Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for October 17, 2012 Meeting

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Minutes Posted for October 17, 2012 Meeting
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Next meeting is 11/21/2012- Read the agenda. . Click here.

Courtesy of Neighborhood Commission Office
Source Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2012
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHUCH FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Lyle Bullock, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a quorum of seven (7) 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, Marilyn Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Russell McGuire, Sharon Schneider, Leonard Tam, and Lori Yamada.

Members Absent – Abigail Leong, John Perez, and Brian Kang.

Vacancy – There is one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 3 (West Kaimuki).

Guests – Lt. Alan Nagata and Officer C. Yamada (Honolulu Police Department); S. Sruck; Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply; Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Kobayashi’s Office staff); Lydia Chock; Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Kurt Lajala; Keiko Bonk; Acting Capt. Chris Miller (Honolulu Fire Department); Russell Kokubon (Governor’s Representative); Representative Barbara Marumoto; Julia Allen; Senator Calvin Say; Tim Steinberger (Mayor’s Representative); and Gloria Gaines (Neighborhood Commission Office).

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: There is one vacancy in Subdistrict 3 (West Kaimuki). There were no nominations or volunteers at this time.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Acting Capt. Christopher Miller reported the following:

· September 2012 Statistics – Included 2 structure and 2 rubbish fires; 74 medical emergencies, 1 search and rescue, and 51 miscellaneous calls for service. There was one major incident reported.

· Fire Safety Tip – The week in which October 9 falls marks the Annual Fire Prevention Week, which observes the anniversary of the 1922 Chicago Fire. Children in schools receive a fire safety guide and are encouraged to review fire safety with their parents. Residents were encouraged to test their smoke alarms and perform other fire safety practices.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. HFD Emergency Medical Training – A resident raised a question as to how long the emergency medical training is for firefighters. Not all firefighters are certified, but all firefighters received the basic level of training for emergency medical response. The ambulance emergency medical technicians (EMT) receive their own certification of training.
2. Increased of Fire Incidents – Schneider asked what the causes of the increase of fires were. Acting Capt. Miller stated specific information on each fire incidents was not available and statistics are not available online. The Community Relations Department will contact Schneider with a response.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Lt. Alan Nagata distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· September 2012 Statistics – Included 21 burglaries, 53 thefts, and 15 thefts from automobiles.

· Halloween Safety Tips – Trick-or-treaters should be visible. Costumes should be bright and reflective; if not, consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes. Make sure children can see and hear properly when wearing masks. Remove mask before crossing a street. Shoes should fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping or entanglement. Everyone should have a flashlight. Parents should plan and review route with children and behavior acceptable to you. Set a time to be home. Know who your children will be with and have the phone number of the parent. Children should bring home all candy for inspection before consuming. Homeowners should take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards like flower pots, garden hoses on walkway and porch light up walkway and porch area. Secure pets to prevent accidental biting. Notify HPD immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Martial Arts Training – A question was whether the Honolulu Police Academy provides martial arts training. Police cadets receive self-defense training.
2. Campaign Posters – It is illegal to erect campaign posters on a homeowner’s fence without their permission. Homeowners have the right to remove campaign posters from their property.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller distributed a report and highlighted the following:

· Main Break Report – There were no main breaks to report.

· Watershed Management and Protection – Replenishment of our drinking water supply is dependent on Oahu’s Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, two of Oahu’s vital watershed areas. These multi-layered mountain ecosystems recharge Oahu’s groundwater supplies by capturing and retaining rainfall, allowing it to seep into our island’s underground aquifers. Therefore, we must care for, protect, and preserve these areas to ensure its continued existence for future generations. A handout explaining the characteristics of the watersheds was made available to residents and is also available online at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

· Koolau Poko Watershed Management Plan (KPWMP) Adopted – The KPWMP has been adopted the State Commission of Water Resource Management and the Honolulu City Council. This is the third completed Watershed Management Plan for Oahu’s eight land use districts. Watershed Management Plans are community-based plans that provide short, mid, and long range guidance for the sustainable management and use of Oahu’s valuable water resources. BWS is currently preparing public review draft reports of the North Shore, Ewa, and Central Oahu communities. Once completed, BWS will work on the remaining watershed district in the Primary Urban Center and East Honolulu until all eight watershed management plans are completed to form the update of the Oahu Water Management Plan. Fore more information or to view completed plans online, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION:

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes – Kahoohanohano moved and McGuire seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 approve the September 19, 2012 regular meeting minutes with a correction. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, McGuire, Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None). The correction followed:

· Page 1, Guests, line 1, should be Lieutenant Alan Nagata, not Nagat(o).

At this time, Chair Bullock informed members that the next Board meeting falls on the eve of Thanksgiving Day and need to add this item to the agenda to discuss whether or not the Board would like to reschedule the meeting. Yamada moved and Hoe seconded to add “Discussion of meeting date for November 2012” as an agenda item. The motion was ADOPTED 7-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, McGuire, Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Schneider reported a previous balance of $941.60. Expenditures were $43.16 for printing and postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a current balance of $898.44 for September 2012. The report was filed.

Discussion of Board Meeting Date for November 2012 – The discussion noted no change to the November 21, 2012 meeting date. Yamada moved and How seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 will have its regular meeting on November 21, 2012, Thanksgiving Day Eve, as scheduled. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, McGuire, Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

PUBLIC INPUT:

Kurt Lajala – Lajala introduced himself as a candidate for the State Senate District 9 residents of the Hawaii Kai, Diamond Head, and Kahala communities.

Kaimuki School Community Council – Julia Matsumura invited residents to the Kaimuki School Community Council on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Kaimuki School Library. The council would like to share data about the school’s program to the community.

Flooding Concerns – Member Tam raised concerns about the City repaving the streets near where he lives where there are no sidewalks. Each time the road is repaved another layer is added. The streets have risen over 10 inches during the past 50 years, and have caused flooding problems in the neighborhood. Attempts were made to inform the City and the contractor and it is unsure of whether they fix the problem by adding a berm to keep surface water from flowing into private properties.

Assessment of Trees – Yamada questioned whether an assessment of the trees on 10th Avenue was completed.

Speed Limit Sign Adjusted – A resident would lik the speed limit sign on Harding Avenue near Cole Academy be reduced to 25 mph.

Loud Mopeds – A resident questioned what can be done about the loud mopeds driving up and down Harding Avenue. Chair Yanagihara informed resident that she should call 911 immediately.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) – Lydia Chock reported the following:

· Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila – Residents were invited to the annual Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monies raised support student scholarships to area schools.

· Kaimuki Christmas Parade – Residents were also invited to the annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade on Thursday, December 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. There will be the lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony at the Koko Head Fire Station following the parade.

Chock requested Board’s support on the two above-mentioned events. Yamada moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support the 2012 Celebrate Kaimuki Kanikapila and the Kaimuki Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The motion was ADOPTED, 7-0-0 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, McGuire, Kahoohanohano, Schneider, Tam, and Yamada; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: None).

Variance Support Request – Don Shaw gave a presentation of Stagnaro’s request for a variance at 3906 Koko Drive to build a two-story addition within the setback. Above the residence are very large unstable boulders that are part of the City’s nature park. The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation Director Gary Cabato visited the site and agreed that a 25-30 foot retaining wall is needed. After further negotiations with the City, Director Cabato supported Stagnaro’s variance request to build within the setback and at the same time functions as a retaining wall. Handouts with illustrations were distributed to members.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Support from the Neighbors – Homes near the Stagnaro’s are either located further away or above the affected boulder/rock falling area. Residents along the Koko Head Avenue were contacted and support the variance request.
2. Site Visit by Members – Tam raised a concern that the members should visit the site before supporting the variance request. At this time, Tam moved and Moniz-Kahoohanohano seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 defer a motion supporting Stagnaro’s variance request to build a two-story addition within the setback to allow members to visit the Stagnaro’s property. The motion FAILED, 4-0-3 (AYES: Bullock, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Tam, and Yamada; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: McGuire, Schneider, and Hoe).

At this time, McGuire moved and Hoe seconded that the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 support Stagnaro’s variance request to build a two-story addition within the setback that will also function as a retaining wall. The motion was ADOPTED, 6-0-1 (AYES: Bullock, Hoe, McGuire, Moniz-Kahoohanohano, Schneider, and Tom; NAYS: None; ABSTENTIONS: Yamada).

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor’s Representative – Tim Steinberger reported the following:

· Waialae Avenue Bike Lane Study – DTS is planning a community meeting on the Waialae Avenue bike land study results and is tentatively set for Monday October 29, 2012 at the Ali`iolani Elementary School cafeteria pending confirmation from the school. Check DTS website for confirmation of that meeting or call Kelly Cruz at 768-8320.

· Third Boiler to H-Power – The third boiler to H-Power is now online and is now converting 80 percent of opala from the landfill which puts Honolulu in the lead in the country. This facility burns trash instead of oil. Opala is considered as a biomass and it is renewable energy.

· Photo Voltaic – There was a problem with contractors having to wait for permits before installing photo voltaic system. DPP have streamlined the photo voltaic permitting process. Photo voltaic has increased and in Fiscal Year 2010 there were approximately 1,300 applications; in 2011 were 3,200; and 2012 were over 9,000 applications.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Kahala Park – Representative Barbara Marumoto would like to know the reason why the Kalani High School Junior Varsity Football Team is unable to practice at Kahala Park whether Mayor Peter Carlisle can assist with resolving this matter.

2. Bulky Items – Bulky items continue to be placed out on the street too soon before the next scheduled pick up. The address is 3709 Mahina Street.

3. Replacment Trees – A question was whether replacement trees will be replanted where the trees were removed at the bus stop at Sierra Drive and Maunalani Circle.

4. Reconstruction of Waialae Avenue – Member raised concerns about the reconstruction of Waialae Avenue and that the 13th Avenue gutter is the same height as the curb and wondered if there was an error in the design.

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

· 9th Annual Community Clean Up – On Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Kaimuki High School will be accepting recyclable waste to help turn trash into cash for community programs. Acceptable items include scrap metal, bicycles, appliances, propane tank, fire extinguisher, one television per household, cell phones, printer cartridges, personal digital assistants (PDA), and incandescent light bulbs exchange for compact fluorescent lights (CFL). Etc. Bring canned goods to support the Hawaii Food Bank. For curbside pick, contact Michele Sansone at 285-6481.

· Absentee Ballots – Residents in the Manoa district received two ballots each. It would not be fair if the residents of Manoa would be voting twice.

· Sale of City Housing Projects – The sale of 12 City housing complexes were finalized under the Honolulu Affordable Housing Preservation Initiative. The transition was designed to improve the rental housing portfolio and keep it affordable for low income residents which relieving Honolulu taxpayers of approximately $500,000 per month in debt service.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Charter Amendment Clarification – Member requested clarification of the City Charter Amendments about funds collected from permit fees. Half percent of funds collected from permit fees is to go to a non-profit for different districts. This will allow City Council to set up special funds for the community. At this time, only the Mayor is able to set up special funds and monies from permit fees go into the general fund and not to the parks.

Councilmember Stanley Chang – Mike Munekata distributed the report and highlighted the following:

· Kaimuki Playground – DPR cleaned up the bird droppings at the bench area and playground apparatus. The broken swing will be replaced within the next month.

· Waialae Avenue Bike Issues – Sharrows will be painted in the bike lanes from 11th Avenue to 8th Avenue in both directions.

Governor’s Representative – Russell Kokubun reported the following:

· Hawaii Healthcare Benefits Package – The state has met a major milestone in ensuring that all people of Hawaii have access to high-quality healthcare and insurance coverage. On October 1, 2012 the Governor announced that selection of a healthcare benefits package that will outline the minimum array of benefits insurers must provide for years 2014-2015, as elements of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) are implemented. Hawaii was federally required to select a single benchmark package.

·       Hawaii OSHA Agreement – An agreement with federal officials to facilitate restoration of Hawaii’s workplace health and safety enforcement capacity back to federally compliant levels was formalized on September 21, 2012. The enforcement capacity of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division (HIOSH) was diminished in 2009. The Abercrombie Administration has reached out proactively and has achieved the minimum staffing required by OSHA.

Senator les Ihara – Senator Ihara left the meeting earlier in the evening.

House Speaker Calvin Say – Speaker Say distributed a report and was available for questions.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – Representative Marumoto reported the following:

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Bullock announced the following:

Next Board Meeting – The next meeting of the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No.4 will be Wednesday, November 12, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at the Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 1117 Koko Head Avenue.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned 8:30 p.m.

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

Reviewed By:     Adam LeFebvre, Neighborhood Commission Office

Reviewed By:     Lyle Bullock, Chair

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