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  • Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting April 2018 Minutes

With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2018
KAIMUKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH, FELLOWSHIP HALL

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Paul Hoe called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with seven (7) members present. Note: This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Calvin Hara, Mark Hagadone, Paul Hoe, Becky Gardner, Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, Brian Kang, Molly Pierce, and Lori Yamada (arrived at 7:10 p.m.).

Board Members Absent - Walt Ross and Sharon Schneider.

Guests - Captain Regienaldo Gawiron (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Roy Hayamoto (Honolulu Police Department); Karen Yorimoto (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office); Cameron Sato ( Senator Stanley Chang's Office); Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say; Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Director Mark Wong (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Allen Kam (Mobilitie); Eric McCutcheon, Julia Allen, Daniel Sherman, Sally Maddock, Sarah Chinen, Natalie Iwasa, and Tommy Waters (Residents); Marcie Kamei and James Skizewski (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Gawiron reported the following:
• March 2018 Statistics: There were 0 structure fires, 0 wildland/brush fire, 0 nuisance fires, 10 activated alarms (no fire), 92 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrian, 3 motor vehicle crash/collisions, 2 mountain rescues and 3 hazardous material incidents.
• Safety Tip: Home Fire Sprinklers:
o Fire sprinklers respond quickly and effectively to fire, often extinguishing the fire prior to the fire department's arrival.
o Fire sprinklers can save lives and property from fire.
In 2014, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that sprinklers reduced fire deaths by 83%.
A 2014 NFPA report found that sprinklers reduced property loss in homes by 69%.
o Common fire sprinkler myths:
All fire sprinklers will go off at once. The truth is systems are designed so the closest sprinkler head to the fire is activated.
Sprinklers cause a lot of water damage. The truth is typically, sprinklers utilize 13 to 18 gallons of water per minute. Firefighting hoses flow at least ten times that of a sprinkler.
o Having fire sprinklers in your home is like having a fire fighter in your home 24 hours a day and ready to extinguish a fire.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Hazardous Materials Incidents: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Captain Gawiron responded that he will get more information on the hazardous materials incidents.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Hayamoto circulated a handout and reported the following:
• March 2018 Statistics: There were 7 motor vehicle thefts, 21 burglaries, 23 thefts, 28 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMV) and 6,593 calls for service.
• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Hayamoto circulated a handout listing pedestrian safety tips that include:
o Be safe and be seen. Make yourself visible to all drivers
o Be smart and alert. Avoid dangerous behaviors
o Be careful when crossing. Look before you step


Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Sixth Avenue: A resident noted speeding in the area of Sixth Avenue and Pahoa Avenue. Lieutenant Hayamoto noted the concern and will looking into moving the HPD speed gauge trailer to the area in question.
2. Active Shooter Training: Hoshiko thanked HPD for their help during an active shooter training session.

Yamada arrived at 7:10 p.m. There are now eight (8) board members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Lorna Heller reported the following:
• Main Break - There were two (2) main breaks.
o On Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 33868 Monterey Drive.
o On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 13th Avenue
• General Water Announcement - Non Residential Rates: Over the last several months, BWS has told customers about: The BWS Long-term Financial Plan, Capital Improvement Program Scenarios, the Water Rate Study, and Subsidies for certain types of customers like Agriculture, Recycled Water, and Non-residential customers. This month, BWS is holding public hearings, regarding proposed water rates, which are posted on the BWS website: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterrates. Our first public hearing was on Thursday, April 26, 2018. BWS encourages customers to attend any of the remaining public hearings, which all start at 6:30p.m.:
o West Side/Kapolei: Monday, May 14, 2018, Kapolei Hale: Ground Floor Conference Room. 1000 Uluohia Street.
o Windward/Kaneohe: Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Benjamin Parker Elementary School Cafeteria: 45-259 Waikalua Road.
o Central/Mililani: Thursday, May 24, 2018, Mililani Recreation Center #5: 95-1101 Ainamakua Drive.
o Any additional meetings will be announced on the website: www.boardofwatersupply.com and via the media. If unable to attend any of the public hearings, but have questions, or want to make comments, please write to 630 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI, 96843, email contactus@hbws.org, or call the BWS at 748-5041. The BWS wants to hear from customers, regarding the proposed water rates. The proposed rates can be viewed at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/waterrates.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Drought: Hagadone asked and Heller responded that she will look into how the recent rainfall has affected the drought.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS - There is one (1) vacancy in Sub-District 3, West Kaimuki. No applicants for this vacancy.

PUBLIC INPUT
• Kapiolani Community College (KCC): Hoshiko noted that KCC was able to raise $5 million to trigger a $10 million release of funds from the State for Phase 2 of the Culinary Institute construction project which will include a restaurant. Groundbreaking will take place in Fall 2018. KCC has selected their new Chancellor of the college which will be confirmed in June 2018.
• Honolulu Ekiden Foundation: Brendan Imore announce that the Honolulu Ekiden Foundation announced a relay race which will take place on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The 26.2 mile (42.2 km) course is divided into six (6) legs (sections). Traffic will still be able to utilize roadways during the race.
• National Volunteer Week: Natalie Iwasa announced that a part of National Volunteer Week there will be a Waialae Avenue clean up. The cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, and Sunday, April 22, 2018. The volunteer crew will meet at Coffee Talk on Waialae Avenue at 8:00 a.m.
• Tom Waters: Tom Waters announced his run for the City Council District Four (4) seat. Waters elaborated on his previous political experiences at the State Legislature and noted the importance of the community to work together. Waters concluded that he will be in the area meeting the community and urged the community to share their ideas with him.
• Julia Allen: Julia Allen announced her candidacy for State House District 20. She noted that she has been a lifelong resident of the area and that she sits on the Diamond Head Neighborhood Board No. 5.
• Monster Homes: Sarah Chinen noted her concerns regarding monster homes. She added the importance of addressing this issue as it will affect the future of Oahu. Chinen concluded that she loves Hawaii and hopes that she will be able to continue to enjoy the island.
• Mau'Umae Trail Head: Yamada announced a community concern that trees are being trimmed and removed at the Mau'Umae trail head. The community member wanted to know if the community was notified and why were they removed?
• Clogged Drains: Yamada noted a community concern that drains along 18th avenue are clogged with overgrown shrubbery and asked what the process is to have them addressed. A representative of Councilmember Ozawa's office noted that the community member was sent a response regarding the issue but will resend the correspondence to further clarify the situation.
• Bus Stops Being Closed: Hagadone noted that a bus stop is being closed in the Maunalani area and he urged the community to provide comments to DTS regarding proposed bus stop removals.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Director Mark Wong of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) circulated the Oahu News and reported the following:
• Summer Employment Program: The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is now accepting college students for employment to assist in the City-run summer camp. For more information, one may visit the DPR website: www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprsummerfun or call (808) 768-3020.
• Follow Up:
o Driver License Document Checker: The Department of Customer Services (CSD) noted that general requirements for all applicants (new, renewals and duplicate licenses and instruction permits) can be found at https://www2.honolulu.gov/documentguide/. Director Wong noted that a small percentage of people may have been affected by a recent data loss and urged the community to bring all the required documents just in case. Director Wong concluded that the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) do accept appointments.
o Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) noted that the repaving of the travel lanes in the Kaimuki Municipal Parking lot No. 2 cost $103,000. Parking lot repaving was completed on Tuesday, February 27, 2018.
o Property Designations: Director Wong urged the community to utilize the Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) website to find who owns which parcel of property.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. City Website: Kang asked and Director Wong responded that the City will update their website to make the public aware of what DMVs take appointments.
2. Data Loss: Hagadone asked and Director Wong responded that due to a server failure some data was affected and deemed unreadable. Yamada asked and Director Wong responded that all affected consumers will be notified by letter if their data was lost. Director Wong noted that the Real Idea Act will take effect in 2020.
3. Driver's License: Resident Chinen asked and Director Wong responded that a physical address must be used for a Driver's License per Federal requirements.
4. Short Term Rentals: Resident Chinen asked and Director Wong responded that the issues relating to enforcing illegal short-term rentals pertain to enforcement. Mayor Caldwell is working to increase penalties on those running illegal short-term rentals. Director Wong concluded that Mayor Caldwell has noted his desire to work toward regulating short term rentals.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - James Larson circulated Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's newsletter and reported the following:
• Market City Shopping Center: The City Council congratulated and recognized the Market City Shopping Center on their 70th year.
• Legislative Updates: Larson encourage the community to reference the newsletter for legislative updates.
• Contact Information: Larson urged the community to contact Councilmember Kobayashi's office with any City pertinent issues at 768-5005 or email akobayashi@honolulu.gov.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - Karen Yorimoto circulated a handout and reported the following:
• 2018 Pacific Business News Women Who Mean business Career Achievement: The City Council acknowledged and honored Vicky Cayetano for her achievement of being awarded the 2018 Pacific Business News Women Who Mean Business Career Achievement award.
• Contact Information: If you wish to contact Councilmember Ozawa with any City related issues call 768-5004 or email ccldistrict4@honolulu.gov.
• Complete Streets Community Meeting: A community meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, the meeting will be held at Washington Middle School and begin at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is related to the City's Complete Streets Project.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Monster Homes: Resident Chinen asked and Yorimoto responded that she will provide an update on the Monster Homes Task Force. Vice Chair Hoe noted that the Board did have a resolution related to Monster Homes deferred.

Senator Stanley Chang: Camero Sato circulated a newsletter and reported the following:
• Kalanianaole Highway: The Hawaii Department of Transportation has announced that they will be repaving Kalanianaole Highway from the H-1 to West Hind Drive. The projected start date is June 2018. Resurfacing will begin daily at 8:00 p.m. and stop at 4:00 a.m.
• Flooding Damages: Sato highlighted that the Legislature is looking at proving funding to islands across the State to address infrastructure damages from the recent flooding.
• Legislative Updates: Senate Bill (SB) 2092 addressing transient vacation rentals did not make it out of session. Senator Chang noted his desire to try similar legislation again next session. SB 2087 is moving forward with amendments. SB 2498 and SB 2501 both died this session. SB 2497 is still being considered although there are disagreements between the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and housing authorities.
• Mauna Kea Ditch on 18th Avenue: Sato noted that the ditch in question remains on unclaimed property. The area could be considered at City property due to Act 208 which transferred select private road to the City. The area is still being evaluated. Senator Chang's office will update the Board next month.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Monster Home Legislation: Gardner asked and Sato responded that the bill regarding Monster Homes was not heard by the Finance Committee.
2. Kalanianaole Highway: Hagadone noted that the Kalanianaole Highway has flooded multiple times and will continue to flood. Sato noted that hardened streams do has positive and negative effects on flooding in the area.
3. 18th Avenue Ditch: Yamada asked and Sato responded that Councilmember Ozawa and Senator Chang's office is working to address the issue. DFM has claimed the area in question is an unimproved sidewalk. Director Wong noted that DPP or the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will have plans on the area if it is under City jurisdiction.

Senator Les Ihara: No representative present; no report provided.
Representative Calvin K.Y. Say - A newsletter was circulated and Representative Say reported the following:
• St Louis Football: Speaker Emeritus Say recognized the St. Louis School football team for winning the 2017 open division championship.
• Residential Restricted Parking Zones (RPZ): For more information on RPZs please contact the City and County of Honolulu DTS Transportation planning Division at rpz@honolulu.gov or call 768-8345.
• Medicare Card Scams: Speaker Emeritus Say warned the community of the new Medicare card scams. For more information visit www.medicare.gov.
• Abandoned Vehicle (AV) Storage: The Land Board has approved a Sand Island property to be used as an AV storage site.
• Legislation Update: Speaker Emeritus Say noted that SB 2990 regarding family leave is still being discussed. There are five (5) spending bills in Conference Committee related to addressing homelessness. Speaker Emeritus Say noted that the community has not been given the appropriate time to provide input on the aforementioned legislation related to homelessness.
• Illegal Dumping: Speaker Emeritus Say noted that he has received complaints regarding illegal dumping at 11th Avenue and Harding Avenue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Bowl-O-Drome: Hagadone noted that commercial tow trucks are parking on public streets in the Wilhelmina Rise area. Hagadone concluded that commercial vehicles should be parked on commercial property overnight.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi - Representative Kobayashi circulated a handout and reported the following:
• State Budget: Representative Kobayashi noted that this is the first in the last six years that Hawaii is not projected in a negative for revenue. The State has been balancing the budget using carry over balances.
• Flooding Damages: The legislature has appropriated $100 million to Kauai for flood relief and $20 million for Oahu. The funds appropriated should be refunded through Federal aid.
• Legislation Update: SB 2922 to establish a surcharge to increase funding for public education was agreed to be added to the next ballot for voters to decide on. Detail of the legislation are not clear at this point and will be decided after voters make their decision on the Constitutional Amendment for the surcharge. SB 2854 to cap fines at $100 related to mopeds has been passed. SB 2092related to offenses against public administration and SB 2498 related to Polystyrene Foam containers failed. On Thursday, April 5, 2018, Governor Ige signed House Bill (HB) 2739. This measure gives mentally capable, terminally ill people with six (6) months or less to live, the option to take prescription medicine that enables them to die peacefully in sleep.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. SB 648: Ross asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that Oahu was left out of SB 648 as Oahu receives a General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge.
2. SB 2922: Hagadone asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that the voters will have to vote on the Constitutional Amendment regarding SB 2922 without the details related to how the tax will be initiative post approval. Hagadone asked and Representative Hagadone responded that the lack of details will hurt its passage.

PRESENTATIONS

Mobilite: Alan Kam presented the following: Wireless Infrastructure: Mobilitie is working with Sprint to enhance wireless infrastructure and network across the island. Mobilitie is proposing the installation of small cell attachments on existing streetlights or utility poles in the area. These cell attachments will address data failures due too poor network capacity. Many areas across Oahu have been identified as areas with a need for network enhancement. No trenching or significant construction is needed for installation of the cell attachments and all public safety precautions are being followed to ensure safety during construction. The small cell attachments emits signals that are well below Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards. Mobilitie is working with the City to address any concerns with the small cell attachments and any permits related to installation.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:
1. Small Cell Attachments: Hara asked and Kam responded that the small cell attachments will be placed on street light poles. Pierce asked and Kam responded that 65 attachments will be placed on City and County of Honolulu poles across the island. Kam added that the number of attachments in the Kaimuki area is low. Pierce asked and Kam responded that the attachments will increase the capacity of the network. Kam noted he will forward information to the Board related to the attachments in the area.
2. Frequency Concerns: Hagadone asked and Kam responded that the frequencies are emitted Omni directionally. These cell attachments emit 1.8% of the allowed limit decided by the Federal Communications Commission.
3. Carrier: Gardner asked and Kam responded that he is contracted by Sprint and added that the other companies will begin to use similar technology. Gardner asked and Kam responded that cell towers and small cell attachments will still be needed. Kam concluded that cell attachments emit 1.8% of the allowed limit decided by the Federal Communications Commission.
4. Network Speed: Pierce asked and Kam responded that the cell attachments are addressing network capacity but added that this technology will pave the way for 5-G service.
5. Height: A resident asked and Kam responded that the attachments are placed as high as possible. The resident asked and Kam responded that rooftops are a viable option for attachment placement.
6. Installation: Yamada asked and Kam responded that installation takes one (1) day. Installation will be decided by gaps in the current network.

Thought on Housing Options: Sally Maddock noted that she is in attendance but asked that the agenda item be deferred.




BOARD BUISNESS:

Resolution on Monster Homes: Vice Chair Hoe deferred this agenda item. Resident Chinen noted that the legislation related to monster homes was not heard by the Finance Committee.

Resolution on Aircraft Noise over Diamond Head/Kahala: Vice Chair Hoe deferred this agenda item.

Approval of Wednesday, March 18, 2018 Regular Meeting Minutes - Yamada moved and Pierce seconded the motion for the Wednesday, March 18, 2018, regular meeting minutes be APPROVED AS WRITTEN. The motion passed by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Hara, Hagadone, Hoe, Gardner, Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, Kang, Pierce, and Yamada; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Kang reported a remaining balance of $160.99.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is setting up presentations for their Water Rates Draft Proposal. BWS will also be holding four (4) public regional meetings at the following locations and will be on the June 2018 agenda:
o Thursday, April 26, 2018, at Mission Memorial from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
o Monday, May 14, 2018, at Kapolei Hale from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
o Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Benjamin Parker Elementary School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
o Thursday, May 24, 2018, at Mililani Recreation Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• The next regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Kaimuki Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Submitted by: James Skizewski, Public Relations
Reviewed by: Harry Cho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Sharon Schneider, Board Chair

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