P LOLO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 6

  October 2019 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2019
PALOLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Randolph Hack called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum WAS ESTABLISHED with nine (9) members present. Note - This 13-member board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present: Shane Albritton, Jesus Arriola, Frank Farm, Randolph Hack, Beverly Mau, Rusti Onishi, Earl Shiraki, Joshua Frost, and Darlene Nakayama.

Board Members Absent: Richard Skizewski and Jessica Welch.

Guests: Captain Nilo Melo, Fire Fighter CoreyAnn Lau (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Michael Nakada (Honolulu Police Department); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Cliff Kaneshiro (Councilmember Ann Koabayashi's Office); Ross Sasamura (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); House Representative Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara Jr.; Everly Williams (Olelo); Becky Gardner, Ann Harada, Howard Caires, Tracy Caires, Laurie Chivers, Kari Watase, Julia Allen (Residents); Lindon Valenciano (Neighborhood Commission Office). Name was not included if not legible on the sign-in sheet.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter CoreyAnn Lau reported the following:
June 2019 Statistics: There were 2 wild land/brushfires, 1 activated alarm (no fire), 21 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision, and 2 mountain rescues.
Safety Tip: Halloween Guidelines: HFD provided Halloween safety tips.
o When selecting a costume, stay away from long, trailing fabric, as it may be a trip hazard or attach to an object and cause a fall. 
o If you create your own costume, select materials that will not be easily ignited if it comes into contact with heat or flame. 
o If your child is wearing a mask, ensure the eye holes are large enough so they can see out. 
o Provide children with flashlights for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume. It is safest to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in a jack-o-lantern. The HFD discourages the use of candles.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Helicopters: Shiraki inquired about the HFD helicopter flying low over residences because they sound like they will crash into houses. Captain Nilo Melo explained how helicopters fly and HFD flying at that height and angle because that is what the pilot judged best for their safety.
2. Illegal Hikers: Shiraki inquired and Fire Fighter Lau responded they are not the Hawaii Police Department and can't cite illegal hikers because they would be reluctant to call for emergency services.
3. Candy: Onishi inquired and Captain Melo responded they will be handing out candy for the children on Halloween at the Fire Station.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Michael Nakada reported the following:
June 2019 Statistics: There were 6 motor vehicle thefts, 3 burglaries, 15 thefts, and 2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV). There were 5,630 total calls for service.
Safety Tip - Halloween Safety: The following safety tips were provided:
o Young children should always be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult on neighborhood rounds. Teach children how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
o If older children are going out alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
o Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
o Stay on the sidewalk and do not cross the street.
o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
o Only cross the street as a group in established sidewalks. Never cross between parked cars.
o Carry a flashlight and wear protective clothing.
o Candy should be inspected by a parent or responsible adult before being eaten.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: 
1. Illegal Walkers: Shiraki recommended HPD cite pedestrians illegally walking on the crosswalk when the light is flashing or when not allowed to cross because it is dangerous since drivers assume the crosswalk is empty and it would be too late to see those illegally crossing. Lieutenant Nakada noted the Traffic division are citing illegal walkers in different parts of the island and at various times. Lieutenant Nakada inquired if there is a certain area or particular time and Shiraki responded it's a common occurrence at all times during the day, especially the traffic light on 10th and Waialae Avenues.
2. Palolo Housing Stabbing: Shiraki inquired about a stabbing that occurred at Palolo Housing.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): No representative was present, a flyer was distributed and Chair Hack reported the following:
Main Breaks: There were no main breaks in September 2019.
Imagine a Day Without Water: BWS, Department of Environmental Services (ENV), Facility Maintenance (DFM), and Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency (Resilience Oahu) are working together to encourage Oahu residents to Imagine A Day Without Water on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 and will be hosting an event at Tamarind Park of Kapolei Hale from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This one-day national observance aims to educate people about the importance of water in their lives and to raise awareness about the need to invest in water infrastructure.
BWS Facilities Tour Program: BWS offers public education programs to help the community understand and learn about our water sources. One of their outreach programs include "group tours" of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden located in Halawa Valley's Central Park Industrial Area which promotes outdoor water conversation and Waihe'e Tunnel which will awaken your senses with a walk inside the 1,500-foot dike tunnel that provides water to Windward Oahu. Tours are scheduled to start Sunday, December 15, 2019 and are available by appointment only by calling 808-748-5041 or email tours@hbws.org.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER CITY MEETINGS: 
Ala Wai Permitted Interaction Group (PIG): Frost reported attending a PIG meeting in Waikiki regarding the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project and he was disappointed in the information given and questions answered, as if they were only fluff information. Chair Hack noted he also attended the meeting and agrees with Frost, stating that the questioning was done poorly and felt scripted and controlled. However, Chair Hack did find it useful because they did answer some questions the community was asking.

FILLING OF VACANT BOARD SEATS: Chair Hack petitioned the public for a volunteer to fill the vacant Board seats, no volunteers came forth.

ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Councilmember Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following:
Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) Resolution: City Council had a meeting and passed the resolution for NBC asking the administration to look at the many different details and to keep them updated, especially in light of the Aloha Stadium Estate redeveloping for recreation. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that NBC has limited land space and is worried about cost-overruns and delays. Councilmember noted that the rail project and park repairs and maintenance should be top priority first.
Jarrett Middle School Foundation: The Jarrett Middle School Foundation Annual Dinner and Silent Auction is held at the Japanese Cultural Center on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Councilmember Kobayashi noted Jarrett Middle School was singled out in their accomplishments and was in the newspaper for great test scores.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: 
1. NBC Resolution: Frost inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi responded the resolution had just passed earlier in the day. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that the timeline is in a difficult position because the Mayor's term would end when the project begins.
2. Bill 37: Frost inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied Bill 37 also passed today and that it would not take effect until 2020, however they are worried about small contractors and a lot of work is still needed to be done.
3. Monster Home: Shiraki inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi agrees that monster homes like the one on Date Street should be set as an example to deter others building monster homes. Councilmember Kobayashi also reported that monster home did not have proper building permits and continued to work after a stop-work order was issued, however they were given permits upon completion.
4. Parking Lot: Shiraki inquired about the parking lot at Ala Wai Golf Course past the condemned bridge and Councilmember Kobayashi responded it is a waste of space and should be used for development.
5. Another Term: Shiraki inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi replied she will not be running for another term because she is getting too old to serve.
6. Short-Term Rentals: Onishi inquired and Councilmember Kobayashi responded that with the new short-term rental bill passing, she hopes that it will deter others from violating the law because of its strict restrictions. Onishi expressed concerns regarding single family housing versus apartment zoning ruining the neighborhood and Councilmember responded the bill made short-term rental illegal, that Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will be enforcing and citing violators, and will only allow a limited amount of short-term rental through permits with strict restrictions. Shiraki suggested that inspectors check for occupancy violators at later hours because people are not home during the day and Councilmember Kobayashi responded it is easier now because they can use advertisements to catch violators.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Ross Sasamura, Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director, reported the following: 
It's Make a Difference Month: October is make a difference month and the DFM is hosting various Adopt-a-Block/Stream events throughout October 2019 including Palolo Adopt-a-Stream on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Visit www.cleanwaterhonlulu.com for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Waiomao Road: Regarding previous concerns, the City is monitoring the area, and roadway repairs are performed as necessary. The most recent pavement repairs were performed on Friday, October 4, 2019.
Kuahea Street: Regarding previous concerns, the City is monitoring the area and has performed crack sealant repairs within the asphalt concrete portion of Kuahea Street and is considering being reopened.
Tie-Backs: Regarding previous concerns, various geotechnical options for the stabilization of Waiomao Road are still being evaluated.
HPD Medical Call: Regarding previous concerns, HPD responding to a medical emergency is standard procedure. If there is an available officer, dispatch will send the officer to the scene. Being that there are officers already patrolling the area, officers will arrive at the scene quicker than the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or HFD. All officers are trained to offer first aid and some officers have Automated External Defibrillators and can assist the patient until the EMS or HFD arrives

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Waialae Solid Line: Shiraki requested a solid line to demark the two (2) turn lanes for makai bound traffic on Palolo Avenue turning right to town bound Waialae Avenue. He reported near misses between vehicles turning left from Koko Head bound traffic on Waialae Avenue to mauka bound Palolo Avenue and makai bound traffic in the outside right turn lane turning on to Waialae Avenue.
2. Demark Bike Lane: Shiraki requested a dashed line to demark the bike lane Koko Head bound on Waialae Avenue between 10th and 11th Avenues to make it clear to motorists that they may enter the travel lane closest to the curb well before the 11th Avenue intersection. Motorists are presently waiting to make the lane change until the dashed lines close to the 11th Avenue intersection causing traffic hazards and congestion.
3. No Right Turn on Red: Shiraki requested a "No Right Turn on Red" sign for vehicles traveling mauka bound on 10th Avenue at Waialae Avenue. Shiraki reported many near misses and impediments for vehicles traveling makai on 10th Avenue and turning left to Waialae Avenue when they have the left turn arrow.
4. Waiomao/Kuahea Work Status: Albritton requested a description of the status of work relating to the Waiomao Road/Kuahea Street project and the projected work ahead to address slide area issue.

Governor David Ige's Representative: No representative present and no report given.

House Speaker Emeritus (HSE) Calvin Say: HSE Say reported the following:
Forum for Alternatives: Protect Our Ala Wai Watersheds presents A Forum for Alternatives to the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse. 
Sewer Update: HSE Say reported an update regarding the Palolo Sewer Relief on Kalua Road.
Ala Wai Project: HSE Say noted an excellent report in the Star-Advertiser on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 by Sidney Lynch concerning the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation project needing better options.
Abandoned Vehicles: HSE Say thanked Councilmember Kobayashi and Kaneshiro for addressing the abandoned vehicle issue on Orchid Street.
Orchid Street Water Leak: HSE Say noted a resident reported a water leak on 2310-2314 Orchid Street permeating water seepage into the street. 
Signage: HSE Say thanked Sasamura on his efforts on the one-way signage on 10th Avenue.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Orchid Street Water Leak: Onishi inquired and HSE Say clarified that the water leaking is possibly water seeping up from not draining well.
2. Mail-in Voting: Shiraki requested they eliminate mail-in ballots, stating that only those who go to the polls deserve to vote because they care enough to go out and vote.
3. Congratulations: HSE Say congratulated Jarrett Middle School's principal, teachers, and students for their hard work in being nationally recognized in the newspapers.

Senator Les Ihara Jr.: Senator Ihara reported the following:
Kupuna Caucus: Senator Ihara reported he attended a Kupuna Caucus on Friday, October 04, 2019 regarding issues senior citizens are facing. 
PIG Help: Senator Ihara reported he is helping the Kuahea and Waiomao Road earth movement PIG by devoting resources because it is unearthing interesting information.
Recess: Legislature is in recess until January 2020 but Senate will be back on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and Wednesday, November 13, 2019 for a special session to provide advice and consent for judicial nominees.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Fire Hazards: Speaker Emeritus Say reported potential fire hazards at the following locations: 
1924 or 1926 9th Avenue, there is an unoccupied structure. 
2392 or 2394 Waiomao Road, there is a cluttered garage. 
2434 or 2436 Waiomao Road, there is a garage being used as a warehouse, filled completely with items.

Jarrett Middle School Foundation: Leonard Loventhal, president of the Jarrett Middle School Foundation, wanted to reiterate the accomplishments of Jarrett Middle School, such as being the only public school with active grassroots and the high test scoring as recognized in the newspaper. Loventhal noted he will be active by attending Board meetings to bridge the communication between the community and Jarrett Middle School. He concluded they need whatever help the community can provide and reiterated the Jarrett Middle School Foundation Annual Dinner and Silent Auction is held at the Japanese Cultural Center on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

Ala Wai Watershed Project: Resident Kari Watase gave an update for the flood mitigation project, noting the resolution passed by multiple Boards requesting the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to pause and engage with the public to find better alternatives. Watase reported Protect Our Ala Wai Watersheds lawsuit against the State and City on the grounds that State funds cannot be spent unless the EIS is completed. She reported the trial is scheduled for Monday, October 21, 2019 to Tuesday, October 23, 2019 and encouraged everyone to show support by attending. Watase reported the chance for the community to speak up is at the Forum for Alternatives to the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project on Thursday, October 29, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse where many agencies are giving presentations at the meeting and for more information to visit www.stopalawaiproject.com.

PRESENTATIONS
Oahu Resilience Strategy: Communication and Outreach Manager of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency, Molly Pierce gave a presentation summarizing the duties of her office. Pierce reported they took the results and information from their survey to create the Oahu Resilience Strategy. The Oahu Resilience Strategy covers how to bounce forward by starting and planning a response to not only natural disasters, but also man-made disasters. Pierce noted the places that do the best following a disaster are not the richest or the best prepared, rather communities that have the best cohesion and know their neighbors bounces back the best. She concluded by thanking City Council for adopting the Oahu Resilience Strategy as an official guiding document.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Climate Change Office: Chair Hack noted that Miami already has a resilience office and Pierce clarified that their office is the only climate change department in the country.

BOARD BUSINESS
Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Kuahea and Waiomao Road Earth Movements:

Hearing no objections, Chair Hack appointed Frost to the PIG on earth movement at Kuahea and Waiomao Road.

Albritton gave a presentation to update the community about the earth movements at Kuahea and Waiomao Roads. He thanked Senator Ihara for providing him with help and research. Albritton gave a history of the land as a basalt Quarry in the past leading up to the neighborhood it is now. He presented newspaper articles and data that showed signs of the land being unstable due to being built on quarry waste. Albritton also presented the chain of land possession history of how these Hawaiian Crown Lands ended up the City's property through lawsuits and buying out the property owners.

Questions, comments, or concerns: Gratitude: Chair Hack noted how great the presentation was and expressed gratitude for Senator Ihara for his efforts and assistance for helping with the research.

Approval of Minutes of the August 2019 Meeting: Mau moved and Shiraki seconded the Motion to approve the August 2019 Minutes as written. The Motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS VOTE, 9-0-0; (AYE: Albritton, Arriola, Farm, Frost, Hack, Mau, Nakayama, Onishi, Shiraki; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Treasurer Report: Chair Hack reported a remaining balance of $354.09.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The P lolo Neighborhood Board's Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at P lolo Elementary School Cafeteria. 
Bulky Trash Pick-Up: Appointment System Pilot Program for pick-up. Please visit http://www.opala.org or call 768-3200 for general information, then press "0" for appointment requests. 
Farmers' Market: Every Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. at P lolo District Park 
'Olelo Broadcast Slots: The P lolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 meetings are tentatively aired on Channel 49 the first and third Sundays of the month at 12:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday at 9:00 p.m. or online, anytime at http://www.olelo.org. 
Social Media: Join us informally at the "P lolo Valley Community" or "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6" pages or "Palolo Neighborhood Board No. 6 Friends" group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com. Also stay connected with the P lolo community at www.nextdoor.com. 
Agenda Requests: No Later than seven (7) days prior to meeting, contact Chair Hack at 753-0710.
Designated Board Members to Assist to Close-Up: Mahalo for your cooperation!

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

Submitted by: Lindon Valenciano, Neighborhood Assistant 
Reviewed by: Chris Naylon, Neighborhood Assistant
Finalized by: Randolph Hack, Chair

1. Back
2. Current News
   
3. News Archive