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  • Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 Meeting Minutes For 4/11/2017 Posted

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

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO 9

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017

WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER -- Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., with 12 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, Jeff Apaka, Helen Carroll, Louis Erteschik, Gordon Fahey, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Jim Poole, Patricia Shields, and Mark Smith.

Board Members Absent -- Jermel Anderson, David Benson, Paul Ciliano, Jeff Geck and Mary Simpson.

Guests -- Lieutenant C.H. So and Sergeant Henry Lee (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Eric Capllonch (Honolulu Fire Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's Representative); Raytan Vares (Senator Brickwood Galuteria's Office); Councilmember Trevor Ozawa and Kurt Tsuneyoshi; Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Amy Perruso (Hawaii State Teachers Association); Ben Trevino (Bike Share Hawaii); Moa Mahe (Memorial Parade); Ryan Tam (Ala Moana-Kakaako Neighborhood Board No. 11); Corey Dullman, Grace Miller, Janyce Stanley, Michael Langan, Dave Moskowitz, Asia Yeary, Pam Walker, Dawn Ward, Riana Mahe, John Trojacek, Amanda and Kaitlin (Residents); Zoe Tanaka (Videographer); and Brittany Yadao (Neighborhood Commission Office).

WELCOME -- Chair Finley welcomed the community and thanked Vice Chair Erteschik for running last month's meeting while he was away. Chair Finley noted that former Neighborhood Assistant Sharon Baillie has moved on to another City position. Chair Finley added that the Neighborhood Commission Office (NCO) will be collecting food and monetary donations for the Hawaii Food Bank canned food drive until Friday, April 15, 2017.

Three (3) Absences, Jermel Anderson -- No action was taken, Anderson will remain on the board.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) -- Captain Eric Capllonch reported the following:

• March 2017 Statistics: There were 3 structure fires, 13 activated alarms (no fire), 143 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle collisions with a pedestrian, 9 motor vehicles crashes/collisions, 2 ocean rescues, and 1 hazardous materials incident.

• Fire Safety Tip -- Escape Planning: Plan ahead! If a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go if there is a fire. The HFD has the following escape planning tips:

o Make a home escape plan.

o Know at least two (2) ways out of every room.

o Have an outside meeting place.

o Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year using different escape plans.

o Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them.

o Close doors behind you to help contain the fire as you leave.

If the alarm sounds, do the following:

o Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people or pets.

o If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke.

o Call the fire department from outside your home.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Communication: Nigro asked and Captain Capllonch replied that HFD does communicate with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the event that an ambulance is already on scene and HFD services will not be needed. It depends on the speed of notification delivered to HFD as to whether they will turn around.

2. Fire Alarm: Chair Finley noted that residents may want to leave their door unlocked while closing it on the way out during a fire alarm. This would contain the fire and simultaneously prevent the need for HFD to break the door to gain access.

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

• March 2017 Crime Statistics -- There were 6 robberies, 11 burglaries, 165 thefts, 10 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMVs), 35 assaults (aggravated and simple), 2 sex crimes, 106 speeding citations, 1053 parking citations, 10 loud muffler citations, and 94 citations for park closures. A total of 3,972 calls were placed for service.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Moped Law: Smith asked and Lieutenant So replied that during the year of 2017, moped owners will receive a warning that the moped law is in effect which requires all mopeds to be registered. Citations will be issues in 2018.

2. Bikes and Skateboards: A resident asked and Lieutenant So replied that bicyclists and skateboarders do not belong on the sidewalks and if an officer observes this violation, a citation will be issued.

3. Loud Noise: A resident noted complaints of loud music form the street and nearby businesses at 2:00 a.m. Lieutenant So replied that there is a law that prohibits such action, those in violation will be cited if observed by an officer.

4. Delivery Trucks: A resident noted that delivery trucks on Walina Street create a backing-up noise that disturbs residents at 5:00 a.m. A plan was in place to open both entrances so that delivery trucks would not have to back-up but that solution does not seem to be working. Lieutenant So replied that residents should report those observations of violations. The resident added that fumes from the delivery trucks' exhaust cause air pollution for nearby residents. Lieutenant So replied that there is no current law that regulates exhaust fumes.

5. Loud Noise (Continued): Chair Finley noted that loud noise is a reoccurring and common issue in the area and that there needs to be more pressure for action to be taken. Chair Finley added that letters have been sent to the property owners to try to resolve the issue.

6. Waikiki Trade Center: Merz noted issues with clubs during closing time, Lieutenant So replied that there have been officers patrolling the area more but will also check Lewers Street and Kuhio Avenue during closure hours.

7. Homeless: Shield noted homeless encampments on Kuhio Avenue and other streets in the area. Sergeant Lee replied that HPD is aware of the issue, there are certain provisions that HPD must follow to enforce the law. HPD has tried to enforce the sidewalk ordinance as well as have social services aid individuals who are accepting of the help. Sergeant Lee asked that residents keep in mind that HPD does what they can to ease the situation and that kicking them out of the area will only force them to relocate.

8. Questions: Chair Finley asked that HPD stay for a few minutes to answer any personal questions that the community may have.

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

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

• General Water Announcements: BWS 10th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo -- In celebration of Earth Month, the BWS will have an educational, interactive booth at the 10th Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Waikiki Aquarium. This free, family-friendly event promotes the importance of keeping Hawaii clean and free of pollution from the mountains to the ocean. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking and shuttle will be available at Jefferson Elementary School beginning at 8:45 a.m. This event is presented by the City and County of Honolulu's Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM), Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), and the Waikiki Aquarium.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Storm Drain: A resident noted that there is an old drain on Walina Street that has been out of use for about a year and is caved in. The drain creates a safety hazard when it rains hard and the mud thickens. Dias replied that BWS does not handle storm drains and the concern could better be directed to a City official.

RESIDENTS/COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Resolution Supporting Funding on Public Education -- Amy Perruso with the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) reported the following:

• Campaign: The HSTA has been campaigning to promote Schools Our Keiki Deserve which emerged from speaking with teachers about their vision for public education.

• Background Information: At the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year there were 1,600 openings for teachers. The local colleges only graduate about 400 teachers a year which has gone down 25 percent in the last five (5) years. Once the graduates fill up vacancies then the state has to look to the mainland to recruit teachers. Statistics show that after a few years many of those recruits leave, then the state must resort to emergency hires, people that lack the credentials to teach. Last year, there were 300 emergency hires in Hawaii. Once emergency hires run-out then those remaining vacancies are filled with substitutes who have no qualifications to be teaching a classroom.

• Resolution: A solution that is being looked at is "Schools Our Keiki Deserve," which is a plan to fix Hawaii's public education system. 80 percent of people in Hawaii believe funding for schools in Hawaii need to be improved. Every solution has been examined and there are only three (3) potential revenue sources that would make a dent in the Department of Education (DOE) budget. Those are the General Excise Tax (GET), income tax, and property tax. Hawaii's income tax is already the highest in the nation, the GET failed when HSTA tried that option in the legislature last year. Hawaii is the only state in the nation that does not use property taxes to fund their schools, with enough support for this approach, the entire constitution of Hawaii would need to be changed. Perruso asked for the board's support for the resolution in support of funding for public education.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: National Pay: A resident asked and Perruso replied that 10 states' teacher pay rates with a similar cost of living adjustment were compared with Hawaii's to find that Hawaii has the lowest national pay rate.

Elections: Chair Finley asked if any of the candidates running in the year's Neighborhood Board elections were present and would like to introduce themselves to the community. None were present.

Bikeshare Hawaii -- Biki: Ben Trevino noted that Honolulu's bikeshare program has been named Biki and is specially designed for Hawaii. The program was funded through State, City, and private funds. The operations and maintenance of the project will be funded through the fees for renting the bicycles. There will initially be 100 stations from Diamond Head to Chinatown with over 1,000 bikes placed throughout the stations. The project will be rolled out in June 2017 and Bikeshare Hawaii will be doing outreach through the Hawaii Bicycling League. This program will serve as a low cost mobility option for Oahu. Those interested can attend the Bikeshare open house on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at Jefferson Elementary School from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information visit www.bikesharehawaii.org/.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Thanks: Merz thanked Trevino for his passion for the project and tireless efforts.

Gun Club Violations: Rick Egged reported observations of violations at several gun clubs. The Mayor's office and pertaining departments have been alerted and are in the process of investigating the concerns. Violations include but are not limited to the following: blockage of fire exits, improper storage of hazardous materials (copper, lead, gunpowder, and ammunition), and a demolished staircase to be replaced with a food court (no permit). All of these violations are precedents for the occurrence of a dangerous situation.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: HFD: Chair Finley asked and Egged replied that HFD was notified of the safety concerns as the walls are coated with gunpowder and lead.

Benches: Egged asked Atlantis business and Waikiki Business Plaza that the benches in front be removed as they allow for individuals to loiter and in some cases harass others.

Signage: A resident noted that the street signs needs to be replaced along the Ala Wai Boulevard and going down Seaside Avenue. The street signs are faded and hard to see. Egged replied that street signs would fall under the jurisdiction of the City Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) and advised that the resident call the city complaint line with exact details, pictures also help to resolve the concern.

Parking for Bikeshare Event: A resident noted that parking for the Bikeshare Hawaii open house event will be behind the cafeteria on Wai Nani Way.

PUBLIC EVENTS

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

• Sunday, May 14, 2017, 5:45 a.m. -- 10:00 a.m., Honolulu Triathlon, Ala Moana area

• Saturday, May 20, 2017, 5:30 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m., 39th Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk

• Saturday, May 27, 2017, 6:00 p.m. -- 8:00 p.m., Memorial Day Parade

• Monday, May 29, 2017, evening, Lantern Floating Ceremony, Ala Moana Beach Park

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES

• Thursday, April 20, 2017, Mitsuwa Marketplace, International Market Place, Package Store Sales License

• Thursday, April 27, 2017, Baku, International Market Place, Restaurant General Category 2

• Thursday, May 18, 2017, Hawaii Aroma café, 2300 Kalakaua Avenue, Category 3

ELECTED OFFICIALS

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

• Follow-Up to Previous Concerns:

o Pot Holes -- DFM replied that on Monday, March 13, 2017, the Division of Road Maintenance filled in 49 potholes on Kalakaua Avenue from the Kalakaua Bridge to Beretania Street. If any additional potholes are observed, call the Pothole Hotline at 768-7777.

o Signage -- DTS replied that Bikeshare Hawaii is a non-profit group that is implementing the bike share program in Honolulu. There will be signage directing people to the bike stations, and the stations will be visible on most streets. There is also a map of all the locations on the website that can be found at www.bikesharehawaii.org. In addition, Bikeshare Hawaii is planning to have an event in May 2017where they will place markers at all the proposed stations to show the public where the stations will be located and what to expect when the system launches this summer.

o Aina Haina Vista 2 Project -- The foundation permit for the Aina Haina Vista 2 structure was issued on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Resolution No. 17-27, Council Draft (CD) 1, was approved by the City Council on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. DPP was able to process the foundation permit prior to the Council approval of the request for exemptions from various zoning requirements because it complied with the development standards of the Apartment Precinct. The foundation permit did not include work on the superstructure -- it only allowed the land to be prepared and the foundation to be poured. An application for the superstructure building permit was submitted to the DPP on Thursday, March 23, 2017. The application is under review and the building permit has not yet been issued.

o Bulky Items -- The proposed bill 29 was deferred by the City Council to Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

o Restrooms -- The restroom facilities that were identified are not under the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) or the City's jurisdiction. A request may be forwarded regarding portable restrooms to the Honolulu Festival and/or their sponsors for their consideration.

o Lights -- There are already four (4) existing street lights at the corners of Kuhio Avenue and Kaiolu Street.

o Stabbing -- Mayor's Office: Outreach will be conducted with the business owners and HPD to see what additional safety measures can be made on the private property. However, as the incident was not on City land, options are limited. HPD: Officers assigned to the Waikiki district made checks of the Coco Cove area and observed that three (3) benches were on private property directly fronting Coco Cove. They also observed a wall and bench near the foliage on Kalakaua Avenue that are on public property. All of these areas are often utilized by tourists and residents alike to rest. An activity check of the address for the time frame of Wednesday, February 1, 2017, to the present date revealed six (6) nuisance calls, three (3) assault reports, three (3) drug reports, and five (5) miscellaneous reports. An officer spoke to the Property Manager of Robertson Property Group regarding this complaint. Mr. David Simpson related that he is aware of the issue and security officers are on duty at all times to prevent and report illegal activity that occur on the Center of Waikiki's property. He also related that he is on the Waikiki Improvement Association Board and they have requested the City and County to remove the wall/bench fronting 2284 Kalakaua Avenue due to the amount of nuisances occurring by the bench. Mr. Simpson stated that the motion to remove it will likely be approved; however, the time frame is unknown. The officers assigned to the Waikiki district are aware of this concern and will monitor the area and take appropriate enforcement action when violations of the law are observed.

o Bulky Item Dumping -- The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) issues hundreds of Notices of Violations annually with residents complying and bringing early set out items back onto the property better than 93% of the time before escalating to a fine. ENV cannot be everywhere and ask the public if they see illegal dumping to call the police.

o Benches -- DFM did not remove any benches by the Hyatt. The concern was referred to DTS. DTS did not remove the benches near the Waikiki Police Sub-station. A July 2011 Google Street View image indicates that the benches in the vicinity of the Waikiki Police Sub-station may have been amenities installed as part of a small landscaped area under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation. DTS can provide benches to serve bus patrons at bus stops when demand is warranted and there is available inventory.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. Benches: Apaka noted that the benches along the Ala Wai Canal are missing the center arm which allows people to sleep on them. Apaka asked and Deputy Director Yonamine replied that he would report the issue to DFM.

2. Illegal Bulky-Item Dumping: Residents noted issues of people illegally dumping bulk trash prematurely to the allowed dumping date/time. Complaints and calls have been made to HPD with no resolve. Merz suggested that observations of these violations be emailed to the Mayor's office or to the 411 application with pictures and exact details for an efficient response. Poole noted that this issue is not a huge concern to him and the trash is usually gone within one (1) or so days.

3. Fort DeRussy Showerheads: Flood noted that the showerheads at Fort DeRussy Beach Park have been stolen repeatedly. Flood asked if it would be possible to weld the showerhead to the pipe or provide another solution that would prevent similar acts in the future.

4. Wall: Moscowitz requested that the walls in front of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza which is on City land, as well as the wall near Coco Cove and California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) which is on a City easement, be demolished.

5. Street Lights: Moscowitz thanked the City for new light emitting diode (LED) lighting along Ala Moana Boulevard. It feels much safer.

6. Illegal Bulky-Item Dumping: A resident asked and Flood replied that if bulky-item is put out before 7:00 p.m. on Friday it is a violation. The resident would not be in violation if his condominium does not provide bulky-item services and he places his trash out on the street at the proper hour instead.

Governor David Ige's Representative -- Deputy Director Lynn Fallin of the State Department of Health (DOH) Behavior Health Services Administration reported the following:

• Follow-Ups:

o Tents -- There was a previous concern regarding tents on Cartwright Road that may have been illegally preparing or distributing food. DOH sent a team to investigate but such activities were nowhere to be found. The individual who raised the concern was contacted for more detailed information. Representative Brower's office is also looking into the issue and can be contacted with more information.

o Papaya Trees -- There was an inquiry regarding picking papayas from papaya trees at the Waikiki Library. Fruits can be picked at State parks for personal use but not for sale. The State Library and the Waikiki-Kapahulu Library noted that it would be best to notify the front desk before picking fruits on the property. The specific papaya tree in question was planted by a former janitor but is in the process of being removed as it creates litter.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed: Ala Wai Golf Course: A resident noted his support of the Ala Wai Golf Course.

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa -- Councilmember Ozawa distributed a handout and reported the following:

• Traffic Management: Discussion is ongoing regarding the Waikiki Traffic Management Association (WTMA).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:

1. Feedback: Chair Finley noted that feedback was being gathered regarding the WTMA for the June 2017 regular meeting.

2. Rail Funding: Smith asked and Councilmember Ozawa replied that he has always been against using property taxes to fund the rail. The Mayor has stated that he does not believe that the two (2) year extension will be enough to cover the costs including the finance charges. Councilmember Ozawa noted speaking with key house members and the general consensus being that the Mayor has not been clear on the extent of the amount that will be needed.

3. Fort DeRussy: Vice Chair Erteschik asked and Councilmember Ozawa replied that there are no current updates on the project by Fort DeRussy.

4. Entertainment Complex: A resident asked and Councilmember Ozawa replied that there are no current updates regarding the Top Golf Driving Range Entertainment Complex.

Senator Brickwood Galuteria -- Raytan Vares distributed a handout and presented the following:

• Legislative Session: The Legislature will be heading into the final three (3) weeks of session and the week following to be Conference Week. Over 300 bills will be reviewed.

• State Budget: $5 million will be appropriated for the Ala Wai Canal for the repair and reconstruction of tilted walls along the Ala Wai baseball field. $250,000 was also appropriated for the planning and design of a south shore promenade which would run from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor.

• Rail: The rail bill passed the House for third reading which would extend the General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge for two (2) years and would reduce the State skim of 10 percent. The final version has not been approved yet.

Questions, comments, and concerns:

1. Rail: Smith commented that the rail needs to happen and funding needs to be approved. The rail will be good for the community and tourists alike for those who want to explore outside of Waikiki. Vares replied that lawmakers want to see the rail complete but want the City to figure out the actual costs.

2. Rail Funding: Merz noted that he would like to see other options considered to fund the rail system like a public/private partnership. Merz asked and Vares replied that there is a bill that would allow the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT), to create a position throughout all agencies that would work towards those private/public partnerships. Merz asked and Vares replied that there are still several bills moving regarding the stadium and that he would follow-up on the inquiry. Merz noted that he was pleased to hear that the State skim off the rail surcharge would be lessened as the rail is a City project. Vares replied that the skim was in place to provide funding for the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) which would go towards State highway and road repairs.

3. Kupuna Power Day: Vares noted that there will be a Kupuna Power Day on Thursday, April 13, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the State Capitol. Over 40 vendors will be attendance with information regarding kupuna services and resources.

4. Rail (Continued): Adams noted her agreement that funding for the rail needs to be continued and the City should not be going back to the State every two (2) years. Adams noted her disagreement that the State skim should go towards State highway projects as the rail is a City project. Vice Chair Erteschik added agreement that the City asking for additional funding every two (2) years has become a circus; and noted that the State has become frustrated with the level of mismanagement of the rail project. Vares replied that the frustration is apparent and there is no support to extend the GET surcharge in perpetuity.

5. Rail Planning: Carroll noted that there should have been better planning in regards to construction of the rail.

6. Sports Taskforce: A resident asked and Vares replied that the bill for a sports taskforce has died.

Board member Apaka left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.; 11 board members present.

Representative Tom Brower -- A representative was not present, a report was provided.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA) -- Rick Egged reported the following:

• Traffic Management: The WIA is working with the City Council on the Waikiki Transportation Management Association Proposal. Details are being worked out and a presentation should be prepared by June 2017.

• Bench: DFM and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) are looking into the concern of benches in a certain area being removed as requested by Moscowitz. Current issues are regarding solutions and feasibility of such a project.

Questions, comments, and concerns that followed:

1. King's Village: A resident asked and Egged replied that the King's Village project is on hold. A resident asked and Egged replied that projects may be slowing down to the market being slow as well as high construction costs. There are a number of projects that are still going through the entitlement process. Egged added that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Fort DeRussy project is still in progress.

2. Community Issues: Egged asked and Chair Finley replied that he would take back concerns to the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association (WBIDA). Egged noted that district zone three (3) has gotten less maintenance attention as the sidewalks are dirty and the garbage cans are filthy. Finley replied that he is aware of the issue and will bring it up at the next WBIDA meeting.

3. Sunset on the Beach: Chair Finley asked and Egged replied that there have been several conflicts with organizing another Sunset on the Beach.

4. Block Party: Erteschik asked and Chair Finley replied that there will be a block party on Saturday, April 15, 2017, with the return of food trucks. Egged noted that rules were revised for such block parties that limit street closures to two (2) streets. Also, the event organizers will only be allowed to close Kalakaua Avenue from the Diamond Head portion of Seaside Avenue.

5. Volleyball: Smith noted that the area at the end of Kapahulu Avenue is a popular location for volleyball. Egged noted that the area's popularity has been noticed and may be added as a venue.

6. Soccer Stadium: A resident asked and Egged replied that the Ala Wai Golf Course is most likely not going to be converted into any type of other functional or sports venue. Egged added that the only discussion of modification by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is to run a stream through the golf course to flow into a silt basin which would make maintenance much easier. Chair Finley commented that the resident may be referencing a request by the Diamond Head/Kapahulu/ St. Louis Heights Neighborhood Board No. 5.

7. Walking Bridge: A resident asked and Egged replied that the City has received funds to do the design and planning of the walking bridge.

APPROVAL OF THE MARCH 14, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES: Without any objections, the March 14, 2017 regular meeting minutes were APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 11-0-0. (AYE: Adams, Carroll, Erteschik, Fahey, Finley, Flood, Merz, Nigro, Poole, Shields, and Smith; NAY: None; ABSTAIN: None).

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Contact Information: A resident asked and Merz replied that he would provide the resident with contact information regarding a representative for the Outdoor Circle.

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

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: Vice Chair Erteschik noted that several bills have died since the last board meeting however, the bill regarding safe zones, has been modified to create a working group to look at the possibility of establishing safe zones.

• HB488, HD1: Tax credits will be issued rather than general obligation funds for rental housing and other types of affordable housing.

• Senate Bill (SB) 1150, Senate Draft (SD) 1: This bill would ban the use of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and asks the University of Hawaii (UH) to study the effects of sunscreen on the coral reefs.

• Bills to Follow: Vice Chair Erteschik noted that anyone interested in any bill should talk to their legislator or inquire with him to follow a bill.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Saratoga Road: Chair Finley thanked Vice Chair Erteschik for his efforts to track bills and inform the community. Chair Finley added that the City is taking action on painting stripes on the street as well as adding a traffic island on Saratoga Road.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: Secretary Shields reported a remaining balance of $204.19. The report was filed.

Subdistrict 1 Report: Merz reported that there will be a renovation at the King Kalakua Plaza. Responses for the draft environmental assessment is due by Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Building: Chair Finley asked and Merz replied that the building will be around 70 feet tall.

Subdistrict 2 Report: Flood reported that the post office on Saratoga Road does not have any solar panels on the building and the air conditioning is run all day and night. Solar panels may be a responsible investment for the post office.

Subdistrict 3 Report: Smith noted that the homeless at Kuhio Avenue will take shelter under the bus stop when it rains which leaves bus riders to get wet.

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