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

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 at 7:24 p.m.), Jermel Anderson, Jeff Apaka (departed at 9:00 p.m.), Helen Carroll (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, William Lofquist, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, Mary Simpson, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent: David Benson.

Guests: Captain Alan Park (Honolulu Fire Department); Lieutenant Phillip Buchanan and Sergeant Henry Lee (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Mark Garrity (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Kurt Tsuneyoshi, Francis Choe, and Councilman Trevor Ozawa (Councilmember Trevor Ozawa's Office); Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's Office); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Representative Tom Brower; Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office); Meg Fosnock (March for Babies); Barbara Campbell (Waikiki Spam Jam); Kathryn Henski; Franklin Chung; Share Wester; Dawn Ward; Grace Chieu; Jason Popalism; Moa Mahe; Nicola Perez; Rob Visalli; Pam Walker; Paul Alimbuyao; Makoto Hasegawa (Zetton Inc.); Brian Bagnau (Outdoor Circle); Corey Dillman; Laura St Denis, Barbra Armentrout, and Linda Wong (Neighborhood Board No. 5); Donnie Jhan; Denise Boisant; Katia Balassiano; Andrea Hall; Deborah Bukala; Sharon Kokubun; Judith Wells; Zoe Tanaka (videographer); and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

THREE (3) ABSENCE HEARING FOR BOARD MEMBERS MARY SIMPSON AND JEFFREY GECK: Both member Simpson and Geck were present and were inclined to remain on the Board. No action was taken.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

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

• March 2016 Fire Statistics: There were 9 fires, 176 rescues, 6 hazardous conditions, 14 service calls, and 85 good intent calls.

• Fire Safety Tip: Cooking can be a relaxing activity, help reduce cooking fires by not cooking if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol. Have a kids-free zone three (3) feet around the cooking area. If you have any doubt about a fire, leave the house, close the door, and call 911.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Thanks: Resident Kathryn Henski thanked HFD for responding quickly to a fire alarm.

2. Door: Finley asked and Captain Park recommended locking the door when leaving the house for worry of a fire so nothing is stolen.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Phillip Buchanan reported the following: March 2016 Statistics: There were 8 robberies, 10 burglaries, 210 thefts, 42 unauthorized entries into a motor vehicle (UEMV), 56 speeding citations, 919 parking citations, 3 loud muffler citations and 143 park closure citations for a total of 4,263 calls for service.

Sergeant Henry Lee reported the following: Park Closures: There are currently no park closure times for King Kalakaua Park and Sergeant Lee requested that the Board set closure times.

Flood motioned and Apaka seconded that the King Kalakaua Park closure times be set from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., the same time as other park closures in the area. Discussion followed:

• Enforcement: Erteschik asked and Sergeant Lee answered that the officers that enforce park closures ask questions and use discretion when issuing citations for park closures. A resident expressed similar concerns of being cited when passing through the park during closure time. Sergeant Lee suggested calling the Sergeant on duty if there are any discrepancies.

• Residentially Challenged: Sergeant Lee noted that the residentially challenged are usually the cause of problems at the park, but HPD cannot enforce closure hours unless the Board sets times.

• Area: A resident asked and Sergeant Lee answered that the entire park triangle area will be closed.

At 7:22 p.m. Helen Carroll arrived; 15 members were present.

• Discretion: Smith noted that it is beneficial that officers use discretion.

• Behavior: Geck asked if certain behavior in the park could be criminalized instead of enforcing closure times.

At 7:24 p.m. Jo-Ann Adams arrived. 16 members were present.

The motion was ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE, 12-3-1, (Aye: Apaka, Carroll, Ciliano, Finley, Flood, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, Smith, and Simpson; Nay: Anderson, Erteschik, and Geck; Abstain: Adams).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Mufflers: A resident asked and Sergeant Lee responded that giving HPD the dates, times, and locations of illegal muffler noise will help officers enforce the law.

2. Loitering: Flood asked and Sergeant Lee explained that officers are trying to clear Kuhio Beach Park by connecting homeless with service providers.

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

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

• General Water Announcement: The BWS would like to warn the community of a telephone scam where BWS customers are being targeted in an attempt to fraudulently collect money.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1. Bridge: Resident Franklin Chung asked about the status of the bridge over the Ala Wai Canal. Chair Finley noted that Councilmember Ozawa is considering the subject.

2. Crime and Punishment: A resident expressed frustration that penalties do not appropriately match the crimes.

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

• Saturday, April 23, 7:30 a.m. -- 9:30 a.m. March for Babies

• Saturday, April 30, 4:00 p.m. -- 11:00 p.m., Waikiki Spam Jam

• Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m., 24th Annual Filipino Fiesta Parade

• Sunday, May 15, 5:45 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m., Honolulu Triathlon

• Saturday, May 21, 6:30 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m., 38th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk

• Monday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., Memorial Day Parade

• Sunday, April 24, Duke's Challenge

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES: The following applicants were announced and listed for public comment:

• Thursday, May 5, 2016 Liquor Commission Hearing

o Eating House by Roy Yamaguchi, International Market Place

• Thursday, May 12, 2016 Liquor Commission Hearing

o Hilton Garden Inn, 2330 Kuhio Avenue, Hotel General.

o Zetton Inc., 413 and 413A Seaside Avenue First Floor, Restaurant General #2.

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

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

• Club Amnesia: HPD patrol officers made numerous checks at Club Amnesia on Kuhio Avenue and the music and sound levels did not sound unreasonable at the time. The HPD have since reported the complaint to the Liquor Commission which has investigators equipped with sound meters to monitor noise levels at liquor establishments. The Liquor Commission related that they had investigated complaints at Club Amnesia but did not find the sound level to be unreasonable. HPD officers responded to calls for service for two (2) incidents that were reported on March 17 and March 20, 2016. The calls were property damage and a fight, both occurring between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

• Private Haulers: Steve Kelsey with Environmental Services (ENV) can contact private haulers and encourage them to change their schedule. Contact Kelsey at 768-5534 with names of the properties and the private haulers.

• 2239 Waikolu Way: Inspection by the DPP revealed portions of the property were littered with scrap metal, wooden pallets, concrete rubble, and other debris; a violation notice was issued.

• Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER): DTS requested support for the electric bus listing benefits like real time information, battery operated buses, and improvements to bus stops. This would be the first opportunity for electric buses in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) is a partner and willing to provide charging stations.

Merz motioned and Flood seconded the Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 endorses the City and County of Honolulu's application to the Federal government for a TIGER grant to fund improved transit connections between Waikiki and Ala Moana using electric buses. The Board also endorses a future City and County of Honolulu application to the Federal government for a TIGER grant to fund other elements of the Waikiki Regional Circulator Study, especially the full Pedestrian/Bicycle Network including bridges over the Ala Wai canal for pedestrians and bicyclists. Discussion followed:

• Support: Merz spoke in support of the program and supports the concept of electric buses.

• Solar: Flood asked and Deputy Garrity replied that buses with solar panels might not be available.

• Logistics: Poole asked and Deputy Garrity said he is unaware of the exact charging information and the City is looking at Alapai Transit or near Ala Moana for a charging location.

• Funding: Carroll asked and Deputy Garrity clarified that the majority of funds applied for will pay for the buses.

• Price: A resident asked and Deputy Garrity answered that the service will improve with electric buses but the fare price may remain the same.

The motion was ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE, 15-1-0, (Aye: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Simpson; Nay: Poole; Abstain: None).

Governor David Ige's Representative: Newsletters were available and Lynn Fallin reported the following:

• Litter: The State Litter Control Office closed a couple decades ago, now volunteers are the main source of help with litter for the State. There are City level strategies with nonprofits and there are City and State laws that rely on enforcement by police. The Adopt a Highway Program is great if you have an interested group to help highways stay clean. Fallin emphasized that the community needs to be vigilant and each individual contribute to litter reduction.

• Press Release: The Department of Health (DOH) announced today, Tuesday, April 12, 2016, the listing of 7,000 restaurant reports online at www.hi.healthinspections.us/Hawaii.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Councilmember Ozawa circulated newsletters and shared that he is attempting to acquire funding for improvements of Kuhio Avenue bathrooms and showers in the area, as well as adequate funding for HPD.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Homeless: Henski asked and Councilmember Ozawa responded that a lack of communication is preventing Councilmember Ozawa from approving Mayor Kirk Caldwell's proposed budget for homeless initiatives. Smith noted that Honolulu has the highest per capita rate of homeless in the country and suggested counseling if communication is preventing progress on the homeless issue.

2. Dumping: Flood questioned and Councilmember Ozawa answered in the affirmative for supporting legislation that will raise the fine for illegal dumping.

3. Kalia Towers: Merz asked and Councilmember Ozawa stated that he has not taken a position on the Kalia Towers development.

4. Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART): Poole asked and Councilmember Ozawa stated that he had many questions for HART officials in budget committee and did not get sufficient answers; Council Chair Ernie Martin's letter addressing HART is public record.

5. Development: Chung asked and Councilmember Ozawa responded that there are only conceptual ideas to expanding Waikiki to Date Street and Councilmember Ozawa supports a pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal for safety.

133 Kaiulani Community Contribution Modification: Councilmember Ozawa thanked Merz, Erteschik, and Finley for voicing opinion of community benefits package. Most of the items in the old Community Benefits Package had been accomplished. Councilmember Ozawa shared that he travelled to Seattle and observed hygiene centers which had free shower rooms, laundry mat and more that could help alleviate high use of showers and hotel facilities by the homeless in Waikiki. Finley shared with Councilmember Ozawa that a hygiene center is not needed right now in Waikiki, but maybe some time in the future. The Community Benefits Package was amended to remove outdated items. Finley commented that the subdistrict chairs submitted proposals for items that should be included in the modification of the package.

At 9:00 p.m. Apaka departed; 15 members were present.

Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower commented that he has noticed HPD is more responsive at meetings then before. In response to an earlier question there is a bill for a proposed sports authority and a conversation about creating a small sports center near Waikiki.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Homeless: Henski asked and Representative Brower explained the legislative process and why some homeless initiatives may not have passed.

2. Sports Authority: Chung commented that he is not opposed to the proposal to create a sports entertainment authority, but wants to know how it will happen.

3. Mopeds: Smith asked and Representative Brower responded that he is hoping for passage of the Council moped bill that HPD supports to regulate mopeds.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria: Raytan Vares circulated newsletters and reported the following: Budget: The full Senate passed the State budget bill, House Bill (HB) 1700, today, Tuesday, April 12, 2016. $7 million was added to the budget to address homelessness, $13 million for Ala Wai Canal dredging, $6 million for Waikiki Beach maintenance, and there is funding for Jefferson Elementary School upgrades.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The March 8, 2016 regular meeting minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as published, 15-0-0, (Aye: Adams, Anderson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, Smith, and Simpson; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): Rick Egged distributed Royal Hawaiian Groin Replacement handouts, and noted there will be a public meeting scheduled soon for the Waikiki Special District (WSD) guidelines.

Treasurers Report: Shields reported a remaining balance of $264.69. The report was filed.

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

Proposed Bike Lane on Ala Wai Boulevard: Daniel Alexander gave a brief presentation on a proposed bike path on Ala Wai Boulevard. Most of the Waikiki community bikes, walks, or buses. Ala Wai Boulevard is a one (1) direction road and unsafe for bicyclists. Alexander proposed more parking for fewer hours from Kapahulu Avenue to Pau Street on Ala Wai Boulevard. Then, from Pau Street to McCully Street, change the right turn lane to yield instead of stop. Alexander stated an alternative could be a contra-flow bike lane in the grass area of Ala Wai Boulevard's sidewalk. From McCully Street to Kalakaua Avenue Alexander suggested turning right turn lane into bike lane and from Kalakaua Avenue to Ala Moana Boulveard use the oversized lanes to create a bike lane. Finley commented that he would like Alexander to work with the City prior to the Board taking a position.

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

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.

Submitted by: Amanda Ehe, Neighborhood Assistant

Reviewed by: Neil Baarde, Neighborhood Assistant II

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

Community Benefit Program Ideas

NO VOTING ON ANY OF THESE IDEAS WILL BE DONE FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS

$100,000 for Waikiki Community Center ADA compliant bathrooms. 133 Kaiulani

In no particular order

1. ADA beach mats to help those in wheelchairs access beach -- Erteschik -- referred to WIA

2. Additional $50,000 for WCC major projects (like new screen and curtain) -- Finley

3. Purchase of replacement bike racks in Waikiki -- Merz

4. Funding to WBIDA to do additional cleaning/spraying/trash removal at bus stops -- Merz

5. Purchase of large branded entry sign to Waikiki at Kalakaua bridge, Ala Moana Bridge and Kapahulu Fountain -- Merz

6. Event sign to go along with 5 at King Kalakaua Park to replace "Orange Event Signs" -- Finley

7. In kind donations to help realize the "Rotary Club" plans for a park on Aloha Drive -- Merz

8. Payment for installation of standardized/unique way-finding signs for Waikiki. (ie; directional signs for public beach access, public parking, bike-share locations, electric car charging, Diamond Head, Kapiolani Park) and driving west ( Ala Moana Beach Park, Ala Moana Center, airport, downtown/Chinatown. -- Merz

9. Replace old (Blue) street signs with standard sized current (Green) street signs -- Finley

10. Funds to paint "sharrows" (bike user notification- designating bike routes) on all main streets in Waikiki --Merz

11. Maintenance funds for fountains and pocket parks in Waikiki. (monies directed to WBIDA, NOT through city general funds) -- Merz

12. Assist with funding sidewalk sidening/repair/intersection "bulb-outs", traffic calming and street limit signs. Merz and Finley

13. Assistance with enforcement of motorcycle noise enforcement (purchase of noise meters for police and funding once-a-month police checkpoint set up to stop noisy motorcycles in Waikiki) --Merz

14. Fund towards pilot program for free bus rides within Waikiki -- Merz

15. Increase funding for Aloha Ambassadors (WBIDA program) -- Merz

16. Traffic light at Kuhio and Kaiolu -- Finley

17. Infrastructure improvements (power and structure) to provide for Holiday and Special Event Decorations along Kalakaua and later Kuhio -- Finley

Most of these ideas need City/State/WBIDA/WIA support and may require follow on ownership/maintenance not supportable by the WNB. All ideas welcome!!

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