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  • Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Posted for (NOVEMBER 15, 2016)

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with 10 members present, a quorum was established. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official Board action.

Board Members Present -- Jo-Ann Adams (arrived at 7:33 p.m.), Jermel Anderson, David Benson, Louis Erteschik, Gordon Fahey, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, and Patricia Shields.

Board Members Absent -- Jeff Apaka, Helen Carroll, Paul Ciliano, Jim Poole, Mary Simpson, and Mark Smith.

Guests -- Assistant Chief Clayton Kau, Captain Gerald Kaneshiro, and Lieutenant Dien Shearer (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Representative Tom Brower; Raytan Vares (Senator Galuteria's Representative); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Jeanne Ishikawa (Department of Parks and Recreation); Ty Fukumitsu (Department of Transportation Services); Hirokazu Toiya (Department of Emergency Management (DEM); Kurt Tsuneyoshi (City Council); Rick Taniguchi (Honolulu Marathon); Yuri and Midori Trent; Nancy Manali-Leonardo, Franklin Chung, Kathryn Henski, John Bappe, Brian Bagnau, Helen Swealt, and Giuseppe Mottola; Dayton Oshiro (‘Olelo); and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant Dien Shearer reported the following:

• October 2016 Crime Statistics -- There were 4 robberies, 12 burglaries, 222 thefts, 58 Unauthorized Entries into Motor Vehicles (UEMV's), 30 speeding citations, 674 parking citations, 6 loud muffler citations, and 236 park closure citations, for a total of 3,861 calls placed for service.

• 75th Pearl Harbor Events

o Friday, December 2, 2016, 5:30 p.m. - Sunset on the Beach.

o Sunday, December 4, 2016, 5:30 p.m. - Sunset on the Beach.

o Monday, December 5, 2016, 5:30 p.m. - Sunset on the Beach.

o Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 6:00 p.m. - Remembrance Gala Tribute at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

o Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 3:00 p.m. - Flying V Ceremony.

o Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 4:30 p.m. - Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade.

o Thursday, December 8, 2016, 7:30 p.m. - Sunset on the Beach.

o Friday, December 9, 2016, 7:30 p.m. - Sunset on the Beach.

• Honolulu Marathon -- The Honolulu Marathon will be taking place, Sunday, December 11, 2016. Please plan ahead as there will be street closures on Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Violent Crimes -- A resident inquired and Lieutenant Shearer answered that if HPD is able to provide the violent crime statistics, they will report it at the next neighborhood board meeting in January 2017.

2. Money -- Shields noted that someone claiming to be a monk is asking for donations in Waikiki around the Hyatt area. Lieutenant Shearer will look into it.

3. Pop-up Vendors -- Shields stated that there are pop-up vendors selling tours on Kuhio Avenue and Liliuokalani Avenue. Lieutenant Shearer stated that peddling is illegal and will look into this.

4. Mufflers -- Shields voiced that there are way more than six (6) muffler violations in a month, and suggested that an unmarked police car park along the Ala Wai in order to be able to catch more violators. Lieutenant Shearer stated that the HPD cite as they witness violations.

75th Pearl Harbor Events -- Assistant Chief Clayton Kau introduced himself and explained that there will be several safety and traffic measures to ensure smooth operations of the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor events to take place. Assistant Chief Kau introduced Captain Gerald Kaneshiro who reported the following:

• Concert -- There will be a concert taking place on Monday, December 5, 2016 featuring the Lieutenant Dan Band, 5,000 to 10,000 people are expected to be in attendance. This will be taking place in the same area where the Hawaii 5-0 premieres take place at Sunset on the Beach. Captain Kaneshiro made note that there would be lots of traffic on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 along Kamehameha Highway so plan accordingly.

• Traffic -- Captain Kaneshiro introduced Ty Fukumitsu from the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) who referenced a map highlighting the road blockades and detours for each event. Traffic detours for each event at Sunset on the Beach will begin at 5:30 p.m. These were made available to the public.

• Safety -- Hirokazu Toiya from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) stated that there would be a press conference on Monday, November 28, 2016 to announce road closures and different measures taking place in conjunction with events taking place for the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Toiya encouraged everyone to sign up for the NIXLE system which alerts the public by phone of water main breaks, emergency information, traffic bulletins, and other pertinent information. Sign up as www.nixle.com/dem or text your zip code to 888777. To get the maps and more information on road closures please visit www.honolulu.gov/dem or visit www.pearlharbor75thanniversary.com.

• Overview -- Deputy Director Jeanne Ishikawa from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) stated that the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor events will be taking place Thursday, December 1, 2016 through Saturday, December 10, 2016. There will be 54 events taking place island wide, half of which will be on various bases throughout the island. For a complete list of events please visit www.pearlharbor75thanniversary.com. If interested in attending the events at Kilo Pier on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 there will be 2,000 seats available to the public. The parking lot at Aloha Stadium will open up at 4:00 a.m. to people and the first shuttles will arrive at 4:30 a.m. to transfer civilians to base to see the commemoration that starts at 7:45 a.m. Movies that will be shown at Sunset on the Beach in Waikiki include:

o Friday, December 2, 2016, Air Force Night, "12:00 High."

o Sunday, December 4, 2016, Navy Night, "Run Silent Run Deep."

o Monday, December 5, 2016, Army Night, "From Here to Eternity."

o Thursday, December 8, 2016, Marine Night, "The Sands of Iwo Jima."

o Friday, December 9, 2016, Coast Guard Night, "The Finest Hours."

• Parade -- Assistant Chief Kau announced a parade on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 which will start at 4:30 p.m., beginning on Saratoga Avenue going down Kalakaua Avenue ending at Kapiolani Park. Assistant Chief Kau again announced to be aware of the heavy traffic congestion that will be occurring during these commemorative events.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Protests -- A resident inquired and Assistant Chief Kau answered that he is unaware of any protest during the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor, but that it is always a possibility and they have resources available and in place if this happens.

2. Parking -- Flood inquired if there would be parking available at Kapiolani Park during Sunset on the Beach events, Deputy Director Ishikawa stated that there would be no parking available at Kapiolani Park and would take back a request to have a shuttle from Fort DeRussy to the events at the Sunset on the Beach.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Dominic Dias reported the following:

• Water Main Breaks -- There were no water main breaks in October 2016.

• General Water Announcements -- BWS Long Range Water Master Plan Adopted:

o The BWS, at its monthly Board of Directors meeting last month, approved the adoption of the BWS Water Master Plan, a comprehensive program that looks ahead 30 years, evaluates the entire water system, identifies necessary improvements, and strives to balance infrastructure needs with the costs of providing water to its customers. This plan will serve as a road map for the department to continue providing Oahu residents wife safe, dependable, and affordable water now and into the next generation.

o The final Water Master Plan incorporates feedback from several dozen commenters who participated in the 60-day public comment period, as well as BWS Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG). The BWS appreciates the comments provided by the public and remains committed to an open and transparent process and will continue to engage the public to ensure the plan represents customer's needs.

o With the approved Water Master Plan, the BWS will develop a 30-year Capital Improvement Program, develop a long-term financial plan, and conduct a rate study to finance the implementation of the plan. To view the BWS Water Master Plan, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com/watermasterplan. Residents may also call (808) 748-5347 or email BWSWaterMasterPlan@hbws.org for more information.

Board member Adams arrived to the meeting at 7:33 p.m.; 11 board members present.

Chair Finley called for a recess at 7:34 p.m.

The Neighborhood Assistant (NA) took a board photo.

Chair Finley called the meeting back to order at 7:36 p.m.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

• Congratulations and Happy Holidays -- Henski congratulated Representative Tom Brower on his win at the general election and wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

PUBLIC EVENTS

• Friday, November 25, 2016, 7:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m., Waikiki Holiday Parade

• Sunday, December 4, 2016, 11:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m., Toys for Tots Caravan, Street Bikers United

• Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 6:00 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m., Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade

• Saturday, December 10, 2016, 5:30 a.m. -- 8:30 a.m., Honolulu Marathon Mile Run

• Sunday, December 11, 2016, 5:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m., Honolulu Marathon

• Monday, January 16, 2017, 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., Martin Luther King Parade

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Route -- Shields inquired and Fukumitsu answered that the route which Street Bikes United will take for their event will start at Ala Moana Beach Park going down Ala Moana Boulevard, then down Kalakaua Avenue, making a right on Monsarrat Avenue and ending at Kapiolani Community College.

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES

• Thursday, December 8, 2016, Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach Hotel, 2255 Kuhio Ave, Hotel General

• Thursday, December 15, 2016, Yauatcha Waikiki LLC, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Restaurant General

• No Date Listed, Lawson Station, 2365 Kalakaua Ave, extension of existing licensed area

• Thursday, December 22, 2016, SKY Waikiki, 2270 Kalakaua Ave, Cabaret General

• Thursday, January 5, 2017, L & L Hawaiian Grill, 404 Kapahulu Ave, Dispenser General

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Acting Director Mark Garrity of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) was unable to attend the meeting; a memo for the record was provided. Chair Finley read the following:

• Coconut Trees -- The coconut trees at the Waikiki Fire Station on Kapahulu Avenue were trimmed on Monday, October 17, 2016.

• Shrubbery -- The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) inspected the house at 28 Ohua Avenue, which showed branches from the private hedge extending into the public sidewalk area. A notice of violation was issued.

• Grass -- The DPR staff cut the vegetative growth around the perimeter of fence and sidewalk areas on Seaside Avenue along Aloha Drive on Friday, October 21, 2016.

• TheBus Route 22 -- Effective Sunday, December 4, 2016 the bus stop /terminus No. 875 on Olohana Street will be permanently closed for Route 22, Beach Bus.

Kapahulu Bike Path -- Chair Finley noted that the No. 5 Diamond Head Board requests support in adopting the Kapahulu Bike Path closure hours between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

Flood moved and Benson seconded to support the Kapahulu Bike Path closure hours of 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Discussion Followed: Safety -- A resident mentioned that her daughter uses the Kapahulu Bike Path at night and sometimes feels unsafe with activity taking place and that violent crimes are occurring which people need to be made aware of. This resident also mentioned that the sidewalk tiles on Kalakaua Avenue fronting the Moana Surfrider are loose and a tripping hazard.

The motion to support the Kapahulu Bike Path closure hours of 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY, by a voice vote, 11-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Benson, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro, and Shields; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Lynn Fallin of the State Department of Health (DOH) Behavior Health Services Administration is ill and was unable to attend the meeting; a report was provided.

Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower looks forward to working with the community in the upcoming years and made himself available for questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Outreach Workers -- Shields inquired and Representative Brower answered that he stays in touch with the Waikiki Health Center (WHC) and the Institute for Human Services (IHS) in order to recognize individuals doing outreach in the community.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- No representative was present; a report was provided.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares provided a report and was available for any questions.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) -- Rick Egged reported the following:

• Tiles -- Any issues that have to do with loose tiles along the sidewalks should be directed towards the Department of Facilities Maintenance (DFM).

• Institute for Human Services -- If you know on anyone who is in need of services please contact IHS at 447-2845.

• Holidays -- Have a safe and Happy Holiday season!!

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Bill 75 -- Erteschik asked for any information on Bill 75 which would affect density of buildings. Egged has heard of the bill and will look into it more, adding to please let Councilmember Ozawa or Chair Finley know if anyone sees mobile kiosks selling tours, in order to help begin the process of improving the laws surrounding this practice. Egged mentioned that there were talks of the City adding additional parking meters in Waikiki and that community groups are trying to come up with a solution that can be beneficial as there is a shortage of parking in the community already.

2. Pavers -- Geck inquired and Egged answered that he was unaware of why the old pavers along Fort DeRussy which were pulled up during construction, were put back and not replaced.

3. Design Updates -- Merz inquired if Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) was moving forward with their analysis of studying to place a bridge over the Ala Wai Canal and using it as a conduit for the electrical line that they need to replace. Egged answered that there were no updates to the design of the bridge, a plan was submitted to DPP which responded with questions and they are awaiting another meeting.

4. Tiles -- Nigro asked for the resident to give him an exact location of the loose tiles mentioned in order to report and start the process of fixing them.

5. Protest March -- Chun inquired if there were any contingency plans in place for protest marches. Egged noted that this question would need to be directed towards a city agency, however there are very limited restrictions that can be placed on protestors. Fukumitsu noted that DTS was unaware of the march until the day of adding that the protestors reduced noise around Kapiolani Park as to not disturb the Zoo animals. A resident stated that she took part in the march and that it was a very peaceful event.

APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 11, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- Without any objections, the October 11, 2016 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, as amended 11-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Benson, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro, and Shields; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

PAGE 1: Under park citations, change to "Fahey inquired" and replace "tourist" with "tourists".

PAGE 3: Under Kapahulu Bike Path, change "digression" to "discretion".

PAGE 4: Under Brickwood Galuteria, "The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the State Capitol."

PAGE 4: Under APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- Without any objections, the September 13, 2016 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, as amended 15-0-0.

PAGE 5: Under Impact, replace "effected" with "affected".

PAGE 6: Under deaths, replace "individual" with "individuals".

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report -- Secretary Shields reported a remaining balance of $384.74. The report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 Report -- No report was provided.

Subdistrict 2 Report -- Flood stated that Waikiki needs more parking for residents, and that monthly parking rates are very costly.

Subdistrict 3 Report -- No report was provided.

Chair Report -- Finley reported the following:

• Events -- There may be a presentation in January 2017 from Millwood Events.

• Natatorium -- Awaiting confirmation of a presentation on the Natatorium project.

Road Repairs -- Nigro announced that starting in April 2017 and possibly sooner there will be first aid road repairs on Kalakaua Avenue between Beretania Street and Kapiolani Boulevard. There will be Ralston Street Traffic Detours.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- The Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 will recess in December 2016. The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 8:14 p.m.

Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant II

Reviewed and finalized by: Robert Finley, Chair; Louis Erteschik, Vice Chair; Jo-Ann Adams, Secretary


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