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City dedicates the Zachary M. Manago Memorial Bikeway

The parents of Zachary Manago, Dennis (orange shirt) and Daphne (with lei) joined the mayor at today’s dedication.

Honolulu – Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Councilmember Joey Manahan dedicated the Zachary M. Manago Memorial Bikeway today while joined by Zachary’s parents, Dennis and Daphne Manago.

“We want this bikeway to serve as a reminder of Zachary’s vision for our city,” said Mayor Caldwell. “Zachary was extremely passionate about making our roads safer. It’s an honor to dedicate this bikeway in Zachary’s name and I thank his family for their support and continuing to advocate for safe roads throughout our city.”

Bill 77 (2017), CD1, introduced by Councilmember Manahan and signed into law by Mayor Caldwell, directed the city to name the bicycle lanes along Ala Napunani Street where Manago was raised in his memory and to erect appropriate signage reflecting this designation.

“Zachary Manago was passionate about Complete Streets so more people could ride their bikes without having to fear for their safety,” said Councilman Manahan. “Dedicating these bike lanes in his name not only honors his memory, but it also serves as an everyday reminder for all commuters – motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians – to share our roads. Mahalo to the Manago family and friends for their continued support and volunteer efforts to raise awareness so Honolulu can be a safer place to commute and to live, work, and play.”

Manago was a celebrated Moanalua High School graduate and all-star baseball player who was attending Hawai‘i Pacific University as an 18-year old freshman when he was tragically killed in a hit-and-run collision along Kamehameha Highway near the Leilehua Golf Course on December 17, 2010, while on a group ride with friends.

“The Manago family is so thankful for everyone who has worked so hard to make Zach’s vision for more bike lanes and safer streets become a reality,” said Dennis and Daphne Manago, Zachary’s parents. “It’s an honor to have the Ala Napunani Street bike lanes named in memory of our son, and we will continue to promote bicycle safety in Hawai‘i. Our hope is that Zach’s name will serve as a reminder to always share the road and ride and drive with a heart of Aloha.”

“Thanks to the Mayor and the Department of Transportation Services for implementing the city’s Complete Streets law,” added Chad Taniguchi, executive director of the Hawai‘i Bicycling League. “Bike lanes and paths may mean the difference between life and death for people who choose to bike. They are no less necessary than sidewalks for people who walk. Drive slowly and carefully please.”

-PAU-

04/23/18 Foster Botanical Garden closing for pathway improvements

Monday, April 23, 2018
Nathan Serota (808) 768-3046

Foster Botanical Garden closing for pathway improvements

“Slurry Seal” to be applied to garden’s asphalt pathway

Honolulu – The city’s oldest botanical garden, a tropical gem amidst downtown Honolulu, is scheduled to close for one day to allow for improvements to the asphalt pathway.

The application of “Slurry Seal” to the asphalt pathways at Foster Botanical Garden is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 24, weather permitting.

Approximately 9,210 square feet of pathway will be treated with a sealant designed to protect and enhance the condition of the asphalt pathway through the botanical garden.

“While most of the botanical garden staff help to maintain the garden’s lush plant life, we must also take care of the manmade facilities which help make the garden accessible to everyone,” said Joshlyn Sand, Director of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens. “We hope this project will enhance the garden experience for our visitors, making this unique attraction even more enjoyable.”

The nearly $24,000 contract for the work was awarded to Alakona Corporation.

The 14-acre Foster Botanical Garden is the oldest of the city’s five botanical gardens; some of the garden’s magnificent trees were planted by Dr. William Hillebrand in the 1850’s. It is home to hundreds of species of tropical plants, trees and flowers, including the ever-popular Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the Corpse Flower.

-PAU-

Follow the Department of Parks and Recreation on social media:

Twitter: @honolulu_parks Instagram: @honolulu_parks Facebook: facebook.com/honolulu.parks

04/23/2018 2018 AMI, affordable housing income limites released

Monday, April 23, 2018
Curtis Lum, (808) 768-8284

2018 AMI, affordable housing income limits released

            The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) has released the 2018 area median income (AMI) for Honolulu and affordable housing income limits, which serve as guidelines in qualifying purchasers and renters for affordable units as part of Unilateral Agreement conditions adopted in zone change amendments.

            The affordable housing income limits are based on the AMI set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This year, HUD determined that the city’s AMI is $96,000, an increase of nearly 11 percent from last year’s $86,600. This is the largest year-over increase for Honolulu since HUD began releasing AMI figures in 1990.

            The DPP translates the HUD AMI to determine home prices and rental guidelines for various income groups in Honolulu. For example, the limit for a household of four at the median level (100 percent) in 2018 is $116,600, up from last year’s $104,600. The maximum monthly rent for this household is $2,756 for a two-bedroom unit, according to DPP calculations.

            The information is key because it is used by developers to set affordable homes sales prices and rents based on income groups and household size. Developers are typically required to provide a certain percentage of affordable units in a housing project when land is rezoned to permit the residential community.

            A complete list of the 2018 affordable housing income limits and maximum prices by income groups and household size is available at https://bit.ly/2EV8ZLb.

-PAU-

04/20/18 Disaster Recovery Centers to open on O‘ahu for residents and businesses affected by recent ...

Disaster Recovery Centers to open on O‘ahu for residents and businesses affected by recent severe weather and flooding

Honolulu – As announced by Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Governor David Ige during Wednesday’s press conference, two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will be established on O‘ahu to provide services and information to people whose property was damaged by the recent heavy rains and flooding in East Honolulu and Waimānalo.

Recovery centers will be open at the following locations and times:

Monday, April 23, 2018, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WaimānaloDistrict Park

41-415 Hihimanu Street, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i 96795

Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Koko Head District Park

423 Kaumakani Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96825

Wednesday, April 25, 2018, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Waimānalo District Park

41-415 Hihimanu Street, Waimānalo, Hawai‘i 96795

Thursday, April 26, 2018, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Koko Head District Park

423 Kaumakani Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96825

State and city agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs), such as the American Red Cross, will provide information about available services and assistance. The following are the city, state, and non-government organizations that will be represented at the Disaster Recovery Centers:

City and County of Honolulu

Department of Emergency Management

650 South King Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

(808) 723-8960 Fax (808) 524-3439

www.honolulu.gov/DEM

Emergency Management Coordination

Budget and Fiscal Services Department

33 S. King Street, #101

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

(808) 768-3799

Real property tax remission

Department of Community Services

925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 200

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96817

Phone: (808) 768-7762 FAX: (808) 768-7792

Low Interest Disaster Rehabilitation Loans

Department of Planning and Permitting

650 S. King Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

(808) 768-8220 Fax (808) 527-6743

Disaster Related Permit Fee Waivers

State of Hawai‘i

State Department of Land and Natural Resources

National Flood Insurance Program (DLNR NFIP)

1151 Punchbowl Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i. 96813

(808) 587-0400

http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/nfip/

State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection (DCCA OCP)

335 Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

(808) 587-3222

http://cca.hawaii.gov/

Guidance to file insurance claims and general insurance questions

State of Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)

3949 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816

(808) 733-4300

Emergency Management Coordination

State of Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture

1428 South King Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/agl/

Agricultural Loans

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources

Office of the Associate Dean and Associate Director for Cooperative Extension Service

3050 Maile Way, Gilmore 203B

https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/home.aspx

Crop production expertise

Non-Government Organizations

American Red Cross Hawai‘i State Chapter

4155 Diamond Head Road

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96816

(808) 734-2101

Emergency Supply Distribution and Recovery Information

‘Āina Haina Prepared (AHP) (Koko Head DRC only)

ainahainaprepared@gmail.com

Manual labor cleaning, scrubbing, moving furniture on property.

General Contractors Association of Hawai‘i (GCA)

1065 Ahua Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96819

Phone number (808) 833-1681

https://www.gcahawaii.org/

Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i (BIA)

94-487 Akoki Street, Waipahu, Hawai‘i 96797

(808) 847-4666

http://www.biahawaii.org/

Hawai‘i Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Hawai‘i VOAD)

https://hivoad.communityos.org/cms/home

Manual labor to remove mud from interior and exterior of homes, transportation of large debris to C&C roll offs, mold remediation, emotional support

Residents visiting the Disaster Recovery Centers will first be registered and then invited to visit each of the participating organizations based on their particular needs. Residents should be prepared to provide some form of government issued identification, insurance information (if insured), as well as information regarding the damage and losses incurred to their residence and or business.

NOTE: If you are disabled and require access assistance or assistance with an interpreter or if you or someone you know needs language assistance, please call John M. Cummings III, Public Information Officer at 808-723-8938 or email at jcummings@honolulu.gov as soon as possible before your visit to the recovery center.

-PAU-

04/20/18 Blue Line Project raises awareness about climate change

Blue Line Project raises awareness about climate change

Blue Line

Honolulu – The city’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency is teaming up with the Blue Planet Foundation this Saturday, April 21 to encourage students and other community members to chalk “blue lines” in order to mark areas where sea level rise is expected to have an impact in the not so distant future.

“The recent 30-year storm that struck neighborhoods from East O‘ahu to Waimānalo shows all of us that climate change is real and is having a significant impact on private property and public infrastructure,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “Sea level rise is also eating away at our beaches, so this Blue Line Project is a great way to raise our collective consciousness on how we need to prepare.”

Blue Line Project locations on Oʻahu include Ala Moana, ‘Ewa Beach, Hawaiʻi Kai, Lanikai, Mōʻiliʻili, Pearl City, Waiʻanae and Waikīkī. Anyone who wants to participate is asked to register online at: www.blueplanetfoundation.org/bluelineregistration/.

“As an island community we are the most exposed to climate change and our youth know it,” said Josh Stanbro, Chief Resilience Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency. “This is a serious issue, but the Blue Line Project is a chance for the community to bring all ages together and use street art to draw a shared vision for climate resilience across Oʻahu.”

The Blue Line Project is a locally-powered initiative spearheaded by the Blue Planet Foundation to help raise awareness about the impacts of climate change. Sponsors of the initiative include the crew of Hōkūleʻa, Sierra Club Hawaiʻi, Sunrun, the Surfrider Foundation Oʻahu Chapter, Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi, and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

“The Blue Line Project is a meaningful opportunity for students to engage on a critical issue that will impact their lives," said Jeff Mikulina, Executive Director of the Blue Planet Foundation. “Because of our carbon pollution, we will have to literally redraw maps of our islands within the lifetimes of these students. This is our wake-up call and it’s urgent that we quickly transition all of our energy use to clean, abundant and renewable sources.”

O‘ahu’s exposure to a 3.2-foot sea level rise was identified by the Hawaiʻi State Climate Commission and would have a severe impact on homes, businesses, and public places like parks, schools and community centers.

-PAU-

04/19/18 Bulky item crews complete initial post-storm service from East Oahu to Waimānalo

Bulky item crews complete initial post-storm service from East Oahu to Waimānalo

East O‘ahu – As of today, Thursday, April 19, city bulky item collection crews with the Department of Environmental Services completed their initial sweep of all areas from East O‘ahu to Waimānalo that were identified by the American Red Cross as most-impacted by this past weekend's 30-year storm. According to the American Red Cross, three homes were destroyed and another 163 were damaged by severe flash flooding.

As the clean-up continues over the coming days, the city encourages affected residents to either place their bulky items for curbside collection, or drop them off at the collection bins stationed at the Hawai‘i Kai Park and Ride lot and Kawaikui Beach Park. Today, the city added a second bin to both of these locations and the bins will remain in place through the weekend.

Meanwhile, bulky item collection crews will be back out in the impacted areas on Friday and through next week, which is when bulky item collection is normally scheduled to start in East Honolulu.

For residents in the areas of Wai‘alae- Kāhala through ‘Āina Haina, please make sure your bulky items are placed at the curb by 6 a.m. Monday morning, April 23, to ensure collection.
For residents in the areas of Niu Valley though Hawai‘i Kai, please make sure your bulky items are placed at the curb by 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, April 25, to ensure collection.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell thanks the city’s bulky item collection crews for all of their hard work to get these areas collected, and the Department of Environmental Services thanks the public for its patience as crews get to specific addresses.

If your bulky items have not been collected by Saturday, April 28, please call the Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division, at 768-3200 or email them at collection@honolulu.gov.

Residents impacted by the storm are asked to refrain from taking their bulky waste to the Waimānalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill as it’s the city’s goal to incinerate the waste at H-POWER.

-PAU-

04/19/18 Unsafe conditions require facility reconfiguration at Hale‘iwa Beach Park

Thursday, April 19, 2018
Nathan Serota (808) 768-3046

Unsafe conditions require facility reconfiguration at Hale‘iwa Beach Park

Erosion resulting in removal of showers, closure of comfort station entrances, and more secure barriers

Haleiwa Beach Park Erosion PressRelease Pic

Hale‘iwa – Certain facilities at Hale‘iwa Beach Park are being secured, removed, and in some cases replaced as a result of safety concerns posed by erosion.

On the Waimea-side of the park, a seawall fronting an outdoor shower and comfort station is continuing to show signs of severe erosion. The affected areas have been marked off, but further erosion and the development of sink holes behind the seawall have resulted in the undermining of the foundations for the adjacent walkways and facilities.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, with guidance from the Department of Design and Construction, have determined that several of the nearby facilities must be removed or secured to ensure public safety. This popular location is frequented by locals and visitors, and the goal is to keep the pubic safe.

There are several immediate actions being taken as a result of these safety concerns:

The makai entrances to both sides of the comfort stations are being secured. The mauka access to these bathroom facilities will remain open.
The outdoor shower is being decommissioned and removed. We are currently exploring other, safer locations for replacement showers. The other shower located at the Waialua-end of the beach park will remain.
A sturdier chain-link fence will be installed to restrict access and mitigate further erosion from foot traffic.

Additionally, arborists with the Division of Urban Forestry will be assessing the integrity of several palm trees near the sea wall whose root balls have been exposed due to the beach erosion.

The city is looking at long-term solutions to address this seawall and beach erosion that takes into account the current model of anticipated sea level rise.

We want to thank the public for their patience and understanding while these measures are taken to ensure public safety. We urge the public to please refrain from approaching the restricted areas and from engaging in any unsafe activity that might pose a danger to themselves or result in further damage to the park facilities.

-PAU-

Follow the Department of Parks and Recreation on social media:

Twitter: @honolulu_parks Instagram: @honolulu_parks Facebook: facebook.com/honolulu.parks

04/18/18 City introduces appointment system to shorten wait for driver licensing services

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Harold Nedd: (808) 225-0716

City introduces appointment system to shorten wait for driver licensing services

Honolulu – The Department of Customer Services announces that it has initiated an appointment system to help eliminate the wait time for driver license transactions.

O‘ahu residents should go to license.honolulu.gov to see when and where appointments are available.

“We have been studying the way that our residents do business with city government and we are aiming to change it for the better,” said Customer Services Director Sheri Kajiwara. “This will require revising expectations on both sides. A driver license can be renewed up to six months before expiration while retaining your birthday validity date. For most people, renewals come up only once every eight years. We are asking people not to wait until the last minute, but to find a time to come in and get the job done by appointment.”

Much like making an appointment to see a doctor or dentist, O‘ahu residents can now go online to make an appointment to renew or replace a driver’s license. Appointments can be scheduled up to one month in advance at license.honolulu.gov.

O‘ahu residents can also apply for an exact duplicate driver’s license or instruction permit from the convenience of their mobile device or home computer at license.honolulu.gov. The online service is only for an exact duplicate of a driver’s license or instruction permit.

The online system will not allow changes to address, name, or other information and can only be mailed to the address on file. The online fee for a duplicate license or permit is $6 plus a non-refundable service fee of $1. Payment must be made by credit or debit card.

-PAU-

04/17/18 Honolulu Complete Streets community meeting scheduled April 24

Honolulu Complete Streets community meeting scheduled April 24

Complete Streets

Honolulu – The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Complete Streets Program is pleased to announce a public kick-off meeting focused on University Avenue, McCully Street and Metcalf Street (see attached flyer and poster).

The meeting will be held at the Washington Middle School Cafeteria, 1633 S. King Street, from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24. The meeting will include a presentation followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their priorities for these streets and consider concept sketches in an open house format.

“Streets are our city’s greatest asset as far as open space and it makes sense to maximize their use so that all modes of transportation are accommodated,” said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. “I urge residents to get involved and tell us about their ideas and vision for these well-travelled streets so that we create spaces that everyone can safely enjoy.”

The purposes of the meeting is to inform the community about the project and its scope; to gain an understanding from the community as to how people use these streets whether they live, work, shop or study in the area; and to consider concepts aimed at improving these streets for all modes of transportation and abilities.

Complete Streets is part of a transportation and design approach that aims to create a comprehensive, integrated network of streets that are safe and convenient for all people. Complete Streets is designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities traveling by foot, bicycle, transit, or automobile. The principles supporting Complete Streets moves away from streets designed with a singular focus on automobiles toward a design approach that is context-sensitive, multimodal, and integrated with the community's vision and sense of place.

Community engagement is important to ensure the Department of Transportation Services develops recommendations that reflect community needs and character. To stay informed of community meeting dates, to provide feedback, and to subscribe to our mailing list, please visit the Complete Streets homepage at: www.honolulu.gov/completestreets.

For questions and/or comments on the University/McCully/Metcalf Complete Streets project, or if special accommodations are needed for this meeting, please contact Erron Redoble, Civil Engineer at (808) 768-8328. Please allow one week of lead time for accommodations.

-PAU-

04/16/18 City supplying roll-off dumpsters in East Honolulu to aid flood recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, April 16, 2018
Markus Owens, ENV PIO: 768-3454

City supplying roll-off dumpsters in East Honolulu to aid flood recovery

HONOLULU – The City and County of Honolulu will place two large roll-off dumpsters in East Honolulu for residents to drop off storm-damaged items starting Tuesday.

The two locations are the Hawai‘i Kai Park and Ride Facility and Kawaikui Beach Park, located at the bottom of Hawai‘i Loa Ridge.

Residents will only be able to drop off items damaged from last weekend’s storm. The bins will be removed and replaced each morning through Friday.

Items not accepted include hazardous materials, major appliances, regular trash or any non-storm related debris.

As a reminder, normal bulky item pickup for the ‘Aina Hina area begins Monday, April 23 and normal bulky item pickup for area from Niu Valley to Hawai‘i Kai begins on Wednesday, April 25. The Department of Environmental Services will be surveying the storm-affected areas and will provide targeted additional bulky item pickup for areas with significant storm debris. Residents in storm-damaged areas will not be cited for early set out of bulky materials.

-PAU-

Office of the Mayor

City Council

Details: Last Updated: 04 October 2017