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

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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Tuesday, February 9, 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, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Louis Erteschik called the meeting to order at 7:05 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, Jermel Anderson, David Benson, Helen Carroll, Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, William Lofquist, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent: Jeff Apaka, Robert Finley, and Mary Simpson.

Guests: Captain Alan Park (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Robert Oakes (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias, Rian Adachi, and Iris Oda (Board of Water Supply); Mark Garrity (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Michael Formby (Director of the Department of Transportation); 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); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Rick Taniguchi (Honolulu Festival); Santi Beavers; Victoria Scot; Margaret Bukatz; Mela Kealoha-Lindsey (Creations of Hawaii); David Millwood (Millwood Ohana); Cance Wilitelm; David Lato; Jim Niermaun; Pamela Wilson; Corey Dillman; James Browne; Chelsie Wang; Frank Byrnes; Carol Laechelt; Sandra Olivo; Penny and Bill Jones; Warren Watts; Sean Newop; Karen Julson; Captain Jo Burow; Dawn Wand; Dave Moskowitz; Steven Matsuno; Julian Ng; Benjamin Sitoski and Jon Tokusato (Unite Here); David Tanoue; Gavin Masaki (Gray Hong Nojima and Assoc); David Shideler; Natalie Iwasa; Giuseppe Mottola; Kathryn Henski; Roberta Cramp; Zoe Tanaka (videographer); and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

Three (3) Meeting Absence -- Jermel Anderson, Subdistrict 3: Board member Jermel Anderson apologized for his three (3) absences and explained he was starting a new position at a job and will be present at future Board meetings.

Flood moved and Shields seconded the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 allow Jermel Anderson to remain a Board member. The motion was ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT 14-0-0 (Aye: Adams, Anderson, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, and Smith; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS:

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Alan Park reported the following:

• January 2016 Statistics: There were 4 fires, 214 medical emergencies, 5 hazardous conditions, 8 service calls and 12 false calls.

• Hiking Safety: When planning a hike, inform others of your plan. Be sure to take a fully charged cell phone with you, as the HFD relies heavily on phone contact when trying to locate a lost hiker or obtaining information regarding an injured hiker. Also, if your phone has the capability, the HFD can use your phone's global positioning system (GPS) to obtain your general location.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Medical Emergencies: Shields asked and Captain Park responded that approximately 75 percent (%) of the medical emergencies required a hospital visit.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Sergeant Robert Oakes reported the following: January 2016 Statistics: There were 11 robberies, 13 burglaries, 213 thefts, 32 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 22 speeding citations, 540 parking citations, and 12 loud muffler citations for a total of 3,986 calls for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Burglaries: Erteschik questioned and Sergeant Oakes responded that burglaries may appear high because it encompasses any incident where force was used to steal.

2. Waikiki Police Station: Flood asked and Sergeant Oakes responded that while the Waikiki Police Station is closed, people are encouraged to call 911 to make a police report, adding that tourists can call from their hotel which may help with language barriers.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias announced there will be a BWS presentation later in the meeting and reported the following:

• Water Main Breaks: There were four (4) water main breaks in the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 area in the month of January 2016. Two (2) of the breaks were on Kalakaua Avenue and caused by contract work in the area. The two (2) other water main breaks were at 2027 Kalia Road and the Kalia Road and Ala Moana intersection.

• Free Seed Program: For the month of February 2016, visitors will receive Bird of Paradise/Crane Flower seeds. Visitors receive one packet per household, while supplies last. Garden enthusiasts are invited to drop by the Halawa Xeriscape Garden each month to see what other xeric seeds and seedlings will be available. The garden is located at 99-1268 Iwaena Street in Halawa Valley's Central Industrial Area.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Kalakaua Avenue Work: A resident asked and Dias responded that the construction work on Kalakaua Avenue is not a BWS project.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

• Hale Koa Facilities: A community member shared that previously, military could pay $55 a month for the use of the swimming pool and gym at the Hale Koa Hotel. There has been policy change and now military can't use the facilities unless staying at the hotel. The community member stated the spa is not overcrowded and does not understand why military is no longer allowed monthly memberships.

o Military Service: Roberta Cramp stated that veterans and active duty military have served their time and deserve use of the Hale Koa Hotel facilities. Erteschik stated many veterans would socialize at the facility and was a large part of their everyday life.

o Changing Policies: Erteschik explained that the Hale Koa Hotel is a military facility and under the old situation military could buy monthly membership and use the facilities. Under new management, policies have been changing, at first the Hale Koa management said they weren't taking new members. Then management said the hotel is realigning to focus on hotel guests and as of Friday, January 1, 2016, military membership will be done.

o Military in Community: Erteschik encouraged those affected to come to the Board meetings to talk to the community and stated that this is a community issue. Resident Katherine Henski stated that on behalf of the people of Waikiki, she is sorry and it is terrible that this has happened.

o Outreach: Cramp stated she wrote letters to Hawaii representatives about this issue and Representative Mark Takai's office will be investigating. Henski asked what she could do to help and stated that this is a major issue that should be reported in the newspaper. Geck suggested concerned residents call the U.S. Pacific Command Inspector General at 477-5101.

o The Board: Merz asked what the Board can do regarding this situation. Geck suggested the Board write a letter to the U.S. Pacific Command Inspector General. Adams stated that if the Board is going to take action, the public needs to know that the Board doesn't get involved between property owners and renters and doesn't want to stray from the Boards purpose. Erteschik stated the Board has no legal authority but the Board could put the item on the March 2016 agenda for further discussion.

• Hawaiian Music Walk of Fame: Margaret Bukatz distributed a pamphlet of the proposed legends for the Hawaiian Music Walk of Fame.

• Gambling in Hawaii: A resident asked why elected officials don't fight for their constituent's desire for gambling in Hawaii.

• Mopeds: Smith announced there will be a hearing on moped regulations Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 2:45 p.m. at the State Capitol and he would be leaving some information on the back table for testimony to support the bill. Mela Kealoha-Lindsey shared her concern for students and other residents that cannot afford a vehicle and that requiring a license and insurance is too expensive. Smith responded that the moped bill does not require insurance and the license will be very inexpensive.

• Cultural Surveys: Merz shared that Cultural Surveys is looking for information as they plan to place Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) lines under the Ala Wai Canal.

• Sit/Lie Law: Merz encouraged residents to call 911 if there is someone sleeping or blocking a sidewalk. A resident asked and Merz responded that he believes the individual is cited if found in violation.

• Morning Noise: James Browne complained of the noise in Waikiki early in the morning from trash vehicles and the Kuhio Towers development that he has contacted many officials about. Browne stated that Kaiola Street is a staging area for trash.

PUBLIC EVENTS: The following events were listed for public comment:

• Saturday, March 5, 2016, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Waikiki Lucky to be in Hawaii Festival

• Sunday, March 13, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00pm., Honolulu Rainbow Ekiden Race (Kapiolani Park area)

• Sunday, March 13, 2016, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30pm., Honolulu Festivals Parade

• Thursday, March 17, 2016, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., St. Patrick's Day Parade

• Saturday, March 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Prince Kuhio Parade

• Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Salute to Youth Parade

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Deputy Director of the Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Mark Garrity reported the following:

• Millwood Event: The Millwood Event for February 2016 has been moved to February 20, 2016 and has been officially approved.

• Major Events: Bus route detour notices are posted on TheBus website and at bus stops affected by the detours for major events. DTS posts the schedule of major events and street activities on the DTS website. Additionally, event organizers are required to conduct public outreach prior to the event. Members of the public may download the GoAkamai App which provides notices about special events and traffic conditions and may also sign up for NIXLE traffic text alerts.

• Skateboard Violations: In 2015, police officers gave 33 warnings and 490 citations for use of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and other similar devices restricted in Waikiki. From January 19 to 22, 2016, the District 6's Bicycle Detail Officers issued 11 citations for skateboard violations in the Koa Avenue area. They will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate enforcement action when violations are observed.

• Ala Wai Golf Course Bike Path: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) monitors the bike path area adjacent to the Ala Wai Golf Course, behind the Prudential Building (Side Street Grill) and takes enforcement action two (2) to three (3) times per week for stored property ordinance violations in coordination with HPD. Per discussion with DTS, the area was designed to be unlit. A capital improvement project (CIP) to improve the bike path would be needed to provide a well-lit, secure bike path area. There are no signs erected to prohibit camping nor is it deemed a park with park restrictions and closure hours. Currently, the area is under juridstiction of four City agencies and is in the process to have the area come under the care of one agency.

• Kalia Road Traffic: DTS will conduct an investigation, which may require research, site observations and an analyses of the traffic history and DTS will apprise the Board of the results of their findings by June 2016.

• Catch Basins: The original design of catch basins was to capture water run-off and transmit the run-off via subsurface drainlines to minimize flooding of the roadway. Due to concerns of water pollution, DFM's Storm Water Quality Branch is retrofitting some catch basins and investigating new designs to improve trash and debris removal from the storm waters. They will be working with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on improvements to the City's Design Standards.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Bus Stop Audio: Smith asked and Deputy Garrity answered that audio at bus stops may be a pilot project the City is working with partners on to help make bus stops Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible.

2. Millwood Event: Nigro asked if it would be possible to have the Millwood Events somewhere else, especially not fronting the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. David Millwood responded by stating that he has been a resident of Hawaii most of his life and takes a lot of pride in Hawaii cultures and sharing that with visitors. Millwood doesn't know why the community is upset and singling-out Millwood Ohana Events. Millwood stated the ordinances need to be analyzed because Millwood events have followed all the guidelines. Millwood shared that the location and date of the February 2016 Millwood event was changed to accommodate the community. The event will start from Kaiulani Avenue and end at Kapahulu Avenue. Millwood stated that local vendors are used as much as possible and the Millwood Ohana has donated more than they have profited. Millwood believes a lot of information has be misconstrued and that it was unfair to vote on the events before he was able to answer the Board's questions.

Erteschik reiterated that this time is meant for questions directed to the Mayor's Representative Mark Garrity. Henski continued to speak out of order addressing Millwood.

3. Events: Kealoha-Lindsey stated that the City should take into consideration how nonprofits may be affected before approving any events.

4. Bus Stops: A resident noted that bus stops on Kuhio Avenue are in need of repair, along with two (2) parks in the area.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Lynn Fallin distributed and highlighted the Capitol Connection newsletter and reported the following:

• Compact of Free Association (COFA): Hawaii residents from compact nations do not qualify for federal services, but do qualify for many state services. The State works with the federal government to identify services that can be restored and expanded.

• Homelessness: The state is taking a comprehensive approach to homelessness and housing. There is a need for 66,000 homes and there will be a funding request for 75 million dollars from the legislature to help increase Hawaii's housing supply.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Homelessness: Shields asked about individuals who are evicted and become homeless. Fallin agreed it is a challenge.

2. Kakaako Homeless: Merz stated frustration with the Kakaako area homeless encampments and asked for Governor Ige to do an executive order and enforce laws.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Councilmember Ozawa reported the following: Legislation: Councilmember Ozawa shared that he introduced a resolution to urge the legislature to look at noise guidelines. He also introduced Bill 7 and Bill 8 relating to complete streets. Councilmember Ozawa commented it is unusual for Millwood Ohana to get all 11 street closures and he will be looking into regulations to limit how many events one vendor can be granted.

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

• Gambling: Many residents are worried if gambling is legal, casinos will come to Waikiki.

• Mopeds: It is very likely that moped regulations will become law for the City and County of Honolulu.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria: A written report was available.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): Rick Egged commented that the WIA agrees with the Board that the Millwood Ohana events don't meet public purpose and they are looking into proposals to close loopholes.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Kapiolani Park: Nigro asked and Egged answered that commercial events are not allowed at Kapiolani Park.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The November 10, 2015 and January 12, 2016 regular meeting minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as published, 14-0-0 (Aye: Adams, Anderson, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, and Smith; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS:

2121 and 2139 Kuhio Planned Development: Jim Niermaun displayed a power point and presented the following:

• Permits: The Kuhio Project was approved with a special district permit. City approval requires the project to be unified and there is a separation of 75 feet between the two towers; the building permits have been issued. The project is in the PD-R application phase which is a pre-application meeting with DPP and this Neighborhood Board presentation. There are no significant changes from the Waikiki Special District (WSD) plan.

• Benefits: The project will result in revitalization of the lot that was in desolation before. There will be improved street level activities for pedestrians, new retail and services on Kuhio Avenue, and jobs and tax revenue.

• Contact: For more information visit www.newlifeforkuhio.com or call 543-3502.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

• Unified Project: Erteschik asked and Niermaun answered that the project must incorporate all lots into a unified lot permit. The WSD only explains the design, not the unity of the project. PD-R is the process and that's the reason for this presentation.

• Parking: Flood asked and Niermaun answered that the public parking lot stalls will be relocated to the parking structure where the public can pay for valet.

• Opening: Lofquist asked and Niermaun answered that Tower 1 is projected to open in April 2016 or May 2016.

• Permits: Merz asked and Niermaun clarified that this presentation is for procedural purposes. The PD-R must be in place first and then there will be public hearings. The WSD requires Hawaiian sense of place, landscaping, walkability, and positive pedestrian feel.

• Opposition: A resident commented the Board should vote to reiterate the community's opposition and no permits should be approved. Henski spoke in opposition stating that the project has not taken into consideration the communities wants and needs.

• Project: Benjamin Sitoski asked and Niermaun clarified that Tower 1 was the original project and Tower 2 added an additional lot that needs to be incorporated into one (1) project. Tower 2 was added to the project when it became available. The Tower 2 EA addresses the entire project. Sitoski commented that the project appears to be piecemeal and that on March 4, 2016 there will be a hearing for the projects liquor permit application.

• Frustration: A resident commented that the former director of DPP who approved the project now works for these developers. The resident stated that the community put an effort into testifying against this project.

Board of Water Supply Waikiki Improvements: Rian Adachi and Gavin Masaki displayed a map of the BWS Waikiki improvement area and announced the projected start date of 2020.

REPORTS: The Board decided to dispense with the Subdistrict reports.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.

Submitted by: Amanda Ehe, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Stephen Saito, Neighborhood Assistant

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

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Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii News Item

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

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
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