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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2009

WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

CALL TO ORDER:  Chair Ron Lockwood called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.; a quorum was present with 10 of 15 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: Betty Larson, Shaunna Tabor, Judy, Devilbiss, Ron Lockwood, Clifton Takamura, Loren Tilley (6:15 p.m.), Gregory Cuadra, Les Hata, Klement Kondratovich, Serena Kyi–Yim.

Members Absent: Maryjane Carlos, John Kato.

Guests: John Yamamoto, Rene Kawakami (Office of Representative Scott Saiki), Elmer Kaai (U.H. Representatives); Sgt. Scott Tamasaka (District 1), Sgt. Erik Egami and Officer Anthony Kahapea (District 6 – Honolulu Police Department), Carl and Lillian Novak, Myounghee Noh, Susan Todani (Kamehameha Schools), Jesse Ponce de Leon, Tom Heinrich (Office of Senator Brian Taniguchi), Kurt Tsue (Board of Water Supply), Leeann Tokuhara, Sandy Edsiem (Ala Wai K-9 Association), John Gollner (Office of Councilmember Duke Banium), Kathy Watanabe, Raymond Lalosin (McCully Citizens Patrol), Lark Agolaski, Nate Dudoit, Mark Oto (Office of the Mayor), and Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON:  

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – No representative was present at this time; no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – Sergeants Scott Tamasaka and Egami reported for Police Districts 1 and 7.   

      District 1 – Sgt. Scott Tamasaka reported the statistics for last month included 2 assaults, 4 burglaries, 8          DUI, 1 drug offense, 3 family offenses, 0 graffiti, 27 MVC (motor vehicle collisions), 3 motor vehicle thefts, 7        property damage, and 6 UEMV (unauthorized entry into motor vehicles).

Questions, answers, comments:

1. There are different factors involved with motor vehicle collisions. The statistics in the written report are not tracked due to the many different factors and causes of an accident.

2. With regards to street closures, the officer and supervisor will optimize the situation and the HPD dispatcher would notify the traffic/transportation departments.  

      District 7 – Sgt. Egami reported the monthly statistics included: 18 burglaries, 27 UEMV, and 65 thefts. 2) A      handout, Your Identity is Your Kuleana, provides tips about identity theft protection. 3) Logon to District 7s     website: www.honolulupd.org/patrol/d7 to share concerns and to get responses.   

Questions, answers, comments:

1. Three citations issued on McCully Street were initiated by laser monitoring.
2. There are areas of the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Board area where patrol officers from Districts 1 and 7 overlap; Where sector 1 overlaps into District 1, there are usually four to five officers.  
3. An inquiry was whether these economic times are having an effect on crime. But relating to the recent stabbing issue, Sgt. Egami indicated it being more psychological then economical, and statistically, it is a little early to say if crime has gone up considerably because of economic times.   

4.   A concern regarded an elderly person who was having difficulty crossing King Street, in the crosswalk near   the Wine Shop on Pumehana Street. Kawakami, of Representative Saiki’s office, monitored the location for          three days consecutive, verified that the concern is valid and asked HPD for assistance. She also noted the            problems exist at King and McCully streets even if there are traffic signals lights. Sgt. Egami acknowledged         the request and will have assignments posted.

  5. If a person is driving erratically on the road, call 911. And if there is a vehicle description and license plate    number, HPD sometimes will go and counsel the driver.     

University of Hawaii Manoa (UHM) – Elmer Kaai announced the following highlights:

• U-Pass Initiative to propose a student fee increase of $20 for all UH students to provide a bus pass.
• There will be a blessing on Wednesday for the Hale Aloha Towers Modernization Project and Presentation of LEED Awards to Frear Hall.
• March 23 – 27, 2009 is Spring Break.
• Follow ups: a) UH will have to find enough money to cover approximately 20% of the costs for West Oahu; and because Manoa campus is the largest, much of the funding goes there. c) Extended library hours for all libraries during the breaks. d) Manoa will have to cut their budget by about 30 – 40%.

Questions, comments and concerns:

1. Yesterday, there was a demonstration in protest of the civil union bill at the Manoa campus without a permit. The process for requesting a permit takes a day, the group will have to come back. Today’s incident, a student was arrested for property damage.

2. Inquires regarded the U-Pass issue and how students would be affected. Much of the student body at Manoa campus come from all over and this will help to ease traffic congestion. Even with the budget cuts, the Board of Regents will still cover the increase costs and not push it back on the students. 

Kamehameha Schools (KS) – Susan Todani reported receiving feedback regarding Rainbow Vista apartments next to Mo’ili’ili Field of bad vandalism, inside and out, jumping the fence and undoing the locks; and Todani had a conversation with Pops Kahapea on what to do to remedy the situation.

Questions, answers and comments:

1. It was noted an increasing number of homeless hanging out the backside of the Mo’ili’ili Field bathroom.

2. Gratitude was expressed to the KS Trustees for being responsible for lowering and taking a pay cut during this economic time and how this shows leadership on the part of the trustees. 

Mayor Mufi Hannemann’s Representative – Mark Oto reported:

• A lot about the stimulus package is not known, with any guidelines. 2) Working with the City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) regarding highway monies.  A meeting with the counties is scheduled for tomorrow.
• A supervisor from the Division of Urban Forestry, recently inspected trees of various species and coconut palms at the Ala Wai Community Park growing adjacent to the canal. These trees/palms appear to be adequately maintained with no conditions to indicate that their health and/or stability is compromised. No fallen trees/palms were found in the canal.
• Regarding baseballs flying out of Mo’ili’ili Field, the City Department of Parks and Recreation identified investigating the problem and consulting with Corporation Counsel as to whether mitigation measures are warranted.
• Report of all stream blockages, stream overgrowth debris or trash piling up in streams to the City’s Clean Stream Hotline at 768-7890.
• February 5, 2009 hearing of the Liquor Commission reviewed the request granting a Dispenser – General – Category 3 – Music (recorded and/or live) Dancing liquor license for Hawaiian Brian’s Billiards.
• The potholes on Mahiai Street are being addressed.

Questions, answers, comments:

1. A request asked that a report be provided regarding the electrocution incident of a pedestrian who placed his hand on a City light pole; what was the cause; and what has the City done to check to see if similar problems exist in the area.
2. The Principal at Lunalilo School has been told that he cannot put up a school sign because it is a residential neighborhood.  Why would that be?  
3. The lights are still out at McCully District Park around the building which has been reported for the last couple of meetings with no response. 

Governor’s Representative – Chair Lockwood announced that the Sandra Lee Kunimoto was unable to attend tonight’s meeting but submitted a written report which he read:

·         Airline tickets to homeless back to the mainland – The response to Rep. Cabanilla’s plan, the Governor had no opinion at this time; and does not take a position until she reviews the bills sent to her from the legislature. Then her position may agree or disagree with the bill. If her position is agreement, then it is signed. If she vetoes anything then the legislature can override the veto.

·         Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) owed $300,000 back rent – The response from the Department of Human Services responded that Chad Taniguchi, executive director of Hawaii Public Housing Authority, is aggressively collecting rent and evicting residents who do not pay.

·         Why privatize with a California company and not locally – The response was that there was an unsolicited proposal from a mainland company with a local partner. HPHA will not accept the unsolicited proposal. HPGA will be seeking open, competitive proposals from local and mainland companies in the future. (Look at www.hpha.hawaii.gov under board of directors, and look at the latest meeting documents.

·         January request for February meeting: 1) KNDI & KZOO Emergency Generators – Since January 2006, the McCully Moi’ili’ili Neighborhood Board has followed the work of our McCully station KNDI which broadcasts in 11 languages. The City and State, via the Civil Defense agencies, to follow-up on an emergency generator for this station. 2) The State Civil Defense did use the generators during the recent blackout – The response during the power outage, the public information staff at the State EOC was in contact with KZOO which was broadcasting during the outage. The station’s broadcasting capability during the power outage is attributed to the purchase of an emergency generator with Grant-in-Aid funds. 3) KNDI, however, did not broadcast during the power outage. The station engineering staff is still in the process of purchasing emergency generators for the station and transmitter site with Grant-in-Aid funds.      

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Kurt Tsue (ktsue@hbws.org):

·         Reported no water main break in February.

·         Distributed the BWS Contact Number Card with phone numbers to call regarding concerns or call 748-5000 if unsure of where to call.

• General Water Announcement – The 2nd Annual Easter Workshop – Decorate an Egg the Xeriscape Way on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Halawa Xeriscape Garden from 10a.m. to 1p.m. To register, call 748-5319 or email tours.hbws.org. Visit www.boardofwatersupply.com for more information.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

Dog Park Comment – Sandy Edsiem, representing the Ala Wai K-9 Association, along with Shaunna Tabor on February 11, 2009, met along with Director Lester Chang, Tony Robinson, District Supervisor, East Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation, M. Smith, and Chair Lockwood to present the Master Plan. The Board will be kept informed its progress.   

ELECTED OFFICIALS: Although the following elected officials were not present, written reports were provided for Councilmember Duke Bainum, Representative Isaac Choy, Representative Scott Nishimoto, Representative Scott Saiki, Senator Carol Fukunaga, Senator Brian Taniguchi, and Congresswoman Mazie Hirono.

FILLING OF VACANCIES:  Sub-District One: 3 vacancies – There were no interested persons present wishing to fill any of the vacancies.

PRESENTATION:  

Proposed University of Manoa U.H. Pass Student Fee – University of Hawaii has been selling UPASS, or semester-long unlimited city bus passes to interested students for $100 per semester. A stance has been taken to support the project and U.H. has worked hard to hear the opinions of students. If approved, the student fee will take effect as early as Fall 2009 and all students will receive a UPASS sticker for their student identification. A tentative agreement has been received from TheBus. This proposal is a specific “pilot program” for UH Manoa. All other schools and business colleges would remain on the $100 semester program while UPASS is evaluated. The tentative agreements ASUH (Associated Students of University of Hawaii Manoa) want need to be negotiated as contracts for services. The Board of Regents would also need to approve this program and is scheduled to be heard on March 20, 2009; and if everyone buys into the program, it could begin at early as 2010.     

Questions, comments and concerns followed: A comment expressed two points; not all students at UH Manoa will not be included in this mandatory fee program (law school students, medical students, and the outreach college students), but the greater majority of students are. It was also reported that ASUH and graduates students’ organization, etc. had taken a formal position in support, and the Manoa Neighborhood Board, last night by a vote of nine (9) to three (3) adopted a resolution in support of the UPASS proposal. Councilmember Bainum just introduced a resolution in support. 

Larson moved, Kyi-Yim seconded to adopt Resolution 09-67 supporting the proposed student fee-based U-Pass pilot project to provide bus passes to all enrolled University of Hawaii at Manoa Students. Discussion followed noting that a question regarding the percentage of students that would ride the bus came up in a Council hearing that the more students that ride the bus, TheBus system would be eligible for more federal monies to supplement the rides. The motion was ADOPTED by a unanimous consent, 10-0-0. (Aye: Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kondratovich, Kyi–Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Tilley.

HOUSEKEEPING:

Mo’ili’ili Graduate Planning Practicum (Fall 2008) – This project is complete and is undergoing spelling and grammar checks before being released.

Report on OMPO Meeting of February 18, 2009 – OMPO held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2009. The Economic Stimulus was a main topic of discussion. A sub-committee of up to eight (8) OMPO members was scheduled to meet March 4, 2009 to review and prioritize the “ready to go” projects for Oahu. 

Report on Neighborhood Commission meeting of February 23, 2009 – At the Neighborhood Commission meeting on February 23, 2009, it was announced that the Election contract went out to bid and the selection of the League of Women Voters would help to monitor the election. A discussion on the date, location and training to be given at the 2009 Installation of the Neighborhood Board members is underway.

AARP Tax Sites for M/M in 2009 will be at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania Street on Tuesday and Thursday only from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. This service is open to everyone, no age limit!

Mahalo to Kaimuki High’s JROTC for working with T.A.G. to remove graffiti from the Kapiolani Boulevard Bridge on Saturday, March 14th.  Twenty + cadets will be / were involved in this project.                      

T.A.G. is sponsoring a community-wide clean up on Saturday, April 18th at Prince Kuhio School from 8:15 – 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to assist.

40th Anniversary of the McCully – Mo’ili’ili Public Library will be celebrated in November 2009. Ideas for the celebration are welcome and email to: rnlockwoodohana@yahoolcom

125^th Anniversary of Prince Kuhio Elementary School will be celebrated May 30, 2009. Call 973–0085 to join the anniversary committee as a Community or alumni member please. 

Without objection, the agenda was taken out of order to item 9, under New Business, the Recreational Renaissance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreational Renaissance – The following information was presented:

·         Recreational Renaissance is a re-birth in the way we care for our land and ocean recreational space, our natural and cultural resources, and the residents and visitors at Hawaii’s State Parks, small boat harbors, boat ramps, hiking trails, natural area reserves, forest reserves, and beaches.

·         Hawaii residents depend on the ocean and land for recreational opportunities, sustenance, cultural and spiritual practices. The tourism industry relies on these public spaces to entice visitors from around the world to share the natural beauty and cultural history. The health of the residents and tourist industry alike depend upon the health of our natural and cultural resources and the ability of people to access and experience open public spaces in a sustainable manner. DLNR is charged with meeting these needs through 54 state parks, 20 small boat harbors, 25 boat ramps or landings, 275 miles of hiking trails, 19 natural area reserves, 55 forest reserves, and hundreds of miles of state beaches.

·         Together, the Recreational Renaissance will provide all residents statewide and visitors with new and better recreational areas that are well maintained, secure, enriching and invigorating.

·         Goals: a) Increase and improve facilities at state parks, trails, harbors, forest reserves and beaches, while restoring and enhancing environmental and cultural resources in these public places. b) Provide education and interpretive programs on Hawaii’s history, culture, and environment. c) Upgrade and maintain recreational facilities and spaces in prime condition and provide customer-friendly access through adoption of national maintenance standards and increasing DLNR transparency and accountability. D) Prepare for the next generation of recreational infrastructure improvements through a long-term strategy leveraging public/private partnerships.

·         Strategy: Provide a comprehensive strategy to immediately improve the recreational facilities across the state, embrace the operational changes needed within DLNR to successfully upgrade our facilities and maintenance and to fund this effort through a combination of new, non-tax revenues and limited, modest fees.

Greg Knudsen spoke in opposition of the Recreational Renaissance for the following reasons of long hard struggles to keep the Ka Iwi scenic shoreline coast open; and to keep from charging user fees at the Ka Iwi shoreline scenic shoreline, including Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and the Pali Lookout.

Further discussion focused on the protection and preservation of the few public lands left on Oahu, if fees are going to be charged, is there a set amount, whether local residents would have to pay these user fees, etc. 

Kyi-Yim moved, Cuadra seconded to send the matter to the Committee Chairs for further discussion. A brief discussion agreed there should be further discussion in committee focusing on a number of concerns such as user fee charges, of the proposed high traffic locations, what kinds of improvements will have to be made, and how much will it cost. With regards to fee charges, a comment raised a good example of Diamond Head where it was just a matter of time when residents were assessed a charge for entrance. The motion was ADOPTED by unanimous consent, 10-0-0. (Aye: Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kondratovich, Kyi–Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Tilley.

The Committee of Chairs will meet on March 18, 2009 and a recommendation will be brought before the full Board next month.  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Bulky Items Resolution & Follow Up – Chair Lockwood thanked Councilmember Bainium for the March 3, 2009 open discussion on bulky item issues. Director Tim Steinberger, of Environmental Services (ENV), and Wilma Mamunart, Engineer, presented an overview. Since July 2006, the Oahu program was divided into 37 sectors for bulky item collection. This is done on a monthly basis at no charge. Items allowed include: bed frames, box springs, furniture, appliances, rolled up carpets and minor home repair debris. Items not allowed include: large car parts, engines, demolition debris, construction materials, dirt, rocks, concrete or batteries. Pickups occur over a three/four day period, operating two trucks; one for metal and the other for all else. There are nine crews of three, using several trucks and back loaders to collect these items monthly.

Residents are asked to assist putting items out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. The biggest problems are improper set-out when items are set out too early or too late, and illegal dumping. Areas heavily impacted are transient or high density areas, and deserted roadways. A letter of warning is sent to abusers if known; and if the problem continues, a supervisor will show-up with a HPD officer to get cited ($500 fine). If there is an unknown trash owner, a crew will be dispatched as schedules allow cleaning the site. ENV would like to see the law strengthened to make the property owners more responsible, add six inspectors with the power to cite people; to add the inspectors and vehicles will cost $600,000. Testimonies given were by Tom Heinrich, Shannon Wood, Chair Lockwood; written testimony was received by Greg Cuadra, 2nd Vice Chair,      

Fire Station & New Fire Station – The new Fire Station will be opening this summer (April to June) with the McCully-Mo’ili’ili name. A new pumper truck will also be stationed at this station. This project has been a Board priority for at least 15 years. This project first begun with former Councilmember, Andy Mirikatani, was pushed forward in the mid 90’s by Jeb Brown, resident and staff person of Mirikatani, which Brown advocated long and hard for these projects and spent numerous hours working with the Fire Department and various City departments (design and permitting) and the city budget for years. The Board looks forward to the near completion of the project and the rededication to the safety of the community. Chair Lockwood reminded everyone that seeing the project to its completion is a long-term effort and Jeb Brown’s efforts certainly deserves the recognition of the Board and community.    

Update on Fireworks Bills at the Capitol – The House Judiciary committee will not hear HB 398 HD1, and therefore, this bill is dead for this session. On the Senate, two bills remain; a) SB 1059 SD2 which would establish a task force to look at stopping the import of illegal fireworks and explosives; and b) SB 1060 SD1 – increase permit fees for using and importing fireworks. Both of these bills are awaiting third reading for a floor vote. If the Senate passes these bills, the bill will go to the House for committee referral. The Senate floor vote on these will occur either Tuesday, April 10, 2009 or Thursday, April 12, 2009; encourage your Senator to votes yes so discussion can continue. 

Update on Complete Streets Bills at the Capitol Update – Hearings on the “street bills” are complete in the House and will crossover to the Senate on March 12, 2009.

Follow-up on resolution to install gates at Old Stadium Park & Ala Wai Community Park restrooms – No update.               

NEW BUSINESS:

Newsletter for the 2008 – 2009 Year – Chair Lockwood reported funds are available to do a newsletter. All committee chairs have been asked to provide articles, 200 words. DeVilbiss, Takamura, Kondratovich and Carlos have submitted responses; and pending responses from Larson, Tabor, and Kyi-Yim.   

Pit Bulls – There was a bill introduced regarding pit bulls. The Hawaiian Humane Society is against any breed specific bills and the bill is not being heard this session. Part of the problem in the bill is how to identify a pit bull from a mixed breed dog.       

Legislative Town Hall meeting Mahalo and follow-up report – No report.

Public Safety Legislation – The following topics were sent to appropriate committees for discussion and action:

      1.   Red-light Photo Enforcement by installing cameras at signaled intersections resulting in                              fines for the owner of the vehicle

      2.  Helmets for moped & motor scooter riders

      3.   Reckless Driving definition broadened to include driving too fast, not staying in the proper                 lane, disobeying traffic signs

      4.   New restrictions on teen drivers

      5.   Commercial Driver restrictions to bring HI into compliance with Federal law by adding                                  penalties for blood alcohol of 0.01 % or more

APPROVAL OF February 5, 2009 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES:  The meeting minutes of February 5, 2009 were approved with the following amendment:

• Page 3, under Governor Lingle’s Representative, QC&C, item 1, delete K.Tsue said he, and insert Kunimoto said she.  

TREASURER’S REPORT:  For January 2009 – the Operating account balance was $1,132.17; current expense was $304.02 for facility rental (July-August 2008), printing of agenda/minutes (December), and postage of agenda and minutes; leaving a closing balance of $828.15. The Publicity account reflected no expense, leaving a balance of $3,080.00. The Refreshment account was $120.00, current expense was $73.07, leaving a balance of $46.93. For February 2009 – the Operating account balance was $828.15; current expense was $42.56 for printing and postage of agenda (February) and minutes, closing with a balance of $785.59. The Publicity account reflected no expense and remains at $3.080.00. The Refreshment account balance was $46.93, reflecting no current expense, the balance remains at $46.93. The Treasurer’s reports of January and February 2009 were filed.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS AND NEXT MEETINGS:

Affordable Housing/Homeless – Chair Betty Lou Larson had no report.

Public Safety & Legislative Affairs – Chairs: DeVilbiss & Takamura – Issues included, but not limited to: HPD, HFD, and Emergency Management packages, elderly drivers, pedestrian safety, street signs, street repairs, and safe routes to school.

Planning, Zoning & Transportation – Chair Carlos and Vice Chair Kondratovich – Issues include: the Transit Oriented Development, public condemnation for private concern, bicycle master plan, neighborhood master plan.

Schools & Community Outreach – Chairs Tabor & Kyi-Yim – Issues Include: UH Manoa’s Long Range Development Plan, Early Childhood Education, Ala Wai Bridge, Library master planning, school liaisons, Discover Mo’ili’ili Day participation. Committee Chairs will meet on Thursday, March 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS/ MEETINGS:  The following announcements included: 

• 1st Monday each month is the Kuhio KSCA (PTA) at 5:30 p.m. Library
• 1st Thursday each month is the McCully – Mo’ili’ili N.B. at 6:30 p.m. at WMS
• 2nd Monday each month is the Kuhio SCC at 5:00 p.m. in Library
• 2nd Monday each month is the WMS Ohana at 5:30 p.m. in Office
• 2nd Wednesday each month is the WMS SCC at 5:00 p.m. in Library
• 3rd Wednesday each month is the OMPO at 3:30 p.m. at Honolulu Hale
• 2nd Thursday each month is the Kaimuki High SCC at 5:30 Counselors Office
• 2nd Thursday each month is the Kaimuki High PTA at 7:00 p.m.
• Log on to http://www.kaimukibulldog.com for Kaimuki High Schools electronic newsletter

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Legislative Town Meeting – Scheduled for Thursday, February 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McCully – Mo’ili’ili Public Library.
• McCully-Mo’ili’ili Public Library – Hear Kelley Armstrong speak about her book writing and publishing of “Murder at Your Library” on Saturday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. writing and publishing.
• T.A.G. (Totally Against Graffiti) – cleanup effort on Saturday, April 18 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Prince Kuhio School, 2759 S. King Street, – cleanup effort from Crane Park to the freeway, to Kalo Place, all the bus stops, etc. Come and be part of the solution.
• Iolani Fair – Friday and Saturday, April 17 & 18, on the grounds from 12 noon to 8 p.m. daily.

ADJOURNMENT & NEXT MEETING:  Without any objections, the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.

Submitted by

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant