DIAMOND HEAD – KAPAHULU – ST. LOUIS HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 5

REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 AT 6:00 P.M.
PAKI HALE MEETING ROOM – MAIN FLOOR
3840 PAKI AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND ONLINE VIA WEBEX

Meeting Link: https://cchnl.webex.com/cchnl/j.php?MTID=mb13f8313d6f10cb7bd7ce47fff590437
Meeting Number / Access Code: 2488 909 1135
Password: NB05 (6205 from phones and video systems)
Join by Phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll

Board Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn
Board Meeting Recordings: https://www.youtube.com/@cityandcountyneighborhoodc2559/search?query=Diamond%20Head

Meeting Decorum: Anyone wishing to speak is asked to raise their hand in person or by using “raise hand” feature online. When recognized by the Chair, address comments to the Chair. All dialogue at the meeting will be conducted by use of the microphone. Public concerns and comments are limited to two (2) minutes each. For those joining the meeting on Webex, please mute your microphone unless actively speaking. Demonstrate courtesy and respect to all attendees and presenters, including refraining from personal comments, using civility in the chat box feature, and keeping decorum at all times. Kindly silence all electronic devices if meeting in person. Out of respect for everyone, please keep questions/comments brief, succinct and avoid unnecessary repetition so that all may have opportunities to speak.

Public Announcements, Reports, & Presentations to the Board: Before the meeting, please email all materials for posting online to Neighborhood Assistant (NCO) Curtis Hayashi [curtis.hayashi@honolulu.gov]. Presenters may use PowerPoint, should be succinct, and mindful of time. If presenting in person, please provide handouts for the Board and the community.

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 allowed for under HRS 92. A majority (8 members) of this 15-member Board is required to meet quorum requirements. Board members must be in person or have video access on Webex.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Winston Welch

II. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS – Three (3) minutes each
a. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – Waikīkī Station
i. Diamond Head Incendiary Brushfires, Open Fires and Wildfires
Location Chart and Report – April 2024 through August 2024
b. Honolulu Police Department (HPD)
i. District 6 – Waikīkī/Kapiolani Park/Diamond Head
ii. District 7 – Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights/East Honolulu

III. ELECTION OF BOARD SECRETARY

IV. DISCUSS MONTHLY MEETING LOCATION & SCHEDULE

V. PUBLIC UTILITY & EVENT NOTICES/ANNOUNCEMENTS – Two (2) minutes each
a. Board of Water Supply Report
b. Kapiʻolani Community College Updates

VI. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – Two (2) minutes for each testimony regarding topics/issues not listed
a. TheBus route change concerns

VII. MAYOR RICK BLANGIARDI’S REPORT
a. Mayor’s Representative – Anton Krucky, Department of Community Services (DCS) Director

VIII. PRESENTATIONS – Ten (10) minutes each
a. Distributed Green Stormwater Infrastructure in the Ala Wai Watershed – Cyrus Howe, Hawaiʻi Green Growth

IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS (IF ANY) – Five (5) minutes each
a. Environment – Velasco
b. Parks & Recreation – Murchie & Decker
c. Planning & Zoning – Matson
d. Traffic & Public Safety – Murchie

X. RESOLUTIONS FOR BOARD ACTION
a. Resolution Urging Legislature to Adopt Good-Government Reforms

XI. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – Two (2) minutes each
a. U.S. Representative Ed Case
b. U.S. Senator Brian Schatz
c. U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono
d. State Governor Josh Green’s Representative – Ryan Aguilar, DLNR
e. District 10 State Senator Les Ihara, Jr.
f. District 19 State Representative Bertrand Kobayashi
g. District 20 State Representative Jackson Sayama
h. District 9 State Senator Stanley Chang
i. City Council Chair Tommy Waters (District IV)
i. City Council Bill 53 – Special Management Area
ii. Regulation Exemptions: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=22305
j. City Councilmember Calvin Say (District V)

XII. BOARD BUSINESS
a. Subdistrict Reports
i. St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 – J. Allen
ii. Kapahulu Subdistrict 2
iii. Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 – L. Wong
b. Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes
i. Thursday, April 11, 2024
ii. Thursday, May 9, 2024
iii. Thursday, June 13, 2024
iv. Thursday, July 11, 2024
v. Thursday, August 8, 2024

XIII. REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS ATTENDING OTHER BOARD AND PUBLIC MEETINGS

XIV. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Chair’s Report – Committee Agendas and General Announcements
b. Next Meeting – Neighborhood Board No. 5 is scheduled to hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Paki Hale and online via Webex.

XV. 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, 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, or 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
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.
ALA WAI GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE, SECOND FLOOR – 404 KAPAHULU AVENUE, HONOLULU, HI 96815
AND VIA WEBEX TELECONFERENCING

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

Reports & other meeting materials can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WKnOJqdvqoRuGhJ7E9rg5u7AtruuZZZn

I. CALL TO ORDER – [0:00:01]: 6:00 p.m.

Vice Chair Velasco called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Quorum was established with 9 members present. Note – This 15-member Board requires 8 members to establish a quorum and to take official Board action. Board members must be in-person or have video access.

Board Members Present: Julia Allen, David Beutel, Dan Decker, Alex Kahn, Rafia Hasina, Angie Knight, Margaret Murchie, Arleen Velasco, Dylan Whitsell, Laura St. Denis (appointed at 6:06 p.m.), Bruce Wong (6:14 p.m.), Linda Wong (6:31 p.m.), and Michelle Matson (7:05 p.m.)

Board Members Absent: Winston Welch and Michele David.

Guests: Fire Captain Kainoa Tanaka, Firefighter Lance Ontai (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Blake Arita, Lieutenant Thompson (Honolulu Police Department); Kathleen (Honolulu Board of Water Supply); Keola Cheng (Wilson Okamoto Corp.); Director Anton Krucky (Mayor Blangiardi); Ryan Aguilar (Governor Green); Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 21); Theresa N. (Senator Stanley Chang); Amanda Zepeda (Council Chair Tommy Waters); Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5); Marc Pepe, Bradley Furuya, Deborah King, Kevan Wong, Courtney Hymes, Tina Gradinetti, Michael Grey, Vincent Shigekeni, Franklin Chung, Daisy Murai, Janel Denny, Chassity Santiago, Haku Milles, Rick Bernstein, Tom Schnell, Maddie Bender, Betsy Merritt, Laura Ruby, Mo Radke (Residents); Camilia Epa Gomes (Neighborhood Commission Office). Note: Name was not included if not legible. There were 50 total participants.

II. FILLING OF BOARD VACANCIES – [0:01:52]

Diamond Head Sub-District 3 – One Seat – [0:01:56]: Laura St. Denis volunteered to fill the sub-district 3 vacancy, and provided a brief introduction. NA Epa Gomes verified residency.

[0:04:04] – Allen MOVED and DECKER seconded to appoint Laura St. Denis to fill the sub-district 3 vacancy. The board conducted a roll call vote. The motion was ADOPTED; 8-0-0 (Laura: Allen, Beutel, Decker, Hasina, Khan, Knight, Velasco, Whitsell; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:06:12]

St. Denis joined the meeting at 6:06 p.m.; 10 members present.

III. PUBLIC SAFETY MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:06:30]

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) – [0:06:37]: Fire Captain Tanaka introduced himself and Firefighter Ontai provided the monthly fire statistics for July 2024 and shared monthly safety tip for back-to-school fire safety.
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AKeL6tzZFpfoyXhsYieLsuoVn-Kmj9l8/view?usp=drive_link
• HFD Community Relations Office: hfdnhb@honolulu.gov

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:09:03]

Whitsell left at 6:10 p.m.; 9 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 6 – [0:10:02]: Lieutenant Arita provided the report and highlighted the monthly statistics for July 2024; reminded everyone to be aware of their surroundings and call 911 for any suspicious activity; there have been recent theft and car break-ins on Hibiscus Drive in the Diamond Head; witnesses reported seeing two males on mopeds acting suspicious. There are three events happening in Waikiki on the weekend at Waikiki Shell, Sunset on the Beach movie event, and a block party along Kalakaua Avenue. There will be a lot of traffic on the weekend due to the road closures for these events.
• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:12:09]

B. Wong joined at 6:14 p.m.; 10 members present.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) District 7 – [0:15:48]: Lieutenant Thompson provided the monthly statistics for July 2024 and provided the safety tip for the month for fake jewelry scam going on around the island. There are reports of groups of individuals working together approaching people at shopping malls, stores and scamming people with fake jewelry by sharing fake stories to convince people to buy from them. The safety tip is to share with family members and friends of people selling jewelry in parking lots and to call 911 to report suspicious activity.
• Crime Mapping Statistics: https://www.honolulupd.org/information/crime-mapping/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:17:10]

IV. BWS AND KCC MONTHLY REPORTS – [0:19:38]

Board of Water Supply (BWS) – [0:19:38]: Kathleen provided the report and highlighted the following: no main breaks to report for the district; Kathleen shared a BWS survey for the public to take to help BWS to understand water access and affordability in communities; the survey can be taken online and takes about five to ten minutes to complete; there are construction projects taking place in the district; the Monsarrat Avenue project is experiencing delays to gather materials needed and is projected to start officially in January 2025; BWS is working on the installation of the 12 inch water mains along Palekaua Place; the painting for the Diamond Head fencing project is complete and the landscaping portion is currently underway; provided follow-up response about plans of finding new wells to make up for the loss caused by the Navy’s Red Hill disaster.
• Inquiries on BWS Construction Projects: 808-748-5319

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:22:50]

Kapiolani Community College (KCC) Updates – [0:27:38]: No representative present.

V. PUBLIC EVENTS NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – [0:27:46]

Community Meeting for all Residents on the proposed Revised Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP) – [0:27:50]: On Monday, August 12, 2024 at Kaimuki High School auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. there will be an open meeting for the public to hear from City Council about proposing zoning law changes that will impact this district allowing developments in the future.

VI. COMMUNITY CONCERNS – [0:28:28]

Crosswalk Concerns on Kapahulu Avenue – [0:28:40]: A resident shared that the new island median fronting Leonard’s Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue is a hazard for both drivers and pedestrians. The resident shared there are two other signal crosswalks nearby that are safer. There are other crosswalks on Kapahulu Avenue that the resident also shares concern of safety issues. He would like to know what was the reason of installing the median there. Amanda Zepeda from Councilmember Chair Waters office was able to provide a response.

L. Wong joined at 6:31 p.m.; 11 members present.

Kaimana Beach Showers Issue – [0:32:47]: Member L. Wong shared that she would like to talk to the developers to voice her concern about the issues with the showers at Kaimana Beach.

Crosswalk Median on Kapahulu Avenue – [0:34:38]: Member Khan shared her comments about the median in front of Leonard’s Bakery and found it effective with slowing drivers down in this section and increasing visibility of pedestrians in this high-traffic area.

Raised Crosswalks – [0:36:40]: Member B. Wong shared that raised crosswalks have been effective in different areas of the island to help decrease accidents and cars speeding. Laura Ruby (resident) also advocated for raised crosswalks near Kuhio Elementary School and Ala Wai Elementary School. Member L. Wong commented that speed bumps are being removed because they are damaging trolleys and buses.

Pedestrian Safety Committee Meeting – [0:40:11]: Member Knight recommended that the Board holds another pedestrian safety committee meeting to discuss more in depth of the street issues that the community would like to address to City officials and create a written documentation to activate action from the City officials.

Bus Stops Changes – [0:41:31]: Member Murchie shared comments on bus stops being deleted.

VII. PRESENTATIONS – [0:43:40]

[0:43:20] – Allen MOVED and St. Denis SECONDED to add the Mayor’s Representative Report into the Agenda. Hearing no objections, the motion was ADOPTED; 11-0-0 (Aye: Allen, Beutel, Decker, Hasina, Khan, Knight, Murchie, Velasco, B. Wong, L. Wong, St. Denis; Nay: None; Abstain: None) – [0:43:36]

3761 Kanaina Avenue Proposed Development – [0:43:42]: No representative present.

Waikiki War Memorial Complex Natatorium Rehabilitation – [0:45:02]: Bradley Furuya from PBR Hawaii shared the PowerPoint presentation on the proposed City & County project aiming to preserve and rehabilitate key features, address structural and life safety concerns. The project will adhere to State and National rules regarding water quality and construction management. The structure will allow for open water exchange between the ocean and the swim area, but measures will be taken to prevent movement of people and animals underneath the deck. The project is still in the very early stages with a timeline of several years before construction can begin. The project will continue to go through the process and ensure community input during all phases of the project that they need to get City and State approval on. Bradley Furuya and other representatives for the project answered questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [1:37:35]

Matson joined at 7:05 p.m.; 12 members present.

VIII. MAYOR’S OFFICE – [1:29:35]

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi – [1:29:43]: Anton Krucky provided the report and highlighted the following: Mayor’s monthly newsletter August 2024; Fire department response mapping and how to look up the incident details on Honolulu Fire Department monthly reports; provided responses to questions raised at the previous meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofuXlBCZAc3RfWdPuypGgCRASh9yj89M/view?usp=drive_link
• Fire Department Response Mapping: http://www.responsemapping.com/

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [0:54:00]

Decker left at 7:50 p.m.; 11 members present.

IX. ELECTED OFFICIALS’ REPORTS – [2:03:10]

U.S. Congressman Ed Case’s Representative – [2:06:20]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono’s Representative – [2:06:29]: No representative present.

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz’s Representative – [2:06:33]: No representative present.

Governor Josh Green’s Representative – [2:06:40]: Ryan Aguilar provided the report and highlighted the monthly newsletter for August 2024 and provided responses to questions raised at the previous meeting.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rF90VQDrXdR27M8BnVO2RGvoq3_shXDd/view?usp=drive_link
• Bills passed and vetoed: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-253-historic-bills-signed-into-law-by-governor-green/
• Biosecurity Funding: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/news-release-on-biosecurity-funding-for-dept-of-agriculture/
• Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1exFvRY78BGK8LKQ92hEKxsnspptlx9x9/view?usp=drive_link

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:11:17]

Senator Les Ihara, Jr. (Senate District 10) – [2:18:26]: No representative present.

Representative Bertrand Kobayashi (House District 19) – [2:18:35]: No representative present.

Representative Jackson Sayama (House District 20) – [2:18:43]: Representative Sayama provided the report and shared that a work order request has been made to repair two street lights that have been out of service due to a utility pole renovation by Hawaiian Electric company.

Senator Stanley Chang – [2:19:44]: Theresa provided the report and highlighted the following: a link provided for parents and guardians to enroll their children for pre-kindergarten at Kahala Elementary, Aina Haina Elementary or Hahaione Elementary; The Children and Youth summit will be Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Hawai’i State Capitol; the Department of Law Enforcement is offering up to $200 in Foodland Gift Cards to community members who turn in their firearms in this year’s Oahu Gun Buyback program; the Oahu Gun Buyback Program will take place at Aloha Stadium’s lower parking lot on Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; if you have any questions you can call Department of Law Enforcement.
• Newsletter: https://www.senatorchang.com/newsletters
• Sign up for Senator Chang’s Housing newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gRI0jf
• Pre-school Application: https://earlylearning.ehawaii.gov/wf/index.html
• Children and Youth Summit for Ages under 24 years old: https://hawaiicys.org

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:21:31]

Council Chair Tommy Waters (Council District 4) – [2:25:00]: Amanda Zepeda provided the report and highlighted the following: Bill 50 relating to parades, street festivals, and other activities passed first reading at the council meeting.

There were technical issues with WebEx. The Board proceeded with the agenda until the issue was resolved.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:49:12]

Councilmember Calvin Say (Council District 5) – [2:26:00]: CM Say provided the report and highlighted the following: the City Council will be holding a public meeting with Department of Planning and Permitting on the Oahu Development Plan for the island.
• Newsletter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b2MVe5lE3OChdAmEHVxRzXxYs89AWG_H/view?usp=drive_link
• Primary Urban Center Development Plan (PUCDP): https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/planning/planning-documents/primary-urban-center.html

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:26:52]

Cont. Council Chair Tommy Waters (Council District 4) – [2:27:00]: Amanda Zepeda provided the report and highlighted the following: encouraging everyone to show up to the PUCDP meeting at Kaimuki High School on Monday, August 12, 2024; Bill 50 is to help put a limit of the number of parades and street festivals in the area.
• City Council Chair Watersʻ Office: tommy.waters@honolulu.gov or 768-5004
• Council District 4 Webpage: https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/district4
• Amanda Zepeda (Constituent Services): amanda.zepeda@honolulu.gov or 768-5043

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:28:37]

[2:38:10] – Knight MOVED and St. Denis SECONDED to take the agenda out of order and hear item XI. Board Business and Confirmation Details at this time. Discussion followed. The motion was NOT ADOPTED; 5-4-0 (Aye: Beutel, Hasina, Khan, Knight, Velasco; Nay: Allen, Matson, B. Wong, L. Wong; Abstain: None) – [2:42:17]

X. BOARD REPORTS – [2:42:18]

Sub-District Report – St. Louis Heights Subdistrict 1 – [2:42:18]: Allen reported that the next Saint Louis Heights Community Association meeting will be scheduled for Monday September 9, 2024 at Hokulani Elementary School at 7:00 p.m.

Sub-District Report – Kapahulu Subdistrict 2 – [2:43:12]: No report.

Sub-District Report – Diamond Head Subdistrict 3 – [2:43:15]: Member L. Wong reported that she wrote a letter regarding the showers at Kaimana Beach Park.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:43:38]

Committee Reports – Environment – [2:44:08]: No report.
Committee Reports – Parks & Recreation – [2:44:10]: No report.

Committee Reports – Planning & Zoning – [2:44:23]: Matson provided the report and shared her recommendation that there should be a joint committee meeting with the Parks and Recreation committee to discuss the Natatorium project and draft a resolution in support of the Natatorium project.

Committee Reports – Traffic & Public Safety – [2:45:22]: No report.

Reports from Board Members Attending Other Meetings – [2:45:33]: No reports.

Attendance of Missing Board Members – [2:46:07]: Member Matson inquired about the attendance of board members that have been absent.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:46:50]

XI. BOARD BUSINESS AND CONFIRMATION OF DETAILS – [2:49:21]

Meeting Date, Time, Location, and Format (Virtual Component) – [2:49:21]: It was proposed to change the meeting to the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:50:16]

[2:55:10] – Knight MOVED to change the Boardʻs regular meeting date and time to the first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Hearing NO SECOND. The motion was NOT CONSIDERED – [2:56:38]

Election of Officer – Secretary – To serve from July 2024 to June 30, 2025: Postponed to the next meeting.

Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes – Thursday, April 11, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting.
Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes – Thursday, May 9, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting.
Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes – Thursday, June 13, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting.
Approval of Draft Meeting Minutes – Thursday, July 11, 2024: Postponed to the next meeting.

XII. ANNOUNCEMENTS – [2:56:48]

Next Meeting – [2:56:48]: The next Diamond Head/Kapahulu/St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No.05 regular meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Paki Hale and virtually via Webex.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed – [2:57:10]

XIII. ADJOURNMENT – [2:58:28]: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Camilia Epa Gomes, Neighborhood Assistant, NCO
Reviewed by: Dylan Buck, Community Relations Specialist, 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.