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WAIALAE-KAHALA NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 3

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER:  Vice Chair Scotty Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.; at the time of the call to order there were only four (4) of nine (9) members present.

Members Present: Scotty Anderson, Stan Fichtman, Lester Fukuda, Lucinda Pyles, Richard Turbin (arrived at 7:30 pm).  

Members Absent: Kelley Roberson (notified), Gerri Digmon (notified), Julia Kane (notified), Sylvia Himeda.

Guests: Lt. G. Lum Lee, Ofc. M. Mitchell, and Sgt. G. Perreira (Honolulu Police Department – District 7, East Honolulu), Capt. Reggie Gawiran (Honolulu Fire Department, Kaimuki Fire Station), Wayne Yoshioka (Mayor’s Representative and Director, Department of Transportation Services), Representative Barbara Marumoto, Representative Lyla Berg, Lorna Heller (Board of Water Supply), Senator Sam Slom, Brad Santiago (Kamehameha Schools), Sherry Spangler (Member, Kuliouou/Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board No. 2), John Pyles, Kathleen Kelly (Citizens Against Noise), Allison Mikuni (Kahala Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization), Stephanie Spangler, and Ivy Yeung (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

INTRODUCTION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS: Those present introduced themselves.

HONOLULU FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Reggie Gawiran reported:

• 3 structure and 2 rubbish fires; and 17 medical and 12 miscellaneous emergencies. Two major incidents occurring at Halekoa and Ainakoa; and Wailina streets were reported.
• Fire Safety Tip: 1) When selecting Halloween costumes, ensure that they are flame resistant, made of lightweight fabric, brightly colored, and clearly visible to motorists. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape. Keep the length of costumes short to prevent tripping. A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision. Children should carry flashlights to light their way.
• A reminder that hurricane season extends through the month of December and that the HFD encourages every family to take the necessary steps to ensure that your family is prepared. Additional information on survival kits and hurricane shelters can be found at the Department of Emergency Management’s website at www.honolulu.gov/ocda.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sgt. G. Perreira reported: 1) The monthly statistic report was distributed and included the Home Security Safety Tips and a flyer with contact information for District 7-East Honolulu. 2) Some Halloween safety tips to have a safe Halloween, which include bringing a flashlight, going with parents, and if wearing a mask to make sure it allows breathing room. 3) District 7 – East Honolulu website is www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7; and using the “Report to Us” link, a response can be received within 48 hours.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Pyles commented that she noticed through a fence at one of Genshiro Kawamoto’s properties that a mattress was laid against the garage near piles of garbage and seemed as if someone was residing there.
2. Pyles also reported that a resident complained that another Kawamoto property on 4434 Kahala Avenue constantly has a flow of people entering and exiting the residence. HPD will try to address this issue.
3. A resident who neighbors two of Kawamoto’s properties on Kahala Avenue expressed concern that through the lack of security, people have been trespassing on Kawamoto’s properties and in result have also been trespassing his property. He feels this is a dangerous situation because of all the strangers in the area and has had to tell people to leave his property many times. He also expressed concern over the unsightliness of the two properties since it has become a dump site and is infested with vermin. HPD asked this resident to call them the next time this happens so the situation can be addressed directly.
4. A resident inquired on the number of altered vehicle noise citations in the area. HPD doesn’t have this information at the moment, but will research this. HPD has officers positioned in this area to cite those illegal altered vehicles and have been successful in deterring those who have been cited.
5. A resident mentioned that around 6 am vehicles are speeding on Kahala Avenue heading towards the Kahala Hotel. The HPD day watch will look into this issue.
6. Turbin asked if HPD are able to cite people dumping green waste on the yards of Kawamoto’s properties. Turbin further questioned if absentee landlords can be warned or cited for allowing this situation to happen. For the HPD’s jurisdiction, the illegal dumping violators need to be caught in the act to be cited. Another resident mentioned she spoke to someone in the City and County of Honolulu and was told that if this is seen, to call the City and if the green waste is still outside for more than a day warnings and citations can be given.

Richard Turbin arrived at 7:30 p.m.; a quorum was now present with five (5) members.

REPORT FROM CITY AGENCIES:

Mayor’s Representative – Wayne Yoshioka reported:

• Mayor Hannemann proclaimed that October is National Arts and Humanities month and encourages everyone to visit a museum, art gallery or historic site.
• A special accounting task force has further protected the City’s bond rating by closing out over 100 old City contracts stretching as far back as one decade for the total of over 1 million dollars.
• Mayor Hannemann returned in early October from the U.S. Conference of Mayors forum and one of the main ideas expressed was the need to stimulate tourism and culture. Mayors nationwide are putting their efforts into increasing tourism and culture activities through programs such as the Korea Visa Waiver program, which makes it easier for foreigners to travel to the U.S.
• The Inaugural Honolulu Forever Young awards helped to change the way people think about aging and retirement through awarding seven outstanding people who were selected on the success of current careers, healthy lifestyle, and philanthropy.
• The final Revised Neighborhood Plan was approved and signed recently by Mayor Hannemann.
• Mayor Hannemann announced and welcomed the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to Oahu and reviewed the company’s plans to build a mix use resort in Ko’olina. The project is estimated to create at least 1000 new jobs.

In response to previous concerns: 1) Slow pace of Kilauea Avenue Reconstruction project – The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) acknowledges that the project construction NTP was given in early 2008, the contractor is having some difficulty in obtaining the necessary permits to start the work. The contractor should be obtaining the needed permits shortly and continue working on the remainder of the project. 2) Mature trees on median of Kilauea Avenue – DDC assures that at this time, the project does not call for any tree removals. However, during construction when the roots are exposed, tree removals may be considered if the tree poses a significant safety and liability concern. If a tree is removed, a replacement tree will be planted after the project. 3) Poor condition of parks in East Honolulu – Since this was a concern of NB member Scotty Anderson, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is asking that he meet with Mr. Mike Smith the East Honolulu District Manager to arrange for an appointment to tour the area.  4) Hunakai Beach Access – According to DPR the bollard at the entrance to the beach right of way was removed by the maintenance staff on October 1, 2008. 5) Waialae Beach Park – DPR has removed the tables on the Diamond Head side of the park and replaced them with recycled plastic tables. The surface rust on the five (5) picnic tables will be grinded off and metal supports repainted. Work will be completed by October 31, 2008. 6) 3795 Diamond Head Road sidewalk condition – The Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM) doesn’t have any records of the City constructing this asphaltic concrete walkway, which indicates the sidewalk is privately owned and maintained. This matter will be referred to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to investigate reported hazard and give a possible citation if appropriate in accordance with the Sidewalk Ordinance. 7) Depression in pavement on Kahala Avenue/ Papu Circle – DFM will schedule to work on eliminating and /or minimizing the ponding when resources become available. 8) Uneven sidewalk near Kilauea Avenue / Ahuawa Loop – DFM does not have a work request for this location. The concern will be referred to DPP for follow up inspection and issuance of a work request as deemed appropriate. Work will be scheduled after receipt of work request. 9) Broken water main cover on Waialae Avenue sidewalk – A BWS troubleshooter checked the water main covers near the three different Shell service stations on Waialae Avenue and was unable to find a broken or missing cover. If a specific address can be provided, BWS will check again. To report a water problem or emergency to the BWS, please call 748-5010. 10) Trash bags not picked up on Akiaki – According to the Environmental Services department (ENV), on September 30, 2008, a Honolulu Collection Yard supervisor physically checked 1621 Akiaki place for trash bags and found none.11) Ainakoa/Malia intersection – In regards to the status of the intersection improvement evaluation, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) received a draft report, but sent it back for revision.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Regarding past concerns of the rusting support of tables and benches under the trellis area on Diamond Head side of Waialae Beach Park, there was still concern that the supports are metal and will rust. Yoshioka will make sure that the whole frame is treated.
2. Regarding problems with green waste, if its property related, the first report should be sent to the DPP.
3. Yoshioka had a discussion with Henry Eng of DPP and realized that the way the laws are written now, they can cite someone if they are not in compliance for each offense. DPP has gotten many calls about Kawamoto’s property and each time there’s a call, an inspector goes out cites the property, which gets fixed. But only this specific issue gets fixed and then there’s usually another problem that occurs leading to a continuous cycle. Currently, there is no rule that if you cite someone repeatedly you can do something more punitive. Turbin asked for the board to meet with Henry Eng to propose a revised ordinance to the City Council establishing penalties to those landowners with more than a specified number of citations in a year. Yoshioka will follow up with Henry Eng, who will in turn contact Turbin.
4. A resident expressed her concern over the new green bins being passed out. After her yard person is done with the yard work, the amount of green waste cannot fit into one of those bins. She was told that she could have another bin, but didn’t feel this was the answer. She is hoping that the City & County of Honolulu continues the once a month bulky trash pick up of green waste to help alleviate this problem. Yoshioka will have the Department of Environmental Services look into this issue.
5. A resident expressed concern over his neighbor’s roosters and chickens running rampant through the neighborhood on 4458 Kahala Avenue. Yoshioka will check on the rules regarding this issue.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Lorna Heller reported: 1) No main breaks for the past month. 2) BWS owns the State’s largest water recycling facility, the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility and is working hard to maximize Hawaii’s precious water resources. Recycled water is essentially waste water that has been treated to a level suitable for industrial uses, irrigation and other non-potable uses. The Honouliuli facility produces 12 million gallons of recycled water per day, which is used by golf courses and refineries in the Ewa and Kapolei areas. For additional information, please visit www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.

Councilmember Charles Djou – Stan Fichtman passed out Councilmember Djou’s report and highlighted: 1) the status of the energy bills introduced by Councilmember Djou. 2) A resolution called for the Japanese consulate in Hawaii to contact Kawamoto and have him straighten up and adhere to the concerns of Kahala residents, however the Japanese consulate has refused. The Japanese cultural entities in Hawaii have asked that the Councilmember not move on this issue. Councilmember Djou will continue to work on this issue. 3) Ft. Ruger park has been successfully renamed to Operation Red Wing – Medal of Honor park. Yesterday, the City Council passed this resolution. On November 11, 2008 there will be an official ceremony to celebrate the renaming. The Naval Special Warfare Foundation of Hawaii will be assisting with this celebration as well as adding three plaques to the park to commemorate those the park is named for.

BOARD HOUSEKEEPING:

Approval of the September 18, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes – The September 18, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes were approved as circulated by unanimous consent with the following corrections:

• Page 2, under Mayor’s Representative Questions, comments, and concerns followed, item 2 should read: “DPR was congratulated for taking care Hunakai Street median.  The trees and grass are looking beautiful.”
• Page 2, under Mayor’s Representatives Questions, comments, and concerns followed, an item should be added to read “DPR was informed of corroding picnic table legs and park benches at the Waialae Beach Park and a broken off pipe protruding above ground at the Hunakai Beach access.  Pictures were provided of both.”

Treasurer’s Report – Pyles reported for September 2008, current operating expenses of $35.87 leaving a total balance of $2,495.07. No expenditures reflected in the Publicity and Refreshment accounts leaving the balances the same at $936 (Publicity) and $120 (Refreshment).

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:  No concerns were raised.  

REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

Governor’s Representative – No representative present.

Representative Barbara Marumoto – distributed her report and said she will introduce a bill if it has been passed in another municipality regarding absentee landowners such as Kawamoto. She will also give the contact information for the residents that have had vermin problems with Kawamoto to the DOH for inspection. The Christmas tree that will be at the Kaimuki Fire Station will happen again this year.

Representative Lyla Berg – distributed her report and highlighted that she will be involved in Community Forum at Hahaione Elementary School on October 21, 2008 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm titled, “The Fate of Maunalua Bay.” On October 22, 2008, Representative Berg will speak at a Marine Debris Forum at the Capitol Auditorium. On November 1, 2008 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is sponsoring a Hawaii’s Caregiver Conference titled, “Caring for Family, Caring for Yourself.”

Senator Sam Slom – distributed his report.

OLD BUSINESS:

Proposed Resolution to Japanese Consulate Concerning Genshiro Kawamoto – This update was taken care of above in Councilmember Charles Djou’s report.

Halloween Pedestrian Safety – Trick or Treat for Safer Streets wants to encourage groups and enlist volunteers to sign waive on October 30th from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. to propose safety on Halloween night.

Yoshioka noted that the City & County of Honolulu passes out reflectors and information on public safety to children in public schools.

NEW BUSINESS:

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Kamehameha Schools Foundation Development in Wai’alae-Kahala – Brad Santiago gave an overview of the Kamehameha Schools Foundation’s plans and initiatives to improve the quality of its holdings. Sanford Hasegawa and Brian Fujiwara, architects for the development reported on the Assagio’s Restaurant parcel, which will be on the Kamehameha Schools Foundation land located on the corner of Kilauea and Waialae Avenue. Pictures of the proposed site were shown and Assagio’s Restaurant will be mainly operating in the evening and the area connected to this parcel of land has not found a tenant yet.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Assagio’s Restaurant will take up 4,000 sq ft of the lot and the other tenant will also take the same amount of space. The other tenant will most likely not be used for a high traffic tenant such as a fast food chain.
2. There are about 26 parking spaces planned for this 165 seat restaurant. The parking meets the City codes and standards and there have not been talks with other entities about additional parking.
3. There is a loading zone in the back of the restaurant that will be out of sight. Thomas Ky, the owner of the Assagio’s restaurant parcel will be informed about resident concerns over delivery trucks driving into the residential areas. The residents ask that an alternate route be followed as there are many.
4. A question was raised about the bowling alley near Kahala Mall and the plan right now is to keep it open.

TASK FORCE / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OMPO Traffic – Fukuda reported that he is hoping to meet with the City & County of Honolulu to keep the roads from Waialae to the University of Hawaii at Manoa safe. Wayne Yoshioka added that there is a Bike Masterplan Update tonight at the Blaisdell and one next week Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at the Pali golf course at 6:30 pm. Next weeks meeting will be the last community meeting.

Land Use & Zoning – City Council actions or pending hearings – No further information at this time.

CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Waialae Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3 mail or City Council notices – Vice Chair Anderson announced receiving the following correspondence:

• A letter concerning the closure of the 76 Service Station located in Aina Haina.
• ACLU press release.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

Submitted by,

Ivy Yeung

Neighborhood Assistant