Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Of March 17, 2010 Posted

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Of March 17, 2010 Posted
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

KAIMUKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
LILIUOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon tam called the meeting order at 7:21 p.m. with a quorum of 8 (seven) members present. Note – This 11-member board requires 6 (six) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present – Abigail Leong (arrived 7:22 p.m.), Ginny Meade, John Cater, Leonard Tam,, Lori Yamada, Daniel Nahoopii, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Daniel Carvalho.

Member Absent – Tim Tybuszewski.

Vacancies – One (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1 (Waialae Avenue, Koko Head – 12th Avenue, Luawai Street).

Guests – Karen Yorimoto (City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office), Mark Gallagher and Jerry Hubbard (Kaimuki Christian School), Lt. Calvin Tong, Sgt. Allan Rivers, and Officer Anthony Kahapea (Honolulu Police Department), Caron Wilberts, Stanley Chang, Firefighter Chris Toda, Dwight Kahoohanohano, and J. Caban (Honolulu Fire Department), Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), , Jeremy Low, Ryan Markham, City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Julia Allen, Jay Ishibashi (Mayor’s Representative); State Representatives Calvin Say, Barbara Marumoto, and Lyla Berg; Glenn Yamasaki, Cheryl Costa, S. Sonoda, Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office), and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office Staff).

At this time, Chair V. Tam requested for a moment of silence for the passing of former Board member Michael Abe.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT: There were no nominees at this time.

7:22 p.m. Board member Abigail Leong arrived; 9 (nine) Board members present.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Calvin Tong, Sgt. Allen Rivers and Officer Anthony Kahapea provided copies of the report to all the Board members. Burglaries and robberies remain the same and a decline of thefts and unauthorized entry of motor vehicles (UEMV) was reported for period February 17 to March 17, 2010.The tip of the month was Disaster Preparedness in which the information was attached to the report. For information about disaster preparedness, contact the National Weather Service, the local civil defense agency, or the local American Red Cross Chapter.

• 3rd Avenue and Waialae Avenue Intersection – Chair V. Tam raised the concern Chaminade students making a right turn don’t look out for pedestrians crossing the street at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Waialae Avenue. Chair V. Tam asked that a signage be installed at that intersection indicating “Drivers Turning Right must Stop for Pedestrians”. HPD officers will monitor that intersection for violations. The request for signage is handled by the City’s Deparment of Transportation Services.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Chris Toda and Dwight Kahoohanohano reported no major or unusual incidents for the month of February 2010.

• February Statistics – There were three structure, one wildfire, one vehicle fires. There were 88 medical emergencies, two search and rescues, and 19 miscellaneous calls.

• Fire Safety Tip for the Month – Scald burns are the most common injury among children ages four and younger. When boiling eggs for a coloring activity, be attentive to your cooking and children. Do not leave any cooking unattended. If using candles, do not leave them unattended or near drapes or other ignitable materials, such as

• Artificial grass, which is commonly used as filler for children’s baskets. Make sure candle holder is the proper size for the type of candle being used.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported no water main breaks for the month of February 2010 and explained how BWS has taken several proactive steps towards reducing the amount of breaks:

• Gathering Data – BWS field crews gather data at the main repair site to determine why different pipelines failed. The data collected can be used to develop solutions that can later be incorporated in pipeline design, installation and/or maintenance.

• Detecting Leaks – BWS has a team dedicated to detecting leaks within the water system. When leaks are detected, a BWS can execute a planned repair job on the main, thereby fixing the leak before it turns into an emergency main break.

· Corrosion Control Methods – BWS is also working on corrosion control methods in an attempt to extend the life of its waterlines.

For more information about main breaks and what happens when a main break occurs, visit the “publications” section of BWS website, www.boardofwatersupply.com

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

• Neighborhood Commission Office Conference of Chairs – There was no discussions or suggested topics for the Neighborhood Commission Office Conference of Chairs.

• Queen Theater – The Friends of Queen Theater is interested in saving the Queen Theater and along with the University of Hawaii will do a presentation to the Board next month. The group wants to learn and discuss ways of saving the character of the historic Kaimuki neighborhood. There will also be an informational meeting hosted by Historic Hawaii Foundation and the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) on Monday, April 5, 2010, 5:30 p.m. in Ohia 118. For more information log on to webmaster@historichawaii.org.

• Michael Abe – Services for the former Board member will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Thurston Memorial Chapel, Punahou School.

• Board member L. Tam submitted the following hand-written concerns:

◦ Congested Highways – In short, the concern was about the traffic signals on the east/west thoroughfares (Kapiolani Boulevard, King and Beretania Streets) have a shorter green time than the Mauka/Makai traffic; that the short cycles create a lot of stop and go traffic, resulting in longer commute times, low gas mileage and more carbon emissions; and therefore request an engineer from the City Department of Transportation Services come to our meeting and explain why the traffic signals have a short cycle and what DTS’s plan to reduce the congestion on our streets?

◦ Non-Homeowner Designation – Resident requested an explanation as why is it that having an ohana home on his property, which he lived in his home for 22 years, is now designated as a non-homeowner tax category causing his property tax to increase.

NEW BUSINESS:

Repair of the Historic Chapel on the Campus of Kapiolani Community College (KCC) – Board members were mailed a copy of the resolution supporting the repair of the historic chapel on the campus of KCC attached to the Board’s agenda for review. (See Attachment No. 1 – Resolution)

After a brief discussion of the resolution, Meade moved and Cater seconded to support repair of the historic chapel on the campus of Kapiolani Community College.

A discussion followed:

1. Use of State Funds – There was concern that the State should not be spending $575,000 for repairing the chapel during this time of budget cuts; a suggestion to Rep. Marumoto was that the communities organize and fundraise for the repairs of the Chapel; and supports the repairs, but will not support the resolution.

2. Capital Improvement Project Funds – Rep. Marumoto clarified that the monies is from the district’s capital improvement project funds; that Rep. Nishimoto help put it in the budget bill; that the CIP project falls under bond monies and not operational monies that the State is trying to push State projects out the door to create jobs; that this project will be bid out to private contractors; and lastly, the Chapel is important to the community and will be used by the community and KCC.

After discussion, the motion was ADOPTED, 7-2-0, (Ayes: Cater, Leong, Meade, Nahoopii, Schneider, and Yamada, V. Tam; Nayes: L. Tam and Carvalho).

Special Purpose Revenue Bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church – Pastor Mark Gallagher, informed residents
the special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church in which the legislature approved funds several years ago for non-profit organizations; that the bond is not funded by the state; that the school gets a lower interest rate on bonds sold. Gallagher thanked State Representative Barbara Marumoto and Senator Les Ihara for introducing these measures for the improvements of the Kaimuki Christian Church. The church is 40 years old and many of its buildings are showing its age the Kaimuki Christian Church. Architectural plans and designs for improvements will be addressed to the Board in the near future.

Board members were provided copies of the motion supporting House Bill 2277 that request a special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church. (See Attachment No. 2 – Resolution)

Meade moved and Schneider seconded supporting HB 2277 that requests a special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church.

A discussion followed:

1. Purpose and Site Location of Building – As to the type and purpose of the building, Architect Tim Stone noted that the Kaimuki Christian Church’s plan addresses the school’s growth and the need for more classrooms. The site for the classroom building is at the corner of Harding and 13th Avenues. Classrooms interests are in the ministries and need to use classrooms for full time ministries.

1. Zoning Change Required – The current zoning is R-5, but previous development was allowed through a Conditional Use Permit which will continue for the upcoming development; which means that this development will fall under all residential zone requirements for heights and setbacks.

1. Single Family Homes – Few single-family homes turned over to the church will be consolidated into the plans. The homes on Mahina and 13th Avenues are also included. The plans to consolidate these homes have not been confirmed.

1. Solution to Parking – Kaimuki, residents inquired about a parking solution and was informed that developers are looking at the ball field on campus as a two-story parking structure.

Chair called for the question and the motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-2 (Ayes: Cater, Leong, Meade, Schneider, L. Tam, Carvalho, and V. Tam; Abstentions: Nahoopii and Yamada).

State Department of Transportation – No report.

Questionnaire to be Appended to Board End-of-Year Newsletter – This item will be brought up again at the next Board meeting. Suggestions are to be forwarded to the Chair who will formulate the questionnaire/newsletter. Chair V. Tam informed that there is no money to pay for return postage for questionnaires and the Board has only enough money for mailing out the newsletter. Chair assigned Board member Nahoopii to investigate this matter.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Jay Ishibashi reported the following:

• Request for Bike Rack – According to an investigation by the City’s Department of Transportation Services, there is not enough room for bike rack to be installed in front of the SBC Burrito restaurant. There is a bike rack that was recently installed on 12th Avenue.

• Tulipwood Tree Fronting Waialae Avenue – On February 18, 2010, the Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) Arborist responded to a complaint and discovered that the tulipwood tree had been vandalized and due to the extent of the damage, the entire tree warranted removal; a police report was also filed; and on March 9, 2010, DUF planted another Tulipwood tree.

• Vandalism of City Maintained Trees – Vandalism of a City maintained tree is a criminal offense. When a citizen observes vandalism to a City tree occurring, they should notify HPD immediately. Vandalism can be reported to the DUF office at 971-7151 for investigation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Request for Signage at Chaminade University and Waialae Avenue – Chair V. Tam requested that a signage be posted to read, “Drivers Turning Right must Stop for Pedestrians” for motorists driving out of Chaminade University onto Waialae Avenue and not yielding to pedestrians at the crosswalk when making a right turn; Ishibashi explained that there needs to be a pedestrian/drivers education program; that signage cost money; and this issue will be addressed to the appropriate department for response.

1. Request for Schedule of Maintenance/Contracted Projects – Resident requested a schedule of maintenance and contracted projects in the area. Ishibashi informed that although it is the City’s Department of Facility and Maintenance that contracts the work, it is the City’s Department of Design and Construction that actually do the work. Ishibashi will see what can be done about a schedule.

1. Regulation of Gas Prices – A resident was concerned about the State’s regulation of gas prices. Ishibashi noted that it is the State, and not the City, that regulates gas prices; which is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC); that there is no refund on gas prices; that gas prices depend on the import cost per barrel; and the State cannot control the cost of fossil fuel.

1. Property Tax Non-Homeowner Classification – A resident is requesting an explanation on how the non-homeowner property tax category was classified, who classified it as such, and what is the appeal process. Ishibashi will meet with resident and will check with the City’s Budget and Fiscal Services.

1. Requesting One-Way Street for Center Street – Center Street, which is between Waialae Avenue and Highview Place is extremely congested with parked cars making it passable by only one vehicle at a time and request the possibility of making Center Street a one-way street.

1. Request No-Parking Signs or Red Line Curbs – A resident is concerned about motorists parking dangerously close to the first intersection of Sierra and Wilhelmina Rise would like to know if better signage, painted curbs could prevent parking at that intersection, or other alternatives. It is sometimes difficult to red-line curbs or add no-parking signs, but will send to appropriate departments for response.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a report and highlighted the following: 1) A resolution was introduced to ask the property tax department that if one of the homes on the property on has a home owner’s exemption than that property be deemed as home owner category. Neighbor island counties already has a homeowner category and it doesn’t matter how many homes are on the property; 2) in the budget was $1.5 million added for mass transit; and 3) the bulky item bill is still being discussed and welcome residents’ suggestions on this bill.

City Councilmember Charles Djou – Kainoa Kaumeheiwa-Rego distributed a report and provided a highlight of today’s full Council meeting: 1) The censure for Councilmember Rod Tam was discussed which councilmember agreed to settle the debts; 2) Budget briefings were heard; 3) Bill 19 will set the rates for home owner’s classification at $3.42 and for non-home owner’s at $3.72 and was referred to committee; 4) and Bills 7 and 8 restricts tents and shopping carts in City parks were also passed out.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – No report.

State Senator Les Ihara – No report.

State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – Rep. Say provided Board members with a monthly report and the 2010 Mid-Session Highlights and was available for questions, comments, or concerns:

1. Tax Refund Check – For concerns regarding the tax refund check, contact the State Office of Ombudsman.

2. State Lands – In response to a resident’s concern about the possibility of State lands being sold or leases changed, Rep. Say was asked to inform the Board as soon as possible so there can be public input of and changes to State lands whether being sold or leased. Rep. Say stated lands for sale must be put out to bid with conditions to zoning.

3. Ala Wai Harbor – The concern was Ala Wai Harbor lease, which was not renewed; the lease, which was bid out by the State, was given to a wedding chapel. Responding to a that small boat harbors are being commercialized rather than for the small boat owners, the policy of the administration is that small boat harbors be more commercialized to gain more revenues and finance repairs needed for small boat harbors.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto – Rep. Marumoto distributed and reviewed her questionnaire to the residents; thanked the Board for supporting the Chapel repairs at KCC by passing the resolution; and highlighted the following legislative issues:

· Bills Cut – A bill to allow same sex alliance seems to be dormant; the fireworks ban is not going anywhere; bill to allow people to fly flags for condominiums not doing well in Senate, but passed the House; and any type of gambling seems to be doomed this session.

· Bills Alive – General Excise Tax increase, reduction of all tax credits 80 percent, taxing of non-profits to one percent, desire to raise hurricane fund and rainy day fund, and other special funds, the special revenue bond for Kaimuki Christian Church,

· Mopeds, ATVs, etc. – A resolution to study recommending the safety legislation for mopeds, ATVs, etc. is in the works and should be ready by 2011 legislative session. One of the recommendations include the requirement of insurance.

· Furloughs – There is no rainy day fund to be used for school furloughs. Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) are affected by furloughs.

· Tax Refund – The tax refund will be late and residents to receive tax refund in July 2010.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – Reports were made available to the residents.

State Representative Lyla Berg – Rep. Berg distributed a report and highlighted the following: 1) Rep. Berg is hosting an Artfest on April 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 3^rdFloor, Capitol; 2) The Kokua Festival 2010 on Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 2010 at the Waikiki Shell; 3) Native Hawaiian Film Festival, May1 to May 26, 2010 at Doris Duke Theater; 4) Reviewed several bills to strengthen education; 5) Reviewed House Concurrent Resolutions 50, 56, 167 249, 250, and 251 which Rep. Berg introduced and cosigned.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Youth Symphony – The State will be looking into the cost and management of the Youth Symphony before funding the Youth Symphony.

2. Volunteer Teachers – Rep. Berg was not aware of any volunteer teachers at the State libraries being penalized for helping out students at the library. Clarified that there is no minimum amount of hours for students to be held back.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 17, 2010 – The February 17, 2010 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED, 9-0-0, (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, Nahoopii, Schneider, V. Tam, and Carvalho). The corrections were as follows:

• Page 1, under CALL TO ORDER, replace the number “8” with number “7”.
• Page 1, under Members Present, delete”Daniel Carvalho”.
• Page 3, delete “an” from “Hawaiian” to read “Hawaii.”
• Page 4, under Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative report, second line under item 1, replace “29th” to “20th.”
• Page 5, under Treasurers Report, delete the last sentence and add “The report was filed.”

TREASURER’S REPORT – L. Yamada reported previous operating balance was $1,150.00. Current expenses were $51.10 for postage and printing of agenda and minutes; leaving a current balance of $1,089.90. There was no publicity funds expended. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned 9:24 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

ATTACHMENT #1 – Resolution
Motion Supporting the Repair of the Historic Chapel on the Campus of Kapi’olani Community College

Whereas, the historic chapel on the campus of Kapi’olani Community College is in need of repair,

And, whereas, the cupola on the roof has been removed for safety and the wooden structure shows signs of termite damage,

And, whereas, HB 2499 contains a request for $575,000 to address these concerns,

Be it resolved that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 supports the repair of the historic chapel on the campus of Kapi’olani Community College.

And be it further resolved, that the Kaimuki Board requests the appropriation of these funds to maintain this historic and important landmark in our neighborhood, and that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to both houses of the Hawaii State Legislature.
Adopted, Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 04 at its regular meeting of March 17, 2010, by a vote of 7-2-0.

ATTACHMENT #2 – Resolution
Motion Supporting HB 2277 that requests a special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church

Whereas, HB 2277 requests a special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church,

And whereas, this is a private bond so that no state money is used and Kaimuki Christian Church would repay the bond,

And whereas, if authorized by the Legislature as a public purpose, the bond then would be tax-free like a municipal bond so that Kaimuki Christian Church could more easily sell the bond.

Be it moved that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 supports HB 2277 that requests a special purpose revenue bond of $20 million for Kaimuki Christian Church for a new building, and that a copy of this resolution be conveyed to both houses of the Hawaii State Legislature.
Adopted, Kaimuki Neighborhood board No. 04 at its regular meeting of March 17, 2010, by a voted of 7-0-2.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

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