Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (April 9, 2015)

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
Diamond Head, Kapahulu, Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (April 9, 2015)
Tweet

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Diamond Head / Kapahulu / Saint Louis Neighborhood Board No.5

hieu, to Lee Manfredi tomorrow, and to Bertha Naho'opi'i, too.

Members Present -- Julia Allen, Barbra Armentrout (departed at 8:47 p.m.), Lee Manfredi (departed at 8:47 p.m.), Victoria Mathieu, Michelle Matson (arrived at 6:51 p.m.), Barbara Miller (departed at 8:47 p.m.), Bertha Naho'opi'i, Bert Narita, Don Persons (departed at 8:46 p.m.), Laura St. Denis, Lance Takenaka (arrived at 6:37 p.m.), Bryn Villers, George Waialeale (arrived at 6:49 p.m.), and George West.

Members Absent -- Linda Wong.

Vacancies -- None.

Guests -- Senator Les Ihara, Jr., Senator Sam Slom, House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Kevan Wong (Representative Scott Nishimoto's Office), Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, Walea Constantinau (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Film Office), Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Firefighter Frank Johnson (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Harrison Kim Haw (Honolulu Police Department, District 6); Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department, District 7); Ron Borromeo (Board of Water Supply), Deputy Director Gary Kurokawa and Keith Yamashita (Department of Budget and Fiscal Services); Brent Imonen and Mahea Akau (Honolulu Ekiden); Carol Hoshiko (Kapi'olani Community College), Milly Ring, Daisy Murai, Ron Lockwood (McCully/Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board No. 8, Chair), Natalie Iwasa (Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board No. 1), and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CHAIR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Chair West welcomed and thanked all for attendance and participation.
Chair West announced that for those wishing to speak on items not on the agenda, to fill out a community concerns form at the front table and turn it into the Chair or Neighborhood Assistant.
Chair West reminded Board members that articles for the 2015 Newsletter are due to Secretary Victoria Mathieu by Monday April 20, 2015.

At 6:37 p.m. Lance Takenaka arrived at the meeting; 12 members present.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Firefighter Frank Johnson reported the following:

March 2015 Statistics -- There were 4 structure fires, 2 wildland, and 2 rubbish fires; 138 medical emergencies, 6 search/rescues, and 48 miscellaneous calls for service. There were no major incidences.
Fire Safety Tips -- Smoke alarms are a very important part of fire safety in the home. Statistics show that working smoke alarms in homes can substantially reduce the risk of fire deaths in residential fires. They alert occupants of smoke and fire 24 hours a day. HFD would like to increase the public's awareness of the importance of smoke alarms and encourages everyone to install a smoke alarm in each bedroom, sleeping area, and on every level in the home. The Smoke Alarms for Everyone (SAFE) Program's purpose is to install free smoke alarms and educate residents on fire prevention and the importance of testing and maintaining their smoke alarms. Approximately 3,620 smoke alarms have been installed in more than 785 homes since the program's inception in October 2008. HFD is planning another SAFE installation during the summer. Contact the Community Relations Office at 723-7167 if interested. Firefighter Johnson encouraged parents to teach kids about evacuation when the smoke alarms sound.

Comments followed:

1. Two (2) Recent Fires -- The two (2) recent fires are being investigated. Armentrout wanted more information: 732-7167.

2. Manfredi inquired if it was law to have fire alarms in every room. The answer was no; that is not required.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 6 -- Waikiki (Diamond Head) -- Lieutenant Harrison Kim Haw reported the following for Beat 662 -- Kapi'olani Park:

March 2015 Statistics -- There were 7 robberies, 17 burglaries, 184 thefts, and12unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV). In addition, there were 27 speeding, 590 parking, 6 loud muffler, and 245 park closure citations issued, and 5 park closure arrests. There were 4,231 total calls for service.
Safety Tips -- The tips were on pedestrian safety. Lieutenant Kim Haw advised drivers to slow down when approaching a crosswalk. On the sidewalk, pedestrians should face oncoming traffic.

Comments followed:

1. Police Parking Space -- Mathieu inquired as to whether or not police cars should be parked in the lanes on Kalakaua. Lieutenant Kim Haw answered for Mathieu that there are official police parking spaces on Kalakaua near the police substation, but officers are encouraged to use another space.

2. Second Avenue -- Lieutenant Kim Haw answered for Manfredi that Second Avenue falls within District 7.

3. Segways -- Lieutenant Kim Haw answered for Murai that Segways are legal in Waikiki. Murai was concerned that the Segways are silent on the sidewalks and Armentrout added that Segways should make noise for sight-impaired pedestrians. Lieutenant Kim Haw has spoken with the company and some people are frightened by the noise maker. In Waikiki, Lieutenant Kim Haw noted that Segways and bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalks. Lieutenant Kim Haw will again talk to the Segway rental company.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 7 (Kapahulu, St. Louis Heights) --Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane reported the following:

March 2015/February 2015 Statistics --There were 3/3 motor vehicle thefts, 6/8 burglaries, 21/40 thefts, a large reduction, and 4/7 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), and 6,299 total calls for service.
Safety Tips -- The safety tips were on pedestrian safety. Lieutenant Sukekane advised that when the red countdown signal comes on, then do not start crossing, but finish the crossing. HPD is warning people for now, but will begin issuing citations soon.

Comments followed:

1. Pedestrian Safety -- Villers wanted to increase the length of time to cross. Lieutenant Sukekane answered to call 911 and it will route the call to the right City or State agency.

2. Bulky Items -- Lieutenant Sukekane answered for Villers that enforcement is not by the HPD. St. Denis added that at her residence, a lock was put to secure the bulky item/refuse area. Lieutenant Sukekane answered that another City agency (Department of Environmental Services [ENV]) would handle enforcement.

3. Second Avenue Trash -- Lieutenant Sukekane answered for Manfredi that the State Department of Health (DOH) or Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) could handle the complaint.

4. Law on Making a Noise When Overtaking -- Armentrout quoted a section of the law, concerning making an audible noise, when overtaking (passing) a pedestrian.

At 6:49 p.m. George Waialeale arrived at the meeting; 13 members present.

At 6:51 p.m. Michelle Matson arrived at the meeting; 14 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Ron Borromeo reported the following:

Water Main Breaks -- There were no breaks in March 2015.
Free Educational Materials -- In support of the Neighborhood Commission Office's "Community for Keiki" month in April 2015, BWS is offering educational materials about Oahu's water resources, including activity and coloring books, water conservation flyers, watershed protection handouts, and the Water for Life booklet. These materials are available online at www.boardofwatersupply,com or call BWS at 748-5041 for more information.
From Last Month -- The BWS is responsible for the repair and maintenance of water meters and hydrants. Sidewalks are under the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM). For BWS, call 748-5000, ext. 2 or talk to Ron separately.

Comments followed:

1. Safety of the Water Table -- Narita was concerned about the safety of the water table in Waipahu. It was reported that while working on the rail system, the water table was punctured. Narita asked if this accident was a violation of karst federal regulation. Borromeo will follow up.

2. Fix the Lights -- Borromeo answered for Armentrout that BWS fixed the lights at the St. Louis Reservoir several times, but the fixture itself may need replacement. Borromeo will follow up, again.

3. Tropic Seas -- St. Denis reported that at the Tropic Seas Apartments the water pressure drops every time a new building goes up. Borromeo responded that the BWS is responsible up to the water meter. Building water pressure may be the responsibility of the property owner, but he will follow up.

4. Correspondence -- Chair West mentioned that he received correspondence from a law office, representing the BWS with a DVD of the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the work on eight (8) wells at the Kaimuki pumping station at Harding and Kapahulu Avenues and contact information.

COMMUNITY/RESIDENTS' CONCERNS

Kapi'olani Community College (KCC) -- Carol Hoshiko announced that KCC will be installing solar panels in the parking lot.

Military Assistance to Safety and Traffic (MAST) -- Narita mentioned that when the Zipper lane broke down on the H-1, emergency medical service was adversely affected. Narita asked if the MAST federal program will be re-instituted by the State or ignored. Chair West will get the concern to the State.

Chair West changed the order of the agenda.

Update on Hillside by City Mill -- Milly Ring reported that there is more erosion on the hillside. There is no netting, but now, there is a green slime on the bottom of the concrete. She will not do the adoption program mentioned last month, as the area is too steep and too dangerous. There was no green slime/sludge before. Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) will cut more trees. Ring will communicate with the DFM. Armentrout suggested getting a Request for Investigation and Response (RISR) from Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office. Matson suggested forming a working group. Chair West asked for a Subdistrict 1 person to follow up. Armentrout offered to follow up with Ring and DFM. St. Denis added that she is aware of spray-on seeds.

Chair West will keep this item on the agenda.

OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Governor David Ige's Representative -- No representative was present and no report was available. Chair West and Daisy Murai have sent e-mails to request a representative. At a thank you/mahalo party, Governor Ige heard the concern. Waialeale suggested asking Attorney General Doug Chin, who was the former Managing Director for the City. Chair West noted to wait for a response to the e-mails.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara was not present at this time and no report was available.

Senator Sam Slom -- Allen distributed Senator Slom's newsletter and Senator Slom reported the following:

Day 44 -- Senator Slom noted that today was the 44th day of 60 days for the Legislature, which ends on Thursday, May 7, 2015.
Budget -- The Governor's budget went to the House, then to the Senate, and then it will go to conference committee in two (2) weeks. The Senate Minority presented an alternate budget at www.HawaiianAlternativeBudget.com.
Hawaiian Hoary Bat -- The "Hoary Bat" bill passed the House. The mother of the Hoary bat bill is Board member Julia Allen. After Governor Ige signs the bill, the Hoary Bat will become the official State Land Mammal.
General Excise Tax (GET) Extension -- While some people may want the extension forever, the Senate wants a five (5) year extension. There was one (1) "no" vote.
Hawaii Health Connector -- After a two (2)-hour briefing, the Hawaii Health Connector requested $28 million to fund operation to June 30, 2015. Senator Slom voted no.
Purchase of Ali'i Place -- The State wants to purchase the Ali'i Place building for $90 to $100 million. Senator Slom voted no, as there were no details given and the Ali'i Place is 40% vacant.
Other -- Senator Slom invited everyone to visit Senator Slom's Office. Also, it may cost $10 billion to build rail to the University of Hawaii (UH).

House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say -- HSE Say distributed his newsletter and an Ala Wai Watershed document and reported the following:

Request for Investigation and Response (RISR) -- HSE Say shared a RISR from Councilmember Kobayashi for the St. Louis Heights telephone poles from 1309-1399 St. Louis Drive. The utilities are not responsible for the street lights.
Ala Wai Watershed Flood Mitigation-- HSE Say sponsored a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ala Wai Canal Project presentation on March 31, 2015. .
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Sale -- HSE Say shared an article about the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) allowing 28 groups to intervene in the HECO -- NextEra Energy sale.
Questioned Ali'i Place Sale -- HSE Say agreed with Senator Slom on questioning the Purchasing of Ali'i Place.

Comments followed:

1. State Department of Transportation (HDOT) Use Under Freeway -- HSE Say replied to Narita that the district under the freeway may belong to Representative Scott Nishimoto or Representative Bertrand Kobayashi, and he would have to defer to them regarding observed improvements.

2. Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) at the Kamamalu Building -- HSE Say replied to Narita that the State removed the asbestos, but Governor Ige will decide whether the State Department of Health (DOH) or the Department of Human Services (DHS) will use the building.

3. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Proposed Sale to NextEra -- HSE Say replied to Matson that he will rely on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to investigate, audit, and conduct financial analyses to determine what is best for the people of Hawaii. HSE Say also replied that he was frustrated that the House leadership failed to hear his Resolution to encourage the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider breaking up the monopoly first, and study Kauai's electric cooperative before any sale to NextEra.

4. Medical Marijuana Bill -- Senate Bill (SB) 682 -- HSE Say was concerned about the number of dispensaries and he preferred one (1) per county. HSE Say noted the negative side Colorado and Washington State legalizing marijuana. HSE Say asked where the control was and which doctors can give out the marijuana. HSE Say supports the House draft, but he does not know the Senate draft or what will come out of conference committee. HSE Say does not support a tax increase.

5. NextEra -- Senator Slom replied to Chair West that his office is working on an audit of the proposed sale and the comprehensive report will be available next month Senator Slom agreed with Matson that the numerous NextEra ads are slick and also noted the spokespeople were well coached.

Representative Scott Nishimoto -- Kevan Wong distributed Representative Nishimoto's newsletter and reported the following:

Town Hall Meeting -- Representative Nishimoto thanked everyone who attended the town hall meeting last month.
Street Repaving -- The Kapahulu Avenue repaving project is on time and on budget. The Date Street repaving project's topographical survey has been completed and it is presently in the design phase, with the bids expected to go out within the next few months for the street repaving.

Comments followed:

Restore to Original Roadwork -- Villers asked if the previous contractors will be paying to restore the damaged Date Street area road that they excavated but did not return to its original state. Wong will follow up.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi -- Representative Kobayashi reported the following:

Many Bills Have Died -- Representative Kobayashi mentioned that the Legislature has killed all but 400 bills and will kill 100 more. Bills can pass or fail in the last week.
Rail Tax Bill -- There are many positions on the number of years of the extension. Representative Nishimoto and Representative Kobayashi agreed with Senator Slom.
Result of 2015 Community Survey -- The most support for funding was for Grades K -- 12 Education at 52% and the least support for funding was for the Honolulu Rail at 66% opposed.
Pesticides/Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) -- The two (2) Agriculture Committee Chairs are split on Pesticides and GMOs, so there has been no movement on these measures.
NextEra Energy -- Representative Kobayashi talked with the investment banker who put together the Kaua‘i electric co-operative., who noted that a co-op project would not be possible on Oahu because the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative was funded by a Washington, D.C. organization that supports only rural electric projects. Therefore this funding would not be available for O‘ahu.

Comments followed: Medical Marijuana -- Villers asked why Representative Kobayashi supported medical marijuana in the finance committee given the tax concerns. Representative Kobayashi replied that now the legislators are focusing on dispensaries and production, but there are many moving parts of the bill and he does not know what will emerge.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Walea Constantinau distributed the City News March 2015 and reported the following:

88th Lei Day Celebration -- The Youth Hawaiian Lei Contest will be held at the Queen Kapiolani Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation will be accepting entries at the Lei Receiving booth at Queen Kapiolani Park, on May 1, 2015, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. There are different classes based on age group for judging.
Summer Fun Registration and Program -- The program period: June 12, 2015 -- July 24, 2015. For more information go to www.honoluluparks.com.
"Sew a Lei" for Memorial Day -- The Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) is now accepting donations of ti leaves. MOCA has a goal of 1,000 la`i lei. Collections begin on Wednesday, April 1 and ends Monday, May 18, 2015. Drop off donations to the MOCA office (second [2^nd] floor of Mission Memorial Building).

Age Friendly Cities Action Plan -- Over the past year, the city has been engaged in an effort called Honolulu's Age-Friendly City Initiative. This effort is supported by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, as well as the leadership and input from a Steering Committee and a Citizens Advisory Committee of over 80 representatives from public and private sectors. Through this process, an Action Plan was created, a comprehensive plan for transforming Honolulu's built environment and encouraging social involvement and healthy aging. We are now in the public comment phase. One can find the Action Plan on the website at www.kupunatokeiki.com. Read the Plan and submit written comments by Friday, April 24, 2015 to the University of Hawaii Center on Aging.
Project Graduation Grants -- There is one month left to apply for Project Graduation grants from the Honolulu Police Department. Project Grad celebrations are adult-supervised, alcohol-free and drug-free events held for high school seniors on their graduation night. HPD supports healthy, safe choices for young people and will provide up to $1,500 to pay for ground transportation expenses associated with Project Grad events. For more information, visit www.honolulupd.org. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 1, 2015.
Summer Fun Flyers -- Constantinau distributed Summer Fun flyers.

Concern Raised at the February 2015 Meeting

· Sushi Ginza's Valet Parking on Kapahulu -- According to Section 15-15.4 of the Traffic Code, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, unauthorized vehicles are prohibited from stopping, standing, or parking in a bus stop. As such, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) should be contacted whenever violations are observed. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) will also request HPD to patrol the bus stop fronting Sushi Ginza at Kapahulu Avenue and Winam Avenue.
· Possible User Fee for Drivers -- Board member Narita complimented the Mayor's Administration on its aggressive prioritization of road repaving. Narita noted that one of the funding sources for this is the gas tax and suggested a user fee instead of the gas tax to help stabilize the funding source. Mayor Kirk Caldwell proposed a modest gas tax increase which was rejected by the Honolulu City Council without hearing and is grateful to hear any and all community suggestions for ways to pay for maintaining and improving the City's aging infrastructure.
· Condition of Date Street: -- There were various projects. As for road repaving, this street is part of the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets Unit 74 project and is in the design stage. Construction is not scheduled to begin until a contractor is chosen and they obtain clearances and permits.
· Kapahulu Crosswalk near Safeway -- Villers commented that this mid-block crosswalk is dangerous and needs flashing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights or some other sort of device to warn motorists when pedestrians are in the crosswalk. DTS will be conducting an investigation, which may require research, site observations, and an analysis of the traffic history. Results of their findings will be submitted to the Board by October 2015.
· Termite-infested Trees on Pualei Circle -- Division of Urban Forestry (DUF) is looking at the trees in this area.
· Cost of Crosswalk Improvements at St. Louis Drive and Dole Street Intersection -- DTS will investigate and reply at the June 2015 meeting.
· Timetable on the Installation of Signs Prohibiting Bicycles on the Sidewalks in Kapahulu -- DTS will investigate and reply at the May 2015 meeting.

Comments followed:
1. Neighborhood Board Elections -- Elections will start on Friday, April 24, 2015 and continue to Friday, May 15, 2015. There will be two (2) walk-in locations at Kapolei Hale and at the Mission Memorial Building second floor, where computers will be set up. People can also vote by telephone. The Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) will mail out passcodes to voters with contested races. Miller pointed out that there are contested races for Subdistrict 1 and Subdistrict 3. The Candidates List and profiles are on the NCO website.

2. Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 -- Allen mentioned that at the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board the Mayor's Representative reported on a road repair project on St. Louis Drive. Constantinau noted that the Rehabilitation of Localized Streets, Phase 14B is on St Louis Heights. Constantinau will follow up on other concerns.

Chair West changed the order of the agenda.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. -- Senator Ihara mentioned that there were over 200 gubernatorial nominations, including the new Board of Land and Natural Resources Chair and court judges. Other issues including budget funding and the thirty meter telescope (TMT), which is involved in a court case and appeal.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Clifford Kaneshiro distributed Councilmember Kobayashi's newsletter and reported the following:

Committee Hearings -- Committee hearings were last week.
Full Council Meeting -- The full Council recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month and will be meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.
Honoring the late Senator Charles Campbell -- The Council honored and recognized the late Hawaii State Senator Charles M. Campbell for his participation alongside Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement.
Budget Committee Special Meeting -- A Special Meeting was held yesterday, Wednesday April 8, 2015 and the Budget Committee reviewed the City's Legislative, Executive Operating, and Capital Improvement Budgets.
Date Street -- Kaneshiro researched this issue and found two (2) RISRs in June 2014 and in November 2014. Both bids went out in 2015. Villers wanted to know who pays for the repaving the damaged road, back to its original state. Chair West will keep this item on the agenda.
Proposed Real Property Tax Rates for Next Fiscal Year -- Kaneshiro replied to Matson that no increases in the present residential tax rate are proposed.
Natatorium -- Kaneshiro will follow up for Armentrout on any bills about the Natatorium.
Happy Birthday -- Armentrout wished "Happy Birthday" to Councilmember Kobayashi tomorrow. Kaneshiro will pass the comments along.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Kurt Tsuneyoshi distributed Councilmember Ozawa's newsletter and reported the following:

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) Meetings on ‘Olelo -- Councilmember Ozawa is working to have the HART meetings broadcast on Olelo. The City Administration is agreeable to the proposal.
Budget -- The Full Council will meet on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

Comments followed:

1. Crosswalk -- St. Denis mentioned that former Councilmember Stanley Chang had helped start installing a crosswalk near the community garden. Tsuneyoshi will follow up.

2. Traffic Calming Devices on Leahi Avenue -- St. Denis also mentioned traffic calming devices on Leahi Avenue. Tsuneyoshi will follow up.

3. Meeting with Councilmember Ozawa -- Last month Persons had given contact information of the board chair of his condo so that he could meet with Councilmember Ozawa. Persons again gave the name and phone number.

PRESENTATIONS

Assessment Process, Protocols and Distribution -- Deputy Director Gary Kurokawa and Keith Yamashita from the Department of Budget and Fiscal Services (BFS) presented a PowerPoint presentation that covered the real property tax (RPT) formula (parcel value x tax rate = real property tax), the assessment timeline, the valuation process, classifications of assessments, mass appraisals, the assessment process, land dedication, and market modeling for residential properties.

· Property taxes contribute to thirty-five percent (35%) of the City's general fund.

· There are nine (9) classifications of assessments.

· Property taxes are calculated on fair market value within an assessment area.

· Market data and cost approaches are used for determining property value.

· Market modeling is a sales comparison approach used for neighborhoods, group developments and cluster housing.

· The assessment appraisers program the criteria and reconcile values by a market approach.

· All property values in the county are certified by February 1, and annual property assessments are developed by October 1 based on sales through June 30.

· The exemptions are not automatic and must be filed by September 30. There are 26 exemptions, including the home owner/occupant exemption.

· Appeals on assessments must be filed between December 15 and January 15 each year. Appeals average 1,500 to 2,000 parcels annually, around 1% of the total 290,000 parcels.

· Property owners' evidence and appeals are considered by a citizens review board. If the outcome remains unacceptable to the property owner, the appeal can be filed in the Tax Appeals Court for a judicial hearing.

· The county tax credit (CTC) program provides relief for households of $50,000 or less. More information can be found at www.realpropertyhonolulu.com.

At 8:35 p.m. Narita moved and Waialeale seconded to extend the meeting 10 minutes. As there were no objections, Chair West extended the meeting, 14-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, and West).

Deputy Director Kurokawa and Yamashita continued with mass appraisals and the "Bell curve." They explained that mass appraisals use valuation tables, schedules, and models equalized throughout the county, and are equitable and efficient.

Comments followed:

Matson, the Board's Property Tax Ad Hoc Committee chair, noted that a hard copy of the presentation would be helpful for the Committee's use, and commented on three (3) issues that stood out:

· Assessments of 100% of market value are taken from market data and actual cost approaches, being two different formulas; then a city appraiser programs the criteria and reconciles values by the market approach. This seems to place the division's appraiser in a subjective situation with some margin of error, and the Committee would like to know more about how such programming is done.

· The Real Property Tax Commission, whose final report dated November 20, 2014, states under 5.3, Improved Accuracy and Timeliness of Assessments, that the Commission recommends third-party appraisers for informed assessments, as well as use of comparable properties in the same neighborhood.

· Residents who appeal often receive "settlement offers" from the City, which leads to questions about the accuracy of the assessments and how many other residents who do not appeal continue to be over-assessed.

Miller asked about the veterans exemption. Deputy Director Kurokawa responded that there is a 100% exemption on real property taxes for veterans with 100% military disability verified by the Veterans Administration.

Chair West thanked Deputy Director Kurokawa and Yamashita for their presentation, and requested that they meet with the Board's Property Tax Ad Hoc Committee in the future to address additional questions. Chair West also asked that a copy of the PowerPoint presentation be provided to the Neighborhood Assistant for the Board's use.

Honolulu Ekiden Relay Run and Music Festival -- Brent Imonen announced that the Honolulu Ekiden Relay Run will be on Sunday, May 31, 2015, starting at 5:30 a.m. and he explained the route. Runners will be off the road by 11:30 a.m. There will be musical entertainment from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Three-fourths (3/4) of the participants will be local and the rest will be Japanese visitors.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of March 12, 2015 Regular Board Meeting Minutes -- Mathieu moved and Villers seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No 5 approves the March 12, 2015 regular meeting minutes, as submitted by the Neighborhood Assistant and reviewed by the Secretary. The motion was ADOPTED, 13-0-1 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, and West; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Matson).

Narita moved and Matson seconded to extend the meeting to 8:50 p.m. As there were no objections, Chair West extended the meeting, 14-0-0 (AYE: Allen, Armentrout, Manfredi, Mathieu, Matson, Miller, Naho'opi'i, Narita, Persons, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, and West).

Bills 81 and 82 Update -- Matson noted that a summary of concerns remaining from the April 2, 2015, City Council Zoning and Planning Committee hearing on Bills 81 and 82 had been sent to the Neighborhood Assistant to be distributed electronically to Board members. She highlighted the following:

There were discrepancies in the Waikiki Beach improvement district boundaries, with several Kapiolani Park parcels included in the Waikiki resort improvement district and affecting portions of the Kapi'olani Park Trust.
All were removed but one, and the remaining Kapiolani Park parcel was removed in response to community objections at the April 2, 2015, City Council Zoning and Planning Committee hearing. The Committee deferred to Councilmember Ozawa, the district councilmember and vice chair of this committee, for any amendments to Bill 82.
Remaining discrepancies include the Ala Wai Canal, Jefferson School, the Kapahulu Library, and lower Kapahulu Avenue. All are beyond the Waikiki resort district but continue to appear on the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District map as part of the Waikiki resort board's physical improvement district.
The summary of concerns also shows the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District map's encroachment into the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board District, which includes the mauka half of the Ala Wai Canal and the Kapahulu Library.
Bill 82 allows annexation of contiguous and non-contiguous territory into the Waikiki Beach improvement district.
Bill 82 also allows Waikiki Beach improvement district tax assessments to be levied on any City parcels within the new improvement district. These assessments will in turn be paid by island-wide property owners within the City and County of Honolulu, thus there should be public representation on these public tax assessment issues. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District improvement plan remains undefined.
The City Council Zoning and Planning Committee, which includes Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5 District, Councilmembers Kobayashi and Ozawa, has been unresponsive to the remaining concerns.
The final City Council meeting for hearing and decision-making on Bills 81 and 82 to establish the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District plan and its board, will be on Wednesday, April 22, 2015.

At 8:46 p.m. Persons departed the meeting; 13 members present.

At 8:47 Armentrout, Manfredi and Miller departed the meeting; 10 members present.

Mathieu moved and Matson seconded that the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No 5 requests that the Board be represented during the development of the Improvement District Plan. The motion was ADOPTED, 8-0-0 (AYE: Mathieu, Matson, Naho'opi'i, St. Denis, Takenaka, Villers, Waialeale, and West; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None). Two (2) Board members did not vote (Allen and Narita).

At 8:52 Armentrout returned to the meeting; 11 members present.

Embedded Crosswalk Lights Resolution -- Villers mentioned that DTS Director Formby received the resolution and the traffic engineers will look into it.

Signage, Bicycles on Sidewalk -- Armentrout mentioned that Director Formby will follow up.

Date Street Repairs -- Villers noted that this item was previously discussed.

Australian Red Gum or Red Bottle Brush Trees/Pualei Circle -- Linda Wong was not present. Constantinau will follow up.

Cutting of Trees Near City Mill -- Armentrout will head a subcommittee.

Pesticide Usage at Kapi'olani Park -- Matson reported that the Department of Parks and Recreation Division of Urban Forestry's administrator is open to discussing and considering alternatives to the Monsanto glyphosate herbicides presently sprayed around park picnic areas and trees.

Medical Marijuana -- Villers mentioned that the bill passed the House and will go to the Senate and conference committee.

2940 Winam Avenue Dumping -- Villers noted that the area was cleaned up, but another area has become a dump site. Villers will e-mail Chair West the location of the new site.

Sushi Ginza Restaurant Valet Parking -- Constantinau reported on this item.

Road Repaving Funding Sources -- Constantinau reported on this item.

Board Communications:

Pacific Resource Partnership -- Chair West commented that a letter was received from Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), which has a presentation inviting the Board to join them to help solve Hawaii's problems. The Board decided to decline the invitation.
Doris Duke Foundation -- Chair West went on a tour of the late Doris Duke's estate, "Shangri-La," which has been historically preserved by the Doris Duke Foundation, and recommended their presentation to the Board. The Board supported receiving the Doris Duke Foundation's presentation, and Chair West will schedule this for next month's meeting.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report -- Chair West mentioned that the Treasurer's report was distributed and thanked Villers for the report.

Subdistrict 1 (St. Louis Heights) -- Allen had no report. Narita pointed out that in March 2015 residents did not get their bulky items picked up. Also, there is a growing number of homeless people with bus passes at the park at the top of St. Louis Heights. Narita questioned who is paying for the bus passes and suggested that the City investigate. In addition, the Department of Land and Natural Resources should enforce the park closure laws. Board member Armentrout offered to follow up.

Subdistrict 2 (Kapahulu) -- Bertha Naho'opi'i had no report.

Subdistrict 3 (Diamond Head) -- Laura St. Denis had no report.

O'ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) -- Narita had no report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Next Meeting -- The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Neighborhood Board No. 5 regular monthly meeting is scheduled for the second Thursday of the month: May 14, 2015.

B. Neighborhood Commission -- The Neighborhood Commission meets on the 4th Monday of the month at Honolulu Hale, 530 S. King Street, at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2015. Please check with the NCO to verify meeting dates and location.

ADOPTION OF MOTION TO ADJOURN -- As there was no further business before the Board and there were no objections, the meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Submitted by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Victoria Mathieu, Secretary, Linda Wong, Vice Chair, Bryn Villers, Treasurer

Michelle Matson, Bert Narita, Lee Manfredi and

George West, Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item