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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

Regular Meeting Minutes-draft

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Washington Middle School Cafeteria

Call to Order – Chair Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. with 7 members present which did not constitute a quorum. This 15 member Board required 8 members to have quorum or to take actions. He announced currently the Board will only hear official reports and cannot make motions or discussions leading to any votes or amendments.  

Neighborhood Board (NB) Members Present – Marijane Carlos, Judy DeVilbiss, Les Hata, John Kato (arrived 6:40 pm), Serena Kyi-Yim, Klement Kondratovich, Betty Lou Larson (arrived 6:40 pm),, Ron Lockwood and Clifton Takamura.

Members Absent – Mimi Gans, Shaunna Tabor and Loren Tilley.

Guests:  Mark Oto (Mayor Hannemann’s office), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Jim Manke  (University of Hawaii-(UH)-Chancellor’s office), District 7: Officer Kahapea, Sgt. H. Ishida, Sgt. E. Egami, District 1: Major C. Saito, Captain J. Crotteau, Sgt. Kalani and Officer S. Andersen-(Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Capt. Gordon Villa-(Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Candice Van Buren-(Representative Nishimoto’s office), Julie Lindberg (Board of Water Supply-BWS), Janet Inamine, Daisy Murai, Carl & Lillian Novak, Raymond Lalosin (McCully Citizens Patrol); Larke Golaski, Duke Bainum, Tom Henrich, Sandee Fulton and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):

District 1; Sgt. Kalani reported statistics for the month of July: 2 assaults, 1 burglary, 2 driving under influence (DUI) 1 drug offense, 2 family offense, 1 graffiti, 22 motor vehicle collision (MVC), 1 motor vehicle theft (MVT), 2 property damage and 3 unauthorized entry into motor vehicle (UEMV).

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent asked why a helicopter was flying in the area. HPD Officers were not aware of the situation; will report next meeting.

2)       A constituent said she had made four reports to HPD concerning a car blocking the intersection of Phillip Street and Kalakaua Avenue. She suggested a larger “NO PARKING” sign be posted or additional signs added since the problem seems to be reoccurring. Major Saito said he will follow up on the complaint.

3)       A constituent asked if HPD was aware of a crime spree in the district as she was aware of two men canvassing the area of Pokai Street wearing bandanas and claiming to be searching for a lost dog. Major Saito said HPD has not issued a crime spree bulletin; however, warned citizens to be aware of their surroundings.

4)       Takamura asked what the policy was with regards to criminal assaults. Major Saito said the victim has the option to prosecute the criminal if victim was willing to press charges.

Neighborhood Security Walk: Officer Andersen reported:  1) the goal of the Neighborhood Security Walk (NSW) was to educate and coordinate programs to identify and develop prevention and reduction of specific crimes in the communities. He will be working with Lillian Novak to support the NSW and asked the community to get involved and contact HPD for any suspicious or illegal activity in their neighborhoods to make a difference in keeping the community safe.

Members Kato and Larson arrived at the meeting at 6:40 p.m.

 District 7; Sgt. Egami distributed his report with statistics for July. At their website, www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7 are updated statistics for different neighborhoods for the past week. Clicking on the map at the bottom of the page shows the number of offenses by month with increases or decreases.

Tip of the Month:  This covers business fraud, fraudulent invoices and embezzlement and what you can do to secure your business from burglary because burglaries increase in the summer months. Email HPD long standing problems thru their website or call 911 in case of emergencies.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura asked HPD if an officer could be stationed at the corner of Isenberg and S. King Streets due to many close calls with pedestrian collisions. Sgt. Egami said he will relay this information to the division for pedestrian safety patrol.

2)       Kyi-Yim reported she had shoes stolen from her lanai and was concerned with possible theft on the rise in her neighborhood. Sgt. Egami said summer school breaks were times thefts were on the rise and one must be aware of surroundings.

3)       Hata asked what should be done when he witnesses someone applying stickers to posted signs. Sgt. Egami said call HPD if possible to identify crime in the making.

University of Hawaii (UH) – J. Manke reported: August 18 will begin a new school year for UH. Faculty will report on August 18, dorm move in was slated for August 19 and the academic year opens on August 25; expect more traffic. Frear Hall will be dedicated during a ceremony next week; Board member invitations should have been routed via NCO; however, if one was not received, he invited everyone here tonight. Frear Hall’s dedication ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. to follow with an open house from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. UH Athletics should have an exciting year with women’s soccer and volleyball to win their series. Cooke Field will award a contractor this month and expected completion by the end of October. The music complex, Hamilton Library and Cooke Field has been revitalized with a 20-milion dollar renovation and should be completed by October 2008. The university anticipated an exciting campus center century celebration to mark the completion of the 3 ˝ year renovation.  Ongoing music, theater and art events on campus; low cost for families to enjoy and encouraged everyone to take advantage during these economic times.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos asked if UH issued free bus passes to students to encourage rider-ship and assist to alleviate some traffic in the area. J. Manke said students living on campus most likely do not contribute to the traffic; however, UH does offer student bus passes for sale at only $20 per month. He added UH did not have the budget to subsidize free bus passes. UH highly discouraged student vehicle usage since parking permits are also limited to utilize the campus parking facility.  

Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate – B. Santiago reported: 1) Refurbishing of the Rainbow Vista building has begun and completion is slated for spring of 2009.  2) An application is pending for the former Varsity Theatre parking lot facility and once completed the barricades will removed.  3) Pucks Alley will welcome Nijia Market to open in late August 2008.

Questions, answers, and concerns:

1)       Takamura asked if street lights at the Varsity Theatre site will be restored. B. Santiago said lights will be restored to serve the office building as well as the community.

Without objection, Chair Lockwood took the agenda out of order to allow presenters needing to attend to other business  later tonight.

Yoga Marathon for Peace – D. Azama-Park and T. Masuda entertained everyone with a brief demonstration of yoga stretching and asked for support of their yoga rally on September 21 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. D. Azama-Park reported the fundraiser donations will help support The Institute for Human Services and H-5-Hawaii Helping the Hunger Have Hope. Both agencies help fed the hungry and supported after school programs to some 80 high school students. Their mission was to heal the world with peace, love and compassion through living in yoga and sustainability. The group was seeking sponsors, donations and pledges; registration forms were distributed for the event taking place at Hawaii Tokai International College and she can be reached at 393-5095. 

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – J. Lindberg reported: 1) there were no main breaks in the district to report. 2) The low flush ultra-commode (toilet) $100 rebate has been extended until June 2009. 3) BWS utilizes four shafts, 12 tunnels and 84 well stations around the island to draw water from the ground to serve the state. Once water surfaces, it enters a complex through a transmission system which then transports water from the pumping stations to customers. Occasionally, booster stations are used to push water over long distances and to higher elevations. Over 2,000 miles of transmission mains are utilized to convey freshwater from the pumping stations, to reservoirs, and to your home. Log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com for further information on water supply.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos asked who could authorize the low flush commodes in ones home. J. Lindberg said renters would have to get authorization from landlords and homeowners were privileged to the refund.

2)       Hata inquired what additives BWS added to the water supply. J. Lindberg said only chlorine is added in needed areas; however, McCully district was not one of these areas needing the chlorine.

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – M. Oto reported: 1) The City & County of Honolulu were co-sponsors for the Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island; August 7-10 and 14-17.  Admission was free. 2) The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) implemented on June 7, 1977 to increase capacity during the evening peak hours to ease traffic a contra flow lane traveling Koko Head bound on Kapiolani Boulevard was. The contra flow lane at the intersection of McCully Street and Kapiolani Boulevard retained the Koko Head bound left turn movement while allowing three (3) through lanes of traffic on Kapiolani Boulevard. By restricting the left turn lane on Kapiolani Boulevard Ewa bound during the evening peak hours, more green time is allotted to the heavily used Koko Head bound traffic on Kapiolani Boulevard; therefore DTS recommended maintaining the existing evening street coning. 3) In preparation of construction of the American Disability Act (ADA) curb ramp on the ocean-side west corner of Kapiolani Boulevard and University Avenue, new traffic signal pull boxes were moved back from the corner. The new ADA ramp on this corner will be constructed closer to Kapiolani Boulevard. The traffic code required drivers turning right at an intersection to slow down and yield the right of way to pedestrians. 4) The work being conducted on Kapiolani Boulevard from Kalakaua to Ward Avenues was the city’s joint water and sewer improvement project. The contractor for this project has only temporarily patched the roadway until the project is completed; full re-pavement is planned for the first quarter of next year. 5) The City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) removed graffiti and painted over on July 17; noise and nuisance complaints should be reported to 911 immediately.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent said the city’s bulky pickup was scheduled for every third Monday of each month; however, she noticed either the city does not keep to their schedule or items were placed at curbsides too early/ or too late in the month and becomes an eyesore for several weeks. She asked the city to implement some kind of schedule to deal with so much curbside items blocking sidewalks.

2)       Takamura asked for a list of scheduled city roadwork in the district.

3)       Constituent  thanked the city for finally repairing the lights at the McCully Recreation Center; however the lights are on during the day and she is worried the city is unnecessarily using electricity.

4)       A constituent said pipes were exposed near the Date Street H-1 on ramp.

5)       Constituent asked why the increase in 2009 Fiscal Year. M. Oto said the city combined all its budgets which overall came out to a 5% increase. In, July, departments were ordered to trim budgets by 2-3% due to low gas tax revenues caused by high oil prices. The city also held monthly planning meetings to outline goals for reducing energy consumption; retrofitting buildings with energy-efficient equipment. A sustainable task force plan was available on www.co.honolulu.hi.us/mayor/ahupuaa/plan.htm. The task force monitored progress with reports to the Mayor.

6)       Kyi-Yim asked if larger “no parking” signs were available to be placed at corner of Philip Street and Kalakaua Avenue; HPD attention is much needed at this location due to vehicles blocking intersection.

7)       DeVilbiss inquired regarding the traffic signal light fronting McCully Times on S. King Street. Chair Lockwood said a letter from DTS stating the project will commence before the end of 2008.

8)       A constituent asked if the city was considering a 4-day workweek. M. Oto said city agencies served the public and the 4-day work week may not be sufficient to serve communities.

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD):  Capt. Villa reported statistics for the month of July:

1) 6 structure, 2 rubbish, 1 vehicle and 3 wildland fires; 44 medical and 10 miscellaneous calls. 2) Safety Tip:  Fire Safety Tip – Some fires are allowed under State and City regulations; however, most fires investigated are unauthorized. If a fire is unauthorized, the Fire Captain will require that the fire be extinguished. If the fire is authorized, the Captain must determine if the fire is safe and properly contained, and not a nuisance to others. For more information, call HFD's Fire Communication Center at 523-4411.

Questions, answers, and concerns:

1)       Kondratovich asked if the recent Waikiki fire residents that refused HFD assistance were liable for HFD injuries suffered during evacuation. Capt. Villa said there were some forced entries into apartments for rescue reassurance; however, it was up to residents to comply.

2)       Takamura asked who was hosting the new fire station in the district. Capt. Villa said there were several proposed hosts.

3)       Chair Lockwood asked if the new station was receiving all new equipment as a resolution 10 years ago had proposed. Capt. Villa said he was not 100% sure all issued equipment will be brand new at the new fire station.

Governor Lingle’s Representative: No representative present; no report available.  

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS –

1)       Kyi-Yim was concerned strangers were going through trash receptacles to retrieve recyclable items; the same strangers may be scoping out neighborhoods; she had shoes stolen from her doorsteps. Chair Lockwood suggested neighbors  form 10-member citizen watch groups to deter crime.

2)       L. Novak also added there has been “trash dumping” evidence on Kuikahi and Philip Streets.

3)       Chair Lockwood also reported the McCully Street 7-11 grocery store had agreed in 2001 to store liquor bottles behind the counters. Recently, they had been easily available for both purchase and possible theft in the isle next to the beer display. The liquor commission was notified of this change and an investigation is on-going.  

ELECTED OFFICIALS –

Councilmember Kobayashi reported: 1) the recent city audit was performed by a national recognized firm and stood by this audit herself. 2) A special council meeting was held to discuss the rail transit ballot resolution proposal with the transit authority.  She recognized the hard work that went into compiling the almost 50,000 signatures. She expressed agreement that citizens should have an opportunity to cast their votes on the rail project during the November election. She also expressed interest in exactly how much rail was costing the city and state and also needing confirmation of a property condemnation map due to the rail. She felt that the public should have access to designed maps for the proposed 5-billion dollar project as the city did not have one as of yet.  She also was concerned with a proposed 60-foot height rail bridge. Council had scheduled meetings on August 13 and 20; public was invited.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members asked a couple questions regarding Kobayashi as mayoral candidate race. Council member Kobayashi said she had to refrain from answering campaign questions.

2)       A constituent asked what the prediction was regarding district affordable housing. Council member Kobayashi said the funding had increased already by 50%; however the budget proposed for the Kaneohe project had not been approved yet. She said she would also like to see an increase in the affordable housing inventory.    

Representatives Caldwell, Nishimoto and Saiki – Their newsletters were distributed; no representatives were available.

Senators Fukunaga and Taniguchi – Their newsletters were distributed; no representatives were available.

FILLING OF VACANCIES – Sub-District 1; one vacancy: Sub-District 2; two vacancies.

Chair Lockwood asked if anyone was interested in filling the vacancies; no one came forward to fill vacancies.

HOUSEKEEPING – Chair Lockwood reported:

1. Pumehana Street Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) project has started near Lunalilo School. It has a six week timeline for completion by the end of the month. Concerns should be directed by calling 295-5422 at anytime.
2. Shopping cart update; Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) had a two part informational series hosted by J. Manke. The Retail Merchants of Hawaii combined with public efforts should find some resolutions; go to hawaiipublicradio.org for further details.
3. (See Ala Wai watershed under agenda item No. IX. No. E)
4. Neighborhood Commission; 1) funding for the 2009 NB election was reported as less than half of what it cost in the 2007 elections. Some ideas discussed to overcome the shortfall were: Emphasize electronic and telephone voting or rollover elections until 2010 and allow time to lobby for further funding extending all Board members’ terms until that election. 2) NCO will be hosting a meeting of The Council of Chairs on Saturday, August 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ala Wai Clubhouse. This meeting was not limited to Board Chairs; open to the public and also included public testimonies on the agenda. Board Chairs and Vice-Chairs will be attending workshops covering procedures and the Revised Neighborhood Plan at a later time.
5. The Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) met monthly at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.  Chair Lockwood said the board needed to attend at least 4 meetings per year to remain in voting standing with OMPO membership; he asked for support as an alternate in the event he was not able to attend. Carlos being the Transportation Committee Chairperson was suggested as the alternate.
6. Kaimuki High School Community Council (CC) meeting will be Tuesday, August 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the library.
7. Washington Middle School CC meeting will be Wednesday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the library.
8. Mo’ili’Ili Community Center (MCC); 1) hosted a crew of 10 from the U.S.S Kitty Hawk on July 3; crew cleaned the grounds in preparation for the Bon Dance. As a thank you; “bento” lunch was served. 2) On July 2, MCC hosted Senator Akaka as he spread the word to 70-plus senior citizens and various veteran organizations that qualified to file a 1040A; if not filed by October 15, the $300 economic stimulus check per person will not be available thereafter. 3) An appointment with a tax aide can be scheduled by calling 843-1906.  4) MCC has received a grant to study core business and operational process to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
9. A restaurant liquor license hearing for Kohnotori at 2626 S. King Street was set for Thursday, September 4 at 4:00 p.m. at the Liquor Commission Office; 711 Kapiolani Boulevard on the sixth floor.  No board action was scheduled due to agenda deadline; however, individual support letters and testimonies can be submitted by September 1.
10. League of Women Voters was sponsoring “A History of Hawaii’s Constitution Convention with Anne Feder Lee at the State Capitol Auditorium on Saturday, September 6 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. For further details call 531-7448 or online at www.voters@lwy-hawaii.com; event was free.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Chair Lockwood reported:

1. Dog Park: A letter from the city informing this issue was being referred for a Corp Council review. HPD has also been notified not to issue citations until a final resolution. The public is asked to call the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for further information.
2. Pedestrian Safety: Mark Fenton, an Olympic race-walker spoke on the matter during a July 7 presentation sponsored by AARP. Capital improvement projects such as crosswalk, potholes and no parking projects should begin within the next 60 days.
3. McCully No. 8 September Board Meeting:   Washington Middle School was not available on September 4 therefore, Chair Lockwood suggested holding the meeting elsewhere as he has contacted MCC which was available. He opened the suggestion up to the Board members for discussion.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura asked if the CIP were issuing maps to the community. Chair Lockwood said the CIPs were prioritized with playgrounds and elders projects first; projects nearest to schools were priority.

2)       Kyi-Yim inquired if MCC was confirmed for the September Board meeting and what would the charge be. Chair Lockwood said he has confirmed the facility without any charges; however, there were other events that evening and the parking may be busier then usual. He asked Board members to decide if a meeting should be held rather than recessing; Board will be recessing January 2009. Carlos moved and Takamura seconded for the McCully NB No. 8 to hold a meeting on September 4 at an available location. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood and Takamura). Chair Lockwood said if there were no objections, the meeting will be held at MCC on September 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Candidate Forum: Chair Lockwood said there was enough interest and candidates to hold a forum. He also said the Manoa Board voted to hold one; the McCully Board could combine forums and could then expect 800-900 attendees. A discussion from Board members included; inviting Board of Education (BOE), Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and uncontested candidates as well; seeking a forum sponsorship, facility, confirmation of forum date and time as well as the Board role and forum arrangements were all inquiries the Board had to discuss and confirm still.
2. Resolution to allow the rail issue on the November ballot: Kyi-Yim moved and Takamura seconded for the McCully NB No. 8 to request the City & County of Honolulu to place the Rail Transit issue on the ballot for the November 2008 election. The motion was NOT adopted; 7-0-2. (Aye: Carlos, Devilbliss, Hata, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Lockwood and Takamura. Abstain: Kato and Larson).
3. Discover Mo’ili’ili 13^th Annual Event Day is slated for October 4; Board participation will focus on transportation and public safety. Several Board members were ready with focus displays and brochures for the NB booth.
4. Community Garden at Waiaka Street: The proposal for the project was near the stream at the H-1 Kapiolani Boulevard onramp; however, M. Oto said the city had no plans to further develop this land parcel.
5. The Ala Wai watershed project meeting of July 22 was an overview of the project and progress to date. The 40 day rain flooding of 2004 widened the scope of the study including Makiki, Palolo and Manoa streams all of which flowed through McCully and Mo’ili’ili districts. To date, 25 flood reduction measures have been identified; bridge widening and raising, debris and water detention basins and by-pass ditches were some concerns. A draft environmental impact study (EIS) should be ready for public comment by January 2010 with a final EIS by September 2010. For further details can be found at: www.manoawatershed.oceanit.com and www.cindy.s.barger@usace.army.mil. 
6. NCO relocation to Mission Memorial Building (MMB) question was posed to the Board. Chair Lockwood said the current NCO location was too remote for the general public to find and by ADA standards was difficult to access if a person was in a wheelchair.  Carlos moved and Takamura seconded for the McCully NB No. 8 to support a relocation resolution of the NCO move into MMB. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood and Takamura).      

APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES –

Without objections the Board accepted the following amendments for Thursday, July 3, 2008 minutes:

Page 1; under HPD answers, replace “citied” with “cited”

Page2; under UH Manoa; under third bullet, replace “Freer Hall” with “Frear Hall” and under fifth bullet, replace “Ala Kea” with “Ala Koa”

Kyi-Yim also noted her name was misspelled as “Serena Kim” in the July 14, 2008 Community/School Outreach Committee minutes; her name was Serena Kyi-Yim.

Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Tilley was not present; no report was given.

Committee Reports –

1. Affordable Housing/Homeless: The next meeting was August 28 at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson: Larson
2. Public Safety & Legislative Affairs: The next meeting was August 21 at 7:00 p.m. Chairpersons: DeVilbiss and Takamura
3. Planning, Zoning & Transportation: The next meeting was August 19 at 7:00 p.m. Chairperson: Carlos; Vice Chairperson: Kondratovich
4. Schools & Community Outreach: A meeting date was not yet confirmed. Kyi-Yim said graffiti and burglaries should be the next community focus as reports predicted a tough economy during the next couple of years. Chairpersons: Tabor and Kyi-Yim

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m. without objections.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin                                   Reviewed by Chair Lockwood