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McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board No. 8

Regular Meeting Minutes-draft

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Mo’ili’ili Community Center

Call to Order – Chair Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. with 12 members present. This 15 member Board requires 8 votes to have a quorum and to take action. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Gans, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

Chair Lockwood asked for a moment of silence for both Chair Bill Woods of the Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board; his services were planned for November 8. Also 25 years ago, 271 United States Marines and Corpsmen perished when their barracks were destroyed by a car bomb in Beirut, Lebanon; Chair Lockwood had served with three of these men.

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

Members Absent – There were no members absent.

Guests – Mark Oto (Mayor Hannemann’s office), Senator Carol Fukunaga, Councilmember Donovan Dela Cruz Ann Kobayashi, Major Green, Capt. Anchetta, Sgt Hamamoto, Sgt. Kalani and Officer Tony Kahapea (Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Capt. Gary Harbottle (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Pat Lee (Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project-HHCTCP), Julie Lindberg (Board of Water Supply-BWS), Susan Todani (Kamehameha Schools), Candice Van Buren-(Representative Nishimoto’s office), Carlton Miura, John Brizdle, Daisy Murai, Jesse Ponce de Lein, Laura Ruby, Tom Heinrich, John Gollner, Carl and Lilian Novak, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON –

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Harbottle reported statistics for last month were: 6 structure and 4 rubbish fires, 70 medical responses and 5 miscellaneous calls. Fire Safety Tips: 1) Halloween costumes should be clear, brightly colored and lightweight; costumes and candy bags should be decorated with reflective tape to ensure visibility both to motorists and others. Children should carry flashlights and wear cosmetic natural masks to prevent restrictions to both breathing and vision. 2) Hurricane season extends through the month of December, and HFD encouraged families to take necessary steps to ensure preparedness; have ready survival kits and be informed of nearest shelter.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       The new HFD construction site seems to have graffiti now. Captain Harbottle said the unit was moving back to the site in December and they were aware of the problem.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):

Major Green reported crime has decreased in the district. He was concerned with the McCully Street break in of an HPD vehicle. He encouraged anyone that witnessed the break-in to call 911 and offer information. He also said there was an increase of graffiti; however, arrests were also increasing in this matter.

Sgt. Kalani reported statistics for last month were: 5 assaults, 2 burglaries, 4 driving under influence (DUI), 1 drug offense, 1 family offense, 1 graffiti, 23 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 3 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 4 property damages (not including graffiti), 2 robberies and 3 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV).

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos asked if there was a fatality from an accident at McCully Street and Kinau Avenue as the streets were blocked for some time. Sgt. Kalani was not aware of a fatality during that incident; he said HFD did a street wash down after the accident in the event there was a gasoline leak onto the road.

University of Hawaii (UH) – J. Manke reported: UH had a smooth transition during its first five weeks of school session. UH Homecoming was being celebrated with a rally on October 10 at 3:00 p.m. on the lawn near Dole Street. An e-waste public recycling project was slated for October 25; he encouraged everyone to participate in ridding of electronic waste. More information can be found at www.hawaii.edu/ewaste. Campus crime statistics were also posted at www.manoa.hawaii.edu. HPD was also issuing jaywalking citations at $130 per incident to deter jaywalking near campus.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Chair Lockwood said that a 40 member graffiti work crew, from UH-Manoa, included Chancellor Hinshaw. He thanked the UH group and all others that helped with the project. T. Heinrich added; Chancellor Hinshaw had a weekly presentation on Olelo Channel 54 at 9:00 p.m.

2)       Chair Lockwood said the 100+ page impact statement concerning UH long range planning was available if anyone needed to look at it before comments were due by October 28.

Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate – S. Todani reported: 1) Nijiya Market was now open at Pucks Alley and offered new organic products; free parking with validation is offered. 2) The Rainbow Apartments continue undergoing renovation and should be completed within nine months. 3) Varsity Theater site will be installing 50 more parking stalls by the end of 2008; the barricades should be removed by then. Diamond Parking was offering free parking for the Discovery Mo’ili’ili Day; let the attendant know and the fee will be waived.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura asked what will be added to the empty lot on Isenberg Street. S. Todani said the estate was considering a food vendor to lease to; one fitting for the neighborhood.

2)       A constituent complained that the residents of the Gateway Apartments on Kolo Lane was blocking the fronting sidewalks with garbage dumpsters, putting at risk those having to cross using the roadway. S. Todani said the apartment management has been noticed.

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative – M. Oto reported: 1) The Ala Wai Park sprinkler heads and irrigation valve boxes have repeatedly been vandal targets; repaired them numerous times. Please call 768-3622 to report problem information. The specific area behind the Convention Center is under the jurisdiction of the City Department of Parks and Recreation. 2) Shopping cart owners (stores) are responsible for picking up carts; condominium managers should contact store managers regarding abandoned carts. 3) The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires radio and television broadcasters as well as cable television providers to provide the communications capability for the President to address the American public during a National emergency.  The system also may be used by state and local authorities to deliver important emergency information such as AMBER alerts and weather information targeted to a specific area.  The FCC, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Services (NWS), implement EAS at the federal level. 4) In Hawaii the system is maintained by Hawaii State Civil Defense and is made available in times of emergency or for testing to all County emergency management operations as well as police departments.  EAS message crawlers are pre-scripted to call attention to the emergency or informational bulletin which is broadcast audibly.  Cable as well as broadcast stations often injects their own information “crawlers” which is their prerogative and is not controlled by the FCC, State or county authorities. 5) The Ala Wai Park dog leash status is currently being reviewed by the City’s Corporation Counsel before any request for signs were submitted for posting.   6) The oceanside shaft near the corner of Kuhio Avenue and Kaiolu Street in Waikiki has been covered with seven pre-cast concrete planks. Within the new covered shaft, workers are finishing up electrical and mechanical work, which will provide lighting in the vault, power to the motorized valves, and ventilation.  The contractor is also preparing to restore the parking lot and pave over the oceanside shaft.  The City and its consultants are designing the next phase of the force main, which will be from the mountainside shaft near Iolani School to the entrance of Ala Moana Park near Atkinson Drive. For updates you may check the Beachwalk Wastewater Emergency Bypass website at:  http://www.beachwalkbypass.com.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Cuadra submitted a list of addresses in the district to M. Oto to follow-up with as their bulky items were still at curbside one week after the monthly city pick up.

2)       L. Novak also added 8 old toilets were at curbside; 1730 Algoroba Street.

3)       A constituent asked if the city had solutions to curb running shower waters at beach sites. He said Hanauma Bay has the automatic shut off; however, many beach parks did not and being Oahu has a current drought notice on the Windward side, city should start to monitor its own water control.

4)       Kyi-Yim asked if the restriction on Victoria Street parking could be pushed back to 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m. She said tremendous back-up was between South King Street and Beretania Street during the morning commute hours. 

5)       Chair Lockwood reminded everyone the stimulus tax credit of $300 per person was due for filing by October 15; over 30,000 families have yet to file.

Governor Lingle’s Representative – No representative, but a report was made available.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – J. Lindberg reported: 1) A main break occurred on September 8 at Hauoli and Fern Streets. 2) BWS was working to maximize precious water resources by utilizing the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility (HWRF). Recycled water was essentially wastewater that has been treated to a level suitable for industrial processing, irrigation and other non-potable uses. The HWRF produces 12 million gallons of recycled water per day used by golf courses and refineries in the the Ewa end Kapolei areas. Recycled water is completely safe to touch, but is not intended for drinking. Recycling water helps to conserve our highest quality water supply for drinking. For more information about our water recycling program, visit www.borardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041.                                                  

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura asked how BWS traced water leaches at construction sites. J. Lindberg said water infrastructures were mandated by permit process and become the responsibility of the property owners to contact BWS for inspection.

2)       A constituent said BWS should focus on controlling water being wasted from leaking and uncontrolled shower heads at many beach parks; BWS currently has asked for water conservation efforts on Windward Oahu. J. Lindberg said BWS asked the public to conserve and use water wisely; BWS had no resources to cover all areas to monitor such leaks. Another constituent was appalled that BWS made no efforts in monitoring the beach parks faucets; perhaps a simple automatic shut off mechanism would be considered. J. Lindberg said BWS had a leak detection team that is utilized for such calls and depended mostly on good deeds by citizens to see the need to shut running faucets, report faulty sprinkler systems and water abuse, water lawns periodically as well as adding water shut off valve on water hoses.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS – Concerns were addressed to the previous speakers for follow up.

ELECTED OFFICIALS –

Councilmember Kobayashi circulated her monthly newsletter and reported: 1) The graffiti clean up day was a success thanks to about 200 community members. 2) The Discover Mo’ili’ili Day will showcase many area businesses and looked forward to this Saturday. 3)  The 5^th Annual Community Clean up will be October 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kaimuki High School. The funds will benefit the Kapahulu Center and Moiliili Community Center as well as Kaimuki High School. Please call 547-7005 for assistance in picking any items up before Saturday. Many thanks to Chair Lockwood and T. Heinrich for their availability in picking up recycled items. 4) Castle & Cooke has donated land in Mililani for The Oahu Art Center; $86 million is needed to create the center by the year 2010.

Representative Caldwell circulated his monthly newsletter and reported: This was to be his last Board meeting as an elected official as he will return to private practice. He thanked the Board for the great democratic system it has practiced and added he has enjoyed his work with the district and that he will be back in politics as he enjoyed it. He also thanked Councilmember Kobayashi and Senator Taniguchi for an effective representation of a beautiful and unique neighborhood. As he reflected on his past six years, he pointed out some of his legislative initiatives he was most privileged to have worked on were: Agriculture Lands, OHA Ceded Lands, Superferry, Rail, Historic Preservation, Minimum Wage, and the Manoa Public Library.

Senator Taniguchi circulated his monthly newsletter and reported: 1) the noise issue with Sandalwood Condominium has been resolved with efforts of HPD, Hawaii Liquor Commission and residents.  The issue of base tones vibration will be on the 2009 Legislature calendar. 2) The Ala Moana and Kakaako district front developments were continuing and will report further as more information becomes available.

FILLING OF VACANCIES – Sub-District 1; two vacancies.

Chair Lockwood asked if anyone was interested in filling the above vacancies; no one stepped forward.

PRESENTATION –

GO RAIL: Representative Caldwell presented: Hawaii being disconnected from the U.S. mainland has been in recession for the past 10 years; however, the U.S. mainland continued to be booming. Hawaii’s tour industry as well is at a standstill due to the worsen economy. Commuters in cities all across the country during this time were turning to their reliable and affordable rail systems rather than pay high gas prices. The transit rail will create an estimated 11,000 jobs over the next eight years and will help increase state and city revenues; 3 to 4 billion may be circulated into Hawaii’s economy as well. Hawaii’s citizens deserved an alternative to its highways, like the Superferry. The highway gridlock has been a negative effect on all communities. Currently, families with children are suffering sitting in mass traffic wasting hours rather than spending productive times with families. Transit rail will move Oahu’s workforce more efficiently and will enhance our quality of life. Rail cars will carry more than 300 passengers each; carrying more than 6,000 riders per hour in hopes to relieving H1 of 200 cars every three minutes during rush hour traffic. Rail will also promote better air and water quality with a more balanced transportation system increasing the quality of life for families. It will also be sustainable; powered by alternative energy like solar, wind and H-power promoting less greenhouse gas emissions. It was vital for the government to improve and offer alternative infrastructures; and contribute to growth in designated areas and help keep country “country”. Projects facing the city currently were; the airport’s $1.3 million, $600 million for harbor modernization improvements, and rail. All three projects should be supported by Oahu residents as now was the right time. The tax percentage will not be available nor can it be applied to highway or sewer projects; sacrificing for the future will benefit Oahu for many years to come. The opportunity was now to vote “YES” in favor of the rail; it will be offered as the fourth question on the November 4 election ballot. Further information was available by calling him at 988-1617.  

STOP RAIL: J. Brizdle presented: Steel on steel was out of reach for many Oahu families as not a penny was being applied back to citizens from the excise tax; $900 per family has been paid into the fund this past year. There was no evidence of an application for the $900 million federal funds thus far. This amount was not accurate as well.  High Occupancy Toll (H.O.T.) lanes could be a better system for Oahu; dedicated for mass transit such as buses, van, car pools, and trucks only. H.O.T. lanes could allow travel at 60 miles per hour (MPH) versus the 25 MPH the rail will travel. H.O.T. lanes could also become toll lanes during peak hours and require higher fee to travel into the city; encouraging travel during off peak hours. A dollar was worth paying to save 30 minutes off traveling time especially for those living on the west side of Oahu. Emergency vehicles could also benefit from H.O.T. lanes. A toll fee versus the billions that will be spent on rail was something for citizens to consider more carefully; Honolulu’s rail would be the costliest transit system per capita in the United States. H.O.T. lanes tested on the mainland have proven to be feasible and were reversible into and out of town.  He asked to vote “NO” on the transit question on the November 4 ballot.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A constituent said H.O.T. lanes into town was still going to promote traffic.  STOP RAIL: H.O.T. lanes will discourage some drivers during peak hours. GO RAIL: H.O.T. lanes will be elevated with on and off ramp at 50 feet off the ground; vibrating noises will also be a constant noise.  An alternative for transit is long overdue; the Government owed it to the residents.

2)       DeVilbiss asked if the tax for transit will be returned to citizens if voted down. GO RAIL:   Half of rail cost will come from Oahu citizens and the proposed $900 million committed from the House of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as Senator Inouye announced as he was a trustworthy source. The funding will be channeled to another city’s rail project if Hawaii does not take the opportunity. STOP RAIL: In order to receive the $900 million for the project, an environmental impact study (EIS) must be done first; no study has been done. Congressman James Oberstar, Neil Abercrombie as well as Senator Inouye have all said there was no funding proposal enclosed for Hawaii in the 2009 Fiscal Year.

3)       Carlos said the current Mayor’s rail proposal was not “pretty” nor quiet; felt as if citizens were being “lied” to. Carlos added that the rail and H.O.T. lanes seemed to have similar issues. GO RAIL: H.O.T. lanes will be wider versus rail. H.O.T. lanes also needed to complete an EIS. The Washington, District of Columbia’s metro was underground at a cost of about $10 billion. STOP RAIL: Rail still needed an EIS and $10 billion was out of range for Oahu.

4)       A constituent said due to the economy disaster facing the nation; both technologies should be eliminated. He continued to say Hawaii was no comparison to New York or Boston; 3 billion working costs have ended to be 10 billion instead. STOP RAIL: H.O.T. lanes will not require any stations except about 38 platforms and only parts of the city will be affected. GO RAIL: The government has committed the $900 million funding. The citizens deserved this last opportunity to make rail financially doable and should trust long standing representatives that support Hawaii’s rail.

5)       Takamura said currently there were two H.O.T. lanes in existence and it was heavily used. A constituent said Takamura was referring to the zipper lanes both from Eastside and Westside. STOP RAIL: The lanes in existence now were high occupancy lanes (HOV) and the zipper lanes; they were not efficient for use by over 1,000 mass vehicles that were overcrowding the highways annually. There were currently 30 cities with rail transit; all were measured at over 79 decibels and deemed too noisy. The city and the Mayor seem to be offering the public wrong information on websites and commercials paid with taxpayer dollars which was illegal. GO RAIL: The fixed rail study has shown it was the best option for Oahu as it has in many mainland cities to move riders more efficiently; study also showed that by the year 2030, 28% of the population and 46% of the employment in the corridor will be within walking distance of a transit station.

HOUSEKEEPING – Chair Lockwood reported:

A) The Mayoral candidate forum at Ala Wai Clubhouse was September 16; efforts by three Neighborhood Boards (Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/ Waikiki and McCully-Mo’ili’ili). A big thank-you went out to the Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Neighborhood Board for hosting the event. Four candidates participated in this event with over 75 in attendance.

B) The graffiti clean up of September 27, sponsored by TAG (Totally Against Graffiti) was a success. Over 250 people signed in that morning and after some safety training, hit the streets, the parks, the bus stops and anything else needing cleaning up. Every bus stop in McCully and Mo’ili’ili was repainted and cleaned thanks to our partnering with TheBus company. Crane Park not only got cleaned, but made the Channel Eight news that evening. Ala Wai and Stadium Parks really looked great; Kalo Place Mini Park got an entire wall painted as well as the freeway walls. The following were those that supported the project and many thanks were in order for them all: Old Town Mo’ili’ili Business Association for financial and volunteer support; Councilmember Kobayashi for providing transportation for the moving of crew and supplies about the community; Sam’s Club donated $25 towards food supplies; The Cake Works provided a sheet of delicious cake; UH-Manoa provided their Chancellor and over 40 people from KTUH and TKE fraternities and the pre-pharmacology program. Chaminade University provided over 25 people; Iolani School Key Club, Washington Middle School (Mrs. Lee’s Class), Maryknoll School, Kamehameha School, and Kaimuki High School also provided students; Cub Scout Pack 181 from Nu’uanu also attended; Kapahulu-Mo’ili’ili Lions Club; Kalakaua Housing and McCully Citizens Patrol; HPD District 7 kept community teams safe. Others that made a big difference in the project were: Council member-elect Bainum, John Chadwick, Allicyn of JCCH, Billy at Crestek and many more thanks to all members that participated in this great event that were not mentioned here. All efforts were very much appreciated and Chair Lockwood apologized if he had left anyone out. C) The Board was honored to have a former Board member, Dr. Luciano Minerbi, holding a graduate practicum on Mo’ili’ili through the Urban and Regional Planning department at UH-Manoa. For this semester, six students will be studying issues facing our neighborhood. Two of these students live in Mo’ili’ili; some were present tonight. Chair Lockwood will be sharing emails with these students to assist in accomplishing their project.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Chair Lockwood reported:

A) The Neighborhood Board's booth is ready for Discover Mo’ili’ili Day in Booth G at Stadium Park. Handouts will consist of AARP and Walk Wise Hawaii reading materials.  The Chair paid the $20 and will be reimbursed.

B) Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Engineering information will be showcased during the Discover Mo’ili’ili Day in hopes to receive input from the community to assist in a formulated plan to present to the City Department of Transportation Services.

C) Neighborhood Board No. 8 will host at least one sign waving site for the AARP/AIG Hawaii “trick or treat for safer streets” on Thursday, October 30, starting at 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Chair Lockwood is the AARP Pedestrian Safety Coordinator; as pedestrian safety concerns were also supported from Hawaii Kai, North Shore, Waianae, Waikiki and Makiki Neighborhood Boards. Chair Lockwood asked to call him to receive more information; and encouraged everyone to commit to the worthwhile cause for only an hour.

NEW BUSINESS - Chair Lockwood reported:

A.  The Revised Neighborhood Plan section 4-2.2 stated “When a board member accumulates three or more absences beginning June 1, the board shall have the option to declare the seat vacant”. Board member Gans has been absent in July, August and September; as per the Board’s unanimous vote at the September meeting, a registered letter was sent to Gans. As per the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO), the registered letter was returned unsigned. The Neighborhood Board No. 8 has to take action on the issue as Gans is present tonight.  Larson moved and Carlos seconded for the Neighborhood Board No. 8 hereby declared the seat of member Gans vacant. Chair Lockwood noted that the only two vacancies on the Board currently were also in the same sub-district as Ms. Gans.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Gans asked to clarify her position by reading a letter circulated to Board members and stated it was not her intention to refuse the certified letter; it was returned to sender without a signature being it was sent to her post office box (POB) and she does not check her POB daily. She apologized for putting the Board in the present situation. She asked the Board to allow her to serve out the remainder of her elected term on the Board; she promised to fulfill her duties to the best of her ability.

2)       Kato recommended to allow her to serve being she has sincerely stated hardship reasoning for missing past meetings; however, the community counted on Board members for representation. Takamura said although Gans reasoning was good intentions and sincere; she should have still made an effort to attend meetings. Kyi-Yim added although life’s daily responsibilities must continue and despite vacancies in Gan’s sub-district; not attending meetings meant an absence from her sub-district. A constituent said the Board should be consistent with policy; as there were other Board members with absences due to illnesses and still remained to serve. Some Board members thought maybe Gans should be given one more chance and if she missed one more Board meeting this should be grounds to declare her seat vacant. Call for the vote: for the Neighborhood Board No. 8 hereby declared the seat of member Gans vacant was NOT adopted; 0-12-1. (No: Carlos, Devilbiss, Gans, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Cuadra, and Tilley; Abstain: Takamura)

B) The City Bicycle Master Plan meeting No. 2 has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 16 at the Blaisdell Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

C) The home at 923 Lokahi Street was applying for a zoning variance to allow a new two-story single family dwelling to exceed the maximum density floor area to encroach into the required yard and height setback; and to allow off-street parking to encroach into the required yards.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       A representative of the home said the home needed to expand living space into the 400 square footage garage as living space was too small in the home. L. Novak said the homeowners were great neighbors and it was due for expansion after 70 years.

2)       Kato moved and Kyi-Yim seconded for Neighborhood Board No. 8 to accept the variance application No. 2008/VAR-30 at 923 Lokahi Street. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Gans, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Cuadra, Takamura and Tilley)

3)       D) The Neighborhood Board No. 8 unanimously voted to recess in January 1, 2009. (Carlos, Devilbiss, Gans, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Cuadra, Takamura and Tilley)

APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES – Chair Lockwood deferred the approval of the August 7, and September 4, 2008 meeting minutes without opposition.

Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer report was also deferred.

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 8:44p.m. without objections.

 Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin                                  Reviewed by Chair Lockwood