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Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9
February 2020 Minutes
WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 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 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, Lisa Cabanero, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Walt Flood, Mark Garrity, Jeffrey Merz, John Nigro, Patricia Shields, Mark Smith, Kenneth Wilder, and Michael Brown.
Board Members Absent: Helen Carroll and Kathryn Henski.
Guests: Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Rick Taniguchi (Honolulu Festival); Christian Ferrer (CBI Hawaii); Barbara Campbell (Waikiki SPAM Jam); Lieutenant Troy Komoda and Officer Dan Nishimura (Honolulu Police Department); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Kaley Vatalaro (The Office of Sharon Moriwaki); Councilmember Tommy Waters; Marvin Fukuchi, Ray Freese, Dave Moskowit, Denise Boisvert, Nehy Hax, Dawn Ward, Tim Garry, and Tokiko Furui; 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): There was no representative. No report was given.
Honolulu Police Department (HPD): HPD representatives Lieutenant Troy Komoda and Officer Dan Nishimura reported the following.
• January 2020 Statistics: There were four (4) robberies, 22 burglaries, 181 thefts, 42 unauthorized entries of motor vehicles, 36 assaults, three (3) sex crimes, 14 citations for bicycles on the sidewalk, 23 citations for skateboards on the sidewalk, 20 speeding citations, 473 parking citations, one (1) loud muffler citations, 37 park closure warnings, 106 park closure citations, five (5) park closure arrests, and 3,956 total calls for service.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Diamond Head Shooting: Flood raised concerns regarding the shooting of HPD officers on Sunday, January 19, 2020, inquiring if the officers were issued body armor. Flood also inquired why HPD did not provide covering fire for HFD to put out the ensuing fire. HPD Lieutenant Komoda responded that the HPD officers were wearing body armor and that officers were concerned with evacuating residents.
Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS representative Dominic Dias reported the following.
• Main Break Report: There was an eight (8) inch cast iron main break on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 423 Kanekapolei Street.
• Detect-A-Leak-Week: BWS encouraged residents to monitor leaks to save water, lower water bills, and prevent potential damage to homes.
• Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest: The deadline for submissions to the Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest for students is Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Water Mains: Smith inquired if there is a replacement program for cast iron mains and Dias responded that he will get back to the Board.
 
RESIDENTS AND COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Catch and Release: Resident Steve Alm proposed a catch and release program for offenders in Waikiki. Resident Alm also announced his candidacy for City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor.
Former Food Pantry: Chair Finley reported that residents raised concerns regarding water seepage at the former Food Pantry area at Walina Street and Kuhio Avenue. He has contacted the contractor and they have responded that they will look into the issues.
Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO): Chair Finley read a report from HECO regarding homeless individuals trespassing at a HECO substation on Ena Road. HECO has responded to resident concerns and will take measures to trespass individuals.
PUBLIC EVENTS: Chair Finley reported the following public events in Waikiki.
• Saturday, March 7, 2020, 2:00 p.m. to Midnight, Oahu Festival (pending City Approval)
• Sunday, March 8, 2020, 3:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Honolulu Festivals Parade (Legacy Event)
• Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
• Saturday, April 25, 2020, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Waikiki Spam Jam
APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR LICENSES: Chair Finley reported that there were no applications for liquor licenses.
ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS
Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s Representative: Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Deputy Director Mark Yonamine reported the following.
• HPD: A resident raised concerns regarding homeless individuals loitering on a HECO substation on Ena Street as well as stripping devices. Resident has also observed the individuals defecating on the HECO substation. At the bus stop on Paokalani Street and Kuhio Avenue, a homeless individual has been reported to have been harassing residents and tourists. Residents and Board members raised concerns regarding suspicious activity on Cartwright Street near the food carts. They have also reported carts in disrepair. Checks were made for calls regarding suspicious activity in the area but only a few calls were received. HPD Officers assigned to the Waikiki district cited one (1) individual in the past month for urinating//defecating in the area. The District 6’s (Waikiki) Community Policing Team will attempt to locate any homeless individuals in the area and try to connect them to the social services provides. The complainant is encouraged to call 911 whenever they witness any possible violations as they occur so that an officer can be dispatched to check the area immediately or to meet with them.
• Construction by Former Food Pantry: A resident raised concerns regarding seawater breaking the surface in parking lots near the construction at the former Food Pantry. The property in question is 225 Kaiulani Avenue. On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division, revealed no sign of seawater breaking the surface in the parking lots near the construction site or at 225 Kaiulani Avenue. DPP stated that the construction site currently has pumps which alleviate the overflow of the seawater onto the surface of the property. There were no building code violations.
• Kalakaua Avenue: The Board inquired if the planned installation of fiber optics in Kalakaua Avenue can also include the planned BWS installation of a water line, for the sake of mitigating traffic caused by consecutive projects. Department of Facility Maintenance (DFM) responded that the planned fiber optic cable project involves a micro trench installation along the Makai side of Kalakaua Avenue close to or along the concrete gutter, and the “trench” that will be cut for the fiber optic cable will only be two (2) inches wide by eight (8) inches deep. The resultant work will go faster than conventional trenching projects for waterlines that are much wider and deeper. DFM also conducts monthly coordination meetings with utilities and other City and State government agencies to coordinate work when and where possible to minimize disruptions and congestion on City roads. BWS responded that they will look into coordinating the BWS Kalakaua Avenue water main project with the fiber optic installation and other city projects.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Kuhio Beach Pavilions: A resident raised concerns regarding homeless individuals occupying the Kuhio Beach pavilions during the day. The resident requested that the City and County of Honolulu populate the pavilions with businesses.
2. 225 Kaiulani Avenue: A resident reiterated concerns regarding water seepage at 225 Kaiulani Avenue and requested updates.
Governor David Ige’s Representative: Director of the Office of Environmental Quality Control (OEQC) Scott Glenn was not available at this time.
Councilmember Tommy Waters: Councilmember Waters was not available at this time.
Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki handed out a newsletter and reported the following.
• Ritz Carlton Park: Senator Moriwaki reiterated the need for signs to notify the public that the park and parking lot at the Ritz Carlton are open.
• Waste Collection: Senator Moriwaki met with commercial refuse collection companies to discuss solutions to early morning noise complaints. Senator Moriwaki provided contact information for the following refuse collection companies: Honolulu Disposal, 845-7581; West Oahu Aggregate, 847-7780; and Aloha Waste of Honolulu, 237-8000.
• Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor (AWSBH): The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) conducted a saturation patrol of the AWSBH in November 2019. Senator Moriwaki introduced Senate Bill (SB) 2953, which would increase penalties for boat abandonment by making it a petty misdemeanor and charging owners a fee for storage.
• Motorcycle Noise: Senator Moriwaki introduced SB 3173 which would increase fines for excessive motorcycle noise.
• Three (3) Strikes Bill: Senator Moriwaki introduced SB 2950. SB 2950 gives the authority to impose probationary geographic restriction to violators, three (3) instances of violation resulting in imprisonment of 30 days.
• Townhalls: Senator Moriwaki will appear at a Legislative townhall on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Washington Middle School. Senator Moriwaki will appear at a community crime and safety measures on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed. Bike Sharing: Garrity requested that bike sharing solutions be added to the Bills in the current Legislative Session.
Erteschik Moved and Flood Seconded to support SB 2953. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Boyack, Cabanero, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Erteschik Moved and Flood Seconded to support SB 3173. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 13-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Boyack, Cabanero, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
Erteschik Moved and Flood Seconded to support SB 2950. The Motion was ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE, 12-0-1 (Aye: Bautista, Boyack, Cabanero, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Shields, Smith, Wilder, and Brown; Nay: None; Abstain: Nigro).
Representative Tom Brower: Representative Brower handed out his newsletter and reported the following.
• HECO Substation: Representative Brower reiterated the need for “No Trespassing” signs on the HECO Substation to deter homeless individuals from occupying it.
• Moped and Motorcycle Noise: Representative Brower reiterated the need to curb noisy motorcycle engines.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Moped and Motorcycle Concerns: Wilder inquired about further concerns regarding moped and motorcycle concerns. Representative Bower responded that he would support a Bill that requires all motorcycle and moped riders to wear helmets. Wilder raised concerns regarding the Bill possibly applying to bike sharing platforms.
2. Senator Moriwaki: Chair Finley inquired if Representative Brower will introduce House Bills related to Senator Moriwaki’s Senate Bills. Representative Brower responded that he would concentrate on the AWSBH, with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) entering a private public partnership (PPP).
3. Diamond Head Shooting: Smith inquired if there are countermeasures to stop dangerous individuals from accessing firearms and Representative Brower responded that he will provide proposals at the next Board meeting.
At 7:50 p.m., without objection, Chair Finley had Governor Ige’s Representative give their monthly report.
Governor David Ige’s Representative: OEQC Director Scott Glenn reported the following.
• Food Trucks on Cartwright Road: Director Glenn has reported that he will follow-up on the ongoing issues regarding food trucks on Cartwright Road.
• Joint Legislative Package: Governor Ige supports the Joint Legislative Package that would help to increase the minimum wage in Hawaii.
• Coronavirus: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently monitoring the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, including infected individuals.
At 8:00 p.m., without objection, Chair Finley had Councilmember Waters give his monthly report.
Councilmember Tommy Waters: Councilmember Waters reported the following.
• HPD Shortage: HPD continues to suffer shortages.
• 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard: Councilmember Waters and Representative Calvin Say will attempt to mediate with the owner of 1615 Ala Wai Boulevard as the property is in constant disrepair. If mediation is denied, they will move to condemn the property.
• Ritz Carlton: Councilmember Waters reiterated the need for signs at the Ritz Carlton park and parking lot.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Noise Issues: Chair Finley requested that the City Council discuss Senate Bills regarding issue of excessive noise in Waikiki.
2. 1717 Ala Wai Boulevard: Merz inquired about updates on a mid-rise development at 1717 Ala Wai Boulevard. Councilmember Waters responded that he will get back to the Board.
3. Kalaimoku Street: Flood raised concerns regarding two (2) lanes being blocked and causing traffic jams.
4. Bus Fare Increase: A resident inquired if there will be an increase in bus fares and Councilmember Waters responded that there was no current proposal.
5. Bulky Item Pickup: Shields raised concerns regarding refuse left behind after scheduled bulky item pickups. Chair Finley responded that the general consensus is that the Waikiki Neighborhood Board does not support the program. Councilmember Waters responded that he has not advocated for the program.
Shields left at 8:05 p.m. There were 12 Board members left.
Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA): WIA President Rick Egged reported the following.
• Ritz Carlton: The Waikiki Transportation Management Association (WTMA) is preparing a sign for the park and parking lot by the Ritz Carlton.
• Kuhio Beach Pavilions: WIA President Egged requested that the City and County of Honolulu utilize a PPP to occupy the pavilions in order to prevent homeless individuals from exploiting them.
• Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA): WIA and HTA are in discussions to bring Sunset on the Beach back to Waikiki.
• Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association (HLTA): The HLTA are intending to add security cameras throughout Waikiki.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Ritz Carlton: Merz inquired if the funds owed back to the City and County of Honolulu to build the public parking lot near Ritz Carlton can stay within Waikiki. WIA President Egged responded that the funds will go back to the City and County of Honolulu.
2. Parking: Wilder raised concerns that Waikiki residents are unable to find parking with the new public street parking hours. WIA President Egged responded that the WIA will attempt to obtain a residential differential on the meters.
3. Centennial Park: Smith requested an update on Centennial Park and WIA President Egged responded that he will get back to the Board.
4. Kuhio Beach Pavilions: A resident opposed the current night time gates at the pavilions raising concerns over the presence of homeless individuals. WIA President Egged responded that he will advocate for PPP occupants of the pavilions.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes for approval.
Chair Finley Moved and Flood Seconded to Adopt the Tuesday, January 14, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 12-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Boyack, Cabanero, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Smith, Wilder, and Brown; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
NEW BOARD BUSINESS
U.S. Census: Sharen Nakashima was not present. No report was given.
Waikiki Community Center: A Resolution was handed out regarding the need for safer Waikiki sidewalks and walkways.
Erteschik Moved and Smith Seconded to Adopt the Resolution supporting Waikiki Safe Ohana Safe Streets Audit Recommendations. The Motion was ADOPTED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT, 12-0-0 (Aye: Bautista, Boyack, Cabanero, Erteschik, Finley, Flood, Garrity, Merz, Nigro, Smith, Wilder, and Brown; Nay: None; Abstain: None).
King Kalakaua (Nike Town) Redevelopment: Ben Lee of Clifford Planning and Architecture reported that Marriot Vacations Worldwide plans to convert the former Nike Town building into a timeshare residential structure. The current plans are to add three (3) floors. Construction plans will be submitted to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) within 40 days. Construction is planned for 2021.
At 8:35 p.m. Chair Finley recessed the meeting for 10 minutes. The meeting resumed at 8:45 p.m.
Questions, comments, and concerns followed.
1. Sewage: Smith raised concerns regarding sewage outflow and impact to Waikiki’s waste water services. Lee responded that he will consult with the Department of Environmental Services (ENV).
2. Opposition: Flood expressed opposition, suggesting the structure be turned into low-income housing.
3. Impact on Community: Smith inquired about the future plans for the area around the currently abandoned property and Marriot Vacations Worldwide Vice President Tim Tansey responded that the time-share owners would also provide commerce to the community as they have for the West Side of Oahu time-shares. Merz supported the project as the current area around the abandoned Nike Town building has little retail or tourist activity. Merz raised that the area around the building has little current commerce
Initial Legislative Report with Bills To Be Considered: Erteschik reported that the current Legislative Session has been focused on Bills related to mental health and access to guns. Smith and Erteschik testified as individual residents regarding community concerns about possible countermeasures to stop a repeat of the Diamond Head incident. Smith requested that the Legislature propose more Bills regarding electric vehicles. Chair Finley informed the Board they may testify as individual residents during the Legislative Session.
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: Flood reported that the Ritz Carlton has added a boutique shop that is open daily until 12:00 a.m.
Sub District 3 Report: No report was given.
Chair Report: Chair Finley reported the following.
• Candidate Event: Chair Finley will inquire with the Board if they would like to have a 2020 electoral candidate event after June 2020.
• Jeff Apaka: Former Board member Jeff Apaka has completed heart surgery.
• Board Picture: The Board will need to take a new picture for the Neighborhood Commission website.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The next Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 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 9:05 p.m.
Submitted by: Casey Ishitani, Neighborhood Assistant
Reviewed by: Jackson Coley, Public Relations
Final Review:
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