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ALA MOANA / KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING

OCTOBER 23, 2007

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order by Chair Stevens at 7:00 p.m.  A quorum was present.  Chair Stevens welcomed the guests to the meeting.

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Bob Chung, Nancy Hedlund, Steven Okumoto, Larry Hurst, Marilyn Michaels, Anne Stevens, Ralph Burr.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Alan Kadota.

BOARD SEATS VACANT:  One seat in sub-district 1.

GUESTS:  Howard Tanaka (Board of Water Supply), Ernie Lissy, Jack Hamada, Representative Karl Rhoads, Elaine Shimazawa, Ellen C., Frances Shintani; Lt. Norman Kau, Sgt. S. Forges, Sgt. C. Kalani, Capt. T. Grossi, Officer O. Willis, Officer Asato, Major C. Sato (HPD), Wayne Ibara (Makiki Christian Church), Bert Koide (Department of Parks and Recreation), Dr. Anna Marie Preston (Councilmember Charles Djou’s Office), Neal Imada (Hawaii Community Development Authority), Capt. J. Kino (HFD-Pawaa Station), Dexter Okata (KBLA), Dr. Chiyome Fukino (Governor’s Office), Kristi Sue Ako (Senator Gordon Trimble’s Office), Natalie Iwasa, Joan Manke (Mayor’s Office),  Pat Lee (Honolulu High Capacity Corridor Project), Representative Tom Brower, Owen Oshima, Lori Lum (General Growth Partners), Dean Chu (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

FILLING OF VACANCY, ONE SEAT IN SUB-DISTRICT 1, AREA BOUNDED BY KALAKAUA, KAPIOLANI, KEEAUMOKU, AND KING:  There were no interested persons present.  This matter was deferred to the next meeting.

COMMUNITY REPORTS:

HONOLULU FIRE DEPARTMENT – Capt. Kino, from the Pawaa Station, reported the following:

1. Last month the station responded to 5 structure, 2 brush, 4 rubbish, and 2 vehicle fires; 158 medical emergencies, 15 search and rescues, and 18 miscellaneous calls.

2. The Safety Tip of the Month is: When selecting Halloween costumes, ensure that they are flame resistant, light, bright, and clearly visible to motorists.  Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape.  Keep costumes short enough to prevent tripping.  A natural mask of cosmetics is better than a mask that may restrict breathing or obscure vision.  Children should carry flashlights to light their way.

3. The Honolulu Fire Department would like to remind the community that the HFD provides assistance to the Honolulu Emergency Services Department by responding cooperatively when the need for emergency care arises.  Due to HFD’s 42 fire stations and the Emergency Services Department’s ambulance units we are able to provide quality patient care and protect the citizens of the City and County of Honolulu.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

When you call 911 for an ambulance, the fire department may co-respond as they may  be closer than an ambulance; in this area the ambulance and fire department often arrive within one or two minutes of each other.

Capt. Kino was thanked for attending the meeting.

HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT – Lt. Kau introduced Major Sato, Capt. Grossi, Sgt. Kali, and Officers Willis and Sato who will make a short presentation on the graffiti problem, and reported the following on requests from last month’s meeting:

1. Ala Moana Park promenade was checked for reports of problems with marijuana use, none were found; but citations were issued for drinking, dogs in the park, littering, and illegal camping.  The area will be monitored.

2. Mother Waldron Park was checked for problems with the homeless affecting Voyager School students, there have been no new incidents.

3. Abandoned vehicles on Queen Street near the Tropical Lamps store were found to be on private property, and removal is the responsibility of the property owner.  Chair Stevens reported it has been determined the property owner lives on the Mainland and contact attempts have been unsuccessful.

Sgt. Forges reported the following:

1. The ATV (all terrain vehicle) unit patrols Ala Moana Park.

2. There have been 11 robberies in the area this month, six adults and four juveniles have been arrested.  Most of the robberies have been of designer purses, mopeds, liquor, and cash.  Perpetrators have used verbal threats, a handgun, a knife, and a baseball bat.  Two of the robberies were of businesses in the Kakaako area, others in the Makiki, Ala Moana, and Liliha areas.

3. Statistics for September compared to August included:  10/3 robberies, 10/15 burglaries, 73/62 thefts from vehicles, 22/19 vehicle thefts, 27/46 assaults, 33/40 property damage, 170/227 motor vehicle collisions, 11/7 DUI, 8/6 sex offenses, 5/14 family offenses, 36/37 drug cases, and 1/3 graffiti cases, 621/455 miscellaneous cases.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

Hurst noted most of the DUI offenses listed in the written statistics report occurred in the “red light” area.

Officers Willis and Asato reported that there have been 116 graffiti incidents to date, 21 arrests have been made, last year there were 114 cases and 18 arrests, and the year before that there were 130 cases and 22 arrests for the same time period.   The number of cases being reported is attributed to increased community awareness.  Recently arrests have been made of one male for tagging near the Makiki Library, and a male and female for tagging near the Pali Highway off-ramp, Kailua bound.  The Crime Reduction Unit has seven officers who address the problem when they are available, including surveillance of problem areas.  Work is done with other districts on identifying taggers.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Hurst expressed thanks for officers on the way they handled a near riot situation at McKinley High School earlier today, preventing a situation from escalating.

2. A resident noted commercial limousines and tour buses continue to be parked illegally in various areas including Sheridan Park continue, police can be called to report problems, residents should not confront the vehicles’ drivers.

3. A resident noted speeding on Piikoi Street, between Kapiolani Boulevard and Beretania Street, and suggested installation of additional speed limit signs.

4. A resident noted traffic backs up for drivers trying to make the left-turn from Piikoi Street to Beretania Street when the Kahaahumanu School crossing guard helps students across Beretania Street; removing the Ewa crosswalk on Beretania Street at this intersection and creating two left turn lanes was suggested.

Major Sato, Capt. Grossi, Lt. Kau, Sgt. Forges, Sgt. Kalani, Officers Willis and Asato, were thanked for attending the meeting.

BOARD OF WATER SUPPLY (BWS) – Howard Tanaka, from the Board of Water Supply, reported the following:

1. There was one break last month on Kapiolani Boulevard fronting the Nordstrom store.  The main will be replaced as part of the current Kapiolani Boulevard project.  There have been no breaks this month to date.

2. The Kapiolani Boulevard project work at Kaheka Street involves installing interconnections.  The sewer project work includes soil stabilization between McKinley Car Wash and Piikoi Street, removal of the bypass line between Piikoi and Keeaumoku streets, and its relocation to the area between KGMB and Atkinson Drive.  Work will recess for the holidays, November 23 to after New Years.

3. October is Make A Difference Month, and the BWS would like to encourage everyone to “make a difference” by helping preserve and protect our precious water resources.  There are very simple ways you can do this:  a) don’t let the faucet run and run, b) take shorter showers, c) put a nozzle on your garden hose, d) install water-efficient plumbing fixtures, e) water your lawns 2-3 times a week, f) grow plants that match your home’s conditions, g) check for leaks in plumbing and toilets.

4. A man was recently sentenced to five years in prison for stealing copper from a BWS facility.  BWS was able to prosecute this thief thanks to the help of a surrounding resident.  If you see any sort of suspicious activity, call 911.

5. BWS is seeking a permit to do night work near the Voyager School, no opposition was expressed at a public hearing.  If the permit is not approved and work is done during the day, transfer of services will be done after hours.

6. Coordination of projects such as the one on Kapiolani Boulevard is done at the City’s government and Public Facilities Task Force and the State Department of Transportation Highway Utilities Committee meetings.

All work for the Kapiolani Boulevard project was coordinated with major entities such as the Convention Center and Ala Moana Shopping Center to avoid construction during major events.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. It was suggested lanes be opened on Kapiolani Boulevard during the lunch hour.  Tanaka noted the temporary bypass line between KGMB and Atkinson Drive will keep the lanes closed during construction.

2. The road patch by the Nordstrom store will be permanently repaired when construction of other work including curbs and gutters is completed.

3. In case of a power outage there are permanent emergency generators, such as at the Beretania Station; and mobile generators that can be moved to pumping stations as needed.

Tanaka was thanked for attending the meeting.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

ABANDONED VEHICLES ON QUEEN STREET – Previously addressed during the police department report.

TRANSFER OF LIQUOR LICENSE FROM JOHN DOMINIS RESTAURANT TO NEW OWNER – A resident suggested the transfer of liquor license be denied as doing so would help reduce the number of liquor licenses in the area and benefit the community.  This matter will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting for discussion and possible action.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE – Dr. Fukino, representing the Governor’s Office, reported the following:

1. A special session of the legislature will convene tomorrow to: a) work on legislation to permit the Superferry to operate while environmental studies are done, b) work on a law relating to extended incarceration, and c) confirm the Governor’s appointments including three cabinet members, one judge, and members of boards and commissions.

2. Disney is developing a hotel and resort, but no theme park, on the Leeward Coast.

3. Copies of the Noise Reference Manual – Who Are You Going To Call When The Noise Gets Too Loud, from the State Department of Health, were distributed.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

The State Convention Center is not operated by State employees.

Dr. Fukino was thanked for attending the meeting.

SENATOR CAROL FUKUNAGA - A written report was received from Senator Fukunaga and distributed to interested persons.

SENATOR GORDON TRIMBLE – Kristi Sue Ako, from Senator Trimble’s Office, reported he is on his way to Honolulu from China for the special session.  Senator Trimble has additional committee assignments and is now serving on the Commerce, Consumer Protection and Affordable Housing, and the Transportation and International Affairs committees.

There were no questions from the Board or guests.  Ako was thanked for attending the meeting.

REPRESENTATIVE TOM BROWER – Representative Brower reported the special session of the legislature starts tomorrow and should run five days.  The Finance Committee will meet on Thursday and accept testimony.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

Regarding the Superferry, a Maui group has proposed 29 conditions be included in the bill to allow the Superferry to operate; additional laws affecting the Superferry can be written later if needed.  The current bill includes provisions for the Legislature to receive monthly updates.  The bill will require either an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement be prepared, which when completed will determine whether or not the ferry will continue to operate.  What conditions may be imposed on the ferry’s operation will not be known until the bill is completed.  Some of the proposed conditions relate to the ferry’s speed and noise as they might impact whales.

Representative Brower was thanked for attending the meeting.

REPRESENTATIVE KARL RHOADS – Representative Rhoads reported the following:

1. Distributed written copies of a television news interview he did regarding his discovery of a web site by prostitutes’ johns discussing prostitution in the Kukui Street area.   He has requested the City Prosecuting Attorney to investigate this matter.

2. It is his understanding that laws relating to riding bicycles prohibit their being ridden on sidewalks in commercial areas, but the law is somewhat vague.  He introduced a bill last session clarify the law for the Downtown/Chinatown area.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Michaels noted riding bicycles on the sidewalk is hazardous to pedestrians as riders don’t warn pedestrians when they are approaching pedestrians from behind, and there is a lack of enforcement of laws, which if done, would improve safety.

2. A resident noted bicyclists lack the lobbyists to represent them before lawmakers.

Representative Rhoads was thanked for attending the meeting.

REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT SAIKI – Neither Representative Saiki or a staff member were present.

MAYOR’S OFFICE – Joan Manke, representing the Mayor’s Office, reported the following:

1. In response to a question from last month’s meeting regarding a request to move a “no parking” sign at Piikoi and Elm streets back to improve the line of sight, the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) did an investigation and determined moving the sign back to increase the “no parking” zone is not necessary.  If residents wish to pursue the matter, a survey with 90 percent concurrence of affected residents and businesses would need to be submitted to the Board and department, but would not guarantee changes.

Board members noted the response from DTS made reference to “businesses”, but the area in question is entirely residential, and questioned if DTS actually did a site check.  This matter was referred to the Board’s Transportation Committee for further review.

2. Public Hearings on the adoption of the 2007 Revised Neighborhood Plan are scheduled for November 3, Kapolei Hale, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, November 3, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Windward Community College, and November 5, Honolulu Hale, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Board members expressed concern that the City has not addressed the Board’s requests for stop signs in various locations.

2. Board members expressed concern that is unrealistic to obtain the 90 percent concurrence on a survey, such as the previously discussed “no parking’ sign DTS requires.  Representative Rhoads noted he wants to see the law that requires the 90 percent concurrence.

3. The City permitting the installation of a newspaper vending machine at Pensacola and Elm streets, in a “no parking” zone was questioned.  Drivers stopping in this area would create a traffic hazard, and the machine has been graffiti tagged.

Manke was thanked for attending the meeting.

COUNCILMEMBER ANN KOBAYASHI – A written report was received.

COUNCILMEMBER ROD TAM – Neither the Councilmember or staff member were present.

COUNCILMEMBER CHARLES DJOU – Anna Marie Preston, from Councilmember Djou’s Office, distributed a written report.  There were no questions from the Board or guests.

PRESENTATIONS:

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PERMITTING PROCESS FOR FESTIVALS IN PARKS, POSSIBLE BOARD ACTION WITH PROPOSED RESOLUTION – Bert Koide, from the Department of Parks and Recreation, reported the process to request use of park facilities such as Ala Moana Park, requires the applicant to check with the facility manager to determine if the desired date is available.  Once the schedule is checked and it is determined the facility is available, a request for reservation is processed.  The applicant must also comply with requirements for other permits such as food concessionaires, traffic management with the Department of Transportation and hiring special duty police officers if required.  The applicant must also sign a condition of use agreement.  The reservation is then processed at the department’s office at the Fasi Municipal Building.  If approved, logistics for the event are coordinated with the facility manager.

Small groups may reserve picnic areas such as at Ala Moana Park via a request to the facility manager.  If approved, reservation holders have priority for the reserved site and police can enforce the reservation.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. The permitting process is done within the Department of Parks and Recreation.  If there are problems with an event, complaints can be filed with the Customer Service Department.

2. Ala Moana Park is in high demand for events, and a balance has to be set between allowing events versus use by the general public.  There is no rule that would prohibit someone from applying for a permit.

3. Permits to use Ala Moana Park for night events must be approved by the Department director as the park is normally closed at night, and stricter rules for night use can be imposed.  Other permits for activities not allowed in the park, such as a pet walk, must also be approved by the Department director.  Follow up meetings with the applicant after such uses are held.

It was suggested events be publicized, and that public hearings be held.

4. Permits are required for use of picnic sites where more than 50 persons are expected.

5. Koide was thanked for his work.

6. There are no plans to remove trees in Ala Moana Park for an upcoming event.

Michaels moved and Hedlund seconded that the Board adopt a resolution that the Board opposes events in Ala Moana Park that close portions of the park for public use or that occur after 10:00 p.m. or prior to 6:00 a.m.  Discussion followed where Hurst noted more time to study the draft resolution is desired.  The motion failed to carry, 4-2-1.  Yea: Michaels, Hedlund, Stevens, Burr.  Nay:  Hurst, Okumoto.  Abstain:  Chang.   The motion did not receive the necessary five votes to carry.

BICYCLE SAFETY AND RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION – Natalie Iwasa, a cycling advocate, reported laws relating to riding bicycles on the sidewalk prohibits them within 300 feet of a business or commercial area and also require bicycles to have certain equipment such as bells and reflectors.

Iwasa provided safety tips for bicycle riders, including: wearing a helmet that is properly fitted, and replacing it if damaged in an accident; bicycles should be properly maintained and fitted to the rider, wear light colored clothing while riding, bicycles should be registered which assists in recovery if it is stolen and the fees help pay for bicycle paths, cyclists should use hand signals and observe the rules of road, cyclists are allowed to use regular lanes of traffic and should ride as if they are “invisible.”  Tips for drivers include:  need to be aware of cyclists, realize that cyclists may not ride close the curb due to debris, storm drain inlets and other obstructions, cyclists may ride side-by-side in a bicycle lane, be careful when opening car doors possibly into the path of a cyclists, be careful when passing a cyclists and turning.

Iwasa reviewed a draft resolution asking the Mayor and the City and County of Honolulu and its relevant departments, and the State of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to improve conditions for bicyclists by taking actions on a 10 point list included in the resolution.  Iwasa noted that seven Neighborhood Boards have supported the resolution.  Discussion followed.  Hedlund moved and Michaels seconded that the Board adopt the resolution asking the Mayor and the City and County of Honolulu and its relevant departments, and the State of Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to improve conditions for bicyclists taking actions on a 10 point list included in the resolution.  Discussion followed where Hurst noted more time to study the resolution is desired.  The motion failed to carry, 4-0-3.  Yea:  Hedlund, Michaels, Burr, Stevens.  Abstain:  Hurst, Okumoto, Chung.  The motion failed to receive the necessary five votes to carry.

Hurst moved and Chung seconded to support the principle of the draft resolution.  Discussion followed.  The motion and second were withdrawn.  This matter will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 REGULAR MEETING – The following corrections wee made:

Page 2, under Presentation:  Liquor Commission, it should read “Dewey Kim, Administrator, Liquor Commission,...”

Page 3, under Liquor Commission, questions answers and comments, the last bullet point should read “…40 percent of the registered voters…”

Michaels moved and Hurst seconded that the minutes be approved as corrected.  The motion carried unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Hedlund reported for the month of September, the Operating Account balance was $3669.49, the Publicity Account balance was $2170.00 and the Refreshment Account balance was $120.00.

PRESENTATIONS, CONTINUED:

404 PIIKOI PROJECT – Daniel Nishikawa and Scott McKissen, from K2 Investors, reported plans are to proceed with Phase IV to develop the last residential tower on the site which has been under development for the past 23 years.  The preliminary project is to be presented to the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) tomorrow.

The development of this tower will require the development of additional reserve (affordable) housing units, the requirement had previously been met with the 1130 Waimau Street project, by developing a five-story building with 32 one-bedroom and 32 two-bedroom units on a recently acquired parcel at Kona and Piikoi streets.  This project will also include commercial space along Piikoi Street, accommodate future widening of Kona Street, and will also be presented to the HCDA tomorrow.

Questions, answers and comments followed:

1. Developers of this project are aware of undesirable activities in the Kona Street area.

2. The new reserve housing project will be 45 feet high, consisting of one floor of parking and four of residential units.

3. Development of the project required 20 percent of the units to be affordable.

4. Concern was expressed about sunlight reflecting off the glass walled exterior the towers, and the new tower will not be in direct sunlight.

5. The new tower will have commercial space on the Waimanu Street side.

6. HCDA will hold a public hearing on the new project.

7. The parking entrance for the new tower will not be on Waimanu Street.

Nishikawa and McKissen were thanked for attending the meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:  None.

NEW BUSINESS:  None.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

LAND USE DEVELOPMENT AND PARKS – Lori Lum, from General Growth Properties, reported development of the master plan is in progress.

TRANSPORTATION – Michaels reported the committee is concerned about traffic impacts from the new 404 Piikoi project.

Pat Lee, Honolulu High Capacity Transportation Corridor Project, reported there will be a transportation symposium held on November 13, Blaisdell Center, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Representative Brower noted he will provide a copy of a bill to allow removal of abandoned vehicles from private property.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND NOISE – Chair Stevens reported there have been no new receipts of noise complaints about Dave and Busters.

LIQUOR AND ADULT ESTABLISHMENTS – No report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. The next meeting is scheduled for November 27, Makiki Christian Church, 7:00 p.m.

2. The new Walgreen drug store opens November 1.  A presentation to the Board is scheduled for the next Board meeting.

3. HCDA will discuss Queen Street improvements at its next meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:  The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by,

Dean Chu

Neighborhood Assistant