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
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SETPEMBER 2022 Minutes
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 9/21/2022.

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

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

September 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

KAPALAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 269 and ZOOM APPLICATION

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 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 - Brian Kang, Lori Yamada, Jason DeMarco, Becky Gardner, Kelsie Aguilera, Eric McCutcheon, Steve Litschauer.

Board Members Absent - Paul Hoe, Travis Saito (vacated).

Guests - Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Noelle Cole and Katherine Hernandez of the Primary Urban Core Development Plan (PUC DP); Deedra Dray (Diamond Head Theatre); Eric Crispin (3650 Waialae Avenue); Director Mark Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Adam Doo (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Councilmember Calvin Say; Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Cheryl Tamanaha, Tim Hosoda, Anthony Caliano, Kalani Salcedo, Sarah Chinen, 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 VACANCIES

No residents volunteered to fill a vacancy.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - No representative was present; the following report was submitted in advance:

August 2022 Statistics: There were 1 wildland brushfire, 1 activated alarm, 58 medical calls, and 2 motor vehicle crashes.

Safety Tip: Holiday While themed decorations make the holiday season festive, consider fire-resistant, noncombustible materials for decorations. Battery-operated flameless candles are much safer and provides ambient lighting like real open flames. Discard light strands with frayed or pinched wires. Turn off lights before going to bed or leaving your home. Light-emitting diode lights produce light at a lower temperature and are safer than incandescent light bulbs. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so escape routes can be free from obstructions. Choose only Underwriter's Laboratory-approved electrical decorations, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use. Do not overload extension cords.

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

August 2022 Statistics: There were 11 motor vehicles, 9 burglaries, 31 thefts, and 13 UEMV. There were a total of 6983 calls for service.

Safety Tip of The Month - Burglaries: Nakamura also provided a home security checklist. He emphasized the importance of locking doors and windows, using alarm systems, and making it difficult for burglars to enter the home through the use of environmental design. Nakamura also suggested getting a dog as an additional security measure.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Trends - Fentanyl: Board Member Eric McCutcheon asked and Nakamura discussed trends in drug use in the area, specifically mentioning the rise of a new drug called fentanyl which can be transmitted through the skin and has become a significant concern for first responders.

2. Firearms: Lieutenant Nakamura also addressed the issue of shall carry firearms and the recent Supreme Court ruling on the matter, stating that each jurisdiction in the US will need to determine how the ruling will be implemented and asking for patience as the specifics are worked out.

3. School Outreach: Board Member Becky Gardner shared their positive experience with HPD local schools and requested even more police outreach at schools.

4. Safety Tip: Board Member Gardner asked and Nakamura provided general advice on how to secure a home, specifically discussing the effectiveness of recent alarm systems.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): No representative was present; no report was given.

PUBLIC INPUT No public input was provided.

PRESENTATIONS

Primary Urban Core Development Plan: Noelle Cole and Katherine Hernandez of the PUC DP gave a presentation and reported the following: The PUC is a policy document that provides guidance on future growth and development in the planning area stretching from Waialae-Kahala to Pearl City. It is currently undergoing a comprehensive update, with a draft plan released for public review until the end of January 2023. The plan addresses land use, transportation, infrastructure, and resiliency. It focuses on identifying appropriate areas for growth, promoting development that is context-appropriate, encouraging affordable housing and diverse housing types, improving transportation options, and addressing the impacts of climate change. The plan also includes chapters on energy, natural resources, and infrastructure.

Questions, comments, and concerns:

1. Comment Period: Board Member Gardner asked and Cole responded that, during the comment period for the Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUC), the team receives and considers comments from various stakeholders, including public agencies, neighborhood boards, and individuals. These comments can range from specific edits to more general suggestions and are addressed in a public comment matrix. All comments are considered, though the final decision on whether to include a change is made by the Planning Commission and city council.

2. Largest Change to Kaimuki: Board Member Kelsey Aguilera asked and Cole noted that the plan includes a focus on encouraging mixed use and "missing middle" housing types in the Waialae corridor, while also preserving the heights and views in the Diamondhead special district. The potential impact on small local businesses in Kaimuki was raised as a concern.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

Honolulu Bicycling League: Neighborhood Bike Leader and Board Member Eric McCutcheon discussed the Honolulu Century Ride.

Diamond Head Theatre: Deena Dray reported that The Diamond Head Theater is almost ready to open its new facility, which is expected to open in January 2023 for the grand opening show of "Cinderella." The theater's current building will be demolished in the middle of October 2022, and the theater's administration staff will be moving to Kapiolani Community College until the new building is completed. A portion of the old building will be kept and used for other purposes. The theater expects to receive its certificate of occupancy in December 2022. The theater's website has construction photos and videos that provide more information on the progress of the new building.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Old Location: Board Member Aguilera asked and Dray responded that the current site of the old theater will be landscaped and turned into green space.

2. Historic Site: Resident and Diamond Head Neighborhood Board Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Michelle Matson asked and Dray responded that the Diamond Head Theater building has been deemed not historic and approved for demolition. She added that the theater has presented to multiple neighborhood boards and has the proper permissions to proceed with the demolition.

Goodwill Building - 3650 Waialae Avenue: Eric Crispin provided an update on the building: Structural steel for the top two floors is in place, but more steel is needed to enclose the building. A new traffic light at the corner of Wilhelmina Rise and Waialae Avenue is being installed, which requires the closure of one to two lanes during the workweek. Flagmen or police will direct traffic as needed. Updates can be found on the project website at 3650waialae.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Awnings Board Member Gardner and Resident Anthony Kaliana discussed the lack of use of outdoor seating areas in Kaimuki due to the heat, suggesting adding awnings or overhangs. Crispin responded that attempts were made to extend the awning, but were denied by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). The speaker suggests participating in the PUC DP or work to amend existing Land Use Ordinances to address the issue. Matson asked and Crispin responded that he is not necessarily promoting transit oriented development (TOD) for Waialae Avenue, and clarified that he was instead suggesting simple solutions such as canopies for shade.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - DIT Director Mark Wong distributed a newsletter (oneoahu.org/newsletter) and reported the following: The administration is planning to announce projects that will provide 972 affordable housing units in various neighborhoods over the next five years. The Department of Community Services (DCS) is offering $550,000 in HOME funds and accepting pre-eligibility inquiries for interest-free home down payment loans up to $40,000 for resident homebuyers. The federal relief funding is being used to provide $30 million in grants for local nonprofits and $20 million for e-buses as part of the city's goal to reduce emissions and global warming. The former library in Makiki will be turned over to the United Korean Association of Hawaii for a community center in the Makiki District Park. The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) reminded businesses and the public about Ordinance 1930/Bill 40, which became effective September 6, 2022 and restricts the use of certain disposable foodware.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Monster Homes: Chair Yamada asked and Director Wong responded that there is no update at this time on monster home concerns.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Adam Doo of Council Chair Waters's Office reported the following: DTS is still working on a solution for the hazardous intersection at Waialae and 16th Ave. HPD reported issuing 13 citations and 18 verbal warnings for speeding on Waialae Ave from September 2, 2022 to September 8. Secure Parking is the new manager of Kaimuki municipal parking lot 1 and is replacing the parking lot lights this month. The Board of Appeals hearing for the building permit at 3615 Sierra Drive has not yet been scheduled, but notification will be sent at least two (2) weeks in advance. There have been complaints of jackhammering and construction at 3712 Sierra Drive, which is restricted by the State Department of Health (DOH) to 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is working with neighbors on issues at 3888 Monterrey Drive, but still awaiting a response from the mayor's office.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP): Board Member Aguilera expressed concerns about the recent resignation of the Director at the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and the impact on the progress made on monster home issues. Director Wong, reassured the board that the deputy director, who was responsible for reviewing and revoking permits, will continue this work. Member Aguilera asked if the building board of appeals meeting will be public or private and what steps neighbors and community members can take to engage in the process. Doo replied that he believes the meeting will be open to the public, but he will double-check and provide an update at the next meeting. The hearing is expected to take place at the end of the year.

2. Heat Concerns: Board Member Gardner asked and Doo responded that would follow up on ways to alleviate concerns of heatwaves, especially where they may impact kupuna.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say distributed a newsletter and noted: Reminded attendees of the deadline for homeowners to apply for tax exemptions. Councilmember Say shared information about the Waialae traffic study and phonebooth vandalism. The Councilmember also talked about the shoreline setback and Coastal Zone Management in relation to the land use ordinance. The councilmember also mentioned the issue of homelessness in the district and expressed support for the police department.

Governor David Ige's Representative - No representative was present; no report was provided.

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

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: Senator Ihara reported that the state legislature is in its interim period and will convene on January 18, 2023. All legislators' terms will end on November 8, 2022 and those who are elected will begin their terms on November 9, 2022. The Senate is planning to hold a separate session to confirm several judges, but there are no plans to hold a special session for the Mauna Kea nominees. The governor is expected to appoint the names he nominated as interim members of the authority. Legislators will make over $70,000 per year starting in January 2023.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi distributed a newsletter and reported the following: A Stored Property Ordinance (SPO)/Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance (SNO) enforcement took place in Diamond Head on September 9, 2022. The Honolulu Little League World Series champions routinely practice at the Kilauea District Park, and Representative Kobayashi has written to the Director of City Parks and Recreation regarding the substandard baseball backstop at the park. Tax rebates for those who filed their taxes through direct deposit have already been received, while those who filed paper returns will receive their rebates in October 2022 on a staggered basis.

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama reported the following: State Representative Jackson Sayama provided an update on his recent visit to the Waianae encampment to learn more about the housing issue in Hawaii and his trip to Hiroshima with Governor Ige to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Hiroshima and Hawaii. He has also been involved in efforts to remove graffiti at Kaimuki Community park. Representative Sayama is working on legislation for the next session, including a proposal to fund a feasibility study into redeveloping the Queen Liliuokalani elementary school property as teacher workforce housing, and a road usage charge concept to fund road and infrastructure maintenance as more people transition to electric vehicles. He encouraged community members to reach out to him with feedback on these ideas.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Website: Chair Yamada shared a website hosting information relevant to Kaimuki and the Neighborhood Board:

http://knb4kaimuki.wixsite.com/boardmeetings

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes from, May, June, July, and August 2022

Hearing no opposition, the Board accepted the following amendments proposed by Member McCutcheon to the Regular Meeting Minutes for August 2022: p. 2 Honolulu Bicycling League should be Hawaii; p. 2 Aguilera last name misspelled from p. 2 on; p. 3 under Tommy Waters, PVE (2x) should be PEV; p. 4 under Senator Les Ihara; lack of verb prior to "that"; p. 5 Next meeting should be September

The board adopted the regular meeting minutes from May, June, July, and August 2022 by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as AMENDED. Amendments listed above.

Recess: The Kaimuki Neighborhood Board discussed the possibility of holding a recess in December and decided to do so. The board voted unanimously to take a recess in December.

Kang MOVED and Litschauer SECONDED to take a recess in the month of December. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

WebEx: Chair Yamada confirmed that the Board will transition to the WebEx platform by the next meeting.

Planning and Zoning Committee: Kelsey Aguilera of the Planning and Zoning Committee discussed the location of the next meeting.

Location: Chair Yamada discussed the possibility of hosting hybrid virtual meetings at the Kaimuki library, but also mentioned the Epiphany Church as another option to follow up on.

T-Shirts: Chair Yamada discussed the possibility of purchasing T-shirts for board members, with the finished product costing approximately $25 each.

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

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or WebEx.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by:

Final approval by:

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Kaimuki Hawaii News Item

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting SETPEMBER 2022 Minutes

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
News Item