Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2024 Minutes

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2024 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/10/2024.

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

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 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=k3DnQxv1Pdo

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:

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

I. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:01]: 6:04 p.m.

Chair Welch called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Quorum was established with 11 members present. Note -- This 15-member Board requires 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, Alex Kahn, Angie Knight, Margaret Murchie, Arleen Velasco, Winston Welch, Dylan Whitsell, Linda Wong, and Michelle Matson (6:11 p.m.)

Board Members Absent: Bruce Wong and Michele David.

Guests: Captain Eldon Tanaka, Firefighter Levi Goeas (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Shepherd-Jones, Lieutenant Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Steven Norstrom (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Jay Egusa (Department of Transportation Services); Erika Reyes (Verizon); Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Representative Jackson Sayama; Emily Tian (Senator Stanley Chang); Amanda Zepeda (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Andrew Phomsouvanh (Councilmember Calvin Say); Carl Brooks, Kevan Wong, Ashley Miller, Stanton Ching, Tina Grandinetti, John Choi, Daisy Murai, Noela Von Wiegandt, Tan Pham, Eric Grover, Patti Kawano (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 38 total participants.

II. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES -- [0:02:20]

Diamond Head Sub-District 3 -- One Seat [0:02:20]: No volunteers at this time.

III. PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS -- [0:02:40]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:02:43]: Firefighter Levi Goeas reported the following: monthly statistics for May 2024; and shared monthly safety tip for power outages for hurricane season; HECO will start their public safety shut off program starting July 1st to reduce the risk of wildfires.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CeIhrU2A6TZAINazPuMHp_weaXJVwHeB/view?usp=sharing

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:06:30]

Matson joined at 6:11 p.m.; 12 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 -- [0:12:08]: Lieutenant Shepherd Jones reported the monthly statistics for May 2024.

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:13:11]

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 -- [0:13:40]: Lieutenant Nishimura provided the monthly statistics for May 2024; the Diamond Head sex assault suspect was identified, arrested and charged for sex assault and robbery; and tip for preventing auto theft.

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:15:20]

IV. BWS, KCC, & PUBLIC EVENTS NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [0:18:05]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:18:10]: Steven Norstrom provided the report and highlighted the following: there were no main water breaks for the month of May 2024; BWS will release a report which will be mailed to every home before the end of July 2024 of the tests done on water sources and distribution systems on the island to ensure that the municipal water meets or exceeds all Federal and State drinking water standards and a follow-up on the fencing project.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:19:15]

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) -- [0:19:45]: Dean Carol Hoshiko provided an update for the construction progress of the KCC Culinary Institute; an announcement that there will be a joint press conference on Thursday, June 27, 2024, between the Culinary Institute of America and the Culinary Institute of the Pacific to share about their collaborated programs.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:23:37]

Candidates Forum -- [0:26:10]: Winston Welch shared that PBS Hawai'i Insights and CivilBeat will be holding separate upcoming candidate forums for House District 20 Seat. No decision was made to host a candidates' forum but is still being considered.

V. COMMUNITY CONCERNS & OPEN PUBLIC TESTIMONY -- [0:27:10]

Candidate Forum -- [0:27:39]: Member L. Wong encouraged that the Board holds a candidate forum.

Upcoming Bicycle Events -- [0:30:10]: Carl Brooks announced the 2024 Dick Evans Memorial Road Race will be Sunday August 25, 2024 which will only affect the Hawaii Kai area at 6:00 a.m. at the start of the race; the 41st Annual Honolulu Century Ride will be, Sunday, September 29, 2024, which will have a road closure only at the start in the morning to help get bikers out and will be starting and finishing in Kapiolani Park.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:34:05]

Monk Seal Safety at Kaimana Beach -- [0:32:40]: Member Velasco shared concerns of wildlife safety of monk seals that rest on the sand at Kaimana Beach. She has witnessed several incidents of dogs on the beach as well as the Outrigger Canoe Club violating rules around the monk seals.

Concern of the unmarked crosswalks on Kapahulu Ave -- [0:36:23]: Member Knight shared her experience of witnessing near collisions on busy streets with crosswalks in high traffic areas such as: Waialae Ave, Kapahulu Ave, and Date St which raises concerns especially with the traffic increasing over the summer season.

Sidewalk near Waikiki Aquarium Collapsed -- [0:37:40]: Member Murchie commented that the sidewalk has been closed in front of the Waikiki Aquarium.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:38:20]

Sidewalk in Front of Moana Surfrider Hotel -- [0:40:45]: Member Murchie shared that the sidewalk that she tripped and fell was repaired in front of the Moana Surfrider Hotel; Member Murchie shared frustrations about the progress the City has made with addressing damaged sidewalks.

Update on Aquarium Walkway from UH -- [0:41:40]: Amanda Zepeda (Councilmember Tommy Water's Office) shared an update that was provided from the University of Hawaii on the damaged sidewalk near the Waikiki Aquarium; provided a response to Member Velasco's concern that a request was made in the budget to repair the sidewalk in front of Barefoot Beach Café.

Sidewalk in front of Rainbow Drive Inn -- [0:44:17]: Resident Noela shared a safety issue of crosswalk in front of Rainbow Drive Inn crossing Kapahulu Ave is not visible for drivers to see when pedestrians are crossing; Chair Welch clarified with her that DTS has removed the crosswalk and that the Board will be addressing the issue at the next Traffic

& Public Safety Committee.

VI. MAYOR'S OFFICE -- [0:46:10]:

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi -- [0:46:10]: Director Krucky (DCS) provided the report and highlighted the following: the Mayor will be addressing the crosswalk problem in front of Rainbow Drive-Inn on the Rick Hamada Show on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 7 a.m.; Mayor's Newsletter Highlights for June; The last town hall meeting will be Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Waialua Elementary School; Press release on the City expanding homeless services with new Le'ahi Behavioral and Medical Respite facility; Pilot program with cameras in Waikiki parking lots to address theft issues is going well; encouraged everyone to provide feedback for the Complete Streets; provided a follow-up from last month's concern for sprinklers;

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DCYPyTHzSL3_y3t7q35BgR9YPFLl8Ls4/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:51:30]

Hearing no objections, Chair Welch invited any registered candidates to introduce themselves.

Campaigning 1 -- [1:02:10]: Tina Nakata Grandinetti introduced herself and announced that she is running for the State House of Representatives District 20 seat.

Campaigning 2 -- [1:03:40]: Kevan Wong introduced himself and announced that he is running for the State House of Representatives District 20 seat.

Campaigning 3 -- [1:04:30]: John Choi introduced himself and announced that he is running for the State House of Representatives District 20 seat.

VII. PRESENTATIONS -- [1:08:40]

Bus Route Changes -- [1:08:40]: Jay Egusa (DTS) provided a presentation on the upcoming TheBus Service changes that will be effective Sunday, August 18, 2024.

• Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wCyKboOmDrM3881vB5VXTdUpfE1ABl3A/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:21:38]

Whitsell left at 7:12 p.m.; 11 members present.

Decker left at 7:13 p.m.; 10 members present.

Verizon Small Cells Telecommunication Installation -- [1:35:05]: Erika Reyes from Centerline Communication shared the following: Myths and Facts about 5G; Facts About RF Energy; Provided locations and pictures about where the 5 Small Cells installation projects will be in the district. The installations will be attached to existing street lights and HECO poles in the district. The installations are projected to start in the beginning of 2025.

• Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YIJL6ZcXfmD0twySJnd3ybF6C0rFSD4B/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=111917663458444584436&rtpof=true&sd=true

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:42:08]

VIII. RESOLUTIONS FOR BOARD ACTION -- [1:54:40]

Resolution regarding Senate Bill 3202 Relating to urban development -- [1:55:40]: Member Matson introduced the draft resolution related to community district concerns and opposition to SB3202 as it was enacted and its potential impacts to established communities and neighborhoods.

• Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OxkmD8Ue-EuMNg1bIAitscpL2ipxLAXT/view?usp=drive_link

Whitsell returned at 8:18 p.m.; 11 members present.

[2:00:56] -- Matson MOVED and Allen SECONDED to approve the resolution as written. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-3-0 (Aye: Allen, Hasina, Khan, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, L.Wong, Welch; Nay: Beutel, Knight, Whitsell; Abstain: None) -- [2:12:09]

Decker returned at 8:25 p.m.; 12 members present.

[2:12:14] -- Matson MOVED and Murchie SECONDED to add Manoa, Kaimuki, and Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Boards to the listed Boards in agreement on the Resolution (strongly opposing SB3202). Discussion followed. Discussion followed. Hearing no further discussion, the Board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 9-0-3 (Aye: Allen, Decker, Hasina, Khan, Matson, Murchie, Velasco, L.Wong, Welch; Nay: None; Abstain: Beutel, Knight, Whitsell) -- [2:16:57]

IX. ELECTED OFFICIAL'S REPORTS -- [2:19:10]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [2:19:10]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono's Representative -- [2:20:15]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz's Representative -- [2:20:16]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [2:19:35]: No representative present.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFZm_6ocb0UBJOsXt3bZR3zt3InMOlwI/view?usp=drive_link

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [2:19:43]: No representative present.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi -- [2:19:50]: No representative present.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ip8yJRKndz-Xf11KN-5bd9oVCK7QVX07/view?usp=drive_link

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [2:20:00]: Representative Sayama provided the report and highlighted the following: end of session newsletter and information on the FestPac event at the Hawaii Convention Center.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:21:19]

Senator Stanley Chang -- [2:22:35]: Emily Tian provided the report and highlighted the following: power outages in Hawaii Kai and portions of East Honolulu were investigated by HECO and revealed the overgrowth of Albizia Trees have encroached the transmission lines along the base of the Ko'olau Mountains; Beginning May 7, 2025, only federal compliant REAL ID driver's licenses and state ID cards will be accepted to get on a domestic airline flight and to enter certain federal buildings and military bases.

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

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:24:00]

Council Chair Tommy Waters -- [2:27:45]: Amanda Zepeda provided the report and highlighted the following: update on the 2730 Date St burnt down house; Resolution 24-105, CD1 Relating to salaries passed third reading; Bill 52 Relating to large detached dwellings passed third reading; Bill 6 Relating to Permits passed third reading; Oahu's Vision Zero Action Plan; CIP budget highlights.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yDlzBaEVbIkqEvu9VOsc3B4qlO3oyJhE/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:35:00]

Councilmember Calvin Say -- [2:46:05]: Andrew Phomsouvanh provided the report and highlighted the following: Follow-up on constituent request for a ‘No Parking Anytime' sign; the Office has put in a request for the reinstallation of the missing street signs at the intersection of St. Louis Drive and Kaminaka Drive; Office has been working with Saint Louis Heights Community Association on certain ‘No Parking' Signs that were requested to be installed earlier this year.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HLtQobFPLXn1V2VdV93iOEiEuuIA4RVg/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:47:20]

X. BOARD BUSINESS -- [2:48:00]

Committee Report -- Environment: No report.

Committee Report -- Parks & Recreation: No report.

Committee Report -- Planning & Zoning: No report.

Committee Report -- Traffic & Public Safety: No report.

Sub-District Report -- St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 -- [2:48:15]: Allen reported that the next Saint Louis Heights Community Association meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at Hokulani Elementary School.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [2:48:30]

Sub-District Report -- Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 -- [2:48:56]: No report.

Sub-District Report -- Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 -- [2:49:00]: No report.

Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes -- Thursday, March 14, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting

Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes -- Thursday, April 14, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting

Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes -- Thursday, May 14, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting

XI. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER BOARD AND PUBLIC MEETINGS: Postponed to the next meeting.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [2:51:05]

Chair's Report -- Committee Agendas and General Announcements -- [2:51:05]: Chair Welch encouraged the Parks & Recreation Committee to schedule a meeting before the next regular meeting.

Next Meeting -- [2:54:32]: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No.05 regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse and virtually via Webex.

XIII. ADJOURNMENT -- [2:55:25]: The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO

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

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Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2024 Minutes

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