MAKIKI – LOWER PUNCHBOWL – TANTALUS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 10

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK LIBRARY, 2ND FLOOR
1527 KE’EAUMOKU STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96822
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mf66d21b6ef825a3d0e117ed0856d527b
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2500 575 4786
Password: NB10 (6210 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 (United States Toll)

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@cityandcountyneighborhoodc2559/search?query=Makiki

Purpose: §2-13-101 [Neighborhood Plan of 2008, City Charter.] “Purpose. The purpose of this neighborhood plan and the neighborhood boards is to increase and assure effective citizen participation in the decisions of government.”

Community Vision Statement: “A safe and healthy community with a lei of parks connected by roads, sidewalks, and public transportation; where daily life is not interrupted by loud vehicles and other obnoxious noises; where all community members are valued, including the least fortunate; and where residents are proud to live.”

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. Speakers are encouraged to keep their comments under three (3) minutes, and those giving reports are urged to keep their reports under three (3) minutes. Please silence all electronic devices.

Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of this 17-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. No item shall be added to the agenda if it is of reasonably major importance and action thereon by the board will affect a significant number of persons.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Nathan Char

II. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS (Priority is given to Responders Reports, pursuant to NP §2-14-112.)
A. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD)
B. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS) – Michelle Harman

III. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Thursday, August 15, 2024
B. Nice Neighborhood Committee Report
C. Candidate Forum Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Report
D. Supporting a Protective Fence at Makiki Community Gardens
E. Discussion on Safety Concerns at the Laundromat on Liholiho Street
F. Discussion on Concerns of Squatters at 1525 Liholiho Street
G. Discussion on Establishing a New Dog Park at the Punahou Square Park (1526 Punahou Street)
H. Follow-up Discussion on the Opposition to the Piʻikoi Mini Park Sale
I. Discussion on the Proposed Affordable Housing Building at 1617 Alapaʻi Street

IV. STATE OF HAWAIʻI ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS
A. Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Russell Pang
B. Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11)
C. Representative Della Au Belatti (House District 26)
D. Representative Scott Nishimoto (House District 23)
E. Representative Andrew Garrett (House District 22)

V. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Office of Housing (HOU) Executive Director Denise Iseri-Matsubara
B. City Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5)
C. City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6)

VI. RESIDENT/COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Per the “Sunshine Law” (HRS 92), concerns not on the agenda may be presented, but the Board cannot take action. Limited to two (2) minutes each.

VII. COMMUNITY REPORTS
A. Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch – Chuck Lee makikipb.nsw@gmail.com
B. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) – John Steelquist

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Next Regular Meeting: The Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 is scheduled to meet on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park and online via Webex.
B. Broadcast: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of the month and again on the first and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
C. Social Media: You can follow us at Facebook.com/MakikiNB
D. Board Member Contact Information: Go to https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10/

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Map of the subdistrict boundaries: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/10_Makiki.jpg

Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Budget Planning: Suggestions for projects in the Neighborhood Board district and adjacent areas are welcome at any time to prepare for planning actions and the next fiscal year.

A mailing list is maintained for interested persons and agencies to receive this board’s agenda and minutes. Additions, corrections, and deletions to the mailing list may be directed to the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) at Kapālama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, by telephone on (808) 768-3710, fax (808) 768-3711, or emailing nco@honolulu.gov. Agenda documents and minutes are also available online at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco/boards.html.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours of the meeting, written and/or oral testimony may be submitted directly to the Board at the meeting. If submitting written testimony, please note the Board and agenda item(s) your testimony concerns. Send to: Neighborhood Commission Office, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160, Honolulu, HI 96817, fax (808) 768-3711, email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov, or complete the form on https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/testimony/.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability or an interpreter for a language other than English, please call the Neighborhood Commission Office at (808) 768-3710 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or send an email to nco@honolulu.gov at least three (3) business days before the scheduled meeting. It may not be possible to fulfill requests received after this date.

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
MAKIKI DISTRICT PARK LIBRARY 2ND FLOOR AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Video Recording of Meeting Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWEHe8aTR_0

Google Drive Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1su4uYFuTVRMZYxBlR8WnaR0cDMcjbHjE

1. CALL TO ORDER [0:00:14]

Chair Char called the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10 meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Quorum WAS established with 11 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires 9 members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Members Present: Ian Ross, Thomas Baldwin, Nathaniel Char, Sam Granger, Richard Kawano, Chuck Lee, Sam Mitchell, Harris Nakamoto, Claire Santos, John Steelquist, Corinne Carson, Ken Peck (6:24 p.m.), and Janel Fujinaka (6:35 p.m.).

Members Absent: Geni Lakalaka-Manupuna, Hugh Kojima, Eric Salassa and Paul Klink.

Guests: Firefighter Larry Moore (HFD); Michelle Harman (BWS); Tom Heinrich, Representative Della Au Belatti (Representative Belattii); HOU Executive Director Denise Iseri-Matsubara (Mayor Blangiardi); Councilmember Calvin Say; Robin Henski (Councilmember Santos-Tam); Adam Strubeck, Amanda Kirby, C. Gleason, Chisato, David Chang, Ronald Higa, Chassity Santiago, Anne Smoke, Bailey Matsuda, Hector, Jane, Janel Denny, Jenny Choy, Justin Limasa, Karen, Regina, Russell Pang, Ryan. Stephen Courtney, Jennifer Peters, Diane H., Michele Luke, Desda Kane, Hiro Toiya, Letitia Yee, Benjamin Peters, Rich Caz, Tiiu Talva, Pero P., Noenoe Silva, Judd Sakamoto, Deborah King, and Susan Wilson (Residents/Guests); Rachel Cristobal (NCO). Note: Name not included if not legible or stated for the record. There were approximately 67 total participants.

2. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU MONTHLY REPORTS [0:00:22]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) [0:00:27]: Firefighter Larry Moore provided the report. Highlights included the July 2024 statistics and the fire safety tip of the month regarding back to school fire safety.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EOjOwqHwAj7z5xPn-YEby9phO40QF76a/view?usp=drive_link
● Website: https://fire.honolulu.gov
Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:02:58].

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) [0:22:54]: No representative present.

Member Peck joined at 6:24 p.m.; 12 members present.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) [0:23:20]: Michelle Harman gave the report. Highlights included one water main break that occurred on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 and a questionnaire regarding water access and affordability. The survey will be supporting BWS to implement programs that can help vulnerable residents.
● Oʻahu Household Questionnaire: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10x8Mmw9tKS9nG-qwDOTZKXj7gXYq2GEA/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [0:24:54].

3. BOARD BUSINESS [0:27:29]

Filling of Vacancy – 1 in Subdistrict 2 [0:27:30]: No volunteers. This item was incorrectly placed on the meeting agenda. There were no vacancies at the time of the agenda being distributed or the meeting.

Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes: Thursday, July 18, 2024 [0:28:12]: Member Steelquist MOVED and Member Santos SECONDED to approve the Thursday, July 18, 2024 Regular Meeting Written Summary for Video Record as written [0:28:24]. Hearing no discussion, the Board conducted a voice vote. The motion WAS ADOPTED; 12–0–0 (Aye: Baldwin, Carson, Granger, Kawano, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Santos, Steelquist, Char; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:28:56].

Establishing the Nice Neighborhoods PIG and a Report From the Nice Neighborhoods Committee [0:29:03]: Nakamoto and Lee provided their report from the Nice Neighborhoods Committee. Highlights included the following: Committee meeting overview, 1454 Kinau Street update, 666 Prospect Street issues, community involvement, future plans, social services and volunteer opportunities. Santos shared that if the committee is looking for more volunteers that she is interested in joining.

Member Fujinaka joined at 6:31 p.m.; 13 members present.

1617 Alapai St. and Discussion of Any New Information [0:40:29]: Santos MOVED and Lee SECONDED to adopt the resolution in opposition to the Bill 7 for affordable rental building at 1617 Alapai Street. There was a long discussion due the Board and the community taking turns on speaking in favor and against the resolution. Member Mitchell MOVED and Member Steelquist SECONDED to defer the board business item to the next meeting [1:09:18]. There was a brief discussion if a discussion is required or allowed when there is a motion to defer an item. After the discussion, Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll call vote to determine if the item will be deferred [1:13:42]. The motion was NOT ADOPTED 4-7-1 (Aye: Baldwin, Granger, Kawano, Steelquist; Nay: Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Ross, Santos, Char; Abstain: Carson) [1:15:06]. The Board continued the discussion by having individuals speak for or against the resolution. The Chair called the question and Neighborhood Assistant Rachel Cristobal conducted a roll vote [1:28:26]. The motion to adopt the resolution in opposition to the BIll 7 was NOT ADOPTED due to a ⅔ vote was not met 7-3-2 (Aye: Granger, Lee, Mitchell, Nakamoto, Peck, Santos, Steelquist; Nay: Baldwin, Carson, Ross; Abstain: Kawano, Char) [1:32:00]. Item was deferred to the next meeting.

1525 Liholiho St. and the Discussion of the Squatters on the Property [1:36:25]: There were significant safety concerns at 1525 Liholiho Street due to persistent problems with squatting, illegal activity, and fire hazards. This situation has alarmed local residents, particularly the elderly, who contemplated legal action. From Thursday, July 25, 2024 to Friday, August 6, 2024, Honolulu Police Department officers monitored the property, offered assistance to individuals present but struggled due to the absence of “No Trespassing” signs and difficulty contacting the property owner. Member Ross made a recommendation on reaching out to the property owner, to install the necessary signs and establish an agreement that would permit neighbors to call 911 in emergencies.

Presentation by Hiro Toiya on Disaster Preparedness for Condos and Kupuna [1:44:07]: Hiro highlighted the following items:
● 14-Day Disaster Supply Kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nd9WhsSBXyeCiUjivTgI11jZMIMoWM-d/view?usp=drive_link
● Disaster Preparedness for Seniors: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14VyIL7dPzk-3UQgEScnGSX9ipCzx6SRe/view?usp=drive_link
● Evacuation Go Bag: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rxme69oTjPnBRNMw7hFsg-PfV_fU-EcL/view?usp=drive_link
● Local Hazard Mitigation Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iFAneN279Wc0znGokNkJjupyhdyympmc/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [1:55:20].

Discussion of Holding a Candidate Forum for the October Meeting and Establishing a Forum PIG [1:58:16]: Chair Char shared how he was advised that establishing a PIG is not necessary in order to hold a candidate forum. However, Members Ross, Steelquist, Kawano and Chair Char expressed interest in joining if there was a PIG, so a PIG was established. There was also a brief discussion on the PIG meeting process.

Discussion of the Establishment of a Dog Park [2:03:04]: Member Ross shared that Councilmember Tyler Dos-Santos Tam provided documents to be filled out to request for a dog park. He requested to meet with Chair Char within the next week or two to collaborate as the Board has passed a resolution. The deadline of the paper works is believed to be sometime in September 2024.

Follow-Up on the Opposition to the Piikoi Mini Park sale [2:03:56]: Member Ross announced that City Council recently passed a resolution permitting the sale. From his understanding at the meeting, the Boardʻs position was portrayed as being unsure. He expressed that the Board speaks as one voice, so if a resolution was passed that is the stated position of the Board. Member Ross also shared that he has received angry emails from constituents from the result.

Discussion of the Lack of Safety of the Laundromat on Liholiho St. [2:05:47]: Chair Char shared that the laundromat is in poor condition, so the property’s door fell on a community member. He announced questions that were directed to the City Councilmembers and City Officials regarding what they can do and what can be done.

Follow-Up on the Opposition to the Piikoi Mini Park Sale (Continued) [2:06:50]: Amanda Kirby asked if it was possible to request for an amendment for the restrictions to protect the green space when a resolution is passed by the City Council. Councilmember Calvin Say informed that it can be done with the Department of Corporation Council, once the sale has been consummated with the deed being transferred over. A provision may be requested if the buyer is willing to accept.

4. STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS [2:12:41]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative [2:13:08]: Russell Pang highlighted the following: 253 bills were signed into law and the Nice Neighborhood Committee meeting with John Minzuno and Sam Moku.
● Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-August-2024-FINAL-2.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:14:15].

Senator Carol Fukunaga (Senate District 11) [2:15:20]: No representative present.

Representative Della Au Belatti (House District 26) [2:15:37]: Tom Heinrich thanked everyone for her re-election; she will serve House District 26 from Tuesday, November 5, 2024, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, without being on the general election ballot. As Chair of the House Committee on Health and Homelessness, she organized briefings and site visits, coordinated with the Committee on Human Services. A community meeting will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss little fire ants in the Papakōlea area. Finally, he encouraged early communication with elected officials about potential bills or district projects.

Representative Scott Nishimoto (House District 23) [2:18:07]: No representative present. No report provided.

Representative Andrew Garrett (House District 22) [2:18:18]: No representative present. No report provided.

5. CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU ELECTED OFFICIAL MONTHLY REPORTS [2:18:27]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative [2:18:27]: Denise Iseri-Matsubara highlighted the following: Homeless services provided by the Nice Neighborhood Committee that Member Nakamoto is involved in; Makiki Skate Park lighting; Bill 7 on Ernest Street; houseless at Cartwright Field; and Piikoi Mini Park.
● Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gzaTT5NEjBXyiPQ2F_2up-s4yeexbzSX/view?usp=drive_link

Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5) [2:22:14]: Councilmember Say spoke earlier in the meeting.
● Newsletter: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/66ac230fe456c769fd276a41/1722557206951/August+2024+Newsletter.pdf

Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6) [2:22:20]: Robin Henski highlighted the following: Collaborative meeting on Saturday, September 24, 2024; signage request on Alapai Street; and capacity and infrastructure issues.
● Newsletter: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/66ad39ec55f13c228a377e4f/1722628610910/2024.08+Newsletter+%281%29.pdf

Questions, comments, and concerns followed [2:23:49].

6. RESIDENT / COMMUNITY CONCERNS [2:24:56]

Discuss Potential Improvements on Makiki Community Garden [2:25:03]: Adam Strubeck, who is an Officer from the Makiki Community Garden requested if the Board would add this item to their next meeting agenda to discuss since it has remained the same since 1975. He was open to providing a presentation.

7. COMMUNITY REPORTS [2:26:28]

Makiki/Lower Punchbowl Neighborhood Security Watch Report [2:26:29]: No report.

O’ahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) [2:26:38]: No report.

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS [2:26:42]

Next Regular Meeting: The next meeting of the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No.10 is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Makiki District Park and online via WebEx.

Broadcast: The meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo FOCUS 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the first Friday of the month and again on the first and third Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

Social Media: You can follow us at Facebook.com/MakikiNB
Board Member Contact Information: Go to https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/nb10/

9. ADJOURNMENT [2:27:22]: The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by: Nathaniel Char, Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board No. 10

To view agenda and minutes, visit our board website.

Event shows physical location; however, other options of participation may also include WebEx and phone.  If available, instructions for WebEx and phone can be found at the top of the agenda.