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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JANUARY 2024 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 2/8/2024.

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

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

January 2024 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.

ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUB HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR - 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfStbG8rCSQ

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn

I. CALL TO ORDER - [0:00:06]: 6:04 p.m.

Chair Welch called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Quorum was established with eight (8) members present. 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.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, David Beutel, Dan Decker, Rafia Hasina, Margaret Murchie, Arleen Velasco, Winston Welch, Dylan Whitsell, Bruce Wong (6:10 p.m.), Linda Wong (6:15 p.m.), Michelle Matson (6:18 p.m.), and Angie Knight (7:27 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: Wendell Murakawa.

Guests: Captain Kainoa Sato (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Michael Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Taylor Urban (Rainbow Ekiden Race); Kuhio Lewis, Daniel Ito, Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Kipe Ebana, Jamee Miller (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Josh Green); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Representative Jackson Sayama; Marli Mason (Senator Stanley Chang); Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram; Council Chair Tommy Waters, Amanda Zepeda, Keolu Peralto; Councilmember Calvin Say, Melvia Kawashima, Janel Denny, Andrew Phomsouvanh; Greg Misakian; Paul Robotti, Rachel Mau-Robotti, Peter Apo, Stanton Ching, Jennifer Ingellis, Ly Nakada, Daisy Murai, Laura Ruby, Carla Von Wiegandt, Noela Von Wiegandt, K. Ishii, Luciano Minerbi, C.K. Watanabe (Residents); Dylan Buck (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 54 total participants.

II. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES - [0:01:15]

Diamond Head Sub-District 3 - Two (2) Seats [0:01:15]: No volunteers at this time.

III. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS - [0:01:47]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - [0:01:52]: Captain Sato provided the monthly statistics and a safety tip on lithium-ion batteries.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1opYlDwoedEDSnJB3eLdCX9GWsCAiscKZ/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:03:27]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 - [0:04:18]: No representative present.

Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 - [0:04:49]: Lieutenant Thompson provided the monthly statistics and away-from-home safety tips to protect home and property.

• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

B. Wong joined at 6:10 p.m.; nine (9) members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:06:07]

IV. BWS, KCC, & PUBLIC EVENTS NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS - [0:08:25]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - [0:08:36]: Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui (Public Information Officer) provided the report and highlighted the following: construction updates regarding the Diamond Head Fencing project and Water System Improvement project along Monsarrat Avenue; unofficial request for support from this Neighborhood Board for BWS to paint a mural on their Diamond Head Booster (Kapahulu Avenue) to combat unwanted graffiti.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jeVHuD674dz0yowM0L5JQXsaZMwDoOiB/view?usp=drive_link

L. Wong joined at 6:15 p.m.; 10 members present.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:11:05]

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) - [0:13:32]: No representative present.

Matson joined at 6:18 p.m.; 11 members present.

Public Events Announcements - [0:14:27]: Taylor Urban (Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club) announced that the Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden Race is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. In addition to the 5K race, there are other community events such as a Keiki Race.

• Handouts: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cNKXsi5_xt6w7wPPYNw3K_TPg32p64bj?usp=drive_link

• Website: https://www.rainbowekiden.com

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:18:11]

V. COMMUNITY CONCERNS & OPEN PUBLIC TESTIMONY - [0:24:53]

Monk Seals at Kaimana Beach - [0:25:17]: Arleen Velasco raised concerns with public fishing at Kaimana Beach due to the existing monk seal population and reports of a pregnant monk seal. Residents are hopeful that the same protections Waikiki has against fishing can be extended to the Outrigger Canoe Club.

Condominium Legislation - [0:26:26]: Greg Misakian announced that those interested in condominium legislation have an opportunity to submit testimony on multiple bills this legislative session, such as HB1501 and HB178.

Homeless Encampments at Diamond Head Monument - [0:28:10]: Daisy Murai raised concerns with the reappearance of homeless encampments at the Diamond Head Monument (across from Kapiolani Community College) and requested additional enforcements from HPD.

Overgrown Shrubs Near Rainbow Drive In - [0:28:37]: Daisy Murai reported that the problematic shrubs at the intersection of Kanaina Avenue/Kapahulu Avenue are due for trimming.

OMPO CAC Representative - [0:29:10]: Daisy Murai reminded the Board to select a new Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee Representative.

Kokua Council - [0:31:00]: Winston Welch announced that he will consider a future presentation to the Board if there is enough interest in the Kokua Council to identify and improve areas of concern around the neighborhood.

• More Information: https://kokuacouncil.blogspot.com & https://www.facebook.com/KokuaCouncil

VI. PRESENTATIONS - [0:32:47]

Kilohana Experience at Waikiki Shell - [0:32:47]: Kuhio Lewis, Daniel Ito and Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement) presented their proposal to bring back authentic Hawaiian experiences at Waikiki Shell Amphitheater. These shows are complimentary, will target tourists, and run regularly from Sunday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. beginning on Thursday, February 15, 2024. An official press announcement will be published next Thursday, January 18, 2024.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/151laQWYBCk3R-ykvwCXS5a5B_lKlpZmc/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [0:43:10]

Update on Community Concerns for Proposed 180' High "Ala Pono" Bridge over Ala Wai Canal - [0:53:42]: Chair Welch introduced the draft resolution, submitted by Laura Ruby, and briefly summarized the resolution's intent of requesting that a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be conducted for the proposed "Ala Pono" bridge across the Ala Wai Canal in order to preserve and protect the historic Ala Wai Canal and its significant view planes from obtrusive visual and structural impacts. Laura Ruby provided testimony and background information in support of the resolution, and highlighted that the community's concerns are not being addressed in the proposed bridge design.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF2QCVa7vYr7x1vnkDa9ys-L68vpQUrL/view?usp=drive_link

VII. RESOLUTIONS for Board Action - [1:05:47]

Resolution Requesting Full EIS for Proposed "Ala Pono" Bridge over Ala Wai Canal - [1:05:47]: This item was introduced during the previous agenda item. Public testimony was heard during discussion of the motion to adopt the resolution.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dF2QCVa7vYr7x1vnkDa9ys-L68vpQUrL/view?usp=drive_link

[1:06:16] - Matson MOVED and Velasco SECONDED to adopt the resolution relating to requesting a full EIS for proposed Ala Pono Bridge for preserving and protecting the historic Ala Wai Canal and its significant view planes from obtrusive visual and structural impacts. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 10-2-0 (Aye: Allen, Decker, Hasina, Knight, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, L. Wong, Welch; Nay: Beutel, Whitsell; Abstain: None) - [1:31:44]

Knight joined at 7:27 p.m. (during discussion on the motion listed above); 12 members present.

Resolution Regarding Construction Staging Area at the Ala Wai Golf Course Entrance along Kapahulu - [1:34:48]: Chair Welch introduced the draft resolution and summarized that the intent of the resolution is to ask the current occupant to vacate and return the land in the same condition as it was found when they initially occupied the land, and requests that this land is not to be used for similar staging projects.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14ec1zCb0e3dUTuIJL84x-0bSLAdzsN2e/view?usp=drive_link

Hasina left at 7:45 p.m.; 11 members present.

[1:42:30] - Matson MOVED and L. Wong SECONDED to adopt the resolution concerning the removal of industrial base yard and restoration of the land at Ala Wai Golf Course entrance. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Beutel, Decker, Knight, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, Whitsell, B. Wong, L. Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: None) - [1:44:44]

Resolution Regarding the Proposed Pahoa Ridge Development - [1:47:13]: Michelle Matson introduced the draft resolution and summarized that the intent of the resolution is to communicate strong opposition (regarding the Pahoa Ridge Development) to Resolution 24-9 and high-density high-rise development spot-zoning within established communities in violation of the Honolulu City Charter and Zoning Laws and Regulations, causing unsafe traffic conditions and compounding gridlock, and setting spot-zoning precedents in the absence of sound planning practices and community-based master planning.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TbX1dwWO61h1oKPWFDrcEDL7jiywYeOQ/view?usp=drive_link

[1:56:49] - Decker MOVED and Murchie SECONDED to adopt the resolution in strong opposition to Resolution 24-9 and high-density high-rise development spot-zoning within established communities in violation of the Honolulu City Charter and Zoning Laws and Regulations, causing unsafe traffic conditions and compounding gridlock, and setting spot-zoning precedents in the absence of sound planning practices and community-based master planning. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 8-2-1 (Aye: Allen, Decker, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, L. Wong, Welch; Nay: Beutel, Knight; Abstain: Whitsell) - [2:13:28]

VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS - [2:15:30]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative - [2:16:15]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's Representative - [2:16:28]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz's Representative - [2:16:33]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative - [2:16:37]: Ryan Aguilar (Department of Land and Natural Resources) spoke to the Governor's monthly newsletter.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XVXxUkwofvjUxeoJ_27O-ZuhdS0fiek5/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:17:30]

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. - [2:24:48]: Senator Ihara provided his report and highlighted the following: the 2024 legislative session convenes on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 and there will be no festivities this year; the first major legislative deadline is Friday, February 16, 2024; the deadline to introduce bills is Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - [2:27:44]: No representative present.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IszgllmpBTjFE3Kuhz293S1Io6kDDy-p/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Jackson Sayama - [2:27:58]: Representative Sayama provided his report and highlighted the following: the 2024 legislative session convenes on Wednesday, January 17, 2024; Representative Sayama's office is now #406; committee assignments; focus on condominium insurance and repair emergency sirens in Palolo/Kaimuki.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:29:57]

Senator Stanley Chang - [2:36:49]: Marli Mason provided the report and highlighted Senator Chang's committee assignments this legislative session.

• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters

• Housing Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gRI0jf

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - [2:37:40]: Director Krucky experienced technical difficulties and was unable to speak on the report. Deputy Managing Director Krishna Jayaram was present, as requested, to listen to any concerns board members may have with the level of support provided to the Neighborhood Boards by the City and County of Honolulu through the Neighborhood Commission Office.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SJklNpXyEQwCmyk2cM9Td-gXOxeJMT37/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed - [2:39:13]

Council Chair Tommy Waters - [2:46:11]: Council Chair Waters provided his report and highlighted the following: Resolution 24-9 Relating to the Pahoa Ridge Development; general updates on 201H affordable housing procedures/impacts; the State identifies affordable housing as 140% AMI & the City identifies it at 120% AMI.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KaSIRcHK-sLfJDxS1z0kCNdcJU-0F7Jl/view?usp=drive_link

Councilmember Calvin Say: Postponed to the next meeting due to lack of time.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VzRGsUfAEOihHO9RM8hZDWCCx1DyzM9I/view?usp=drive_link

IX. BOARD BUSINESS

Committee Report - Environment: Postponed to the next meeting.

Committee Report - Parks & Recreation: Postponed to the next meeting.

Committee Report - Planning & Zoning: Postponed to the next meeting.

Committee Report - Traffic & Public Safety: Postponed to the next meeting.

Sub-District Report - St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1: Postponed to the next meeting.

Sub-District Report - Kapahulu Subdistrict 2: Postponed to the next meeting.

Sub-District Report - Diamond Head Subdistrict 3: Postponed to the next meeting.

Reports of Board Members Attending Other Board and Public Meetings: Postponed to the next meeting.

Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes Submitted to the Board by the Neighborhood Commission Office - Thursday, February 9, 2023; Thursday, March 9, 2023; Thursday, April 13, 2023; Thursday, May 18, 2023; Thursday, June 8, 2023; Thursday, July 13, 2023; Thursday, August 10, 2023; Thursday, September 14, 2023; Thursday, October 12, 2023; Thursday, November 9, 2023; Thursday, December 14, 2023: Postponed to the next meeting.

X. ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chair's Report - Committee Agendas and General Announcements: Postponed to the next meeting.

Next Meeting: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No.05 regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse and virtually via Webex.

XI. ADJOURNMENT - [2:56:55]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Dylan Buck, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy, NCO

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

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JANUARY 2024 Minutes

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

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