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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For 1/10/2017 Posted
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WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017
WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER
CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. with 14 members present, a quorum was established. 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 7:53 p.m.), Jeff Apaka (departed at 8:41 p.m.), David Benson, Helen Carroll, Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Gordon Fahey, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.
Board Members Absent -- Jermel Anderson and Mary Simpson.
Guests -- Captain Keola Young (Honolulu Fire Department); Sergeant Stacey Christensen (Honolulu Police Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Caldwell's Representative); Lynn Fallin (Governor Ige's Representative); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Representative Tom Brower; Raytan Vares (Senator Galuteria's Representative); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Kurt Tsuneyoshi (City Council); David Millwood and Chelsie Arashiro (Millwood Ohana Productions); Jann Dacanay, Jon Nishimura, Clifton Miyasaki,, Wesley Yokoyama, Trisha Watson, Kamana Mathur, Joann Nakata, Jason Ito, Franklin Chung, Steve and Sue Thompson, Richard Sparks, Karin Lynn, Corey Dillman, Pam Walker, Denise Boisvert, Chen Wei-Yin, Nehy Hax; Zoe (‘Olelo); and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).
CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- HFD left to respond to a call; a report was provided.
• December 2016 Fire Statistics -- There was 1 structure fire, 1 nuisance fire, and 14 activated alarms. There were 148 medical emergencies, 1 motor vehicle collision with pedestrian, 2 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, 1 mountain rescue, and 2 hazardous materials incidents.
• Fire Safety Tip -- Fall Prevention for Seniors:
o Regular exercise will help build strength, improve balance, and enhance coordination.
o Take your time when getting out of chairs and be aware of your surroundings.
o Keep stairs and walkways clear.
o Improve lighting inside and outside of your home.
o Use nonslip mats -- this increases safety in the bathtub and on shower floors.
o Be aware of uneven surfaces.
o Wear Sturdy, well-fitting shoes.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Sergeant Stacey Christensen reported the following:
• December 2016 Crime Statistics -- There were 4 robberies, 16 burglaries, 192 thefts, 24 Unauthorized Entries into Motor Vehicles (UEMV's), 31 speeding citations, 733 parking citations, 9 loud muffler citations, 77 park closure citations and 2 arrests for park closures. A total of 3,897 calls were placed for service.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Illegal Pop-ups -- Shields raised concerns over illegal pop-up businesses appearing on or along properties, Sergeant Christensen noted that it is the property owner's responsibility to monitor and call if illegal activities are taking place.
2. Thanks -- Smith thanked HPD for the muffler citations.
3. Violent Crimes -- Fahey would like the violent crimes to be reported on a monthly basis at the board meetings. Sergeant Christensen stated that the violent crimes statistics was available on the HPD website and will take back the request.
4. Concerns -- A resident noted seeing a vehicle driving on the sidewalk, bicycles going both ways in bicycle lanes and sidewalks, Segway's on the sidewalk, and vehicles not yielding to pedestrians. Sergeant Christensen answered that vehicles are not allowed on sidewalks and would need to see it to site, bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, Segway's are allowed on sidewalks and cars need to yield to pedestrians that are in a marked crosswalk. Please call 911 if witnessing any illegal activity taking place.
5. Bicycles -- Merz thanked the HPD and said that bicycle riders have a right to ride their bicycles in the street lanes and need to own and claim their lanes, adding that bicycles are not allowed on the sidewalk and reminds bicycle riders of this whenever seeing this infraction.
6. Skateboards -- Chung raised concerns of people skateboarding down Waialae Avenue. Sergeant Christensen noted that skateboarding is not allowed anywhere in Waikiki, however skateboarding is allowed in residential areas.
7. Mufflers -- A resident asked if HPD would site mopeds for loud mufflers if residents provided a license plate number for the infraction. Sergeant Christensen noted that HPD would have to witness the violation taking place.
8. Mobility Devices -- Fahey inquired into the difference between Segway's and electric trikes, noting what he understands the differences to be. Sergeant Christensen answered that HPD is currently looking into situations like this and will get back to the board with an answer. Fahey noted that electric trike's should be considered mopeds, follow the same rules when overtaking pedestrians, and not allowed on the sidewalks.
Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Dominic Dias reported the following:
• Water Main Breaks -- There were no water main breaks in December 2016.
• General Water Announcements
o 2017 Water Conservation Calendar and Water Conservation Contests -- THE BWS is excited to launch its 39th annual Water Conservation Week Poster Contest and 9th annual Poetry Contest. For 2017, the contest theme, "Conserve to Preserve," invites Oahu students to creatively express the importance of conserving water now to preserve our water supply for the future. The poster contest is open to Oahu students in grades Kindergarten through sixth (6th), and the poetry contest is open to Oahu students in grades seventh (7th) through 12th. The deadline to enter these contests is Wednesday, March 1, 2017
o New Year's Resolution to Save Water -- The New Year is a time of reflection and represents an opportunity to commit to positive changes in our lifestyle. Why not make one (1) of your 2017 New Year's Resolutions to cut down household water usage by two (2), five (5), or even 10-percent? This simple resolution can help save money while helping to conserve Oahu's precious water supply. Here are some simple steps you can take to achieve this resolution:
Turn off the water when you brush your teeth. Using a cup of water to rinse can save seven (7) gallons of water a day.
Save water in the shower! Limiting shower times to less than five (5) minutes and installing water-saving showerheads can save up to 20 gallons of water per shower.
Fix those leaks! A faucet drip or toilet leak can waste hundreds of gallons a day.
For more water saving tips or to watch a video showing how to check for leaks, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.
o Watershed Management Plan -- The BWS will make a presentation on the Oahu Watershed Management Plan for the primary urban core, which is a comprehensive report and a multi-year project on sustainability and use of Oahu's water.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Outreach -- Smith inquired if BWS will do outreach with condominium associations to prevent leakage of toilets, and other faucets. Dias noted that currently BWS does not provide this service but will take the suggestion back.
RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS
• Violent Crimes -- A resident noted that in order to receive reports of violent crimes at the neighborhood board meetings, Chair Finley may need to make this request to a higher authority.
• Liquor License Applications -- A resident would like more information on what a business is asking for with a liquor license application. Chair Finley suggested to call the liquor commission with a specific request or to visit their website.
• Sports Arena -- Chung voiced concerns of a potential sports arena to be placed at the Ala Wai Golf Course.
• Point In Time Count -- Lynn announced that volunteers are needed for the annual point and time count that will be taking place in late January 2017.
• Hearing -- A resident noted that there would be a Committee of Business Development and Tourism meeting at Honolulu Hale at the City Council room, Thursday, January 12, 2017, starting at 1:00 p.m.
PUBLIC EVENTS
• Monday, January 16, 2017, 9:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., Martin Luther King Parade
• Saturday, February 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m., Lokahi Street Event, Kaiulani to Kapahulu Avenue
APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES
• Thursday, February 2, 2017, Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, 2255 Kuhio Avenue, Hotel General
• Thursday, February 2, 2017, Momosan Waikiki, 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Restaurant General
• Thursday, February 2, 2017, Tsukiji Shokudo Genchan, 339 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Restaurant General
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Deputy Director Mark Yonamine of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) reported the following:
• Sidewalk Tiles -- The Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) road maintenance crew removed loose tiles and patched the sidewalk area fronting the Moana Surfrider Hotel on Saturday, November 19, 2016.
• Protesting -- The HPD is prepared to respond to varying levels of protests at any given time. When feasible, the HPD Civil Affairs Unit (CAU) is the first to make contact with the organizers to build a rapport and provide them with information on the lawful guidelines for protests. The Bicycle Details also assist to ensure the safety of both the protestors and the community. In the event the protest becomes a large scale riot or creates a breach of the peace, the HPD has teams that are trained to mitigate the situation to preclude further escalation.
• Removal of Stop Sign and Request for One (1) Way Street -- The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) have completed the investigation into a request to remove the stop sign on Kalakaua Avenue at Keoniana Street and to change the one (1)-way direction of Keoniana Street from makai to mauka direction. The evaluation did not reveal conditions that would necessitate the removal of the stop control on Kalakaua Avenue at Keoniana Street. The existing stop control on Kalakaua Avenue in the bus only lane reduces the conflicts between motorists exiting Keoniana Street onto Kalakaua Avenue and the buses on Kalakaua Avenue. In response to change the direction of traffic to one (1)-way mauka on Keoniana Street, this will result in parallel mauka bound lanes with Kuamoo and Pau Streets, which would not improve traffic flow in the area and make it difficult for residents on Keoniana to access the road. As such, for these reasons, DTS recommends that the existing stop control on Kalakaua Avenue and the roadway configuration remain in their existing condition.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Benches -- A resident raised concerns about there not being any benches for residents or visitors to rest at when walking down Kalakaua Avenue from the Ala Wai to the Hyatt and asked why the benches were removed and when they will be replaced.
Ala Moana Junction Box Rehabilitation -- Trisha Watson reported the following: Junction Box -- The Ala Moana Junction Box will undergo restoration work which will be completed by Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2017. There will be no traffic impact, pedestrians will be asked to detour around the area and noise will be under the existing ambient lighting and will be no louder than a city bus.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Restoration -- Smith inquired and Dacanay answered that the restoration work to be done will include concrete repair and replacement of some components inside the junction box.
Beachwalk Sewer Force Main Assessment -- Jon Nishimura reported the following: Force Main Assessment -- As a follow-up assessment of the 42 inch reinforced concrete Beachwalk Water Force Main, which broke in 2006, inspections will be taking place from February 2017 to March 2017. The work will be done during normal business hours between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with lane closures along Ala Wai Boulevard for access to the manholes for inspections. This assessment will evaluate the current condition of the force main, provide preventative maintenance and recommend future repairs and rehabilitation.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Age -- Smith inquired and Nishimura answered that the original force main was installed sometime in the 1960s and is a backup force main in the Beachwalk Force Main duel pipe system.
2. Redundancy -- Merz asked and Nishimura answered that this inspection is for back up and for preventative measures, so sewage would not need to be dumped in the canal like last time in case of a break.
3. Signage -- Chair Finley inquired if there would be proper signage posted to forewarn motorist and others of the traffic delays due to inspection. Nishimura noted that there would be traffic mitigation taking place and would look into the big signage warning of impending traffic due to the work being done from manholes along the road. Nigro noted that as part of the project's permit, signage is required to inform people of lane closures, etcetera.
4. Manholes -- Shields inquired and Nishimura answered that access points to inspect the force main would be on Ala Wai Boulevard and Kalakaua Avenue and on Ala Wai Boulevard and Namahana Street.
Board member Adams arrived at 7:53 p.m.; 15 board members present.
5. Safety -- Flood asked and Nishimura answered that there will be a professional coming in from out of state to inspect the force main, and this person will be monitored with closed circuit television (CCTV), and that the inspector will be wearing a harness and fresh air will be ventilated through the force main to ensure safety of the inspector during the project.
6. Updates -- Merz applauds the City and County of Honolulu for taking the necessary steps to improve the city's infrastructure.
7. Parade -- Shields noted that there will be a parade at Fort DeRussy during the projected construction time. Nishimura stated that construction would not be taking place every day and lane closures would be intermittent.
Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Lynn Fallin of the State Department of Health (DOH) Behavior Health Services Administration reported the following:
• Legislative Session -- The 29th legislative session will convene on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.
• State of the State -- Governor David Ige's State of the State Speech will be on Monday, January 23, 2017 and should be broadcast on local public television.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Library Construction -- A resided raised several concerns about the Waikiki Library Project, including the rusted fence and the equipment sitting stagnant for three (3) weeks. Fallin will take back these concerns of aesthetic appeal and concerns about planning challenges.
Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares reported the following:
• Legislative -- Vares highlighted Senator Galuteria's newsletter noting that the State Senate will focus on everything from education, community development, to public safety during the 2017 legislative session. Senator Galuteria will focus on condominium legislation and reintroduction of the food feasibility bill.
• Elderhood Project -- A request for $50 million will be made to go towards the Elderhood project during the legislative session.
• Transient-Oriented Development (TOD) -- There will be a TOD meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the State Office Tower at 9:30 a.m.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Meeting -- Merz noted how informational and fascinating the TOD meetings were and encouraged people to attend.
2. Marijuana -- Chair Finley noted receiving concerns from constituents who were worried about getting second hand smoke, children's safety, and testing positive on drug tests if living in a condominium unit where a neighbor is smoking medicinal marijuana when the medical marijuana act goes into effect and wondering if there was legislation in place to protect these people. Vares will look into this matter. A resident stated that closed condominiums are tobacco free. Smith noted being an Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) president for several years and that concerned residents should go to their AOAO with questions about activities allowed in condominiums before seeing the city and state rules.
3. Food Waste -- Shields asked if there would be any legislation on reduction of food waste in grocery stores in this upcoming session, Vares responded that there is nothing that speaks to that specification but will pass it along.
Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower reported the following:
• Trikes -- If it does not specifically state trikes are prohibited on sidewalks then they would be allowed under the law.
• Marijuana -- When the medical marijuana law goes into effect, the same rules would apply that are currently in effect with cigarette and electronic cigarette smoking. Patients that need to use medical marijuana may be using a lozenge form instead of smoking.
• 29th Legislative Session -- Representative Brower will be the Chair of the Housing Committee this legislative session.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Trikes -- Fahey noted Traffic Code 291C and believes trikes fall under the descriptions of mopeds and therefore should not be allowed to operate on the sidewalk. Representative Brower asked for this information so that his office may talk to the police and find out their position on this situation. Representative Brower mentioned that if trikes are allowed on sidewalks by law it may be something that needs to be taken up with the City Council as the city regulates sidewalks.
2. Mopeds -- Smith highlighted Section Three (3) of Representative Brower's report and stated that 100 decibel maximum for mopeds is excessive, when a fully stocked Harley Davidson Motorcycle is 80 decibels. Erteschik added that there is only room for improvement, and improvements can be made during the legislative session. Adams requested that Representative Brower look into concerns of trikes and moped noise improvements.
3. Homeless -- A resident voiced concerns about seeing homeless in a particular area on the mountain side of Kalakaua Avenue which he had never seen before. Representative Brower suggested calling the police and noted that homeless may move around from time to time.
4. Decibels -- A resident asked if police carry decibel reading machines to capture loud noises from mopeds. Representative Brower noted that most of the time police do not carry this type of equipment but are able to ticket based on hearing the loud noise. A different resident noted that if someone has a cellphone they can get a decibel reading application to use. Representative Brower noted that using an application as such on a cellphone would not be admissible in court.
Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Kurt Tsuneyoshi reported the following:
• Committee -- Councilmember Ozawa is the new chair of the Business, Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
• Ala Wai Cable -- Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) will be hosting two (2) meetings on the Ala Wai Cable Relocation Project. The first will be on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center. The second meeting will take place on Thursday, January 19, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Ala Wai Elementary School Cafeteria.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Positions -- Erteschik inquired to any updates that Councilmember Ozawa had regarding positions on certain subject matter and projects. Tsuneyoshi noted to call or email the office and an answer would be provided on position for a subject.
2. Cable Relocation -- Merz noted reading a draft report on the cable relocation project and noted that building a bridge and relocating the cable underneath it may not be feasible at this time.
Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) -- Rick Egged reported the following:
• Royal Hawaiian -- The Royal Hawaiian CUA meeting will be taking place sometime in late January 2017 or February 2017.
• Happenings -- The issue of companies presetting chairs out on the beach for customers has come to light, and companies need to wait until customers are there to set out chairs and umbrellas. Mobile kiosks are illegal only if money is being exchanged, if only for promotional purposes then the kiosks are not illegal and need to follow certain regulations. WIA is closely monitoring the parking meter situation as curb space is precious in Waikiki.
• Pearl Harbor -- Egged noted a successful run of Sunset on the Beach events for the 75th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Chair Finley thanked WIA for the successful events.
Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:
1. Presetting -- Poole inquired into the issues of businesses presetting their chairs and umbrellas on beaches, Egged answered that beaches are public access and cannot take up space if a client is not there to use equipment and that beaches such as Kuhio are regulated by the City and follow different rules.
2. Beachwalk Walkway -- Chair Finley inquired and Egged answered that the Sheraton Waikiki Beachwalk Walkway access is still closed. Egged noted that several entities are working together in order to figure out a way to fix the stairs that are unsafe.
3. Kuhio Beach -- Fahey raised concerns over a light post with sunken in sand that creates swampy like conditions at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound.
4. Enforcement -- Fahey inquired as to who was in charge of things such as property enforcement. Egged answered that the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) would be in charge of property enforcement.
5. Beach Restoration -- Poole inquired into upcoming beach restoration projects. Egged noted an $800,000 project to help figure out ways to combat beach erosion.
Board member Apaka departed the meeting at 8:41 p.m.; 14 board members present.
APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 15, 2016 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- Without any objections, the November 16, 2016 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, as amended 11-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).
NEW BOARD BUSINESS
Millwood Ohana Productions -- David Millwood reported the following:
• Events -- Millwood Ohana Productions will be holding two (2) upcoming events in Waikiki.
o Saturday, February 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m. Lokahi Festival Waikiki. Street closures from Kaiulani Avenue to Seaside Avenue.
o Saturday, April 15, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m. Oahu Festival Waikiki. Street closures from Kaiulani Avenue to Seaside Avenue.
Natatorium Proposal -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.
Vote by Mail (Common Cause Hawaii) -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.
REPORTS
Treasurer's Report -- Secretary Shields reported a remaining balance of $325.59. The report was filed.
Subdistrict 1 Report -- Merz informed any interested candidates to register for the upcoming neighborhood board elections.
Subdistrict 2 Report -- Flood stated that the blessing of the park on Aloha Drive and Seaside Avenue took place earlier in the day. There will be a rotary concert at this same park sometime in March 2017.
Subdistrict 3 Report -- Smith highlighted the new moped registration law and how it would be implemented.
Centennial Park -- Benson noted that Centennial Park on Aloha Drive and Seaside Avenue had its blessing earlier in the day and would have a larger ceremony in a few months. The Rotatory Club is raising funds for the park.
Chair Report -- Finley reported the following:
• HECO will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. to brief the community on plans to relocated power into Waikiki.
• Changes to the neighborhood plan took effect Saturday, December 17, 2016 and are posted on the Neighborhood Commission Office website at http:///www.honolulu.gov/nco.
• The neighborhood elections are fast approaching. Please register to vote as soon as possible.
• Thank you for supporting the No. 9 Waikiki Neighborhood Board in 2016. We look forward to a successful 2017.
ANNOUNCEMENTS -- The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.
ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I
Reviewed by: Brittany Yadao, Neighborhood Assistant I
Reviewed and finalized by: Robert Finley, Chair; Louis Erteschik, Vice Chair; Jo-Ann Adams, Secretary
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