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Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting August 2017 Minutes
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DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2017
MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH
The Oath of Office was administered to William Ammons and Michael Zehner.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Quorum was established with eight (8) 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 Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 and thanked everyone for his/her citizen participation into the government decision-making process.
ROLL CALL - William Ammons, Susan Oppie, Michelle Foyt, Michael Zehner, Ryan Tam, K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Assistant), Jayne Cloutier, Ron Komine, Jr., and Chris Chung.
Board Members Absent - Rodney Chang.
Vacancies - There were none.
Guests - Cindy McMillan (Governor David Ige's Representative, Office of the Governor); Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office), James Stone (House Speaker Scott Saiki's Office), Representative Tom Brower, Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga, Councilmember Ann Kobayashi and Jaren McCartney (Councilmember Ann Kobayashi's Office), Firefighter III Casey Ferreira (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant James Ferrell and Sergeant Ross Keliikipi (Honolulu Police Department, District 1); Pat Lee (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation), Franklin Chung, Jane Sugimura (Hawaii Council of Association of Apartment Owners), Ronald Higa (Liliha/Puunui/Alewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No.14 resident), Brian Bagnall (Outdoor Circle), Dexter Okada (KBLA), Matt Tassus, Garett Kamemoto (HCDA's ADA Compliance Coordinator), M. Tait (Hawai i Convention Center), Jacque C., Ericson Cristobal (DVDAmodo, videographer), and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).
PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter III Casey Ferreira for Captain Robert Faurot reported the following:
• Fire Statistics - There were 2 structure fires, 3 cooking fires, and 9 activated alarms (no fires); 141 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrians, 3 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, no mountain rescues, 1 ocean rescue, and 1 hazardous materials incident.
• August 2017 Fire Safety Tip - Grilling Safety: Each year a national average of 8,900 home fires are grilling-related and almost half (1/2) of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. Follow these simple tips for safe grilling:
o Propane and charcoal barbeque grills should only be used outdoors.
o Grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
o Keep children and pets at least three (3) feet away from the grill area.
o Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup.
o Never leave your grill unattended.
o Ensure that the gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Charcoal Grills:
o Charcoal chimney starters allow you to light the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
o If you use a starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
o Keep charcoal fluid out of children's reach and away from heat sources.
o After grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing it in a metal container.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant James Ferrell reported the following:
• August/July 2017 Statistics - There were 23/14 motor vehicle thefts, 12/11 burglaries, 131/169 thefts, 46/33 UEMVs (unauthorized entry into motor vehicles), 28/16 assaults, 1/3 sexual assaults, 8/1 graffiti incidents, and 23/13 drug offenses. Total calls for service were 6,577/5,754.
??? Safety Tip - UEMV Prevention: Due to the recent increase in UEMV cases, the Honolulu Police Department would like to remind the public of the following prevention tips:
o Lock your doors. Suspects have been known to check car door handles for unlocked vehicles, often just by walking along the street or parking area and checking every vehicle. Double check that your vehicle doors are locked before leaving.
o Do not leave valuables your vehicle. If it is that important to you, it should be with you or secured elsewhere.
o Keep your vehicle clean. Do not use your vehicle as storage.
o Stash before you park. If you must leave bags, purses, merchandise, electronics, etc. in the vehicle, stow the items in the trunk or hide them BEFORE parking. Suspects have been known to conduct surveillance and watch for potential victims stashing items in their trunks.
o Park in a visible area. Try to park in lighted areas without obstructions like walls and bushes that could help conceal the suspect's actions of breaking into your vehicle.
o Use vehicle defenses such as car alarms.
o Report suspicious activity to police and/or site security.
Comments followed: Ala Wai Promenade - Resident Brian Bagnall, reported two (2) permanent homeless encampments at the Ala Wai Promenade. Lieutenant Ferrell noted that bicycle patrols routinely monitor the area, that HPD helps to enforce the Sit/Lie law, and advised to call 911 to report crimes. Chair Tam also mentioned to bring this issue up for the Mayor's Representative.
BOARD ADMINISTRATION
ELECTION OF OFFICERS (to Serve to Saturday, June 30, 2018)
Due to the Oath of Office inadvertently not given to Board members William Ammons and Michael Zehner last month, the vote for Vice Chair was not valid. Chair Tam asked the Board to re-do the vote.
Vice Chair - Foyt nominated Michael Zehner to be Vice Chair. Zehner accepted the nomination. As there were no other nominations or objections, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 ELECTED Michael Zehner to be Vice Chair, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ammons, Chung, Cloutier, Foyt, Komine, Oppie, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
PRESENTATIONS
Neal Blaisdell Center Master Plan Update - Director Guy Kaulukukui, Department of Enterprise Services, was not present and no report was available.
Condominium Law Issues - Foyt introduced Jane Sugimura, President of the Hawaii Council of Association of Apartment Owners, who reported the following:
• Dispute Resolution - Over the years many condominium boards fail to take disputes with the condominium owners to mediation or arbitration. This year the Legislature passed mandatory board rules, that the board may be sued, and the boards cannot silence the owners, who want to participate in the meetings.
• Bill 69, Mandatory Retro-fitting of High-rise Buildings (Over 75 feet) - Mayor Kirk Caldwell introduced Bill 69. Sugimura noted that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako area has the highest number of condos. Today, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) recommended changes. Councilmember Carol Fukunaga and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi will report on this later on the agenda.
• Bill 17, Requiring a Building Envelop Inspection Every 10 Years - This bill would require a building envelop inspection every 10 years. In order to paint a building every seven years to 10 years, condominiums must hire a building inspection for cracks with scaffolding, costing $10,000 and if they are compliant with the State law, they want an exemption. DPP does not have the inspectors. The third reading is on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.
Comments followed:
1. Bill 17 Testimony - Foyt added that testimony may be given online.
2. Political Meetings - Sugimura continued, as to political meetings at condominiums, they may be allowed with changes in the house rules with a 30-day notice and a majority vote of the board. Many registered voters in condominiums are interested in local matters, like feral cats or sidewalks.
Honolulu Rail Transit Project Update, City Center Section - Pat Lee, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, reported the following:
• Rail System - The 20-mile rail system includes 21 stations. By 2030, nearly 70% of O ahu's population and 80% of the island's jobs will be located along the rail corridor. The guideway is completed from East Kapolei to Aloha Stadium, through Waipahu, Pearl City, and Aiea. The nine (9) stations along the first 10 miles of the route are currently under construction. The next four (4) from Pearl Harbor to Middle Street, including the Airport Station are in final design. The Rail Operations Center (ROC) is finished and rail cars are being built and delivered.
??? City Center - The four point eight (4.8)-mile City Center guideway and stations section of the project, which is subject to additional funding at a Special Session of the Legislature end of this month, is from Middle Street to Ala Moana Center and includes eight (8) stations that together are estimated to generate over 51,000 daily boardings or nearly 43% of the total system ridership. Stations - These stations are:
o Kalihi Station at Dillingham Boulevard and Mokauea Street,
o Kap lama Station at Dillingham Boulevard and Kokea Street at the Honolulu Community College,
o Iwilei Station at Dillingham Boulevard and Kaaahi Street,
o Chinatown Station at Nimitz Highway and Kekaulike Street,
o Downtown Station at Nimitz Highway and Bishop Street,
IN YOUR AREA, THE STATIONS ARE:
o Civic Center Station at Halekauwila Street and South Street,
o Kaka ako Station at Halekauwila Street and Ward Avenue,
o Ala Moana Station at Kona Street near Kona Iki Street, mauka of the shopping center.
• Construction
o Utilities will be relocated from the center of the road to make way for the rail columns.
o Test shafts are constructed to test the soil and the load-bearing capability to design the columns.
o Drilled shafts are dug, foundations and columns poured with a mold, then guideway segments are placed on top of the columns; rails are installed.
o Columns are generally placed in the middle of the roadway, so a raised median would be constructed between columns for traffic safety reasons, and there would be some left turn restrictions into and out of driveways because of this.
o We are providing left turns at all locations, where it is safe to do so.
o Pending the outcome of the Legislature's Special Session, construction on the City Center Guideway and Stations could start in fall of 2018 and finish by early 2024.
• More Details - Three fourths (3/4) of the rail route is already underway. The City Center segment is a critical portion of the project, because it would serve Honolulu's urban core, where many jobs are located, and where much of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is planned which would revitalize communities with new housing and retail development in close proximity to the rail stations.
o From Ala Moana Center, we anticipate integrated bus and shuttle systems to destinations further east, such as Waikiki and the University of Hawaii at M noa.
o HART plans to open the first 10 miles (from Aloha Stadium to East Kapolei) for revenue passenger service in late 2020 or early 2021, and pending additional funding by the State Legislature, the full 20-mile system could open in 2025 to Ala Moana Center.
o For general project information, traffic updates, meeting notices and more information, please visit the website - www.honolulutransit.org, call the 24-hour project hotline at 566-2299 or email a question at - info@honolulutransit.org.
Completing the Rail Project Supported by the Hawaii State Legislature - Foyt proposed that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 write a letter in support of rail.
Foyt moved and Komine seconded that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 supports completion of the rail line and stations to Ala Moana Center as planned, and urges the State Legislature to provide sufficient funding to do so.
Discussion followed: Chair Tam will abstain as he works for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Zehner would not support the proposal, unless the builders could complete the project as originally promised. Ammons wanted to finish the project and the motion did not matter. Foyt wanted the Board members to say what they wanted and to show the Legislature that the rail was supported. C. Chung asked about rail completion funds. Lee responded that the construction funds were from the General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge, which started in 2007 and was extended to 2027 and the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) in 2012 for 21 miles and 20 stations for $1.55 billion in federal funds. The funds to 2027 would be about $6.8 billion and would get the rail to Middle Street. To get to Ala Moana Center, there is a Special Session, to start on Monday, August 28, 2017 to Friday, September 1, 2017. If the project is not completed, then the City and HART will have to repay the $1.55 billion. The increase in costs was not necessarily the contractor's fault. The Notice to Proceed was issued, but the City was not ready, because of delays and lawsuits. Foyt mentioned the rail project in Boston and the need for Hawai i to move forward. Lee noted the increase in costs for the H-3, because of delays and lawsuits. Lee added that of the estimated 120,000 daily boardings, almost 60,000 people will ride between Middle Street and Ala Moana Center.
Foyt moved and Komine seconded that the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 write a letter that it supports the completion of the rail line and stations to Ala Moana Center as planned, and urges the State Legislature to provide sufficient funding to do so. The motion was ADOPTED, 6-0-2 (AYE: Ammons, C. Chung, Cloutier, Foyt, Komine, and Oppie; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Tam and Zehner).
RESIDENTS'/COMMUNITY CONCERNS - Brian Bagnall will fill out a community concerns form for the Mayor's Representative.
REPORTS OF MEMBERS' ATTENDANCE AT OTHER MEETINGS
Chris Chung - Today, C. Chung met with Senator Will Espero on the homeless in Kaka ako. Senator Espero suggested that a few Neighborhood Boards have a community meeting and invite him to talk on homeless. Chair Tam will keep this item under consideration.
Michelle Foyt - Foyt attended four (4) meetings, of which two (2) were Hawaii Board of Education (BOE) meetings as follows:
• Tuesday, August 1, 2017 - Federal money through the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) project has not been announced and would not be until the end of the month. School opened Monday, August 7, 2017 with 880 new teachers and 105 pending. Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto addressed several issues to which she was getting introduced. She stated that school innovation would be modeled/affected by school structures, student voice, and teacher collaboration. There was a meet and greet session after the brief meeting. Several State senators and representatives were there to meet Dr. Kishimoto.
• Tuesday, August 15, 2017 ???
A. Superintendent Kishimoto gave her two (2)-week report in which she brought up:
o Several facilities she had visited. She planned future visits to charter schools, school for the blind, and Farrington High School.
o Maui school bus driver shortage in which she hoped to get comfortable with the progress they were making.
o Her endorsement of industry-vetted curriculum in high schools.
B. Pete Santa Ana, Director of Manpower and Personnel, U.S. Pacific Command, gave a presentation on The Joint Venture Education Program initiated between the military and public schools to improve programs and create outreach for military students transitioning into Hawaii schools. The program started in 1999 when concern about Hawaii's poor schools began preventing military from transferring here. They created a class series called a Military Culture Course (MCC) in which students are empowered to create their own agenda in helping themselves get grounded in their new environment. Teachers and other professionals are trained to support the effort. Around 14,000 military students attended 203 Hawaii public schools in 2015-16. They received $40 million in Federal Impact Aid.
• Wednesday, August 16, 2017 - The Affordable Housing Informational Hearing at the State Capitol was at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Comprised of local, private and non-profit developers, this informational hearing explored projects, challenges, and ideas that could assist Hawaii provide affordable housing. The primary participant Stanford Carr, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sanford Carr Development, did not show up. This hearing once again demonstrated how complex it is for developers to provide affordable housing for Hawaii. It sounded like when they cut down the cost to accommodate affordable housing, they charge more for the higher-end units to make up for it. Reverend Bob Nakata suggested that the complexity of the issues was beyond a layman's understanding. He suggested that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT)'s Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) figure out how to explain the housing puzzle and how affordable housing can best be fitted in. "HHFDC is the State of Hawaii's premier housing finance and development agency - your one-stop shop for information about affordable housing development" (http://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/).
• Thursday, August 17, 2017 - The Hawaii Council of Community Associations (HCCA) meeting was at the Hale Koa Hotel. Much information was provided about condo fire safety, which can be found on the seminar Web page at http://www.hawaiicouncil.com/seminars3.html. It included information on:
o How to be prepared for a fire and escape it.
o The American Red Cross of Hawaii, Honolulu Fire Department, and other area partners are working together to install free Smoke Alarms in the homes of seniors in Hawaii. If you would like to be a part of this free program, please call the Red Cross at 739-8111, leave your name, phone number and address. We will call you back to schedule an appointment to install the smoke alarms.
o How residents who hoard can be a danger to the building they live in.
o How to organize teams both inside and outside the condo complex to help you make your building safe.
o Installation and types of smoke alarms.
The HCCA will hold a special meeting on fire protection and sprinkler systems on Thursday, October 5, 2017.
• Board of Water Supply (BWS) Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan - The BWS has completed the first round of information sessions and there will be three (3) more in November 2017, in May 2018, and in November 2018. There may be a meeting on Thursday, August 24, 2017.
Chair Ryan Tam - Chair Tam attended the Citizens Patrol training on Monday, July 31, 2017. The Citizens Patrols are listed at the end of the agenda.
Update on Biki Installation - Chair Tam mentioned that the Biki station was installed the Kolowalu Park. Komine said that residents are using it. As there are more bikes on the roads, drivers must be more aware of others. As to bike lanes, Komine looks both ways before turning into Zippy's. Chair Tam used Biki and noted there were many spaces open. Ammons stated that Biki was good thing for the community. C. Chung was concerned about the City's liability for bike riders without helmets and noted that in other cities, there are helmets. Residents suggested renting bike helmets, as a "add on" option. C. Chung suggested talking to insurance companies about adding to their bottom line. Ammons noted that motorcycle riders are not required to wear helmets.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Deputy Director Ian Santee, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD), reported the following:
• Biki Insurance - Deputy Director Santee will follow up.
• Pedestrian Safety - A Board member asked what is being done about pedestrian safety at Sheridan and Rycroft Streets. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is currently conducting an investigation for a left turn arrow at the signalized intersection of Sheridan and Rycroft Streets. DTS will inform the Board of the status of their investigation by the end of the year.
• Pedestrian Island at Sheridan Street and Kapi olani Boulevard - When will it be installed to prevent left turns from Kapi olani Boulevard? Per Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM): The installation for a raised traffic island over the existing painted island is estimated to be completed by the end of 2017.
• Dog Park at the Frank Fasi Civic Center - Can an off-leash (fenced) Dog Park be created at the Civic Center? DFM will consider the request and conduct further research into the feasibility of a dog park at the Frank F. Fasi Civic Center Grounds. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Scott Kajioka, Assistant Chief of the Public Building and Electrical Maintenance Division, at 768 7731.
• Bus Changes - Bill 69 was passed. On Sunday, October 1, 2017 there will be a one (1)-day pass at $5.00/day with no paper transfer needed. Starting Monday, January 1, 2018 the prices will go to $70.00 monthly and $35.00/year for seniors.
• Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) Newsletter - This was mentioned last month.
Comments followed:
1. Bus Pass for Seniors - A Board member asked about the price for seniors. There are many pricing options, for example, Medicare participants. The information has been distributed.
2. Pedestrian Safety at Sheridan/Rycroft Streets - Foyt thanked the City for the work done at the location. The store owner also appreciated the City hearing his concern.
3. Homelessness - Bagnall turned in his community concerns form. Deputy Director Santee acknowledged Neighborhood Assistant Ho's help in getting the answers for the concerns.
4. 1350 Ala Moana Boulevard - Board member Ron Komine, Jr. is the resident manager for 1350 Ala Moana Boulevard and asked when the curb will be repair in front of his building. He was advised to call Scott Kajioka, Assistant Chief of the Public Building and Electrical Maintenance Division, at 768 7731.
5. Panhandling at Building at Sheridan/Rycroft Streets - Foyt added another concern.
Councilmember Carol Fukunaga - Councilmember Fukunaga reported the following:
• Bill 69, Mandating Retrofitting with Fire Sprinkling Systems - After the recent Marco Polo apartment fire, Councilmember Fukunaga and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi have been following the discussion closely, as their Districts V and VI have the most high-rise buildings. Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) had many suggestions for building materials and for less vulnerable buildings. Councilmember Kobayashi set-up a community forum at the Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Community members were invited to learn from the experts and provide input. Foyt asked about live video feed. Councilmember Fukunaga will find out. Chair Tam asked about the status of Bill 69. Last month, Bill 69 was introduced and it was the first reading. Then, today was the first fire safety committee meeting. The next community forum will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017, before the November fire safety meeting. Ammons thanked the City Council for Bill 69, was surprised at how fast the bill was introduced, and had comments about building materials and construction. Other communities are welcomed to participate.
Councilmember Ann Kobayashi - Councilmember Kobayashi reported the following:
• Community Forum at the Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) on Saturday, September 16, 2017 - Councilmember Kobayashi asked the Mayor Caldwell for free parking, a waiver of the $6.00 per car parking fee
• No Parking Hearing - Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. there will be an amendment on a resolution for relief for businesses at the end of Pensacola Street and Kapi olani Boulevard. There is no parking barricades from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week, for the sewer repair project. There is a drop in business, including for Chun Wah Kam, which has its own parking lot. The parking restrictions were imposed in April 2017 and the businesses are asking for the completion date of project. The resolution is to ask for funds to help the businesses through the tough times. The businesses cannot go to the hearing, as they are working.
• Bill 66 - Bill 66 was signed by Kirk Caldwell to extend Sit/Lie to King Street.
• Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan - The Plan has not been approved yet, as there are still questions about the trees on Kapi olani Boulevard.
Comments followed:
1. Sewer Repair Project ??? Komine noticed construction workers standing around for hours/months and asked who is watching them. Councilmember Kobayashi saw workers in wet suits and wondered about that. Foyt asked about impact fees for Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), but it closes the meetings for Executive Session.
2. Ala Wai Promenade Homeless - C. Chung asked about Sit/Lie. Councilmember Kobayashi responded that Sit/Lie is not in residential areas. Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) cleared the area, but the homeless returned. Councilmember Kobayashi suggested more affordable housing. To help with costs a company is bringing in pre-fab units. Also, there is no land. A resident asked about Federal laws to clear out the homeless. Councilmember Kobayashi noted that Department of the Corporation Counsel (COR) has tried every legal recourse. Regarding the homeless, Ammons stated that in the last two (2) years, he has seen improvement and progress in Kaka ako. Vice Chair of the Commodore Hotel board suggested HPD enforcement and that HPD could allocate resources to remove everyone after the 10:00 p.m. closing. There were concerns expressed about definitions of the words, "intent to live," "camping," and "tent." Susan Oppie had mentioned this issue last month, suggested changing the definition for camping, as HPD said the structure was not a real tent, as it was a tarp or pallet, and supported establishing campgrounds. Councilmember Kobayashi noted there were many hearings, the homeless camp on Sand Island, and the many legal concerns. Chair Tam suggested forming a monthly sub-committee to get other Neighborhood Boards together to work on this issue. C. Chung again suggested on getting Senator Espero involved. Councilmember Kobayashi added that Senator Josh Green and Councilmember Fukunaga were working on a Crisis Center, which would help the Emergency Room (ER) at Queen's Hospital.
Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - No representative was no longer present; a newsletter was provided. Chair Tam read some of the items in the newsletter, which included an audit of Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). C. Chung and Zehner called for an audit on the next agenda. Pat Lee stated that the HART Board passed a resolution for support for the Council's call for an audit.
State Representative Tom Brower - Representative Brower was no longer present, but he had distributed his newsletter.
HART Audit - Foyt added that the Board also supports HART's call for an audit.
House Speaker Scott Saiki - James Stone distributed a newsletter and was available to hear concerns.
State Senator Brickwood Galuteria - Raytan Vares reported the following:
??? Special Session - The Special Session is supposed to run from Monday, August 28, 2017 to Friday, September 1, 2017 and Friday, September 15, 2017 is the deadline for the City to respond to the Federal government about the funding plan. Governor David Ige has 45 days to sign a bill, passed by the Legislature. The extension of the General Excise Tax (GET) and increasing the Transient Accommodation Tax (TAT) are up for discussion in the Legislature.
Comments followed: Special Session - Ammons added that there may not be a Special Session. Vares agreed, but if there is a Special Session, all the rules will be the same. Chair Tam and Foyt asked about public testimony online and the bill number. Vares noted that this information will be known when the notice is posted.
Governor David Ige's Representative - The Capitol Connection August 2017 was distributed and Cindy McMillian, Director of Communications, reported the following:
• August is Back to School Month - McMillian noted that the Governor's Capitol Connection had articles about Education.
• Interviews - There were interviews with Governor Ige, Board of Education (BOE) Chair Lance Mizumoto, and new Superintendent Dr. Christine Kishimoto.
• Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) Contract - On Page 2, there is an article about the new four (4)-year contract with Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA).
??? Cooling the Classrooms - Also, on Page 2, there is an article about the Department of Education (DOE) being on track on cooling 1,000 classrooms.
Comments followed:
1. Met the Governor - Ammons met the Governor Ige at Ala Moana Beach Park (AMBP) and found that he is a "sincere, warm gentleman" and a pleasure. Ammons was able to discuss issues in an informal setting. Foyt added that Governor Ige embodied the "Aloha Spirit," which is mentioned in the State Constitution. Chair Tam thanked Foyt for the legal reference. McMillian acknowledged the kind comments.
2. Top Gold - Franklin Chung knew about the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) owning the land and the City running the Ala Wai Golf Course and asked what, if any, the State's involvement would be in the reported plans for Topgolf at the Ala Wai Golf Course Driving Range expansion. McMillan will follow up.
3. The City and McKinley High School - Last month, after hearing about the Neal Blaisdell Center (NBC) Master Plan, C. Chung wanted Mayor Caldwell to work with McKinley High School on mutually beneficial projects. Mayor Caldwell had tried and spoke with the past Superintendent, the Principal of McKinley High School, and the McKinley High School Alumni Association. C. Chung asked who owns the land and asked who makes land-use decisions for the McKinley High School campus (not the HCDA). McMillan will follow up.
AGENCY REPORTS
Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) - Garett Kamemoto reported the following:
• Public Hearings - More public hearings were held on the proposed amendments to HCDA's Kaka ako Reserved Housing Rules. Revised amendments have been offered and are online on the HCDA website. The decision-making meeting will be on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. There are two (2) written and one (1) oral testimony submitted. More testimony is encouraged.
Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) - This item was previously discussed.
Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Foyt read the following:
• Board of Water Supply (BWS) and Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan - The BWS meeting of Monday, July 31, 2017 was canceled. Foyt plans to attend the Thursday, August 24 meeting. The meetings on the Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan will continue with the next rounds: #2 November 2017, #3 May 2018, and #4 November 2018.
• Summer Water Conservation - With the hot summer months upon us, home water consumption typically rises. That is why the BWS is reminding all residents to be vigilant and avoid wasting water. There are a few simple things you can do to save water:
o Check for property leaks;
o Avoid watering lawns between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and
o Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
For more tips on how to conserve water, please visit our website, www.boardofwatersupply.com.
• Main Breaks - There was one (1) break on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. A 12-inch main break at 747 Queen Street.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Comments on Draft Environmental Assessment and Anticipated Finding - The anticipated finding was that there would be no significant impact for the Nohona Hale Affordable Rental Micro-Unit Housing Project. There were no comments.
Discuss Comments on the Periodic Comprehensive Review of the Neighborhood Plan - Chair Tam had no written comments, but Board members will think about it for next month.
Discuss Comments on ProsPac Tower Application (Keeaumoku Street/Makaloa Street) - Chair Tam mentioned that the Board received a one and one-half (1 1/2)-inch thick document with a copy of the application. There was a presentation in November 2016 to the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 and Chair Tam expected another presentation. After the application is reviewed by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), then, it will go to the City Council for review and approval. Ammons added that the last presentation was not up to his expectations and he wanted another presentation. Chair Tam added the Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) review is also another part for public input.
Discuss High-rise Residential Fire Sprinkler Issues - Foyt mentioned that she invited a speaker for the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 Tuesday, September 26, 2017 meeting. Chair Tam acknowledged the City Council for its leadership on this issue.
BOARD BUSINESS
Approval of the July 25, 2017 Regular Meeting Minutes - As there were no objections or corrections, the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 APPROVED the July 25, 2017 regular meeting minutes, by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 8-0-0 (AYE: Ammons, Chung, Cloutier, Foyt, Komine, Oppie, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
Treasurer's Report - Treasurer Susan Oppie read that the initial allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 was $2,983.00. The annual facility contract was $0.00 and the annual video contract was $2,400.00, leaving a balance of $583.00 for July 2017. The Treasurer's report was filed.
PERMIT REVIEWS, HEARINGS, AND APPLICATIONS
Proposed Amendments to HCDA Kaka ako Reserved Housing Rules - Public hearing and decision-making meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., 547 Queen Street, 2nd Floor.
ProsPac Tower (627, 629, 631, 641, and 651 Keeaumoku Street and 1518 Makaloa Street) - Public hearing, regarding the Interim Planned Development ??? Transit and Special District Permit (Major) application on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mission Memorial Auditorium (550 South King Street).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Walk #5: The Living Archive - Walking tour and living history experience of Kaka'ako to be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 and Saturday, September 2, 2017; registration required at www.88blockwalks.com.
• Next Meeting - The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Makiki Christian Church.
• lelo Broadcasts - Broadcasts of the Ala Moana-Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meetings are on lelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
• No Loitering - Please do not loiter on Makiki Christian Church grounds after 9:00 p.m. Mahalo.
Community Neighborhood Watches:
• Mother Waldron Park (525 Cooke Street) - Mondays, 6:00 p.m. (Early Summer Schedule);
• Sheridan Park (833 Pi ikoi Street) - Monday/Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.;
• Keola La i Condominium (600 Queen Street) Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m.;
• Kolowalu Park (1177 Queen Street) - 1st and 2nd Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT - As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m.
Submitted by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Jackson Coley, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Michelle Foyt, Secretary
Final Review by: Ryan Tam, Chair
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