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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11

 

April 2021 Minutes

 

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021, 6:30 P.M.

Kapalama Hale Room 153, 925 Dillingham Boulevard and ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Tam called the meeting to order at 6:39 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, April 27, 2021 regular monthly meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 at Kapalama Hale and on Zoom. Chair Tam noted that there have been 25 deaths to Covid-19 since the last meeting. Note: Names are not included if not legible on guest sheet or is a phone number on zoom.

Board Members Present: Chris Chung, Robert Clayton, Carolyn Faringer, Ron Komine Jr., Kathleen Lee, Lynn Mariano, Ryan Tam, Michael Zehner, Rodney Chang.

Boardmembers Absent: Doug Cullison.

Guests: Shanon Sison (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Stephen Keogh (Honolulu Police Department); Makanani Sala (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's office); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Councilmember Calvin Say and Janel Denny; Davin Aoyagi (Council Chair Tommy Waters' office); Cindy McMillan (Governor David Ige's office); Roger Babcock and Juli Beth Hinds (Department of Facility Maintenance); Craig Nakamoto (Hawaii Community Development Authority); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Representative Adrian Tam; House Speaker Scott Saiki; David Ho Uraku Tower, David Jones, Judy Hernandez, Eduardo Hernandez, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Rodney Clayton, Dylan Leigh, Valerie Umeda; Casey Ishitani and Dylan Buck (Neighborhood Commission Office).

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Fire Fighter Shanon Sison reported the current statistics and fire safety tip emergency regarding escape plans, found at https://fire.honolulu.gov/.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Stephen Keogh reported the current crime statistics which can be found at https://www.honolulupd.org/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Feral Roosters: Kathleen Lee raised concerns that roosters have been crowing at pre-dawn hours. Chair Tam added that feral roosters have frequented Ala Wai Community Park.

2. Graffiti: Mariano raised concerns regarding increased graffiti activity near Ala Moana.

3. Homelessness: Mariano raised concerns regarding an increase in homeless individuals in the area.

4. Police Accountability: Resident Kim Coco Iwamoto and Eduardo Hernandez requested updates regarding HPD accountability in light of recent fatal officer-involved shootings.

FILLING OF VACANCIES

Subdistrict 1: This item was deferred.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Neighborhood Board Elections: The 2021 Neighborhood Board election voting period is from April 26 to May 21, 2021. During this voting period, the city has made computers available to the public to use to vote in the election at Kapolei Hale and Kap lama Hale. Any public library on OÔahu within the HawaiÔi State Public Library System will also be available. Online voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 21, 2021. Election results will be announced shortly after voting concludes. Newly elected board members will assume office on July 1, 2021. Candidate profiles and photos are posted online at https://www2.honolulu.gov/nbe/candidateprofiles.php.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. via video-teleconference (Zoom) at https://tinyurl.com/nb11may21 and in-person at the Kap lama Hale Conference Room.

Action Committee: The Action Committee will meet on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via audio-video teleconference (Zoom) at https://tinyurl.com/nb11cac21.

Ala Wai Promenade: The Ala Wai Promenade Joint Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via audio-video teleconference (Zoom) at https://tinyurl.com/nb11alawai21. The committee is conducting a short survey on the desired features for the promenade at: https://tinyurl.com/alawaipromenade.

Ala Moana Transit Plaza: A community meeting to discuss the Ala Moana Transit Plaza will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via audio-video teleconference (Zoom). Registration is at: http://www.honolulu.gov/completestreets/kalia.

Ala Wai Canal Dredging Project: The current wall repair work between McCully Street and Kalakaua Avenue is expected to be completed by Monday, May 31, 2021. More information is at http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/projects/ala-wai-canal-dredging/ or contact steve.h.ozoa@hawaii.gov.

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. 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

PERMIT REVIEWS, HEARINGS AND APPLICATIONS

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

A Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for the Ala Wai Bridge Project is available at http://oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/Doc_Library/2021-03-23-OA-DEA-Ala-Wai-Bridge.pdf. Comments are due on April 22, 2021.

PRESENTATIONS

Storm Water Feasibility Study: Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Director Roger Babcock and Juli Beth Hinds reported that a new proposed system would account for fees at private properties from storm water runoff from impermeable surfaces instead of property taxation. Vacant properties would not be charged. There will be community meetings in May and June 2021. More information can be found at https://www.stormwaterutilityoahu.org/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Wastewater: Mariano inquired if the system would affect wastewater facilities and Director Babcock responded that it will not DFM is working closely with wastewater facilities.

2. Billing: Chair Tam inquired how billing would be affected and Director Babcock responded that it would be based on impervious area per property. Chang inquired if the system would increase property taxes and Director Babcock responded that it would be revenue neutral.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of Tuesday, January 26, 2021 and Tuesday, March 23, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes: Chair Tam inquired if there were any amendments to the Minutes. January 2021 minutes were not available at this time.

Hearing no objection, the Regular Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, March 23, 2021 were ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (Aye: Chung, Clayton, Faringer, Komine, Lee, Mariano, Tam, Zehner, Chang; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Attendance at Other Meetings: Chair Tam attended Zoom meetings regarding Ala Pono Bridge and Ala Wai Boulevard projects. Mariano also attended those meetings.

Increased Graffiti in and Around Ala Moana-Kakaako: Mariano reported graffiti on the corner of Piikoi Street and Kapiolani Boulevard.

Status of Parking on Pensacola Street: Mariano raised concerns regarding the corner of Kapiolani Boulevard. Chair Tam reported that he had sent a Resolution regarding this issue.

Kakaako Adopt-a-Park Update: Chang will provide updates as they come.

Biki Update: Mariano inquired if Biki Bike Share will return stalls to the City and County of Honolulu if bike racks are removed. Resident Hernandez requested that Biki Bike Share present to the Board. Faringer raised that the Board may take action regarding this issue.

Ka Poe o Kakaako / Hale Mauiola Update: Chair Tam reported that homeless outreach groups have moved individuals to the Hale Mauiola Navigation Center at Sand Island for temporary housing.

Treasurer's Report: The remaining balance was $210.39.

OahuMPO Citizen's Advisory Committee: There was no report.

OLD BUSINESS (DISCUSSION/ACTION)

Discuss Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan: Mariano raised concerns regarding the impact of the rail on the status quo of transit in the Ala Moana and Kakaako area.

Discuss and consider Resolution regarding Kai ulu o KakaÔako Master Plan: Mariano requested that this group present before the Community Action Committee. Craig Nakamoto of MDX Hawaii reported that a decision making hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

Discuss and consider Resolution regarding rehabilitation of Kakaako streets: Chair Tam reported that there was a Resolution to plan and design street improvements to central Kakaako. Councilmember Carol Fukunaga reported that the City and County of Honolulu's budget allocates funds for such.

Chang Moved and Mariano Seconded to Adopt a Resolution supporting rehabilitation of Kakaako Streets.

Discussion: Mariano requested a timeline for improvements.

The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0 (Aye: Chung, Clayton, Faringer, Komine, Lee, Mariano, Tam, Zehner, Chang; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Discuss and consider Resolution regarding COVID-19 Protections for Bars: Chung requested that the Board consider protections for bar staff, owners. There was no Motion.

Discuss and consider Resolution regarding Juneteenth Celebration: This item was deferred as the State of Hawaii House and State passed legislation on a Bill.

NEW BUSINESS

Discuss Resolution regarding sale of graffiti implements: Chair Tam reported that Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board No. 13 has adopted a Resolution regarding the restriction of graffiti implements. Councilmember Fukunaga reported that the Resolution was deferred to weigh in particular items.

Discuss Resolution regarding youth participation on the Neighborhood Board: Robert Armstrong of Neighborhood Board No. 13 requested that the Neighborhood Commission allow participation of 16 and 17 year olds on the Neighborhood Board. Chair Tam reported that a Youth Commission is being formulated by Council Chair Tommy Waters.

Discuss potential future economic sustainability strategies for Oahu: Mariano requested that this item remain on future Agendas.

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUINITY CONCERNS

Ala Moana Beach Park: Komine reported a concrete walkway tripping hazard at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Unemployment: Resident Hernandez raised concerns regarding unemployment benefits and requested updates from the Mayor's Office and the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR).

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi: Culture and Arts Executive Director Makanani Sala reported the following.

Neighborhood Board Elections: The Neighborhood Board election began on Monday, April 26. Almost all voting will be done online and passcodes will be mailed out to nearly 300,000 eligible voters. The voting period is from April 26 to May 21, 2021.

• Removal of Crosswalks: The Board supported Bill 47 and requested updates. Department of Design and Construction (DDC) responded that based on community feedback, five (5) crosswalks were being removed as part of the Kakaako Rehabilitation of Streets. They were limited to uncontrolled crosswalks that do not meet the City's pedestrian volume threshold. They may be remarked in the future. Bill 47 does not go into effect until July 1, 2021,

• Rent Relief: Rent relief can be found at https://www.oneoahu.org/renthelp.

• HPD: Outgoing HPD Chief Susan Ballard announced her retirement.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Mayor Blangiardi: Mariano requested Mayor Blangiardi's presence at the next meeting.

2. Neighborhood Board Elections: Mariano raised concerns regarding a lack of promotional material toward the Neighborhood Board elections. He also stated that ballots were not consistent.

3. Parking Stalls: Chair Tam requested updates regarding removed parking stalls.

4. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP): Komine requested an update on DPP processing and Director Sala responded that a restructuring of procedure will be implemented to allow permitting in a timely manner.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga: Councilmember Fukunaga reported the following.

• Red Light Camera: Three (3) locations in Kakaako have been proposed for a red light cameras.

• Fire Codes: Over a six (6) month period, HFD investigated buildings in Kakaako and found only six (6) were in accordance to Ordinance 19-4.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Councilmember Say reported the following.

• Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan: Councilmember Say stated a proposal for the Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan to include more affordable housing.

• Infrastructure: Upcoming infrastructure improvements are being considered by the Treasury Division.

• Ala Moana Regional Park: 4.6 million dollars have been allocated to improve Ala Moana Regional Park.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Biki Bike Share: Resident Hernandez inquired and Councilmember Say confirmed that he supports Biki Bike Share.

Council Chair Tommy Waters: Davin Aoyagi of Council Chair Waters' office reported the following.

• Pandemic: The current Tier system for the pandemic has been amended to allow for further outdoor dining.

• Building Restrictions: A 165 foot height maximum for buildings near Ala Moana is being proposed.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Building Restrictions: Mariano raised concerns regarding possible exceptions to height restrictions.

State Representative Adrian Tam: Representative Tam reported the following.

• Budget: The State of Hawaii received two (2) billion dollars in funds from the American Rescue Plan.

• Feral Roosters: Representative Tam's office has not received complaints regarding feral roosters.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki: Speaker Saiki reported the following.

• 2021 Legislative Session: The Session will conclude on Thursday, April 29, 2021. Bills taken up include those for affordable housing and rent.

• Kakaako Roads: Maintenance programs for Kawaiahao Street have been established as the City and County of Honolulu has reclaimed ownership of the street.

• Red Light Cameras: Speaker Saiki reported that State of Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) has been working on implementing red light cameras in Kakaako.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Red Light Cameras: Chair Tam inquired if the red light cameras were profit driven and Speaker Saiki responded that they would not be.

2. Unemployment: Chair Tam inquired and Speaker Saiki confirmed that the State of Hawaii would be hiring more employees to assist in unemployment processing.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki reported the following.

• 2021 Legislative Session: 190 Bills have been adopted including those pertaining to Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor, McKinley High School improvements and a 2022 restructuring of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA).

• New Role: Senator Moriwaki is Chair of the Senate Committee on Government Operations.

Governor David Ige: Communications Director Cindy McMillan provided a report that details vaccine exemptions and guidelines for the mask mandate. More information can be found at https://hawaiicovid19.com/.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case: There was no representative.

AGENCEY REPORTS

HCDA: Craig Nakamoto of HCDA took questions in the chat function.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART): There was no report.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Chair Tam read from a BWS report. There were no water main breaks. BWS will suspend water shutoffs due to nonpayment during the pandemic.

ADJOURNMENT - As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted by: Casey Ishitani, Public Relations

Reviewed by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant

Finalized by:

Last Updated: 19 May 2021
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