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  • Kaimuki Neighborhood Board - Minutes Of January 20th, 2010 Posted

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office
KAIMUKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD
 
DRAFT – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010
LILI`UOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
 
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. with a quorum of nine (9) 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, Lori Yamada, Daniel Carvalho, and Vernon Tam.
 
Members Absent – Tim Tybuszewski.
 
Guests – Capt. Robert Marshman (Honolulu Fire Department); Torin Ching and Michele Sansone (City Councilmember Kobayashi’s Office staff members), Glenn Yamasaki; Dane Wicker and Kenny Amazaki (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office); Lt. Gary Lum Lee, Sgt. Clinton Sukekane, and Officer Mark Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Lydia Chock; Mark Goodrowe, Candace Van Buren (State Representative Nishimoto’s Office; Representative Barbara Marumoto; Representative Lyla Berg; City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Julia Allen, Jay Ishibashi (Mayor’s Representative), Caron Wilberts, Richard Turbin, and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office).
 
Vacancies – There were no nominees for the vacancy in Subdistrict 1.
 
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:
 
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Gary Lum Lee, Sgt. Clinton Sukekane, and Officer Mark Mitchell distributed a crime report for the period December 20, 2009 through January 20, 2010.
 
  1. 1. Boxes from Christmas – It is recommended that large boxes should be broken down and then placed in bags.  Would be criminals may be given an opportunity if they are made aware of your newly obtained gifts.
 
  1. 1. New Major for District 7 – Major Evin Ching is the new major for district 7.
 
Honolulu Fire Department – Capt. Bob Marshman reported the following statistics for December 2009.
 
1.       Ladder 5 – There were 3 fires, 66 emergencies, and 5 rescues on Diamond Head.
 
2.       Engine – There were 3 fires, 19 emergencies, 8 activated alarms, and 8 miscellaneous calls.
 
      3.   Fire Safety Tip – In a fire, medical, or other emergency, it is critical that emergency responders quickly
            identify the correct location.  Fire, building, U.S. postal codes, and City ordinances state that property                           owners shall place their house numbers so it is legible and readily visible from the street.  This will assist                             the Honolulu fire Department and other first responders in quickly locating your house in the event of an                    emergency. If your property is difficult to locate and/or access, provide 911 dispatchers with additional                      information to assist them in locating your property during an emergency.
 
      4.   Damaged Fire Hydrant – Call 911to report any damage to a fire hydrant.  Each fire station has tools to                           shut the water from the fire hydrant. 
 
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported for the month of December, 2009:
 
      1.   Water Usage – Installing a low-flow fixture in shower heads can save about 3-28 gallons of water a day                           per 5-minute shower; turn off the water when brushing teeth; check for leaky flapper valves in                                   household toilets.  For more water saving tips, visit BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.
 
2.       Water Conservation Contests Reminder – The 32nd annual poster contest is open to students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, and the second year of our poetry contest, open to students in grades 7-12.  This year’s theme for both contests is “Stop the Drop.”  Students are encouraged to artistically and poetically depict the theme as a way to learn and better understand the value of water conservation.
 
PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:
 
1.       That any Kaimuki development planning includes business leaders, the Lions Club, and young community members that care for the needs and the future of Kaimuki.
 
2.       Regarding an article published in the December 30, 2009 Honolulu Advertiser, a follow up was requested of State elected representatives requesting clarification as to who authorized the investment of the State’s $800 million in auction-rate securities which according to State’s guideline, should not be  more than 20 percent of the state’s investments could be in auction-rate securities.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
 
Initial discussions on Community Development Plan for Kaimuki – Chair V. Tam reported on the meeting with the University of Hawaii Manoa Urban Planning Department. The following were discussed:
 
  1. 1. There was a meeting with the University of Hawaii Manoa Urban Planning Department seeking the department’s assistance in establishing a community development plan committee for Kaimuki.  The department liaison demurred, indicating that if the findings of such a group would have no force and effect, the department could ill-afford to spend the time and resources such an endeavor would take.
 
  1. 1. Part of the problem was that no clear concept of the community’s vision for Kaimuki existed that could be presented to the UH.
 
  1. 1. That the Board faces the new year with a continuing conflict between business and residential desires; and that the residential needs will again be put aside to pursue businesses needs.
 
  1. 1. The Board needs City or State resources to help bring the community together and coordinate planning the vision for Kaimuki. 
 
  1. 1. The ideas, values and principles from the community will affect the vision of Kaimuki.
 
  1. 1. It was suggested that this is why we have the national census, to give us direction.  The census bureau will be invited to do a presentation for the March Board meeting.
 
  1. 1. The methods of getting people involved were discussed; whether by a questionnaire or community survey.
 
  1. 1. The Board will explore past documents to see what the vision of Kaimuki use to be and if the vision(s) has been met.
 
Participation in 63rd Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade, December 3, 2009 – Board member Ginny Meade gave a brief reported that although it was a stormy evening, several Board members marched in the 63rd Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
 
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Questionnaire to Kaimuki Neighborhood Board – Chair V. Tam opened discussion to the Board and the following responses to the questions were as follows:
 
  1. 1. Top Issues for Kaimuki Neighborhood:  Repair/maintenance of streets, preservation of small town flavor by controlling development; rehabilitation of aging sewer system; traffic calming and pedestrian safety; too many cars and not enough residential parking; and improving the business area on top of hill.
 
  1. 1. What Makes Kaimuki Neighborhood So Special – The residents are very familiar with each other after three   generations, and accordingly the community, overall, is a close-knit and friendly one.
 
  1. 1. Well-known Icons that Symbol Kaimuki – Annual Christmas Tree; Kaimuki Fire Station Tower; Kaimuki Park and Bandstand; Pu’u O’Kaimuki, Kaimuki Dry Goods; the Crackseed Store on Koko Head Avenue; Diamond Head Theater; Market City; Better Home Appliances; the Christmas Parade; Victoria Inn, Harry’s Music, and Queen Liliuokalani School.
 
WESPAC Survey to Board Members – Chair V. Tam explained that this survey is a follow-up to the presentation by Jackie Burke which seeks information for the utilization of the “ahupuaa” resources management system; making sure that there continues to be fish for Hawaii’s future. 
 
G. Meade moved and A. Leong seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board allow Chair V. Tam to respond to WESPAC, that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board supports WESPAC’s Aha Moku initiatives.  V. Tam will complete the survey on behalf of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board and email to Jackie Burke, Oahu Coordinator, WESPAC. The motion passed unanimously, (9-0-0), (Ayes: J. Cater, A. Leong, G, Meade, D. Nahoopii, S. Schneider, L. Tam, L. Yamada, D. Carvalho, V. Tam.)
 
ELECTED OFFICIALS OR REPREENTATIVES:
 
Mayor Mufi Hanneman’s Representative – Jay Ishibashi reported the following:
 
1.       Appreciation to Hawaiian Electric Company – The City thanked the Hawaiian Electric Company crew for participating with putting up the Christmas lights for the Kaimuki Christmas tree.
 
2.       Kapolei City Lights – Ishibashi clarified that Kapolei City lights, Windward City Lights, and Honolulu City Lights were each funded by local sponsors.
 
3.       Maunalani Park – A concern rose of whether the facilities at Maunalani Park can be used for community functions.  Residents submitted a request in writing but were unsuccessful.  Ishibashi will follow up with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
 
Question, comments, and concerns:
 
1.       Damaged Refuse Container – To request for a replacement of a refuse container, call City’s Environmental Services.
 
2.       Request for Benches at Waialae and 12th Avenues – The benches were removed for safety reasons.     Ishibashi will check into the request for replacing the two benches.
 
City Councilmember Ann Kobayash– Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a monthly report and highlighted the following:
 
1.       Public Hearings for Illegal Curbside Placement of Bulky Items on Non-Pick-Up Days – Kobayashi explained the Mayor’s bill proposes a $500 per day fine to the property owner if bulky items are on the street before the scheduled bulky item pick up day.  The Administration further creates an enforcement authority to issue written citations and investigate refuse of bulky item waste thrown or dumped on the street, roadway, sidewalk or alley under Bill 78. Kobayashi is looking into lowering the $500 penalty; which may cause hardship on residents.
 
Questions, comments, and concerns:
 
1.       That illegal bulky item is usually not from the property owner but from others dumping illegally, and should not be charged.
 
2.       Bulky items mostly occur in apartment communities.  When tenants move out and all the remaining household stuff are put out on the street. Property managers try to control this, but there is no storage space to hold items until bulky item pick up day.
 
3.       Currently, bulky item pick up is scheduled one day a month for each neighborhood at no charge. If twice a month, the City will have to pay staff overtime.
 
4.       There needs to be a bulky item drop-off convenience center in urban Honolulu for residents.
 
5.       There was also a discussion about various household recyclable items.  Kobayashi noted that businesses that recycle items will not pick up the items.
 
6.       It was suggested that residents be charged a fee for bulky item pick up; that pick up services be monitored;   and if too frequent, discontinue service; the resident should hire a commercial pick-up truck.
 
Kobayashi welcomes any suggestion from residents in finding a solution to the illegal dumping of bulky items on the streets.
 
City Councilmember Charles Djou – Kenny Amazaki distributed a Councilmember Djou’s report and highlighted on the following:
 
1.       A bill for increasing spay and neuter fees for cats and will go before full council.
 
2.       Pay real property taxes electronically online.  Go to online to hnlpay.com.  The convenience fee for making a credit card payment is at 3.49 percent; for E-checks less than $10,000 the fee is $3.30; and if more than $10,000 the fee is $15.30.
 
Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – A representative was not present.
 
State Senator Les Ihara – A representative was not present.
 
State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – A representative was not present.
 
State Representative Barbara Marumoto – Rep. Marumoto distributed a report and highlighted the following:
 
1.       Kahala Properties – Rep. Marumoto is introducing a bill that would allow aggrieved parties to sue should they suffer damages as a result of these blighted properties.  Legislators are also monitoring encroaching vegetation that restricts access to the public portion of the beach.
 
2.       Ban Fireworks – Is a co-sponsor of bills to totally ban fireworks. 
 
3.       12th Avenue Residents Beat City Hall – 12th Avenue residents fought the re-zoning of a residential lot to business use (R-5 to B-2). 
 
4.       Kapiolani Community College (KCC) 2020 Strategic Plan – Reps. Marumoto & Nishimoto, Sen. Ihara, Neighborhood Board No. 4 and 5 Chairs Tam and Narita are sponsoring two public information meetings on the KCC for growth.  Nearby residents in the vicinity of the campus were invited to attend.
 
State Representative Scott Nishimoto – A representative was not present.
 
State Representative Lyla Berg – Rep. Berg distributed a report and highlighted the following:
 
1.       Women’s Legislative Caucus – A non partisan group of which Rep. Berg is a part of.
 
2.       January Activities – Attended the Education Commission of the States, New Orleans on January 6-8; the National Child Policy Conference, Miami, Florida.
 
3.       Leader for a Day Essay – A writing competition for public school students grade 6 to 12.  the winners will have the opportunity to shadow the offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, each County Mayor, the DOE Superintendent, and State legislatures on Mary 12, 2010. 
 
4.       New Olelo Series – Voices for Change hosted by Rep. Berg.  The goal is to give voice to community members from every island concerned about the preservation and protection of Hawaii’s sacred, cultural, and historic sites.
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2009 MEETINGThe November 18, 2009 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED with the following correction. (9-0-0) (Aye:  Care, Leong, Meade, Nahoopii, Schneider, L. Tam, Yamada, Carvalho, and V. Tam)
 
  • • On page 3 – State Senator Les Ihara – Questions, comments and concerns – third bullet –insert “if”  after “that” and before “the”. 
 
TREASURER’S REPORT: Yamada reported the previous operating balance of $1,246.62; current expenses of $45.30; leaving a current balance of $1,371.00.  The report was filed.
 
1.       The Board discussed mailing out a survey as part of newsletter. This item will be on next month’s agenda.
 
ANNOUNCEMENT:
 
1.       Next Board Meeting – The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be February 17, 2010, 7:15 to 9:00 p.m.
 
2.       Kapiolani Community College 2020 – The next 2020 meeting scheduled on January 28, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ohia Cafeteria on campus.
 
 
AJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
 
 
 
Submitted By:  Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant
 
 
 
Reviewed By:  Vernon Tam, Chair

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