Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 21, 2012 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for March 21, 2012 Meeting
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Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2012
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Vernon Tam called the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 (Board) meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with an established quorum of six (6) members present. Note – This 11 member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present – Lyle Bullock, Paul Hoe, Abigail Leong, John Perez, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, Vernon Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent – Russell McGuire, Lisa Shorba, and Jonathan Young.

Vacancies – There are no vacancies at this time.

Guests – Lieutenant Allan Nagata (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Lester Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department); Tim Steinberger (Mayor’s Representative); Director Wayne Yoshioka, Mark Kikuchi, Kelly Cruz, Chris Sayers (City Department of Transportation Services); Russell Kokubun (Governor’s Representative); Representative Barbara Marumoto; Representative Mark Hashem; Councilmember Stanley Chang; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Karen Yorimoto, and Shelly Tamang (Councilmember Kobayashi’s Office); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Lydia Chock (Leahi Hospital); Joy Gold and Dean Okimoto (Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Derna Gray (Diamond Head Theatre); Hesh Goldstein (Health Talk); Randall Mau; Crystal Atkins; Randy Steiner; Ann Sakuma; Caron Wilberts, Cheryl Costa; J. Park; Christopher Walling; Deanna Helber; S. Sonoda; Willie Iaela; Glenn Yamasaki; Catherine Hughes; Gordon Tam Peter and Carla Aielllo; Anthony Pangan; Chad Taniguchi; a number of residents did not sign in; and Theona Kapoi (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lieutenant Nagata highlighted the following:

· February 2012 – Included 27 burglaries, 1 robbery 38 thefts, and 11 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).

· Safety Tip – This month’s safety tip is related to pedestrian safety. Please keep in mind pedestrians and motorists alike have to be mindful of the roadways. More safety tip information can be found online at www.honolulupd.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Crime Offense Differences – Lieutenant Nagata noted that he would speak with the resident on the side regarding various crime offenses.

2. Unusual Incidents – It was noted that there were no unusual incidents to report at this time.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Captain Hashimoto highlighted the following:

• February 2012 Statistics – There were no major or unusual incidents to report.
• Cooking Fire Safety Tip – Although cooking at home can be a fun activity, please adhere to the following fire safety tips to avoid accidents in the kitchen: 1) Do not leave cooking food unattended. If leaving the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the heat and take something to remind you of the stove; 2) Do not become distracted; 3) Keep ignitable items at least three feet away from the range top; and 4) Learn how to use an ABC-rated fire extinguisher and keep it near the kitchen.
• Building Identification Fire Safety Tip – Building identification is critical for emergency responders to quickly identify the correct location. Due to several inquiries, the following information is being provided: 1) House numbering requirements from the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH), Chapter 2, Section 9.2(d) (2) are as follows: “All numbers shall be placed in such manner as to be readily seen from the street, roadway or lane, shall be of different color from the background on which they are placed, and shall be at lease two inches in height. The number shall be placed in a permanent manner, chalk or other effaceable material not being permitted”; 2) Requirements from the Fire Code of the City and County of Honolulu (ROH Chapter 20, 1997 Uniform Fire Code, Section, 901.4.4) are as follows: “Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.”

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

• Charter Amendment – A resolution proposed by the Honolulu City Council (12-25) seeks to amend to the Revised City Charter to transfer the powers, duties, and functions of BWS to a Department of Water Supply under the Executive Branch of the City of the City and County of Honolulu. BWS does not support this resolution. Under the Department’s existing semi-autonomy, operations are funded by water rates and are solely used for the benefit of the water system. These monies are not diverted to other non-waterworks uses. BWS does not receive funds from property taxes. For more information please call the BWS Communications Office at 748-5041.
• Upcoming Xeriscape Garden Workshops – Workshops at BWS’s Halawa Xeriscape Garden are geared toward community education about how to conserve water outdoors. Upcoming workshops include: March 17th – Unique Container Gardening, March 24th – Rain Barrel Catchment, March 31st – Decorate an egg the Xeriscape way, and April 7th – User Friendly Compost.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Charter Amendment – It was noted that Councilmember Kobayashi introduced the Charter Amendment.

PUBLIC INPUT AND CONCERNS:

Kaimuki Parking Lot – Concern was raised about the Kaimuki Parking Lot between the 76 Service Station and DOE Food Service Building and a private company being able to use the parking lot as a staging area to dump about 20 dumpsters from the surrounding restaurants. They begin dumping anywhere between 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. It was questioned if 1) they are allowed to do so that early in the morning; 2) they are allowed to use the parking lot as a staging area; and 3) what can be done if they do not clean the rubbish what was dropped/fell out of the dumpster?

Ward Rafters – Concern was raised by a resident regarding the donations being given to the residents of Ward Rafters. It was questioned if the settlement between Ward Rafters and the City will be enforced.

Traffic Light – A resident commented that Kaimuki has waited for a traffic light at Kilauea and 18th Avenues and requested that the traffic light remain in place.

Queen Liliuokalani School – There will be a Kanikapila on April 12, 2012, 4-6pm, to celebrate what would have been 100 years since the school opened.

Repaving Roadways – Concern was raised regarding the repaving of side streets in the Kaimuki area. Particularly, a resident wanted to know if there was a time table for when the Wilhelmina Rise area will be repaved.

February 15, 2012 Minutes – Concern was raised about the wording of the February 15, 2012 minutes relating to Mayor’s Representative Tim Steinberger’s report. Steinberger noted that he will work with the Board to relay a better worded comment.

OLD BUSINESS:

Kilauea Avenue and 18th Avenue Intersection – City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Wayne Yoshioka introduced DTS Staff members Kelly Cruz, Mark Kikuchi, Craig Chun, Jack Patterson, and Chris Sayers. Director Yoshioka noted that DTS wanted to focus on a short term temporary solution to the traffic signal at Kilauea and 18th Avenues. Mark Kikuchi made a presentation about the intersection noting that the temporary solution would include Qwick kurbs and delineators. The delineators will make the road appear to be narrowing at the intersection keeping motorists in the middle of the lane instead of veering to the right.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Slope Adjustment – Director Yoshioka reminded the board that this was a temporary solution. Kilauea Avenue is eligible for federal funding and in the long term it is a possibility that the slope may be adjusted. Again, the purpose of the delineator is to for the driver on the level section of the road. Confining motorists between the delineators will naturally have them slow down. This will be a more immediate effect for the safety of the intersection.

2. Signal Timing – It was noted that signal timing of the intersection may be adjusted to treat both ways as equals.

3. 16th Avenue Crosswalk – It was noted that DTS will look at all options when adding an additional crosswalk.

4. Speed Monitor – DTS will look into the request to place a speed monitor on Kilauea Avenue.

Harding Avenue Left-Hand Turning Lanes at 5th and 11th Avenues Update – Kelly Cruz noted that 70 percent of the work at the Harding and 5th Avenue intersection is complete. The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and Hawaiian Telcom will be relocating their poles and the project is scheduled to be completed by June 2012.

Traffic Light at Harding Avenue and 12th Avenue Update – Kelly Cruz requested the patience of all residents. Due to the surrounding area construction, an accurate traffic study cannot be completed. After construction is completed, a better determination of a traffic signal for the said location will be determined.

Proposed Bicycle Lanes and Waialae Avenue Rehabilitation Update – Chris Sayers presented information to the board regarding a proposed bike lines on Waialae Avenue. It was noted that the plan is expected to be completed by the summer of 2012, Waialae Avenue is a priority 1 project in the plan and the main goal is to connect existing bikeways. Connecting the bikeways will be done through a bike box at St. Louis Drive and Waialae; a bike lane on St. Louis Drive; Dole Street will have sharrows and bike lanes; and at the east end, Waialae Avenue will connect to the bike lanes on Kalanianaole Highway.

It was noted that the on-road study took place on September 20-22, 2011. One lane was closed and no PM contraflow was used during those days. The study showed that the absence of the PM contra-flow did not have a significant impact to traffic. The study also showed that the loss of one lane had an impact to traffic in the AM peak hour. The main problem was between 5th and 6th Avenues due to school drop offs to Sacred Hearts Academy. It was also noted that the City will not be removing any parking stalls between 7th and 11th Avenues.

NEW BUSINESS:

Danger of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and Monsanto’s Roundup Pesticide – Hesh Goldstein of the K-108 radio show Health Talk relayed his opinion of why residents should say no to GMO’s. Goldstein noted that the four major GMO plants include soy, corn, canola, and cotton. It was noted that some say GMO’s are the answer to world hunger. It was commented that if GMO food is so good, then why are pesticide companies trying hard not to have them labeled. It was noted, that for people to stay healthy, they need to stay away from GMO foods and in order to do so they need to be labeled. Goldstein thanked the Board and the community for the opportunity to speak.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Farmer’s Market Proposal – Carol Hoshiko noted that KCC has been working with the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF) to have a second farmer’s market day on campus. The original plan was to have the farmer’s market on Sunday, however after further consideration, a better day and time to have it may be on a Monday or Tuesday evening. Dean Okimoto, President of HFBF noted that the collaboration with KCC has been great. Part of the receipts from the farmer’s market goes to KCC scholarship funds. The extra farmer’s market day will be given a pilot run for about four months. Joy Gold of HFBF noted that the weekday farmer’s market will be smaller as compared to the Saturday market. The set up will be slightly different and HPD will still assist with monitoring traffic.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Shuttle Busses – It was suggested that there be shuttle busses for the elderly that live in the area. Some times it is difficult to get to KCC. It was noted that KCC has looked in to a delivery service for surrounding neighbors.

2. Public Meeting – On April 6, 2012 there will be a meeting at KCC to better inform the public about KCC’s plans to temporarily include an extra farmer’s market day during the week.

3. Popularity – It was noted that several Waikiki Trolleys are currently taking tourists to the farmers market. HFBF has been discussing the possibility of a shuttle directly from Waikiki to KCC, but no plans have been finalized.

Conversion of Former Queen Lili’uokalani School – A representative or report was not available.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Traffic Study – Concern was raised about the increase in traffic due to the conversion of the school. It was questioned if a traffic study will be done.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor Peter Carlisle’s Representative – Tim Steinberger highlighted the following:

· Queen Liliuokalani School – It was noted that the School is properly zoned for public use.

· Ward Rafters – It was noted that the complaints for this establishment have been an ongoing issue. City inspectors have gone to the establishment and have not witnessed any violations. The City will continue to monitor the establishment.

· Budget – All City departments are going through the budget process with City Council.

· Department Presentations – It was noted that if the Board would like a presentation to be done, the request needs to come from the Chair, as the Chair sets the agenda.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· City Council Bills – It was noted that the City Council has recently adopted a few Bills, including allowing food trucks to remain in one area for a maximum of three hours.

· BWS Charter Amendment – Councilmember Kobayashi noted that this Bill was introduced because BWS had a surplus of $80 million. It was questioned as to why there was a need for the water increase when there is a surplus. This Bill was meant to start discussions and now everyone is getting answers from BWS..

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Dog Food Expiration Dates – Concern was raised about the need for placing expiration dates on pet food. It was commented that the State Department of Health or the Hawaiian Humane Society may be a better means of getting an answer for that concern.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Councilmember Chang distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· Resolution 12-25 – Councilmember Chang introduced Resolution 12-25 which establishes a policy to ensure that Honolulu’s city roads are well maintained and provide the most cost efficient program for resident tax payers. This resolution was adopted by the Honolulu City Council on February 15, 2012.

· Newsletter – Councilmember Chang’s report includes updates various projects around the area.

· City Parking Lots – It was commented that all City parking lots, with the exception of employee parking lots will be transferred from the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) to DTS.

· City Council Bills – Bills currently being heard by City Council include the department budgets and the banning of non-biodegradable plastic bags.

Governor Neill Abercrombie’s Representative – Russell Kokubun reported the following

· Race to the Top – Also met with the United States Secretary of Education Terry Duncan about the “Race to the Top” and reaffirmed our state’s commitment in fulfilling the “Race to the Top” bench mark for education.

· Driver License Requirements – New State identification requirements have been implemented for Hawaii Drivers’ Licensing. For more information, go to www.hawaii.gov/dot.

· Internet Test – Go to www.hawaiispeedtest.net to participate in a test with internet and broadband in the State. The more people logging on, the more data will be collected. Use personal computers, cell phones, etc.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Street Lights – Kokubun will follow up as to why the State is replacing the traffic signal lights at Waialae and 21st Avenues.

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

Representative Calvin Say – A representative was not present. A report was available.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto distributed a newsletter. She noted that the Hawaii Department of Education is looking to use Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School as administrative offices, but will wait to see what happens.

Representative Scott Nishimoto – A representative or report was not available.

Representative Mark Hashem – Representative Hashem distributed a report and was available for questions. Representative Hashem commented that the State may be replacing the traffic signal lights due to light pollution.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Tam deferred the approval of minutes until further clarification can be made regarding a section of the February 15, 2012 minutes.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Yamada reported a starting balance of $2,264.00 and a remaining balance of $1,830.36 after printing and postage of Board meeting minutes and agendas. The report was filed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Next Meeting – The next regular meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at the Kaimuki Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

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

Submitted by:
Theona Kapoi
Neighborhood Commission Office

Reviewed by:
Vernon Tam, Chair
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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