m.] No representative, no report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): [6:13 p.m.] Kathleen Pahinui reported no main breaks in October 2022. BWS is currently hiring for a wide variety of positions. More information at www.boardofwatersupply.com/jobs/featured.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Chair Salenger asked about a proposed BWS project on Leahi Avenue. Pahinui responded the project is progressing. Resident Velasco asked for a Red Hill update. Pahinui responded that the tanks will be defueled and the BWS wants the tanks removed. Welch asked how many properties the BWS owns and if public water fountains can be installed. Pahinui responded the BWS does not want individuals on their properties since they are critical infrastructure. Pahinui estimated over 100 different properties belong to BWS.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC): [6:19 p.m.] John Richards, KCC, reported that the Culinary Institute of the Pacific is expected to finish construction by Fall 2023 and provided information about the ongoing work.

RESIDENTS INTERESTS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS

Resolution 22-259: [6:24 p.m.] Chair Salenger reported that Resolution 22-259 and its associated development was withdrawn for the time being, however it may be brought back at a future time.

Aina Kupuna: [6:24 p.m.] B. Wong talked about Maui's Aina Kupuna program and asked if the Board could talk to a tax expert about the program as a way to potentially freeze property taxes.

Meeting Minutes: [6:26 p.m.] L. Wong voiced concerns regarding the last set of meeting minutes and meeting minutes not serving the Board.

Ala Wai Complete Streets: [6:27 p.m.] Murchie voiced concerns regarding the proposed Complete Streets Ala Wai project. Murchie advocated for the Board to take an official stance on the project.

One Drive: [6:29 p.m.] Chair Salenger reminded the assembly that project updates, reports, and other information can be found at the Board's One Drive.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Council Chair Tommy Waters: [6:31 p.m.] Adam Doo reported that the City Council adopted Bill 43 2021 which limits amplified sounds on sidewalks in Waikiki during evening hours. The City Council approved Bill 44 to update the law relating to the Oahu Historic Preservation Commission. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) reported that bike lanes on the Diamond Head corridor meet required standards and that bike lanes have made bicycling safer.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Whitsell asked about legislation to divert ticketing funds from the State to HPD and if the Board should write a resolution, Doo responded yes. L. Wong asked if playing amplified music is allowed on beaches, Doo agreed to investigate. L. Wong reported barbequing on the ledge of the seawall at Kaimana Beach, Doo agreed to investigate.

Michelle Matson joined at 6:36 p.m. 15 members present.

B. Wong requested that Councilmember Waters look into Maui's Aina Kupuna program, Doo agreed to investigate. Welch asked about a resolution for the City to update the websites for all committees, boards, and commissions. Welch requested an ordinance against vehicles modified to produce more noise. L. Wong voiced concerns with obstacles that residents face when submitting testimony to the City Council.

Councilmember Calvin Say: [6:41 p.m.] Brandon Sekiya reported that active transportation monitoring was installed on Date Street, McCully Street, University Avenue, and South King Street to monitor bike and pedestrian traffic. Councilmember Say's office is working to address speeding on Harding Avenue.

Questions, comments, and concerns: L. Wong asked about the City paving private roads, Sekiya agreed to investigate. Resident Murai asked and Sekiya confirmed that Resolution 22-259 will not be heard at the next Council Meeting. B. Wong requested that Councilmember Say look into Maui's Aina Kupuna program. Matson stated that Resolution 22-259 and its associated development may not be canceled and may be brought back at a future time.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: [6:49 p.m.] No representative, no report.

Representative Jackson Sayama: [6:49 p.m.] Representative Sayama reported his office is working on a housing project in Kaimuki to redevelop the Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School property. This may include teacher housing.

Senator Stanley Chang: [6:51 p.m.] No representative, no report.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: [6:51 p.m.] No representative, no report.

BOARD BUSINESS & PRESENTATIONS

Kaimana Beach Showers: [6:52 p.m.] Randall Wakumoto, Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) provided a presentation and reported on the upcoming shower improvements at Kaimana Beach. The proposal is to install a permanent shower facility on the mauka side of the sea wall. Construction runs from Monday, December 5, 2022 to June 3, 2023. Work will include a new shower tree with three (3) shower heads and one (1) foot wash along with a catch basin, underground infiltration chambers, replacement of a nearby drinking fountain, and supporting improvements.

Questions, comments, and concerns: L. Wong voiced approval and requested contact information for the on-site construction manager. L. Wong asked and Wakumoto responded that other nearby beach showers are also being addressed, however progress is slow and needs to go through the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD). St. Dennis asked and Wakumoto clarified that shower water will not go to the ocean, it will be collected to seep into the ground. Murakawa asked and Wakumoto responded this project will not affect the Natatorium. Resident Velasco asked and Wakumoto responded that new water fountain will not include water bottle stations.

Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) Primary Urban Core (PUC) Plan Changes: [7:03 p.m.] Matson reported that a joint committee meeting was recently held by the Board's Planning and Zoning Committee and Parks, Recreation, and Environment Committee. The meeting was to address proposed PUC changes and their effect on the Board area, specifically Kapahulu. Concerns were voiced regarding height and size exemptions for developments. Matson stated the PUC Development Plan (DP) and other DPs serve as guidelines for future developments. Matson stated that Sustainable Communities Plans (SCPs) are used to maintain communities' current appearances and features. Matson advocated for transferring the Board area out of the PUC and into the East Honolulu SCP. Welch voiced agreement and voiced concerns regarding increasing scale of developments in the Board area.

L. Wong Moved and Matson Seconded the Motion that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 be transferred from the Primary Urban Core to the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities. [7:17 p.m.]

Discussion: L. Wong voiced concerns with increasing development in the Board area. Chair Salenger asked and L. Wong clarified that the motion is for the entirety of the Board's area. Whitsell asked what environmental methodology was used to reach the opinions reflected in documents shared with the Board members. Whitsell asked if environmentalism was being used to push exclusivism. Whitsell asked how the Board felt about urban sprawl outside the Board area. Matson responded that the Board area is more in-line with the communities currently in the East Honolulu SCP and voiced concerns with changes to the Kapahulu area. Beutel voiced opposition to the motion and advocated for denser affordable housing to address increasing homelessness. B. Wong agreed with the motion. L. Wong voiced concerns with affordable housing projects failing to address housing needs and not being affordable. Whitsell voiced concerns with statements made in the document provided to the Board. Welch responded the statements were personal opinions expressed at another meeting. Welch voiced concerns with increasing development not addressing increasing homelessness. Murakawa voiced concerns. Matson stated the East Honolulu SCP is not a development document like the PUC-DP. Beutel agreed with concerns regarding unaffordable affordable housing. Beutel advocated for more true affordable housing. St. Dennis asked if boundary lines would be redrawn if the motion passes, Matson responded the lines will not be redrawn. St. Dennis asked and Matson responded that the City Council could choose if they want to move the Board into the East Honolulu SCP or potentially form a new SCP for the Board area. Chair Salenger clarified the motion is for the Board to be transferred from the PUC into the East Honolulu SCP. L. Wong clarified that the Board does not want to be part of East Honolulu proper, just included in their planning.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 10-4-1; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, L. Wong, Welch, Matson, Persons, St. Dennis, and B. Wong; NAY: Beutel, Whitsell, Murakawa, West; ABSTAIN: Salenger). [7:41 p.m.]

Connecting Fiber for Pole: [7:43 p.m.] No representative, no report.

Harding Avenue Safety Resolution: [7:44 p.m.] No representative, no report.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, August 12, 2021

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, August 12, 2021 meeting minutes named "ALS with viewpoints". [7:45 p.m.]

Discussion: Beutel voiced support for the motion. Matson raised a question if timestamps should be in the minutes. Chair Salenger responded there is no requirement for timestamps. Whitsell stated he would abstain since he was not on the Board for this meeting.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 11-1-3; (AYE: Allen, Murchie, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Murakawa, West, Salenger, Persons, St. Dennis, and L. Wong; NAY: Hasina; ABSTAIN: Whitsell, Welch, and Matson). [7:48 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, September 9, 2021

West moved and Allen Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, September 9, 2021 meeting minutes. [7:51 p.m.]

Discussion: Welch voiced concerns with the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) and voiced opposition to this set of minutes. Chair Salenger reminded the Board members of the NCO Executive Secretary's presentation at the last meeting. Chair Salenger advocated for adopting the minutes. Matson agreed with Welch's statements and claimed an investigation was ongoing regarding the minutes. Matson advocated for not accepting the minutes. Beutel stated the Sunshine Law requires minutes be posted in a certain timeframe and noted these minutes are from last year. Beutel supported approving the minutes.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 11-1-3; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Murakawa, West, Salenger, Persons, and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch; ABSTAIN: Whitsell, Matson, L. Wong). [7:59 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes, Thursday, October 14, 2021

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, October 14, 2021 meeting minutes. [8:01 p.m.]

Discussion: Beutel voiced concerns that the video recording was not fully posted and archived online. Chair Salenger asked Allen if she wanted to withdraw her motion, Allen declined to withdraw and discussion continued. L. Wong voiced concerns regarding the NCO and Roberts Rules of Order, Whitsell responded that Roberts Rules of Order is superseded by the Neighborhood Plan.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 8-3-4; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Narita, B. Wong, Murakawa, West, Salenger, and St. Dennis; NAY: Murchie, Welch, and Matson; ABSTAIN: Beutel, Whitsell, Persons, and L. Wong). [8:04 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes, Thursday, June 9, 2022

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, June 9, 2022 meeting minutes. [8:07 p.m.]

Discussion: Welch voiced objections and advocated for waiting. Matson voiced concerns with the minutes not having enough detail. Welch and Matson stated their intent to vote Nay on the remaining sets of minutes. Beutel voiced support and voiced intent to vote Aye on the remaining sets of minutes.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 9-2-4; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Murakawa, West, Salenger and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch and Matson; ABSTAIN: Murchie, Whitsell, Persons, L. Wong). [8:12 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, July 14, 2022

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, July 14, 2022 meeting minutes. [8:14 p.m.] The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 11-2-2; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Whitsell, Murakawa, West, Salenger, Persons, and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch and Matson; ABSTAIN: Murchie and L. Wong). [8:15 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, August 11, 2022

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, August 11, 2022 meeting minutes. [8:17 p.m.] The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 11-2-2; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Whitsell, Murakawa, West, Salenger, Persons, and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch and Matson; ABSTAIN: Murchie and L. Wong). [8:18 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, September 8, 2022

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, September 8, 2022 meeting minutes. [8:19 p.m.] The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 12-2-1; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Whitsell, Murakawa, West, Salenger, Persons, and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch and Matson; ABSTAIN: L. Wong). [8:19 p.m.]

Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, October 13, 2022

Allen moved and St. Dennis Seconded the Motion to adopt the Thursday, October 13, 2022 meeting minutes. [8:21 p.m.]

Discussion: Matson voiced concerns with the minutes.

The Motion WAS ADOPTED by MAJORITY VOTE, 11-3-1; (AYE: Allen, Hasina, Murchie, Narita, B. Wong, Beutel, Whitsell, Murakawa, West, Salenger, and St. Dennis; NAY: Welch, Persons, and Matson; ABSTAIN: L. Wong). [8:21 p.m.]

SUB-DISTRICT REPORTS

St. Louis Heights: [8:25 p.m.] No report.

Kapahulu: [8:25 p.m.] No report.

Diamond Head: [8:25 p.m.] L. Wong reported receiving complaints about loud music and barbequing on the seawall at Kaimana Beach.

Matson departed at 8:26 p.m. 14 members present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Leahi Avenue: [8:26 p.m.] St. Dennis reported there is no parking along the community garden near the life-guard station and remediation is necessary. L. Wong advocated for using smaller delineators.

Parks, Recreation & Environment: [8:29 p.m.] A Joint committee meeting was held with Planning and Zoning Committee on Monday, November 7, 2022.

Planning & Zoning: [8:30 p.m.] No representative, no report.

REPORT OF BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER BOARD MEETINGS [8:31 p.m.]

Welch attended the most recent Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7 meeting and provided updates. Narita attended an Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) meeting on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, minutes available online. Murchie attended the most recent Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting and provided updates.

ANNOUNCEMENTS [8:35 p.m.]

Chair Salenger urged everyone to look at the many announcements that he posted on the OneDrive, including various projects, such as construction within Diamond Head crater. He also announced his intention to resign from the Board, so the first item on the agenda of the next meeting, on January 12, will be the vacancy in the Diamond Head subdistrict, followed by the election of a new Chair.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

Submitted by Jackson Coley, Senior Clerk

Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations

Reviewed by: J. David Beutel, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No. 5

Final approval by:

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting NOVEMBER 2022 Minutes

DIAMOND HEAD/KAPAHULU/SAINT LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item