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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2008

CENTRAL UNION CHURCH, PARISH HALL

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. with a quorum of ten. (A full board is 15 and a quorum of eight is needed to have a meeting and adopt motions.)

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Marijane Carlos, Judy DeVilbiss, Les Hata (arrived at 6:40 p.m.), Klement Kondratovich, Serena Kyi-Yim, Ron Lockwood, Betty Lou Larson, Mimi Gans, Shaunna Tabor, Clifton Takamura, Loren Tilley.

MEMBERS ABSENT:  John Kato.

GUESTS:  Capt. D. Bechert (Honolulu Fire Department), Ofc. T. Kahapea, Sgt. M. Asato, Sgt. S. Tamasaka (Honolulu Police Department); Julie Lindberg (Board of Water Supply), Representative Scott Saiki, Representative Scott Nishimoto, Candace Van Buren (Representative Scott Nishimoto’s office), Tom Heinrich (Senator Taniguchi’s office), Bob Kern, Daisy Murai, Janet Inamine, Sean John, Greg Apa (Honolulu Disposal), Raymond Lalosin, Carl and Lillian Novak (McCully Citizen’s Patrol); Flora Yim Fai Leung, Kevin Oshiro, M. Suzuki, Janel Yoshimoto, Teresa Kubota, Ash Do, Terry Whittington, Luther and Rie Killebrew, Christy Lovell, Athena Coughlin, James Moody, Pierre Jaffuel, Karen, Ethan, Kelsey and K. Padilla; Bryson Chow, Ann Cuthing, Alycia Jacks, Graham Hood, Alexandra Edrich (K-9 Association), Bonnie Trustin (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FOR ACTION: Ratification of Meeting Location Change to Washington Middle School for July through December, 2008 (Excluding September 4, 2008):  Carlos moved to adopt the time of the McCully/Moiliili Neighborhood Board Meetings to 6:30 p.m. July through December, 2008 except for September 4, 2008 when the room is not available, seconded by De Vilbiss. Hearing no discussion, the motion was ADOPTED by a vote of 8-2-0. (AYE - DeVilbiss, Hata, Kondratovich, Lockwood, Gans, Takamura, Tilley.)  NAY - Kyi-Yim, Larson.  ABSTAIN – 0).

Gans moved and Tabor seconded to adopt the meeting place for this neighborhood board as Washington Middle School for the months of July through December, 2008 except for September 4, 2008 because it is not available that month. There being no discussion, the motion was ADOPTED unanimously by a vote of 10-0-0.

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISONS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Capt. Bechert, McCully Fire Station, reported the following:

·         In April there were 59 medical, 15 structure fires, 1 search and rescue and 13 miscellaneous calls.

·         Fire Tip of the month:  The risk of wild land fires increases as summer approaches. For safety, make a 30 foot wide fire break by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. Some wild land fires could force evacuation of neighborhoods so have an emergency preparedness plan in place considering the route to take and other preparations needed if you must vacate in such an emergency. If property borders on a wild land fire area, consider having a 30 foot setback there and make room for fire department access.

There were no questions for the fire department. Chair Lockwood reminded the audience this is an important safety tip after seeing the Manoa and St. Louis Ridge fires creep down closer to town.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):  Sgt. S. Tamasaka, District 1, Beat 178, reported the April statistics compared with the previous month as follows:  3 assaults, burglaries decreased to 4 from 6, there were no DUIs or drug offenses, family offenses remained at 2, 1 graffiti offence compared to 2, 27 motor vehicle collisions compared to 28, 5 motor vehicle thefts from 3, 3 property damage incidents from 6, robberies remained at 1, sex assaults remained at 0 and unidentified entry of motor vehicles remained at 1.

There were no questions for District 1.

Les Hata arrived at 6:40 p.m. with 11 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):  Ofc. T. Kahapea, District 7, reported his district represents beats 753, 754 and 755 in this neighborhood area. He suggested the audience read their handout with safety tips for home security such as burglary and theft. Go to their website at www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1.       Cars must park 30 feet behind a stop sign and ADA ramps, but in areas with little parking HPD uses            “officers’ discretion” unless the situation is hazardous. The law is enforced if HPD is called to do it.

2.       The K-9 Dog Association Vice President noted that in a letter from Lester Chang, Director of Parks and        Recreation (DPR), he stated K-9 Dog Park Association members can walk their leashed dogs on the Ala    Wai Canal bike path between McCully Street and University Avenue. However, lately these members             are being stopped by the police saying no dogs can be walked there.

3.       Thefts shown on District 7 maps do not indicate the amount stolen. That information is confidential.

4.       Any pedestrian infraction such as (jaywalking now costs $130.00.

5.        

UH – Manoa:  Jim Manke, the Chancellor’s representative, reported the following:

·         Next week is the last week of spring semester classes. Two commencement ceremonies are scheduled      for Sunday, May 18.

·         Recently Campus Security held a second emergency communications system test that included the ten      percent of campus students who signed up for it. These electronic alerts will be publicized and available    in the future to residential areas that border the campus.   

·         Legislative session ends tonight; the following are highlights from the construction budget authorization:

1.   No money was appropriated for renovating Gartley Hall.

2.   Approved $2.6 million to renovate the women’s athletic locker rooms.

3.   Approved $2.5 million for campus energy retrofit to offset utility cost increases.

4.   Approved $3.8 million in planning money for the Information Technology Building also used for emergency operations center for the campus.

5.   Approved $7.5 million planning/design funds for new multi-story, general purpose classroom building to be constructed on the Henke Hall site along East-West Road.

6.   Approved $21.5 million in bonding authority for improvements of the UH - Manoa Campus Center.

7.   Appropriated $1.2 million for repairs to Cooke Field.

8.   Appropriated $386,000 for renovations to Murakami Stadium.

9.   Appropriated $22 million in bonding authority to construct a high-security biocontainment lab at the UH   Medical School in Kaka’ako for which federal funds are also available.

·         Began improving the makai campus entrance at Varsity Gate with funds from a Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) urban forestry program, and other resources. Completion and dedication for Phase I of the project tentatively scheduled for October 2008.

·         In response to a question, Manke responded that steps going into the quarry at Varsity Gate are scheduled to be upgraded. Takamura asked that security lights be installed there.

Kamehameha Schools:  There was no representative present.

Mayor’s Representative:  Mark Oto was not present; the Mayor’s newsletter was distributed.

Governor’s Representative:  Sandra Lee Kunimoto, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, distributed the Governor’s newsletter and answered the following questions:

Questions, answers and concerns:

1.       Roadside memorials: They cannot be larger than a 8 ½ x 11 inch picture, flowers and other items that do not create a hazard lasting no long than 30 days. DOT noted memorial cannot be located on freeways, on ramps or off ramps and must be far away from a car travel area.

2.       Increase number of superferry trips: Kunimoto, an Oversight Task Force member on the Superferry, heard discussion about adding another sailing to Maui but does not know a time nor when Kauai sailing   would resume. When Aloha Cargo was not operating there was an increase in superferry use.

Board of Water Supply (BWS):  Julie Lindberg reported the following:

·         Power Adjustment Increase:  BWS users will be notified in their July 1, 2008 bill of increase of 9.4 cents for every 1,000 gallons of water used--an average increase of $1.22 per household per month to pay BWS’s increased fuel expenses. Oahu’s water rates are still among the lowest in the nation and the lowest in the state.

·         “Detect a Leak” Week:  June 1 through June 7 there will be toilet leak detection tablets at the Satellite City Hall and City Mill locations as well as the BWS lobby. Leaky toilets could cost over $500 per month year and waste thousands of gallons of water.

·         Ways to reduce water bills: Go to BWS website www.boardofwater.org or call them at 748-5000.

·         Mainbreaks: No mainbreaks in this neighborhood in April but were three breaks in neighboring District 7.

·         Broken Valve Box: In the street fronting 2132 Algaroba Street, the broken valve box occurred from asphalt breaking up by a large pot hole; the road will be patched.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1.       Power Cost Adjustment:  The power cost adjustment is separated out on the water bill because they           have to get approval in advance for what the water rates are that they can charge; it is not built in ahead      of time.  When they need to charge for their increased rates for power the amount is listed separately.

2.       Paperless Billing:  Will check whether users going paperless would receive a BWS bill credit.

3.       Water Bill Example:  Will advise if water bill sample presented tonight can be printed in larger type for          better readability.

4.       Low Flush Toilet Rebates:  BWS is giving a $100 rebate when a toilet that is old or leaking is replaced         with a low flush toilet installed by a licensed plumber before June 30, 2008.

ELECTED OFFICIALS: 

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Representative Kirk Caldwell had to attend another meeting tonight; their reports were distributed.

Representative Scott Nishimoto was represented by Candace Van Buren who was available for questions and distributed the Representative’s report.

Representative Scott Saiki distributed his report and announced the legislature just completed its session an hour ago which included House Bill 2730 adopted by the legislature which changes some procedural rules for neighborhood boards and goes into effect once the Governor signs it. He offered to take questions for himself, the other elected officials and Councilmember Kobayashi.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1.   2050 Sustainability Project: The legislature did not fund it.

2.   Aloha Cargo Acquisition:  Senator Inouye asked Young Brothers to acquire Aloha Cargo which they agreed to do. Representative Saiki is not aware of a third ferry service.

3.   State Tax Rebate:  Because of the financial downturn for next year; the legislature must give a tax rebate; the State can only afford giving $1.00 rebate per resident.

4.   City Council Vote on Rail:  Five of the nine council members do not support the Mayor’s proposal. Chair Barbara Marshall’s family emergency caused her to be absent for the recent voting. Representative Saiki supports Councilmember’s Kobayashi’s position.

5.   Greg Apa, President of Honolulu Disposal: Introduced by Representative Saiki, he came to address the noise issue from his garbage trucks starting the Residents’ Concerns portion of the meeting.

RESIDENTS CONCERNS: 

 1)  Apa gave the following background information about Honolulu Disposal Service:

·         His drivers leave the yard every half hour from 3:30 a.m to 5:00 a.m. Aloha Waste Company starts at that time also servicing this area, along with Rolloffs Hawaii.

·         Some businesses have a requirement in their contract that their pick ups must be before 6:30 a.m. so the trucks leave their area before their business opens.

·         Apa is working with his drivers to find a way to dump their cans to make it quieter, although he feels the noise is part of living in a “mixed use” area.

·         The man who encouraged the board to do a resolution regarding neighborhood noise was complaining about trash pick up at McDonalds but McDonald’s did not want to discuss it with him.

The following issues were discussed:

a.       Apa will investigate the early morning garbage pick ups at McCully Zippy’s on King Street that have to go over speed bumps which trigger car alarms disturbing neighboring residents.

b.       Apa spent $2.5 million over the last three years on new trucks installed with mufflers and he replaces old bins for better operation however garbage truck noise from dumping waste is hard to muffle when it is steel on steel. Also, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has new emissions requirements that make the trucks burn fuel at a higher temperature so truck engines go at higher RPMs making the trucks louder.

c.       Christopher Ebare serves on the Makiki Neighborhood Board No. 12 Permitted Action Group (PIG) on noise and they hear these same complaints. Apa explained that there is no way to make their trucks soundproof. Hawaii generates more than the national average of trash; he suggested they decrease their waste to lessen truck noise.

d.       Evening garbage pickups are not possible because the drop off places are only open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Apa’s company has rerouted trucks and put them in different sequence to be accommodating. Garbage companies try to be flexible but they must leave Waikiki by 8:00 a.m. before the traffic gets so heavy.  His company also picks up recyclables and hopes neighborhood schools get the benefit of what they recycled. Apa is on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee where it was noted that Honolulu county pays $177 M for trash pick up, with a subsidy of $80 M from our tax money. Apa asked residents to look at the global issue concerning what we throw away.

e.       They use helper trucks on most routes to pick up garbage bins in tight areas where there no is room to do it. They must monitor trucks closely so they do not get parking tickets for being parked too long.

f.         Trucks backing up must make a noise to advise “others”) of an oversized vehicle; this is a federal requirement. 

g.       Their customer service hotline, 845-7581, is printed on all their trucks. Call from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to report problems which they respond to in four to 24 hours. Apa suggested companies put their phone number on their trucks and garbage cans to easily contact them.

h.       Mr. Novak asked about an incident by the McCully Zippy’s that Mr. Apa was not aware of. Apa is working with Zippy’s on their overly heavy garbage cans which are noisy, heavy and hard to empty. He will talk with Zippy’s about the problem mentioned by Mr. Novak.

i.         Chair Lockwood appreciated Mr. Apa’s attendance tonight to answer community questions; October through December, 2007 there were many complaints about green waste truck pickups starting at 4:14 a.m., at these board meetings.

j.         When asked if they could put a slogan on their trucks to advertise recycling and produce less trash, Apa mentioned his company and a sister company run their trucks with biodiesel fuel from fats and grease  recycled by restaurants and other industries; they are interested in recycling.

k.       Changing the hours of dumping at the landfills can be addressed to Frank Doyle, Chief of the Refuse Division, City Environmental Services (ENV) who determines their hours of operation.

2)       Ala Wai K-9 Playground Association’s Request for a Temporary Permit to Walk their leashed Dogs: Alexandra (Sandy) Edrich, Vice-President of the organization, was in attendance along with 20 other members. She read a letter addressed to the Mayor’s Representative, Mark Oto, asking for a temporary permit and site to walk their dogs until the area approved by Lester Chang, Director, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), can be returned to them when the sewer project, now located on that land, is completed. Edrich noted in January, 2005 Mayor Hannemann suggested they meet with this neighborhood board to present their request for an off-leash park. After 11 months meeting with people and organizations that could help them, this neighborhood board voted 11-1 in favor of their efforts to construct an off-leash dog park. She presented to some government officials letters written to Lester Chang, asking for a temporary permit and site for their dogs until the area he approved in his letter of April 4, 2006 can be returned to them. They are proposing a temporary location for the dog park until the sewer project is completed at the site of the closed-off area on the University Avenue bike path down to where the Department of Design and Construction have their equipment, adjacent to the outside of the gardens to the Ala Wai Canal . The members are frustrated because they have raised $15,000 in good faith to partner with the city to go forward with the project yet they are being cited by HPD for walking their leashed dogs in the park.

Comments from K-9 Playground Organization members were as follows:

• Residents with dogs feel a great inconvenience being cited by HPD for walking their dogs in the park.
• A dog park creates a community of people who love dogs and who care about each other creating a safer neighborhood, a place for all nationalities young and old to see and pet the dogs and socialize.
• Dog owners become educated about dogs which they can pass on to other dog owners.   
• Exercised dogs are well behaved, they do not bark and those using the dog park want the area to be safe and they look out for each other.
• The temporary area the K-9 group is asking for is at the end of University Avenue in front of the gardens where it is closed off, because of the construction,
• A resident asked that the community of dog owners to reach out to the people who live in the park.

Suggestions made were as follows:

·         Ceasar Malone could promote the requests of the dog park group.

·         Chair Lockwood will put the dog park issue on next month’s meeting agenda.

·         Tabor asked Representative Nishimoto to contact DPR and the contractor for answers because the K-9 Association has not been able to get any answers. Representative Nishimoto will write a letter to the Mayor asking that this area be given to them for walking their dogs.

3)   A resident is concerned about the traffic light at Piikoi and Lunalilo that does not work properly. It is not in this district but Trustin will submit it to the Makiki Neighborhood Board assistant to be reported.

4)       Murai is concerned about the noise level from rail if it will be steel on steel at an altitude of 30 feet to 90 feet high in the Moiliili and University areas. If people have concerns about this issue they should go to websites www.honolulutraffic.com or www.stoprailnow.com to voice their opinion. She is seeking 44,000 to 45,000 registered voters signatures to get the question of rail on the November ballot. Inamine has had a long time concern about the noise from transit and had a sheet on which to collect signatures.

FILLING OF VACANCIES:  One opening in Sub district 1 and two openings in Sub district 2.

Sean John came forward to join the board. He lives on Algaroba at Makahiki, attends Chaminade University majoring in criminal justice. He would like to be part of this community and give his input by being on the board. Unfortunately he was found to be just on the other side of Sub district 3 where there were no seats available. There were no volunteers to fill the vacancies in Sub districts 1 and 2.

PRESENTATION:  There was no presentation tonight.

HOUSEKEEPING:  Chair Lockwood reported the following:

A.   Stream / Watershed Status Report. see: manoawatershed.oceanit.com

                     i.Ala Wai Canal Bypass Update:  No report.

                   ii.Hausten Ditch:  No action due to cost

                  iii.Makiki Stream:  No report.

                  iv.Manoa Stream: the clean up April 12th of the Manoa and Palolo streams drew  400 to 500 volunteers who removed overgrown vegetation and related things. The 100 Sheraton Hotel volunteers was one of the larger groups that attended; they also fed all the workers. The area cleaned up was on the Ala Wai from Date Street to Kaimuki Avenue. More clean ups announced next month.

                    v.Palolo Stream: See above.

B.   McCully Chop Sui Sign Lighting ceremony April 4th: - the light was turned on April 4th and it looked good.

C.   Neighborhood Board Task Force, Public Interaction Group meeting on April 22nd: the report from this meeting will be given next month.

D.   Economic Challenge Hawaii Winner: Iolani School competed for the fourth year in a row at the Western Regional Economic Challenge on April 29th as the Hawaii Champions. They have an outstanding teacher.

E.   Tokioka Award Nominee:  Principal Harano, Washington Middle School, one of eleven nominees for this $25,000 Award, is in the running; he received $1,000 as one of the five finalists.

F.   Board of Education Community Meeting at Washington Middle School:  This neighborhood board was commended at this meeting for including school activities on monthly agendas which few boards do.

G.     Zoning Variance for Kamehameha School submitted for South Beretania & Isenberg streets project: Kamehameha Schools submitted their variance for this area’s easement project with no public hearing scheduled at this time but will be it will be coming on an upcoming agenda.

H.      Kaimuki High School Thank Yous:  National Honors Society members sent thank you notes to the many people who helped them at their April 19th graffiti clean up.

I.         Today the legislature adopted House Bill 357 which refers to traffic and pedestrian safety that has been an issue for this board since 2005. It affords $1 million for use by the DOT and the neighborhood boards to suggest where to spend it for pedestrian safety.

J.       HB 2730:  The legislature adopted this bill which goes to the governor for approval. When signed even without quorum, the board can hear public input but cannot act on it. More than two but one less than quorum can attend meetings that pertain to board issues and ask questions and report on it at the next meeting.  Also, events that occur after the agenda has been submitted but before the meeting will be able to be discussed and if two thirds of the board votes to make a motion on it, action can be taken.

K.      Bicycle Master Plan Discussion:  On May 15th at the Blaisdell Center from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Rooms 1 and 2 there will be meetings on this master plan. There will be another meeting in September and they hope to have the Bicycle Master Plan revamped by July, 2009. Chair Lockwood will talk to the bicycle league to find out how the plan will affect this neighborhood. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS * indicates for action

A.* Transit Oriented Development:  There was no response from the audience when Chair Lockwood asked if they were following Bill 10 so this was not discussed.

B * Eminent Domain of Property for Public Use:  Larson reported that her Housing and Homeless Committee discussed Kato’s Eminent Domain Resolution and decided the following: 1) They did not think eminent domain would be needed for that purpose. 2) If eminent domain was used, it should be discussed on a case by case basis. 3) Her board committee would want to be notified as soon as possible if eminent domain was being considered but asked if a resolution was needed for that. Chair Lockwood asked Larson to look at Bill 10 which talks about neighborhood plans for transit.

C.   Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades & EPA letter:  Chair Lockwood said he would let the City Council handle this issue.

NEW BUSINESS * indicates for action

A.*  Liquor License for Package Sales:  Nijiya Market in Puck’s Alley is having a hearing on Thursday, May 29th at 4:00 p.m., at 711 Kapiolani Boulevard, 6th floor, at the Liquor Commission.

B.* Liquor License for Consumption on Premises: Pho Tri Restaurant at 1307 Kalakaua Avenue will have a  hearing on Thursday, June 5th at 4:00 p.m. at 711 Kapiolani Blvd., 6th floor, at the Liquor Commission.

APPROVAL OF April 3, 2008 MINUTES

Corrections submitted by Jim Manke as follows: 

Page 1 – Members List – Add “Loren Tilley – appointed tonight”

Page 1 – Under UH – Manoa third item change spelling of Blaisdale to Blaisdell.

Page 2 – Under “Questions and Answers” #4 should read: “The legislature is currently considering a bill which could help finance improvements in the building currently occupied by PBS Hawaii.”

The minutes were accepted as amended.

TREASURER’S REPORT - Les Hata reported April, 2008 Statement noted the previous balance was $3,854.81. Current expenses are $85.18 for an operating balance of $3,731.84. The publicity balance is $3,080.00 and the refreshment balance is $68.75. The treasurer’s report was accepted as read.

COMMITTEE REPORTS AND NEXT MEETINGS

A.      Affordable Housing/Homeless - Chair Betty Lou Larson. Next meeting is Wednesday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. at Care A Van located at 1640 South King Street.

B.      Public Safety & Legislative Affairs - Chair Mimi Gans. Next meeting is Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. with location to be determined.

C.      Planning, Zoning & Transportation - Chair John Kato was not present.

D.   Schools & Community Outreach - Chair Shaunna Tabor

E.   Neighborhood Board Task Force Permitted Interaction Group – Next meeting will be May 15th at 7:00 p.m.  but the location has not been determined.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Submitted by:

Bonnie Trustin

Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by

Ron Lockwood, Chair