Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 19, 2011 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 19, 2011 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINTUES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2011
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) members present. This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and take official Board action.

Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Abigail Leong (appointed this meeting), Russell McGuire (appointed this meeting), John Perez, Sharon Schneider, Lisa Shorba (arrived 7:08 p.m.), Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, Lori Yamada (arrived 7:10 p.m.), and Jonathan Young.

Members Absent: None.

Vacancies: There are no vacancies at this time.

Guests: Joan Shinn (Representative Barbara Marumoto’s Office staff), S. Sonoda, Darrell Young; Lt. Carl Thorstad and Officer Mark Mitchell (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Yonamine and Eric Leung (Lyon Associates); Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi’s Office staff), Candace Van Buren (Representative Scott Nishimoto’s Office staff), Acting Capt. Mike Bunner (Honolulu Fire Department), Cheryl Jones, Kathy Higa, Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital), Julia Allen, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Caron Wilberts, Cheryl Costa, Councilmember Stanley Chang, Representative Calvin K.Y. Say, 30 or more residents who did not sign in, and Gloria J.P. Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

At 7:08 p.m., Member Shorba arrived; eight (8) members present.

FILLING OF VACANCY: Chair V. Tam announced the two vacancies and the following residents volunteered.

Subdistrict 1 (East Kaimuki and Business District) – Member Schneider nominated Abigail Leong to Subdistrict 1 vacancy. There being no other nominations or objections, Abigail Leong WAS APPOINTED UNANIMOUSLY to Subdistrict 1, 8-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

Subdistrict 3 (West Kaimuki) – Member Bullock nominated Russell McGuire to Subdistrict 3 vacancy. There being no other nominations or objections, Russell McGuire WAS APPOINTED UNANIMOUSLY to Subdistrict 3, 8-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

A short recess was called and the Oath of Office was administered by Neighborhood Assistant Gloria Gaines; 10 members present.

At 7:10 p.m., Member Yamada arrived; 11 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Officer Mark Mitchell reported the following:

· Statistics for October 2011 – Included 25 burglaries, 66 thefts, and 17 unauthorized entries to a motor vehicle.

· Pedestrian Safety – Information on pedestrian safety was also attached.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Burglary – Lt. Carl Thorstad explained that a burglary is an unlawful entry to a building or residence.

2. Robbery – A robbery is a crime against a person and done directly on the person, using physical force when taking property from the person.

3. Extortion – Extortion threatens the reputation of a person or person’s property. The person may threaten to harm your property and then harm you later.

4. UEMV1 – It is a felony is when someone breaks into a vehicle and commits a crime against a person or its property. It could be either reaching into the vehicle to punch somebody or break in and take something from inside the vehicle.

5. UEMV2 – It is a misdemeanor when some unlawfully enters a vehicle through the passenger seat or back seat.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Capt. Mike Bunner reported the following:

· Statistics for October 2011 – Included 4 structure, 2 wildland, and 2 vehicle fires; 100 medical emergencies and 30 miscellaneous calls for service. No major or unusual incidents were reported.

· Visible House Numbers – Fire, building, United States 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 HFD to quickly locate your house in an emergency. If property is difficult to locate and/or access, provide additional information to 911 and assist them in locating your property.

· Fireworks Regulations – Consumers may only purchase firecrackers and must apply for a permit to set off firecrackers no less than ten days prior to the event. Permits will be available at Satellite City Halls. It is unlawful for any persons having the custody or control of any minor to permit the minor to set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firecrackers. For questions, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 723-7162.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported the following:

· Safety and Security at BWS Properties and Facilities – BWS would like to remind everyone that should you see anything suspicious activity occurring at BWS facilities, please call the HPD first at 911. After contacting the police, community may give a follow up call to BWS’s Security Office at 748-5911.

· Concern – Member Perez explained his personal experience with check free payment when paying his water bill.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS: There were no public input and concerns.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kaimuki Community School for Adults – Principal Randal Tanaka provided members with a copy of the Kaimuki Community School for Adults Proposal for Self-Sufficiency packet that was sent to State Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. Adult education is no longer part of the State’s budget. Principal Tanaka received support from elected officials. This proposal is based on the increase of tuition and fees of all classes and will generate sufficient revenue to sustain the adult education program to a level of 100 percent self-sufficiency. The proposal is currently being discussed by the State Department of Education.

· Services – Services include adult basic education, adult secondary education, English for Speakers of other languages, English Literacy/Civics, Workplace Education, Family Literacy, and Life Long Learning classes.

· English – Register for the English as second language class is from Saturday, January 7, 2012 to Thursday, January 29, 2012 at the Kaimuki and Kaiser Community School for Adults. Cost is $20 enrollment fee and textbook fee.

Recent Traffic Fatality and Review of Safety at Intersection of Kilauea and 18th Avenue – Chair V. Tam informed that City Department of Transportation Services Director Wayne Yoshioka will not be present at tonight’s meeting but will make a presentation at the January 2012 Board meeting and urged residents to also be in attendance. Over 30 residents wearing pink shirts, in memory of 18 year old Tayler Pangan-Fergerstrom, who was involved in a fatality at the Kilauea and 18th Avenue intersection, were present. The Board was interested hearing possible solutions to the safety of that intersection. Chair V. Tam asked that residents introduce themselves and express their concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Light – Resident Ling Cordova spoke to the Kaimuki Middle School principal and found that the school did a traffic study because children were getting hit by motorists at the 18th Avenue intersection and a traffic light was installed. She felt the study should have considered what happens after the school hours. Night time, wet road conditions, inexperienced drivers coming down the hill are factors that should have been addressed at that intersection before putting in the traffic light.

2. Possible Options – After speaking to residents, Ms. Cordova stated making the traffic light a four-way stop at a certain time possibly with a timer at 7:00 p.m. To deter speeding, adding speed wide bumps with visual lines be installed further down Kilauea Avenue at 18th, 19th, and 20th Avenues. Another option was to make the Kilauea Avenue hill a one way street going uphill.

3. Accidents – Ms. Cordova has photos of seven major accidents. One accident involved her vehicle which was parked two blocks from the 18th Avenue intersection.

4. Tayler Pangan-Fergerstrom – Parents, grandparents and other family members and friends expressed their concerns for improving the safety for drivers and pedestrians at 18th a Kilauea Avenue intersection.

5. Councilmember Stanley Chang – Councilmember Chang stated the City is currently doing a traffic study of that areal

6. 18th Avenue – A concern was why is the surface road on 18th Avenue not smoothened out?

7. Signage – Chair V. Tam stated there are three pedestrian crossing signs, but no signs indicating that the road gets slippery when it rains. Also there is no sign indicating caution to drivers about the road conditions.

Member L. Tom shared his experience driving down Kilauea Avenue on Monday, October 31, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. After that detailed experience, Member L. Tom moved and Perez seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 asks the City Department of Transportation Services to remove the traffic lights at the intersection of Kilauea and 18th Avenues and return the intersection to a four-way stop. A discussion followed. The gavel was returned to V. Tam and resumed as Chair. The MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 10-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Leong, McGuire, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada, and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None). At this time, Chair V. Tam relinquished his Chair position, handed the gavel to Vice Chair Schneider, and stated DTS might not do anything if the motion is not within principles. As a Board member, argued that the motion will indicate to DTS that the Board wants something done at that intersection. Further reminded DTS will argue if they find the motion to be ill-founded or do not fit the design and construction; but will need to come up with a solution. Residents were reminded the next Board meeting will be third Wednesday, January 18, 2012.

Concerns with Homeless “Taking Up Residence” at 10th Avenue Underpass and Kaimuki Recreation Center, Obstructing use of Sidewalk and Facility Respective – Deferred.

Slope Stabilization Project in Kaimuki – City’s Department of Design and Construction engineer Mike Yamasaki presented a visual display of the slope stabilization project on Sierra Drive involving a potential rock fall mitigation improvement. Driving up Sierra Drive, on the right side are slopes that are close to the road, where there is potential for a rock slide. The area of concern is about 26 feet.

· Design – Shockcrete will be used on the lower portion of the slope for stabilization. Installation of a chained-link fence will prevent rocks from falling onto the road. This would be similar to the Waimea Bay reinforcement fence. The fence will be 10 feet high. Clearing of slopes will be done to break up any loose rocks. No landscaping is required.

· Notification – Property owners will receive a notice of construction of Sierra Drive.

· Traffic Control – During construction the mauka lane will be closed. Cones will be used with a flag man at both ends of the traffic control.

· Time Frame – Bids for the project will be March/April 2012. Construction will follow in June/July 2012.

Mr. Yamasaki will keep Mayor’s Representative Steinberg informed of the projects development.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s Representative – Tim Steinberger state The DTS was unable to respond to last month questions due to the APEC Conference but will be answered at the January 2012 Board meeting. Mr. Steinberger reported on the following:

· Post APEC – Mr. Steinberger acknowledged HPD for the outstanding work done during APEC. Protestors were handled differently from other states. HPD approached protestors and asked them how we can help to get your message out but still stay within the law. During this time, changes such as closing bus routes by DTS and changing the trash pick up schedule by ENV so that trucks would be off the main roads.

· Irrigation Sub Meter – A new policy allows residents to install an irrigation sub meter to monitor the water used for watering plants and if your irrigation meets the 18 percent allowed for the property size, you may qualify for a credit to monthly bill. Have a licensed plumber sketch irrigation plan and install the sub meter. A copy of this policy was made available to residents. The cost of the meter depends on the size of the property.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Gray Water – It was mentioned whether there is a policy regarding the use of gray water for irrigation. There are too many issues with the use of gray water for irrigation.

2. Rain Water into Sewers – It is an ongoing challenge trying to keep rain water out of the sewer system and is a nationwide problem. A lot of the water comes from an “inflow” system which is water coming from the downspouts, or yard spouts being uncapped to drain the water from the yard, or when an intersection is flooding the manhole is opened to drain the water on the road. There is an increase of “inflow” during heavy rainstorms.

3. Bougainvillea Bush – Member Leong raised a concern about the overgrown bougainvillea bush at 709 12th Avenue making it difficult to walk on the sidewalk.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Karin Yorimoto provided members with a report and was available for questions.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Councilmember Chang reported the following:

· Kilauea Avenue Traffic Calming Measures – A sign up sheet was circulated to be included on the mailing list for traffic calming measures on Kilauea Avenue.

· Sub Meter Requirements – A flyer explaining the irrigation sub meter requirements were made available to residents. ENV is now allowing a licensed plumber to install the sub meter for irrigation. Councilmember Chang acknowledged ENV for their efforts of lowering the sewer rates for residents.

· APEC Conference – Councilmember Chang extended his appreciation to all the volunteers who came to help with the APEC Conference from picking up trash at Waikiki to working at an APEC event. The conference was successful and negotiations went smoothly. Crime was down during APEC. Zero HPD absences. Fewer traffic complaints despite the large traffic impact. Also, with liberal visas we would see an increase in Chinese tourists.

· Public Works and Sustainability Committee – The City has taken an inventory of all the conditions of the roads from Salt Lake to Hawaii Kai, took photos, and graded them with a score between a zero and 100.

· Use of City Park Facilities – Groups will now be charged a $15.00 an hour fee for using park facilities. Although this rule has always been on the books, the Department of Parks and Recreation will begin enforcing this rule against all organizations currently using the parks.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Chinese Tourist – Chair V. Tam stated for people seeking a tourist visa must be interviewed by the United States Consulant and is required to have $42,000 in their bank of China so that they can guarantee they can return home. The Chinese have no such requirement for American tourist going to China. The situation is not reciprocated. This is another means that stands in the way for Chinese coming to Hawaii.

2. Waialae Avenue Sidewalk – Member L. Tam would like to contact person of the Waialae Avenue Resurfacing Project. He raised a concern about Keanu Street, 17th Avenue, Ekaha and Hoku Streets. This area has no sidewalks, and each time the road is resurfaced the height of the road is increased and would rather they reduce the height. For the last 40 years, the road went up 10 to 12 inches.

3. Use of Park Facility – Member Schneider raised a concern about how the use of park facilities could also be available for community events.

4. Kapalono Field – Member Leong raised concerns about the all the entrances to Kapalono Field are blocked by parked cars attending sporting events. Also, following all sporting events, there are groups of people that continue to stay at the park and illegally drink alcohol.

5. Reapportionment – The Reapportionment Commission accepted the map proposed. Kaimuki was not affected and remains in Councilmember Chang district. However, some changes affected Councilmember Kobayashi’s district.

Senator Les Ihara – A representative or report was not available.

Representative Calvin K.Y. Say – Representative Say provided members with a report and highlighted the following:

· Seasonal Influenza – Representative Say’s report mentioned general facts about the flu and were made available to residents.

· APEC Conference – Representative Say informed of the APEC Conference related activities.

· Budget – If Federal monies do no arrived, there may be more budget cuts during next year’s legislation. If there is a Federal five percent cut of two billion, this would be $100 million of lost revenue to the State.
Representative Barbara Marumoto – A report was submitted.

Representative Scott Nishimoto – Candace Van Buren provided members with a report and was available for questions.

Representative Mark Hashem – A representative or report was not available.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Yamada moved and Bullock seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the October 19, 2011 regular meeting minutes with corrections. The MOTION WAS ADOPTED, 11-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, Leong, McGuire, Perez, Schneider, Shorba, L. Tam, V. Tam, Yamada and Young; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None). The corrections are as follows:

· On Page 3, above ELECTED OFFICIALS, delete “At this time a resident stated”.

· On Page 4, Mau`umae Nature Park Lookout, 3rd line, correct “20111” to read “2011”. Also add last sentence, “The 2011 appropriation for this year’s payment on the debt is over $335 million dollars.”

· On Page 4, City Debt, 2nd line, delete “million” and replace with “billion”.

· On Page 4, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, should be “Karen Yorimoto” not “Karin Yonemori”.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Deferred.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair V. Tam announced the following:

· Recess December, 2011 – The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board will be in recess during the month of December, 2011.

· Next Meeting – The next meeting will be Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned 9:05 p.m.

Submitted By: Gloria J.P. Gaines, Neighborhood Assistant

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