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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2023 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 8/16/2023.

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

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

June 2023 Minutes

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023

KAIMUKI PUBLIC LIBRARY MEETING ROOM and WEBEX 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 - Lori Yamada, Paul Hoe, Jason DeMarco, Kelsie Aguilera (via WebEx), Becky Gardner (via WebEx), Rob Haak (via WebEx), and Eric McCutcheon.

Board Members Absent - Brian Kang

Guests - Firefighter Joe Welsh (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Taro Nakamura (Honolulu Police Department); Steven Norstrom (Board of Water Supply (BWS); Steve (3650 Waialae Avenue); Carol Hoshiko (Kapiolani Community College); Department of Information Technology (DIT) Director Mark Wong (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative); Council Chair Tommy Waters; Adam Doo (Office of Council Chair Tommy Waters); Bryan Kimura (Hawaii State Department of Transportation-HDOT); Councilmember Calvin Say, Janel Denny, Melvia Kawashima (Councilmember Calvin Say's Office); Amanda Stevens (Governor Josh Green's Representative); Ariel (Office of Senator Stanley Chang); Jack James, Bob Armstrong, Elwood, (Residents and guests), Thomas Baldwin (Neighborhood Commission Office - NCO).

ROLL CALL The Neighborhood Assistant called the roll.

FILLING OF VACANCIES

There were no volunteers to fill vacancies.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Firefighter Welsh reported the following:

• May 2023 Statistics: There were one (1) structure fire, one (1) activated alarm, 56 medical calls, and six (6) motor vehicle crash/ collisions.

• Fire Safety Tip: Wildland Brushfire safety and prevention tips were provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Nakamura reported the following:

May 2023 Statistics: There were 10 motor vehicle thefts, four (4) burglaries, 32 thefts, five (5) unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), and 7,123 total calls for service.

Safety Tip: Lieutenant Nakamura provided hurricane season safety tips.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Norstrom reported there was one (1) main break on May 28, 2023 at 627 6th Avenue, BWS will be distributing its annual water quality report to customers and there were no further updates regarding Red Hill.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Main Break: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Norstrom noted the main break at Harding Avenue was a 24-inch main which have since been repaired.

2. Red Hill: Member DeMarco asked and Norstrom noted the information regarding the future possible use of the tanks could be more readily answered by the Department of the Navy.

PUBLIC INPUT

• Sign Waving: Member Aguilera announced the event at Mission Memorial ahead of the Building Board of Appeals hearing regarding 3615 Sierra Drive.

PRESENTATION

Certificate of Accomplishment to the Valedictorian of Kaimuki Christian School, Amanda Feldmann. She will be attending Reed College in Portland, OR.

6:45 p.m. Chair Yamada called a recess to distribute the Certificate of Accomplishment.

6:47 p.m. Chair Yamada called the meeting back to order.

Mahalo Certificates to outgoing Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Members.

6:48 p.m. Chair Yamada called a recess to distribute Certificates to outgoing Board members.

6:50 p.m. Chair Yamada called the meeting back to order.

Discussion And Board Position on the Salaries for the City Council Members. Resolution Draft to be considered to support a public hearing meeting on June 23, 2023 - Hearing no objections - Chair Yamada deferred this item to later in the meeting.

UPDATES FROM COMMUNITY GROUPS

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

Hawaii Bicycling League: Hawaii Bicycling League representative Eric McCutcheon gave a presentation and reported the following: Hawaii State Law states that anyone riding a bicycle slower than the regular flow of traffic must use a designated bicycle lane when one is provided on a highway. The same law mandates that moped drivers must use these bicycle lanes when available. However, there seems to be a conflict with City and County laws due to the specific use of the word "shall." This wording implies that only bicycles, and not any other vehicles, are allowed to use the bicycle lane. Exceptions are made for motor vehicles and mopeds crossing the lane when necessary. McCutcheon pointed out conflicts between State and City laws.

Discussion followed: Representative Sayama, Members McCutcheon and DeMarco, discussed situations in which the conflicting laws impacts moped users when they decide whether or not to use the bike lane. Chair Yamada asked and McCutcheon noted he will answer the question regarding the definition of a scooter at the next meeting.

Queen Theater: Chair Yamada noted Adoree Yu couldn't attend the meeting but will relate any concerns to her.

Discussion followed: Resident Elwood suggested a three (3) story parking garage under the theater. Members Gardner and Aguilera asked and Chair Yamada noted the Vape shop's lease is for two (2) more years. Gardner noted Yu has not given an update in three (3) months and wants to work with her to find other tenants.

Kapiolani Community College (KCC): Carol Hoshiko shared some slides and gave the following updates for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific: the restaurant building is almost complete and the electrical, plumbing and fire sprinkler system is still being worked on. The terrace garden is backfilled and the site walkways are complete. Steel framing has been installed at the Innovation Center and a rock veneer is being installed onto the retaining walls. Hoshiko noted they have been receiving applications for their CIP Director and hope to name someone by the fall semester. Hoshiko also referred to a question posed at the last meeting regarding property around Sunset and Leahi Avenues noting they are "University lands".

Discussion followed: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Hoshiko replied she will keep the board informed about the restaurant opening noting they should get the keys by the end of 2023, hoping to start to take reservations by summer 2024. A resident noted the webinars that the school does is very informative. Hoshiko noted the next town hall webinar meeting will be held on July 6, but attendees must register.

3650 Waialae Avenue (Goodwill Building): Steve provided an update on the project and announced that the City will be doing roadwork which will require some lane closures in the area, people have been requesting the bus stop on Waialae Avenue be brought back, plans are it will hopefully return by the end of June but it is up to the contractor, the City will be installing signalized lights at Waialae Avenue and Wilhelmina Rise but will have it on "stand by mode", and there will be some manhole construction in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Please check the website for further information.

Discussion followed: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Crispin noted the contractors are presently working in the area, Chair Yamada had a question about manholes and Member Aguilera gave "Kudos" to their whole team. Crispin thanked everyone for their patience during this process and thanked Aguilera for her kudos.

Hearing no objections, Chair Yamada allowed more public input at this time.

• Recall: Jack James announced his Recall initiative. Chair Yamada asked and James noted he has a business background and has been in Hawaii 38 years. Member DeMarco asked and James clarified that the initiative is to recall seven (7) Councilmembers over the pay raises. Gardner asked and James noted "recall" means the City Charter Section 12 allows a person can be recalled based on a vote of 10% of all registered voters. James noted he is visiting all neighborhood boards and educating residents on what a recall is. Chair Yamada suggested this item could be on the agenda for July.

• Meeting: Bob Armstrong announced a meeting on August 19 at 11:00 a.m. on Smith Street regarding the Neighborhood Plan.

ELECTED OFFICIALS' REPORTS

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

Rail Opening - Phase One: Mayor Rick Blangiardi announced in the first phase of the City and County of Honolulu's long-awaited rail transit system will officially begin interim passenger operations at 2 p.m. on June 30, 2023, with a grand opening celebration at the H lawa rail station featuring dignitaries and entertainment slated for earlier in the day. The first phase of the City's rail project covers a roughly 11-mile stretch between the Kualaka i Station in East Kapolei and the H lawa Station near Aloha Stadium. All rides on the new rail system will be free for the entire opening weekend, from 2 p.m. on June 30, the day the system opens, until the last train runs on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Riders will be required to tap their HOLO cards at fare gates to enter individual stations, but fares will not be deducted from those cards. Learn more at www.honolulu.gov/rail

Follow-ups:

• Parking Along Date Street/ Kapiolani - Kapahulu Ave: A board member expressed concerns with parking at peak traffic hours despite signage. Can these signs be enforced? HPD: District 7 (East Honolulu) patrol officers make daily checks along Date Street and Kapiolani Boulevard to Kapahulu Avenue during tow zone times for vehicles illegally parked. There were no violations observed from May 26 to June 7, 2023. Appropriate enforcement action is taken when violations are observed.

• EV Parking Stall at Lot 2: A board member asked if and when an EV parking stall will be installed. Department of Design and Construction (DDC): We are working on securing funding to install an EV charger to connect to the electrical infrastructure installed with a prior project, there is no time table at this time. Department of Transportation Services (DTS): The EV parking stall is programmed to be installed in fiscal year 2024.

• Date Street and Kapahulu Right Hand Turn onto Kapahulu: A board member expressed concerns with motorists turning right onto Kapahulu from Date Street as pedestrians are crossing. Requested that a "Right Turn on Green Arrow Only" sign be placed. Is this feasible. DTS: We will perform an investigation, which will include a site inspection, traffic survey, and review of the traffic collision history and take appropriate action as warranted by their analysis and will inform the board of their findings by the end of this year.

• Road Construction Sign Obstructions: During Roadway construction, temporary signs intended for drivers are placed either on bike lanes or sidewalks, obstructing bikers and pedestrians respectively. Can these signs be placed in such a way as to not obstruct bike lanes and sidewalks? DTS: Construction sign placement should not be obscuring or blocking pedestrians or bikers. DTS will remind the contractors when they come in for permits not to obstruct bike lanes and sidewalks.

• 8th Avenue - Waialae Signage: A board member expressed concerns with the placement of traffic signals coming down 8th Avenue towards Waialae Avenue. The concern is that one set of traffic signals are placed on the sides (in the driver's peripheral vision) while the next traffic signals are high and center. The concern is that a driver may fixate on the later traffic signal. Is it possible to synchronize these two traffic signals to avoid confusion? DTS checked the intersection and did not find any conflicts or confusion with the traffic signals along 8th Avenue, heading towards Waialae Avenue. If there are further concerns, please have them call us at 808-767-8387.

• Electric Vehicle Weight: A board member expressed concerns with the impact of electric vehicle weight on infrastructure. Concerns were raised that if the City is going to promote the adoption of EV, then parking garage infrastructure will need to be reinforced to withstand the increased load. Is this concern warranted? If so, are there plans in place to ensure our current infrastructure and new construction will be able to support the adoption of heavier vehicles. DPP: The DPP acknowledges your concerns regarding EV weight on infrastructure. We will look into what impacts there could be to our enforcement of the building code. We will also share any concerns we have with the International Code Council (ICC), which is the governing body that writes the building code we use within the city.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Waialae Avenue question: Vice Chair Hoe noted and Director Wong agreed that the answer to concern number five (5) seems misunderstood by DTS. Director Wong noted he gets the responses right before the meeting but still wants to read the answers he is given but does realize that the question should be answered about traffic signals on Waialae Avenue going towards 8th Avenue. Director Wong noted he will follow up.

2. Missing Zoom: Member Gardner noted her challenges with using WebEx and feels that fewer people are attending and asked if the boards could return to Zoom. Director Wong answered that WebEx is the City's standard application and is what most businesses use including Apple and IBM because it can handle larger meetings. It also works with the City's Cisco system. NA Baldwin noted it is a challenging for the NA when there are no videographers available to record their meeting but will request one for future meetings.

3. Kudos to the Mayor: Member McCutcheon wanted to give "kudos to the Mayor" for supporting the Kahuku swimming pool proposal.

4. Thanks: Member DeMarco thanked Director Wong for hearing his concerns and giving the report.

5. Traffic Study: Chair Yamada asked and Director Wong noted he does not know if a traffic study is being done for 16th and Waialae Avenues but will research it. Member McCutcheon noted there may have been a report done a few months prior and it seems to be an ongoing issue. Resident Elwood noted his concern with that intersection.

Council Chair Tommy Waters - Chair Waters noted he disagrees with DTS' findings and noted his office submitted a RISR (Request for Investigation and Service Request) regarding 16th and Waialae Avenue and requested another study be done sharing his personal experience with that intersection noting he lives in that area and wants to see it become "more efficient". Chair Waters gave Certificates of Appreciation to outgoing board members. Chair Waters noted the re-vote for the Neighborhood Board in Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board No.1 Sub-District 11 wanting to assure everyone that the voting is done properly. Chair Waters noted the investigation by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on the monster home on Sierra Drive which was handled personally by Director Dawn Takeuchi-Apuna who shut the project down noting the builders was not following the law. Chair Waters noted the appeals hearing will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 and encourage anyone who can to attend because he will be holding signs to oppose the permit. Chair Waters noted the Council has approved 5,602 affordable housing projects since 2019, but much more is needed especially work force housing. Chair Waters noted he is the only one of six (6) siblings who is still in Hawaii. Chair Waters noted the City's budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 is $4.5 billion and $1.3 billion is for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP). Chair Waters noted the City used $170 million to purchase land to build to an 155 unit affordable rental project for Kupuna in Chinatown. Chair Waters noted his concerns with the Red Hill situation and also noted local government leaders are going to hold the military responsible to safely clean up the fuel tanks and assure Oahu's drinking water remains clean. Chair Waters noted public safety is a priority and HPD and Ocean Safety has gotten additional funds. Chair Waters gave information on the new different tax laws.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Bus Route: Resident Elwood noted safety concerns on 13th and Harding Avenues. Chair Waters noted he checked the area and confirmed that DTS does not consider it unsafe and has no plans for improvements.

2. Hearing: Steve asked and Chair Waters noted if the Sierra Drive developer loses the appeal, they can take it to another appeal.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Councilmember Say agreed with Chair Waters' comprehensive report about Council happenings and was open to questions, none were asked.

Governor Josh Green's Representative: Amanda Stevens gave a follow up report on the Kauhale outside of the Queen's Medical Center which is at full capacity. Stevens noted they are taking Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid applications at the site and social workers are also working with the houseless individuals. Stevens encouraged everybody to visit the Governor's "newsroom" which has more information than the newsletter. Stevens noted the Hawaii State Youth commission is doing public service and is looking for more members. Stevens noted everyone should have a "go bag" in case of an emergency and if you can, please donate items to those who do not have one.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Disappointed: Member Gardner noted her disappointed with State Elected Officials because no one attended last month's meeting and only one sent a staffer. Gardner then noted she was also disappointed with lack of action on bills and was hoping that Governor Green would call a special session.

2. Sanctuary State: Resident Elwood expressed his concern about Governors from other states sending people to Hawaii.

Senator Stanley Chang: No representative. No report.

Senator Les Ihara Jr.: Senator Ihara noted the Legislature is in recess but is expecting the list of bills that may be vetoed by Governor Green, and also noted the legislature can decide to convene for a special session on July 11 to override any veto but he is doubtful that would happen.

Representative Jackson Sayama: Representative Sayama apologized for last month's absence, distributed a newsletter and highlighted that he was able to secure $900,000 for Liliuokalani Elementary School for potential teacher housing or a pre-k noting that $100,000 is for design and planning and $800,000 is for the Environmental Impact Study including utility and traffic studies. Representative Sayama also noted the line item on the budget bill that provides the money for this project could possibly be on the list of Governor vetoes but will keep the board updated. Representative Sayama noted there were delays at this legislative session due to having a new Governor who submitted his budget later than usual and the conference committees were also finalized a week late and some other challenges but noted he hopes that things will be smoother going forward. Representative Sayama agreed with Senator Ihara and also feels a special session is doubtful.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. House Bill (HB) 1300: Member Gardner noted her concern was HB1300 which helps to address the mental health crisis in Hawaii.

2. Two (2) Concerns: Resident Elwood noted the library parking lot needs repainting and the street lights on Koko Head Avenue near the Koko Head Fire Station needs replacement.

Representative Bert Kobayashi: Representative Kobayashi noted he sent an electronic report and addressed Member Gardner's concern about the challenges at the last session and also noted special sessions are not usually done due to the lack of availability of legislators and it is more difficult getting agreement in that setting, especially if it was difficult during the regular session.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Convening: Member Gardner suggested the special session could be held when the Senate convenes to confirm judges, and they could ask the Representatives to convene also. Senator Ihara noted the State Constitution does not allow "piggybacking" for a special session.

United States Representative Ed Case: No representative. No report.

RESOLUTIONS - Resolution Requesting the Honolulu City Council to Conduct a Public Hearing and Vote on Resolution 23-82 Relating to Council Pay Raises. Chair Yamada noted due to time constraints and the item being "moot", she suggested the Board write a letter to the Chair of the Salary Commission to make a statement on how the Kaimuki Board feels about the issue. Chair Yamada noted she sent out information to board members prior to the meeting.

Discussion followed: Vice Chair Hoe asked and Chair Yamada referred to the proposed resolution and noted the boards were created to increase citizen participation and assure accountability especially on controversial issues and suggested the board make a statement that they did not agree with the process that the raises happened without public input because it is taxpayer money.

8:07 p.m. Chair Yamada passed the gavel to Vice Chair Hoe.

Chair Yamada continued the discussion and asked if Board members have any suggestions on what the letter should say. Vice Chair Hoe noted due to time restraints, can the Board consider the agenda time which is the resolution. Council Chair Water noted his thoughts on this issue but anticipates this will not happen again. Chair Yamada asked what the Board wants. Members Aguilera and Gardner noted they would both vote no to the letter and the resolution.

Chair Yamada moved and McCutcheon seconded the motion to adopt the Resolution Requesting the Honolulu City Council to conduct a public hearing and vote on Resolution 23-82 relating to Council pay raises. A Voice vote was taken: Hearing no "ayes" the motion FAILED.

Vice Chair Hoe noted the letter can be put as an item on the next agenda to be taken up by the new board. Jack Jones noted his contact information is in the chat and stated the reason for the recall initiative.

BOARD BUSINESS

Report of Planning and Zoning Committee and Recommendations: This item was deferred due to time restraints.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes May 2023 and April 2022: Hearing no objections, both sets of minutes were adopted as presented.

REPORTS

Members' Attendance at Other Meetings: None.

Next Meeting: The next Kaimuki Neighborhood Board No. 4 Regular Meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in person at Kaimuki Library and on WebEx Application.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

Submitted by: Thomas Baldwin, Neighborhood Assistant and Naomi Hanohano, Community Relations Specialist

Reviewed by: Jackson Coley, Public Relations Assistant

Final approval by: Brian Kang, Chair

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Kaimuki Neighborhood Board Meeting JUNE 2023 Minutes

KAIMUK NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 4

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