Ala Moana - Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Meeting Minutes For <font color="red"><b>TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016</b></font> Posted

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Ala Moana - Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Meeting Minutes For TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 Posted
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

ALA MOANA - KAKAAKO NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 11

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum was established with six (6) members present. Note -- This nine (9)-member Board requires five (5) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present (Roll Call) -- William Ammons, Roy Bumgarner, John Horvath (appointed at meeting), Larry Hurst, Ryan Tam, and Michael Zehner.

Board Members Absent -- Rodney Chang and Duane Komine.

Vacancies -- There were one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 1 and one (1) vacancy in Subdistrict 2.

Guests -- Cindy McMillan (Governor David Ige's Representative, Office of the Governor), Lieutenant Darin Evangelista (Honolulu Police Department), Captain Richard Tsugawa (Honolulu Fire Department); Noelle Wright (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Mayor's Office of Economic Development); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, Francis Choe (Councilmember Ozawa's Office), Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office), Ted Peck, Doug M., Kiera H., Mark E., Andy Yamaguchi, Ron Komine Jr., Stephen Yahn, James Larson (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office), Alan Holhfeisen, Franklin Chung, Les Young, Reyn Koizumi, Danny Kong, Les Iczkewitz, Wren Wescoat, M. Tait, Michael Motoki, Kathryn Henski, and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Richard Tsugawa reported the following:

• March 2016 Fire Statistics -- There were 9 fires, 161 medical calls, 9 hazardous conditions, 18 service calls, 144 good intent calls, and 18 false alarms, for a total of 3,659 calls for the month of March.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Escape Planning:

o Plan ahead and be prepared - Make a home escape plan.

o Know at least two (2) ways out of every room.

o Have an outside meeting place.

o Practice home fire drills twice a year during the day and night with everyone at home and use two (2) ways out.

o Teach children how to escape on their own in case no one can assist them.

o Be sure to close doors when leaving.

o If the alarm sounds- Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.

o If the exit is covered by smoke, get low and crawl under the smoke.

o Call the fire department from outside of the house.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 1 -- Lieutenant Darin Evangelista reported the following:

• March 2016 Statistics -- There was 1 motor vehicle theft, 3 burglaries, 169 thefts, 47 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 23 assaults, 1 sexual assault, 2 graffiti, and 52 drug. There was a total of 6,556 calls placed for service.

• Safety Tips -- The Move Over Law

o HRS 291C-27 Emergency vehicle stopped for emergencies; duty of approaching vehicle

o A driver of a vehicle that is approaching an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance, ocean safety vehicle, freeway service patrol, or a tow truck) that is stopped with flashing emergency lights shall;

o Slow down to a reasonable speed and make a lane change into the adjacent lane if necessary and if it is safe to do so, or if possible, to two lanes over which leaves one lane between the driver and the emergency vehicle.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Beat 180 -- Hurst asked and Lieutenant Evangelista answered that Beat 180 is a busy area, but all areas with shopping areas tend to be busier. Lieutenant Evangelista also stated to Hurst that The Move Over Law is to make drivers aware of what to do when encounter an emergency vehicles, and that emergency vehicles are trained to maneuver around traffic if drivers are not able to move for them.

RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS -- Transportation Survey -- University of Hawaii at Manoa graduate student Andy Yamaguchi announced a survey he was doing on car sharing in large building and condominiums. He made a flyer available to the public on taking the survey.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Health and Public Safety -- Vice Chair Hurst reported that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako area is a high crime area especially around Ward Avenue and Ala Moana Boulevard and to please be diligent.

Community Relations -- There was nothing to report at this time.

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- There was nothing to report at this time.

Legislation -- Board member Zehner stated that the Board had passed a resolution in May 2015 that was opposed to surprise finance committee hearings at the Legislature. He stated that there should be no cheating constituents out of their chance to testify on matters that affect them.

Parks and Water -- Chair Tam reported the following:

• Board of Water and Supply (BWS) -- There were no water main breaks to the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako area for the month. Customers are currently being targeted in an attempt to fraudulently collect money. Residents are encouraged to call BWS at 748-5030 if they receive unexpected and/or aggressive calls requesting payment of BWS charges. BWS does not demand payment. Never give credit or debit card numbers unless directed to call 748-5030 to make a payment. Residents are encouraged to hang up and call 911 to report any suspicious activity or BWS at 748-5000.

• Pensacola Water System Improvement Project -- The Pensacola Water System Improvement Project currently has two (2) lanes closed on both Pensacola Street and South King Street during the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is expected to last for a few weeks. The project will improve water service and reliability to residents and businesses in the area.

• Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawaii 2016 -- Vice Chair Hurst and the Board members present at the meeting fully support the Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawaii 2016.

o Alan Holhfeisen, production manager for Shinnyo-En announced that the Lantern Festival will be taking place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2016 at Ala Moana Beach Park at 6:30 p.m.

• Kuleana Kakaʻako Community Association (KKCA) -- There are ongoing efforts to take back parks such as Mother Waldron Park. The Kuleana Kakaʻako Community Association (KKCA) is organizing cleanup efforts of the park. There is currently an open market that takes place at the park every Thursday. The next meeting of KCCA will be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at HCDA room at 6:00 p.m.

Transportation Committee -- Board member Ammons read a report provided by Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and reported the following:

• Rail -- The Honolulu Rail Transit Project (HRTP) will serve a wide variety of passengers. There are 21 stations along the 20-mile rail route. Passengers may walk to the stations, bus, bike, park and ride, or get dropped off. Every station will be American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and restrooms will be available in paid fare area of the stations.

• Area -- In the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako area the places that will have rail stations will be; Civic Center Station at South Street and Halekawila Street, Kakaʻako Station off of Ward Avenue and Halekawila Street, and the Ala Moana Station on Kona Street near Kona Iki Street.

• Program -- The Shop and Dine on the Line program is designated to assist businesses along the rail alignment during construction by encouraging the public to patronize those stores and restaurants and use the discounts and other promotions that are offered by the businesses.

• Information -- For more information please visit the website at www.honolulutransit.org, call the project hotline at 566-2299, or email a question to info@honolulutransit.org.

Homelessness Committee -- Board member Ammons reported the following:

• Shelter -- The Institute for Human Service (IHS) is opening a new shelter in Honolulu called Tutu Bert's house for homeless people who are medically fragile. The goal is to provide shelter and care to people who are well enough to leave the hospital, but too ill to recover on the streets. The two (2)-story seven (7)-bedroom house will house eight (8) people at a time for an average stay of six (6) weeks.

• Emergency Funding -- The State has transferred the first $1 million in emergency homeless funding to Aloha United Way to provide relief to more than 1,300 homeless or at-risk Hawaii households, but the money has not yet be distributed to the social service agencies that were picked to operate the program.

• Oversight -- Hawaii lawmakers are pushing for greater oversight on how homeless shelters spend about $13 million annually in State funding, concerned that nearly 600 shelter beds remain empty on any given night, while hundreds of homeless people are sleeping in public spaces.

• Mimic -- City Council Chairman Ernie Martin and at least two (2) other Council members want to mimic Seattle-style public showers and tent cities across O‘ahu.

• Rejections -- The House rejected several budget items on homelessness programs, including $2 million for homeless outreach services, $3 million for the Housing First program that helps long-term homeless people, and $2 million to help people with up to three (3) months of rental subsidies.

• Shut Down -- HCDA board Vice President Steve Scott wants to temporarily shut down Kakaʻako Makai Gateway Park to "break the cycle" of constant sweeps to clear out the homeless only to see the camps return the next day.

• Delays -- Scott Morishige says that unexpected delays have been encountered and will delay the opening of a family homeless shelter in Kakaʻako.

• Agreement -- An agreement is in the works between the City and the HCDA to prevent homeless people from returning to the parks after sweeps.

• Mobile -- The City might establish a mobile court house to handle cases involving homeless.

• Denied -- The City and County of Honolulu has denied an $180,000 grant to Mental Health Kokua Activity Center. The center provides case management, psychiatry, medication, showers, meals, clothes and recreational activities to over 100 people who suffer from severe mental illnesses.

• Extension -- Governor David Ige extended the State's emergency homelessness proclamation for the fourth (4th) time since he declared a state of emergency for homelessness last October 2015.

Hearing no objections, Chair Tam took the agenda out of order to Filling of Vacancies.

Filling of Vacancies in Subdistrict 1 and Subdistrict 2 -- John Horvath introduced himself and noted his interest in filing for the vacancy in Subdistrict 2.

Hurst moved and Ammons seconded to appoint John Horvath to the Subdistrict 2 vacancy. The motion WAS ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 5-0-0 (Aye: Ammons, Bumgarner, Hurst, Tam, and Zelner; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

Chair Tam called for a recess at 7:35 p.m.

The Neighborhood Assistant (NA) administered the oath of office; Six (6) members present.

Chair Tam called the meeting back to order at 7:38 p.m.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

• Ammons -- Board member Ammons attended the Kuliana Kakaʻako meeting on Thursday, April 21, 2016.

• Tam -- Chair Tam attended the Neighborhood Commission (NC) Conference of Chairs on Saturday, April 9, 2016 and the Kuliana Kakaʻako meeting on Thursday, April 21, 2016.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell -- Noelle Wright reported the following:

• Earth Month -- April is Earth Month. The Department of Facilities and Maintenance (DFM) is holding a cleanup at Kapalama Canal on Saturday, April 30, 2016.

• Art Proposal -- The fence at 1175 Kona Street is owned by the City and County of Honolulu. No sign permit is required for murals. However if someone would like to paint a mural on that fence, they would need to get permission from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).

• Berm -- DFM received a work order to install delineators and curbing at the painted traffic island at Sheridan Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. DFM will schedule the installation when the materials become available.

• Bulb-Outs -- The Department of Transportation Services has just received the specific locations for the requested bulb-outs and will have an answer at the next meeting.

• Paint -- DTS is looking into longer lasting paint alternatives to use on bike lanes. The plan is to use colored Methyl-Methacrylate (MMA), but an installation date for the painting of the bike path has not been determined.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Left Turn -- Hurst mentions he would like the left turn at Kapiolani Boulevard expedited and would give his "bulb-out" plans if needed.

2. Path -- Ammons and the Board would like to know if the path around Magic Island at the Ala Moana Regional Park will be painted.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- Councilmember Fukunaga reported the following:

• Facilities -- Urban rest stops and facilities would be a great way to help members of the community to do laundry and take showers and use restrooms. Similar rest stops in Washington are clean and well maintained, which is an encouraging sign for them in the future in Hawaii.

• Together -- If people work together, then there will be positive changes that impact whole communities and make differences in lives.

• Mental Health Kokua -- Mental Health Kokua greatly thrived from the City's budget last year, and this year with additional funding approved will be able to make great strides in the work they do.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Parking -- Hurst inquired and Councilmember Fukunaga replied that the final decision on eliminating metered parking on South Street has not been made and that other alternatives such as on Punchbowl Street for bike paths and parking are being considered.

2. Information -- A resident asked and Councilmember Fukunaga answered that the time frame for these urban rest stop facilities should not be too long, once partnerships are created for different locations. Councilmember Fukunaga stated that Seattle employs security at their facilities and that they make appointments with clients to use the facilities when needed, which helps create sustain a safe environment. Councilmember Fukunaga added that the laundry facilities would be free of charge and that there would be contracts to different nonprofits and such to run these urban rest stops and facilities on Hawaii.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- No representative was present; a report was provided.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Francis Choe reported the following: Bill 33 -- Bill 33 addresses the issue of abandoned shopping carts. Bill 33 has passed its first reading, the office is receiving calls from different businesses who would like to be a part of resolving the issue of abandoned shopping carts.

State Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower reported the following:

• Transparency -- Representative Brower states that if anyone has questions about the Legislature moving of bills process to please call him and he will be able to answer any questions.

• Tutu Bert's -- Representative Brower supports the house's decision to give an additional $3 million to homeless services.

• Support -- Representative Brower supports the enforcement of park closure hours in the area and is optimistic on Bill 33.

Bumgarner departed the meeting at 8:00 p.m.; Five (5) members present.

State Representative Scott Saiki -- Kay Yasufuku Tam distributed a report and was available for questions.

State Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland -- No representative was present; a report was provided.

State Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares reported the following:

• Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) -- Appropriations of funds found in the Senate draft include: $15 million for 902 Alder Street, $6 million for McKInley High School Stadium, $3 million for Entrepreneur's Sandbox --Kakaʻako Collaboration Center, and $1.5 million for Hawaii Community Development Authority (Na Kupuna Makame Center).

• Bills of Interest -- House Bill (HB) 1753 would regulate mopeds and HB 2604 pertains to private roads in Kakaʻako.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. HB 1847 -- A resident asked and Vares answered he did not have insite to HB 1847, however he does know that it is still "in play."

2. Sustainable -- A resident mentions how thick Senator Chun Oakland's report is and is wondering if she is trying to be sustainable. She mentions other reports and smaller. Vares will convey these concerns to Senator Chun Oakland.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Cindy McMillan reported the following:

• Highlights -- The Governor's newsletter highlights an innovative economy, which offers high quality, living wage jobs in a digital age.

• Earth Month -- April is Earth Month and on the back of the newsletter it highlights environmental heroes in Hawaii.

• Houseless -- The Governor is very concerned and is involved with helping find a way in which to alleviate the homeless issue. It takes everyone to make a difference from nonprofits, private sectors, the State Legislature, and the federal government.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Help -- Ammons asked and McMillan answered that the solution to helping the mentally ill is a tough subject to solve. No one can force another person to get treatment, because of personal liberties, unless they are an immediate threat to themselves or others. Please call 911 or the crisis hotline at 832-3100 if one believes someone is in need of help.

PRESENTATIONS

Department of Transportation Services (DTS) -- Electric Circular Bus Network, Consider Resolution of Support for Federal Grant Application -- Michael Motoki presented the following:

• Grant -- DTS requested support for federal funding to develop a 15.1 mile electric bus network that would link the Ala Moana Rail Station terminal to Waikiki, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and surrounding areas. Benefits would include real time information, improvements to bus stops, as well as electric run buses.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. Abstain -- Tam disclosed he was involved in this project, so he would be abstaining on any vote made. Tam stated he would like to add the same agenda item on for the next meeting.

2. Independent -- A resident asked and Motoki answered that the electric bus network would be independent of the rail and would include 18 high capacity electric buses.

3. Impact -- Hurst inquired and Motoki replied that the study shows no impact from the electric buses that would be traveling on Keeamoku Street.

4. Program -- Resident Hensky stated that she was at the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting when Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Deputy Director Mark Garrity made the same presentation and states that it sounds like a wonderful program, which would eliminate noise and eventually replace all current buses.

5. Maintenance -- Zehner asked and Motoki answered that the maintenance cost would be less expensive than the current cost to maintain the diesel-fueled buses.

Hurst motioned and Zehner seconded to support the concept of Electric Transit. The motion was NOT ADOPTED, 4-0-1 (Aye: Ammons, Horvath, Hurst, and Zehner; Nay: none; Abstain: Tam).

Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM) -- Overview of process to lease offshore federal waters for the development of renewable energy projects -- Doug M., Kiera H., and Mark E. reported the following:

• BOEM -- BOEM is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior. BOEM manages the nation's mineral and energy resources on the outer continental shelf (OCS).

• Energy -- The Energy Policy Act of 2005 granted BOEM authority to issue leases for renewable energy projects on the OCS, which begins three (3) nautical miles off the islands of Hawaii.

• Task Force -- In 2011 then-Governor Neil Abercrombie asked that a BOEM task force be created for the Hawaii region. To date there has been three (3) meetings, and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2016. The task force consists of State, Federal, and local agencies who share information.

• Why -- BOEM has received three (3) unsolicited lease requests from two (2) different agencies for energy projects off the coast of Hawaii.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed:

1. What -- Zehner asked and Doug M. replied that the lease requests are for off shore wind projects, have nothing to do with o-tech, and that BOEM is the leasing regulator, things such as kilowatts per hour would fall under the utilities commission.

2. Other -- Horvath inquired and Doug M. replied that there is currently a project off the Atlantic Coast in State water for floating wind energy projects. Floating wind energy technology is newer than offshore wind technology so there are not as many projects yet.

Progression Hawaii Offshore Wind Project -- Ted Peck presented the following:

• Offshore Wind -- Progression Energy has applied for a lease for a wind energy project in federal waters off of Oahu. The 400-megawatt offshore wind farm will supply one-fourth (1/4) of O‘ahu's energy needs.

• Where -- Some of the windfloats would be located: 10 miles from Kalaeloa/Barber's Point, 13 miles from Waikiki, and 12.5 miles from Diamond Head.

• When -- There will be a full environmental process of permitting and development between 2015 and 2016. Construction of the project is slated to take place in two (2) phases between 2020 and 2022, and be fully operational by 2023. The project will use less than five (5) acres of land and 70 square miles of offshore ocean.

• Potential -- There is a possibility that the windfloats could be assembled in Hawaii, thus creating jobs and bring in investments to the Hawaii economy.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Knowledge -- Zehner inquired and Peck answered that per an hour the kilowatts to operate would be in the low teens, the current photovoltaic cost for Oahu can be in the low teens to low 20s, the windfloat energy is grid-friendly and would be available 24/7 compared to solar energy which is available one-third (1/3) of the day, and he believes that o-tech energy has a long way to go before it would come to fruition.

Honolulu Triathlon -- Ala Moana Boulevard lane closure will be from 4:00 a.m-10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

King Kamehameha Celebration Commission -- Ala Moana Boulevard lane closure (makai lanes) will be between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 11, 2016 for 100th Anniversary Floral Parade.

AT&T Cell Phone Tower -- Discussion of a planned tower on the roof of 1350 Ala Moana Boulevard -- Les Iczkovitz presented the following: In Disagreement -- Iczkovitz stated that he is a resident of 1350 Ala Moana Boulevard and is unhappy about a proposed antenna that is slated to go on top of his building. He believes that there should have been more transparency and that AT&T should have made their case to the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 and/or at least the residents of the building, but instead only the 1350 Ala Moana Board of Directors in which two (2) members in attendance heard the plan. He stated that antenna's bring down property value and have a potential to cause adverse health problems. He also reiterated that AT&T is getting around a legal loophole because they claim HCDA is in charge of development of Kakaʻako and therefore, the City does not have say so of an antenna placement.

Questions, comments and concerns that followed: Involvement -- Tam noted that because there is no government entity to direct a resolution or letter towards and it is considered a private matter that the Board is unable to get involved, but he stated he appreciated Iczkovitz bringing his issues to the Board. Ammons added that there are cellphone antennas on buildings everywhere, but we do not necessarily see them or know about them.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN -- Removal of legal resident aliens from voter eligibility; registration requirements; committees -- This item was deferred to the next meeting.

Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Operating Budget -- Restoration of funds for training and videography

• Let It Be -- Hurst believes that the budget should be left as is and that the NCO should work with what it has, Tam mentions the budget shortfall is due to boards deciding to add videography in the last year.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Designation of Committee Chairs by Board Chair -- There were none at this time.

Approval of the February 23, 2016 and March 22, 2016 Regular Meeting Minutes -- The Board approved the February 23, 2016 and March 3, 2016 meeting minutes as circulated by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 5-0-0. (AYE: Ammons, Horvath, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner; Nay: none; Abstain: none.)

Treasurer's Report -- Chair Tam reported a remaining balance of $210.11. The report was filed.

Election of Treasurer -- Hurst motioned and Zehner seconded to elect Horvath as the new Treasurer. The motion WAS ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONCENT, 5-0-0 (Aye: Ammons, Horvath, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner; Nay: none; Abstain: none).

NOTICE OF UPCOMING EVENTS

• Citizen Patrols -- Mondays and Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. at Sheridan Park

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Next Meeting -- The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at Makiki Christian Church located at 829 Pensacola Street. Loitering is not allowed on the Makiki Christian Church grounds after 9:00 p.m.

• Ala Moana Open House -- Ala Moana Regional Park Open House, Thursday, April 28, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at McCoy Pavillion.

• Monthly Broadcasts -- Monthy broadcasts of the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meetings are on Olelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant II and K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Chair Ryan Tam

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Ala Moana - Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Meeting Minutes For TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016 Posted

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