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Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2022 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 4/26/2022.

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

Ala Moana / Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11

March 2022 Minutes

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2022, 6:00 P.M.

VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ryan Tam called the meeting to order at 6:01 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, March 22, 2022 regular monthly meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 via Zoom only.

Board Members Present: Rodney Chang, Dyson Chee, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Ryan Tam, Melissa Wong, Michael Zehner, Joshua Nam, Lori Farinas, Jason Wong, Kathleen Lee (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), and Ron Komine Jr. (arrived at 6:14 p.m.).

Board Members Absent: None.

Guests: Captain Gibo (Honolulu Fire Department); Councilmember Carol Fukunaga; Melvia Kawashima (Council Member Say's Office); Craig Nakamoto (HCDA); State Representative Adrian Tam, David Ho (Uraku Tower), State House Speaker Scott Saiki, Director Makalani Sala, Office of Culture and the Arts (Mayor Blangiardi's Representative); Cindy McMillan (Governor Ige's Representative), Sterling Higa (Housing Hawaii's Future), Jeanne Datz Rice, Karen Cheung, Lynn Mariano, Andrew Starn, Daniel Simonich, Maheshi, Matthew Pennaz, Melvia Kawashima, Michael Mauzey, Myoung Oh, William, Alana (Residents and Guests); and Spencer Johnson (Neighborhood Commission Office). There were 45 total attendees. Note: Names are not included if not legible on guest sheet or is a phone number on zoom.

PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Gibo reported the fire statistics. Smoke alarm safety tips can be found at https://fire.honolulu.gov/.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): No representative present.

PRESENTATIONS

Housing Hawaii's Future - Sterling Higa presented the following. Housing Hawaii's Future is a movement of Gen Z and Millennials attempting to address our work force housing shortage on Oahu. Their hope is that local Gen Z and Millennials will turn their love of Hawaii into action. Focus groups have revealed that housing is the biggest issue holding people back from living in Hawaii. Housing Hawaii's Future believes that the housing crisis is driven by a lack of inventory, and their goal is for any hard working local to be able to find a quality and an affordable home. Website: https://www.hawaiisfuture.org/join.

Lee arrived at 6:08 p.m., 10 members present.

Questions comments and concerns followed.

1. Development: Iwamoto commented on the moratorium on construction for new projects, with regards to the water crisis from Red Hill.

2. Median Price: Zehner inquired about the housing price Housing Hawaii's Future would like to see. Higa responded that the general benchmark is under 30% of income should be spent on housing.

3. Location: Chee asked where the affordable housing should be located. Higa responded it should be along the current public transportation circuit, and be an under-utilized parcel.

Waimanu Street/Kolowalu Park Crosswalk - Jeanne Datz-Rice and Karen Cheung presented the following. The crosswalk at Waimanu Street and Queen Street, near Kolowalu Park has been removed/painted over. The pedestrian crossing signs remain, and it has created a dangerous crossing. Elected officials have been notified, and a community discussion was organized. Residents are curious as to why the crosswalk was removed, and hope it can be repainted. It was reported that a crosswalk will be re-installed, and a blinking light will be erected.

Komine Jr. arrived at 6:14 p.m., 11 members present.

Questions comments and concerns followed.

1. Crosswalk: Farinas reported another missing crosswalk at South King Street and Cook Street.

2. Committee: Resident Mariano commented that the board's Community Action Committee is a good venue to bring concerns like this.

3. Refuge Island: Craig Nakamoto commented on the installation of a refuge island and the design and construction of a crosswalk.

4. Mixed Messages: Komine commented on the removal of the crosswalk but not the pedestrian signs.

5. Resolutions: Iwamoto commented on elected officials receiving the resolutions passed at the Neighborhood Board Meetings.

Block I Project (800 Ala Moana Boulevard) - Matthew Pennaz, Kobayashi Group presented the following. Block I is about 3.5 acres located between Auahi Street, Ward Street, at 888 Ala Moana Boulevard. There are 437 market rate units within the tower, 40 reserve housing units along Koula. There will be a six (6) level podium with a 34 story tower (400' Height). Renderings and maps were provided.

Questions comments and concerns followed.

1. Sea Level Rise: Chee inquired about sea level rise relating to project plans. Pennaz responded that the project accounts for a three (3) foot rise in sea level.

2. Timeline: Chair Tam asked about the project timeline. Pennaz responded that construction is expected to begin at the ending of 2023, with the completion in 2026.

BOARD BUSINESS

Approval of the Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes.

The Board approved the February 22, 2022 regular meeting minutes as written by UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

Attendance at other meetings: None.

Neighborhood Subdistrict Updates:

• Construction Parking: Iwamoto raised concerns with construction crews parking on corners of intersections.

• Fire on Piikoi Street: Iwamoto commented on houseless individuals assisting with alerting the public during the recent fire on Piikoi Street.

• Noise: J. Wong raised concerns with mopeds and modified vehicles driving loudly at night.

• TOD Permit: J. Wong raised concerns with the development of additional buildings while infrastructure has not been upgraded. J. Wong commented in relation to the water crisis as the Board of Water Supply has shut down multiple wells.

• Advertising: J. Wong commented on some street art/murals sending a message. These murals are similar to billboards which are not allowed in Hawaii.

• Rodents: Chang raised concerns with the demolition on Keeamoku Street by NAN Inc, commenting that rats are being pushed out and forced elsewhere.

• Food For 500: M. Wong commented on an initiative to provide food supplies and other household goods to kupuna. Canned food and other donations are being accepted. Email kakaakokupuna@mkao.community.

• Pickleball: M. Wong commented Pickleball meet-ups at Mother Waldron Park will be on the first and third Sundays of the month from 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

• Church Service: Good Friday service at Kawaiahao Church on Friday, April 15, 2022 at 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend.

• Elm Street Development: Chair Tam reported a future presentation regarding the old Meadow Gold Facility.

Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC): No report.

Chair's Report: Chair Tam reported submitting testimony in support of the Kewalo Basin improvements.

Treasurer's Report: Iwamoto reported the February expenditures were $7.90. The remaining balance was $376.02.

Selection of Secretary: None.

Selection of future meeting location/venues to comply with Act 220: Chair Tam commented on the need to provide an in-person location for the next regular meeting. The conference room at Kapalama Hale will be the location until the Makiki Christian Church can be permitted.

Discuss transition to WebEx video-teleconference software in April 2022: Chair Tam reported the switch from Zoom to Webex. The NCO will no longer support Zoom meetings due to cost and storage.

OLD BUSINESS (DISCUSSION/ACTION)

Discuss COVID-19 pandemic and response: Chair Tam provided the current statistics for infected and deceased individuals.

Discuss houseless issues in Ala Moana-Kaka ako area: Lee commented on a homeless encampment on Kapiolani Boulevard and Keeamoku Street, near First Hawaiian Bank and Target.

Discuss/consider establishing a Permitted Interaction Group to plan a Candidate Forum: Farinas inquired as to which candidates the board would invite.

Komine MOVED and Farinas SECONDED the Motion to establish a Permitted Interaction Group to plan a Candidate Forum. The Motion PASSED; (10-0-1). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Komine, Lee, Nam, Tam, M. Wong, J. Wong, Zehner, Farinas; Nay: None; Abstain: Iwamoto).

NEW BUSINESS (DISCUSSION/ACTION)

Consider resolution regarding restoration of marked crosswalk on Queen Street at Waimanu Street (Kolowalu Park):

Discussion followed. Councilmember Fukunaga commented that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) did remove a number of crosswalks around the island. The City Council passed a resolution requiring DTS to consult with Neighborhood Boards before removing crosswalks in the future.

Iwamoto MOVED and Komine SECONDED the Motion to adopt the Resolution regarding restoration of marked crosswalk on Queen Street at Waimanu Street. The Motion PASSED; (11-0-0). (Aye: Chang, Chee, Farinas, Iwamoto, Komine, Lee, Nam, Tam, M. Wong, J. Wong, Zehner; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Begin discussion on community views about rapid transit project: Chair Tam handed the gavel to Vice Chair Lee and disclosed his employment for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART). Lee reported the recent announcement from Mayor Blangiardi regarding the rail project ending before Ala Moana Shopping Center. Discussion followed. J. Wong requested a HART representative attend the next regular board meeting. TOD (DPP) Iwamoto commented on the voter ballot regarding rail, and if it stated the rail project would end at Ala Moana. Discussion followed.

RESIDENTS' AND COMMUINITY CONCERNS:

Ala Moana Boulevard median landscaping: Chair Tam reported a recommendation from a community member to plant a low-maintenance shrub on Ala Moana Boulevard's median.

Biki Stop: Chair Tam announced the Biki stop fronting the old Sports Authority on Ward Avenue will be relocated. A replacement site has not yet been identified.

Kapiolani Lighting: Resident David Ho raised concerns with the lighting along Kapiolani Boulevard, mentioning the trees block the street lights. Resident Ho suggested lowering the street light poles or placing the lights on the tree trunks.

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi: Director Makalani Sala, Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) reported the following.

• Rail: The City and County of Honolulu is attempting to make the smartest financial decision regarding the rail project. The first section of rail that is installed is scheduled to begin ridership by the end of 2022.

• Murals: Please contact Director Sala if there is a mural that is advertising like a billboard.

• Highlights: Mayor's Highlights: https://www.oneoahu.org/newsletter.

• Fiscal Recovery Fund: For information related to the planning and distribution of Fiscal Recovery Fund, visit: https://www.oneoahu.org/frf.

Councilmember Carol Fukunaga: Kimberly Ribellia reported the following.

• March Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/CMFukunagaNB11RptMar

• Red Hill: Mahalo for the board's support for the shutdown of the Red Hill Fuel Storage Facility.

• Fire Sprinkler Retrofits: Bill 37, CD2 was adopted by the City Council during the March 2022 meeting.

Questions comments and concerns followed. Water Catchment: Resident Maheshi inquired about Oahu's water catchment system.

Councilmember Calvin Say: Melvia Kawashima provided a link to Councilmember Say's newsletter. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6098c5bb75e480679bd2fab3/t/622125faf3dd6e7ae08598bb/1646339596835/MARCH+2022+Newsletter+%282%29.pdf.

Questions comments and concerns followed. Frank C Judd Mini Park: Komine inquired about the status of the drug enforcement at the Mini Park.

Council Chair Tommy Waters: Council Chair Waters reported the following.

• Website: www.HonoluluCityCouncil.org.

• Testimony at Hale: Honolulu will welcome back live public testimony, virtual attendance will remain via Zoom.

Questions comments and concerns followed. Empty Home Tax: Iwamoto inquired about the status of the empty home tax.

State Representative Adrian Tam: Representative Tam reported the following. Community Cleanup: There will be a cleanup on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Centennial Park.

State House Speaker Scott Saiki: Speaker Scott Saiki reported the following. McKinley Athletics: The Governor will be releasing $4.7 Million for McKinley High School improvements.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: No representative present.

Governor David Ige: Cindy McMillan reported the following. Newsletter: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/FINAL-MARCH-2022-Capitol-Connection.pdf.

U.S. Congressman Ed Case: No representative present.

AGENCY REPORTS

Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA): Craig Nakamura was available for questions.

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART): No representative present.

Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS): No representative present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Covid-19 Vaccines: Find a vaccine provider near you at https://www.oneoahu.org/find-vaccine.

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

Hapalua Half-Marathon: On Sunday, April 10, 2022, road closures and tow-away zones will begin as early as 12:30 a.m. along Ala Moana Boulevard, Kapiolani Boulevard, and Piikoi Street. Full information is at: https://www.thehapalua.com/key-information/traffic-advisory.

Next Meeting: The next regular meeting of the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. via WebEx and location TBD.

Action Committee Meeting: The next Community Action Committee Meeting for the Ala Moana/Kaka ako Neighborhood Board No. 11 is scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 2022.

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.

ADJOURNMENT - As there was no further business before the Board, Chair Tam adjourned the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

Submitted by: Spencer Johnson, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy

Finalized by: Ryan Tam, Chair

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Ala Moana - Honolulu, Hawaii News Item

Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board Meeting MARCH 2022 Minutes

Ala Moana / Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11

Ala Moana - Honolulu, Hawaii
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