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  • Ala Moana - Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Meeting Minutes For 4/25/2017 Posted

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 25, 2017

MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 7:00 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. Chair Tam welcomed everyone to the Neighborhood Board meeting and thanked the Board members and the public for their input to the government.

Roll Call -- William Ammons, Michael Zehner, Michelle Foyt, Ryan Tam, Sultan White, and Bob Armstrong.

Board Members Absent -- Rodney Chang and Chris Chung.

Vacancies -- There was one vacancy for Subdistrict 1.

Guests -- Cindy McMillian (Governor David Ige's Representative, Office of the Governor); Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Emergency Services Department); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and James Larson (Councilmember Kobayashi's Office); Kenny Amazaki (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Lieutenant Alex Garcia (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Baron Lee (Honolulu Police Department, District 1); Jesse Souki (Hawaii Community Development Authority); Kevin Carney (EAH Housing); Jolie Wanger (Smart Trees Pacific); Charlie and Diana Lorenz (Feeding Hawaiʻi Together Org.); Daniel Alexander (Hawaii Bicycling League); David Robyak, Yankun Zhao, Hideichi Mori, Tanya Harrison, Douglas Valenta, Louise Black (Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 residents); Ronald Higa (Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 resident), Dexter Okada (KBLA); Dayton Oshiro (ʻŌlelo Videographer), Sultan White and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Lieutenant Alex Garcia reported the following:

• March 2017 Statistics -- There were 9 structure fires, 2 wildland/brush fires, 1 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fires, 17 activated alarms (no fires); 182 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, 2 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and 8 hazardous materials incidents.

• Fire Safety Tips -- Home Fire Sprinklers:

o Fire sprinklers respond quickly and effectively to fire, often extinguishing the fire prior to the fire department's arrival.

o Fire sprinklers can save lives and property from fire.

o In 2014, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) found that sprinklers reduced fire deaths by 83%.

o A 2014 NFPA report found that sprinklers reduced property loss in homes by 69%.

Common Fire Sprinkler Myths:

o Myth: All fire sprinklers will go off at once.

Fact: Systems are designed so the closest sprinkler head to the fire is activated.

o Myth: They cause a lot of water damage.

Fact: Typically, sprinklers utilize 13 to 18 gallons of water per minute. Firefighting hoses flow at least ten times that of a sprinkler.

Having fire sprinklers in the home is like having a fire fighter in the home 24 hours a day and ready to extinguish a fire!

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District (1) -- Lieutenant Baron Lee reported the following:

• March 2017 Statistics: There were 22 motor vehicle thefts, 9 burglaries, 140 thefts, 36 UEMVs (Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicle), 19 assaults, 2 sexual assaults, 4 graffiti incidents, and 28 drug offenses.

• Safety Tips -- SCAM (Stop Criminals from Acquiring Your Money):

o If stranger phones to tell you that you won lottery and asks to send money, don't.

o If in collision or accused and person demands cash for damages, call 911 and don't give money.

o If a stranger offers to do auto repair work that seems too-good-to-be-true, be weary of price jumps and poor workmanship. Decline the offer and if person persists call 911.

o If a stranger comes to your home and offers to do home repair work, ask for company identification and check references. Do not pay any money in advance.

o If a stranger phones to say that your relative has been arrested and needs bail money, check with other family members to confirm your relative's status.

o If someone claims to be an undercover officer and demands money from you, do not pay any money and call 911.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed:

1. Hurst raised concerns about a storage parking problem. There is a junk truck on Pensacola Street, but three (3) in the area around Sheraton Park. He says there is an increase in urban dumping since "Got-Junk" trucks have been in business. He said that if the truck owners are just informed about the law, they will continue to break it. He wants for more action to take place. Lieutenant Lee responded that there is a stipulation that they need to be identified as a commercial vehicle or be under the maximum weight and length allowable. If officers respond to scene they will run the license plate to check. Lieutenant Lee said HPD will check the area and informed the public to call 911 if they witness any illegal dumping.

2. Armstrong asked for updates on Club Sun incident. He knows the suspect is in custody and noted that the business is not in operation. Lieutenant Lee said the Vice Division and Patrol is monitoring the situation. He said that the business is not in operation because they are in a cooling off period.

3. Armstrong asked if HPD knew anything about the hit-and-run situations near Kapiʻolani Park Boulevard. Lieutenant Lee responded that he did not know.

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARDS

Charlie and Diana Lorenz -- Charlie and Diana Lorenz were recognized by Chair Tam for their service to the Kakaʻako and greater Oahu Community for starting the non-profit organization Feeding Hawaii Together. Since 2002 Charlie and Diana have developed the infrastructure to distribute over 100,000 pounds of food per month in a respectful and dignified food pantry. It is a reputable achievement and has made a direct difference in over 56,000 households throughout Oahu every year and an indirect difference in countless other lives. Chair Tam thanked them for their service to the community.

Anthony Aalto -- Armstrong presented the Good Neighbor Award to Anthony Aalto, a Honolulu-based filmmaker and journalist who used his skills to bring attention to the homeless problem in Kaka`ako. His film "No Room in Paradise" was an unflinching and personal look into the dismal state of homeless people in the neighborhood. The film reminded us that we cannot ignore the plight of others and still live Aloha. In 2013, he founded Green Island Films that creates films about our state and has had films shown at the Hawaii International Film Festival. He is chairperson of the Sierra Club of Hawai'i. Anthony Aalto graciously accepted the award and thanked Bob Armstrong, the Chair, the Board and the community. He said that he would frame the award and put it on his wall.

FILLING OF VACANCY IN SUBDISTRICT 1

Subdistrict 1 -- Official Boundary Description: "Beginning at the junction of King Street and Kalākaua Avenue, southeast along Kalākaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Boulevard, thence west along Kapiʻolani Boulevard to Keʻeaumoku Street, thence northeast along Keʻeaumoku Street to King Street, thence southeast along King Street to Kalākaua Avenue." Chair Tam noted that the term goes to Friday, June 30, 2017 and that there were two (2) more meetings until the election. As there were no volunteers or nominations, Chair Tam deferred this agenda item to the next meeting.

PRESENTATIONS

Keawe Street Green Infrastructure Retrofit -- Jolie Wanger of Smart Trees Pacific (STP) explained how STP does urban forestry projects in Hawaii. STP manages State's urban and community forestry program. They are interested in a green infrastructure projects (using trees to help treat storm water and runoff pollution) to promote health and wellbeing in neighborhoods. They want to convert an underutilized area in the Kakaʻako Hawaii Community Development Association (HCDA) area into rain gardens to stop runoff from entering the ocean. She asked for a motion for support from the Board. Zehner asked what the funding sources would be. Wanger responded that they applied for funding from the Hawaii Community Foundation's Community Restoration Partnership. Hurst asked who would be doing the maintenance for the garden. Wanger responded that it would be an opportunity for the community to get involved, as well as creating an adoption program for the garden. She mentioned that they would be planting low-maintenance native plants and trees. Hurst said that there would be a liability for volunteers maintaining the garden on public property. Wanger responded that they have liability coverage and that it would be on private property.

Tam moved and Armstrong seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 support the Keawe Street Green Infrastructure Retrofit by Smart Trees Pacific. Before voting, Hurst wanted to know if they had support from HCDA. Wanger responded that they met and had preliminary support. As there were no objections, the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the motion by UNANIMOUS CONSENT by VOICE VOTE, 6-0-0 (AYE: Ammons, Armstrong, Foyt, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Biki Launch -- Benjamin Travino of Bikeshare Hawaii gave update on program. They did outreach to business and residential buildings in Kakaʻako/Ala Moana neighborhood. They are launching on Saturday, July 1, 2017. They are doing their 100 station installations in the month of June spread from Diamond Head to Chinatown. There will be about 1,000 public bikes. There will be 20 to 30 stations in the Ala Moana/Kaka`ako area. Each station will have a self-service kiosk to sign up, but there is an option to sign up online. The main purpose is to open the public to an alternative form of transit.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed:

1. Pricing: Armstrong mentioned that it seemed like it would be priced for tourists and asked if there is a kamaʻaina rate. Travino mentioned that there was a monthly pricing option that would better suit the public. It is $15 per month as long as the ride is less than 30 minutes long.

2. Thomas Square: Armstrong asked if there would be a station on Thomas Square, and mentioned that if there were than the public would strongly oppose it. He recommended that they put a station across the street at Neal Blaisdell Center. Travino responded that there would not be a station in the park itself, but the station would technically be on Thomas Square property on the corner of Beretania Street and Ward Avenue to provide service to Makiki. He noted that if there were strong concerns about that station they would consider alternatives.

3. Theft: Member Hurst gave his input that bike thieves could easily break locks and that they could sell the bicycle parts. Travino said that they selected bike equipment that had features which deter theft. It is yet to be seen if the bikes will be stolen, but they are hoping for the best.

4. Safety: Foyt warned that traffic is dense and potentially unsafe for bikers not paying attention. She asked if there would be any education on the rules of the road. Travino answered that they partnered with the Hawaii Bicycling League to create programs for bike education. He noted that in other cities with bike share programs, if the residents know proper bicycling rules then they would teach the tourists. Also, the tourists would learn by observation. There would also be online resources and resources at the kiosk for bike education.

5. Size of Bike Station: Resident asked how the size of the station is determined. He also asked what would be the mix of local/tourist users. Travino answered that the size of the station was determined based on proximity to residential/employment hubs. They figure that the mix of local/tourist users would be 50/50.

6. Public Input: A resident asked how the public can offer input to Biki. Travino answered that they are holding many open houses in the months prior to the launch and that the public can come to Biki directly with any concerns.

7. Buses on Beretania Street: A resident said that there were buses on Beretania Street that could potentially harm riders. She also said that there should be diagrams at each kiosk to show bike routes. Travino answered that there is an unprotected bike lane on Beretania Street and that riders are allowed to ride on the right side of the road.

8. Specific Locations: Tam encouraged Biki to bring information on the specific locations of each station to next meeting.

Nohono Hale Affordable Micro Housing Project (630 Cooke Street) -- Marian Gushiken of EAH Housing introduced the Nohono Hale housing project. Selected by HCDA to develop affordable housing at the 630 Cooke Street site which used to be a parking lot. The building will have 111 affordable micro-units with front lanais (300 square feet studios). There will be two (2) podium levels with community areas. The outdoor space will feature community tenant gardens. There will be 14 floors of residential units with eight (8) units per floor and two (2) elevators. Project will be financed with tax credits and bonds as well as some state subsidy funding which has been secured. They are serving households at 60% of Area Median Income. A one (1)-person household should have a maximum income of $43,980 and a two (2)-person household should have a maximum income of $50,220. Eleven units will serve households at 30% of AMI. Thus, a one (1)-person household will have a maximum income of $22,000 and a two (2)-person household will have a maximum income of $25,150. There would not be more than two (2) occupants per unit. Maximum rent for the 60% units, as governed by federal regulations, would be $1,053 but they are underwriting to a lower level. They want to keep the rent below $1,000. For the 30% units, maximum rent would be no more than $503. These are adjusted for income limits applicable once they build the property. They want to close next spring with an 18-month construction period.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed: Parking: Armstrong raised concerns about how parking would be handled. Gushiken said that it would be a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) property. There are many other modes of transportation nearby. There will be five (5) parking stalls that primarily serve staff. They want to dedicate one (1) of the stalls to a car sharing program. There will be plenty bicycle and moped parking. Hurst said that there could be potentially 50 automobiles without parking which would just park on the street. Gushiken said that residents would self-select, consider whether they want to move in if there is no parking available or make other arrangements. Zehner said he estimates that someone who could afford $1,000 a month rent can also afford a car.

Armstrong motioned in favor of Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supporting the housing development. No one seconded. The motion died for lack of a second.

Thomas Square Project Update -- Director Guy Kaulukukui from the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) shared the five (5) phase renovation. They are now in the first phase which was funded last fiscal year. The first phase involves changing out the irrigation system and planting new grass. The construction barriers that have been up since December 2016 will be up until June, July 2017 at the latest. The second phase includes a flag pole with the State flag flown 24/7 with lights on at night, the State Motto, and interpretive panels that give information on the five (5)-month period of time when the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1843 was illegally overthrown by a Captain of the British Navy, then restored by Admiral Thomas of the British Navy from whom the Square got its name. They will add a statue of Kamehameha III. They will do additional irrigation work as necessary and install electrical conduits. Phase 2 will be in Fiscal Year 2018. They asked for $4.7 million, but the present amended budget has reduced that amount. Future, unfunded, proposed phases will include an upgrade to the restroom to make it Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-approved. They will make a bike path on the Ward Avenue side to go through the park and not take up a lane of traffic. They will upgrade the upper terrace on Beretania Street and the staircase which leads down into the park. They will add a performance stage. They will remove four (4) diseased trees and have significant trimming of Banyan trees, after being permitted by the Department of Urban Forestry. They want to cut the inner circle of the Banyan trees so more light comes in. They want to down-light the Banyan trees. In Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Investment Project (CIP) request they have money requested in the budget for lighting of the Banyan trees, lighting of the upper terrace, doing some ADA improvements, a concession or storage building. The concession and performance stage has not been received very well and may or may not be included. They may host food truck events either by having food trucks parked on Victoria Street or by creating a hardened surface inside Thomas Square. There is a planned restoration of the fountain. They want to add "British Jack" paths on the mauka side, completing the paths that are on the makai side in the present phase. They want to remove parking on King Street and replace it with a grass strip, then have the existing bike path down King Street come through the park. They will include multi-modal paths on Ward Avenue and Victoria Street. Planters will be removed in a future phase.

Questions, concerns, comments followed:

1. Armstrong said that there was an extensive development of sidewalks mentioned in previous meetings. This would be in the second phase. All of those sidewalks would not be a part of the unveiling around Monday, July 31, 2017. He mentioned that Honolulu City Council has tried to get Thomas Square away from the Department of Enterprise Services, and the Democratic Party voted overwhelmingly to support City Council's decision. It is hard for the community to support DES because they want to get rid of the grass and the park and make it into an enterprise. Director Kaulukukui asked for the specific issues Armstrong is referring to that has not been mentioned or addressed. Armstrong says that the community wants it to be a park that they are proud of. They do not want to see a performance space or a retail spot. Director Kaulukukui responded that the idea of a performance stage and concession stands are in a future phase and still under consideration. He continued to say that the food concessions would be similar to ones in other parks, which are presently allowable in parks.

2. Hurst raised concerns about losing parking after the park is developed. Foyt reiterated the parking issue.

3. A resident raised concerns about the park transfer from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to the DES, which needs to be financially self-sustaining. He mentioned a State statute that requires Thomas Square remain a public park and that it was given over to the City in an Executive Order by Governor Ben Cayetano in 2001. In April 2016 he said that DES asked the head of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to modify the Executive Order (EO) to allow DES to develop the park. He said that in January of 2017 they responded that they would not modify the Executive Order. He asked if the plan for the park has been vetted and endorsed by corporate or legal consul and why it is legal for DES to develop the park as is presently planned. Director Kaulukukui said that they did ask the Chair of DLNR whether it was necessary to amend the EO to develop Thomas Square and that the Chair's response was that it was not necessary to amend the EO. DLNR has confirmed that both the transfer of the park and the planned programming is consistent with their understanding of what constitutes a public park. He said that the park would be a free public program and it would host free events. They would host cultural/ethnic festivals very similar to ones held in Thomas Square currently.

4. A resident raised concerns about DES cutting down the wrong tree and did not properly care for one of the trees on the Beretania Street side. She raised concerns about cementing over grass to make space for food trucks. She said that even though current administration may not want to cement over grass parcels, future administrations have the right to do so against the will of the public. Director Kaulukukui said that Thomas Square will remain a park. They want to attract more people to the park and give it multiple uses, since Thomas Square is a unique park, where the sovereignty of a nation was restored and they want to honor that difference.

5. Tam asked if there were other zoning regulations that would ensure that Thomas Square remains a park. Director Kaulukukui did not know, but said that even if there were none, Thomas Square would still remain a park.

6. For further questions, contact Director Kaulukukui at -- guy.kaulukukui@honolulu.gov or 768-5444.

As there were no objections, Chair Tam moved item 11.1 to item 5.6

Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Maglev Proposal -- Chair Tam moved Item 11.1 to item 5.6 to discuss changes to HCDA Reserved Housing Rules.

Changes to HCDA Reserved Housing Rules -- Executive Director Jesse Souki of HCDA presented the changes to the housing rules of Kaka`ako. The proposed final rules and hearing notice are on the website. There will be a formal hearings on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Wednesday, May 17, 2017 and Wednesday, May 31, 2017. There are three (3) programs that relate to housing affordability. The first relates to subsidizing affordable housing projects on State land with government money like the 630 Cooke Street Project which was presented earlier in the agenda. However, the rule changes are on the two other programs: the Required Reserved Housing Program and Voluntary Workforce Housing Program. The Required Reserved Housing Program pertains to anyone who wants to build a residential project in the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako district. They must set aside 20% of the units at 140% of the Adjusted Median Income (AMI). Under the new rules, they will make it more affordable. So, they will bring the AMI limit down from 140% to 120%. There is also a shared equity and buyback provision in the Required Reserved Housing Program. Shared equity helps the public regain equity if the building is resold and the price goes up. The buyback provision requires that HCDA gets first consideration when the property goes up for sale, so that they can keep it as affordable housing. The Voluntary Workforce Housing Program pertains to any landowner or developer who wants to build a project. They want to bring the AMI limit from 140% to 120% for this project as well. HCDA will apply the shared equity and buyback provision to the Voluntary Workforce Housing Program.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed:

1. Armstrong would like the HCDA to engage more with Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 and explore the option of having a seat on the HCDA Board for a Neighborhood Board member.

2. Armstrong asked if Executive Director Souki would show up to the hearing on Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

3. A resident was confused between the Reserved Housing and Workforce Housing. She asked if it can be grouped together into one (1) program. Executive Director Souki responded that it cannot be grouped into one (1).

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Hurst moved and Zehner seconded to add presentation of the Lantern Floating Ceremony to the agenda. As there were no objections, the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the motion by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, by VOICE VOTE, 6-0-0 (AYE: Ammons, Armstrong, Foyt, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Lantern Floating Ceremony -- Hurst summarized a letter from Alan Hichfelsen, Production Manager for Lantern Floating Ceremony Hawaii 2017. The ceremony is held at Ala Moana Beach Park for the last 14 years. The theme is "Many Rivers, One Ocean" and it reflects the diversity and harmony of Hawaii.

Hurst moved and Zehner seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supports the Lantern Floating Ceremony. The Ala Moana/Kaka`ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ADOPTED the motion by a VOICE VOTE of 5-0-1 (AYE: Ammons, Foyt, Hurst, Tam, Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Armstrong).

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Health and Public Safety -- Hurst reiterated that bike thieves can break through chains. He said that community should be aware when walking around in public. Armstrong added that the neighborhood around Ala Moana shopping center is reviving their Neighborhood Watch Patrols. They meet on the first and second Thursdays of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the corner of Waimanu Street and Queen Street. Hurst told Armstrong to invite them to the next Neighborhood Board meeting as there is already an Ala Moana Neighborhood Watch called the Sheridan Citizens Patrol. They meet at Sheridan Community Park at 7:00 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hurst said the new high-rise building at the end of Kamakee Street (presumably 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96814) has no red lights at the top, which could be a risk for helicopters.

Community Relations -- Armstrong reported that there were letters sent to 24 high-rise condominiums late last month to have micro-listening sessions with residents. So far, only one (1) building has responded and Armstrong will have a resolution concerning this next month. Armstrong mentioned that perhaps in July 2017, when the Neighborhood Board elections are over, that the Board could move the meeting to 6:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. so that it is not rushing through the agenda.

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) -- A representative from HCDA made an announcement about having a community garden at the Kakaʻako Waterfront Park from the Diamond Head-side of the Keawe Street water channel. They would like the community to be involved. They will have a community meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the HCDA office.

Legislation -- There was no report.

Parks and Water -- There was no Board of Water Supply report.

Transportation -- Armstrong informed the community of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO). There is a left-turn phase study that will hopefully be implemented. There was a report on the need to study alternatives such as an H-4 route, linking the North Shore to Waipahu through the mountains.

Homelessness Committee -- Ammons said there was nothing new to report.

Education Committee -- Foyt reported that the Department of Education (DOE) requests public comments by Thursday, May 18, 2017 on the second draft of Hawaii's Consolidated State Plan for federal funding under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The Board of Education will submit the Plan to the Federal Department of Education in September 2017. The plan is on the website at: http://www,hawaiipublicschools.org/VisionForSuccess/AdvancingEducation/StriveHIPerformanceSystem/Pages/Hawaii-ESSA-plan.aspx.

REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS

On Wednesday, April 12, 2017 Chair Tam attended the Kuleana Kakaʻako meeting. They talked about Reserved Housing and some other projects.

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- The O‘ahu News for May 2017 was distributed. Deputy Director Ian Santee, of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) reported the following:

• Sports Complex at the Ala Wai Golf Course -- Deputy Director Ian Santee addressed a concern from March 2017 about a proposal in regards to the Ala Wai Golf Course and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers drafting a master plan to build a sports complex. He answered that there is no plan to develop a sports complex at the Ala Wai Golf Course.

• Annual Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony -- This year the ceremony will be a joint venture between Governor David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell in Punchbowl at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on the morning of Monday, May 29, 2017. They will not allow personal vehicles at the site, so guests must take the bus at the Alapai Transit Center, if they want to attend. Deputy Director Santee will confirm if parking is available at City Hall.

• Hōkūleʻa Homecoming -- Director Mel Kaku of the Emergency Management Department (DEM) was not able to attend tonight's meeting. The Hōkūleʻa will return on Saturday, June 17, 2017 and he will make a presentation at next month's meeting about it.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga -- A newsletter was provided. Councilmember Fukunaga thanked Chair Tam for supporting the budget amendments. She wanted to highlight something she learned from an opposing testimony submitted by a DOE representative that the DOE and the Hawaii Housing Finance Development Corporation have been working to develop a school as part of the affordable housing project at 690 Pohukaina Street. So, the area they had previously identified for a Dog Park may then be turning into an access roadway. However, they will still pursue the appropriation for a fenced Dog Park. They are open to recommendations for sites. They are looking for input on pedestrian safety features in and around the Kakaʻako area.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed: Bill 23 -- A resident asked the status of Bill 23 that passed the initial reading. It would prevent the DES from turning any new property that they get into an entertainment facility. Councilmember Fukunaga will get back to him with an answer at a later time.

Councilmember Ann Kobayashi -- Councilmember Kobayashi explained the controversial Bill 78. A donation was made for a scoreboard for a gym in Kalihi. Someone offered to donate, but they wanted their name on it for acknowledgement. People are concerned about billboards or large signs. Councilmember Kobayashi reiterated concerns about Thomas Square. She wants it to be left in the Department of Parks and Recreation. With more condominiums with no yard like traditional homes, the children need access to parks.

Questions, concerns, and comments followed: Traffic Signals -- Hurst mentioned that Sheridan Street and Makaloa Street needs signalization. He wants four (4) poles and a control box. He said that Walmart was able to provide the wires for this. Councilmember Kobayashi said that since it is a government project, Hurst could not expect the signalization to be put up really fast. Foyt reiterated concerns about parks.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Kenny Amazaki mentioned that Bill 23 passed its second reading. He had nothing more to add.

State Representative Tom Brower -- No representative was present; a newsletter was provided.

State Representative Scott Saiki -- No representative was present; a newsletter was provided.

State Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- No representative was present.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- The Capitol Connection April 2017 was distributed by Cindy McMillian. She reminded everyone that April is Earth Month. The Capitol Connection highlighted what the State is doing to ensure sustainable Hawaii. It also explained how citizens can help and get involved. It shows which sunscreens are harmful to sea life, how to report invasive species, and protecting watersheds. She encouraged everyone to go to Honolulu Biennial, which will stay open until Monday, May 8, 2017. Many of the art on display involves the artists' and community's relationship with the environment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

General Plan Update -- Chair Tam explained that the resolution supports the proposed policies for the general plan. However, there are some changes to the language.

Hurst moved and Armstrong seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 provide comments on the General Plan. Discussion explained that there were word additions and some striking, but no fundamental difference. As there were no objections, the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No, 11 ADOPTED the motion by UNANIMOUS CONSENT by VOICE VOTE, 6-0-0 (AYE: Ammons, Armstrong, Foyt, Hurst, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Board Member Conference and Training -- The Board member supporting this resolution was not present. Chair Tam deferred this item until the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board No. 34 Maglev Proposal -- Chair Tam moved Item 11.1 to item 5.6 to discuss changes to HCDA Reserved Housing Rules. There was clarification as to when the Maglev proposal was discussed, which was moved up to Transportation Report.

BOARD ADMINISTRATION

Selection of Board Officers -- There were no nominations for the position of Secretary. Chair Tam deferred this item to the next meeting.

Approval of March 28, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes -- Minutes were not available.

Treasurer's Report -- Member Foyt reported that the Board spent $140.78 in April 2017, leaving a balance of $475.00. The Treasurers' Report was filed.

PERMIT REVIEWS / HEARINGS

Liquor Commission Hearings -- Thursday, May 18, 2017, 711 Kapiʻolani Boulevard, 6th Floor, 4:00 p.m.

• Lucky Strike Honolulu (1450 Ala Moana Boulevard) -- Category 2 (Live entertainment/dancing)

HCDA Development Permits under Review and Hearings -- (547 Queen Street, 2nd Floor)

• Kakaʻako Reserved Housing Rules -- Public Hearings on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.; Decision-Making hearing on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

• Construction of a new thatched Hale Pili at Hawaii Mission Houses, 533 South King Street -- Decision-making hearing on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• "Finding Value(s) in the Hawai'i Democratic Party" Panel Discussion -- Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., 888 Mililani Street, Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA) meeting room. One (1) of the speakers is Attorney General Doug Chin. Public is invited free of charge.

• Beer Mile Fun Run -- Saturday, June 24, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They will close Cooke Street (Ala Moana Boulevard to Pohukaina Street).

• "H3T -- Race to the Base" -- Saturday, October 21, 2017, 6:30 a.m., Ala Moana Beach Park.

o A resident wanted to know the route and how it was approved. She did not agree with it.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Neighborhood Board Elections -- Friday, April 28, 2017 to Friday, May 19, 2017. If you voted in the 2016 State elections, you are automatically eligible to vote in the 2017 Neighborhood Board elections. Registered voters, including military personnel, military family members, and legal resident aliens, will be mailed an electronic code, which can then be used to submit an online ballot.

• Next Meeting -- The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at Makiki Christian Church, 829 Pensacola Street.

ADJOURNMENT -- As there was no further business before the Neighborhood Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by: Sultan White, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell and K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistants

Final Review by: Ryan Tam, Chair

RESOLUTION PROVIDING COMMENTS ON THE GENERAL PLAN

WHEREAS, the General Plan of the City and County of Honolulu sets forth both the City's long-range objectives for the general welfare and prosperity of the people of O`ahu and also the broad policies needed to attain these objectives; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Planning Permitting is currently updating the 2002 General Plan and has published a second public review draft which incorporates comments from the first public review draft, published in November 2012; and

WHEREAS, the second public review draft includes 103 proposed statement revisions and 144 proposed new objectives and policies, and 81 statements which are proposed to be deleted; and

WHEREAS, the proposed language for Chapter VII, Objective C, Policy 6 is: "Facilitate the redevelopment of Kaka`ako as a major mixed-use residential, office, and commercial area that provides housing, jobs, recreational facilities, pedestrian safety, and other amenities and services that are needed by the area's residents and workers. , as well as commercial and light industrial area."; and

WHEREAS, the proposed language for Chapter VII, Objective A, Policy 2 is: "Coordinate the location and timing of new development with the availability of adequate water supply, sewage treatment, drainage, transportation, and other public safety facilities and services."; and

WHEREAS, the proposed language for Chapter VII, Objective B, Policy 3 is: "Prepare for the anticipated impacts of sea level rise on existing communities and facilities through remediation, adaptation, and other measures."; and now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED, the Ala Moana/Kaka`ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ("the Board") supports these policies for the Oahu General Plan; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be distributed electronically to the Department of Planning and Permitting, all Neighborhood Boards, and the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

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