Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For <font color="red"><b>Tuesday, January 12, 2016</b></font> Posted - Waikiki

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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Posted
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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. with a quorum of 14 members present. 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 7:05 p.m.), Jeff Apaka (departed 9:20 p.m.), David Benson, Helen Carroll, Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, William Lofquist, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent: Jermel Anderson and Mary Simpson.

Guests: Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply), Mark Garrity (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative), Representative Tom Brower, Councilmember Trevor Ozawa, Kurt Tsuneyoshi (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office), Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office), Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's Representative), Corporal Richard Fikani (Honolulu Police Department, District 6-Waikiki), Dave Moskowitz, Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association), Jason Ito (Kyo-ya Company), Ron Lockwood (Neighborhood Board No. 8), George West (Neighborhood Board No. 5), Linda Wong, Asia Uerie, Jan Badde, Joan Davis, Roger Brewer, Corey Dillman, Shem Lawler, Steven Matsuno, Richard Sparks, Natalie Iwasa, Wes Frysztacki, Giuseppe Mottola, Edward W. Gatz, Kathryn Henski, Zoe Tanaka (videographer), and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No representative was present and no report was available.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Corporal Richard Fikani reported the following: December 2015 Statistics: There were nine (9) robberies, 14 burglaries, 191 thefts, 35 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 31 speeding citations, 483 parking citations, and three (3) loud muffler citations.

Adams arrived at 7:05 p.m.; 15 members were present.

Smart 911 Program: Corporal Fikani presented the following:

• About: Smart 911 was just started in Honolulu and is based off cellphones.

• Profile: Citizens can create a personalized profile with information and pictures that only HPD will have access to. Profiles contain important information such as any pets and residents in the household, emergency contacts, vehicles, and medications.

• Usage: Smart 911 is free and available for use by anyone. The program will improve quality of life, reduce response times, and increase dispatcher efficiency.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Major Disaster: Apaka asked and Corporal Fikani answered that if a major disaster were to occur where there is no cell reception or electricity, communities would need to work together for safety. Corporal Fikani recommended starting a neighborhood security watch and attested to the many benefits of having a watch group.

2. Global Positioning System (GPS): Adams asked and Corporal Fikani answered that eventually GPS will be incorporated into the program.

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

• Water Main Breaks: There was one (1) cast iron main break at 2517 Ala Wai Boulevard on Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

• Poster Contest: BWS is launching its 38th annual Water Conservation Week Poster Contest and 8th annual Poetry Contest. This year's contest theme is "Pure water -- There is no Substitute." The deadline to enter these contests is Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

• Pacific Road Runners Club: Joan Davis shared that the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) asked the group to attend this Board meeting in case there were any concerns from the community. Majority of the clubs runs go through Waikiki. Davis distributed the 2016 calendar of club events to the Board and was available for any questions.

• Charter Commission: Natalie Iwasa announced that the next Honolulu Charter Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. If you would like to know more, you can follow her "What Natalie Thinks" blog. Board member Erteschik commented that the Board should be paying more attention to the Honolulu Charter Commission.

• Kiosks: Dave Moskowitz voiced frustration with illegal kiosks in Waikiki and noted that the Kings Village plan has been delayed until June 2016.

PUBLIC EVENTS: Chair Finley announced the following events:

• Sony Open: The Sony Open is held today, Tuesday, January 12, 2016 through Monday, January 18, 2016, which will result in daily traffic.

• Martin Luther King Parade: The Martin Luther King day parade will be held on Monday, January 19, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Pro Bowl: There will be a Pro Bowl beach party near the screen on Waikiki Beach Friday, January 29, 2016 and on Saturday, January 30, 2016. There will be Pro Bowl beach play on Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have approximately 700 children; cheer them on if you are around.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Mark Garrity reported the following:

• Adopt-a-Park: Last year the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) refurbished 10 playgrounds and created 13 new play areas. Anyone wishing to adopt-a-park can call DPR at 768-3034 to get involved.

• Department of Health Inspection Placard: Please refer concerns related to State Departments to the Governor's representative.

• Ala Wai Boulevard Maintenance: Landscaping on the Mauka side of Ala Wai Boulevard from Aina Kea Way to Ala Moana Boulevard began on Monday, January 4, 2016 in coordination with a new agreement with the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association (WBIDA) to help maintain landscaping.

• Faded Sign: Honolulu Emergency Services Department's (HESD) Ocean Safety Administrator will have the District 1 Captain either replace or repaint the "Watch out for deep holes" sign.

• Restroom: The security guard stationed at the comfort station behind the Waikiki police station is provided by the WBIDA and helps monitor the usage during the overnight hours. Please call HPD if you witness any illegal or suspicious activities.

• Homeless in Vacant Units at Pacific International Condo: The City cannot speak to tenant selection by the landlord, it is an issue between the private renter and the property manager.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Honolulu Tree Lighting: Shields commented on the disorder that ensued because of the buses being diverted for two (2) events downtown, one of them being the Honolulu tree lighting.

2. Na Koa Avenue: A resident complained of skateboarders on Na Koa Avenue.

3. Ala Wai Golf Course: A resident commented on the unacceptable condition of the path near Ala Wai golf course. There are five (5) homeless encampments and no lighting in the area; the resident is worried she will run into someone.

4. Traffic: Edward Gatz commented on the heavy traffic going west passing Hilton Hawaian Village. Gatz recommended turning the road into a one-way.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Lynn Fallin distributed a newsletter and reported the following:

• Ala Wai Canal Project: Fallin followed up with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) on the Ala Wai Canal 100 year plan. The Ala Wai Canal was intended to be a drainage ditch and is now a vital resource we all depend on. Visit www.alawaicanalproject.com for more information.

• Honey Bee USA Project: Honey Bee USA is currently in bankruptcy court and the administration is going to wait for the outcome before moving forward.

• DLNR Beach Restoration: The State will be seeking a contractor next year for a feasibility study for improving coastal structures, sand maintenance and other improvements to Waikiki Beach.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Sit/Lie Law: Member Merz commented that there is no enforcement of the sit/lie law on Ala Moana Boulevard because it is a State Highway. Fallin encouraged everyone to watch the State of the State address to be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., where Governor Ige will discuss the homeless issue.

2. Multi-use Path: A resident asked for the State to expand a multi-use path near the Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library that is on State land.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Councilmember Ozawa reported the following:

• DPR maintenance: Councilmember Ozawa stated that he is working to get DPR all the equipment needed for maintenance.

• Alcohol at Queens Beach: No decision has been announced to whether alcohol will be permitted on Queens Beach. Councilmember Ozawa wants what is in the best interest for all.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Restrooms: Flood asked for a requirement for restrooms in every restaurant in Waikiki. Councilmember Ozawa said he can look into it, but there are other factors to consider as well.

2. Bikes: Adams commented that Waikiki needs to be safer for bikers. Resident Kathryn Hensky announced bike share is coming to Waikiki and there is a bike paths meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hawaii Ballroom of the Neal Blaisdell Center. Gatz proposed a two-way bike track for Waikiki. Moskowitz commented that the City does not clean the bike paths.

3. Skateboarders: Carroll commented that skateboarders ride recklessly and are a danger in Waikiki.

4. Sidewalks: Merz commented that the sidewalks have no room and car drivers need to share the road because sidewalks are for pedestrians only.

5. Segway Tours: Adams commented that Segway tours are using public sidewalks for a profit while endangering pedestrians.

6. Queens Beach: Hensky commented that no alcohol should be allowed and Queens beach should remain a beach for the people.

7. Waikiki Aquarium: Moskowitz commented that the Waikiki Aquarium hosts luaus that sell liquor.

Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower distributed newsletters and reported the following:

• Legislative Session: The 2016 legislative session will begin Wednesday, January 20, 2016.

• Enforcement: For reoccurring issues like bicycle and skateboard violations, Representative Brower believes lack of enforcement is the problem.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Skateboards: A resident commented that there is no skateboarding allowed in Waikiki and wants to see more enforcement and harsher punishment. Resident Shem Lawler commented that skateboarders are not bad, there just needs to be space for skateboarding.

2. Moped Legislation: Moskowitz asked and Brower answered that there will be legislation introduced to require safety checks of mopeds.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria: A written report was available.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): Rick Egged reported that the WIA is currently working on amending the Waikiki Special District (WSD) guidelines. Proposals will be published for public comment soon.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Kings Village: Flood asked and Egged answered that DPP is in the decision making process for the proposal of Kings Village.

2. Loading Docks: Adams asked and Egged responded that WIA is working on the lack of loading docks issue. The current law requires new establishments to have off-road loading docks, but that law did not exist when most of the establishments were constructed.

3. Princess Kaiulani Hotel: Lofquist asked and Egged answered that the Princess Kaiulani Hotel is currently in the redesign phase.

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 10, 2015 MINUTES: Chair Finley deferred the approval of the November 10, 2015 minutes to the next regular Board meeting and announced that the minutes are available for review online at the Neighborhood Commission Office website.

NEW BOARD BUSINESS:

Bike/Pedestrian Bridge over Ala Wai Resolution: Wes Frysztacki shared background information on the Ala Wai bridge debate, citing a Star Advertiser article of March 2014 that proposed six (6) bridges across the Ala Wai Canal and was supported by 45% of those who voted in the Star Advertisers poll. Chair Finley passed the gavel to Vice Chair Erteschik while he presented the following:

• Location: The Bridge over Ala Wai Canal would be in the area between University Avenue and the Manoa-Palolo Drainage Canal.

• Benefits: The Bridge would improve connectivity by adding an additional route to inland safety.

• Support: At a special meeting of the McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board on March 27, 2014 a 60% majority of those attending supported a limited use bridge.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Opposition: McCully Neighborhood Board No. 8 Chair Ron Lockwood presented testimony in opposition to the Bridge. Lockwood stated he is worried for his neighbors and the schools who are opposing the construction of the Bridge. The McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Boards have voted against the Bridge for multiple years. Linda Wong expressed concern of the Ala Wai Elementary School, destroying the beauty of the Ala Wai Canal and the possibility for people to park outside of Waikiki near the Bridge.

2. Concerns: Merz questioned Lockwood to the specific concerns raised by the McCully-Moiliili community. Lockwood answered that traffic, public health and homelessness are specific concerns of the community.

3. Safety: Hensky commented that if people can walk out of a dangerous area the Bridge could save lives.

4. Benefits: Resident Asia Uerie commented that having more options to get out of the area would help reduce traffic and contribute to a healthy lifestyle by promoting walking and bicycling.

Erteschik moved and Merz seconded that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 support the Bike/Pedestrian Bridge over Ala Wai Resolution.

The resolution was ADOPTED 12-3-0 (Aye: Adams, Benson, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Shields, and Smith; Nay: Apaka, Carroll and Poole; Abstain: None).

Apaka departed at 9:20 p.m.; 14 members were present.

Millwood Ohana Street Events: Nadia Drews distributed letters from vendors who participate in the street events and announced that Dave will be coming to the Boards next regular meeting to address other issues raised.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Traffic: Chair Finley announced that many residents have complained about the Saturday night traffic caused by the street events. Gatz agreed that the traffic is bad and suggested moving the events from the Hyatt Regency down towards Diamond Head.

• Public Purpose: Egged commented that there is a public purpose clause in law for street events. Millwood Ohana street events don't have a public purpose and are taking advantage of street closures for a profit.

• Street Closures: WIA wants to reduce the number of street closures allowed and wants the Board to consider restricting the number as well. Adams stated the underlying problem is the street closures, not Millwood Ohana.

• Charity: Hensky questioned how much Millwood Ohana donates to charity and which charities. Gatz commented he would like to see more nonprofit street events.

• Permit: Deputy Director Garrity commented that Director Formby and DTS are taking these concerns very seriously. If Millwood Ohana does not produce additional information for adequate public purpose, then the permits will not be issued.

Flood motioned and Erteschik seconded that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 will advise the City and County of Honolulu to not approve permits for street events that do not provide sufficient public purpose.

The motion was ADOPTED 12-2-0 (Aye: Adams, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, and Smith; Nay: Benson and Lofquist; Abstain: None).

REPORTS:

• Treasurer's Report: Shields reported a remaining balance of $386.62. The report was filed.

• Subdistrict 1 Report: There was nothing to report.

• Subdistrict 2 Report: Flood mentioned that HPD is now patrolling the promenade.

• Subdistrict 3 Report: There was nothing to report.

• Chair's Report: Chair Finley announced David Benson as part of the citizen advisory council for 2016.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• International Market Place: The International Market Place is on schedule to open in August 2016.

• Aston Waikiki Wave: The Aston Waikiki Wave will start redevelopment on Friday, January 22, 2016.

• Next Meeting: The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:51 p.m.

Submitted by: Amanda Ehe, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Neighborhood Assistant

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

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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Tuesday, January 12, 2016 Posted

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
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