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  • Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Tuesday, March 8, 2016 Posted

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

DRAFT REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

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

Board Members Present: Jermel Anderson, Jeff Apaka, David Benson, Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, William Lofquist, Jeffrey Merz (arrived at 7:05 p.m.), John Nigro, Jim Poole (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), and Patricia Shields.

Board Members Absent: Jo-Ann Adams, Helen Carroll, Jeff Geck, Mary Simpson, and Mark Smith.

Guests: Lieutenant Dien Shearer (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Mark Garrity (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Michael Formby (Director of the Department of Transportation Sevices); Kurt Tsuneyoshi and Francis Choe (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Lynn Fallin and Scott Morishige (Governor David Ige's Office); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Rick Taniguchi (Honolulu Marathon); Mela Kealoha-Lindsey (Creations of Hawaii); Elton Wong and Steve Terris (King's Village Development); Franklin Chung; Homer Hankins; Larry Priest; Fred Willie; Dave Moskowitz; Irma Ramnezblelfia; Leonard Nicolas; Warren Watts; Helen Sweatt; Marcus Major; Denise Jorgensen; Sean Douglas; John Williams; Richard Schwarz; Brian Bagnall; Inge Davis; Nelson Lampert; Laura St Denis; C. Francis Chun; Jan Bappe; Corey Dillman; Chris Lethem; Ben Trovino; Zoe Tanaka (videographer); and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): No representative was present and a report was not provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Dien Shearer reported the following: February 2016 Statistics: There were 199 thefts, 26 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 43 speeding citations, and 148 parking citations.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Noise Infractions: Resident Fred Willie and Richard Schwarz complained of the low number of noise citations issued by HPD. Lieutenant Shearer reiterated that HPD has given citations for noise infractions and will continue to do so.

At 7:05 p.m. Jeffrey Merz arrived; 11 members were present.

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

• Water Main Breaks: There were no water main breaks in February 2016 for the Waikiki area.

• Reminder to Check for Leaks: Check homes for potential water leaks using a free leak detection dye tablet available at the BWS Public Service Building.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Water Usage: A resident asked how much water will be utilized when the Ritz Hotel, International Market Place, the Hilton Hotel expansion, and Waikiki Trade Center open for business. Dias will bring the data to the next Board meeting. Merz commented that the Board encourages sustainability of new projects, such as recycling water.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1. Sports Entertainment Authority: Resident Franklin Chung requested information on what is planned in regards to an article he read about creating a Sports Entertainment Authority that would push for development of a sports venue or stadium at Ala Wai Golf Course and turn Ala Wai Canal into San Antonio Riverwalk. Resident Laura St Denis agreed with Chung and suggested a presentation of the plan to the Neighborhood Boards in the area. Merz commented that the area is a flood plain and there cannot be a large development there.

2. Events: Resident Dave Moskowitz commented that events in Waikiki have been poorly managed and effects the way Waikiki is perceived, vendors should have to prove they can run an event before granted the opportunity.

3. Planned Development: A resident asked and Rick Egged answered that the law requires there be a community benefit that comes from planned development in Waikiki, but community benefit is not defined. Another resident commented on the guidelines and rules in height that the Kobayashi Group is seeking exemptions to for the planned development at the King's Village location.

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

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

• Sunday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m., Honolulu Festivals Parade

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

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

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

• Sunday, April 10, 3:00 a.m. -- 9:30 a.m., Hapalua Half Marathon

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

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

• Kaiolu Street: The refuse trucks servicing dumpsters on Kaiolu Street are private commercial haulers. The City does not allow City workers to collect refuse in communities before 6:00 a.m., City ordinance does not prohibit private haulers from collecting early in the morning. A suggestion was to contact the property owner of the properties and the private hauler directly with concerns. Haulers are willing to adjust the schedule, it is not their intent to disrupt the community and do not want a negative public perception of their company.

• Millwood Events: David Millwood has relinquished remaining lottery draws for the Waikiki Special District following his Saturday, March 5, 2016 event. DTS will work on revised rules and regulations and consider revising the parades ordinance with the input, assistance, and guidance of the City Council, community, and the Neighborhood Board.

• Bus Stops: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) conducts routine maintenance of bus stops. DTS has a contractor that conducts emergency cleanup and Oahu Transit Services (OTS) assists with minor repairs and maintenance as needed. Please provide specific location of a bus stop requiring maintenance.

DTS Director Mike Formby announced that David Millwood had met with Director Formby knowing the Waikiki Neighborhood Board had voted against the Millwood Events. Millwood graciously understood the communities concerns and surrendered the eight (8) remaining Waikiki Special District (WSD) Events. Director Formby stated DTS will be working on amending the ordinances and rules.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Millwood Event: A resident stated that the recent Millwood Event was wonderful and does not understand the Boards rejection of the event. Erteschik added that the event was less intrusive and recommended a geographic limitation on festivals.

2. Events: Lofquist asked and Director Formby answered that the eight (8) surrendered events will not be released to another applicant.

3. Kaiolu Street: A resident suggested the City contact the private commercial haulers and ask them to change the times of operation.

4. Tusitali Street: A resident raised a density concern for the construction of senior/homeless housing on Tusitala Street. Merz stated the environmental assessment (EA) for the project is currently underway and the community has until Thursday, March 24, 2016 to comment.

5. Waikiki Shell: Shields asked and Finley responded that the Waikiki Shell is not in the Board's district.

At 7:45 p.m. Jim Poole arrived; 12 members were present.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Lynn Fallin introduced the State Homeless Coordinator Scott Morishige, who reported the following:

• Housing Efforts: Morishige shared that the State is responding to community calls about homeless encampments and working closely with the City and other service providers to connect homeless to housing.

• Public Parks: Park closure hours are being enforced and State efforts are aligned with City enforcement to respond to health and safety concerns.

• Resources: The State is lacking resources to respond to all homeless related complaints. Enforcement of complaints has been harder since American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuits have created requirements before enforcement efforts can be taken. There is a proposal before the Legislature requesting additional funding and resources, Senate Bill (SB) 2562 and SB 2816 will be heard by the Budget Committee, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, that will strengthen existing laws.

Questions, comments and concerns followed:

1. Enforcement: Merz asked and Morishige responded that HPD enforces laws on City property and Sheriffs enforce laws on state property, but both can enforce violations of the law when witnessed.

2. Trailer Parks: Resident Bryan Bank asked and Morishige responded that zoning laws may prevent trailer parks in Hawaii and that question may be better addressed to the City.

3. Utah Advancements: Moskowitz asked and Morishige answered that the Governor's administration will be meeting with homeless representatives from Utah to learn from their efforts.

4. Homeless on Beach: A resident asked what can be done about homeless on public beaches during normal hours that are dirty and have their items around them blending in on the beach with tourists.

5. Homeless: A resident asked and Morishige answered that the State works with providers to identify the correct level of service for each homeless individual.

6. Litter: A resident asked if there are any State public relation campaigns about litter.

Hearing no objections, Chair Finley took the agenda item Hale Koa Fitness Center Resolution out of order.

Chair Finley announced that the Manager of Hale Koa Hotel has declined to accept an invitation to appear tonight. Finley then proceeded to read the resolution in its entirety.

Flood made the motion and Nigro seconded for the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 to support the Hale Koa Fitness Center Resolution. Discussion followed:

• Letters: Marcus Major read a letter from Douglas Wake stating Wake's devastation to not be allowed to use the Hale Koa Facilities after his sacrifices for the USA. Captain Chuck Sodersten also submitted a letter in support of the resolution.

• Disclosure: Board members Finley, Flood, Lofquist, and Poole disclosed that they have past military service.

• Distribution: There was discussion to add more recipients to the resolutions distribution list.

The Hale Koa Resolution was ADOPTED, 11-0-1 (Aye: Apaka, Benson, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, and Shields; Nay: None; Abstain: Anderson).

An HPD officer arrived to announce to the community that the Waikiki Police Station has reopened.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Kurt Tsuneyoshi shared that Councilmember Ozawa was running late to the Board meeting and asked if the Board would return to this item when the Councilmember arrives; there were no objections.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria: No representative was present and a written report was not available.

Representative Tom Brower: No representative was present. A written report was available.

Royal Hawaiian Groin Project Update: Chair Finley deferred the item to the next Board meeting.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): Rick Egged noted the Ala Wai Golf Course project concern and is unaware of any plans.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: WSD: A resident asked and Egged reported that WIA is awaiting the revised draft for the WSD guidelines and will send a press release and notify the Board once completed. Merz commented that the public review period for the Royal Hawaiian Groin project is over.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The February 9, 2016 regular meeting minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as published, 12-0-0 (Aye: Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, and Shields; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

133 Kaiulani (Kings Village) Project Update: Steve Terris reported the following: Redesign: The project has been redesigned, twisting the building and centering it in the transitional height setback. The redesign incorporates a greater Hawaiian sense of place. The redesign includes increased lanais and plantings/vegetation. There will be wrapped units in an effort to preserve significant public views and minimize potential ground disturbance. There will also be a public park near Edwards Street that will be maintained by the hotel.

Elton Wong was available for questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Design: Merz preferred the previous design.

2. Farmer's Market: A resident asked and Wong answered that the developers have not considered continuing the Farmer's Market at King's Village.

3. Compensation: A resident asked and Wong replied that there are currently no plans for the present tenants at King's Village. The resident suggested giving each tenant $25,000 when the tenants depart.

Bike Share Update: Ben Travino, reported the following: Overview: Bike Share is starting to develop site stations in Hawaii and are hoping to launch later this year. Bike Share is a nonprofit that is spread throughout urban Honolulu from Chinatown to Waikiki. There will be about 20-30 Bike Share stations in Waikiki.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Sites: Finley asked and Travino responded that 80% of stations are on public land and Bike Share has a contractual relationship with the City and State for the use of the sites, free of charge.

2. Waikiki: A resident asked and Travino replied there will be an even density and spread of bike share stations in Waikiki so stations will be no more than a five (5) minute walk away. Bike share will have a special value in Waikiki since parking is limited.

3. Operation: Flood asked and Travino answered that bike share are automated, unmanned stations that can have 10 or more bikes, docking points and paying kiosk. There are three (3) pricing plans. Shields asked and Travino responded the bikes will be equipped with a light.

4. Advertising: Merz asked and Travino responded that bike share is discussing advertising with the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and will probably be able to advertise on the bikes, but not on the kiosks.

5. Bikes: A resident asked and Travino answered that the plan is to have all the same bike brand and to have electric bikes.

6. Helmets: A resident asked and Travino answered that City law does not require bike helmets, but there will be a program to provide helmets and make them available for purchase for casual riders.

Legislative Report: Erteschik distributed a summary of various legislation relevant to the community highlighting House Bill (HB) 1753 House Draft (HD) 2, Relating to Mopeds.

REPORTS

Treasurers Report: Shields reported a remaining balance of $314.78. The report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 Report: Merz announced that comments are due for the Ainahau Vista project by Thursday, March 24, 2016. The Board submitted opposition to the Park Kalia project draft EA and the cultural impact study for the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) cable under the Ala Wai Canal has begun.

Subdistrict 2 Report: Flood urged residents to report illegal dumping in Waikiki, there is a $500 fine.

Subdistrict 3 Report: No report was given.

Chair Report: Rimowa in the Moana Surfrider Hotel is in permitting process to build a new door entering on to Kalakaua Avenue. Unite Local 5 was soliciting support; Board members may support, but as individuals only.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:28 p.m.

Submitted by: Amanda Ehe, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed and finalized by: Robert Finley, Chair; Lou Erteschik, Vice Chair

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