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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office
DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2020

MISSION MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM

550 S. KING STREET

CALL TO ORDER – Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Quorum was established with nine (9) members present. Note – This 11-member Board requires six (6) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action. Chair Tam welcomed attendees to the Tuesday, June 23, 2020 regular monthly meeting of the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 at the Mission Memorial Auditorium (MMA) at 550 S. King Street. Chair Tam acknowledged the help from Janelle Saole, Manager of the MMA, from the Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts and noted that the purpose of the Neighborhood Board system was to ensure effective citizen participation in the governments' decision-making process.

Board Members Present – (In Person) – Chris Chung, Ron Komine (arrived at 6:50 p.m.), Lynn Mariano, Bryan Mick, Ryan Tam, and Michael Zehner.

(Video-Teleconference [Zoom]) – Rodney Chang, Robert Clayton, Jayne Cloutier, Braunsen Kalaikai, and Kathleen Lee.

Board Members Absent – None.

Guests – Cindy McMillan (Governor David Ige's Representative, Office of the Governor, Communications Director); Senator Sharon Moriwaki, House Speaker Emeritus Calvin Say, Representative Tom Brower, Deputy Director Ian Santee (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative, Honolulu Emergency Services Department); Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Councilmember Tommy Waters, Lieutenant Brian Taniguchi (Honolulu Police Department, District 1), Sheldon Glassio (NAICBI), Keith Kurahashi and Isaiah Sato (R.M. Towill), Wayne Yoshioka (AECOM), Frank Kosich and Shawn Hamamoto (Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation), Blair Suzuki and Kris Hui (Brookfield Properties), Justin Butfield (Nan, Inc.), Dave Watase, Christian O'Connor (EightZeroThree [803] Waimanu), Sharlene Chun-Lum (Save Ala Moana Beach Park Hui), Ronald Higa (Liliha/Puʻunui/ʻĀlewa/Kamehameha Heights Neighborhood Board No. 14 resident), Mr. Toba, Venee Deleyforte, Fred Fong, Brad Frye, Todd, Connie Mitchell/Lina Ajesic, Colby Taketa, Kiersten Faulkner, Shar Lum, Janelle Saole (Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts, Mission Memorial Auditorium Manager); one (1) videographer (dvdmodo.com), and K. Russell Ho (Neighborhood Commission Office).

MOMENT OF SILENCE – Chair Tam asked for a Moment of Silence for the 123,000 COVID-19 deaths in America and the 475,000 deaths world-wide.

Chair Tam "muted" everyone online, and will "unmute" them, when it is time for testimonies.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) Pāwaʻa Station – No representative was present and no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD), District 1, Third Watch – Lieutenant Brian Taniguchi reported the following:

• May 2020/April 2020 Statistics – There were 18/13 motor vehicle thefts, 18/14 burglaries, 70/63 thefts, 40/38 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 10/13 assaults, 2/0 sex assaults, 0/4 graffiti incidents, and 18/10 drug offenses.

• Safety Tips: When Going On Vacation –

o Check and repair locks on doors and windows before you leave.

o Have automatic timers on lights and a radio to make the home look occupied.

o If gone for an extended period of time, arrange for your lawn to be mowed.

o Have a neighbor park his car in the driveway and give a key to open and shut the blinds.

o Store lawn mowers, mopeds/bicycles, surfboards or any valuables out of sight.

o Notify your neighbors on all sides of travel plans.

o Cancel postal/newspaper deliveries or have neighbors pick-up and take them into the house.

o If there is an alarm system, turn it on or have a neighbor have access to it to turn it on or off.

Comments followed:

1. Enforcement of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines – Mick noted that when the Emergency Orders first came out, HPD had a difficult time enforcing them. Then, the next week, HPD was not enforcing as much. Mick asked about the enforcement of CDC guidelines since the beginning. Lieutenant Taniguchi mentioned that the first weekend after the announcement, HPD had not planned out the enforcement well and many people were not following the guidelines. So, by the time Third Watch came on duty, the social distancing was difficult to enforce. Enforcing one (1) violation in one (1) area takes away from their other duties. In the following weeks, HPD had different strategies for enforcement. There were no comments from the "zoom" attendees.

2. Recruitment – Last time Mariano had asked about the shortage of officers and the recruiting of more officers. Lieutenant Taniguchi noted that many of officers in his recruit class have 25 to 30 years of service and he was approaching retirement. The "hiring pool" is not that great right now, but many people may have lost their jobs and may be looking for other employment. Human Resources (HR) would know more.

3. Enforcement For Tourists – Chung asked about enforcement of the 14-day quarantine requirement for tourists. Lieutenant Taniguchi responded that the State has the 14-day quarantine period and it is looking into pre-testing before coming in. Right now, HPD can call the State Sheriff's Office to see who is coming in, but it is difficult to find violators, unless a neighbor calls HPD.

Chair Tam reminded MMA attendees to keep the six (6) feet social distancing requirement, as the room was nearing capacity.

At 6:50 p.m. Komine arrived at the meeting and Chang's screen popped up again; 11 members present.

PRESENTATIONS

Ala Moana Plaza (AMP) – Interim Planned Development-Transit Project (IPD-T) Application for an Affordable and Market Residential Apartment Rental, and Commercial Development at 451 Piikoi Street (Tax Map Key: (1) 2-3-038: 003) – Keith Kurahashi, R.M. Towill, showed a PowerPoint presentation and represented Brookfield Properties, which wanted to build a 595-unit apartment rental tower with commercial usage at the corner of Piʻikoi and Kona Streets. The State estimated that 26,000 units are need for the years 2015 to 2025. The Ala Moana Plaza project would add 119 affordable housing rentals at 80% Area Median Income (AMI). It would be located near the Ala Moana Transit Station.

The Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan is set-up for a 30+-year framework with residences, entertainment, commercial stores, walking, and bicycling. The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) will be 7.0, not counting parking, which is included in the nine (9)-story parking garage at Ala Moana Center and the tower will have the 400-feet height limit at the corner of Kona and Piʻikoi Streets. Ala Moana Center (AMC) was developed in 1959, as a mix-use project and has grown to 3,000+ jobs, 350 shops, 150 local tenants, 900 events per year, two (2) office buildings, and two (2) residential developments, added in last six (6) years. The 52 million shopping visits are split about evenly between visitors and residents. The AMC has 11,000 parking stalls.

A slide showed that the Rail Transit Station is fronting the parking area on the east side, the location of the two (2) office buildings, and the location of the residential components. Due to the commercial units, traffic would increase more in the mornings than in the afternoons. The 20% Affordable rental units, with an 80% Area Median Income (AMI) will be mixed in with the market-priced units from the seventh (7th) through 28 floors. Market-priced units will be from Floors seven (7) through 40. Slides showed various views of project, with the rail line, the landscaping, the plants, the parking layout, and floor plans. Planned affordable rental prices may be – $1,390/per month for studios, $1,563 for one (1) bedroom, and $2,067 for two (2) bedrooms.

Comments followed:

1. Clarification – Komine was concerned about the infrastructure for the AMP. Kurahashi said the project would be built to the 400 ft. height limit and use the parking at the AMC to get the 7.0 FAR. He added that water and sewers were not a problem. Mick asked about the affordable housing holding period of 30 years, as he favors 60 to 90 years. Kurahashi said it was not government-funded, but privately-funded. Mick asked about Bill 2, which would require less number of parking stalls, Kurahashi noted that because of the rentals, parking would be "unbundled" and they hope to use Ala Moana Center. After the rail goes it, then there may be less use of the parking. The parking structure was built for the Christmas shopping traffic. Otherwise, it is unused.

2. Infrastructure – Mariano was concerned about the infrastructure and traffic. On Kona Street, Piʻikoi Street, Pensacola Street, and Kapiʻolani Boulevard, there was congestion. Also, there was more congestion with the contra-flow lanes. Mariano also had concerns about the afternoon traffic, exiting from Ala Moana Center. Also, Mariano had infrastructure concerns about the HFD/HPD. He also noted that affordable housing units were less numerous as the floors went higher and asked if proposed fee included the maintenance fees. Kurahashi mentioned the maintenance fees were included, but not the utilities, which will add costs. Concerning the traffic, Kurahashi sees that because of the commercial traffic, it would increase in the mornings, but decrease in the afternoons. Also, if they can attract AMC employees to buy units, there would be less traffic. Mariano requested another traffic study, as he does not think the data supports Kurahashi's view. Kurahashi added he can share the traffic study with the Board. Mick asked what the timeline was. Kurahashi said that the application may go in this summer and construction could start by the end of next year. Chair Tam and Mariano wanted to see the traffic study when the application goes in and public input is requested.

Chair Tam asked for comments from the Zoom attendees.

3. Sewers, Sidewalks, and Water – Clayton was concerned about sewers, increased usage of water, and wider sidewalks. Kurahashi added that they already have a sewer permit and in other projects, sewers, sidewalks and water were not seen to be problem areas. Concerning the width of sidewalks, Kurahashi said they will comply with "Complete Streets."

4. Stopping the Rail at Middle Street – Cloutier asked about stopping the Rail at Middle Street. Kurahashi thought that the City would not stop the Rail at Middle Street or the City will have to pay back the Federal government.

5. Recap – Lee asked about the project. Kurahashi said there will be 595 units with 225 parking stalls and a nine (9)-story parking garage next door at the AMC.

6. Bicycle Storage and Pet Friendly – Chang asked about amenities like bicycle storage and if the project was pet-friendly. Kurahashi noted that it would be pet-friendly and have bike storage for about 300 bikes (long-term and short-term).

7. More Clarification – Chung asked about the affordable units. Kurahashi said there will 20% affordable of 595 units or 119 units. Chung favored AMC employees to live nearby to lessen traffic. Komine was concerned that more buildings would be built and asked if the developers talked with the existing buildings' Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) and various community group about their project. Kris Hui (who had present to the Board last November 2019) has met with other property owners and various condos. He hopes to submit the design/application in July 2020 and pass the City Council and public comment period to start construction in one and one-half (1 1/2) years.

8. Independent Traffic Study – Another online viewer, Brad Frye, asked about having an independent traffic study.

9. Density – Frank Fong asked why they asked for a 7.0 FAR and why not a 9.0 FAR. Kurahashi noted that the Ala Moana TOD has up to 10.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR), but there are many different requirements and they were able to get the 7.0 FAR.

10. Flood Zone – Mick was concerned about 3.5 ft. to 6.0 ft. sea level rise. Kurahashi said the whole area was in Flood Zone X and nothing needs to be done. Hui is working with various City agencies and contractors to address Climate Change and mitigation.

6. Biki Bike Spaces – A community member, Todd, asked about Biki bike spaces. Kurahashi said they are not planning for them right now, but usually they plan for 10 to 20 spaces. If the Rail does not go to AMC, there will be other transportation models.

7. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) – Harrison Rue of Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) said that the application has not been submitted yet and when it is submitted, DPP and Department of Transportation Services (DTS) staff will be reviewing the application and the traffic study will be put online. Sidewalks and sewers are part of the application permit process.

8. Final Comments – Chung favored that the Brookfield project go higher, as parking would be less of a concern, due to the AMC and the City's tremendous need for housing. Fong agreed and mentioned a Pearl City project in 2005 or 2006 that asked for a 700-feet height limit, but it was never built.

At 7:26 p.m. Chair Tam decided to move on.

Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan Update: Harrison Rue, City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, presented a PowerPoint presentation and mentioned he went before Councilmember Tommy Waters' Zoning and Housing Committee last Thursday, June 18, 2020 and acceptance of the plan was deferred. Rue had met with Brookfield last summer 2019 and recommended amendments in November 2019 about infrastructure, view protection, and community benefits. (Note – The planning for the Ala Moana TOD Plan started in 2012, went through four (4) or five (5) community workshops in 2016, and the recommendations were also forwarded.) This development plan will affect Honolulu for the next 20 years. Slides showed the approved projects in the area. It also must take into consideration of any extension preservation of the Rail system to the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and/or to Waikīkī and the development of the area around the Hawaiʻi Convention Center (HCC). Density is set at 10.0 FAR along Kapiʻolani Boulevard in exchange for community benefits, like a transit station. Rue also asked that the 50-acre AMC be included in the 400-ft. height limit.

Comments followed:

1. Background – Chair Tam disclosed that he worked for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) and gave some history. In October 2019 the Board had passed a resolution asking about infrastructure and mauka/makai view planes. DPP came back in November 2019 and went back to investigate infrastructure and traffic.

2. Public Review – Mick had concerns about the makai view planes from Ala Moana Beach Park. He did not like the multi-million dollar condos over-looking the "People's Park." He felt that the public review process should start all over again. As there will be a new Mayor and City Council in a few months, this project could be put on hold. Mick did not like that Brookfield could negotiate for a better deal than other property owners. Chair Tam thanked the City Councilmembers Waters and Kobayashi for allowing the public to review these projects more. Komine agreed with Mick and was concerned about other Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) view planes. Chung added that the City and County of Honolulu (C&C)'s $10 billion investment will benefit the AMC, as it is the Rail Terminus. This means that the terminus will become a community center and the tremendous wealth will affect the entire community. Mariano commented to look at more greenery, parks, and trees and that views will be taken away. Online Board members had no questions or comments. An online community member, Kiersten Faulkner, was concerned that historical/cultural sites were not mentioned to be preserved. Her group had suggested that the City update its inventory of historical properties, but it has not happened yet.

3. Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Chair Tam thanked Councilmember Kobayashi for coming in. She welcomed the continued discussion about the Ala Moana TOD Plan. Originally, the rail plan was to go on Kapiʻolani Boulevard, but she was concerned that the area under the guideway would be dark. She hoped the final route and station location be decided soon. Councilmember Kobayashi acknowledged Dave Watase, Shar Lum, and Audrey Lee for their efforts to preserve the Ala Moana Beach Park (AMBP), which is an oasis for the condo-dwellers. She also thanked the Neighborhood Board and Chung for their efforts.

4. Councilmember Tommy Waters – Councilmember Waters will wait until his report.

5. Final Comments – Rue agreed with the City Council that the final decision be deferred. Rue agreed with Mick that the small landowners have been left out and they have been waiting since 2016. Rue added that the Ala Moana TOD has a 20,000 sq. ft. lot minimum and many small landowners do not have enough land to develop, nor the money to hire a development team and lawyers. It will take another year to do parcel by parcel re-zoning. The City and DPP could negotiate to get millions of dollars in community benefits, but does not want to force condemnations. Mick added to support small local businesses. Rue suggested to look at all of the development proposals that have been worked on for several years and submitted last November 2019. Another online community member, Connie Mitchell/Lina Ajesic, was a minority small business owner at Ala Moana Center and noticed that business was "slow." She suggested that an additional revenue stream (financial assistance) would be beneficial. As a member of the Institute for Human Services (IHS) Board, she was also concerned about the 6,000 shortage of housing inventory. Finally, another online community member, Colby Taketa, supported the various proposals offered tonight.

6. Next Steps – At 8:02 p.m. – 8:03 p.m. Chair Tam asked what the timeline was. Rue mentioned that the plans were submitted to the City Council and will go to Councilmember Ron Menor's Committee and recommendations went to Councilmember Waters and Councilmember Kobayashi.

Waimanu/Queen Streets Roundabout – Frank Kosich, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, introduced Wayne Yoshioka, a traffic engineer, and reported the following:

• Follow Up – After his last visit in early 2019, Kosich took back the Board's concerns and they were discussed with the stakeholders and third-parties. The Civic Center Utilities Relocation Project was the predecessor project to the 3 P (Public/Private Partnership) Contract, which should be awarded by fall 2020.

• Completion Schedule – Testing is ongoing for the opening of the interim service. The system from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium is to be finished by March 2021, the Airport Guideway System (to Middle Street) by 2023, and the City Center segment to Ala Moana Center by 2025 - 2026. A slide showed the three (3) rail stations in Kakaʻako and the roundabout.

• Waimanu/Queen Streets Roundabout – There two (2) concerns: elimination of left turns and removal of the median. They are at the end of the utilities relocation and the design stage. Now, they can solicit bids and the contracts will be awarded by October 2020.

• Pros and Cons – Pros: Now, there will be adequate sight distance, the roundabout will allow all turn movements, traffic calming, and pedestrian/vehicle conflicts would be reduced. Cons: There will be travel restrictions that will add travel time in the afternoons. Bicycle lanes will be able to share the travel lane safely.

• Consultations – Kosich met with various City departments' planners, DPP and Department of Transportation Services (DTS), and they felt the roundabout will improve the situation in the mornings and in the afternoons and provide pedestrian safety, in accordance with the Complete Streets. There are still discussions with the utilities relocations and ongoing discussions with the condo associations.

Comments followed:

1. Communication – Komine asked again to communicate with the condo that has its driveway right at the roundabout. Kosich will follow up again. There was some "misinformation" that the roundabout was "taken off the table."

2. Traffic – Zehner was still concerned about congestion, speed, and slow down. Kosich noted during construction, there will be a slowdown. Zehner was not concerned about construction, but concerned that during rush hour, traffic would be worst. Kosich said that traffic would flow smoother in the mornings and in the afternoons, it would stay the same. Yoshioka added that there is no control over speed and pedestrian traffic is up. The roundabout will slow traffic down and increase pedestrian safety. Zehner noted that the roundabout would slow traffic down and increase the time for going from point A to point B. Mariano noted the time and suggested limiting the discussion to two (2) more comments. Cloutier added that the roundabout was going from two (2)-lanes to one (1) lane in both directions. In Switzerland, roundabouts had two (2) lanes in the cities. Kalaikai asked if the option in Pearl City of moving the column was considered. Kosich said that the suggestion was considered and dismissed, but cost may have been a factor. Kosich will take it back. Chang asked why a suggestion made at the last meeting about limiting the roundabout size was not brought up tonight. Todd asked about making a four (4)-leg roundabout. Yoshioka added that making a four-leg roundabout instead of only a three-leg roundabout would increase the size of the roundabout and noted in response to Cloutier's comments, that two (2) lanes can handle the traffic volume.

3. Project on Kawaihao – Christian O'Connor mentioned that his company will shut down half of Kawaihao Street on Saturday, July 18, 2020 and Sunday, July 19, 2020 to re-wire the electrical system. He has notified the surrounding property owners. He will return next month to report.

As Mariano suggested and there were no objections, Chair Tam skipped to Agenda item 5.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC AND UPDATES

Governor David Ige's Representative – Cindy McMillan, Director of Communications mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Hawaiʻi and masks and social distancing have "flattened the curve." However, the pandemic has had massive impact on the people and economy of Hawaiʻi with 200,000 unemployed and people are afraid of how to get food and provide for health care. Last week Governor Ige lifted the 14-day quarantine for neighbor islands travel, and wants to get more travelers from the South Pacific and to re-open the hotels, while keeping the community safe. The State is working closely with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (Hawaii EMA)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Department of Health (DOH), which is doing more testing and tracing. By the end of the month, there will be 400 people trained to do the contact tracing. Other agencies are tracking returning residents, who were the first cases of COVID-19. The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Hawaii National Guard (HIARNG) are helping with temperature screening and following up on the contact tracing forms on the Neighbor Islands. The biggest concern is that Hawaiʻi went from the lowest unemployment to the second highest unemployment in the nation. The State has issued more than $1.58 billion in unemployment benefits. There are many more effects, due to delayed payments.

Comments followed:

1. "Herd Immunity" – Zehner noted that quarantine does not work worldwide and asked when the "Herd immunity" will be followed. McMillan was not a healthcare professional, but mentioned that the State is looking at a pre-testing program before visitors arrive, to better manage the situation.

2. Fraud – Chang reported that there may be fraudulent Unemployment claims. McMillan stated that the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) had started investigations.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative – Ian Santee, Deputy Director, Honolulu Emergency Services Department noted that the concerns from the last meeting were deferred because of COVID-19. He is working with Governor Ige on COVID-19.

Comments followed:

1. Sidewalks – Mick thanked the City and the State for fixing the sidewalks in front of the Hawaiʻi State Library and ʼIolani Palace. Mick had tripped and hurt his ankle nearby Chef Chai's at 1009 Kapiʻolani Boulevard and the City fixed it.

2. COVID-19 – Chung commented that the State had the lowest number of case deaths in the nation. He suggested that strong sunlight kills the virus, and asked what Mayor Caldwell is doing to move events outside to be safer. Deputy Director Santee will follow up and asked that everyone follow all of the updates.

RESIDENTS'/ COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Construction Noise – Chair Tam and Board member Lee received an e-mail about construction noise on Kona Street. Shawn Hamamoto also received the complaint about overnight work, which was halted. The contractor contacted the complainant and Hamamoto contacted the resident manager, who confirmed that there was only one (1) complaint. The contractor gave his personal cell phone number to the complainant and made some mitigation measures, like wrapping sound-proofing materials around the equipment.

Tropical Fire Ants – A resident had reported the fire ants at the Ala Moana Regional Park (AMRP). They were treated, but they came back.

Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project (AWFMP) Update – Dave Watase mentioned that Oceanit made a presentation to the City Council and announced three (3) micro-tunneling projects to go straight to ocean. Hopefully, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) can work with Oceanit. USACE had mentioned that they will remove the six (6) detention basins and re-do their plans. Watase heard a rumor that the State still wants to get the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) passed, but it is based on the six (6) detention basins. Watase stands behind Komine's comments on view planes and Mick's view on Brookfield getting special attention from DPP. Watase thinks there is a lot of land to go lower to 200 feet and wider and not block the views.

Magic Island Parking Lot – Shar Lum had a question about the timeline to finish the Magic Island Parking Lot. Also, she asked when the City will start on the keyhole paving project. Chair Tam will forward these concerns.

As there were no objections, Chair Tam moved to the Agenda item 7.

ELECTED OFFICIALS REPORTS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative – Deputy Director Ian Santee, Honolulu Emergency Services Department (HESD) had already reported.

City Councilmember Carol Fukunaga – Councilmember Fukunaga was online, but may have departed. Her newsletter was available.

City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi – Councilmember Kobayashi had already reported and her newsletter was available.

City Councilmember Tommy Waters – Councilmember Waters distributed his newsletter and reported the following:

• Ala Wai Promenade – Chair Tam thanked Councilmember Waters and the other Councilmembers for supporting the Ala Wai Promenade project.

• Ala Moana Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plan – Councilmember Waters did not understand why the plan was not passed previously as it was introduced in 2016 and went through four (4) workshops for public input. Councilmember Waters was sworn-in in May 2019 and in June 2019 he met with DPP. Now, he will get the Ala Moana TOD Plan out after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted for proper public vetting. He questioned if DPP talked with the hotel industry about building hotels outside of Waikīkī. They are hurting and need to make their money back. He is part-Hawaiian and his parents died on the mainland and his five (5) siblings moved to the mainland, because it is too expensive here. He fears that his children will have to move out, too. Councilmember Waters was concerned about local input into the TOD and that Hawaiʻi went from the lowest unemployment to the second highest unemployment in the nation. Councilmember Waters is the Chair of the newly-created Office of Economic Revitalization with Councilmember Kobayashi as Vice Chair to help the City Administration spend several million dollars. He questioned the cost about tunneling at the Ala Wai Flood Mitigation Project (AWFMP). His support for the Ala Wai Promenade was really the Board's idea. He is available to hear concerns.

Comments followed:

1. Ala Moana TOD – Mick supported Councilmember Waters questioning the Ala Moana TOD and to have more public input. One suggestion is to refit the hotels into long-term rentals. At the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9, some people wanted all of Waikīkī to be re-zoned to resort. With 25,000 voters in Waikīkī, this proposal will not pass. Komine felt the Councilmember Waters' "heart."

2. Economic Revitalization – Chung asked about Economic Revitalization. Councilmember Waters said there were three (3) meetings with various business and restaurant people and retail merchants. The City started with $50 million, but only a small amount of people applied, due to the small amount of money given. The businesses must first pay their bills, then get reimbursed. However, they cannot pay their bills. Another program called Rent Release will give $1,000 a month and $500 for child care. Only 1,400 applied and 800 people qualified. Councilmember Waters wondered why the money is not spent. When the Unemployment runs out, then things will get worst. There is $387 million to be spent by December of this year. The Legislature is talking about another $600+ million to be spent by the end of this year. Now, he will focus on spending the money and solutions. Chung will continue the discussion outside.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki – State House Speaker Saiki's representative James Stone was not present and no report was available.

State Representative Tom Brower – Representative Brower was no longer present and no report was available.

State Senator Sharon Moriwaki – Senator Moriwaki distributed her newsletter and reported the following:

• COVID-19 – Senator Moriwaki sits on the Senate COVID-19 Committee. Her newsletter has a lot of information on relief programs. To answer Chung's comments about the low number of cases, the State Senate had been urging Governor Ige to have the 14-day quarantine to keep visitors out. Violators were caught on social media postings.

• Legislation – The Senate has two (2) proposals to close the loopholes in short-term rentals by shutting down illegal short-term rentals, by having registrations posted on the windows.

• Other Programs – There are other programs to spend the money, which rental assistance. The DLIR reported that they have reduced 250,000 unemployment claims to 17,000.

Comments followed: Shortfall – Kalaikai asked about the budget shortfall. Senator Moriwaki mentioned that the Council of Revenues predicted a $2.5 billion shortfall next year. So, money has to be spent now to stabilize the economy. Looking at Alaska, the Senate is urging Governor Ige to look into pre-testing of visitors or have testing at the airports. Everyone realized that Hawaiʻi was dependent on tourism and that we must diversify. The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) must do more on diversification of energy, technology, and training the workforce.

Mariano moved and Zehner seconded that the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 table the rest of the agenda. Chair Tam noted that AGENCY REPORTS from the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) and the Board of Water Supply (BWS) can be forwarded.

As there were no objections, the motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0 (AYE: Chang, Chung, Clayton, Cloutier, Kalaikai, Komine, Lee, Mariano, Mick, Tam, and Zehner; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

PERMIT REVIEWS, HEARINGS and APPLICATIONS

Development proposals that require Neighborhood Board input are being posted at: http://www.honoluludpp.org/ApplicationsForms/ZoningandLandUsePermits/NeighborhoodBoardMaterials.aspx.

COMMUNITY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES

• Mother Waldron Park (525 Cooke Street) – Mondays, 5:15 p.m.;

• Sheridan Park (833 Piʻikoi Street) – Monday/Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.;

• Keola Laʻi Condominium (600 Queen Street) Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m.;

• Kolowalu Park (1177 Queen Street) – 1st and 2nd Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.

• Kalakaua Homes (1545 Kalakaua Avenue) – Fridays, 5:00 p.m.

• Atkinson Towers (419A Atkinson Drive) – Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Waikīkī Mayoral Candidate Forum – June 24, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via zoom. Register at https://www.waikikiimprovement.com/.

• Next Meeting – The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at a location to be announced.

• ʻŌlelo Broadcasts – Broadcasts of the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11 meetings are on ʻŌlelo 49 on the first and third Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., and every second Sunday at 6:00 p.m. The full schedule is at https://olelo.org/tv-schedule/) or full archive at https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-nco-menu/site-nco-sitearticles/1657-board-meeting-video-archive.html

• No Loitering – Please exit the meeting venue promptly after adjournment. Mahalo.

ADJOURNMENT – As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 9:18 p.m.

Submitted by: K. Russell Ho, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Chris Naylon, Community Relations Specialist

Reviewed by: Kathleen Lee, Secretary

Reviewed by: Ryan Tam, Chair

Last Updated: 22 July 2020
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