| You are here: Main / Neighborhood Commission Office / nb8 / 06 / McCully NB March Minutes |
|
Printable version (copy and paste link into browser): http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/nb8/06/08_2006_03Min.pdf MCCULLY / MOILIILI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2006 KING WILLIAM LUNALILO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron Lockwood called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. with 11 members present, which constituted a quorum. MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Akau (departed at 9:50 p.m.), Scott Cheever, Linda Dela Cruz, Albert Furuto (departed at 10:27 p.m.), Gordon Furuto (departed at 8:52 p.m.), Les Hata, Serena Kyi-Yim, Ron Lockwood, Deepak Neupane (departed at 8:42 p.m.), Shaunna Tabor, Clifton H. Takamura (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), Michael Taleff, Stephanie Visaya Bose (arrived at 8:29 p.m.). MEMBERS ABSENT: Rodney Evans (excused), John Gollner, Betty Lou Larson (excused). GUESTS: Capt. C. Vause, Jr. (Honolulu Fire Department); Sgt. N. Colburn, Officer M. Kishimoto (Honolulu Police Department District 1); Officer H. Fetter, Det. S. Forman, Officer R. Kam, Sgt. V. Mattox (Honolulu Police Department District 7); Danny Agsalog (Mayor's representative Senior Advisor, City Department of Community Services); Sandra Kunimoto (Governor's representative State Department of Agriculture); Ed Honda (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office staff); Poni Daines (Senator Taniguchi's Office staff); Eric La'a (Representative Nishimoto's Office staff); Jean Fogarty (Fogarty Realty); Steve Kurashima (Tatsui Group); Calvin Sato (Sato & Associates); Craig Kugisaki (Craig Kugisaki, Attorney at Law); Pat Lee (Public Involvement Team for Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project); Sandy Edrich (Ala Wai K-9 Association); Raymond A. Lalosin, Carl Novak, Lillian Novak (McCully Citizens' Patrol); Ken Chang, Vivian Chang, C. Chun, Janet Inamine, Helen Katahira, Jack Katahira, Shirley Koczan, Gary Masumoto, Eliza Talbot; Rachel M. Glanstein (Neighborhood Commission Office staff). PUBLIC SAFETY INPUT/COMMUNITY INPUT: Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Capt. C. Vause, Jr. reported the following: 1) Statistics for February There were 10 structure, 2 rubbish and 2 vehicle fires; there were 53 medical and 18 miscellaneous emergencies (which included people trapped in elevators, false alarms, hazardous conditions, etc.). There were no major incidents 2) Fire Safety Tip Brush fires cause great damage. Dispose of all fires properly. Make and maintain a 30-foot wide firebreak by clearing vegetation surrounding structures. Formulate emergency plans. For more information, contact Denise Laitinen of Firewise at 281-3497 or go to www.firewise.org. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Shirley Koczan expressed concern that the fire hydrant closest to the stream on La'o Street keeps getting blocked by chronic dumping of bulky trash. There is also chronic dumping at 574 Kamoku Street. 2) Carl Novak questioned HFD's resources to handle flooding. Capt. Vause replied that they have some public safety resources available, but it's hard to be completely prepared and to determine exactly what amount of rain will cause bad problems. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 1 Kaheka to Hauoli Street Officer M. Kishimoto distributed a handout and reported the following statistics (format is February/January): 0/1 robbery, 1/3 burglaries, 5/7 UEMV, 1/4 auto thefts, 1/0 aggravated assaults, 3/1 simple assaults, 20/25 motor vehicle collisions (MVC), 7/4 driving under the influence (DUIs), 1/0 sex assaults, 0/4 family offenses, 0/0 drug offenses, and 0/0 graffiti offenses. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) A. Furuto noted the proposed change in police officers' work schedule from a three-day, 12 hours per day (3-12) schedule to a five-day, eight hours per day schedule (5-8), and asked if Officer Kishimoto agreed with A. Furuto's opinion that the 3-12 schedule is better for this community. Officer Kishimoto agreed, but specified that it's only his opinion. A. Furuto ventured that the Board should show support for one schedule or the other. Sgt. N. Colburn explained that the 3-12 schedule will end in July of 2006, but that the schedules are still under negotiation. 2) Carl Novak stated that a boat had been parked in front of the Boys and Girls Club for a month, but now it's gone. He asked if it was stolen, removed, or forced to move. Sgt. Colburn will follow up. C. Novak offered his congratulations to Lt. Green for the promotion to Captain. Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 East Honolulu Sgt. V. Mattox circulated a report and provided the following information: 1) Statistics (the format is February/January) Beat 753 (bounded by Punahou Street, the H-1 Freeway, University Avenue, and King Street): 8/8 burglaries, 8/7 thefts, 6/2 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs); Beat 754 (bounded by Hauoli Street, King Street, University Avenue, and the Ala Wai Canal): 3/2 burglaries, 4/11 thefts, 5/4 UEMVs; Beat 755 (bounded by University Avenue, the H-1 Freeway, the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal, and the Ala Wai Canal): 3/3 burglaries, 7/9 thefts, 4/7 UEMVs. 2) Nine (9) Pollution Tips: (a) Keep sidewalks, curbs and gutters clean; (b) Prevent soil and debris from leaving your property; (c) Gather grass and tree cuttings and dispose as green waste, or compost your yard trimmings; (d) Purchase used oil change box, soak up spilled oil and dispose of appropriately; (e) Remove and dispose of pet waste before you leave an area; (f) Use water-based paint and discard properly; (g) use only the amount needed of pesticides and fertilizers; (h) Wash your car with plain water; and (i) Keep household cleaning products from becoming hazardous waste. Also attached to the report were a map of the beats, Narcotics/Vice Division statistics, and a news release detailing how the Maryknoll Grade School Faculty rallied against pollution.
Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Akau asked if the decreases in a crime occur because the criminals are being apprehended; Sgt. Mattox answered that it is a contributing factor. 2) A. Furuto inquired about Sgt. Mattox's opinion on the 3-12 versus the 5-8 schedules. Sgt. Mattox responded that he's worked both schedules, they both have their pros and cons, and it doesn't really matter for him. The item will be on the agenda for next month. A. Furuto requested the opinions of the other officers present. Officer R. Kam has never worked a 5-8 schedule, but currently likes the 3-12. Officer H. Fetter offered that the department will do what is best. 3) Tabor noted the closure of Motorsports Raceway in Campbell Industrial Park and expressed her belief that it had helped to decrease teenagers speeding on the streets. She asked Sgt. Mattox's opinion on impounding vehicles for street racing violations versus a raceway park. Sgt. Mattox will defer this question to their legislative committee and report back. 4) Takamura reported a lot of speeding on Kapolani Boulevard, Beretania and King Streets and wondered if officers could be assigned to monitor the conditions during peak traffic hours. Sgt. Mattox replied that it must be incorporated with other duties. Takamura assured him that he appreciates their efforts. 5) Kyi-Yim asked if all of District 7's beats are fully staffed; Sgt. Mattox answered that they are. Kyi-Yim questioned how the $97 crosswalk violations were going. Sgt. Mattox responded that they issue citations when they have time or when they see it. He explained that when the law was first enacted, officers were paid overtime doing enforcement, but that is not the case now. Kyi-Yim noted that there has been an increase in people stopping for pedestrians in/at crosswalks. 6) Carl Novak mentioned that the McCully Community Center bathroom gate is still left unlocked much of the time. Sgt. Mattox replied that they work daytime hours and don't have the key, but he will follow up and respond to C. Novak personally. Det. S. Forman asked for questions related to property crimes, but there were none. He offered the following safety tips: (a) Lock parked car doors, even if the car is in a garage/carport; (b) Don't leave property visible in the car; and (c) Lock the house door if leaving and check/close all windows; and (d) Alarms are good theft deterrents. 7) A. Furuto asked if there are any theft rings operating in the area. Sgt. Mattox answered that there is a myth of crime sprees, which is usually exaggerated. 8) Takamura cited a recent incident next to the McCully-Moiliili Library involving the harassment of a homeless person. He commented that the homeless are much victimized in the community and inquired if HPD has any plans to protect them. Sgt. Mattox responded that it's the same for anyone crime happens to everyone, and HPD doesn't have set procedures for protecting only certain parts of the population. 9) Carl Novak asked if HPD will inspect a house's security. Sgt. Mattox affirmed that HPD does perform that service call 523-3111 to get the call directed to the community affairs section. University of Hawaii (UH) Representative Chair Lockwood announced that Jan Yokota was off-island and relayed that the money has been appropriated to improve the rock quarry face to protect against landslides. Mayors Representative Danny Agsalog apologized for being too busy to contact each resident with a concern individually, and reported the following: 1) There is an existing pedestrian overpass on Kapiolani Boulevard between Date Street and Kaimuki High School located near Mahiai Street. The City Department of Transportation Services (DTS) recommends that pedestrians continue to use this overpass or the crosswalks on Kapiolani Boulevard at its intersection with Date Street, the H-1 on-ramp, or Kaimuki Avenue. Call Leon Lau at 523-4676 with any questions. 2) DTS investigated Fern Steet, between Kalakaua Avenue and Hauoli Street, and found that the 25 mph speed limit signs are properly posted and the 25 mph speed limit zone is appropriate there, as established by ordinance and stated in the City Traffic Code. DTS currently controls speeding through proper signage and enforcement by HPD. HPD has been notified of the speeding concern. Several communities have worked successfully with HPD to curb speeding in their neighborhood by developing alternative strategies to address the speeding problem (call 529-3386 for more information). 3) The McCully District Park is currently under retrofit reconstruction and has been closed since September 2005. The contractor has installed barrier fencing which has enclosed the entire parking lot since the beginning of the construction. However, as an alternative, the City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has installed gates on the exterior comfort stations, which are locked three to four times per week. Unfortunately, DPR does not have the staff and funding available at this time to lock the gates every night. 4) Setting a time for the Date Street Mini Park to close requires action from the Board. 5) Many potholes in the area were patched on February 13, 2006. 6) The Moiliili Gardens' fire hydrant has consistently been blocked by parked cars, which has prevented garbage pickup on Coolidge Street. HPD checked the area during various times and one citation was issued for parking too close to the fire hydrant. They will continue to monitor and take appropriate action. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) A. Furuto inquired about the process of lowering Fern Street's speed limit from 25 to 15 mph. Agsalog answered that the City Council would have to take action to change the ordinance and suggested that the Board make any desired recommendations to Council. A. Furuto asked if Agsalog had any opinion on HPD's changing work schedule (3-12 to 5-8). Agsalog replied that it's a policy issue and will be decided by those running the department and the union. 2) Takamura noted that many drivers won't give way to ambulances (and other emergency vehicles) and asked if the City Department of Emergency Services (ESD) could work with HPD on enforcement. Agsalog reminded the audience that he no longer works for ESD, he now works for the City Department of Community Services (DCS), but acknowledged that motorists should be more considerate of emergency vehicles. 3) Kyi-Yim commented that the Mayor is now talking about the previously distributed blue bins (which will now be used for green waste), but Moiliili still hasn't received the original gray bins used for trash. Agsalog was sympathetic to her concern, but stated that the administration has inherited many challenges. He added that the City is extending regular bulky item pickup to the whole island, which Moiliili has had for a while. 4) Kyi-Yim expressed her feeling that although it was good that the Mayor extended the life of the landfill, she wondered why the waste couldn't be sent to someone who wants it or who would make us pay less to put it there. Agsalog responded that the Mayor put together a $2 million benefits package for Leeward Coast residents, but the issue is complicated; in his experience, it takes many years to open a landfill. 5) Jean Fogarty relayed the concern that, on Kalakaua Avenue, from King Street to Kapiolani Boulevard, there are avocados trees along the median. One big avocado fell on her hood while she was driving and just missed breaking her windshield; these falling fruit could be dangerous. A. Furuto mentioned that she could file a claim with the City for damages. Agsalog thanked everyone for their concerns, and will follow up. Governors Representative Sandra Kunimoto distributed the Governor's Update and highlighted the following: 1) The potential measure to provide a tax refund for renters with incomes of less than $50,000 and other similar measures did not make it to the final committee. 2) The Governor has not taken a position on the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), but she supports increased funding and autonomy for UH. Takamura reported that there hasn't been any new graffiti on the freeway and thanked Kunimoto for her help. He asked how the Governor feels about the idea of universal health care for Hawaii residents, regardless of income, employment, etc. Kunimoto will follow up. Board of Water Supply (BWS) Chair Lockwood relayed the following information: 1) The 2006 Water Conservation Week Poster Contest's theme is "Each and Every Day I Save Water My Way". The deadline for entries is Thursday, March 9. Winners will receive a savings bond, will be included in the 2007 Water Conservation Calendar, and their entries will be displayed at City Hall to commemorate Water Conservation Week. For more information, go to www.boardofwatersupply.com or call 748-5041. 2) March 5-11 is Detect-A-Leak Week on Oahu. Promotional flyers and leak detection dye tablets for toilets will be available at BWS on Beretania Street, various hardware stores, and all satellite city halls. Elected Officials Councilmember Ann Kobayashi: Ed Honda circulated the report. Cheever noted that Bill 6 provides that homeowners with less than a combined $50,000 income would have the option to pay 4% of their income in property tax, and asked what if someone made just over that. Chair Lockwood offered his best guess that you pay the higher amount if you make just one dollar over $50,000.
Senator Carol Fukunaga: No representative present. Senator Brian Taniguchi: Poni Daines distributed the report and was available for questions. Representatives Kirk Caldwell, Scott Nishimoto and Scott Saiki: Eric L. La'a circulated the reports and was available for questions. FILLING OF VACANCIES: Chair Lockwood announced the vacancy in Sub-district 2. Eliza Talbot expressed her interest in filling the vacancy but had no identification to prove her residency. She gave a short speech introducing herself, noting her work at the Governor's office and in the legislature, and her presence at many different Neighborhood Board meetings. PRESENTATION: 1700 Kalakaua Avenue Project Steve Kurashima, representing the Tatsui Group, introduced Jean Fogaty of Fogarty Realty and her staff, Calvin Sato of Sato & Associates, Craig Kugisaki, Attorney at Law, and his staff. Kurashima gave the following background: The Tatsui group is based out of Osaka, Japan, and they have more developments in Hawaii and other states. The purchase of the 1700 Kalakaua Avenue property was made in December 2005. They have a rough blueprint of a 17-story structure (a concept picture was displayed). Floors nos. 1 through 5 would be for parking and nos. 6 through 17 would be residential. The original plan called for one- and two-bedroom units, but this area has a large supply of that, so the interior layouts were adjusted to provide one-bedrooms and studios with full kitchens and bathrooms and a lanai. There will be 96 studios and 24 one-bedrooms, all fee simple. One parking stall for each unit and some guest parking will be provided. He expressed that they are trying to appeal to a different segment of the population. The plans are still being redone, and have not yet been submitted to the City. They hope to submit by late spring or early summer and possibly being construction in the fall or in early 2007. They would like the construction costs to not negatively impact the feasibility of the project. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Kyi-Yim asked if there would be at least 120 parking stalls. Kurashima replied that there will be 141 stalls, which would entail one parking stall per unit and 21 stalls for guest parking. A resident questioned the effect on parking in the area if any residents of the new building have more than one car. Kurashima responded that they are currently doing more than the minimum of the legal requirements, which is just one parking stall per unit. 2) Neupane inquired about the lot size. Jean Fogarty answered that the lot is 22,664 square feet (about one-half acre), and the building will be approximately 18,000 square feet. Neupane contended that the bottom of the building will be unfriendly to pedestrians and suggested that they have a commercial "liner" around the ground level of the building, as many buildings do in urban areas. 3) Takamura expressed concern about the parking part of the structure because of the stream that may run under the proposed building. Kurashima responded that the stream is not really under the site and the all of the building will be above grade, including the parking. Takamura then asked what would happen if the market for studios and some one-bedrooms isn't there. Kurashima replied that they will make adjustments to the plans if the market changes. 4) Akau requested a ballpark price of the apartments. Kurashima indicated that the price is dependent on the construction costs, and the numbers printed in the paper are preliminary. 5) A. Furuto relayed his concern about the parking situation and inquired if they could provide two parking stalls for each one-bedroom. He continued to ask if they had contacted any of the neighbors to the site. A. Furuto added that residents pay a great deal of property tax here and this building will increase it; he would like to see property being utilized as much as possible, so residents get their money's worth. Kurashima noted that his presence at this meeting is to notify the neighborhood about the project, and they will continue to update the Board and the community. A. Furuto tried to speak again without recognition and was called out of order by Chair Lockwood. Chair Lockwood reminded everyone that recognition is required to speak and that no one can speak for a second time until everyone desiring to speak has had an opportunity to speak once. 6) Carl Novak questioned if this project will include any affordable housing. Kurashima answered that they will follow the guidelines. Craig Kugisaki specified that the unilateral agreement between the City and the owner requires: (a) two units to be sold as affordable housing; and (b) five units to be retained by the developer for 15 years as affordable rentals. 7) Eliza Talbot asked how many stories the building will include and how long the project will take to complete. Kurashima replied that the building will be 17 stories and will take 16-18 months to complete, after all required permits are obtained. Depending on the availability of contractors, the construction may not be started until January 2007. 8) Jack Katahira conveyed his concern about the parking, especially since there are already parking problems in the area. Already residents there have trouble leaving their driveways during peak traffic times. He inquired about the ingress/egress, and asked if the City could consider lowering the speed limit and/or putting in speed bumps. Kurashima responded that the entrance/exit will be behind the building, on Fern Street. A resident questioned why the entrance/exit couldn't be placed on Kalakaua Avenue. Kurashima emphasized that the City will probably require a traffic study and all of these concerns will be considered. 9) Raymond Lalosin inquired about the affect on the neighborhood's trash collection; he also asked what type of glass would be used in the building and requested that it not be mirrored. Kurashima answered that they have not yet decided on the type of glass for the building. Lalosin added that the construction noise levels could be disturbing to the disabled/handicapped living nearby. Chair Lockwood noted that a new electrical line will be installed along there in 2008. G. Furuto requested a public contact number; he foresees many concerns, especially about the trash pickup. He offered that the trash could be collected from Kalakaua Avenue. Stephanie Visaya Bose arrived at 8:29 p.m., making 13 members present. 10) A resident suggested that Fern Street be made one-way again to help traffic. 11) Takamura asked if this foreign developer will be the primary developer to carry this project to its conclusion. Kurashima replied that the developer has other investments and therefore a vested interest in Hawaii; he doesn't think the project will be abandoned. Kurashima indicated his own desire to retire here. 12) A. Furuto inquired if anyone notified the immediate neighbors about this meeting. Jack Katahira distributed flyers but the developer didn't notify anyone. Shirley Koczan stated that the issue has been on the agenda for two months. A. Furuto remarked that the Board should let owners of the surrounding properties know of the proposed development and expressed that he doesn't want the community to be apathetic. 13) A resident asked if the developer is required to provide setbacks. Craig Kugisaki answered that a setback of 12 feet is required for Kalakaua Avenue and 10 feet for Fern Street. 14) Eliza Talbot inquired about staff for the building after it's built and asked where they would park. Kurashima responded that there may be a resident manager, but there won't be too much more staff. A. Furuto asked where the construction workers will park while the project is being built. Kurashima will take these concerns under advisement but added that the project is in a very preliminary stage. 15) Chair Lockwood summarized from a report from the City Department of Design and Construction (DDC): (a) the developer in is compliance so far; (b) there is currently no requirement for a traffic study, but it's highly recommended; and (c) the developer must widen Kalakaua Avenue to provide a right-turn lane onto Fern Street. Chair Lockwood asked when Kurashima would return to the Board. Kurashima answered that it's hard to estimate the exact date they will return when they have final plans and a general contractor in place. A resident suggested that they use a union contractor. Kurashima added that they have an office at 425 Ena Road. Neupane departed at 8:42 p.m., making 12 members present. RESIDENTS CONCERNS: 1) Kyi-Yim described a beagle on Citron Street, at the second house from Hauoli Street, that constantly jumps the fence and runs around loose. The Humane Society has cited the owner twice. There is also a pit bull there that got loose and attacked another dog. Takamura added that there is a dog across from 2246 Date Street that urinates on cars, especially from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and noted that the owner may live two to three houses down. He asked if the City can do anything about these loose dogs. Tabor contributed that it's considered littering to leave dog feces and urged people to call 911 to complain. 2) Tabor expressed concern about the closing of Hawaii Raceway Park. She felt that it taught young adults how to handle cars responsibly, especially since she is a professional driver herself. Tabor wants the State to help put in another race track (with tax credits or something similar); she urged people to call their legislators. Chair Lockwood suggested that the Public Safety Committee have a meeting to consider this issue and report back to the Board with recommendations. 3) A. Furuto conveyed his concern about the newsletter and emphasized that he wants to ensure that this one gets finished and sent out. He mentioned that the newsletter doesn't contain anything about the new project planned for 1700 Kalakaua Avenue. A. Furuto again opined that the community is better served by police officers working a 3-12 schedule instead of a 5-8. A recess was taken from 8:53 to 9:11 p.m., during which G. Furuto departed, making 11 members present. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Newsletter Copies of the draft newsletter were distributed to the Board. Articles were discussed and amended. There were questions about the implied negativity of the included survey. During debate and amendment of the newsletter, Visaya Bose left at 9:30 p.m., making 10 members present. During debate on the survey, Akau departed at 9:50 p.m., making nine (9) members present. Unanimous consent was used to extend the meeting to 10 p.m. Kyi-Yim moved, and Cheever seconded, to postpone the approval of the newsletter to the next month, which was NOT adopted 8-1-0 (Aye: Cheever, Dela Cruz, Hata, Kyi-Yim, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Taleff; No: A. Furuto). The motion did not receive the necessary nine votes to be adopted. However, there was no more discussion, and the agenda moved forward. University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) Update Chair Lockwood imparted that UH President David McClain is in favor of the UARC. A. Furuto added that it's not a "done deal" the Board of Regents still needs to vote on the issue, which was confirmed by Chair Lockwood. Unanimous consent was used to extend the meeting to 10:15 p.m. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) Cheever reported that OMPO is the State agency that put together the 2030 Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP). There were meetings in February to garner public comments. He outlined four projects that may affect the area: 1) Project No. 116 H1 Freeway UH on- and off-ramp modifications Middle Street to University Avenue $60 million 2016-2030. 2) Project No. 124 H1 University off-ramp clover leaf modifications to make it easier to go in and out of Manoa Bingham Street to Alexander Street improvements something the Board has always wanted. 3) Project 175 Improvements to H1 Freeway to improve traffic flow Ward Avenue to University Avenue $13 million 2006-2015. 4) Project 18 More bike lanes for University Avenue and throughout the neighborhood. Chair Lockwood added that all of this information is available online at www.oahumpo.org. Questions, comments and concerns followed: 1) Janet Inamine, who previously circulated her concerns in writing, discussed the problems with an elevated transit system (an "El") on University Avenue. She emphasized the noise, lack of aesthetics, and the negative impact on the community. Inamine stated that she can't see the neighborhood with an "El", especially since it's not needed. She quoted past UH President Dobelle's words spoken in 2001 that 80% of UH students work. Inamine questioned why then rail transit to UH is needed. She wants the Board to ask the City to make a presentation about the proposed "El". Inamine mentioned that there will be more transit meetings to gather public input and she urged the community and particularly Board members to attend and express their concerns. 2) Pat Lee, part of the Public Involvement Team for the Honolulu High Capacity Transit Corridor Project, requested time on the Board's agenda to give monthly updates. He will give a full presentation when the project is completely ready. Lee specified that the "El" has not yet been confirmed as definite. Charter Commission Update Chair Lockwood relayed that the meetings will be held on March 21, 6 p.m., at Kailua High School, on March 28, 6 p.m., at Kapolei Hale, and on April 4, 6 p.m., at Hahaione Elementary School. HPD Legislation This item was deferred. Bus Stop Redevelopment Dela Cruz distributed a resolution in support of the bus stop realignment program (attached). Takamura moved, and Taleff seconded, to adopt the resolution. Discussion ensued: 1) A. Furuto moved to strike out the first "Whereas" clause, which was not considered because there was no second. 2) Takamura spoke in favor of the resolution, contending that it details the legitimate concerns of the neighborhood, and expressed that he feels that the bus system has greatly improved. Takamura moved to add another initiative to discuss bus stops along Kapiolani Boulevard, which was not considered because there was no second. 3) Chair Lockwood recalled receiving many calls/emails about this and urged people to give their opinions. 4) Janet Inamine expressed her concern about removing the bus stop on Kapiolani Boulevard between Kalakaua Avenue and McCully Street. 5) Dela Cruz moved, and Kyi-Yim seconded, to add a No. 7 to the first resolving clause: "7. Execute a public relations plan through the media to inform the public about proposed changes." The amendment was adopted unanimously, 9-0-0. The motion to adopt the resolution, as amended, was NOT adopted 8-1-0 (Aye: Cheever, Dela Cruz, Hata, Kyi-Yim, Lockwood, Tabor, Takamura, Taleff; No: A. Furuto). The motion did not receive the necessary nine votes to be adopted. NEW BUSINESS: A. Furuto moved to reconsider the vote on the motion to adopt the resolution in support of the Bus Stop Realignment Program, which was not considered, because there was no second. A. Furuto departed at 10:27 p.m., making eight (8) members present. At this time, a quorum ceased to be present. ADJOURNMENT: Due to lack of quorum, the meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m. Submitted by: Rachel M. Glanstein Neighborhood Assistant |
| Thursday, March 30, 2006 |