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  • Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For 3/14/2017 Posted

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9


REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Vice Chair Louis Erteschik called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. with 10 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 8:08 p.m.), Jeff Apaka (departed at 7:58 p.m.), David Benson, Helen Carroll, Louis Erteschik, Walt Flood, Jeff Geck, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent -- Jermel Anderson, Paul Ciliano, Gordon Fahey, Robert Finley, Jeffrey Merz and Mary Simpson.

Guests -- Lieutenant C.H. So (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's Representative); Representative Tom Brower; Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Janet Mason (League of Women Voters); Barbara Campbell (Waikiki Spam Jam); Corey Dullman, Denise Boisvert, Franklin Chung, Julian Pineda, Mark Ladao, Kathryn Henski, Y.M. Shiao, Robert Doeseckle, Dave Moskowitz, and Elliot Domalewski (residents); David Amodo (videographer); and Sharon Baillie (Neighborhood Commission Office).

MARY SIMPSON Three (3) Absences -- No action was taken, Simpson will remain on the board.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) -- Lieutenant C.H. So reported the following:

• February 2017 Crime Statistics -- There were 7 robberies, 6 burglaries, 173 thefts, 30 Unauthorized Entries into Motor Vehicles (UEMV's), 33 aggravated assaults, 4 sex crimes, 15 speeding citations, 456 parking citations, 2 loud muffler citations, 51 park closure citations and 60 warnings for park closures. A total of 3,646 calls were placed for service.

• Foot Officers -- There will be more HPD officers on foot beginning in the next few weeks.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Noise -- Smith noted the concerns of excessive noise from motorcycles and mopeds in the community and asked that HPD stay vigilant in citing noise violators. Lieutenant So stated that all officers are reminded to be aware of people and vehicles making too much noise. Carroll noted that she lives at The Kalia on Ena Road and that every night from 11:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. there is very loud motorcycle noises.

2. Homeless -- A resident raised a concern about the amount of homeless individuals sleeping on the sidewalks in the early morning time and requested that while HPD is making their rounds to please ask the homeless to move from sleeping on the sidewalks.

3. Sirens -- Domalewski raised concerns over the noise of sirens coming from HFD and HPD vehicles, noting that the energy and sound waves have negative effects. Lieutenant Ho stated that it is procedure to use sirens when responding to emergency calls.

4. Police Force -- Moskowitz stated that HPD is severely understaffed and would like to see more support in hiring more officers and paying HPD more.

5. Stream -- Domalewski raised concerns over the amount of trash that comes from people who are staying near the stream viaduct at Kapiolani Boulevard and King Street and noted the huge amount of pollution taking place.

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

• Water Main Breaks -- There were none to report.

• General Water Announcements -- Reminder to Check for Leaks:

o Did you know that the average American household wastes more than 10,000 gallons of water each year due to running toilers, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? In observance of National Fix-A-Leak Week, Monday, March 20 through Sunday, March 26, 2017, and to promote water efficiency and savings, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) would like to remind residents to check their homes for potential water leaks. Checking for and fixing leaks helps to conserve water, lowers your water and sewer bill and prevents damage to your home. Free leak detection dye tablets are available to the public at the BWS Public Service Building at 630 South Beretania Street. Simply drop one (1) of these tablets into your toilet tank and, if the colored water seeps into the toilet bowl, this could indicate a leak. More information on how to find leaks can be found on our website, www.boardofwatersupply.com, including an instructional video on how to check for leaks.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Storm Drains -- Domalewski inquired if BWS handles storm drains to which Dias noted that they do not and a representative coming up later in the meeting would handle those concerns.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. Centennial Park -- A resident raised concerns over the potential for homeless people to take over the new Centennial Park to be opened in Waikiki. Benson noted that there are plans for activities to take place inside the park so that there will not be an opportunity for homeless to hang around all the time and noted that residents will be the eyes and ears to keep the park safe.

2. Concerns -- Moskowitz voiced concerns over the lack of regulations at the firing ranges in Waikiki and would like to see that sprinkler systems be placed at these locations. Moskowitz raised concern over the finding of facts regarding the Royal Hawaiian Groin. Moskowitz highlighted the Lokahi Festival that recently took place in Waikiki and noted that the festival did not seem to have any cultural significance that warranted the event be held in Waikiki and could have been held at a park instead.

3. Cartwright Road -- Henski raised concerns over a food tent and food truck on Cartwright Road, which are operating without the proper permits and the truck which is parked going the wrong way. Henski noted that she and Richard Fikani are going to start a Neighborhood Watch Program on Cartwright Road and Lemon Road but that the private owners of the street are not allowing signage to be put up.

4. Trash -- Domalewski raised concerns about the severe amount of trash that he encounters every day and noted how the trash is washing into the ocean and hurting the sea life and birds. Smith noted that it is not like the old days when people would be more aware and cleanup the trash in front of their residence.

5. Aina Haina Vista Two (2) Project -- A resident noted that construction at the Aina Haina Vista Two (2) project started before the hearings took place for a committee or council vote on variances for the project and asked if this a regular occurrence and why construction started early.

PUBLIC EVENTS

• 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

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

• 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

• Saturday, May 6, 2017, 9:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m., Filipino Fiesta

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Festivals -- A resident suggested that only festivals with Hawaiian themes take place in Waikiki.

2. Spam Jam -- Shield inquired and Campbell answered that there will be areas for the public to drop off food donations for the Hawaiian Food Bank at the Spam Jam. Vice Chair Erteschik stated that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) is accepting food donations for the Hawaii Food Bank and to bring donations to the next meeting or down to the NCO offices.

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES

• Thursday, March 30, 2017, Duke's Lane Market and Eatery, Hyatt Centric Hotel, Category 2

• Thursday, March 30, 2017, Herringbone Restaurant, International Market Place, Category 2

• Thursday, April 20, 2017, Oahu Mexican Grill, 2520 Kalakaua, Category 2

• Thursday, April 20, 2017, Mitsuwa Marketplace, 2301 Kuhio Avenue, Category 2

ELECTED OFFICIALS

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative -- Deputy Director Mark Yonamine of the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) reported the following:

• Noise and Other Difficulties -- Regarding concerns last month from 435 Walina Street residents, HPD responded that a police supervisor has spoken to the Food Pantry management and they have willingly made concessions to keep the parking lot open to prevent reverse beeping noises. They have also made arrangements for deliveries to be made in the appropriate loading zones and at the appropriate times. West O'ahu Aggregate has been contacted regarding the trash pickups and agreed to schedule these pickups at 7:00 a.m. Officers assigned to the Waikiki district will continue to monitor the situation and take enforcement action for violations.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Pot Holes -- Geck raised concerns over the amount of potholes from Kalakaua Bridge to Beretania Street. Apaka suggested that residents call the pothole hotline in order to get potholes fixed immediately. Deputy Director Yonamine noted that a repaving project is starting next week which will repave Kalakaua Avenue by the convention center up to Beretania Street. A resident noted that repaving had already started. Yonamine suggested calling the City pothole report line at 768-7777 if there are any potholes that need to be fixed.

2. Signage -- Doeseckle noted that there would be bike stations coming into Waikiki and inquired if there any plans to post signage on the roads in Waikiki to let the bicyclist know where to go to park, and if so what are they and where will they be placed.

3. Bulky Items -- Poole inquired into the status of the Mayor's proposed fee for the bulky item pickup.

4. Restrooms -- Flood noted the wonderful fireworks display for the Japanese Festival, adding however that the restrooms at Fort DeRussy and the Outrigger were closed to the over 10,000 people who were on the beach attending the fireworks display. Flood inquired if there will there be any consideration to use portable restrooms when events like this take place in the future.

5. Lights -- Apaka asked if lights can be placed at the four corners of Kaiolu Street and Kuhio Avenue.

6. Stabbing -- Moskowitz asked that the Mayor's Office please speak to the owners of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza to come up with solutions, like possibly removing the walls and benches near Coco Cove to help deter crime from happening and a buildup of groups of individuals hanging around. Moskowitz highlighted the recent stabbing that occurred in the area.

7. Bulky Item Dumping -- Shields inquired into what is being done to prevent bulky item dumping. Shields stated that people will drive by and dump bulky items illegally even though there may be signs put up. This is a huge issue at Ala Wai Boulevard and Liliuokalani Avenue.

8. Benches -- A resident asked if the benches could be replaced that were taken away by the police station by the Hyatt, and inquired as to why the benches were taken away.

9. Skimming of Money -- Vice Chair Erteschik asked what is the opinion that the State possibly take more than 10% of money (15% - 20%) from the rail project, when it was previously reported that the State would be willing to give back some of the money as stated that 10% taken was too much.

Board member Apaka departed the meeting at 7:58 p.m.; Nine (9) board members present.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Lynn Fallin of the State Department of Health (DOH) Behavior Health Services Administration reported the following: Updates -- Deputy Director Fallin thanked Chair Finley for reporting on the concerns at last month's meeting regarding the Waikiki library. Deputy Director Fallin noted that the library is a month behind schedule and that the fence is in place for safety reasons.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Papaya Trees -- Henski noted that several papaya trees have been planted at the Waikiki Library and asked who would be allowed to pick the papayas and wondered if there were concerns about papayas falling and rotting on the ground. Deputy Director Fallin will take these concerns back, adding that she will look into the food truck concerns from earlier.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- No representative was present; a report was not provided.

Representative Tom Brower -- Representative Brower reported the following: Concerns -- Representative Brower noted that he will be returning to his office after the meeting and will be emailing the appropriate departments on concerns heard at the meeting and from other residents. Representative Brower highlighted the great article on Centennial Park and noted that there may be some growing pains regarding park safety.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. The Rail -- Smith noted that the elephant in the room is the funding of the rail. Representative Brower noted that currently there is a big push in the legislature to return money to the City, of which a percentage was taken out and put into the State's general fund. Currently the House and Senate are stalling on bills regarding continuation of funding for the rail.

2. Centennial Park -- Flood noted that the Rotary Club is raising $450,000 for the renovations for Centennial Park. Representative Brower noted that there may be some concerns regarding maintenance once the park opens.

3. The Rail -- Carroll noted that building the rail seems to be a total disaster. Representative Brower noted that he continues to vote against extending the rail tax. However proponents of the rail believe that for the rail to be successful it needs to be constructed all the way to Ala Moana.

Board member Adams arrived to the meeting at 8:08 p.m.; 10 board members present.

4. Thanks -- A resident thanked Representative Brower for showing up and noted his disappointment that Senator Galuteria did not show up. This resident voiced his concern that residents are being overtaxed especially on things like the proposed parking meter increases. Representative Brower noted that there is a long list of tax bills that fail in the legislature every year, and he will bring a list of bills in the upcoming months of tax bills that passed this session.

5. Thanks -- A resident thanked Representative Brower for showing up and noted her disappointment that Councilmember Ozawa had not shown up. This resident inquired and Representative Brower answered that currently he is going through bills that may become law and invited anyone to come down to his office to see what he and others do on a day to day basis.

6. Trailer Parks -- Smith noted the possibility of trailer parks as housing solutions and inquired if there was a law against trailer parks. Representative Brower noted that there are tiny homes known as accessory dwelling units which are starting to be built on properties, and noted that there may be difficulty in setting up a trailer park.

7. Safe Zones -- Henski noted that there are no laws against pre-manufactured homes in Hawaii. Henski asked and Representative Brower answered that he supports the possibility of safe zones and camping areas for homeless, but noted that the Governor Ige is against the possibility and bills pertaining to safe zones could be vetoed by Governor Ige.

8. Sports Authority -- Chung inquired and Representative Brower answered that there is a possibility for the Sports Authority Bill to be around for a while along with the Airport Authority Bill, as many legislators believe having someone to help maintain the stadium and future potential projects is ideal.

9. Trash -- Domalewski raised concerns about the global epidemic on trash. Domalewski stated that locally, City and State departments are not taking responsibility for certain areas in Waikiki where there is an excessive amount of trash and would like Representative Brower to help curtail this issue.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) -- Rick Egged reported the following: Transportation Management District -- The WIA is proposing a Transportation Management District in Waikiki (there are 135 already across the nation), in order to have the potential ability to lower the $3 parking increase proposal during certain times of day. This proposal came from the Walker Study in 2015 that was done for the City which suggested increasing parking meter fees from $1.50 to $3 because other primary urban core areas across the nations have higher parking meter rates.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Resident Parking Permits -- Henski inquired and Egged answered that as part of the proposal for the Transportation Management District there are ideas to make residential permits or have residential rates for residents who park their cars in Waikiki. There will be public discussion at later dates to look at the potential for residential parking permits.

2. Service -- Domalewski inquired and Egged answered that his organization created the group of people that wear yellow shirts and patrol Waikiki, however are not in control of them now and will speak to Domalewski on the side about specific concerns that he can report to that management.

3. Waikiki Extension -- Chung inquired as to why people would not want Waikiki expanded to Date Street, as it would alleviate certain issues, parking being one (1) of them. Egged noted that the proposal for a River Walk is commercial development and that the Ala Wai is not a commercial development area and is low lying. Chung inquired and Egged answered that people can propose anything they want to, however there are no plans to create anything at the Ala Wai Golf Course and that it should remain an 18 hole course.

APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 14, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES -- Without any objections, the February 14, 2017 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 9-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Apaka, Benson, Carroll, Erteschik, Flood, Geck, Nigro, Poole, Shields and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

League of Women Voters -- Janet Mason reported the following:

Vice Chair Erteschik handed the gavel to Secretary Adams at 8:37 p.m.

What Is It -- Voting By Mail would mail ballots to all registered voters, around three (3) weeks prior to Election Day. This would not eliminate all polling places. Voting by mail would offer convenience to voters, a cost savings of around $800,000 every election cycle and would reduce barriers and increase voter participation. Voting by Mail would be phased in with all four (4) counties having the voting by mail convenience by 2022.

Secretary Adams handed the gavel to Vice Chair Erteschik at 8:39 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Ballot Boxes -- Poole inquired and Mason answered that voting by mail would be voluntary and that there would still be regional voter service centers open on Election Day. Everyone who is a registered voter will automatically be sent a voter packet. The League of Women Voters believes Hawaii's election and voting process has become too complex which leads to operational problems.

2. Fraud -- Smith asked what people can do to vote if they do not have a permanent mailing address and inquired into the potential for voter fraud if someone moves and their ballot goes to an old address. Mason answered that any resident can go to a voting service center and present evidence that they are a registered voter in order to vote in the elections. Mason noted that the return ballot envelope needs to be signed by the voter on the outside and that when it is returned to the County Clerk Office it goes through a 100% signature verification check, County Clerks have several samples of a residents signature, one (1) being when a person registers to vote and the other when a resident signs up for a driver's license or state identification card.

3. Voting -- Adams inquired as to why the voting system should change and noted that going to vote at polling places gives elderly an opportunity to be social and engage. Mason noted that if their offices ever received a request to help in getting someone to a polling place to vote that they would try their best to accommodate them. Mason noted that it is becoming increasingly harder to operate the election system as it is now and an all Voting by Mail system would streamline the process. Mason added that there needs to be more education on the voting process.

4. Ballots -- Flood inquired and Mason answered that if someone wants to change their vote on a ballot they would need to call the county clerk's office and cancel their original ballot, they would then be sent another ballot which could be mailed or faxed in, or the resident may choose to go to the polling place of Election Day.

5. Voter Fraud -- A resident voiced his firm belief in a voting by mail election. This resident inquired into the fraud rate of other states that currently have an election by mail system. Mason noted that in 2016 Oregon had two (2) cases of voter fraud. There was no evidence of voter fraud in Washington in 2016. Between January 2012 and November 2016, there were 32 charges of voting offences, four (4) convictions and another two (2) cases by the attorney general which are still pending in Colorado. The resident inquired and Mason answered that in the 2014 primary elections 51% of registered voters voted by mail and in the 2016 primary elections 52% of registered voters voted by mail.

6. Election Difficulties -- Henski noted concerns over non-working voter counting machines at Jefferson Elementary School in the last election. Henski noted that herself and others were told to place their ballots in a box and that they would be counted later. Henski raised concerns as to if her ballot and others were even counted and wants to know if there is any way to know a person's ballot is counted with the possibility of this new elections by mail process. Mason noted that Hawaii will copy other current software called Where's My Ballot which people will be able to track their ballots to see when it is received by the post office and then by county clerks and so forth.

7. Access -- Vice Chair Erteschik inquired into provisions to ease of access for disabled people wanting to vote on Election Day. Mason answered that she did not have details on voting access, however noted that many disability advocates are in favor of the election by mail process. Mason added that there is discussion on developing specialized software for the visually impaired to use for voting purposes.

8. No Changes -- Vice Chair Erteschik inquired as to why there needs to be a change in the current voting process, since the election by mail will be voluntary. Mason noted that the Hawaii elections has reached a tipping point and it is not economical to maintain the hundreds of polling places. The Office of Elections as well as all County Clerks in Hawaii are supportive of legislation regarding an election by mail.

9. Ballot Boxes -- Adams voiced her opinion that an election by mail provides more integrity to the voting process and raised concerns about the potential for ballot boxes to go missing.

Smith moved and Adams seconded to support an Election by Mail system.

Discussion Followed: Voting -- Vice Chair Erteschik stated that he prefers to vote in person and raised concerns for people in more remote communities that will not have as many options of places to go cast their ballot of Election Day. Vice Chair Erteschik noted he agrees with the concept, but there needs to be more freedom given to voters of where they can vote.

The motion to support an Election by Mail System, FAILED by a voice vote, 4-5-1. (AYE: Adams, Flood, Shields and Smith; NAY: Benson, Carroll, Erteschik, Nigro and Poole; ABSTAIN: Smith).

Board member Poole departed the meeting at 9:02 p.m.; Nine (9) board members present.

Legislative Session -- Vice Chair Erteschik provided an informational packet on House and Senate Bills that may be of interest to the board and reported the following:

• House Bill (HB) 83 House Draft (HD) 1 -- Relating to homelessness. Allows the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish puuhonua safe zones where homeless persons may reside. Appropriates funds for establishing the zones. Vice Chair Erteschik noted that the Governor and the Housing Coordinator are not in favor of this bill and would like to establish more permanent affordable housing.

• HB209 -- Relating to taxation. Expand the low income-household renters' income tax credit based on adjusted gross income and filing status. Establishes a State earned income tax credit. Restores the income tax credit rates for high income tax brackets that were repealed on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Removes the sunset for the refundable food/excise tax credit. Vice Chair Erteschik noted there are concerns on the reduction of revenue with the tax credits. Shields questioned this bill pertaining to what the adjusted gross income would be, what low income would be considered and what the filing status means for individuals, versus couples, versus families.

• HB527 HD1 -- Relating to mobile clinics. Appropriates funds to purchase, staff and operate tow (2) mobile clinics to serve the homeless population.

• HB1195 -- Relating to homelessness. Appropriates funds to DOH and DHS, including the office of youth services, to provide homeless outreach services.

• HB1240 -- Relating to appropriations to address homelessness. Appropriates funds to DHS for the coordinated statewide homeless initiative, subject to certain conditions. Shields noted her compassion for the homeless, but raised concerns that bills are not tough enough and they may be enabling homeless to stay homeless instead of getting back into society. Vice Chair Erteschik noted that if nothing is done about the homeless issue there could be impacts to the economy and it would drive up costs even more.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report -- Secretary Shields reported a remaining balance of $255.94. The report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 Report -- There was nothing new to report.

Subdistrict 2 Report -- Flood encouraged everyone to support the new Centennial Park in Waikiki.

Subdistrict 3 Report -- Smith mentioned that he has been riding TheBus recently and noted homeless or imbalanced individuals hanging around the bus stops, specifically two (2) homeless at Kuhio Avenue and Lewers Street. Please be aware and stay safe.

Chair Report -- Vice Chair Erteschik stated that Chair Finley puts in a lot of time and effort for the board and community and thanks him for all of his hard work.

ANNOUNCEMENTS -- The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Community Center.

ADJOURNMENT -- The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Submitted by: Sharon Baillie, Neighborhood Assistant I

Reviewed by: Relley Araceley, Public Relations Assistant

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

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