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MCCULLY / MOILIILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006

KING WILLIAM LUNALILO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. with 10 members present, which constituted a quorum.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Scott Cheever, Linda Dela Cruz, Rodney Evans (departed at 9:09 p.m.), Albert Furuto, Gordon Furuto (departed at 8:38 p.m.), Les Hata (arrived at 7:22 p.m.), Serena Kyi-Yim, Ron Lockwood, Deepak Neupane (departed at 9:06 p.m.), Shaunna Tabor, Clifton H. Takamura (arrived at 7:14 p.m.), Eliza Talbot (appointed at this meeting), Michael Taleff.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Elaine Akau (excused), Betty Lou Larson (excused), Stephanie Visaya Bose.

GUESTS: Acting Capt. T. Ettinger (Honolulu Fire Department); Officer M. Kishimoto (Honolulu Police Department – District 1); Sgt. K. Ciparro, Capt. R. Green, Officer C. Hytry, Det. J. Martin (Honolulu Police Department – District 7); Jan Yokota (University of Hawaii – Director of Capital Improvements); Danny Agsalog (Mayor's representative – Senior Advisor, City Department of Community Services); Duane Okamoto (Governor's representative – State Department of Agriculture); Keith Ishinaga, Howard Tanaka, Kawehi Yim (Board of Water Supply); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi; Poni Daines (Senator Taniguchi's Office staff); Senator Carol Fukunaga; Representative Kirk Caldwell; Eric L. La'a (Representative Nishimoto's Office staff); Representative Scott Saiki; Chester Koga (R. M. Towill Corporation); Lynn Kurashima (City Department of Design and Construction); Marijane Carlos, Mark Defley, Shirley Iwane, Sharon Laster, Robert Worthington (Ala Wai Manor); Sgt. Fulton (Kalakaua Vista); Raymond A. Lalosin, Carl Novak, Lillian Novak (McCully Citizens' Patrol); Luis Cagaoan, Milton Chong, Harry Chu, Dave Chun, Sheila Cleary, Arlinda Dorsett, Eric Dorsett, Geraldine Edmondson, Kathleen Fleming-Kaulukakai, Janet Inamine, Jack Katahira, John Kato, Bernadine Lalosin, Gary I. Masumoto, Hao Nguyen, Denise W.; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff).

PUBLIC SAFETY INPUT/COMMUNITY INPUT:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Capt. T. Ettinger reported the following:

1)       Statistics for March – There were 9 structure, 1 rubbish and 1 vehicle fire; there were 52 medical and 25 miscellaneous emergencies (which included 7 water evacuations or flooded conditions).

2)       Fire Safety Tip – Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and the second major cause of death among older adults. If you are cooking and must leave the kitchen, even for only a few minutes, turn off the stove. Keep a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 2A10BC) in or near your kitchen and learn how to use it. Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly to ensure that it has not expired.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 7 – East Honolulu – Det. J. Martin introduced Capt. R. Green, Officer C. Hytry (from the Community Resource Team), and Sgt. K. Ciparro. Sgt. Ciparro circulated a report and provided the following information:

1)       Statistics (the format is March/February) – Beat 753 (bounded by Punahou Street, the H-1 Freeway, University Avenue, and King Street): 2/8 burglaries, 7/8 thefts, 5/6 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs); Beat 754 (bounded by Hauoli Street, King Street, University Avenue, and the Ala Wai Canal): 3/3 burglaries, 5/4 thefts, 1/5 UEMVs; Beat 755 (bounded by University Avenue, the H-1 Freeway, the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal, and the Ala Wai Canal): 6/3 burglaries, 5/7 thefts, 6/4 UEMVs.

2)       The Honolulu Centennial Celebration will be held at Magic Island this weekend.

Also attached to the report were a map of the beats and information on waste management and recycling.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Dela Cruz inquired about an incident where a few police cars responded on King Street, off of Isenberg Street, in the daytime. Sgt. Ciparro will follow up.

2)       Jack Katahira commented that during the flood on March 31, HPD diverted traffic from the main roads in the neighborhood to the residential areas, which caused more damage to the residential areas. A great deal of damage was caused by vehicles on Fern Street, between Hauoli Street and Kalakaua Avenue. He gave photographs to Sgt. Ciparro. Sgt. Ciparro offered that there were 74 vehicle accidents at the time and officers were simply trying to divert traffic to prevent more.

Clifton Takamura arrived during the above comments, at 7:14 p.m., making 11 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – District 1 – Kaheka to Hauoli Street – Officer M. Kishimoto distributed a handout and reported the following statistics (format is March/February): 2/0 robberies, 2/1 burglaries, 4/5 UEMV, 3/1 auto thefts, 0/1 aggravated assaults, 4/3 simple assaults, 34/20 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 3/7 driving under the influence (DUIs), 0/1 sex assaults, 0/0 family offenses, 1/0 drug offenses, and 2/0 graffiti offenses.

Unanimous consent was used take the agenda out of order to hear Residents' Concerns.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS: Chair Lockwood cautioned everyone to speak with civility, even though they are upset.

1)       Eric Dorsett introduced himself and his wife, Arlinda, and expressed concerns about the lack of preparation for flooding conditions. He inquired about any future contingency measures that have been (or will be) taken to minimize damage from this kind of emergency situation in the future. Raymond A. Lalosin contended that it should be a major priority to have solutions for emergency situations in this area – there was no real emergency service help for the area during the flood on March 31.

2)       Jack Katahira mentioned that on Fern Street, between Hauoli Street and Kalakaua Avenue, there was a lot of dirt, which residents shoveled out. However, a great deal of dust remains. He asked if the City can wash down the street with high-powered hoses. Chair Lockwood later noted that there are only two water trucks to serve from Honolulu to East Honolulu, and one of them breaks down often. Katahira also remarked that there are many bulky items still waiting to be picked up in his area.

Les Hata arrived during the above comments, at 7:22 p.m., making 12 members present.

A. Furuto moved, and Takamura seconded, to place the March 31 Flood issue on the agenda, which was adopted unanimously, 12-0-0.

MARCH 31 FLOOD:

1)       A. Furuto declared that there were many different government agencies present at the meeting to answer residents' concerns.

2)       Chair Lockwood thanked the many Board members who helped out the community during the flooding.

3)       Sgt. Fulton, a resident of Kalakaua Vista, watched the stream break and water surround her building. There was no backup to the chain link fence. There was no alarm alerting residents to the danger; one-half of the building was unaware of what was happening. She couldn't get any emergency service help.

4)       A resident who lives on the corner of Hauoli and Fern Streets had a car left in her driveway, which blocked her car from entering. Nobody came to remove the car for three hours; she had to pull her car onto her neighbor's grass so it wouldn't float down the street. Her car is now rusted and mildewed. She felt that she shouldn't have been allowed to drive her car home – that the area should have been completely shut down.

5)       Lillian Novak displayed a poster she created that told the story of the March 31 flood. Her car is also ruined. Novak thanked the Board members, the Red Cross, and Councilmember Kobayashi for helping those affected by the flood. Both she and the Red Cross provided food. Kyi-Yim reminded everyone that the Red Cross is a non-profit organization and needs donations. Danny Agsalog, the Mayor's representative, added that the City has given over $1 million to the Red Cross, thanks to Councilmember Kobayashi. A. Furuto urged the government agency representatives to come up and say how they can help.

6)       Takamura commented that heavy rains and the Makiki Stream can affect so many people. He indicated that the economy of the area was affected as well. Takamura suggested that funds be put into the appropriate Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) to repair or improve Makiki Stream. He also asked how much additional funding is left to clean up the streams and drainage systems. Danny Agsalog mentioned that the Mayor may go to the legislature to request additional funds.

7)       Hawaii has a tsunami warning system; Kyi-Yim asked why Hawaii doesn't have a flood warning system. She remarked that many people didn't even know how serious the flooding was on March 31. Marijane Carlos noted that the emergency warning siren in Ala Wai Park has not worked for the past three months. Representative Kirk Caldwell mentioned that the State is looking at installing gauges in the streams to warn of high water levels. He stated that workers from the Civil Defense went up to check on Makiki Stream of their own volition, saw dangerously high water levels and drove and warned residents themselves. Rep. Caldwell continued to explain that parts of streams may be privately owned and residents may not be able to afford the clean-up. He commented that there is a study being done on the Ala Wai Watershed and it should be finished in 2008; the goal is to complete the study and then ask for $80 to $120 million from Congress, with the State contributing $2 million. This funding wouldn't be available until 2011.

8)       Chair Lockwood urged that the Makiki stream be cleaned. He inquired about the effect of the sewage by the Ala Wai Elementary School, mosquitoes and high bacteria levels.

9)       John Kato suggested that the Board put together a public informational meeting to educate the community on flooding. He indicated that the issue is really what the residents can do about flooding. He asked if the City is willing to spend the kind of money necessary to upgrade the sewer and drainage systems, and what residents should do in the meantime.

10)   A resident expressed her empathy for those in dire straits and offered the opinion that the City and State should make restitution to (or at least collect donations for) the individuals most affected. Tabor shared that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in the process of assessing the damage; a certain dollar amount must be reached to get assistance from them. Danny Agsalog mentioned that the City has a Disaster Assistance Program to help people as a last resort. It provides for a 2% loan for those affected. There are no income limits; individuals can't have any other coverage. The loan is only for residential property to provide for the rehabilitation of a home. The individual must be a homeowner and must find a licensed contractor, who is paid directly by the program. Call 527-5907 for more information. Rep. Caldwell supports a flood tax credit up to $10,000 for the period starting October 2004 until the present. A. Furuto asked if the flood tax credit is a "done deal" or if the Board should write a resolution to support it. Rep. Caldwell answered that any support is appreciated.

11)   Kyi-Yim noted the jurisdictional problem with the Makiki stream is that it's partially owned by the City, State and private individuals; however, the stream still needs to be dredged (there's too much mud). A. Furuto remarked that people should stop throwing rubbish into the stream. He continued to state that this area is in a flood zone which makes it difficult to get flood insurance. A. Furuto inquired if there is something the Board can do to get the streams dredged and more carefully monitored; he also requested that the City remove the mud buildup from the ditches, especially the Makiki Street/Fern Street ditch. Danny Agsalog  responded that many City workers have been working 24/7 to fill potholes and complete other maintenance; he assured that the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) will take care of removing the mud buildup from the ditches. Kyi-Yim expressed her appreciation to the City workers and thanked the sewage trucks for trying to clean up the sewage spill in Waikiki. Hata suggested using tanker trucks to haul sewage. Agsalog will follow up.

12)   A resident requested that the bulky items in the neighborhood be picked up. Danny Agsalog explained that there will be a special pickup request for the area at the end of the week. Rep. Caldwell noted that the National Guard picked up bulky items in Manoa after the October 2004 flood.

13)   Tabor asked if the Mayor has any immediate plans to check on the soil for bacterial contamination around the Ala Wai Elementary School. Danny Agsalog responded that the State checks soil, but he will follow up.

14)   Cheever inquired if the City is considering using any environment-friendly methods to clean the Ala Wai canal, such as microbes to counteract the bacteria. He acknowledged that these methods may not be as effective as others, but offered that they could be good for public relations. Danny Agsalog replied that the Director of the City Department of Environmental Services (ENV) has a PhD in environmental engineering. Rep. Caldwell offered that the State needs to help out the City fix the sewage problem, since Waikiki is the tourism capital of the State.

15)   Evans reflected on the flood that happened during Halloween two years ago that resulted in these same problems. He expressed the need for the City to address these problems – like storm drains to meet requirements for the population and the potential flooding. Danny Agsalog responded that the staff of the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) can evaluate the drains and possible improvements. A resident reiterated that the City knew two years ago that the sewer/drainage systems needed to be upgraded. Danny Agsalog replied that a project of that magnitude takes time, and it is moving forward. He stressed that Mayor Mufi Hannemann's administration will take care of the infrastructure that isn't seen. John Kato referenced that the Board raised this issue of upgrading sewer/drainage systems in 1998, and the Mayor then said it was a priority issue. He stated that the redundancy of Waikiki Pumping Station is important. Kato inquired about the timeline of this project. Agsalog explained that the City has put a great deal of money into this year's budget to fix the sewer system; he added that the City is working on the unpopular necessity of raising rates it controls.

16)   Eric Dorsett asked about the procedure to procure resources in the budget for this sort of emergency situation. He expressed his desire to understand the process. Dorsett emphasized that stream projects are some of the most expensive projects; he felt that it is incumbent on the Board to urge the City administration and the City Council to provide funding to handle this situation.

17)   Chair Lockwood announced that there will be a Disaster Relief Forum on Tuesday, April 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Washington Middle School, sponsored by the City and State legislators; representatives from government agencies will be in attendance.

18)   Eliza Talbot noted that warning signs were posted by the waterways in Waikiki, yet people were still swimming. Danny Agsalog answered that the City is working in coordination with the State Department of Health (DOH), although the City is liable for the sewage, but they can't stop everyone from swimming.

G. Furuto departed at 8:38 p.m., leaving 11 members present.

University of Hawaii (UH) Representative – Jan Yokota reported that a preliminary draft of UH's emergency response plan is available at www.hawaii.edu/security/civild.pdf for review and asked for comments. The Manoa student housing is also developing draft emergency response plans. UH has a request in to fund an emergency operations center. UH also needs to hire an emergency management coordinator. There are four weeks left remaining in the semester; commencement takes place on May 14, 2006.

Mayor’s Representative – Residents expressed their concerns to Danny Agsalog earlier in the meeting.

Governor’s Representative – Duane Okamoto distributed the Governor's Update, a Honolulu Advertiser article (March 30, 2006) about the flooding, a handout on flood management, and highlighted the following:

1)       The State also offers a disaster commercial and personal loan program (Hawaii Revised Statutues, Chapter 209, Part III). For more information, call 586-2579 or 587-2750.

2)       Regarding the jurisdictional issues of streams, the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is responsible for cleaning the streambed, the City is responsible for cleaning the culverts, and they coordinate their efforts. Dumping in streams is a major problem.

3)       Mosquitoes are issues for the DOH, and he will follow up.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Kyi-Yim noted that so far, all homeless services address only the current homeless. She inquired about any steps taken to prevent homelessness (example: rent control). Kyi-Yim voiced the concern that many people are only a paycheck away from being homeless.

2)       Takamura suggested that the Governor take positive action on the flooding issue discussed tonight. He requested that Sandra Kunimoto (the usual Governor’s representative) report back on the Governor’s response. Okamoto assured that he will pass the information along to the Governor. Takamura added that he would love to see her at a Board meeting.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Keith Ishinaga relayed the following information:

1)       There were no main breaks in March.

2)       When it rains heavily, pumpage drops because people don't do as many heavy water consumption outdoor activities (watering lawns, washing cars, etc.). While this can briefly increase water levels, this does not indicate that there is more water in the aquifer, only that less is being pumped. Usually, when the rain ends, the levels will return to normal as pumpage rises to accommodate people returning to their routines. Everyone should continue to be mindful of water use even during periods like these as the effects from them will not be immediately evident.

Raymond A. Lalosin reported that the fire hydrant on Makaloa/Kalakaua Avenue still needs to be replaced.

Elected Officials –

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Councilmember Kobayashi circulated the report and emphasized the following:

1)       All of the legislators sympathize with those affected by the floods and have been working together to improve the situation. When the Mayor began his term, there was no money at all in the sewer fund, which was supposed to contain hundreds of millions of dollars. The Mayor increased sewer fees to help and put money into a CIP for repairs.

2)       Real property tax relief options offered by the City: (a) capping real property tax at 4% of income for those homeowners with a household income of less than $50,000; (b) raising the homeowner's exemption to $80,000 for those under 60 years old, and to $120,000 for those over 65; and (c) creating a formula for determining real property tax rates using the City's mandated/obligated costs with Bill 12, which takes effect in August – the Mayor will have the ability to recommend a different rate and the Council may accept the calculated rate, the Mayor's proposal or another rate.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Tabor asked how the sewer funding was used. Councilmember Kobayashi replied that it was used to operate the City and balance the budget until there was nothing left, since Mayor Harris didn’t want to raise fees or taxes.

2)       A. Furuto inquired if the City will be penalized or fined by the federal government for the sewage spill. Councilmember Kobayashi answered that the Mayor flew to meet with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss the issue. She noted that the sewage had to be pumped into the Ala Wai canal or else it would have backed up in residences and hotels. The City is looking for funding help from the State.

3)       Takamura asked if the budget workshop is the only opportunity for the public to give input on the budget. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that there are many opportunities and avenues for the public to give input on the budget.

Senator Carol Fukunaga: Senator Fukunaga distributed her handout and provided the following information:

1)       The legislators have been working closely with City and State agencies this past week to develop solutions to the flooding issues. The floods demonstrated the need for agencies and legislators to work together. The State does have a “rainy day” fund to assist with damages to both residences and businesses.

2)       House Bill 970 (HB 970), House Draft 1 (HD1), Senate Draft 1 (SD1) provides emergency relief for natural disasters statewide. HB 970 passed the Senate Ways and Means committee with amendments on April 6.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Eliza Talbot expressed the need of the area for the sewer funds.

2)       A. Furuto inquired if the Board should offer resolutions of support for the bills mentioned. Sen. Fukunaga responded that all support helps.

Senator Brian Taniguchi: Poni Daines distributed the report and was available for questions.

Representative Kirk Caldwell: Representative Caldwell circulated the handout and was available for questions.

Representatives Scott Nishimoto and Scott Saiki: Eric L. La'a distributed the reports and information on flood management. Representative Saiki thanked the McCully residents for being the first responders to help. He was available for questions for either Representative.

Deepauk Neupane departed at 9:06 p.m., leaving 10 members present.

Rodney Evans departed at 9:09 p.m., leaving nine (9) members present.

FILLING OF VACANCIES: Chair Lockwood announced the two (2) vacancies in Sub-district 2. Eliza Talbot expressed her interest in filling the vacancy and gave a short speech introducing herself.

A. Furuto moved, and Tabor seconded, to appoint Eliza Talbot to the Board in Sub-district 2. The motion was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0. There were then 10 members present.

The meeting recessed from 9:15 to 9:25 p.m. while Neighborhood Assistant Glanstein administered the Oath of Office to Eliza Talbot.

Takamura moved, and Kyi-Yim seconded, to extend the meeting until 10 p.m., which was adopted by unanimous consent.

PRESENTATION: Kapiolani Boulevard Water and Sewer Improvement Project – Kawehi Yim (BWS) introduced Howard Tanaka (BWS), Chester Koga (R. M. Towill Corporation) and Lynn Kurashima (DDC), and circulated handouts of a PowerPoint presentation. The following information was highlighted by Yim and Koga:

The project is a joint project of the BWS, and the Wastewater and Civil Engineering Divisions of the DDC. The City is attempting to get the work done in a timely manner, and so is combining the replacement of both water and sewer lines. The project location is Kapiolani Boulevard between Ward and Kalakaua Avenues. The project is critical for public health, safety and the environment; aging infrastructure needs to be replaced. The project is needed to avoid disruption of services to businesses and residents. The water main there has experienced 25 breaks, 19 from 1990 to the present. The goal is to ensure system reliability – the new water main is designed for an 80-year service life and the rehabilitated sewer main is designed for a 50- to 75-year service life. The cost of the 2004 emergency repairs was $1.75 million and the whole section was closed down for five to six months. The break on January 30, 2006 shut down all six lanes of Kapiolani Boulevard, and this project is meant to prevent this situation from occurring again.

The project scope includes installing a 12-inch water main, rehabilitating a 36-inch sewer main (Cure In-Place Pipe), installing manholes, and constructing curb ramps. The use of Cure In-Place Pipe will reduce trenching requirements and traffic disruptions, and extend the service life of the sewer main. The project will take approximately 22 months, excluding Christmas holidays. The work will be done on a 24-hour basis and will affect traffic. The 24-work is required for the sewer line rehabilitation and will both reduce construction time and shorten the duration of noise impacts. A noise variance is needed to allow construction during night-time hours and weekends to reduce day-time traffic.

The construction schedule is: (a) work from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day; (b) work from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; (c) limited work from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. every day; and (d) quiet work from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. every day. At least one lane in each direction will be open. Once the work is complete, Kapiolani Boulevard will be repaved.

Notification of the project start will be through news releases. Residents affected by work in their immediate area will be notified in advance by the contractor. There will be a "problem resolution phone number" and information on the Web. Advisories will be placed on roadways.

The bid amounts for the water main replacement was more expensive than expected. The cost of construction has risen almost 70% in the last year, since a major pipeline supplier is in Louisiana and was greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina. The contractor chosen is Frank Colusho Construction; Engineering Surveys will serve as the construction manager and will ensure that communities are properly notified. There is an archaeological monitor, Cultural Surveys Hawaii, to check for burial sites, etc. Construction is hoped to begin in July 2006. Once the schedule is finalized, there will be another presentation to the Board.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       A resident inquired about the noise levels during night work. Koga explained that the State Department of Transportation (DOT) requires night work because they will be shutting down a minimum of four lanes. There will be a pump operating 24/7 that will be heard; the contractor is instructed to minimize noise as much as possible, but it will be heard.

2)       Dave Chun asked if the 36-inch pipe will be able to handle the population growth that happens in the area. Kurashima replied that some of the flow will be diverted up Kalakaua Avenue to Kanunu Street, which will actually reduce the flow in the new 36-inch line.

3)       A. Furuto noted that a majority of the work presented is not in the McCully-Moiliili neighborhood area. He suggested using a 14-inch pipe instead of a 12-inch. Yim assured that a 12-inch pipe will more than suffice.

4)       Cheever confirmed that R. M. Towill Corporation is the design engineer and BWS selects the contractors.

5)       Takamura stated that the sewer lines from the Kakaako area are old, from 1939, and inquired if the repair will eventually be extended to those areas. Yim responded that they factor in the areas which would experience a large negative impact if the main failed and the history of mains in an area. Some mains along Kalakaua Avenue are over 100 years old with almost no (or no) breaks. This project alone will cost $29.2 million. Takamura stressed that parts of the McCully sewer system are really outdated and asked why they aren't included. Yim answered that it's not included in this particular project.

6)       Chair Lockwood commented that BWS used to distribute a five-year plan and he hasn't seen one in a while. He inquired if the Cure In-Place Pipe is the same used in Lanikai that is now causing problems. Lynn Kurashima replied that it was used, but it was applied differently there. Chair Lockwood expressed the concern of Century Center of the parking of the equipment necessary for this project.

7)       Jack Katahira indicated his approval of the BWS and the City departments working together.

RESIDENTS’ CONCERNS:

1)       Dave Chun distributed a brochure describing a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). A CBA is a legally enforceable contract, signed by community groups and a developer, setting forth a range of community benefits that the developer agrees to provide as part of a development project. CBAs make developers work with community groups. This idea is active in Northern Virginia, where Chun now resides. He will be presenting this to as many Neighborhood Boards as possible. Chun suggested that the Board consider making this a part of the Planning and Zoning Committee or creating a special committee to look into it.

2)       Janet Inamine requested that the Board formally discuss the proposed mass transit plans before they bypass the Board and the community. Chair Lockwood noted that he has printouts of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) projects if anyone was interested. Dave Chun related that it's important for the Board to mitigate the transit.

Kyi-Yim moved, and Takamura seconded, to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m., which was adopted by unanimous consent.

The agenda was taken out of order to consider the new Public Storage building at the Kapiolani Boulevard / McCully Street intersection.

NEW BUSINESS:

New Public Storage Building at the Kapiolani Boulevard / McCully Street Intersection – Marijane Carlos, an Ala Wai Manor (AWM) Board member, expressed her concerns about the new storage building: (a) pile-driving possibly causing cracks in the AWM swimming pool; (b) cutting off of winds to AWM; (c) aesthetics of the new building; (d) they can build right up to AWM's property line – AWM residents would like a setback; (e) traffic; (f) hours of operation – should be limited to curtail illegal activity; (g) the height – seven to eight stories; and (h) the noise that could be coming from the air-conditioning units if not properly maintained. She noted that the owners of the property have been very unkind in their evictions of the commercial tenants, although she acknowledged that the lease was set up by the previous owners. Carlos has asked for an artist's rendering of the proposed building, but the owners replied that they don't yet know what it will look like.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1)       Takamura suggested that Carlos emphasize the possible traffic coming through the AWM lot as an issue.

2)       A. Furuto questioned that the storage company doesn't have to appear before the Board. Chair Lockwood confirmed that they don't. A. Furuto asked why the 1700 Kalakaua project developers had to attend previously. Chair Lockwood explained that they came as a courtesy. He circulated copies of the article that the Honolulu Advertiser published on the new storage facility on March 7, 2006.

The agenda was resumed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1700 Kalakaua Project Resolution (attached as amended) – Kyi-Yim moved, and Tabor seconded, to adopt the 1700 Kalakaua Project resolution. The resolution was amended by unanimous consent to include the names of the developer and the realty company (the Tatsui Group and Fogarty Realty). The 1700 Kalakaua Project resolution was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0.

The following agenda items were deferred: HPD Legislation Making Crossover, Homeless/Affordable Housing Legislation Making Crossover, Education Legislation Making Crossover, and the Bus Stop Reconfiguration Update.

Newsletter – Copies of the draft newsletter and survey were distributed to the Board. Kyi-Yim moved, and Takamura seconded, to send out the newsletter without the survey. Discussion ensued. A. Furuto expressed his desire to include the survey with the newsletter. Hata asked if the City and County seal is needed for the newsletter. Chair Lockwood answered that the Neighborhood Commission seal and symbol should be used. Takamura conveyed his frustration with people quibbling about inconsequential matters – he just wants the newsletter to be sent out. The motion was amended by unanimous consent to include a proviso that typographical errors may be corrected. A. Furuto moved to add the survey to the newsletter, which was not considered because there was no second. The motion to send out the newsletter without the survey was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0.

NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution to Congratulate Kaimuki and Iolani Basketball Teams (attached) – A. Furuto moved, and Cheever seconded, to adopt the resolution to congratulate Kaimuki and Iolani basketball teams, which was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0.

Resolution to Congratulate Washington Middle School's Math Team (attached)– Cheever moved, and A. Furuto seconded, to adopt the resolution to congratulate Washington Middle School's math team, which was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0.

Resolution to Support HB 2885 – Sale of Adult Entertainment Products (attached) – A. Furuto moved, and Tabor seconded, to adopt the resolution to support HB 2885, which was adopted unanimously, 10-0-0.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.

Submitted by:

Rachel M. Glanstein

Neighborhood Assistant