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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office
WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9
INITIAL CONVENING MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2019
WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pro Tem Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A 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: Jerome Bautista, Robert Boyack (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Lisa Cabanero, Helen Carroll, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Mark Garrity, Kathryn Henski, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Patricia Shields, Mark Smith, and Kenneth Wilder.

Board Members Absent: Jeff Apaka and Brian Bagnall.

Guests: Captain Lee Marquez (Honolulu Fire Department); Dominic Diaz (Board of Water Supply); Representative Tom Brower; Mark Yonamine (Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Office); Andrew Garnett (Governor David Ige's Office); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Councilmember Tommy Waters; Claire Caulfield (Civil Beat); Yuri Treat, Midori Treat, Marvin Fukuchi, Rick Wagner, Peggy Wagner, Dodge Watson, Keisuke Aonuma, James Browne, Mariah McCaskill, Alexander Bryan, Renate Ryan, and Dave Moskowitz (Residents); Casey Ishitani (Neighborhood Assistant). Name was not included if not legible on the attendance sheet.

SWEAR IN CEREMONY: The Neighborhood Assistant swore in the new Board with the Oath of Office.

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chair: Flood Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Finley as Chair. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Vice Chair: Flood Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Erteschik as Vice Chair. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Secretary: Merz Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Cabanero as Secretary. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Treasurer: Flood Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Shields as Treasurer. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Boyack arrived at 7:15 p.m. and was sworn in by the Neighborhood Assistant. 14 members were present.

Sub-District (SD) 1 Chair: Erteschik Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Merz as Chair of SD 1. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

SD 2 Chair: Erteschik Moved and Henski Seconded to Appoint Flood as Chair of SD 2. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

SD 3 Chair: Erteschik Moved and Shields Seconded to Appoint Henski as Chair of SD 3. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

MEETING DATE / TIME / PLACE, RULES OF SPEAKING, AND OLELO BROADCAST
Meeting Date / Time / Place: Flood Moved and Henski Seconded to retain the current meeting date, time, and venue. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

Rules of Speaking: Henski Moved and Flood Seconded to retain the Rules of Speaking. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None)

Olelo Broadcast: Merz Moved and Henski Seconded to Retain Olelo Broadcast. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): Captain Lee Marquez reported the following:
• June 2019 Statistics: Captain Marquez reported three (3) structure fires, no brush fires, five (5) nuisance fires, no cooking fires, nine (9) activated alarms, 158 medical emergencies, three (3) motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, eight (8) motor vehicle crashes, one (1) mountain rescue, two (2) ocean rescues, and one (1) hazardous materials incidents.
• Fire Safety Tip for June 2019: Captain Marquez reported tips on grilling safety. Each year, an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling. Almost half of all injuries involving grills are due to thermal burns. HPD provided the following tips: propane and charcoal barbecue grills should only be used outdoors; grills should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches; keep children and pets at least three (3) feet away from the grill area; keep the grill clean by removing grease; never leave grills unattended; and ensure the gas grill lid is open before lighting it. Specific tips for charcoal grills include: charcoal chimney starters allow residents to light charcoal using newspaper as fuel; if using a starter fluid, only use charcoal starter fluid; keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children; and let coals cool completely before disposing of it in a metal container.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): HPD Lieutenant Bernadette Terry reported the following: 
• June 2019 Crime Statistics: There were three (3) robberies, 16 burglaries, 187 thefts, 26 unauthorized entry of motor vehicles, 42 assaults, one (1) sex crime, 10 sidewalk bicycle citations, six (6) sidewalk skateboard citations, 22 speeding citations, 478 parking citations, 34 park closure warnings, 146 park closure citations, six (6) park closure arrests, and 4,000 total calls for service. Additional statistics are available online at www.honolulupd.org.
• Meet the Major: Lieutenant Terry reported that residents can meet HPD Major Dagan Tsuchida at a Meet the Major event on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eaton Square, 438 Hobron Lane.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Traffic Noise: A resident raised concerns regarding after-market modifications that amplify the sound of motorcycle mufflers. Henksi raised concerns about Sunday motorcyclists revving their engines at the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): Dominic Dias reported the following: 
• Main Breaks: There were no main breaks. 
• Water Rates: A new water rate schedule and other changes to the existing rate structure will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2019. The new rates will allow BWS to increase investments in repairing and replacing water system infrastructure, while also accelerating pipeline replacement program. Notable changes to the rate schedule include gradual increases to water rates, a monthly billing charge moving to a monthly customer charge based on meter size, and adding an Essential Needs Tier, and a monthly standby charge for fire protection meters.
• 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale: BWS presents the 31st Annual Halawa Xeriscape Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale on Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. More information can be found at www.boardofwatersupply.com, visit www.facebook.com/bwshonolulu, follow @bwshonolulu on Twitter, or call the BWS Communications Office at (808) 748-5041.

Questions, comments and concerns followed: Water Leak: A resident raised issues with sprinklers leaking at the corner of Paokalani Avenue and Kuhio Avenue.

RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Ala Wai Promenade: A resident reported that repairs are being made to the Ala Wai Promenade. Trees and lights are being installed. Chair Finley responded that he met with the Hawaii Convention Center to discuss the possibility of events along the promenade to improve safety.

Impeachment: A resident offered handout titled "Petition for the Impeachment and Removal of Mayor Kirk Caldwell From the Office of the Mayor." The petition raises that 5000 signatures by registered voters of the City and County of Honolulu are needed to file the petition.

Bulky Item Pickup: A resident raised concerns regarding the noise levels of the bulky item pickup pilot project, particularly in the morning.

PUBLIC EVENTS: Chair Finley read the following public events. All events are submitted and awaiting City and County of Honolulu Approval/Denial.
• Saturday, August 10, 2019, 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Waikiki Street Jam
• Sunday, August 25, 2019, 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Dick Evans Annual Bike Ride (except on Kalakaua Avenue)
• Saturday, December 7, 2019, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Kalakaua Merrie Mile (requires Mayoral approval)

Henski Moved and Smith Seconded a Motion to support the Merrie Mile with a formal request for a waiver from Mayor Caldwell. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES: Chair Finley read the following applications for liquor license.
• Thursday, August 1, 2019, Jungle Bar, 208 Kapuni Street, Cat 1
• Thursday, August 1, 2019, Waikiki Food Hall, 2301 Kalakaua Avenue, #C-311C, Cat 2

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Mark Yonamine reported the following.
• Noise Issues on Ala Wai Boulevard: The Board raised concerns regarding loud mufflers on Ala Wai Boulevard. More than 16 citations have been issued for loud muffler violations on the Ala Wai Boulevard since January 2019. The officers assigned to the Waikiki district will continue to monitor the area and take appropriate enforcement action when violations of the law are observed.
• Ala Wai Boulevard Traffic: A Board member inquired about recent traffic backups on Ala Wai Boulevard. They raised concerns that traffic problems during rush hours have been increasing. The District 6 (Waikiki) Community Policing Team (CPT) posted a message board trailer displaying safety messages to address possible traffic problems at the beginning of the Ala Wai Boulevard. The message board was left in that area for a period of two (2) weeks.
• Homeless Issues: Residents raised concerns regarding illegal, lewd and harassing activity at the pavilions on Waikiki Beach - citing an article that was published in the Honolulu Star Advertiser. Board members and residents inquired if sit-lie laws are being enforced. More than 288 citations have been issued for Sitting or Lying on Public Sidewalk violations since January 2019 in Waikiki, mostly at the pavilions. District 6 Bicycle Detail officers have been addressing these types of violations and will continue to monitor the beach areas as often as possible.
• Crosswalk Officer: The Board inquired if HPD could monitor the flow of or provide an officer directing traffic at the corner of Ala Wai Boulevard and Kahahulu Avenue as it has become hazardous with the volume of vehicles. Due to staff shortages, the possibility of assigning a police officer to only monitor and direct traffic in the area is not feasible at this time. The CPT posted a message board trailer at the beginning of the Ala Wai Boulevard (near the intersection of Ala Wai Boulevard and Ainakea Way) displaying safety messages to address possible traffic problems. The CPT also conducted a Community Traffic Awareness Program in partnership with Jefferson Elementary School and its students to promote traffic safety by waving signs that displayed traffic safety messages. The officers also displayed a speed board reminding drivers to slow down near the school along Kapahulu Avenue.
• Transient Vacation Rentals: The Board and residents inquired about Mayor Caldwell's position on transient or short-term rentals in Waikiki. A Board member raised that this is quickly becoming a Waikiki issue, given that the language regarding resort and residential properties has become confused with Bill 85 and Bill 89 in Committee. Mayor Caldwell's position regarding short-term rentals can be found in the staff report and draft bill submitted to Council on November 7, 2018 at: http://www4.honolulu.gov/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-211589/DOC%20(53).PDF. Mayor Caldwell's position has not changed since then. However, given the public testimony and Council's various amendments, Mayor Caldwell understands that revisions may be necessary in order to get legislation adopted. While Waikiki, as a Special Design District, has slightly different land use regulations - and therefore needed to be called out in the legislation - the intent of Mayor Caldwell's draft legislation is to implement regulations that help better manage short-term rentals island-wide.
• Waikiki Sidewalk improvement Project: Board members requested status of sidewalk construction in front of Aston Waikiki. The Board is aware that project is overdue and has raised concerns regarding RM Towill Corporation's ability to complete project. They have also raised concerns regarding safety for pedestrians. Waikiki Sidewalk Improvement reported the contractor is continuing the demolition and installation of sidewalk tiles. Irrigation, utility adjustments, electrical instillation, and landscaping will follow. Estimated construction completion for Aston Waikiki is late July 2019.RM Towill Corporation has taken measures with the contractor Haron Construction to expedite the project. Unfortunately, delays caused by unforeseen conditions, underground utilities, and archeological finds has impacted the schedule. Contractor has installed temporary ramps and railings along all pedestrian access routes at Aston Waikiki. Signs, barricades, cones, stanchions, orange construction fencing are installed to delineate the work areas for safety of both the workers and the public.
• Ala Wai Watershed Project: The Board requested clarification if the City and County of Honolulu is in charge of maintaining the walls along the Ala Wai Canal. The walls along the Ala Wai Canal are under the jurisdiction and maintained by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.
• Ala Wai Trash Cans: A resident raised concerns regarding trash cans along Ala Wai Boulevard overflowing and requiring more frequent pick-up. Department of Facility Maintenance services the litter cans along Ala Wai Boulevard on Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's. If you notice any litter can that requires servicing, please call our street-sweeping office at (808) 768-9720.
• Water Fountain: A resident raised concerns regarding a broken water fountain on the canal-side of Ala Wai Boulevard. Near Lewers Street. The water fountain on the canal side of Ala Wai Boulevard near Lewers Street was repaired on May 29, 2019.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Department of Human Resources Deputy Director Andrew Garnett reported the following:
• Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT): At a press conference on Thursday, June 20, 2019, Governor Ige announced the State of Hawaii has issued a notice to proceed with the project.
• Senate Bill (SB) 33: SB33 increases the annual rolling cap for the Motion Picture, Digital Media, and Film Production Income Tax Credit. Requires the University of Hawaii, West Oahu campus and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) to execute a memorandum of understanding that commits the parties to enter into a no-cost lease agreement for at least 60 years that includes a provision for the transfer of title within 6 years to a certain parcel of land from the University of Hawaii, West Oahu campus to HTDC. A Notice of Intent to Veto was dated Monday, June 24, 2019.
• SB 551: SB 551 requires associations to offer mediation with a notice of default and intention to foreclose. Clarifies that the explicit grant of power of sale to associations is not required for the purposes of enforcing association liens under the association alternate power of sale foreclosure process. Applies retroactively to pending matters that arose prior to the effective date. A Notice of Intent to Veto was dated Monday, June 24, 2019.
• SB 1292: SB 1292 requires hosting platforms that collect fees for booking services to register as tax collection agents and collect General Excise Tax (GET) and Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) for transient accommodation bookings from operators and plan managers. The Bill was vetoed by Governor Ige.
• Queen Kapiolani Hotel: The Department of Health (DOH) is aware of the noise levels from the Queen Kapiolani Hotel and Governor Ige's representatives will get back to the Board.

Councilmember Tommy Waters: Councilmember Waters reported the following.
• Bulky Item Pickup: Councilmember Waters handed out a letter he had drafted to the Department of Environmental Services (ENV), which elaborated on amendments that he requested. The amendments include changes to the condominium policy to allow each individual unit to schedule appointments for up to five bulky items. Councilmember Waters also inquired about which outreach efforts were made by ENV prior to the pilot program, whether there was an increase in illegal dumping complaints within Honolulu City Council District IV since the pilot program started, and what measures are being taken to dispose of bulky items when identifying information is unavailable.
• Inquiries to the Board: Councilmember Waters reached out to the Board regarding issues related to Waikiki. When inquiring about the Ala Wai Watershed Project, the Board informed Councilmember Waters that a Motion to adopt a Resolution to reconsider the current plan was Tabled. Regarding the Crosswalk Law, the Board raised concerns about the feasibility of the new law and requested revised statues or striking the law at the next Legislative session. The Board also raised concerns regarding traffic noise and "weed and seed" programs that would mitigate bad actors who commit misdemeanors.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Vacant Property Tax: Merz raised concerns regarding the need for a Vacant Property Tax to mitigate rising housing prices. Merz added that he feels punishing out-of-state investors also discourages land banking and slumlords. Erteschik referred to problems in Kahala regarding Genshiro Kawamoto.
2. 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard: Erteschik raised concerns regarding the "eyesore" property at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard.
3. Waikiki Beach Pavilions: A resident requested that the Waikiki Beach Pavilions be turned into storage facilities.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki handed out a newsletter and reported the following.
• Bulky Item Pickup: Senator Moriwaki reiterated Councilmember Waters' concerns and inquiries regarding the Bulky Item Pickup.
• 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard: Senator Woriwaki referred to a Honolulu Star Advertiser article by Allison Schaefers regarding the property at 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard. She proposed amendments to City and County of Honolulu and State of Hawaii laws for strict enforcement of building upkeep for unmanaged vacant buildings.
• Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor: A meeting is scheduled for legislators in August 2019 in order to follow up on the needs of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR).
• Crossing Signal: Senator Moriwaki raised concerns regarding the brevity of the walk signal.
• The Navatek II: Senator Moriwaki reported that the Navatek II will cost 100,000 dollars to salvage.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed: Affordable Housing: Shields inquired about affordable housing as five (5) buildings were sold to a private developer. Senator Moriwaki responded that she will get back to the Board whether the properties fall under Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC).

Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower handed out his newsletter and answered questions, comments, and concerns.

Questions, comments, and concerns:
1. Crosswalks on Hobron Lane: A resident raised concern about the need for a crosswalk on Horbon Lane between the Chateau Waikiki and Eaton Square Food Pantry. The resident added that a crosswalk would not affect parking, traffic meters, or vehicular traffic. Representative Brower responded that he will ask the City and County of Honolulu departments.
2. Crossing Signal: Carroll reiterated concerns regarding the new crossing signal law.

Waikiki Improvement Association: Rick Egged reported the following.
• Vacation Rentals: Bill 89 has passed and Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) will provide a review of the rules to execute in residential areas.
• Sunset on the Beach: Sunset On the Beach events are scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2019; Saturday, September 14, 2019, and Saturday, October 12, 2019.

APPROVAL OF THE TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2019 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Erteschik Moved and Henski Seconded to Adopt Tuesday, April 14, 2019. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 14-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Cabanero, Boyack, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Henski, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, and Wilder; Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS
Ala Wai Canal Dredging Project Update: Representatives from DLNR handed out a newsletter from Dickey Lee of the Engineering Division and reported the following.
• Dredged Materials: The total estimated dredged material from the Ala Wai Canal will be 186,000 cubic yards. The material is suitable for ocean disposal at an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) South Oahu Ocean Dredged Material Disposal site. The walls scheduled to be repaired include the Mauka side fronting the Ala Wai Community Park and between the Kalakaua Avenue and McCully Street bridges.
• Work Hours: The project will begin in August 2019, Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On Sundays and holidays, work hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Temporary construction impacts include constraints to water recreation, sporadic walkway closures, and minor noise. The overall duration of the project is expected to be approximately one (1) year.
• Goals: The long-term goals of the project include maintaining water flow during storms, reduce the risk of flooding, and improve the aesthetics of the canal for recreational users.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed:
1. Dredging Areas: Nigro inquired about the Makai side of Ala Wai and DLNR Representatives responded that their funding only covered the dredging of the Mauka side.
2. Exfiltration: Henski inquired how equipment will pass under the low bridges in Ala Wai Canal and DLNR Representatives responded that the equipment can be dissembled and dredged materials will be hydraulically transported to a barge.
3. Wildlife Impact: Shields inquired about the impact on wildlife living in the canal and the DLNR Representatives responded that environmental buckets will be in place to mitigate negatively impacting wildlife in Ala Wai Canal.

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report: The remaining budget for the Waikiki Neighborhood Board was $513.00.

Sub District 1 Report: No report was given.

Sub District 2 Report: No report was given.

Sub District 3 Report: No report was given.

Chair Report: Chair Finley reported the following:
• Electric Public Transport: The Department of Transportation Service (DTS) and Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (OahuMPO) are discussing a Waikiki Regional Circulator Study. In 2017, a Waikiki Circulator project was supported by the Waikiki Neighborhood Board.
• Homelessness: Chair Finley attended a Waikiki stakeholder meeting on homelessness. The meeting verified that mental health and substance addiction are major contributors to homelessness. The Hawaii Lodging and Lodging Association (HTLA) provided 600 individuals with one way tickets back to the mainland.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday August 13, 2019 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 9:16 p.m.

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

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