Kaimuki Neighborhood Board - Minutes Of June 18th, 2008 Posted - Kaimuki

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board - Minutes Of June 18th, 2008 Posted
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Lili'uokalani Elementary School Cafeteria

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chair Pro-Tem Vernon Tam at 7:05 p.m. with a quorum of six members (Note: This board of 11 needs a quorum of 6 members).

Board Members: Daniel Carvalho, John Cater (appointed tonight), Randolph Hack, Abigail Leong, Ginny Meade (appointed tonight), Sharon Schneider, Dori Smith, Leonard Tam (appointed tonight), Vernon Tam, Lori Yamada (appointed tonight).

Members Absent: None.

Guests: Jay Ishibashi (for Mayor Mufi Hannemann); Sgt. S. Mederios, Lt. G. Lum Lee, Ofc. T. Kahapea (Honolulu Police Department, District 7); Acting Capt. K. Dougan (Honolulu Fire Department, Kaimuki Station), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Councilmember Charles Djou, Stan Fichtman (Charles Djou’s office); Senator Les Ihara, Representative Calvin Say, Representative Barbara Muramoto, Lydia Chock (Maluhia Hospital), Rachel Siu (Lanakila Pacific), Audrey Higuchi, Mark Yabui, Elwood Lum, Caron Wilberts, Cheryl Costa, Bryan Smith, Glenn Yamasaki, Harold Nakamoto (Alice’s Barber Shop), Julia Allen, Eric Wong, Charlie Schuster, Bonnie Trustin (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

Vacancies: Three seats in Sub district 1 and 2 seats in Sub district 2.

Filling of Vacancies: Two volunteers came forward to serve on the board from Sub district 1. John Cater lives at 837 20th Avenue, a former board member who would like to rejoin and serve the community again. Ginny Meade has done horticulture for the neighborhood and is also known as the “Trolley Lady”; a trolley that circled the neighborhood and surrounding area provided by the Greater East Honolulu Community Alliance. They both advised they can attend these meetings consistently to help the board make quorum. Hack moved, seconded by Smith, to seat Ms. Meade and Mr. Cater on this neighborhood board. The board voted by unanimous consent to appoint both candidates.

The board recessed at 7:12 p.m. to administer the oath of office to the two new board members and the meeting reconvened at 7:16 p.m.

Four residents from Sub district 2 volunteered to serve on the board for the two vacant seats and introduced themselves as follows:

· Leonard Tam served on this board from 1993 to 2003, active on board issues including their “Vision Team”, helped with the Waialae Redevelopment team, initiated the attendant parking lot, and was involved in the creation of the Maumai Nature Park. He indicated he would like to bring the park back to what it was.

· Charlie Schuester has lived in Sub district 2 since 1991. As a city engineer in private practice he is an environmental consultant, familiar with his neighbors’ issues and has attended these meetings in the past.

· Mark Yabui has been active supporting disability issues. He worked with Jay Ishibashi on the handicapped stalls in the new parking lot and wants to learn more about the community as a whole. He currently works for the University of Hawaii as a contract specialist.

· Lori Yamada served on this board from 1995 to 2005. She is a community helper at Queen Lili’uokalani School and helps in other community efforts. She came to help when she heard there was a need for board members in this district.

The board discussed a process by which to elect the top two candidates for the available seats in Sub district 2 and decided on paper ballots. Indicating 1 for their first choice and 2 for the second choice, the two candidates with the lowest ranking would be elected. Board secretary Smith read the number of votes that elected Leonard Tam with 13 votes and Lori Yamada with 19 votes; Mark Yabui received 23 votes and Charlie Schuster received 25 votes. Chair Vernon Tam thanked the four Sub district 2 volunteers for coming forward for the board seats. Leonard Tam and Lori Yamada were given the oath of office during a short board recess.

The board recessed at 7:31 to administer the oath of office to Leonard Tam and Lori Yamada and the meeting resumed at 7:35 p.m.

Determination of Board Meeting Date/Time/Place and Selection of Recesses: Chair Pro Tem Tam reminded the board recently two meetings were cancelled due to a lack of quorum. By acclamation the board agreed to forego a summer recess and have a December 2008 recess. The board also agreed by acclamation to maintain the same meeting date, time and place they have had the previous year: the third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Queen Lili’uokalani School.

Annual Election of Officers for the Term of June 1, 2008 – May 31, 2009:
Election of Chair: Meade moved, seconded by Cater, to nominate Vernon Tam for Chair. There being no further nominees the nominations were closed. Vernon Tam was elected by a vote of 9-0-1. (Aye – Carvalho, Cater, Hack, Leong, Meade, Schneider, Smith, Leonard Tam, Yamada. Nay – 0. Abstain – Vernon Tam). Election of Vice-Chair: Smith moved, seconded by Meade, to nominate Sharon Schneider for Vice-Chair. There being no further nominees, the nominations were closed. Sharon Schneider was elected by a vote of 9-0-1. (Aye - Carvalho, Cater, Hack, Leong, Meade, Schneider, Smith, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Yamada. Nay - 0 . Abstain – Schneider.) Election of Secretary: Schneider moved, seconded by Cater, to nominate Smith for Secretary. There being no further nominees, the nominations were closed. Dori Smith was elected Secretary by a vote of 9-0-1. (Aye - Carvalho, Cater, Hack, Leong, Meade, Schneider, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Yamada. Nay – 0. Abstain – Smith.) Election of Treasurer: Cater moved, seconded by Smith, to nominate Yamada for Treasurer. There being no further nominees, the nominations were closed. Lori Yamada was elected by a vote of 9-0-1. (Aye – Carvalho, cater, Hack, Leong, Meade, Schneider, Smith, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam). Nay – 0. Abstain – Yamada.)

Approval of Board Expenditures: Leonard Tam moved, seconded by Smith, to have a newsletter in the coming year. There being no discussion, a vote was taken. The board adopted the motion by unanimous consent.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lt. Lum Lee, District 7, distributed the May statistics and announced the following:

· The number of crimes in neighborhoods is on their website, www.honolulu.org/patrol/d7 listed by street name although exact addresses are not given for confidentiality. Their handout also listed committed crimes compared by month and area and included Hurricane Preparedness information with the description of the five hurricane categories. Lt. Lum Lee suggested having at least $200 in cash in case of an emergency to provide ready cash.

· When the police is needed, call 911 or go to their website and leave a message; an officer will reply within one to two days.

Questions, answers and concerns: Resident Schuster made a UEMV report two weeks ago on Kaikuono Place and he did not see it on the HPD handout; Lt. Lum Lee will follow up.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Acting Capt. K. Dougan, Kaimuki Station, reported the following:

· May statistics were 6 structural, 1 semi brush and 5 brush fires; 83 medical calls, and 12 miscellaneous calls. There was one major incident May 9th when a house by Star of the Sea caught fire. It did not spread to other houses.

· Safety Tip: In this dry, hot summer weather, be careful to fully extinguish cigarettes and all fireworks before you leave an area. It is very dangerous because a small spark will ignite dry vegetation. The law states no one under 18 years old are not supposed to use fireworks or lighters but just enjoy the public fireworks displays. For the 4th of July holiday, be considerate of the elderly and those who have trouble breathing when using fireworks.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller announced there were no main breaks in May.

· The Board of Water Supply works hard to ensure water served their consumers meets or exceeds federal and state safe drinking water standards and wants to reassure customers the water they deliver is safe to drink.

· Water Conservation Tips: Water lawns just two to three times a week which promotes deeper root growth for healthier lawns. Do not water lawns even in summer between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. because water evaporates quickly when the sun is out so water in the early morning or the evening.
Questions, answers and concerns:

1. A business near Waialae Avenue and Sierra Drive waters during the day; it was suggested to call the BWS Hotline and ask for Community Relations at 748-50002. The BWS is finalizing a contract with Thurston Pacific to replace water mains up to 71 years old along Wilhelmina from Anuhea Street to Sierra Drive by Matsonia Drive for the Wilhelmina Rise Water System Improvements Part III project. The upgrades will improve water service and fire protection to residents and is part of a BWS project to prevent main breaks and emergency repairs.

3. Darin Mar requested the street repair for the Wilhelmina Rise project be done with concrete to keep the material consistent and not use asphalt.

4. Resident asked to check status of the pipes running from the Kaimuki well down 17th Avenue to Keanu Street..

Public Input and Concerns

1. A small business owner requests that the small Kaimuki parking be resurfaced and the sidewalk that is buckling there be checked because it is unsafe for senior citizens.

2. Resident Elwood Lum asked for board support of his proposed bus stop change on bus route Number 3 by turning onto 13th Avenue instead of 12th Avenue from Waialae Avenue to Harding Avenue. A proposed route map was distributed to the board. Darin Mar, with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS), confirmed a report that The Bus is currently making realignments and relocations of bus stops island-wide for consolidation and putting them in safer locations and changes will not be made at this time. Mar realizes the changes might require people walk a little further but location is important. Chair Tam will consider putting the issue on next month’s agenda.

Unfinished Business: None.

New Business
Lanakila Pacific: Rachel Siu, representing Lanakila Pacific, previously called Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, distributed her company’s information showing their programs to enhance the quality of life for their members by giving them opportunities to build independence and increase their quality of life through the following:

· Three core programs, serving over 4,000 members, are: a) Lanakila TLC teaches basic life skills to adults with disabilities to live independently in the community; b) Lanakila Workforce Resources provides an array of high-quality training and job placement services for job seekers with disabilities and employers which include Ruby Tuesday’s and Red Lobster. They recently graduated 18 members from this program; c) Lanakila Meals on Wheels program offers meals to homebound seniors island-wide and other related services. They also have 19 Kapuna Wellness Centers on Oahu providing nutritious meals with health and social activities to promote health maintenance.

· Lanakila Social Enterprises offers business projects that create high quality goods and services for customers and give people with challenged lives meaningful work including: a) Lanakila Production Services which offers mailing and packaging services for copying, and cutting, sewing services, embroidery and silk screening; b) Lanakila Maintenance Services provides maintenance services to government offices and businesses; c) Express Chefs, their newest program, provides nutritious meals and catering. Their members are trained at such restaurants as Ruby Tuesday’s and Red Lobster. Recently they served lunch and dinner for two days at the Lantern Festival and they supply healthy meals to preschools.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1. Responded to a question about how they operate with a smaller budget saying Lanakila Pacific adapts by not always soliciting the same supporters and trying to find other ways to fund their programs. The board applauded the work Lanakila Pacific does.

2. Their program hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.; administrative hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Recommendation to make all Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Sub district seats at-large seats: Chair Tam introduced this as a solution for the unfilled five board seats in Sub district 1 and two vacancies in Sub district 2. Since four new board members were appointed tonight, the board agreed with the Chair that this measure became unnecessary.

ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Mufi Hannemann: Representing Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Jay Ishibashi welcomed the new and returning members to the board and reported the following:

· A work order was submitted to the Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) to fix the crack in the sidewalk in front of 858 10th Avenue. Cracks in front of 852 10th Avenue were inspected and found to be non-hazardous and not fixed at this time

· Proceedings with the rail project are moving along well.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1. Metal arms were broken off benches on Waialae at 12th Avenue creating sharp edges which are unsafe. A resident has been working on this issue for a few months and nothing had been done. Ishibashi noted arms are being taken off benches so the homeless can sleep on them; This problem is island-wide but he will make a request for the repair.

2. Responding to resident Glenn Yamasaki’s report that difficult people on the bus are not being addressed by bus drivers, Ishibashi suggested Yamasaki advise the driver of what is going on.

3. There are no paper towel dispensers in the bathrooms at the renovated Maunalani Park although holes are drilled seemingly for the installation; also no soap in the soap dispensers. He was asked to check the punchlist for the park.

4. The following questions on rail were asked: a) How much is the complete rail project going to cost the taxpayers? b) How did the City arrive at the current cost of the project ? c) Present a detailed summary of the cost of the project at next month’s meeting. e) What is the projected cost of design and construction of the base yard and each station, connecting infrastructures and other capital expenses? f) What is the projected cost of the rail system, rail cars and operating system? g) What is the projected cost of condemning and purchasing land for the right of way? h) How much will it cost to communicate to the general public about rail?

5. Responding to the question whether doubling the size of the highways would alleviate traffic. Previously traffic was not heavy on the leeward side or in east Honolulu but now weekend traffic is heavy in both places. Anti-rail proponents support hot lanes but with hot lanes you need a place for them to dispense; for instance coming from the leeward side the exit would be Nimitz. But where can those cars be deposited? Parking has become a problem; rates could go from the current $200 to $300 per month to New York City prices of $400 to $500 per month, coupled with gas prices which could be $5.00 by the end of this year. Ishibashi feels we need a relief besides putting more cars on the road; the average Hawaiian family has 1.5 cars so the solution needs to be something other than wider highways.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi announced the following:

· The City Council adopted the Mayor’s budget with changes. Councilmember Djou voted against the operating and the capitol improvement budget. Councilmember Kobayashi voted against the operating budget although there was no property income tax increase. There will be a $100 tax credit to residents which she voted against because there is too much money there for the mass transit project; already $100 million has been spent.

· Favors mass transit but not a steel train going through our city. She supports rubber tires on cement as she is concerned about the cost and the look of our city. Trains are good for long distances that go fast; Hans Brinkerhoff projects the train will only go 30 miles moving at an average of 25 to 30 miles per hour with many stops.

City Councilmember Charles Djou advised the city budget is very large at $2.6 billion. He supports a bill just adopted by the City Council requiring City government specifically disclose all newspaper, radio and television ads purchased with taxpayer money and say: “Paid for by Taxpayers of the City and County of Honolulu”. The bill goes to the Mayor for approval and he will push for an over-ride if the Mayor vetoes it. On the issue of the city administration establishing a Transit Authority, he does not agree with authority members being appointed and they cannot be removed by the voters.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1. Some rail ads are being paid for by residents, some by the unions.

2. The taxpayers will pay for the EPA treatment plant if it is required; he projects the cost at $1 billion give or take one quarter of a million dollars.

3. There are two responses to the need for a secondary sewage plant for Honolulu. The city administration contends it is not required because the waste is discharged into the Pacific Ocean which dilutes it so it is not as toxic as other parts of the U.S. However, the Sierra Club thinks dilution is not the solution. Honolulu is one of the less than one percent of the municipal governments in the country not in full compliance with the clean water act and Councilmember Djou thinks that it should be in compliance. All the neighbor islands are in compliance with the clean water act with no variances and he thinks Honolulu should work in compliance with the EPA.

Governor’s Representative: Dr. Susan Jackson was not present; the newsletter was circulated.

State Senator Les Ihara reported the following:

· The Governor’s report noted she signed the Neighborhood Board Sunshine Law acceptance bill that allows a meeting be held without quorum and the board can attend meetings relating to board business as long as the number is one less than a quorum. Read the review for more specifics.

· He will work with Sunshine Law advocates to work out other exceptions for other boards, such as the Society of Professional Journalists, to have open government.

· The Governor has until next week Monday, June 23rd, to notify the public and legislature what bills she plans to veto. Bills become law with or without her signature on July 8th.

· He is working with Professor David Calles on adult residential care homes in Maunalani Heights doing a legal research project because state law and county ordinances are very cumbersome and it is hard to amend a law without violating federal law. Professor Calles and an intern will investigate the permitting of care homes based on traffic, hazards to the community and related issues so they are not singled out and discriminated against. Senator Ihara wants a reformulation of how to approach variances or conditional use permits in neighborhoods and to be applicable statewide.

Questions, answers, and concerns:

1. He will investigate if amending the statute would require the Hawaii Administrative Rule be changed. Professor Calles thinks it takes reorganizing the law.

2. Responded to question if there is coordination with the city because it seemed there was a problem when a developer does not have to apply for a care facility permit when applying for a building permit which puts a structure in place before the person declares how it will be used. A student in September will be looking at this and Ihara will ask a task force to advise the legal researches on these issues. They will try to keep the investigation broad.

3. Professor Calles will be doing this pro bono and the student researcher will be doing a lot of research and maybe drafting legislation so that is a good way to learn. This is similar to architectural students who did a study of Kaimuki to design a model university town. Senator Ihara said he will try to arrange someone to come and explain Professor Calles’ project.

4. Senator Ihara will advise Chair Tam if the State Ombudsman can come to the next meeting to give better insight into the problem with state and county agencies on adult residential care homes.

State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say reported:

· The legislature adjourned May 4th approving a budget of $10.4 billion. They addressed alternative energy, public housing, public education, higher and lower and the health services area. They asked the Governor to release non-profit funds for 2007-2008 because they really needed the funds to provide the services. Kahala Nui and One Kalakaua were not accepted for Request for Funds. He suggested anyone who has outstanding bills, which will be affected by the Governor’s choice, solicit her.

· Suggested this board invite different organizations who can present information on a proposed Con-con to come and speak. The Lt. Governor has a task force for organization names to hear the pros and cons on having a Con-Con and discuss issues this board has that could be addressed at the Con-Con so the public will know how to vote in November.

· His newsletter lists the upgrades local schools and the Palolo Chinese Home will receive funded by Repair and Maintenance/CIP ‘08 funds.

· Concerned about where Hawaii is going financially since January when two cruise lines left. When two airlines closed the state lost one million airline seats for passengers coming to the state. Additionally, with the closing of Molokai Ranch and other businesses it indicates we have to be fiscally responsible. Suggested one quarter of the condominiums in Honolulu proper be reserved for affordable housing. He predicts by the middle of next year there will be an increase of condominium foreclosures and does not think the federal or state governments will give our economy a boost. He was sorry the Governor’s representative was not in attendance to comment

because this August collective bargaining begins for health care, employee retirement and better facilities for the schools will be a major debate.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1. Money is apportioned but not released for school construction because the Governor chose to be fiscally responsible after last year’s projections the economy was weakening. The $120 million the legislature set aside for school repair and maintenance was restricted by the Governor instead converting it into General Obligation Bonds.. The Governor released over $60 million for construction of the public schools but this is only a small amount of the funds that have to be dealt with. Funds also have to be found for the increases for employee services.

2. The Governor has until June 30, 2009, when the new fiscal year ends, to release the final monies of her budget. This was the first year in his career that no non-profits were given Grant in Aid funds because the money is so tight.

3. When asked how the city and state are helping to be eco-friendly to residents, Representative Say replied the House and Senate should negotiate on these things.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto reported the following:

· The bill was adopted requiring an ignition overlock for people with DUI convictions. Their cars are installed with this mechanism that only permits cars to start if the driver is sober. It will take about a year for the bill to go into effect because they still have to work out some issues.

· A Kalani High School fund raiser will be held July 19th honoring the school’s fiftieth year celebration at the Waikiki Marriott Hotel. They are raising money for a learning center and to buy equipment to establish a school newspaper. Tickets are $200 and she hopes alumni will attend.

· In recent Honolulu Magazine they published a rating of Honolulu schools based on standardized math and reading test scores and a poll of teachers, parents and students. Schools were rated on a curve giving Aina Haina and Kahala A’s and Lili’uokalani and Kalani got C’s so there would be as many D’s and F’s as there were A’s and B’s. As a whole, East Honolulu did well.

State Representatives Scott Nishimoto and Lyla Berg were not present.

Approval of Minutes from April 16, 2008 Meeting: They were accepted as circulated.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Hack reported May current expenses were $48.17 for printing and mailing agenda and minutes for an overall balance to $2,297.71; the operating balance is $953.50; projected publicity is $1,284.10; and the refreshment funds are $60.11.

Announcements: Chair Tam read the announcement asking for Precinct Officials to assist voters in communities on Saturday, September 20, 2008 and Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Call the Office of Elections, Precinct Operations, or sign-up online at www.hawaii.gov/elections. A stipend is provided.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by,

Bonnie Trustin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by Chair Vernon Tam

Thursday, July 10, 2008

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board - Minutes Of June 18th, 2008 Posted

Kaimuki, Hawaii
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