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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

Regular Meeting Minutes-draft

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Washington Middle School Cafeteria

Call to Order – Chair Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. with 12 members present. This 15 member Board requires 8 votes to have a quorum and to take action.

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

Members Absent – Mimi Gans  

Guests – Mark Oto (Mayor Hannemann's office), Senator Carol Fukunaga, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Officer Keith Takamiya, Sgt Guy Pereirra, Lt. Gary Lum-Lee & Sgt Carl Kalani (Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Capt. Biechert (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD); Julie Lindberg & Kurt Tsue-(Board of Water Supply-BWS); Susan Todani (Kamehameha Schools), Candice Van Buren-(Representative Nishimoto's office), John Gollner-(Councilmember Bainum's office), Jim Manke-(University of Hawaii representative-UH), Padmemdra Shrestha, Jiwnath Ghimire, C Minra, Justine Wong, Luciano Minerbi, Alex Shamken, Keshav Bidari, Lanh Ngyen (University of Hawaii Department of Urban & Regional Planning students); Sandra Kunimoto, Jesse Lam, John Yamamoto, Raymond Lalosin-(McCully Citizens Patrol), Scott Saiki,  Tom Heinrich-(Manoa Neighborhood No. 7), and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO). 

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON –

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Capt. Biechert reported statistics for last month were: 6 structure and 4 rubbish fires, 70 medical responses and 5 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tip: 1) This holiday season, consider a fire-resistant, artificial Christmas tree. However, if a natural tree was chosen; choose one as fresh as possible; keep it hydrated and away from home heat sources. Use noncombustible materials for decorations. Also, choose only Underwriter's Laboratory approved electrical decorations and follow manufacturer's instructions for installation and load. Do not overload extension cords. Also, holiday family gathering often include extensive food preparations; significant portion of home fires originate in the kitchen, therefore, do not leave cooking unattended. Have an ABC-rated fire extinguisher available near the kitchen and learn to use it. Turn off the heat if you must leave the stove, even if only for a few minutes. Never wear long, loose-sleeved clothing while cooking. Turn the handles on pots and pans inward to prevent accidents. Keep children away from the kitchen.  

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):

Sgt. Kalani reported statistics for last month were: 3 assaults, 7 burglaries, 6 driving under influence (DUI), 2 drug offense, 1 family offense, 1 graffiti, 34 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 3 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 4 property damages (not including graffiti), and 3 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV). Lt. Lum-Lee reported robberies in the district were on the rise as the economy worsened. HPD asked everyone to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos commended everyone including HPD for their tremendous support for the Halloween "slow down sign waving" on October 31.

2)       Takamura asked if HPD could provide a preventative summary guide for residents to consider as a precaution for unlawful entry. HPD said they will provide.

University of Hawaii (UH) –

J. Manke reported: 1) A replacement search for President David McClain has begun with criteria rules to be released by the end of 2008; UH hopes to select a candidate by July 2009. 2) The week long e-waste recycling brought in 1.5 million pounds of metal; UH hopes to repeat this event in the future. 3) November 15 will be UH – Manoa's open house; activities from nine A.M. until two P.M. The focus will be on potential students. 4) The Arts & Sciences alumni reunion will be May 22, 2009; an application was available tonight or by contacting UH or via email: www.artsci.hawaii.edu/alumni or by calling 956-4051. 5) Five weeks remain before the end of the semester. December 20 was the scheduled graduating ceremony. Dr. Mary Bitterman was the scheduled key note speaker; her many accomplishments included work with Public Broadcasting, Voice of America as well as Public Broadcasting System of Hawaii. The ceremony was open to the public.  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Larson asked what the dollar amount was for the collected e-waste materials. J. Manke said there was no value collected; however the efforts were concentrated on discarding them properly.

2)       Larson also asked if the recent report of security problems in the dorms have been resolved. J. Manke said the dorms were at full capacity and safety issues addressed; minor sprinkler leaks were also taken care of.

3)       Kyi-Yim inquired about Hamilton Library. J. Manke said delay in funds before the rainy season held up roof repairs.

4)       Takamura asked for a timeline when road repairs would be completed on University Avenue. J. Manke said erosion work to a retaining wall as well as a new directional signage is a City project and should ease up congested traffic once completed.

Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate –

S. Todani reported: 1) The Rainbow Vista apartments on Beretania Street will offer 27 units at a cost of $4 million dollars for the renovations. She will share some information at the next Board meeting from a Mo'ili'ili Day survey as well as a meeting with the Urban and Regional Planning Committee.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kyi-Yim inquired about the Waialae Bowling alley contract. S. Todani said the contract work was underway.

2)       Chair Lockwood thanked Kamehameha School for their efforts on the October recycling at Kaimuki High School. He hoped to have a poundage collected report soon.

Mayor Hannemann's Representative –

M. Oto reported: 1) Bulky items scheduled district pick up are every third Monday of each month. The city crew has been given a list of addresses with items at curbside. 2) Sgt A. Rivers of District 7 researched the current Hawaii State Traffic Code and the City Revised Traffic Ordinance and concluded that HPD may take enforcement action if they witnessed any hazardous behavior of drivers that speed around busses while stopped at bus stops.  3) Hanauma Bay has replaced all the showerheads with improvised low flow, perforated PVC caps due to the bay showers being heavily used. Kapiolani Beach Park showers have been reduced from four to three showers. Other beach parks were being monitored and modified showers based on park user needs and efforts to stem water waste. It's also noted that in past modifications by the city such as using shower heads to reduce flow restrictions has been thwarted by vandalism and even had the theft of shower heads. 4) The City Department of Transportation Services required additional information to investigate the parking on Victoria Street between South King and Beretania Street. Kyi-Yim was asked to contact DTS for further information to complete her request.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura inquired regarding a roadwork schedule for the district. M. Oto said the schedule was posted on the city's website; Honolulu.gov. He will also provide one in December.

2)       Cuadra suggested for the City to impose a fine for residents placing bulky items on the sidewalk weeks before the scheduled pick up. M. Oto said the problem was identifying who owned the items; however, the pick up was at no cost to the resident. He will pass the suggestion to the Mayor's office.

3)       Larson said considering the economic crisis facing the nation; what was the projected impact due to the rail project for Hawaii residents. M. Oto said the funding of ½% general excise tax surcharge including the Federal Transit Administration's new starts program has been appropriated by Congress for this year. He went on to say a key to the future federal support is the commitment Honolulu has already made for local funding, with more than $250 million collected for the project. Federal funding is expected to increase significantly as the project moved to construction. The city was currently focusing on the environmental impact study (EIS) and hoped to break grounds in 2009. M. Oto added Mayor Hannemann was the National Chair for the Tourism Conference and attended the conference in Florida with Senator Obama; Mayor Hannemann has proposed seeking federal monies to upgrade City projects such as sewers and roadways moving the City in a positive direction. The City was also evaluating the tourism income resources.

4)       Kyi-Yim inquired if the City was going to re-route the rail project. M. Oto said the matter was in front of council at the moment.    

Governor Lingle's Representative –

S. Lee-Kunimoto reported: 1) the State reported a negative .5 percent growth; The State has been on a downsizing trend for the past year however, the 10 to 20 percent budget reductions was not enough to cover the shortfall. To address the economic challenges in Hawaii caused largely by national and international factors, the administration continued to implement a focused five point plan to stimulate the economy and encourage investment.  The plan's components included: increasing tourism outreach and marketing; investing in improvements to our infrastructure and state facilities; lowering business fees and providing tax relief; attracting outside investment especially in energy and maximizing federal dollars and partnerships. The State was also discouraging overseas purchasing as the State was trying to support Hawaii small businesses to circulate dollars within the state. 2) The 5^th Annual Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market event was slated for November 8; support the local market by buying local for the holiday season.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura suggested the State take measures to attract other countries to use the State Convention Center. S. Lee-Kunimoto said the State had an active program and a movie film center in each Hawaii County as part of the ongoing state marketing.

2)       Kyi-Yim reported the newly elected Kauai Mayor was supportive of the Superferry traveling to Kauai. S. Lee-Kunimoto said the ferry will continue to monitor and upgrade its services. 

3)       Kyi-Yim also inquired on the reported couqui frogs recently found in Kailua and Hawaii Kai. S. Lee-Kunimoto said the frogs were tiny and could be heard at dawn and dusk; a chirping birdlike sound can identify the species.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) –

J. Lindberg reported: 1) There were no main breaks during the month of October. 2) BWS holiday festive season has begun, events included: Xeriscape Garden workshops making Christmas wreaths and learning about unthirsty plants. Classes are held November 22 and 29 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration and a nominal fee were required by calling 748-5363. However, the Tallandsia Holiday Craft will be held November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. BWS also will participate in the annual decoration of the Honolulu and Kapolei Hale. The City's Christmas parades were slated for downtown on December 6 and Kapolei on December 13. BWS wishes everyone a safe and joyous holiday season and enjoy the annual Christmas light display at BWS's Beretania Street location. Visit www.borardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041 for further information.  2) The city's 20-20 plan was issued in 1971 and was outdated. Adequate groundwater supplies were available and the city will not run out of water in 2010. In fact, groundwater will never run out if our use does not exceed the rate that nature replenishes the aquifers. A major change in water usage since 1971 is that large agricultural users in central Oahu were no longer consuming large quantities of water and all that water is now available for other uses. Also, the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility was opened in 2002 and it can produce up to 12 million nonpotable gallons per day. Where, available, new developments are being required to use nonpotable water for irrigation to extend the high quality potable water supplies for drinking. In, conclusion, there was enough water but water is precious and should not be wasted. This principle should drive our water use whether water is plentiful or scarce. We all share the responsibility to be stewards of precious water resources and use water wisely. 3) Kurt Tsue will be the new BWS representative beginning in December; J. Lindberg is relocating.                                                 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent asked if each district water aquifer provided water for only the districts. J. Lindberg said the aquifers were interconnected consisting of about 9 links; constant monitoring to be sure water was adequate for each district.

2)       Hata asked if the Kapolei Developments had sufficient appropriated water. J. Lindberg advanced planning was not necessary for developments as ground water was sufficient thus far; golf courses irrigation has shifted to using non-potable water.

RESIDENTS' CONCERNS – There were no concerns.

ELECTED OFFICIALS –

Councilmember Kobayashi circulated her monthly newsletter and reported: She was continuing to support the City Council during her remaining time with the city. Upon her term ending, she will be take up non-profit work with a focus on affordable housing as the need was urgent more then ever.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Several Board members thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for her many years of service to the community and wished her well. Councilmember Kobayashi said she will continue to follow district issues and try to attend public hearings and Board meetings.

Representative Nishimoto's report was circulated with C. Van Gruken taking concerns.

Representative Saiki reported:

Legislature will reconvene the third Wednesday in January and encouraged everyone to contact his office regarding any concerns.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Cuadra suggested contacting Hawaiian Homelands if they were aware that the Bowl-a-Drome location was in dire need of cleaning up. Representative Saiki said the property was currently undergoing bids for issuance of a new lease; a maintenance company has been hired to clean the property.

2)       Takamura thought according to Hawaiian Homelands study, a meeting with the community for input was in the works rather than meeting with consultants to decide the fate of the Bowl-a-Drome property. Representative Saiki said the property has been in "limbo" without a lessee; he expected some type of resolution soon.

3)       Lockwood asked who to call in Saiki's office as the Manager had just been elected to office.  Saiki said      there is no one at this time, but he picks up messages daily.

Senator Fukunaga reported:

1) The Mckinley High School (MHS) metal recycling was a success; seven containers were picked up by Sneitzers Metal Recyclers which MHS will receive proceeds. The 2009 recycling schedule has not been confirmed yet since metal recyclers were reported to be shutting down until the economy allows the metal rate to be more profitable. 2) Makiki and Punchbowl resident areas have long opposed commercial activities of Bed & Breakfast (B&B) in residential neighborhoods. Council Bill 6 which will legalize new B&B operations on Oahu has been passed from the Councils Zoning Committee; this will affect all residential communities on Oahu. 3) One Kalakaua and Kualana Hale senior residents met with district legislatures over concerns such as increased traffic, pedestrian safety and other condominium concerns nearby. The Council was schedule to act on resolution 08-241 on November 12 at 10:00 a.m.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Lockwood said he understood traffic on Kalakaua, King and Young Streets were affected. Senator Fukunaga said only the right turn on Kalakaua Street was the problem and during the rush hours there will be less parking.

2)       Larson said the senior homes were located in a high rise zone; will there be a possibility of a luxury high rise as well. Senator Fukunaga said the senior homes were proposed to both the city and state and has been involved in the planning assessment. Chair Lockwood said he planned on testifying at the hearing.

Senator Taniguchi's report was circulated as no representative was available.

FILLING OF VACANCIES –

Sub-District 1; two vacancies. Chair Lockwood also declared Gan's seat vacant as she submitted a letter of resignation therefore having three vacancies in Sub-District 1. Chair Lockwood asked if anyone was interested in filling the above vacancies; no one stepped forward.

7:50 to 8:00 p.m. Chair Lockwood called a 10-minute recess.

PRESENTATION –

UH Manoa Department of Urban & Regional Planning (UHMDURP); the students circulated an eight page report. J. Wong reported on behalf of the group. The underlying assumption of potential new transit development as a factor in the community's environment was the impetus for this study. On October 4, the fall 2008 Practicum Class in the UHMDURP was invited to participate in the Discover Mo'ili'ili Day (DMD) festival at Old Stadium Park. The six- student class prepared visual displays of past works and produced comment boards to prompt conversations while asking community members to voice their comments and opinions regarding neighborhood issues. The class received positive responses with a total of 120 comments. Here was some of the community's responses separated by assets versus challenges: 

Community Assets consisted of: Environment "old & safe"; Transportation "convenience"; Rail; Commercial Activities "small & local"; Resource Organizations "Mo'ili'community center" & "Waikiki Health Center"; and overall Satisfaction with Community.

Community Challenges consisted of: Housing & Urban Development "affordable housing"; Commercial Activities; Homeless; Pedestrian Safety; Bike Lanes; and Crime.

In addition to DMD, a previous community outreach efforts were also gathered; the following were Community Response Values: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; Availability of Affordable Housing; Parks and Green Spaces; Roadway Safety; Accessibility for Disabled and Seniors and Care of the Aging Population.

The density of the neighborhood and strategic location created a highly populated area that serves both long-term residents and a transient community. This diverse population contributes both to the neighborhood's identity and to some of its greatest issues such as: criminal activity, personal safety and late-night noise. Activities such as DMD were key to identifying resources and leaders within a community and building networks among key organizations or persons can be an asset to a strong foundation of community advocates linking them all towards a common goal; utilizing opportunities. 

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Lockwood thanked the group for their outstanding effort; identifying all stakeholders to continue to build relationships and map out resources. J. Wong said a final report was due at the end of the fall semester.

2)       Tilley asked if there was a demographic report. J. Wong said the comments were done on comment cards format and was not demographically surveyed.

HOUSEKEEPING – Chair Lockwood reported:

A. The DMD went extremely well; the event was well attended and many thanks to all that                      

     both attended and participated.

B. The City's bicycle master plan offered many routes from UH to Waikiki; however, a more direct route along the stream was too much of a liability for the city. He has also contacted the City to remove abandoned bicycles still attached to bicycle racks; allowing   room for active usage, calling 911 was not recommended for removal of bicycle parts left behind.

C. UHMDURP made its presentation

D. Ross Stephenson – area and historical Board resource

E. The Ala Wai Watershed Project scope meeting was October 21; email all comments within   the 30 day comment period.

F. The McCully Neighborhood Board was in recess during January 2009

G. There were about 150 residents affected by the Manoa Makiki ditch; city and state also   needed to be more active in maintaining the ditch especially during heavy rainy season. During the 2007 season; 48 tons of materials were collected from the ditch.

H. Members from 10 other Neighborhood Boards participated in 23 sites on Oahu with over 200 volunteers including Kauai, Maui and Big Island of Hawaii.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Chair Lockwood reported:

A. Gan's Board seat was vacant; as she resigned.

B. Pedestrian Safety & Traffic Engineering was tabled until the February 2009 meeting without opposition.

NEW BUSINESS – Chair Lockwood reported:

A. Reports regarding homelessness taking over bus stops may be called into HPD; addresses were helpful in locating the correct bus stops.

B. The Ueda Shoe Store was named Neighborhood Business of the Year; the store catered to local vendors and customers since 1914 and since 1952 at its current location.

APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES –

The August 7, and September 4, 2008 meeting minutes were approved without opposition.

The October 2, 2008 meeting minutes were approved with the following amendments:

Page 3, under UH questions and answers No. 1: delete: "Chancellor Hinshaw had a weekly presentation on Olelo channel 54 at 9:00p.m" Insert: "T. Heinrich said Chancellor Hinshaw's presentation to the Manoa Neighborhood Board was videotaped and can be seen on Olelo channel 54 whenever the Manoa Board meeting is cablecast.

Page 3, under BWS: correct "boardwatersupply.com" spelling

Page 3, under Senator Taniguchi's reported: replace "base" with "bass"

Treasurer's Report – Tilley reported Total Appropriated balance was at $4,446.31; Operating balance was $1,246.31; Publicity balance was $3,080.00 and the Refreshments balance was at $120.00.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Kyi-Yim moved and Hata seconded for the Neighborhood Board No. 8 to allow spending of the Refreshment allotted funding to provide food for the December 4th regular meeting. The motion WAS adopted by unanimous consent; 12-0-0. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Tilly and Cuadra)

       2)  A combined committee meeting of (Planning, Zoning & Transportation; Public Safety & Legislative Affairs; and Schools & Community Affairs) will be held on November 19^th at the American Legion Post on McCully Street.  Details will follow in the agenda.

Committee Reports –

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 8:35 p.m. without objections.

 Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin                                  Reviewed by Chair Lockwood