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Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2022 Minutes
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NEXT MEETING - Click here to read next meeting agenda scheduled for 5/10/2022.

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

Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9

April 2022 Minutes

WAIKIKI NEIGHBORHOOD BOARD NO. 9

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022

VIA ZOOM

CALL TO ORDER: Chair Robert Finley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. There were difficulties with the meeting link via Zoom, which delayed members to join the meeting. A quorum was established with nine (9) 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, Jeffrey Merz, Mark Garrity, Robert Lee Donaldson, Louis Erteschik, Robert Finley, Jacob Wiencek, Michael Brown.

Board Members Absent: Robert Boyack, Lisa Cabanero, Bowe Souza, Kathryn Henski, Melissa Filek, John Nigro, Mark Smith.

Guests: Lieutenant Steven Ono (Honolulu Police Department); Dominic Dias (Board of Water Supply); Zosimo Arista (Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities); Nola Miyasaki (Mayor Rick Blangiardi's office); Senator Sharon Moriwaki; Keola Fisher (Council Chair Tommy Waters' office); Representative Adrian Tam; Rick Egged (Waikiki Improvement Association); Emma Toy (Brookfield Properties); Laura Ruby, Bruce Lenkeit, Art Korb, Midori Trent, Lloyd White, Kirra Downing, John Deutsman, Carlino Giampolo, Michelle Manna, Pam Walker, Denise Boishut (Residents); Casey Ishitani (Neighborhood Assistant). 40 participants present.

CITY MONTHLY REPORTS

Honolulu Fire Department (HFD): The following report was sent to Chair Finley.

• March 2022 Statistics: There was one (1) structure fire, one (1) wildland fire, two (2) nuisance fires, one (1) cooking fire, 14 activated alarms, 201 medical emergencies, three (3) motor vehicle collisions with residents, five (5) motor vehicle crashes, one (1) ocean rescue, two (2) hazardous materials incidents.

• Safety Tip: Residents were advised to have an evacuation plan from their homes or neighborhoods in case of fire.

Honolulu Police Department (HPD): Lieutenant Steven Ono reported crime statistics for March 2022 which may be found at https://www.honolulupd.org/.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Repeat Offenders: Resident John Deutsman raised concerns regarding repeat offenders remaining in Waikiki. Merz requested updates regarding "weed and seed" programs.

2. Homelessness: Resident Lloyd White raised concerns regarding homeless encampments near the Burger King at Ohua Avenue. Resident Pam Walker reported a homeless individual occupying a bench on Ala Wai Boulevard.

Board of Water Supply (BWS): BWS representative Dominic Dias reported that residents may learn about leak detection at https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/conservation/leak-detection.

Questions, comments and concerns followed. Water Conservation: Chair Finley inquired if water conservation will affect current projects in process. Dias responded that it would be dependent on the final approval of a building permit.

RESIDENTS' / COMMUNITY CONCERNS:

Private Refuse Collection: A resident raised concerns regarding private refuse collections before 6:00 a.m., specifically collections happen as early as 2:30 a.m.

Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities: Program Specialist Zosimo Arista reported that the Council available to assist the Board in decision making regarding support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ala Pono Bridge: Resident Laura Ruby raised concerns that the proposed Ala Pono Bridge may endanger native birds.

Waikiki Beach Pavilions: Resident Deutsman requested repairs for the beach pavilion gates.

Homelessness: Residents reported homeless encampments at Waikiki Gateway Park and St. Augustine by the Sea.

PUBLIC EVENTS

Chair Finley reported the following events.

• Saturday, May 14, 2022, 2:00 p.m. to Midnight, Leahi Festival

• Sunday, May 15, 2022, 3:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Honolulu Triathlon, Ala Moana Park Area

• Sunday, May 15, 2022, 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Hawaii Pacific Health Women's 10K, Kapiolani Park Area

• Sunday, May 22, 2022, 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Honolulu Ekiden Relay, Kapiolani Park Area

• Sunday, May 24, 2022, 4:30 a.m. to Noon, Hibiscus Run, Kapiolani Park Area

• Monday, May 30, 2022 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Memorial Day Parade

• Friday, June 10, 2022 5:30 p.m. to Midnight, 41st Annual Pan-Pacific Matsuri Hoolaulea

• Saturday, June 11, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. King Kamehameha Floral Parade

• Saturday, June 18, 2022 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Troy Barboza Law Enforcement and Special Olympics Torch Run

LIQUOR LICENSES

Chair Finley reported the following Liquor License Hearing dates

• Thursday, May 19, 2022, Tex808, 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Restaurant General (Cat 1)

• Thursday, June 2, 2022, Sushi Spot Waikiki, 204 Liliuokalani Avenue, Restaurant General (Cat 1)

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS

Mayor Rick Blangiardi's Representative: Director of Human Resources (DHR) Nola Miyasaki reported the following.

• Noise and Racing: Board raised concerns regarding loud mufflers and radios in Waikiki after 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. HPD responded that officers will be conducting enforcement operations on Kapahulu Avenue, focusing on loud mufflers, cell phone violations, and all other traffic violations.

• Racing: A resident from the Trade Winds Hotel reported vehicles racing near Hobron Lane and Ala Moana Boulevard. HPD responded that the District 6 Community Policing Team plans to conduct a Community Traffic Awareness Program sign-waving event in the Hobron Lane and Ala Moana Boulevard areas, in partnership with the Waikiki Citizen Patrol. HPD reported that officers made daily checks for drinking, harassment, and urinating on the grassy area fronting the pavilions, but no violations were observed.

• Encampments: A resident raised concerns regarding an encampment on Kanekapolei and Kuhio sleeping and drinking in front of the ABC store. HPD made checks for individuals sleeping and drinking fronting the ABC Store met with negative results.

• Noise Ordinance: Board requested the allowable start time for people to start protesting in the morning. Every Tuesday Union workers start at 6:00 a.m. in front of the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. HPD officers are guided by Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 711-1101(1)(b), Disorderly Conduct, which prohibits persons from making unreasonable noise with the intent to cause physical inconvenience or alarm by members of the public. Should there be any concerns with the noise the protestors are creating, complainants are encouraged to call 911 and have an officer respond to the scene.

• Extend Time: A resident asked if the Crosswalk light at Paoakalani and Kuhio can be extended to 20 seconds. Department of Transportation Services (DTS) checked and monitored the intersection of Kuhio Ave and Paoakalani Street, and found the pedestrian timing is set appropriately (7 seconds walk, 19 seconds flashing hand).

• Hazard: A member raised concerns regarding scaffolding on Ohua and Kuhio in front of the Prince Kuhio Hilton with loose power lines exposed. Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) responded that on April 11, 2022, DPP inspection showed no scaffolding or exposed power lines fronting the Hilton Waikiki at Ohua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Cyber Security: Wiencek raised concerns regarding City and County of Honolulu's cyber security capabilities.

2. Encampments: Wiencek raised concerns regarding homeless encampments on the Ala Wai Promenade.

Hearing no objections, Chair Finley had Senator Sharon Moriwaki's office at this time.

Senator Sharon Moriwaki: Senator Moriwaki reported that certain noise and crime bills did not go to conference. Bills regarding cabaret liquor licenses were dependent on mixed use zoning ordinances.

Council Chair Tommy Waters: Keola Fisher reported the following.

• Ala Pono Bridge: Financial support remains budgeted for the proposed bridge.

• Short Term Rentals: Rental properties will need to be relegated to Resort Zones with permits.

Questions, comments and concerns followed.

1. Noise: Erteshick requested updates regarding noise ordinances for refuse collection.

2. Affordable Housing: Merz requested updates regarding affordable housing measures in Waikiki.

3. Enforcement: Wiencek requested updates regarding HPD enforcement against repeat offenders and Fisher responded that HPD has experienced a shortage in officer with a possible park ranger program proposed to supplement officer vacancies.

Representative Adrian Tam: Representative Tam reported that there will be hearings regarding an amplified noise Resolution.

Governor David Ige: There was no representative.

Waikiki Improvement Association: Rick Egged reported that events in Waikiki and on Kalakaua Avenue may be found at https://www.waikikiimprovement.com/events.

APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MNUTES

This item was deferred.

Hearing no objection, Chair Finley had the Agenda Item Lilia Apartments at this time.

NEW BOARD BUSINESS

Lilia Apartments: Emma Toy of Brookefield Properties reported that along with the Lilia Apartments, the food pantry amenity will be returning as Waikiki Market. Other amenities will include a restaurant. Leases for apartments will be for a one (1) year minimum. More information may be found at https://www.liliawaikiki.com/.

REPORTS

Treasurer's Report: There was a remaining budget of $249.40.

Sub district 1 Report: Merz reported that park areas are required as condition of development and that residents are encouraged to use the park space.

Sub district 2 Report: There was no report.

Sub district 3 Report: There was no report.

Chair Report: Chair Finley reported the following:

• Sub District 2 will require a new member as Rafid had resigned.

• Updates have been requested from the State regarding House Resolution 92.

• The next meeting will be at Waikiki Community Center.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next regular meeting will be on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.

Submitted by: Casey Ishitani, Public Relations

Reviewed by: Dylan Whitsell, Deputy

Final Review: Chair Robert Finley

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Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii News Item

Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting APRIL 2022 Minutes

Waikiki Neighborhood Board No. 9

Waikiki Get Down - Honolulu, Hawaii
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