Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For <font color="red"><b>Tuesday, May 10, 2016</b></font> Posted - Waikiki

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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Posted
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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, MAY 10, 2016

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:04 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, Jeff Apaka (departed at 8:49 p.m.), David Benson, Helen Carroll, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, William Lofquist, Jeff Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole (arrived 7:13 p.m.), Patricia Shields, Mary Simpson (arrived 7:17 p.m.), and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent: Paul Ciliano.

Guests: Lieutenant Dien Shearer and Major Clyde Ho (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Mark Garrity (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative); Francis Choe (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); Kurt Tsue (Hawaiian Electric Company); Andy Hryniewich; Pam Walker; Kathryn Henski; Louise Oberdorfer; Thelma Diercks; Franklin Chung; John Wong; Jason Popalisky; Kainoa Daines (King Kamehameha Floral Parade); Joseph Wargo; Nicola Perez; Brian Bagnau (Outdoor Circle); John McLeod; Russell Oki (Pan Pacific Festival); Page Ogata (TR Fire Grill/Kona Grill); Corey Dillman; Debi Bukala; and Amanda Ehe (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Major Clyde Ho introduced himself as the new Major for the Waikiki District and invited the community to "Coffee with a Cop" at the McDonald's nearest the Waikiki Police Station on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Lieutenant Dien Shearer reported the following: Crime Statistics April 2016: There were 11 robberies, 7 burglaries, 205 thefts, 33 unauthorized entries in to motor vehicles (UEMVs), 56 speeding citations, 666 parking citations, 9 citations for loud mufflers, 101 citations for park closures and 14 arrests.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Sidewalks: A resident asked and Lieutenant Shearer responded that HPD enforces laws when illegal activity on sidewalks are observed. Lieutenant Shearer noted that laws need to be more specific to what is prohibited on sidewalks so HPD can properly enforce.

2. Drones: Resident Andy Hryniewich asked and Lieutenant Shearer responded that FAA regulations are in place for drones, but FAA regulations don't apply to Waikiki. Lieutenant Shearer added that there is currently a law for beach and beach parks where you cannot operate a model plane, but a drone is not defined as a model plane.

At 7:13 p.m. Jim Poole arrived; 15 members were present.

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

• Water Main Breaks: There was an eight inch water main break on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 2586 Kalakaua Avenue and a water main break on Friday, April 22, 2016 at Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalia Road.

• General Water Announcement: The 2016 Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contests winners have been announced and recognized at an awards ceremony in April 2016. The Water Matters Customer Newsletter was developed to better connect customers and educate them about BWS efforts to provide a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Repair: Smith asked and Dias replied that repair for water main breaks depends on the extent of damage and sometimes requires coordination with other Departments.

At 7:17 p.m. Mary Simpson arrived; 16 members were present.

2. Drought: Apaka asked and Dias confirmed that Hawaii is in an extended drought and encouraged residents to be mindful of their water use.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

1. Carts: A resident expressed disappointment with a Bill introduced by Councilmember Trevor Ozawa to impose requirements and fines on retailers shopping carts.

2. Crime Stoppers: Resident John McLeod stated he helped authorities capture an escaped prisoner but Crime Stoppers will not award him any money for his assistance. Lofquist asked and McLeod responded that Crime Stoppers reward is a maximum $1,000.

PUBLIC EVENTS 2016: The following events were announced and listed for public comment:

• Friday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m., Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run

• Saturday, June 4, 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., Honolulu Pride Parade

• Friday, June 10, 4:00 p.m. -- 11:00 p.m., Pan Pacific Matsuri Waikiki Hoolaulea

• Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m. -- 2:00 p.m., King Kamehameha Floral Parade

• Sunday, June 12, 5:00 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m., Pan Pacific Matsuri Parade

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

• Thursday, June 2, 2016

o Kona Grill, International Market Place -- Category 2

o TR Fire Grill, International Market Place -- Category 2

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

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

• Homeless: Police officers assigned to the Waikiki district have consistently enforced park closure and sit-lie laws to keep our parks, beaches, and sidewalks clean. Waikiki has come a long way from the tents lining the sidewalks and parks a few years ago. Police officers are trained that being homeless is not a crime. HPD enforces enacted laws equally and will continue partnering with the private sectors, along with various governmental agencies, to keep Waikiki clean and safe.

• Bus Stop No. 23: The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) initiated a service request to clean the bus stop. The crew has been reminded to clean the back of the bus stop. DFM notes that the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) and DTS maintain certain areas of the bus stop as well.

• Street Signs: DFM initiated a service request to replace the street name signs at Kapahulu Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard. DFM has a large backlog and will install new signs when resources are available.

Questions, comments, and concerns:

1. Rotary Park: A resident asked about the progress of the rotary sponsored park planned for the Aloha Drive area.

2. Signage: Apaka noted that the Mauka signs on Ala Wai Boulevard are green and faded with appropriate spellings and Makai signs on Ala Wai Boulevard are blue and newer, but do not have the correct spellings.

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

• Hawaii State Hospital: Funding for the Hawaii State Hospital has been confirmed.

• Housing: Governor Ige's has a goal to build 10,000 additional housing units by 2020.

• Moped Noise: Vehicle Noise Control Rules were repealed in 2011; currently the best method for enforcement of moped noise would be a safety check program.

Questions, comments, and concerns:

1. Reimbursements: Erteschik asked and Fallin replied that Federal reimbursements that are received usually go into the general fund; there is less interest in creating special funds.

2. Mental Health: Shields asked and Fallin responded that the new mental health facility will be on the existing Hawaii State Hospital site in Kaneohe. The State is working with Scott Morishige to get services to those who need.

3. Capacity: Poole asked and Fallin answered that the new facility will have 144 beds for patients.

4. School: Poole recommended suspending school in August and there would not be a need for air-conditioning in schools.

5. Noise: Smith shared that Citizens against Noise in Hawaii determined Hobron Lane and Ala Moana Avenue is the loudest area of Waikiki. A resident suggested roving patrols to address the noise issue. Another resident said a required safety inspection for mopeds will not help with noise, a law needs to be created to allow HPD to confiscate mopeds after first warning is issued.

Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower reported the following:

• Transportation: There are more skateboards and bikes on the streets today than in the past.

• Enforcement: There are hammocks and tents on beaches in the day which means HPD needs to strengthen enforcement.

• House Bill (HB) 1753: Representative Brower referenced HB 1753 relating to moped noise, noting that HPD reported moped citations at Neighborhood Board meetings in the past and recommended doing so again.

• Carts: Representative Brower respects what Councilmember Ozawa proposed to do about retailer shopping carts.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. HB 1753: Poole asked and Representative Brower clarified that HB 1753 passed and hopefully Governor Ige will sign HB 1753 into law.

2. Commercial Activity: Adams commented that commercial tours of Segway's on public sidewalks should not be allowed for private profit. Chair Finley and Representative Brower agreed legislation should be generated to control what is allowed on sidewalks.

3. Report: Henski requested written copies of Representative Brower's report for the audience.

4. Sports Authority: Resident Franklin Chung asked and Representative Brower replied that some legislators were uncomfortable with creating a governing Sports Authority and considered incorporating the idea into the Tourism Authority.

5. Height Variance: A resident asked and Representative Brower responded that height variance exemptions vary by neighborhood.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa: Francis Choe reported the following:

• Bill 33: Choe shared that Bill 33, which imposes regulations of retail shopping carts, was a result of failed efforts to resolve shopping cart problems with retailers.

• Mopeds: The Council will wait to see what State legislation is enacted to regulate moped noise before taking any action at the City level.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Parking: Merz commented on Councilmember Ozawa's proposed parking structure study and asked how the proposal was initiated. Smith encouraged the Councilmember to inventory the upcoming parking for Waikiki.

2. Carts: A resident referenced an article that stated shopping carts are stolen whether they are locked or not. Shields shared that there are systems where customers pay to use shopping carts and are reimbursed when they return the cart.

3. Food: Smith noted that the Food Pantry will soon close and there will be no affordable grocery store for the Waikiki community.

4. Enforcement: A resident expressed frustration with the creation of new laws when enforcement is not occurring for the current laws.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria: Raytan Vares circulated newsletters and referenced the Capital Improvement Projects for Senate District 12 and important bills passed by the legislature awaiting Governor Ige's consideration.

Questions, comments, and concerns: Presence: Shields requested Senator Galuteria's presence at a Waikiki Board meeting.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): Rick Egged shared that there will be a public meeting regarding the Waikiki Special District (WSD) guidelines Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Waikiki Community Center at 7:00 p.m. There will be copies of the draft available at the meeting and interested residents can email rick@waikikiimprovement.com for an electronic copy.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Groin Project: Lofquist asked and Egged answered that no design has been chosen yet for the Royal Hawaiian groin replacement.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The April 12, 2016 regular meeting minutes were ADOPTED by UNANIMOUS CONSENT as amended, 16-0-0, (Aye: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Geck, Lofquist, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, Smith, and Simpson; Nay: None; Abstain: None). The changes were for the correct spelling of Lynn Fallin and replacing "motioned" with "moved."

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

VASH Presentation: This item was deferred to the next regular Board meeting.

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) Power Line Replacement: Kurt Tsue with HECO presented the following:

• Relocation: HECO must relocate the power cable that runs across the Ala Wai Canal as to not damage the line with the planned dredging work. The objective is to safely relocate cable without disruption to services.

• Draft: By September 2016 or October 2016 HECO will have a draft of the work available for the community.

• Reliability: The relocation will increase electric service reliability to Waikiki.

• Collaborate: HECO is working with key community stake holders on this project.

• Location: The existing cables run under Ala Wai Elementary School and connect to the Kaiolu Street substation, HECO will drill a "U" shape under the Ala Wai Canal to relocate the cable.

• Timing: HECO will be installing new cables the fourth quarter of 2017 and removing the old cables in 2018.

• Current: HECO is currently in the environmental assessment (EA) process collecting public comments.

• Pedestrian Bridge: The feasibility of the proposed pedestrian bridge is being investigated, HECO needs to make sure the cable is installed efficiently and safely.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Projects: Merz asked and Tsue answered that the cable relocation will run parallel to the dredging and watershed projects.

At 8:49 p.m. Jeff Apaka departed; 15 members were present.

2. Dates: Egged commented that the planned dredging date by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will probably be later than planned.

3. Traffic: A resident asked and Tsue confirmed the relocation will hamper traffic but HECO will be mindful and notify the community.

4. Power: Poole asked and Tsue replied that if the main cable line was interrupted, HECO would be able to provide power to the Waikiki community.

5. Cost: Poole asked and Tsue answered that the current estimated cost of the project is $15 million.

Legislative Report: Erteschik distributed a legislative summary of important bills that were passed this session. Erteschik referenced Senate Bill (SB) 2559 and SB 2561 that will hopefully help the homeless problem in Hawaii.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Shields reported a remaining balance of $233.27. The report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 Report: Merz reported that the Park Kalia draft EA has been published and is available.

Subdistrict 2 Report: Flood reported that Tower 1 and 2 of the Ritz Carlton hallway lights are on all night disturbing residents and Flood is trying to talk to the developer about resolving the issue.

Subdistrict 3 Report: Smith reported there will not be a grocery store in Waikiki soon.

Chair Report: Chair Finley reported that the Board is still looking for ideas for the Community Benefit Program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 9:14 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, May 10, 2016 Posted

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
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