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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

Regular Meeting Minutes-draft

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Mo’ili’ili Community Center

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 (NB) Members Present – Marijane Carlos, Les Hata, Serena Kyi-Yim, Klement Kondratovich, Betty Lou Larson, Ron Lockwood, Shaunna Tabor, Loren Tilley, Gregory Cuadra (appointed tonight), and Clifton Takamura.

Members Absent – Mimi Gans, Judy DeVilbiss and John Kato.

Guests – Mark Oto (Mayor Hannemann’s office), Mike Oshiro, Carlton Mira and Wayne Yoshioka (City Department of Transportation Services-DTS); Officer Chad Saito, Officer Tony Kahapea and  Sgt. E. Egami (Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Captain Beachum (Honolulu Fire Department-HFD), Candice Van Buren-(Representative Nishimoto’s office), Chasity Hovey, Shirley Koczan, Doris Bechert, Laura Rudy, Jake Glaski, Tom Heinrich, Isaac Choy, John Gollner, John Yamamoto, and Mary Chanel-Benjamin (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO).

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON –

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Beachum reported statistics for last month were: 66 alarms, 51 medical responses, 2 search and rescue, 5 structure fires and 10 miscellaneous calls.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Larson asked when the new fire station will be opened. Capt. Beachum said between October and November but it was subject to change.

2)       Carlos asked if emergency medical technicians (EMT) were going to be housed in the new fire station. Capt. Beachum said currently there were no plans to house a third command in the quarters as there was no room available. Chair Lockwood said the Young Street EMT site was currently set up with trailers for EMT housing but is supposed to have a building erected.  The new McCully-Mo’ili’iIi fire station name will hopefully reflect the McCully – Mo’ili’ili name.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):

District 1 Officer Saito reported statistics for last were: 2 assaults, 1 burglary, 4 driving under influence (DUI), 1 drug offense, 1 family offense, 1 graffiti, 24 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 4 motor vehicle thefts (MVT), 7 property damage and 7 unauthorized entries into motor vehicle (UEMV).

 District 7; Sgt. Egami distributed his report with statistics for July. At their website; www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7, citizens can view updated statistics for different neighborhoods.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos asked what warranted property damage as a HPD report. Officer Saito said any property that was broken or damaged would be considered property damage.

2)       Kyi-Yim asked if the early morning killing at Ala Moana Beach Park was included in the statistic report. Officer Saito said it will be in the September statistics to be reported at October’s NB meeting.

3)       Takamura asked if HPD knew anything about a killing that took place at Washington Middle School. Officer Saito said he was not aware of one.

4)       Tabor stressed her concern regarding vehicle accidents at the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and University Avenue as well as ongoing speeding and racing within two school districts

5)       Kyi-Yim asked what the law was regarding people rummaging through other’s trash bins. Officer Saito said it was illegal to retrieve things from other resident’s trash bins as personal information could fall into wrong hands.

University of Hawaii (UH) –

Chair Lockwood read J. Manke’s report as he was not present tonight: The UH semester has started with 24 students enrolled for classes over and above the official enrollment from last fall. Frear Hall student residence complex has opened with success; thank you to Board members that attended the opening. Campus security has acquired two three-wheeled vehicles that were similar to the two-wheeled Segways which were easier to maneuver with campus security efforts; they were called T-3s.  Also, in efforts to monitor vehicle traffic on campus, the Maile Way entrance off University Avenue is now closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. nightly. The attendants at the entrance off East-West Road access will continue to record license numbers and monitor vehicles entering UH after hours. The Shidler College of Business is again a top 20 International Business public university program as reported by The US News and World Report College ranking publishing. UH Warriors will kick off the home football season against Weber State on September 6. In an effort to increasing student attendance at games, the athletic department has offered students one free ticket each, and the Chancellor’s office was sponsoring free chartered bus transportation to and from the games. (Chair Lockwood asked to email him any concerns for J. Manke)

Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate – There was no representative or report available.

Mayor Hannemann’s Representative –

M. Oto reported: 1) The following two roadways in the NB area were programmed for resurfacing: Date Street at Pumenhana Street to Kapahulu Avenue and Isenberg Street at Kapiolani to Bingham Street. Actual dates of completion were not known; resurfacing will depend on the availability of funds as these were included in the last or 7^th contract of the secondary streets projects. 2) Bulky item collection occurred over a three day period from the third Monday through the third Wednesday of each month. One truck collects recyclables metals and another collects materials to be sent to the landfill. While some items may be collected, some remain until the appropriate truck collects them. A call to the collection yard at 832-7840 to report addresses when neighbors place items inappropriately could help facilitate and avoid confusion. Bulky items should be placed the evening before the third Monday of each month. 3) City Department of Parks and Recreation reported a defective timer needed replacing for the McCully Recreation Center lights; one has been ordered and will be replaced by September 12 by the City Department of Facility Maintenance. 4) The city cannot issue “no parking” signs larger than the current signs due to rules guided by the Federal Highway Administration under 23 Code of Federal Regulations. Therefore, no larger signs can be posted at the corner of Philip Street and Kalakaua Avenue. 5) The Mayor’s Remembrance Walk in memory of September 11, 2001 will begin at HPD on Beretania on Sunday, September 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The procession will travel down Alapai to South and Queen Streets to the Halekauwila Honolulu Fire Department and then back up Punchbowl Street and conclude at Honolulu Hale. At each stop, a brief observance will be held to honor heroes of 9-11.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Carlos reported the sprinkler heads along the Ala Wai Promenade may be incorrectly positioned as the grass was not being watered properly.

2)       Carlos reported the Emergency Siren covering the Ewa end of Kapiolani Park were not activated during September’s monthly test.  

3)       Tabor reported shopping carts possibly from Longs Drugs and Star Market were piled up at the corner of Kapiolani and University Boulevards; carts were being pushed onto the lawn of the private condominium location.

4)       Kyi-Yim and Takamura asked what government agency was responsible for the Emergency Broadcast System notices on cable stations; seem to be different from those on network stations as they were confused.

5)       Several Board members inquired on the status of the dog leash rule covering Ala Wai Park.

6)       Several Board members thanked the City Department of Environmental Services for the recent Makiki Stream cleanup.

7)       Larson asked for a status update of the sewer project impacting the Ala Wai area.

Governor Lingle’s Representative –

Chair Lockwood read a report as a representative was not present tonight: The Governor will host the fifth annual international Women’s Leadership Conference on Wednesday, September 24 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Visit www.hawaii.gov to register and to receive further information. The Governor also met with hotel owners and operators around the state discussing proactive steps to bolster Hawaii’s decreasing tourism industry.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) –   

Chair Lockwood read a report as a representative was not present tonight: There were no water main breaks during the month of August. A handout regarding emergency preparedness from a water perspective was circulated.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS –

1)       Chair Lockwood said the McCully 7-11 resolved the Boards’ concern over liquor store display. He thanked the concerned neighbors for their efforts.

2)       S. Koczan thanked the Board for contributing to a safer neighborhood as she has moved out of the district.  However; she still observed a great deal of rubbish throughout the community from McCully to Waikiki.

3)       A constituent said she understood the Bowl-O-Drome property was owned by Hawaiian Homelands and proposed a Zone A-2 for preservation. Chair Lockwood said he will research and present findings as soon as he is able to.

4)       Larson asked regarding the sewer problems at the park. M. Oto said the sewer bypass was being done in two phases and will have an updated report at the next meeting.

5)       Takamura said the comfort stations at the park were becoming a “smelly homeless mess with graffiti.” Chair Lockwood said the staff was suppose to maintain the park stations about twice per day.

ELECTED OFFICIALS –

Councilmember Kobayashi; Representatives Caldwell and Nishimoto; and Senator Taniguchi – They were not available; however their newsletters were distributed.

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

Chair Lockwood asked if anyone was interested in filling the vacancies. Gregory Cuadra stepped forward to ask for nomination to fill Sub-District 2 vacancy. G. Cuadra said he worked in real estate and lived in the district for the past three years; he lives on Isenberg street. Kyi-Yim moved and Carlos seconded to nominate and accept G. Cuadra’s nomination for Sub-District 2. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent 9-0-0. (Carlos, Hata, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura and Tilley)

Chair Lockwood called a short recess from 7:18 to 7: 25p.m for NA, Mary Chanel-Benjamin to administer the Oath of Office to G. Cuadra before being seated on the Board.  

At 7:25 p.m. Chair Lockwood prepared to give his presentation while Vice-Chair Kyi-Yim received the gavel to continue the meeting.

PRESENTATION –

Chair Lockwood reported on Traffic Calming issues from the past decade:

It has been about 10 years since the city re-evaluated cross traffic measures in the district which has had transient traffic increase since and needed some type of resolution reintroduction. He said additional school traffic and the major intersection at University Avenue and Bingham Street freeway off-ramp were some target areas. A University of Hawaii study concluded 70 percent of Bingham Street traffic was due to UH faculty, staff and students; increased public school enrollment and additional new pre-schools openings in the district also were a factor. There were also reports of continued drag racing on the stretch covering King, Young and Beretania Streets. The Kapiolani Boulevard ongoing project was also affecting district traffic. Some traffic solutions offered were: (A) adding pedestrian rest areas for King Street up to Pucks Alley (B) rubberized crossings to slow traffic down at intersections and crosswalks (C) propose King Street be a two-way roadway (D) adding rest stop areas for TheBus (E) street signage upgrade with brighter colors to enhance visibility.

Questions, answers and concerns:

1)       Takamura added he has noticed all forms of transportation have increased; moped, motorcycles and bicycles.

2)       Tabor also said a noticeable increase with bicyclists using sidewalks instead of the bicycle lanes has made it difficult to use sidewalks safely; she has had near misses with them several times a day.  

3)       W. Yoshioka said a city ordinance banned bicyclists from riding on sidewalks in business districts such as Waikiki and Downtown. Cuadra added that enforcement of such an ordinance was needed as well as educating the public as it seems no one is taking responsibility to educate the public and the problem has worsened. Chair Lockwood said the meeting with the City’s Bicycle Master Plan consultant, covering bicycle safety as well will either be in September or October.

4)       Several members expressed concerns regarding the increase in pedestrians, speeding and the need for additional “slow down” warning signage in the district. Chair Lockwood said several traffic calming proposals may include: underground crossing at intersections; additional roundabouts; rubberized speed bumps; relocation of white stop line at intersections; additional slow and stop signage. He also said several upgraded road-work in the district will include upgraded American Disability Act (ADA) safety measures. 

5)       D. Bechert asked if a light bridge was still being considered between University Avenue to the Ala Wai Boulevard to serve bicyclists and the handicapped as discussed earlier. W. Yoshioka said the light bridge issue with adjacent bicycle lanes was discussed; however, it was not recommended for vehicular traffic. Hata added there was some opposition against the bridge from the nearby schools.

6)       T. Heinrich said the Ala Wai environmental impact scope meeting was set for September 15 will cover overall recreation activities surrounding the Ala Wai areas as well as the Ala Wai watershed. He also said he can pass along any comments that needed to be heard as several city departments will be present.

The gavel was returned to Chair Lockwood at 8:10 p.m.

7)       Tabor also said some traffic lights were backing up traffic during peak hours; seems lights needed to be more synchronized to allow flow of traffic. W. Yoshioka said focus will be on ideas to “calm traffic” as the department will look at valid issues as compared to other similar areas to come to a resolution including an optimization study by all involved departments. Chair Lockwood said the issues with the 1937 light bridge at the Ala Wai were with fishermen blocking the right of way and the golf course being near by.

HOUSEKEEPING – Chair Lockwood reported:

A. The Pumehana Hawaiian Electric project continued; 295-5422 was the number to call for emergencies or questions regarding the project.

B. The August 23 NCO Conference of Chairs was attended by Chair Lockwood and Vice-Chair Kyi-Yim. The conference focused on 5 areas: State of Neighborhood Commission and NCOffice; Sunshine Law and Act 153 impact on Neighborhood Boards (NB); Parliamentary Procedures and implement the use of cue cards. The new Neighborhood Plan is awaiting the Mayor’s signature; once signed, 27 changes will affect the NB.

  C. Hauoli and South King Intersection up-date; available late in 2008 or early in 2009.

D. Thanks to the City & County of Honolulu crew for dredging Makiki Stream prior to the August 23 scheduled stream clean up; it was a great help for the student clean up.

E.  The UH underpass painting has been completed.

F.  Chair Lockwood said the Red Cross emergency preparedness seminar was a success as over 60 people attended. He said the Red Cross recommends capturing water for emergency use and recommended calling them for more information; the Red Cross sells containers for water preservation.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS – Chair Lockwood reported:

A.  The 13^th. Annual Discover Mo’ili’ili Day is set for October 4.

B. Traffic Safety Committee was compiling a report of needed safety signage to confer with traffic engineers for approval.                                                                                                             

C. The combined Mayoral candidate forum is set for September 16 at the Ala Wai Club House at 7:00 p.m. in the Diamond Head Room. A rail forum will be discussed during the Board’s October 2 meeting at Washington Middle School. Board of Education and other contested races MAY be part of the Manoa N.B. meeting in the near future.

NEW BUSINESS - Chair Lockwood reported:

A.  According to the Neighborhood Plan, a notice needed to be mailed to Board members having missed three meetings in order to declare the seat vacant. Board Member Gans has missed three meetings. Kyi-Yim moved and Takamura seconded for the NB No. 8 to send Gans the missed meeting letter to declare the seat vacant by the October 2, 2008 meeting. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent. (Carlos, Hata, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Tilley and Cuadra)

B.  Chair Lockwood encouraged groups and members to volunteer holding “slow down” signs on October 30 between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. to help alleviate speeding during Halloween.

APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES – Chair Lockwood deferred the approval of the August 7, 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 will be held at Discover Mo’ili’Ili Day. Committee Chairpersons: Tabor and Kyi-Yim

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. without objections.

Submitted by M. Chanel-Benjamin                                   Reviewed by Chair Lockwood