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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.; a quorum was present with 8 members. Note: This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members for a quorum and to take official Board action. A few housekeeping announcements were expressed and included: restrooms locations, turn-off all cell phones and the rules of being recognized to speak and time limits.
Members Present: Maryjane Carlos, Gregory Cuadra, Judy DeVilbiss, John Gollner,
Members Absent: John Kato.
Vacancies: There are 4 seats vacant.
Guests: Tom Heinrich (Chair, Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7), Elmer Kaai (
PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON:
- 5 structure fires, 76 medical and 30 miscellaneous for a total of 111 calls for service.
- Safety Tip: HFD investigates reports of smoke to determine if a fire exists. While some fires are allowed or authorized or under county and state regulations. Most are unauthorized. When the HFD encounters an unauthorized fire, the Fire Captain will request that the fire be extinguished or have the fire crew extinguish it. If the fire is not allowed, the Captain must determine if the fire is safe, properly contained and not a nuisance to others.
Hata arrived at 6:38 p.m.; nine (9) members present.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD):
District 7: Ofc. Kahapea reported the following:
- District 7’s statistic report was circulated; included in the monthly statistics, telephone contact information and email address. The Lt. highlighted 11 burglaries, 32 thefts, and 24 Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle (UEMV), for a total of 77 reported cases.
- Safety Tip on steps to be prepared for Hurricane Season.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- In terms of the law banning cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, most of
- Concern was raised where vehicles are crossing the red traffic light thereby jeopardizing pedestrian safety.
- Tuesday, August 26, 2009 is National Night Out, a national program where citizens are encouraged through their citizens’ patrol to monitor criminal activity in their neighborhoods where if they witness it, they notify the police. Chair Lockwood pointed out that in this community there are three area patrols: Library area – led by Greg Cuadra; Mo’ili’ili by Jeb Brown and McCully by Lillian Novak.
District 1: Sgt. Ochoco reported the following:
- District 1’s report was circulated and included the monthly statistics. The Sgt. highlighted 2 assaults, 4 burglaries, 4 DUI’s, 1 drug offense, 1 family offense, 1 graffiti, 27 motor vehicle collisions, 1 property damage, 1 robbery, and 3 UEMV.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
The successful enforcement of the law banning cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle primary depends on area traffic conditions.
- UHM Hall check-in information:
- President Greenwood’s term started on
- First on-campus sporting event is set for Friday, August 28, 2009 – Chevron Rainbow Wahine Volleyball International: 5:00 p.m. – UCLA vs.
- Concerning UH Manoa’s Budget Restrictions, employees have not been furloughs/layoffs are being proposed; UHM is trying to reduce the costs to the students including shutting down electricity during breaks.
Kamehameha Schools (KS): No representative was present.
Mayor’s Representative: Mark Oto reported the following:
- The City Administration has selected for clean-up
- Next week the Honolulu City Council will be considering Bill 51 where it will identify real property tax rates for a new class – homeowners.
- Concerning stickers on the poles with crosswalk signals that includes instructions to crossers; the City is performing an investigation and will be reported back to the Board at its September 2009 meeting.
- Regarding the increased numbers illegal drinking by sports participants at City Parks, per HPD Captain Gerald Wojcik, the officers are checking the parks especially the
- The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) has adjusted the signal timing for
- The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) is investigating the overgrown grass at approximately 8 feet high in the Makiki Stream around the Jack In The Box restaurant at the intersection of
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- An update was requested concerning the possible storm that might hit
- The condition of the bus stop at the intersection is Date Street and
- An inquiry was raised regarding the poor road conditions in the Mo’ili’ili area specifically the intersection of Paani and Wiliwili Streets where it is muddy especially after it rains and is not accessible for people with wheelchairs disabilities to access to.
GOVERNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE: No representative was present.
BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS): Kurt Tsue reported the following:
- No main breaks to report the month of July.
- Distributed written information regarding Water Emergency Preparedness in events like natural disasters, power outages, rolling blackouts and other unexpected events that can disrupt BWS’ ability to provide water service to the community.
- BWS’ 21st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House & Unthirsty Plant Sale held on
- Apologized in advanced that the valve repair project scheduled for
- BWS encourages the community to use water wisely noting that water is pumped out of the reservoirs there is pressure is like gravity to pump out water. Thereby, please conserve water and use only what you need.
RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: None.
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Councilmember Duke Bainum: Chair Lockwood noted that the last day to vote is Friday, August 7, 2009 by 4:30 p.m., if voting at Honolulu Hale (City Hall). Votes will be counted and results released by 6:00 p.m. that same day.
Representative Issac Choy: A report was circulated.
Representative Scott Nishimoto: A report was circulated.
Representative Scott Saiki: Representative Saiki circulated his report and highlighted the following:
- A letter was sent to the U.S. Post Office District Manager stating strong opposition to the possible closure of the Mo’ili’ili Post Office.
- The State Office of Elections is proposing to close two to three precincts per House District throughout the State due to budgetary constraints.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Possible Closure of Mo’ili’ili Post Office – If closure is being considered it would adversely affect residents where a significant number are elderly who live on fixed incomes. The nearest post offices are in
- Closing Election Precincts – Closing precincts in these tough economic times would adversely impact residents, especially the elderly who have to travel longer distances to cast their votes on election days. Representative Saiki pointed out that one way to save money is mail-in or online voting.
- Date/Laau Expansion Project – At the community meeting held on July 30, 2009 where
- Lack of Clarity – Representative Saiki’s concern was the lack of clarity from
Senator Carol Fukunaga: Senator Fukunaga circulated her report and highlighted the following:
- The 2009 State Legislature met in a special session to successfully override Governor Lingle’s vetoes including Act 25 – Relating to Noise. SB 605 requires the Department of Health to add the dBC weighting system to the current dBA decibel weighting system for the purposes of community noise control.
- In response to a request for traffic safety to improve pedestrian safety, DTS will install these signals at the intersection of Poni and Makaloa Streets. They are in the design phase with construction scheduled based on availability of funds.
SENATOR BRIAN TANIGUCHI: A report was circulated.
Kyi-Yim arrived at 7:21 p.m.; 10 members now present.
FILLING OF VACANCIES: Chair Lockwood explained the following: The Neighborhood Commission has voted to remove the offending language that Corporation Counsel inserted into Section 2-14-104 (other than by expiration of a term of office or by a declaration of vacancy) of the Neighborhood Plan which does not allow Boards to fill seats that were vacant due to no one running. The proposed change to the Neighborhood Plan will include the words” “the Board may only fill vacancies for the Board’s current term.” This requires three public hearings: Friday, 14th August at Honolulu Hale from
PRESENTATIONS:
- The original plans of the long range project remains intact with one modification: there will be one new building located next to the
- Group 70 sent letters to adjacent neighborhoods informing them of UHM’s long range development plan stating that there are no plans to condemn their properties.
- A lot of concern has been raised regarding building heights that might obstruct views.
- This project will submit their Plan Review Use (PRU) Application Process to the City Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) sometime next week.
- There will be two parking structures constructed, one located behind the Kennedy Theater.
- This project is guided by four principles: (1) Hawaiian Place of Learning – Acknowledging the Host Culture; (2) Livable Urban Campus; (3) Outdoor Space for Living and Learning making it a friendly place to study; and (4) Hawaiian Sense of Place.
- Overall focus envisions increased research activities on campus.
- There will be further growth of graduate students rather than undergraduates.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- New Building Construction – It was questioned and clarified that in this long range plan eighteen separate projects that will span from five to ten years.
- First Phase of the Project – The first phase of this project will not include an on-campus transit station.
- Presentation for Viewing – A similar presentation given at the July 1, 2009 Manoa Neighborhood Board meeting which was videotaped, can be viewed on Olelo Channel 54. It was further noted that there would be ample opportunities for the community to give input on this project.
- Letter to Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) – Chair Lockwood noted that the Board will send a letter to the DPP stating that Group 70 did a presentation at tonight’s meeting.
The Varsity Bar & Grill: With no representatives present, Chair Lockwood highlighted the following:
This establishment currently has a Class 5 license where no live music/entertainment is allowed. They are applying for a Class 2 license that would allow them to have live music/entertainment in their establishment. Chair Lockwood noted that Varsity Bar & Grill gave a similar presentation back in December 2007. Their application needs to go before the Honolulu City Liquor Commission.
Graduate Practicum Results: Professor Luciano Minerbi, former Board Member, introduced his students, who gave the following presentation on McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Planning Study:
- In the Fall 2008, did a graduate planning practicum on studying the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood with the following results:
- McCully-Mo’ili’ili is a traditional settlement in Urban Honolulu where existing issues include community safety, traffic, urban planning, housing, etc.
- Possible mass transit station in the community will lead to changes in land use, housing, historic buildings, marketplaces, workplaces, transportation, etc.
- TOCBD Phase I includes the following: ability to own where you live, availability of affordable housing, crime control, and that the community needs to be prepared. One of the ways to ensure that everyone benefits is the Community Benefit Agreement – A legally enforceable contract, signed by community groups and by a developer, setting forth a range of community benefits that the developer agrees to provide as part of a development project. – Examples include environment, employment, affordable housing, and neighborhood issues. The pros – inclusiveness, enforceability, transparency, coalition-building and efficiency. Cons – one person’s floor is another person’s ceiling, inadequate organizing may set poor precedents, legal expenses and coalition politics.
- Topics covered in this practicum: community outreach, demography, transit oriented development (TOD), land use/zoning, historic preservation, affordable housing, pedestrian safety, aging in place,
- TOD experiences and implications to the community will have an impact on zoning that will be mixed use: active walkable streets, building intensity & scale and careful transit integration.
- Quarter mile and half mile radius around transit stations will increase property value including increasing housing prices.
- Demography – majority of residents are childless singles or couples; younger working population or older empty nesters. Further these households own fewer cars.
- Current residential density is 22.33 units per acre in this community. Further,
- The community population base is aging where services for this demographic group will be in demand.
- Benefits of having Community Based Agreements being negotiated by the community, the developer and the government include the following: a living wage requirement for workers employed in development, a first source hiring system to target job opportunities in the development to residents in low-income neighborhoods; space for a neighborhood-serving childcare center; construction of parks and facilities; community input in selection of tenants of the development; construction of affordable housing and protect local environmental and property interests.
- Conclusion: Community benefit agreements will improve citizen participation including formation of a new community based organization where this Board has an advisory role. For decision making, a third party can collaborate with community organizations and citizens are necessary. This new organization should be empowered to make contractual agreement with all the stakeholders (McCully-Mo’ili’ili residents, McCully-Mo’ili’ili community organizations, State of
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- In response to an inquiry, the model being used to study the McCully-Mo’ili’ili community does not resemble the Kalaeloa – Kakaako model.
- A concern expressed that it was inappropriate to relocate City and County buildings at these two potential sites: the intersection of
HOUSEKEEPING:
Report on OMPO (
Report of Neighborhood Commission Special Meeting on July 27, 2009: Chair Lockwood stated that this meeting was held at Kapolei Hale. Brendan Bailey was elected Chair and Sylvia Young as Vice Chair. The two complaints filed in 2004 by a leeward area neighborhood board was taken up and resolved in 55 minutes.
40th Anniversary of McCully-Mo’ili’ili Library will be Celebrated November 2009: Chair Lockwood announced that the long-awaited new air chiller unit construction project is underway. As part of this construction, a trench will need to be dug in the parking lot, resulting in closure for up to seven days of the lot. The entire project will be completed by contract by December 26, 2009. Testing of the new unit may result in closure of the library in the near future. As a result of this on-going project, organizers are having a difficult time putting an event together for the library’s 40th Anniversary in November 2009. One project expected to commence soon is an Eagle Scout project to refresh the plantings outside the library where the Friends of the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Library are funding this project. The Eagle Scout designees will measure areas to plant; test soil for ph balance; find and negotiate with a nursery for plants, topsoil and supplements; arrange delivery and then move the topsoil and plant the vegetation within 24 hours of delivery. Another project for the 40th Anniversary is with the five area public schools: Ala Wai Elementary, Prince Kuhio Elementary, Lunalilo Elementary, Washington Middle and Kaimuki High. These school librarians will hold Pennies for Books drive where for every penny each school collects, up to 1,000 pennies ($10.00), the Friends will donate $1.00 – up to $1,000 per school. Chair Lockwood encouraged the community two step forward and get involved in this endeavor.
Fire Station is Open: Chair Lockwood stated that the Board will continue to await word from the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) as to when the community will be able to celebrate the return of the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Fire Station.
‘Iolani School Community Meeting on July 30, 2009: Chair Lockwood informed all about the public meeting held on July 30, 2009 at the school where approximately 150 people attended to discuss the status of the leasehold properties expiring in 2012; the Date/Laau intersection. Further community and area elected official meetings are being scheduled. Note: Date/Laau is the first of numerous leasehold properties within the community where the leases will be expiring.
Proposed Mo’ili’ili – Kapahulu Sewer Rehabilitation Project: Chair Lockwood informed the community that the Board received a letter concerning the proposed Mo’ili’ili – Kapahulu Sewer Rehabilitation – Reconstruction Project. At this time, the project has no start date, will run 1.2 miles along Date Street from Pumehana Street (by Lunalilo School) to Lukepane Street (by Kaimuki High/’Iolani), and will cross University Avenue, Kapiolani Boulevard and two streams/drainage canals – Ala Naio and Manoa-Palolo. A presentation will be scheduled.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Bulky Items – Monthly Letter to Department Of Environmental Services (Env): Chair Lockwood stated that he sent a letter to Department of Environmental Services Director Tim Steinberger stating that there have been 123 violations concerning bulky items not being picked up by the City in a timely manner.
Complete Streets and
KCAA – Mother Rice Discussion and Resolution: Following the resolutions being read aloud; Carlos moved, Larson seconded that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 to approve the resolution supporting KCAA Mother Rice Preschool’s plans to replace their one-story kitchen/thrift shop building with a two-story 3,000 square feet building. The motion was ADOPTED as read aloud by UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS 10-0-0 (Aye: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Gollner, Hata, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tokuhara). See attachment 1 following Adjournment.
University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union Discussion and Resolution: Following the resolutions being read aloud; Carlos moved, Kyi-Yim seconded that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 approve the resolution supporting the variance to adjust the loading stall size for the University of Hawaii Federal Credit Union. The motion was ADOPTED as read aloud by UNANIMOUS CONSENSUS 10-0-0 (Aye: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Gollner, Hata, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Takamura, Tokuhara). See attachment 2 following Adjournment.
NEW BUSINESS:
Kokua Market Mural: Accompanied by Rachel Wong, Jack Higa of Kokua Market gave the following presentation:
- Kokua Market is a non-profit cooperative grocery store that sells locally grown produce and other products found in grocery stores.
- Is setting up community murals in front of their store and done by “808 Urban Artist Group.” They are displaying their murals around the McCully Zippy’s.
- This community mural has no artistic limits where it has gotten attention including attracting an interview with the Los Angeles Times Newspaper.
- For further information, logon to www.kokua.coop.
Questions, comments and concerns followed:
- Community Mural – The community mural deals with reality and it is the hope to target Kokua Market’s audience. It was also suggested that murals be displayed as a way for the community to look and discover; at establishments such as Zippy’s.
- Mural Demonstration – 808 Urban will be painting the community mural fronting Kokua Market Store on
- Definition of Appropriate Art Work – It was inquired to what the definition of appropriate artwork is in public space. Does the artwork reflect the community accurately and that it does not pose a visual distraction hazard. The art work reflects appropriate standards and public safety is emphasized. Higa noted that there will be a mural on display at the intersection of Isenberg and South Beretania Streets.
- Support was Expressed – The Kokua Market Community Mural as a way of reflecting the character of the community. But concern was expressed that tagging might be mistaken for graffiti.
- Quality of the Community Mural – It was commented that the quality of the community mural is similar to European artwork where there is a cultural aspect. Higa pointed out that the 808 Urban artists rage from ages seven to forty-one. 808 Urban does remove graffiti in the community.
- Working with the Community – It was suggested that the artists work together with the community on this and other murals in the community.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Carlos moved, Devilbiss seconded that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 approve the June 23, 2009 Special Combined Meeting Minutes concerning the presentation given by
TREASURER’S REPORT: Deferred
COMMITTEES: Deferred
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deferred.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at
Submitted by,
Marie Richardson
Neighborhood Assistant
Attachment 1:
RESOLUTION:
In Support of KCAA Preschools of
WHEREAS, KCAA Preschools of Hawaii made a presentation to the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 on 7 May 2009; and
WHEREAS, KCAA Preschools of Hawaii have been part of the Mo’ili’ili community for over 100 years; and
WHEREAS, this presentation re: TMK: 2-7-17:025 was on the replacement of a one story kitchen/thrift shop building with a one story kitchen / thrift shop building with a two-story 3,000 square foot building; and
WHEREAS, this new two-story building will included classrooms, observation room, a reception area, restrooms, an ADA compliant elevator, a meeting room, library, office and a kitchenette; and
WHEREAS, with this new building, a new entrance / exit will be installed, helping to resolve a decades-old neighborhood concern on traffic; now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 is in support of this new building for KCAA Preschools of Hawaii and that copies of this Resolution be sent to the Department of Planning and Permitting, KCAA Preschools of Hawaii (2707 S. King Street, Honolulu 96826 – Cristina Cox), Plan Pacific (345 Queen Street, Honolulu 96813 – Lisa Imata).
ADOPTED by the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 on Thursday, August 6, 2009 by a unanimous consensus, 10-0-0.
/s/Ron Lockwood, Chair
Attachment 2:
RESOLUTION:
In Support of Variance to Adjust Loading Stall Size for the
TMK’s 2-7-001:005 & 43 and 2-7-001:008
WHEREAS, the
Whereas, the UHFCU purchased an adjacent lot along
Whereas, the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) requirements for a property of this size requires a loading zone stall of 12’ x 35’ x 14’ and would deprive UHFCU of reasonable use of their land & buildings as office levels would not connect between the two buildings, resulting in a higher building needing to be built; now therefore
Be it Resolved, that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 finds that as a result of IHFCU presentation on 2 July 2009, and further deliberation by the committee chairs on July 23rd, that the UHFCU request for a variance for a smaller 8.5’ z 19’ loading stall best fits into the character of this location and is not being requested to alter the purpose of the zoning code and will allow for a lower building that better fits in character with the McCully community; now therefore
Be It Finally Resolved, that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 supports the UHFCU’s request for a Variance to Adjust the Loading Stall Size for this property (TMK: 2-7-1-001:005 & 43 and 2-7-001:008) and that copies of this Resolution be sent to the Department of Planning and Permitting; Group 70 (C. Kaneshiro); UHFCU (2019 S. King Street) and to the office of the Councilmember, District 5).
ADOPTED by the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 on Thursday, August 6, 2009 by a unanimous vote, 10-0-0.
/s/Ron Lockwood, Chair