NU‘UANU – PUNCHBOWL NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 12

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Video-Teleconference: The Board will be making a good-faith effort to provide the public with the opportunity to observe the meeting as it happens and an opportunity to provide oral testimony without a physical presence in the physical meeting room, in accordance with the Governor’s Eighth Supplementary Proclamation, Related to the COVID-19 Emergency. Please ensure that your computer or phone is muted unless you are speaking.

Please join us by Webex
Meeting link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m22265d6903aed1cdfb69d62e9e22bc7c
Meeting number/Access code: 2493 014 7034
Password: NB12 (6212 from phones and video systems)
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Physical location: Kapālama Hale 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Room 153, Honolulu, HI 96817
*This is an alternative meeting location open to public participation.

Board Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@cityandcountyneighborhoodc2559/search?query=Nuuanu

Rules of Speaking: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise his/her hand, and when recognized by the Chair, to address comments to the Chair. Our public and elected officials giving reports are encouraged to keep their comments to less than three (3) minutes, board member’s comments limited to two minutes for each order of business, presenters are limited to 10 (ten) minutes for the presentation portion and community member input is limited to two (2) minutes per participant. Please silence all electronic devices.
Note: The Board may take action on any agenda item. As required by the State Sunshine Law (HRS Ch. 92), specific issues not noted on this agenda cannot be voted on, unless added to the agenda. A two-thirds (2/3) vote (10) of this 15-member Board is needed to add an item to the agenda. Adding an item to the agenda, however, is not permitted if (1) the item to be added is of reasonably major importance and (2) action on the item by the board will affect a significant number of persons. Determination of whether a specific matter may be added to an agenda must be done on a case-by-case basis.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Patrick Smith

II. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Honolulu Fire Department
B. Honolulu Police Department
1. District 1
2. District 5
3. Neighborhood Security Watch Reports – Paula Kurashige
C. Board of Water Supply

III. FILLING OF VACANCIES
There are two (2) vacancies in Subdistrict 1 (Punchbowl).
(Proof of residency required, Oath of Office, as needed)

IV. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS
A. OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org) – Rae Gee
B. Papakolea Community Updates – Adrienne Dillard

V. RESIDENTS’/COMMUNITY CONCERNS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)

VI. ELECTED OFFICIALS (Limited to three (3) minutes each)
A. Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – Director Kim Hashiro
B. Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
C. Governor Josh Green’s Representative
D. District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads
E. District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi
F. Federal Elected Officers & other Elected Officials

VII. BOARD BUSINESS
A. Pali Highway Pedestrian Safety Concerns Around Wood St.
B. Concerns for treatment of Hawaiian Ducks
C. Potential Expansion of Number of City Dog Parks
D. Consideration of Allowing Other Subdistricts to Fill Vacant Board Positions
E. Approval of Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes

VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Board Meeting – The next Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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, Hawaiʻi 96817; Telephone (808) 768-3710 Fax (808) 768-3711; or Email nco@honolulu.gov. Agendas and minutes are also available on the internet at www.honolulu.gov/nco

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.

All written testimony must be received in the Neighborhood Commission Office 48 hours prior to the meeting. If within 48 hours, 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, Hawaiʻi 96817. Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING WRITTEN SUMMARY FOR VIDEO RECORD
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024 7:00 P.M.
KAPĀLAMA HALE CONFERENCE ROOM 153 – 925 DILLINGHAM BOULEVARD, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI, 96817 AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7llfoTibcUk

Reports and other meeting materials can be found at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Th_r5SpEofyVf6k1XoeuiP9z_Xfa77xN

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]

Pro Tem Chair Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 10 members present. (Note – This 15-member Board requires eight (8) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.)

Board Members Present – Paula Kurashige, Sylvia Young, Audrey Hidano, Patrick Smith, Katherine Grebe, Mason Aiona, Jill Easley Allen, Michael Lum, Rae Gee, Phillip Soon, Adrienne Dillard (joined at 7:25 p.m.), Kaapuni Kama (joined at 7:29 p.m.), and Meghan Kenny (joined at 7:29 p.m.).

Board Members Absent – None.

Guests – Firefighter McKee (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Arnold Sagucio, Major Paul Okamoto – District 1, Lieutenant Keone Hong – District 5 (Honolulu Police Department-HPD); Firefighter Sheldon (Honolulu Fire Department); Jimmy Yanos (Board of Water Supply-BWS); Director Kim Hashiro (Mayor’s Representative); Lisa Leonardo, Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s Office); William Nhieu, Ashton Stallings, Kayla Setzler (Governor Josh Green’s Representative); Ryan Nakate, George Abcede (Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation); Glen Young (Senator Karl Rhoads’ Office); Representative Jenna Takenouchi; Brianna, Pat Taira, Terrie Easley, Gary Kikuchi,(residents and guests); Rachel Cristobal (Neighborhood Commission Office-NCO). Note: Name was not included if not legible. Total of 38 participants.
II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS – [0:00:07]
Election of Officers – [0:00:12]:
● Chair – [0:00:30]: Member Young nominated Member Smith [0:00:45]. Hearing no other nominations; Pro Tem Chair Smith conducted a roll call vote [0:02:00]. Member Smith was ELECTED as Chair; 9-0-1 (Smith: Kurashige, Young, Smith, Grebe, Aiona, Easley Allen, Lum, Gee, Soon; Nay: None; Abstain: Hidano) [0:04:26].
● Vice Chair – [0:04:34]: Member Young nominated Member Gee [0:05:18]. Hearing no other nominations; Chair Smith conducted a roll call vote [0:05:53]. Member Gee was Elected as Vice Chair; 9-0-1 (Gee: Kurashige, Young, Smith, Grebe, Aiona, Easley Allen, Lum, Gee, Soon; Nay: None; Abstain: Hidano) [0:07:47].
● Secretary – [0:08:06]: Member Young nominated Member Lum [0:08:18]. Hearing no other nominations; Chair Smith conducted a roll call vote [0:08:45]. Member Lum was ELECTED as Secretary; 9-0-1 (Lum: Kurashige, Young, Smith, Grebe, Aiona, Easley Allen, Lum, Gee, Soon; Nay: None; Abstain: Hidano) [0:09:27].
● Treasurer – [0:09:36]: Member Young nominated Member Soon [0:09:57]. Hearing no other nominations; Chair Smith conducted a roll call vote [0:10:19]. Member Soon was ELECTED as Treasurer; 10-0-0 (Soon: Kurashige, Young, Hidano, Smith, Grebe, Aiona, Easley Allen, Lum, Gee, Soon; Nay: None; Abstain: None) [0:11:12].
● Any other officer(s) determined to be needed to conduct the board’s business – [0:11:19]: None.
Chair Smith asked the Board if there were any objections to push the remaining items to Board Business, so that Emergency Responders can provide their reports [0:11:32]. Hearing no objections; The determination of meeting date, time, location, format and recess schedule was discussed during Board Business.
Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format – [0:11:42]: This item was discussed later in the meeting.
Determination Of Recess Schedule-Up to Three (3) Per Year – [0:11:42]: This item was discussed later in the meeting.
III. CITY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:11:45]

Honolulu Fire Department – [0:11:45]: Firefight McKee provided the monthly statistics for June 2024 and shared safety tips regarding heat safety.
● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1plnKBhMOQUUU4TaDX4upuQgfNtCgxCJK/view?usp=drive_link
● Resources on Heat Illnesses: www.heat.gov
Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:13:26]

Honolulu Police Department – [0:15:50]:

● District 1 – [0:15:52]: Lieutenant Sagucio provided the monthly statistics for June 2024. He also noted ongoing speeding citations on the Pali Highway and emphasized the importance of checking vehicles for pets or children in the heat. Major Paul Okamoto from District 1 introduced himself and mentioned his role since December 2023. He invited the community to a “Meet the Major” event on Friday, July 19, 2024 in the morning at Ward Village – South Shore Market.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:19:17]

● District 5 – [0:26:26]: Lieutenant Hong reported the monthly statistics for June 2024. He also warned that Gypsies are active in the area. They appear to be European-looking individuals who claim their cars are broken down and ask for gas money, often using a story involving fake jewelry or children. They may look foreign or unusual. He reminded the community to trust their instincts, and it’s okay to decline assistance if something seems off to avoid scams.

Member Dillard joined at 7:25 p.m.; 11 members present.
Member Kama and Member Kenny joined at 7:29 p.m.; 13 members present.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:29:24]

● Neighborhood Security Watch Reports – [0:35:06]: Member Kurashige shared that she provided her updates during District 1 and District 5ʻs allotted time. During District 1, she followed up with Lieutenant Sagucio to check if there is anything that they can do besides notating the license plates of vehicles speeding down the Pali Highway. Racing vehicles are waking up the community as early as 4:30 a.m. During District 5, she reported that the community informed her that there was a suspicious young adult driving slowly in his vehicle and parking at different houses.

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:35:37]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:35:37]: Jimmy Yanos provided the following details:
Water System Project: There were no new updates this month. The project is tentatively set to start in September 2024, pending permit approvals. The Board will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Main Breaks: The final paving of Alika Avenue, affected by main breaks, is scheduled for mid-August. If the temporary patch becomes unstable before then, please report it for maintenance. Main breaks are increasing due to older pipes and materials like PVC, which were less durable. New pipes will be replaced with more resilient ductile iron.
Main Break Reports:
● Friday, June 7, 2024: Main break on 3148 Alika Avenue (8-inch diameter pipe installed in 2007).
● Thursday, June 13, 2024: Main break on 3728 Old Pali Road (6-inch diameter pipe installed in 1951).
2024 Annual Unthirsty Plant Sale: Saturday, August 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hālawa Xeriscape Garden at 99-1268 Iwaena Street. It features drought-tolerant and native plants, with free admission and parking. There will be plant vendors, advice from plant doctors, educational booths, and displays.

● Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SqS72lyViHTZLZyS1un5ImwPpKmd4b3K/view?usp=drive_link
● Website: www.boardofwatersupply.com

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:40:20]

IV. FILLING OF VACANCIES – [0:43:38] – No volunteers.

V. REPORT FROM NONBOARD EVENTS – [0:44:04]

OahuMPO (Metro Planning Org) – [0:44:08]: Member Gee reported that the meeting on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 marked the start of the new fiscal year. There were no major updates, but there was a presentation on E-bikes. Member Gee apologized for not reaching out to Member Young and Member Kurashige about transportation projects. Member Gee will contact Member Young through the Neighborhood Board Website and will seek Member Youngʻs help to contact Member Kurashige. Anyone with concerns about transportation projects in their area can reach out to Member Gee. for more information.
● Oahu MPO Citizens Advisory Committee report given on Wednesday, July 3, 2024: https://oahumpo.org/?wpfb_dl=3334
● Presentation: https://oahumpo.org/?wpfb_dl=3334

Questions, comments and concerns followed – [0:45:42]

Papakolea Community Updates – [0:49:57]: No representative present.

VI. RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:50:16] – None.

VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS – [0:52:00]

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:52:00]: Director Hashiro reported the following: hosted the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), acquired 400 acres in Kalaeloa for future recreation, and opened a facility for the homeless with medical needs. The City also launched a solar panel canopy project and celebrated its rail transit system’s first anniversary with its one millionth rider. The Department of Parks and Recreation are still hiring staff for summer programs, which are ending soon as schools resume in early August 2024. Traffic concerns responses were provided regarding the congestion caused by multiple parades in Waikiki on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2024, the complaint was referred to the State Department of Transportation (DOT).

Question, comments, and concerns followed – [0:54:49]

Council Member Tyler Dos Santos-Tam – [0:59:59]: Lisa Leonardo and Councilmember Tyler DOs Santos-Tam reported the following:
● Primary Urban Center Development Plan: A special committee meeting on this plan will be held on September 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The community is encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
● Councilmember Newsletter: Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s monthly newsletter provides updates on district activities – https://drive.google.com/file/d/17irdt8vSGAPeaLUeWcyzQtA_YXi0mXlv/view?usp=sharing
● Transit Planning: It was highlighted that the importance includes transit access in future urban planning discussions and plans to discuss this with Chair Smith.
● Illegal Airbnb Operations: There have been complaints about illegal Airbnb listings in Nu’uanu Valley, specifically at 2960 Pali Highway and 3169 Kaohinani Drive. Efforts are being made to have these listings removed and to address the issue with the property owners.

Question, comments, and concerns followed – [1:02:44]

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:06:40]: William Nhieu introduced himself and his team, which included Ashton Stallings and Kayla Setzler. Ashton informed that the Governorʻs newsletter featured historic events, commencement ceremonies, and new bills aimed at improving the cost of living. The Department of Agriculture has launched its 4th annual micro grant program for small-scale agriculture, supporting gardening and livestock. Registration for the program closes on Monday, August 12, 2024.
● Governor’s Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ke-Ala-Hou-Newsletter-July-2024-FINAL-1.pdf
● Press Release Regarding a Micro-Grant Program for Small-Scale Agriculture: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/correction-news-release-from-department-of-agriculture-on-micro-grants-for-food-security/

Question, comments, and concerns followed – [1:08:33]

District 13 Senator Karl Rhoads – [1:11:11]: Glen Young informed that the report was submitted and was available for questions.
● Report: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fuiM0jZiTUiLlW1EKk8QovlRqUUCPYL_/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101205618811575423434&rtpof=true&sd=true

Question, comments, and concerns followed – [1:11:35]

District 27 Representative Jenna Takenouchi – [1:13:25]: Representative Takenouchi provided updates on the following: Childrenʻs crossing signs, tree cutting report, bridge repair, new laws regarding Young Menʻs Christian Association (YMCA)
funding and pharmacy vaccinations, and free bus passes.

Federal Elected Officers & other Elected Officials – [1:17:37]: None.

VIII. BOARD BUSINESS – [1:17:48]

Follow-up from State Department of Transportation Representative Regarding Pali Highway Pedestrian Safety Concerns
New Session Organizing Issues – [1:18:02]: George Abcede announced that he is retiring and Ryan Nakate will be presenting to the Board. Ryan acknowledged that there are 4 concerns that the community has and provided the details and updates. The concerns consisted with the speeding on Pali Highway, AV standards and Pali Highway resurfacing, tall grass and vegetation maintenance, and the bridge over the canal near School Street.

Question, comments, and concerns followed – [1:24:40]
II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND CONFIRMATION OF BOARD DETAILS (CONTINUED) – [1:30:40]
Determination Of Recess Schedule-Up to Three (3) Per Year – [1:30:40]: There was a brief discussion. Member Lum MOVED and Member Soon SECONDED to recess for August 2024, October 2024, and December 2024 [1:33:51]. There was a discussion; Chair Smith conducted a voice vote [1:37:50]. The motion was ADOPTED; 11-2-0 (Aye: Young, Hidano, Smith, Kenny, Kama, Dillard, Aiona, Easley Allen, Lum, Gee, Soon; Nay: Kurashige, Grebe; Abstain: None) [1:38:08].
Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format – [1:38:31]: There was a discussion. Member Young MOVED and Member Gee SECONDED that the Board remains hybrid and keep Kapālama Hale as the meeting location [1:39:55]. There was a discussion regarding location. A voice vote was conducted [1:47:39]. The motion was ADOPTED 13-0-0 [1:47:53].
VIII. BOARD BUSINESS (CONTINUED) – [1:50:07]

Potential Expansion of Number of City Dog Parks – [1:50:07]: Due to the Board unable to agree on a motion, Board members may submit any other feedback in their individual capacity.

Consideration of Allowing Other Subdistricts to Fill Vacant Board Positions – [2:09:55]: This item was deferred to the next meeting.

Approval of Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Meeting Minutes – [2:10:20]: Member Kurashige requested to have a detail about her expressing her concerns about vehicles racing along Pali Highway at all hours of the day [2:10:36]. Chair Smith asked the Board if there were any objections to adopting the minutes with the amendment recommended by Member Kurashige [2:16:34]. Hearing no objections, the June 2024 meeting minutes will be ADOPTED as amended [2:15:54].

IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:16:06]

Next Regular Board Meeting – The next Nu’uanu/Punchbowl Neighborhood Board No. 12 meeting is recess for the month of August 2024 and will meet in September 2024.

X. ADJOURNMENT – [2:17:0] Chair Smith adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.

Submitted by: Rachel Cristobal, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Lindon Valenciano, Public Relations Assistant, NCO
Finalized by:

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.