WAIK K NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9

  October 2018 Minutes

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO.9
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018
WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER - Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.; quorum was established with 13 members present. Note: This 17-member Board requires nine (9) members to establish quorum and to take official board action. 

Board Members Present - Jeff Apaka (departed at 7:35 p.m.), Robert Boyack, Helen Carrol, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Mark Garrity, Grant Giventer, Kathryn Henski, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Patricia Shields, Mark Smith, and Kenneth Wilder

Board Members Absent - Jerome Bautista and Laura McIntyre

Guests - Lieutenant Komodo and Major Tsuchida (Honolulu Police Department); Captain Young and Firefighter Shipman (Honolulu Fire Department); Mark Yonamine (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's representative); Shawn Hamamoto (Neighborhood Commission Office); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Lynn Fallin (Governor David Ige's representative); Representative Tom Brower; Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvements Association); Brian Bagnall, Lynn Mariano, Victoria Scott, Helen Van Horn, Ed Springer, Debi Bukala, John Mcnamara, Chelsie Arashiro, Sarah Hauler, Natalie Iwasa, Tommy Waters, Sharon Moriwaki, Amy Ammen (Community Members); and Harry Cho (Neighborhood Commission Office). (Name was not included if not legible on the attendance sheet)

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Police Department (HPD) - Lieutenant Komodo and Major Tsuchida reported the following: 
• September 2018 Crime Statistics - There were 2 robberies, 9 burglaries, 187 thefts, 16 unauthorized entries into motor vehicles (UEMV), 46 assaults, 3 sex crimes, 9 bicycle and 8 skateboard warnings, citations, or arrests, 2 speeding citations, 732 parking citations, 2 loud muffler citations, 190 park closure warnings, 107 park closure citations, and 41 park closure arrests, and 4,026 total calls for service. Additional statistics are available online at www.honolulupd.org. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Cameras: Flood raised concerns with the recent violent crimes in Waikiki and asked how many operating cameras are in Waikiki. Major Tsuchida stated that there are 10 cameras currently in use and an additional 16 are projected to be in place by the first quarter of 2019. 
2. Homeless: Merz raised concerns with enforcement of homeless people at bus stops. He stated that there is a homeless person at the bus stop on the Kuhio Avenue/Paoakalani Avenue intersection. Henski also raised concerns with the homeless person at the bus stop. Major Tsuchida stated that HPD has begun enforcing citations since the new Bills have passed. 
3. Body Cameras: A community member asked that the body camera project be expedited so more officers are equipped with them. 

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) - Firefighter Shipman reported the following:
• September 2018 Fire Statistics - There were 2 structure fires, 3 nuisance fires, 17 activated alarms with no fire, 185 medical emergencies, 2 motor vehicle collisions with a pedestrian, 5 motor vehicle crash/collisions, and 3 hazardous materials incidents. 

Apaka departed at 7:35 p.m. 12 members present. 

Board of Water Supply (BWS) - Dominic Dias reported the following:
• Main Break Report: There were no water main breaks in September 2018.
• General Water Announcements: The BWS and Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden continue to offer workshops that highlight the concept of xeriscaping, an innovative means of conserving water through efficient landscaping. The new 2018 to 2019 xeriscape workshop schedule features dozens of new and popular workshops that offer useful tips on how to maintain a beautiful and water-efficient garden. The garden offered workshops are on select Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the year. Upcoming workshops include: 
o Saturday, October 13, 2018: Painting Hibiscus
o Wednesday, October 17, 2018: Rain Barrel Catchment
o Saturday, November 24, 2018 & Saturday, December 1, 2018: Xeric Holiday Wreath
o Saturday, January 5, 2019: Xeriscape 101
Advanced registration is required. Call 748-5315 or email workshops@hbws.org to reserve your space at one of our workshops. The public may visit https://www.boardofwatersupply.com to check out the full list of classes being offered. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden remains open to the public on Wednesday and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents are welcome to drop by to see dozens of attractive and less-thirsty plants on display, as well as pick up a complimentary seed packet.
• Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan: The BWS is developing the Primary Urban Center Watershed Management Plan. The public may join to learn about water-related issues and concerns for Honolulu and water supply options for meeting future water demands. Topics of discussion will also include key projects and strategies to protect water resources for future generations. 

RESIDENT'S AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS
• Pedestrian Safety: A community member would like to see more crosswalks along Monsarrat Avenue, especially near the Monsarrat Avenue/Trousseau Street intersection. Motorists are speeding when going down the hill.
• Queen Kapiolani Hotel: A community member raised concerns regarding a kitchen vent/scrubber at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel which has been causing loud noises to echo into surrounding residential homes and apartments. 
• Homeless: A community member raised concerns with the increasing homeless problem, use of drugs, and pollution in the area. 

PUBLIC EVENTS - Chair Finley noted that all events were submitted and awaiting City approval/denial.
• Sunday, October 14, 2018, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Komen Race for the Cure
• Sunday, November 10, 2018, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Kalakaua Festival
• Sunday, November 11, 2018, Time is TBD, Veteran's Day Events
• Sunday, November 11, 2018, 4:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Val Nolesco Half Marathon
• Friday, November 23, 2018, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Waikiki Holiday Parade
• Sunday, December 2, 2018, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Street Bikers United Toys for Tots Caravan
• Friday, December 7, 2018, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade
• Sunday, December 9, 2018, 2:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Honolulu Marathon
• Monday, January 21, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Parade

Uluniu Avenue Sewer Reconstruction - A presenter reported the following:
• Project Information: Beginning September 2018, FV Coluccio Construction Inc. will start work on the Uluniu Sewer Reconstruction Project for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services. This work will consist of replacing/rehabilitating approximately 375 feet of sewer piping by traditional, open trench excavation and mini microtunnel drilling. 
o Location: The project location will be on Uluniu Avenue between Kuhio Avenue and Koa Avenue.
o Work to be performed: Installation of approximately 375 feet of new 12 inch sewer piping. Installation of five (5) new sewer manholes. Repaving/restoration work. 
o Anticipated Impact: Some contraflow and/or short traffic delays may be expected. Sidewalks will be open to pedestrian traffic. However, delays or detours may not be needed for construction activity. 
o Durations of Construction: Construction will last 425 calendar days beginning late September 2018. Project hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Brief periods of 24 hour work may be necessary for bypass pumping. 
o Proposed Construction Techniques: Guided boring or tunnel installation of sewer piping. Conventional open cut excavation for sewer pipe and manhole installation. 
o Proposed Environmental Impact Mitigation Measures: FV Coluccio Construction will implement and maintain all applicable MDP measures. Paving/roadway restoration work will be scheduled for dry weather days. FV Coluccio will speed and maintain the project side in a clean and orderly condition. 
o Contact Information: The public may contact Tim Taylor, of FV Coluccio Construction at 808-864-7076.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Piping: Flood raised concerns with plastic piping and its durability.
2. Traffic: Giventer and Smith raised concerns with road closures and the impact this may have on traffic. 

Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative - Mark Yonamine stated that he had nothing new to report and will take any new questions and concerns. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Homeless: Merz and other community members raised concerns with homeless people at bus stops and the lack of enforcement. 
2. Ritz Carlton: Erteschik raised concerns regarding bright lights from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. The lights shine into the surrounding residential homes and apartments which causes a nuisance during the night.
3. Queen Kapiolani Hotel: Erteschik raised concerns regarding a kitchen vent/scrubber at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel which has been causing loud noises to echo into surrounding residential homes and apartments. Decibel meters have been used from a surrounding residential home and saw high levels. 
4. City Vehicles: Flood stated that there are three (3) large city vehicles called "front loaders" taking up seven (7) public parking spaces on Kalaimoku Street between Kuhio Avenue and Ala Wai Boulevard and have been parked there for a few weeks.
5. Food Court: Shields raised concerns with the new outdoor food court near the Waikiki Food Pantry on Kuhio Avenue regarding sanitation and food handling safety. She noticed food being left out without proper heating or refrigeration.
6. Pan-Handling: A community member raised concerns with pan-handlers in Waikiki and asked what can be done to prevent homeless from pan-handling. 
7. Bill 51 and 52: A community member asked what the status is of Bill 51 and 52. 

Governor David Ige's Representative - Lynn Fallin reported the following: 
• Public Land Trust Information System: A new tool is available for the first time to anyone who wants to know about state and county owned lands in Hawaii. This was recently launched by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The centralized, web-based inventory can be found at https://www.pltis.hawaii.gov. 
• Queen Kapiolani Hotel: Fallin stated that she has contacted Department of Health (DOH) and gave a response regarding the Queen Kapiolani Hotel kitchen vent/scrubber and the inspection conducted on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. A noise survey found that the kitchen scrubber and the parking garage air conditioning unit was above the permissible noise level. The investigation is still ongoing and will report back next month. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Queen Kapiolani Hotel: Henski raised concerns with the noise and exhaust from the vent/scrubbers and the lack of mitigation from Queen Kapiolani Hotel. 
2. Tourism: A community member raised concerns with the increase of high-rises over 40 stories and the number of tourists coming to Oahu. 
3. Water Quality at Beaches: A Board member raised concerns with the water quality of beaches from Waikiki to Ala Moana. 

Councilmember Trevor Ozawa - A representative from Councilmember Ozawa's office reported the following: 
• Monster Homes: Councilmember Ozawa created a task force for monster homes. The proposal from Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will be heard by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. DPP has proposed two (2) Bills, Bill A and B. Councilmember Ozawa has also recently introduced a resolution the tear down a monster home on Date Street. The public may report any monster homes online as well. 
Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Apartment: A Board member asked for a follow up on the Ainahau Vista II apartment. 
2. Ritz Carlton Lights: Erteschik asked for a follow up regarding the bright lights coming from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. 

House Representative Tom Brower - Representative Brower reported the following:
• Neighborhood Concerns: A report was distributed to the Board and public with concerns regarding Ala Wai Boulevard improvements, smoking violations at Waikiki businesses, homeless at the Ala Wai Harbor, the Uluniu Sewer reconstructions, and the hotel strike. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Speeding: Merz raised concerns with speeding around Lipeepee Street and Ala Wai Boulevard and supported the idea of a installing a crosswalk. 
2. Illegal Parking: A community member raised concerns with vehicles parked illegally near the construction site at the Koa Street/Uluniu Street intersection. Representative Brower stated that he will check the area over the next few nights and address this issue if illegal parking is noticed. 
3. Illegal Turns: Boyack stated that cars are making illegal left turns on to Kalakaua Avenue from Ala Wai Boulevard. 

Waikiki Improvement Association - Rick Egged reported the following: 
• Bills: The City Council recently passed Bill 51 and 52 which would make it illegal between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. to cause an obstruction on an Oahu public sidewalk that prevents pedestrians from moving through freely and would make it a petty misdemeanor to lodge on a sidewalk or other public space.
• Hawaii 5-0: The Hawaii 5-0 performance was successfully held. 
• Aloha Festival: Waikiki recently hosted the annual Aloha Festival.
• Beach Clean Up: This event will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in front of the Duke Kahanamoku Statue to Kaimana Beach. This beach cleanup is for "Let's Make a Difference Day." Cleaning supplies will be provided by hotels and suppliers that work with hotels. Waikiki employees and residents are welcome to join. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Camera Installation: Chair Finley asked when the additional cameras will be installed. Egged stated that he will follow up but believes that they will be installed early 2019. 
2. Coral: Smith raised concerns with large clusters of coral along parts of Waikiki Beach and asked if the City or hotels clean this up. 
3. Hotel Strike: Flood raised concerns with the current hotel union workers strike. 
4. Rat Problem: A community member raised concerns with the rat problem along the Ala Wai Canal and Ala Wai Boulevard. She asked who is responsible for addressing the rat problem. 

APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2018 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
As there were no objections, the Tuesday, September 11, 2018 regular meeting minutes was approved by Unanimous Consent, 12-0-0; (Aye: Boyack, Carrol, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Henski, Giventer, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

Six (6) Unit Building at 432 Kalaimoku Street - A representative from Expo LLC reported that they are in the initial planning stages of a new six (6) unit multi-family dwelling. The project location is on 432 Kalaimoku Street. There will be six (6) parking stalls, one (1) per unit, each unit will have three (3) to four (4) bedrooms there will be two (2) units per floor, and one (1) elevator. The project is still in the very beginning planning stages. 

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Parking: Henski raised concerns with there being only six (6) parking stalls for a total of over 20 bedrooms in the entire complex. 
2. Landscaping: Smith suggested the use of greenery and plants to improve landscaping. 
3. Support: Garrity voiced his support for apartment complexes like this which have limited parking and no parking structure, which allows for decreased prices, and encourages alternative modes of transportation. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Fahey recently resigned from the Waikiki Neighborhood Board. There will be a vacancy to fill at next month's meeting. 
• The next regular Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
• View this meeting on Olelo Channel 49 at 9:00 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday each month, and at 6:00 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. View online at: http://olelo.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=30

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

Submitted by: Harry Cho, Neighborhood Assistant 
Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Public Relations
Final Review: Chair Robert Finley

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