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With Permission / Courtesy of: City and County of Honolulu Neighborhood Commission Office
WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020
WAIKIKI COMMUNITY CENTER

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A quorum was established with 12 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, Helen Carroll, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Mark Garrity, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Patricia Shields, Mark Smith, Kenneth Wilder, and Michael Brown.

Board Members Absent: Robert Boyack, Lisa Cabanero, and Kathryn Henski.

Guests: Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Captain Lee Marquez (Honolulu Fire Department); Jeff Herzog (United States Army Corps of Engineers); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Councilmember Tommy Waters; Keith Kurahashi (R.N. Towill); Tommy Penrose, Pam Walker, Pattie Johnson, Cherlynn Thrasher, Lynn Marians, Ray Freeze, Jennifer Ropiak, Nehy Hax, Franklin Chung, Jacob Wiencek, Brian Fannin, Joe Thomas, Steve Thompson, Sue Thompson, Peggy Wagner, Denise Boisvert, Lillian Reynolds, Judi Kern, and Melissa Filek (Residents); Casey Ishitani (Neighborhood Assistant). Name was not included if not legible on the attendance sheet.

FILLING OF VACANCIES:
Two (2) Vacancies Sub District 2: Hearing no appointees, Chair Finley deferred this item to the January 2020 meeting.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS
Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): HFD Captain Lee Marquez reported the following.
• December 2019 Statistics: There were three (3) structure fires, two (2) nuisance fires, one (1) cooking fire, 11 activated alarms, 142 medical emergencies, two (2) motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, four (4) motor vehicle crashes, four (4) ocean rescues, and one (1) hazardous materials incident.
• Safety Tip: Captain Marquez reported that residents can practice kupuna fall protection by having elderly individuals exercise regularly, keep walkways clear, and to keep footpaths well-lit.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Elevators: Smith inquired about the frequency of stalled elevators and Captain Marquez responded that it averages 10 incidents a week.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): HPD Sergeant Glenn Romero reported the following.
• December 2019 Statistics: There were four (4) robberies, 13 burglaries, 204 theft, 29 unauthorized entries of vehicles, 41 assaults, one (1) sex crimes, 15 citations for bicycles on the sidewalk, seven (7) citations for skateboards on the sidewalk, eight (8) speeding citations, 657 parking citations, seven (7) park closure warnings, 69 park closure citations, three (3) park closure arrests, and 3,882 total calls for service.
• Meet the Major: HPD will host a Meet the Major event at Paki Hale, 3840 Paki Avenue, on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Homelessness: Merz raised a concern from resident Tommy Penrose regarding homeless individuals residing on or near a Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) substation on Ena Road. Resident Penrose reported littering, the stripping of electronics, and prostitution around the substation. Sergeant Romero responded that HECO would need to be the complainant for activities on its property. Wilder raised concerns regarding a homeless individual on Paokalani Street and Kuhio Avenue harassing residents and tourists. A resident raised concerns regarding homeless individuals littering into the Ala Wai Canal near the Ala Wai Promenade and inquired where residents can meet HPD officers without risk of reprisal and Sergeant Romero reported that residents can meet officers where ever they feel safest.
2. Motorcycle Noise: Carroll raised concerns regarding motorcycle noise and Sergeant Romero responded that a new law was passed to curb modified mufflers. Carroll inquired if HPD can inspect facilities and Sergeant Romero reported that it is not in their purview. 
3. Pualani Road: Smith inquired about the legality of a trailer frame on Pualani Way and Sergeant Romero responded that HPD will inspect.
4. Sidewalk Law: A resident inquired about the legality of skateboards and bicycles on the sidewalk along Kuhio Avenue. Sergeant Romero responded that residents can inquire with legislators regarding concerns over sidewalk laws as HPD can only enforce them.
5. Cartwright Road: Wilder inquired about the legality of food trucks to Cartwright Road, claiming that some of the trucks have deflated tires. A resident reported illicit activity. Chair Finley raised that the Board has had constant concerns regarding the Cartwright Road situation and Sergeant Romero responded that concerns can be reported to the Department of Health (DOH).
6. Officer Shortage: A resident raised concerns over the recent rise in crimes and shortage of HPD officers. Sergeant Romero responded that HPD is accepting applications and that HPD Chief Susan Ballard is creating a ladder system in order to fill vacancies. Sergeant Romero also reported that officers who are eligible to retire may do so at the end of 2020.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS representative Dominic Dias reported the following.
• Main Breaks: There were no main breaks in December 2019.
• Meter Reading Equipment Replacement Project: Starting in January 2020, BWS has contracted Royal Contracting Company to install new transponders to replace the automated BWS meter reading equipment across Oahu. Work will be done seven (7) days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Parking Stalls: A resident raised concerns regarding a lack of parking stalls due to filming and contracted labor.

Aston Waikiki Beach: A resident raised concerns regarding the sidewalk along Kalakaua Avenue being incomplete in front of the Aston Waikiki Beach.

Surfboards: A resident raised concerns regarding surfboards being locked up at the pavilions.

Centennial Park: A resident requested updates for the completion of the Centennial Park.

PUBLIC EVENTS: Chair Finley reported the following public events in Waikiki.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Parade: Monday, January 20, 2020 from 8:45 a.m. to noon

APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES: Chair Finley reported the following liquor license hearing.
• Thursday, January 30, 2020, Kinship Honolulu, 330 Royal Hawaiian Avenue (DFS Galleria), Category 2

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell's Representative: Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Deputy Director Mark Yonamine reported the following.
• Kaiolu Street and Kuhio Avenue Parking Lot: Chair Finley and Councilmember Tommy Waters reported that they are continuing to have a parking lot at Kaiolu Street and Kuhio Avenue opened. The Department of Transportation (DTS) reported that the K hi -Kai olu parking lot located on K hi Avenue between Lewers and Kai olu streets was re-opened to the public on Thursday, December 5, 2019, and is operational 24-hours, with 7-days of enforcement of the metered stalls within the parking lot. The developer has met the requirements for the opening of the parking lot.
• Homelessness: Residents and Board members raised concerns regarding the number of homeless individuals frequenting the Waikiki pavilions at all times, often harassing residents and tourists. HPD District 6 (Waikiki) Bicycle Detail and patrol units frequently take enforcement action for observed violations in the area. However, the pavilions are part of the public beach park and open to all members of the public, including homeless individuals. HPD officers assigned to the Waikiki district are aware of individuals who frequent the pavilion areas and have made attempts to get them assistance through social services providers. They work closely with the Institute for Human Services and their outreach team to get these individuals the assistance that they need and will continue to do so. HPD officers also collaborate with the Honolulu Police Department Community Outreach Unit and their H.E.L.P. Honolulu program to conduct outreach with those experiencing homelessness. The Office of Housing (HOU) reminds the community that the pavilions owned by the city are open to the public. Should a disturbance be observed during or after hours, please call 911 immediately. If the pavilion is privately owned, a complaint would have to be made with the property manager.
• Bird Waste: Board reiterated concerns about bird waste on the benches near the bandstand in Kapiolani Park. As part of their daily duties, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) staff cleans the benches around the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
• Water Leak: A resident raised that there is a water leak in front of the Luana Waikiki Hotel and that it is spilling onto Kalakaua Avenue. On Thursday, November 21, 2019, a BWS troubleshooter investigated the complaint of a water leak fronting the Luana Waikiki Hotel and determined there is no leak. The water was coming from the hotel's drains and is collecting in a low spot in the gutter.
• Leaning Utility Pole: The Board raised concerns regarding a leaning utility pole with jersey barriers and cords around it. The pole is located in front of the Chateau Waikiki on Hobron Lane. The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) reported that per HECO, the anchor supporting this pole kept pulling out due to bad soil conditions and when we dug near the pole, they determined there is coral blocking the way. HECO has proceeded with ordering a steel pole and their engineering division is designing the steel pole and anchor bolt foundation for the pole. The steel pole is tentatively scheduled to arrive in Spring 2020. The work package is scheduled to be issued by November/December 2020.
• Uneven Ramp: Residents and Board raised that a curb ramp on the Mauka-Diamond Head side of Kalakaua Avenue and Paokalani Avenue is uneven and requires repairs. A Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) Division of Road Maintenance supervisor inspected the curb ramp sidewalk near Paoakalani Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue on Friday, November 22, 2019, and did not find any degradation.
• Sewage Spill: Residents inquired about a sewage spill in Waikiki on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Environmental Services (ENV) did not receive or respond to any trouble call and or complaint regarding a sewage spill in Waikiki on Saturday, November 9, 2019. ENV encourages residents to call our 24-hour sewer problems / complaints hotline at (808) 768-7272 to report sewage spills.
• Upcoming Project: Deputy Director Yonamine reported that in Spring and Summer 2020 DFM will install fiber optic cables along Kalakaua Avenue from the Hawaii Convention Center to Kapahulu Avenue.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Ritz Carlton Parking: Chair Finley reported that the new parking lot is missing eight (8) parking stalls and has grass where stalls should be. A resident raised concerns that they are unable to find the entrance to the parking lot.
2. Construction: Merz raised concerns regarding construction noise near Walina Street and Kuhio Avenue. Chair Finley responded that his understanding is that the construction will comply with DOH hours related to noise. A resident raised concerns about sea water seepage at their property - 225 Kaiulani Avenue - which they claim is due to the construction.
3. Dillingham Fountain: A resident raised concerns regarding the Louise Dillingham Memorial Fountain being constantly shut off.

Governor David Ige's Representative: Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) Scott Glenn reported the following.
• Capitol Connection: Director Glenn reported that the newest edition of Capitol Connection is available.
• Legislature: The Legislature opens on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Hot topics will include cost of living and raising the minimum wage.

Questions, comments, and concerns.
1. Cartwright Street: Chair Finley reiterated concerns regarding Cartwright Street, requesting DOH inspection of the area.
2. Cost of Living: A resident inquired if cost of food was considered in cost of living for Legislature session and Director Glenn responded that it was.

Councilmember Tommy Waters: Councilmember Waters handed out his newsletter and reported the following.
• Property Tax: The deadline to appeal property tax is on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
• Prosecuting Attorney: A new bill is being proposed that would make the prosecuting attorney a mayoral appointed position.
• Ethics Commission: A new bill is being proposed to have the Ethics Commission control its own budget.
• Officer Shortage: Councilmember Waters proposed a Waikiki town hall in order to address the HPD officer shortage. Councilmember Waters reported that he will meet with HPD Chief Ballard to figure out ways to retain and recruit officers, including raising pay and benefits.
• Parking Lots: Councilmember Waters reported that the midnight closure of the Honolulu Zoo parking lot has been suspended due to a negative response from the community. He also raised that DTS will provide signage for the Ritz Carlton parking lot to avoid confusion. 
• Fence: A fence has been placed from Makalei Beach Park to Leahi Beach Park due to a lawsuit from a tourist who fell. Councilmember Waters worked with Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to install beach access points in the fence for residents and tourists.
• Aston Waikiki Beach: Councilmember Waters reported that the sidewalk construction by the Aston Waikiki Beach is on hold due to the discovery of bones in the ground. An investigation will need to determine if they will need to be repatriated.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Fiber Optics: Chair Finley requested that a BWS waterline project be scheduled along with the DFM fiber optic installation to save time.
2. Parking: Wilder inquired if Councilmember Waters is working on dealing with the parking issues raised at the meeting and he responded that he will need more public input.
3. Representation: A resident inquired if there was a way to verify that resident voices are being heard and Councilmember Waters responded that the Board as an advisory entity should reflect community viewpoints.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki handed out a newsletter and reported the following.
• Waste Management: Senator Moriwaki reported that she spoke to waste management companies regarding early morning noise from dumpster disposal. The waste management companies have agreed to collect dumpsters later in the morning.
• Waikiki Sidewalk Patching Project: Senator Moriwaki joined the Waikiki Community Center, Rotary Club of Waikiki, AARP, and the DFM in a sidewalk patching project on Kuhio Avenue between Liliuokalani Avenue and Ohua Avenue.
• Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor (AWSBH) Saturation Patrol: Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Deputy Director Bob Masuda implemented a saturation project in November 2019. There were 550 citations with 135 violations including vessel moorings without a permit, expired registrations, citations for illegal storage, assault, contempt of court warrants, and parking citations.
• Legislative Session: Senator Moriwaki reported that that she will focus on Kupuna Care bills and the restriction of cabaret liquor licenses to a zoned resort area with 24 hour security. 
• Three Strikes: A Three Strikes rule is being pursued to keep bad actors out of Waikiki. Three (3) infractions will constitute a trespass for individuals with a record of aberrant behavior.
• Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers: Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers are proposing to use native oysters to improve water quality in AWSBH.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Legislative Corruption: A resident inquired about State Legislative Bills to mitigate corruption and Senator Moriwaki responded that there will be Bills introduced this Session.
2. AWSBH: Chair Finley suggested that the State Legislature take action to avoid a leasehold by private entities and Senator Moriwaki responded that a bid for leasehold is the fast track to proper management of the AWSBH and that it would be a public-private partnership.

Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower handed out his newsletter and reported the following.
• Joint Economic Package: Representative Brower reported that the Joint Economic Package is being introduced to mitigate problems stemming from the cost of living in Hawaii.
• Homelessness: Representative Brower raised concerns that HPD is not enforcing laws on homeless individuals.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Homelessness: Chair Finley reported that HPD has requested that the Legislature make the act of homeless defecation in public a violation of law resulting in arrest and Representative Brower encouraged HPD officers to "be brave" when encountering homeless individuals when residents report them. Representative Brower suggested that HECO add signage to the substation in order to allow HPD officers to make an arrest.
2. Scooters: A resident inquired about the legality of motorized scooters on sidewalks and Representative Bower responded that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the sidewalk unless they aid disability.

Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): WIA President Rick Egged reported that there will be approximately 30 street closures in 2020.

Congressman Ed Case: Asami Kobayashi of Congressman Case's office reported the following.
• Talk Story Events: In 2019 Congressman Case took part in 17 talk story events.
• Legislation: Congressman Case introduced three (3) bills in Congress to reform the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 ("the Jones Act") and three (3) bills to combat the cost of living in Hawaii.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes: Chair Finley reported that on Page 2, "Cabaret Licenses" should read "4:00 a.m. Licenses". On Page 5, under the item "Princess Kaiulani Project", there should be language reporting that Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 supports Kyo-ya's plan to raze the existing hotel, as opposed to just Chair Finley.

Flood Moved and Merz Seconded to Adopt the Regular Meeting Minutes for Tuesday, November 12, 2019 with amendments. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 12-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown, Nay: None; Abstain: None).

NEW BOARD BUSINESS
U.S. Army Ala Wai Flood Project Update: Jeff Herzog of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reported that research from 2012 to 2017 did not have accurate outreach and community input. The USACE will commit to a monthly newsletter to keep the community informed. Herzog also reported that the upstream areas will require management along with attention paid to the native ecosystem. Mayor Caldwell suggested a Private Interaction Group (PIG) be used to get feedback from the community.

Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Environment Impact Statement (EIS): Merz inquired if the USACE has a supplemental EIS.
2. Ala Wai Golf Course: A resident inquired if the Ala Wai Golf Course will be taken into consideration with the project going forward and Herzog responded that, as the project is not projected to be completed until 2024 to 2026, he will need to get back to the Board and residents.
3. Project Status: Senator Moriwaki inquired if the project is still moving forward and Herzog responded that the project will move forward until the USACE is instructed to do otherwise.

Sekai Mahikari Spiritual Center at Eaton Square: R.M. Towill representative Keith Kurahashi reported that the property will be a mixed-use precinct and meeting facility with events twice per month. Events will have 10 to 20 people at a time. The property will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

Smith Moved and Garrity Seconded to support the Sekai Mehikari Spiritual Center at Eaton Square. The Motion was ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE, 11-1-0 (Aye: Bautista, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown, Nay: Flood; Abstain: None).

Lauula Student Housing: A new student housing is being proposed for Lauula Street near the Ritz Carlton. The facility will have 28 beds and will be a six (6) floor structure under the 284 height limit. Flood raised concerns regarding Air B&B loopholes at the facility. Nigro raised concerns regarding drainage pressure at the facility.

Smith Moved and Garrity Seconded to support the Lauula Student Housing. The Motion was ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE, 11-1-0 (Aye: Bautista, Carroll, Erteschik, Finley, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown, Nay: Flood; Abstain: None).

REPORTS
Treasurer's Report: The remaining budget for the Waikiki Neighborhood Board was $239.67.

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.
• Affordable Housing: Residents looking for affordable housing can apply at the Ohana Waikiki East.
• Candidate Event: Chair Finley will inquire with the Board if they would like to have a 2020 electoral candidate event after June 2020.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday February 11, 2020 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 9:40 p.m.

Submitted by: Casey Ishitani, Neighborhood Assistant 
Reviewed by: Harry Cho, Public Relations
Final Review: Vice Chair Louis Erteschik

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