Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2024 Minutes

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Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2024 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 3/12/2025.

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

PĀLOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA, 2106 10TH AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96816

AND VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfC6CH1g504

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mRIiZ-kR00PVW8z-q2zHi9L60YE1mXmR

1. CALL TO ORDER -- [0:00:39]: Chair Ranell Asuega-Fualaau called the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Six (6) members present. Quorum was not established. Note: This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Randolph Hack, Dallas Ige, Kaleolani Leo, Dean McColgan, Darlene Nakayama, Ranell Asuega-Fualaau.

Board Member(s) Absent: Earl Shiraki and Juanita Kawamoto.

Guests: Chris Miller (HFD); Lieutenant Miura (HPD); Warren Mamizuka (Mayor Rick Blangiardi); Kiele Amundson (Governor Josh Green); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Michael O'Keefe (City Department of Environmental Services); Laura Thielen and Ted Hayden (City Department of Parks and Recreation); Saige Ranon and Cyrus Howe (Hawaii Green Growth); Councilmember Scott Nishimoto, Taylor Date, Keith Williams, Sophia Anderson, and Kylie Tokujo (City Council District 5); Leolani Iwaki, Audrey Abe (Kaimukī Neighborhood Board No. 4); Ross Isokane (Empty Homes Tax Coalition); Dahlia Asuega, Rod Arias, Kelson Kai, Keenan Tydingo, Juanita Liu, Grace Benson, Hoku Akiu, Keenan Tydingco, Ku Lono Cuadra, Jo Ann Nishiki, and Christine Fuller (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO)). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 28 total participants.

2. MONTHLY REPORTS -- [0:00:56]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- [0:00:59]: A firefighter representative provided the report and shared the incident statistics for January 2025 and fire safety tips for the month regarding power outage preparedness.

• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NZF8-B3t66UD54MKA-Ty6ORcSBBssLpy/view?usp=drive_link

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- [0:03:00]: Lieutenant Miura provided the report and shared the crime statistics for January 2025 and the safety tip for the month regarding flash flood preparedness.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:04:12]

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- [0:06:54]: Dominic Dias provided the report and highlighted the following: there were no main breaks to report for January 2025; the waterline construction project on Waiomao Homestead Rd. is complete pending final testing for pressure and chlorination before it's put into service; BWS has a water waste hotline available to call if you see water being wasted such as a broken pipe, a malfunctioning sprinkler, a running faucet, excessive watering, etc.

• To report water waste:

o Visit BWS website: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterwaste

o Email: contactus@hbws.org or call: 808-748-5041 or call the 24hr line: 808-748-5000

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:08:16]

3. BOARD BUSINESS -- [0:12:11]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau shared that they are unable to take action on any of the items in this section due to the Board not meeting the quorum requirement to vote. Therefore, hearing no objections, Chair Asuega-Fualaau skipped this section. She announced that there will be an opening for Vice Chair, filling of vacancies, and two resolutions that will be deferred to next month.

Election of Officer to serve to June 30, 2025 -- Vice Chair: Deferred to next month.

Filling of Vacancies -- Two (2) At-Large, One (1) Subdistrict 1, Two (2) Subdistrict 3: Deferred to next month.

Resolution adopted by Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No.4 regarding bus route 200: Deferred to next month.

Bill 46 Empty Homes Tax Resolution: Deferred to next month.

4. PRESENTATIONS -- [0:14:35]

Early Eviction Mediation Program -- [0:14:40]: No representative present.

Sewer Rates Increase -- [0:15:03]: Michael O'Keefe (ENV Deputy Director) presented information on the proposed adjustments for sewer fees that are required for wastewater operations and maintenance (O&M) and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP includes many other projects to repair and upgrade facilities to meet regulatory requirements and to continue preparing the island's critical infrastructure for climate change/sea level rise. The sewer utility function is under ENV jurisdiction and is completely funded by sewer fees. ENV's efficient spending allowed the island to keep sewer fees unchanged since 2016. ENV will be adding a new program to help with affordability and equity called the Customer Assistance for Residential Environmental Services (CARES). Customers can qualify based on their area median income, and will be eligible for a $20 to $25 credit on their monthly fixed fee.

• Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11BEzouDfpRFmKqeRV6d_gLLxvsxuwU6d/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:23:13]

Hawaii Green Growth Program and Grant -- [0:25:40]: Saige Ranon (Rainwater Assessment Intern) shared information on the Hawaii Green Growth Initiative to recharge aquifers, mitigate flooding, and reduce brown water runoff in the ocean. Work is done specifically within the Ala Wai Watershed. Ms. Ranon shared the assessments are done through an app that is created to calculate water runoff and suggest appropriate green store water infrastructure for the property. Statistics were shown on the PowerPoint to show the most popular store water infrastructure being used. Hawaii Green Growth will be hosting a "Smart Yard Workshop" event on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Aliʻiolani Elementary School Cafeteria. The free workshop will have resources on how to install different green water infrastructures e.g. rain gardens, rain barrels, etc. Ms. Ranon also shared information on the Malama Maunalua Incentive Program. The program is a new incentive program, led by the City and County of Honolulu and Malama Maunalua, that brings rainwater capture solutions to Oʻahu residents. The program will provide either a free rain barrel, rain garden or a tree.

• To register for the Smart Yard Workshop, visit: https://www.hawaiigreengrowth.org/ftd

• To apply for the Malama Maunalua Incentive Program, visit: https://www.rainwaterhawaii.com

[0:32:03] -- Chair Asuega wanted to acknowledge the resignation of former Vice Chair Beverly Mau. On behalf of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board, Secretary Nakayama recognized Beverly Mau for her years of service to the Pālolo community and Board and wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

5. RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- [0:33:33]

Hawaiian Electric Company Road Closures -- [0:33:57]: On behalf of Member Hack, Chair Asuega shared that HECO will be replacing a pole and equipment on Sierra Dr. Between Keanu St. and Waialae Ave. on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a power shut-off in the area and Makai bound traffic will be counterflowed on Sierra Drive. Sierra Gardens parking lot and 711 driveway exits will be blocked.

Community Healing Event -- [0:35:22]: Resident Rod Arias shared an announcement to invite everyone on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pālolo Elementary School gymnasium for a prayer event to bring light to the community after the recent shooting in the Pālolo Valley. The event is open to the public and there will be church leaders, first responders, and schools in the district participating.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:37:52] Audio was not captured due to attendee not speaking in the microphone. Attendee expressed gratitude for resident Rod Arias for creating this event and shared how crucial it is for the community to come together during troubling times and to help your neighbors.

Narcissus St. Albizia Trees -- [0:40:00]: Resident Jo Ann Nishiki would like to request an update on addressing the concern with the overgrowth of Albizia trees on the property behind residents homes on Narcissus Street. A neighbor also informed her that a local government surveyor requested to inspect the land behind the residentʻs property to check on the neccesity of creating a fire break.

Bus Route 200 -- [0:42:40] Resident Kelson Kai expressed his support for bus route 200 and how well it has helped him

and noticed the increase in ridership for this bus route. He also suggested that if the City could possibly increase the frequency of the bus route to accomodate the increase of bus riders who use it.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [0:44:39] Audio was not captured due to attendees not speaking in the microphone. The attendees expressed their opposition to the current route and suggested an alternative route through the Kaimukī district.

6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- [0:50:21]

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes: Deferred to next month.

7. ELECTED OFFICIALS -- [0:50:26]

Congressman Ed Case's Representative -- [0:50:29]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green's Representative -- [0:50:36]: Kiele Amundson provided the report and shared highlights from the monthly newsletter for February 2025: Governor Green delivered his third State of the State address in January 2025; the Governor traveled to Washington D.C. to provide input regarding the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Junior for Secretary of Health and Human Services; On January 28, 2025, the Governor signed an executive order to promote and expedite renewable energy; Hawaii Emergency Management Agency took action to secure support to all the counties across the State during the low pressure weather system in January 2025; and the Governor traveled to Florida at the beginning of February 2025 to lead discussions on crises resolution and recovery at international conference.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PzF8xAGThiULpbbletrlMII3K4ATPoHf/view?usp=drive_link

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative -- [0:53:20]: Warren Mamizuka provided follow-up responses to questions raised at the Board meeting in December 2024.

• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TujJncuwQ8aGFE02unoLVYV8SVq7usi0/view?usp=drive_link

[0:58:04] -- Deputy Director Ted Hayden and Director Laura Thielen from the City Department of Parks and Recreation provided updates on the current status of construction phase work for Pālolo Valley District Park and upcoming recreational youth activities to bring to the Pālolo community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:02:30]

Councilmember Scott Nishimoto -- [1:19:00]: The newly appointed District 5 Councilmember, Scott Nishimoto, introduced himself and his staff to the Board and the community.

Representative Jackson Sayama -- [1:24:0a0]: Representative Sayama shared he is assigned as Chair of the Committee on Labor and assigned to the committee for culture and art, higher education, and education. The community is welcome to ask him questions regarding these areas. He also provided updates on the bills he has introduced this legislative session regarding squatting, mandatory moped insurance and helmets, increasing the age to operate mopeds, and streamlining the hiring process for civil service jobs. His office is currently coordinating to organize a clean-up at Azama Park on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed -- [1:28:45]

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- [1:31:27]: No representative present.

9. ANNOUNCEMENTS -- [1:31:35]

Next Meetings -- Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 -- [1:31:35]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau announced the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at Pālolo Elementary School and online via WebEx.

Neighborhood Board Elections -- [1:31:50]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau announced the deadline for voter and candidate registration is Friday, February 21, 2025. Please call the NCO office for any assistance at 808-768-3710 or for more information, please visit https://web5.hnl.info/nbe

ʻŌlelo Rebroadcasts: Rebroadcasts of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No.6 meetings are scheduled each month on ʻŌlelo channel 49 on the fourth Thursday at 9:00 p.m. and the first and third Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and that an archive of meetings may be found online.

XI. ADJOURNMENT -- [1:32:10]: Chair Asuega-Fualaau adjourned the meeting at 8:32 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO

Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations, NCO

Finalized by: Darlene Nakayama, Secretary, Neighborhood Board No.6

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Palolo Neighborhood Board FEBRUARY 2024 Minutes

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