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McCully - Moiliili Neighborhood Board # 8

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 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 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, Les Hata, John Kato, Klement Kondratovich, Serena Kyi-Yim, Betty Lou Larson, Ron Lockwood, Shaunna Tabor, Clifton Takamura, Loren Tilly.

Members Absent – None.

Guests – Tom Heinrich (Chair, Manoa Neighborhood Board No. 7), John Yamamoto, Elmer Kaai (University of Hawaii Manoa), Christina Cox (KCAA Pre-Schools); Sgt. Earl Ochoco, Ofc. Stanley Carreira, Ofc. Anthony Kahapea (Honolulu Police Department); Lisa Imata and John Whalen (Plan Pacific), Kurt Tsue (Board of Water Supply), Susan Todani (Kamehameha Schools), Ben Park (Representative Saiki’s Office staff), Candace Van Buren (Representative Nishimoto’s Office staff), Carl and Lillian Novak (McCully Citizen Patrol), Jack Watanabe, Capt. Anthony Lee (Honolulu Fire Department), Larke Golaske, Councilmember Duke Bainum and John Gollner (Staff), Marie Richardson (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PUBLIC SAFETY & COMMUNITY LIAISON:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. Anthony Lee reported:  

• The McCully Mo’ili’ili Fire Station has a new pumper truck.
• Statistics for Last Month: Last month, Engine 29 responded to 105 calls for service 71 emergencies, 12 structure fires and 22 miscellaneous.
• Safety Tip: Wildland fire risks increase as summer approaches. Make a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation and clutter around all structures. Have an emergency preparedness plan ready in case of emergency evacuation. Consider the need for fire department access.

John Kato arrived at 6:39 p.m. and Larson arrived at 6:40 p.m. (12 members present)

Honolulu Police Department (HPD):

      District 1 – Sgt. Ochoco reported the following:

·         Statistics as compared to the previous month included: 2/5 assaults, 2/1 burglaries, 6/3 DUI (driving under the influence), 0/0 drug offenses, 1/0 family offenses, 0/0 graffiti, 17/15 motor vehicle collision, 0/0 motor vehicle thefts, 4/4 property damage, 1/1 robbery, 0/0 sex assault, and 6/9 UEMV (unauthorized entry to motor vehicle).

      District 7 – Ofc. Kahapea reported the following:

·         District 7’s statistic report was circulated and included the monthly statistics, telephone contact information and email address.

·         ATM Safety Tip: When using Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). Three points were highlighted: 1) When arriving at an ATM, look around. If anything or anyone looks suspicious, use another ATM at a different location or come back later and notify the HPD. 2) Protect the Personal Identification Number (PIN) by memorizing it. Never write the ATM access PIN on the back of the ATM card or keep the number in the wallet. 3) Beware of a fake plate that skims and records PINs.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Shopping Carts – The issue regarding shopping carts are an ongoing problem; HPD can only call in to retrieve abandoned carts with nothing in them.

2.       Restroom at Mo’ili’ili Baseball Field – It’s been noticed that a lot of homeless individuals are storing personal items in the restrooms.

3.       Hausten Bridge –A question raised asked what can be done to prevent people from making house under the Hausten Bridge; HPD noted that this is a safety issue and encourage to call 911. 

University of Hawaii Manoa (UHM): Elmer Kaai reported the following:

·         Last Instruction Day – Wednesday, May 6, 2009; final exams May 11 – 15, 2009.

·         Spring Commencement – Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Stan Sheriff Center. Undergraduate ceremony at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Honorary Degree goes to Albert Wendt. Advance Degrees ceremony is 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Honorary Degree goes to Aunty Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope. Events are free to the public and free parking available in the lower parking structure, open at 6:00 p.m. After the ceremonies, friends and family may meet the degree candidates on the Football Practice Field (A-L), the Soccer Field (M-T), and the Softball Stadium (U-Z). For more information, http://manoa.hawaii.edy/commencement.

·         UH President – Finalists to visit UH campuses May 6 – 15 for meetings and public forums. The Presidential Selection Committee invited two candidates to participate in the on-campus visits; Dr. M.R.C. Greenwood and Dr. Robert J. Jones; a third candidate, also being considered, but has not been scheduled. Dr. Greenwood will visit the UH campuses on May 6, 7 and 8. Dr. Jones will visit the campuses on May 11, 12 and 13. For more information visit www.hawaii.edu/president.

Kamehameha Schools (KS) – Susan Todani made the following announcements on the following:  

·         Rainbow Vista – A rendering of the façade gave the look of old town Mo’ili’ili with each building painted a complimentary earth tone color that fits well with the old town character. The commercial spaces are drawing interest with three tenants in the early stages. KS has had discussions with UH regarding the apartment rentals. The apartments will be opening in July.

·         Varsity Parking Lot – There will be new parking management company to complete the pavement work and reopen the parking lot hopefully by summer. The current management ends the last day of this month.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Housing Units – There was an impression that the apartments would be opened as affordable/student housing. However, the discussion was for faculty housing and if not it would be as market value rates.

2.       Graffiti Still a Problem – The contractor secures the site nightly but people still get in and the concern and thought is about not completing the interior until the last month. Security is periodic.    

3.       Market Rate – The perception was that the rentals would be more affordable was clarified to be within the range of $1100 to $1600 range per month for studios to two-bedrooms.   

4.       Former Tenants – The former tenants were given the option to be put on a registration list but none signed up; and if there is no master lease on the project, the list will be opened to market rate.

5.       Project Completion – From the construction logistics, the whole project should be completed in July.

Mayor’s Representative – Mark Oto reported the following:  

• School Sign at Lunalilo School – A school sign is permitted but will require a sign permit.  As of April 7, 2009 there has been no sign permit application submitted on-line or in person for the Lunalilo Elementary School. The fact that the school is within a residential zoning district has no bearing on the issue.  
• Water Ponding at ADA Curb Ramps – These are recently constructed ramps that include the gutter area. Work was performed by contract administered by the Department of Design and Construction. These ramps were constructed in 2002-2003. The McCully area is relatively flat and roadway runoff tends to collect in the gutters and at the bottom of these ramps, which are lower than the roadway.
• Noise/Traffic Light Concerns at Kalakaua Sewer Project – The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is assuming that the concern is relating to the Kalakaua Avenue and Kanunu Street intersection where the contractor has damaged the sensor loops at the intersection and the traffic signals are operating on fixed time. DTS has adjusted the timing and will continue to monitor the intersection.  The traffic signal operation will return to normal when the contractor repairs the damage to the signal system.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1.       Bulky Items – More bulky items are showing up on Wiliwili Street on days of no bulky pickups; the same concern on Date, Fern, Isenberg and Coolidge streets.

2.       Traffic Signals – With the construction on Beretania Street, the traffic signals need to be retimed during the morning hours. The traffic does not seem to flow smoothly.

3.       Pedestrian Crossing Signals – The pedestrian crossing signals on Kapiolani Boulevard, University Avenue and McCully Street, change too quickly. Also, noted for future development, to look at addressing the increasing density and at some point, possible traffic calming measures on King and Beretania streets.

4.       Boat with Trash – The boat with trash has returned to the Ala Wai, by the McCully Bridge.

5.       Pedestrian Crosswalk Pilot Project – Information was provided for an RFP (request for purchase) for a pedestrian crosswalk pilot project, however, an update was requested on what happened with the bids.

6.       A Mattress behind a Bus Stop – It was reported that there was a full sized bed mattress tossed in the plants behind the bus stop where the Ala Wai Boulevard meets Kalakaua Avenue. 

Governor’s Representative – Chair Lockwood noted that the Governor’s representative could not be present tonight. Chair Lockwood gave a brief synopsis of the report; 

·         Tax Increases – The tax increases will hurt many businesses and families.  

·         Transit Accommodation Tax – Will be increased from 7.25 to 8.25 starting July 1 and ending 2015.

·         H1N1 Virus – It takes two to fives days for symptoms to show-up. Please call 767-5044 for more information about the H1N1 virus. Operators will be on-call from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Kurt Tsue reported the following:

·         No main breaks reported in the McCully-Mo’ili’ili area.

·         General Water Announcements: 1) 2009 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contests – Mahalo and Aloha to the nearly 3,500 student artist and 200 poets who participated. Their art and poetry creatively illustrated our contest theme, “Ola I Ka Wai – Water Gives Life”, depicting simple ways to conserve water. The winners have been announced and were honored at an awards ceremony by Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Log on to www.boardofwatersupply.com for the online gallery, short video and the exhibit schedule dates and locations. 2) 2009 Detect-A-Leak Week is June 7, 2009 to June 13, 2009 – BWS launched its 19th annual Detect-A-Leak Week as a way to encourage our customers to check for property leaks and repair them promptly. Leak detection efforts are simple ways to save water and save money. Free toilet leak detection dye tablets were available at the sign-in table and may be picked up at any City Mill store, Satellite City Hall, or the BWS’s Lobby on Beretania Street.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: No concerns were expressed at this time.  

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Written reports/handouts were distributed for Councilmember Duke Bainum, Representatives Issac Choy, Scott Saiki, and Senator Brian Taniguchi. No reports were available for Representative Scott Nishimoto and Senator Carol Fukunaga.  

FILLING OF VACANCIES: There was no interest to fill any vacancies.

PRESENTATIONS:

KCAA, Mother Rice Pre-School – Christina Cox, President and CEO of KCAA Preschools was established in 1895. It was located at 2707 S. King Street since 1926 and provided much needed preschool/early education for over a hundred years and the Mother Rice facility is one of seven nationally accredited preschools on Oahu. Lisa Imata and John Whalen of Plan Pacific were deferred to give the specifics of the proposed project which proposes to demolish an older building and build a new building for a classroom and a preschool teacher training meeting room; and Plan Pacific will apply with the City’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) the necessary permits for this project.   

The proposed building two-story building is a stand alone structure approximately 3,000 square feet of floor space. The ground floor will have a working classroom and including an observation office, storage area, reception area, restroom, stairs and elevator. The second floor will be the preschool teacher professional development center; a basic meeting room to help teachers improve and practice training skills, and online learning support. Others spaces on the second floor include a small office, small library, kitchenette, storage space and restroom. 

The new building will be located on the south east portion of the property. Also in conjunction, will be the demolition of the older building that is currently being used by catering company. The demolition of this building will free up space for parking and car circulation on the campus. The relocation of the catering business will eliminate the catering delivery van traffic and the use of eight on-site parking stalls, and make all the activity on the campus compatible with each other.  

The project is still in the early planning and conceptual stages and will take at least a year until actual construction. Architects are still working on the building design and details on ADA compliance and building codes; working on preliminary landscape plans; a traffic consultant is working on the traffic study; and once all the preliminary studies are met and plans are prepared, then Plan Pacific will put together the application documents for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and submit the entire package early June.  

It could take minimum 45 days to a maximum 90 days for the City to make a decision. After which assuming the application has been approved, the process could begin making revisions, incorporating comments and finalizing reports and go into the construction phase. There was clarification and emphasis of the request is for a CUP. The focus is not much on the building itself but that the use is for a preschool. By right, the property is allowed to develop apartments; but the preschool has been at this location for a very long time and intends to remain and for this use, it requires a permit. Plan Pacific has already held a consultation meeting with the City’s DPP, held an open house for interested neighbors, and have sent letters informing to all 220 neighbors about this project.           

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Students – There will be 20 students using the facility.
2. Pre-Application Process – Tonight’s presentation is part of the pre-application process and an opportunity for public comment. 
3. Property Allowance – The present condition of the property allows for no drop-off space, however, the proposed arrangement will flow a lot more efficiently and safer for the children.
4. Mo’ili’ili Character – A comment regarded a better flow of the Mo’ili’ili character in that the looks be similar and no flat roofs.  
5. Existing Use Permit – It was mentioned that there is an existing use permit on the property with permitting records. DPP is requiring a CUP to replace the existing use permit.   

Electronic Voting for Neighborhood Board Elections – Paul DeGregorio of Everyone Counts (EC) presented background of EC’s history with conducting the first online elections in the world beginning 1997. As one of the few companies, EC was able to provide successful remote solutions for public elections, beginning with the Electoral Modernization Framework created by the United Kingdom Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in 2003 and continuing through 2007 and beyond. And in 2008, EC’s online voting system was chosen by the United States (US) Democratic Party to run its first global presidential primary for Democrats living abroad. Tens of thousands of US citizens participated from 164 countries, including Antarctica; and many of whom were first time voters in a Presidential Party since moving or deployed with the Military Forces.

DeGregorio traveled the world over and was excited to be holding this election for the first of its kind in Hawaii history. There will be two methods of voting during the period May 6 to 22, 2009. The election results will be publicized shortly after the close of election. The newly elected members will assume office on July 1, 2009. Candidates’ profiles and photos are posted at: www.honolulu.gov/nco.2009canpro. Log on to the NCO website: www.honolulu.gov/nco for more information or contact Bryan Mick at 768-3717 with any questions.

• Online Method – Voters would log on using a computer, a pass code (which was sent to 115,000 residents who were eligible to vote in contested races for the 2009-2011 NB elections), along with the last four digits of a voter’s social security number (SSN). The will allow voters to access and cast their ballots online.
• Telephone Method – Voters who do not wish or is unable to access a computer, EC has provided a secure telephone voting option and alternative method whereby using their pass code and the last four digits of their SSN to cast their vote.  

The agenda went out of order back to Elected Officials.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Councilmember Duke Bainum – Councilmember Bainum report was distributed highlighting the budget, transit issues, reducing real property taxes and recognizing and honoring the two Citizen Patrol groups in this area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

The Councilmember was asked to assistance with conveying the Board’s message regarding the 107 trash dumping violations this month in the community. With the statistics from April and May, perhaps people can begin to get cited. Councilmember Bainum added that this a tough issue and not one that is being ignored but he will forward the information.

HOUSEKEEPING:  Chair Lockwood highlighted on the following;

Mo’ili’ili Graduate Planning Practicum (Fall ’08) – This project is complete and a presentation is scheduled for August.

T.A.G. Clean Up on April 18, 2009 – The clean up on Saturday, April 18, 2009 was a huge success.

40th Anniversary of the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Library – Will be celebrated in November 2009. Ideas are welcome at rnlockwoodohana@yahoo.com

125th Anniversary of Prince Kuhio Elementary School – Will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Call 973-0085 to join the anniversary committee as a Community or alumni members please.

Fire Station ill be opening this summer (April-July) – The McCully Mo’ili’ili name is on the building and a new pumper truck is at the station.

Neighborhood Board Elections – Everyone Counts presented and cover the online elections in a presentation tonight. Chair Lockwood shared that Councilmember Djou wrote a letter to the Executive Secretary Joan Manke that he is submitting a bill (Bill 42) to the City Council to offer a charge of $250 a year for any entity including state legislators to appear on a neighborhood board agenda.  

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Bulky Items – Discussed earlier.

Complete Streets (SB718 SD1) is awaiting action – Has been approved by the Governor.  

SB1060 Fireworks Update – Was heard in Conference Committee on Wednesday, April 29, 2009; it allows for fee increase for firework permits and gives the money to the Fire Departments.

Kapiolani Medical Center Combined Meeting – The Board will have to formally approve to participate in a combined joint (McCully-Mo’ili’ili, Manoa and Makiki) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Central Union Church, and whether to hold it’s regular meeting on Thursday, June 4, 2009 or to RECESS. Carlos moved and Kato seconded to recess the McCully-Mo’ili’ili NB No. 8 Regular June 4, 2009 meeting to meet on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in a Joint Special Meeting at Central Union Church to hear a presentation by Kapiolani Medical Center. Discussion focused on whether a quorum of the full board is required. But according to an amendment last year (Act 153), meeting without a quorum will not be a problem; and videotaping of that meeting is being arranged. The motion was ADOPTED, 11-0-1 (AYE: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor and Takamura. ABSTAIN: Tilly.)

Loren Tilly announced thanked everyone tonight for this will be his last meeting on the Board. He is in law school and will be gone for about a year; Tilly was congratulated with applause for his accomplishment.  

Newsletter for the Year 2008 / 2009 – The draft newsletter was sent out to members for review and open to any amendments. While awaiting feedback from members, Chair Lockwood gave a brief recap on the special joint meeting; Kapiolani Medical Center will be paying for the meeting location, videotaping will be determined by the Manoa NB, a secretary will need to be appointed to take minutes; the NA’s do not attend special meetings. Meeting minutes are required by the Sunshine Law and videotaping meetings does not fulfill that requirement. Videotaping meetings and having it aired on Olelo meets a broader group of people.  

Carlos moved to accept the Newsletter as circulated; Kato seconded the motion. A request to amend the motion to allow the Chair to make editorial corrections was accepted by unanimous consent, 12-0-0. (AYE: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura and Tilly)  

NEW BUSINESS:

Hawaii Superferry Reconsideration – Chair Lockwood read aloud the resolution submitted by Judy Devilbiss supporting bringing the super ferry back; seconded by Takamura.

Whereas, the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 has been in favor of the Super ferry since it’s

      inception; and

      Whereas, the State of Hawaii had hearings before the Super ferry was allowed to make the first trip; and

      Whereas, the Super ferry provided jobs in our sinking economy; and

      Whereas, businesses were using the Super ferry to transport products between Oahu and Maui; and

      Whereas, contractors were using the Super ferry as a means of doing business; and

      Whereas, the Super ferry was a benefit to the local people traveling between Islands; and

      Be It Finally Resolved, that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 is always supporting things that

make the Quality of Life for our community possible. We ask that the City & County of Honolulu do everything in their power in a timely manner, to bring the Super ferry back into service.

Seconded by Takamura; Discussion followed focusing on whether there were other supporting resolutions and amendments to the resolution included the following suggestions;

a) the second sentence of “Be It Resolved” to include the State of Hawaii;

b) Superferry as one word;

c) the first Whereas should read as, “…No. 8 is in favor of alternative means of transportation”;

d) and “Be It Finally Resolved that this resolution be transmitted to Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Managing Director Kirk Caldwell, and Governor Linda Lingle, the State Department of Transportation, the City Council members and area State Legislators.

The motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 12-0-0. (AYE: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura and Tilly.)  

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Report on Transportation – Chair Lockwood read aloud, the resolution submitted by Maryjane Carlo is requesting delay of the rail project until U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Report on Transportation.

Whereas, the American Institute of Architects has come out with a video showing that light rail at street level is more economical, will cause much less plight at our landscape and can accommodate a much larger area of the population of Oahu; and

Whereas, the highly respected Outdoor Circle has declared that in its hundred year history “no other proposal holds the potential to degrade the landscape of Oahu and change the character of our communities as greatly as the Honolulu Transit Project”; and

Whereas, the elevated rail line will be the most visually disruptive project in the history of Hawaii of it’s ability to ease traffic problems on Oahu is debatable and its negative impact on the visual environment is not even denied in the projects own environmental impact statement;

Therefore, Be It Resolved that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 request the City and County delay the rail project until it is justified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency while all alternatives to our elevated rail lines such as light rail at street level and bus rapid transit will not be evaluated in the projects environmental impact statement; and

Therefore, Be It Finally Resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mayor, Director of Transportation, Councilmember Bainum, Senators Fukunaga, Taniguchi and Representatives Saiki, Choy, Nishimoto and all Neighborhood Boards.  

Seconded by Kyi-Yim; Discussion followed with concern that there are now the changes to the routes and that there are no studies are being done and the perception that the project is being rushed through. An amendment to the motion suggested the fourth paragraph read as, “…U.S. Environmental Protection Agency while more alternatives to our…” The amendment was accepted by the maker (Carlos) and second (Kyi-Yim). Other testimonies favored of the motion for a number of reasons and that this community has always been in opposition of rail. One reflection raised awareness of the vote that was put before the public voters who voted in favor and it passed. The motion was NOT ADOPTED, 6-4-2. (AYE: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Lockwood, Tabor and Tilly. NO: Kato and Kondratovich. Abstention: Hata, Larson, Kyi-Yim and Takamura.)   

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – Please submit corrections in writing to expedite time.

March 5, 2009 – Kyi-Yim moved, Larson seconded to approve the meeting minutes as circulated. Hearing no objections, the minutes were APPROVED as circulated, 12-0-0. (AYE: Carlos, Cuadra, Devilbiss, Hata, Kato, Kondratovich, Kyi-Yim, Larson, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura and Tilly.     

April 9, 2009 – Deferred.   

TREASURER’S REPORT – Deferred.

ANNOUNCMENTS:

·         The Special Meeting is on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at Central Union Church.

·         Refer to the agenda for information regarding: Committee reports and next meeting dates and announcements about Neighborhood Board events/meetings.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.

Submitted by,

Marie Richardson

Neighborhood Assistant

Attachment 1:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING BRINGING THE SUPER FERRY BACK

WHEREAS, the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No 8 is in favor of alternative means of transportation; and

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii had hearings before the Superferry was allowed to make the first trip; and

WHEREAS, the Superferry provided jobs in our sinking economy; and

WHEREAS, businesses were using the Superferry to transport products between Oahu and Maui; and

WHEREAS, contractors were using the Superferry as a means of doing business; and

WHEREAS, the Superferry was a benefit to the local people traveling between Islands; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 is always supporting things that make the Quality of Life for our community possible. We ask that the State of Hawaii, the City & County of Honolulu and the Hawaii Superferry, do everything in their power in a timely manner, to bring the Superferry back into service.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this resolution be transmitted to Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Managing Director Kirk Caldwell, and Governor Linda Lingle, the State Department of Transportation, the City Council members and area State Legislators.

Adopted by the McCully-Mo’ili’ili Neighborhood Board No. 8 at its regular meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2009 by unanimous consent, 12-0-0.

 /s/ Ron Lockwood, Chair