Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (OCTOBER 14TH, 2015) 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
Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Minutes Posted For LAST MONTH (OCTOBER 14TH, 2015) Meeting
Tweet

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

Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015

PĀLOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Loren Jerlow called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with seven (7) members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Andrew Chung (appointed at this meeting), Randolph Hack, Paul Holtrop, Loren Jerlow, Beverly Mau, Stephen Maybir (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), Darlene Nakayama, Earl Shiraki, and Michael Weinstein.

Board Members Absent: Gladys Gerlich-Hayes, Marvin Heskett, and Rachel Orange.

Guests: Catherine P. Awakuni Colón (Governor David Ige's Representative/Director, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs); Senator Les Ihara Jr.; John Kong Kee (State House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say's Office); Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative/Director, Department of Facility Maintenance); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Captain Peter Hashimoto (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Clifford K. Ramson and Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane (Honolulu Police Department); Ron Lockwood (Chair, McCully/Moilili Neighborhood Board) James Nekota; Scott Tamayori; Candace Tamayori; Shinsuke Uehara; Madge Nicolas; Yvonne Perry; Kimberly Stone (Honolulu Community Action Program); Risé Doi and Relley Araceley (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Peter Hashimoto reported the following:

• August 2015 and September 2015 Statistics: Hashimoto mentioned that the cause of the Dinosaur Ridge Mountain fire was undetermined and that there was no investigation. In August, 2015, there were 0 structure fires, 0 wild fires, and 1 rubbish fire. There were 37 medical emergencies, 2 search and rescue and 3 miscellaneous. In September, 2015, there were 0 fires across the board. There were 34 medical emergencies, 0 search and rescue, and 8 miscellaneous calls for service.

• Fire Safety Tip: When selecting a Halloween costume, stay away from long trailing fabric. Choose materials that will not easily ignite. Make sure eye holes in masks are large enough. Provide children with flashlights.

Maybir arrived at the meeting at 7:05 p.m.; 8 members were present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Clinton Sukekane reported the following:

• August 2015 and September 2015 Crime Statistics: In August, 2015, there were 9 motor vehicle thefts, 14 burglaries, 22 thefts, and 14 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). In September, 2015, there were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 8 burglaries, 26 thefts, and 15 UEMVs. There were a total 6,526 calls for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Mahana Street Vehicle Break-ins and Tree Destruction: Holtrop asked and Sukekane answered that until an arrest is made HPD cannot release any leads or information as it may affect the investigation.

2. HPD Reports: Resident Madge Nicolas asked and Sukekane reiterated that reports given to out on crimes are necessarily vague and that once more information can be given HPD will release it.

3. HPD Helicopters: Shiraki asked and Sukekane answered that if information for the criminal whom the HPD is searching for is necessary to be released then the media will be the ones to announce it to the public.

4. Moped Citations: Shiraki asked and Sukekane answered that he could not give a specific number on the amount of citations given to moped riders.

5. Parked Car Accidents: Resident James Nekota asked and Sukekane answered that there can be various reasons to any vehicular accident.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• September 2015 Main Breaks and Projects: There were no main breaks and no current projects. There was a second break on the Waialae Avenue line, but the cause is still undetermined.

• Watershed Management and Protection: Oahu's Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges capture and retain rainfall, allowing it to seep into and replenish the island's underground aquifers. It is vital to protect and preserve these watershed areas to ensure its existence for future generations. Watershed protection tips include the following: Keep to trails when in watersheds; participate in projects that remove invasive plants and animals to allow the recovery of native plants and animals; and conserve water every day.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Preventive Measures: A resident asked and Dias answered that BWS has a major capital program dedicated to preventive measures with the goal of replacing mains before they break. The schedule for line replacements can be viewed online. Dias mentioned that it is very difficult to expect the BWS to replace over 2,100 miles of lines underground every five (5) years.

2. Repavement Process: Shiraki asked and Dias answered that the normal process is to change the lines and then repave the streets, but noted other projects' schedules may not be in line with the BWS schedule for water line repairs. Dias will look into other projects within the area that may be in contrast with the BWS repairs schedule.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Jerlow asked if there were any residents interested in filling the subdistrict 3 vacancy. Resident Andrew Chung introduced himself and noted interest in filling the vacancy. Mr. Chung has lived in the district his entire life and noted that over time, he began to notice the importance of the Neighborhood Board meetings.

Chair Jerlow called a recess at 7:27 p.m. to verify Andrew Chung's residency.

Chair Jerlow reconvened the meeting at 7:34 p.m.

Mau nominated Andrew Chung to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 3. As there was no other nominations and no objections, the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 APPOINTED Andrew Chung to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 3 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Maybir, Nakayama, Shiraki, Weinstein, and Jerlow; NAY: none; ABSTAIN: none)

Neighborhood Assistant Risé Doi took Andrew Chung aside and administered the Oath of Service as the meeting continued. Chung sat on the board. Nine (9) members were present.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Kobayashi provided a newsletter and reported the following:

• Community Clean-up: A community clean-up will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Kaimuki High School. Councilmember Kobayashi encouraged the community to bring their recyclables and trash. Councilmember Kobayashi explained that the money made will go directly to Kaimuki High School, Mo'ili'ili Community Center, and Kapahulu Senior Center.

• Pālolo Park Playground Equipment: Councilmember Kobayashi mentioned the completion of the playground and how nice all the equipment looked.

• 2nd Bulky Item Pick-Up: The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is low on manpower. ENV is monitoring Pālolo and will do a second bulky item pick-up if they ever have excess manpower.

• Trees Bill (Bill 71): The bill directs the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to undertake maintenance efforts on roads that may have ownership disputes between the City and the State. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that this will be an expense so the Council will be looking at this very carefully.

• Property Tax: Councilmember Kobayashi noted that if a homeowner's home burns down and cannot live there or if they make major renovations and reside elsewhere for more than a year, the person will lose their homeowner's exemptions. Councilmember Kobayashi is looking into ways to help alleviate the problems that arise from this law.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bike Lanes: Shiraki asked and Councilmember Kobayashi answered that plans on future bike paths thus far are for "Complete Streets" where the roads are shared by both cyclists and motorists.

2. Rail Re-vote: Councilmember Kobayashi made note that the City Council re-voted on the issue of floating bonds for the rail project. Councilmember Kobayashi voted "No" before and continued to vote "No" on the belief that residents should not have to co-sign for a loan on the project.

3. Homeowner's Exemption: Holtrop asked and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that even as the exemption does automatically disappear, the person can still reapply. Councilmember Kobayashi is looking to revise the ordinance.

4. Bike Lane Taxes: Yvonne Perry asked whether bike owners are paying their fair share of taxes for their usage of the bike lanes. Holtrop volunteered an answer that he personally pays for his car and motorcycle registration yearly, but leaves them at home as they do major damage to roads. Chair Jerlow called a Point of Order reminding the board and the community that questions and comments are to be directed to the chair. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that bike riders do pay their share in taxes and that there is movement to increase bike registration fees as well as require riders to install headlights and reflectors on their bicycles.

5. Ahe Street Road Work: Maybir thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for the road repairs that were recently started on Ahe Street.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Ross Sasamura circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• October 2015 City News: Sasamura covered several sections of the newsletter mainly the section on the new ordinance allowing homeowners to construct accessory dwelling units (ADU) on qualified existing residential lots, the Mayor's proposal to for temporary housing units in Waianae, the sunset on the beach event for the launching of "Hawaii 5-0's" sixth season, and Mayor Caldwell's visit to Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina.

• ADU Bill Update: On Monday, September 14, 2015 the Mayor signed Bill 20, which is now Ordinance No. 15-41

• Pālolo District Park Playground Update: Construction was completed Thursday, September 17, 2015 and the new surfacing was tested and passed on Wednesday, September 23, 2015.

• Delineators on 10th Avenue for Tamura's parking lot: The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) follows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) criteria on installation of the delineators and found that in regards to the illegal left turn at Tamura's from 10th Avenue, delineators cannot be installed because it does not fall into "where the alignment of the roadway is confusing or unexpected". A field inspection revealed that there was no visible "No Left Turn Into Driveway" sign on 10th Avenue, but after a review of traffic history showed no incidents related to this issue, DTS did not recommend installation of any new traffic control devices at this time. Director Sasamura noted that the issue is still under review.

• Sighting Distance: DTS is still investigating the issue brought forth by residents Mr. and Mrs. Tamayori on the difficulty of seeing oncoming traffic on Pālolo Avenue from Kilihune Place.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Tamura Market: Shiraki gave background information on Tamura's Marketplace on 10th Avenue. Tamura's was allowed a variance on the parking based on the strict ruling that access to the parking would only be allowable as a right turn from 10th Avenue or Waialae Avenue.

2. Ahe Street Road Work: Maybir asked what the timeline would be on the completion of the repaving and Director Sasamura answered that the contractor is in direct control of the project now.

3. Neighborhood Watch Signs: Resident Madge Nicolas asked about getting replacement "Neighborhood Watch" signs. Director Sasamura noted that he would push the request on and that it would be subject to available resources. Chair Jerlow announced that the HPD has been approached about creating more neighborhood watches.

4. Left Turn into McDonalds Drive-Thru: Perry asked and Sasamura answered that HPD is responsible for traffic enforcement. Holtrop mentioned that the right-turn from Waialae is also difficult, partly due to the bike lane.

5. Homeless Logistics Following Sweep: Holtrop asked and Sasamura answered that the sweep has been done in coordination with shelter space and availability. The City also provided a free shuttle service to help transport homeless individuals to shelters. Some people chose not to accept the services.

6. Repayment of Federal Loans on Rail Project: Nekota asked whether the State would have to repay the federal loans placed on the rail if the project were to be discontinued. Sasamura stated that he did not have the answer.

7. Bicycle Lane: Chair Jerlow commented about the increased useage of the bicycle lane and noted that it is the community's responsibility to understand and obey all rules and laws.

8. Homeless Sweep Protocol: Maybir asked what type of protocol is being followed for the Kakaako homeless sweep and Sasamura stated that enforcement of the sweep does not last beyond sundown. Sasamura noted that HPD have had agents in the area every day during the sweep and that multiple notifications were given before the sweep. Sasamura noted that out of about 200 homeless that were moved from the area, 158 were taken into shelters and that there was no enforcement on Monday due to closure of some shelters.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Director Catherine P. Awakuni Colón circulated a newsletter and reported the following:

• Personal Background: Colón noted that she was appointed to her recent position at the beginning of the year by Governor David Ige and has been a public servant for 13 or so years and was formerly a consumer advocate for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Her grandparents lived in Pālolo neighborhood and has spent a lot of time in the community.

• Governor's Newsletter: Colón highlighted sections of the newsletter noting the PUC will hold a public listening session on Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m. in McKinley High School Cafeteria, the opening of the Kapolei Lofts and the push for more rentals through public-private partnerships, and a short interview transcript with Governor Ige.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Mahalo: Maybir and Mau voiced their gratitude for having a representative present.

2. Road Repair: Resident Nekota asked about having Waialae Avenue, under the freeway overpass, repaired as it is State property. Director Colón will follow up.

State House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say -- John Kong Kee provided a newsletter and reported the following:

• Pālolo Valley Homes Construction Update: Kong Kee provided a report to the board detailing the timeline that the remaining renovations and construction are to be completed.

• Ala Wai Canal Project: Kong Kee provided a report to the board detailing the projects effects on Manoa, Pālolo, and Makiki. Kong Kee highlighted water retention basins which are to be built at the end of Pukele Street and Waiamao Road. Kong Kee urged the community to get more informed on the project as it may have adverse effects on the residents.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Ala Wai Canal Project: Chair Jerlow asked if the documents provided at the meeting are also available online and Kong Kee answered that he was not sure.

2. Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Funding: Maybir thanked Speaker Emeritus Say for the CIP funding that has been allocated to Pālolo's schools and housing.

3. Jarrett Middle School Pride Day: Chair Jerlow thanked the Speaker Emeritus' office for their involvement with Jarrett Middle School's Pride Day.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Les Ihara Jr. reported the following:

• Ala Wai Canal Project: The documents provided by Speaker Emeritus Say's office could be found on www.alawaicanalproject.com. Senator Ihara noted that the project is meant to help with flooding and sea-rise issues. Senator Ihara noted that he will be meeting with the head of the Army Corp to discuss any issues and that the deadline to submit personally written comments on this project is Monday, November 9, 2015. Senator Ihara suggested that residents ask the project leaders to research any and all mitigating impact of the Ala Wai Canal Project on the community.

• Tamura's Market Accidents: Senator Ihara mentioned that he has been in a traffic incident related to the illegal left turn on 10th Avenue for Tamura's Market.

• Special Session: Senator Ihara noted that the State Senate in not in session, but has plans to go into a Special Session during late October 2015 or early November 2015 to hold confirmation hearings on two (2) district court judges and one (1) circuit court judge.

• Legislative Senior Living Family Caregiver Working Group: Senator Ihara noted that he sits on the Senior Living Family Caregiver Working Group which is researching a proposal that would require hospitals to create a discharge plan and train the caregiver.

• Moped Legislation: Senator Ihara announced that he is working on legislation to address moped related concerns. Senator Ihara mentioned that a town hall will be held regarding this issue on Friday, October 29, 2015 and that some discussion topics will be the alteration of mufflers, annual inspections for mopeds and plainly audible standards for ticketing

Chair Jerlow reminded the board members to allow the presenters to complete their reports before asking questions. Chair Jerlow mentioned that the town hall regarding moped and motor scooters is going to be held at Washing Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Medical Marijuana: Shiraki asked and Senator Ihara answered that the reasoning behind the process for acquiring medical marijuana that was approved by the State was done so that an infrastructure could be in place if legalization were ever approved. Senator Ihara likened Hawaii's process to those undertaken by Washington and Oregon.

RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Moped and Motor Scooter Noise Town Hall: Ron Lockwood from McCully/Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 clarified that the meeting is a special meeting that will be hosted by the McCully/ Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board on moped and motor scooter noise. Lockwood noted that every neighborhood board has had a meeting discussing the issue of moped noise. Lockwood clarified that all government and private companies that would have a vested interest in this issue have been invited and will likely be attending.The town hall will consist of a beginning section on brainstorming solutions, and an ending section will consist of recording all the viable suggestions.

Bike Lane Anniversary: Ron Lockwood mentioned that the McCully/Mo'ili'ili Neighborhood Board will be holding a meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. where they will be receiving the one year anniversary update on the King Street bike lane. Lockwood commented that Chris Sayers, the City's Bicycle Coordinator will be present and that other bike lanes can be discussed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Timeline of Special Committee's Report: Chair Jerlow asked and Lockwood answered that the report took the special committee three (3) months to put the entire report and program together.

2. Totally Against Graffiti Update: Nakayama requested an update on Lockwood's graffiti clean-up program. Lockwood noted that the project has grown in the past, but now delegates projects to different groups in different areas island-wide.

3. Literature on Moped Regulations: Nakota mentioned that new moped buyers are not being informed of the penalties against modifying moped motors and that this is the vendors fault. Lockwood answered that it is State law for new moped buyers to receive a two (2) page handout detailing the rules and regulations of moped ownership.

4. Attendees of Moped Noise Town Hall: Senator Ihara asked and Lockwood answered that everyone that could help with solving this problem has been invited and everyone is encouraged to attend.

5. Curbing Graffiti at the Source: Shiraki commented on how stopping graffiti is difficult without collaboration with the court system and Lockwood mentioned that he already has a system within his program where the courts volunteer convicted offenders to assist in the "Totally Against Graffiti" program.

Violence at Pālolo McDonalds: Perry circulated an article on an incident at Pālolo McDonalds involving a rifle being brandished in public. Perry recounted multiple incidences of violence and harassment she had witnessed at the establishment. Perry requested that the Board find a way to deal with the stress and violence occurring at the McDonalds. Chair Jerlow mentioned that the board has requested a speaker from the HPD to present on possible safety enhancing strategies, but the Board has yet to hear back.

Maybir wished to express a community concern. Nakayama and Mau interjected that this was not proper protocol. Nakayama cited a previous instance where she was denied the same request. Maybir mentioned that he had requested that the item be placed on the agenda at a previous meeting, but the item was not on the current agenda.

Chair Jerlow called a recess at 8:45 p.m.

Chair Jerlow reconvened the meeting at 8:56 p.m.

Public Perspective of Pālolo: Maybir commented about the negative perspective that Pālolo Valley has taken on recently. Maybir noted that this may be attributed to how the media has chosen to profile the people and events occurring around the valley. Maybir further elaborated that the root of the crime in the valley could be attributed to the illegal game rooms being held in "mom and pop shops" around the valley. Maybir stated that it is unfair that the people of Pālolo be forced to feel afraid in their own neighborhood.

NEW BUSINESS

Guest Speaker from HPD: No representative was present; no report was provided.

BOARD BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF THE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

Mau moved and Hack seconded to adopt the Wednesday, July 8, 2015 regular meeting minutes as amended. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Chung, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Maybir, Nakayama, Shiraki, Weinstein, and Jerlow; NAY: none; ABSTAIN: none) Amendments are as followed: Page 3: Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Left Turn at Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor: "Nakayama suggested" should read "A resident suggested"; Page 3: Questions, comments, and concerns followed: "Entering Tamura's Fine Wine and Liquor" should be struck from the record; Page 4: Paalea Street: should read "Shiraki noted that a traffic calming will not work to slow down cars on 10th Avenue and Paalea Street"; Page 6: Discussion followed: Issues: "council" should read "counsel".

Authorizing the Purchase of Banners: Chair Jerlow commented on the need for new Pālolo Neighborhood Board banners as one is missing and the other is faded and in bad shape. Hack verified that the banners would each cost around $50 and the funding would come out of the Board's budget.

Holtrop moved and Mau seconded the request for authorization for the purchase of two Pālolo Neighborhood Board banners. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (AYE: Chung, Hack, Holtrop, Mau, Maybir, Nakayama, Shiraki, Weinstein, and Jerlow; NAY: none; ABSTAIN: none).

Pālolo Homes Cleanup: Chair Jerlow recognized Member Maybir for his part in helping with the Pālolo Homes cleanup.

Pālolo District Park Playground: Chair Jerlow, on behalf of the board, thanked the legislators responsible for supporting the renovation of the playground.

Chair Jerlow decided to defer the following agenda items:

• Discussion of Quarterly Information Theme

• Creation of Board Committees and Members

• Proposal of Permitted Interaction Group for "Celebrating Pālolo" Festial in the first quarter of 2016

• Proposal of Permitted Interaction Group for a Pālolo Pride Essay Contest

REPORTS

• Treasurer's Report: Hack reported the board's remaining balance to be $324.15. The treasurer's report was filed.

• Board Members Attending Other Meetings: Chair Jerlow announced to the Board that he had attended the Mililani, Manoa, and Kaimuki Neighborhood Board meetings in the past month. Chair Jerlow noted his attendance was on both personal and professional business. There were no other reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- Chair Jerlow requested and Maybir announced the following:

• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 is Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

• Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Take out bulk trash no earlier than one day before pickup (third Wednesday of every month).

• Farmers' Market: The Farmer's Market is held every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at Pālolo District Park.

• Town Hall Meeting: The town hall regarding moped and motor scooter noise will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at Washington Middle School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

• Transformer Transport: The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) transformer transport has been postponed until further notice.

• Olelo Broadcast Slots: The Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are aired on Channel 49 the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m, or online anytime at http://olelo.org.

• Social Media: Join the Pālolo Neighborhood Board No. 06 informally at the "Pālolo Valley Community" page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/107111366012456/.

• Agenda Requests: To be added the agenda, send requests to Loren.Jerlow@WestPointAOG.net, or contact 664-1658.

• Closing Up: All Board members are requested to assist at closing up.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Submitted by: Relley Aracely, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Risé Dio, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed and finalized by: Loren Jerlow, Chair

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki, Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki, Hawaii
News Item