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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2022 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 7/20/2022.

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

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

June 2022 Memorandum for Record

DRAFT MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2022

KAPALAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 269 and ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Vice Chair Hoe called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Quorum was not established with

five (5) members present. Note - This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present - Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Lori Yamada, Becky Gardner, Kelsie Aguilera

Board Members Absent - Sharon Schneider, Travis Saito, Jason DeMarco.

Guests - Captain Josh Case (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply); David Uchiyama (REGENT Craft); Timothy Trang (Department of Design and Construction); Calvin Hara (Kaimuki Business & Professional Organization); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Eric McCutcheon and Malia Harunaga (Honolulu Bicycling League); Council Chair Tommy Waters; Councilmember Calvin Say; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Kalani Salcedo, Sarah Chinen, Barbara DeBaryshe, Sharlene Watanabe, Jeannie Lum, Barbara DeBaryshe, Patrick Watson (Residents); and Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office).

ROLL CALL The Neighborhood Assistant conducted a roll call.

FILLING OF BOARD VACANCY: Vice Chair Hoe listed one (1) open vacancies in Sub-district 2 and one (1) in Sub-district 3. Steve Litschauer volunteered to fill the vacancy in sub-district 2, discussed his history in the community and work at HPU, UH, and Kamehameha Schools, and willingness to participate in the community.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Captain Josh Case reported the following:

May 2022 Statistics: There were 3 activated alarms, 58 medical emergencies, and 3 motor vehicle crash/ collisions.

Safety Tip - Emergency Preparedness: Captain Case provided wildland fire safety tips. Visit https://fire.honolulu.gov/ for more information.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Taro Nakamura submitted the following report:

May 2022 Statistics: There were 11 motor vehicle thefts, 8 burglaries, 36 thefts, 15 unauthorized entry into motor vehicles, and 6839 calls for service. Statistics can be found at www.honolulupd.org.

Safety Tips: Lieutenant Nishimura shared active shooter safety tips.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Appreciation: Gardner expressed appreciation to HPD for their recent assistance in a personal matter.

2. Active Shooter Situations: Resident Watson inquired and Lieutenant Nakamura responded that all schools ought to have a protocol and drills for active shooter situations, adding that each campus needs unique plans for their environment. He added that HPD will address the situation directly when receiving an active shooter call. Lieutenant Nakamura will follow up regarding the protocol for communication between the schools and HPD. Carol Hoshiko of Kapiolani Community College (KCC) discussed their school's protocols.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Lorna Heller reported the following:

Water Main Breaks: Heller reported one (1) water main break on May 20, 2022.

General Water Announcements: The BWS congratulates and thanks the winners and participants of the Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry contest. Residents are encouraged to conserve water during the summer and acknowledge the limited water resources. Related tips were provided and more information can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: DPR - Water Conservation: Resident Kalani Salcedo expressed concerns that DPR is not enforcing water conservation on their property, specifically on reported use of public water for portable swimming pools and water slides.

PUBLIC INPUT

Kapiolani Community College: Carol Hoshiko announced and discussed the retirement of Chancellor Louisse Pagotto at the end of 2022, the next virtual town hall meeting on July 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m, and upcoming culinary classes. Board Member Gardner asked Hoshiko responded that some culinary classes are available for kids. More information can be found at https://continuinged.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/.

Monster Houses: Resident Sarah Chinen, Board Member Aguilera, and Resident Barbara DeBaryshe discussed monster homes, including the DPP's recent recognition that the Sierra Drive property may be violating their permit. Concerns were raised that monster homes are often finished construction before violations are officially recognized. It was noted that the property owner applied to change their permit to add a third story, potentially to exploit a loophole to avoid a more rigorous review process.

PRESENTATION

Electric Powered Seagliders for Inter-Island Transportation: David Uchiyama of REGENT Craft gave a presentation and reported the following:

Background: REGENT Craft is an electric powered sea glider manufacturer. They have conducted outreach to several organizations and the community to gauge interest and garner feedback regarding their seagliders for passenger, freight, tourism, emergency services, air ambulance, and defense uses. The seaglider is expected to enter service in 2025/2026 pending certification.

Seaglider: The seaglider float, foil, and fly technology, capabilities, and specifications were discussed. Uchiyama highlighted the interior's modular capabilities, allowing it to serve many capacities from passenger, to freight, to emergency services. REGENT is cooperating with NOAA to develop sonar technology to detect and safely avoid whales that may be traveling on the surface or underwater. The noise of the vehicle will peak at around 60dBA, well below similar vehicles. A timeline of the various models was provided.

Hawaii's Challenges and Opportunities: Uchiyama commented that REGENT Craft is a sustainable alternative to the limited airline competition, will alleviate road congestion, and can provide a more cost-effective alternative for medical evacuations in remote areas. Potential inter-island routes were displayed.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

Prototypes: Gardner asked and Uchiyama responded that these models are currently in the prototype phase, with Hawaii being one of the first locations to showcase the craft once necessary feasibility studies and environmental impact statements or assessments have been completed.

Routes: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Uchiyama responded that the percentages adjacent to the displayed routes represent the current battery usage of the respective trips.

Automobiles: Resident Chinen asked and Uchiyama responded that the seagliders are able to carry passengers and freight, but not automobiles.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

Department of Design and Construction (DDC) on Project 14D Maunalani/Sierra/Wilhelmina Paving: Timothy Trang of the DDC reported that a construction contract was executed for rehabilitation of the areas around Project 14D. The next step involves working with the contractor to issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Potholes: Gardner requested repairs of potholes along Sierra Drive, Iwi Way, and Mikihala Way.

Kaimuki Business & Professional Association (KBPA): No representative was present; no report was given.

Honolulu Bicycling League (HBL): Neighborhood Bike Leader Eric McCutcheon reported the following:

Liaison: McCutcheon announced that he is the liaison between the Honolulu Bicycling League and the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4.

Oahu Bike Plan: He reported that the Kaimuki neighborhood falls in between the major areas outlined in the Oahu Bike Plan, a masterplan to improve bicycle infrastructure. He clarified that there are no major plans outlined in the plan for the Kaimuki neighborhood boundaries and requested suggestions for bicycle infrastructure and safety improvements be sent to him.

Honolulu Century Ride 2022: The Honolulu Century Ride will be held on September 25, 2022.

July - Bike Month: HBL recognizes July 2022 as Bike Month.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Information and diagrams at this link: https://bit.ly/KaimukiNBMeeetingFlyers

B. Trees for Kaimuki is looking for input on one of our beautiful neighborhood parks, Mau'umae Nature Park! We have created a survey for folks that live in the area about what ideas and or improvements they would like to see at the park in the future. The link to the survey is here and also on the QR code and flyer at the link above. We have also created a printable map for keiki and families to draw your ideas about this park or write what you think this park needs! Submit your ideas to game@treesforhonolulu.org for a special prize!"

C. Kaimuk Business and Professional Association is sponsoring a Volunteer Clean up of Kaimuk Community Park on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you are interested please let them know at info@kbpahawaii.com. Informational flyer at above link.

D. In partnership with Hawaii State Department of Land & Natural Resources and the Honolulu Fire Department, Hawai i Wildfire Management Organization will be hosting two virtual community-wide meetings this summer to facilitate discussions around wildfire concerns and priorities for those living and working in the East Honolulu region of Oahu. The meeting date is Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Register to learn Wildfires in East Honolulu. See flyers at the above link to participate in the Community Wildfire Planning Workshops.

E. EnVision Kaimuk hosted an informational session about the 12th Avenue Promenade on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 and is still seeking input from the community. Please email envisionkaimuki@gmail.com with "12th Avenue Promenade - Community" in the subject line. They will be meeting again with surrounding businesses in the near future to discuss their parking concerns and issues. See flyers at the above link.

F. Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) will be removing or installing telephone poles at 2023 Wilhelmina Rise and 1401 Wilhelmina Rise in the next few weeks.

G. On Sunday, July 31, 2022 the annual Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon will be run starting and finishing at Kapiolani Park. The swim event starts at 6:15am then the bike event will ride up Monserrat, 22nd Avenue, Kilauea Avenue, Elepaio Avenue, Kahala Avenue, Diamond Head Road back to Kapiolani Park with the run course around the park. They expect 250-300 participants. For further information on this event, please go to: Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon - Na Wahine Racing (nawahineracinghi.com)

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - DIT Director Mark Wong distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

Oahu Agricultural Grants: Utilizing funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), the Blangiardi Administration is developing a new $3 million agricultural grant program for farmers, ranchers, and growers on O'ahu. Applications for these grants will be accepted for six weeks starting in late June 2022. Farmers, ranchers, and growers can start preparing to apply for grants by visiting oahuaggrants.org to learn more.

First Responder Preparedness: Residents may visit www.fire.honolulu.gov/fire-and-life-safety to learn more regarding smoke alarms. Further tips regarding preparation may be found at www.honolulu.gov/dem. The Honolulu Fire Department provides Bystander CPR and AED training to community members. Call 808-723-7015 or e-mail hfdcpr@honolulu.gov for more information. Teach keiki water safety and keep a close eye on them when you are near the water. Learn more at honolulu.gov/esd. Hike safely. Know your limits, bring plenty of water, make sure you are prepared, and visit www.dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/hiking-in-hawaii.

Covid-19 Safety Update: Residents are encouraged to do the following: Get your COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shot(s), especially if you are immunocompromised or over the age of 50. Wear your mask in crowded situations or if you are feeling sick; Stay home if you are sick, and get tested for COVID-19; Practice good hygiene and handwashing; Follow CDC guidance if you test positive or are exposed to COVID-19.

Hurricane Season: To prepare for Hurricane Season, build your 14-day disaster supply kit, harden your home to withstand hurricane winds, check your insurance to make sure you have the right coverage, and, most importantly, make a plan so your whole family knows what to do in case of a hurricane. Learn more about hurricanes, how to prepare your home and family, and what to do in the event a hurricane is on the way at honolulu.gov/dem/hurricane.

Kaimuki Parking Lot: All three phases have been completed and all parking stalls are open. HECO to install a new meter to replace the existing service. The contractor has scheduled HECO to make final connections on/about June 9, 2022. Final adjustments and changes to the crosswalk and other miscellaneous striping and signage are to be done by July 31, 2022. Some short duration closures will be necessary when work such as the crosswalk and other pavement marking are done. No other impacts to the parking lot are anticipated

3615 Sierra Drive: Director Wong distributed a link demonstrating that four (4) permits issued to the property at 3615 Sierra Drive were issued in error:

https://dppweb.honolulu.gov/DPPWeb/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=TaxMapKey&PosseObjectId=16943946

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Electric Charging Station: Vice Chair Hoe inquired and Director Wong responded that there have been no changes regarding the electric charging station at the Kaimuki Parking Lot.

2. 3615 Sierra Drive: Aquilera asked and Director Wong responded that he would inquire into an official response from the Mayor and/or DPP regarding 3615 Sierra Drive.

3. Parking Payment Systems: Kang asked and Director Wong responded that DTS is looking into revamping the existing parking payment systems to allow for both electronic and physical payments.

4. Motorized Paragliders: Gardner expressed concerns with a motorized paraglider causing disruption along Hunananiho Beach, and inquired if any other incidents regarding this have been reported. Director Wong commented that he would look into the concern, adding that it will likely be a State issue.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Council Chair Waters reported the following:

Monster Homes: Council Waters reported that Deputy Director Dawn Apuna began personally investigating 3615 Sierra Drive, and found that DPP applied the wrong statute when evaluating the property. The initially issued stop work order, requiring the plans and building to conform with the appropriate law, is now reflected on DPP website as "status: job canceled." Council Chair Waters will provide an update on what this status entails. Regarding 3052 Koko Head Avenue, Council Chair Waters has inquired with DPP to evaluate whether or not the property is in compliance. He expressed concerns that the structures for this property are already built. He discussed one (1) solution with Mayor Blangiardi to create a three (3) strikes system that bars a property owner from obtaining permits after receiving three (3) notices of violation from the DPP.

HPD: Council Chair Waters and Councilmember Say allocated an extra $1 million to shore up patrolling police officers to help mitigate crime. HPD currently has 329 vacancies, not including 33 recent graduates. Council Chair Water discussed the audits of police overtime at HPD, the necessity for some overtime when experiencing manpower shortages, and the potential to digitize the overtime process.

Homelessness: Council Chair Waters is drafting a bill to require mental health assessment and treatment if warranted of misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors.

Motorized Paraglider: Council Chair Waters will follow up on concerns with motorized paragliders.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bill 27: Secretary Yamada inquired and Council Chair Waters responded that Bill 27 regarding outdoor dining services would take effect upon approval and would expire 36 months after the approval date.

2. HPD: Gardner expressed support for shoring up the presence of Community Policing officers. Council Chair Waters agreed with the sentiment, adding that filling patrol officer vacancies is still the priority at this time.

3. Monster Homes: Aguilera expressed appreciation for Council Chair Waters's commitment to the monster home issues. Resident Chinen proposed criminalizing certain violations to reduce the incidents of foreign investors building monster homes for financial benefit. Council Chair Waters acknowledged that criminalizing certain violations is a possibility, but might run the risk of punishing local residents trying to renovate their homes. Resident Sharlene Watanabe discussed prior incidents where violating property owners needed to remove structures built in violation.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

Budget: The City and County of Honolulu's operating budget is approximately $3.2 billion with a CIP budget of approximately $1.1 billion. With approximately 25%-26% of the City and County workforce being vacant positions, the City Council is concerned with providing adequate services to the general public.

Rent Utility Relief Fund: Councilmember Say is inquiring with Mayor Blangiardi and the Managing Director into the extension of the Rent Utility Relief Fund.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Vacancies: Gardner asked and Councilmember Say responded that City and County of Honolulu vacancies are largely a pre-COVID-19 issue, adding that it would be worth evaluating civil service laws, the minimum requirements, and salaries offered for certain positions.

Governor David Ige's Representative - No representative was present; a report was distributed.

Senator Stanley Chang - No representative was present; a report was distributed prior to the meeting.

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

Representative Jackson Sayama: No representative was present; no report was given.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi reported the following:

Veto: Representative Kobayashi speculated that a Senate bill placing caps on the amount of renewable energy produced from one source and a House bill regarding bail reform will be on the Governor's veto list.

COVID-19: Representative Kobayashi urged caution as the amount of COVID-19 cases rose to over 1,000 cases per day, commenting that the newest variant is more contagious than prior variants.

Budget: Representative Kobayashi commented that the State is on track to carry over a record $1.77 billion dollars by the end of FY22.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Mobile Access to Mental Health Services: Gardner expressed concerns with a bill that passed out of the State Legislature that might harm an individual's ability to speak with a therapist over the phone. She requested support in requesting the Governor veto this legislation. Representative Kobayashi discussed the difficulties in advocating for a veto due to the nature of the process.

2. Federal Assistance and the State surplus: Resident Hoshiko asked and Representative Kobayashi responded that the large carry over balance was partially due to the $21 billion from the federal government over the last two (2) years. These funds mostly went directly to citizens and small businesses, but $4 billion and $2 billion went to the State and Counties, respectively.

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

BOARD BUSINESS

Formation of Planning and Zoning Committee and Recommendations There was no update at this time.

Discussion on forming Committees to address community issues - Transportation, Environment There was no update at this time.

Discussion on having live or hybrid meetings in the future: Discussion followed regarding available meeting locations, including the concerns regarding the requirements for City, State, or private facilities. Vice Chair Hoe discussed that NCO is not willing to sign off on hold harmless language related to liability. He recommended that those looking to secure a meeting location be aware of this when reaching out to potential hosts. Secretary Yamada asked and the Neighborhood Assistant Baldwin clarified that WiFi on location is preferable but not necessary, as the NCO provides hotspots to facilitate hybrid meetings. Resident Watson inquired and the Neighborhood Assistant responded that the only requirements for committee meetings are the physical meeting components required by State Sunshine Law.

Discussion of purchasing T-Shirts for the Board Members for use in the KBPA Christmas Parade or for volunteer activities that are occuring in Kaimuk , for example Tree Well care and maintenance) Vice Chair Hoe inquired and the Neighborhood Assistant responded that he would inquire into spending

Approval of Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes. As there was no quorum, no action could be taken.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - No report was available.

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: No report was given.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or Zoom Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2022 Minutes

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4

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