Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 21, 2010 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for July 21, 2010 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

DRAFT MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010
QUEEN LILIU`OKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m., with a quorum of 9 (nine) members present. Note – this 11-member board requires six (6) members for a quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present – Daniel Carvalho, John Cater, Abigail Leong, Ginny Meade, Daniel Nahoopii, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Tim Tybuszewski (arrived 7:20 p.m.), and Lori Yamada.

Members Absent – None.

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

Guests – Lt. G. Lum Lee, Sgt. S. Yue, and Officer M. Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Capt. C. Toda (Honolulu Fire Department), Jeremy Low, Joan Shinn (Representative Barbara Marumoto’s Office staff), Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office staff), Norman Tyau, John Perez, Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Jerry Hubbard, Norman Hong (Group 70 International); Pastor Ron Arnold and Pastor Mark Gallagher (Kaimuki Christian Church); Shari Floyd Berinobis, Gordon Tam, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College), Rich Turbin, Craig Tsukiyama, Karen Tsukiyama (Kaimuki Lions Club), City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Representative Calvin Say, Candace Van Buren (Representative Scott Nishimoto’s Office staff, Bill Oku (City Councilmember Lee Donohue’s Office staff); Luella Costales and Grant Hamachi (Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation); Julia Allen, Sharon Sonoda, and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

BOARD ORGANIZATION

Election of Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer – L. Tam moved and Cater seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 keep the current officers as the officers for the term 2010 to 2011. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, Nahoopii, Schneider, V. Tam, and Carvalho).

Selection of Meeting, Date, Time, and Place – Meade moved and L. Tam seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 retain its regular Board meeting every third Wednesday of each month at Queen Liliu`okalani Elementary School Cafeteria starting at 7:15 p.m.. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED, 9-0-0 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, Nahoopii, Schneider, V. Tam, and Carvalho).

Board Recess – There being no objections, the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED to recess its December, 2010 regular Board meeting, 9-0-0 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, Nahoopii, Schneider, V. Tam, and Carvalho).

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEAT – There were no nominees or volunteers at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt C. Toda reported the following:

· Statistics for the Month of June – Included 9 fires, 84 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescues, and 15 miscellaneous calls. There were no major or unusual incidents reported.

· Fire Safety Tip – Cigarettes and other smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States. When smoking cigarettes, smoke outside and use deep, wide ashtrays placed on a sturdy table. Prior to discarding cigarette butts and/or ashes, ensure they are completely extinguished by dousing them with water or sand. A child as young as two years old can start a fire. Keep matches and lighters in a secured area out of children’s sight and reach. Educate children that lighters and matches are tools, not toys.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Gary Lum Lee provided a crime statistics report and highlighted the following:

· Safety Tip for the Month – Do not get distracted while driving, such as using the cell phone while driving. Doing so will increase the chance of getting into an accident; Lum Lee reminded residents that use of an electronic device (cell phone) while driving is prohibited and motorists will be cited.

· Community Policing Team / Neighborhood Security Watch – Residents with concerns may contact Officers Mark Mitchell at 529-3628 or email at mmitchell1@honolulu.gov or Tony Kahapea at 529-3628 or akahapea@honolulu.gov. Concerns can also be completed and filed online by visiting HPD’s website at www.honolulupd.org./patrol/d7.

· Noise from Compressor – It was mentioned that a resident is operating an aquarium fish business at his home located at 3153 Harding Avenue and neighbors are complaining about the noise from the air compressor that goes on before 7:00 a.m. in the morning when bagging aquarium fish. Neighbors have called 911 complaining about the compressor noise but it still continues. The neighbors would like the early noise to stop.

Board of Water Supply – Lorna Heller reported the following:

· Main Break Report – No main water break was reported for the month of June.

· 2010 Unthirsty Plant Sale – The 22nd Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale will be on Saturday, August 7, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. Fun, educational and family friendly activities are offered throughout the day, including how to make your own rain barrel catchment. For more information about xeriscaping or the open house and unthirsty plant sale visit the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

· BWS Furlough Information – The BWS business offices will begin observing furlough days, beginning July. While BWS business offices will be closed on designated Furlough Fridays, some BWS sections will work staggered schedules in order to maintain operations for public health and safety. For a schedule of furlough days, check the BWS website at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

At 7:20 p.m., member Tybuszewski arrived; 10 members present.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

· Rich Turbin – Turbin stated that the concerns include the area of Waialae-Kahala and the gas-powered leaf blowers on weekends in which the City Council passed a resolution with time restrictions when leaf blowers are not allowed.

OLD BUSINESS:

Bulky Item Pick Up – Item to remain on agenda for concerns related to implementation of bulky item fines.

NEW BUSINESS:

Conditional Use Permit – Proposed Classrooms at Kaimuki Christian Church and School (KCCS) – Norman Hong of Group 70 International explained KCCS is requesting the Board’s review and support of the proposed classroom building, which currently meets all of the provisions and requirements of the City’s Land Use Ordinance (LUO) under a Conditional Use Permit (Minor); included permitted uses, building height, yard setbacks, building area, etc. Hong noted that the proposal is not contingent upon the acquisition of the Tyau (or Chun) properties. Pastor Mark Gallagher provided a power point presentation of KCCS mission statement, ministry programs, and a brief history with their involvement in the Kaimuki Community before exhibiting the proposed eight classroom building layout of the KCCS property.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Parking Lot Noise Complaint – Resident Norman Tyau was affected by car security alarms sounding and vehicle noise and fumes from the KCCS parking lot located on the Makai side of his home. Tyau is concerned the four parking stalls located up against his property line may be used as a drop-off station for students of the proposed classroom building will further disturbance for Mr. Tyau and his family. KCCS addressed Mr. Tyau’s concern by posting a “Quiet Please” sign at KCCS parking lot and hopes this would reduce further noise complaints.

2. Residential Values – A resident was concerned that KCCS improvements would decrease the residential values in the neighborhood. Hong explained that residential property values are based on comparables or the average of residential properties sold in that residential area.

3. School Enrollment / Parking Requirements – The net increase enrollment is 200 students. The parking requirement is 18 stalls which will be accommodated at the Sugihara property site.

4. Classroom Hours – Classroom hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The classrooms may also be used for Church programs on the weekends.

5. Traffic Study – A resident was concerned whether a study of the traffic was a requirement because the classroom will generate more traffic, Hong stated that a traffic study is not a requirement of the Conditional Use Permit (Minor). However, when initiating KCCS master plan improvements, a traffic study may have to be extended.

6. Proposed Classroom Building – Tyau stated that he is directly affected by the proposed classroom building and the noise from children of the proposed classroom building has not been addressed; the possibility of flooding Tyau’s property during the rainy season, because the classroom building property is at a higher elevation poses a threat; with the increased enrollment and traffic there would be exhaust fumes from vehicles when dropping off or picking up students; and residents are already affected by the traffic and car alarms that sound off continuously, Tyau and neighbors would like to see what kind of relief KCCS plans for the residents.

Hong explained that KCCS will try to control the car alarms. The 15-foot setback requirement is to address the noise. The landscape will buffer the noise; if not, may have to consider a wall. Hong will consult with the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting for some flexibility to address the noise issue. The air conditioning equipment will be installed on the classroom building rooftop. As for the increased traffic generated the traffic will be directed to the current drop off and pick up site at the corner property on Harding Avenue.

7. Future Widening of Harding Avenue – Hong responded that when the widening of Harding Avenue project occurs, KCCS must comply with the City road improvement policies.

8. Informing Nearby Residents – According to the City’s LUO, KCCS was required and did inform the adjacent property owners of the proposed classroom building project and did not inform other residents beyond the adjacent property owners.

9. Suggestion to Noise Issue – Board member Leong shared St. Patrick School had a similar problem and built the building up to the resident’s property as a solution to reduce the noise from the classrooms.

Leong moved and Meade seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 submit a recommendation supporting KCCS of the proposed eight classroom building. The motion WAS NOT ADOPTED, 5-1-4 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Schneider, V. Tam, and Tybuszewski; Nay: Nahoopii; Abstention: Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, and Carvalho). A discussion followed noting that according to the City’s LUO, KCCS must make a presentation to the appropriate Neighborhood Board and seek the Board’s recommendation. The final decision is with the City’s DPP.

Clean-Up of Illegally Dumped Materials at Mau’umae Park – Board member Meade stated that the illegally dumped materials at Mau’umae Park have been cleared and settled. Following the televised piece on the situation at Mau’umae Park, volunteers contacted Meade and collected the bulky items for the City crew to remove. Jay Ishibashi, Mayor’s Representative, concurred with Meade and will take the suggestion of installing solar cameras at the identified “hot spots” where illegal bulky item materials are dumped back for review with the appropriate department.

Test Seasonal Sunday Farmers Market at Kapiolani Community College (KCC) – Carol Hoshiko of KCC reported the Farmers Market will be extended to occur on Sundays as a seasonal test project and introduced Grant Hamachi of the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF) who provided a brief background of HFBF and its relationship with the University of Hawaii-Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. The HFBF is a non-profit organization of farming families united for the purpose of analyzing problems and formulating action to ensure the future of agriculture, promoting the well-being of farming and the State’s economy.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Concerns – Sunday at KCC maybe a difficult day for a Farmer’s Market with the Sunday Church services occupying a large portion of the parking lot area and with the road closure. According to a nearby resident, there is a lot of traffic just from the church services and will increase with the Farmer’s Market. Working around the church services to minimize traffic was also suggested.

2. Alternative Locations – It was suggested that the Farmer’s Market use the lot near the former Cannon Club site as an option on Sunday; or expand the Farmer’s Market all day on Saturdays. Another location for a two-day Farmer’s Market should be considered other than KCC. Hamachi stated that the Farmer’s Market has been with KCC for many years, since 2003.

3. KCC Parking Lot – The parking stalls are not assigned. The church has an agreement with KCC regarding the use of the KCC parking for patrons of the church. It was suggested that the lower KCC parking lot be used to park tour buses rather than stopping along the road side creating traffic congestion.

4. Farmer’s Market Booths – A comment was that not enough reasonably priced produce is being sold at the Saturday’s Farmer’s Market. There are more booths that cater to the tourist.

Hoshiko stated that KCC’s collaboration with the farmers is positive; that the Sunday event is just a test for a seasonal market; and if there are problems resulting from the Sunday Farmer’s Market. KCC will make the adjustments at that time. It was also mentioned that there are three HPD officers that monitor traffic on Sundays with the church.

At this time, Chair V. Tam thanked Hoshiko and Hamachi for the informational presentation. The HFBF will begin the test seasonal Farmer’s Market on Sundays at KCC. Residents were encouraged to check it out.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Acting Mayor’s Representative – Jay Ishibashi reported the following:

· Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell – Today is the first day on the job for Acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

· Kapaolono Park – It was reported City park employees of Kapaolono Park were counseled to be courteous to the public.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Request to Remove Graffiti – Graffiti was reported on the wall at the drainage area on 16th Avenue and needs to be removed. Ishibashi will refer the graffiti to the appropriate department for follow up.

2. Orange Construction Cones – Three orange cones were left behind from a road repaving project at 941 18th Avenue and needs to be picked up. The cones are sitting on a storm drain. Ishibashi will refer this concern to the appropriate department.

3. Request for Street Sweeper – A request was made to have the street swept on 10th and Kaimuki avenues. Ishibashi noted that the road may have already been swept but will have it checked.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Hearing on Bulky Item Bill – The bulky item bill was deferred another month to gather more information. Councilmember Kobayashi stated that if the bill would pass as stands, many residents will be fined for bulky items dumped in front their property because they cannot prove they own those items. Kobayashi noted City Council is looking into installing cameras mounted at the “hot spots”. Instead of fines up to $500.00, may consider lowering the citations to $250.00, $100.00, or community service. A solution is still being sought.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Illegal Bulky Items – Comments included the issue is not for the resident to prove that the bulky items is not theirs; the issue is that the City must prove that the item belongs to the adjacent property owner where the illegal bulky item was dumped. There are three City inspectors and have the authority to cite homeowners and they do have to see the homeowner put the item out there. Inspectors are out there citing homeowners in the community.

2. Bulk Pick Up Schedule – If items are picked up late, the inspectors may consider that. It was discussed that communities, like Manoa, be put on a call-in as needed schedule for bulky items picked up. Areas like apartment communities should have additional pickups scheduled.

City Councilmember Lee Donohue – Bill Oku provided members with a report and noted that Thursday, July 22, 2010 is a special City Council meeting regarding the special election to fill the vacancy of the Mayor and Prosecuting Attorney’s seat. The fireworks bill passed second reading on Thursday, July 1, 2010.

State Senator Les Ihara – None.

State Representative (House Speaker) Calvin K.Y. Say – Rep. Say provided members with a report that highlighted legislations that affected the needy. Board member Nahoopii requested that the downed speed limit sign at the Ewa-bound Wai’alae Avenue off ramp (near Ekaha Avenue) be replaced. Rep. Say will refer this issue to the State Department of Transportation Services.

State Representative Barbara Marumoto – None.

State Representative Scott Nishimoto – Rep. Calvin Say was available to take any concerns for Rep. Scott Nishimoto.

State Representative Lyla Berg – None.

APPROVAL OF JUNE 16, 2010 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Cater moved and L. Tam seconded the Board approve the June 16, 2010 regular meeting minutes as corrected. The motion was UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, 10-0-0 (Ayes: Leong, Meade, Cater, L. Tam, Yamada, Nahoopii, Schneider, V. Tam, Carvalho, and Tybuszewski). The corrections are as follows:

· On Page 1, the heading should read, “QUEEN LILIU’OKALANI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL”.

· On Page 1, under Guests, correct the following names to read, “Norman Tyau” and “Karen Tsukiyama”.

· On Page 3, under, Testimonies Supporting KCS insert after KCS, “...and community residents...”

· On Page 3, under Construction Time Frame, delete “2010” and replace with “2012”.

· On Page 4, under State Department of Education (DOE) Audits, delete “Senator” and replace with “Representative”.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Yamada reported for the month of June 2010 operating balance of $892.74; $51.37 expended for printing and postage of agenda and minutes. The publicity account balance was $1,371.00. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Recorded and Submitted By: Gloria Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed By: Vernon Tam, Chair

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