Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For <font color="red"><b>2/14/2017</b></font> Posted - Waikiki

Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship. Community website by MBC/Ernest Abrams. Call 808-739-9797 for advertising/sponsorship.

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
News Item
Powered by MBC NewsMaker
Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For 2/14/2017 Posted
Tweet

NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 3/14/2017.

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with 15 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, Jermel Anderson (arrived at 7:34 p.m.), Jeff Apaka (departed at 9:10 p.m.), David Benson, Helen Carroll, Paul Ciliano, Louis Erteschik, Gordon Fahey, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole (departed at 8:57 p.m.), Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent -- Mary Simpson.

Guests -- Fire Fighter III Ken Oishi (Honolulu Fire Department); Major Roy Sugimoto and Sergeant Kevin Ching (Honolulu Police Department); Representative Tom Brower; Raytan Vares (Senator Galuteria's Representative); Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Kurt Tsuneyoshi (City Council); Bryan Mick (Disability and Communication Access Board); Bruce Tsuchida (Townscape Inc.); Brian Bagnall and Daniel Simonich (The Outdoor Circle); Rick Taniguchi (Honolulu Marathon); Noreen and Wayne Swan, Judith Wells, Corey Dullman, Pam Walker, Nehy Hax, Denise Boisvert, Jan Bappe, Linda Frysztacki, Dean Nakamura, Nathan Richards, Linnea Schuster, Michael Wiejman, Grace Miller, Won Chun, Young Chun, Jacqueline Higino, Michael Langan and Katsumay T. (residents); Zoe Tanaka (videographer); and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Acting Captain Ken Oishi reported the following:

• January 2017 Fire Statistics -- There was 1 structure fire, 3 nuisance fires, 1 cooking fire, and 14 activated alarms. There were 149 medical emergencies, 4 motor vehicle collisions with pedestrian, 3 motor vehicle crashes/collisions, and 4 hazardous materials incidents.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Electrical Safety:

o Plug one (1) heat-producing appliance (coffee maker, toaster, etc.) into a wall receptacle outlet at a time.

o Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and power taps or strips should not be used.

o Ensure electrical cords are not running across doorways or under carpets.

o Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a licensed electrician install additional receptacle outlets to eliminate the need for extension cords.

o Ensure that electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Sergeant Kevin Ching reported the following:

• January 2017 Crime Statistics -- There were 5 robberies, 7 burglaries, 167 thefts, 33 Unauthorized Entries into Motor Vehicles (UEMV's), 41 aggravated assaults, 5 sexual assaults, 27 speeding citations, 659 parking citations, 4 loud muffler citations, 196 park closure citations, 41 warnings and 6 arrests for park closures. A total of 3,888 calls were placed for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Body Cameras -- Erteschik inquired and Sergeant Ching answered that the police union is coming up with a position on the body camera bill.

2. 435 Walina Street -- Several residents from 435 Walina Street raised concerns over fights taking place every night in the Food Pantry parking lot, loud noises, trash pickup and trucks blocking the road when loading and unloading during very early morning hours. Sergeant Ching said that he would send a memo to the First Watch Commander; Chair Finley asked that the complaints be sent to him, and he will forward them to the Mayor.

3. Police Presence -- A resident noted watching a news story on KHON which highlighted different ways in which police patrol. This resident noted that he does not see police presence on foot as often as he would like. Merz added that there needs to be a boots on the ground effort in Waikiki; it cannot be patrolled by car. Officers need to walk or bicycle. Studies have shown that police presence reduces crime.

4. Fire -- Carroll inquired into a Fire at Hobron Lane and Ala Moana Boulevard. Sergeant Ching stated that initially the call was for a fire. However, the cause was an electrical concern.

• Introduction -- Major Roy Sugimoto introduced himself as the new Major for the district and noted looking forward to working with the community.

Board of Water Supply (BWS) -- Dominic Dias was unable to attend the meeting as he was ill; a report was not provided.

Primary Urban Center Water Management Plan (PUC WMP) -- Bruce Tsuchida reported the following:

• Project Context -- The BWS is developing the PUC WMP, which will be part of the City Water Use and development Plan under the State of Hawaii Water Code and City and County of Honolulu ordinance. Almost half of Oahu's population resides within the boundaries of the PUC. The focus of the PUC is from Kahala to Pearl City, with 440,000 customers. Additionally, the PUC is a designated growth area that requires planning to meet the demands of a growing population.

• Overall Goal -- The overall goal of the project is to formulate an environmentally-holistic, community-based and economically-viable watershed management plan that will provide a balance between the preservation and management of Oahu's watershed, agricultural needs, sustainable ground water and surface water use, and development to serve present users and future generations. The project needs to be economically viable, since BWS receives no government funding assistance.

• Approvals -- The PUC WMP needs approval from BWS, Honolulu City Council, and the State Commission on Water Resources.

• Further Updates -- The project is in the early stage and updates will be provided throughout the process of development over a three (3) year period. For more information contact Barry Usagawa of the BWS at 748-5900 or email at busagawa@hbws.org. Bruce Tsuchida from Townscape, Incorporated is also available at 536-6999 or by email bruce@townscapeinc.com.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Boundaries -- Merz asked if the boundaries in this plan are consistent with those in the land development plan; Tsuchida responded that they were.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. Fort DeRussy Emergency Wastewater Repairs -- A representative from Hawaiian Dredging notified the board that there will be valve repairs at two (2) different locations along Kalakaua Avenue. Construction is expected to take four (4) days and will take place at the end of February 2017. There will be traffic mitigation measures, off duty police officers to help with the flow of traffic and bus lane closures.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Materials -- A resident noted that pipes break too often and do not last as long if made out of steel. The resident inquired and the representative answered that the materials used for this installation will come from highly durable materials, be cured and lined.

2. Maintenance -- A resident raised concerns over sidewalk maintenance and machine blowers being used at 9:00 a.m. along Kalakaua Avenue going down towards Diamond Head. Another resident inquired as to who checks on maintenance being done specifically at the tables by the beach, as the tables do not seem to be getting cleaned. Both noted that the tourist experience may be interrupted by the noise and lack thereof cleaning at some places.

Board member Anderson arrived to the meeting at 7:34 p.m.; 16 board members present.

PUBLIC EVENTS

• Saturday, February 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m., Lokahi Festival

• Sunday, March 12, 2017, 4:30 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m., Honolulu Festivals Parade

• Friday, March 17, 2017, 12:00 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m., St. Patrick's Day Parade

• Saturday, March 25, 2017, 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., Prince Kuhio Parade

• Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 6:30 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m., Salute to Youth (1) Parade

• Sunday, April 9, 2017, 3:00 a.m. -- 8:00 a.m., Hapalua Honolulu Half Marathon

• Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 6:30 p.m. -- 7:30 p.m., Salute to Youth (2) Parade

• Saturday, April 15, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m., Oahu Festival

• Saturday, April 29, 2017, 4:00 p.m. -- 10:00 p.m., Waikiki Spam Jam

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES

• Thursday, March 2, 2017, Aqua Hotel, 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Hotel General

• Thursday, March 2, 2017, The Street A Michael Mina Social House, 2301 Kuhio Avenue, Restaurant General

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Deputy Director Mark Yonamine of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) was unable to attend the meeting, a memo for the record was provided. Chair Finley read the following:

• Ordinances for Illegal Popup Vendors -- The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) conducted an investigation on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. The investigation revealed that there was no shaved ice business noted in the sidewalk area in the vicinity along Liliuokalani Avenue, across from the Pacific Beach Hotel. Vending and peddling in the sidewalk area is under the jurisdiction of the Honolulu Police Department. HPD noted that Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 29-6.2, Regulation affecting peddling, states that it is unlawful for any person to peddle on a public place without a peddler's license issued by the city, except as otherwise provide by Section 29-6.1. Section 29-6.2(c)(7) prohibits peddling within the Waikiki Peninsula upon the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, malls, parks, beaches, and other public places in Waikiki commencing at the entrance to the Ala Wai Canal, thence along the Ala Wai Canal to Kapahulu Avenue, thence along the diamond head property line of Kapahulu Avenue to the ocean, thence along the ocean back to the entrance of the Ala Wai Canal. The HPD will continue to monitor all businesses/kiosks in Waikiki and enforce the peddling laws via Waikiki Business Improvement District operations, regular checks, and in response to special complaints. District Six (6) officers went to Liliuokalani Avenue and observed a juice/smoothie pop-up type of business located on private property fronting 140 Liliuokalani Avenue. The business was not encroaching on the sidewalk and the officers did not observe any violations.

• Violent Crime Statistics -- The HPD District Six (6) captain has added "violent crimes" to the statistics and HPD representatives have been instructed to report these statistics at future meetings.

• Benches -- Regarding a resident concern about inadequate bench seating, the Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) noted that they did not remove any benches along Kalakaua Avenue from the intersection with Ala Wai Boulevard to the Hyatt Regency. DFM will take the board's comments into consideration and review areas that may provide a place for people to sit and rest.

• Hula Mound Maintenance -- The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff inspected the Hula Mound area on Monday, January 23, 2017, and did not find any issues with stagnant water or bees near a light post.

• Waiver Status -- DPP emailed the resident who inquired into the project status on Friday, January 13, 2017, with the following response: We believe you are referring to the proposed Park Kalia condo-hotel on the old Kyo-ya Restaurant property. The consultants for this Park Kalia project are currently preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). DPP anticipates that they will be submitting this EIS document to the department soon. If it is satisfactory then it will be transmitted to the State Office of Environmental Quality Control for public review and comment. It will be available for review online at http://health.hawaii.gov/oeqc/. Please check their website to see when it will be available for review and comment.

• McCully Bridge Planters -- DPR noted that over the years, the planters on the McCully Bridge sustained much damage, primarily due to vandalism. One (1) was burned beyond repair and irrigation valves, timers, and emitters were often tampered with, thus causing water stress to the plants and leaving them in an unsightly condition. Additionally, the planters raised concerns under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System compliance guidelines. For these reasons, the Division of Urban Forestry (DUF), DPR has no plans to replace the planters or plants.

• Traffic -- Regarding concerns of traffic by the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Kalia Road, DTS completed research and evaluation regarding the traffic congestion. Currently, there are two (2) ongoing projects in the subject area, the City's sewer project and Hilton's Grand Islander project. Both projects will be completed sometime in early 2017. These two (2) projects have an impact on the current traffic conditions on Kalia Road by the Hilton, and as such, DTS recommends waiting until the projects are completed before evaluating the subject area if traffic concerns still exist. In addition, as part of Hilton's Grand Islander project, they will be creating a bus bay on Kalia Street between Hilton's driveway and Paoa Place, which should help remediate the traffic congestion in the subject area when the project is completed.

• Crosswalk Safety -- DTS has completed their evaluation, which included a review of the traffic collision history, a study of the existing crosswalk, and a field investigation. A review of the traffic collision history within the past three (3) years confirmed two (2) pedestrian incidents; one (1) of which occurred outside of the crosswalk adjacent to Lemon Road, near the Zoo In addition, their crosswalk study showed that based on vehicular and pedestrian volumes, the existing crosswalk is warranted and will remain. The DTS checked the pavement markings and signage condition, and found the crosswalk across Kapahulu Avenue is in good condition at Lemon Road. However, some of the pedestrian signs are faded and will be replaced. To improve awareness for pedestrians crossing Kapahulu Avenue, the DTS will recommend installing additional pedestrian crossing signs back-to-back at both crosswalks located at Lemon Road and Cartwright Road. A work order (reference Paint and Sign Work Order No. 132976) will be issued to DFM to replace the faded signs and to install the additional pedestrian crossing signs. They will also forward the Board's request for additional street lights to DDC for their action and direct response to the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. In response to the Board's request to paint the corners of Kapahulu Avenue and Lemon Road yellow, the DTS addressed a previous request to paint the curb from red to yellow in front of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel within a tour bus loading zone. DTS explained to the Waikiki Neighborhood Board Chair, Robert Finley that yellow paint denotes a freight loading zone, while red curb implies a passenger loading, tour bus loading or an official bus stop. Subsequent to that request, the DTS issued a work order to the DFM to repaint the curb red.

• Status of University Avenue Bridge over the Ala Wai Canal -- The Department of Transportation Services applied for Federal funds through the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OMPO) for a planning study that will include the feasibility of a protected bike lane on Ala Wai Boulevard, a reconfiguration of the Ala Wai Boulevard/McCully Street intersection, and a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Ala Wai Canal in the vicinity of University Avenue. DTS recently was awarded these funds and will start the planning process next year. There will be a public-involvement component to the plan and the Neighborhood Board will be notified of any public meetings.

• Candidate and Voter Registration for the 2017 Neighborhood Board Elections -- Candidate registration for the 2017 Neighborhood Board Elections has begun and the deadline to apply is Friday, February 17, 2017. Paper applications are available on the front table or you may apply online at www.honolulu.gov/nco or at the NCO, located at 925 Dillingham Boulevard, Suite 160. More information on the boards and the election are also available on that site or by calling 768-3781.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Lynn Fallin of the State Department of Health (DOH) Behavior Health Services Administration was unable to attend the meeting, a report was provided. Chair Finley read the following:

• Newsletter -- The February 2017 Capitol Connection Report/Newsletter is available at the meeting. For an online copy or to subscribe to the newsletter online, please go to www.governor.hawaii.gov. The February 2017 newsletter features information on education-the expanded early college program, cooling schools and innovation; Hawaii Growth Initiative, Drive Electric Hawaii Initiative; affordable housing and homelessness; and, agricultural self-sufficiency.

• Waikiki Library Project Concerns -- The project schedule at the time of the last Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting was about one (1) to two (2) weeks behind schedule because of additional permit requirements. The fence along the Waikiki Library is temporary for construction as a safety measure to keep people out of the worksite. The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is not familiar with the tree-root issue raised last meeting. Although project planning is done in advance of implementation there are unforeseen and unanticipated adjustments that need to be made with project plans.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- No representative was present; a report was provided.

Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower noted that he is the Chair for the Housing Committee and a member of the Judiciary and Transportation Committees. Representative Brower made himself available for any questions.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares reported the following:

• Senate Bill (SB) 1313 -- Makes various appropriations to implement the recommendations of the increased food security and food self-sufficiency strategy. Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a strategy and goals for increased food security and self-sufficiency in Hawaii.

• SB1059 -- Establishes and defines a three (3)-year small business assistance initiative and its parts within the state procurement office to develop an effective small business state contracting program. Establishes a small business assistance coordinator position, small business office, and small business advisory group as part of the initiative. Appropriates funds for the administration and operation of the initiative. Repeals the initiative on June 30, 2020.

• SB368 - Requires operators of child care facilities, including family child care homes, group child care centers, and group child care homes, and infant and toddler child care centers that care for children one (1) year of age or younger to implement and maintain safe sleep policies to prevent sudden unexpected infant deaths and sudden infant death syndrome in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Human Services.

• Bills -- Vares highlighted Senator Galuteria's newsletter and noted several other bills of importance.

• Marijuana Use -- Vares noted that in 2014, congress enacted a law which protects medical marijuana users with a valid certificate living in condominiums.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

• Bills -- Smith asked why thousands of bills are introduced each year at the legislature, when very few pass. Vares noted that it has always been this way.

• Food Resiliancy Law -- Chair Finley inquired and Vares answered that SB1313 is similar to the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative under Governor Linda Lingle. Shields noted her impression that fruit is cheaper to import from the Philippines and inquired how Senator Galuteria would keep costs down with SB1313. Vares will come back with a response.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) -- Rick Egged reported the following: Meeting -- There will be a meeting on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School Cafeteria to discuss traffic and transportation for the Waikiki Transportation Management Association.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Transportation -- Chair Finley noted the importance of finding solutions for the better use of transit in the area. Merz applauded Chair Finley and Egged on their hard work and dedication to this subject matter. Smith noted that from 5:00 p.m. on, Seaside Avenue has free parking, thus creating noise from party goers coming and going from their parking spot. Smith would like to see 24-hour metered parking in certain locations.

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 10, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- Without any objections, the JANUARY, 2017 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 16-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

The Outdoor Circle (Greater Waikiki Branch) -- Brian Bagnall reported the following: The Outdoor Circle was established in 1912, and the Greater Waikiki Branch was established in January 2016. Outdoor Circle is an environmental-preservation organization which was responsible for banning billboards throughout the island. The Greater Waikiki Branch covers Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park from the Ala Wai Canal to the beaches. One (1) of Outdoor Circle's concerns is how scarce trees are in the Urban Waikiki area. Trees provide shade, protect the environment, help in the process of oxygen, and increase property values. Another major concern is the use of light-emitting diode (LED) lights on Oahu. LED lights may cause many hazards, they are unsightly and are unsafe. Bagnall highlighted Walking Tours and encouraged everyone to get out and walk 30 minutes a day, as it is one (1) of the best things a person can do for their health. For more information on The Outdoor Circle please visit www.waikikioutdoorcircle.org.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Resolution -- Merz inquired and Bagnall answered that he would be willing to put together language for a resolution that the board could support towards agencies encouraging more trees.

2. Signs -- Flood noted that there are huge signs, these signs come on buses, on delivery trucks, etcetera. Bagnall noted that the staff at the Outdoor Circle, Greater Waikiki Branch has dwindled to one (1) full time employee, and the resources are not as prominent as they once were to fight excess of signage, but working together can make a difference.

3. 1,000 Trees -- Apaka stated that Mayor Jeremy Harris planted 1,000 trees, 40 of which were dead when planted. The cost to remove each tree was $1,000. Apaka voiced concerns on how to keep trees alive and healthy.

4. Dialogue -- Erteschik noted that he appreciated what the Outdoor Circle does for the island and hopes to work together in coming up with solutions to contribute to an expansion of trees and improvement of living for all. Chair Finley stated that he will inquire if DPR will come and do a presentation on their tree plans in Waikiki.

State of Hawaii Disabled Parking Program -- Bryan Mick of the State Department of Health (DOH), Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) reported the following:

• History -- 1988 -- United States Congress enacts Public Law 100-641, exhorts the states to adopt a disabled parking program. 1992 -- Hawaii State Legislature enacts Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 291, Part III complies with PL 100-641. Hawaii Administrative Rules Section 11-219 contains the administrative rules which govern the program.

• Parking Lot Requirements -- Applies to any public facility or any private facility where the public is invited to enter and park. An accessible stall is a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and has an adjacent five (5) foot wide access aisle. A van accessible stall is 11 feet wide, or an eight (8) foot wide stall with an eight (8) foot wide access aisle. A facility with five (5) -25 stalls must provide one (1) reserved accessible stall. An additional reserved stall must be provided for every additional 25 stalls up to 100, and an additional stall for every additional 50 stalls up to 200, and an additional stall for every 100 stalls up to 500. Between 500 and 1000 stalls, two (2) % of the total must be reserved accessible. Over 1000 stalls, 20 stalls plus one (1) for every 100 stalls must be reserved accessible. One (1) of every six (6) reserved stalls must be van accessible. Exception - A facility that has four (4) or less stalls must have one (1) stall which is accessible, however it need not be reserved or have a reserved sign.

• Types of Permits -- Temporary placard (red) -- Valid between one (1) -- six (6) months; Long term/Permanent placard (blue) -- Valid for six (6) years; Special License Plates.

• Disabled Parking Permit Privileges - Reserved stalls are designated by a sign bearing the international symbol of access. Vehicles displaying a valid permit may park in a reserved stall subject to lot or street restrictions such as closure hours. The permit holder must be a driver or passenger in the vehicle or about to become one. Vehicles displaying a valid permit may park in a metered stall without paying the meter for 2.5 hours or the maximum time the meter allows whichever is longer.

• Eligibility Requirements - A qualified applicant is a person who is limited or impaired in the ability to walk, and who, as determined by a licensed practicing physician or an advanced practice registered nurse: Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest due to a diagnosed arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, renal, oncological, or vascular condition; Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive device; Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one (1) second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air at rest; Uses portable oxygen; or Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.

• Ineligible Individuals who belong to any of the following classes do not qualify for a parking permit based solely on that status: Persons who have a visual impairment; Persons who have a mental illness; Persons who are old; or Persons who are infants.

• How To Apply For A Parking Permit -- Applications forms are online or may be picked up at County Satellite City Halls/DMVs. Also may contact DCAB and request via mail. The applicant fills out side one (1), a physician or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) fills out side two (2). The physician or APRN must have a Hawaii medical license unless they are stationed here in the military. First time applicants for a long term placard, temporary placard, and special license plates must apply in person at County Satellite City Halls/DMVs. Temporary placards have a fee of $12, special license plates cost $5.50 plus any county fees. No fee when applying for long term placards including their renewal. An application for a renewal of a long-term placard must be mailed to DCAB at 919 Ala Moana #101, Honolulu, HI 96814.

• Reciprocity -- Under HRS 291-51.7, the State, county, and private entities must recognize disabled parking permits issued by other states and countries. Visitors may use their permit to obtain the same parking privileges that Hawaii permittees enjoy. Likewise, other States are encouraged to recognize Hawaii issued parking permits. Check with the specific state you plan to visit. Disabled parking permits issued by the nation of Japan do not include the International Symbol of Accessibility. Upon request, DCAB will provide an additional document in English to be displayed in conjunction with their official parking permit.

• Violations and Penalties -- Parking in an access aisle: $250 - $500 fine. Forgetting to display valid permit while parked in a reserved stall: $25 - $100 fine. Parking in a reserved stall with no permit or using an expired permit: $250 - $500 fine. Counterfeiting or altering a permit: misdemeanor up to $2000 fine. Using a valid permit assigned to someone else: $250 - $500 fine and confiscation of the permit.

• Enforcement -- County law enforcement (HPD). Call 911 non-emergency. Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) parking control. Call 586-0352.HPD's volunteer Special Enforcement Officers (VSEO).

o Pass background check.

o Complete training course

o Work a minimum of 20 hours per month.

o Call 723-3412 for more information or to apply.

• Number of Permits -- Statewide -- 108,078. City & County of Honolulu -- 76,553, Special License Plates -- 4,079, Temporary -- 2,442 and Long Term -- 70,032.

• DCAB Proposed Legislation

o House Bill (HB)1109/Senate Bill (SB)975 -- Confiscation -- Would allow law enforcement officers or commissioned volunteer officers to confiscate a placard anytime it is used in violation of HRS 291. Right now, a placard may only be confiscated when it is valid and used by someone other than who it was issued to. This bill would remove from circulation improperly used placards, expired placards, altered placards, counterfeit placards, invalidated placards, and bought or sold placards. This in turn would free up reserved stalls and metered stalls.

o HB1108/SB974 -- Free Metered Parking -- The State legislature passed a broad exemption waiving parking meter fees for any vehicle displaying a disabled parking permit. This proposed bill would narrow the exemption to only licensed drivers who are unable due to their disability to access or operate a parking meter by requiring an additional certification and permit.

• Other Proposed Legislation -- HB646 Eligibility for Blind and Low Vision Persons -- Would expand the list of qualifying conditions to cover people who are blind or have low vision. The current estimate of Hawaii residents who would be covered by this is 22,000 people. DCAB opposes this bill as vision impairment is not a mobility disability and use of an access aisle is not required for blind/low vision people to park.

• Information -- For more information call 586-8121, email dcab@doh.hawaii.gov, or visit http://health.hawaii.gov/dcab/parking.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. HB1108/SB974 -- Erteschik raised concerns on how to enforce such a bill with regards to different permits needed and noted that disability placards are there to help disabled get closer to where they need to go. Adams voiced concerns about people abusing disabled parking placards, she sees them parking in designated spots at Home Depot, jumping out of their car and walking right into the store without an issue. Adams does not agree with limiting parking meter fees to certain permittees, disabled individuals have a harder time moving around and they would have to keep coming outside to feed the meter if such rules were imposed.

Board member Poole departed the meeting at 8:57 p.m.; 15 board members present.

2. Placards -- Apaka noted that individuals should be taking down their placards after they are done using a parking stall. Apaka added that he sees people keep their placard up all the time which creates blind spots. Apaka inquired as to why people are unable to take their placards down from car after using.

Chair Finley passed the gavel to Vice Chair Erteschik at 8:59 p.m.

3. Bills -- Chair Finley voiced his support for HB1108/SB974, but does not support HB1108/SB974. Chair Finley noted confusion on HB646.

Vice Chair Erteschik passed the gavel to Chair Finley at 9:00 p.m.

Adams moved and Flood seconded to support HB1109/SB975. The motion to support HB1109/SB975 passed by a show of hands, 14-0-1. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro and Shields; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: Smith).

Flood moved and Merz seconded to oppose HB1108/SB957. The motion to oppose HB1108/SB975 passed by a show of hands, 14-1-0. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Ciliano, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Geck, Merz, Nigro and Shields; NAY: Smith; ABSTAIN: None).

Flood moved and Shields seconded to oppose HB646.

Discussion Followed: Opposition -- Adams voiced her opposition to the motion. Adams believes the possible expansion of the handicap placards encourages people with disabilities to get out, move about and be social.

Flood and Shields withdrew their motion to oppose HB646.

Flood moved and Shields seconded to support HB646. The motion to support HB646 passed by a roll call vote, 9-4-2. (AYE: Adams, Anderson, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Flood, Geck, Merz and Shields; NAY: Ciliano, Fahey, Finley and Nigro; ABSTAIN: Erteschik and Smith).

Legislative Session -- Erteschik provided an informational packet on House and Senate Bills that may be of interest to the board and made himself available for questions.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. SB1141/HB1485 -- Requires any person initiating a land disturbing activity to present a conservation plan for the activity to the affected neighborhood board or equivalent body prior to initiating the activity. Merz made inquiries into SB1141/HB1485, and questioned the extent to force. Erteschik noted that it is a good thing to require people to come before the board and announce any land disturbing activities taking place, however noted it may be too broad and not specific to a certain sect. Erteschik will provide more information as it becomes available.

2. Bills -- Flood noted the massive amount of bills relating to homelessness. Smith voice concerns with thousands of bills being introduced every legislative session. Erteschik noted that legislators are coming up with every conceivable way in order to solve an issue, and that as crossover happens the bills will minimize and residents will get a better visual of what may pass and turn into law.

3. HB183 -- Establishes an emergency response vehicle noise task force to determine the impact of emergency response vehicle sirens in terms of excessive noise, the effect on public safety, and the relative effectiveness of the use of emergency lights instead of the use of sirens at night. Benson noted the possibility of overuse of sirens when HFD responds to calls, especially when hearing there was only a singular fire but over a hundred calls for service. Nigro noted by law that there needs to be sirens, however he believes better coordination on if HPD or HFD is truly needed and if one (1) reaches a destination first, the other can turn off their loud siren as they are backup. Erteschik will continue to look into this bill and inform the board of a narrowed down list to further discuss at the next monthly meeting.

REPORTS

Questions? Ready for an appointment?

Like Our Facebook

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii News Item

Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For 2/14/2017 Posted

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
News Item