LILIHA – PU‘UNUI – ‘ĀLEWA – KAMEHAMEHA HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 14
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 13, 2025 at 6:30 P.M.
MAʻEMAʻE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA
319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96817
IN-PERSON AND VIA WEBEX
This meeting location is open to public participation.
Other available options include participating by computer, phone or by video system.
WebEx and phone-in instructions are as follows:
Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=m96a8456fd63adb2683b259cf58f22b09
Meeting Number: 2495 230 4056
Password: NB14 (6214 from phones and video systems)
Join by video system: Dial 24952304056@cchnl.webex.com
Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388
Rules of Speaking: There is a 5-minute time limit on presentations and three (3) minutes on all other reports unless authorized by the Chair. The Chair must first recognize any board member or guest desiring to speak. Questions/testimonies are limited to one (1) minute per speaker and no speaker may comment more than twice on each subject. Those who interrupt another speaker are out of order and will not be allowed to comment.
Meeting Materials: To view NB 14’s reports, presentations, and other meeting materials visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14NHDPlCeVLKfUh3ZE-qR4B2PrWYzprSp?usp=sharing
Meeting Recording: Can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DZJTKor6TTNYiqx5U-P2w
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair, Wesley Fong
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM (Three (3) minutes each):
A. Honolulu Fire Department (Kuakini Station)
B. Honolulu Police Department (Kalihi Station)
1.Apprehension of burglar at top of Alewa Heights
C. Board of Water Supply (BWS)
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES: Residents interested in filling a vacant board seat must bring current proof of residency to the board meeting or to Neighborhood Assistant Camilia Epa Gomes (camilia.epa@honolulu.gov) to verify residency in advance.
A. Liliha Sub-District 4 – One (1) vacancy
Map: https://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/nco/maps/14_Liliha.jpg
IV. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
V. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
VI. OAHU METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (OMPO) CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE (CAC)
• Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Email: OahuMPO@OahuMPO.org
• CAC Meeting Information: https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee/
VII. PRESENTATIONS
VIII. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
A. Mayor’s Representative – Aedward Los Banos
1. Monster home status for 2043 Liliha St.
2. Squatter and alleged illegal activity at abandoned property at 1621 Pohaku St.
3. Status of installation of “no parking” sign on makai end of Mamalu Dr.
4. Status of installation of painted crosswalk at Nuuanu Ave/Bate St.
B. District 6 Councilmember – Tyler Dos Santos Tam
C. 13th Senatorial District – Karl Rhoads or rep
D. 14th Senatorial District – Donna Mercado Kim
E. District 27 Representative – Jenna Takenouchi
F. District 28 Representative – Daniel Holt
G. District 29 Representative – Ikaika Hussey
H. Governor’s Representative – Dallis Ontiveros
I. 1st Congressional District Representative – Ed Case
IX. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Monday, December 9, 2024 regular meeting minutes
X. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
XI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Liliuokalani Gardens Resolution – Chance Naaua-Ota
B. Resolution supporting installation of crosswalk at Nuuanu/Bates St. – Chance Naaua-Ota
XII. COMMUNITYORGANIZATIONS
A. Maluhia
B. St. Francis
C. Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center – Carole Kaapu/Brandon Mitsuda
D. Friends of Liliha Library – Brandon Mitsuda
E. Other non-profit organizations
XIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Candidate Registration for 2025 Neighborhood Board Election
B. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
C. Ōlelo – NB 14 monthly meetings can be viewed on ʻŌlelo channel 49 on first Saturdays at 9:00 p.m. and second and fourth Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
References:
1. Report Potholes: (City) 768-7777 (State) 536-7852
2. Report Abandoned Vehicles: 768-2530
3. Report Illegal Dumping to Office of Environmental Services: 768-3401/3203
4. To report illegal dumping, find collection schedule information, or for more information about collection services and notices of violation: 768-3300/5220 or https://www.honolulu.gov/opala
5. Advance Traffic/Travel Information Website: http://goakamai.org/
6. Hawaii Drug Take-Back Program: http:/goakamai.org/
7. Homeless Hotline: 791-9359
8. Community Policing Team: 723-8230
9. Complete Streets: https://www.facebook.com/hnlcompletestreets/
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 Kapalama Hale, 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160 Honolulu, Hawai’i 96817;
Telephone (808) 768-3710; Fax (808) 768-3711; or emailing nco@honolulu.gov
Agenda documents and minutes are also available 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, Hawai’i 96817.
Fax: (808) 768-3711. Email: nbtestimony@honolulu.gov
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
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
MAEMAE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – 319 WYLLIE STREET, HONOLULU, HAWAI’I, 96817
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING
Video recording of this meeting can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT6ZYQc9u3Y
Meeting materials: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vhyjdB2Almt3CizOKC_0zy04xNbNepro
Vice Chair Nitta shared an announcement before calling the meeting to order.
Vice Chair Announcement – [0:00:01]: Vice Chair Nitta reminded the Board of the guidelines set forth by the Office of Information of Practices (OIP) to comply with the Sunshine Law requirements.
I. CALL TO ORDER [0:01:44]: Vice Chair Donald Nitta called the Liliha/Puʻunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 regular meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Quorum was established with ten (10) board members present. Note – This 13-member Board requires seven (7) members to establish a quorum and take official board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.
Board Members Present: Ronald Higa, Carole Kaapu, Zhoydell Magaoay, Brandon Mitsuda, Chance Naauao-Ota, Cora Yamamoto, Dale White, Donald Nitta, Darren Cantrill, Wallyn Christian.
Board Members Absent: Wesley Fong, and Henry Pang.
Guests: DeShawn Duncan Benson (Honolulu Firefighter Department); Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Lisa Leonardo (Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam); Aedward Los Banos (Mayorʻs Representative); Senator Kharl Rhoads (Senate District 13); Senator Kim, Kathy Nii (Senate District 14) Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27); Representative Ikaika Hussey (State House District 29); Vernon Nakamura (Kamehameha Lions Club); Christy Macpherson (Hawaii Appleseed); Gail Inayoshi, Sharon Kobashigawa, Dianne Ida, Liana Benn, Chad Laba, Ryan Lim, Kathleen Reiny (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 32 total participants.
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM [0:02:03]
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:02:03]: Firefighter Benson provided the report and highlighted the monthly fire statistics for November 2024. The safety tip for the month is in regards to cooking safety.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w5T4hwKx7i65u-ZV__a7aX8OzXi57yMS/view?usp=drive_link
• HFD Community Relations Office: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:04:10]
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) – [0:04:50]: No representative present.
• Honolulu Police Department Website: https://www.honolulupd.org/
• HPD Data Dashboard: Microsoft Power BI
• Crime Mapping: https://www.crimemapping.com/
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:05:05]: No representative present at this time. A BWS representative arrives later in the meeting to provide a report.
III. FILLING OF VACANCIES [0:05:21]
Liliha Sub-District 4 – One (1) Vacancy – [0:05:30]: No volunteers at this time.
IV. RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:05:45]
Request for Re-painting of Crosswalk at Nuʻuanu Ave./Bate St. Intersection – [0:06:00]: Liana Benn (Neighborhood Patrol Coordinator for Nuʻuanu and Bate St.) shared information on a longstanding issue that residents have been requesting to be resolved for years. The resident shared correspondence of letters that she has sent out since 2019 and was told it would be included in the Complete Streets project. Since then, residents haven’t been given any updates. This intersection is very busy with motor vehicles and the crosswalk is heavily used by: residents, Nuʻuanu Baptist Church members and for City bus riders crossing to get to the bus stops on both sides of the intersection. The crosswalkʻs curbs are handi-cap accessible.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:09:00]
Request for Curb Extension for Nuʻuanu Ave/Judd St. Intersection – 0:11:20]: Kathleen Reiny (Liliha Resident) shared she would like to request for a curb extension at the intersection to address the safety concern for pedestrians who are walking or waiting for the crosswalk light at this intersection. Ms. Reiny shared she is currently applying for the request through Department of Transportationʻs Kapala Toolboox process. The curb extension would allow more visibility for drivers and more space for pedestrians. Ms. Reiny has shared the street design provided by the Complete Streets office and is currently in the process of building the team and applying for grants to recieve funding for the project.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:13:50]
[0:13:50] At this time, technical difficulties at the in-person meeting effected the recording of the questions raised on the residentʻs request for the curb extension.
[0:20:50] Due to technical difficulties at the meeting, Vice Chair Nitta called a recess at 6:51 p.m. to allow the Neighborhood Assistant to resolve issues with the internet connection.
[0:24:06] Vice Chair Nitta called the meeting back to order at 6:56 p.m.
Request for Discussion Topic For the Next Board Meeting – [0:24:20]: Ryan Lim (Nuʻuanu Resident) shared if he could request for the Board to put a topic for dicussion on the agenda for the Boardʻs next meeting in January 2025. He would like to request more information from the State Legislature on Bills that will be introduced related to the topic of childrenʻs access to healthcare. Mr. Lim is concerned with B ill ideas allowing minors as young as 14 years old to be able to have access to reproductive healthcare services without their parent/gaurdians consent.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:26:20]
Hearing no objections, Vice Chair Nitta took the agenda out of order to hear item II.C. Board of Water Supply at this time.
II. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FORUM [0:26:43]
Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:26:50]: Iris Oda provided the report and shared there were no water main breaks for November 2024. The general announcement for the month of December is to warn the public of utility scams that occur frequently during the holidays. BWS will never call customers demanding a bill payment under immediate threat of shutting off water service. BWS does not accept payments via bitcoin or a third-party payment app. Ms. Oda shared safety tips if you ever receive a suspicious call or email claiming to be from BWS asking for personal information or bill payments. When in doubt, call BWS at (808)-748-5000 option 0. BWS is looking to hire people to fill open vacancies. More infomation on career oppurtunities with BWS can be found on their website.
• To explore job opportunities, go to: https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/jobs/featured
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:29:20]
V. REPORTS OF MEMBERS ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS – [0:29:30]: No reports at this time.
VI. Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) – [0:29:48]
OahuMPO Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Report – [0:29:50]: Member Yamamoto provided the report on the monthly committee meeting that occurred on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Various topics were highlighted at the committee meeting such as: a study done on Oʻahu State government employee transportation; OahuMPO has been seeking more federal grants and have recieved two grants: $400,00 to implement safe routes to schools and $1.2 million planning grant to help make transportation decisions more transparent and accessible to the public.
• CAC Meeting Information: https://oahumpo.org/citizen-advisory-committee/
• Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Email: OahuMPO@OahuMPO.org
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:31:40]
VII. ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – [0:32:05]
Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s Representative – [0:32:12]: Deputy Director Aedward Los Banos (DCS) provided the report and shared highlights from the monthly newsletter for December 2024. The Mayorʻs Representative provided follow-up responses to questions raised at the previous Board meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DqwkOTrq13hZ0RgPtlcb2Stsk-XrL9Ws/view?usp=drive_link
o Monster Home Status: 1604 Hanai Loop, 2043 Liliha St. – [1:02:14]: Mayorʻs representative shared there is no update on the 1604 Hanai Loop property. Department of Planning and Permitting shared they needed additional time to do research and perform an inspection on the 2043 Liliha St. property.
o Squatters at Abandoned Property (1621 Pohaku St. Honolulu, HI 96819) – [0:35:44]: The Honolulu Police Department along with the City’s Stored Property Ordinance (SPO) team, has conducted enforcement at this residence in the past. During the enforcement operations, the HPD and SPO team were able to clean trash and debris that were left around the residence and the surrounding streets. Unfortunately, both the HPD and the SPO team are not able to go onto the property due to the property being privately owned. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is requesting more time to properly address the illegal activity for this residential property.
o Malfunctioning Pedestrian Crosswalk Button at School St./Kalihi St. Intersection – [0:36:42]: The Department of Transportation Crew discovered the faulty button and the part was replaced on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 and reported it is working properly now.
o Install Painted Crowsswalk at Nuuanu Ave./Bate St. – [0:37:17]: The Mayorʻs Representative took information and feedback on this concern from the Board.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:37:30]
Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam (Council District 6) – [0:44:55]: Lisa Leonardo provided the report and shared highlights from the monthly newsletter for December 2024. Legislative updates were provided for Bill 52 (relating to electric bicycles) and Bill 56 (relating to the use of malls). There will be an Aloha Immigrant Resource Fair on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Susannah Wesley Community Center in Kalihi. Ms. Leonardo provided follow-up responses on questions raised at the previous Board meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J1TLcJEyAi_dvXBm91TFebEmorArkxc9/view?usp=drive_link
o Apprehension of burglary suspect on top of Alewa Heights – [0:48:00]: The office is working to schedule a meeting in the beginning of 2025 with Honolulu Police Department to discuss solutions on what can be done to address the burglary issue. The apprehension of the burglary suspect is deferred to Honolulu Police Department to provide a response.
Senator Karl Rhoads (Senate District 13) – [0:49:30]: Senator Rhoads provided the report and highlighted the following: COVID-19 updates; legislation committee assignments; discussion on the Sunshine Law for Neighborhood Boards; follow-up response on community member’s inquiry on legislative Bills regarding minor’s access to healthcare services.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [0:52:55]
Senator Donna Mercado Kim (Senate District 14) – [0:56:00]: Senator Kim provided the report and shared Farrington High School will launch the nation’s first high school phlebotomy certification program. The program offers students the opportunity to earn national certification and upon completion students will be honored in a special white coat ceremony to celebrate their achievements and new credentials. Senator Kim shared safety reminders and safety tips for Avian Flu and holiday scams. Palama Settlement’s Annual Christmas Party will be on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Senator provided comments on the Sunshine Law for the Neighborhood Boards and parental rights for minor’s access to healthcare services. The State legislature is looking for session hires for the upcoming 2025 legislative session. Interested applicants can send their resume to the Senate clerk’s office.
• If you suspect a scam, contact the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at (808) 587-4272.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:00:31]
Representative Jenna Takenouchi (State House District 27) – [1:01:32]: Representative Takenouchi provided an update on the homeless encampment in the Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden. Hawaiian Electric Company has an upcoming summer paid internship opportunity for college Juniors and Seniors. For those who are interested in applying, the deadline to submit applications is Monday, December 16, 2024. Rep Takenouchi shared safety reminders on holiday scams and information on the assisted community treatment program (ACT). The ACT is a court order program that creates court petitions to allow treatments for individuals suffering from serious mental illness or substance abuse disorders that make themselves dangerous to themselves or others. The Department of the Attorney General has launched a webpage for anyone seeking the department’s help with filling petitions for the program in family court, to provide treatment for an individual who is need of assistance.
• The ACT webpage can be found on the Department of the Attorney General’s website at:
ASSISTED COMMUNITY TREATMENT (ACT) PETITION ASSISTANCE PORTAL
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:05:00]
Representative Daniel Holt (State House District 28) – [1:05:09]: No representative present.
Representative Ikaika Hussey (State House District 29) – [1:05:23]: Vice Chair Nitta shared District 29’s new representative will be Ikaika Hussey. Representative Ikaika Hussey provided an introduction. He provided comments on the squatter issues regarding the abandoned residential property (1621 Pohaku St.)
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:08:40]
Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [1:09:10]: No representative present.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1out9COeeeVzh2YWHetDxvfES0w3LQWoo/view?usp=drive_link
Congressman Ed Case (Hawaii 1st Congressional District) – [1:09:17]: No representative present.
VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES [1:09:30]
Approval of Monday, October 14, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes – [1:09:31]: [1:09:50] – Wallyn MOVED and Magaoay SECONDED to approve the October 2024 regular meeting minutes as written. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Higa, Kaapu, Magaoay, Naauao-Ota, Yamamoto, White, Nitta, Cantrill, Christian; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [1:11:03]
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS [1:11:07]
Liliha/Palama Christmas Parade – [1:11:11]: Vernon Nakamura made the correction of his name on the agenda. He expressed gratitude for everyone who participated and made donations for this year’s parade. Donations that were made are tax deductible this year thanks to Kamehameha Lions Club. There will be more information shared in a future Board meeting on the Kamehameha’s Lions Club upcoming fundraisers. He also urged everyone to support local businesses in the community.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:13:28]
X. NEW BUSINESS [1:13:40]
Consideration to support Liliʻuokalani Gardens Resolution – [1:13:40]: Vice Chair Nitta shared action for this item will be deferred to the next Board meeting.
Draft Resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l36AljHymSiNIWYI-IseYmSf7Yn1wRhe/view?usp=drive_link
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. [1:14:41]
XI. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS [1:15:00]
Maluhia – [1:15:05]: No report.
St. Francis – [1:15:10]: No report.
Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center – [1:15:17]: Member Kaapu provided the report and shared the Center is preparing for their Christmas party and classes for the month of December are on break, except for a few re-scheduled classes. The full class schedule will resume at the start of January 2025.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ngifz1Z0akeuSTuq8oPjtT2JZbJKM999/view?usp=drive_link
Friends of Liliha Library – [1:16:00]: No report.
Other Non-Profit Organizations – [1:16:11]: No report.
XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS [1:16:30]
Candidate registration for 205 Neighborhood Board Election – [1:16:40]: Vice Chair Nitta shared if anyone is interested in joining the Board there is information provided on the timeline for the registration.
• Candidate Registration Timeline: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T7ID2-1EgRpm94xsrepur9uVgjPuSBFa/view?usp=drive_link
• For more information, visit: https://web5.hnl.info/nbe/starter or contact NCO office at NCO@honolulu.gov or call (808)768-3710.
Next Regular Meeting – [1:17:05]: The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Maʻemaʻe Elementary School Cafeteria.
ʻŌlelo Broadcasts – [1:17:22]: Videotaping of the board meetings are broadcast on ʻŌlelo 49 on the 1st Saturday at 9:00 p.m. and 2nd and 4th Thursday at 2:00 p.m.
• The full schedule is at: https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/
• Recordings may also be viewed at: https://www8.honolulu.gov/nco/olelo-broadcast-schedule/
XIII. ADJOURNMENT [1:17:40]
Vice Chair Nitta adjourned the regular board meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, NCO
Reviewed and finalized by: Chance Naauao-Ota, Neighborhood Board No.14
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.
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