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Palolo Neighborhood Board MAY 2023 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/12/2023.

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

P LOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

May 2023 Minutes

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DRAFT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023

REMOTE WEBEX MEETING VIA WEBEX

PUBLIC LOCATION: KAPALAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 277

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Frost called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum WAS NOT established with six (6) members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Joshua Frost, Randy Hack, Dallas Ige, Colin Scott Peros, Earl Shiraki, Dean McColgan, Beverly Mau (7:05 p.m.), Darlene Nakayama (7:05 p.m.), Derek Turbin (7:05 p.m.), and Juanita Kawamoto (7:16 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Rusti Onishi

Guests: Sergeant Rance Okano, Lieutenant Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Calvin Say, Scott Ishikawa, Janel Denny; Acting Director Warren Mamizuka (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green's Representative); Representative Jackson Sayama; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Bill Chismar (Residents); Logan Hutchinson (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were 29 total in attendance. Name not included if not legible on sign-in sheet, not signed in, and/or not stated for the record.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [00:00:47]: A Palolo Fire Station Captain gave the report. Should you have any questions, please email the Honolulu Fire Department Community Relations Office at hfdnhb@honolulu.gov.

• April 2023 Statistics: There was one (1) structure fire, one (1) nuisance fire, one (1) activated alarm without fire, 40 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle crash/collisions, one (1) mountain rescue, and two (2) hazardous material incidents.

• Safety Tip: Home Fire Sprinklers - Fire sprinklers are the first line of defense against fires, often extinguishing the fire before the fire department arrives. Visit https://homefiresprinkler.org/ to learn more. Information about Honolulu's ordinances relating to fire safety is available at https://fire.honolulu.gov.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Cause of Fires: Member Shiraki asked the Captain shared the recent fire in Kaimuki was caused by overcooked food and it spread rapidly because it was an older home. Investigations are always carried out to find the origin of fires but it is often hard to determine.

Vice Chair Mau joined the meeting at 7:05 p.m.; seven (7) members present. Quorum WAS established.

Member Nakayama joined the meeting at 7:05 p.m.; eight (8) members present.

Member Turbin joined the meeting at 7:05 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [00:04:38]: Sergeant Rance Okano reported the following:

• March 2023: Six (6) motor vehicle thefts, five (5) burglaries, 16 thefts, and seven (7) unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV). Further statistical information can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

• Safety Tip: Tsunami Safety - Be ready for a tsunami by preparing a bag ahead of time with things like flashlights, radio, food, water, first-aid kit, important documents and medication. In the event of a tsunami evacuation, some places to seek shelter in this area are Palolo Elementary School and Jarrett Middle School. Pet friendly evacuation locations are Kaimuki High School and Kaimuki Middle School.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Loud Muffler: Member Shiraki informed Sergeant Okano of a car in the Ala Wai area with a loud muffler and Sergeant Okano assured he would inform the officers in that area.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [00:08:19]: Dominic Dias shared he did not currently have main break information so he would have to report back on that. There is an eight (8) inch waterline project in Palolo Valley coming up. BWS is looking for volunteers at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden through the month of May on Wednesday's and Saturday's from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Interested persons can contact Halawa Xeriscape Garden at 748-5315 or workshops@hbws.org.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Recognition: Member Shiraki gave recognition to BWS with the handling of Red Hill.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER CITY MEETINGS: None.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3 and one (1) in Subdistrict 4. There were no volunteers.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Congressman Ed Case: No representative present.

Member Kawamoto joined the meeting at 7:16 p.m.; 10 members present.

Councilmember Calvin Say [00:12:00]: The monthly newsletter can be found at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/64531766babbed2fdb5be1f2/1683167083044/May+2023+Newsletter.pdf. Councilmember Say provided links to the District 5 website at https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-say, an overview of real property tax measures being considered by the Honolulu City Council at https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/rptmeasures, and the budget process at https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/budget. Councilmember Say provided updates on both the Ala Wai Watershed and Kuahea Street long-term projects. More information can be found at https://www8.honolulu.gov/ddc/kuahea-street-area-stabilization-project/ and https://www8.honolulu.gov/ddc/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/05/FinishWorkPhase.pdf. Councilmember Say also provided follow-up responses to questions raised at the previous meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kuahea Street: Member Shiraki raised concerns over the idea of erecting a fence in the back of Palolo valley due to the number of trees and how steep the hill is. Resident Chismar asked if there was any chance for the community to help with the process. Councilmember Say stated he would leave the decisions to the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) but could share these concerns with their communications team. Scott Ishikawa provided context about the process and that the two main priorities of the project are public safety and protecting the instruments in the pill boxes that track soil movements. Scott Ishikawa also shared that there would not be an irrigation system installed to limit the soil from being in motion. Resident Chismar asked and Scott Ishikawa stated he would get an update about when HECO is planning on removing and replacing the telephone poles on Kuahea Place.

2. Recognition: Member McColgan gave recognition to Kaimuki High School Assistant Coach Taylor Espinda for providing free basketball clinics at Triangle Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

3. Multi-Generational vs Monster Housing: Member McColgan asked and Councilmember Say stated he supports multi-generational housing but due to the difficulty of inspections and differentiating from monster houses it can be tough to support families wanting to provide a space to their children's families. Councilmember Say stated the use of houses being multi-generational would need to be enforced.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative [00:36:30]: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Acting Director Warren Mamizuka gave the report. Mayor Blangiardi is holding a Town Hall meeting at the Ala Wai Clubhouse on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The Mayor's Newsletter can be found at https://www.oneoahu.org/newsletter. To explore career opportunities at the City and County of Honolulu, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/honolulu. Director Mamizuka also provided follow-up responses to questions raised at the previous meeting.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Slowing Devices: Member McColgan asked and Director Mamizuka shared that contacting Department of Transportation Services (DTS) to have an area monitored for testing and possible speed tables/bumps being implemented. Director Mamizuka explained many of the current speed tables are put in by the State. Member McColgan asked about the jurisdiction on projects and Director Mamizuka answered the State installs speed tables on City roads and DTS finds out later sometimes. Meetings occur once a month between the City and State about projects.

2. 10th Avenue Street Lines: Member Shiraki raised concerns about the yellow line(s) on 10th Avenue are fading and need to be re-painted.

3. Central Resource for Capital Improvement Projects: Member McColgan asked and Director Mamizuka stated he was unsure at this time if there was a centralized resource for finding projects and their estimated timeline. Director Mamizuka provided some context on changing timelines and priorities of capital improvement projects.

Governor Josh Green's Representative [00:50:32]: Ryan Aguilar shared the Governor's May Newsletter, which can be found at https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-May-2023-Final-04.pdf. Aguilar highlighted the new contract for public school teachers that was announced April 17, 2023 and a pledge to our keiki on April 21, 2023 for people to be respectful of the environment and culture and to conduct yourself in a way that protects the way that Hawaii is unique. Aguilar shared that the Governor's office, Mayor's office, House representatives, Senate representatives, City Council, Department of Health (DOH), and BWS would be convening over the next three (3) to four (4) months to develop a plan to achieve a shared goal of clean water moving forward.

Questions comments and concerns followed:

1. Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) Spill: Member Kawamoto requested an update on the PFAS spill.

2. Aquifer: Member Kawamoto requested an update on the Governor looking at different options for aquifers.

3. Red Hill Leadership: Member Kawamoto asked if there was a change in who is in charge on the Red Hill water contamination issue from Admiral Wade to General Okamura. Member Kawamoto also inquired about the date and time of a gathering to discuss this change in leadership.

Member Peros left the meeting at 7:53 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

Representative Jackson Sayama [00:54:52]: Representative Sayama reported he has secured $900,000 in the budget to begin the ground work on the redevelopment of the Queen Liliuokalani property for teacher housing; $100,000 for design and planning, and $800,000 for an environmental impact study. Representative Sayama also secured some capital improvement funds for Aliiolani Elementary School to erect a perimeter fence and Jarrett Middle School to address long-term erosion issues threatening the school's infrastructure. Representative Sayama highlighted the $170 million for teacher housing, $10.8 million for houseless programs, and $38.8 million for the Pre-School Open Doors Program commitments that were made this legislative session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Hawaii Cares: Member Hack requested a follow-up on the budget status for doing business in Hawaii under Hawaii Cares in the Health Department.

2. Teacher Housing: Member Kawamoto asked and Representative Sayama stated the process will continue once the Governor signs. After that, working with the school district, a request for proposal (RFP) will be sent out.

3. House Bill (HB) 264: Member Shiraki asked and Representative Sayama stated HB264 passed both House and Senate.

4. Gun Control/Concealed Carry: Member Shiraki raised concerns and Representative Sayama stated the priorities are to create a standard in the counties and make sure Hawaii remains a safe space while honoring Supreme Court Cases and federal guidelines.

Senator Les Ihara Jr. [01:07:07]: Senator Ihara reported the Senate will be going into special session to confirm two (2) Hawaii Supreme Court justices. The Governor has until the end of June to submit a list of bills to possibly veto and a convening to override would occur on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. Senator Ihara provided context on four bills sent to the Governor related to lobbyists.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Civil Beat Article on Ty Cullen: Member Kawamoto asked and Senator Ihara stated he had not heard or seen any evidence to provide an update on the investigation.

2. Gun Control/Concealed Carry: Member Shiraki shared his view on gun control before Senator Ihara stated that the old practice was for the Chief of Police to grant concealed weapon permits based on the situation. The Supreme Court overruled this and determined concealed carry to be a constitutional right. Senator Ihara stated he shared Member Shiraki's stance on the issue. Member Kawamoto asked and Senator Ihara stated all schools and public facilities are off limits for concealed carry.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: None

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Minutes from Wednesday, April 12, 2023 [01:22:35]: Vice Chair Mau MOVED and Member Hack SECONDED approving the Wednesday, April 12, 2023 regular meeting minutes as written. Hearing no discussion, the Board took a voice vote. Hearing no objections or abstentions, the motion WAS ADOPTED.

Consideration of Board Letter to Honolulu City Council, RE: 64% Salary Increase [01:24:24]: Member Hack MOVED and Vice Chair Mau SECONDED sending a letter to the Honolulu City Council opposing the 64% salary increase. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board took a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 7-2-0 (Aye: Frost, Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Shiraki, Kawamoto, Ige; No: Turbin, McColgan; Abstain: None).

Discussion on the Outdoor Basketball Court Lights at Palolo District Park [01:50:35]: This item was also addressed in Director Mamizuka's follow-up responses. Chair Frost shared he was implored by a community member to put this item back on the agenda. The community member did not attend this meeting. Chair Frost decided to get in contact with the community member to see what the desired course of action is. The Palolo Neighborhood Board is recessing in June so this information will be passed along to the Neighborhood Assistant for possible future Board action.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

P lolo Neighborhood Board's Next Meeting: The next P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 regular meeting will be on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. on WebEx. Public location at Kap lama Hale.

Bulky Trash Pick-Up - Appointment System Pilot Program for pick-up. Please visit http://www.opala.org or call 768-3200 for general information, then press "0" for appointment requests.

'Olelo Broadcast Slots - The P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m. or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org

Social Media - Join us informally at the P lolo Valley Community or �Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6' pages or P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Friends' group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com. Also stay connected with the P lolo community at www.nextdoor.com.

Agenda Requests - No Later Than 10 days prior to meeting, contact Chair Frost at (808) 371-9334.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Logan Hutchinson, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Naomi Hanohano, Community Relations Specialist

Finalized by: Josh Frost, Chair

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Palolo Neighborhood Board MAY 2023 Minutes

P LOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

Kaimuki Hawaii
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