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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2022 Minutes
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

October 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 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 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 - Paul Hoe, Brian Kang, Lori Yamada, Becky Gardner, Kelsie Aguilera, Eric McCutcheon, Steve Litschauer.

Board Members Absent - Jason DeMarco.

Guests - Lieutenant Taro Nakamura and Sergeant Adam Lipka (Honolulu Police Department); Lorna Heller and Kathleen Pahinui (Board of Water Supply); Calvin Hara (Kaimuki Business & Professional Organization); Adoree Yu (Queen Theatre); Matthew McKeever (Colliers); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Stephen Yuen and Eric Crispin (3650 Waialae Avenue); Bryan Kimura (State Department of Transportation); Director Mark Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Council Chair Waters and Adam Doo (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Councilmember Calvin Say; Lynn Robinson-Onderko (Senator Stanley Chang's Office); Senator Les Ihara, Jr.; Representative Jackson Sayama; Representative Bertrand Kobayashi; Calvin Hara (Kaimuki Business and Professional Association); Deputy Prosecutor Trisha Nakamatsu and Deputy Prosecutor Mark Tom of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office; 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 volunteers present.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - the following September Statistics:

September 2022 Statisitics: One (1) Wildland/Brush Fire; Three (3) Activated Alarms; 38 Medical Calls; One (1) Motor Vehicle Crash/Collision.

October 2022 Safety Tip - Holiday Decorations: For more information on decoration safety during the holiday season go to https://fire.honolulu.gov.

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

Main Breaks: Two (2) six inch main breaks took place on 8th Avenue and Harding Avenue.

Announcements: "A Day Wtihout Water" Event took place on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. For more information go to www.onewaterhawaii.com. Other events will take place across Oahu regarding this event.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Clarification: Vice Chair Hoe asked Heller to restate the locations of the main breaks that were reported. Heller restated the locations.

2. Red Hill: Vice Chair Hoe inquired if there were updates regarding the Red Hill Fuel Crisis. Heller gave a summary of actions currently being taken by the United States Navy to rectify the situation, no timeline is currently available. Also, if anyone is experiencing health issues due to the crisis please call the Navy Emergency Operations Center at 808-448-2570. BWS has assisted by supplying the Navy with an emergency water connection.

3. Connection: Resident Watson queried if the emergency water connection BWS provided to the Navy is the only source BWS can provide. Heller stated she would look into it and get an official answer to the Board and community.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) Lieutenant Nishimura reported the following:

September 2022 Statistics: 13 Burglaries; 34 Thefts; 6,925 Calls for Service.

October 2022 Safety Tip: Nishimura shared information on how residents can remain aware of emergency notifications.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Update: Member McCutcheon requested updates on any arrest records or criminal trends that HPD is noticing. Nishimura's audio was broken and his response was unable to be heard.

PUBLIC INPUT:

Proposal: Carol Hoshiko, Kapiolani Community College, announced an invitation by the University of Hawaii to qualified developers to submit proposals regarding the 2.5 acre parcel at 550 Makapuu Avenue.

Update: Resident Caliano gave an update to an issue he raised at the last meeting regarding awning extension limits. He was directed by Councilmember Say's office to Council Bill 49, Article 4 (amended), Section 21 for further clarification on the issue. To view his testimony go to https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download/id=15458.

PRESENTATIONS

Hui Car Share Program for Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2 - Julie Yamamoto: Yamamoto shared information regarding Hui Car Share operations, reserved stall usage off of Koko Head Avenue, and the benefits of car share services.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Location: Chair Yamada asked for clarification on the stall location. Yamamoto restated the stalls location on Parking Lot #2 near the former Koko Head Cafe location.

2. Comment: Member McCutcheon shared his comments in support of the Hui Car Share Program.

3. Pricing: Member Gardner inquired on the general pricing to utilize this business. Yamamoto gave a brief pricing breakdown. To view a more in depth breakdown go to https://www.drivehui.com/pricing/.

4. Users: Resident Hoshiko queried on the primary user demographic for the program. Yamamoto shared the majority with local residents and college students.

5. Access: Resident Finn asked if a smart phone is required to participate in the program. Yamamoto confirmed that inquiry due to the fact the program operates from an app.

Ala Wai Watershed updates - Dave Watase: Watase was unavailable for the meeting, presentation not given.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's office - State v. Obrero, Hawaii Supreme Court Decision, needs to be changed by a special legislative session. Serious crime cases are currently being dismissed because of it: No representative present, no presentation given.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

Kaimuki Business and Professional Association (KBPA) - Calvin Hara: No representative present, no report given.

Hawaii Bicycling League - Neighborhood Bike Leader - Eric McCutcheon : McCutcheon gave an update on State Act 306 which deals with incentives for residents who purchase an e-moped or e-bike and where you can purchase these items. Also, he shared locations to care for your combustion engine scooters and mopeds.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: License: Resident Hoshiko asked if a license is required to operate an e-moped, e-bike, or e-scooter. Member McCutcheon was unsure what is required and will get an answer for the November meeting. Vice Chair Hoe gave a clarification on the licensing requirements.

Queen Theater - Matthew McKeever: McKeever gave an update on potential lessees to the retail spaces adjoining the theater and a lessee for the theater itself. They are taking into account community input as well.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Space: Member Gardner suggested the theater be converted into coworking space.

Diamond Head Theatre - Deena Dray: No representative present, no report given.

Kapiolani Community College - Carol Hoshiko: Hoshiko gave a summary update on the Culinary Institute of the Pacific construction development.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Praise: Member Gardner praised Hoshiko on the current development efforts.

3650 Waialae Avenue (Goodwill Building) - Stephen Yuen and Eric Crispin: Crispin gave a summary update on this development project, including new pedestrian and traffic safety instruments at the intersection of Wilhelmina Rise and Waialae Avenue, closure and reopening of traffic lanes, and sidewalks. For more information go to www.3650waialae.com.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative - DIT Director Mark Wong reported the following:

CORE: (Crisis Outreach Response Engagement) program was established to provide support to our homeless neighbors on O�ahu. To date, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have responded to 310 individuals in non-emergent situations and the team has been able to redirect the need to contact emergency services for approximately 150 individuals.

Zoo: Honolulu Zoo received Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Commission re-accreditation.

Water: The City's One Water Initiative was awarded the US Water Prize 2022 for Outstanding Public Sector Organization by the US Water Alliance.

Newsletter: To view the Mayor's full October Newsletter go to www.oneoahu.org/newsletter.

Responses: Responses were given to previous questions and concerns aired previously.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Meters: Member Litschauer asked for an update on if the City will update all parking meters from operating on coins to credit cards. Wong mentioned the change is coming to move away from meters to pay stations, but no timeline is available. Member Gardner mentioned her recent opportunity to utilize a QR Code pay station.

2. Thanks: Chair Yamada and Member Gardner thanked Wong for all of the responses. Gardner commented on the progress and her support of the CORE Program.

3. DPP: Member Gardner aired her thanks for the assistance she recently received from DPP.

4. Policy: Member DeMarco raised a concern with DPP's internal regulation of canceling building permits that are not pulled within 30 days and would like the department to reconsider that policy. Wong will pass that commentary to DPP.

5. Infrastructure: Vice Chair Hoe asked for an update on the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure needed to support the EV parking stall located in Parking Lot 2. Wong mentioned the struggle between City departments to complete this and other projects like it.

6. Update: Resident Watson asked for an update on the development at 3615 Sierra Drive Project and requested someone from DPP to attend the next committee meeting. Wong will pass the message and requests to the DPP.

City Council Chair Tommy Waters - Staffer Adam Doo reported a summary update on the complaints regarding the Parking Lot 1 Pay Station not being properly illuminated, the Department of Transportation Safety's (DTS) evaluation of the traffic light cycle at 16th Avenue, and the development at 3615 Sierra Drive which has a stop work order.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: Problem: Chair Yamada recognized another problem in the traffic area on Harding Avenue between Kapahulu Avenue and 5th Avenue. Doo commented that Councilmember Say's office is working on this and other traffic issues.

Councilmember Calvin Say (City Council District 5): Councilmember Say shared information from his monthly newsletter that can be viewed here https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district-5-say. A response was given to member Yamada's traffic concern. He also gave responses on a number of other concerns previously aired regarding housing. Finally, he shared announcements regarding community events from Hawaiian Electric Company, Honolulu City Lights, and Capitol Improvement Projects (CIP).

Questions, comments, concerns followed:

1. Non-Profit: Member Gardner asked if non-profit organizations need a 501C-3 status to apply for Grant-In-Aid. Councilmember needed to look into the application process and get back to the Board.

2. Awnings: Member Gardner commented on the need to clarify City Ordinances to have better awnings.

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

Senator Stanley Chang: Senator Chang gave an update on his recent activities regarding housing policy in Vienna, public requests for legislation proposals, the Senate's Special Session for judge confirmations, and another Special Session to address the State v. Obrero Supreme Court ruling.

Questions, comments, concerns followed: Housing Projects: Member DeMarco shared anecdotes about how developers failed to follow through on their initial plans for two housing projects in Chinatown and Kakaako. They emphasized the importance of accountability and oversight to ensure that the final product meets the expectations set at the beginning of the project. They expressed support for increasing affordable housing but emphasized the need for accountability from developers and partners.

Senator Les Ihara, Jr.: No representative was present; a report was submitted.

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Jackson reported on participating in the Hiroshima delegation. He discussed working with constituents on a monster house issue and noise control.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi discussed the stalemate in the legislature and the Hawaii State Supreme Court Obrero case on charging serious criminals, and the need for the legislature to act on the matter to protect public safety. Fishing violations off Waikiki have increased recently, and a dozen new enforcement officers have been added to address the issue. The public is encouraged to report any violations or trespassing to keep the new officers busy.

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

Hearing no objection, Vice Chair Hoe took the agenda out of order to hear the report from the KBPA

KBPA: Calvin Hara discussed a recent community cleanup event and upcoming events, including a movie night and a workshop on disaster preparedness.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kaimuki Neighborhood Board website: https://knb4kaimuki.wixsite.com/boardmeetings

Next Reports: Residents can expect Updates from the Hawaii State Department of Transportation (HDOT) and Lanakila Church at the Regular November 2022 meeting.

Vice Chair Hoe passed the gavel to Chair Yamada at 8:36 p.m.

BOARD BUSINESS

Kaimuki Christmas Parade participation decision.

Vice Chair Hoe MOVED and DeMarco SECONDED for the Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 to participate in the Kaimuki Christmas Parade. The motion WAS ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Report of Planning and Zoning Committee and Recommendations: Committee Chair discussed the next Planning and Zoning Committee hearing on Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Discussion on forming Committees to address community issues - Transportation, Environment, Safety, etc. - No discussion.

Discussion on having hybrid meetings in the future. We do not have a permanent space, thus the Kapalama Hale

address is available for live attendance. We are still actively looking for alternative sites to meet starting in the new year. - No update

Update on purchasing Shirts for the Board Members to wear at the KBPA Christmas Parade or for Kaimuki volunteer activities. Approve art and colors: Chair Yamada reported that the NCO recently discussed allocating funds to the Neighborhood Boards for approved promotional activities, and mentioned that getting t-shirts and participating in the parade would be an approved activity.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes - No minutes were available for review.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report - No report was available.

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

Hearing no objection, Vice Chair Hoe returned to item V. C.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's office - State v. Obrero, Hawaii Supreme Court Decision: Deputy Prosecutor Trisha Nakamatsu and Deputy Prosecutor Mark Tom of the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office reported the following: The Honolulu prosecuting attorney's office has made special session requests for the past month and a half following the State of Hawaii v Obrero decision that declared one (1) of the two (2) methods used to charge serious felonies, the preliminary hearing, in Hawaii invalid. The decision affects around 168 cases that need to be recharged via grand jury indictment and puts pressure on the grand jury system, which is struggling to handle the volume of cases. The impact on defendants is uncertain.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Background: Member Gardner inquired and Deputy Prosecutor Nakamatsu responded that she is unsure of the public defender's official position, but expects that they would support and uphold the Supreme Court's decision. Member Gardner inquired and Deputy Prosecutor Nakamatsu responded that the legal question was whether it's a procedural/substantive right.

2. Impact: Member Gardner inquired into the consequence of not having a special session. Prosecuting Attorneys Nakamatsu and Mark Tom responded that there is a gap of three (3) weeks in January when the grand jury will not be available to hear cases, which could cause a delay in charging and prosecuting cases, including murder cases. Prosecutors are attempting to use preliminary hearings to establish a basis for holding individuals for longer than 72 hours while awaiting a grand jury hearing, but the effectiveness of this approach is uncertain. The lack of a grand jury during this time period and the resulting uncertainty is a safety concern.

3. Grand Jury Meetings: Resident Jill inquired and Deputy Prosecutor Nakamatsu discussed the state's grand jury system and the need for it to meet more frequently to charge people in a timely manner. The current system consists of six panels that meet four times a week. Prior to September 8, 2022, the judiciary only had three (3) sessions per week due to COVID-19.

4. Legislative Action: Resident Jill inquired and Deputy Prosecutor Nakamatsu explained that the prosecutor's office is seeking a special session of the legislature to amend a statute regarding preliminary hearings in criminal cases. The current language of the statute does not mention preliminary hearings as a means of bringing charges, but for the past 40 years, both preliminary hearings and grand jury hearings have been options. The prosecutor's office is seeking to either repeal the current language or add preliminary hearings to the statute, returning the process to how it was. The prosecutor's office encourages individuals to contact their state legislators and express their support for a special session to address this issue.

5. Mayor Blangiardi's Position: Member Gardner inquired into the mayor's position on a special session and Deputy Prosecutor Nakamatsu reported that the mayor has previously shown support for the special session, although the specifics of his position are unclear.

6. Board Action: Chair Yamada requested the Deputy Prosecutors return for the Board discuss action on a resolution.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in person and / or WebEx Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Jackson Coley, Sr. Clerk

Final approval by: Lori Yamada, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting OCTOBER 2022 Minutes

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

Kaimuki Hawaii
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