Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 21, 2012 Meeting

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship#KaimukiHawaii

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for November 21, 2012 Meeting
Tweet

Next meeting is 1/16/2013- Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2012
LIHOLIHO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. with a quorum of eight (8) members present. Note – This 11 member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Lyle Bullock, Jr., Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Abigail Leong, Russell McGuire, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Members Absent: Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano and John Perez.

Vacancies: There is one (1) vacancy in Sub-district 3 (West Kaimuki).

Guests: Lieutenant Carl Thorstad and Officer Chad Yamada (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Kobayashi’s Office), Lydia Chock, Fran and Gordon Lee, Micah Munekata (Councilmember Stanley Chang’s Office), State House Speaker Calvin Say, S. Sonoda, Fred Pablo (Governor’s Representative/State Office of Taxation), Representative-Elect Bertram Kobayashi, Kahele Porter, Director Tim Steinberger (Mayor’s Representative/Department of Environmental Services), and Leland Ribac (Neighborhood Commission Office).

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Chair Bullock opened the floor for nominations or volunteers to fill the one (1) vacancy in Sub-district 3 (West Kaimuki). There were no nominations or volunteers at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): A representative was not present; the company statistics report was later provided to the Neighborhood Commission Office by Fire Fighter Jay Shimabuku.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Carl Thorstad reported;

· October 2012 Crime Statistics: Included 14 burglaries, 1 robbery, 29 thefts and 16 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV).

· Home Security Tips: If your home is broken into, do not enter as the perpetrator may still be inside; use a neighbor’s phone to call police; do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence; write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles; note the descriptions of any suspicious persons; if you encounter someone that broke into your home, do not try to apprehend them.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Community Issues: Communities have their own baseline of concern calls. In the Kaimuki area, calls relate to speeding noise, suspicious persons, and motor vehicle collisions. Business owners call to report thefts. Bicyclists were reported out riding between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

1. Loud Mopeds: Officers receive numerous calls regarding loud mopeds, but when the responding officer arrives the moped riders are gone. Providing a description of the rider and color of the moped will assist officers. However, if a rider with a loud moped is stopped in the future a citation is issued.

1. Vehicle Safety: An investigation was conducted regarding vehicles illegally blocking driveways and trash cans blocking the sidewalk. Officers spoke with the homeowner about the violations. No trash cans were observed blocking the sidewalk. Citations may be issued after one warning if not in compliance.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller provided the monthly report and highlighted;

· Main Break Report: There were no main breaks reported in October.

• New Billing System and Online Service Options: BWS will be switching to a new customer billing system in January 2013. In conjunction with the new billing system, BWS will be providing an online customer service option through www.boardofwatersupply.com. Online bill viewing, paperless billing and electronic service request forms are now available. A significant change is that water and sewer bills will be sent monthly for more timely information and all customers will be given new account numbers.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Bill Payments: It was questioned and clarified that those without a computer may use one at a public library or choose to mail in the payment.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION:

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Hoe moved and McGuire seconded the approval of the October 17, 2012 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY, 8-0-0 (Ayes: Bullock, Hoe, Kang, Leong, McGuire, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada.)

· Page 1: Guests: Replace ‘Lieutenant Alan Nagato’ with ‘Lieutenant Alan Nagata’.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Schneider reported a previous balance of $898.44. Expenditures were $35.25 for printing and postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a current balance of $863.19. The report was filed.

Board Action Items for the Upcoming Year: Chair Bullock noted several Board issues that may come before the Board in the upcoming year including the rehabilitation of Waialae Avenue; Complete Streets Update; HPD road rules for pedestrians, cars, and bicyclists; sewer/water system update.

PUBLIC INPUT:

Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW): It was questioned and clarified that several Kaimuki areas have a NSW program. It was also noted that Neighborhood Board members may choose to involve themselves in a NSW, but are not obligated to do so. Community members may also choose to volunteer if they want to.

Senior Recruitment: A community member suggested senior residents be recruited to ‘stand watch’ in the community. It was noted to contact HPD Officer Yamada for information on recruiting seniors to be on watch as children walk to and from their homes to school.

Bicyclist Fees: It was questioned and noted that there is a one time fee of $15.00 to register new bicycles; and no registration required for used bicycles. A community member suggested bicyclist fees be raised for more income.

Trash Bins: Residents may call the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) at 768-3486 to report trash bin violations. An inspector will be sent out to investigate. It was noted that a person dumping trash into the stream was recently fined $2,000 by the City and will be fined by the State for violating the Clean Water Act.

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business at this time.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor’s Representative: Director Tim Steinberger reported;

· Update 10th Avenue Tree Assessment: The City Department of Urban Forestry (DUF) is unaware of pending tree assessments on 10th Avenue. It was asked that more details or a copy of the previous response be provided, so that DUF may properly investigate.

· Speed Limit Near Cole Academy: The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) investigated and found that Harding Avenue fronting Cole Academy has an established 25 miles per hour (mph) speed limit, which is in accordance with the City’s Traffic code. Another investigation by DTS found a missing ‘speed limit 25’ sign for Koko Head bound motorists approaching the Cole Academy. A work order will be issued to the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) by December 2012 to replace the sign.

· Kalani High School Junior Varsity Team/Kahala Park Field: The Junior Varsity Baseball Team is currently permitted to use the Kahala Community Park baseball field for practices. Issues previously discussed with Kalani High School Athletic Director have been taken care of.

· Bulky Items on Mahina Street: City refuse inspectors are currently identifying properties that prematurely setout bulky items for collection. Residents who place their bulky items curbside prior to their days of collection are provided educational brochures which include the collection schedule. City inspectors will be required to investigate complaints related to premature setout of bulky items by property owners. The inspector’s subsequent findings will determine if the property owner warrants a notice of violation.

· Replanting of Trees at the Bus Stop at Sierra Drive and Maunalani Circle: A dead shower tree was removed on October 23, 2012. The remaining shower tree has shown signs of recovery and will continue to be monitored by DUF. No replanting will be done at this location as DTS has requested that trees not be planted directly adjacent to bus stops as they interfere with the safety of passenger.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kaimuki Christmas Tree Parade: Concern was raised regarding the electrical work needed for the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was noted that the Mayor’s representative will ask if City electricians may be able to help. It was noted that in the past employees of the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) also helped.

2. Incomplete Sidewalks Located Near the 1200 Block of 16th Avenue: Recent repair work has been done in the area near the 1200 block of 16th Avenue; however, the two (2) remaining locations are blocked and incomplete, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roadway.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Councilmember Kobayashi provided her monthly report and highlighted;

· Thank You: The Councilmember thanked the Board and community members for their continued support throughout the years. The Councilmember was re-elected to her position during the November elections.

· Bike Lane Meeting: Councilmember Kobayashi attended a DTS meeting regarding bike lanes on October 29, 2012. The meeting highlighted the use of ‘sharrows’ or shared roads, and dedicated lanes.

· City Bus Service: Several complaints have been received regarding bus service in Palolo. The last bus run is at 10:20 p.m.; however, area workers end their shifts at 10:30 p.m. DTS is working on the issue. A member of the audience noted that seniors have a one and a half hour wait between buses.

Councilmember Stanley Chang: Micah Munekata distributed the Councilmember’s report and highlighted;

· Waialae Rehabilitation Project: The project will start next year with completion slated for October 2013.

· Crosswalk Re-striping: Concerns were raised regarding the lifespan of the re-striping at Waialae and 17th Avenues. According to the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the re-striping is temporary for now until the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) completed its work.

· The Oahu Bike Plan (OBP): The City’s Department of Transportation Services (DTS) recently shared its OBP with the Council Committee on Transportation. The plan is in the design phase.

Governor’s Representative: Fred Pablo reported the following:

· Lili`uokalani Elementary School Status: According to the State Department of Education (DOE), the contract for the proposed data center is out to bid and construction should start in the spring of 2013.

· Rat Infestation: DTS inspected the corner of 16th and Harding Avenues for rat infestation.

· Business and Information Technology: The Information Technology Transformation Plan, one of the key initiatives of the Governor’s New Day Plan was unveiled last month. The state has not significantly invested in technology for more than three decades. The 12-year roadmap leverages modern technologies and streamlines business processes to improve the delivery of government programs and services to the people of Hawaii.

· Solar Electricity Credits: There is a lack of clarity and confusion relating to the solar credits. Both State and Federal governments offer solar credits. Pablo explained that as of January 1, 2013 a solar system with 5-killowats output will be eligible for a $5,000 tax credit. Residents with more questions may visit the State Department of Tax’s website at www.hawaii.gov/tax.

Senator Les Ihara: Senator Ihara was present earlier in the meeting; however, had to leave.

House Speaker Calvin Say: Speaker Say distributed his monthly report and thanked the community for its support in his recent re-election. Within the next two-weeks Speaker Say will be meeting with the State departments to discuss their upcoming budgets. One main issue to focus on this coming Legislative Session is the Federal Fiscal Glyph. Important issues also include pensions and healthcare, as well as diversifying agriculture.

Representative Barbara Marumoto: No representative present, no report available.

Representative Mark Hashem: No representative present, no report available.

Representative Scott Nishimoto: No representative present, no report available.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: Recently elected Representative Kobayashi introduced himself and thanked the community for the support. The Representative provided the Board with his contact information and noted he looks forward to working with the Board. Chair Bullock noted he would include the representative on the agenda.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Several announcements were made at this time;

· Kaimuki Christmas Parade: Community members were encouraged to attend the Kaimuki Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

· Next Board Meeting: The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will be on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

Submitted By: Nola J. Frank, Neighborhood Assistant I; and Leland S.M. Ribac, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed By: Ryan Kagimoto, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed and Finalized By: Lyle Bullock Jr., Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item