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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

Regular Meeting Minutes-draft

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Washington Middle School Cafeteria

Call to Order – Chair Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. with 9 members present. This 15 member Board requires 8 votes to have a quorum and to take action.

Neighborhood Board Members Present – Marijane Carlos, Serena Kyi-Yim, Klement Kondratovich, Betty Lou Larson, Ron Lockwood, Loren Tilley, Gregory Cuadra, John Kato and Clifton Takamura

Members Absent – Judy Devilbiss, Les Hata, and Shaunna Tabor  

Guests – Mark Oto-(Mayor Hannemann’s office), Senators Carol Fukunaga and Brian Taniguchi, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Representatives Scott Saiki and Isaac Choy, Officer Tony Kahapea, Sgt E. Egami, Lt. A. Kunosu-(Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Capt. Gary Harbottle- (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Kurt Tsue-(Board of Water Supply-BWS), Candice Van Buren-(Representative Nishimoto’s office), John Gollner-(Councilmember Bainum’s office), Jim Manke-(University of Hawaii representative-UH), Carl & Lillian Novak, Raymond Lalosin-(McCully Citizens Patrol); Tom Heinrich-(Manoa Neighborhood No. 7), Elmer Kaai, Jesse de Lean, John Yamamoto, Jameel Dowling, Erik Robinson, Brian George, Jared Alexander, Matt Roguemore, Eliepa Mataafa, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO). 

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON –

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Capt. Harbottle reported statistics for last month included: 8 structure fires and 48 medical emergency calls. Safety Tip: 1) dried Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decorations were extremely flammable. Remove them from your home as soon as possible and consider recycling your tree at a participating green waste center in your area. Leave the fireworks to the pyrotechnic professionals and enjoy the firework displays offered by various communities on New Year’s Eve. As a reminder, the law states that children under the age of 18 shall not possess or have access to fireworks, matches, and/or lighters, except under adult supervision. Residual fireworks are potential fire hazards. For safe disposal, call 911 and the HPD will dispatch a patrol officer to your location to collect your unused fireworks.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos asked what areas of a home did statistics show was the typical fire hazard. Capt. Harbottle said 85% of fires started in the kitchen when food became overcooked.

2)       Chair Lockwood asked when the new fire station was ready for opening. Capt. Harbottle said plans were set for April 2009.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Reports from District 1 and 7 were circulated. Officer Tamasaka reported statistics for last month included: 4 assaults, 12 burglaries, 4 driving under influence (DUI), 2 drug offense, 1 family offense, 1 graffiti, 16 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 3 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 4 property damages (not including graffiti), and 9 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV). Safety Tips: HPD will be very visible this holiday season. Please drive safely and buckle up; it’s the law. Car robberies were on the rise; keep cars locked when parked at all times. Sgt. Egami reported internet crime was on the rise and advised consumers to be aware of all financial information especially when using the internet.  

University of Hawaii (UH) – J. Manke reported the annual open house was a great success with about 1,000 visitors to the campus; this annual event has been reported being moved to either September or October starting in 2009. All campus constructions were reported to be completed by March 2009. The university will honor about 1,800 graduates on December 20; summer commencements were combined making this event historically a large number. He advised to arrive early as traffic has been a major concern over the years for this event. Mrs. Mary Bitterman, a Hawaii Scholar will be the keynote speaker. Parking and admission were both free for this commencement event. The university will resume classes on January 12, 2009. The university also announced experimenting ways to reduce energy power consumption by shutting down air conditioning units to about 10 to 12 buildings; a savings of about half a million dollars was to be expected. School official have encouraged employees to bring fans for campus use if needed. The state has had a challenge to balance the budget and UH has been working on alternatives to find funding opportunities. He also introduced Elmer Kaai who will serve as the UH representative come January 2009; thanked the Board for allowing him to serve the community in his capacity.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent asked when Cooke Field re-surfacing was going to be completed. J. Manke said completing was slated for December 22 with a dedication to come in January when UH reopens.

2)       Cuadra asked if UH was aware of the slippery when wet quarry stairwell. J. Manke said the project was covered under the school’s first quarter repair order.

3)       Takamura asked if UH had any new plans to reduce traffic during on-campus sporting events. J. Manke said special duty officers are on stand by at traffic signals as well as UH trying to avoid more than one event ongoing at a time.

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – M. Oto reported Honolulu City Lights were being dedicated December 6; church blessing at 5:00 p.m. with the parade to follow at 6:00 p.m.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura informed that King and Isenberg Streets had major pot holes as well as faded street signs.

2)       Cuadra added that median strips near Kapiolani Boulevard and Date Street were overgrown with grass.

3)       Chair Lockwood thought once HFD moved out of the temporary fire house and with some maintenance upgrade, the Dept. of Parks & Recreation could use the facility for their Maintenance Section. M. Oto said he will submit these suggestions and complaints and report in February. 

Governor Lingle’s Representative – No representative present.  Concerns can be addressed to the Chair for follow up.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – K. Tsue reported the BWS 2009 Water Conservation Calendar was available to the public in the lobby at the Beretania location; also available on line at www.boardofwatersupply.com. Students in Kindergarten through 6 grades have the opportunity to compete in BWS’s 31^st annual poster contest; 2009 theme was “Ola I ka Wai-Water Gives Life”. Open to students from 7 through 12 grades was a poetry contest with the same theme. The winners will be featured in the 2010 BWS calendar; deadline was March 11, 2009 and entry packets were available at the Beretania headquarters, satellite city halls and on the website.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS –

1)       T. Heinrich said the Manoa/Makiki Neighborhood Board voted on its third noise resolution; suggested for anyone interested in the issue to get involved.

2)       L. Novak said the Zippys disposable service trucks continue to wake neighbors up at around four to five in the mornings; assistance from the Board was needed once again.

ELECTED OFFICIALS –

Councilmember Kobayashi circulated her monthly newsletter and reported this was to be her last meeting as a councilmember. Bill 67 relating to the use of electronic devices while operation motor vehicles have passed for a second reading; this law will be hard to enforce. The rail bill that is currently waiting for language change will be going into a second reading; she was against the new language. She looked forward to working with non-profits and has some volunteer work lined up to keep her busy after her city council life. She will continue to come to Board meetings when time allows her to.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent suggested the city use the UH energy saving program as a model. Councilmember Kobayashi said the city offices were all mandated to turn every electrical device including air conditioning off by 5:30 p.m.

2)       Several members and constituents thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for her years of service to the district and wished her well in her future endeavors. 

Councilmember elect Bainum’s report: J. Gollner reported currently he can be reached at john@dukebainum.com; January 2009 the staff will officially take office and more information will be available.

Representative Choy reported he can be reached at 415 South Beretania Street, Room 323, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Phone number was 586-8475, Fax number was 586-8479. His email was: repchoy@capitol.hawaii.gov. He will be serving on the following committees: Finance, Agriculture, Tourism, Culture & International Affairs as well as the Economic Revitalization, Business & Military Affairs (Vice-Chair). Carole Hagihara is his office manager and come December 15, 2008 his office will officially opened.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura indicated that some parked vehicles on Bingham Street were blocking intersections. Representative Choy said the area was under the Manoa Board jurisdiction; however, he will assist.  

Representative Saiki reported Ben Park was his new office manager; invited constituents to share concerns and issues by contacting his office.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Cuadra said the Bowl A Drome property has had no maintenance for a while; three feet grass and graffiti now littered the property.

Senator Fukunaga reported in November, the Japan-United States (US) Science, Technology & Space Applications Programs and the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems held a joint conference on the Big Island to discuss the next steps for aerospace industry development here in Hawaii. NASA scientists were very pleased over the success of their tests-one of which successfully demonstrated the feasibility of producing oxygen, which is critical for long-term stays on the Moon or on other planets. Act 228 which required the state and county or private property owners to submit archival quality photographs to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources State Historic Preservation Division prior to issuance of a permit of the commencement of an undertaking that will alter, impact, or demolish a building over fifty years in age. While the original intent of Act 228 was to produce a lasing record of Hawaii’s historic buildings at risk of imminent destruction, it raised a number of concerns. The Senate therefore amended the language to clarify that the requirement for archival photographs would apply only to any building that is eligible for listing or is listed on the Hawaii or national register of historic places. The amendment was not included in the final version of the measure adopted by the committee; the senator will be discussing with interested stakeholders to correct the law during the early part of the 2009 session.

Senator Taniguchi’s reported come this February 2009; legislature session will confirm bills remaining in question. He has since got word that a maintenance company was awarded the contract to upkeep the Bowl A Drome property.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kato suggested sharing bill information with sub-committees would be greatly appreciated.

FILLING OF VACANCIES – Chair Lockwood announced there were now three Sub-District 1 seats available of the Board; there were no interested constituents.

PRESENTATION –

Federal Communications Commission: Lyle Ishida reported Digital Television (DTV) was an advanced broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience; better picture and sound quality. Converting to DTV also will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum; used for other important services such as public and safety services and advanced wireless services. Television (TV) stations serving all markets in the U.S. are airing digital TV programming today, although most will continue to provide analog through January 15, 2009 for Hawaii. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses. A TV receiver that has only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box to receive over the air broadcasts. Consumers who rely on antennas will need to obtain digital analog converter boxes to receive digital signals and convert them for display on analog TVs. All U.S. households were eligible to request up to two coupons worth $40 each to be used toward the purchase of converter boxes; regular converter box priced at around $57. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has the responsibility for administering the coupon program. The community was asked to assist in spreading the word as the deadline nears; more information can be found on the internet at: www.hidigit.com or by contacting him at 541-2388/89.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members were concerned regarding landfill overflowing with old TVs.  L. Ishida said the commission was concerned with at risk groups such as seniors citizens and handicapped; citizens asked to assist with obtaining converter box coupons for those in need. He also added recycle centers will be available after the deadline.

HOUSEKEEPING – Chair Lockwood reported:

A. The Board was in recess for January 1, 2009

B. Moiliili Graduate Planning Practicum resources – no report available

C. Legislators Community Clean Up of October 18, 2008 – no report available

D. Kapiolani Medical Center Upgrade – a presentation will be made once the Environmental                          Impact Study (EIS) was completed.

E. Public Hearings; Rail Transit Draft EIS – December 8 was a scheduled meeting at Neal Blaisdel Center in the Hawaii Suite starting from 6 to 8:00 p.m.; comments due by January 7, 2009.

F. Care A Van; an organization which provided services to the homeless has left the district. They were a great community service and wishes them well.

G. Neighborhood Commission – There will be on-line voting for the 2009 Neighborhood Board elections; applications were available tonight for anyone interested in being part of the 2009 – 2011 Board.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS –

Chair Lockwood reported facility charges for Washington Middle School has increased to $46.30 per hour with an additional $9.10 per hour for custodial charges; Board approval was needed for the two hour use of the facility. Carlos moved and Kyi-Yim seconded to approve up to $130 per month for Board meeting facility. The motion WAS adopted by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

NEW BUSINESS –  

A: 1. Draft EIS Transit; Carlos moved and Takamura seconded for the Board to accept the Resolution to complete the Transit Oriented Development document by the year 2012 as agreed upon during the combined committee meeting of November 19, 2008. The motion WAS adopted by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

A:  2. Resolution for Bill 67; Use of Electronic Devices while Operating Motor Vehicles. Several Board members were concerned the bill was very unlikely enforceable due to too many type devices being now used by drivers. Takamura moved and Kyi-Yim seconded for the Board to accept the Resolution of Bill 67.  The motion was NOT adopted; 7-1-1. (Aye: Carlos, Kato, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura and Cuadra. No: Tilley. Abstain: Kondratovich)

B. Resolution: Filling of Neighborhood Board Sub-District Seats that Have Been Vacant Two Regular Meetings. Kyi-Yim moved and Carlos seconded for the Board to propose vacant seats be declared “at large” so that any resident of the Neighborhood Board No. 8 district could serve for the unexpired term. The motion WAS adopted by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

C. Resolution on Bulky Item Pickup: Cuadra observed that residents were placing items out on curbside way in advance of the monthly third Monday city schedule creating not only an eyesore but a safety hazard as well. Several Board members agreed that city needed to come up with some type of plan or campaign to encourage or enforce this issue as it was becoming an island wide problem. Cuadra moved and Carlos seconded for the Board to ask the City & County of Honolulu to declare curbside placement of bulky items prior to the night before of every third Mondays of each Month as illegal. The motion was NOT adopted; 7-0-2. (Aye: Carlos, Kato, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra. Abstain: Kondratovich and Kyi-Yim)

D. Election of Board Second Vice-Chair: Kyi-Yim moved and Tilley seconded to nominate Cuadra to the seat of Board Second Vice-Chair. The motion WAS adopted; 8-0-1. (Aye: Carlos, Kato, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley, Kondratovich and Kyi-Yim. Abstain: Cuadra)

E. Second Alternate for Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Meetings: Cuadra moved and Takamura seconded for Takamura to be the second alternate representative for the Board at the OMPO meetings held every third Wednesdays of each month at Honolulu Hale. The motion WAS adopted by unanimous consent; 9-0-0. (Carlos, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES & REPORTS –

The December 4, 2008 meeting minutes were adopted without opposition with the following amendments:

Page 3 under questions of the Governor’s representative No. 2: replace with “Kyi Yim asked if the newly elected Kauai Mayor was supportive of the Superferry traveling to Kauai. S. Lee-Kunimoto said they will continue to monitor and upgrade its services if Kauai was added.

Treasurer’s Report – Tilley reported the Operating balance was $1,246.31 with an expenditure of $36.86 for print and postage; Publicity balance remained at $3,080.00 and the Refreshments balance also remained at $120.00; total appropriated balance was at left at $4,409.45.

Committee Reports – Chair Lockwood announced a combined sub-committee meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 14, 2009.

1. Affordable Housing/Homeless: The next meeting was pending due for the review of legislation. Committee Chairperson: Larson
2. Public Safety & Legislative Affairs: There was no meeting in September; however the PIG on N.B. Task Force will meet at Burger King. Committee Chairpersons: DeVilbiss and Takamura
3. Planning, Zoning & Transportation: Meetings continued on the third Tuesdays of each month. Committee Chairperson: Carlos; Vice Chairperson: Kondratovich (meeting during Discover Mo’ili’ili Day.
4. Schools & Community Outreach: A meeting was held at Discover Mo’ili’Ili Day. Committee Chairpersons: Tabor and Kyi-Yim

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. without objections.

 Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin                                  Reviewed by Chair Lockwood