Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Of April 21, 2010 Posted

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Of April 21, 2010 Posted
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

KAIMUKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2010
LILIUOKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. with a quorum of 7 (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, Ginny Meade, John Cater, Leonard Tam, Daniel Nahoopii, Sharon Schneider, Vernon Tam, and Tim Tybuszewski (arrived 7:25 p.m.).

Members Absent – Lori Yamada and Daniel Carvalho.

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

Guests – Capt. Lester Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department), Caron Wilberts, Cheryl Costa, Nancy Wilcox and Lowell Angell (Friends of Queen Theater), Jarret Yip (Councilmember Kobayashi’s Office staff), Katie Kastner (Historic Hawaiian Foundation), Alex Yin, Dane Wicker (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office staff), Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Chief L. Kealoha, Deputy Chief R. Macadangdang, Deputy Chief D. Tatsuyama, Major E. Ching, Lt. Gary Lum Lee, Sgt. C. Sukekane, and Officers M. Mitchell and D. Ikeda (Honolulu Police Department), Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Dan Diffenderfer (St. Patrick School), Jeremy Low, Jay Ishibashi (Mayor’s Representative), Chris Baron (Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 Member), Gordon Tam, Julia Allen, State House Representative Lyla Berg, Gary Kurokawa (City’s Real Property Assessment Division) and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

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

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Major Evin Ching introduced Chief L. Kealoha, Deputy Chiefs R. Macdangdang and D. Tatsuyama, Sgt. C. Sukekane. Chief Kealoha informed residents that the Chief’s staff is reaching out to the communities by attending all the neighborhood board meetings to get an insight of HPD’s direction in each community. The major issue HPD is concerned with now is pedestrian safety, the homeless situation, and substance abuse. When focusing on problems in the community, HPD must work in partnership with each community to solve the problems. This administration is looking at the quality of life in each neighborhood. If a neighborhood has a lot of graffiti, trash building up, and abandoned vehicles, the perception is that this neighborhood is a high crime area and the first step is cleaning up the neighborhood.

· Report for April 2010 – Lt. Gary Lum Lee and Officers M. Mitchell and Dwayne Ikeda provided members with a monthly report of crime statistics. There were 21 burglaries, 3 robberies, 36 thefts, and 9 unauthorized entries to motor vehicles.

· Home Security Tips – A list of home security tips information was attached to the monthly report. Some important tips were always lock all exterior doors and windows before leaving your house; when moving into a new home, have all locks changed; make your home look occupied by leaving on lights and radios; always lock garage doors and sheds; glue glass louvered windows or purchase locking clips to increase security; and form a Neighborhood Security Watch.

· Intersection at Chaminade University on Waialae Avenue – Officers monitored the intersection at Chaminade University and issued 38 citations. Officers spoke to the school administration and condominium association to make them aware of the pedestrian safety complaints at that intersection.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. L. Hashimoto reported no major or unusual incidents for the month of March 2010.

· Fire Safety Tip for the Month – An average of 7,900 home fires involving outdoor cooking and/or barbecue grills each year. Thirty-three percent of cooking grill fires start on an exterior balcony or enclosed porch. Do not leave cooking grills unattended; keep children and pets at least 3 feet away; if using lighter fluid, use only enough to start fire; if using propane fuel, propane can quickly develop into a large cloud, so if it doesn’t start in 10 seconds, wait 5 minutes before igniting; and be sure to cool coals.

· Senior Information Handbook and Assistance – Capt. Hashimoto provided copies of the Senior Information Handbook and Assistance to residents. The handbook is a book of resource agencies helpful to the elderly.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported no water main breaks for the month of March and informed residents about the BWS’s water system improvement projects of mains to replace and when.

· Water Mains Analysis by Priority – BWS continually analyzes the water system to prioritize which mains need to be replaced. There are four primary factors that BWS takes into account: 1) Condition Assessment, 2) System Improvements, 3) Public Impact, and 4) Project Coordination. To find out if the BWS has a construction project in the community, log onto www.boardofwatersupply.com, pull down the “Community” tab, and click on “Construction Projects.” For questions about a BWS construction project, contact the BWS construction section at 748-5730.

At 7:25 p.m., Board member T. Tybuszewski arrived; 8 (eight) board members present.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

1. Loud Music near Resident’s Home – A resident raised a concern about the loud band music playing at an outdoor party held in the parking lot by a restaurant celebrating its anniversary and noted, per HPD, a permit was issued. Resident would like to know what else he could have done about the loud music. Jay Ishibashi explained to resident that as long as there was a permit for the celebration and music was within the time limits, there is no other complaint that the HPD can help with. HPD does not have a decibel meter to measure noise and that the resident needed to contact the State Department of Health which has a meter. A suggestion was to communicate with the neighbors and start a dialogue regarding loud noise concerns. Other residents who also live nearby were invited, attended the celebration at the new chiropractor’s office, and enjoyed themselves.

2. Request to Cleanup Trash Dumping Site – A trash dumping site was reported at Mau`umae Nature Park lookout at 16th Avenue to Paula Drive. There are heavy items, trash, and industrial items that need to be removed. This item to be reported as a Mayor’s concern by Ishibashi, Mayor’s Representative, and referred to the appropriate department for investigation.

3. Queen Theater – Katie Kastner informed residents that the Friends of Queen Theater are looking at ways to restore the theater. More discussion to follow under report on Historic Hawaii Foundation.

4. Construction Equipment Service –A resident raised a concern about a contractor’s equipment service using the street to store equipment and construction material on 22nd Avenue. The resident was informed that the construction service is involved with a massive road repairing in that district of Kaimuki.

5. House on 16th Avenue – The resident is also concerned about a home located south of the 700 Block on 16th Avenue which was recently occupied by 8 or more individuals, and would like to know if there are any permits issued for a drug rehab living facility or any other particular use. Resident is also concerned that the street parking has been taken over by the same individuals, and what can be done about it. This concern will be reported as a Mayor’s concern and referred to appropriate department for investigation.

 
OLD BUSINESS:

Questionnaire for Board Newsletter – Chair V. Tam noted no new input received for Board’s questionnaire newsletter; this may be the last year for the board to have a newsletter, depending on the outcome of the City’s FY 2011 budget.

At this time, the agenda was taken out of order to hear Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative report.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Jay Ishibashi stated that the City Council is presently in discussion regarding budget cuts on the FY 2011 Budget proposed by the City Administration. City Council is presently, in the process of cutting the budget to those services not providing health and safety, and up for consideration are the Neighborhood Boards and the Royal Hawaiian Band. Ishibashi provided the following responses:

1. Request for Pedestrian Safety at Crosswalk of Waialae and 3rd Avenues – See HPD report.

2. Congested Traffic Concerns – Concerns raised by Board member L. Tam was deferred until next month Board meeting.

3. Use of Cell Phone by Refuse Worker – Deferred until next month.

4. Vehicles Parked too Close to Intersection – Deferred until next month.

5. Request for One-Way on Center Street – Deferred until next month.

6. Non-home Owner Concerns – Ishibashi introduced the administrator of City’s Real Property Tax Division Gary Kurokawa to explain the non-home owner category and was available for questions.

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Non-Home Owner Classification – Gary Kurokawa of the City’s Real Property Assessment Division presented the basis of the new non-home owner classification requested by residents: Previously, there was one residential classification that was separated into two classes, homeowner and non-home owner, each requiring a home exemption to qualify. For properties with more than one unit came the non-home owner category.  Because the law states that each dwelling needs a home exemption, each unit must have its own exemption. Ohana dwellings or properties with a second unit, not being rented and inhabited by a family member, falls into the homeowner category properties; for those with multiple units, each must have its own home owner category, like apartment/condominium. Because each home owner must file and qualify, the home owner exemption was used as the marker. For real property purposes, non-home owner classification included those properties with ohana dwellings.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Nonconforming Ohana – Concern was resident has a cottage and received a home owner’s classification. It was found that the Ohana dwelling is non-conforming and was grand-fathered.

2. Apartment is Defined as a Residential – Resident was concerned that apartments were classified as residential. Previously, apartments were separated by zones as A-1, A-2, A-3 and being used as residential purposes; and residential was defined as R-5, R 7.5, R-10; and later was collapsed into one residential zone. With separate categories multiple units and out-of-state home owners were shielded from increasing taxes.

3. Adding Family Members to Title – Concern was that adding family members living in Ohana dwelling to the title will complicate matters especially with refinancing property. Although there are complications, there is a decrease in taxes, about $300.00.

4. Shared Owners Concern – There was a concern that a resident’s name is listed on the title along with sibling, but not receiving a portion of the home owner exemption. Kurokawa will discuss this matter with the resident.

5. Home Owner Exemption Qualification – There are two programs a home owner may qualify for, one is for an additional home exemption starting at age 75 and making less that $50,000 a year, an additional $20,000 for every five years; and, on the tax credit side, also making less than $50,000, the home owner would pay three percent of whatever is capped to the owner’s taxes. To apply, log on to website at Honolulutaxcredit.com.

6. Non-home Owner Concerns – The new non-home owner tax law is a disadvantage for Kaimuki area, due to it being the home of the Ohana dwelling; the property valuation is high; Ohana residents are unable to qualify for full or partial homeowner exemption, and does not work for Kaimuki residents and left at disadvantage; this should be an issue to be reviewed by the State legislators or the new City Council representative. Ishibashi noted that this being this is the first time for this new tax classification law, all concerns will be taken back for review, and possibly amending the current law.

Additional questions, comments, or concerns for Mayor’s Representative followed:

1. Concern about Implementation of Fines when Resident not at Fault – Chair V. Tam received a letter from a resident concerned about being fined for bulky items if the resident is not at fault. Ishibashi responded that it was unsure if the bulky item fines is being implemented and will check with the City’s Environmental Services on clarification of the law.

2. Leaky Pipe at Maunalani Park – A leaky sprinkler pipe was reported; Ishibashi will report this to appropriate department.

The agenda was called back to order to New Business, Bulky Item Pickup.

Concern about Implementation of Fines when Resident not at Fault – Chair V. Tam discussed the concern raised by a resident about the residents being assessed fines for bulky items not being picked up on the scheduled pickup date. Members were provided copies of resident’s letter; this item was referred to the Mayor’s representative for follow-up.

Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 Resolution Supporting an Ordinance to Enforce the City’s Rules Concerning Bulky Item Pick up – There was discussion that the Kuliuouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2 does not take into account what happens if the City does not pickup the bulky material on scheduled pick up days. Board members were provided copies for review. Chair V. Tam noted that no action is required tonight, that the Board as there has been no implementation of fines for bulky items; and that there are two sides to this issue.

Historic Hawaii Foundation-Kaimuki Community Meeting Update-Friends of Queen Theater:

· Historic Hawaii Foundation – Katie Kastner, provided an update of the April 5, 2010 meeting at the Kapiolani Community College (KCC) and discussed the following: Forming of a grass-root organization with Kaimuki residents; discovered different tools to be used towards the preservation of the Queen Theater, that there was consensus of the residents to form a grass roots organization; and scheduled a follow up meeting on May 18, 2010 at KCC at 5:30 p.m. at a room to be announced later. Contact K. Kastner at 523-2900 or Katie@historichawaii.org.

· Friends of Queen Theater (QT) – Nancy Wilcox and Lowell Angell stated that Friends of Queen Theater (QT) received non-profit license. The mission is to restore the Queen Theater. The community will have to decide on whether to use as a theater or for alternative uses. Efforts to encourage the owner of QT are still pending. Friends of QT are in the process of creating a website. Performing arts is an alternative use, and an application for a grant for performing arts is in the process; that a fundraiser finds many people from other communities support the mission; the Blue Plant foundation has been contacted for alternative energy sources for the QT. A discussion followed about the surrounding businesses, historical events since QT closed for business.

A Discussion followed: Residents shared their insights of QT’s owner and the brief period of time when QT was on the market for sale; that the owner also rents to other small business tenants in the building adjacent to QT; that the owner has expressed no interest in the tax incentives provided a historic building; inquiry as to whether there has been any discussion of the restoration cost; and that the Friends of QT acquire ownership of QT before restoration.

Wilcox reminded residents that a sign up sheet is available on the back table; can be contacted by logging on to Facebook, Friends of QT or FriendsofQueenTheater@aol.com.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Jarret Yip provided copies of Councilmember Kobayashi’s monthly report which listed an overview of the capital improvement projects.

· Annual Interest Paid on Bonds – A resident would like to know the annual interest the City is paying on bonds. Yip will find out and report at next Board meeting.

City Councilmember Charles Djou – Dane Wicker provided copies of Councilmember Djou’s monthly report and a review of the budget briefings presently occurring before City Council.

State Senator Les Ihara – No report.

Governor Linda Lingle’s Representative – No report. Per Chair V. Tam, this item will be removed from the agenda.

State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – State Representative Lyla Berg distributed Rep. Say’s monthly report.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto – No report.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – State Representative Berg provided Board members with a monthly report.

State Representative Lyla Berg – Rep. Berg distributed a report and highlighted the following: 1) On April 9, 2010 hosted an Artfest; 2) April 14, 2010 was community forum addressed issues with the State Historic Preservation Department; 3) April 18 to April 24, 2010 is National Volunteer in Public Schools Week; and 4) on Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon is Keiki ID Day at Kahala Mall. Rep. Berg also gave a brief legislative update on bills related to sharks and increasing the number of instructional hours for students. A discussion followed on native Hawaiian fish ponds classed by the State as remnant property and targeted for sale; this generated a bill regarding the sale of these fish ponds and the need to preserve them as historical sites.

Resident’s Email Concern – Rep. Berg explained that the amount of mass emailing received is probably the reason she did not see the e-mail in question. She asked that residents call her office.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 17, 2010 MEETING: The March 17, 2010 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED AS CORRECTED, 8-0-0 (Aye: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Nahoopii, S. Schneider, V. Tam, and Tybuszewski). The correction is as follows:

Because the minutes mailed with agenda were not the minutes that were reviewed and approved by Chair V. Tam, the correction would be to: Replace the minutes that were mailed out with the “revised minutes by Chair V. Tam”. Copies of the revised approved minutes were distributed to members at the beginning of the meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT – D. Nahoopii reported previous operating balance was $1,099.00. Current expenses were $50.88 for postage and printing of agenda and minutes; leaving a current balance of $1,048.12. There was no publicity funds expended. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned 9:12 p.m.

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

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