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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2021 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

October 2021 Minutes

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021

ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Schneider called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Quorum was established with 10 members present. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Sharon Schneider, Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Joyce Murakami, Becky Gardner, Molly Pierce, Travis Saito, Jason DeMarco, Reyn Kaupiko, and Lori Yamada.

Board Members Absent - None were absent.

Guests - Captain Michael Han (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant David Ardren, Sergeant Adam Lipka (Honolulu Police Department); Mark D. Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Calvin Say; Council Chair Tommy Waters, Jackson Sayama (State House Representative, District 20); Residents Calvin Hara, Kelsie Aguilera, Susan Shaindlin, Patrick Watson; and Brandy Clark (Neighborhood Commission Office). 27 participants were in attendance.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: There were no nominations or volunteers. This item was deferred.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Michael Han read the following report:

September 2021 Statistics: There was one (1) brush fire, one (1) wildland/brushfire, two (2) activated alarms, 74 medical calls, two (2) motor vehicle collisions, and one (1) hazmat incident.

Safety Tip: Captain Han shared Halloween safety tips which may be found at https://fire.honolulu.gov/.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant David Ardren read the following report:

• September 2021 Statistics: There were 11 motor vehicle thefts, 22 burglaries, 43 thefts, and 13 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles (UEMVs).

• October 2021 Statistics: There were 21 motor vehicle thefts, 22 burglaries, 39 thefts, and 24 UEMVs.

• Safety Tip: Lieutenant Ardren shared Halloween safety tips which may be found at https://www.honolulupd.org/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Candy Checks: Gardner asked and Lieutenant Ardren responded that candy should be checked by parents. Lieutenant Ardren noted no changes to the rules or guidelines have been made based on the pandemic. Vice Chair Hoe listed a number of departments that can answer Gardner's questions.

2. Pu'u O Kaimuki Park: Gardner mentioned an instance where a man with his Doberman asked her to leave so he can have the park to himself and asked for suggestions. Gardner updated the Board and Lieutenant Ardren of her recent interaction with this man, stated that the man parked illegally and Gardner called 911. Gardner explained that after the phone call, HPD gave the man a warning and stated if there is a repeat of this offense, the man will be issued a citation. Lieutenant Ardren stated the stops are discretionary.

3. Coffee With a Cop: Resident Calvin Hara inquired and Lieutenant Ardren replied that the event has been discontinued due to the pandemic. Resident Hara asked and Lieutenant Ardren answered that Zoom may be considered as a platform to host the event.

4. Theft Concerns: Resident Hara listed theft concerns expressed by a neighbor. Lieutenant Ardren responded with sharing anti-theft tips.

5. Queens Theater: Gardner asked about the commotion that happened by Queens Theater, Lieutenant Ardren redirected her question to Sergeant Adam Lipka. Sergeant Lipka listed possible events that may have happened, noted a slight change of traffic control due to an officer present 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and stated to call 911 if one sees anything suspicious.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - BWS representative Lorna Heller gave report, which included details surrounding the "Imagine a Day Without Water" event from Thursday, October 21, 2021, to Wednesday, October 27, 2021. Heller also mentioned a website to visit if people are interested in information about projects that BWS is doing via the following: www.boardofwatersupply.com. No questions were asked during this time.

PUBLIC INPUT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Queens Theater: Chair Schneider reported that Adoree Yu will provide updates on this item in November 2021's meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

Updates to the Proposed Storm Water Utility: Randall Wakamoto (Head of the Storm Water Utility Branch) presented updates to the Proposed Storm Water Utility fee. Wakamoto explained in detail what the fee would assist with, introduced Green Storm Water Infrastructure, explained how cost would affect stream maintenance and discussed credits and rebates.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Expected Revenue: Kaupiko asked about the expected revenue and deficit generations for the County. Wakamoto explained that the total amount of funding provided with fees will be between $101 million and $110 million. Wakamoto noted further that his department is looking at operational, administration and capital costs.

2. Intent of Utility: DeMarco inquired and Wakamoto responded that the intent of the utility fee is for the maintenance of storm drains, streams, channels, and similar infrastructure. Wakamoto stated further that the fee creates a reliable source of funding, and that it requires department collaboration because everyone benefits.

3. Collection of Fees: DeMarco asked and Wakamoto replied that the fee will be added to a tax bill or a BWS bill or through an independent billing system. Wakamoto noted further having an independent billing system would be costly, prompting the department to start from scratch. Wakamoto mentioned that the fee will be a special fee and not a tax. A resident stated that programs where everyone will benefit, it will not be enough even if pushing a tax that goes directly to the program.

4. Organizations: Resident Hara asked and Wakamoto answered that the organization AARP-HI attends meetings on a regular basis and are considered a Stakeholder Advisory member. Wakamoto stated further a list of things to consider by including leverage funding, issuing small grants to properties, and listed methods for incentivizing the fee.

5. Languages: Resident Hara questioned and Wakamoto responded that if people want it in different languages to contact his department.

6. Issues/Credit Options: Council Chair Tommy Waters asked and Wakamoto responded that his department is looking at credit options to the residents due to the rainwater issues that happen in this district. Wakamoto explained further that there will be a credit cap if water is captured onto the property; after assessments are sent out, residents are given six (6) months to assess it themselves and contest the decision made.

7. Options: Resident Susan Shaidlin queried and Wakamoto answered that the department would handle it the same way that a post pier property would operate, undermining the foundation would be considered a possibility.

8. Linear Mileage: Councilmember Calvin Say questioned and Wakamoto answered that Palolo Stream has a lot of drainage canals. Councilmember Say noted the infrastructure pipes that feed into the stream decay, and asked how the entity would maintain private lines. Wakamoto responded that the private owners are responsible for maintenance of said private lines.

The Epidemic of Youth E-Cigarette Use: Rojelle Bohol, Teresa Ng, Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii's Youth Commission: Rojelle Bohol and Theresa Ng presented on the goals of the Youth Commission, shared statistics of e-cigarette usage and health impacts among teens, and shared tips to help end the end of selling flavored and menthol e-cigarettes. No questions were asked during this time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Link: Chair Schneider noted that information and diagrams can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/KaimukiNBMeeetingFlyers

2. Goodwill Building: The owners of 3650 Waialae (the Goodwill Building) have updated their status information. There is a flyer at the above link with more details and contact information.

3. Arbor Day Event: "A Community Growing Trees Together" For Information on the Arbor Day Event - Reserve a tree for pickup. Link shared is Hawaii Farm Bureau Farmer's Markets post. Please see flyer for information and registration link at the above link.

4. Liquor License Applications - Taste of Thai Restaurant, Thursday, November 4, 2021 and The Curb, Thursday, November 18, 2021. See Notices in the above link.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - Director of Department of Information Technology Mark D. Wong took questions, comments and concerns.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Recycling Concerns: Gardner expressed recycling concerns by her residence.

2. Eviction Concerns: Gardner noted that the 45-day notice should be extended for those who need additional assistance and told a story about her neighbor that lives on a month-to-month renting situation and is facing eviction. Director Wong redirected that question to Council Chair Waters.

3. Municipal Parking Lot: Vice Chair Hoe inquired about an update of completion of the parking lot. Director Wong, and Chair Schneider responded that the completion date is set for December 2021. Resident Hara stated the present work will be done by the end of this week. Demarco noted that kiosks are broken and are in need of service and repair. Director Wong explained that it is the contractor and/or DTS's responsibility to chase the vendor. Chair Schneider noted lots of complaints about aforementioned issues.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Council Chair Waters reported that deadlines for the complete repair of a public parking lot have taken priority by his office. Two (2) monster homes were recently approved for construction. Council Chair Waters also reported that affordable housing near Lili'uokalani Elementary will become available.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Affordable Housing: Director Wong noted and Council Chair Waters responded that the State gave a lot of the land back in support for workforce housing. Director Wong stated that parts of Lili'uokalani Elementary would be used for a data center.

2. Accountability: Resident Patrick Watson asked and Council Chair Waters answered to collaborate with Director Wong regarding a systemic solution to hold the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) accountable.

3. Municipal Parking Lot: Chair Schneider inquired about legislation to not allow cementing for the whole lot. Council Chair Waters replied that there is currently a bill drafted that is sitting at his desk but is waiting to resolve issues with the Storm Water Utility Division.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say reported a link to the HPD Commission for testimonial submission about the new Police Chief, a reapportionment meeting taking place, and giving Request for Investigation and Service Reports (RISRs) to 5th and 7th Avenues. No questions were asked during this time.

Governor David Ige's Representative - A report was sent to the Board.

Senator Stanley Chang - No representative was present, no report was given.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present, no report was given.

Representative Jackson Sayama, District 20: Representative Sayama reported housing opportunities in the District. He also reported that Legislative steps have been taken to address catalytic concerns.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Reapportionment Concerns: Gardner mentioned reapportionment concerns and printed out maps for drafted districts. Gardner noted protocol not being followed and that it is similar to gerrymandering; encouraged the public to speak up against said issues.

2. Monster Homes: Resident Watson asked and Representative Sayama responded that there were legal concerns surrounding why the bill did not pass. Representative Sayama stated he worked with all parties involved but the House Bill died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi: No representative was present, no report was given.

United States Representative Ed Case: No representative was present, no report was given.

BOARD BUSINESS

Fill Sergeant-At-Arms Vacancy: Chair Schneider notified the Board of this vacancy and asked for any volunteers, however none came forward. Hearing no objections, Chair Schneider deferred this item to November 2021's meeting.

Resolution "Urging the City and County of Honolulu to Adopt a Heritage Tree Ordinance" submitted because of concern of the loss of trees and overdevelopment in Kaimuk : This has already been passed by the Board in September 2021's meeting.

Resolution "Recognizing Kapiolani Community College Designation as a Tree Campus USA", 2021: This item was deferred to the November 2021 meeting.

Discussion on Whether To Continue with the Permitted Interaction Groups (PIGs) Or Form Others To Keep Us Abreast Of Timely Topics - Transportation, Environment and Planning and Zoning: DeMarco expressed interest in forming a Planning and Zoning PIG to address monster home concerns. Residents Watson and Kelsie Aguilera stated they wanted to join in the PIG to assist with said concerns.

Approval of the Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes:

Hoe MOVED and Kang SECONDED the APPROVAL of the Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes AS SUBMITTED. The MOTION was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT 10-0-0 (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Kang, Murakami, Gardner, Pierce, Saito, DeMarco, Kaupiko, and Yamada; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Approval of the Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes:

Chair Schneider raised the following amendment:

• Page 2: Strike "Avenues 16th and Harding" and add "between avenues Koko Head and 11th".

Hoe MOVED and Kang SECONDED to ADOPT the Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Draft Regular Meeting Minutes AS AMENDED. The MOTION was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT 10-0-0 (Aye: Schneider, Hoe, Kang, Murakami, Gardner, Pierce, Saito, DeMarco, Kaupiko, and Yamada; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Kang noted for the month of October 2021 that printing and posting costs were $3.46 and $32.12 respectively, total monthly expenditures $35.58, with a remaining balance of $349.04.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: Nothing to report.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

Submitted by: Brandy Clark, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Casey Ishitani, Public Relations

Final approval by:

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Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2021 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
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