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  • Kaimuki Neighborhood Board - Minutes Of October 21st, 2009 Posted

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office
KAIMUKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
 
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2009
LILI'UOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
 
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cater, Abigail Leong, Ginny Meade, Daniel Nahoopii, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Lori Yamada.
 
MEMBERS ABSENT: Daniel Carvalho and Tim Tybuszewski.
 
VACANCIES: There is one vacancy in Subdistrict 1.
 
GUESTS: Lieutenant Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department), Lieutenant C. Tong, Officer M. Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego (Councilmember Djou’s Office); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); State Representative Barbara Marumoto; Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Jay Ishibashi (Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative); Lydia Chock (Kaimuki Business & Professional Association and Leahi Hospital); Jackie Burke (Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council); Susan Jackson (Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative); Ben Park; Phillip Rockwell; Caron Wilberts; Larry Castro, Jr.; Adrian Kervin; Ryan Louie; Gordon Tian; Lynda Kervin; S. Sonoda; Stanley Chang; and Theona Kapoi (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).
 
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:
 
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant C. Tong and Officer M. Mitchell distributed a report for the time period between September 19, 2009 and October 19, 2009. It includes home safety tips and contact information residents may refer to.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • Parking Near Fire Hydrants – Cars frequently park in front of a fire hydrant at 15th Avenue and Noeau Street. A resident requested the cars be ticketed and towed. HPD stated in the revised Ordinance of Hawaii section 15-14.1(a)(4) cars are not allowed to park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant and cars will be immediately towed if blocking a fire hydrant.
  • • Commercial Parking Zones – Cars are allowed to park in commercial loading zones after the posted sign times unless the sign says otherwise.  
 
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Lieutenant Hashimoto reported that there were no major incidences for the month of September.
·         Halloween Costumes – Select a Halloween costume that is flame-resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Keep the length of costumes short. A natural cosmetic mask is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision. Children should carry flashlights to light their way.
  • • Hurricane Season – Hurricane season extends through November. Families should take the necessary steps to ensure they are prepared in the event of a hurricane. Be sure to have a survival kit prepared and know the location of the nearest hurricane shelter. Additional information and shelter locations can be found on the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) website at www.honolulu.gov/dem.
 
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported the following:
 
  • • Wildfire Prevention and Watershed Protection – In the event of a wildfire, the BWS works closely with the HFD to ensure efficient and reliable water service to save lives and property. The BWS fully supports HFD’s efforts to prevent wildfires on Oahu because each wildfire takes a toll on our drinking water supply and threatens our island’s watersheds areas. Watersheds are fragile mountain ecosystems that collect rainwater. If our watershed’s ability to collect rainwater is compromised, less rainwater will filter down to replenish our ground water supplies. Nature does an excellent job in providing an abundant supply of drinking water, but nature needs our active participation to create a sustainable future on Oahu, in which there’s enough water for many years to come.
 
  • • Water Conservation Tips – 1) Participate and support projects that remove invasive plants, join community watershed partnerships and educate others of the importance of watersheds. 2) Conserve water everyday. Conservation reduces the need to ground water that is essential for healthy watershed forests and stream ecosystems.
 
·         Mau’umae Park – BWS followed up with the overgrown landscaping at this park. It has been fixed and BWS will continue to monitor the landscaping at the park.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
·         Sprinklers on All Day – The Waialae off ramp near the Time’s Supermarket area, the sprinklers were on all weekend from Saturday morning to Sunday evening.
 
PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:
 
Kaimuki Business and Professional Association – Lydia Chock reported the following:
 
  • • Costume Contest – Friday, October 30, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki District Park. Four age groups will be able to win a prize for best costume. Representative Marumoto will be the emcee.
 
  • • Kaimuki Kanikapila – The Kanikapila will be on Saturday, November 7, 2009. The Kanikapila will be at Kaimuki Community Park and Waialae Avenue. The roads will be closed to traffic and parking beginning at 6:00 a.m.
 
  • • Kaimuki Christmas Parade – The parade will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The parade will begin at Saint Louis High School and end at Koko Head Avenue.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
With no objections, the agenda was taken out of order to hear Item 5B.
 
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) – Jackie Burke circulated a report and introduced WESPAC to the community to encourage participation in preserving the eco-system. WESPAC is one of eight regional councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) in 1976 to manage offshore fisheries. In 2006, the Hawaii commercial fishing industry overall generated $496 million in sales, $254 million of income and over 11,000 jobs. One of the National Standards of the MSA (abridged), states that the conservation and managements measures shall “take into account the importance of fishery resources to fishing communities to provide for sustained participation of, and to minimize impacts to such communities (consistent with conservation requirements).” WESPAC also abides by a council’s guiding principles. Burke encourages residents to look at the website: www.wpcouncil.org. On the site, the 2009 Advisory Committee noted the best practices WESPAC can have is community involvement.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • Fishermen – A resident commented that at Aloha Tower, the fishermen are also thought of as scientists.
  • • Community Support – WESPAC would like community support to help manage local fisheries.
  • • Use of Fish Ponds – Every community is different for how a fish pond will affect the area. It may be used for agricultural purposes or keeping run off from going to the ocean.
  • • Federal Fishery – A resident is concerned with the maintenance of fishery for the animals. Burke will follow up.
 
The agenda resumed order with Item 5A.
 
Kaimuki Christmas Tree – L. Tam updated residents on the Kaimuki Christmas Tree stating that the City has been helping to erect and light the tree in years past. However, after last Christmas, the tree was deemed a hazard and the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) eventually took down the tree in February 2009. L. Tam stated either a DFM or Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) employee could put up the tree between regular jobs as it should take only a few hours. L. Tam does not feel the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) should be liable for helping to put up the tree because it is on City property. L. Tam would like to know what is going to be the outcome of the Kaimuki Christmas Tree. L. Tam would like a definite answer. 
 
Jay Ishibashi, Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s representative stated that as mentioned at previous board meetings, the city is faced with budgetary shortfalls. He also stated that he never gave the board a definitive no in assisting with the tree and will continue to work with KBPA and the community to find other community members, private contractors or companies such as HECO to help with erecting the tree should the city definitely not be able to assist. The putting up of the Christmas tree is not a core city function and that overtime would need to be used for city personnel. There is overtime in the departments’ budgets, but these are funds used (as an example) to clear roads and streams during emergencies (floods etc). Other communites have also asked and been turned down by the city. Ishibashi will follow up with the city agencies and with KBPA and the community to see how the tree might be put up this Christmas.
 
Representative Barbara Marumoto commented that the Fasi Administration had put up the tree. Representative Marumoto’s Office received a call from Joyce Fasi hoping the City will say yes to put up the Kaimuki Christmas Tree. Ms. Fasi feels the Kaimuki Christmas Tree is a part of the Honolulu City Lights.
 
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi stated there should be a fund of $400,000 to $500,000 that the Mayor’s Managing Director has the ability to fund different non-profit groups. Councilmember Kobayashi questioned the procedure to get money from the fund. Ishibashi will check on the procedure for non-profit groups to receive money from the fund.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • Clarification of the Problem – A resident wanted clarification as to why the Kaimuki Christmas Tree couldn’t go up this year; not enough money or not enough community involvement. How would the community be able to change the not definite ‘no’ to a ‘yes.’ Ishibashi reiterated that the Kaimuki Christmas Tree is not a City sponsored function and any work that is done will have to count as overtime.
  • • City’s Interest – A resident commented that the community is very involved with the Kaimuki Christmas Tree, having bought stainless steel parts for the tree to handle the year round weather conditions. It seems as if the City is no longer interested in assisting with the tree. Ishibashi commented that it is not that the City is disinterested, it is a budgetary issue.
  • • Future Tree Maintenance – A resident demonstrated how the tree can be put up every year by the community, should the City assist with putting up the tree this year. The resident stated by placing a pole in concrete, which will stay up year round, there could be another utility pole that would be attached by hinges making it easier to erect during the Christmas season.
  • • School of Architecture – A resident commented that a proposal was put in to the University of Hawaii Manoa for the School of Architecture students to work on the Kaimuki Christmas Tree as a project.
 
No Parking Sign on 16th Avenue and Keanu Street – Chair V. Tam was contacted by a resident stating that people were parking near intersections making it dangerous for cars to turn on to 16th Avenue or Keanu Street. The resident placed warning signs on the cars noting that they were not allowed to park there and it has worked. The resident requests the Board not ask for a ‘No Parking’ sign because the warnings have worked. Should the problem return, the resident will notify the Board. Ishibashi commented that parking is a problem in the Kaimuki area and it is nice that the community is being civil about the situation.
 
Kaimuki Christmas Parade Board Participation – Chair V. Tam volunteered to pay the $30 entry fee for the Kaimuki Christmas Parade should the Board choose to participate. The $30 entry fee helps KBPA cover the costs of permits, security, towing, although it doesn’t cover all costs. Meade commented that KBPA needs the community support.
 
Meade moved, Nahoopii seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 04 participate in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (AYE: Cater, Leong, Meade, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada).
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES:
 
Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Jay Ishibashi reported:
 
  • • City Receives Award – The City & County of Honolulu has been awarded a prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for reporting excellence and transparency.
 
  • • Make a Difference Day – Saturday, October 24, 2009 is make a difference day. Volunteers will be cleaning seven different beaches around Oahu. The volunteers will include student athletes from all 23 pubic schools and Punahou. The nearest participating beach clean up for the Kaimuki area is Ala Moana Beach Park or Sandy’s Beach. Interested residents should contact DPR for further information.
 
  • • Rail Transit System – Mayor Hannemann announced today of the awarding of the first of several construction contracts for the city’s Honolulu Rail Transit project. The contract came in $90 million less than the project estimate. The award shows that the city has been conservative in its estimates and is why the project needs to get going now during a down economy because of the lower costs and the need to create jobs.
 
  • • Coring Sites – The maps for the coring sites L. Tam had requested was given at the meeting by Ishibashi.
 
Questions, comments, and concerns:
 
  • • Sidewalk Repair – A resident would like to know more information on the City’s partnership with the Lions Club of Honolulu for island wide sidewalk repairs.
  • • Bus Stop – A resident is concerned about the removal of a bus stop bench at 18th Avenue and Kaimuki Avenue. There are many elderly people that catch the bus from that stop and would like the bench to be replaced.
  • • Street Repair/Potholes – A resident is concerned with Ekaha Avenue. This street is a safety hazard to pedestrians and motorists. Supposedly the street is privately owned. Residents would like to know how the street can be fixed before the heavy rains occur. Potholes in general are a major problem in the Kaimuki area. Residents request they be repaired.
 
City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
 
  • • Private Road Hearing – There was a recent hearing regarding older private roads. Ordinance 96 states a law that the private roads have to be fixed, however the roads have to meet a criteria of 11 items. There has also been an amendment in the law stating the City is responsible for trimming trees hanging over shoulder lanes from private residencies.
 
  • • Recycle Day – Saturday, October 17, 2009 was a successful recycle day at Kaimuki High School.
 
  • • Road Maintenance – Rainy areas such as Seattle, Washington stated they use a sealant over the asphalt used on the roadways there. This sealant initially costs more, however it may save money in the long run, as there should be less road repairs.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • City Services – A resident is willing to get the neighborhood together to have the roads fixed. The resident would hope to receive a tax break, or credit if taxes are being paid yet not receiving city services.
 
City Councilmember Charles Djou – Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
 
  • • Kaimuki Christmas Tree – Councilmembers Djou and Kobayashi submitted a letter to DFM in support of the Kaimuki Christmas Tree and to continue erecting the tree yearly. There are many businesses and community members involved with the tree.
 
  • • Bill 72 – This bill is proposing to limit the City’s energy consumption to 195 megawatts an hour (mwh). This amount will increase when the rail system is in use.
 
  • • Bill 67 – Relating to shark tour ban has been deferred.
 
  • • Bill 69 – Relating to the sidewalk sleeping ban has been deferred.
 
  • • Bill 68 – Relating to raising property tax exemptions from $80,000 to $100,000 has been deferred.
 
  • • Bill 58 – Relating to a real property tax exemption of all alternative energy items has been signed by Mayor Hannemann.
 
Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – Susan Jackson reported the following:
 
  • • Future Concerns – Governor Lingle will no longer have a representative at the Neighborhood Board meetings. If there are future concerns please pass them on through the Neighborhood Commission Office. The correct government liaison regarding the concern will try to attend the next meeting and answer any new questions.
 
  • • Hawaii Government Employee’s Association (HGEA) – HGEA has agreed to two furlough days a month which amounts to 6.92% pay reduction.
 
  • • Furlough Days – A majority of the executive cabinet departments will have the same furlough days as the Department of Education (DOE). There will be some instances that departments will rotate furlough days. The Governor’s website has the furlough day plans posted. The problem with furlough days on Fridays is the ability to retrieve records. The Hawaii’s Judiciary system will not have furlough days.
 
  • • State Budget – The state is short in its budget by $436 million. It is difficult at the state level to decide what and where the cuts need to be made.
 
State Senator Les Ihara – reported the following:
 
  • • Budget Issues – Senator Ihara does not agree will cutting the education funds and suggests a law be placed in order for the minimum number of school days for public school children. Senator Ihara does not agree with cutting the instructional days from a nine month school year to an eight month school year. There should be a level of education required for public school children. Senator Ihara is in favor of mixing funds partially from the hurricane relief fund and other emergency funds. Governor Lingle has not released the use of $100 million dollars and is should be used toward more instructional school days.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • Reducing Overhead – A resident questioned if there were anyway to reduce the overhead in DOE. Possibly removing non-teaching positions. Senator Ihara responded that about four years ago there was a bill to shift administrative staff and their duties which did not pass.
  • • State workers – State employees are not required to be apart of the union, however all State employees are required to pay union dues. Exempt workers are not represented the same. The State union policies have to be reevaluated.
  • • Care Home Operators Association – There is room for care homes, however not in concentrated amounts. The number of care homes is declining. The community needs to work together. There is a caregiver recognition day on November 11th. On Saturday, October 24, 2009, there will be a health fair in Palolo.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • Selling State Lands – There has been talk about selling State land to private developers to help balance the budget. However, it is not a long term solution. It would be too controversial for the state to begin renting DOE lands.
 
State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – A newsletter was circulated; no representative present.
 
State Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
 
Drafting Bills – If there are any Bills residents would like to have come before the legislature let Representative Marumoto’s office know. The introduction of a Bill deadline is the third week of January.
 
Kapiolani Community College (KCC) – KCC has undergone a strategic planning process and, in a final step to “Kapiolani 2020”, invited community leaders to dialogue on the physical manifestation of the campus. Elected officials, neighborhood board members, leaders of nearby organizations were invited to participate. Final student population is expected to be over 9,000 with several new low rise buildings and additional parking.
 
Furlough Days – Representative Marumoto is upset with the decision to have two furlough days a month. The new generation of children have no time to learn, which impacts their future.
 
Questions, comments and concerns:
 
  • • University of Hawaii (UH) Campuses – The UH campuses will not be affected by furloughs. The UH teachers opted for a paycut.
 
State Representative Scott Nishimoto – A newsletter was circulated; no representative present.
 
State Representative Lyla Berg – A newsletter was circulated; no representative present.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 MEETING: The meeting minutes of September 16, 2009 were APPROVED AS CIRCULATED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT (8-0-0) (AYE: Cater, Leong, Nahoopii, Meade, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, V. Tam).
 
TREASURER’S REPORT: Item deferred.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
Next Board Meeting – The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 7:15 p.m. at Liliuokalani Elementary School.
 
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
 
Submitted by: Theona Kapoi, Neighborhood Assistant
 
Reviewed by: Vernon Tam, Chair
 
 
 


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